Former homeless man secures position at local college - East Idaho News
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Former homeless man secures position at local college

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AMMON – For one Ammon local, roaming the streets with a sign in hand, begging for money, was a somewhat profitable lifestyle.

“Out on the street corner banging cardboard is what we call ‘signing’ to get money, and it was pretty good — it wasn’t bad,” Gus Callas said.

Callas, a California native, was homeless when he jumped on a train to Idaho in 2012. During that time a crowd of homeless people were passing through east Idaho and heading to Utah. He too was passing through, but wanted to stay in Idaho for a short time before continuing south.

“(I thought) I might as well just stay where I’m at until everybody gets settled,” Callas said.

During the holiday season in 2012, Callas was out drinking one night when he tumbled into a dry canal. For days, he claims to have lay there until he had nearly frozen to death, he said.

“I had rocks frozen to me. You can check the medical record,” Callas said. “Days like a human Popsicle. If it wasn’t for a guy walking his dog, I would be dead.”

GusCallas
Former homeless man Gus Callas working the front desk at Eastern Idaho Technical College.

After his stay in the hospital, Callas was directed to Club Inc. an organization partnered with the United Way. Club Inc. supports the recovery of people coping with housing, mental health issues or substance use disorders.

With the help of case manager Blair Bradley and many hours of rehabilitation, Callas regained stability in his life.

“Gus has been a great success,” Bradley said. “I’ve been working with Gus for over two years. I’ve seen his demeanor. He utilized a lot of the programs that were here. His life skills developed immensely. He got employment. He looked at all the resources.”

Callas worked hard to remove himself from his past lifestyle and secured a position at Eastern Idaho Technical College. For 15 months, Callas has worked as a greeter and helps students and visitors at the front desk.

“My whole (goal) was getting out on my own — I just didn’t know that there was a job like working for EITC , until I found it,” Callas said. “I love my job. It’s just tremendous. I get to help everybody. The people I work for, they help me out.”

Because of the United Way’s support, Club Inc. and other organizations like it are able to help those in need become self sufficient. Bradley says the United Way’s support has allowed them to provide some of their vital services.

Support the United Way by attending the Live United Concert Series every Thursday in August. Click here for more information on upcoming shows.

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