By Shane Harms

From a struggling citizen down on his luck to an inspirational speaker, in the last few months the story of Ballard sweeper Tim Allen has touched people all over Seattle.

Last week Allen was invited to speak at the South Seattle Community College, where a group of under-privileged youth are enrolled in the YouthBuild educational program by YouthCare, a not-for-profit organization that provides over 4,000 youth per year with basic services, emergency shelter, housing, counseling, education, and employment training. 

After being laid off from his job last October and losing his home, Allen has been sweeping the streets of Ballard and Queen Anne with his trademark 5 gallon bucket and broom, accepting donations while he tries to find work and a place to live.

Jon Bersche, Program Manager for YouthCare, met Allen in Ballard and was immediately impressed with what he had to say.

“He has such an inspirational story, I was moved. I thought the students would benefit from hearing it too,” Bersche said.

Allen said he was surprised but honored for being considered as a speaker.

“None of this was supposed to happen. Here I am sweeping the streets looking for work and now I’m talking to young people about being the best you can be. If it had been any other town it would have been different…sometimes is feels like magic,” he said.

In his address to the students, Allen emphasized a strong work ethic, mentors, education, and community service, discussing the importance of getting involved. He went on to tell how since being laid off, he has discovered what it really means to be a part of a community.

“The real wealth is not how much you have in the bank, but how you treat people and the way they treat you…to me its not about sweeping anymore, but being a part of the Ballard community," he said. "I’ve grown more in the last few months than I have in a long time.”

Allen also discussed potential for a fundraiser, proposing a day of cleaning for donations that would benefit YouthCare. Allen explained volunteers would clean the streets of Ballard, modeling his “bucket and boom” method.

“ I think in the future you’ll see hundreds of people cleaning the streets for good causes like YouthCare,” Allen said.

At this time, YouthCare could not confirm the go ahead just yet for the “Bucket and Broom” fundraiser proposed by Allen, but she did say for individuals looking to get involved or make donations, YouthCare's 27th Annual Luncheon starts at noon Thursday, March 22 at the Westin Hotel.

Moreover, 14 students of the YouthBuild program will be graduating with GED’s or finished high school diplomas at the South Seattle Community College on March 22, at 12:00pm. YouthCare invites the community to celebrate the achievements of these young men and women.

For more information on YouthCare go to Youthcare.org. If interested in Tim’s services call 206-310-5717.