Aug. 14th-27th, 2014 | Vol. 18 Issue 17 (No. 284)
advocating justice | Building community
Lumenocity: A Photo Essay | 9
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
HUNDREDS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF PALESTINIANS’ | 4
BLOCKING A PUBLIC ROADWAY| 6
AN ORDINARY HERO| 7
A BIG DAY AT CITY HALL | 11
Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
streetvoice | 12
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Attack Who You Were Taught To Hate JOSH SPRING
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Executive Director
ichelle Dillingham, our Director of Education has written an article about Homeless Hate Crimes, including statistics and solutions. Please read her article found deeper in this edition (page 5) so that you may be educated on the details of these horrible crimes and then tell others. This editorial is my attempt at a commentary on Homeless Hate Crimes. The National Coalition for the Homeless has been tracking Homeless Hate Crimes since 1999; 15 years. 1999 is when we started noticing an increasing trend of such attacks. Let’s start with this question: what does it say about our society that for the past decade-and-a-half, primarily young men or teenagers have decided to harass, punch, kick, beat, be-head, shoot, run over (just to name a few) people without homes? In nearly all of these cases, the attackers did not know the victim; they had never met and had experienced conflict with the victim. If the attackers are arrested and asked why they did what they did, often the answer involves that they were bored and something like “what does it matter, it’s just a homeless person,” or “we were cleaning up the streets”. On YouTube you can find countless videos of young people attacking folks without homes. These videos have titles like “Bum Hunter.” In the 1980s homelessness grew exponentially, affecting a much wider group of people. In the mid to late 1980s modern day homelessness was more of a phenomena, since then very little has been done to end homelessness, homelessness has increased and become institutionalized. Increasingly people experiencing homelessness have not only been blamed for being without a home but have been blamed for many other issues; criminalized in fact by institutions, businesses, governments, civic organizations and people with homes in general. In our
city and other cities there are regular efforts to figure out how to stop panhandling or to stop people from sleeping on benches or standing near stores. The general public is lead to believe that people without homes are dirty, crazy, lazy, criminal, dangerous and want to be homeless. We see governments and elected officials supporting neighborhoods as they fight having shelters or low-income housing near themselves or near schools and the message gets further in-grained; homeless=dirty and dangerous, bad for business, predator of children, etc.
Photo credit: youtube.com Through laws, flyers, media, kitchen-table conversations, the internet and many other venues, this line of thought has hit the ears of young people far more than any information that identifies homelessness as a systematic problem and sows empathy for people without homes. Our society has defined individuals by homelessness and at best, labeled people without homes as dirty, dangerous persons to be kept at bay and if we are going to be honest as the lowest caste possible. You have to wonder if many folks even consider people without homes to be fully human. I have been in many conversations where people without homes are spoken of as if they are some completely different species that does not think like everyone else. Our young people see all of these things being said about people without homes as if it is all gospel. They also see all of this being said by people that have never had any sort of relationship
Basic Needs 101
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JIM LUKEN
Contributing Writer
ou can look it up. According to available resources, there seem to be five (or four) things human beings need to survive. AND THE AUDIENCE SAYS! clean food, clean water, shelter, warmth, and safety. That fifth one is negotiable. If you live in a war zone, forget it. If you should happen to be home-
less, or can somehow imagine being homeless, all five of these basic needs are negotiable, or they often go unmet. Imagine yourself penniless, at night, in winter, on the streets of Cincinnati. You would be without access to all five of these basic needs. You would also be without access to a seldom mentioned sixth need. This need is crucial, but it is almost never mentioned. It is un-
with someone who has experienced homelessness. This is how we end up with Homeless Hate Crimes. We have primarily young men looking for some sort of action, a way to feel strong and in control, a way to feel brave or a way to have fun at another person’s expense. So who do they target? They are going to target the group of people they have been taught to hate. They target the group of people they have been told chooses to be homeless so that they don’t have to work and can live off everyone else’s taxes, the group of people who ask for money and lies about what they are going to use it for, the group of people who love to piss and poop on doorsteps, the group of people who prey on children and rob stores, the group of people who stink and spread sickness, the group of people who no-one wants living next-door, the group of people that are so crazy they may attack at any point, the group of people that roam the streets committing crimes, the group of people who tear apart apartments when they are given to them and drive away business, the group of people others openly call bums, druggies, crackheads, free-loaders, crazies.... Of course none of these descriptions of people experiencing homelessness are accurate, just or funny. They are all terribly wrong, ignorant, inhuman, derogatory and hateful. That said, is it a surprise that a common explanation given by the young people perpetrating these attacks is “what does it matter, he was just a homeless person” or “we were just cleaning up the streets.”
-Josh Spring, LSW Executive Director
mentioned, because, well, it’s kind of unmentionable in polite society. Since Streetvibes often goes where other media outlets fear to tread, this article (and next issue’s followup) will mention it. It will tackle it head on. Because need #6 is hugely important. The sixth need is to have access to a place, to a relatively private place, where one can pee or take a dump. Sorry, but I warned you, we are going to go there! Imagine once more, dear reader, that you were on the streets after the restrooms have been locked at
{Continued on page 3}
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $1.50 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Michelle Dillingham Distributor Program Manager: Anna Worpenberg Layout: Jeni Jenkins, Uncaged Bird Design Studio Reception: Chris Fowler, Steve Reams Clarence Daniels Charles Carpenter Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Martha Stephens, Jim Lukens, Ben Stockwell, Michael Earl Patton, Michelle Dillingham, Jason Haap, Savannah Kennedy, Steve Sunderland, Mimi Daria, Deborah Poindexter, Bill Woods, Willa D. Jones, Kim Green, Cleo Wobbles, Justin Jeffre, Craig Smith Photography/Artwork: Ben Stockwell, Jason Haap, Janelle Schunk, AJ Waltz, Bill Woods, Google images, The National Coalition for the Homeless, Kevin Osborne, youtube.com
Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office.
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No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
Cincinnatian’s in the Streets
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MARTHA STEPHENS
Contributing Writer
riends of Streetvibes are on the pavements these days in multiple protests and are hoping more and more people will join them. We need, after all, a bountiful harvest of mass actions in the streets if we truly want to change things! Ben Stockwell carried a sign at the downtown rally and march for Gaza on August 3. (See his report in this issue.) This writer was there as well, and I want to say that it was a moving event. A great crowd of Palestinians and Middle Easterners were expressing deep grief and anger over the brutal assault on Gaza. Free Palestine was the major cry on Fountain Square that day. Those who feel their people to be under siege more than welcome the support of those of us who are not. No doubt many Americans are ashamed, as I am, of paying taxes for the Israeli bombs as they explode over homes and schools in Gaza, hospitals and power plants. Bob Turansky, a socialist and contributing writer for Streetvibes, carried a sign on August 3 that read A Jew for Justice, a message that attracted a lot of attention. Bob was sought out by press people and gave detailed interviews about why a Jew would join in support for Gaza. Activists Tim Kraus and Lois Gish were on hand, and I was glad to see Clare Hoesl, an Occupier and old hand at street actions. Clare operates a vibrant e-list for alerts on progressive themes of the day. Ohio readers in support of Palestinians can consult the Facebook page of Reema Al-Warida and other sites. ON AUGUST 6 the Hiroshima anniversary came upon us once more, and the annual protest took place at
Portland Loo Photo: Google images.
{Continued from page 2} Washington Park (5 PM), or at the library (6 PM, on the weekends). Imagine you are out there, and you really have to go. Really! What, in the name of all things urinal or fecal, do you do? Nature has forced you into a very delicate bind. You really have no choice. It’s gonna happen. So you unload. And you do so usually in the most remote, secluded spot you can find, before you go looking for a spot to lay your head. One way or another, each of us (even the rich and famous) has found him/herself in a similar predicament.
Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is the site where the bombs of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki were assembled, according to Tim Kraus. Tim was there for the protest on August 6. Readers may remember that our extraordinary Quaker friend Gordon Maham, who died a few years ago, rode a bus to Oak Ridge every year, even in his eighties, and Tim has been taking on the same mission. He writes that this Y12 Plant is still “the assembly point for the continued insanity of nuclear bomb building” and that Peace Activists from many places appeared to commemorate the 69th anniversary of “the horror that visited Hiroshima.” From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. the group stood across from the plant, read aloud accounts of the day the bomb was dropped, and called out the names of people who lost their lives on that day. Then they “rang a bell for each name as it was read and placed a paper crane on a plant or line to remember each life.” Gordon Maham was remembered by the group for his steady presence at these protests, Tim writes, and meanwhile “workers were arriving to assemble more and more of the weapons of mass destruction.” Barbed wire fences surround this huge, heavily guarded compound, and Tim says that for him this protest is one of the few ways he has to remind himself “that we are still preparing to destroy the entire world.” Tim’s housemate Jon Blickenstaff is the founder of a group called Footprints for Peace and its bicycle tour, Bikes not Bombs. Three Cincinnati bikers rode 450 miles through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee to get to the plant in time to remember the awful day of August 6! Their trip took them nine
Bob Turansky and Martha Stephens. days going about fifty miles a day. Jon Blickenstaff biked, along with Jim Toren and Delza Smith. Please see their beautiful website at FootprintsforPeace. Tim is part of their support system. He bikes with the team the first day or two; then drives to Oak Ridge and helps return them home to Cincinnati. ON THIS SAME AUGUST 6, a mass protest took place in downtown Cincinnati. In the Federal Building a hearing was in progress around the issues of gay marriage in Ohio and other nearby states. A fellow Unitarian of mine, Jeanne Nightingale, was attending, as I was, a luncheon at the Venice on Vine eatery organized by the Women’s City Club for gathering school supplies for Rothenberg School. Afterwards, we drove to Fountain Square to the immense action there in support of gay marriage. We found a square chock full of people’s tables, lawn chairs, and signs. What a scene that was! Up on a huge platform we heard a transgender woman give a stirring speech about
marriage for all, and then two young women, dressed alike in pretty sundresses, described their recent commitment ceremony in Kentucky. They will make their union legal if the courts cooperate. Such unions seem to many of us to be a consolidating, stabilizing force in the country and in the interest of us all. A much smaller group of protesters, perhaps a dozen citizens, stood outside the courthouse that afternoon, supporting a continued ban on gay marriage.
ties, in key places, wherein this very basic need can be met. Such facilities would be available to any and all of us who are out and about and find ourselves in semi desperate need of...a comfort station. Ahhh! This could be accomplished very simply: Portland Loo Photo: Google images. Step One: Leave some of Usually, because most of us have some the existing facilities (like Fountain money, we can find a gas station or duck into a restaurant—order a cup of Square) open more hours. Step 2: Provide new 24/7 facilities coffee, and race to the restroom, where in key areas of the city. we can engage in whichever bodily Some cities have been doing this process nature is urging us to do. for some time. E.g., In Portland OrI remember a time when I was egon, city planners have come up with much younger, I was by myself in a what is famously known as the “Portborrowed rowboat on a lake in a Counland Loo.” [Loo is a common term ty park. No! Rest assured. I will refrain for toilet used mostly in the British from plunging into details. OK, I think by this point you Isles. Many believe it is derived from grasp...the essence of the problem, Napolean’s famous battle of Waterespecially as it relates to our brothers loo (Water+loo=toilet). Other etyand sisters who live on the streets: Our mologists suggest the Brits learned the fair city has very few public...facilities, word in France during WWI. You see, and those few are closed for twelve or the French refer to one’s water (or any water) as leau (pronounced “low)]. more hours a day. Loos, like those in Portland So...what is the solution? Simple: and in many European cities, stand the city must provide 24/7/365 facili-
waiting with open arms (as it were) in public areas with heavy foot traffic. And—horror of horrors—passersby can see the feet of the facility’s users as they...um, go about their business. A business incidentally which all of us do an average of 68 times a day for #1, and one (or more) times for #2. Am I being too graphic for you, dear reader? PFLUSH, an organization promoting safe public sanitation in Portland (and elsewhere) describe such facilities as: Cost effective public restrooms that provide maximum function in minimum space and are safe, accessible, available, attractive and easy to maintain. Sounds almost sensible, wouldn’t you say? Which may be the reason our city—even in the midst of its “renaissance”— has failed to provide them. PHLUSH goes on to say that “[We] believe that toilet availability is a human right, and that well-designed sanitation systems restore health to our cities, our waters and our soils.” Sounds almost romantic, doesn’t it? Next issue, in a notsoflippant way, we will explore the history of the “Loo Movement” (I couldn’t resist) in our beloved Queen City. And we will explain—very specifically—what you, dear readers, can do to push our city fathers, and mothers, to do the right thing. Stay tuned.
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
Martha Stephens blogs on anti-war poetry and art at marthastephens. wordpress.com. Her last post includes brief comment on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and features a poem of hers called “Last Day.” It imagines what the last day would be like in the U. S. if we were waiting for a nuclear bomb to drift over us. She can be reached at stephem@ucmail. uc.edu.
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Cincinnati’s rally in support of Palestine BEN STOCKWELL
Contributing Writer
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ast Sunday, 300 activists came out to protest the continued Israeli assault on Gaza, the second such protest in 2 weeks. It was one of hundreds of similar actions across the world over the last month, including demonstrations in the tens and hundreds of thousands from New York to London to Cape Town. Chants of “Free Free Palestine” and “Hey Israel, what do you say--how many kids did you kill
today” filled downtown as protesters stood on the corner of Fountain Square. Many in the crowd were Palestinians themselves, unable to return to their homeland, drawing attention to the ongoing occupation of Palestine and the horrible conditions that refugees face today. The protests come after weeks of brutal military action in the Gaza strip following the kidnapping and murder of 3 Israeli teens earlier in the summer. The Israeli state responded in its usual way: collective punishment of the Palestinian people, launching a massive campaign that included constant
The Property Tax Shuffle MICHAEL EARL PATTON
Contributing Writer
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et’s take it for granted that no one actually enjoys paying property taxes. Most people take it for granted that the best thing to do is to spread them out equally under the law. Most are aware, even if they don’t agree, that various non-profit organizations do not pay property taxes on buildings and land they own as part of their non-profit mission. There is a standard set of criteria that apply. For example, churches do not pay property taxes on their church buildings and land, but do pay taxes on their rectories since providing housing for pastors is not an acceptable tax-exempt mission. The homeowner/ occupancy credit is worth less than 2% off, and for the record I get that for my house in Oakley which has been my home for over 30 years. (For what it’s worth, this credit is being reduced further and will probably be eliminated.) But many for-profit businesses in Cincinnati can also apply for property tax exemptions up to 75%, and the process appears to be highly subjective and open to abuse. One issue with property tax abatements is that the costs to the government do not go down just because less taxes are being paid. And it’s not just the property taxes that go to Cincinnati that are abated – all are abated, most of them completely, and that includes county-wide taxes.
Here’s the list which I am taking from my First Half of 2013 property tax bill: • Cincinnati Public Schools (goes from 65% to 25% of the non-abated bill) • Cincinnati (completely abated) • Hamilton County General Fund (completely abated) • Public Library (completely abated) • Family Service/Treatment (completely abated) • Health & Hospital Care of the Indigent (completely abated) • Mental Health Care (completely abated) • Developmental Disabilities (completely abated) • County Parks (completely abated)
• Crime Information Center (completely abated) • Children abated)
Services
(completely
• Senior Services (completely abated) • Zoological Park (completely abated) • Museum Center (completely abated) These represent needs that still need to be fulfilled. Those of us who do not have their taxes forgiven have to pick up the slack, and our taxes go up. For those who rent, their landlords will pass the increase on to them. And as taxes go up, voters become less inclined to approve additional levies. Fewer than 1/3 of the residents in Hamilton County actually live within the Cincinnati city limits. This means that Cincinnati can entice companies to move to, or expand in, the city and that the county residents who live outside the city limits are the ones who pick up the slack for most of the items on the above list. They do not have a vote or say in the deciding who gets these breaks. This is entirely legal, but I am at a loss as to how it can be justified. I am convinced that the practice survives – no, thrives! – only because most voters do not know of it. If they did, they would put pressure on the state legislature to rescind the ordinance that permits this. One of the rallying cries of the American Revolution was “No taxation without representation.” Well, it happens all the time. The reduction in the amount given to Cincinnati Public Schools should be explained. The largest portion, by far, in property tax bills for Cincinnati property owners goes to the public school system. There is an agreement between CPS and the city that the property tax portion going to the schools will not go below 25%. Depending upon the context, this reduction from paying 100% of the appraised taxes to 25% is called either a 100% reduction (because that is the most it can be reduced) or a 75% reduction. The city’s application for property tax abatement states that it can be used for renovation and new construction on commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and multi-family units of 4 or more units. A minimum of $40,000 in costs must be documented. Besides the shift-
bombing, a military incursion and the destruction of hundreds of buildings, including hospitals, schools, mosques and the only power plant in the strip. It ultimately took the lives of over 1800 Palestinians, most of them civilians, including many children and rendered 40% of the already crowded Gaza strip uninhabitable. As this article is written, a cease fire has more or less ended the violence and “peace” now occupies the ruins. Throughout the conflict, Israel claimed it was protecting its citizens, who were forced to take cover from an apparently constant barrage of rocking of property taxes just described, the troubling aspect is that the abatement depends on “job creating” and what it calls a “financial gap analysis.” Job creation includes not only permanent employees but also the employees who do the construction jobs, which of course end when the project is completed. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects do not undergo the financial gap analysis. LEED is a point-based system that many have criticized for gimmickry such as using rocks instead of grass in front yards, as done with the $500,000 - $1,500,000 condos at the corner of Erie Avenue and Shaw. Energy use reduction is supposed to be a big part of LEED certifications, but those points are based on a computer program and the efficiencies often don’t show up in real life. In effect, taxpayers are subsidizing these condos for, in part, using rocks in the front yard and taking a computer program on faith. The theory behind the financial gap analysis is that the city subsidizes certain projects that are not viable on their own through tax breaks and often other incentives. Read that again. The city (actually its taxpayers) are subsidizing projects that are not viable on their own. How does the city know that these are not viable projects? For the most part it relies on financial information provided to it. So there is an incentive to fudge the numbers to get the subsidy. And all of these projects compete against businesses that ARE viable on their own. Middle Earth 3301 Colerain Avenue LLC is a case in point. After investing over $7,000,000, it went bankrupt. There is, of course, no payment of the taxes that were abated all these years. Maybe this project never should have been started in the first place. The city’s Tax Incentive Review Council report of 2013 (item #201400958 at the city’s website, www.cincinnati-oh.gov) lists 113 agreements with companies for property tax abatement as of the end of 2013. Of these, 44 are compliant, 56 are for projects that are still not completed, 10 are judged non-compliant, and 3 are listed as being able to register for retro-active abatement. There is only the barest of outlines given for each agreement. The total amount involved is $1.2 billion, including those under construction, representing tax abatements of roughly $20,000,000 a year. New abatements are continually added; several more were added during the last session of council on August 6. For the record, 7 of the 9 council members voted for them with Mr.
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
ets fired from the Gaza strip by Hamas militants. Even so, the rockets killed relatively few, and the vast majority of the losses on the Israeli side were Israeli Defense Force soldiers killed by gunfire, including many killed by friendly fire. Moreover, the rockets fired by the Qassam Brigades are extremely weak, and are reflective of the comparatively low military prowess of the Palestinian people (who have no official army) compared with the IDF, which receives billions in aid from the United States each year. When Israeli troops finally moved into Gaza, under the auspices of finding and destroying tunnels into Israel, the civilian blood-
{Continued on page 6} Flynn voting no and Mr. Smitherman being absent. This article has only been about property tax abatements approved by Cincinnati; another tax shuffle is done through income tax credits. Here are a couple brief examples. This was part of the package offered to GE so that they would construct a new office building at the Banks. 85% of the earnings taxes paid by their employees at the Banks could be refunded to GE through an income tax credit. Also on August 6 city council approved a 45% earnings tax credit for Whapps, LLC, for opening an office here. Although these earnings tax credits raise the question of tax fairness since it means that the rest of us have to help pay for their police and fire protection (two of the city’s biggest budget items), at least the income tax credit doesn’t shuffle the taxes into other jurisdictions. TIF (Tax Increment Financing) provides yet another means for shuffling property taxes onto other jurisdictions. It merits an article on its own. I have tried to find out the amount taxes go up due to the different tax shuffles, but have not been able to arrive at a figure. Proponents say in any event that these reduce the amount of taxes paid due to the extra business and economic activity that is brought in. If that is the case, then why aren’t these programs heavily advertised? Here is my introduction to the property tax shuffle, and a little bit of history. In the 1980’s shortly after I moved to Oakley, I went to an open house in Hyde Park out of curiosity. It was just two blocks away, a bigger and more expensive house than mine, and yet the property taxes were less. I asked the realtor about it and she made a comment about knowing the auditor, a comment that made no sense to me at that time. A few years later the scandal broke about how the county auditor, Joe DeCourcy, would set the property values lower for his friends. The abbreviation FOJ, for “Friend of Joe,” on the paperwork was said to be shorthand to let pesky clerks know they shouldn’t question the valuation. The resulting publicity from an outraged public swept Dusty Rhodes into office, one of the few Democrat county officials in a county that has overwhelmingly voted Republican. This is not “FOD” since its origin is in Cincinnati, but I bring up this history to illustrate that voters do act when enough of them perceive that the system is unfair ------------------------
No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
COALITION CLIFFNOTES
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In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first.— Jimi Hendrix
Crimes of Hate:
“You are not worthy, and when I attack you no one will care” MICHELLE DILLINGHAM
Staff Writer
T
he National Coalition for the Homeless based in Washington D.C. has recently published their annual report on hate crimes against the homeless titled, “Vulnerable to Hate: A Survey of Hate Crimes and Violence Committed against Homeless People in 2013” (nationalhomeless.org). The report breaks down the numbers and locations of murders and assaults against persons who were targeted simply because they were homeless. Among the
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disturbing trends? A 24% increase in hate crimes against homeless persons since last year (in 2013: 18 homicides and 109 violent attacks). Of these, Ohio accounted for 1 of the murders (Dayton), and 3 of the non-fatal attacks (Cincinnati, Canton, and Newark). Just last week across the street from Washington Park three young men waited outside the Drop Inn Center (our local homeless shelter)
Graph: National Coalition for the Homeless
versity, San Bernardino) that targeting people because they are homeless is a “prejudicial selection of a target”, and therefore deserves the same protection other groups have under hate crimes laws. The NaGraph: National Coalition for the Homeless tional Coaliand attacked John Hensley who was tion for the Homeless draws out the leaving the shelter to go to work. They very simple reasoning behind why did not steal any money or property, they simply laughed as they kicked persons who are homeless should be and punched him to the ground. Ad- protected by hate crime legislation vocates, including us at the Home- (sourced from their 2013 report): √ Homeless face a rate of victimizaless Coalition here in Cincinnati, tion that far exceeds that of tradihave called out that housing status be tionally protected groups. added to the list of protections in hate crimes law at the federal, state, and √ Homeless are among the nation’s local levels. Some have questioned if most criminally vulnerable populathis is appropriate? Shouldn’t hate tion. crimes only apply to race, religious, √ Adding homeless status into hate sexual orientation, or ethnic groups? crime legislation demonstrates reAccording to a Southern Poverty spect for this population and recogLaw Center’s 2007 article, “Violence nizes them as worthy of protection. Rises Against Homeless Population Nationwide” √ Hate crime legislation seeks to the FBI colpunish and deter individuals from lects data on committing bias-motivated crimes. hate crimes √ In the naming of a vulnerable and found that group, hate crime legislation makes “82 murder a statement to the community that victims durthis group has the full protection ing that period of the law and is deserving of such were targeted protection. substantially To date, there is no hate crime because of protection for persons who are hometheir race, reless in Ohio. In 2008 the City of ligion, sexual Cleveland had three separate inciorientation, or ethnicity. Dur- dents of extreme violence against pering that same sons who were homeless, including a time period, homicide perpetrated by teenagers. 167 homeless This prompted the passage of an orpeople were dinance, “Intimidation of a Homeless m u r d e r e d , Person (No. 830-08)” that dictates not count- repercussions for “intimidating” or ing so-called harassing a person who is homeless “ h o m e l e s s - due to their housing status be more on-homeless” severe. Given the incidents of tarkillings.” The geted violence against persons who article notes are homeless here in Cincinnati this that this sup- is one strategy we should also employ ports the argu- to raise awareness and prevent more ment made by attacks. In the final analysis, roving groups Dr. Levin (Diof young men wielding baseball bats rector of the and cinder blocks beating anyone in Center for the our city streets just because of someStudy of Hate thing about them should be cause for and Extremism at Califor- serious concern and action. nia State Uni-
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HOMELESS COALITION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH “BREAKDOWN STEREOTYPES & ERADICATE MISINFORMATION” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Michelle Dillingham at (513) 421.7803 x14
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
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Blocking a public roadway
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JASON HAAP
Contributing Writer
incinnati has been known to close roads temporarily as a way to fight crime -- such as curbing heroin sales, or prostitution -- but now a road has been closed to prevent homeowners in an upscale urban neighborhood from having cars travel on a public right of way. Clifton Hills Avenue near Central Parkway now has the right half of the road rendered permanently blocked with barriers installed in the street, as well as two “Do Not Enter” signs signaling the public roadway can no longer be used by taxpayers. When traveling on I-74 towards Cincinnati, drivers are given three ways to exit: I-75 South, I-75 North, and Central Parkway. Unfortunately, the Central Parkway option forces drivers to head toward the city, without the option of turning left toward
Ludlow Avenue. Without something like a roundabout to authorize safe Uturns, those wishing to get to Ludlow Avenue have had one option -- Clifton Hills Avenue. This is not an option I have ever utilized frequently. I only know that Clifton Hills connects to Ludlow because my sister-in-law (now a college graduate) attended school on that road when she was in 4th grade, and sometimes I’d pick her up in the afternoon. I don’t often travel on I-74 towards the city, but when I do, needing to get to Ludlow, I have taken this street. I could probably count on one hand the number of times I have done this in the past ten years. Last week, however, I was greeted to the sight of an old man standing in the middle of the road, pointing at the “Do Not Enter” sign with his umbrella, laughing and so exuberant in his
joy he actually seemed to be dancing. I guess he’s been trying to stop drivers from using the roadway for years, or something. It certainly felt like a strange way to discover this weird and new Blocked lane Photo credit: Jason Haap. traffic pattern while the end of I-74, such that they could taking my son to his violin lesson. The old man get to Ludlow via Central. But instead tauntingly proclaimed “You can’t go of thinking about how to allow people this way anymore!” to all those who to get where they need to go, it looks like Cincinnati bowed to the narrow had to turn their cars around. interests of this particular subdiviIt got me to thinking. If cut-through traffic on this pub- sion, creating a visually striking road lic road was really such a problem, blockage the likes of which I have nevthe real solution would be to provide er seen before. drivers with the ability to turn left at
{Continued from page 4} shed was taken to a new level. I want to encourage not a wholesale endorsement of Hamas, but an understanding of what led it to use the tactics it does and how it fits into the resistance in general. Hamas traces its roots back to the first intifada, a somewhat spontaneous uprising against Israeli occupation that lasted from 1987 to the signing of the Oslo accords in 1993. The organization began as the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine, a group that had previously engaged in a program of mutual aid and public services, filling the gaps left behind in the stymied Palestinian infrastructure. Hamas did not initiate the fighting, but came to represent the uncompromising wing of the uprising, rejecting the Oslo Accords, which were brokered by Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres, then the most prominent leaders in the conflict. Today we can see the results of the Accords, which remain the most significant peace documents signed by the two factions and can understand the frustration of the Palestinian people. The accords were relatively weak documents--their most significant act was to establish the Palestinian Authority to represent the Palestinians in the occupied territories--left out were demands that have been central to the Palestinian cause since the Nakba Tragedy in 1948 which established the Israeli state: the right of return for expelled Palestinians (a right guaranteed to all people by the UN charter), the end of settlement expansion in the West Bank and the end of military occupation of Gaza. Since then, settlements have only expanded, more Palestinians have been driven from their homes, and the “separation walls”-apartheid walls--have continued to grow. Opposition to the accords was stated most eloquently by Palestinian American scholar Edward Said, who, at the beginning of the second intifada in 2000, wrote, “What [have the accords] achieved and why, if indeed it was a peace process, has the
Gaza March. Photo: Ben Stockwell miserable condition of the Palestinians and the loss of life become so much worse than before the Oslo Accords were signed in September 1993? And what does it mean to speak of peace if Israeli troops and settlements are still present in such large numbers?” The end of the second intifada in 2005 led to even poorer conditions for the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. When Gazans were finally able to elect a government, and democratically chose Hamas, Israel responded with military force and, with US and Egyptian sup-
Rally for Palestine. Photo: Ben Stockwell
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-----------------------port, imposed a blockade on resources entering the area, severely rationing food, water, medical care, and other basic necessities all in the name of “defending against terrorism”. The conditions were desperate and to be an ally of the Gazan citizenship is to understand that such desperate conditions lead to responses by the Palestinian people, including Hamas, which, taken without this context seem like random acts of aggression. But as Sarah Ali, a writer and teaching assistant at the Islamic University of Gaza, which was destroyed in the recent bombing campaign, wrote “Rockets help us keep the little dignity we have, and they show Israel that bombing civilians has consequences... For instance, the 2012 attack on Gaza stopped, and we got some concessions...because Israel asked Egypt to negotiate with Hamas to stop the rockets.” To have a kneejerk reaction against such a crucial form of opposition from an occupied people is to deny them of their right to resist. From afar, our best hope to support the Palestinian people and end the Israeli occupation is to promote BDS-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. The call for BDS came in 2005 from a group of Palestinians in 2005 urging the international community to follow in the footsteps of the global movement which helped to end South African apartheid. It is a simple plan: Boycott any products coming out of Israel, divest from Israeli companies and companies that do business in Israel; and Impose sanctions that limit the amount of international support (money and resources) Israel receives. And we’ll continue to protest as part of the growing Palestinian solidarity movement that has brought millions out onto the streets worldwide. On Sunday, September 17th, a statewide protest aiming to draw out thousands will be held in Columbus. For more information, visit Facebook and search for “OHIO Peace rally march to state house, for Justice in Palestine!” ------------------------
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LOCAL
No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
On August 4th, one month to the day of her passing, a student group from Milford Schools organized a remembrance and balloon release at Washington Park for Ms. Monica – a woman they had met at the Drop Inn Shelter while volunteering. Stories were shared about how wonderful she was, and how much she touched their lives in such a small time of knowing her. In the invitation, Savannah Kennedy, a student at Milford Schools said, “This event will help some of us cope with what has happened and possibly help some of the ladies at the Drop Inn that may have known Monica. We spent a long time there with them, especially Monica, I feel like we need to remember her in some way.” — Michelle Dillingham
An Ordinary Hero SAVANNAH KENNEDY
Contributing Writer
She was happy to see us again after so long and we heard of how wonderful her life had been going. She made promises of having us all over to show off her new place soon and I’m a little sad that we never got to do that. But I was happy when I remembered that Mrs. Schunk was told that Monica kept the little scrapbook we made for her in her apartment; out in the open so people would see it and ask about it, just so she could tell them about us. Monica shared her story and how we were involved in her story, sort of in a way telling a little piece of each of our story as well.
ful woman named Monica and my life was forever changed. It saddens me that Monica will never get to be a medical receptionist and help in her own way spreading joy. But I promise because of Monica I will never let an opportunity go by to help someone, to spread joy and laughter, to stand tall in who I am and in my faith, and I will never let anyone treat me poorly because of the confidence and self-worth that Monica inspired in me because of her stories she told and advice she gave. I never really noticed this change until now as I reflect on the time I had
Memorial for Ms. Monica. Photo: Janelle Shunck It’s amazing how people’s stories interconnect that way. Some words that were given to us by Mrs. Schunk in this sad time were about sharing people’s stories. That as humans we find comfort in being known or remembered. I find comfort in knowing that Monica spoke of us when she could and I will never cease to share her story when the moment arises and I hope we can all take something away from our experience with her and the things she told us. She told us all how pretty we were, how sweet and funny we could be, always encouraging us to do what we want and to take chances. This is where Monica touched my
with Monica. Thank you for that Monica. It is often said that people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do, and I finally understand this. Monica might not have gotten to change the whole world and that’s not what matters, she changed my world and that’s what does matter, that she changed someone’s world. So maybe we shouldn’t be so focused on making huge impacts, but instead focus on the small personal relationships like Monica did, then before we know it many worlds have been changed. So yes I am sad that she is gone but I find peace knowing
Savannah Kennedy & Ms. Monica. Photo: Janelle Shunck
W
hen I first received the news about Monica, I’m going to be honest I cried a lot, for her, for her family, for her friends and for how unfair life can seem sometimes. But today I’m done crying, it’s not about that for me right now. Today is about remembering and being happy that we got to know Monica at all. Every week no matter what she was as happy as can be, smiling, laughing and asking how our week was going. Even the one week she rushed over after having a tooth taken out, she was still the same Monica we saw every week. She took joy in the small events in life and that is beautiful. Knowing her energy and spirit I don’t believe she’d want us to be sad for her. At the start of the Program New Voices where I met Monica I was a little nervous about the whole thing, but after the first week I knew that this was going to be one of the most impactful experiences I’ll have in my life. The women were so nice to us even though I know they were nervous too. Except for Monica, she saw it as an opportunity to help, she may not have much but she had a fountain of experience to share with us young ladies, coming from a woman who’s been in our shoes. Knowing the struggles that come with being a woman. When meeting Monica she just absolutely lit up the room with her
positive energy, cracking jokes and her wonderful smile. This was only the first week and it only got better from there. Week after week Monica came to our meetings and we got to know her and she got to know us. It wasn’t long before Tuesday was my favorite day of the week and I couldn’t wait for it to come around again. It was great to get away from our normal lives and go downtown and see Monica and the other ladies. Every one of us could forget about our normal lives for a while as we shared stories and took pictures together. Monica was a very special woman to all of us. Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80, and I believe Monica really lived her life. I admired her positivity and strong faith despite the circumstances. Through the program we heard of her ups and downs and experienced them with her. Nearing the end of the program we were delighted to share the experience of Monica finally receiving her birth certificate, which she needed to find housing. Not long after this we find out that Monica found housing and was able to move out of the Drop to start her life fresh again. Looking back it only seems fitting that she was with us just long enough for our program before she moved on from the Drop. She came to the final gallery for our New Voices program and we gave her a hoodie that we had made for our little group and she loved it so much.
Balloon release. Photo: Janelle Shunck
life, a person I met, a total stranger at first could tell me all these wonderful things and they made me realize that they are true and that helped me a lot. She inspired me with her positive attitude and faith to be me, to take chances. At the beginning of my senior year I had no clue where my life was going, but after Monica and the program, I took a leap toward the rest of my life. I’m now going to art school and pursuing my passion for art, hoping to use it to help people. So when people ask me how I got my start and why I do what I do I will tell them of a time my senior year in High school when I participated in a photography group where I met this wonder-
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
that she is somewhere unimaginably better than what we can ever fathom. And I also find peace in knowing I can share the joy that Monica was and her story that she will continue on in memory. I hope she is smiling down on the people she became close with and if she can hear me I just want to thank her for being her positive self and she will definitely be missed. We’re all stories in the end, so make it a good one because in the blink of an eye, there are no more chapters and it’s the end of a book you’re closing. So make it a good one! I believe Monica lived a great story. She was an Ordinary Hero. ------------------------
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PHOTO ESSAY
A u g . 14 t h - 27 t h , 2014 | N o . 28 4
The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless would like to thank The Cincinnati Symphony and Pops for working with us and our partner organizations to bring a more diverse crowd to this year’s Lumenocity. AJ WALTZ
Photography
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No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
PHOTO ESSAY
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
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LOCAL
A u g . 14 t h - 27 t h , 2014 | N o . 28 4
We, Too, Are Human: Two Friendly Soldiers in the Cancer War STEVE SUNDERLAND
Contributing Writer
A
lmost anyone would be excused for considering themselves victims of a real war when they are embedded in fighting cancer. The language of war is ever present as the patient “fights” for good test results,” “arms him/herself with the best weapons,” “seeks victory,” and is ever aware of the cost of “losing,” the reality of death. Often the patient is a member of a team engaged in planning, executing, and evaluating every action, searching for evidence of the obliteration of the enemy and the success of the team. Sometimes it feels like the patient is all alone, out at the edge of the battlefield, vulnerable, and exposed to any and all dangers. Other times, the bonds of friendship add strength, spiritual and physical stamina, to the daily grind of facing the “enemy.” Too much of cancer care is shrouded in a fog, with decisions rarely having clarity and certainty. There are land mines everywhere, it seems. Stepping out into treatment may require risks, seen and unknown, incalculable and less risky. Too often cancer care, like any form of soldiering, is framed by the mantra: “To get along, you go along.” Truth about diagnosis, treatment, and surviving may not survive. The patient, ever vigilant to any suggestion of safety and danger, wades into battle without training, without adequate equipment, and with too depleted forces. This kind of situation is changing, so says Patient Navigator veterans Robin Hays, and Judith Behan. 1. Julie Behan: 513.584.2692. julie.behan@cancer.org. If you have cancer, or think you have cancer, and you are at the UC Health Center, Barrett Cancer Center, you have to see Julie Behan for support and assistance with non-medical concerns: transportation, help with day care, paying for treatment, and contact with many support groups. You have to look hard for Julie as she is in a cubby of an office on the first floor of the Barrett Cancer Center. Her room has a desk, a few chairs, and lots of information provided for free by the American Cancer Society. Julie is a warm, friendly, and very experienced Patient Navigator. She has been working on Patient Navigation for over 10 years, although only recently at the Barrett. She is paid one half of her salary by the Barrett Center and the other half by the American Cancer Society. She rarely leaves her office for lunch, but she does leave on some days around 3pm in order to work at a second job. When she leaves for the day, or on weekends, or is on vacation or sick, there is no other person doing her critical work. Also, no one is on duty to be a Patient Navigator in the evening. (Julie suggests that patients that need immediate answers in the evening call the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 phone number: 800.227.2345.) Julie averages 10 patients a day, answering a whole set of questions that relate to economic issues and psychological concerns. “I can’t fix everything,” Julie says in a quiet voice. Some people seeking housing and financial assis-
tance will find that there is no good answer. “A lot of people just don’t have good choices,” she elaborates, “especially if they have a cancer other than breast cancer.” Breast cancer patients may have access to a host of programs that reduce or eliminate costs. Julie is aware that many people will need a temporary form of counseling to cope with the many issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. She refers people to Cancer Family Care (731.3346). “It’s not a free service,” she notes, “and 90% of insurance companies support such a service. There is even a sliding scale.” Julie is aware of the “boundaries” that need to be respected. She is wary of venturing into any medical advice, although she is aware of resources within the Barrett. Sadly, many physicians, nurses, and social workers do not refer patients to her. “I don’t even know if they know about my work,” she says with some feeling. As large as her support load is, Julie feels that every person with cancer deserves the benefits of Patient Navigation as defined by the American Cancer Society. Julie Behan is one important indicator of the change in cancer care. She notes that the American Cancer Society is undergoing a “transformation” in thinking through cancer care. “Patient Navigation is in the works,” she declares. “Cincinnati has to catch up with Columbus and Cleveland in Patient Navigation and the American Cancer Society is taking the necessary steps.” she notes. Hospitals that want to be accredited by the Commission on Cancer (“More than 70 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients are treated in the more than 1,500 Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited cancer programs nationwide.”-American College of Surgeons Website.) have to have a Patient Navigation Program in place by 2015. Julie’s efforts are a part, perhaps a very small part, of what should be a comprehensive program involving the health care staff of the Barrett. Right now, if every patient wanted a Patient Navigator, there would be a crisis in delivery of the necessary services. Julie is a one woman army but limited in how comprehensive her services can be. I learned a lot by talking with her, seeing how she ably referred to the materials that could help the cancer patient. Overall, her services seem inadequately appreciated by the Barrett Center and a shadow of what they could be if she headed an organization that could work with the whole person with cancer. What was unspoken but evident is that the patient is losing out on valuable resources, perhaps critical for psychological, economic, and health consequences. The casualties in poor patient care about decisions that are so important are visible. 2. Robin Hayes: 513.865.5965. Robin_Hayes@trihealth.com There are people in health care that are matter of fact; they have seen it all. And then there are the passionate. Robin Hayes Clinical Team Manager is passionate times 10. With over 15 years as a nurse and now as part of the team building the Patient Navigation process at Tri-Health, Robin is a not a wishy-washy practitioner: “If you are not crying, if you are not caring, you
Julie Behan. ought to be out of the healthcare business,” she exclaims without a smile on her face. She continues: “In patient care, honesty is the most difficult goal to reach. When we get to the point of saying “This doctor or treatment is not for you,”--that’s the state we have to reach.” Robin is a central part of the new program in Patient Navigation in operation at Tri-Health. Hiring surgeons and nurse navigators is the first big step that has been taken. “The doctors are incredibly supportive and able to communicate with patients and nurses; we plan and act together,” Robin exclaims. “Our message: ‘We’re going to take care of you,’” she continues. But what does “care” mean to a cancer patient, especially when the patient is so worried, and confused about next steps? Robin outlined her version of Patient Navigation: “From the moment I know a patient has cancer, she becomes ‘my’ patient for the rest of her life. I will call the patient and inform her she has cancer, and help her get into the doctor immediately. I know she will have questions and that she may also not know what to ask. We’ll talk. And we will continue as the patient learns more about their cancer, the questions and fears will continue in some areas and lessen in others. At no time will the patient be lonely, disconnected from the Patient Navigator. The Nurse Patient Navigator does have knowledge of the system and of the cancers. This is very helpful to the patient as it fosters a trust that questions procedures and encourages alternatives that can be discussed without fear of looking ignorant. I am an advocate for the patient. I learned at a very early age to be an advocate for a patient and I will not abandon that value. I want the patient to feel cared for and confident at every step.” What impressed me most about Robin was her honesty about what a Patient Navigator can do if the system is dedicated to patient care as its highest priority. The belief that every patient, rich or poor, deserves a Patient Navigator who is excellent, is a rare statement in healthcare. Robin was clear that TriHealth does not yet have a coordinated system in place in all of its hospitals, not all doctors and surgeons agree with Patient Navigation, costs may vary from hospital to hospital just as access to Patient Navigation may not be developed in all TriHealth hospitals, and seniors are going to have a harder time reaching TriHealth services due to program cuts in transportation (their SeniorLink program has been ended), and there
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
Robin Hayes. are important questions that are unanswered about how poor people will reach TriHealth for services. I asked Robin what is a poor person to do if they suspect they have cancer but they are afraid of costs, treatments, or finding out that they have no transportation to the hospital. “Have anyone call me. I will help find them their resources,” she immediately responded. There are some state programs, some resources available but how will those with greater economic needs be able to find excellent care? The reality facing hospitals, TriHealth included, is that more and more people are learning that they have cancer but the system for treatment is still fraught with many dangers as patients enter without an ally (M. Wert (7/31/14).”More adults are facing serious illnesses.” The Enquirer.). Meeting Julie and Robin only made it clearer just how sparse the compassionate resources are for cancer patients. For most patients, even those with insurance, the battle for standards for Patient Navigation are going to be waged at the patient’s most difficult time and when most hospitals are just awakening to the needs of cancer patients. For example, there are only 32 Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators in Ohio, 8 in Cincinnati, and 4 are at TriHealth (personal correspondence from Robin Hayes). Julie indicated that breast cancer had the most resources for patients, state and private programs, but the reality is that all cancers have scarce resources and Patient Navigation is still an orphan program. We need to celebrate the heroic work of Julie, Robin, and others who are raising the standards for cancer patient care. And, at the same time, work toward a bold program of Patient Navigation in every hospital that serves cancer patients and a public education program that begins to mount pressure on hospitals and medical, nursing, and social work schools for accepting Patient Navigation. This has personal meaning for me as my family continues to face cancer treatments without any sight of Patient Navigation. We went to both a TriHealth hospital and the Barrett Center and never heard about or met a Patient Navigator. My brother is having a similar experience in New York City. It is realistic to expect peace as a cancer victim with a Patient Navigator. When? ------------------------
No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
Waitress Wisdom
I
MIMI DARIA
Contributing Writer
realize it’s hard for some to believe but I liked waitressing. Did I love burning my arms with hot plates? No. Did I love getting up at four thirty in the morning to get ready for work? No. Did I love being on my feet for eight hours a day? No. Did I think I would be a server well into my forties? No. Did I love kissing ass to make a dollar? That wasn’t in my job description. The stereotype is that waitressing is for the dumb, slutty, or a college kid. “Coffee, tea, or me?” never passed my lips. My mantra was something like “Sit here.” Or “Don’t forget my tip.” And occasionally “In this restaurant we say PLEASE.” Of course there was a fine line that I didn’t cross. Well, that’s not exactly true but never when my boss was in ear shot. Actually, that’s a lie. I was fortunate enough to work for a man who would not allow us to let anyone take away our dignity because of a customer’s perception of who we are or who they are. Mostly, I had fun as a waitress. That doesn’t mean I didn’t take my job seriously. I ran my section like it was my own business. Somehow I was blessed with the ability to remember the little
A Big Day at City Hall JUSTIN JEFFRE
Streetvibes Editor
A
ugust 6th was a big day at City Hall. There was a lot on City Council’s agenda and at the top was something special. Longtime Civil Rights leader Jessie Jackson was in town asking city leaders to pass a motion in support of a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to vote. Nowhere in our nation’s founding documents does it say that citizens have a right to vote. Jackson is working to change that. Cincinnati was the launching pad for a movement to guarantee the right to vote. His visit was on the 49th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
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LOCAL quirks of the hungry. “Butter on the side, no bread, well done potatoes.” Waitressing also taught me to recognize the needs of people. Some people want lots of chatter, which is my gift. Some just want to eat and leave. I recognized fairly early in my career, yes it is a career, I had the ability to make someone’s day. That to some people I was the only human contact they had in a day. To some I was the person whom they could share intimate details of their heart, their life without judgment. To the business man who had the weight of the world on his shoulders with a company of gazillion employees, I was no stress. He could be himself, no image to uphold. Because I was a waitress I was able to meet and befriend people who I otherwise would not know as a person as opposed to a job title. The Chief of Police, County Commissioner, and various presidents and vice presidents of large companies had all become my friends. It’s funny that THOSE PEOPLE were the most unlikely to be demanding, condescending, cheap ass customers. Perhaps they saw themselves in the same industry as me, the service industry. They too, dealt with people from every walk of life from their equals to the low income single mother. Maybe they had an appreciation for the labor industry that the “Nickel Dime Millionaires” lacked.
I left the restaurant business a few months ago. After a series of cortisone shots in my feet and back pain that brought me to tears I made the decision to move on. So now I call work a place where I sit on my bump and listen to people cry. Seriously, I could write a country music song. I’ve heard it all, from time in Federal Prison to “my wife left me.” My entire day consists of talking people off the cliff. Encouraging them to “Do the right thing.” And “Sometimes good people make bad choices. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Either way you are making a positive move.” No, I don’t work for a Suicide Prevention Hotline. No, I am not a Social Worker. Welcome to the life a Legal Recovery Specialist aka Collection Agent. I’m not sure what motivated me to write this piece. I guess it’s because I feel defensive of the restaurant worker and the labor industry. And because what I always thought to be true I now know to be true. Work is work. And work is hard. Not that sitting in that beautiful law office downtown at Fifth and Vine is physically demanding but it’s exhausting talking people of that cliff. Yes, I have great benefits at the law office and I get to wear pretty clothes. However, there is a part of me that will always miss saying “Don’t forget to leave my tip.” ------------------------
Currently states can make decisions that can suppress the vote. For instance in some states felons lose their voting rights, others make it harder for college students, minorities and the poor to vote. Rev. Jackson stayed after the vote while Council confirmed Harry Rev. Jackson speaks at City Hall. Black as the new Photo credit: Kevin Osborne City Manager. some reservations about Black. HowChoosing a City Manager is the most ever, he was confirmed unanimously. important thing a Mayor and CounCouncilmember Smitherman wasn’t cil can do under our current form of there for the vote. government. Some – like Councilmember Chris Seelbach – expressed ------------------------
Member Agency Spotlight Tender Mercies
27 West 12th Street | Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 721-8666 & (513) 639-7037 Mission – “Tender Mercies transforms the lives of homeless adults with mental illness by providing security, dignity, and community in a place they call home.” Provides housing, procures benefits for residents, offers social and recreational opportunities, serves as an advocate for additional services needed or entitled to its residents.
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
NOW HIRING Check out these openings! Visit their webpages for more info. Caracole- www.caracole.org - Social Work Supervisor - Case Manager - Senior Resident Assistant Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment www.CCATsober.org - Accepting ongoing applications Joseph Housewww.josephhouse.com -Chemical Dependency Counselor Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati- www.lascinti.org -Paralegal, Full-Time -Staff Attorney Lighthouse Youth Services www.lys.org Case Manager Licensed Social Workers Licensed Counselors Licensed Professional Counselors Residential Manager P.E./Health TeacherLighthouse Community School Clinical Supervisor Chemical Dependency Therapist House Resources Specialist Individual Aides Youth Worker Service Coordinator Clinical Services Coordinator Intervention Specialist Jr. Application Developer National Church Residencesnationalchurchresidences.org - Service Coordinator Vincent DePaul of Cincinnatiwww.svdpcincinnati.org 1. Store-Associates- St. Vincent de Paul 2. Assistant Store ManagersSt. Vincent de Paul 3. Cashiers 4.Clothes Hangers and Shelf Stockers 5. Donation Door Attendants and Floor Associates Tender Mercieswww.tendermerciesinc.org - Accepting ongoing applications YWCA of Greater Cincinnatihttp://www.ywca.org -Workforce Development Educator -Grants Manager - Grant Outcome & Evaluation Specialist - Payroll & Grant Billing Specialist
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STREET VOICE
A u g . 14 t h - 27 t h , 2014 | N o . 28 4
Deborah’s Recipe Box DEBORAH POINDEXTER
Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer
No Bake Watermelon Cake
Ingredients: 1-1/2 lb. seedless watermelon 2-8 oz. containers of cool whip Mint and berries (optional) Instructions: Slice both short ends of watermelon so it sits flat. Cut away rind to make it round. Place on cake plate. Frost with cool whip. Top with berries or mint (optional).
How Louis Became A Dog Tv Star - A Dog-Horatio Alger Story JUSTIN JEFFRE
C
Streetvibes Editor alling all parents, grandparents and dog lovers! Are you seeking some light summer reading for your eight to ten
year olds? Are you looking for a story that you will enjoy reading to your kids or grand kids? If
ger story.”
ing change to be writing about the an-
years. One dog in particular, Wilbur,
His first children’s book, Woods
tics of a little dog,” he declares, “in-
caught tennis balls and scooted under
usually writes about urban issues and
stead of urban problems and today’s
politics, and since 2012, he has con-
politics.” Woods says that the fiction-
beds at the sound of thunder just like
tributed a biweekly political spoof in
al “Louis” is an amalgam of various
rhyme for StreetVibes. “It is a refresh-
dogs that have shared his life over the
Louis in the story. Woods hopes Louis’ story will appeal both to children and
so, “How Louis Became
adults who love dogs. Since
a Dog TV Star” is the
parents and grandparents
book for you.
often read books to their
Written and illus-
children and grandchildren,
trated by Bill Woods,
the author sought to in-
a regular Streetvibes
sert some humor to amuse
contributor, the book
older readers. For instance,
relates how a feisty,
grandparents will probably
little dog from an aver-
recognize the Chuck Winkle
age family becomes a
Variety Show as the equiva-
TV star due to luck and
lent of the former Ed Sulli-
a few mistakes made at
van Show.
the right time. A life-
Woods and his wife Car-
long dog lover himself,
ol currently share a home
the author speculates
with Louie, their middle-
that most dog-lovers
sized Poodle. The Louis’
think their canines are exceptional
and
book can be purchased in
de-
hard back, paper, or as an
serve recognition. “The
e-book at wwwBlurb.com, or
quick and unlikely rise
in several local book stores.
of Louis to stardom,” notes Woods, “might be called a dog-Horatio Al-
A children’s book by Bill Woods. Photo: Justin Jeffre.
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STREET VOICE
No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
A THEFT IN THE ECONOMY
THE CONGRESSIONAL RECESS LOWERS STRESS LEVELS
It takes a thief to steal the people of the countries belief It takes a thief to have the people have to change their lives, now that’s deep
Are you feeling much less stress
It takes a thief to double the price of football stadiums and fields
Now that the House is in recess?
It takes a thief to convince the county the police deserve a Las Vegas deal
At least when it is on a vacation,
It takes a thief to steal channels from our children, scanning for the T.V.
We get a break from polarization.
Whether it be for the Converter Box, Cable Box or Direct T.V. Do you
When in session it does nothing,
understand me?
But a lot of huffing and puffing.
For me to steal anything or to be classified as a political thief Would for me never to have believed in the Constitution and damn
The only thing it does with relish Is make Obama’s life quite hellish.
BILL WOODS
Democracy
Contributing Writer
So now where do we go as a people in order to regain the stability we so freely lost? In the future we must read every dotted line, keep the faith and let God alone be the boss!
LITTLE SISTER As I look and hold my little sister book I realize how her little hands have been very busy opening
WILLA DENISE JONES
Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer
and closing her bible Many hours she has spent reading and learning about Gods strength I never thought about the time she has spent turning to God for strength Little Sister I am so proud of you for Turning to God to see what to do
A Walk in The Park CRAIG SMITH
O
Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer
ne fine warm sunny day, I’m at Washington Park, sitting on the rock ledge with my feet splashing in the water and the wind blowing through my hair. I see kids playing in the water as it dances all around and the sound of soft music playing in the back, I see couples walking around holding hands and frolicking in the grass, the trees are swaying back and forth as if they’re watching everyone having fun. So they do their own kind of dance in unison. The birds are chirping and playing fly-
ing games together. I hear the sound of bells chiming to every hour. I see the dogs playing in the park, as if they are human beings having fun with other dogs. The grass is so green and soft as if it was carpet, the park has come a long way. It’s amazing that it once was an old cemetery, and has been turned into a parking garage and an enjoyable park for Over-the-Rhine community. It’s just a walk in the park.
KIM GREEN
Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer
------------------------
I was Drowning, but I was Luckily Saved CLEO WOMBLES
O
Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer
ne thing that I learned the most was when I was about eleven years old. My older brothers had built a diving board over a small pond that we have. When I was seven I did not know any better and I jumped into the pond and almost drowned. I was scared to death, I was screaming for my life. All of this happened to me in a few short moments. Somehow my brother pulled me out, he was my life saver. His name
is Mark Wombles. Even at the age of ten he was able to save me. He knew about pumping my stomach so I coughed up the water, praise God because of him I am alive today. I still have fear of water, swimming pools, ponds, rivers etc. This is a true story, I feel some people will identify with this. I was one of the lucky ones because some do not make it. I really fell for the ones that don’t make it. ------------------------
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
14
PUZZLES
A u g . 14 t h - 27 t h , 2014 | N o . 28 4
CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 49 Across 1. Fraudulent business scheme 5. Computer memory, initially 8. Double 12. Instance 13. ___ Horn 14. Common 16. Netherlands city 18. Cover with liquid for cooking 19. Indicates maiden name 20. Signal fire 22. Beverage 23. Measure of rum 24. Not widely known 25. Agree 28. Decay 29. Relating to the backbone 31. River in central Europe 34. Ireland 37. Book of maps 39. Oaf 40. Spanish resort, Costa del ___ 41. Ascent 42. Concentration 44. Departed 46. Alleviate 47. Chair of state 49. United Arab Emirates, initially 51. Opposing 52. Public space 54. Tally 57. Term of address 59. Borneo sultinate 61. Evergreen 62. At right angles to the length of a ship 65. South American country 67. Ski slope 68. Sharp 69. Formerly known as Persia 70. Sulk 71. Snakelike fish 72. Fringe benefit
Down 1. Light or short 2. Anaglyph 3. Item of value 4. Encountered 5. Detection device 6. Rapidly 7. Note 8. Invest with knighthood 9. Country 10. Canberra is the capital 11. Tardy 13. Invent 15. Pasture 17. Spanish river 21. Light sleep 26. By way of 27. Main course 28. Come back 29. Ego 30. Young girl 31. Fairy 32. Pillage 33. Capital of Romania 35. Small island 36. Fish eggs 38. Observe 43. Drunkard 45. Serving dish 48. Beak 50. Related 52. Blended food 53. World’s highest falls 54. Aflame 55. Jordanian currency 56. Imbibed 57. Watery part of a plant 58. Wading bird 60. Garden tool 63. Consumed 64. Common gull 66. Gratuity
SODOKU PUZZLE NO 13- MEDIUM
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 283 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 48
SODOKU PUZZLE NO 12- MEDIUM
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PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com
RESOURCES
No. 284 | A u g . 1 4 t h - 2 7 t h , 2 0 1 4
Shelter: Women and Children
1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Central Access Point Bethany House
381-SAFE 557-2873
St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside
535-2719 591-2246
Grace Place Catholic Worker House
681-2365
FreeStore/FoodBank
241-1064
Mercy Franciscan at St. John
981-5800
Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center
271-5501
Salvation Army
762-5660
YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter
872-9259
St. Vincent de Paul
562-8841
1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224
1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Shelter: Men
City Gospel Mission
1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Mt. Airy Shelter
4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214
Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House
241-5525
2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Caracole (HIV/AIDS)
1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237
Drop Inn Center
217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
661-4620
682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205
Starting Over
CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing
114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
569-9500 761-1480 721-0643
721-4580 632-7149 381-1171
Tender Mercies 721-8666
27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907
961-4555 381-1954
300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Food/Clothing
Lord’s Pantry Mercy Franciscan at St. John
621-5300 981-5800
OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry
961-1983
Our Daily Bread
621-6364
1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206
961-2256
Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women
Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080
Housing:
784-1853
Prospect House 921-1613
Shelter: Both
Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219
4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
15
First Step Home
2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206
961-4663
Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline CCAT
351-0422 381-6672
Joseph House (Veterans)
241-2965
830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300
Advocacy
Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center
421-3131 569-1840 381-4242
Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless
721-4700 421-7803
Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS
579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437
1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202
Health
Center for Respite Care
621-1868
Cincinnati Health Network
961-0600
3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229
2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED
Crossroad Health Center
5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
381-2247
Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach
Other Resources
351-3500 977-4489
Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center
241-2600 241-2563
Peaslee Neighborhood Center
621-5514
Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart
381-0111
Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House
771-4800 751-0600 721-4811
People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place Talbert House United Way Women Helping Women Off The Streets
351-7921 631-1114 751-7747 211 977-5541 421-5211
1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202
Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry
Northern Kentucky
981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276
Brighton Center
859-491-8303
ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY
859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717
Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless
859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226
799 Ann St. Newport, KY
205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011
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A u g . 14 t h - 27 t h , 2014 | N o . 28 4
S
treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 50 cents per copy and sell it for a $1.50 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches.
ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014
ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003
ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012
BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997
BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008
CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003
CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014
CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004
DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012
DONALD YOUNG
ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014
GINA MARTIN
GRADY COOK SINCE 1997
GLENDA CANTRELL
GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012
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JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009
JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006
JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012
JOHN HORN
JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008
J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014
W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009
KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008
KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011
KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010
LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012
LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007
LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009
LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005
LOTTIE MANNER
MARK SHEARS SINCE 12/2007
MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005
MAT HUFF SINCE 10/2010
MAURICE GOLSBY
MEACO WAITE
MICHAEL BEHYMER
RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009
QUEENACELESTINE
LEVY
RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008
RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001
RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009
SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006
TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014
TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007
TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014
TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005
VICTOR MUMPHRY
WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010
WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014
THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED