LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Little Rock City Board is extending a program that pays minimum wage to homeless people who pick up litter.
KATV reports that the board’s unanimous vote Tuesday approved an ordinance for $160,000 to fund the Bridge to Work program for one more year to determine its effectiveness. The money will pay for wages, transportation and supplies.
The initiative that began six months ago aims to help homeless people in Little Rock. More than 450 participants have so far cleaned up 130 sites, gathering over 2,000 bags of trash.
The Canvas Community Church, which runs the program, says 13 people have landed full-time jobs since the program began.
City board member Kathy Webb says the program is exciting because it gives people the opportunity to work and move into homes.
