04 17 2019 by Street Sense Media

VoL. 16 IssUe 12

AprIL 17 - 30, 2019

Real Stories

Real People

suggested donation goes directly to your vendor

Real Change

Their landlord is trying to push them out Residents respond with a rent strike

streetsensemedia.orG

@ streetsensedc

2 // st reet sens e me di a / / a P ri L 1 7 - 3 0 , 2019

bUsINess MoDeL

VENDORS

How it Works

street sense media publishes the newspaper

each vendor functions as an independent contractor for street sense media, managing their own business to earn an income and increase stability in their life.

$2.00 YOUR SUGGESTED

$.50 vendors pay

DONATION

per newspaper copy

goes directly to your vendor, empowering them to overcome homelessness and poverty

No CAsH? No probLeM.

Pay vendors with the Street Sense Media app!

S TREET S ENSE M EDIA . ORG /A PP

avai laBl e

VeNDor CoDe of CoNDUCT

as self-employed contractors, our vendors follow a code of conduct. 1.

street sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $2.00. i agree not to ask for more than $2.00 or solicit donations for street sense media by any other means.

i will only purchase the paper from street sense media staff and volunteers and will not sell papers to other vendors.

4. 5.

i agree to treat all others, including customers, staff, volunteers, and other vendors, respectfully at all times. i will refrain from threatening others, pressuring customers into making a donation, or in engaging in behavior that condones racism, sexism, classism, or other prejudices. i agree not to distribute copies of street sense on metro trains and buses or on private property. i agree to abide by the street sense media vendor territorial policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes i have with other vendors in a professional manner.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS mary Coller albert, jeremy Bratt, Brian Leonard, jennifer Park, dan schwartz, john senn, aaron stetter, annika toenniessen, daniel Webber, shari Wilson

ExECuTIVE DIRECTOR Brian Carome

i understand that i am not an employee of street sense media, but an independent contractor.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

i agree to sell no additional goods or products when distributing street sense.

COMMuNICATIONS & SALES MANAGER

I will not distribute Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

VENDOR MANAGER

i understand that my badge and (if applicable) vest are property of street sense media, and will not deface them. i will present my badge when purchasing street sense. i will always display my badge when distributing street sense.

10. i agree to support street sense media’s mission statement. in doing so i will work to support the street sense community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.

The Cover

The Street Sense Media Story, #MoreThanANewspaper

veronica mosqueda, a tenant organizer at the Latino economic development Center, at a rally for the 1454 irving st. rent strike.

originally founded as a street newspaper in 2003, street sense media has evolved into a multimedia center using a range of creative platforms to spotlight solutions to homelessness and empower people in need. the men and women who work with us do much more than sell this paper: They use film, photography, theatre, illustration, and more to share their stories with our community. our media channels elevate voices, our newspaper vendor and digital marketing programs provide economic independence. and our in-house casemanagement services move people forward along the path toward permanent supportive housing. At Street Sense Media, we define ourselves through our work, talents, and character, not through our housing situation.

Volunteer

shuhratjon ahamadjonov, Wanda alexander, Charles armstrong, Katrina arninge, Lawrence autry, Charlton Battle, reginald Black, emily Bowe, rashawn Bowser, debora Brantley, andre Brinson, Laticia Brock, donald Brown, elizabeth Bryant, Brianna Butler, dwayne Butler, melody Byrd, anthony Carney, alice Carter, Conrad Cheek, Curtis Clark, anthony Crawford, Kwayera dakari, michael daniels, Louise davenport, james davis, david denny, reginald denny, ricardo dickerson, Patricia donaldson, nathaniel donaldson, Courtney dowe, ron dudley, jet Flegette, jemel Fleming, johnnie Ford, Cornell Ford, duane Foster, james gatrell, Kidest girma, Chon gotti, george gray, marcus green, Levester green, Barron Hall, dwight Harris, marion Harris, richard Hart, Lorrie Hayes, Cheryl Hill, ibn Hipps, james Hughes, joseph jackson, Chad jackson, Henry johnson, mark jones, morgan jones, reggie jones, jewel Lewis, john Littlejohn, scott Lovell, michael Lyons, William mack, Ken martin, marcus mcCall, jermale mcKnight, jennifer mcLaughlin, jeffery mcneil, angela meeks, ricardo meriedy, Kenneth middleton, amy modica, richard mooney, L. morrow, Collins mukasa, evelyn nnam, moyo onibuje, earl Parker, aida Peery, Hubert Pegues, jacquelyn Portee, angela Pounds, robert reed, Henrieese roberts, Chris shaw, Patty smith, gwynette smith, ronald smoot, david snyder, Franklin sterling, Warren stevens, Beverly sutton, sybil taylor, archie thomas, eric thompson-Bey, jacqueline turner, ronald turner, michael Warner, robert Warren, vincent Watts, sheila White, angie Whitehurst, Wendell Williams, sasha Williams, susan Wilshusan, ivory Wilson, Curtis Wright, Latishia Wynn

INTeresTeD IN beING A VeNDor? new vendor training: every tuesday and thursday // 2 p.m. // 1317 g st., nW

PHoto By alexandra Kelley

streetsensemedia.org

info@streetsensemedia.org

eric Falquero jeff gray gladys roberts

EVENTS & WORKSHOP MANAGER Leila drici

CASE MANAGER Colleen Cosgriff

WRITERS GROuP ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Willie schatz

OPINION EDITORS (VOLuNTEER) rachel Brody, arthur delaney, sara reardon

ADVISORY BOARD john mcglasson

EDITORIAL INTERNS grace Collins, aaron raubvogel, jordan tobias, noah telerski

EDITORIAL VOLuNTEERS ryan Bacic, jason Lee Bakke, roberta Haber, thomas ratliff, mark rose, andrew siddons, sarah tascone, jenny-lin smith, jackie thompson, Kj Ward

OFFICE SALES VOLuNTEERS miya abdul, Bill Butz, jane Cave, emma Cronenwethe, Pete Clark, orion donovan-smith, maria esposito, roberta Haber, ann Herzog, Bill magrath, alec merkle, nick nowlan, sarah o’Connell, Leonie Peterkin, e versluysen, natalia Warburton

streetsensemedia.org

EVENTS

// 3

News In brief DowntownDC BID and homeless representatives discuss impacts of Franklin Park closure By Grace Collins grace.collins@streetsensemedia.org

The Epiphany Power Hour

Location: The Church of the Epiphany // 1317 G St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20005 The Epiphany Power Hour, hosted by the Reverend Glenna Huber, is a free, nonpartisan, multi-faith series that will feature local and national leaders with actionable ideas for shifting the balance of power in our community, while creating a brave space to discuss issues that impact us and our neighbors. Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 12:10 PM - 1PM We will hear from Ed Lazere of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, discussing the current DC budget. Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 12:10 PM – 1 PM This week, we are joined by Brian Carome, Executive Director of Street Sense Media. Brian joined the staff of Street Sense in November 2011. He has over 20 years of senior management experience at non-profit homeless service and child welfare agencies in the Washington, D.C., metro area Saturday, April 20

updates online at ich.dc.gov

Anacostia River Festival

D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness Meetings

Time: 1 - 5PM Anacostia Park Anacostia Dr & Good Hope Rd SE Take a canoe out to explore the River, ride in our bike parade, play lawn games with your family and experience Southeast D.C.’s local arts scene at this special FREE event.

Strategic Planning April 23, 2:30 pm // TBD * Likely 441 4th St NW, 20001 Emergency Response and Shelter Operations Committee April 24, 1 pm // TBD * Likely 441 4th Street NW, 20001 Youth Committee April 25, 10 am // TBD * Likely 441 4th Street NW 20001

Wednesday, April 24

Let’s Talk Housing: Assessing Needs-FY20 Annual Action Plan, Fair Housing Time: 6:30 - 8PM Location: Housing Resource Center 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Wa The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has scheduled one more “Needs Assessment and Fair Housing” hearing to provide opportunities for community input.

Submit your event for publication by emailing editor@streetsensemedia.org

Audience exchange Erasmus Alexander @ErasmusAlexander

Ken Woodward

@KenWoodward99

Our Jazz Hot Concert made the @streetsensedc paper!! #BlackMaleSinger #LiveWhileYouCan #SingingBringsMeJoy

Moyo, thank you for sharing a bit of your story with me [and] having the guts to unashamedly document your story to bring the struggle of PTSD into the light. I look forward to reading more of your articles.

3 April 2019

7 April 2019

On April 9, before the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) quarterly meeting, representatives from D.C.’s homeless community met with Ellen Jones, Director of Infrastructure at DowntownDC BID, to discuss the plan for the redevelopment of Franklin Park within the upcoming year. Franklin Park, at five acres, is the largest park in downtown D.C. It is located at the heart of a commercial and residential district and is surrounded by Metrorail and Metrobus stops. According to representatives at the meeting, it has also long served as a gathering place for people experiencing homelessness. In the past, volunteer groups have also visited the park to hand out food and hygiene products. The District plans a full renovation of the park, with plans to add Capital Bikeshare stations, public restrooms, a playground, and a café. This will cost the Mayor’s office $13.9 million, and $750,000 from DowntownDC BID will help to maintain the park, according to a Washington Post report. At the meeting, representatives expressed concerns that renovations would lead to the displacement of the homeless community that uses the park every day. Some compared the circumstance to the closure of the MLK Library, saying many had difficulty adjusting after it was no longer accessible to the public. One representative, Michael, who wishes to use only his first name, said that the homeless community wanted benches and useful amenities for the park, not “some statue of a rich man.” He also noted, in the past, benches and tables have been left out during the week for the general public but were taken away on the weekends. “It’s like we’re not good enough to sit in those chairs or use those tables like regular people,” he said. According to Jones, there have been other meetings where the public has been asked to give recommendations for the new design of the park and the plan is based on this feedback. She said outreach workers from DowntownDC BID were aware of the impending park closure and had been working to notify individuals and organizations, and that the closure’s impacts on volunteers and the homeless had been on the front of DowntownDC BID members’ minds throughout the planning process. Representatives at the meeting discussed the possibility of putting signs around the park to direct the homeless to other services and to have a comprehensive schedule as to when volunteer organizations could provide services when the park is reopened. Above all, they emphasized the importance of a park that accommodates those who are in the park on the weekends, not just those who visit during the week.

Follow more headlines at StreetSenseMedia.org/news

4 // S t reet S ense Me di a / / Apri l 1 7 - 3 0 , 2 019

NEWs

Street cleanup leads to complaints from homeless residents By Aaron Raubvogel // aaron.raubvogel@streetsensemedia.org

very two weeks, dump trucks and police cars roll under the K, L, and M street bridges near Union Station. Tuesday, April 9 was no different. At 9:30 a.m., people who reside under the K, L, and M bridges needed to start packing up their personal belongings. In less than 30 minutes, three tents and other personal items were loaded up into a few shopping carts and pushed 100 feet away to the corner of K and 2nd streets NE. Once the clock struck 10 a.m., people watched as D.C. city workers cleaned up trash and any remaining personal belongings that were left under the bridge. Then, the former residents promptly returned to and moved their belongings back into the same spots they had just vacated. This week, Kelly Jeong, Director of Street Cleanups for D.C., approached people who stored their belongings at K Street. and 2nd Street. and told them they could not put their belongings there anymore. Several attorneys with the Washington Legal Clinic who were present at the cleanup pointed out there were no red signs indicating that this was a cleanup area, to which Jeong said someone removed the signs and vowed to put signs up for the following cleanup. Many residents dislike Jeong and believe she has no sympathy for the situation they are living in. “’You’re trying to help.’ No, you’re f***ing not. You’re just annoying people,” lamented Heather Adams, who lives under the M street bridge near the NoMa-Gallaudet University Metro station. Adams moved her belongings and her boyfriend’s belongings from under the bridge to a grassy spot at the end of 2nd Street on M Street. The city tried to throw away all of Adams’s belongings, despite the fact there was not a sign stating there would be a cleanup in that location. Additionally, there was a tent on the grass for at least four weeks (two cleanup periods) which did not get removed. “I try to follow the rules, but you still want to

fuck with me,” Adams states. “Jeong, I’m irked, to say the least.” Jeong agreed to let the tents on the grass stay there for two more weeks but made a similar promise as she did with the areas on K and 2nd streets: she would put up signs and have that area cleaned at during the next cleanup. An attorney present at the cleanup, who declined to give their name, is a lawyer on a case in which several homeless residents are suing D.C. for violating their Fourth Amendment rights with these street cleanups. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. According to D.C.’s encampment protocol, the city is supposed to provide residents with storage containers for any items they wish to save, and the city cannot discard any items considered valuable, like IDs, documents, tents, bikes, and more. The Department of Human Services is also supposed to create an inventory and save all belongings deemed valuable for 60 days before disposing of them. DC rarely saves valuable items and the plaintiffs brought this case against the city after they believe their belongings were wrongfully discarded. Adams supports the lawsuit, but overall, she wants more support from the city. The Bowser administration has made record investments in homeless services, guided by a 5-year strategic plan to overhaul the city’s services and make homelessness “rare, brief and nonrecurring” by 2020. The plan, Homeward D.C., prioritizes goals for reducing family homelessness, veteran homelessness, and chronic homelessness — long or repeating episodes of homelessness coupled with a disability. However, in the middle of this systems change, unmarried, able-bodied adults without children who are living on the street, such as Adams, can feel like there are no resources nor compassion for them. Engaging the encampment protocol adds tension to this perspective. “Why do I need to bring a child into this world to get help?” Adams said.

Volunteers from the Washington Legal Clinic help residents move their belongings before the cleanup. Photo by Aaron Raubvogel

Resident Heather Adams, left, confronts street cleanup coordinator Kelly Jeong. Photo by Aaron Raubvogel

Volunteers and residents wait out the cleanup on the corner of 2nd and K streets NE. Photo by Aaron Raubvogel

Last minute packing under K Street before the city comes through to clean. Photo by Aaron Raubvogel

streetsensemedia.org

// 5

Tenants in Columbia Heights won’t pay rent until repairs are made Alexandra Kelley Volunteer

f you passed by the pulsating intersection of Park and 14th Streets Northwest in Columbia Heights on April 5, you would have thought there was a block party. People with smiling faces were shouting and clapping to the sounds of traditional Mexican music. The atmosphere was boisterous and fun. You would never have known that these people were fighting for their homes. A block away from the Metro escalator, tenants, activists and community members held a rent strike targeting the apartment complex 1454 Irving Street Northwest, whose management has been accused of neglecting the property and tenants in order to empty the building and sell it at premium market value. The District of Columbia Tenant Bill of Rights states that a landlord may sell the property, but may not evict the tenants in the process. The landlord at 1454 Irving, Domenico Panza, who is aware of this law, appears to be letting building conditions deteriorate as a tactic to force tenants to look for other housing. Just ask Rosalina Tica. She sought out a rent-controlled apartment upon moving to the District some 32 years ago and has been a resident of 1454 Irving since 1987. With a disabled husband, affordable housing was essential to her ability to provide for her family, as it is to so many low-income families. Tica reports that the conditions of the apartments at 1454 Irving have “always” been in a state of deterioration since she moved in, but things have gotten worse as the property values in the neighborhood have increased. According to city records, Panza has been trying to sell the building since at least 2013. A District Opportunity to Purchase Act notice was issued for the property in September of that year, which would have allowed the city to obtain the property and ensure the housing units remained affordable. In the District of Columbia, when a rental property is put up for sale, tenants have the first right to band together and/or partner with a developer to buy the building. If they refuse, D.C. government then has the opportunity to obtain the building, if a minimum number of units is considered affordable. Only after the city refuses does the building hit the open market. However, regulations that guide the city’s use of DOPA were not passed until late last year. The Department of Housing and Community Development is still wrapping up a process to identify the developers they will work with when obtaining property via DOPA and thus have yet to use the power of this 2008 law. Fostering dilapidating conditions is a tried-and-true strategy used by slumlords everywhere. The goal is to bully low-income residents out of their homes in order to sell a more profitable vacant building. Veronica Mosqueda, a tenant organizer at the Latino Economic Development Center, reports that Panza intends to file a Petition for Substantial Rehabilitation, which is only filed when the amount of repair or rehabilitation that a building needs is equal to or greater than 50 percent of the property tax assessment of the building. According to a Greater Greater Washington article detailing the 1454 Irving case, Panza

Veronica Mosqueda (right), a tenant organizer at the Latino Economic Development Center, describes to a crowd gathered on April 5 the strategies Domenico Panza has used to drive long-time tenants away. Photo by Alexandra Kelley

claims that a rent increase of 125 percent is needed to fund repairs of crucial building conditions. Naturally, most of his longtime tenants cannot afford such a staggering uptick in rent. More importantly, the substantial rehabilitation grant is not a temporary surcharge in rent, but a permanent increase. By claiming these repairs as vital to the interests of the tenants, Panza takes advantage of this loophole in rent control as a legal way to price his tenants out of their homes. “It’s interesting that these things exist because at the end of the day they end up rewarding negligent and neglectful landlords,” said Mosqueda, who has been key in mobilizing tenants. She works with many disenfranchised renters and is quick to catch on to Panza’s scheme. “If he had this building full with all the tenants, he would be making more money and if he had maintained this building consistently, he wouldn’t now need all this money to fix it,” she argued. Another one of Panza’s strategies to empty the building has been to offer residents buy-outs. He offered some of his tenants, including Tica, a buyout of approximately $15,000. Some he bought out for anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000. Given the rising housing prices in this area, Panza will be trying to sell the building for around $300,000 per unit. “It’s a joke,” Mosqueda asserted. “He knows how much this building is worth and the value in this neighborhood.” With 21 units in the building, Panza stands to make approximately $6.3 million if he sells the building empty.

Residents of 1454 Irving Street NW and their supporters marched from a rally near the Columbia Heights Metro station to their home. Photo by Alexandra Kelley

At a forum held by Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh on the UDC campus last month, Cheh highlighted a similar loophole to convert rent controlled units into market-rate apartments. She said landlords intentionally make the units available to voucher holders, whose benefits pay more than rent control would normally allow. Then, when the voucher holder moves, the apartment can be rented to the next tenant at the higher rate. Cheh had gone on to warn her constituents against an increasingly common tactic of predatory landlords who let their units run down until they become uninhabitable. Then, when the residents clear out because of the poor conditions, the owners are free to do what they will with the properties. This is reflective of what tenants at 1454 Irving are striking against. What convinces a tenant to take a buyout that is startlingly below market? According to the tenants and organizers, extreme and hostile pressure from the landlord. Panza effectively destroys his own building to push his tenants out. Rosalina Ticas recounted some of the brutal conditions she endured. The central air and heat frequently do not work, even during January and February. Ticas and her husband once went for three weeks without refrigeration or stove capabilities. Most of her food rotted. “¿Quien va a pagar para mi comida?” [Who is going to pay for my food?] she asked. When questioned about the uninhabitable conditions in the apartment, Panza chalked it up to a broken tube or pipe in the building’s central air system. Ticas and her husband were resigned to wearing coats and jackets indoors, awaiting a solution. The solution, as it turns out, came not with Panza fixing the electricity (though that did eventually occur), but with Ticas and her fellow residents learning about their rights through partnering with the Latino Economic Development Center. Armed with legal knowledge, Ticas now bellowed into the megaphone in Tivoli Square, “We dare him to come fight us,” and was met with ecstatic applause. “Every tenant here is a leader,” Mosqueda asserted. “Each member of this tenant association brings so much love and passion and leadership.” Across the District, rising property values and higher rents are a major contributor to tenant displacement and eventual homelessness. Preserving existing affordable housing is fundamental to ensuring a high-quality life to all socioeconomic classes and building a stronger city. Inadvertently supporting slumlords is not. Domenico Panza declined to comment on the situation.

6 // S t reet S ense Me di a / / Apri l 1 7 - 3 0 , 2 019

NEWs

Notification service HopeOneSource expanded greatly after start as an Interagency Council on Homelessnes pilot program By Aaron Raubvogel aaron.raubvogel@streetsensemedia.org

opeOneSource, a text message-based notification service targeted at homeless residents in D.C., has grown immensely since it started as a pilot program in September 2015 through D.C.’s Interagency Council on Homelessness. HopeOneSource, which is completely volunteerrun, has over 1,800 D.C. residents experiencing housing instability signed up to receive text message alerts pertaining to anything from the latest hours and locations of social services, such as food dispensers, when the hypothermia alert is active, and where to seek shelter. Over 200 services providers are connected through the service and approximately 500,000 texts of available services have been sent out as of winter 2018-2019. HopeOneSource is currently holding many outreach events with users of the service to determine their reach and impact. “We are finding many success stories of people using the tool and accessing the tool,” said Frank Adames, an AmeriCorps VISTA working with HopeOneSource. “A lot of success stories we get are through outreach events.” At one of these outreach events, which Street Sense recently observed, four out of the five people using HopeOneSource were no longer experiencing homelessness, while four of them

were when they had signed up. Ramondia had just stabilized her housing with help from HopeOneSource that day, stating the text messages connected her to food and job-training, and then stable housing. She had previously experienced homelessness for three years within D.C. When she first signed up to receive messages, she said, “We went from not knowing to knowing, and everyone was asking how we know this information.” Other attendees of the outreach event shared similar sentiments about sharing the information they receive in texts from HopeOneSource with their friends and people around them. “Our biggest fear early on was blasting out too many messages, but in reality, you all want more, as you’ve stated today,” said Tim Underwood, the founder of HopeOneSource. “We believe that a hyperconnected community that connects people and services is essential for sustainably ending homelessness.” While conducting research for this story, Street Sense talked to several people

experiencing homelessness in three different parts of Washington, D.C.: at the United Planning Organization bus stop in front of the Church of the Epiphany, at Miriam’s Kitchen in Foggy Bottom, and near the Tenleytown-AU Metro station. None of the people Street Sense talked to had heard about HopeOneSource, however, many were interested in the service and believe it would be useful for themselves. In the future, HopeOneSource is looking to add additional features to their program, such as machine learning to further target messages for specific users and allowing users to respond to messages they receive. They are also looking to eventually expand to other cities, but they first want to make sure they are firmly rooted within D.C. “The goal is to first be wildly successful within D.C. and then expand to other cities,” Adames said. “We’re doing that very strategically.” A volunteer demonstrates the text message notification service.

Anyone interested in trying the HopeOneSource notification service or volunteering can get involved here: https://www.hopeonesource.org

Photo ourtesy of HopeOneSource

ICH looks at successes and shortcomings of plan to end homelessness By Grace Collins grace.collins@streetsensemedia.org

At the quarterly Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) meeting on April 9, members met to discuss and make lastminute suggestions for the draft of the Homeward D.C. progress report, which must be submitted to and approved by Mayor Muriel Bowser before the creation of Homeward D.C. 2.0. Homeward D.C. is ICH’s plan to make homelessness in the District rare, brief, and non-recurring. As per the Homeless Services Reform Act, ICH is required to submit a progress report to the Mayor which details progress made, identifies changes in the landscape of homelessness, and details resources and strategies needed to support implementation. The update must be based on data, provided mainly by The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP), and on community input provided by ICH committees and workgroups. At the quarterly meeting, ICH Executive Director Kristy Greenwalt detailed the progress made under Homeward D.C. thus far. According to Greenwalt, the greatest improvement has been made in family system reform, with a 38 percent decrease in family homelessness seen in the first two years of implementation. This decrease has been due to prevention assistance, which has served over 6,300 households, enhanced shelter programming, and the availability of a housing resource for every family entering a shelter. An even greater reduction is expected after the 2019 point-in-time count data are released. For single adult system reform, the strategy was to move chronically homeless individuals into permanent supportive housing to reduce the number of shelter beds being taken up every night by the same people. Over 4,800 single adults exited homelessness to housing, but according to Greenwalt,

individuals were entering homelessness as quickly as they were exiting. Only 60 percent of the rapid rehousing slots called for in Homeward D.C.’s single adult reform were provided between 2015 and 2018. During the same period, there was a 20 percent increase in the number of single adults touching the homeless services system each year. Greenwalt explained that the homeless veteran population is often used as a pilot group to test strategies to be extended to the entire single adult population. Federal programs such as VASH vouchers, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, and the Rapid Resolutions diversion program helped to lead to a 25 percent decrease in veteran homelessness from 2014 to 2018. One of the challenges ICH will face with Homeward D.C. 2.0 is the capacity of providers. According to Greenwalt, there

Agency representatives at the ICH quarterly meeting. Photo by Grace Collins

is enough federal funding that many current providers don’t need to compete and expand. Some possible solutions are to switch to private sector providers and to work to improve partnerships with federal programs. It has also been difficult to stimulate system-wide changes while trying to work within the system to end homelessness. As Greenwalt put it, “It’s hard to build the plane while you’re flying it.” Changes have taken place over the course of the Homeward D.C. program. For example, housing costs have increased since the program first began. ICH has also come to realize that some populations, such as single adults, are more vulnerable than they originally thought. Diversion programs, employment programs, and partnerships with regional providers will help to cater to the unique needs of these populations, and will be scaled to provide more intensive care to individuals who need it and less intensive resources, such as employment connections, to those that only need a little help. Racial equity was another topic that emerged during the discussion of vulnerable populations. According to Greenwalt, while only roughly 40 percent of the District’s population is African American, about 97 percent of homeless families are African American, and about 80 percent of homeless individuals are African American. Reginald Black, a constituent representative at the meeting and a vendor with Street Sense Media, said it is vital to keep this racial inequity in mind when going forth with affordable housing policies. Representatives at the meetings made recommendations for minor language changes to the Homeward D.C. progress report and the ICH voted unanimously to submit it to Mayor Muriel Bowser. Once approved, it will be released publicly.

streetsensemedia.org

Mayor’s budget contains $103 million in support for affordable housing production, preservation By noaH telersKi noah.telerski@streetsense.org

ayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget features $103 million in new funding to support housing in the city, including $20 million for a newly proposed workforce housing program that would help working families afford rising housing costs in the city. The Housing Production Trust Fund and Affordable Housing Preservation Fund were increased by $30 million and $5 million, respectively. Homeward D.C., the city’s strategic plan to reduce the impact of homelessness, received $37 million in new funds. In a press briefing, Department of Housing and Community Development Director Polly Donaldson described the mayor’s strategy as “funding the spectrum of housing,” which includes not only affordable housing for those with low incomes, but also housing for working families. The new Workforce Housing program would help people like firefighters and teachers who have well-paying jobs but may still be unable to handle rising housing costs. Households earning between 60 and 120 percent of the Median Family Income — a number calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine eligibility for housing assistance — will qualify for the program. A family of four in D.C. earning between $70,000 and $140,000 a year qualifies for housing assistance based on HUD data. Donaldson expects the fund will be leveraged, meaning the city will use its funds to start or “seed” projects while attracting private dollars to cover the remainder of the cost. The preservation fund, for example, has a required leverage of three-to-one, meaning an $8 million project would be funded by $2 million from the city and $6 million from private sources. For the two existing housing funds at the city’s disposal, HPTF’s $30 million increase brings its allocation up to $130 million for the year. According to a fact sheet available on the city’s website, approximately 90 percent of HPTF money has gone to households making less than 50 percent of the Median Family Income, $59,000 a year for a family of four. While the preservation fund was increased by 50 percent to bring its value to $15 million, because it is leveraged at a rate of three-to-one, the preservation fund has a purchasing power of $60 million. Donaldson says the ideal goal would be twin $100 million funds for both preservation and production. “These are, especially on the preservation side, resources that did not exist before Mayor Bowser came into office and really set a very clear direction for this agency in terms of the goals of production and preservation,” she said. Some of this money set aside for preservation could go towards exercising the city’s rights to purchase properties under the District Opportunity to Purchase Act (DOPA), which, nearly a decade after it was passed into law, received written rules governing how it would allow the city to purchase properties that contain multiple affordable housing units when they are offered for sale. These rights can only be exercised after the tenants have the chance to buy the building under TOPA, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. The city can also transfer this right to a list of prequalified developers who would be able to purchase the properties instead. Donaldson anticipates the city’s first DOPA project will

// 7

BIRTHDAYS Chon Gotti April 22 ARTIST/VENDOR

begin sometime this summer, after the city has finalized its list of prequalified developers. Some of the $37 million for Homeward D.C. will go to ARTIST/VENDOR supporting short-term family shelters that have taken the place of the now-closed D.C. General shelter. Donaldson said the remaining balance will go towards housing programs supported by the Department of Human Services, including rapid rehousing, where families can receive rental support for a year, and permanent our stories, straight to your inbox supportive housing, which provides longer-term support. The new money, which Donaldson described as an street sense media provides a vehicle “unprecedented” investment, will help the city better reach through which all of us can its housing goals. Bowser has embraced this as a major policy learn about homelessness from goal; in her January inaugural address she challenged the those who have experienced region to produce 240,000 new units by 2025 to keep up with it. sign up for our newsletter to growing demand. She wants to commit to 36,000 units in the get our vendors' stories in your inbox. city itself, including at least 12,000 affordable units, and the preservation of 6,000 units by 2025, either properties that have expiring subsidies, are at risk, or are at the end of their funding. www.StreetSenseMedia.org/newsletter These spending increases are to be made possible through new revenue raised by making the commercial property tax of $1.89 permanent ($25 million) and increasing the deed and recordation tax on commercial properties over $2 million from 1.45 to 2.5 percent ($78 million). D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson described Bowser’s proposals to support housing as “not fiscally responsible.” During her March 25 testimony to the D.C. Council for the Office of the D.C. Auditor, she added her thoughts on the budget as a whole. “Revenue growth at 3 percent and expenditure growth at 8 percent cannot the first 40 guests will be served. be sustained. Growth in spending that exceeded growth in revenue is exactly how this District got into severe financial trouble 25 Monday, April 22nd, 2019 years ago,” Patterson said. th “I do not want to return Friday, May 24 , 2019 to a control period—to external control over the Thursday, May 30th, 2019 District government and the District’s finances.” The proposed budget doors open at 6:00pm. dinner is served at 6:30pm. is currently undergoing committee review within the 1317 g street - Church of the epiphany Council, as each committee hears testimony about the city agencies under its Questions about our dinner dinners or interested in group volunteer purview, before it will be opportunities? Call 202-347347 2525, or, check us out at ysop.org. 347reviewed by the council as a whole.

Reginald Denny April 29

Come enjoy a FREE meal and conversation with our volunteers!

uPCOMING DINNERS:

8 // st reet sense me di a / / a P ri L 1 7 - 3 0 , 2 019

ArT

Tree of Life,

Happy Easter!

They say I’m the tree of life Tried to stab me with a knife Then they tried to chop me down I grew right back over night Then they tried to cut my roots Take my seeds, take my fruit Then they tried to burn me down I grew right back out the ground They say I’m the tree of life I'm older than a dinosaur I was in the garden of Eden With Adam and Eve before I was on the boat With Noah and all the animals Then I made it ﬂoat To go the way we had to go

Eggs for the 2011 Easter Egg Roll photographed on the South Lawn March 24, 2011. oFFiCiaL WHite House PHoto By CHuCK Kennedy / Courtesy oF oBamaWHiteHouse.arCHives.gov

By evelyn nnam Artist/Vendor

By Pat donaldson Artist/Vendor

Easter is near! That time where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The savior of the world came and died on the cross for our sins. It’s the time when children enjoy playing Easter egg hunts and other related activities. They play with the beautiful flowers that are blossoming in the trees and indulge in a variety of candies. Easter, oh Easter, you are a wonderful moment in time. This is a time to appreciate the many wonders and surprises given to us. As we come to celebrate this wonderful day, let us remember the true meaning of why we celebrate: the resurrection of King Jesus. Thank you!

Go, you happy children! Hunt those Easter eggs you've painted. Or hunt the ones someone else painted. Choose the craziest colors, making sure they don't match. Maybe you'll even paint some glass. And parents: make sure those eggs are hard to find.

They say I’m the tree of life I'm harder than the hardest oak They even tried to shake me To break me, but I never broke They poured cement on my trunk Then drilled a hole in me Couldn't reach the bird in my nest May God protect us, please

By antHony carney Artist/Vendor

Kids love the commercial side of this holiday. It’s all about their Easter baskets, filled with goodies like jelly beans. Then they get to hunt for Easter eggs! Many participate in the presidential Easter Egg Roll at the White House, which began in 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the grounds on Easter Monday. I wish I could go, but I'm a bit too old. So, I'll attend church, where I will share and enjoy Christ's love. Happy Easter to all!

My father’s Easter joy By syBil taylor Artist/Vendor

Easter means joy. Joy in the resurrection of Jesus, who died so that we may all rise to eternal life in Heaven. And therefore, joy knowing my father is reunited with our loved ones who have passed on, among the angels. My family always enjoyed celebrating Easter: the hymns, the beautiful music, and the wonderful food. Easter dinner often included honey-glazed ham with pineapples, greens, string beans, deviled eggs, potato salad and all kinds of drinks and desserts. Mom and Dady were the Easter bunnies, filling our baskets with candy and coloring and dying eggs for a hunt in our yard. They brought us kids such joy. We even had a pet rabbit and a baby chick.

Our whole family, all the little kids and their parents used to go to the Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m. to say “Halleluiah” to the King. We attended a Baptist church and the choir sounded so good and soulful. Whenever my family went to church, it was exciting. But Easter was the pinnacle of it all. So, this year I plan to visit Dad in spirit on Easter morning by watching the beautiful sun rise. I’ll think of him with the angels, smiling and laughing, all in silky Easter gowns. I miss you, Dad. So does Mom and Bridgette, Dorian, Darlene, Sean, and Tracey. I miss your joy. Hugs and kisses to you, Dad, from all of us. We will all meet again in Heaven with the beautiful doves and angels. Love, always, and Happy Easter!

Poem and PHoto By ron dudley, A.K.A. “PooKanu” Artist/Vendor

streetsensemedia.org

Pt. 1 They say I'm the tree of life I'm taller than the monument Even though I came from the dirt Still I was heaven-sent I was with the moon last night We woke the sun up Got a lot of bark on my tree That you can run up I grew up in the forest With trees and other ﬂowers Did a lot of praying Then God gave me the power They say I’m the tree of life I'm here to keep the planet green I just need the world to help me Help keep my planet clean I just need the world to know And to understand God gave this world a tree To protect this land They say I’m the tree of life I'm here to keep the world alive God gave his only son But he let a tree survive

ON APRIL 13TH, ONE OF D.C.’S LARGEST PuBLIC EVENTS TOOK PLACE: THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE. GIGANTIC BALOONS, ExTRAVAGANT FLOATS, MARCHING BANDS, AND PERFORMERS ALL STROLLED DOWN CONSTITuTION AVENuE SHOWING OFF ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER. PHotos By micHelle modica // Artist/Vendor

// 9

1 0 // S t reet S ense Me di a / / Apri l 1 7 - 3 0 , 2019

opinion Don't gimme shelter By Ronald Smoot

I stay in the Harbor Lights transitional housing program. It provides better living conditions than the shelters. The food is tastier. The rooms are cleaner. I can wash my clothes. The counseling services are more effective. I also have a driver who takes me where I need to go and picks me up when I'm finished with my business. I don't like shelters because many people in them don't shower. The buildings and the beds have bugs. The food is terrible. The staff in some shelters don’t care about the residents. Sometimes the residents must sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds for new arrivals. When I've had to stay in a shelter, I had to be out by 6 a.m., which is ridiculous. If you don't have a job, where can you go that early in the morning? Still, the people at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency can’t understand why I don't want to stay in a shelter. I've told my parole officer I might as well live in the streets. Ronald Smoot is an artist and vendor with Street Sense Media.

I was working and homeless in DC By Monica Diaz

My name is Monica Diaz. I was recently featured in a front-page Washington Post story, along with my husband Pete and our dog Sassy. I was homeless for two years, and it was the worst experience of my life: sleepless and cold nights, so cold I got blisters on my feet and fingers. I put quarters in laundry dryers to stay warm. I wasn’t able to shower when I wanted, and I didn’t have enough food to eat. People walk right by you when you are homeless, not even acknowledging when you ask for help. I don’t have kids, I’m not married. I have no mental health problems, and I’m working. I am a U.S. citizen who pays taxes, works and pays my bills like everybody else, and even I couldn’t get help. That’s why I spoke

up and stood up for my rights. In the Post, I said, “Acknowledge us! We’re human beings! Please, just acknowledge us!” There should not be any homeless people in a wealthy country. Homelessness is not being addressed at all in this country. If it were, someone like me would’ve had access to better resources. I spoke up, and now I am housed, thanks to a GoFundMe campaign. But there needs to be more done to address homelessness. Monica Diaz lives with her husband Pete Etheridge and their dog Sassy in Washington, D.C. For more news online, visit StreetSenseMedia.org/monica-pete-sassy

Photo courtesy of Alejandrofsc / Wikimedia Commons

Housing is healthcare, but it is not enough on its own By Joe Jackson

Our city is rushing too quickly to house our most vulnerable people. That may sound strange coming from someone who was on the streets and now has a voucher. I am happy that I have an apartment, although I still struggle to maintain it without a check coming in every month. But most of the friends that I met when we were both homeless died months after getting an apartment. The only reason they received apartments was because they were so sick. It’s great that the system recognized their need and put them first. But they should have received the healthcare they needed through a hospital or a crisis bed, rather than being left on their own in a new place. Housing helps, but when people

have been hurting for so long, they need a supervised place to rest and recuperate. Some of these women and men have been on the street for a long time, which grinds down both the body and spirit. And some sick people lose their place in line because they are taking drugs. Others need training in order to relearn how to live in their own place. When you are on the street so long that you’ve forgotten how to take care of yourself, it is difficult to take care of other needs. People try to improve themselves, but where to begin? You need someone in your corner to guide you. Any wrong decision makes it even harder to get off the streets. Joseph Jackson is an artist and vendor with Street Sense Media.

Pete, Sassy, and Monica. “Update: Tonight is the night Monica,Pete, and Sassy will be moving into their new apartment!” Tweeted Gabriela Sevilla on April 8. “HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. Kelvin Lassiter of @SaveUsNowDC for helping us coordinate moves from Tent>Motel>Apartment!” Photos courtesy of Gabriela Sevilla.

iLLustration By dWigHt Harris, artist/vendor

We need public restrooms By Brianna Butler

The District needs more restrooms for working-class and homeless people. There aren’t any restrooms to go to when you are on H Street, which is increasingly popular. And until the new NY Avenue homeless services day center opened, there was virtually nothing downtown. You cannot hold your water or bowel movements an extra hour or two to find the nearest restroom. When you’ve got to go, you gotta go! If you have to wait long, you may have an unexpected personal accident that could have otherwise been prevented. Everywhere I go, such as coffee or fast

food shops, you have to buy something in order to use the restroom. Some people can’t afford these items. We need to change this ordeal so people do not use parks and alleys out in the open, which is a public health issue. The solution is to build public restrooms or pay-per-use port-apotties that could be 10 cents or 25 cents at a time to cover the cost of supplies and cleaning.

You cannot hold your water or bowel movements an extra hour or two to ﬁnd the nearest restroom.

Brianna Butler is an artist/vendor for Street Sense Media.

Join the conversation, share your views - Have an opinion about how homelessness is being addressed in our community? - Want to share firsthand experience? - interested in responding to what someone else has written? Street Sense Media has maintained an open submission policy since our founding. We aim to elevate voices from across the housing spectrum and foster healthy debate.

Please send submissions to opinion@streetsensemedia.org.

1 2 // s t reet sense me di a / / a P ri L 1 7 - 3 0 , 2019

ArT

THE HOBO: Black Fields announces,

“IT’S A FIELDS FAMILY AFFAIR!”

By duane Foster Artist/Vendor

PREVIOUSLY: After Black Fields learned his mother may have breast cancer, a manager for the Starbucks where he panhandles convinced him to take part in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. He abandoned the race partway through to get high. As he did, he contemplated the unknown tumors found in his mother and reﬂected on his great aunt Josephine’s diagnosis and the two-year fight with the disease that she ultimately lost, which broke his heart. Black had grown up with her, spending many a night at her house causing mischief with his cousin, Chipmunk, the grandson she raised...

“A

untie” Josephine’s funeral in ’92 was even more despairing than her death. She had been with the New Image Baptist Church on Alabama Ave., SE, since they purchased the land in 1966. So, it was only fitting that this would be the location of her final procession. Black could tell what type of affair it was going to be the moment he arrived. His cousins Skeebo, Shaky, and Peanut were standing amidst clouds of marijuana smoke. “Wussup cuz?” saluted Skeebo. With them were five other guys, a small faction of a larger posse that hung out around 3rd Street, SE, in the Washington Highlands community. They called their block “3rd World” and had a nefarious reputation. They were dressed in black, with t-shirts that read “RIP Josephine.” The guys were gathered around Skeebo's candypainted gold ’85 Cadillac Fleetwood on 28-inch DUB floaters with Vogue tires. They were bumping a mashedup version of “Brandy” by the mighty O'Jays and Ice Cube's “Dead Homies.” Skeebo was smoking a joint that resembled something Cheech and Chong smoked in the ‘80s classic “Up in Smoke.” Each of them held individual liters. So much liquor had been poured out for those dead and gone that the area smelled like a distillery. Remy Martin, Tanqueray, Paul Masson, Hennessey, and Seagram's “Knotty-head” Gin was on deck. “I hope don’t nobody get robbed or shot at this funeral,” mused Black. He was still young then and had been programmed by society to fear guys such as these. Over the years, he was forced to overcome those fears. In his travels, he found that most were undeserving of their reputation, merely sheep in wolves clothing. Upon entering the church, the preacher was giving his soliloquy and the organ music was playing softly. It was a calm and quiet ceremony with only a few audible sniffles. Then, suddenly, it was like the doors to the funeral home were blown open! The sun shone brightly as everyone turned toward the entrance. For a moment, Black couldn’t make out the shadowy figures who were inching forward. Moments later, the entire congregation erupted into a cataclysm of emotion. “OH SNAP – ‘DAT'Z KOJO!!!” someone yelled. Kojo was Josephine’s son. In the 80’s he had ran with a group that hung out in the Trinidad section of Northeast. It was said they were affiliated with the drug kingpin Rayful Edmond, dealer Tony Lewis Sr., and hitman Wayne “Silk”

Perry. When Edmond’s empire began to crumble, the entire crew was picked up and indicted on Federal charges of murder, conspiracy to sell cocaine, and racketeering. Kojo had five close associates, but when his day in court arrived, one had turned ‘State’s Evidence’. Alberto had been Kojo’s closest comrade and confidant, and he would have never suspected that Alberto would betray him. However when Alberto took the stand, he told a plethora of stories about the crew’s exploits; some true, some greatly exaggerated, others were outright lies. Ultimately, Kojo was found guilty on all counts. When the judge read the sentences, it was like he was reading box scores from NFL Sunday. “35 … 20 …15 … 40 … 7 ... years for this … years for that … to run consecutively … you’re a menace to society…” Kojo had almost fainted when he came to the realization of what this meant. The four defendants were transported to D.C. Jail to be shipped to a federal prison. Alberto was placed into the witness protection program. To this day, Alberto’s “whereabouts are unknown.” Kojo was cuffed, shackled, and bound in a waist restraint. He was clad in an orange prison jumpsuit and surrounded by four Corrections Corporation of America officers. He appeared overjoyed to finally see family for the first time in three years. He had been moved from one Federal facility to another. There were times when he was relatively close, but no one bothered to pay him a visit. Most of the congregation had given up and figured they’d never see him again. Others had outright forgotten about him. Kojo beamed as he shuffled forward. The shackles would only allow baby steps. He appeared overjoyed to finally see family for the first time in three years. As he was slowly escorted to get one last look at his mother, moans, sobs, and cries, erupted. The sight of the incarcerated relative was too much for the congregation to bear. Kojo’s smile instantly vanished as he caught a glimpse of his mother, dead in the casket. The cancer had eaten away at her and her appearance had changed drastically since he’d been locked up. “THIS AIN’T MY MAMA — NAW, NAW, NOOOO!!!” he squealed. His legs buckled and the officers had to hold him to keep him upright. Black had never seen a grown man shed tears the way Kojo did that day. He shrieked the most unsettling cry as the officers led him back to the van. He was only allowed to view his mother’s body. Reuniting with loved ones wasn’t part of the itinerary. Kojo's appearance had the entire congregation disjointed. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Just when everyone thought things could get no sadder, they did. The pallbearers got into position and the funeral director stepped forward to close the coffin. Out of nowhere, Josephine’s daughter Yushika screamed, “NO YOU DON’T!” She zipped from the front pew and attempted to climb

in the casket. “Don’t worry Mama…We goin' home. I know you just sleep.” One of the pallbearer's, Jethro, walked up to Yushika to console her. He reached for her arm and she swung it away and screeched, “GIT ‘DA (bleep!) AWAY FROM ME, SHE JUST SLEEP!” Then, overwhelmed with sorrow, she collapsed into Jethro's arms and he led her outside. At this point, everyone was in tears. Yushika had been twitching the entire funeral. To onlookers, she appeared fidgety and anxious. Unbeknownst to all, she and her boyfriend Possum had smoked a “fifty-ball” of crack cocaine in their parked ’81 Oldsmobile Cutlass before most people arrived. Possum appeared normal, but Yushika was “geekin' and trippin’.” Finally, they made it to Prospect Hill Cemetery, on North Capital St., NE. They were all gathered around the grave and the preacher was saying his last words. All of a sudden, there was grumbling that turned into loud talk. “I ain’t forgot how you stole my sister’s television and VCR,” accused Uncle Rodney. “I don’t kno' wut ‘da (bleep!) you talkin' bout!” Uncle Orlando, the target of the accusation, replied. Orlando had indeed stolen her television and VCR years earlier. He had been battling cocaine addiction for years and was no stranger to larceny. In some circles, his nickname was “Finesse” because of how nimble he was with a “five-finger discount.” “You got some nerve showin' yo' face at my sister’s funeral,” slammed Rodney. “She was my sister too!” Orlando shot back. Josephine’s oldest brother attempted to intercede. “Fella's – this ain’t the place for that,” he said. “NAW – (bleep!) ‘dis (bleep!)” Rodney sneered. Seconds later “SMACK!!!” It was like the shot heard around the world. The sound of the impact of the backhand slap seemed to echo across the cemetery plot. The two men immediately locked horns. “OH (bleep!) – ‘DEY FIGHTIN'!!!” someone yelled. It took all six pallbearer’s and three male cousins to break up the skirmish. Everyone was in disbelief and had forgotten about poor Josephine laying there in the casket. “I’M GONNA KILL YOU WHEN I SEE YOU!” Orlando announced as he made his retreat. Then he jumped into his ’86 Ford Escort and sped off. Black dreaded any situation that would assemble the characters involved in the debacle that was Josephine’s funeral. He hoped dearly that his mother’s death wouldn’t precipitate such an event. Black just shook his head reminiscing, “Family just ain’t what it used ta'be.”

So much liquor had been poured out for those dead and gone that the area smelled like a distillery.

To be continued. This is an excerpt of Duane Foster’s manuscript “The Black Fields Chronicles: THE HOBO.”

streetsensemedia.org

Out of Reach By rasHaWn BoWser Artist/Vendor

There is a light within me, slowly getting dim I see the light, so warm and bright I see it there as it glows in the dark

Within me the hole begins to grow And the light slowly dims I reach out my hand Try to keep the glow But it is too late

I reach out my hands to feel its warmth But the light was too far Out of touch I look at the glow And that’s when I see it The small dark hole in the light

// 13

The light begins to fade Reaching for the light illustration by Chon Gotti, Artist/Vendor

We must work together for the future of our lives By James Gartrell // Artist/Vendor

ell, ladies and gentlemen, did you miss me and my keep-it100-percent writing? My journey has been rough lately. I’ve been MIA, grinding to make a living. I’ve missed writing and missed all of you. I’m glad to have another day in life and I love writing for this community because I know most of you are comprehending the positivity I’m presenting. I love where I am from, born and raised in D.C. and now residing in Hyattsville, Maryland. Yet I often see a lack of support from judgmental and discriminatory members of socially rich and influential people who walk by and ignore the poverty of men and women who I’m sure have unpredictable pasts. I bet you that if more people took the time to talk with women and men experiencing homelessness, they would change their minds and their hearts when it comes to lending a helping hand. From my shoe-shine chair, I see how people don’t even recognize when someone is working hard every day to earn enough to survive as a citizen of the United States. It hurts. Our society has a pervasive frame of thought to look down on lowclass and homeless individuals. I’m not saying all are like that! But not enough people share concern and love for those who experience homelessness. Some were raised with a silver spoon handed to them and others were not. But we all had to crawl before we could walk. No matter what advantages or disadvantages you’ve experienced, somebody helped you along the way, and we all need to pay it forward. That’s the blessing, showing you the capacity to show love to one another. I see people of all races struggling to stay above water. I ask the world of God-gifted people to wake up and stop neglecting something you think can’t or won’t happen to you. Anything can make a woman or man homeless, like lack of education, being taken advantage of, being handicapped and people ignoring the fact, being in a bad relationship, or being discriminated against, to name a few. Do unto others as you want them to do unto you. More than the “Golden Rule”, that’s a true reality check, because what goes around comes around. Only God knows best. As a society, we like to shift the blame for problems of inequality to our leaders or to the past. It’s a cheap trick to deny our responsibility to one another. We are all at fault, because at the end of the political debate, we decide who will hold whichever office, paid by our tax dollars. And if those leaders aren’t doing enough, it’s all the more work for us. Complaining, arguing, and dividing each other solves nothing. We can’t change the past. And if we do nothing, we won’t change the future. The injustices your neighbors, brothers, and sisters face will come for you next. As long as individuals keep judging everybody’s book by its cover, they’re going to look away from reality. The more people who ignore the realities of poverty and homelessness, the sooner it will get worse. Every time I’ve taken one step forward, negatives be trying to push me two steps back. My old ways try to take over my stability and my mental capacity for reaching my goals. However, I believe the great Creator has my heart, my soul, and my back to overcome adversity. We all make mistakes, but we can thrive despite them if we stick together as one strong nation, united to support each other. I wish everyone peace. With love and respect, God bless.

Do They Really C are?

By ma urice

davis // Volun teer

iLLustration By Levester green artist/vendor

Do they really care? Did they ever care? Juz look at how they mistreat our vets Guess they never cared A lot of haters up there Up on that spot called The Hill Like the hate of Ms. Hillary And the hate of Ms. Anita Hill Now Trump is moving billz Got a lot of us ill Tellin’ ballerz to be silent Or not to take a kneel So much ill will Will never give us space to heal Time the people voted God Or what will - will remain ill Maurice Davis an artist who has experienced homelessness in D.C. Some of his illustrations will be on display at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on April 22.

1 4 // st reet sen s e me di a / / a P ri L 1 7 - 3 0 , 2019

fUN & Answers Sudoku #1 GAMes 4 2 6 9 Sudoku #6 5

Sudoku #2 3 5 8 1 7 3 4 9 1 6 2 7 5 8 8 1 3 7 2 4 6 9 5 8 5 1 3 4 7 2 6 9 Volume 1, Book 1 7 Super-Tough 9 5 8Sudoku 1 by6KrazyDad, 2 4 3 2 7 6 8 5 9 1 3 4 9 3 8 2 5 7 1 6 4 7 1 8 5 3 6 9 4 2 5 6 2 9 7 4 3 8 1 2 5 4 1 6 8 3 7 9 1 6 7 4 9 3 5 2 8 9 3 4 2 8 1 5 7 6 3 7 2 5 4 1 9 8 6 6 9 //7Artist/Vendor 4 2 3 8 1 5 By JoHn littleJoHn 4 2 5 7 1 8 6 9 3 6 4 9 3 8 2 7 5 1 What is hope! Well one definition 5 8 1 6 7 9 4 3 2 1 8 3 6 9 comes 5 4to giving 2 7 and receiving

2 3 9 2 5

Sudoku #3 3 4 5 6 2 6 8 7 7 1 9 5 6 9 3 1 4 8 2 9 1 5 7 4 8 7 4 2 5 2 1 3 9 3 6 8

6 8 9 7 5

1 7 8 2 3 4 9 5 1 2 8 3 6 4 7 2 5 4 8 6 5 1 3 7 8 3 2 9 6 5 9 6 1 3 4 6 8 7 9 2 5 1 ©720134KrazyDad.com 9

2 1 1 4 7 8

scratch area

SuDOKu: Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1-9.

LAST EDITION’S PuZZLE SOLuTION >>

Sudoku #5 5 7 4 9 8 1 3 7 2 9 6 5 7 3 5 4 9 4 8 6 6 2 1 8

3 1 6 8 2 6 4 9 8 4 7 3 1 2 9 6 5 3 1 2 7 9 3 5 1 5 9 3 4 8 2 7 4 6 7 2 9 5 8 1 3 8 2 1 6 7 5 4

Sudoku #7 6 9 8 2 7 1 5 9 4 3 2 7 3 6 1 5 5 8 4 1 2 7 9 4 9 5 7 8 1 2 6 3 8 4 3 6

6 8

2 7

3 1

4 9

3 1 3 8 4 1 9 6 9 4 7 6 2 9 8 1 5 2 6 3 5 7 8 7 5 2 4

2 5 1 8

7 4 6 3 9

7 2

5 8

3 6

4 9 1

Hope is our strategy Valuable insights and your persuasive ability achieve results.

4 3 1

6 7

Super-Tough Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

of “hope” is the promise for a future. A second definition is a Biblical hope: the anticipation Sudoku #4 of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance. 3 6 5 1 My favorite football 1 2 team 9 4 is the Washington Redskins, who 7 8 9 6 have lost 10 or more consecutive 7 3 4 9 season, seasons. With each losing it’s harder to hope6that3the2next 4 season can be redeemed for 8 5 1 7 them. The owner, Brother Daniel 9 4 yearly. 8 5 Snyder, has made changes But they haven’t 2resulted 1 6in 8a victory or a Superbowl win! 5 7 3 2 Talking with my coworkers, I joked that he merely wants a different outcome, but#6 he Sudoku can’t guarantee it. “Hope is a 8 said. 5 9 6 strategy,” my friend That’s true in football. 1 3 But 4 6 in our spiritual lives,4 cultivating 2 7 3 hope in God is not one of 3 1 5 2 several possible strategies. Clinging to Him 6in faith 7 2and1 trust is the only strategy. 9 8 4 7 This world often disappoints 5 anchor 9 3 us8 us. But hope can in God’s truth 2and6 power 8 9 during the poor and homeless 7 4 1 5 times. Especially when it

Sudoku #8 7 1 9 3 2 5 4 8 8 3 6 7 9 6 1 5 4 2 7 9 5 8 3 6 1 9 2 4 6 4 8 1 3 7 5 2

donations or helping put my homelessness to an end. Micah understood this reality. He was heartbroken by how 2 had 9 turned 4 Israel 8 7 away from God. 8 "What 7 3misery 5 is6mine! The faithful have been swept from the land or 3 5 1 2 4 the cities, not one upright person 5 remains.” 8 2 (Micah 6 1 7:1- 2) But then 9 he1focused 8 7on his 5 true hope. “But as for me, I watch 2 6 4 3 9 in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; 6 my3God 7 will1 hear 2 me.: (Micah 7:7) 7 4What5 does 9 it3take to maintain hope in homeless and poor 1 9 6 4 8 times? It takes hopefulness when times are hopeless. When our circumstances are overwhelming, in those 7 moments, 2 4 1 3 clinging to and acting 8 in 9response 2 5 to7our hope in God the only 5 is 1 8 9strategy 6 that will help us overcome homeless sin. 6 God, 7 9you’ve promised 4 8 Father, 9 to5be 3an anchor 4 8 for our heart and our mind and our body and 3 6 5 2 1 strength when circumstances 2 look 7 discouraging. 1 6 4 Help us 1 call 4 out 3 you 5 in faith and 7 to that you hear 6 hope, 3 9believing 8 2 our cries. Amen

4 5 6 1 9 2 3 4 1 8 2 7

2 7 9 3 4 5 1 2 8 7 5 3 6 9 1 4 5 3 6 7 8 7 9 3 2 5 8 6 1 4 9 6

Opportunity By iBn HiPPs // Artist/Vendor

I was subjected to violence all my life. As a child, my father used to beat me in the head with a baseball bat and whip my naked back with extension cords and belts. He’d spit in my face and tell me I wouldn’t amount to nothing. He said it so much that I, as an adult, started to believe him. In school, in my neighborhood, I was face-to-face with violence. My father-in-law stabbed me in my stomach in front of my children. I was shot by someone who I thought was my best friend. I learnt that there isn’t such a thing as a best friend, just good friends. Then, by God’s will, I came in contact with an organization called Street Sense Media. It gave me a way out of that world. Now, I knew it would not be easy because of my own life experiences, but I gave it a chance to make a new start. This place allows me to earn money to take care of myself and also send some type of money to my children. I dress clean and keep my hygiene up to par. Because of my learning disability and depression, I couldn’t obtain a GED. So, getting a job was hard and open doors always closed in my face. But Street Sense Media didn’t. I work hard to earn money selling paper. It isn’t easy, so the money I make I spend wisely. Some people are very mean, and some people are very nice. Thanks to all who help, ‘cause God’s help is eternal. Love, Mr. Hipps.

author gene Weingarten is a college dropout and a nationally syndicated humor columnist for the Washington Post. author dan Weingarten is a former college dropout and a current college student majoring in information technology. many thanks to gene Weingarten and the Washington Post Writers group for allowing street sense to run Barney & Clyde.

streetsensemedia.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Shelter Hotline Línea directa de alojamiento

(202) 399-7093

Youth Hotline Línea de juventud

Domestic Violence Hotline Línea directa de violencia doméstica

(202) 547-7777

1-800-799-7233

Housing/Shelter Vivienda/alojamiento

Education Educación

Health Care Seguro

Clothing Ropa

Legal Assistance Assistencia Legal

Case Management Coordinación de Servicios

Food Comida

Employment Assistance Assitencia con Empleo

Transportation Transportación

Showers Duchas

All services listed are referral-free Academy of Hope Public Charter School 202-269-6623 // 2315 18th Place NE aohdc.org

Bread for the City 202-265-2400 (NW) // 561-8587 (SE) 1525 7th St., NW // 1640 Good Hope Rd., SE breadforthecity.org

Calvary Women’s Services // 202-678-2341 1217 Good Hope Rd., 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 // 202-232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave., NW charliesplacedc.org

Christ House // 202-328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd., NW christhouse.org

Father McKenna Center // 202-842-1112 19 Eye St., NW fathermckennacenter.org

Food and Friends // 202-269-2277 219 Riggs Rd., NE foodandfriends.org (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc)

Foundry Methodist Church // 202-332-4010 1500 16th St., NW ID (Friday 9am–12pm only) foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities

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 // 202-544-9128 425 2nd St., NW jobshavepriority.org

Loaves & Fishes // 202-232-0900 1525 Newton St., NW loavesandfishesdc.org

Church of the Pilgrims // 202-387-6612 2201 P St., NW food (1-1:30 on Sundays only) churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach

Martha’s Table // 202-328-6608 2114 14th St., NW marthastable.org

Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511 // 305 E St., NW cflsdc.org

Miriam’s Kitchen // 202-452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave., NW miriamskitchen.org

Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 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

Behavioral Health Hotline Línea de salud del comportamiento

1-888-793-4357 Laundry Lavandería

JOB BOARD

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 // 202-333-4949 3655 Calvert St., NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

Thrive DC // 202-737-9311 1525 Newton St., NW thrivedc.org

Unity Health Care // 202-745-4300 3020 14th St., NW unityhealthcare.org

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

My Sister’s Place // 202-529-5991 (24-hr hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

N Street Village // 202-939-2060 1333 N St., NW nstreetvillage.org

New York Avenue Shelter // 202-832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave., NE

Whitman-Walker Health 1701 14th St., NW // 202-745-7000 2301 MLK Jr. Ave., SE // 202-797-3567 whitman-walker.org

For further information and listings, visit our online service guide at StreetSenseMedia.org/service-guide

Hiring? Send your job postings to editor@StreetSenseMedia.org

// 15

our Home By reGinald BlacK // Artist/Vendor

The diamond city Feel the vibe We get use’ta just gettin’ by How about crank da beat, dude? Let it ride Hands from side to side Wwwwhere ya from? Wwwwhere ya from? Southside, Uptown Northeast, Southwest Who gets down the best? Better than all the rest? Hold up, let me get it off my chest Do it bother you we rock like this? We are the flesh and blood of the town See how we hold it down Mumbo sauce on my wings ‘Ay, give me the stomp down Yeah, yeah, what? C’mon Yeah, yeah, what? C’mon This is our home Where da go-go roam You know I’m in da zone Racism and hate, I want it gone Do you feel me? Feel me, G #DontMuteDC

Thank you for reading Street Sense! From your vendor APRIL 17 - 30, 2019 | voLume 16 issue 12

WWW.iNSp.NGO

5.5 million READERS

illustration By curtis WriGHt Artist/Vendor

9,000 VENDORS

100+

STREET PAPERS

COuNTRIES

LANGuAGES