Keith Makes Sure Everyone Counts
Keith’s Story
“When I connected with StreetWise in 1995, I was struggling with addiction. But I was glad my job with StreetWise gave me a chance to sell their magazines. However, shortly after starting this new position, a series of events led me to spending some time in prison.
After serving my time, I was determined to change my life; I didn’t want to do drugs anymore. I went back to StreetWise, and they accepted me back. Without them giving me another chance, I don’t know what I would have done.
For the past 15 years, I have worked on and off with StreetWise. They connected me with clothes, a shelter, and employment because it was hard for me to find a job with a background. They have always been there for me.
During this pandemic, I worried about how I would pay my bills when everything shut down. That’s when StreetWise and Cara Connects provided me with a new opportunity where I could reach out to people experiencing homelessness and encourage them to get counted in the 2020 Census.
The people I meet don’t know that I have been homeless, but I can relate to them. I explain to them how the government can provide funding for food assistance, healthcare, job training, and social services. We need that now more than ever.
I am really grateful to do this work with StreetWise and Cara Connects. I don’t know where I would be without their support, especially during this pandemic. I may have gone back to homelessness.”
Click here for insights from Alexandria Maloney, Employment Specialist at StreetWise, to learn about her partnership with Cara Connects to find an innovative way for workers to have access to income through 2020 U.S. Census outreach.
Learn more about how #CaraConnects job seekers to opportunity, businesses to talent, emerging leaders to mentors, and employers to communities. Check back here to celebrate the intertwining stories of some talented employees and leading employers. Let’s get to work!
