# Homeless-Employing Vans This Employment Initiative Pays the Homeless to Clean the Community By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-08-23 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/employment-initiative References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/nonprofit-van-picks-homeless-individuals-paid-work/) & [smhc-nm.org](http://www.smhc-nm.org/project-end-homelessness/theres-a-better-way/) This [homeless employment initiative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-2-the-streetz) helps solve more than one social problem at the same time. In the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a van picks up homeless people and pays them to help [beautify public areas in the community](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vevor). Mayor Richard Berry partnered with non-profit organization St Martin's Hospitality Centre to launch the There's a Better Way program. The van drives around and picks up any homeless individuals interested in being paid $9 USD an hour to help clean the city. In addition to offering above minimum wage, the employment initiative also provides the homeless with lunch as well as [shelter access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-affordable-housing-initiatives-habitat-for-humanity-guelph-well) when the day is done. The van can take 10 people a day, with high demand increasing the number of days from two to four a week. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Homeless Employment Initiatives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating employment opportunities for the homeless by partnering with non-profit organizations and offering above minimum wage. - **Socially Responsible Community Cleaning:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing programs that involve homeless individuals in community beautification projects, addressing both social and environmental issues. - **Increased Support for Homeless Individuals:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing initiatives that not only provide employment but also offer supportive services like food, shelter access, and other resources to improve the lives of the homeless population. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Non-profit Organizations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partnering with non-profit organizations to create employment programs for the homeless and improve community well-being. - **Hospitality and Community Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating homeless individuals into community services and hospitality jobs, contributing to their socio-economic integration and well-being. - **Environmental Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with homeless individuals in environmental cleaning and beautification projects, creating employment opportunities and addressing community needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Homelessness Metaverse Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaverse-campaign.md) - [Homeless Support Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-makeshift-traveler-backpack.md) - [Collaborative Homelessness Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homelessness-crisis.md) - [Empowering Homeless Youth Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tradeworx.md) - [Cleanliness-Minded Civic Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/civic-apps.md) - [Inclusive Hiring Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurodivergent-hiring-program.md) - [Women-Empowering Work Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workforce-challenges.md) - [Restaurant Hiring Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendployees.md) - [Unhoused Individuals-Supporting Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-2-the-streetz.md)