Quite the hook for a title If I do say so myself.  Truth is, I had a temporary employee today, which is a new thing for me as I have never managed “temps” before.  This young man, we shall call him Henry, was late at the onset of his shift.  We honestly were not sure if he was going to come in at all.  I was informed by the Operations Manager that he had to rely on public transportation so we should wait and see.  About ten minutes later, Henry rolled up on a bicycle.  He apologized for being late while handing us his time sheet.  The Ops Manager let him know the plan for the day while giving him his hard hat and safety vest.  I secretly thought to myself that I didn’t think he was going to make it through the day, then went on about my business.  Well, Henry did make it through the day and managed to impress some of the permanent guys.  After signing his time sheet at the end of his day, Henry asked me if I had a minute to talk.  I invited him into my office where I had stored his bicycle while he was out on deliveries. Henry asked me if we were hiring for permanent employees.  I told him that we, like most companies, were always looking for good people to hire.  He then proceeded to tell me that although he enjoyed the work and would like nothing more than to come work for us, he has some issues that might prevent that from happening.  He had a troubled past and was currently homeless…homeless.  I was, in a way, dumbfounded.  How could this young man sitting in front of me with a strong, positive attitude, have no place to go?  I couldn’t help but think about what will happen as he rides his bicycle out the gate of the yard.  We talked for a little while longer about things and then exchanged contact information.  I hope to bring him on again, through the temp agency, as kind of an interview process.  If things go well, I would like to think I would hire him.  The only advice I could give Henry was the easiest advice a guy like me COULD give, which was “You keep that positive attitude and things are going to work out.”  I really meant it but it still sounded cheap and easy.  Thing is, I really hope he does, but also wonder if my hands are tied in all the red tape.  I think it is time for an individuals past to be weighed on a different scale, rather than the current one.  (My opinion).