A new program in the city of Independence is designed to help with homelessness and beautify the city.Greg Alexander’s job pays him to pick up trash in the city. It gives him some much-needed cash while also making him feel good. “Obviously, a little money in my pocket, but more picking up the environment," Alexander said.Alexander was experiencing homelessness, but this opportunity is helping him move in another direction.“I'm thankful for the opportunity to be picking it up," Alexander said. According to Doug Cowan with the Community Service League, beautification is a priority for every city.On Tuesday, the city announced its new Independence Together Initiative. It’s a plan with the Community Services League to employ those looking for permanent housing.The job consists of four hours a day, picking up trash in the city."This is manual labor that requires several miles of walking," Cowan said. It's similar to Kansas City's Hope Faith Ministries program, and it pays $12 an hour plus $3 an hour to an escrow account that helps workers with permanent housing bills.“Critical employment piece that makes a bridge from unsheltered to permanent housing,” Cowan said. The city’s goal is 160 hours per week of cleanup through September 2023.That's when the $100,000 program funded by the federal American Rescue Plan expires. "I've heard over and over again, “let's clean up the city,” and this is one of our steps to do that," Independence Mayor Rory Rowland said. At least one worker was also surprised by the amount of garbage on the streets. "I really am. I really am surprised by the trash. This is my third bag, actually," Worker Marquita James said. There are currently five people employed in the program. Anyone interested in the program can apply at the Community Services League in Independence.