Who are those people with the signs & where do they come from?

On the weekends when we are out and about running errands, shopping or going out to eat, I always see people along the side of busy roads holding signs.  Sometimes they are signs that are advertising a place going out of business and everything being 70% off.  Lately I always see people holding signs for "Cash for Gold".  They are always dressed in their regular clothes - jeans and a t-shirt.  They usually have earbuds in, listening to music and messing around on their phone.  Sometimes you see the energetic people dancing around trying to get your attention. I always feel bad for them when it's ridiculously hot out.  I contemplate giving them a water.  Or when it's raining and they are just standing out there getting wet and shivering, I want to give them a raincoat or umbrella.  Now it's getting colder and they will be standing there freezing their hands, feet & noses. 

I always wonder, "Where do they get these people?"  Is there a company that hires them out?  Are they employees of the store?  Are they friends or family members of someone from the store?  I have asked my husband before and he has no idea.  He blows me off like it's not important.  But I really wanna know.  I think it every time I see them. 

Would you be able to be one of these people?  I don't think I could.  I would be bored out of my mind.  I would be uncomfortable if it were too hot or too cold.  My feet would hurt.  I don't think I could do it.  Maybe they are people who are down on their luck and they are happy to be doing SOMETHING that pays?  I don't know. 

I  like to imagine that  there is a company that employees these sign holders.  I wonder what the company would be called?