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The Cover COVER ILLUSTRATION BY DEGNON DOVONOU, DESIGN BY ANNEMARIE CUCCIA
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST HOUSE, COVER DESIGN BY ANNEMARIE CUCCIA
Denny, Ricardo Meriedy, Rita Sauls, Robert Vaughn, Robert Warren, Rochelle Walker, Ron Dudley, Ronnell Wilson, S. M., S. Smith, Sasha Williams, Saul Presa, Shawn Fenwick, Sheila White, Shuhratjon Ahmadjonov, Sureyakanti Behera, Susan Wilshusen, Sybil Taylor, Tasha Savoy, T.K. Hancock, Tony Bond, Tonya Williams, Vennie Hill, Vincent Watts, Warren Stevens, Wayne Hall, Wendell Williams,
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The Cover
VENDORS ON DONALD TRUMP’S INAUGURATION
Plea to the president
J. GALE
Artist/Vendor
Dear President-elect Donald Trump, Congratulations on your victory. Although I do not agree with the officials on your team, please remember you work for the citizens of the United States of America. We employ you to lead us out of inflation and troubles with other countries. Please keep America safe and keep our allies happy. Remember, my life is not a joke. Beat the system, don’t beat us.
Trump needs to care about us
MARC GRIER
Artist/Vendor
Quartet
ROCHELLE WALKER Artist/Vendor
This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody.
An important job needed to be done, and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. But Somebody got angry about Nobody doing the job. Then Somebody said, “I want to be president of the United States. I was in the White House for four years, and I deserve another term. Anybody can do it, but Nobody wants to vote.”
Donald Trump deserves another term in the White House. He is the best man for the job. He won the most votes but lost many others, not because he is white or Black but because Somebody has to put the world back together. So, please make America great again.
What I would like to see is honesty and integrity from the president who won this last election. I’d like to see Donald care about the common people, not just those who have a million dollars and want to get more. He needs to care about the people who are up and coming and trying to make it work. He needs to care about people who are not like him and support programs for people who don’t have the things he has. Even though some people take advantage of the programs, that’s not for him to decide. They will not benefit from doing wrong.
BIRTHDAYS
Maurice Spears Jan. 15
ARTIST/VENDOR
Frederic John Jan. 17
ARTIST/VENDOR
DIRECTOR OF
Darick Brown
DIRECTOR OF
Thomas Ratliff VENDOR
EVENTS AT SSM
ANNOUNCEMENTS
□ Street Sense Media offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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□ Photography Workshop is back! Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Come work on those photography skills!
Trump’s return
Donald J. Trump will be the president of the United States for the second time. Let’s hope for the best in his term. I hope he does good things and doesn’t hurt America’s poor people by stopping the benefits they are entitled to. Spread love.
Dominique Anthony Jan. 20
ARTIST/VENDOR
Shuhratjon Ahmadjonov Jan. 20
ARTIST/VENDOR
Ronnell Wilson Jan. 22
ARTIST/VENDOR
Jacques Collier Jan. 26
ARTIST/VENDOR
Michael Pennycook Jan. 28
ARTIST/VENDOR
□ Is the office closed for a holiday or bad weather? Street Sense follows the federal government (opm. gov/status). Also, you can call the front desk (x101), check your texts or emails from Thomas, or go to the vendor announcements page at streetsensemedia.org/ vendor-info.
VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT
Read this democratically elected code of conduct, by vendors, for vendors!
1. I will support Street Sense Media’s mission statement and in so doing will work to support the Street Sense Media community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.
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Aida Peery, Chon Gotti, Nikila Smith VENDOR PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS
Ann Herzog, Beverly Brown, Madeleine McCollough, Roberta Haber
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Annemarie Cuccia
DEPUTY EDITOR Donte Kirby
EDITORIAL INTERNS Fiona Riley, Tierra Cunningham
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN Madi Koesler
ARTISTS-INRESIDENCE Alexandra Silverthorne (Photography), Bonnie Naradzay (Poetry), David Serota (Illustration), Leslie Jacobson (Theater), Roy Barber (Theater), Willie Schatz (Writing)
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Abigail Chang, Aiesha Clark, Andrew Chow, Ann Duan, Annie Hoge, Anne Eigeman, August Dichter, Benjamin Litoff, Candace Montague, Cari Shane, Chelsea Cirruzzo, Dan Goff, Emily Blumburg, Franziska Wild, Grier Hall, Jack Walker, J.M. Ascienzo, Josh Axelrod, Kate Molloy, Kathryn Owens, Latechia Chambers, Loren Kimmel, Mark Rose, Matt Gannon, Micah Levey, Nina Raj, Rachel Dungan, Ryan Bacic, Steve Lilienthal, Susannah Birle, Taylor Nichols, Zach Montellaro
6. I will not distribute copies of “Street Sense” on metro trains and buses or on private property.
7. I will abide by the Street Sense Media Vendor Territory Policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes with other vendors in a professional manner.
8. I will not sell additional goods or products while distributing “Street Sense.”
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10. I understand that my badge and vest are property of Street Sense Media and will not deface them. I will present my badge when purchasing “Street Sense” and will always display my badge when distributing “Street Sense.”
ANTHONY CARNEY Artist/Vendor
How to get an ID if you’re experiencing homelessness
MICAH LEVEY Volunteer Freelance Reporter
From opening a bank account to enrolling in social services, a valid form of identification is crucial to navigate many aspects of daily life. For people experiencing homelessness, having an ID is a vital part of stability and security. IDs can help people access essential services such as health care, housing, and employment opportunities.
But people experiencing homelessness, especially those living outside, may not have traditional forms of identification. IDs and other documents are often lost or destroyed in encampment closures and moves between shelters. Obtaining another ID can be challenging, especially without proof of residency at a fixed address or access to vital documents.
In Washington, D.C., several government programs and nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness get that crucial ID. Whether it’s accessing birth certificates through nonprofits such as Bread for the City, applying for a free ID with the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) during their weekly visits at the Downtown Day Services Center, or safeguarding IDs and other important documents at Miriam’s Kitchen, obtaining an ID is not just about meeting legal requirements — it’s a gateway to opportunity. Here’s how to get an ID and some of the organizations that can help along the way.
If you’re looking for more information, Bread for the City also offers a comprehensive guide to obtaining an ID in D.C. on the nonprofit’s website. Another helpful resource for young people experiencing homelessness is the Homeless Youth Handbook, specifically the chapter on Identification.
Step 1: Gathering required documents
The first step to obtain a non-driver’s license ID (which won’t allow you to drive, but is valid for all other purposes) is being able to prove your identity. This requires a birth certificate, a social security number, and proof of residency.
If you don’t already have access to a copy of your birth certificate , the No-Fee Birth Certificate program, run by D.C.’s Department of Human Services (DHS), can help. The No-Fee Birth Certificate program, through the use of identity-verification kiosks provided by the Office of Vital Records and an electronic form provided by DHS, allows anyone born in D.C. and experiencing homelessness to get a birth certificate at no cost.
To enroll in the program, contact DHS or one of DHS’s certified homeless service providers, listed in the grey box to the right. Case managers there can fill out an application for a fee waiver. If you’re approved, you can then take the waiver with you to the D.C. Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records at 899 North Capitol St. NE, where a self-service kiosk will verify your identity.
If you already have a birth certificate but are still struggling to prove your identity because your other legal documents and records have a different name from the one shown on your birth certificate, the legal team at Bread for the City, with locations on 7th Street in NW and Marion Barry Avenue in SE, can help by assisting with a legal name change.
Foundry United Methodist Church, located at 1500 16th St. NW, also offers an ID ministry on all Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers can help you get birth certificates, ID cards, and Social Security cards. To make an appointment, email idministry@foundryumc.org.
While getting a birth certificate from another state can be more complicated and take longer, organizations like Bread for the City and Foundry’s ID ministry can also help with that process. Foundry, the Downtown Day Services Center, and Community Family Life Services may be able to help pay for the cost of getting records from another state.
If you have a social security number, you just need to write it on your application for an ID, which will then be subject to the DMV’s verification.
In D.C., people who do not have Social Security numbers can obtain a limited-purpose ID. In addition to proof of identity and residency, applicants for the limited-purpose ID need proof they have been in the city for at least six months and will have to fill out a form declaring they are not eligible for a Social Security number. The forms are available at the DMV and online.
To get proof of residency, both for regular IDs and limited-purpose IDs, applicants experiencing homelessness should ask their case managers, shelter staff, or other support workers for a form affirming they’re a D.C. resident. The form has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you have a fixed address, you’ll need two proofs of residency, like a lease, utility bill, or official mail to your address.
Step 2: Applying for an ID
Once you have all your documents, you can apply for a non-driver’s license ID card at the DMV. To make the process more accessible, the DMV also visits the Downtown Day Services Center on Thursdays. Staff members assist individuals in applying for non-driver ID cards. This service is especially beneficial if you face challenges traveling to a DMV location. If your application is approved, the DMV will provide you with a temporary paper copy of your ID that lasts 45 days, while you wait for your new ID card to be mailed to you.
Bread for the City (1525 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 and 1700 Marion Barry Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020) and the Downtown Services Day Center (1313 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005) may let applicants use their addresses to obtain IDs as long as the offices have sufficient notice. So Others May Eat also operates a mail service that people without a fixed address can use at their 61 O St. NW location, though you need to enroll by going to the offices before receiving any mail.
Step 3: Safeguarding the ID
After obtaining an ID, keeping it safe can be a significant challenge, especially if you don’t have stable housing. Fortunately, Miriam’s Kitchen provides a solution by securely storing IDs for individuals who have no other place to keep them. This service ensures clients do not lose their identification documents, which can be costly and time-consuming to replace. You can inquire about storage during their social services hours, weekdays from 7:00 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Several other organizations and programs in D.C. are dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness navigate the ID process. Ask your case manager for more information.
Where to find more help::
Organizations certified to help with ID cards, according to DHS Pathways to Housing, My Sister’s Place, HIPS, District Alliance for Safe Housing, Catholic Charities, New Hope Ministries, So Others Might Eat, Miriam’s Kitchen, Terrific INC, Thrive DC, Safe Haven Outreach Ministries, Christ House, Salvation Army, Coalition for the Homeless, the Father McKenna Center, Georgetown Ministry Center, N Street Village, McClendon Center, Latin American Youth Center, Central Union Mission, Friendship Place, Covenant House, Access Housing, Everyone Home DC, House of Prosperity Everlasting, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, 801 East Transitional Program, Office of Returning Citizens Affairs, and Jobs Have Priority.
Unity Health Care staff expand union push as doctors leave lowincome clinics
TIERRA CUNNINGHAM Editorial Intern
Staff at Unity Health Care, the largest network of community health clinics in D.C., have been fighting for over a year to unionize across positions and improve what they say are poor working conditions that make it hard to adequately care for patients.
Unity’s physicians and advanced practice providers unionized in 2023, and have been negotiating to reach a contract with Unity for nine months and counting. Now, Unity is seeing almost wall-towall union efforts across its staff. In recent months, two more groups within Unity have pushed to unionize — the nurses and the non-nursing support staff.
The non-nursing support staff, including patient registration clerks, or PRCs, voted to unionize with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE) on Sept. 18 with 123 votes in favor of the union. The non-nursing support staff are now beginning their negotiation process, Tracy said.
The nursing staff at Unity moved to unionize late last year, Tracy said, but have not yet officially voted to be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The total tally of votes will take place at the end of January.
Employees hope the coordinated move for almost complete union coverage at Unity will show collective strength in negotiations for better working conditions. “We want more. Hopefully, across the board, we have greater bargaining power,” Jimmy Tracy, who has been a nurse practitioner for 12 years and is a peer representative at Unity, said.
Unity Health Care was founded in 1985 as the Health Care for the Homeless Project. It a federally qualified health centers in D.C. serving residents in underserved communities through 20 locations, including homeless shelters, schools, and the D.C. Jail. For uninsured and underinsured District residents, these clinics are often the first and only option.
But staff at Unity say an unreasonably high workload means patients receive subpar care and health care providers quickly burn out, leading to turnover. In August, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, which represents the Unity’s physicians’s union, wrote in a press release that 30 primary care providers had resigned, leaving just 40 providers for over 85,000 patients.
Unionization efforts began when about 85% of Unity’s physicians voted to unionize in November 2023, citing safety and workload concerns. That union has been negotiating to reach a contract with Unity for nine months. In August, the union voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if conditions do not improve.
Since then, physicians at Unity have continued meeting for bargaining sessions twice per month. with the first negotiation of 2025 held on Jan. 9. Tracy said no significant progress has been made in terms of contract negotiations.
“We are absolutely preparing ourselves to do collective action and having a strike is certainly on the table,” Tracy said.
Unity providers are bargaining for better working conditions for physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at the community clinics and D.C. Jail. In particular, the providers are asking for better scheduling and safety measures for staff who work at the jail.
Currently, physicians at Unity are expected to see up to 24 patients a day, which Tracy says is an overwhelming amount, partially due to recent layoffs and departures from Unity. The physicians’ union is requesting Unity reduce expected patient visits to at least 20 to reduce burnout and increase quality care.
The push for more drastic collective bargaining tactics comes as physicians continue to leave Unity. These departures threaten the availability of care. The Stanton Road clinic, located in Ward 8, was closed indefinitely in November due to a lack of staff.
“I can think off the top of my head of four people who are leaving,” said Tracy. “It’s just a shame the way people are leaving. They’re not even getting appropriate [exit] interviews.”
As negotiations are ongoing, staff say upper management at Unity has not met with physicians since the beginning of the bargaining process. Last month, nearly all the community providers signed a petition asking for Dr. Jessica Boyd, the president and CEO, to attend the bargaining sessions, but did not receive a response. Unity did not respond to a request for comment by publication.
The next bargaining session will be held at the end of this month.
A Unity Health Care clinic in Columbia Heights. Photo courtesy of Eric Falquero
D.C. Health flyer on the No-Fee Birth Certificate Program. Screenshot
Around the world in 80 days? How about Eastern Europe in five?
WENDELL WILLIAMS
rowing up in the era of “The Wonderful World of Disney” and when our trusty encyclopedias were our Google, my brothers settled many a dispute that could have ended up in a free-for-all with a encyclopedia. Most working-class parents we knew of invested heavily in encyclopedias for their children, hoping it would lead their kids to a better life through education. My family, like those families, bought theirs a volume at a time or even had them financed. Come to think of it, that’s one of life’s burning questions I never asked my parents: how we got our encyclopedias.
GIn the 1950s, we heard a lot of talk about this “Iron Curtain.” We heard of the Soviets building a wall (sounds MAGA-ish), people being stuck on one side or another of the wall, or trying to escape from behind the “The Curtain.” Those books I grew up with couldn’t give me any real sense of what Soviet Russia was: the people, their lives, or history. Everything we heard made living behind the “Iron Curtain” sound so bad, almost draconian.
There was tension everywhere in the world, and no one took notice of how full of anxiety children like me were. I’ve never told a soul until this moment, but growing up, I was more afraid of the “bomb” than the KKK. And to this day, one of my favorite movies is still Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” I wonder how many other children experienced the same trauma; being a 5-year-old being led to the basement of their school building and being asked to “duck and cover,” knowing even that young that “this crap won’t save me.” Looking back, Sting got it right; what saved the U.S. was the Russians loving their children, too.
When I was older, that “Cold” War we heard about became personal as my mother’s youngest brother was drafted and sent to Germany not long after Elvis. The books gave me a geopolitical picture of the world as I scanned all the maps I could, but none of them referenced the location of this “Curtain.” Other than that exposure, I never had any interest in peeking behind “The Curtain” to see Eastern Europe. It wasn’t even on my long list of places to go. If you gave me 100 places, it wouldn’t have made that list. What could they have there that would be of interest to me?
This was the mindset I was in when I received an offer of another unexpected Random Act of Kindness. My friend, a constant traveler, found herself in a jam without a roommate on a trip that was due to depart in less than a week, and had been planned and paid for almost a year ago. It was too late for a refund. She asked if I would be interested. The six-day vacation was a river cruise on the Danube River in Eastern Europe. She’s always gone along with my wacky adventures, no questions asked, and I love her for it, but really, I wasn’t feeling it, as they say. So, what did I do? I said, “Well, if you need me to go with you, I will,” hedging my bet she’d say, “No, that’s nice, but you don’t have to.”
Thinking I was home safe, I moved to walk away when she said instead, “Oh, I didn’t think you would, that’s so nice.”
I stepped back and went, “Wow, wait a minute this is all behind what was formally ‘The Iron Curtain.’” Yes, that scary hanging cloth of my youth.
Views from the Christmas Market. Photo by Wendell Williams
Budapest was filled with Christmas celebrations. Photo by Wendell Williams
So, I said yes to save her from paying a substantial amount for nothing and repay her for her long-time support of my work, like raising funds so I could pay the homeless an honorarium for getting vaccine shots during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found out later I was going to be taking the road less traveled and envied by so many Boomers. But at the time of my decision, I was faking excitement.
So, without enough time to overthink it, I was packing for the nine-hour first leg, which departed from Dulles in the middle of rush hour. Twenty-six hours later, I touched down in Frankfurt. The sky was dark gray, clouds hung low and rainy as we stepped off the plane into some of the coldest weather I’ve experienced this side of Iceland.
The Frankfurt airport was huge. It took us 45 minutes to be shuttled to another terminal for the connecting flight. We weaved through a maze of service roads, tunnels under other terminals, and construction projects. It was almost as if we’d left the airport entirely, before emerging outside again at yet another terminal, only this one appeared to be for those traveling east on airlines I’d never heard of. We boarded our flight on Germany’s national airline to Budapest. And thank God the flight was just a little more than an hour.
When we arrived in Budapest, it was grayer and colder than Germany. The tour provider’s emails warned us how cold it would be this time of year, but if you follow some of our misadventures, you know old wise sayings and well-meaning advice don’t always hit home with us. We were dressed warm enough, we thought, until we stepped outside into the cold sub-freezing air. We learned quickly upon arriving in Budapest our definition of winter gear was a little different from what was needed here. We boarded a tour bus with other groups of people to make our way to our ship docked on the Danube.
This city is actually two separate cities, joined by a conqueror’s necessity, we were told. The best way to explain Buda and Pest is St. Paul and Minneapolis — a river running between two separate cities identified as one.
I was getting a history lesson and loving it. The two sides are former strongholds of the Holy Roman Empire along one of Europe’s most historically strategic rivers. Buda was more militarily important because it sat atop several hills commanding the water and was, at a time, the southern border of Rome. Across the river was Pest, a great, historically Jewish-controlled community that suffered greatly. Sadly today, there’s very little left of that Jewish presence except for a few historic sites. Most buildings from earlier periods are clubs and bars in the tourist party district.
We settled into our cabin and changed for the welcome dinner. As we were walking in, I thought I was in an unpublished Agatha Christie novel called “Murder on the Danube,” because the room was full of people straight from central casting. We’re talking well-heeled. Maybe it was my insecurities knowing for sure there was no way I could afford this, but I was waiting to hear the captain’s voice come over the PA saying someone was dead and Hercule Poirot would be joining us at the next stop. It was a kind of well-off crowd for this formerly homeless guy, and out of the 177 passengers, none looked like us. By daylight, we were up and ready for our first all-day tour of the cities, starting in Buda, and at the first of many Christmas markets. I later found out the markets were the reason everyone else was on the tour. As we loaded buses and climbed the hill, we could see why Buda’s positioning was so valuable. At the very top of the highest hill was a castle and a grand cathedral, and in the courtyards around it, I had my first close encounter with a Christmas market. I admit to being a doubting Thomas and I didn’t see the big deal until it engulfed me. Every bit of space was used for some form of market-related activities. I thought these people had lost their minds as they raced around like people shopping at a 90% off DSW sale.
We wandered around looking out of place. So, we got to the pickup spot early giving us a chance for icebreakers and to hear where people were from. This tour was mostly couples or families, and some had been on multiple Christmas river cruises in Europe, which helped us, partly because we were tired and partly because we didn’t understand any of the signage in the markets. We were newbies, so we took plenty of photos and didn’t buy anything. We just enjoyed the wonderful environment, fantastic views, and the holiday energy everywhere as I wondered why I’d never heard of this Christmas market phenomenon of Eastern Europe.
When the buses arrived, we loaded up and saw how huge the palace was. A major part of it has been (thank God) turned into Hungary’s National Library like our Library of Congress. In the afternoon, we crossed over one of the bridges that was artworks in its own right to Pest.
The sun was out shining bright but it was still cold, really cold. The driver took us to the old core of the city while the tour guide pointed out places that changed the mood of the excursion. Just a couple of blocks from the river she started to point out buildings and locations known for their importance to the Nazi occupation and persecution of Jewish people during the buildup to World War II. She showed us where 250,000 people attended a Nazi rally Hitler spoke at. Today, there are very few Jewish residents in Pest, when there was once a majority. Some of their homes and businesses are still standing but are now bars, clubs, coffee houses, and performance spaces for the hipsters who now call this part of the city home. The main synagogue is standing, restored as a reminder to show who used to live and who died there.
I took a walk after dinner alone and was warned by my friend not to miss the departure time at midnight. I used my phone’s GPS to find spots that were interesting from the bus earlier. Walking along the water, I saw open grassy areas all along the riverbank on the Pest side, where our boat was docked and, of course, lots of Christmas markets big and small, buzzing with thousands of people, including foreigners like me. It seemed like flying to Rio for Carnival or spring break only without the sand, sun, and beach. As it got later, it got colder. But it seemed like I was the only one feeling the drop in temperature because these people were enjoying the spirit of Christmas in weather that would’ve shut D.C. down.
Heading back, I noticed a living memorial of shoes at the river’s edge that ordinary people just seemed to put out from time to time to remind them of the Jews and others who Nazis lined up along the Danube and shot. It was not an official undertaking, I was told, and I walked away from the memorial wishing my fellow Americans could have the courage to face their painful past and ask forgiveness for their regrettable actions.
Kind of panicking, I started walking so fast on the way back, with my eyes glued to the time and the phone’s GPS (this was no time for a wrong turn), that I made it with 15 minutes to spare and out of breath, much to the relief of my friend who promised me that if I hadn’t, I’d been on my own. And we were underway for our first night traveling on the river.
A cathedral in Buda. Photo by Wendell Williams
FREDERIC JOHN Artist/Vendor
STARCHILD BLK Artist/Vendor
ANTHONY CARNEY Artist/Vendor
SHAWN FENWICK
Artist/Vendor
CARLTON JOHNSON Artist/Vendor
DANIEL BALL Artist/Vendor
BRIANNA BUTLER Artist/Vendor
D.C. has everything it needs to fight homelessness –except the people
Homelessness in the District of Columbia increased by 14% in the last year, according to the 2024 Point in Time (PIT) Count. But it’s not due to a lack of funding. In fact, D.C. gives millions of dollars aimed at ending homelessness back to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, because the District simply doesn’t have enough people to staff its programs. Last year, 800 people who qualified for a housing voucher couldn’t begin the process due to the lack of workers.
D.C. desperately needs social workers to carry out its fight against homelessness. Unless the shortage is addressed, we should expect to see the number of people experiencing homelessness continue to grow. District leaders must prioritize efforts to attract, train, and retain the next generation of social workers.
Thankfully, D.C. has already taken meaningful steps in the right direction. Last year, the D.C. Council approved a program to fully cover tuition for social work master’s students who would commit to spending two years working in the District. Similarly, the University of Maryland is now offering in-state tuition to D.C. residents. The heavy financial burden of graduate school debt and low pay is a common barrier to entry for would-be social workers. D.C. has demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening the pipeline of social workers by lowering these barriers.
Still, there is more to do. Lightening the financial burden of getting an education in social work makes it possible for more students to enter the field. But graduate programs also typically require internships, which are essential for developing practical skills. These internships are usually unpaid, making it difficult for many students to earn their degrees without going into debt. Paid internships should be standard practice. Similarly, legislators and agencies should prioritize initiatives for state scholarships and loan forgiveness programs that ensure no aspiring social worker is forced to choose between gaining experience and paying their bills.
Beyond financial assistance, solving the homelessness crisis requires systemic changes within the social work profession.
In the short term, D.C. can offer quick relief to the shortage by joining the Social Work Licensure Compact, which creates a multistate license that allows licensed social workers to practice in any participating state. Signing on means D.C. can attract professionals from neighboring states such as Maryland and Virginia. This would help fill the immediate staffing gaps while the District works to grow its own pool of social workers.
A long-term solution starts with increasing awareness about the vital role of social workers. Too often, their contributions go unnoticed and unappreciated by the surrounding community. Many people are unaware of the services social workers provide, whether it be connecting individuals with housing or offering mental health support. Public perception often undervalues the profession, missing its importance in solving social challenges. D.C. can foster greater respect for the profession and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in social work by highlighting the impact social workers have on the community.
D.C. has shown it has the financial resources and political will to address homelessness. It must invest in the human capital it needs to turn plans into action. By prioritizing social workers, it can build a stronger, more compassionate city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Graveyard bones
ROBERT WARREN Artist/Vendor
Can these bones live in peace? Old, broken, and torn from the inequities of poverty. I remember when they were hung from the Tree of Life, only to be buried in an unmarked grave until the day evil will be questioned on why the baby child was buried alive.
And if we remember the Lord, will the Lord remember to give us comfort in every tear we cry?
And how does it feel, old bones, when you feel the fire of cremation? To think when Jesus died, He rose from the grave so everyone may be saved. The bones of the poor and the homeless, we’ll also know the rest of the grave. On that day of judgment, it is written that even the ocean will give up its dead.
Before the original sin, the word went out that every soul young and old shall taste death in this life. It’s only the Lord’s test in how we honor the living and the dead into the next life. And, Lord willing, our greeting will be peace.
To live forever more, old bones, in justice, and peace with no need for sleep in the parlor of that old home where mothers and grandfathers used to roam. Back in the day, when we used to honor our dead before we sent them away, back to that place where the Lord knew you before you were in your mother’s womb, that purified place of peace some called the garden of Eden.
To be
KYM PARKER Artist/Vendor
To be one with God, to be loved
To know where my destiny is
To know what true love is
To know His destiny
To know we’re on this planet to understand His word
To be loved
To understand love and that it’s pure
To be a telepath and an empath, to know sympathy
To know right from wrong
To know beauty
To be a strong, sexual, bisexual woman in the world
To feel love on all levels
To know love on all levels
When I wake up, I know God got me
He created us all in His image
Snowfall 1996
JAMES LYLES III
Artist/Vendor
Snow that blankets the ground in immaculate white. Walking on that ground, the cold air makes me stronger. Then, with the cleaning of the streets by the machinery of trucks, I warm my soul.
Like snowflakes, we are all beautiful to look at but all different
To know where we are, what we are
Creation, His creation, is beautiful
We are all beautiful, we are all soft, strong, wonderful beings
To be
When we feel it, we know what love is
And we know ourselves
Know not to fear, we can be mad, angry, and upset at ourselves
We can be mad at God
We can go to Him with anger, rage, and pain
To be the best I can be
To love
To be God’s free agent
I love everyone
I feel everyone’s pain
I respect all of God’s creatures
To be
BETSY CAUBLE
Busted to Blessed: The royal jackpot - Chapter Three of The Grind
JEFFERY MCNEIL Artist/Vendor
For my readers who have missed the series of this new exciting novel called The Grind, we began at a New Jersey bus terminal where Jackson Terry had nothing but a dollar in the train and was trying to hit rich at the casino. He’s on a roller coaster of highs and lows, and right now he is at his lowest moment.
In poker, the term “busting out” doesn’t just mean losing — it’s the moment when all your chips are gone, and the game has stripped you of pride, dignity, and hope.
Jackson sat at the table with his last pitiful stack of chips, worth just $100. For those who chased something bigger than a paycheck, this wasn’t just a loss; it was a lesson. Either you win the pot, or you figure out another way to get back in the game.
But for the average stiff — the kind of person who works a regular job and curses the rich — this kind of decision was unimaginable. Those types of people never took risks; they played it safe, quietly resenting those who dared to gamble for more. Jackson wasn’t that person. He’d taken his shot, and now he was staring into the abyss
If he lost this hand, Jackson wouldn’t just be broke. He wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t bathe, and would spend another night sleeping in the bus terminal, waiting for tomorrow to scrape together another bankroll from panhandling.
His chips, now nothing more than crumbs, fed the sharks circling the table. He was part of the poker ecosystem — essential to its survival, like plankton in an ocean of predators. The pros called him the “Yum Yum,” the human ATM who funded their games.
The old poker adage rang in his head: If you don’t know who the sucker is at the table, it’s you.
Jackson glanced around the room, his thoughts racing. The game he loved, the one he’d poured his soul into, had betrayed him.
Two pairs, counterfeited. Monster draws, abandoned at the river. Big hands crushed by long-shot donkeys. Every time he found himself on the verge of redemption, the dealer rewarded someone else.
He blamed everyone: the dealer, his opponents, the cards. Never himself. The truth? Jackson sucked at poker.
Time off
MARCUS MCCALL Artist/Vendor
There are many reasons poker players go broke, but the number one is anger — tilt. You lose a big pot to someone who shouldn’t even be in the hand. Then you lose your discipline and start throwing good money away, chasing after bad hands.
That was Jackson’s night. Every pot was agony. Lucky, the loudmouth running the table like a god, wasn’t just raking in chips — he was rubbing it in, calling Jackson “ATM” every chance he got.
Then there was “The Rock,” a quiet, calculating player who never bet unless he had the nuts. He didn’t talk, didn’t gloat. He just methodically cleaned everyone out.
And Jackson? He was the easy mark.
The dealer shuffled again, and Jackson hesitated. His last hundred dollars sat in front of him, the line between survival and total ruin.
When the action came to him, he finally looked at his cards: Ace of spades. Ace of clubs.
His pulse quickened. This was it.
“All in,” he said, shoving his meager stack forward. His voice didn’t shake this time.
Lucky grinned, tossing in chips like they were pocket change. “I call,” he said with a wink.
The Rock glanced at the pot odds, paused, and slid his stack forward. “I’m in.”
The cards hit the table: Ace of spades, ace of clubs against queen of spades, queen of hearts and king-nine offsuit.
Jackson leaned forward, his heart pounding, as the dealer burned a card and flipped the flop: Queen of spades, jack of spades, ten of spades.
His stomach sank. Lucky hit a straight, and the queens had a set. His aces might as well have been blanks.
He slumped in his chair and reached for his coat.
“Not yet,” someone at the table said. “He’s got outs. He’s got the royal flush draw.”
Jackson blinked. The board came back into focus. Nine spades could give him the nut flush. One card — the king of spades — would give him a royal flush.
The dealer burned another card. The turn came: Jack of Hearts.
The queens now had a full house. Jackson felt the air leave his lungs. He was dead to one card.
“It’s over,” he thought. “Time to grab a bottle and find a
There are days I want to relax, but I have to get something done. Every day, there are things that need attention, like animals, children, and chores. Since you’re a human and not a robot that constantly works until it malfunctions and breaks down, taking time off for yourself is essential. Your body needs to heal. Your mind needs time to adjust and adapt. Take the time to laugh, to be humble, and to enjoy your loved ones while they are here.
Get yourself and your place back in order. Love your time off and use it wisely.
bench at the bus terminal.”
The dealer burned the final card, peeling back the river. King of spades.
Boom.
The table erupted. Gasps, cheers, and chaos filled the room. Jackson blinked at the cards, his heart pounding in his chest. A royal flush.
Not only had he won his $400 pot, but he’d hit the royal flush jackpot: $60,000. And thanks to a special promotion, he’d earned an extra $1,000 for every person in the room. With 75 players present, Jackson had just walked into six figures.
The floor boss was called to verify the hand. Cameras swarmed the table as players clapped Jackson on the back. An armored cart arrived, loaded with stacks of crisp hundreddollar bills.
Jackson sat there, staring at the cash. His hands trembled as he reached out to touch it.
“This isn’t real. This can’t be real.”
But it was. Even the guy with the cracked queens wasn’t mad — he grinned as he collected the bad beat jackpot. Lucky shrugged, muttering something about miracles.
Jackson couldn’t move. The weight of what had just happened hit him like a tidal wave.
“What now?”
Hours later, Jackson’s story was all over social media and the local news.
Up the Garden State Parkway, a Black family sat in their living room, watching the news.
“That’s Jackson!” someone exclaimed.
Their cousin. The same Jackson they’d mocked and written off as a lost cause. And now here he was, grinning on TV, holding a wad of hundred-dollar bills.
One voice in the room muttered bitterly, “That bum just hit a royal flush, and we’re sitting here with no cable and an eviction notice.”
An hour ago, Jackson had been a loser, ready to sleep at the bus terminal. Now, he was a king, dining at a four-star restaurant and offered a suite at the casino hotel.
As he stepped outside into the cool night air, clutching his cash, he looked up at the stars and smiled.
“This is just the beginning.”
What I like about the new year
TONYA WILLIAMS
Artist/Vendor
It’s another year.
I want to keep my eye on the prize: Jesus.
I love the feeling of a new year. I can feel the Holy Spirit come over me when my clock strikes midnight.
I like focusing on the positive energy of the new rather than on the negative energy of the old.
I will continue volunteering at my church, giving away clothing I no longer want, and giving what I can to the homeless and other people in need.
I will keep praying for myself and others.
Happy New Year 2025!
Goodbye, 2024
ELIZEBETH BOWES
Artist/Vendor
I will remember last year’s good times, good friends, and good holidays. I will remember the hard times and try to have fewer in 2025. As 2024 comes to a close, I look forward to one more Christmas, being with friends, and meeting new people. I hope the new year brings everyone peace and joy.
New Year’s
resolution
JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN
Artist/Vendor
Sharing stories of people who face adversity can help others feel seen, inspire empathy, and create a sense of connection. Stories can highlight resilience, perseverance, and everyday struggles.
Holiday tanka
L.Q. PETERSON
Artist/Vendor
A time of greatness, Melodies of joy and glee.
A time of rejoice, Images of family, Loving, eating, and gifting.
A feeling of bliss, Gathering around the tree.
A feeling of awe, Watching children laugh and play, Eyes so bright on Christmas Day.
Hello, 2025!
EVELYN NNAM Artist/Vendor
It’s officially a happy new year!
And what a year 2024 has been. A year of loss, of pain, and healing. A year of discovery, a year of change, and a year of great moments. A year of it all, teaching us what we needed to become stronger. We want to thank 2024 for a great year! As we reflect on 2024 and the great memories we created, we also want to reflect on what we tried and didn’t try. We want to start this new year not in vain, but with a new mindset and fresh ambition for ourselves. We want this new year to be better than the last year because every year should be a new milestone, a fresh page in the book of our lives where we learn from our mistakes and make them right.
2025 is here, and we do not want to miss the chance to better ourselves. We want to meet new people, gain new experiences, be adventurous, and do things we never would have dreamed of. We want to be daring and get closer to accomplishing our goals. We want to enjoy every day this new year brings!
Happy New Year in 2025
WARREN STEVENS
Artist/Vendor
We had a good time this Christmas with family, friends, and children and decorated the dogs with ribbons. I enjoyed seeing the decorations everywhere in the city, going to church, and thanking god for a healthy meal and desserts. There were candy canes on the Christmas tree and wreaths on the doors. 2025 will be a better year than 2024. The Democrats were disappointed and unhappy they lost the election. I hope and pray that re-elected President Donald Trump, his first lady, and the Republicans do better in 2025 and lower costs. Remember, he was a convicted felon. Remember, in 2020, the government shut down many times and that hurt the economy and made the hardworking Americans look bad, working to get their Medicare and Social Security checks. We don’t want that to happen in 2025. It was a mess to keep the federal government open and running in good standing. Remember, this year is an exciting year. Remember, Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday is in January. We give thanks for the job he has done all the years. They had so many sports events. I hope this winter we get some snow like a white Christmas so the children can make a snowman and ride on a sleigh. Love you all, and Happy New Year in 2025.
Well, it was Christmas again
VENNIE HILL BRACEY Artist/Vendor
My holiday message
WILLIE FUTRELLE Artist/Vendor
What a beautiful time of the year! Families and friends got together, enjoyed the holidays, caught up on old times, and had new times. I haven’t been able to buy any gifts yet, but I’m holding to God to answer my prayers, so I’m not giving up. I plan to buy my mom something nice and will try to get my nieces and my nephews something good. And… there’s the food! My favorite part of Christmas. I cooked a great feast.
At the same time, I pray for those who weren’t able to sit down for Christmas dinner to enjoy that meal and for the ones who were outside with no one to share the holidays with. I don’t feel sorry for them, but I wish them the best.
I didn’t spend these holidays with my family, either. I’ve moved in with a new family with whom I feel pretty at home. Okay, put it this way: I’m comfortable. But I really wish I could have ridden to Fredericksburg to see my family. Unfortunately, I couldn’t drive that far. So I stayed in my new home and on Christmas Eve I cooked a fabulous full-course meal with all the traditional trimmings. I hope and pray everyone had a beautiful Christmas with lots of laughs and joy and we all have peace and happiness. So, Merry Christmas!
My small, but really big, victories
BRIANNA BUTLER
Artist/Vendor
Friends are scoring all around me. The court is wide open, but I just cannot get that damn ball where I want it to go.
So I practice, and practice, and PRACTICE every afternoon, throwing balls against the backboard. The ball drops to the left, then to the right. But I keep fighting and don’t let the irrelevant issues in my head interfere while I play my way through these obstacles. Then, one GREAT afternoon I find the stamina and courage to throw that ball up and make that shot look SO sweet. That’s the day I created confidence in myself and I knew I could do anything when I put my mind to it. You may need to do a lot of practicing, but keep at it, and you will succeed. My success encourages my friends to try for the shots they’ve been missing.
Another victory was leveling up on the Double Dragon video game. When I was a youngster, the game was easy… until I ran into this big, angry, mean character who liked throwing me out the window. Seriously, every time I wrestled with him, he kicked my ass. He would lift me up and toss me, screaming, out the door to my death. Worse news: I was running out of lives. I didn’t know what to do or how to tackle this ogre even though I’d done everything I could to stop this beast
So one night I told myself to go after his legs and roll when he’s trying to lift me up. And… I DID IT! I overcame that disgusting bum. I even kicked him out of the door. It was SO exciting. My excellence prevailed! My brother gave me high-fives for beating the beast. You can use this divide-and-conquer method throughout your life to accomplish your goals and conquer all the trials and tribulations we all face.
Traveling music
DARLESHA JOYNER Artist/Vendor
My 34th birthday was on Sept. 27! It was an extra special day for me because my kids and I went to Atlantic City for the weekend. Most importantly, it was my first birthday without being pregnant and celebrating living another year with the HIV virus.
Tears of a contrast heart
PEGGY JACKSON WHITLEY
Artist/Vendor
I’m different now, as time has parted. I’ve never been compared to others. The life I was given and the things I’ve been through had me on my back. Praying to Jesus, my Lord and Savior, as I walked the late night hours in the street. He was guarding my heart right from the start. I wouldn’t let anybody close to me, so I cried many tears, letting only God hear. I knew I wasn’t alone. So I had to fight my fears as I cried unnecessary tears. I thought that was so smart, but those were the tears of a contrast heart.
See, when I was a young girl, back in the years, with seven brothers and six sisters, none of them really cared. The abuse that was given, I cried to hide, cried out to God. Although it was nothing I did, I was only a little kid. He saved me and comforted my heart, shielded me with his wings, and protected me from all those things. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, I was broken then. But God kept me and carried me through. Removed all the abuse from the shattered tears that made me sad. I was feeling I could not share, and I know I’m set apart.
Those were the tears of a contrasting heart…healed.
What we have in Washington, D.C.
GRETA CHRISTIAN Artist/Vendor
There are lounge clubs you can go to for dinner and dancing. You can go out on boat rides. You can have fun in Washington, D.C.
The District can help you on your way. It can give you housing. The city can help with your children. You can go out to play in the park. People go on trips and have fun in D.C. They go to the museums in D.C. You got the right to vote in D.C. We have good schools in D.C. You can walk around the city. We have good hospitals in D.C. We have good jobs here, too.
We need more buses on the routes and cleaner buses too!
Homeless people
DANIEL BALL
Artist/Vendor
The only problem I have is waiting for my new apartment. The only information I can give you is this, me and my friends love working for Street Sense with our newspapers.
I talked to Thomas this morning about some new ideas for our Street Sense homeless people.
White picket fence?
pass
WAYNE HALL Artist/Vendor
Being homeless for seven years has been an adventure for me. I’m enjoying my liberty and simultaneously building my resume. And America is supposed to be the land of the free, right? Well, paying to live on Earth just doesn’t sit well with me. I’m not interested in a lifestyle with a minimum wage while paying any type of rent. How did I get to this space? Meditation and yoga have led me to value the silence within. Peace is the only asset life has to offer me. Living a life based solely on faith has to be the greatest feat possible. I say that because I wasn’t always homeless. And I’m not the stereotypical “homeless person.” I’ve worked the entire time I’ve been homeless, including jobs as a produce manager and in culinary management. I didn’t understand the value of money then. Now, in my thirties, I believe money is best used to maintain your health. A gym membership and a storage unit along with a phone bill are around $350 per month. That’s all you need as an adult. The homeless can accomplish anything with these few essentials. Having these ducks in a row along with any type of income will lead to financial freedom, the goal of every adult.
I was told several times it’s not about how much you make or how much you spend, but how much you can keep. So, what’s wrong with waking up on a bench or a bed under a stairwell or in an infested shelter, showering for work, enjoying my time there, and going to the gym when I get off? In my perfect world, living outside will be viewed as an advancement of humanity. So, let’s focus on the people of Earth instead of investing in Mars and the highest technology.
FUN & GAMES
1. Packing heat
6. Nickname of seven-time NBA Rockets AllStar Tracy McGrady (1-3)
10. Gymnast’s landing spots
14. Good, in Guadalajara
15. Humorist Bombeck
16. “The Sun ___ Rises”
17. One who can go from Kyoto to Tokyo?
19. Apple tablet since 2010
20.Exchanged letters or on-line communications
22. One ____ million (long odds) (2 wds.) (2,1)
23. Hurt badly
24. Pigeon’s perching place, perhaps
28. Backup singer for Gladys Knight
29. Sister mountain to Mt. Baker and Mt.. St. Helens
31. Tiny time div. (abbr.)
34. Car with a bar
35. An Italian half-dozen
36. Like the onslaughts carried out at Pearl Harbor and against the 9-11 targets (2 wds.) (8,7)
41. ‘Initial’ concern for CSI? (abbr.)
42. Single ____ (tourney format, briefly)
43. Civil rights activist Parks
44. Financial expenditures
46. Short order sandwich, for short (abbr./ initialism)
48. Thread holder
49. Geographic name aptly located in: “Akron?
Oh, I once lived there”
51. Suffragist’s monogram
54. “I owe more on this than it’s worth”...or a hint to this puzzle’s theme (2 wds.) (2,10)
58. Number on a baseball card, briefly 61. Thin down, in adspeak
62. Broom : dust and debris :: ____ : leaves
63. Prefix with -algia or -itis
64. Element with the symbol B
65. Mufasa’s scheming brother in Disney’s “Lion King” franchise
66. Word after Salvation ____ or Arnie’s ____ 67. ___ nova
Down
1. Primitive calculators (Lat. pl.)
2. Like mushed-together sentences lacking appropriate punctuation (2 wds.) (3,2)
3. Jerry Stiller’s comedy partner and actor Ben’s mom, Anne
4. M.I.T. grad (abbr.)
5. String before fa-sol-la (2-3-2)
6. Adagio and allegro (musical speeds) (Ital., w/ Lat pl. ending)
7. 1983 Michael Keaton comedy about a stay-athome dad (2 wds.) (2,3) (incls. abbr.)
8. “Right on, Rev!”
9. Word that may follow business, credit or debit
10. ____ voyage
11. Matterhorn, e.g.
12. Airport wand wavers, briefly (abbr./initialism)
13. Groundskeeper’s supply
18. Alternative initialism for P.D.Q.
21. “The Waste Land” poet T.S.____
25. “Saturday Night Fever” music genre
26. Techies and Trekkies, stereotypically
27. Pension-regulation acronym (abbr./initialism)
LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTION
28. Specialist in general/family medicine (abbr./ initialism)
29. River inlet
30. Invoice abbr.
31. PC platform of old (abbr./initialism)
32. Dawn, in cowpoke speak
33. Inspiration for romantic poets and musicians (ORATE anagram)
34. Moon lander, for short (abbr./initialism)
37. Area the royals rule over
38. The most affectionate bit of textese, perhaps?
39. Bro’s counterpart
40. It may be framed and is often left hanging
45. Loll about with no apparent (or actual?) purpose
46. WNBA legend Sue or NBA legend Larry
47. Most ideal tidal cycle for wading on a beach (2 wds.) (3,3) (WOBBLE anagram)
49. Ancient Greek theater
50. Acting family patriarch who sired Jane and Peter
51. Uses a swizzle stick
52. One-time Seattle resident Jeff who’s hit it big enough to buy a major newspaper and set up a private space exploration company
53. Seattle’s Climate Pledge ____ (major event venue)
55. Alma mater of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the late U.S. Senator Joh McCain (Ariz.) (abbr./ initialism)
56. Cardinal, but not a Jay or an Oriole
57. Buck suffix
58. Abbreviated title that can fit twelfthgraders or timeworn golden-agers
59. Sea-___ Airport (northwest hub)
60. Alias preceder
This crossword puzzle is the original work of Patrick “Mac”McIntyre. It is provided to us courtesy of Real Change News, a street paper based in Seattle, Washington. Learn more about Real Change News and the International Network of Street Papers at realchangenews.org and insp.ngo.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK
NIKILA SMITH Artist/Vendor
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Housing/Shelter Vivienda/alojamiento Case Management Coordinación de Servicios
Academy of Hope Public Charter School
202-269-6623 // 2315 18th Pl. NE
202-373-0246 // 421 Alabama Ave. SE aohdc.org
Bread for the City 1525 7th St., NW // 202-265-2400 1700 Marion Barry Ave., SE // 202-561-8587 breadforthecity.org
Calvary Women’s Services // 202-678-2341 1217 Marion Barry Ave., SE calvaryservices.org
Catholic Charities // 202-772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp
Central Union Mission // 202-745-7118 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW missiondc.org
Charlie’s Place // 202-929-0100 1830 Connecticut Ave., NW charliesplacedc.org
Christ House // 202-328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd., NW christhouse.org
Church of the Pilgrims // 202-387-6612 2201 P St., NW (1-1:30 on Sundays only) churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach
Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511 // 305 E St., NW cflsdc.org
Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 4 Atlantic St., NW communityofhopedc.org
Covenant House Washington 202-610-9600 // 2001 Mississippi Ave., SE covenanthousedc.org
D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 202-347-8870 // 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW dccfh.org
Father McKenna Center // 202-842-1112 19 North Capitol St., NW fathermckennacenter.org
Food and Friends // 202-269-2277
(home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc) 219 Riggs Rd., NE foodandfriends.org
Foundry Methodist Church // 202-332-4010 1500 16th St., NW foundryumc.org/idministry
Identification services
Friendship Place // 202-364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave., NW friendshipplace.org
Georgetown Ministry Center // 202-338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW georgetownministrycenter.org
Jobs Have Priority // 202-544-9096 1526 Pennslyvania Ave., SE jobshavepriority.org
Loaves & Fishes // 202-232-0900 1525 Newton St., NW loavesandfishesdc.org
Martha’s Table // 202-328-6608 marthastable.org 2375 Elvans Rd, SE
2204 Martin Luther King Ave. SE
Miriam’s Kitchen // 202-452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave., NW miriamskitchen.org
My Sister’s Place // 202-529-5991 (24-hr hotline) mysistersplacedc.org
N Street Village // 202-939-2076 1333 N St., NW nstreetvillage.org
New York Avenue Shelter // 202-832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave., NE
Patricia Handy Place for Women 202-733-5378 // 810 5th St., NW
Samaritan Inns // 202-667-8831 2523 14th St., NW samaritaninns.org
Samaritan Ministry 202-722-2280 // 1516 Hamilton St., NW 202-889-7702 // 1345 U St., SE samaritanministry.org
Sasha Bruce Youthwork // 202-675-9340 741 8th St., SE sashabruce.org
So Others Might Eat (SOME) // 202-797-8806 71 O St., NW some.org
St. Luke’s Mission Center // 202-363-4900 3655 Calvert St., NW stlukesmissioncenter.org
Thrive DC // 202-737-9311 1525 Newton St., NW thrivedc.org
Unity Health Care unityhealthcare.org - Healthcare for the Homeless Health Center: 202-508-0500 - Community Health Centers: 202-469-4699
1500 Galen Street SE, 1251-B Saratoga Ave NE, 1660 Columbia Road NW, 4414 Benning Road NE, 3924 Minnesota Avenue NE, 765 Kenilworth Terrace NE, 850 Delaware Ave., SW, 3240 Stanton Road SE, 3020 14th Street NW, 425 2nd Street NW, 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 2100 New York Avenue NE, 1333 N Street NW, 1355 New York Avenue NE, 1151 Bladensburg Rd., NE, 4515 Edson Pl., NE
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St., NW // 202-328-5500 legalclinic.org
The Welcome Table // 202-347-2635 1317 G St., NW. epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable
Whitman-Walker Health 1525 14th St., NW // 202-745-7000 1201 Sycamore Dr., SE whitman-walker.org
Woodley House // 202-830-3508 2711 Connecticut Ave., NW
For further information and listings, visit our online service guide at StreetSenseMedia.org/service-guide
Dishwasher/Utility
Yard House // 812 7th St. NW
Part-time
Dishwashers make sure supplies are clean, sanitized and ready for culinary and service teams. They also maintain restrooms, facilities and grounds to ensure they meet guest’s expectations and sanitation guidelines.
REQUIRED: n/a
APPLY: tinyurl.com/dishwasherYards
Team Member: Food Champion
Taco Bell // Washington D.C.
Full-time
We’re looking for team members with Más Heart and Más Flavor to create an excellent restaurant experience. Whether you want to pursue a career with us or utilize our career opportunities to chase your dreams, we want to be a part of your story.
REQUIRED: n/a
APPLY: tinyurl.com/TacoBellDC
Trash Collector – Nights
Valet Living // Washington D.C.
Part-time
Use your truck to transport trash bags collected from residents’ doorsteps to the onsite trash compactor at the apartment community.
REQUIRED: n/a
APPLY: tinyurl.com/ValetLivingTrashCollector
JACKIE TURNER Artist/Vendor
MARC GRIER Artist/Vendor
AKINDELE AKEREJAH Artist/Vendor