04 24 2013 by Street Sense Media

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Volume 10: Issue 12 April 24 - May 7, 2013

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Roving reporter Reggie Black scopes out breaking news. Beaumont Plan moves forward.

mystery of the 13 The Masonic Ring deepens. up with 16 Catch featured vendor Phillip Howard.

COVER ART The Wizards’ Martell Webster is currently 3rd in the league in 3 point shooting percentage. PHOTO COURTESY OF NBAE/NED DISHMAN

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STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

NEWS IN BRIEF FY14 Spending Plan Includes Funds for Poverty Programs City officials and advocates for the poor have spent recent days mulling Mayor Vincent Gray’s proposed $384 million human services budget for the coming fiscal year. The spending plan includes $107.9 million for homeless services, an increase of $6.3 million over the approved budget for the current year. The additional funding would restore lost federal dollars as well as bolster homelessness prevention and support programs such as emergency rental assistance, rapid re-housing for homeless families and care for homeless and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth. The mayor also proposes $180.9 million in spending for the city’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, up roughly $20 million from the current year. Approximately 17,600 city families receive benefits from the program, which has undergone a recent redesign that emphasizes case management geared toward helping to move parents from welfare to work. The additional funding is intended to help pay for costs associated with the expanded

services and would delay a scheduled benefit reduction, giving long-term beneficiaries more time to get assessed and receive assistance with moving off welfare. In 2011, the District of Columbia placed a 60-month lifetime limit on welfare benefits and that year, more than 6,000 families on the rolls for more than five years saw their monthly stipends cut by 20 percent. For impacted households, the average monthly payment for a family of four went from $523 to $418. Since then, the council has voted twice to forestall further benefit reductions while clients are assessed for job skills and goals as well as disabilities and other barriers to work. Deborah Carroll of the city Department of Human Services said that 9,200 beneficiaries have been assessed so far and that about 1,400 are working part time. “These families need help getting off TANF,” said Carroll. “They have an upward battle. Our job is to help them.” The mayor has also proposed spending $100 million on affordable housing programs, with the bulk of the money going to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Individual city council committees are now holding hearings to consider the entire $12.1 billion city spending

plan. At a recent hearing, Councilmember Jim Graham, who chairs the human services committee, offered guarded praise for the proposed human services budget but said he continued to worry about unmet needs among homeless and poor families, as well as the shortage of beds and services for homeless and runaway youth. “We failed to serve these young people,” Graham said. The first of two council votes on the mayor’s budget are scheduled for May 22. -Mary Otto

Point-In-Time Count Offers New Homeless Numbers Homelessness has decreased slightly in the District since last year, according to the preliminary results of an annual survey of indigent men, women and children living in local encampments, shelters, transitional housing programs. The annual count, conducted late in January, found a total of 6,865 homeless people, a 1.4 percent decrease from 2012. The figure included 512 living on the street, 4,010 in emergency shelters and 2,343 in transitional programs. The new numbers included in the

annual survey also indicated a 3.1 percent decline in the number of homeless families in the District. A total of 983 families were reported this year, down from 1,014 in 2012. However, due to the size of some of the families, the number of homeless people living in familes decreased by just .6 percent since last year. Officials from the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (CPPH), which conducted the annual count, credited the decrease to the city’s investment in homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing programs. According to the count, 643 families and 762 individuals who were either homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are now living in such programs, funded by the city, the U.S. Department of Human Serices and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “From this data, it looks like our efforts are beginning to succeed,” said CPPH executive director Sue Marshall. -Mary Otto

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Wal-Mart Raises Wage Concerns benefits.” While a bill in front payButdecent $11.75 per hour, which is the avwage of Wal-Mart employees, may of the city council erage be too little. “Wal-Mart currently offers poverty would set minimum wages, part time jobs and minimal, often not affordable, benefits,” said Michael wages for big-box Wilson, a spokesman for Respect DC. stores, some residents worry it’s not enough. “In my view, there’s

By Lanie Rivera Editorial Intern As Wal-Mart prepares to open six stores in the District by 2015, city officials and nonprofits are seeking to ensure the retailer will pay living wages to local workers, though its unclear how much those wages should be. While hourly pay rates for District Wal-Mart employees have yet to be announced, a bill in front of the city council would require that big-box stores to pay wages no lower than $11.75 per hour plus benefits. That may not be enough for Respect DC, a local grassroots group that is calling on the company to make a commitment to pay wages that are commensurate with the cost of living in the District. “In my view, there’s a difference between jobs and quality jobs,” DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said during a March 20 hearing on the bill, the Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013. “And when we, as a government, seek to attract jobs, we should be seeking quality jobs – jobs that pay a living wage and that

a difference between jobs and quality jobs.”

-DC Council Chairman PHIL MENDELSON

“[Wal-Mart representatives] refused to sign an agreement, or even meet with us about it,” Wilson said. “We presented it to them at their federal lobbying offices in D.C. and got no official response.” Wal-Mart spokesman Steven Restivo said that the company is committed to fighting poverty in the District and is working with community groups. “We’ve participated in more than 200 community meetings and as we move forward, we will continue to have a conversation with the community,” Restivo said. Wal-Mart has the larger interests of its communities in mind, he added. “We’re proud of the contributions we

make in communities…from creating jobs and generating tax revenue to helping customers save and contributing to local nonprofits.” But even when those benefits are taken into account, Ed Lazere, executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, said he is not convinced WalMart will do more good than harm. While Wal-Mart’s cheap products may be of benefit to low-income consumers, the company’s low wages will be inadequate to support District residents. “Wal-Mart will bring access to lowcost basic needs to many communities that need it,” he said. “But Wal-Mart also will create hundreds or thousands of jobs that will leave many residents in poverty without meaningful career ladders.” A study by the Center for Labor Research and Education at the University of California, Berkeley found that WalMart’s average hourly wage for full-time associates was $11.75, but that many employees earned wages far below the average rate. According to the 2011 report, approximately 145,000 full-time employees earned less than $9 an hour and roughly 385,000 full-time employees earned an average of $10.53 an hour. Such wages would fall short of what is necessary to pay for housing in the city, according to an Out of Reach 2013 report developed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The nonprofit

coalition estimated that an individual living in D.C. must earn $56,472 to afford the market rate of a two-bedroom apartment. That equates to $27.15 per hour, more than double the average for Wal-Mart employees and the amount called for in Mendelson’s bill. Meanwhile, Restivo pointed to financial contributions from Wal-Mart to District nonprofits as part of the company’s commitment to the community and a solution to local poverty. In the past three years, the company has donated more than $2 million to local groups fighting hunger and other social problems. “We’re finding that the more people learn facts about us, the more they see the value in bringing a Wal-Mart store to their community,” said Restivo. Among its contributions to other organizations, the Wal-Mart Foundation has donated $315,000 since 2009 to the DC Central Kitchen, a group that battles the interconnected problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness. DCCK CEO Michael Curtin said WalMart has been a partner and investor in his organization for many years. He says Wal-Mart’s work goes beyond a mere financial contribution. “While they have focused much of their philanthropy on our Culinary Job Training Program, they have also been active volunteers helping prepare our 5,000 daily meals and have supported many of the kitchen’s other community events,” Curtin said.

A rendering of the proposed 1st & H St. NE Wal-Mart location, one of six stores expected to open by 2015. WAL-MART HANDOUT PHOTO

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

EXTRA POINTS By Jeff Gray Editorial Intern Late in the fourth quarter of the Washington Wizards’ April 7 matchup against the Boston Celtics, shooting forward Martell Webster fielded a pass, pulled up from just beyond the 3-point line, and fired a shot toward the basket. The high-arcing ball dropped smoothly through the hoop, cutting the Celtic’s lead to 98-88 with just under four minutes to play. Within the context of the game, the shot was obsolete. Ten points was as close as the Wizards would get, eventually falling 107-96. But Webster’s shot was far from meaningless -- with the flick of his right wrist he had provided support and funding to some of the District’s homeless children. Thanks to Community 3’s, a community service initiative that rewards donations for every 3-pointer knocked down by the Wizards, the outside shooting resurgence Webster has helped lead in D.C. is having a very direct effect on local homeless families. Through the initiative, every 3-point shot made by the Wizards this season, $100 dollars is donated to first-year beneficiary Bright Beginnings, a child development center for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families in the D.C. area. The charitable program is the result of a partnership between the Wizards and the not-for-profit health insurer CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Now in its eighth season, the program has resulted in $240,000 in donations to community services since 2005.

This year, donations will go towards improving the chances of young children whose homelessness puts them at increased risks of falling behind in school. “Research shows that homeless children are more likely to have some type of developmental delay,” said Latoyia Allen, development manager at Bright Beginnings. “They go to kindergarten behind their peers and sometimes never catch up.” Bright Beginnings combats these risks through early intervention centered on an individually tailored, child-directed curriculum Allen said has proven effective with kids that come from “chaotic environments.” All of the roughly 150 children the program serves year-round are officially documented as homeless, and mainly come from transitional housing and shelters in Wards 7 and 8. Thanks to the Wizards’ improved 3-point shooting, Bright Beginnings is on pace to receive substantially more in donations than previous beneficiaries. Last year the team hit 344 shots from beyond the 3-point arc, resulting in $34,400 worth of donations. This season they have already downed 514. While the team’s attempts from downtown have not significantly increased between the two years (ranked 20th in the league both seasons), their efficiency has improved dra-

matically, going from 28th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage in the 2011-12 season to 11th in 2012-13. Webster has been a major catalyst for the improvement. He is currently shooting 42 percent from 3-point land, good for 11th among NBA sharpshooters. He has been particularly effective at home, pouring in 2.7 threes per game in the Verizon Center. With nine games remaining in the season at the time of this article’s writing, the Wizards’ average of 5.2 made threes per game puts them on pace to make a $21,000 increase to this year’s Community 3’s recipient. Unfortunately, the Wizards’ outside shooting efficiency hasn’t been the only percentage increasing in the District. While preliminary results of the District 2013 homeless count reflects a slight decline in family

NEWS

homelessness, the number of homeless persons in families rose steadily from 2008 to 2012. “Family homelessness is something that is growing and continues to grow, especially in D.C.” Allen said. “There are a lot of factors coming together that makes it difficult for our homeless families to survive.“ While kids are of particular interest, Bright Beginnings’s services are directed toward combating family homelessness as a whole. “We don’t like to say that we’re just childcare. We provide family care,” said Allen, who explained the center provides services to children and parents alike in an attempt to create an all-encompassing family development program. “We try to be very comprehensive and holistic in our approach.” With just over half of their funding coming from private sources, corporate donations like those provided by CareFirst through Community 3’s are critical in Bright Beginnings’s ability to combat these rising rates. However, while Allen says the financial support is important, it is the visibility that joining Community 3’s brings that is of particular importance. “Our partnership [with the Wizards] is putting us in front of people that may have never heard of us or didn’t know there was even a need for us,” she said.

$240k

The amount the Community 3 program has raised in donations since its launch in 2005; last year the initiative raised $34,400.

5.2

The number of 3-point plays the Washington Wizards score on average per game during the 2012-2013 season, putting them on track to give more than $50,000 to the nonprofit Bright Beginnings.

PHOTOS BY REGINALD BLACK

District Closes Waiting List for New Applicants

By Reginald Black Vendor, “Da Street Reportin artist” Advocates and residents gathered in the rain on April 12 to protest the freezing of the city’s affordable housing waiting list. Members of the groups including Shel-

ter, Housing and Respectful Change, or SHARC; Miriam’s Kitchen and Fair Budget Coalition as well as individual advocates gathered outside the District of Columbia Housing Authority on North Capitol Street to demand that the city increase the number of subsidized units. Some said they had been on the waiting list for years. Others carried signs reading “Give Us Our Vouchers Now!” With more than 66,000 families and individuals on the city’s waiting list for affordable housing, housing officials announced late last year than they planned to call for a temporary halt on new applications. At the time, families applying for a four-bedroom apartment could expect to wait for 10 years for a suitable unit. The wait for a studio apartment

was estimated to be 43 years. The officials explained that by freezing the list they hoped to purge it of applicants who are no longer looking for housing and to give those who have been on the list for years a realistic sense of how much longer they may need to wait. “We need to determine the true size of the list,” DCHA spokeswoman Dena Michaelson said at the time. “It’s a matter of managing expectations.” The housing authority has the ability to subsidize and place people in about 22,000 housing units through the use of rental assistance vouchers, subsidized apartments and public housing. But protesters said more units are needed. And passersby offered support. Cars honked and people waved as

the protesters carried their signs, some bearing the phone numbers of city council members and urging members of the public to make their voices heard.

Protestors displayed city council members’ phone numbers, encouraging other to call in and be heard.

I am A Voter! By Reginald Black Vendor, “Da Street reportin Artist” Grassroots homeless advocates were joined by supporters from the Washington Interfaith Network and Miriam’s Kitchen at an April 13th “get out the vote” rally. The aim of the event, held outside the CCNV shelter, was to encourage homeless voters to take part in the April 23 Special election for an atlarge seat on the D.C. City Council. The election will fill a seat vacated when council member Phil Mendelson

advanced to city council chair. There was food and music and a crowd of about 80 to 100 people. Many sported shirts with the slogan “I’m a Voter” to send the message that individuals who are experiencing homelessness should and do vote. The message rang out loud and clear when Alberta Williams. a resident of N Street Village noted “We need to turn out for ourselves!” “We’re going down there and we’re going to stick together we are going to show them we mean business!” shouted Williams to the applause of crowd.

Homeless voters and advocates march to early voting.

Panel Looks at Family Homelessness By Reginald Black Vendor, “Da Street Reportin Artist” Family homelessness in the District has nearly doubled since 2008, and the trend is expected to take a heavy and lasting toll on children, according to speakers at an April 18 forum sponsored by the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place. More than 200 community members gathered to discuss the crisis and possible solutions with local and national experts, as well as with homeless par-

ents. The forum was moderated by Ray Suarez of PBS NewsHour. A scarcity of jobs, coupled with a shortage of low-cost apartments, has helped exacerbate the problem, according to DC Family Services Administrator Fred Swan. “The increase in family homelessness in the District is a result of an affordable housing crisis,” said Swan. “The solution to the crisis is twofold: committing more resources to affordable housing and increasing the capacity of low-income resident to obtain and maintain employment.” Laura Zeilinger, deputy director for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness spoke of the federal plan to

end family homelessness by 2020. She said the goal could be achieved through partnerships between federal and local agencies. JaSent Brown, from the office of the deputy director of the District’s superintendent of education said “highly mobile students” have lower test scores than children with stable housing. Homeless children are also more likely to be sick, hungry and have behavioral problems, studies have shown. But the stories told by panelists Kenric Simpson and Mignon White gave those attending a real sense of the overwhelming personal tragedy of family homelessness. Simpson spoke of losing contact with

his children during a period of homelessness. He said he did not want them to live on the streets so he turned them over to child and family services in Annapolis to keep them safe. Since then, he has managed to find a place to live but is still trying to get his children back. He said there is a deep need to help homeless fathers. White cried as she recounted the experiences she and her daughter had, begging for places to sleep. She also recalled with joy the day they got a place to live again, her daughter running around and turning on the lights, repeating “This is my home!”

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

NEWS

Plans for Beauregard Draw Praise and Tears By Mark Rose Volunteer The Alexandria City Council has voted to rezone the Beauregard area, a move that allows developers to go forward with an immense project slated to demolish 2,475 modest garden apartments and replace them with an upscale condominium development. The project, which is expected to displace 10,000 current Beauregard residents, holds the promise of 846 units of replacement affordable housing. But opponents say the overall loss of so many low-cost apartments will have a devastating affect on low and moderate income families and the community. “You’re evicting us from our home where I’ve seen my sons grow from babies,” Hector Pineda, president of the Beauregard Tenants Association, told the council. Members of the group, who describe themselves as the backbone of the city, include Latinos, AfricanAmericans and Asians as well as whites. Pineda said he and his neighbors do not oppose the development, just the loss

of housing they can afford. “Keep rents low so we can all benefit from it,” Pineda urged the council at the emotional April 13 hearing. Several councilmembers described as difficult the decision to move forward with the project, which will include 6,600 condominiums, retail stores, parks, a fire station, a hotel and an athletic field. But in the end, they voted 6-1 to approve increasing the allowed density on the site. The lone dissenting vote was cast by the city’s vice mayor Allison Silberberg, who said that the plan the city was approving does not preserve enough guaranteed affordable housing to ensure that lower and moderate-income residents will be able to afford a home in the city. “This is a very hard vote for me,” Silberberg commented. “The people affected have told me that not finding the middle ground (being guaranteed housing they can afford) would make them feel not part of the community.” Silberberg added that guaranteeing 1,000 units, preferably 1,300, would sway her.

The 846 affordable apartment units to be built or preserved at the site will be made available to low and moderate income families for the next forty years, in accordance with a deal made by the city with developers including JBG Properties. Officials called the plan the largest effort ever made by the city to preserve affordable housing. Councilmembers said the city had been searching for years for a viable plan to rebuild Beauregard, before finally reaching an agreement with JBG, which bought the property in 2005. The deal the city finally reached with JBG was in the works for three and a half years. “There is never enough affordable housing,” Councilmember Bedella Pepper said. “The city really has made an effort; this 800 is more than all those other (similar plans around the Washington region) put together. It may not be enough, but it’s a breakthrough.” Mayor William Euille said the effort to preserve affordable housing would be ongoing. “There is a commitment to preserv-

ing affordable housing in Alexandria, but the thing you need to do is keep working at it,” he said. Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Alexandria-based Coalition for Smarter Growth, praised the plan at the hearing. “This to us has the most specific requirements and detailed plans for affordable housing in the region,” Schwartz told the council. “We would be losing those marketrate units anyhow; now we’re getting (committed) affordable housing. We should be making plans like this more often,” Schwartz added. Demolition is scheduled to start in 2015, with most of the affected moderate-income garden apartments to be razed in 2020. The specter of the project moving forward is already frightening Pineda’s wife Veronica Calzada. She broke down crying as she attempted to address the council. “JBG should have a heart,” she said. “What they’re doing is driving us out and hurting us. The stress; I’m not sure how long I can live with it.”

Homeless Services Center Wins Arlington Board Approval By Mark Rose Volunteer In what advocates hailed as a “defining moment” in Arlington County’s quest to address homelessness, the county board unanimously approved a special “dormitory” residential-use permit enabling the operation of a homeless shelter for single adults in near the Courthouse Metro stop. The Thomas Building, at 2020 14th St. North, in the heart of downtown Arlington, was purchased by the county for just over $27 million. The county expects to spend $42.6 million renovating the building over the next five years. Renovation is set to begin in fall 2013 and the Homeless Services Center is scheduled to open in November 2014. “It may be one of the most important things you’re going to do for the people of this county,” Rev. Richard Cobb told the County Board before its March 16 vote. “ God bless you.” Homelessness “can happen to any of us,” said Kathleen Sibert, Executive

Director of A-SPAN, or Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network. The organization, which has run a nearby emergency shelter for 20 years is slated to run the new service center as well. Sibert described the new shelter as a safe and welcoming place for vulnerable residents. “It’s taken a long time to get this done,” stated Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada, adding that the county had been looking for a long time until now to replace the current emergency shelter. The facility was not adequate, he said, for the comprehensive, year-round, 24/7 access shelter that was needed. The shelter will occupy the second and third floors of the office building, with shelter services on the second and sleeping quarters on the third. The men’s and women’s sleeping areas will be segregated. Floors of office space for Arlington County government, as well as for retail shops and other commercial offices, will also be included. It will be designed to address the needs of single, homeless Arlington

residents ages 18 to 75, and will seek to move them toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. It will be equipped with 50 year-round beds, plus 25 extra beds during the colder months from November until the end of March. In addition, five extra beds will be available for residents who need nursing care. Homeless families with children, or those who have domestic problems, will be directed to other county facilities staffed and equipped to deal with those needs. Opponents of the comprehensive shelter continued to insist that the county government was not focusing on their personal security and safety as neighborhood residents. They have complained about the possibility of violent criminals and sex offenders being admitted to the shelter. In response to calls at community meetings for round-the-clock security, Arlington agreed to pay for a trained, tested security guard to patrol the premises outside the Center from 4 p.m. until midnight seven days a week.

The county also agreed to put in a surveillance camera that will pan the outside perimeter of the center all the time, though no one will constantly monitor the video. Board member Libby Garvey said “I think this shelter is going to make everybody feel safer. She added the county government has been listening to the nay-sayers, just not giving them the answer they want to hear. “We’ve got this population here (the homeless adults); the question is what we do with it. “We’re actually strengthening our community and making it more secure.” With its approval, the Board recommended a review of the center’s operation by the county administrator after six months and another at a year after it opens in October 2015. The Board meeting ended on a note of optimism and triumph for Center supporters. Tejada said in closing remarks, “If there’s a jurisdiction or county in the country that can end homelessness, you’re here in it.”

A New Century of Soup & Salvation By Chris Shaw The Cowboy Poet In the heart of old Chinatown, on 5th Street between H and Eye, the Gospel Rescue Ministries’ (GRM) stuccoed hive of men and mortar squats defiantly. Now the forces of things new and sleek have ordained this place, known popularly as “”The Gospel Mission,” must shut its doors. Condos shall fill the spaces now cluttered with chapel, refectory, chicken-wire partitions, cots and more cozy cubicles. Frank Gioia, a World War II vet and justifiably proud of his long tenure as a director of adult recovery programs at the Ministries, can confidently proclaim, “of the thousands of guys processed through these doors, hundreds are still leading sober and

Shaw envisions his character Glarph the Shark waiting for the Gospel Rescue Ministries to move to The Fulton. PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS SHAW

productive lives -- they have successfully returned to society!” I encountered “Jeff,” who told me his “eyes just started going bad,” among other health concerns. He’s “so glad the mission has been there for [him],” although he is not sure when the place is shutting down; perhaps after Easter Sunday, which was the rumor from the streets. At this point my thought was, wow -- if by any chance the GRM might relocate somewhere nearby in Chinatown, or even NoMa. This of course has been the classic area where the homeless have been served. For the benefit of down-trodden and addicted members of the Old City community -- why, that would be a manysplendored act of deliverance! Now guys in trouble will have to head for the periphery of the city rather than seek help in the core, as had been the tradition for so many decades. When drays and delivery carts and the occasional Stanley Steamer rattled the cobbles of 5th and H, in 1907, the Mission was set up by a handful of ministers and lay folk for the absolution of hard drinkers from the local “doss houses” and the gutter itself. Nearby the Central Union Mission was already open, serving tomato-can vags and broken souls and drawing the watchful gaze of 19th-century reformers.The writings of Jacob Riis (“How The Other Half Lives”) and Josiah Flynt (“Tramping With Tramps”) on indigent life in New York had raised society’s consciousness of so-called “hoboes” and “bums,” who today would fall under the more empathetic “homeless” category. But the core has made the quantum leap from ghost town to gentrified, and there’s scarcely a niche to be found for the old-style Mission of soup and salvation. Behind the Babel-like towers of the central pavilion, one might still hear the whiny strain of a worn electric organ, as the preacher of the week opens his battered missal and exhorts

Gospel Rescue Ministries provides a haven for rest and recovery. PHOTO BY CHRIS SHAW

the weary to praise the Savior. Then the stragglers shuffle in from the 6th Street alley, slurp their soup and sandwiches. Finally there is the rumble of tired bodies to the cots and lights out. Some time, after Easter, March 31, it’s lights out forever on a classic pattern of urban struggle and deliverance. Sally Cox of GRM sent me a nice memo which I’ll paraphrase to close the story. Not only would it be nice for the Gospel Rescue Ministries to remain in Chinatown, but according to Sally, that will be just what the spiritual doctor has ordered! The core operations of the

Mission shall relocate shortly around the corner of the same block where operations have gone on yea these past 107 years -- to the Fulton, a gracious 19th century structure at 512 Eye Street, NW. This was previously the site of a longtime SRO hotel; more recently the Fulton housed special women’s recovery programs. We of Street Sense, even our dear Glarph the Shark, offer best wishes to service providers and clients too. All Godspeed as the GRM moves along into its second century of saving lives and souls in downtown Washington.

At this point my thought was, wow -if by any chance the GRM might relocate somewhere nearby i n C h i n a to w n , o r even NoMa.

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

FEATURE

I Always Knew

10/30/2011

By Rashwan Bowser Vendor

I always knew there was a way, but I have not found it. What am I to say, I always knew you needed time. I always knew cause you are my child. always always always always always

My New Baby By Rashawn Bowser Vendor

I always knew I loved you from the time you were born I always knew that you were here right beside me. I always knew your cry, I always knew because you are mine.

I I I I I

8/30/2010

knew. So, what is there to say? knew that I had you knew what to say. I always knew what to do. knew all these things, knew there is nothing left to say.

Rashawn’s children, Darius, Damien and Jade are her inspiration. PHOTOS BY RASHAWN BOWSER

My new baby is here, my new baby is near, my new baby so tiny and small, (my new baby!) I love to spoil my new baby. He waits for me, (my new baby!) I love to see my new baby, so innocent and pure (my new baby!) my new baby, so new to me my new baby, forever free My new baby is here with me.

CHILDREN’S ART: SPONGE ART CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Because of You

4/10/2009

By Rashawn Bowser Vendor

Because of you I am now set free, Because of you I am now the old me, Because of you I am now strong.

Children Chikadili, under ageage 6, at 5 at New DC Beginnings General There are 1,880 children experiencing homelessness in the District. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project visits 6 different transitional housing and emergency shelter programs to provide weekly activities, healthy snacks, and opportunities to play and learn to as many children as possible.

Courtesy of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project

Because of you I know love: my sun now shines, my moon now smiles, my stars never end, my skies are blue. Because of you there is no rain: my rivers run clear, my world now turns.

Because of you I know my way: my smile is bright, my heart feels right. I sing of joy. Because of you I can think: I feel no shame, my love is true, these words are true, and soon you will know they’re just for you.

COMICS & GAMES

Street Trees TERRONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GAME: STREET TREES

The Straight Path By Robert Warren Vendor The straight path Traveled by few. The roads and detours, We go through. Always searching for a path through the woods, For the right side of life, Our first thought was usually right. To take the straight path, Is not easy in this life, When the road to hell is full With party light and and amusement of our first life. Yes, the path to paradise is traveled by few, Searching for the straight path is not what men do. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easily misled by the devil and his crew. If man only knew, The straight path and the forgiveness it leads to.

Pine

Cherry

Trunk

Spruce

Branches

Family

Birch

Leaves

Dollar

Red Maple

*seven other hidden words

! s NUS *BO n Word de 7 Hid

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

A Better Tomorrow: Revisiting “The Ballot or the Bullet” By Jeffery Mcneil Vendor Many historians consider Malcolm X to be one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights era. According to the communications departments of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M University, “The Ballot or the Bullet” speech is the seventh greatest speech in American history. Years ago, when I first heard this masterpiece, I was frustrated by the toxicity of public assistance in the black community and disgusted by liberal leaders who defended and argued for these programs to continue. I became a closet conservative; experience taught me nothing was worth anything if it wasn’t bought and paid for. I didn’t want to rely on handouts or gifts. I believed the only way to get ahead was preparation, sound thinking and hard work. When I became homeless I decided to make the study poverty my sole mission in life. I went to the library and read books such as “The Other America” by Michael Harrington, and “Blaming

the Victim” by William Ryan. However, Howard Zinn’s book “On Race” reintroduced me to Malcolm X. Being broke and homeless, I identified with his call for action. I decided to learn more about Malcolm X: while googling his speeches I stumbled across this masterpiece. He said everything I couldn’t articulate. His self help message resonated with me. I was broke and unemployed, yet didn’t want government assistance. His theme of “giving people the tools so people can do for themselves, so one can make intelligent decisions,” resonated with an individualist like me. Here was a conservative message that wasn’t targeted to enrage white people. It allowed you to remain black without being an Uncle Tom; it was an alternative to ineffective singing, marching and protesting for social justice. Shortly after “The Ballot or the Bullet” made oratory history, Malcolm X was assassinated. The Vietnam War escalated and rioting erupted all across America. As we study his speech for meaning, you can change the names from Ken-

nedy, Johnson, Dr. King and Congress to those of Obama, Sharpton, MSNBC and the Tea Party. While he speaks of Black Nationalism, one can argue he urges all Americans to accept responsibility for the causes of poverty. In his closing statements he warns white America to change their hateful ways, or there will be revolts around the world. Months later riots erupted through the inner cities for the remainder of the sixties. Before we review this masterpiece or rhetoric, I would like to chronicle the events that lead up to it. Nov. 22, 1963: trying to shore up his southern base for reelection, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. While the nation was still in mourning, President Lyndon Johnson was inaugurated. The Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad ordered Malcolm X not to comment on the assassination and made condolences to the Kennedy family. Dec. 1, 1963: Malcolm broke orders and made the infamous remark about “Chickens coming home to roost.” He

C=MB: BAD NEWS FOR BEES By Cynthia Mewborn, Vendor, “C=MB” When experimental pesticides aren’t properly tested, what is the end result? Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), in this case. Why? Because government agencies aren’t following their own regulations. When untested chemicals are applied to our environment, we all stand to suffer. The survival of all life depends on the right decisions being made before implementing any untested element into our environment. Scientists aren’t looking for ways to stop progress. They do the work necessary to prevent harmful outcomes like this one! So, let’s start listening more and stop using chemicals that destroy the planet. Webster’s Dictionary defines “disorder” as “to disturb the regular order or normal function.” CCD isn’t just disturbing the normal functions of honeybees, however; it is killing them around the world. In 2006 honeybees in North America and Europe started abruptly disappearing when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitted Clothianidin, a very toxic experimental pesticide, to be used for treating seeds and foliar. The agency

hoped to reduce one species. Unfortunately, it has accidentally killed another. Clothianidin kills bees by destroying their central nervous system. Because the chemical had not been adequately tested or studied, its use spread globally. During the initial implementation, the EPA said it would use the chemical for one year. Instead, the agency enabled it to be used for six years, even though scientists warned of the dire consequences. As a result, millions of European and American bees perished. However, European countries quickly banned Clothianidin and all similar chemicals. Their rapid response has spurred a rapid rise in honeybees. This vital species pollinates 97 percent of humans’ food and natural resources. Its precipitous decline should prompt the EPA to immediately ban Clothianidin. If the agency doesn’t do so, we won’t be far behind the honeybees. Why does a drastic tragedy have to happen before we make the right decision to

correct what we are doing to our planet? We must test and retest chemicals before applying them to other species and plants - something always dies when we don’t. This time, unfortunately, the vital honeybees were the casualties. Who knows what the casualties might be next time? Why take chances when we don’t have to! Our lives depend on knowing as much as we can before spraying chemicals on everything. Sometimes, more is always better. For the bees, it certainly wasn’t. So, let’s get it right next time. Today we have a second chance, tomorrow we might not.

111

OPINION

said America reaped what it sowed. The Nation of Islam publicly denounced Malcolm X and banished him for 90 days. March 8, 1964: frustrated with internal battles, Malcolm X announced he would be leaving the Nation of Islam. While stating he was still a Muslim, he said he was open to working with other civil rights leaders. In order to “heighten the political consciousness of Black Americans” he planned to organize a Black Nationalist group. Eventually he founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization, and the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which advocated Black Nationalism. March 26, 1964: he met with Martin Luther King, Jr.. After a press conference both men attended the Senate to hear the debate on the Civil Rights bill. The two men took a picture together. This was the only time they ever met. April 3, 1964: at Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Malcolm X, along with his longtime confidant Louis Lomax, addressed the congregation. The speech he gave will be analyzed in the next issue of Street Sense.

The Street Sense Writers’ Group is led by two writing professionals and meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The group’s goal is to develop ideas and collaborate on the next great issue of Street Sense.

Stay Together

Cruisin’ with Camille

By Phillip Black Vendor, “The Cat in the Hat”

By Victoria Beaumont Vendor #438

I think most Street Sense vendors are at war with each other. Vendors argue about the best corner or the best spot to sell papers. When I first started selling Street Sense, vendors were assigned to a particular corner. If another vendor showed up, she would have to leave. We stopped having assigned corners about six months ago. Now whoever gets to a corner first gets to keep it. In one recent case, a vendor was working at the corner of 7th and C streets in Eastern Market. After about two and a half hours of working, he went to the

bathroom. When he returned, another vendor was working in his spot. Then the conflict began. Since no one is assigned to a certain area, you have to make sure your spot is secure. When I sell my Street Sense papers and have to take a bathroom break, I leave an old copy of the paper in my spot, just to let other vendors know that someone is working there. I believe if you want a certain corner, you have to get there early, so I start at 5:30 a.m.. Vendors should not be at war over a particular corner. So, to all my fellow vendors, let’s stay together. Can’t we all just get along?

Good new issue to my loyal Street Sense ”less” readers. I would like to open with a special shoutout to my very dear friend C.M and his girl Camille. First, thank you so much for your generosity. You have been a true friend. I would not have gotten through the past few weeks without you. When we were driving to Pennsylvania my mind went to different times in my life. First, when I was seventeen driving my mum’s caddy on the Wexford flats. The Wexford flats is where we had drag races in high school. All of the cool kids had Camaros, Mustangs, Firebirds, basic muscle cars. No one ever thought the fat ugly girl would kick some punk rock ass driving an old lady car. And, oh yeah, I showed those good ol’ boys what was up.” (Ok if my mum reads this she would kill me.) The second thought that went through

my head was of driving in Malibu topless; (I meant the car get your minds out of the gutter.) At the time I was living in Los Angeles feeling on top of the world. I was thinking about Don Henley’s song “Boys of Summer”. To quote the song, “A little voice inside my head said don’t look back never look back.” The point here is that God put two eyes in the front our heads, not in the back. We should always be looking forward, not to the past. So those who know me know I am into all types of music. When we where pushing Camille to her limits, my mind went to Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast cars.” Her lyrics were “Speed so fast felt like I was drunk one day we will both get jobs and move out of the shelter.” I hope this happens for all of the residence-free in the world. At that moment I felt alive again

BEFORE THE RAIN PT 20: BLAME IT ON THE ‘TUMBA FRANCESA’ By Chris Shaw “The Cowboy Poet” LOOMIS came to from his latest “Falling-out,” to find two tangible sensory impressions crowding his poor, poor overtaxed brain-pan. Besides his ceaseless chant, “Muh Lyn’sey’s gone..whar..Whar yuh gone, gal?,”et cetera an’ so forth, his very head and soul throbbed sonorously, painfully with this debbilish, droning but seductive drum beat. “Heh heh, my son, that is TUMBA FRANCESA.” THUMP, Thump, TRUMM, TUMM-BA, TOOOM-Baaa... The now massive overarching presence of Doctor Harkelius’ bespectacled and grossly freckled physiognomy dominated Loomis’ visual field at this point. Particularly so, for the lessthan-kindly practitioner stood astride Mister Reader at a rather close and uncomfortable angle. Doctor Peter continued his domineering monotone-he could hardly be expected to cease

his intense prate now! My dear Loomis. Many, many generations ago, the sugar plantations in the surrounding parishes out of, let us say, sheer NECESSITY, ah.., they imported vast legions of Cuban and Dominican, but African -born slaves to labor in the mills and fields, “So..,” Loomis drooled defiantly. “SHUT UP!” , his new oppressor broke in, not missing a beat. “So then, these suffering folk had a secret avenue of worship and freedom from their physical, heh-heh, bonds! They had brief periods of largesse and rest granted them by the masters. At this time the ‘native’ laborers would roll out the log drum and summon up the “Loas,” or demigods, and WHIRL themselves into feverish ecstasy, until-“Until?”, burbled the fervid yet almost inert Loomis. “UNTIL, you fool,” Harkelius stormed on, “_ahh, Until, they were gathered up,

washed down, dried off, and sent back into the arena of toil. So thre you have it. That is what you are now hearing. “I can barely move,” groaned Loomis. “I feel paralyzed, like. Have you ginned me up with some secret damn’ potion? Doctor whoever you--?” “Now, now. Not so fast, young fellow. The Tumba tempo is far more potent than any drug. Besides,” here Harkelius gestured with a sweeping motion of his clawlike left hand, and three slim dudes in cheap sharkskin suits and black collared shirts made themselves manifest outside the fiery circle. “Yes, Loomis,” said the most overbearing of the three guys, who was known as Victor. “I’m Vic, an’ th’ good Doc here informs me yer trying to get a leg back up in the singin’ business,’dat right?” In a rare moment of lucidity, Loomis growled, “Wal I ain’t no Johnny Adams

th’ Tan Canairy, if dat’s what you was thinkin’.” Ed, who appeared the enforcer of this odd trio, blurted out. Look, man. We are now y’ENTOURAGE, an’ you jist better LIKE IT LIKE’DAT! OK?” Suddenly Doctor Harkelius got between Ed and Loomis, and sprinkled some weird purplish and greenish spangled smoke around. The DRUMMING got way louder, and SWIRLED into a sinister ROARING sound. Over the careering din, Loomis heard the Doctor’s voice declaim, “Now you are returning to New Orleans. Very swiftly in fact, but the race is to the swift! Youwill awaken in GIROD CEMETERY, and my friend Victor will have pen and ink, or BLOOD perhaps, for you to sign a most im-

portant contract... (to be continued)

ISOTOPIA By Ibn Hipps Vendor Neither Josh nor Melissa realize what they have in their possession. After making passionate love, Josh and Melissa talk about the myth of a mystical child with the power of Life of Light. The weird way the baby was found makes Josh and Melissa wonder. “What a blessing from the one God himself,” says Melissa. “Boo, well you might be right,” replies Josh. “I know I’m right,” says Melissa. (Isotopia) MYTH: A child of pure heart, pure blood, shall be born. A child of Life of Light will shed love of life throughout the land of Isotopia; and clean all the evil and lies that have been told. The killing of the innocent shall stop and the homeless shall rest peacefully. Melissa says, “And look Josh, this

By John “Mick” Matthews Vendor In the last installment, Bill finally meets with Mrs. Bell to learn what Frank has left him in his will. When he arrives, she hands him an envelope with the BB&T Bank logo, and a plays recorded DVD featuring Frank. “You see, I knew you figured out that I wasn’t a real Mason. You’re smart. Hell, you’re smarter than most of the guys I see on the streets. And I’m not talkin’ about the bums, hell no! I mean you’re smarter than most of those suits I see walkin’ down K Street every day. You knew damn good and well I wasn’t who or what I said I was. Here’s the thing, though: you never busted me on it. You never let anyone know I was lying through my teeth, and for that reason, and that reason alone, I’m leavin’ you what I’ve got. Well, at least what I haven’t drunk or pilled away.” “You see, the ring is the key to my suc-

blessing has landed in our arms. God has chosen us, wow that’s big!” “Well, we will nourish this special child and protect him until he is full grown,” replies Josh. “The legend is true,” says Melissa while she stares into the child’s big brown eyes with a smile only a mother could understand. Josh stood, not surprised, but ready to battle in the name of the one God himself. Josh replied, “May the one God bless Isotopia, and the repenters of Isotopia.” Over dinner Josh explains to the kids all about the baby that he had found. He explains that the one God sent him the baby, and that the myth is true. The child of Life of Light is here with us. “What?!” say the kids. They look upon the child with wonder of love and security, and sense of worry-free. Josh explains to the kids that they must keep this on the hush-hush, that they must come straight home from

school. “Don’t stop nowhere,” he warns them. The kids excuse themselves from the dinner table, complete all of their chores, and head off to their rooms with no trouble, no fussing and no confusion. “That’s weird,” says Melissa. “Yes! Weird baby, no fuss from the kids... God is good (hey!!),” says Josh. The girls help their mother with caring for the child: feeding, bathing, diaper changing. Sharon says, “Is it just me, or does the baby smell like musk all the time?” “No girl, I smell it too,” Susan says. When the baby’s near anyone, they feel a burst of energy from the inner self. This is a very special and very important child. “The child of hope is not a myth,” says Josh, kissing Melissa gently on her lips. “I know honey,” she replies, returning Josh’s innocent kiss with her own passionate one. “I love you honey.” The child looks very advanced for his

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

11 33

FICTION

PART SI X age. He grows faster and learns more quickly than any human child. Since the child became a part of the family, they’ve all been having nightmares. Josh call them visions of what is to come, visions that he hadn’t been having before. Josh and Melissa toss and turn all night from dreams of war between good and evil. Both of their dreams are haunted by their past sins, haunted by things they cannot change. The curse of Isotopia will soon be lifted. The Light is among the helpless, innocent, homeless and poor. Josh tells Melissa there is a voice in his dreams that tells him that the curse of Isotopia will be lifted soon. “The Light is amongst the helpless, innocent, homeless and poor,” the voice says in his dream. There is no sound in the dream, just the voice, so Josh follows the voice. “Josssshhhhhhh........” calls the voice. (to be continued)

The Mysterious Masonic Ring Chapter 3: The Lawyer’s Office (Cont’d) cess. Put that ring on and sit at the corner of L and 18th streets on the northwest side and you’ll see what I mean. You need to be there between 11:30 AM and 2 in the afternoon. Trust me on this. It’s in your best interest to be there.” Now before you go runnin’ off to find out what I’m talkin’ about, I wanna tell you the story of how I got that ring. Back in the summer of ’99, I was headin’ to the Willard Hotel to go bleed the lizard when this taxicab comes ballin’ around the corner headin’ straight for this old white guy in a seersucker suit who was crossin’ the street. Now I managed to run over and knock the old geezer out of the way without getting run over myself. He was amazed and grateful that I saved his life, and told me to meet him over by the old Borders on 18th Street the next day. Said he’d have something for me.” “I showed up at the appointed time,

and low and behold, he hands me that same box you’re holding in your hand now with that same ring inside it. He told me to wear that ring always and to be at that corner every Monday through Friday afternoon. It would be in my best interest, he said.” “So, Bill, go take some of your newfound wealth, get yourself a good lunch, then get your ass to that corner. Trust me when I tell you, it’s in your best interest. Don’t worry none about me, I’m in a better place now. Go on, get goin’. Just remember me kindly.” And with that, the screen went blue. Ms. Bell broke the deafening silence, “I think you should look over those bank documents before you leave, Mr. Dickerson, just to make sure everything is in order.” She pulled out the bank folder, and sure enough, an account had been set up at BB&T Bank in my name, with a balance of $2,659.78. My eyes lit up in

awe of my windfall. And what do you know, the documents even included a debit card so I could start spending right away. “Well, Mr. Dickerson, I need to be in court in about an hour, so why don’t you grab that lunch Mr. Cornel was talking about. You’ve only got an hour before you need to be at that corner, but the cheesesteak sub from the Potbelly’s over on 19th and L is to die for, and you’ll have enough time to make your rendezvous.” I gathered my goodies into my backpack and headed off to take Ms. Bell’s advice. The sub was good, but I was too deep in thought to notice it at the time. What was the secret of this ring? That question ran through my mind a thousand times before I sat on the retaining wall that ran next to the vacated retail space that used to be the Border’s on 18th and L. (to be continued)

When you leave your home in the morning or evening, when you start your day, have you ever noticed what kind of day it will be? Yo u a l w a y s notice the sun, the clouds, but have you ever noticed the one person or the many people that are always at the corner standing there asking for your help? I bet you didn’t even look their way on even look them in the face!?

In our society we tend to look the other way, not all of us, just the few, and that few are too many! We look and focus on the material things that we have and what we don’t need, but we still are trying to attain them! But why? Remember, you can’t take the material things with you! Did you know that? In the next life, they will not accept material things and that is a true fact. P.S. check with any person or a good friend, I hope they tell you the truth. In fact come to the corner of Connecticut Ave and L St., N.W., and I will give you the truth about the next life if need be!!! Can you take a look and be “concerned for others”? I will show concern for all in our society: rich or poor, young and old, and why not!? Can you take a look at what

you are passing on to our future generation? When it comes to “concern for others,” this is taught in the home and in our places of worship! It is also passed on from generation to generation! Can you take a look at our future generations? Or yourself? Is concern for others in your home? Or your place of worship or do they just talk about it on the seventh day? We have a new Pope. He said, “be concerned for others, at all times!” This is a common man, a holy man, from what I learn of him, he seems to be a person of the Touching of the Father, no riches, no places, no Pope mobile devices, and most of all, no gold rings, as most Popes have had in the past! This Pope is so concerned about others, he walks among the common people as his teacher did in the past, we all know who that was! And if you don’t know who he was, you need to go to

Business Academy

Just Remember...

Unto This Day a Child is Born…ME!

By Terron Solomon Vendor

By Jacqueline Turner Vender # 371

By Veda Simpson Vendor

Can You Take A Look!? By Mr. L. Morrow Vendor # 145

We l l , I ’ v e finally finished the class that Street Sense sent me to, the Micro Business Academy in Arlington, Virginia, to learn how to start your own business. I graduated and got my certificate. I am currently still working on my business plan to start a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission is to alleviate hunger in Washington, D.C. by serving quality, nutritional meals for vulnerable, low-income and homeless men and women. We take pride in knowing that our food and our relationships with our customers will strengthen the community as a whole. The program will be funded by contributions from corporate sponsors, individual donors, and grants from the government. I would like to thank all of my customers who support me every day. Scott, Jeff, Monty — you guys keep me going. I especially want to thank Cynthia Mills, who sent me my first donation. God bless you.

There is someone who loves and cares for every person on Earth. The problem is that people don’t believe and have faith. Trust in God for a better life.

Donate Directly To A Vendor Vendor Name

Vendor Badge #

Unto this day, I was born; From the dust of the earth I was formed. When I was young, I didn’t have a care in the world; I was just a sweet, innocent, precious little girl. When I became an adult, life took me for a whirl With drugs, jail, homelessness just to name a few. In this life I guess you have to pay your dues. I met a man who told me “Give me your life; You’ll have a better way of living if you trust and believe.”

the House of Worship or get the greatest book that was ever written! He once walked this Earth, now he walks with the new Pope, they both are reaching out to their flock, showing concern for all his followers and concern for those who don’t follow his teaching! Remember, we are our brother’s keeper. Can you take a look, and pass this on, we all must be concerned for others, and I hope we all take responsibility for teaching the future generations these key. Can you take a life lesson, please try it out! In our society we always have “tolerance” for others. A smile, a prayer, or even a helping hand, this is called “concern for others.” Taking responsibility for an act of kindness! Love God, love yourself, and share some love! Bless you all P.S. Smile

I did just that and now I am so relieved. I’ve been washed in the blood, I’ve been redeemed. Since I did that I can say Jesus and I make a heck of a team. No more eating off the ground, living in vacant buildings Hiding under sinks so security wouldn’t catch me and call The police. You know in those days I felt I was that one and only beast. Now I can say since God came my way I have a lovely home, eight grandkids, CATS and a job With Street Sense, helping others, like those who helped me And most of all I have some truly genuine loyal friends in you: I’m happy as can be!

Comments

Name Address Email Phone Number

Victoria Beaumont - 4/24 Veda Simpson - 4/29 Barron Hall

STREET SENSE April 24 - May 7, 2013

Service Spotlight: Safe Shores By Meagan Ramsay, Editorial Intern Safe Shores is a nonprofit organization serving children and families affected by abuse in D.C. Children who are brought to the organization by the police department or Child and Family Services typically have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse or witnessed violence. Many times they have seen someone assaulted or even murdered. Children receive services at the organization from the age they can talk up until they are 18. Developmentally delayed adults that function on the level of a child can also receive services. “The effects of abuse on children can be lifelong. That’s why therapy is so important — because there can be long lasting feelings of shame and guilt,” said Jada Irwin, senior communications associate for Safe Shores. “People act out,

Calvary Women’s Services 678-2341 (shelter) 1217 Good Hope Road, SE calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission 745-7118 1350 R Street, NW missiondc.org Open Door Shelter 639-8093 425 2nd St, NW newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html Community of Hope 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington 610-9600 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE covenanthousedc.org John Young Center 639-8569 119 D Street, NW My Sister’s Place 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) mysistersplacedc.org N Street Village 939-2060 1333 N Street, NW nstreetvillage.org Samaritan Inns 667-8831 2523 14th St, NW samaritaninns.org

COMMUNITY SERVICES they abuse substances and they become promiscuous or even suicidal. Any of those issues can affect your ability to earn a living.” What makes Safe Shores distinctive is that it coordinates a multidisciplinary team, which is responsible for responding to allegations of abuse. The team includes the Metropolitan Police Department, Child and Family Services, the Office of the Attorney General, the United States Attorney’s Office and Children’s National Medical Center. All of the team member agencies have a suite in Safe Shore’s office building, which makes it easier to assist the children and families. All services provided through Safe Shore’s three programs — victim services, forensic services and clinical services — are free of charge. The organization has helped more than 13,000 children since its founding in 1994.

New York Ave Shelter 832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave, NE Catholic Charities 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp Charlie’s Place 232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW charliesplacedc.org Church of the Pilgrims 387-6612 2201 P St, NW churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach food (1 - 1:30 on Sundays only) Thrive DC 737-9311 1525 Newton St, NW thrivedc.org Food and Friends 269-2277 219 Riggs Rd, NE foodandfriends.org (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc) Miriam’s Kitchen 452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave, NW miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table 347-2635 1317 G St, NW epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable Unity Health Care 745-4300 3020 14th St, NW unityhealthcare.org

Housing/Shelter

Clothing

Outreach

Transportation

Education

Legal Assistance

Food

Showers

Medical/Healthcare

Laundry

Employment Assistance

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS HOTLINE 1-888-7WE HELP (1-888-793-4357)

SHELTER HOTLINE: 1–800–535–7252

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

Sasha Bruce Youthwork 675-9340 741 8th St, SE sashabruce.org

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

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 797-8806 71 O St, NW some.org

Bread for the City 265-2400 (NW) 561-8587 (SE) 1525 Seventh St, NW | 1640 Good Hope Rd, SE breadforthecity.org

Academy of Hope 269-6623 601 Edgewood St, NE aohdc.org

Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW cchfp.org Father McKenna Center 842-1112 19 Eye St, NW fathermckennacenter.org Georgetown Ministry Center 338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW georgetownministrycenter.org Martha’s Table 328-6608 2114 14th St, NW marthastable.org Rachel’s Women’s Center 682-1005 1222 11th St, NW rachaels.org

D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 347-8870 1234 Massachusetts Ave, NW dccfh.org Community Family Life Services 347-0511 305 E St, NW cflsdc.org Foundry Methodist Church 332-4010 1500 16th St, NW foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities ID (FRIDAY 9-12 ONLY) Gospel Rescue Ministries 8421731 810 5th St, NW grm.org Jobs Have Priority 544-9128 425 Snd St, NW jobshavepriority.org

VENDOR PROFILE: PHILLIP HOWARD

CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND SPRING

By Shonette Reed Editorial Intern

By Sybil Taylor, Vendor

There are many paths we can take in life. Street Sense vend o r Ph i l lip Howard believes that logical thinking and faith in God can be a big help in choosing the best way to go. Howard has been with Street Sense ever since the newspaper got itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start, back in 2003 with co-founders Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson. He heard about the opportunity of selling the paper from a friend he met at a Miriamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen event and decided to get involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nine years, a good nine years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had my ups and downs but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a good nine years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met a lot of people along the way [and] Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen vendors come and go but for me, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great thing that Ted and Ms. Laura started the paper back in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03, because it gives a person a chance to make an honest dollar,â&#x20AC;? said Howard. He said he enjoys the spirit of Street Sense and is thankful that the office is located in a church. Howard believes that Street Sense gives people a chance to get back on their feet and live a positive life. He enjoys the fact that many of the people who see him selling the paper in his bright green vest at Dupont Circle take the time to chat and get to know him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very exciting to meet people along the way. From different walks of

life. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned a great deal from different people as well as Street Sense itself,â&#x20AC;? said Howard. He said he puts confidence in the fact that no one can say he is doing any wrong because he abides by the rules and regulations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to get me in no trouble, as hard as it is to get out of trouble,â&#x20AC;? he noted. He said that working as a vendor at Street Sense has allowed him to think more logically about the decisions he makes and has brought him happiness. He believes that without happiness, a person really has nothing. When he finds himself coping with the pains of daily life or hurt from the past, he turns to his Bible. He seeks comfort and guidance from God. He believes that his life has taken the path it has because of his faith in God. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let God take you and do what he wanna do with you,â&#x20AC;? said Phillip. His life has not been easy. He spent some time in prison. And when he was young, he, like many other kids, thought he had all the answers. Now his heart goes out to young people he sees around him. He wants to tell them to listen to their elders. He recalls listening to a young boy speaking to an older person disrespectfully and thinking some day that young person would also be old and know better, â&#x20AC;&#x153;History will repeat itself,â&#x20AC;? said Howard. Experience has taught him this. He has not forgotten the paths he has taken over the years, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Around March is the turn of spring and the turn of cherry blossoms blooming around April. Spring brings joy in the air, beautiful blossoming trees that smell so nice, beautiful flowers, butterflies, beautiful birds sing so heavenly. Sunrise to sunset of the sun shining and setting so nice. The color of the moon and the shining of the stars. A lot of people around this year come and

Mail To:

PHOTO COLLAGE BY SYBIL TAYLOR

5' $118$/

Charity Grill-Off, Wine/Beer Tasting and Silent Auction %(1(),7,1*

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Thursday Âˇ June 6 Âˇ 2013 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Judging at 7:00 PM - Awards at 8:00 PM at

The Historic Oxon Hill Manor

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Washington, DC 20005

Enjoy a beautiful cherry blossom day.

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April 24 - May 7, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 10 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 12

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

see the beautiful cherry blossoms and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been around for many of centuries down the line. Taking nice brisk walks, taking pictures, enjoying lunch by the cherry blossoms. Walking babies in strollers along with children. A beautiful scene of blossoms near the tidal basin. Enjoy the fresh smell of flowers and blossoms.

6901 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD

Permit #568

Things you will experience at Grill, Grapes & Jazz

Remember, buy only from badged vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper. Donations:

Interested in a subscription? Go to page 3 for more information.

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Tickets may be purchased online at

www.thehrsource.com/events Tickets will not be sold at the event Tickets will not be sold after May 31st

For more information call 301-459-3133