Two Years of Workforce. Two Years of Humanity.

Two years ago, we went out to pick up litter, something we’d done countless times before.
But this time was different.

We were joined by a new community and carrying a new mission. It was the first day of our Workforce program, and none of us could have imagined the impact it would have.

Since that day, we’ve provided $80,000 in wages and meaningful work to 79 residents, each facing their own personal battles, not just housing, but all searching for a fair shot.

I think I knew this work would help people.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would move me.

I often receive texts that remind me of the daily realities people face:

🩵 “You maybe have any work for me? I’m trying to pay for my room so my kids aren’t outside.”

🤍 “Could u pay me now for tomorrow? Need food.”

🩷 Or a message from someone who wanted to earn a bus ticket home to see his mom before she passed.

These messages are not uncommon. And each one is still a punch in the gut.

But what gives me the most hope are the messages that have come from the other side:

👕 “I have three bags of clean men’s clothes to pass along.”

🧤 “I’d like to get some small gift cards, gloves, and socks.”
❄️ “Do any Workforce members need blankets as it gets colder?”
🧦 “Nick is getting rid of some clothes and socks… could you use any of it?”

These messages, these acts of kindness, NEVER, EVER get old.
Each one reminds me that even as many people struggle, and it can feel like the world is falling apart around us, good still runs deep.

I’ve learned a lot in the last 2 years about work, about struggle, and about survival.
But more than anything, I’ve learned:
People are good. Whether they live in a big ass house or a tucked-away tent.

And together, we can make the world a little better, one cleanup, one opportunity, one act of kindness at a time.

Be on the lookout for ways to support our Workforce this Giving Tuesday.
— Preston