But the city-sponsored sites were not well embraced by neighborhoods or workers, and brought mixed results. Portable trailers on site provide space for literacy, ESL and computer classes. There is space for visiting health clinics, and workers can get legal advice. There are bathrooms and coffee. Shelters with awnings and chairs provide some respite from the elements.
Some sites even have small community garden plots.
An eighth site is set to open in Pasadena soon. Organizing new sites takes time, real dedication and persistence. It may take weeks or months to convince day laborers at a particular corner to form a Site Committee. The Committee meets with the police and the surrounding residents and businesses to negotiate a set of rules for people seeking work. A stretch of curb is designated as an official pick up site so contractors won t cause traffic problems as workers gather around their vehicles.