| "I was in and out of prison," he said. "The last time I was facing 15 years to life that they wanted to give me with the habitual criminal label. They hit you with that one and they'll lock you up and they throw the key away. So I prayed, and I said, I need help." His prayers were answered. Instead of prison, was allowed to enter a rehabilitation program. Missions and secular charities such as the Weingart Center offer food, shelter and more comprehensive help for those who are ready. Greg Scott, president of the Weingart Center Association. : "Our primary mission is to provide transitional housing for the homeless, so we have a 611-bed facility throughout 13 different programs," The programs range from mental health counseling to adult education. Sharon Spira-Cushnir works for Chrysalis, a non-profit group that helps the homeless find jobs. "They learn how to do a resume, how to do an interview, where to find job postings," she said. "If they need it, they can get interview clothes, they can get emergency food. They get bus tokens so they can go to their interviews, and they get themselves jobs." Deborah Clifford was homeless and is now working as a street sweeper. "You know, it's hard, but when you're determined to do something, you've just got to stay focused, and that's what I'm trying to do," she said. Stanley Joseph was also living on the streets, dependent on alcohol. Now sober, he works as a janitor. |
