Hiring the Homeless

The experience of Dan Sandel hiring the homeless (“Chatsworth Businessman Moves to Share Good Times,” Nov. 8) somewhat parallels my own. Recently I completed a seismic compliance project on a commercial building within Los Angeles County. Acting as general contractor, I hired the homeless off the street to do most of the construction work. Workers were paid $5-$10 per hour, and I allowed them to live in the building.

Initial opposition from the local building department was soon overcome when it became obvious that our work was properly done because of my tight supervision.

Many of the men hired were reasonably bright and able to learn, others had adequate experience and skills. Some even had their own tools. Most all, however, had serious emotional problems they were unable to handle, which manifested in alcohol and drug abuse. Most also had jail-time experience. Many would not work or take instructions, and had to be let go after half a day. Nor could they be depended upon to show up in the morning for work, and often they just disappeared during the day. Some used phony Social Security numbers because they had fraudulent injury claims pending. I also encountered a constant problem of thefts; tools, equipment and material.

I appointed the biggest and brightest guy foreman, but his loyalty to me was, as the others, certainly limited. My project was successfully completed, so I proved that construction could be properly done with homeless street people, provided supervision was demanding.

Would I use these street people for my next project? Well, maybe, after reasonable rest and relaxation.

GLENN BUCHANAN

Sherman Oaks