MIDLAND, Texas — Spending time with family and friends during the holiday season is the expectation, but for those who are homeless, that expectation does not exist.
In Midland, that’s where the "Glean Up" Program comes in at The Field’s Edge, creating a community that can last forever.
One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
“Midland has a little bit of a trash problem," said Matthew Anderson, "Glean Up" manager at The Field's Edge.
“So, I guess that’s kind of cool because it’s kind of like job security I guess," said Kahealani Hess with a laugh, a "Glean Up" Program crew member at The Field's Edge.
Job security for homeless people like Hess are trying to get back on their feet.
“I just heard that he was just this guy that gives people jobs," Hess said when talking about Anderson. "There [are] just so many things that came from working on this crew, really, especially when you’re at that point in your life where you feel like you’re at the lowest of your low. It gives you a sense of self worth I guess you could say – being able to give back and being able to clean up the community and then actually making money doing it too. So, it’s cool.”
Hess moved to Midland about a year ago.
“It started from in my childhood actually, things were just not cool at home," Hess said. "Then I guess as an adult, I really just lacked guidance and everything. I don’t know, I just feel like I was unprepared, really, for the world.”
Thanks to Anderson, that reality no longer exists.
“Helping them look for work, helping them make resumes, taking them to doctor's appointments – things like that – is one of our best ways of helping," Anderson said.
For the "Glean Up" Program, the successes are everything.
“Seeing someone get to work, get their own apartment who was previously living in the street, I mean, it’s amazing," Anderson said.
In the "Glean Up" Crew, picking up trash is just part of the experience.
“It’s fun," Hess said while laughing. "It is, it’s fun. Who would think you’d have so much fun picking up trash. Just being a part of the crew is fun, yeah, we all enjoy each other’s time. It’s pretty fun. I’ve met people that I feel like I can really call a friend and then just being able to have support, really."
Providing a community similar to family.
“The Field's Edge, between the community and the 'Glean Up' Crew is, bottom line, all about helping people to realize that they have a place," Anderson said. "That, though they may not have family, they may not have friends the way a lot of us do, that with us they can. They can belong to us. We can be their home.”
When it comes to appreciation for the opportunities, Hess was left speechless.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words, really," Hess said.
A trailer full of trash and a future full of hope.
“I appreciate them so much," Hess said. "It just seems like there [are] a lot more options, really."
Hess noted that she has her own apartment now and is looking for a job. If you want to learn more and find out how you can help, click here.