I think part of the problem is that it takes several different types of programs working together to make things right. "Hire-a-felon" isn't going to work by it

I think part of the problem is that it takes several different types of programs working together to make things right. "Hire-a-felon" isn't going to work by itself for people like Nate because he is most likely not a very clean person (sleeping in an alley and wearing shoes you found in the street makes it hard to stay "presentable"), probably doesn't have a reliable way to get to work, and doesn't have anything he can do with his pay after. Even if he remained sleeping in alleys, in order to really have a job, Nate also needs access to a clean set of clothes, a place to shower, a place to keep his money, an alarm clock (so he doesn't get fired for being late), etc. As the author points out in the comments, even though Nate is a vet, he is not really in a position to get the help he needs because he can't really jump through the hoops they require. This is sad. We should be looking at low barrier ways to get the assistance to those that deserve it.