Update: So, Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men either heard or read about Charles Gladden’s dilemma which we previously covered here on #IFWT; and helped him out by starting a “Go Fund Me” account to raise $20,000! Morris even put the first $10,000 in with a donation from Boyz II Men House. The 63 year old man was working full time at the U.S. Capitol for 8 years but he was still homeless, and had 3 toes amputated due to his diabetes. The Boyz II Men co-founder said he was touched by the man’s story. The original story can be read below.
Original:
Charles Gladden is a 63 year old man who sleeps on a sidewalk next to D.C.’s McPherson Square Metro Station. Unlike most homeless people, he actually has a job; and of all places, it’s at the U.S. Capital building! Ok, he only works in the cafeteria, but you’d still think he’d make enough to have a dwelling of his own! According to Gladden, he makes $11 an hour, which isn’t enough for him to take care of his children, grandchildren and himself. It’s hard out here in these streets!
Gladden says he takes care of his children and grandchildren before he takes care of himself. That’s why he can’t afford a place to live. Apparently, his children also have financial problems and he doesn’t want to be a burden. He also has diabetes and the costs of his medication leave him broke. Now, Charles has actually had the same job for 8 YEARS, washing dishes and doing janitorial work. It’s very sad to see in the year 2015, a hard and steadily working man can’t earn an honest living for himself. “I work for the most powerful people in the country and there I am sleeping at a subway stop,” Gladden told CNN.
No one would have even known he was homeless if Gladden hadn’t gone public during a strike by federal contractors. The strikers were asking for a wage of $15 an hour. The democratic party has also been pushing the idea of raising the minimum wage lately. Gladden says his co-workers who have better living conditions all have second jobs. Wow!
Source: CNN
