Angel had second thoughts the first time he walked into Thrive DC.

“Initially, I thought Thrive DC was too rough for me. I didn’t feel like someone who belonged here. But then a staff member came over to welcome me and gave me a sandwich. He actually ended up giving me three sandwiches so I would be OK after I left.

“That sandwich meant everything to me. I had no money and no place to go. That sandwich said ‘don’t give up, stay strong.’”

Angel needed help finding employment. He was living in a friend’s closet paying $200/month just to have someplace to sleep at night. But Thrive DC was able help him out with a job right away. Less than a week after Angel came looking for help he was set up with a job at a local grocery store.

“At first it was very good, easy work with a lot of hours. Then they started giving me less, first 30, then 20 hours. And you can’t live on that.”

Angel respectfully let Thrive DC know that he was going to quit his job, and went to a friend with a painting company for work. When there was work to do it was a good arrangement; but every day was a risk that he might not get a call, or the job wouldn’t be big enough to pay his bills.

Eventually he ran out of options and came back to Thrive DC.

This time things were different. Angel came looking for help right when a position was opening up at the International Monetary Fund for cleaning work. The Thrive DC staff was impressed with Angel’s drive and demeanor, and immediately recommended him for the position. After a formal interview process and background check Angel was hired!

“I made so many mistakes, so many. But now I have this chance and am going to do the right thing.”

Angel’s just started his new job and will be making $15/hr with benefits. He plans to stay in the small one-bedroom apartment he’s been renting now for a year and save up money. Angel has a plan, and never wants to worry about becoming homeless ever again.

“I am grateful to Thrive DC so much. The staff here is very open with me, very clear about what I need to do to get a job. I am so thankful to everyone I worked with, and I would tell anyone who needs help to come here, to people who really care about you and can help you.”