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This Republican mayor has an incredibly simple idea to help the homeless. And it seems t... Page 1 of 3 <br /> V,he Washilt-0on Post <br /> Inspired Life <br /> This Republican ma or <br /> Y <br /> has an incredibly simple <br /> p <br /> idea to hel p the <br /> homeless. And it seems <br /> to be working. <br /> By Colby Itkowitz August 11,2016 <br /> Republican Mayor Richard Berry was driving around Albuquerque last year when he saw a man on a street <br /> corner holding a sign that read: "Want a Job.Anything Helps." <br /> Throughout his administration,as part of a push to connect the homeless population to services,Berry had <br /> taken to driving through the city to talk to panhandlers about their lives.His city's poorest residents told <br /> him they didn't want to be on the streets begging for money,but they didn't know where else to go. <br /> Seeing that sign gave Berry an idea. Instead of asking them,many of whom feel dispirited,to go out looking <br /> for work,the city could bring the work to them. <br /> Next month will be the first anniversary of Albuquerque's There's a Better Way program,which hires <br /> panhandlers for day jobs beautifying the city.In partnership with a local nonprofit that serves the homeless <br /> population,a van is dispatched around the city to pick up panhandlers who are interested in working.The <br /> job pays $9 an hour,which is above minimum wage,and provides a lunch.At the end of the shift,the <br /> participants are offered overnight shelter as needed. <br /> https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/08/1 1/this-republican-mayor-... 6/6/2017 <br />