Maxwell Gardens + Sobik's= a path to self sufficiency

Check out this article in today's Orlando Sentinel. A great idea conceptually, the program plans to house homeless individuals and link them to jobs at the adjacent Sobik's Subs. For the homeless, chronic and families alike, employment and transportation to jobs are a few of the biggest barriers to self sufficiency. In the article, Helaine Blum says that no other companies were even interested in the concept. That's a shame.

There's this misconception that the homeless are somehow different, that they aren't like "us." That a sub made by a formerly homeless person won't taste the same as one made by the 16 year old neighbor kid. Here's a little exercise for you... Picture you without a job. You without family or a support system. You without a dime in your savings account. You without a place to shower and change into clean clothes. That's who the homeless are. Get it?

As the economy and job market becomes tougher, it only makes sense (cents?) for employers to look to new partnerships and solutions that ultimately help their bottom line. There is immense opportunity, particularly in the hospitality sector, to create innovations that improve families and ultimately make them better employees. A happy and housed worker is a good worker, right?

So if you get a chance, please make it a point to stop by the newest Sobik's in Orlando (it's located at 4049 S. Orange Blossom Trail). Where else can you grab a bite and know that you're doing some good in the community? Sphere: Related Content