Homeless find help that 'suits' them

Norfolk, Va. (WAVY) - The struggle to get a job in this very rocky economy is a daunting task for anyone right now, but for a homeless person it can feel like an impossible goal. Michael Butler lived on the streets for six months in Norfolk, not sure where he would sleep or when he would eat again.

"It's hard because people feel like you don't care about yourself and you just want to hang around and get drunk, and you are just down on your luck at the time," said Butler. He's getting help from a non-profit group in Norfolk called Spotlight Books which provides on-the-job training and other support services for homeless and low-income adults. Still though, it is tough to impress on a job interview when the only clothes you own are the ones on your back.

"It's real discouraging and messes a person's self esteem up and makes them start thinking, 'I'm not going to amount to nothing so I might as well just stay out here in the streets,'" said Butler.

But on Tuesday that changed for Butler and Melvin Backus, another homeless man in Norfolk. Standing in front of City Hall, Backus received a gently used business suit from Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot himself. Burfoot and other city officials were pitching in to help with the National Suit Drive.

"On behalf of the City of Norfolk and myself I would like to present this suit to you," Burfoot said as he handed Backus a handsome suit and a matching tie. "It's nice," beamed Backus, showing off how well his "new" suit fit him.

Butler held his new suit, donated by another city employee, in front of him to admire it. "This is going to help me," he said, already feeling a boost in confidence. Butler said he wants people to understand, they are not asking for a handout, just a hand up. "Help me so I can help myself. I'm not asking you to give me anything for free. Help me get into this [job] so that I can get my own and be a productive citizen in society. You won't see me on the streets. You won't see him homeless. I won't have to stand in line [at soup kitchens] to get something to eat."

Working hard for a living is something Butler said suits him just fine.

Donations of suits and casual work attire can be dropped off from September 1st-30th at the following Norfolk Men's Wearhouse locations:

Military Circle Mall

880 N. Military Highway

Norfolk, Va. 23502

(757) 461-9106

        AND

MacArthur Center

300 Monticello Ave #167

Norfolk, Va. 23510

(757) 626-1808

www.nationalsuitdrive.com