Every day, millions of workers rush to the office as they want to get to work on time. Though some people would give anything to avoid the morning rush, Utah resident Brian Smith wanted to be among the throng of people heading to their jobs, as he was laid off nearly a year ago.
Since losing his job in February 2016, Smith submitted more than 180 resumes, hoping to hear from just one of them. Little did he know that a donated suit would change his life, as Smith, who has been homeless, has just been hired.
Speaking with KSL, Smith recalled how he became homeless after he was let go from his job. It was reported that rent 30 days past due became 60, then 90 days, until eventually, he was evicted from his home.
“Off and on, yes,” said Smith. “Staying at hotels, couches, cars…anything you can find.”
Smith said that after getting rejection upon rejection, a man can only take so much.
“These last 10 months, I’ve lost faith in humanity, in God, in life,” he tearfully recalled. “There were many times when shotguns looked…very tempting.”
It was reported that Smith decided to try one more time and checked KSL.com to look for more jobs. Upon scanning the website, he stumbled upon a story about a Utah company giving away new suits to homeless people to help them feel confident during job interviews.
The clothing store, Utah Woolen Mills in Salt Lake City, gives away hundreds of suits to those desperate for a job. Smith got the suit Saturday, was interviewed Monday, and got the job Tuesday.
“I didn’t think it would happen to me, and it did,” said Smith. “I owe them so much.”
The project, called Suited for Good, said on its website that for every suit that Utah Woolen Mills sells in 2017, a suit will be donated to a man that is committed to improving his life for the better. Candidates for a free suit are nominated via an application on www.suitedforgood.com. Each application is reviewed by a committee, and chosen candidates are invited to come to Utah Woolen Mills for fitting and proper dress instruction.
A week later, the suit is finished and candidates are equipped for interviews and the next steps towards making their lives better. But UWM goes beyond that, as they follow up with the candidates after four months to ensure that proper steps have been taken and that no further help is needed.
To nominate a candidate or to apply for a new suit, go to the Suited for Good nomination page here.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the man who was fired from his job for attending his baby’s birth.
