Earnest -- Project Paycheck

Celebrating milestones in life is important and that’s why Earnest came back to the Weingart Center to share some happy news with his former case and program managers.   Earnest was beaming as he showed off the recognition award he earned for working at a large apartment complex as a groundskeeper for 5 years.  Earnest’s award meant even more to him because of the difficulty he had finding the job.

Earnest had been working for a large home improvement store for years but he fell on hard times when he lost his job due to the company’s closure.  Earnest has epilepsy and even though his condition doesn’t prevent him from working, a lot of companies wouldn’t hire him because Earnest’s medications cause him to fail employee-screening drug tests.  Even being up front with prospective employees and having a doctor’s note didn’t help Earnest land a job.

Months went by without Earnest being able to find another job, and he became homeless. “I’ve never been to jail or done any drugs,” says the soft-spoken Earnest. “It was scary on the streets of downtown.”

Earnest went to LA County for assistance and was referred to the Weingart Center Association, where he entered the Project Paycheck program.  “It helped a lot when they gave us a monthly bus pass and all the personal things you need day to day like detergent and soap,” says Earnest.  “They also taught me about money management.”  Earnest paid his outstanding bills to repair his credit and received dental care while at the Weingart Center.

Earnest was doing well in the program but securing a job still proved challenging.  He credits his case managers with keeping him focused on finding employment even though he was discouraged.  Earnest found a part-time job at a grocery store and worked there for a few months.  Then a fellow participant at the Weingart Center gave Earnest the break he needed.  “A friend of mine was working at a big apartment complex and he recommended to his supervisors that they hire me,” remembers Earnest, who landed a job as a groundskeeper.  “I’ve now been there for over five years now.”  He enjoys his job and feels like his co-workers are family. 

Earnest is a prime example of how many people live paycheck to paycheck and any slight disruption in income can cause someone to become homeless.  Earnest is still doing well and enjoys watching TV in his spare time at home in his apartment.