Armando hit rock bottom in 2016 when he was laid off from the production line job he had held for over 25 years. Without a regular paycheck coming in, he soon found himself without a place to live, and became homeless for around a year and a half. Two years ago, Armando first got connected with Neighborhood Industries’ now defunct “Neighborhood Street Cleanup” program, which specifically served people experiencing homelessness who were trying to find a way into the workforce. Through a contract with the City of Fresno, the Street Cleanup team provided litter abatement, trashcan maintenance, pressure washing and alleyway cleanup in Fresno’s Tower District neighborhood.

Armando was determined to complete every task he was given to the best of his abilities each day. His determination and curiosity made him a natural fit for Neighborhood Thrift, where he works in the warehouse, receiving donations, doing furniture carry-outs, pricing and sorting clothes, and sometimes helping on delivery trucks. Since starting this position, he has completed his forklift certification, and says that someday he would like to be a lead, so that he can be challenged.

With the help of Neighborhood Industries case management staff, Armando secured permanent housing in January 2024. He says the help he received here was unlike anything he’d experienced before, and he wouldn’t have been able to get back on his feet without that support. Armando says, “I’m just super excited to be here and help out as much as I can, where I can, and give customers the best experience possible.”