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To reserve a worker, we encourage you to call ahead or fill out our online form to let us know how we can help and to request a worker. Our staff will help you find the appropriate worker(s) for your job and guide you through the hiring process. Our services are free for you and the workers. Additionally, it is important to note that when the work is finished, the Center will most likely call to ask how the job coordination went and the degree of satisfaction with our services.

Members of the Day Labor Collective offer a wide range of skills such as:

Ready to reserve a worker? Give us a call at (650) 903-4102 or fill out the Reserve a Worker form.

share your experiences

**success stories**

“I have hired workers from the Day Worker Center for over ten years and have never had any problems. Everyone has been courteous, hard working and trustworthy. The workers have done some very difficult jobs like splitting wood and helping my husband insulate under the house, with professionalism and only appreciation for the opportunity to work.
I have also become good friends with one worker and his wife and daughter and we have done many things to help each other’s families. I have relearned that we all want the same things in our lives, to be able to work and take care of ourselves and our families.”
See our reviews on **Yelp** for more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the questions below to learn more

Due to COVID-19, can I still make a reservation?

Yes! The Center is open and continues to match workers and employers. We are vigilantly monitoring the status of COVID-19 and following the guidelines set by Santa Clara County Health Department to take every precaution necessary. Read more on our COVID-19 Updates page.

How do I hire someone?

You can start by giving us a call or filling out our Reserve a Worker form to send us your request and along with the members of the Day Labor Collective. Our staff will help you connect with a worker who meets your specific job needs and who will be ready to go to work.

What about transportation?

Typically, employers pick up the worker at the Center and drop them off back at the Center when the job is done. Another option often used by employers is using Uber/Lyft services for worker’s transportation.

How much should I pay and how much of the pay goes to the member of the Day Labor Collective?

Members of the Day Labor Collective decide the rate that they will charge for the work they perform. Starting January 10, 2022 rates start at $25 an hour. However, specialty skills require higher pay. The actual wage will be agreed on by the worker and employer at the time of the job placement so there is a clear understanding prior to leaving the Center. Workers have agreed that they would like to be paid after the job is finished and their preferred method of payment is cash. 100% of your payment will go directly to the worker. Bonuses for a job well done are always appreciated!

How are workers and employers matched?

When you contact the Center we ask for details regarding the job. We then match you with a member that can meet your needs. For example, if you need an expert painter, our staff and the Day Labor Collective will work together to find you the member with the proper skill set. Employers are also welcome to request workers by name.

Can the Center accommodate me if I need someone who speaks some English?

Yes, we have workers who are monolingual in English or Spanish and workers who are bilingual. We do our best to accommodate preferences regarding English proficiency. If needed, we can also translate your instructions at the Center before leaving or at the job site by giving us a call.

Is there anything I can do for the members of the Day Labor Collective while on the job?

The workers will try to think ahead of anything they may need but if there is anything they don’t have please consider providing it as well as access to a restroom they can use. We will greatly appreciate it.

What is the difference between hiring workers at the Center than hiring from the street?

Here it's safe, neat and easy. The Center helps greatly in the hiring process. When workers register at the Center, they share their skills so when you tell us about a job, we can find the appropriate worker for you (workers have a vast inventory of skills). We'll coordinate with you and the worker(s) in a low-pressure atmosphere to decide an acceptable rate. At the Center we also minimize language problems with our bilingual staff.

What can you tell me about member reliability and security?

The Day Worker Center is a community based non-profit organization established in 1996. Although employers and day laborers enter into employment at their own risk, we take reliability and safety very seriously. All workers fill out a registration form that is entered into our database. Additionally, the community aspect of the Center allows members to get to know each other and be considered as our extended family; we know them and we are happy to recommend them.

Are the workers qualified?

Yes. Most members of the Day Labor Collective have years of experience in tasks such as yard work, moving, or cleaning. For more complex projects, we suggest you call in advance to ensure you get a qualified member suitable for the job. In addition, we contact employers to collect feedback about the members and the job performed. Each worker receives ratings, which can be used as a measure of reliability and overall quality. On average, workers receive 4.5 out of 5 stars from employers.

Am I liable if a member is injured while working at my residence?

California law requires a homeowner's insurance policy to provide worker's compensation coverage for injuries incurred by a "residential employee" injured during their course of employment by the homeowner. A "residential employee" is someone who has earned more than $100 during the preceding 90 days. Most homeowner's insurance policies also include coverage for personal liability and medical payments to others as a result of injury while on your property; however, you may prefer to contact the provider of your homeowner's insurance policy for more information. Finally, as in all situations when you invite a guest onto your property, make certain that the environment is safe and you are not consciously putting someone into a dangerous position.

Does the Center perform background checks?

Background checks are not a part of our process to fulfill our mission. The information we collect is strictly for the job placement and includes address, phone number, and email. As for this information, we consider it to be private, and our policy is never to share such information about both employers and workers.

Do I need to report the wages I pay for tax purposes?

In our experience, for casual labor, reporting wages for tax purposes is not usually necessary. There is no need to report less than $600 paid to an individual per year. If you have a long-term project, we suggest you talk to an accountant with any questions (IRS).

What does the Day Worker Center offer besides job coordination services?

True to its mission, the Center functions as a center for the community and place of learning. Programs we offer include: breakfast and hot lunch daily, job skills training, English as a second language/Spanish as a second language, technology classes, racial justice sessions, and much more! Due to COVID, some of our programs are looking different. For more information, go to our Programs page.

Currently what does a typical day look like at the Day Worker Center?

Every day is a little bit different. Workers call to check in early in the morning and we ask for their availability and if they have any covid symptoms. When an employer calls, we contact the worker and most of the time the worker arrives at the job site but other times they are picked up by the employer at the Center. Workers also stop by in the morning for breakfast and later in the day for lunch. All of the classes currently offered are through Zoom.

Where do you get your funding?

Community generosity! Most of our funding is from private sources: grants from foundations, donations from individuals, corporations, government institutions, communities of faith and other support from local businesses in the form of in-kind donations.

How can I support the Center?

By hiring a worker, donating, volunteering or spreading the word! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube or after using our services, you can follow-up with a Yelp or Facebook review.

Have a question not addressed here? Feel free to call us at (650) 903-4102 or send an email to info@dayworkercentermv.org. We'd be more than happy to provide additional information or answer questions more in depth.