Homeless Man Has Been Begging on the Streets For Two Years – But Not For Money

March 1, 2016

A homeless man in California spends his days waiting for passersby on downtown Sacramento streets, not to ask for money, but to hand out resumes.

Fifty-two-year-old Frederick Callison has not given up hope on landing a job even after being homeless for two years.

He is usually seen outside the Smart & Final at Watt Avenue and Arden Way looking for someone who can offer him some work, according to CBS Sacramento.

“I am handing off my presentation of myself of what I’m trying to achieve and what I’m trying to do,” Callison told CBS. “Because I don’t want to be out here.”

Refusing to beg for money, the former line cook displays his credentials for everyone to see.

“I carry around one of these,” he said. “Food handlers certificate, Social Security card, ID ready to go. I need people to know I’m serious about what I’m doing.”

He hands out white envelopes with copies of his resume that includes his experiences at restaurants he’s worked for. A nearby business establishment helped him print out his resumes.

”I am firm believer in proactive productivity rather than reactive,” he said.

His dedication has caught the attention of Michael Marteen, who shared Callison’s story on Facebook to help him seek out an employer who can provide help.

“He’s not at downtown stomping on steps trying to get some help,” Marteen told CBS. “He’s out here trying to work for it. “It’s something literally we all try and get is just a chance.”

Along with including Callison’s resume, Marteen wrote:

“This homeless man was sitting outside of Smart and Final NOT asking for money. His sign said ‘Need work, and hungry’ not just that but he had MULTIPLE resumes printed out and enveloped. SWEAR TO GOD. He has a cell phone and is trying to get off the streets. PLEASE SHARE HIS RESUME FOR ME. He deserves a shot more than people begging for money. I gave him what I could. Bag of some raviolis, chips and a sandwich. Jug of water. I’d rather buy someone food, hungry looking for a job than someone begging for money with a cigarette in their hand.”

Marteen’s post has since gathered more than 600 shares on Facebook, catching the attention of the local news. Nonprofit organization Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada took notice and made a promise on their own Facebook page to extend a helping hand to Callison.

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