Page 65 - The Houseguest

we ourselves seek, and facing the future with the same trepidation.”
The SAME trepidation? He thought to himself, how can they compare what we face to what non-offenders face who don’t have a criminal record dictating the outcome of every attempt they have at succeeding? “Everyone deserves a second chance.” He read their well-meaning ideals knowing their goals were more easily spoken than actually accomplished. He marveled at the naiveté of good souls.
The pamphlet explained in further detail the purpose of the program. “Sponsors” (wealthy individuals looking for a worthy cause) would take in those who applied for and met the requirements of the program. Having been properly vetted, the “houseguest” would move in, albeit temporarily, with their sponsor until they could get established enough to move into their own place. This affords them a daily shower, clean bed, meals, stability, and a mailing address, among other benefits. He felt a lot like a fostered dog, but it seemed like a program that could work for him, having no other options available anyway.
He applied to the HRP. The procedure for acceptance involved an extensive array of psychological testing and personality evaluations. He knew he could pass whatever was thrown at him. He also knew the philanthropists and promoters would overlook almost anything others may not perceive as acceptable in order to push their own agenda -- to make the Houseguest program a resounding success. After six weeks of returning for testing, being poked and prodded mentally and telling everyone what they wanted to hear, Brian was approved.
The first step of the program was to receive a nominal stipend. He laughed when he saw the amount of the check, after acting grateful to
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The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life