Andre Jehan, Pizza Schmizza founder of the Northwest chain, has an unusual way of recruiting and selecting workers. Homeless people are given pizza slices and soda and sometimes a couple of dollars to carry a sign that reads “Pizza Schmizza paid me to hold this sign instead of asking for money.” Jehan believes he is helping the homeless, saying that carrying the signs has been a win-win situation, as the homeless, many of whom have mental illness or other problems that keep them from being able to hold a job, don’t feel embarrassed or exploited; they look forward to the work and food. However, Donald Whitehead of National Coalition for the Homeless says Jehan is exploiting the homeless.

1. Is Jehan exploiting the homeless?

2. Is it ethical and socially responsible to give homeless people food for carrying signs?