Later I met a coordinator named Mara, who explained that the workshop offered paid apprenticeships to young adults who were leaving temporary housing or had interrupted their education.

The program was small, carefully staffed and often oversubscribed.

“Why this kind of work?” I asked.

“Because having something useful to do can be as important as having a safe place to sleep,” she said.

“And because people learn faster when they’re treated with dignity.”

Gabriel was across the room examining the repaired bicycles.