Although he’s been homeless for two years, this Sacramento man refuses to accept money from anyone. Instead, Frederick Callison gives people copies of his resume in crisp white envelopes outside Smart & Final store at Watt Avenue and Arden Way, asking them to help him find a job if they really want to help him.
Callison, a former line cook with years of experience at several restaurants, also carries a Food Handlers certificate and Social Security card, in a bid to show people that he’s serious about wanting to work. “I don’t like to beg,” he told CBS Sacramento reporters. “And I won’t. I am handing off my presentation of myself of what I’m trying to achieve and what I’m trying to do. Because I don’t want to be out here.”
A nearby business apparently allowed him to use their supplies to print copies of his resume, which he hands out to people willing to help. Apart from a list of restaurant he has worked at in the past and his various qualifications, the 52-year-old’s resume also reveals his work ethics. “I am a firm believer in proactive productivity rather than reactive,” the piece of paper mentions.
Photo: CBS Sacramento screen caption
Sacramento resident Michael Marteen was very impressed by Callison’s enterprising attitude. “He’s not at downtown stomping on steps trying to get some help,” he said. “He’s out here trying to work for it. It’s something literally we all try and get, just a chance.” In fact, Marteen was so moved that he shared Callison’s story on Facebook, asking people to help the man in his quest for a job.
“This homeless man was sitting outside of Smart & Final NOT asking for money,” Marteen wrote on the Facebook post. “His sign said ‘Need work, and hungry’ not just that but he had MULTIPLE resumes printed out and enveloped. SWEAR TO GOD. He has a cell phone and is trying to get off the streets. PLEASE SHARE HIS RESUME FOR ME. He deserves a shot more than people begging for money.”
Photo: CBS Sacramento screen caption
“I gave him what I could,” he added. “Bag of some raviolis, chips, and a sandwich. Jug of water. I’d rather buy someone food, hungry looking for a job than someone begging for money with a cigarette in their hand.” The post was shared hundreds of times over and it eventually caught the attention of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada. They made a separate post on their own Facebook page, promising to help Callison find a job.
To avoid any complaints regarding his constant presence outside Smart & Final, Callison moves carts from the parking outside, for free. At night, he says he tries to find a business open 24/7 with good lighting and video surveillance to make sure no one tries to steal his belongings while he sleeps. It’s a tough life, but apparently not tough enough to make him break his rule about begging for money.
Frederick Callison’s story went viral in the days after being featured on CBS Sacramento, so hopefully all the exposure will help this inspiring man finally secure a job.
