S treetS ense.org
February 3 - 16, 2010
Where the poor and homeless
earn and give their two cents
February 3 - February 16, 2010
D STE GE ON G I S U N AT DO
Volume 7 Issue 7
65 cents for the Vendor
Where are they going?
35 cents for production of the paper
Bill Cosby wants you to do good Page 6
A historically black city sees an African American exodus, according to new Census data Seep Page 4
Homeless vets get a day of service Page 5
Give a Vendor a Gift That Will Last All Year, details see page 3
$24,000
$22,000
$20,000
$18,000
$16,000
$14,000
$12,000
$10,000
$8,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
See Page 4
Jeffrey McNeil puts lifes woes in perspective with Haiti Page 12
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February 3 - 15, 2010
1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristal DeKleer Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Mary Lynn Jones Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Martin Walker David Walker Kathy Whelpley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Abby Strunk EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Lisa Gillespie VENDOR MANAGER Gregory Martin FOUNDERS Ted Henson & Laura Thompson Osuri INTERNS Sonja Doty & Jozie Sands VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Robert Basler, Sarah Birnie, Robert Blair, John Brandt, Jane Cave, Carol Cummings, Rebecca Curry, Katie Edson, Andy Freeze, Robert Fulton, Jane Goforth, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Erica Hall, Carol Hannaford, Dianna Heitz, Caroline Hopper, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Kayne Karnbach, Michael Kelly, Maurice King, Geof Koss, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Starlett McNeill, Kim O’Connor, Gabriel Okolski, Robert Orifici, Michael O’Neill, Jon Pattee, Katinka Podmankzy, Diane Rusignola, Shivan Sarna, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Jesse Smith, Christna Studivant, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu.
VENDORS Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Donna Barber, Cyril Belk, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Corey Bridges, Melody Byrd, Cliff Carle, Percy Carter, Peggy Cash, Conrad Cheek, Aaron Conner, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, James Davis, Jeffery Dennis, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon-El, Charles Eatmon, Deanna Elder, Richard Embden, James Featherson, Craig Fleming, Tanya Franklin, Roger Garner, David Ger, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Shawn Herring, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Lester Irby, Patricia Jefferson, Margaret Jenkins, Jewell Johnson, Donald Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Brenda Lee-Wilson, James Lott, Michael Lyons, Jonnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, Charlie Mayfield, John Matthews, John C. Matthews, Herman Mayse, Robert McCray, Marvin McFadden, Davie McInally, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Frank Mearns, Kenneth Middleton, Virginia Moore, L. Morrow, Tyrone Murray, Lester Myers, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Charity Ogbonnaya, Moyo Onibuje, Franklin Payne, Gregory Phillips, Tracey Powell, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Raymond Ragland, Jeanette Richardson, Sean-Christopher Riley, Lawrence Rogers, Ed Ross, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, Patty Smith, Gerald Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, Leroy Studevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Paul Taylor, Eric Thompson, Deborah Tibbs, Carl Turner, Martin Walker, Joseph Walker, Robert Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Edna Williams, Howard Williams, Brian Wills, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, Charles Woods.
S treetS ense.org
Our Mission
Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.
The Story of Street Sense Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 25 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world. After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. For the next three years the paper published on a monthly basis and greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network. For the first year, Street Sense operated as a
project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space. In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming a nonprofit organization. In October 2005 Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November the organization hired its first employee, a fulltime executive director. A year later in November 2006 , the organization hired its first vendor coordinator, and began partnering with several service providers. In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month and to support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first fulltime editor–in–chief in April. As of January 2009 the paper had 80 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.
Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year? Order a subscription today! Not only will you receive 26 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also help raise awareness about poverty in the D.C. area.
___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 26 issues. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ______________________________ Name:_________________________ Address:_______________________ City:____________State:__________ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: ________________________ E-mail: ________________________ Please make checks payable to: Street Sense.
We are proud members of:
North American Street Newspaper Association
International Network of Street Papers
Vendor Code of Conduct 1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means. 2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and will not sell papers to other vendors (outside of the office volunteers). 3. I agree to treat all others – customers, staff, other vendors – respectfully, and I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers. 4. I agree to stay off private property when selling Street Sense. 5. I understand that I am not a legal employee of Street Sense but a contracted worker responsible for my own well–being and income. 6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling the paper. 7. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 8. I agree to stay a block away from another vendor and respect the space of all vendors. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers and display my badge and wear my vest when selling papers. 10. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.
Last Month’s Donors
See Page 10
Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.
Thank You!
S treetS ense.org
February 3 - 16, 2010
Baltimore homeless gather donations for Haiti They don’t have much themselves, but several Baltimorearea homeless banded together to make a donation to the Red Cross to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti, The Baltimore Sun reports. The donation, a collection of coins and crumpled dollar bills that amounted to $14.64, came from the pockets of homeless individuals at a downtown Baltimore shelter. “We were all weepy-eyed,� recalled Red Cross volunteer coordinator Bobbie Jones, who was at the front desk when the donation arrived. “Just the thought of those people huddled together in a shelter and seeing a need beyond themselves is enough to give anybody chills,� public relations director Linnea Anderson said. “What a remarkable example of the human spirit.�
Muncie homeless figures increase In Muncie, Ind., the number of homeless men and women has ballooned 100 percent since last year, the Associated Press reports. In 2008, there were 223 homeless men, women and children; in 2009, there were 447. “I was expecting it to be higher, but was hoping for less,� said Susan Kemp, executive director of Bridges Community Services, to the AP. “The shelters are full and we found more people on the street. I was thinking it would maybe be 300 or so. ... This is a shocker.� Homeless advocates are concerned that the figures may
be even higher than reported, since it’s difficult to get an accurate count in the winter when many homeless individuals seek refuge in places open 24 hours.
Dallas shelter offers culinary classes to homeless Family Gateway, a Dallas-area shelter, is helping its residents get the job skills they need to compete in a tough job market, the Dallas Morning News reports. The shelter is teaching its residents to chop, dice and grill their way into the workplace through a 12-week program. The shelter has a commercial kitchen and has had 19 students graduate from its culinary program, since starting it last March. Of the graduates, 16 found work in the culinary world. Stacey Chance, a single mother of four, completed the program and received on-the-job experience at an area restaurant. “It was an experience I'll never forget,� said Chance, who lives in Family Gateway’s transitional apartments, to the Dallas Morning News. “This is a wonderful program. It builds up self-esteem, and it makes you feel like you’re part of something.�
Former Newark Bears mascot now homeless Kendell Woolridge, 23, had what he said the best job he’d ever had – acting as mascot for the minor league team the
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Newark Bears. But in 2007, when the club changed ownership, Woolridge lost his job and his home, NJ.com reports. Woolridge used to take care of the clubhouse, clean it, wash the players’ uniforms and then crashed in an office overnight. “I’m 23,� he said to NJ.com. “I’m not supposed to be homeless. I shouldn’t be living like this.� But Woolridge’s story is part of a larger homeless problem in Newark, New Jersey, and it’s surrounding neighborhoods. “Our food stamp program grew by 50 percent, and our Medicaid caseload grew by 31 percent in the last two years,� said Bruce Nigro, Essex County’s director of welfare.
Budget problems hurt homeless initiatives Fairfax County, Va., officials say $10 million is needed in the next fiscal year if the county is going to make a significant dent in its goal to eradicate homelessness, the Washington Examiner reports. But the Feb. 23 budget is anticipated to reflect a $316 million budget shortfall, and board officials say they can’t make any promises about funds going toward homeless initiatives. “We’ll do the best we can,� said Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova to the Washington Examiner. Fairfax County has 1,730 homeless, which is a 5 percent drop from the previous year. Compiled by Dianna Heitz
Give a Vendor a Gift that Will Last All Year For 2010 Street Sense is making a concerted effort to better assist its vendors to help them improve their lives and get off the street. New programs include:
‡ Sales Training Workshops: 6DOHV SURIHVVLRQDOV ZLOO KRVW ZRUNVKRSV WKDW WUDLQ YHQGRUV LQ WKH ÀHOG RI VDOHV DQG KHOS WKHP DFTXLUH RWKHU VDOHV jobs outside of Street Sense. ‡ Vendor Savings Accounts: Street Sense will save 10 cents from each 35 cents it collects from each paper and set it aside in an account that vendors can access to put towards housing, education, or starting a business once they sell 3,000 papers. ‡Serial Novel poetry book.
& Poetry Book: Street Sense plans to publish a 24-chapter novel with each chapter written by a different vendor and another
+RZHYHU ZH QHHG VXSSRUW IURP UHDGHUV OLNH \RX WR JHW WKHVH SURJUDPV XS DQG UXQQLQJ DV LW ZLOO WDNH DGGLWLRQDO UHVRXUFHV DQG VWDIÀQJ WR PDNH WKHP D VXFFHVV :H DUH DLPLQJ WR UDLVH DQ H[WUD D PRQWK WKURXJK LQGLYLGXDO GRQDWLRQV WR VSHFLÀFDOO\ VXSSRUW YHQGRU SURJUDPV 6R SOHDVH KHOS VXSSRUW \RXU ORFDO YHQGRU WKURXJK these programs, and give them a gift that will last all year – and many more to come!
I want to donate:
My Information:
____$60 for supplies for one sales training workshop ____$100 for the printing of 25 Poetry Books ____$300 for the vendor savings account to match the “cashout� level ____$500 for the printing of 125 serial novels ____$1000 for the space needed to hold a complete series of training workshops ____$1500 for one month increase in the vendor manager’s salary to oversee all the new programs ____ Another amount of _________to go towards __________________________ ____The amount of _________to go directly to vendor _______________________
Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:__________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________ Email:____________________________ Please make checks payable to “Street Sense� and mail to: * 6WUHHW 1: :DVKLQJWRQ '&
Donate online at www.streetsense.org
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February 3 - 15, 2010
Neighborhoods’ changing demographics By Shivan Sarna
Shiivan Sarna
The Shaw neighborhood in Northwest D.C. bustled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a hub of black cultural and academic life. Today, due to the city’s gentrification efforts, the neighborhood, which is home to Howard University, has been transformed and its black residents priced out. “Ten years ago there were no whites walking through here,” said Joseph Gere, Shaw resident “The houses here were built by African Americans a long time ago. Now they cannot afford to repair their house. Tax goes higher, so they have to be kicked out.” According to the 2010 census estimate released on Jan. 7, the black population decreased every year from 2000 to 2008, while the numbers of whites and other minorities increased. The District lost around 27,000 black residents and gained around 40,000 white residents. D.C. may cease to be a majority black city by 2020 due to the movement of this population into the suburbs in search of affordable housing. “It’s the life cycle of the economy. In certain areas the prices get raised and if you can’t pay for it you have to go and those people that can, move in,” said Bukhari Jenkins, a senior at Local neighborhoods such as Shaw are seeing a shift in demographics due to gentrification and remodeling. Howard University who used to live in the neighborhood. “It just happens that the majority of people that are leaving striking a balance of bringing in new people, hav- growth. First, birth rates outpaced death rates in are African Americans, and the ing strong economic development that creates D.C. Second, “there has been a big increase in inHal Wolman majorities that are coming in new condo buildings, apartment buildings and ternational migration mostly with the Ethiopians, are white people or people that townhouses while at the same time maintaining a Koreans and Hispanics.” Third, domestic migration aren’t black that have money to do so.” number of affordable housing units that will allow is a major factor, as it has been since World War II. Blacks are moving to more suburban settings residents and families who have been in the District The city is “getting more diverse in terms of certain such as Prince George’s and Montgomery coun- to stay in the District,” said Boardman-Schroyer. groups, as the groups that preceded ties. “Finding affordable housing is an important part them had success in the District.” “When you compare the cost of living in D.C. to of keeping the people here and keeping it a familyThe nation’s capital has become the cost of living in Prince George’s County, hous- friendly city,” according to Michael Price, press the fifth largest immigration destiing is clearly one of the largest factors,” said Kilin secretary for councilmember-at-large Kwame R. nation in the country, according to Boardman-Schroyer, legislative director for D.C. Brown. “We must ensure that there is an adequate, Elizabeth Chacko. Councilmember Michael Brown. “D.C.’s cost of liv- comprehensive, adult jobs creation program in the “ T h e i n c re a s e i n th e w h i te ing is roughly 30 percent higher than living in many District to provide people with the skills that they population probably reflects the of the counties surrounding the District, and that need to get a well-paying job.” movement into the city of people includes housing, as well as just going out to eat or If D.C. can develop a vibrant job-creating infra- attracted by the amenities the city getting services.” structure, more residents will be able to live in the provides, including the revitalizaAccording to Elizabeth Chacko, associate profes- city that they work in, said Price. tion of the downtown area,” said sor of Geography and International Affairs at the In addition to protecting affordable housing, Hal Wolman, professor of Political George Washington University, the problem is af- Boardman-Schroyer said that the District needs to Science and Public Policy at George Harriet fordability, as gentrification has priced out lower improve its school system as well as public safety Washington University. “It is primarTregoning income people, increasing both land values and to maintain families in the District. ily people without school-aged chilrent exponentially. “There is a dearth of affordable D.C.’s population is currently estimated to be dren, empty nesters, young people around 600,000, which is its highest since 1991. and gays and lesbians, as the Dishousing in D.C.” “According to state-level data, there has been a trict is seen as a particularly welcoming place for “Many of the people who are entering the District are professionals, resulting in increased prop- big population increase for 2009,” said Harriet Tre- them.” The 2010 census will be released in December, erty values for long-time residents unable to afford goning, director of the office of planning for Mayor that level of increase in housing costs,” Boardman- Fenty “This is a trend that is going to continue to and population estimates come from births, deaths hold true for the rest of the decade.” and net migration. “It boils down to who has the Schroyer said. Tregoning cites many reasons for population money and who doesn’t,” said Bukhari Jenkins. “We need to make sure that we do a good job
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February 3 - 16, 2010
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Veterans Outreach Offers Phones, Housing By Caroline Hopper As veterans exited the makeshift barber shop in the basement of the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DCVAMC), they held their heads high, their faces illuminated with wide smiles. The annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down, which took place at the DCVAMC on Saturday, Jan. 23, offered novel services to homeless veterans this year. The event, which was sponsored by the DCVAMCwith the support of many veterans’ service and community organizations, matched veterans with services that can help them attain independent lives. Some new services offered this year include Google phone cards, immediate housing assistance and more services for women veterans. Other services include employment, rehabilitation and social services, as well as eye screening, a makeshift barbershop, nail salon and a give-away room. -Dale Sweetnam, Ve t e r a n s a l s o received a free Google lunch. “Google Voice Cards give someone a phone number and then they set up a voice box,” said Dale Sweetnam from Google. “This gives them the opportunity…to take this phone number and put it in their reference or give it to friends and family to stay in touch. So the idea there is that things are tough, they may be going through transitional periods, but we’re giving them an opportunity for everyone to get a hold of them if they need to.” Google initially distributed these phone cards during Project Care in San Francisco two years ago. Finding huge success, Google distributed the cards again in smaller scale at the Winterhaven event. Any homeless veteran who attended the event was eligible for a phone card. By noon,
This service correlates directly with the event’s goal... to help veterans become self reliant.
PHOTOs by Caroline Hopper
Above, Vincent Wigfall receives a manicure as part of the annual Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down at the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Left, Jon Cerry is pleased that this year’s event included housing services, which have not been offered in the past. Top right, A makeshift barbershop was constructed to serve veterans with haircuts.
more than 200 veterans had received a card at the all-day event. Another new service at this year’s stand down was housing services. “This is crucial because we can get people into immediate housing today,” said an event staff member who prefers to remain anonymous. The housing services were tremendously helpful for attendees who were ready to live on their own but did not have access to available housing, according
to the staff member. This service correlates directly with the event’s goal to offer services to help veterans become self-reliant. At past events, veteran Jon Cerry had been disappointed that this service was not offered. “The most crucial aspect that this event must assist with is housing, with a capital H-O-US-I-N-G,” Cerry said. The introduction of more services for women veterans was also new to the stand down this year. According to Robin Peck, a physician working at the event, not only were more services available, but more women showed up to utilize those services. “Either outreach was better or economic cir-
cumstances are worse, leaving more women veterans homeless,” said Peck. Two physicians were available to examine women attendees, make sure their health care is up-to-date, perform Pap-smears and mammograms and to set up future appointments. Some children attended the event with a parent, but VA benefits cover only the veteran, not the dependents, so children were ineligible for any care, according to Peck. While receiving a manicure, attendee Vincent Wigfall praised the event. “It provides a lot of goods and services that otherwise wouldn’t be thought of to provide to veterans,” said Wigfall. “They don’t have the means or transportation to get to places where they can get the help they need such as clothing, housing, vocational rehab, counseling, different types of goods and services. There aren’t a lot of onestop centers in the city that are big enough to accommodate all of DC’s veteran homeless population, and that is a big population.” The halls of the DCVAMC were lined with smiling veterans and outgoing staff members, working together to accomplish the incredibly important task of assisting veterans towards independence.
Things are tough... but we’re giving them an opportunity. -Sweetnam, Google
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February 3 - 15, 2010
Cosby Takes on the Capital According to the National network for Youth, an estimated 1.6 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17 experience homelessness in a given year. Many are runaways who leave home because of family conflict or because of parental abuse or neglect caused by mental health issues or substance abuse. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that as many as 16 percent of the runaways reported between January 2004 to January 2009 were never entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as missing persons. Without this information, law enforcement There are currently several bills pending in the United State Congress that hope to address the issue of youth homelessness. The Runaway Reporting Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R.4129) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Christopher H. Smith, and John Conyers Jr. The goal of this bill is to require that law enforcement agencies enter all missing children into the NCIC. “Without an NCIC entry, law enforcement officers will not share information or resources, and are much less likely to find or protect a missing child. We simply must do better by our children,” Rep. Maloney said. Also according to the New York Times, “Estimates of how many [runaway] children are involved in prostitution vary wildly — ranging from thousands to tens of thousands.” The Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2009 (S. 2925), cosponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden and John Cornyn, sets up grant projects in six states that would establish shelters and provide treatment, counseling and legal aid. “Our nation must remain committed to ending the scourge of human trafficking. This legislation will provide valuable assistance to state and local governments on the front lines of battling organized criminal syndicates and violent gangs that traffic humans for labor and sex,” said Cornyn.
By Caroline Hopper Legendary comedian, actor, and activist Bill Cosby has a message. "You have to give, it has to be a part of you." Cosby teamed with The Stafford Foundation’s (TSF) CEO and founder, Earl Stafford, to announce the launch of a national Doing Good campaign on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Cosby is featured in a public service announcement promoting the project, which was created to motivate people to help others become self-reliant, according to TSF. “Come on. Let’s do something.” said Cosby to an intimate audience at D.C. Marriott for Wednesday’s breakfast event. “We’ve got to spread the word, and spread it, and spread it and spread it…It will change you. It will change you all day long, and people need to know this.” The announcement took place on the one-year anniversary of TSF People’s Inaugural Project, an endeavor that brought approximately 400 underprivileged citizens to the inauguration of President Barack Obama. “Since the inaugural event, the Stafford Foundation has engaged in new outreach activities, awarded numerous grants, and supported social entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Stafford. Continuing its outreach, TSF launched The People’s Project Doing Good campaign. The campaign encourages “doing good” in many ways, while recognizing that many people who want to “do good” may not always know ways to do so, according to Stafford. “America is home to the homeless, the hungry, the downtrodden and to the underserved,” said Stafford. “But America is also home to compassionate and caring people. We are helping people to understand that you don’t have to have a lot to do a lot.” The Doing Good project focuses on providing the homeless with education, training and job placements. It shows how to provide children with a nurturing environment. It empowers children from low-income families to develop ways to get the resources they need to attend college and improve their futures. It offers senior citizens opportunities to become positive forces in the community, provides lowincome neighborhoods with health programs, and brings cultural enrichment opportunities like music and art to underserved communities. The campaign also provides an online
forum where stories featuring good deeds done by either individuals or organizations will be showcased. These stories, according to TSF, are central to increase advocacy and inspire others to take action. “I don’t care how small your job is, or how little you think you are,” said Cosby. “You are a leader. You are a leader. And when you lead, don’t forget to teach. It’s a sign that goes on and on and on, and it never stops healing anywhere. When Top: Earl Stafford (middle) talks with unnamed guests at breakyou do good, you feel betfast. Bottom: Bill Cosby and Earl Stafford joined forces to promote ter.” self-reliance. According to TSF, beneficiaries of good deeds will learn to be self-reliant, so that they may one day be capable of serving someone else in need. The announcement also featured speeches from both Stafford and Cosby. In his speech, Cosby shared his experiences from the four years A Reconciling he spent working as a physical therapist in Congregation the navy. “At the end of the day, I was spent Invites you to join us in from working with people, putting part of worship on Sundays my spirit into their mind… and as I said, at at 9:30 and 11:00 AM the end of the day I was spent, but I did feel Caroline hopper
On The HIll
The Stafford Foundation kicks off Doing Good Campaign
FOUNDRY
good.” said Cosby. Also at the event, the N St. Village, an organization that works to empower low-income and homeless women, shared success stories about clients like Mary Virginia. She was fortunate to have attended the People’s Inaugural Project in 2009. Throughout the morning, guests were reminded of the TSF motto: “Do good, do good, do good” See www.thestaffordfoundation.org for more information on doing good.
Homeless Outreach Hospitality: Fridays 9:00 AM
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 332-4010
www.foundryumc.org
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February 3 - 16, 2010
U.S. study backs shelter, drink for homeless alcoholics with others who were still on the street and on waiting lists to get into CHICAGO - A program that gives the shelter. "Our study suggests that homeless shelter to homeless alcoholics but allows them to keep drinking and not alcoholics who qualify to take part in be forced into treatment could save Housing First can stay out of jails and taxpayers millions in public costs, (hospital) emergency rooms and cost according to a study published on the taxpayer a lot less money as a result," said Mary Larimer, professor of Tuesday. The study also found that daily psychiatry and behavioral sciences at alcohol consumption fell by two the University of Washington, who percent per month for those in the led the study. "We also found that these benshelter. efits increase over time and that they are possible without requiring that Our study suggests that homeless participants stop drinking. And yet, the longer alcoholics who qualify to take part the participants stay in in Housing First can stay out of jails the housing program, the less they drink," Larimer and (hospital) emergency rooms and said. The report was recently cost the taxpayer a lot less money published in the Journal as a result. of the American Medical Association. After 12 months in the The results were based on a look shelter the total public costs relatat 95 people admitted to a program ing to the care of the 95 individuin Seattle called Housing First from als was cut by more than $4 million 2005 to 2007. They were compared compared to the year before, the reBy Michael Conlon
searchers said. MORE THAN $4,000 EACH In the year before entering the shelter, those who got in had run up more than $4,000 each per month in costs for jail, detox center use, hospital-based medical services, publicly funded alcohol and drug programs, emergency medical services and the like, the study team said. But after they entered the housing arrangement, their individual monthly costs for using such services fell to $1,492 after six months and to $958 after a year -- a reduction in total costs of more than $4 million, the researchers said. "Each of them had cost state and local governments an average of $86,062 per year before being housed, compared to an average of $13,440 it costs per person per year to administer the housing program," Larimer said. Housing First is a concept employed in a number of cities across the country to address the needs of the homeless generally. Such programs rely on a mix of private and public funding, according to the
National Alliance to End Homelessness. The authors of the study said such programs so far have generally been used for homeless people with severe mental illness and concurrent substance abuse. The Seattle shelter, called 1811 Eastlake, has been controversial because it allows drinking on the premises, the research team said, in a program where meals, shelter and other costs ran $1,120 per person monthly during the study. The study said the median number of drinks for participants started at 15.7 a day but fell to 14, 12 and 10 a day after six, nine and 12 months, respectively. William Hobson, executive director of the group that runs the Seattle project, said the stable housing environment is a factor in reduced drinking. He said there also were discussions of the problem with residents, which leads to reassessment of drinking. Courtesy of Reuters © Street News Service: www.streetpapers.org
Skip the roses this Valentine’s Day—give your Valentine a gift that will have a lasting impact and will touch the hearts of so many. Show your love by supporting Street Sense’s efforts to empower homeless individuals in DC: www.streetsense.org/ give-support/donate/
Make a donation to Street Sense in honor of your Valentine. If you get your donation in by February 10th, we’ll send your sweetie an acknowledgement by V-day! Donate online and be sure to tell us that it’s in honor of your Valentine in the “comment” section.
How romantic!
www.streetsense.org/ give-support/subscribe/
Give your Valentine the gift of a Street Sense subscription. You can even give half of your subscription to a Street Sense vendor of your choice! Buy your subscription online and be sure to tell us that it’s in honor of your Valentine in the “comment” section.
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February 3 - 16, 2010
"The Bench" By S. A. Gibbins Where to go in life, seems daunting, scary. What direction to take, a false step and disaster. Crossroads in time, turns in life's course. Could have far reaching effects. But with wild abandon, I Stubbornly walk the road again. New love, maybe. New job, new town, or, same old-same old? So sitting here on this bench head in hands, staring, provides not much help. I'd call a friend and ask, if I had one. Sad to say, I'd ask God if He would listen. Why do we end up here, anyway? On a Park bench, lost in thought. Wanting oh so many answers, direction and help! Instead. Alone. But you have to do it on your own. This is the time to pull up the bootstraps. Forget depression, medication. Ok here goes. I'm homeless, penniless, With no family that cares. I've put myself here by self-indulgence. Sorry as hell, too. I was a great person at one time. At least I thought I was. But after divorce, drugs, alcohol and abandonment, I was not so sure. It does get tiring, beating yourself up, doesn't it? I did the rehab thing, even cleaned up. Got the higher power thing too. So where is He? I'm on this stupid bench. Broke, hungry, worn out from trying. Is it possible to come back from this pit? Are there not thousands of us out here? Look into our eyes. Do you see us? Do you feel us? It could be you on this bench. But it’s me. You walk past and look with disgust. I had a family once too, A good job, a big house, and all that goes with it. This could happen to you. Yes it could. So when you pass a park bench sometime, Stop and look at it and think of me. Think of us Think of you.
Photos by Lawrence Howard
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February 3 - 16, 2010 To Haiti By Jeffery McNeil Dear Haiti, I call you brother, for you are dark like me I also struggled through poverty The earthquake has made an impression on me Since I was too selfish and blind to see I am fortunate to have a meal and a place to sleep While dead bodies are littered in one big heap I have been homeless sleeping outside While you can’t leave, run, or hide I am fortunate, yes indeed To never feed a brother who is in need It’s our duty to help someone who fallen For whatever you labored has been zstolen To my Haitian brothers who are dark like me I hope we all show compassion so you’ll be free I pray from the rubble you can build So no one else will be killed.
Sleeping Snow Dogs Awake By Chris Sky Shaw The sleeping dogs lie dormant Under a very thin skin of sun. Winds carry trash, and faint, ever-more dim Memories of a blizzard, Robbed by time of its ethereal beauty. In a boy’s realm, The ground was rock-firm beneath The cobbled alleys, ice, and pink-and-blue neon Of Murphy’s five and dime. Icicles bearded the old lean-tos and add-ons, Not to tumble and break off, The way they do nowadays. Back in the woods, alongside a dirty stream, The shadows grow longer, And the snow dogs remain where the land is still cool, Only to gently awaken to gradual Warmth, and to feed the coming Spring With its melting!
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A’s Wordmatch
By Patrick Azrius
Match the word with its definition
1. Wrote “The Marriage of Figaro”
A. Hypatia
2. Wrote the influential book “The Elements”
B. Aristotle
3. Founder of the Lyceum
C. Mozart
4. Wrote “Theaetetus”
D. Euclid
5. First distinguished female in mathematics
E. Plato
Thank you to our January donors! Adam C. Adamowicz Barbara Flotte Caroline D. Gabel Corrine Yu David A. and Roberta A. Hertzfeldt David Madland David Martin David Muhlbaum Edward S. Rosenthal Elizabeth Cullen Evert F Uy Or Hazel C. Moore Heather Salko Jackie DeCarlo Jacqueline M. West Jane Holmes Dixon Jennifer Henel Joseph V. Cartwright Judith M. Parsells Julie Preis Just Give Lara Friedman Lara Thornely Hall Lauren Lipchak Leah Shaw Lee Berger
Lenore Garcia Linda Ershow-Levenberg Marcus Williams Margaret & Robert Blair Melani McAlister Melissa Reese Meredith Tupper Michael Mavretic Peter Rient R i c h a rd R . Howe s a n d Joanne M. Howes Robin Goracke Sharon Goodman and R. Scott McNeilly Sharyn Meister Stephen Lerner and Marilyn Sneiderman Susan C. Burns Susan Eads Role Valorie Lee Vasudha Desikan Vicki Robinson Susan K. Seyl in honor of David and Lynda MartinMcCormick. Angie Ketterman in honor of Michael Peccini.
Help Bring the Homeless in from the Cold
THE CALLthe Call
Shelter Hotline 1 800 535-7252 o r C a l l 311 Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia
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Will Write For Food:
Writer’s Group
February 3 - 16, 2010
meets every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office.
The Writer's Group needs laptops; email: info@streetsense.org if you can help
Never Failing Love
We all have our Valentines, but ask yourself do you show the folks around you Never Failing Love
Lovey loving lovely by Paul Lee Taylor
I love talking to strangers at a crosswalk, bus stop, or subway. I’m interested in how they would react, even now until this day. Are they arrogant, happy, or uncaring, or satisfied just to be through with moment? Are some excited with new visual aspect before them? Or a longer lasting scent? We all have things to share with each other, and we don’t have to wait to say so. ldle chatter is pleasant no matter where you are from, and facilitating where ever you may go. Paul is part of The People for Fairness Coalition. Contact: Paul.Lee.Taylor@ gmail.com.
Early Morning Love by David Rubin
I love waking up early in the morning and standing in the open crisp night air. upon a full moon I find myself thinking clear, with nobody talking I can focus on grasping the goal away from homless surly only streets and a wisp. watching the air in curly, no stinging smell like wasp. David volunteers and is writing his own novel. Contact: stonepotts2000@ yahoo.com.
DAYS OF LOVE by Robert Warren
DAYS ARE LOVING HIM AND YOU, AND WHETHER ONE BELIEVES, AND ALL LIFE CAN ACHIEVE. DAYS ARE SUNRISES, AND SUNSETS, AND WHETHER YOU SEE ALL THE LOVE GOD BE. DAYS ARE THE MOON AND STARS AND PLEASANT DREAMS, LOVE OF PEOPLE OVER THINGS, DAYS ARE FIRST PRAISING MORNING NOON AND NIGHT, DOING WHAT ONE FIRST THOUGHT SAY IS RIGHT. DAYS ARE FLOWERS AT BLOOM WITH A SUMMER MORNING BREEZE, A RIVER FULL OF SNOWFLAKES, AND MANY MORE THINGS, OF LOVE YOU SEE. DAYS OF THINKING BACK HOW DAYS USED TO BE, HOW MANY DAYS WOULD I LOVE TO SEE. DAYS ARE STRUGGLE STRESS , AND STRIFE, AND THE LOST OF FIRST AND SECOND LIFE, AND THE LOVE OF GOD AND WHETHER YOU BELIEVE . GOD PERFECT PEACE IS EVERY MANS NEED. DAYS ARE BELIEVIENG IN A DAY TO COME WHEN GODS VOICE WILL BE THE ONLY ONE. Robert is a member of The People for Fairness Coalition. Contact: Robertwarren47@yahoo.com.
Reggie’s Reflections- Eviected?? By Reginald Black I was single, but had an empty apartment at my disposal. I was still affected by second thoughts. Many-a-night I prayed that I would not get caught inside. There was running water, and I had a matteress. One night I returned to the apartment and all was locked. Even the windows were nailed shut. I went into panic mode. Thinking quickly, I returned to the boiler room. It had been furnished in past weeks. After some destressing minutes, the invader showed his face. Annoyed, I went next door. I resumed my chatting looking for my crush. Once again, she didn’t show. I began to question survival. In additon, to no power this strange room lacked heat. I was still nieve to the effects of hypothermia. I only knew something about the cold could kill you. I felt sick and in agony from a brutal pain in my tooth. I started to praying again. I wanted something or someone. All was looking bleak. It was raining and I was feeling tired, but the tooth pain wouldn’t let me sleep. Completey scared I just pulled the broken sleeping bag across my body and tucked inside my jackets. I drifted off somehow not even knowing my fate or what to do next. “Has my neighborhood evicted me? I wondered. I wasn’t sure but the was nothing I could do at the time. Reggie hosts The Writer's Group Meetings. Contact: Rblackstreetreporter@ gmail.com.
Most of All by Reginald Black
My world my present my grace period before I get to heaven. Remembering my clueless days, a time that I didn't cherish things. Nieve to the real world’s pain. Suddenly came a revalation, That noone’s is safe in any nation. I got involved and extreme epidemic in this large world. The love for it comes form above. It’s my high it’s my drug. The thing I get my fix off of. Helping other’s showing them love. Embracing the advocate’s call Today, this day!! I tell ya’ll !!! I love working with and to help the homeless most of all.
A Love that Could Never Be? by James Fetherson
She was from Mogadishu Somalia. She was so amazing and beautiful. We both worked at a Best Western in Balliston, Virginia. During the 90's, her country needed food after weeks of fighting. While Somalian warlords fought against the United States in the streets of Mogadishu, we would walk together everyday at work and I helped her understand what Valentine's day is all about. I wanted to have her as my wife, but she said it was not their cutsom to get involved with African-American men. There were lots of Somail females who worked at the Best Western, but they kept to their dishes. Marcelinas and I liked each other. It was a love that could never be. James is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Contact: James_Fethersen@yahoo.com
PRODUCTION, HOSTING, LAYOUT AND SUPPORT: Patty Smith, Reginald Black
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February 3 - 16, 2010
Counting Blessings My journey into homelessness began around July 21, 2005. Addictions and gambling left me broke and sleeping in a gazebo on the Toms River in New Jersey. I remember it vividly. I had nowhere to go, but God was watching over me. I found angels who let me sleep in their tent in the woods, even though the mosquitoes bit me so bad I had welts all over me. I finally begged the hospital nearby to send me to an institution but they said I was too smart and sent me to a treatment center. While I was going through my storms in life, there were people dealing with the real thing. Hurricane Dennis arrived in Florida and hit t h e Pa n h a n d l e. Most people learn Jeffery reflects on the imapct of storms literally and figuratively in and get help when his life. they’re drowning, and I wanted to swim upstream again. My motivation for gambling was guided by the lure of riches. I still had a job even though I was homeless; I tried to gamble my way out of homelessness. I won enough to get a room. I knew the weather was going to get cold soon and I didn’t want to sleep outside. I was battening down the hatches on the mental storm in my pathetic life, while dealing with depression and loneliness. In late August of 2005, I went back to the treatment center, they gave me a bus ticket to Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia to a Salvation Army treatment center. I was sad, depressed and feeling sorry for myself. While I was at a thrift store getting hand-me-downs and three meals a day, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, The Coalition of Housing and Homeless Organizations destroying everything in its path. Overnight, the citizens of New Orleans became refugees, trapped in their homes and the Superdome. Americans watched in great horror, as the levies broke and flooded New Orleans. Even though I was in my own storm, I could not ignore the dead bodies floating in a once-proud city, which overnight felt as if it was a war zone in a third world country. I felt as if I was living a plush lifestyle compared to the citizens of New Orleans. I have begun rebuilding my life, working my way out of homelessness, grumbling, and complaining about how cruel and unfair life can be. I don’t have the job, the car
Photo by Flickr member Coreburn
By Jeffery McNeil
or the girlfriend I desire. I still stay around people who can irritate me. Sometimes my grandiosity and arrogance make me believe I am unique and a cut above the level of my roommates. I watch TV and play video games, and then just mingle with my roommates. I couldn’t see so much of how my actions contributed to my situation because I was
only concerned about me. I wasn’t letting God bless me because I was always complaining about my life. Then on Jan. 13, 2010, my whole perspective of life changed. I turned on the news and saw the images of Haiti. I saw how their country looked like a bombsite. I saw people without food, dead bodies piled up like mountains and the widespread threat of disease. I thought of many of the Haitian families I knew who had relatives there. I also saw people risk their lives volunteering to pull people from the rubble and doctors leave their practice to go and treat people in Haiti. I turned from feeling ungrateful to grateful, by getting on my knees and praying to God. All the worldly possessions I desired became a moot point. I realized that God had me where he wanted me, but I also came to know it could have been much worse. I thought I was suffering but soon realized from seeing the suffering of others, I wasn’t suffering at all. I had focused on the wrong things in life: status, wealth, beautiful women, and having a rich personable life.
Jeffery McNeil has been a Street Sense vendor for 4 years and frequently writes about his struggle with alcoholism and homelessness, and recently found housing.
Sleeping Outside Might Leave You in Jail By Davie McInally I have been in New York since December 22. I came to New York City to join a pilot program that lets foreign nationals join the U.S. military. I want to do two tours in Iraq, two in Afghanistan, and also apply for United States citizenship. I am fluent in Czech and Slovakian, which is what the military was looking for. They also require one to have stayed in the country for two years, which posed a problem for me. I did not think I would write for Street Sense again but New York City does not have a newspaper that gives a voice to the homeless, and I have the desire to make others aware of the conditions the homeless in New York City face. As a result, I decided to pen this article. I mentioned my intention to Frank Mearns, vendor and volunteer for Street Sense who has witnessed the New York City shelter system. He told me to share my experiences. Early on I began to feel strongly about the homeless situation especially in regard to the way in which the homeless are treated. For example, it is illegal to sleep outside, such as in parks. If you are caught, the police automatically lock you up. One lad spent 60 days in jail for sleeping in the park. Mark is originally from Virginia and like most other people who come to New York, he was unaware of how the homeless were treated. There are specially designated "snatch-squads" in orange uniforms that walk around streets and parks looking for the homeless. Once the homeless are rounded up, the "snatch-squads" take them either to jail or to a shelter. I believe they are an arm of the police. Since one is forbidden to sleep outside, there are only two options: sleep on a subway train or in a shelter. The city's shelters are cramped, making it difficult for an individual to receive good treatment. The place where I am staying is called 30th Street Men’s Shelter, which was known as Bellevue Hospital at one point. The conditions inside are disappointing. Food is provided three times a day but the food tray resembles something less than a weight-watchers dinner. There are no seconds. I believe the air vents are the biggest problem and that they present a fire hazard. They are definitely a health hazard, as every morning my black jacket is covered with long bits of coagulated dust. The sign-in process takes about a day and a half, due to the utter laziness of many of the case workers. On my second day at the shelter, I was given a permanent bed. The security guards are unfriendly and abuse their authority. Most of the guards are overweight and if anything was to happen, such as a fight, they would have no option but to stand there. Back home the "animal factory" refers to jail, but it might as well be the shelter system, especially with the shelter's curfews. I have seen a few people break down here. I can’t blame them and sometimes even feel pity. I am bewildered that the "rules" change as frequently as they do. I will never understand this, but maybe this is the way it works in America. I guess I just have to play along with it and make do like everybody else. In my room there are four beds. Three of us have already seen a few people come and go. People transfer to other shelters, or they are moved to other beds in the shelter, if they, for example, break their curfew. I must admit there is always a non U.S. crowd here: there is a man from Ghana, whose name is Kuaku, a Puerto Rican man named Juan, and a man from Sierra Leone who arrived last night. Lockers and locks are provided to all of us during registration, along with bed sheets (if we happen to get a bed). Kuaku went nine days before a bed was found. I guess I was lucky, as I only had to wait a day and a half. There is a separate wing for women and families. I’ve never been to it, so I cannot report on conditions there. I do, however, encourage anyone who is bold and has a bigger voice than I do, to dress like a homeless person and check out the conditions for themselves. I am sure that he or she will leave appalled.
Davie McInally is orignally from Scotland and has written past columns in Street Sense. The views and experiences here are those of Davie and not Street Sense.
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February 3 - 16, 2010
‘The Big Chair’ Brings Me to Anacostia By Bryan Yannantuono The warmth and sunniness of this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day stood in stark contrast from the usual bitterness of winter. Hoping to take advantage of the pleasant weather, my friends and I decided to embark on an adventure. Leaving the isolation of our Northwest-based campus, we decided to travel to an area that many here say to stay away from: Anacostia. The myth of Anacostia is that it’s a hotbed for crime, extremely poor, and its infrastructure is in disrepair. Hoping to discover the truth for ourselves, we set foot on the Green Line, both nervous and intrigued. Upon exiting the train, it was apparent that we entered into a world that was wholly different than the one we were used to. My friends and I, all white, suddenly became the minority. While none of us were upper class by any means, we came from relatively privileged suburban backgrounds. We all go to a prestigious university. Whether we stated it explicitly or not, we were clearly outside of our comfort zone. I felt uneasy as I sensed the grudging gazes of others. Besides investigating the true nature of Anacostia, our other main priority was to see The Big Chair. Towering nearly 20 feet in to the air and made out of two tons of Honduras mahogany, the Big Chair is rumored to be the largest such chair in the world. Who would have thought that such a marvelous attraction is right in Anacostia! A short walk away from the chair is the estate of the late Frederick Douglass, a Smithsonian museum, an art gallery and the historic downtown, among various other churches, restaurants and cultural centers. I couldn’t believe it!
Beyond the tourist attraction the myth of Anacostia is largely accurate. The sidewalks are dilapidated, many buildings are boarded up and empty lots surrounded by ominous chain link fences are common. According to the 2000 census only two-thirds of the population over 25 have graduated high school and dramatically fewer have completed college. The median income is nearly 40% less than the rest of the city and approximately onethird of Ward 8 residents live under the poverty level. Moreover, a recent Ward 8 housing report funded by Fannie Mae revealed that nearly 80% of Anacostia’s residents rent apartments and that many are at risk of losing their homes due to the housing crunch. On top of this, violent crime (especially homicide) and eroding public schools are perennial concerns. It seems as if everything east of the Anacostia River is left to fester in the capital’s forgotten shadow. Seeing the destitution, I realized that the people here are the ones who are most at risk for being homeless. Yes, many people are safe for now. Though the worst is most likely over, the recession still continues to pummel the poor. It is evident that, should a landlord not make ends meet or a family business go under, Anacostia residents will be left to fend for themselves...on the street. To many, it is unfathomable that such conditions can exist in America, nevertheless in its great capital city, but I’ve seen it with my very eyes.
The Big Chair, located at the corner Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and V Street SE, is an Anacostia landmark that was built in 1959.
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February 3 - 16, 2010
photos By Frank Mearns
Game Night Brings Street Sense Family Together By Frank Mearns, Vendor 9 On January 22 Street Sense held its first night out event: a game night at the Verizon Center in Chinatown. We had more than 75 people there, including vendors and staff who spread out to witness the Miami Heat take on the Washington Wizards. Many vendors who experience homelessness could forget their problems for a while and we raised $600! We got a Box Suite donated to us by Mike Mullen, and a chosen few got to sit in the, let us say, more comfortable seats in a private room not far from the court. The view from Suite 203 was amazing: we were close enough to see the players but far enough to see the entire court. The chairs were dressed up and elegant and the suite itself looked northeast over the court. We watched as the Heat pulled away by twenty points. At the half the Heat led by fifteen. As Miami pulled ahead by twelve in the third, I could sense the fans’ frustration. After three-quarters of play, the score was 85-64. The stadium started to empty as the Heat led by eighteen in the fourth. In the end the Wizards lost 112-88. Even Mike said, “I had a great time, but I wish the Wizards won.” Normally games cost between $40 and a $100 each. Few, if any, vendors can afford to pay that for entertainment. We arrived at the Verizon Center around 6 p.m. For some of us it was our first time seeing an NBA game, and they had a look of excitement on their faces. Some of the vendors had seats in the “nosebleeds” as we call them, which are up on the very upper level of the stadium, including our new executive director Abby Strunk, as she let the vendors go into the good seats (thanks for that, Miss Abby). You could still see the game though, so there were no problems. The game got off to a very fast pace, as we all know the Wizards were without their star player Gilbert Arenas, who was banned from playing indefinitely for allegedly bringing guns to the Verizon Center, so they were at a disadvantage from the start. When we got to our seats, there were about 200 people in the stadium, by the time the game started it was full. There was a great atmosphere in the place, which was great for the first-timers. When the game started Greg Martin, the vendor manager, and I went to see the other vendors. I hope we will have more game nights and fundraisers to help this wonderful company go from strength to strength and keep this paper going for many years to come.
Upper left, vendor Frank Mearns, vendor manager Greg Martin, donor Mike Mullens and vendor Lawless Watson gear up for the Wizards v. Heat game. Above, vendor Shakayae Henry enjoys herself at the Street Sense-sponsored game, where over $600 was raised. Below, Jeffrey McNeil watches as the Heat beats the Wizards 122-88. Left below, vendor Roger Dove enjoys “plush seats.” Left, executive director Abby Strunk gives a candid pose.
S treetS ense.org WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Ave, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596 Washington, DC 20017 office (202) 529-5261 24-hour hotline (202)-529-5991 shelter and other services for domestic violence victims N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 www.nstreetvillage.org 801 East, St. Elizabeths Hospital (Men) 2700 MLK Avenue, SE (202) 561–4014 New York Ave Shelter (Men 18+) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359 Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093
FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612
www.churchofthepilgrims.org Dinner Program for Homeless Women; “9:30 Club” Breakfast Club (breakfast Mon-Fri, 9:3011, all are welcome/dinner for women and children, Mon-Fri, 3-6 pm); and Thrive DC St. Stephens Parish Church 1625 Newton St NW (202) 737–9311 www.dphw.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ ministry/welcometbl.htm
MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org
OUTREACH CENTERS
Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112
February 3 - 16, 2010 Green Door (202) 464–9200 1221 Taylor Street NW www.greendoor.org housing, job training, supportive mental health services Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050 www.friendshiphouse.net counseling, mentoring, education, youth services, clothing Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter.org laundry, counseling, psych care Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608 www.marthastable.org dinner, education, recreation, clothing, child and family services Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social events Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC 20001 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services
Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
(202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511 www.cflsdc.org housing, job and substance abuse counseling, clothes closet Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs Gospel Rescue Ministries drug, alcohol program (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/ services/ meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing JHP, Inc. 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (202) 544–9126 www.jobshavepriority.org training and employment Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW (202) 667–8970 www.jubileejobs.org job preparation and placement National Coalition for the Homeless 2201 P Street, NW (202) 462–4822 www.nationalhomeless.org activists, speakers bureau National Student Partnerships (NSP) 128 M Street NW, Suite 320 (202) 289–2525 washingtondc@nspnet.org Job resource and referral agency Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE , AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202)889–7702 www.samaritanministry.org HIV support, employment, drug/alcohol addiction, healthcare St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1514 15th Street, NW (202) 667–4394 http://stlukesdc.edow.org food, counseling St. Matthew’s Cathedral 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW (202) 347–3215 ext. 552 breakfast, clothing, hygiene Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/ dc.html emergency travel assistance Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org
MARYLAND SHELTER Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc. org The Samaritan Group Inc. P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org
FOOD Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org Manna Food Center 614–618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville (301) 424–1130 www.mannafood.org
MEDICAL RESOURCES Community Clinic, Inc. 8210 Colonial Lane, Silver Spring (301) 585–1250 www.cciweb.org Mobile Medical Care, Inc. 9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301) 493–2400 www.mobilemedicalcare.org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Catholic Charities, Maryland 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 942–1790 www.catholiccharitiesdc.org shelter, substance abuse treatment, variety of other services Mission of Love 6180 Old Central Avenue, Capitol Heights (301)333–4440 www.molinc.org life skills classes, clothing, housewares Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Drive, Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services
VIRGINIA SHELTER Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B-Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239 Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org The Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 9th Road, North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org
FOOD
ALIVE!, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723 www.alive–inc.org
MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services only
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S treetS ense.org
February 3 - 16, 2010
THe LAST WOrd To give or not to give? By Abby Strunk A question I’ve been asked frequently since taking on the role of executive director of Street Sense is, “What should I do when I see a homeless person?” Many people reference a memory from their childhood when they were told by their mother or father not to give money because doing so enables the person. In other words giving a dollar might contribute to that individual remaining on the streets. I disagree. But, I also do not believe that giving money to a homeless person is the only action one can take. While I’ve never been homeless myself, I don’t know anyone who wants to or likes to feel invisible. But, that’s how many of our homeless neighbors feel. I once heard a homeless man say, “I feel like a ghost…like people can see right through me.” One of my favorite yoga authors, Judith Lasater, suggests a mantra for daily living: I will do what I can in response to what is needed here. I recommend using this mantra as a guide when deciding how you can help someone who is struggling. Simply ask yourself, “What is it that I can do in response to what is needed here?” Can I carry granola bars in my bag to give out to someone who needs it? Can I ask a homeless person if I can buy them a cup of coffee or tea? Can I sacrifice a halfhour of my time to buy someone lunch? Can I make a commitment to give my time, money or resources to an organization that is making a positive difference? Can I let a homeless person know that Street Sense offers Vendor Trainings every Tuesday and Thursday at 2p.m.? All of these are incredibly noble efforts. What is almost certain is that the next time you pass someone who is living on the streets, you can make eye contact, say “hello,” ask how he/she is doing and wait to hear a response. Give someone who is homeless the gift of being seen and heard. I draw inspiration from the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he spoke at the National Cathedral just before his death. He said: We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. With that, I’ll leave you with these last words -- please do what you can in response to what is needed.
Edward Ross
VendOr PrOfiLe By Shivan Sarna Edward Ross has lived in D.C. his entire life, though he was born in New York…on a bus. “I couldn’t wait. I decided to come out. I don’t know whether it was the bumpy bus ride or not,” he said. Ross has been working at Street Sense for four years. He says that one of the best aspects about selling for this paper is that it taught him to be a people person. He believes homeless individuals are characterized as alcoholics or drug addicts. “Don’t look down on homeless people, try and help them out if anything,” he said. Ross was in the Marine Corps for six years and later filed in the military as disabled, which is his source of income. It has been 20 years, and he is still anticipating the suit money from the military. “When they give me my suit money, I’ll get my education money,” he said. Ross is currently waiting to attend The George Washington University. For every dollar that he saves, the military gives him two dollars. Edward anticipates starting school at the end of 2010. Ross devotes time every summer teaching children the fundamentals of basket-
ball, baseball and football in Rosedale. He is a sports junkie, though says he is too old to play now. He says that Street Sense has a positive influence on the homeless, as provides the opportunity to make a way for themselves. “I get to enjoy life even though I may not have everything I want, but I have the things I need,” he said. Ross, who currently lives in a work program shelter, looks forward to owning his own home, a car and a dog.
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