Get Involved
Hire a Worker
Contractors and homeowners needing workers can call the Esperanza Center and will be matched with workers who have the skills needed for the work requested.
Types of Work
- Yard work
- Painting
- House cleaning
- Pressure cleaning
- Window washing
- Simple roof repairs
- Carpentry
- Moving
- Putting up or taking down
- Storm preparations
How The Labor Center Works
The process for getting skilled workers is simple.
- Call Esperanza during operating hours.
- Provide your name, address, and phone number.
- Provide the following information for your worker match:
• Type of work to be done
• Number of workers needed
• Estimated length of the job
• Amount you will pay the workers per hour
• Whether or not you need an English-speaking worker
Once matched with the worker(s), you are expected to provide transportation to the worksite and back to the corner of 44th and Broadway, as well as any necessary tools, supplies, or equipment. You pay the worker(s) directly at the end of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a fee for using Esperanza?
A: No, Esperanza does not charge a referral fee for matching workers to contractors or homeowners. You will pay the workers directly for the work they do.
Q: How much are the workers usually paid?
A: The amount is between you and the worker, depending on the type of work and the length of the job. Besides the agreed-upon pay, some employers go above and beyond by providing lunch to the workers if the job goes beyond the usual lunch time.
Q: Are the workers generally paid in cash?
A: It’s between you and the worker whether you pay them in cash or by check.
Q: Who are the workers who come to Esperanza? What about their immigration status?
A: Since the Esperanza Center is not an employment agency, we do not inquire as to their immigration status. Any area resident who is seeking work as a day laborer may register to be part of the Center’s day labor referral service.
Q: Can anyone use Esperanza to hire day laborers, or do I need to live in the area?
A: You do not have to be a Northwood resident to use day laborers from Esperanza.
Q: How late can the workers work? Are there minimums or maximum times for jobs?
A: Generally, workers can work as late as you need them. You can take a worker for just two hours or up to a full day. It’s between you and the worker.
Q: Can a particular worker be requested the next time I have work?
A: If you particularly like a worker, you can have the worker write down his/her name and cell phone number, and then you can call them directly the next time you need work. You can also come into the Center and request a particular worker, but there is no guarantee that he/she will not already be working elsewhere that day.
Q: Are full-time workers available? What about workers for a multi-day project, like painting a house?
A: In general, it’s not the function of Esperanza to provide full-time workers, but that decision is between you and the worker. Similarly, arrangements for multi-day projects can be made between you and the worker.
Q: Can we call ahead of time to reserve workers for day labor?
A: No, we ask that employers come in each day to hire the workers for that day.
Q: Does Esperanza provide transportation for the workers?
A: No, We ask employers to call Esperanza to check-in and. Transport the workers for the day.