There's a new effort to help Seattle's homeless find jobs. A recruiter of sorts is out on the streets offering a unique opportunity.
For a few hours each day, Lynda Kellems wanders downtown Seattle, scanning the sidewalks. She's looking for men and women who live on the streets and who might want an opportunity to find steady work.
“The biggest challenge is just convincing people that I really am true, that I really am offering them something to help,” she said.
Workers like Sammuel Coleman sweep the sidewalks and help clean up downtown. Some are in a temporary training program and are expected to apply for full-time jobs.
“It changed my life a lot. (I’m) trying to get my career started,” said Coleman.
Not everyone is eager for this opportunity. Many tell Kellems “no” when she approaches then, but she tries to build relationships with them, and maybe by the fourth or fifth visit they'll come to the Millionair Club, where they can get lunch and talk with someone about applying for employment.
“This one gentleman down the street whose name is John, I’ve talked him about probably four times and eventually he's going to come. He’s going to go down there, because he sees that there’s hope there,” said Kellems.
