Homeless man photographed handing out resumes lands job offers
Over the weekend, a photo of out-of-work web developer went viral, resulting in a flurry of job offers.
The photo, which was tweeted by @jaysc0 on Friday, showed David Casarez standing on the side of the road in Mountain View, California, holding a placard telling people that he was homeless.
Despite his circumstances, Casarez didn't ask for money, instead asking people to take copies of his resume.
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
A college graduate, Casarez told NBC Bay Area that he had moved to Silicon Valley last September with three years' experience as a software developer, with the goal of launching a startup.
Those dreams faded when Casarez underestimated the cost of living in the area, and the difficulties of finding work. He stayed in his van, until that was taken in June when he couldn't afford the payments, leaving him sleeping in a park.
"All I wanted was for one person to notice, take my resume and give me an opportunity," he told the news outlet.
The photo amassed tens of thousands of retweets, resulting in offers of jobs and help.
We’ll take care of him if no one else has stepped in yet. Have a nonprofit fund for this kind of thing, or housing, or industry connections, whatever he prefers
— Austen Allred (@AustenAllred) July 28, 2018
Hello, I am VP Engineering at AncestryDNA and also an Aggie, class of 93. I would love to interview David Casarez for a Web developer or QA automation position. Can you please put me in touch with David ?
— Paddy (@DeshmukhPaddy) July 28, 2018
On Sunday, Casarez thanked everyone for their support.
Thank you everyone for the outpouring of support! I am completely floored by how many are interested in my #Hungry4Success story. I have met several who have been or currently are in the same situation tell me their story. I am glad to be an inspiration for you all.
— David Casarez (@DavidCasarez17) July 29, 2018
The situation is indicative of the affordable housing crisis which has engulfed Silicon Valley and neighbouring San Francisco.
Even family of four earning $117,400 per year in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties is considered "low income," and is eligible for affordable housing programs.
It's also why big tech companies like Facebook and Google have looked to building housing for their employees, who too struggle with the cost of living.
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