European university students often can work through the end of October. What they don't do with speed, they make up for with accuracy and determination. Raid the competition. You can steal good painters from another contractor by offering them more money. Find the reference, then the painter.
Churches often sponsor newly arrived immigrants eager to work.
Religious organizations also operate shelters for the homeless, which may include some able-bodied folks ready for work. Many prospects, however, classify themselves as experienced painters. Check it out, said Tom Lewis. Calling references is one way to ferret out the truth. Another is the PDCA's Pre-Employment Exam, which consists of 25 questions that test the job applicant's knowledge of the craft.