Homeless Bay Area Web Developer Goes Viral for Handing Out Resumes at an Intersection
A homeless web developer handing out resumes at an intersection in the Bay Area has gone viral this weekend after a woman posted a photo of him on Twitter.
David Casarez, 26, held a sign saying, “Homeless, hungry 4 success, take a resume,” at an intersection on Friday. After a woman saw him, she took a picture of him and another of his resume, and asked people on Twitter to try and help him out in a tweet.
Today I saw this young homeless man asking for people to take a resume rather than asking for money. If anyone in the Silicon Valley could help him out, that would be amazing. Please RT so we can help David out! pic.twitter.com/ewoE3PKFx7
— FullMakeup Alchemist (@jaysc0) July 27, 2018
Casarez told NBC Bay Area that he had moved to the region last September wanting to launch a startup. The Texas A&M University graduate has worked since 2014, becoming a web developer in 2016, according to his resume.
But the cost of living near Silicon Valley and the difficulty of landing a job quickly drove Casarez to live in his van. He then lost the van because he couldn’t pay for it, and is now living in a park.
“All I wanted was for one person to notice, take my resume and give me an opportunity,” Casarez said. “This is my make or break moment. I have to do something crazy.”
Casarez said he has been approached by several companies in the Bay Area and other places since the woman’s post blew up on Twitter.
“I’m not trying to take any money, I really do just want a job opportunity. That’s all I’m asking,” he said.
Emailed him. He’ll be taken care of one way or another, probably doesn’t even need us. Anyone else with this much gumption and hustle please send my way. https://t.co/RnAiNd3pfr
— Austen Allred (@AustenAllred) July 28, 2018
Casarez’s story has been received by some as an inspiring tale — he has been commended for his hustle and drive in giving people his resume rather than asking for money.
But his situation also lays bare the flaws of Silicon Valley and how developers and other workers eager to join the tech industry suffer. California is currently undergoing a housing crisis, particularly in the Bay Area, where workers are required to earn four or more times the minimum wage just to afford an apartment. Even for experienced college graduates like Casarez, landing a job and making enough to live in Silicon Valley has become increasingly challenging.
Silicon Valley is a double edged sword. Where it has helped many be successful at the same time many have become homeless or are having a difficult time to survive. I feel this man's pain.
— Zubair Maqsood (@ZubairMaqsood11) July 28, 2018
I’ve been stuck in the whirlpool that is the Silicon Valley. After three years, I’ve finally landed something stable that’ll help my career. I understand his pain which is why I was determined to help
— FullMakeup Alchemist (@jaysc0) July 28, 2018
Thank you for posting. I've almost been homeless a couple of times (not an exaggeration). Having no money for food and no place to rest really sucks--it's so awful. My heart seriously goes out to this guy.
— Justin Leo Kennedy (@laptop_unlearn) July 28, 2018
Casarez thanked the woman for posting his story and people for their support on Twitter.
Thank you all for the overwhelming amount of support you have given me! No amount of good deed on my part could ever repay that debt. I am responding to each and every one of you who have come across my inbox with a carefully crafted response. Thank you for the support!
— David Casarez (@DavidCasarez17) July 28, 2018