Ideas worth spreading

A practical way to help the homeless find work and safety

1,399,738 views |

Richard J. Berry |

TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue

• February 2017

When Richard J. Berry, the mayor of Albuquerque, saw a man on a street corner holding a cardboard sign that read "Want a job," he decided to take him (and others in his situation) up on it. He and his staff started a citywide initiative to help the homeless by giving them day jobs and a place to sleep -- and the results were incredible. Find out how your city can replicate Albuquerque's model with this frank and optimistic talk.

When Richard J. Berry, the mayor of Albuquerque, saw a man on a street corner holding a cardboard sign that read "Want a job," he decided to take him (and others in his situation) up on it. He and his staff started a citywide initiative to help the homeless by giving them day jobs and a place to sleep -- and the results were incredible. Find out how your city can replicate Albuquerque's model with this frank and optimistic talk.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Learn more about the "There's a Better Way" program.

Donate to the City of Albuquerque and United Way of Central New Mexico to help those in need.

About the speaker

Richard J. Berry

Richard J. Berry

Mayor of Albuquerque

See speaker profile

Richard J. Berry is the mayor of Albuquerque -- the 32nd largest city in America and the largest city in New Mexico.

Politico | December, 2016 | Article

"It Makes You Human Again"

How Albuquerque figured out how to really help its homeless population. And save money in the process.

PBS NewsHour | November, 2015 | Watch

"Albuquerque mayor: Here’s a crazy idea, let’s give homeless people jobs"

NBC Nightly News | Watch

"See How These Homeless People Are Working Their Way to a Better Life"

CNN International | Watch

"There's A Better Way"

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Learn more about the "There's a Better Way" program.

Donate to the City of Albuquerque and United Way of Central New Mexico to help those in need.