SPOKANE, Wash. – The Dignified Workday program is making waves in Spokane with more than 500 people now on a waitlist to work. The program, which connects individuals rebuilding their lives with local businesses, has seen rapid growth in recent months. However, what many believe is truly needed is more businesses willing to give these individuals a chance.
CK Anderson from Helveticka shared his experience with the program. “And for the last several months, they’ve been here at our office and at our building here in the downtown core of Spokane. And they do cleaning every morning,” said Anderson.
Before Dignified Workday stepped in, Anderson was responsible for cleaning the block around his downtown design firm. Now, the program’s crew members take on that task, making a noticeable difference in the community.
Mark ‘Boston’ Anderson, a Dignified Workday crew member, expressed the impact of their work. “They’ve got to drive down Division every day, or they have to drive down Second Avenue every day, and they don’t see the garbage and the trash, filth, because we’re out there every morning picking it up,” said Anderson.
For many workers, the opportunity provided by Dignified Workday means more than just a paycheck. It brings stability and pride after a job well done. Deejai Hodges, another crew member, shared his journey. “Yeah, I was homeless most definitely, but working with these guys, I was able to save up enough money on my own to be able to get my own place, which would be a year now that I’ve been in my own place and you know, I just, I like to keep busy. I like to stay busy, I like to stay working,” said Hodges.
Despite the success, there are still hundreds waiting to join the program. Organizers say that the missing element is opportunity. Robbie Bernardin from SDS Realty highlighted the need for more projects. “Right now we’ve got hundreds of people on the wait list for Dignified Workday, but the limiting reagent is projects and jobs. We’ve got lots of people willing to do important work,” said Bernardin.
The work done by Dignified Workday is already changing how parts of Spokane look and how crew members like Hodges feel about the city. Hodges emphasized the program’s impact. “So when you do drive past a building that was painted or that was demoed or you drive past a lawn that was cut or freshly trimmed up or some bushes. I want you to remember in your mind that DWD and our guys did that to make Spokane look great again,” said Hodges.
Leaders with Dignified Workday emphasize that they have the people, skills and passion. Now, they need more Spokane businesses to open their doors to continue making a difference.
