$ 1 WWW.OSAPHILLY.ORG MAY 2018 PHILADELPHIA’S STREET PAPER CREATING JOBS; ADVOCATING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE BEHIND THE VEST THE VENDOR ISSUE 5.10.18 COCKTAIL PARTY | SILENT AUCTION | AWARDS CEREMONY | CELEBRATION PRESENTED OSAPHILLY.ORG/CHAMPIONSBY: YOUR VENDOR IS:
Enjoy a fun-filled evening celebrating One Step Away’s Champions, those who work each day to overcome homelessness in their lives and communities. The Champions Celebration presented by Willis Towers Watson will feature a silent auction, raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvres, a slider station, a pasta station, and an open wine and beer bar. Proceeds support One Step Away’s mission of creating economic opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.TheChampions Celebration presented by Willis Towers Watson will begin at 6PM. VIP ticket holders and Sponsors will receive a special wine & beer tasting from 5-6PM. Your support of the Champions Celebration charity event creates meaningful income and personal growth opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia through One Step Away. The Champions Celebration will honor three One Step Away vendors who triumphed over homelessness — and the community partners, YOU, who made it possible. Tickets & Sponsorships Available at
2 One Step Away ● MAY 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. 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. ESTABLISH6A DIGITAL PRESENCE, TO CONNECT WITH YOU AND EXPAND OUR AUDIENCES. 7 DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS,COMMUNITY AND EXPAND TO ALL NEIGHBORHOODS.PHILADELPHIA MAY CELEBRATION OF BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS LOCATIONS SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK GRAND OPENING & BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK SUMMERFEST THE FOOD TRUST NIGHT MARKET @ COTTMAN & RISING SUN RAMADAN BEGINS PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL @ UPENN’S ANNENBERG CENTER KENSINGTON KINETIC SCULPTURE DERBY & ARTS FESTIVAL @ TRENTON AVE. SOUTH 9 TH STREET ITALIAN MARKETMEMORIALFESTIVALDAYPHILLY POPS MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE @ THE MANN CENTER CINCO DE MAYO SOUTH STREET SPRING FESTIVAL DAD VAIL REGATTA @ KELLY DRIVE BROAD STREET RUN CHESTNUT HILL HOME & GARDEN FESTIVAL @ GERMANTOWN OPENINGONEOSAPHILLY.ORG/CHAMPIONSAVE.STEPAWAY’SCHAMPIONSCELEBRATION@THEPYRAMIDCLUBPHILADELPHIACHINESELANTERNFESTIVAL@FRANKLINSQUAREMOTHER’SDAY311-51111-1269 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE FINE CRAFT FAIR201O1311-13171517-1919HELP US REACH OUR GOALS, SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISER 281926
MAY 10, 2018 FROM 6-9PM AT THE PYRAMID CLUB, 1735 MARKET STREET, 52ND FLOOR, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103.
TO GIVE A STEP P.O. OSA@RHD.ORG
OSAphilly.org ● MAY 2018 ● One Step Away 3
OUR
CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY.
AWAY
SOCIAL: @OSAPHILLY VENDORCONTACTSITE ARCH STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BASEMENT BROAD & ARCH STREETS (55 N. BROAD STREET) OPEN: M, W, F 1 0 AM -1PM OUR AFFILIATIONS MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TODAY! ONLINE: OSAPHILLY.ORG MAIL: ONE STEP AWAY, P.O. BOX 63703, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147 $20 One Step Away is a member of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) helping 27,000 vendors earn an income each year: www.insp.ngo. We are a program of Resources for Human Development Inc. (RHD), a national human services nonprofit: www.rhd.org. 1 INCOME 2 COMMUNITY 3 ADVOCACYWORKWEHOW One Step Away creates jobs for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or poverty. Vendors complete training and receive their first 20 papers for free. After that, they purchase papers for 25 cents each. One Step Away vendors distribute each paper for $1, keeping what they make. This allows them to earn income, gain self-sufficiency and employable skills, while engaging with the community. The monthly newspapers provide a platform for vendors to write about personal experiences, share insights, and advocate for social justice. As a nonprofit organization, One Step Away relies largely on donations to fund our program.
BOX PHILADELPHIA,63703 PA 19147 EMAIL:
:
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 nonpro t Resources for Human Development, a registered 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. The o cial registration and nancial 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. MISSION TO
VOICE AND A PLATFORM FOR PEOPLE TO BE HEARD. I SUPPORT ONE STEP AWAY BECAUSE NAME: PHONE:EMAIL:ADDRESS: $50 $250$150 $500 $ WHAT DOES ONE STEP AWAY MEAN TOONLINE:YOU? WWW.OSAPHILLY.ORG MAIL: ONE
We think that by turning a blind eye we can somehow escape their fate. But life doesn’t work that way. Acknowledging their experience is not just something we’d be doing for them. No. It’s something we’d be doing for ourselves; as these people are bold examples of real character and inner wealth. Their tragedy has made them rich. Their pain has made them wise. And their presence is radical enough to pull us out of the virtual and into the real. It is the classic beginner’s mistake to think a person is worthless just because they are poor. It was my honor to record their stories for you. I hope you gain a shifted perceptive and a sense of respect for those who were simply dealt a harder hand than you or I.”
This girl is me; and while I have my own place, my advanced degrees, and my support system, the thought of potentially losing “everything” one day often haunts me. Nothing is ever guaranteed. Interviewing the vendors of One Step Away was like talking to the survivors of my ultimate fear. Their reality is humbling, heartbreaking, and profoundly inspiring. These individuals are hands down some of the most interesting people I have ever met; the way they’ve learned to triumph over daily rejection, ceaseless judgment, physical hardship, and emotional isolation, leaves me speechless.
Everyone has a story. Each person has something to share. All of our vendors work hard each day, putting on the yellow vest, greeting hundreds of people, building connections, and advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to know you, and honored to hear and share your stories. To our readers and supporters, we thank you for taking the time to read our stories and to get to know us; the people behind the yellow vest. We hope you enjoy this window into our lives.
KATERINA
MEET YOUR VENDORS
We live in a time where the most radical things we see are filtered through the life-proof screens of our phones. It’s no wonder anxiety feels like it’s infiltrating everyone’s life: That’s what happens when you are disconnected from the world around you. Or rather, when your heart is disconnected from the hearts around you.
If there is one thing that became clear to me through these conversations it’s this: We need homeless people, as much as they need us. It’s not money that’s going to end homelessness; it’s love. I know that sounds like a tall order, but it’s the truth. Our realities are not as separate as they seem; which is why a simple smile, handshake, or thoughtful question are all priceless ways to start mending our relationship with one another and understanding the real causes of such suffering.
Photos from One Step Away’s archives: photographers include TGoldmanPhotography. com, Ashley Gearhart, and Alexis Wright-Whitley.
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She ducks, scoops, and skips with fervor, because at the end of this walk await the stories of everyday heroes.
— Katerina Pappas, author of the upcoming book Guerilla Joy
2018
This year’s issue was compiled with the help of volunteer and writer Katerina Pappas who shares her reflections on getting to know our vendors: If you were in a helicopter, hovering over Market Street for the past 40 days, this is one of the things you’d see: A girl, busting out of her temporary legal job, zipping down 18 stories, and speed walking all the way to 55 N. Broad Street. You wouldn’t know it, but she’s living paycheck to paycheck and is desperately seeking a more meaningful and sustainable career.
Each May, One Step Away publishes an issue focused exclusively on the stories and experiences of the vendors who bring you the paper. Some are One Step Away veterans who may have been sharing pieces of their stories with you for years, while others might be sharing something about themselves here for the first time. Some are artists, poets, photographers, history buffs, philosophers, advocates, and motivational speakers. Before homelessness they were farmers, construction workers, police force members, caretakers, craftspersons, and writers.
“I am recovering from having a heart attack and on my way to selling the paper again. I’m making my cane into a staff; all the sages had one. It represents integrity, wisdom, humility and brotherhood.
I don’t feel like this country is doing everything it can to end homelessness, but One Step Away is a beacon for those struggling. If it had not been for this paper, I would have fallen through the cracks. I’m a writer and have an upcoming book coming out called The Passionflower Letters by Angel Eyes Publications.”
ERIC
“Selling the paper has helped me cope with my social anxiety. I am also working towards becoming a psychologist who helps those who have been targeted by manipulative groups.”
If I hit the lottery I’d donate a lot of money to this organization; this is where I started, and you don’t forget where you started. I’d like to thank Anthony Johnson who has always supported me as well as Jasmine Daniels who never gave up on me.”
“IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THIS PAPER, I WOULD HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS.”—CALVIN
“When I first saw the vendors out there with those vests I thought ‘nah I’m not doing that.’ It took me a lot of work but I managed to be part of the 600 Club [selling 600 papers each month] and got my own place in 2013.Inever slept on the streets, but I’d be from house to house. Sometimes I’d also hand out flyers to the homeless so they could find food, or I’d buy them food myself.
JERRY CALVIN
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“One Step Away saved my life. I was in the shelter; with One Step Away I was able to open a bank account and get my own apartment— this is my only means of support.”
“I’ve been a vendor for almost two years now. What I like most about being a One Step Away vendor is being amongst the public. I get to learn and see how people think, and hear about the adversities they go through, and understand their outlook on life as individuals. Before selling the paper, I was going through a lot of different things. I was stressed out a lot. I do construction, and at the time, the construction field wasn’t really up and going, so I had to find something different. Ram introduced me to One Step Away. For like two months he kept saying ‘Come try it out with me. Do something different.’ He said with my personality, I’d be good for One Step Away. One day I was like, ‘Alright, Ram, I’m gonna try it out with you.’ Two years later I’m still here. The challenges I’m currently facing are finding a spot to live, dealing with day to day changes. One Step Away gives me a chance to step outside of myself. It helps me understand that things could be so much worse, and that life isn’t as bad as you think. Life is what you make it. You have to become an individual that looks at life on an inspirational level and help define who you really are. In five years, I see myself in my own place, with a couple of kids, working in construction and still doing the paper. I recently was doing construction and I sold the paper on the weekend. It’s the respect I have for the paper that keeps me going with the paper. It keeps me on a positive note and giving back. Every day is an adventure out there because you never know who you’re going to meet. And you never know who’s going to give you that positive word for the day.”
Working as a vendor has helped me feel more independent, and it allows me to not take the stress back home. People on the street will ignore you a lot, but it doesn’t bother me anymore; maybe they just haven’t had their coffee. At the end of the day, I feel more secure in my own space, but becoming homeless again is always in the back of my mind.”
ONE STEP AWAY SAVED MY LIFE... WITH ONE STEP AWAY I WAS ABLE TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT AND GET MY OWN APARTMENT.”
— KEVIN
KEVIN MARIA LORENZO
6 One Step Away ● MAY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org “
“I’ve been a vendor for three years. I left panhandling and started working because I wanted my own room. So last winter, despite the construction by my area, and the cold weather, I managed to save enough for my own place. A few people were extra generous, and I made sure to save every penny. It was enough to help me get out of the boarding house.
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“I love people. Selling the paper keeps me focused and grounded. I used to get high but being part of One Step Away has given me a purpose. If you want to stay clean you have to do it from the heart; all those programs never worked for me. When my sister died, I decided I needed to stand for something. When it gets slow out there I like to help people. Like the other day, a mother whose son is on drugs came to me for advice. People finally trust me again, they don’t guard their pocketbooks around me. I can also be there for my nieces. Trust is a big deal.”
“I’ve been homeless and fighting drug addiction. I’m clean now, and One Step Away is helping me get back the life I lost. I’m 60 years old and this was the first time I was ever homeless; I’m disabled so no one is going to hire me at my age. It helped get me responsible again; this is a way I can make an income to pay bills and put food on the table, and we were approved for a home on Dec. 1—I wouldn’t have gotten that without One Step Away. I almost quit the first week because I didn’t make any money; I really had to humble myself because it’s embarrassing to be homeless. But I was homeless, and I do need this money; now I’m out there louder than anyone else—it changed my life.”
“I LOVE —ANDMEPAPERSELLINGPEOPLE.THEKEEPSFOCUSEDGROUNDED.”SYLVIA
There is Hope for the Homeless By Joseph Albater It’s a very tough way to live With no roof for your head. Many of us while being out here Even wished we were dead. Just like an addiction, you must fight hard every day. Cause believe me, if not, out in the cold you will stay. But by making smart choices and putting God first in your life, You can obtain housing and lose all that strife. But you must stay strong and believe in your heart, By trusting in God, there’s no better place to start.
“ONE STEP AWAY MEANS I CAN BUY CLOTHES AND FOOD. IT IS MY ONLY MEANS SUPPORT.”OF—WILLIAM
“One Step Away means I can buy clothes and food, and now I’m working on getting a room. It’s my only means of support.”
SYLVIA JOE WILLIAM
I’m still sitting there watching and schooling myself from the guide, and it is a wonderful experience believe me, just eating and drinking and filling up on that food for life. I am doing just great; that is my schooling for now and it is paying off, so I don’t have to worry about that stuff going on at the apartment. I am more relieved, and I have something to keep me busy until further notice, so I will talk to you all later.
8 One Step Away ● MAY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org
I’ll close with a thought for the day: Remember to never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up.
“REMEMBER TO NEVER LOOK DOWN ON ANYONE UNLESS YOU ARE HELPING THEM UP.”
William writes: Hello, and how are you? This is William. I am doing just fine out there on the Parkway since last month’s message—and how about you? Did you guys get anything good out of that write up or not? I thought that it was really helpful, which is why I wrote it for you.
— JARREDJAYDEN
JAYDEN WILLIAM
I have been learning some really good things lately that might be helpful in the near future, you never know. I want to be a little quiet for the time being; I think it’s better.
“I am currently living with my mom as a result of being illegally locked out of my apartment. Sometimes you blame yourself for being homeless, but you find a way. I rely on my regular buyers to get me through.”
“I’ve been a vendor for over seven years, at least. When I started doing it, I was 22, I’m about to be 30. I like the motivation it provides. Before I started with the paper, my life was kinda tough. Right now, I’m not going through any major challenges. Everything’s fine. One Step Away benefits me by giving me self-empowerment, independence, and entrepreneurship.Infiveyears,Iwant to be selling the papers. People ask me if this is working for me. But for me it’s simple: I’m doing the papers. The city is changing. They’re bringing new money in. There’s new condominiums being built on Broad Street. So, in five years, you’re gonna have different people besides the ones you see today.”
Jayden writes: So many of the street papers are changing in response to the new media landscape. At some street papers, the vendors are selling digital papers and calendars, and some have converted to magazines even though they cost more. We have a million reasons (excuses) for why we don’t want to buy papers, ‘it’s too messy,’ ‘I don’t want to carry it,’ ‘I’m in a hurry,’ ‘I’m running late.’ These aren’t really ‘I can’t’ responses but more ‘I won’t’ responses, which don’t dignify the people who are trying to improve the quality of their life.So here is my challenge to you who support One Step Away and its mission: First, I challenge you to have conversations with people who feel differently about homelessness and social changes. Second, I would like to know what other things you would like One Step Away to offer. Do you have ideas on how the vendors could display their qualities and also learn new skills? I also want to know what you would be willing to pay for those things. The issue however with offering different products is then the vendors need to have vendors’ licenses from the city and that costs money.
“The best part of being a street vendor is that when people get to know you, they really get to know “you.” I’m transitioning from female to male and my story is not welcome everywhere. I sued a county jail and won because they were denying me my hormones and making me stay in tiny cells.The truth is that print media is changing, and I’d love to be able to share my creative skills with my coworkers so that we can diversify what we offer. I make stickers and stone emblems with inspirational sayings on them. This isn’t just about selling papers, it’s about making our lives better. By teaching each other what we know, we can build a real community.”
OSAphilly.org ● MAY 2018 ● One Step Away 9 ChampionsTICKETSCelebration Ticket $85 per person ($100 at the door) *VIP Tasting Tickets $150 per person SPONSORSHIPS Want to make a larger impact? Become a sponsor! Enjoy VIP event tickets, marketing, and printed and digital advertisement campaigns Levels Ambassador $10,000 Investor $6,000 Entrepreneur $3,000 Supporter $2,000 Register online at osaphilly.org/champions. JOIN OUR CHAMPIONS CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY WILLIS TOWERS WATSON EVENT PROCCEEDS CREATE MEANINGFUL INCOME AND PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY THROUGH ONE STEP AWAY’S NEWSPAPER AND VENDOR PROGRAMS Thursday, May 10, 2018 6 pm Champions Celebration 5 pm VIP Wine & Beer Tasting COCKTAIL PARTY | SILENT AUCTION | AWARDS CEREMONY | CELEBRATION THE PYRAMID CLUB PHILADELPHIA 1735 Market Street, 52nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
VOTE PA: A guide to the Nov. general election DNC: Phiily style on and off the street 13Rethinking Mental Illness and addictionGREATER PHILADELPHIA’S FIRST NEWSPAPER PRODUCED BY THOSE WITHOUT HOMES FOR THOSE WITH HOMES THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION CAME AND WENT, BUT THE STORIES FROM THE STREETS ARE STILL HERE. story on page 4
THEAWARDS:ADVOCACY
Richard Ramson, “Ram,” is the 2018 Advocacy Award recipient. Ram is one of One Step Away’s most outspoken champions, consistently spreading the word about what we do and helping new supporters learn what we are about. Many times, when we are approached by a community member wanting to know more about One Step Away, it is someone who first talked to Ram and became interested in our work through that conversation. As one of the organization’s first team leaders, Ram serves as an ambassador to the public, helping us build new partnerships, recruit new vendors, and share our work with new people. Ram consistently writes poetry for the paper, sharing his own inspirational words; and he has helped other vendors share their stories in last year’s vendor issue. He has been featured on Philly Loves Poetry and Philly Cam, and he regularly volunteers to speak to volunteers about his experiences. In recognition of Ram’s work, we present him with the 2018 Advocacy Award.
Maria James is 2018’s Leadership Award recipient. Maria was promoted to Team Leader in December 2017 in recognition of her ability to collaborate with others, uplift them, and reliably show up for the needs of others. Since she began in this position, she has exemplified the role of a servant leader. She collaborated closely with her co-team leader, demonstrating her commitment to supporting all her team members. She has since taken on the added responsibility of being the only team leader in her neighborhood zone and has continued to be there to support everyone on the team, as well as the dozens of new vendors she has helped train. Maria consistently volunteers to help with training and makes a point of carefully placing each new vendor in a location that will work for them and following up with them over time. Even outside of her team, Maria is consistently positive and encouraging to other vendors, a supportive team player, and someone dedicated to working towards excellence in her own customer service as well as others. In recognition of Maria’s role in building the team leader position and supporting her team, we present her with the 2018 Leadership Award.
THE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
The Achievement Award recognizes a vendor who has utilized One Step Away to make significant gains in their life. Moreover, the recipient of this award consistently gives back to the community, the paper, and other vendors. Their work and their contribution has made a lasting impact on our organization.
Your Vendor: Suggest Donatio$1 Get involved at www.osaphilly.org 96
THE LEADERSHIP AWARD: The Leadership Award recognizes a vendor who motivates others, who is strongly collaborative, and who sets a high standard for excellence. The recipient of the Leadership Award knows that this work is a team effort and works to lift up other vendors. The Leadership Award Recipient is also clear on their purpose and they serve as a strong ambassador to the public, sharing the mission of One Step Away.
The Advocacy Award recognizes a vendor who advances One Step Away’s mission by being a champion for individuals experiencing homelessness through their writing, their words, and their actions. The recipient of the Advocacy Award writes and speaks powerfully, bringing attention to issues that matter to those experiencing homelessness, joblessness, and poverty. The Advocacy Award recipient also supports their fellow vendors, helping them organize and advocate for their own needs.
SEPTEMBER 2016
10 One Step Away ● MAY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org VENDOR RECOGNITIONS
AWARD:
Jeff Greene is the recipient of 2018 Achievement Award. Jeff started working with One Step Away during its first year and has been a consistent positive presence for the organization ever since. Jeff has held many interests and developed many skills and hobbies throughout his life, and he brings his wealth of experience to the paper and to the people he meets. He is quick to build relationships with customers and speaks with an energy and a wisdom that leaves a lasting impact. Jeff consistently demonstrates that selling the paper is not just a transaction to him, it is an opportunity to build a connection. Since Jeff began working with the paper, he has obtained housing, while continuing to be a champion for people who are still homeless and the community. Jeff has shared his art, his reflections, his story, and his passions in the newspaper; and he has reported on Homeless Memorial Day, the District Attorney Race, and the Student Walk Out. He is a powerful representative of the One Step Away community. In recognition of Jeff ’s achievements, we present Jeff with the 2018 Achievement Award.
OSAphilly.org ● MAY 2018 ● One Step Away 11 Thursday, May 10, 2018 6 pm Champions Celebration 5 pm VIP Wine & Beer Tasting COCKTAIL PARTY | SILENT AUCTION | AWARDS CEREMONY | CELEBRATION THE PYRAMID CLUB PHILADELPHIA 1735 Market Street, 52nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 PRESENTS Join us for an evening to celebrate One Step Away’s Champions Overlooking the City of Philadelphia from the 52nd Floor, One Step Away’s Champions Celebration will feature a silent auction, raffle prizes, hors d’oeuvres, slider station, pasta station, and an open wine & beer bar. Proceeds support One Step Away’s mission of creating economic opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty through our monthly street paper. ...JOIN US FOR AN EVENING CELEBRATING ONE STEP AWAY’S CHAMPIONS! FROM THE STREETS TO THE 52nd FLOOR... THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
DAMILLA
The issue needs love. When people from the mainstream sacrifice to be present with this struggle, we will be see a change. If leaders like Jay-Z for example gave a shout out to One Step Away, others would follow.”
RAM NEAL
— RAM
“It all started with curiosity—I was “led” to this paper. Being an artist comes with a lot of ups and downs, and being able to be a provider, and not just someone who is fighting for a cause, is a priority in my life right now.
I just want to say thank you to my supporters in Chestnut Hill for accepting me for who I am. I want to start my own business one day and help the homeless get on their feet.”
“IF LEADERS LIKE JAY-Z WOULD GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO ONE STEP AWAY, OTHERS WOULD FOLLOW.”
“I’ve become a motivational speaker who has learned the art of bending the rules, without breaking the laws. When people found out I was a college student studying Shakespeare, they started listening to what I had toNealsay.”writes:
“I started working as a vendor three years ago, after my mom’s and grandma’s deaths. I let homeless people know about the paper, and how it’s the first step they can take. If you want change in your hand, you need to change your life. I love to talk to people. I keep a smile on my face. I also learned that people don’t have to be mean to each other, and different organizations that deal with homelessness can work together, not against each other.
I know I have the power to produce results, and the sense of community and humanity I get from being part of this mission gives me strength. If we want to see homelessness end, we need to build a bridge between worlds; people in the mainstream who are involved with the homeless need to tell their friends about it.
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I just want to thank One Step Away for all the help they have given me. I also want customers to know that now I’m working uptown in the Mount Airy section of the city, near the Walmart at Cedarbrook Mall, and the response there has been great. There were a lot of people uptown who never knew about One Step Away; and they have been very happy to find out about One Step Away and to support the paper. I am glad that I was able to enlighten them about our paper. In the coming months I will continue to write for the paper.
“I started working at One Step Away for pocket money. I didn’t want to just ask for money; it feels good to be able to do something. Homelessness is a trap. There doesn’t seem to be a way out, the way things are set-up right now.Ihave been trying to get my own place, but I can’t afford the security deposit. Places like the Rapid Re-Housing Program need to offer more options that people can afford; I’ll never be able to afford a place that costs $900 per month. I understand public officials are trying their best, but they can lack compassion. Some are burned out.Inten years, I hope to be a pastor. I can sense where people are coming from, all my friends and family come to me.”
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If I see that someone could benefit from the paper and can’t pay me, I give it away for free. I am currently looking for dishwasher, vacuuming, and cleaning jobs. One day I hope to work as a graphic designer.”
On one of my journeys through Center City I just so happened to stumble upon Occupy Philly where I ran into a few vendors who had introduced me to One Step Away and explained to me what it was about. I have to admit I wasn’t exactly thrilled to do it at first. Most of the jobs I’ve held in the past required physical labor, and I worked with minimum human contact.
ANNA MARQUISHAROLDMELANY
CHARLES
Being a vendor required that I develop skills that I never had to use before. Not to mention enduring all types of unpleasant weather. You have to focus on those people who are open minded and willing to listen. It brings me great satisfaction when I can change someone’s perception on a topic like homelessness that unfortunately too many people choose to pretend doesn’t exist.
My name is Charles and I am one year older than I was last year at this time. I am originally from Bucks and Montgomery counties. In some circles the area is known as Buxmont. I became homeless back in the fall of 2011 after having a falling out with a job I was working at the time. It wasn’t a very high paying job, and I was for the most part living paycheck to paycheck. I tried to quickly find a new job but kept hearing from most interviewers, “we’ll keep in touch.” And I’m sure most of you out there know what that means. Eventually what little savings I had dried up, and I had nowhere to go.
I enjoy being able to separate fact from fiction for people who may have otherwise been misled. There are times I am reluctant to go out and do my job because the sales aren’t always easy to make, but I know if I don’t, I’ll be the one who suffers for it; unlike most jobs there are no sick days or vacation time. Nowadays when people ask how sales are going I just simply shrug my shoulders and say, “Some days you’re the bug and some days you’re the windshield.” I don’t know how much longer I’ll be a vendor for one day I’m sure I’ll explore new opportunities. One question I’ve heard several times buzzing around our vendor site is, “What would you tell someone who is not familiar with One Step Away?” Well I simply just tell them it’s a self-help program for homeless people who actually want to help themselves.Overthe years I have gotten to know quite a few people who have been supportive and have been entertained by the stories that I’ve written. It’s gotten to the point where I’m always being asked if I have an article in the new edition. I’ll admit sometimes it’s a bit challenging to think of something every month, but it’s certainly nice to know that I am in demand. I’ve come to find out the hard way that it’s when people no longer pressure you that you need to worry. Until then – Auf wiedersehen, Charles
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
MARIA
“I’ve been a vendor for three months. I live in West Philly but sometimes sleep in the city so I can apply to jobs the next day. I like to show professionalism and wish I had more time with people to explain what the paper is all about.
“I’m grateful for the endless support from Pastor Shauna and Pastor Violet. As far as where I’ll be ten years from now... I’ll be running the universe. Praise Jesus.”
“I was a farmer in the Pocono mountains for 40 years. It was something I did with my dad. Once he passed, nothing was the same. I gave it all up and started to drink more. I like being a vendor because you get to meet really nice people and feel the closeness of relationships.Affordablehousing is one way to keep people off the street: Give people a fighting chance. My dream job is washing dishes; I like working with my hands. I just want a steady job. I’d like to give a big ‘thank you’ to the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission for all their help.”
China is one. China virtually eliminated its problems of endemic opium addiction in the space of only a few years, 1949-1953. By the end of the 19th century, China under its last dynasty, Qing, of its 300 million people some 90 million people were addicted or users of opium—a powerful, natural, and highly addictive narcotic sedative. Opium had been utilized for medicinal purposes in China since at least the 7th century. After the revolution of 1949, the Chinese authorities finally had the wherewithal in state resources and coercive power, as well as the will to enforce its laws against opium production, sale, and use through its entire territory. The nascent Communist government was faced with the monumental task of rehabilitating literally tens of millions of its opiumaddicted citizens. They adopted extraordinarily severe measures to address this crisis, up to, and including, the death penalty for opium profiteers and distributors. The revolutionary regime was able to do this through its ability to mobilize its patriotic, idealistic, and loyal masses inured to struggles though decades of invasion and revolution. By the mid-fifties, opium addiction was virtually non-existent, through a concerted policy of carrot and stick, hard and soft, good cop/bad cop.
HISTORY WITH ZACHARY: ART WITH JEFF: CHINA’S OPIUM WARS: BATTLES LOST AND WON
“I became a vendor four years ago. Finding a reliable customer base was hard. I soon found out that being comfortable somewhere does not also mean it’s going to be profitable. In these four years I’ve moved up, and I am now a Neighborhood Zone Leader.
The Chinese authorities also had the benefit of a populace infused with the traditional Confucian values of submission to temporal authority, obedience, and sacrifice; as a consequence, they were able to mobilize and energize said population for crucial national objectives.
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“I’m not selling a paper; I’m giving myself away. And I have learned how to give myself away without being afraid. Ten years from now I hope to be traveling around the world and meeting other street paper vendors representing their communities.”
By Zachary Caldwell With this country facing one of the most dangerous drug crises it has had to deal with, history offers some concrete examples or lessons on how other countries have faced this issue.
While the Chinese imperial regime might have lost the Opium Wars of 19th century to British colonial and exploitative designs, the Chinese Revolution, if nothing else, succeeded in arresting, curtailing, and eventually virtually eradicating the opium menace by 1953. Edgar Snow’s book Red Star Over China provides a comprehensive, if somewhat biased, narrative of the early Communist period in China.
I doubt that homelessness will ever be completely eradicated. For some people, that’s just what they want to do. I have a degree from Temple in History, and sometimes I write articles for the paper. Besides the money, I am very appreciative for the support of my customers—their kindness, courtesy, and generosity, that’s a big thing. I consider them my friends.”
Hello, greetings and welcome to Spring with all of Her Blessings! As you might have noticed, this issue of One Step Away is the Vendor’s Issue and I am thrilled that you chose to obtain a copy. Your support is greatly appreciated, and I hope that you will enjoy reading and sharing our stories.
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That question will sometimes start a kind of pleasant guessing game in my mind, but I will often make a mental note to simply ask the person a bit more about their life beyond work and such. I am often asked the same question by folks who might be interested in my life beyond my work, too. Some folks might be surprised to learn that I am also an artist, writer, photographer, cook, and more... You see, when I was young and growing, it was a fact of life that a person had to learn how to do a lot of things so that they could gain a collection of “life skills.” The ability to adapt was, and is, one of the many features that I consider blessings as I move through the world.
SPRING PHOTOS AND OUR LIVES BEYOND OUR “WORK” · By
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My years as a vendor remain an enjoyable learning experience which has allowed me to meet many wonderful and interesting people as they make their journeys to and from work each day. One of the most stimulating questions that I often ask myself about other people is, “I wonder what else she/he does?”
I am grateful to be able to share with you a few examples of my creative efforts for your enjoyment and I hope that your own “day to day” is filled with excellence and inspiration. May Blessings Abound, Jeff Greene Jeff Greene
· By Keith Barbour · Don’t step away from the problem, Step up to a solution, The homeless are not pollution!!! You can be One Step Away from helping a homeless person have a place to stay.
When did it ever come to one person that life would be easy?
You or one of your family members might become homeless and left out in the cold, Hungry, dirty, depressed, and old, With nowhere to go, in three feet of snow, So help another human being out, Because that’s what life’s about.
Feeling like this is not good enough.
“This is a serious thing we stand for, so I learned how to come out of my shell, and really communicate with others. I’m also writing a book about my life and the lessons I’ve encountered so far.” WITH BRIAN
To whom much is given, much is required.
ONE STEP AWAY
For it to get better this is feeling like a maze please believe me.
This is why I just keep it moving right along knowingly. Everything that is meant to be surely will. Use your mind, and think sometimes peace be still.
I would say things like be quiet, because it could get rough. Use to be violent, and oh what a rush. Look at me now! Feeling like this is not good enough?
Where is the King on the throne? The world is a mess! All, I know as far as me, I’m doing my best.
The strong survivors, become the providers. The rest will hang on, but don’t lose a grip. When your boat gets rocked, hold on, don’t flip. Keep afloat, solid ground is near. Nobody wants to be by themselves in the middle of nowhere. Just know when you hold on tight. There are a lot of resources out there, and people who care. I strike with all my heart, and all my might. With the ‘if’ and the ‘maybe’ hoping everything will be alright. When then again from a past point of view about me.
POETRY
16 One Step Away ● MAY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org
Begin by being out numbered with a lot of challenges. What good comes to the one who always gets tested?
Put yourself in my shoes, and you’ll be singing the blues.
The one you couldn’t talk to, or dared not touch!
The change comes with time, we walk a straight line. Nobody is perfect, I didn’t know that this was a crime.
The fact is we can’t change the past not even what was given.
How far will I go? How long will this last? When we stumble on things, we’re moving too fast.
To begin to build with positive thoughts. Then end up down the line later better than average.
Some of the time, I feel like, Where did I go wrong, and where did I fail?
Life is too short at this day and age.
To stand strong for a positive cause. The in between to make ends meet. The sacrifices to keep a roof over my head. So, I don’t sleep on the streets. The critics don’t get it, and some are not with it. Still feeling like this is not good enough.
Who may just be a little out of the ordinary, considered less than average.
One Step Away is a step in the right direction. Give $1 and make a connection, To a human being that’s been down on their luck, In one point in life we’ve all been stuck, And someone reached out and pulled us up out of our rut. One Step Away – You’ll never know how the future will unfold.
Mentally pulling them down as you walk around in plain sight. One way, or another we’re all going to eat. Under the grace, and mercy of God. Even if you choose to live on the streets. There are other options, but sometimes,
So if a person takes something from another, because of desire
Who wants to deal with the chaotic foolishness, and outrage? Keep calm, be cool, and try to relax.
From the past that a lot went on, and you just imagine this.
What made you this way? To wake up not being thankful for this life. The one that’s full of surprises. Did you pray today? Do you go throughout your day looking down on others?
Then this becomes a bunch of misery that this person acquired. We need money in this world to manage.
On that special day God will prevail over the savage.
Just me all alone against all odds. My word is bond, and I’m going to ride! I live for what I stand for until the day I die!
The people that beg, I watch as I work they do well.
Then at some point you’ll find out who the creep is. With a period of time as life goes on.
Try not to lose focus in a stable process to make progress. The things that go on can be hard to absorb. Very unbalanced to digest!
Knowledge is power, there is no guess in what I mean.
Just never give up, and keep on trying. Walk with me that’s right, and then you’ll see, I’m not lying. Let us separate the real from the fake. Sort of like doing the same thing with love, and hate. Shooting for stars wondering is this our fate. What about the homeless shelters, and group homes?
The thief is the one who is stealing.
There are no big eyes to see little, you get it?
Now pay attention, look around, and observe.
Somewhere in there, I was told not to work with pride. With this comes a big fall. Only a saying that says you can have it all.
Let us please not forget about the children
Looking as, I move forward through rain, sleet, or hail. Feeling like this is not good enough.
The goals to achieve as they continue to establish.
Wow being all stressed, depressed, and talking all that stuff.
Remember when, I cared not much?
Faith is what we believe that is not to be seen. A person could either walk in the mud, or where the grass is green.
To become a leader on a good team, as you begin to be strong. Who would have known you could get this well off ? Myself, I know some of the strongest people that fell off. Feeling like this is not good enough, but why? Know in the end nothing ever beat a failure, but a try. Yours truly, DEVIL BANG BANG FEELING LIKE THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Trying to be greater than ever while looking for clues. Separate, but don’t delete, and know one thing. Really, it’s hard out here in these streets. Feeling like this is not good enough? Keep your peace, but speak it. Let us not prey among the weakest.
This is a new chapter of life so, if not then what’s next?
Think about the innocent in jail that lose their life. The others that are just left alone. From a blind sight with faith, I think.
Just not thinking straight, And maybe there are some things we just don’t appreciate. That is a part of life for you. Well, are you feeling like this is not good enough?
· By Brian Belcher ·
Just be patient as the focus becomes stronger when you grow to get along.
SO I DROVE SO OFTEN TO THE MOON
POETRY WITH SLOBODAN
I thought he would give me one. Days have passed and nothing. I was more and more angry because of my brother. I knew that the Lord was not good. I knew that ball belonged to me.
I laughed and said, ‘The sky and the clouds God can forget you. But what I did no one can.’
Death was called the Door for Heaven. We were happy to run around the house and in all the trees. Beautiful is a dog’s life. I liked to talk about butterflies, birds, clouds, and the night-like moon, and stare. Life is a wonderful thing. One morning I spoke a little while my brother was cheerful at all. Then he came to me holding a red-yellow rubber ball in his mouth. I’d never seen anything like this before. He told me our Lord gave it to him.
OUR FEATURED POETS
Then I decided to go to the cave. I got in there. The cave was huge. Everywhere the balls yellow and red. My brother was joking with lions.
I kept to myself and I did not play with my brother anymore. I was lazy with the injustice to me. I swear to myself, I am the one who I am. Then I discovered a cave in which the lions lived.
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‘Where have you been? Are you going to play now?’ I slammed and turned and left. I knew I lost everything.
“I’m a philosopher—someone who likes to talk about science, love, and physics. No one out there would ever know that about me.”
I knew right away that I was supposed to take my brother to that cave I knew lions would kill him. After so many nights I slept quietly.
A few days later, I found it difficult to be alone. Most of the time, I slept. I lost my will for life. I stopped eating.
· By Slobodan Mrkojevic ·
IN THE SPIRIT
· By Bryant Culpepper · In the spirit I thought of love, and all the good it brings. I thought of all the things I’ve done, with Angels spreading wings. I rode white horses with rod in hand, all to strike down evil. I destroyed an army and took the plunder, and left them all a bit feeble.
I opened my big mouth and barked of lively life without love, so bad. I knew that the end was waiting for me anywhere.
KEITH BARBOUR Keith is a poet and a regular One Step Away struggles.timesthedrawsHiscontributor.poetryfromgoodandthe
Something cut me in the chest. Why does he like my brother more? Why did he give him that ball? By the end of the day we rode that ball.
This is about me about the dog Who loved the red-yellow rubber ball. I had a brother; we grew up together in the yard of our Lord. He called us ‘my dogs.’ We were proud of it. We call him Home, Heaven, or Zion We knew when somebody died, if he was good, he’d go to the house of our Lord.
That his lions and all the balls. I went to the big mountain, Good Morning. The highest hill was called Maybe Next Time I stood on the edge looking down to the valley they called Life and realized that I was alone.
In the morning I said ‘I know the place where there is a huge number of balls of rubbery red silk.’ We took him away in the vicinity of the caves. Then I took the ball from him, told him not to mess with the other. I drove home carrying my red-yellow ball. Nobody was happier than me. After all, I had everything. I waved that ball from day to day and laughed cheerfully.
It’s in the spirit that I do His work, all without ever looking back. He loves me so without a doubt, can’t think of one thing that I lack. I roar like the seas and strike like the skies, to call creation to order. I spoke to the sands of all of my plans, stopping waters from flooding the borders.
In the spirit I moved that mountain, I struck down a nine-foot man. That man was the giant that defiled the armies, who sowed discourse in the plan. I took down a lion and also a bear, all to protect my sheep. 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. I worship Him and His Holy name, oh so bright, oh morning star.
BRYANT CULPEPPER Bryant is a poet and ownexamineswhoseauthorworkhisjourney him.theandhomelessness,withthestateofworldaround
18 One Step Away ● MAY 2018 ● OSAphilly.org A D O P T T B S P B O R E D O N O R A L T O I T E M D E C O Y T O A D K I T S S E L F S A C R I F I C E R O A R T A R N R E T O R T T A I P E I E C H O S T E R N E N D A L I M E N T A R Y C A N A L P A N M A Y B E B A T E S T E R E S P E E L E R I N C A V E N T T E N D E R H E A R T E D B R A G N E O N A E G I S R O S E C A P O G R O V E O Y E R Y L E M E S S E N 5 4 7 9 1 8 2 3 8 7 4 2 6 5 1 9 9 2 5 3 8 4 7 6 3 8 6 1 2 9 4 7 1 9 8 4 3 2 6 5 2 6 9 5 7 1 3 8 4 3 2 6 9 7 5 1 6 5 1 7 4 3 8 2 2 7 1 3 8 5 6 9 4 SUDOKU #1 Crossword 3 6 2 4 9 5 1 7 8 4 5 1 6 8 7 3 9 2 8 7 9 1 2 3 6 4 5 5 3 7 2 4 8 9 6 1 1 8 4 9 3 6 2 5 7 9 2 6 5 7 1 8 3 4 6 4 3 7 1 2 5 8 9 7 1 5 8 6 9 4 2 3 2 9 8 3 5 4 7 1 6 SUDOKU #2 April’s Solutions HERE’S THEM?DIDANSWERS.APRIL’SYOUGET INSPIRE RHD was honored to work with Matthew Saad Muhammad, Boxing Hall of Famer and Philadelphia icon, as spokesperson for One Step Away’s annual Knock Out Homelessness fundraiser. Matthew’s reputation for dramatic comebacks fit the spirit of One Step Away, and RHD programs across the country. It’s not always easy for people. Sometimes it’s hard, Sometimes they fall. But with care and support, they get back up. Because they can. You can support RHD’s One Step Away at our annual fundraiser May 10 at The Pyramid Club Philadelphia Find out how at: www.osaphilly.org/champions. T o g ether we’re better. Toget he r, we’ re RHD.
OSAphilly.org ● MAY 2018 ● One Step Away 19 CAN THANKS,PUZZLE?SOLVEYOUMYMARIA 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. Submit to OSA@RHD.ORG 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 Across 1. Pro’s opposite 4. Tolkien baddies 8. Ammonia derivative 13. Andean tuber 14. Musical speeds 16. Begot 17. Small French cake 19. Grassy plain 20. “Singin’ in the ___” 21. Come undoneCROSSWORDWordSearch “Say Cheese” 2 8 5 6 4 3 1 1 8 3 5 9 7 4 5 6 3 7 2 6 3 4 8 9 6 2 2 6 8 1 4 7 5 2 6 3 2 8 3 7 8 6 9 1 8 9 7 2 4 8 3 5 7 2 8 9 SUDOKU The object of a Sudoku puzzle is to fill in the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Good luck! CONTRIBUTED BY Street Roots, In Portland, ORegon See June’s Issue for The Answers to the Puzzles 23. Battery terminals 25. “___ moment, please” 26. Bump off 29. “Scream” star Campbell 30. Douglas ___ 31. Electrical unit 32. Irritate 34. Take a ___ at (attempt to) 35. “Well done!” 37. Gaucho’s weapon 38. Long ___ 39. Big name in PCs DOWN 1. Dried coconut meat 2. Arctic or Pacific 3. Transfer from private ownership to state control, as an industry 4. Baseball’s Mel 5. Say no to 6. “Let’s go!” 7. Spontaneous 8. Man or Wight, e.g. 9. Rich lady 10. Bank offering, for 11.shortAnimal house 12. Tokyo, formerly 15. Tehran inhabitants 18. Tireless 22. Walk and talk, e.g. 24. Time of anticipation 27. Material for a fence 28. Host 32. “Survivor” network 33. Nonsense 34. Stir-fry condiment 36. “To ___ is human ...” 38. Incarcerates 42. ___ and cheese 45. Type of grass 49. 50.(cheapskate)Nickel-and-___Struckdown,in the 52.BibleBurn the surface of 53. A deadly sin 55. Pester 56. Egg cells 57. Ornamental flower, for short 59. 32-Down’s logo 40. “Saturday Night Live” 41.segment“The ___ have it” 42. REI customer, maybe 43. Israeli weapon 44. Belief system 45. Pink, as a steak 46. Actress Ryan 47. ___-tzu 48. Corrects 51. Took on, as a role 54. Do some laps puzzles 55. Frozen domeshaped dessert 58. Lira fraction 60. Throat dangler 61. Representative 62. No longer working 63.(Abbr.)Xbox enthusiast 64. Ilk 65. Bard’s “before”aHerbGoudaAsiagoHavartiProvoloneFetaNachoRicottaAmericanParmigianoBlueCreamCottageMuensterMozzarellaWineSwissGarlicCheddarLimburgerPepperjacklist
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