I work at the U.S. Senate, but I Slept on the Streets

My name is Charles Gladden, and I’ve worked at the U.S. Senate for almost a decade, serving food to some of the most powerful people in the country – U.S. Senators, lobbyists and their staff.

You would think that working at the Senate would be a good job, but the truth is I’m struggling. I earn so little that I’ve been homeless. It’s a big contrast from the people who I serve every day. But with your help, we can change that.

As early as last year, I would finish my shift at the U.S. Senate cafeteria and would head to the McPherson Square metro stop, only a few blocks from the White House. It was my bedroom for the night. I spend countless nights sleeping on the streets, because my wages were so low, I could not keep a roof over my head.

Because workers like me have been organizing under the banner of Good Jobs Nation, President Obama has taken action raising our wages to $10.10 an hour, preventing people who break the law from receiving tax payer dollars through contracting, and providing paid sick days so we can take care of ourselves and our families.

Because of help from folks like you, I’m no longer homeless. But the truth is we need more to survive. I serve Senators and other powerful individuals, but still rely on public assistance to keep a roof over my head.

Currently, the Democratic Platform Committee includes support for a Model Employer Executive Order—a critical initiative to protect low-wage workers. With the stroke of a pen, the next president could put 8 million low-wage federal contract workers like me on the path to the middle class.

Join me, the Democratic Platform Committee, Members of Congress, U.S Senators, faith leaders, and 8 million other contract workers by calling on the next president to sign the Model Employer Executive Order! It’s time for the next President to put government on the side of workers once again.