That's a good question! And I wish there was one good answer. Yet, I've come to realize there's no single explanation why the homeless can't find work. Instead, they face a complexity of obstacles and challenges.

For 36-year-old Darin, a resident here at Northlands Rescue Mission, a lack of several crucial elements first stood in his way: education . . . transportation . . . sound work ethics . . . and simply a lack of maturity.

Darin's roommate—who shared the rent on his apartment—skipped town suddenly, leaving Darin to keep up the payments himself. That was nearly impossible with what little he earned on his fast-food job, and he immediately fell behind on the rent. Darin also had been walking to work because he didn't have a car. When winter came, trudging through ice and snow in frigid temperatures was too much to bear, and he quit his job.

Darin needed to find a new position that paid enough to cover the entire rent payment plus living expenses, but he soon realized his options were severely limited. First of all, he had only a high-school degree, little experience and no computer skills or other special competencies. And he could only apply for jobs within walking distance, because he had no other way to get there. Even if he did get hired, winter would present the same challenge as before.

But those hurdles soon took a back seat to what Darin faced next. He was evicted for not paying the rent . . . and homelessness brought a whole new set of stumbling blocks:

Without a permanent address or a phone, how would a potential employer contact him? How would he bathe, brush his teeth and keep his clothes clean so he could be presentable? If he had to sleep on the ground, in the rain or in fear for his life, how could he possibly compete with other applicants who'd at least had a good night's sleep, a hot shower and a healthy breakfast.

With no home, no job, and no idea what to do next, Darin came to Northlands Rescue Mission—and we offered the environment and guidance he needed to start over.

First and foremost, we provided Darin with a place to live and learn about responsibility while he looked for a job and got back on his feet. Along with appropriate clothing, assistance with personal hygiene and coaching in effective interview techniques, we also provided Darin with transportation to interviews and then to a new job at another fast-food restaurant.

But we didn't stop there. Darin's goal is to earn a living that will allow him to support himself and build a meaningful future. So we're helping Darin apply to schools and colleges in the area where he hopes to become an LPN.

Darin says without the help he's receiving from Northlands Rescue Mission, he'd be on the streets, with no hope of learning the job skills and or developing the personal values he needs to find gainful employment, broaden his education, regain his self-respect and discover God's purpose for his life.