One Step Away February 2018 Street Paper by Emily Taylor

YOUR VENDOR: $ 1 WWW.OSAPHILLY.ORG FEBRUARY 2018 PHILADELPHIA’S STREET PAPER CREATING JOBS; ADVOCATING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE WHY MARCHEDWE ONE YEAR LATERPAGE4

ESTABLISH6A DIGITAL PRESENCE, TO WITH YOU AUDIENCES. 7 DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS,COMMUNITY TO ALL NEIGHBORHOODS.PHILADELPHIA

AND EXPAND

2 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org OUR 2018 GOALSEVENTS CALENDAR YOU CAN HELP US ACHIEVE Our 2018 Goals 1 CREATE JOBS FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. 2 PROVIDE OUTREACH AND MENTORS FOR PEOPLE LIVING ON THE STREETS AND IN SHELTERS.

CONNECT

AND EXPAND OUR

FEBRUARY WORLD WETLANDS DAY GROUNDHOG DAY BLACK LIVES MATTER WEEK OF ACTION KICK OFF, 4:30 PM @ MAXIMUM LEVEL LOUNGE GOOD CAUSE COALITION MEETING, 7 PM @ REPAIR THE WORLD: PHILADELPHIA POETRY AS A HOME FOR THE HOMELESS, OSA VENDORS ON PHILLY LOVES POETRY 6:30 PM @ COMCAST CABLE 66/966HD/967 VERIZON FIOS 29/30 RITTENHOUSE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY @ THE DOESSCHOMBURGINSTITUTEFRANKLINSYMPOSIUM:VIOLENCEHAVECOLOR? 9 AM @ TALLER PUERTORRIQUEÑO HANDMADE REBELLION CRAFT BAZAAR, 1 PM @ TATTOOED MOM JOIN ONE STEP AWAY @ 2018 BIG SELL OFF, 12-1 PM THROUGHOUT PHILLY REGISTER AT OSAPHILLY.ORG IMMIGRATION IN TRUMP’S AMERICA, 6 PM @ LA SALLE PRESIDENT’SUNIVERSITYDAY20196248522-24 • AMPLIFY OUR VOICES • MAKE VISIBLEHOMELESSNESS • SUPPORT HARDWORKINGOUR VENDORS HELP US EXPAND TO NEIGHBORHOODSTHESE JOIN THE BIG SELL OFF FEBRUARY 8, FROM 12-1PM REGISTER @ OSAPHILLY.ORG#VENDORWEEEK#BIGSELLOFFEVENTEVENT

PROMOTE3VENDORS WITHIN ONE STEP AWAY AS TEAM LEADERS, VENDOR TRAINERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES.COMMUNITY 4 CREATE ADVANCEMENTECONOMICAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH FOR OUR VENDORS AS THEY MOVE BEYOND HOMELESSNESS. 5 PUBLISH A MONTHLY PAPER, FOCUSED ON SOLUTIONS BASED JOURNALISM, ADVOCATING FOR THOSE WITHOUT A VOICE.

As a nonprofit organization, 501(c)3, One Step Away relies on donations to fund our program. One Step Away is a program of the human services nonprofit Resources for Human Development, a registered 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. The official registration and financial information of Resources for Human Development may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. GIVE

OUR MISSION : TO CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. TO

A VOICE AND A PLATFORM FOR PEOPLE TO BE HEARD. I SUPPORT ONE STEP AWAY BECAUSE WHAT DOES YOUR VENDOR MEAN TO YOU? NAME: “INPHONE:EMAIL:ADDRESS:HONOR OF” MY VENDOR: $50 $250$150 $500 $ WHAT DOES YOUR VENDOR MEAN TO YOU? ONLINE: WWW.OSAPHILLY.ORG MAIL: ONE STEP AWAY P.O. BOX 63703 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 EMAIL: OSA@RHD.ORG SOCIAL: @OSAPHILLY CONSIDER A TAXDEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO SUPPORTWORK!OUR SHARE YOUR OSA STORY #VENDORWEEKWORLDWIDE

OSAphilly.org ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● One Step Away 3

4 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org LATERYEARONE WHY WE MARCH STORY AND PHOTOS BY BAILEY BASHAM, ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE CONTRIBUTOR STREET PAPER, NASHVILLE, TN

Darlene Leong Neal stood body-to-body in a sea of pink cat-eared hats. She was surrounded by nearly 500,000 marchers in Washington, D.C., all waiting for the announcement to take that first step.

Neal had made the 700-plus mile trip with 12 others from Nashville to participate in the Women’s March on Washington, and after what seemed like hours of waiting, they heard the news from the stage — the march was on.

In a few days, Neal will dust off her protest signs to join the thousands of Tennesseans expected to turn out for the second anniversary women’s march and conference in Nashville. This past year, the first organized women’s march of the modern movement started as a grassroots idea to bring together people who were frustrated by the fact that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but lost the election. It quickly came to represent the movements for affordable birth control, better access to health care, equal pay for equal work, rights for transgender Americans and so much more.Themarch came together in about two months, and the idea was adopted in every state in the country. Organizing began on Facebook before spreading to pockets of people in communities around the United States. The Women's March became the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. A total of 673 sister marches were held, five of which were in Tennessee.

“We got the instructions from the stage that we’re all going to turn around together to march out,” Neal says. “There was maybe one step, but we had arrived. Once we took those baby steps, we’d done it. It was beautiful. Even in that scenario, all the people who wanted to march were excited about those baby steps.”

This year, one Women’s March — referred to this as the Power to the Polls year — is being held in Las Vegas. As Nevada is a swing state that will be determinant in the way Senate seats are filled in the 2018 midterm elections. The march in Nevada will be the genesis of a national tour focused on getting citizens registered in their precincts. The purpose of the march is to “[uplift] the voices and campaigns of the nation’s most marginalized communities to create transformative social and political change,” according to the official Women’s March website.

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“Women are the caretakers, so for every marcher, there may be a different reason to march,” says Kristin Dillard, a volunteer coordinator for the march. “My reason to march might be concerns about the environment. Yours might be folks that are hungry. Someone else’s might be folks that are undocumented. Anyone who doesn’t have the perfect privilege of being male, white, straight, Christian and born in America is on someone’s mind as they are marching.”

This past year, like many at the Women’s March, Dillard was a first-timer. Her involvement, she says, was a reaction to the results of the 2016 presidential election.“Icommitted to D.C. before I even knew there was a Nashville march. The vibe there was nothing like I had ever seen before,” Dillard says. “There were 600,000 people standing body-to-body, not moving for about three or four hours. We were just communing with the people around us and hearing each other’s stories about why we were all there, what we were going to do moving forward.“Ihave always, for my whole life, been expectant and couldn’t wait for someone else to do the right thing and fix [whatever needed fixing]. And then … I woke up. I realized I am somebody, and I can do something.”

Dillard’s response — what Neal refers to as righteous anger — was not uncommon among march organizers, activists and the “average Jane” after the election.

“I look at my experience and see that last year, so many of us were primarily motivated by righteous anger,” Neal says. “Now, I see so many of us having moved to a space [where] outrage is not the primary motivator. We’re still pissed, but now we’re a lot more strategic about it. We’re mad, but we’re going to“We’vewin. learned individually as activists and organizers that we need to be more intentional and collaborative with other groups and individuals because how do we build power for change? Together. It is literally the only way.”

Join a March or Action

Organize a March or Action

Share on Social Media and view videos from the events online

Neal, who has been working in the advocacy world since she started a food bank as an 18-year-old, said she has plans to be a part of that collaborative effort for the rest of her life. “I’ve got a really loud voice. That’s one thing I do have,” Neal says. “I don’t have access to corridors of power, but I’m willing to stand outside and ring the warning bell. The main reason I march and do this work is because it’s not politics — it’s personal. I think that’s what it comes down to for a lot of people who march. It’s a very personal expression of my morals, my values. I value all of us, and I don’t feel good when I see people being left behind or left out,” she says. “I march for my sons. Especially as a mother to boys; I have to do this for them. There is no choice. That’s how compelled I feel. I am under a moral imperative to do what I can do to build the world that I know they deserve. I know them. I know what they’re capable of, and they’re not going to get there in this world. What are my options? Get me a hammer. If I have to tear something down before I can rebuild? OK. I’ll do it. I’ll leave the prettier stuff to other people.”

WE RESIST. WE PERSIST. WE RISE.

6 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org

GET INVOLVE D

This year, anniversary marches were held on January 20 and 21 in more than 250 cities across the United States and around the world. On January 20, thousands of people marched in Philly for the second annual Women’s March on Philadelphia. Stay informed at www.womensmarchphl.com. If you wish to continue to advocate, follow the four steps below, and get out to vote! Get involved at www.womensmarchglobal.com

Amplify our Women’sGlobalVoice

About Women’s March Global: Women’s March Global is proud and excited to announce the pledge and campaign that will carry us into 2018: Look Back, March Forward. Look Back, March Forward will be a celebration of the achievements of this global network held worldwide and a pledge to renewed and continued resistance in 2018. We will pledge to commit not only to marching, but direct action and engagement so that we can bring forth real change in our Global and local communities. To define our goals, we follow the unifying H.E.R.S. Framework: H - Health E - Economic Security R - Representation S - Safety Learn more at www.womensmarchglobal.com.

Photo Credits: Bailey Basham, www.womensmarchglobal.com., and Malcolm Stanley

JANUARY

JUNE

Elizabeth Warren attempted to read a letter by Coretta Scott King, but was silenced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. This was the impetus to the phrase, “Nevertheless, she persisted.”

MARCH

U.S. District Court Judge Lee Yeakel blocked the newest Texas anti-abortion law.

The New York Times found that Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly had paid five women who had accused him of sexual harassment for a total of $13 million. O’Reilly left Fox with a $25 million payout.

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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

The White House declared the month of April National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

An unnamed female marine becomes the first female to pass the notoriously grueling Infantry Officer Course since it was opened to women in April of 2016.

JULY Wonder Woman , which made more than $100 million in its opening weekend, became the biggest live-action box office ever by a female director.

Around the world, International Women’s Day became the day without women — women went on strike, staying home from work, closing schools and even marching to demonstrations at parliament in the UK. The strike, endorsed by the Women’s March, was done in protest of pay inequality and workplace harassment and discrimination.

It's announced that the number of women seeking elected offices at every level has been on a steady incline, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Chef,Rutgers.restaurant owner and co-host of ABC’s, The Chew, Mario Batali, was fired from his position with ABC and stepped away from his restaurant duties after accusations of sexual misconduct. Doug Jones won the Alabama Senate seat as a Democrat, beating accused harasser Roy Moore.

Viola Davis became the first black actor to win the "Triple Crown of Acting” award at the Academy MassachusettsAwards.senator

APRIL Fox News CEO Roger Ailes stepped down amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Democrat and former journalist Danica Roem became the first openly transgender person to be elected and hold a seat in a U.S. state legislature. Ravi Bhalla became the first Sikh-elected mayor in New Jersey and one of few Sikhs to become mayor of an American city.

DECEMBER

The New York Times publishes a story on accusations of sexual assault, some decades old, that had been made against Harvey ActressesWeinstein.Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan were among the first to come forward. The #MeToo movement, originally created by activist Tarana Burke more than 10 years ago, was reawakened when actress Alyssa Milano encouraged Twitter users who have experienced sexual harassment to respond with #MeToo. Women’s March organizers planned a convention to “tap into the power of women in leadership as the fundamental, grassroots force for change.” More than 4,000 people attended.

Top NPR News executive Mike Oreskes was forced out after allegations of sexual Eightharassment.women came forward with accusations against CBS host Charlie Rose.

Rep. Maxine Waters sparked social media hashtags and viral memes when she interrupted Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's answer to her question by repeating the phrase, "Reclaiming my time." The phrase later became the theme of the Women’s Convention.

NBC fired long-time Today co-host Matt Lauer over complaints of sexual misconduct in the workplace.

Time magazine named "The Silence Breakers," referring to those who came forward to report sexual misconduct, as its Person of the Year.

FEBRUARY

The Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act was written into legislation by the U.S. House, calling on the National Science Foundation to “encourage its entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the commercial world.”

JANUARY

Roughly 4 million people gathered in towns across the United States and abroad to show support for the 2017 Women’s March.

2017: THE YEAR OF THE WOMAN WHY WE MARCH

Elizabeth Guzmán and Hala Ayala both made history in Virginia, becoming the first Hispanic women elected to the state's House of Delegates.

AUGUST

The New York Times reported that, for the first time in 37 years, the three most popular films of the year were femaledriven.

Women in Hollywood create the #TimesUp movement to request legislation that will penalize harassment and support those who have experienced abuse, harassment, inequality and discrimination while discouraging the silencing of victims through the use of non-disclosure agreements. The movement also raises funds for victims of workplace sexual harassment who are unable to afford legal aid. 2018

The INSPIRE Women Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. It calls on NASA to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Rose was fired later on that month.

8 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org #VendorWeek 2018 February 6 —12 across the globe! 110 street papers in 34 countries, printed in 24 languages, with 9,300 street paper vendors, and 5.5 million readers worldwide. globe!INTERNATIONALWEEKVENDORFebruary2018INSP (the International Street Paper Network) is made up of over 100 street papers in 34 countries, published in 24 languages. Our vendors • Our network has supported almost 300,000 marginalized people since the ﬁrst street paper was published in 1989. • There are 9,300 vendors selling street papers at any one time. • Over the last year more than 21,000 people have earned an income by selling a street paper. Our street papers • In the last year, 24 million street papers were sold across the world. • Our street paper network speaks to 5.5 million readers worldwide. • Last year, vendors earned a grand total of £30 Million or $42 Million. Our global movement is supported by more than 2,000 volunteers worldwide.

AUSTRALIA

VENDORS AROUND THE GLOBE

#VendorWeek is an opportunity for all of the members of the International Street Paper Network (INSP) to speak together, amplifying our global voice to pay tribute to our vendors. Dozens of papers are taking part, across Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, Asia, and Africa, with a huge range of promotion from special editions to guest vendor events, social media campaigns to international vendor interviews… and even the first international exhibition of street paper artwork and vendor stories.

In nine towns across the north of England, members of the public have signed up to partner a vendor for the day and sell Big Issue North. Fay Selvan, Chief Executive of The Big Life group, (the organization that publishes Big Issue North) and chair of INSP, said: “It’s great for Big Issue North to take part in #VendorWeek for the third year running, raising awareness of the challenges facing the people who sell the magazine and hopefully boosting their sales.

Macedonian street paper Lice v Lice has invited young local authors to sell the paper alongside vendors,and asked them to share their experiences on social media.

The Exhibition INSP will tell the story of the street paper movement with our brand-new exhibition

UNCOVERED: Still Homeless, Still an Issue, which launches this #VendorWeek at The Lighthouse in Glasgow. The interactive show features vendor stories and design from 46 street papers, including One Step Away.

“It’s also been amazing to see how many members of the public are keen to give their time to support us — it shows that magazines like Big Issue North are valuable parts of the cultural landscape, but above all highlights the kindness and generosity of our readers. I’d like to thank all of them for their contribution to #VendorWeek, and hope that it will be a rewarding experience.”

By Laura Kelly and Eleanor Susan Lim, INSP.ngo

Guest Vendors Selling a street paper is hard work. Since #VendorWeek first launched in 2013, one of the most powerful ways of highlighting our work is to invite guest vendors from different walks of life to sell alongside regular vendors. This year, a whole new group of top politicians, business leaders, celebrities, authors, and street paper readers will take to the streets to sell their local paper. The Big Issue Australia has one of the most established guest vendor events in the world. This year, they will have more than 100 senior business leaders and politicians taking part. The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said he hoped that #VendorWeek would “encourage the public to support their local vendor.”

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In Mexico City, Mi Valedor has taken pictures of their vendors posing with signs that explain their personal goals in life — from seeing the dentist to finding a better home. They will then run a big

#VendorWeek: a global street paper celebration Across six continents, street papers are celebrating #VendorWeek from February 6-12.

Other street papers that will feature #VendorWeek stories include: The Big Issue UK, Street Sense, Hinz&Kunzt, One Step Away, The Contributor, The Big Issue South Africa, Toledo Streets, The Curbside Chronicle, FiftyFifty, Strassenkreuzer and Tages

Chief Editor Michaela Gründler also reflects on her experience with Apropos, as she celebrates 18 years with the paper.

10 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org

Copenhagen, StreetWise in Chicago, The Big Issue UK and The Big Issue Taiwan. The Big Issue Australia also featured an interview with their own vendor Lukas, who says selling The Big Issue on the streets of Melbourne means he can be his own boss. “Drive, independence and tenacity are just some of the things you need to run your own business,” he says.

In Washington D.C., Street Sense vendors will be joined by members of the city council, whilst in Philadelphia One Step Away’s sellers will be joined by influential members of their community, as well as representatives from other media organizations.

In Copenhagen, Hus Forbi vendors will be joined each day this week by famous friends. On Tuesday the paper’s own poetry slammer and vendor, Tonny, will sell alongside Danish standup comedian Sebastian Dorset. On Wednesday it’s the turn of athlete Sara Slott, silver medal winner in Rio for the hurdles. And on Friday they have Søren Berlev, drummer for Danish band Gasolin who Hus Forbi editor Poul Struve-Nielson says are “the greatest Danish rock band ever” and “the most significant sound of my teenage years”.

DENMARK

Canadian paper Megaphone will hold its second annual Big Sell event in Victoria on February 7 and Vancouver on February 9. This year, community leaders and local business and union leaders will join well-known figures, including musicians and politicians.

In Austria, Salzburg street paper Apropos devoted its entire February issue to #VendorWeek. They include a feature on their fellow street papers in Austria (where there are seven INSP members).

Special editions #VendorWeek is a fantastic reason for street papers to shout about their place in an international movement of 110 street papers — all of whom are fighting homelessness and poverty. As always, this has spurred imaginative features, striking covers and inspiring collaborations.

“These guest vendors will raise public awareness about homelessness and poverty in the city, and about the hard work Megaphone's vendors do every day on the streets of Vancouver and Victoria, creating positive change in their own lives and in our shared communities,” said Megaphone Executive Director Jessica Hannon. World Cup hero Beppe Bergomi will lead the guest vendors in Italy, selling Scarp de’ Tenis in Milan. The footballer, who won the World Cup in 1982 with the Italian national soccer team, will be joined by famous pundit Bruno Pizzul, as well as the mayor of the city Beppe Sala and Cardinal Angelo Scola.

Editor Patricia Spradley said: “We want to share and celebrate the worldwide success of street papers with Dallas!”

In partnership with INSP, The Big Issue Australia collaborated with global colleagues to bring together a special series of interviews and photos with vendors from Shedia in Greece, Hus Forbi in

In Dallas, Texas, STREETZine gave #VendorWeek pride of place on their front cover for February.

guest seller event in a local park and put the profits towards making the vendors’ dreams a reality.

L'Itinéraire and Portland’s Street Roots brought together their vendors for a #VendorWeek conversation. L'Itinéraire’s James spoke to Street Roots vendor John about the similarities and differences of selling on either side of the border. They also shared their common challenges. James said: “John and I have the same vision of homelessness. We see that people sometimes look at us with an evil eye. When I had a dwelling, I too looked at the homeless with an eye full of prejudices.”

Mark from Melbourne and Ann from Denver also got together online to discuss vendor life. The Big Issue Australia and Denver Voice vendors agreed that selling a street paper has given them back a positive outlook. “Instead of sitting around being negative and destructive and just getting wrecked, it’s given me something positive to do with my day. It’s given me some discipline, selfrespect and helped my self-esteem,” said Mark.

Last year, One Step Away published a series of vendor to vendor interviews with street papers Megaphone, Denver Voice, Big Issue North and Street Sense. Speaking to One Step Away vendor Dee, Megaphone vendor Peter Thomas said: “The paper is one of the biggest helps I know, because the work that I put into it, the people… get to know me. They stop and talk, and they’ll tell me a story. It’s a great situation when you have people like that who want to come and help you.”

The international nature of #VendorWeek makes it an ideal online campaign. You can follow worldwide street paper action — and join in —

Entitled Nevid(e)na Lublana (Invisible Ljubljana), the tours are conducted by homeless guides to give visitors a unique perspective on the streets they walk every day. Each day, their route leads to a different vendor. Stay tuned for their #VendorWeek film!

In honor of this #VendorWeek, and our new website launch, One Step Away will publish these interviews online at OSAphilly.org.

On tour Swiss paper Surprise is going on tour, having hired a vintage VW bus that will serve as a travelling museum. When it is parked in the main squares of Bern, Basel and Zurich, passersby can board the bus to find out more about the paper and its vendors. Staff will be on hand too, to distribute cake, soup and coffee to anyone in need of a bite to eat. “Food is always helpful in making a first contact,” explains deputy director Jannice Vierkoetter.

Kralji Ulice, the Slovenian paper whose name means ‘Kings of the Street’, has organized free alternative city tours for members of the public.

Greek paper Shedia will hold an Open Day for #VendorWeek. Their popular ‘Invisible Paths’ tours, led by homeless vendors, are an amazing insight to the city. Starting at the Shedia offices, this week will see them run two of the tours for free to bring in new customers. “It’s an opportunity for our readers to visit, meet and talk to all those involved in the making of the Greek street paper,” says editor in chief Christos Alefantis. Social campaigning — share online!

GREECE

OSAphilly.org ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● One Step Away 11 Satz. Vendor interviews Celebrating the solidarity between street paper vendors, a growing number of papers are bringing together their vendors for cultural exchange interviews over Montreal-basedSkype.paper

Taiwan: Big Issue Taiwan vendor Luo Chin Bian. Credit: Zhong Yuan UK: The Big Issue UK vendor Steve. Credit: Andrew Burns USA: StreetWise, Chicago, vendor Russell. Credit: Dave Hamilton Maps freevectormaps.com

Denmark: Hus Forbi vendor Wesley pictured at the Little Mermaid statue in the city. Credit: Mette Kramer Kristensen Greece: Shedia vendor Michalis. Credit: Lefteris Eleftherakis

12 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org using the #VendorWeek hashtag all week. The Street Roots teams in Portland are harnessing their whole community for their #VendorWeek social media campaign. Community leaders will be tweeting what their vendors mean to them and highlighting their importance to the community and local businesses. Meanwhile, INSP will be tweeting vendor stories, and updates from our exhibition installation ahead of its launch on Thursday, February 8. Last year we reached more than 30 million people with the hashtag — you can help us reach even more! Get tweeting to support street papers and their vendors. TO#VENDORWEEKRETWEETSTAYCONNECTED!TAIWAN

Photo Australia:Credits: Big Issue Australia vendor Rachel. Credit: Peter Holcroft Big Issue Australia vendors Fay, Rachel and Dave. Credit: Peter Holcroft

LOOKING FOR WILLIAM: A COMMUNITY REFLECTION

CANHOMELESSMEMORIALHOMELESSDAYIN2015,IREALIZEDPEOPLESLIPOUTOFTHISWORLDVERYEASILYASWELL—WITHOUTMAKINGASOUND.

By: Theodore Goldman, tgoldmanphotography.com

Introduction In December of 2015 I attended Homeless Memorial Day in Philadelphia. Major cities hold memorials on the first day of winter to remember the homeless people who died during the year. I learned that people can slip into homelessness very easily; we're all just One Step Away. I also learned that homeless people can slip out of this world very easily as well — without making a sound. I described my experience in the photo essay: “Homeless Memorial Day 2015”.Homeless Memorial Day 2016 was more personal. An OSA vendor that I was particularly fond of had declined significantly in early 2016. By midyear he went missing without a trace. I attended Homeless Memorial Day 2016 to find out if he was on the list of those who died this year. He was not on the list, so at this point we still have no information about him. This photo essay is dedicated to William wherever he is, and to the homeless people who died in 2016. William The first time I photographed William was in March 2015. Quite a handsome man, he readily offered his big smile. The paper’s cover story “Finding Warmth in Suburban Station” applied directly to him as he was homeless. As I got to know William better, he would complain about the aches and pains of his advanced age. I couldn't help razzing him because I’m a year older. But of course, I slept in a warm bed while William was homeless. The first time he acknowledged having a place to stay was in early 2016 when he was finally able to rent a room. But it wasn’t very long before he was back on the street. The cause of William’s financial problems was compulsive gambling. As soon as any money got into his hands he had to gamble: “I can’t help it; I can make a lot of money, but I can’t stop until I lose it all.” As painful as this was to him, he never seemed to have any interest in changing. I once gave him my card and asked him to call me when he felt the urge to gamble… A well-meaning but arrogant offer- he never called. The next time I photographed William was for OSA’s Big Sell Off in early February 2016. Vendors are paired with local business and civic leaders to sell papers for an hour. The vendors make extra money, it’s good publicity for OSA, and members of the community develop great respect for the vendors because it’s not easy to sell papers. It was clear that William had changed significantly from the year before. He seemed to have aged, though maybe that was the new beard. But it was very noticeable that his beaming smile was gone.Avery serious William selling One Step Away papers. Making the sale. Shortly after the Big Sell Off, I began work on a photo essay for the May 2016

AFTER

ATTENDING MY FIRST

Preface I began using my camera to focus on homelessness in the fall of 2014. I had been going into Philadelphia for thirty years and always looked the other way when I saw homeless people, as if they weren't there. It was time to change that and I hoped my camera would offer an opportunity to do something of value. So, I began talking to homeless people and taking their pictures. By early 2015 I had connected with One Step Away (OSA), Philadelphia’s street newspaper and with Depaul House, a transitional housing program to help homeless men regain their independence. I photographed many of their events and produced several photo essays. These relationships brought me much closer to the homeless and jobless communities.

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Neil Felix of The Welcome Church sang Dona Nobis Pacem- Grant Us Peace.Themourners. As I learned in 2015, everyone looks the same when they grieve — how remarkable is that. We must all be the same after all. As the program was coming to a close, The Circle of Hope musicians led the crowd in singing “This Little Light of Mine”.Thelittle lights did shine.

Lighting WhenWarmingIlluminatingfaces.programs.hands.thememorialended, the signs were returned to the unceremonious cardboard boxes in which they had arrived. They’ll be used for the same grim duty at Homeless Memorial Day 2017, unless homelessness is ended by then.

William

“Most people treat me ok when I’m selling papers, but some are mean and nasty; some people look down on me and say get a job… I just stand there and don’t say anything — it’s better to be nice; don’t add fuel to the fire; it’s lucky most people don’t treat me that way — if they did I couldn't sell the paper”

The next and last time I saw him was a couple of months later in Reading Terminal Market, which is where I start my days in Philadelphia. I saw him walking towards the rest roomhe looked awful and sad. He said he lost his room because of gambling. He also said that he couldn’t sell papers, but he didn't seem to know why which sounded very odd.

There were many speakers including Sister Mary Scullion, President and Executive Director of Project HOME, who spoke about the inhumanity and injustice of Philadelphiahomelessness.MayorJimKenney spoke about Philadelphia's commitment to ending homelessness.

He’s also on disability: “If I didn’t have that I’d be dead; it’s easier to get a job when you’re young. No one wants to give you a chance when you’re older; people want to know what you’ve been doing all these years — what kind of resume do you have… I think about allowing people to do experiments

14 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org issue of OSA — the vendor issue. The vendor issue showcases the people who work so hard to sell the paper which provides them a living wage and informs the public. The photo essay “Homeless Narrative” tells the story of homelessness through the experiences of the vendors. I interviewed and photographed twenty four vendors, including William. I interviewed William in a restaurant. I photographed him continuously while we talked, but he didn't seem to mind. Light from the street cut across his face producing searing images. William seemed tired, but he was totally open. We began talking while he had coffee and a pecan role which he seemed to enjoy: “It tastes as good as it looks.” It was nice to see him enjoying this moment because there didn't seem to be much happiness in him. How did you become homeless? “I’ve been a compulsive gambler since I was twelve years old; any money I get goes the same day. It wrecked my life; I stopped for five years but started again and everything has been downhill since then.” He admits to being mentally disturbed which causes the gambling. “No mentally sane person would be in the position I’m in today; I can’t resist the impulse to gamble.”William was homeless four times in the last year. He slept in 30th Street Station or on a bus or subway. At the time of the interview he was living in a private home where he rented a room: “It’s pretty good, better than where I been; oh man, it’s horrible — you can’t lay in a bed; at 30th street you have to lay on the benches or on the floor; I feel much better… Now I can live like a normal human being.”

I immediately went to the OSA office at the Arch Street United Methodist Church. They confirmed that William lost his room and said that he had some health issues that wouldn’t allow him to sell papers. OSA and the church tried to help him, but it wasn’t long before he went missing. This saddened his friends at OSA… It also saddened me.

Homeless Memorial Day 2016 Homeless Memorial Day 2016 was held in Thomas Paine Plaza, just across the street from Philadelphia City Hall. The one-hour program included music, speeches, prayers, and the reading of names while mourners held signs for each name read. The signs arrived in unceremonious cardboard boxes. Ready for pickup by mourners. The memorial began with The Magic Music Group Drill Team. They electrified the crowd. Drummers put heart and soul into their music. The list of 200 names was at the podium. William’s name did not appear.

Final Thoughts Homeless Memorial Day 2016 did not list William among those who died this year. He has either found a new situation somewhere else in this world — which we hope, or he has moved to the next world — without making a sound.

“I had a dream that a rich person wrote me a check for $50,000 so I could start a business.” (I couldn’t help thinking that the money would be gone the same day.) What do you see for yourself in the next five years? “I want to be a better person than I am today; I want to help people and be with God; if I were with God now I wouldn't have any problems.”

What do you want the world to know about you? “I’m a small potato; I’m not known; if I went to a foreign country and got captured, no one would rescue me; I don’t care about myThinkinglegacy.” back on this conversation with William, he sounded so alone and forlorned. I guess he was, but I don't think he realized how many friends he had at OSA.

How long have you been selling OSA papers? “It’s been almost two years; it keeps money on me; I average between $40-50 per day which is no money because I have to buy food and my rent is $490 a month.”

Editor’s note: On December 15, 2017 we once again attended Homeless Memorial Day, this time honoring 300 people who passed due to homelessness.

Coopeland, One Step Away May 2015 Vendor Issue, Changing the Homeless Narrative

“I WANT TO BE A BETTER PERSON THAN I AM TODAY...”

on me, like if I snore — you can make thousands.” How do people treat you?

So, what now for Street Roots and its departing director?

“The paper is in a very stable place. Our new executive director Kaia Sand is an amazing individual who is already doing amazing work.

As for Israel, after a short break, he intends to continue working as an advocate for people living in poverty, as well as writing a collection of short stories based off his own experiences of poverty, and a children’s book about homelessness in the United States. “I want to engage young people on the plight of the homeless. Anyone born after about 1980 is living in a society where homelessness is woven into the fabric of American life. I hope to capture that and educate and inspire the next generation of advocates.”Itisclearthat, despite losing an integral member of their team, Street Roots is moving into the future the best way it can, and Israel is moving on to new ideas with a connection to street papers firmly in his heart and the desire to be a voice for homeless people instilled in his soul. His parting words to the street paper network implore those working within it to never give up.

“Given the current political climate, street papers have a very important role in shaping the narrative around homelessness and in maintaining the political will to continue to invest in the housing and infrastructure to help people experiencing homelessness. We need to be here to make sure our society is not spiralling out of control and being led by madmen.

“It also helps that the organization is in such a great place at the moment and being in a position to comfortably bring in fresh, new leadership is a good thing for Street Roots.”

Street Roots, along with over 100 other street papers like it across the globe, is a part of a larger family of like-minded publications helping to empower homeless people. Israel is keen to emphasise the importance that being a member of INSP played in Street Roots’ development in his stint as executive director. “We have watched INSP mature, evolve and grow, much like Street Roots. It is inspiring to be a part of a global movement like the street paper“Perhapsnetwork.most importantly, it helps us put into context the work we do, knowing there are other people out there who are fighting for the same cause and share the same values. It also allows us to deliver news to our readers that they wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere.

OSAphilly.org ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● One Step Away 15 STREET ROOTS’

Under the stewardship of Israel, and the editorial direction of executive editor Joanne Zuhl, the Street Roots team has been able to produce a quality paper, week in, week out, as well as get involved in projects that go above and beyond the work of a regular print publication — such as the creation of the Welcome Home coalition to raise money for affordable housing. “We’re a small train that carries a heavy load — always the underdog striving to overachieve.

I would urge fellow street papers to not shy away from how they are funded, and to prioritize development and pour focus into fundraising efforts.”

“The future is wide open, and the group will come together and continue improving. We’re a train humming down the tracks.”

“I am extremely proud of how we, and the topics we cover, have come to matter. Street Roots has helped change the face of homelessness in the community, by changing public opinion and attitudes towards the issue of homelessness, as well as showcasing myriad stories that have contributed to shaping policy to address it.”

Street Roots, along with fellow street paper publications in the US, exists in a political period that is, at best, tumultuous for the country. Israel points out that the work they do is vital, now more than ever. “Street Roots believes in the idea of maintaining and presenting professional journalism and street papers have never been more important in delivering accurate news to their audiences. We can be a hope for people — a lighthouse in the storm — in these scary, trying times.”

As the paper’s director, Street Roots has gone from strength to strength, and as his time there is coming to an end, Israel leaves the publication in a vastly improved condition from its early days. “When Street Roots started, we were a scrappy monthly with about 2000 readers and 5 vendors. Now, we’re a weekly with a readership of 20,000, that is able to help deliver dignity, respect and an income to people experiencing homelessness, through a quality product.

Speaking to INSP from Street Roots’ Portland office, as their dedicated team prepared for his departure, Israel explained why he chose this moment to hand over the reins. “I’ve been at Street Roots for 15 years and I came to the realization that it was time to take a small break before continuing on with the fight.

After 15 years at Portland street paper Street Roots, Israel Bayer has stepped down from his position as director. Speaking to INSP, he reflects on his time there, what it has been like working as part of the global street paper network, and what’s next for him and theIsraelorganization.Bayerhas

“Due to the nature of street papers, people always expect less, but we always try to deliver more, and we want people to keep coming back.”

dedicated over 15 years of his life to homeless advocacy, a large portion of which was spent at the helm of US street paper Street Roots as its executive director. But, this week, Israel stepped down from his position to make way for a new chapter in the history of this Portland publication.

By: Tony Inglis, Courtesy of INSP.ngo

CHANGING LIVES IN PORTLAND FOR 15 YEARS

Of course, alongside all this great work, there are facets of life as a street paper director that Israel is well placed to advise on. “As street papers, we’re so used to working with less, but you have to have money to fund the revolution.

“We have the ability to rise above all that. Fight on!”

“There is still growth ahead for all of us, but the future is bright for street papers. The movement is a critical component in creating a more just world.”

ISRAEL BAYER STEPS DOWN AS DIRECTOR AFTER 15 YEARS AT THE HELM

Adjustingit’sanymorejustas I go And as far as I can see I’m not even considered a human being I am Nobodyeverythingwantsto be My surroundings tell me I am less than human My reality is the bottom And I have become concrete In that knowing At this point I just wanna live. Concrete Love · By Ram ·

By Slobodon Mrkojevic ·

16 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org

Why must I live just to survive?

Step after step I see no progress Why am I living just to die? Every day feels like a funeral I’m just waiting on the time In general I am viewed as nothing in the public’s eye MyInvisiblelifeis miserable

Why was I born to never fly? Excuses got me useless Deep down in the pain I hide Buried in the bruises In need of someone just to say hi I really need a hug But the stench of my drunkenness keeps them away So for now I’d Forsettlejust a hi A Towavethestreets I’ve become a slave I’m losing touch every day I Nofigureone loves me anyway Caring died a long time ago in my soul So Whywhyeven try When the streets have shown me All the love I seek Depression has become my home I just need some water and food Survival mode Is the only code Yeah, this love is hard but It’s the only love I’ve grown to Noknowsuch thing as weather to me

I do not know if this is a poem, but I know how Mrkojevic broke, A child with the biggest HeHeSmall,OneFifthheart.gradepoorboythin,stupid.issick,hasaseptaldefect of the HeBlueheartchild,hasone large hole in the Andheartone small one Eh, that big one is no Thegoodsmall one is even Hisworselegs are swelling, He’s always dizzy. Ah, I am that kid. My name is Slobodan Mrkojevic the Good, I get beaten even by the Justgirlsfor fun And I love them all. I’m a cry baby, When nobody is looking I curl up and cry. I’m stupid. I can’t distinguish some Andletters,these are p i b t i d k i g So I write my name Slopotan Mrgojević And the kids laugh at me. It hurts me the most when the girls laugh. They are all so smart And so pretty, And their breasts are Ah,growing.thatis interesting Eh, that I love, And how they smile Just that you know, they are my friends. I am stupid But that is not important. The important thing is That the breasts are Theygrowing,are beating me, Well, let them beat me. I love one with black hair And blue eyes. She is prettier than Itanything.isahistory class. At the desk is my teacher. She is putting away some Ipapers.lovehistory and why wouldn’t I? She is finished and she gets up and comes towards me. She is carrying some Puttingpapers, them on my desk And it’s all real And everything went that way. She is talking to me and the whole Mrkojevićclass,Slobodan, you are not for our school Neither for this class, And continues, You can’t even write your own name I don’t know how you managed to get up to the fifth grade. See how he looks kids. They are laughing She enjoys her role of an Andeducatorsays “Slopotane,importantly;youarenot a normal child And we have decided that you can no longer attend this (Somethingschool”moist rolled down my These“Mrgojević,face).takepapersand go Home and then to Osijek with your mom or dad, There they have people that teach the likes of Iyou.”didn’t cry. I didn’t scream. I looked at that girl for the last time, You know which one. I went outside forgetting to say goodbye. I was followed by the laughter of my class, The best in the world. I even have their photo. I don’t know why but I didn’t even put on my Ishoes,lostmy bag along the Iway.don’t know how that Andhappened,Iarrived home Icrying.amreally crazy and not fit for school. In a few days we traveled to CrazyOsijek,me and my normal mother. There we were received by some people And they told my mom to go outside. The hall was white, The four of them sat behind a long table. Ah, I was scared. They told me to come MyIforward.stood,legswere shaking, I don’t know why. Then the first one stretched out his hand And said my name. Then the second, And the third, And the fourth. Hey, the grownups gave me their hand. Then the second from the right says: I see you have a sick Sitheart,on that chair. There was a desk there with two chairs. I was relieved. It is much easier When your legs are not Toshakingsitthan to stand. One, looking old Had white hair Just like me today And asked me: Does your chest hurt? I said, a little. Are you dizzy? I said, a little. But how did they know? One of them tells me, Bringing orange juice And putting it on the “Thistable, is for you,” And continues: “I would like you to Pleasescreamand to relax that Heway.”seemed a bit crazy, Frivolous, but he “Comecontinueson, I’ll go first.” He “DoAndscreamedthensaidyouknow how to do Pleaseit, show me.” I don’t know why I listened to him. Then I started to scream and Tearsscream,rolleddown my cheeks and I screamed and screamed. I didn’t stop. And then I calmed Tearsdown,stopped pouring, And then they clapped. Hey, someone grown up applauded to me. They were all happy. Me Itoo.drank the orange juice, The best orange juice. Then they handed me some papers, To solve some problems. Everything was clear. I finished everything before the deadline. Ah, for the first time I was proud of myself. I was ThenSlobodan.Mrkojevicafterfiveto six Ofhoursvarious testing they called my mother inside. My mother came in Thenfrightened,theyspoke to her, And my dear mother grew in front of me, And for the first time She smiled For MyFullme,ofpride,longdead mother. They told her that they are returning me back to the regular school, That I am very intelligent. That they haven’t seen such an intelligent child for a long time. That I am special, but in a positive sense, And that they will send papers to social services. That special child benefits must be granted for Becauseme of my heart and my intelligence. I returned home Pumped for school. My mother bought me a new Everythingbag, new and gave me the school papers: One for the head-master, One for my teacher Who taught me history, The same one who drove me away. I went to school proudly. The school head-master was a very fine man And he told me he was proud of me And to go back to my TheIclass.satdown.firstclass was math, She came for the second Sheclass.walked into the Sheclassroom.dropped the class Andregister,when she saw me she walked towards me. And I got up full of pride, Handed her the papers. She didn’t even look at Shethem.stared at me.

I started to stutter She started to say: “Get out, Get Didn’tout!Itell you that you are not normal, And that you are not fit for whoYourScream.ThatOfextensionAndpoetry,ThatThatAndItTheythisTomyIdown.managedAndThatthatThecamethatPedagogueThenWeepinglybreasts,ThatAndtheIpissedAndThatclassToIProbablygone,SheWhenScream.ThendownIISlopotanschool?”Mrgojević,startedtoshake.felttheurinepouringmylegs.Istartedtoscream,Istoppedwasalreadylongscared.triedsobbinglyexplaintothewholethatIamnotinsane,Ilovethemall,thatIaccidentallymypants.eventoldtheonewithblackhairblueeyeshadbeautifulsmallthatIloveher.thehead-master,andtheonewrotemyhistoryin.head-mastersaidIwasverysmart,heisproudofme,theysomehowtocalmmewenthomecoveredinpiss.everyonethatthinksisnotpoetry,areright.ismylife.mytwoscreamsholdmyentirelife.screamismythispoemisanallmypoemsIcallPoetryofSlopotanMrgojevićlovesyouall!

POETRY Scream, Big White Room

MUSIC Time reflects itself through space, That’s how it ends up from place to place. REFLECTIONS of TIME Could come from the future or the past, Man has tried to control it, But it always escapes his gasp, Time is endless so reflections will always be, Moving through time and space, And reflecting on you and me, But what do we see? And should it be? The true us?? from our future or our history?

I rode white horses with rod in hand, all to strike at evil.

In the spirit, I do His work, without ever looking back. He loves me true without a doubt, can’t think of one thing that I lack.

· By Bryant Culpepper ·

I roar like the seas and thunder like light, to call creation to order.

It is enough to just be where I am. It is enough to take care of people, and to care for myself. Already, I’m ready to settle, because I’m just starting to get comfortable here. Already I’m thinking of staying, and believe that it would inconvenience people if I were to leave. Still, I don’t feel important to these people. I am always giving myself to others without their permission. It is not for anyone else to be that concerned about me, and they aren’t. My friends love me, but not because I stay. I do not give them the attention they deserve anyway, even when I’m there, because I’m inside my mind worrying about when I’m getting paid again or the fact that I don’t have a job or allowing myself to be tired already over the things I must do tomorrow. The peace I need is not in New Jersey and it’s not in Oregon and it’s not in Puerto Rico. Being anywhere new is not going to make me happy until I can let myself be; allow it. To remove shame, guilt and duty. What am I running from? WhyOr am I running? There’s no finish line. Nothing’s quite that serious, sweetie. None of us know what we’re doing. It’s all alright.

Reflections of Time · By Keith Barbour · Submit to OSA@RHD.ORG

ON MY MIND F F M M E M J T P G U E G C C K O Y W R X Z X N D A L C J S O Z W X W X M F X C S J H R R S W I N G D T B S H F E X I I B K P I P X C M S E E L K E J F C F A A P Y O B P C W J T C I N R P A Z H K C V G N C Z F H T H I O F N N A W C O C Q O U B X E O R O D O U I U U C L N E O C N H P W N V I Y P Z N S B B S E I S R W P L K V F Z S Y H S T S C L D P J F T Z O M J H O H T K W H R A O U N S H Z F F P T O Z L P I Y C R Y L U E U O B O O F W C P K K I A G T O N C Z S O G R T S L J T D N B P N Q Z M Z I D Y S B J V D A L M D G K A E P S P F P D K F U N K N P E I L Z D Q X U J T J Y B H X P Y C N U P W Z Z Z G N C H F P S M O O T H J A Z Z L A A M E T A L S O U L S R G P P Z U H V Z J K P K S C W N I R K R E G G A E Z S I C V I Z V E A D L O P E R A T E H K X Q I O P I X S H V M A Z L K Q Z G U G sw ng azz smoothjazz reggae echoes b ues soundscapes gospe chr stian olk softrock hiphop pop country classif ed opera meta sou funk January’s PUZZLE SOLUTIONS One Step Away is a community newspaper, accepting submissions from anyone who would like to lend their voice to the conversation. Writers can be homeless, housed, or anywhere in between. RIVERS AROUND THE WORLD J M M O F J A J T X S R A N J E N D W M O Q G Q M Q S I C G M T F L I O R E X F G C R I L F K W P K C E A Y O U W L O E O G R A N D E U Q W J C Y Y A J C A L P C C J O A M A Z O N R C C A T U I W W H U L P M N Q N K O I I D O W L M E A W I W T K X Y D G S G F O M A F W I E R N M I G T I W O O R N R E S H X Z S L E W Z I W H Q U L L Q O A U U J K I S I N C P F B Q Y H J A M C N M U A E G O N X V M O U I N G T W L I C O I L P T U E J F E N R F K U Z A W U I A K E P Y R B Q S K R U Q U K A I Y L S S J Q X I I P E C O A N W G O M B B A C E J A P U R A K U N A D M J T B M G X O M E E N Z H G E F G P I J V N E A L U Z A W S A L W E E N V A G L Q I Z Z L M H H X X B Y J O S C C E A X R K I H U F Z T T A N Z A N I A G S V V L J Z F R D P N B A H V I N E B X V P R D D H B F Z A V D B S W V C V B F AMAZON MEKONG SALWEEN CONGO ANGOLA ZAMBEZI FRANCISCO NILE THAMES TAY DELAWARE BURUNDI TANZANIA ZAMBIA JAPURA RIO GRANDE MISSOURI mnPOETRY

Time. Time that doesn’t really exist, yet I’m minutely aware of it. What am I running to-ward? I’m forgetting the nomad spirit that brought me thousands of miles, to a strange place. I forgot to be thankful for what is surrounding me. I forgot that I came to explore, not to own things. I signed up for “struggle”, but why do I have to keep reminding myself that whether you’re struggling or enjoying, surviving or thriving, is all a matter of perspective?

POETSFEATUREDOUR

BRYANT CULPEPPER Bryant is a poet an author whose work examines his own journey with homelessness, and the state of the world around him.

I took down a lion and also a bear, all to protect the weak. I made it rain sweet bread from above, and filled the Heavens with meat. I’m the root of David the son of man, and my place is thus by far.

BEING HERE · By Ali Maglaughlin ·

OSAphilly.org ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● One Step Away 17

In the spirit, I moved that mountain, and struck down the tallest man. That man was the giant that defiled the armies, to try discourse in God’s plan.

I thought of all the things I’ve done, like buying you diamond rings.

I destroyed an army and seized the plunder, and left them all a bit feeble.

KEITH BARBOUR Keith is a poet and regular One Step Away contributor. His poetry draws from the good times and the struggles.

ALI MAGLAUGHLIN Ali moved to Cherry Hill from Oregon. She’s a One Step Away reader, a student of her environment, and an artist and explorer.

In the spirit, I thought of love, and all the good it brings.

SLOBODAN MRKOJEVIC Slobodan is a One Step Away vendor and poet. A book of his poems was published and distributed in his home town of Slatina, Croatia.

RICHARD “RAM” Ram is a One Step Away poet and vendor. He likes the healing powers of spoken word, and records on YouTube under *Ram Riches*.

Somebody please help me to see What my destiny will be From the REFLECTIONS of TIME That reveals itself to me.

I worship Him and His Holy name, oh so bright oh morning star.

In the Spirit

I spoke to the sands of all my plans, stopping water that crosses the border.

WIEHSNERKEVIN Kevin is a One Step Away vendor who recently obtained housing thanks to his hard work and your support! This is his submissionfirstto One Step Away.

I was recently watching a TV show, and one of the characters presented one of the other characters with a riddle that I found to be interesting. A real mind stretcher I must say. This riddle will certainly put one’s problem solving skills to theTheretest: is a farmer who has three items that he must move across a river in a rowboat. The three items are a fox, a chicken, and a bag of corn. The problem is, however, that he can only fit one item in the boat at a time. Now he very well could take the bag of corn across the river first but if he leaves the fox alone with the chicken, the fox will most certainly make a meal out of the chicken. So obviously that’s not an option. Now the farmer could take the fox across the river first but then if he leaves the chicken alone with the bag of corn, the chicken will eat the corn, so that wouldn’t be a good idea either. Is there anybody out there who thinks they can solve this riddle? It is a bit difficult, but it’s not impossible. I’m going to do something that I’ve never done before. I’m going to withhold the answer until next month, so you all have an entire month to think about it. And let me remind you once again that you can only row one item across the river at a time. Well I will see you all next month. Same time. Same place. In the meantime, stayTakewarm!care,Charles, at casrzn8005@yahoo.com

AUTHORSVENDORFEATUREDOUR

CALDWELLZACHARY Zachay is a One Step Away vendor and writer. He studied history at writing.informsUniversity,Templewhichmuchofhis

18 One Step Away ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org

SARAZINCHARLES Charles is a One Step Away vendor and writer. He likes to use his writing to entertain his readers, and provide a currentdistractionrefreshingfromevents.

THE LESSONS OF HISTORY: THEIR FINEST HOURS By: Zachary Caldwell UPDATE By: William Powell HOW ONE STEP AWAY CHANGED MY LIFE By: Kevin Wiehsner

UNCOVERED ISSUES FROM THE STREETS

I recently saw a trailer for an upcoming movie concerning an episode in World War II, The Battle of Dunkirk. At Dunkirk in 1940 in northern France, an entire British army was surrounded and cutoff. They were threatened with complete annihilation at the hands of the encircling Nazi forces. But almost miraculously, the British forces, with the help of aerial support, were able to ex-filtrate themselves from the trap, however perilously. They were able to withdraw across the English Channel to safety. Dunkirk and the subsequent pivotal Battle of Britain was indeed for England if not for the Allies their darkest hour. But it has to me an interesting historical parallel: It brings to mind the second Punic War, Rome versus the empire of Carthage. And it reminds me of Rome’s astonishing resilience.

Hello, and how are you all doing this month? Hopefully you are all managing to stay warm as this has been one of the coldest winters that I myself have witnessed in quite some time. I honestly don’t know how the folks in places such as Canada and Alaska deal with it, as temperatures have been known to drop to as low as 80 below 0. I can’t even imagine what that feels like. I’ve even heard that if you ever decide to establish residency in Alaska that the government will reward you with a large sum of money after one year.

In the second Punic War, the Republic of Rome was nearly destroyed by the invading Carthaginians at end of Third Century BC. Having successfully and miraculously crossed the formidable Italian Alps, the Carthaginian armies, led by Hannibal, swept aside every Roman army sent against them: They won at Ticinus, Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and even at the catastrophic Roman defeat at Cannae. Roman resolve remained unshaken.

POWELLWILLIAM William is a One Step Away writer likesvendor.andHetouse his articles to stay in touch with his andcustomersregulars.

Riddle told by: Charles Sarazin

I came home from jail on October 22, 2017. I got started with One Step Away on the 27th. At the time, I was living at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission Shelter. Seven days a week, for 12 hours a day, I went out on the corner, distributing One Step Away newspapers. Then I opened a bank account. With all of my sales I was starting to save money. After two months, I had enough money saved to get my own place. I’m now doing better than ever. But it’s not easy. It’s hard work. I mean standing at 20th and Market at 7am in the morning in 15-degree weather isn’t easy. But I want a better life for myself. And One Step Away was able to provide that for me; I’m very grateful and thankful. I have no plans of going anywhere unless a great opportunity comes around. But for now, I’m going to keep working with One Step Away and building my life up. Thank you to all of my supporters.

A FOX, A CHICKEN, AND A BAG OF CORN

Imagine if the Germans in 1940 had been able to cross the English Channel; imagine if the Nazis had been able to defeat not one, not two, but four British armies sent—with each German victory greater than last, culminating in the worst defeat the Allies had ever suffered and the loss of many of their best soldiers. That was the situation that Rome was confronted with, but they never succumbed to despair. Their resilience was tested severely, but it was never broken. For Rome, their fortitude, strength, national pride, and will to resist against overwhelming odds became a shining testament for future generations, perhaps even to England. Winston Churchill was as well an avid student of history. In fact, he wrote a six-volume history of World War II, in which the book Their Finest Hour outlines the Battle of Britain. What might have been Rome’s darkest hour similarly became its finest hour: the signpost of its enduring greatness and resilience. Hello, and, how are you? This is William, and to all my supporters out there, Happy New Year! I can’t believe it that we finally made it through all this — that was something last year. I made a lot of Christmas money this year for the season, and that was wonderful. You probably would believe how supported I felt. Things are coming along with the Legal Services and I am still waiting to hear from them any moment now. I am down at my mother’s place for the time being and I get something out of this, and it is really wonderful: She has a cable guide, and that is all I need for the time being to get me through all this. And when I get finished with that, it is now time to recover from that lockout situation, believe me, in due time. I can finally handle all this, after all. It is kind of nerve-racking, so I need something to keep me until further notice. The guide is it, and you have to know what I am talking about. You guys have a nice day! Until next time.

EAGLES NATION Was sending teams home on long vacations, Destroying teams with their tenacious defense, A hungry squad that is relentless. And the running backs, they just can’t resist Making the defense fall and miss As they run by shoot around and run over whatever’s in their path, And all the defense sees is a blur that they try to grasp.

EAGLES NATION Oh yeah did I mention this? The field goal kicker will never miss. Guards pulling and tackles blocking, Nothing is stopping, the Eagles weapon of attack: Tight ends, wide receivers, and running backs all on a mission, And with the special teams, that’s an added addition. And to top it off with the Philly fans!!! You know we’re bringing this one home MAN!!!

EAGLES NATION FLY EAGLES FLY

taught

is writing and illustrating a graphic novel.

Douglas Pope Wilson, resident of the city of Wilmington, Delaware, and self artist, has illustrated for a His interests Presently Douglas The artist is currently to be

variety of publications.

are world events, classic films, British comedy, science fiction, jazz, manga and good books.

blessed

· By Keith Barbour · It’s EAGLES SEASON And the SUPER BOWL TROPHY is the reason Why Fletcher Cox is knocking quarterbacks out of their socks. And Nick Foles has an arm of gold, and an eye of an eagle, He can throw the football through the eye of a needle. And when you need to complete—though, That’s when you hit them where it hurts And throw the ball to Ertz.

About the artist:

a part of the One Step Away family! TEA TIME O R A N G E P O K E M S A S S A F R A S F W M Q A S F P N E Z W T H F V R G M R R D G V H J J Z C T Z F I G K L T J T H L N U O T T H G H G G J P D U I F Y N B G I N G E R K L A M V K Q S C T T S I L O L C H A M O M I L E J A S M I N E M A R A N H V L V O C E X V U A K Q A G R C A V I D O M O O O L O N G R S H R R E K G E L E A R L G R A Y P M G J C G A P G N N E K Z K H C E X R U L N L A R S P I G D M P B S N C V E X Q I O B E E B E N E E O C P R T C A C L R C M H P M E P S S R N R K Z Y Y B B W Y O E S A O R Y E P W Y C M N F T L M S O R L M D P R T N I Z C T G Y G W A J V H I V L D F Y C G C I U N A T F B Q I B T C T T W B Z V X E O N I Y K O Z F N D O E X N M O S Z E Y P Z M U O J N A J M J E Y E Y C B C L R F R O T K O B W D L G O G R E E N E Q N B V M S N O I N M A K G D L Q G U R O MINT CHAMOMILE GREEN JASMINE SASSAFRAS CHAI PEACH LEMON BLACK RASBERRY POMERGRANT EARLGRAY PEPPERMINT GINGER ORAGNGESPICE OOLONG LICORICE LAVENDER LEMONGRASS GINSENG ORANGEPOKE SearchWord CAN YOU SOLVE MY -SEARCHES?WORDMARIA

OSAphilly.org ● FEBRUARY 2018 ● One Step Away 19 SEE March’s issue FOR ANSWERS TO THE Word Searches PUZZLE COMICS

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