This is the kind of initiative we should be seeing everywhere: a program run out of the Siloam Mission in Winnipeg, Canada, hires homeless people to clean up the downtown streets and pays them $11/hour for their efforts.
It’s become so successful that it fills up nearly every day.
The “Mission: Off the Streets” program is a path out of homelessness for some. “A lot of people go each day,” Randy Malbranck told CBC Canada. Randy has been working nearly every day for the past 6 months.
People who stay at the shelter can sign up each day to be part of a team of eight that goes out to pick up garbage, shovel snow and do other street maintenance duties around the city. Last year, 86 people were employed through the program and paid minimum wage.
The program has the added benefit of providing references and valuable employment experience to those who stick with their job.
“People see their capabilities and believe in themselves again,” said organizer Cathy Ste. Marie. “They’ve still got gas in the engine. They’re still capable, and it’s a catalyst to get back into the workforce.”
As for Malbranck, his goal is to rent an apartment and secure full time employment: “Ultimately to get out of here. I think that’s everybody’s goal. Sometimes if it’s not the first step, theres a second step, a third step, you got to keep trying,” he said.
You can volunteer at, and donate to the Siloam Mission by visiting the website.