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Sacramento Homeless Man Refuses To Beg For Money, Instead Looking For Job

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Frederick Callison has been homeless for two years, but he refuses to beg for money.

"I don't like to beg. And I won't. I refused to," he said.

He spends the better part of his days perched outside the Smart & Final at Watt Avenue and Arden Way with a will to work.

"I am handing off my presentation of myself of what I'm trying to achieve and what I'm trying to do. Because I don't want to be out here," he said.

The former line cook doesn't use the stereotypical signs asking for money. He instead puts his credentials on display.

"I carry around one of these. Food handlers certificate, Social Security card, ID ready to go. I need people to know I'm serious about what I'm doing," he said.

Within the crisp, white envelopes are copies of the 52-year-old's resume outlining the restaurants he's worked at over the years. They also give you a glimpse into his work ethic—"I am firm believer in proactive productivity rather than reactive."

Michael Marteen was immediately impressed.

"He's not at downtown stomping on steps trying to get some help. He's out here trying to work for it," he said.

The young father was so taken by Frederick's determination, he shared his story on Facebook, encouraging others to help.

"It's something literally we all try and get is just a chance," he said.

The fact that someone cares beyond offloading some spare change makes all the difference for Frederick, who continues to move carts outside the store to keep any complaints over his presence at bay. It doesn't put anything in his pocket just yet, but it's easy to see some early results paying off.

Frederick has been able to print all of his resumes at a nearby business that has allowed him to use some of their office space from time to time.

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