Businesswoman Chapter 227

Tents and bicycles dotted the section of Wilmington that had been ruled uninhabitable. The president had mandated that the unhoused had to clear the area and go to shelters or spend time in prison.

Entrepreneur Paul knew about Loreen’s One Page project. Instead of giving handouts and pushing “free” food, this paper allowed adults the ability to start at low paying positions and permit them to advance in time. He used his staff. They signed up close to forty men and women in a matter of forty minutes.

“What you’re doing is more harmful than good,” a woman with thoughts in her eyes and weathered skin announced to Atkinson.

“You think you’re giving these people a chance….” a grin wrinkled her skin as she shook her head. “You’re only going to make things worse. People are going to fight over the wages and the positions and be at each other’s necks.”

“What’s your name?” Entrepreneur Paul asked.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m going to be back out on the streets after this shelter idea fails.”

“I can assure you that there is going to be a difference for the better. All of this for the uplift of this area.”

“That’s cute.”

“I’m as serious as colorectal cancer. What you’re not seeing is the opportunity for pushing for housing and the ability to maintain those houses through work. Everyone has some capacity to labor. Even on the lowest rungs, people can save and invest and flourish.”

The woman was still like a corpse and just as quiet. She weighed Entrepreneur Paul’s words.

She reached out a hand. They shook hands. “Vye. I already know you,” she remarked. “You’re doing well by doing good. I just wanted to give you a hard time.”

“Just let the others know about the program.”

She winked.