08/07/2026
Without a home and living in their car, Herbert Lee Barkus Jr. and his wife moved to Sacramento in search of a new beginning. It was a stressful time, but they faced it together. Some nights, Herbert stayed awake so his wife could sleep.
Today, Herbert is a box truck driver for Goodwill—a job that has helped him build a more stable life while doing something he loves.
“I treat my job as my home,” he said. “I love my job. It takes good care of me, and it helped me get the place where I’m staying right now.”
Herbert credits the understanding and support he received at work with helping him move forward. When he encountered challenges, his supervisors listened, offered guidance and continued to believe in him.
“They never let me go. They never quit on me,” he said. “Without Goodwill, I wouldn’t have a job.”
With steady employment, Herbert can maintain an apartment, pay his rent and keep his car running so he has reliable transportation to work. He even has a Chihuahua to keep him company. More importantly, he has room to look beyond his immediate needs, plan for the future and work toward his goal of buying a house.
“I’m able to keep a roof over my head,” Herbert said. “I’m able to live. I’m able to grow.”
For Herbert, each day on the road is another step toward a place he can call home.
Discover more stories about how we’re Changing Lives Together—and get the latest Goodwill goodness delivered to you by email—at goodwillsacto.org
