VOL. 17 ISSUE 16
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JUNE 10 - 23, 2020
Real Stories
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VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT
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The Cover
The Street Sense Media Story, #MoreThanANewspaper
A woman protesting at the U.S. Capitol on Saturday, May 30, in response to the killing of George Floyd and the many others before him due to police brutality and systemic racism.
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 case-management 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.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH YOUNG behance.net/josephyoun2623
Shuhratjon Ahmadjonov, Gerald Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Katrina Arninge, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Aaron Bernier-Garland, Tonya Bibbs, Reginald Black, Mathew Bowens, Rashawn Bowser, Debora Brantley, Laticia Brock, Lawrence Brown, Brianna Butler, Anthony Carney, Conrad Cheek, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, James Davis, David Denny, Reginald Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Patricia Donaldson, Nathaniel Donaldson, Ron Dudley, Joshua Faison, Queenie Featherstone, Jemel Fleming, Samuel Fullwood, James Gartrell, Anthony Gary, Kidest Girma, Chon Gotti, Marcus Green, Levester Green, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Derian Hickman, Vennie Hill, Ibn Hipps, Dan Hooks, James Hughes, Joseph Jackson, Chad Jackson, David James, Frederic John, Henry Johnson, Mark Jones, Morgan Jones, Mathew Jones, Juliene Kengnie, Jewel Lewis, David Lindsey, John Littlejohn, Scott Lovell, Michael Lyons, William Mayer, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Ricardo Meriedy, Billy Meyer, Kenneth Middleton, Mark Monrowe, L. Morrow, Collins Mukasa, Evelyn Nnam, Earl Parker, Terrell Pearson, Aida Peery, Hubert Pegues, Marcellus Phillips, Jacquelyn Portee, Abel Putu, Ash-Shaheed Rabil, Robert Reed, Corey Sanders, Arthur Scott, Mary Sellman, Patty Smith, Ronald Smoot, David Snyder, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, James Stewart, Steffen Stone, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Jeff Taylor, Archie Thomas, Eric Thompson-Bey, Sarah Turley-Colin, Martin Walker, Michael Warner, Vincent Watts II, Sheila White, Angie Whitehurst, Wendell Williams, Christine Wong, Charles Woods, Latishia Wynn
DIRECTOR OF CASE MANAGEMENT CASE MANAGER
Nikki D’Angelo
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Maddie Cunnigham
WRITERS GROUP ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
Willie Schatz, Thomas Ratliff
OPINION EDITORS (VOLUNTEER)
Rachel Brody, Arthur Delaney, Britt Peterson
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Avi Bajpai, Alicia Clanton, Lana Green, Asia Rollins, Eunice Sung, Callie Tansill-Suddath, Maria Trovato
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Camille Rood
ADVISORY BOARD
John McGlasson
EDITORIAL VOLUNTEERS
Ryan Bacic, Katie Bemb, Lenika Cruz, Kelsey Falquero, Jacqueline Groskaufmanis, Roberta Haber, Moira McAvoy, Nick Shedd, Andrew Siddons, Jenny-lin Smith, Orion Donovan-Smith
OFFICE SALES VOLUNTEERS
Bill Butz, Jane Cave, Roberta Haber, Ann Herzog, Lynn Mandujano, Leonie Peterkin, Eugene Versluysen
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Black Lives Matter The majority of Street Sense Media artists are Black Americans. The majority of Street Sense Media vendors are Black Americans. The majority — more than 80% — of homeless people in the District, are Black Americans. Given that only 45% of the city’s population is Black, this is a stark injustice that D.C. has accepted for years. And ultimately, it is a symptom of centuries of racist policies throughout the United States. This is not new. But it should always be in the news. The recent protests caught fire due to the police killing of George Floyd and have rightfully centered around police brutality and the killings of many people like him. Like Breonna Taylor. Like Tony McDade. Like seven-yearold Aiyana Stanley-Jones. Like D’Quan Young. The racism embedded in our housing system and the concentration of wealth in America are also violent. 117 people died without a home in D.C. last year. The economic injustice in this country presses hundreds of thousands of people into vulnerable situations daily, grinding them down over time. Black lives matter. But we know by now that just saying so doesn’t affect change. It will take listening to Black communities, sustained outrage, and hard work to dismantle these racist systems. Street Sense Media will continue to report on those efforts and hold power to account. We’re still learning, every day. If you have questions, suggestions, or want to get involved, you can always email editor@streetsensemedia.org. — Eric Falquero, Editorial Director
HOUSING
DC’s Attorney General sues housing authority over safety concerns at some of its properties BY CALLIE TANSILL-SUDDATH callie.tansillsuddath@streetsensemedia.org
PHOTO BY JOSEPH YOUNG / BEHANCE.NET/JOSEPHYOUN2623
EVENTS FRIDAY, JUNE 19
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Don’t Mute DC Presents: Juneteenth “Free Us Now”
Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington
A People’s Roundtable to End Homelessness
”A global pandemic is exposing even more the already existing crisis of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy, and militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. The 140 million poor and low-income people across this nation will be heard!”
“As the DC Council determines how to spend $15 billion of our tax dollars, we need your help to tell them DC can and must end chronic homelessness. We’re calling on DC Council to invest an additional $66 million to end chronic homelessness for an additional 1,650 households and prevent over 2,000 individuals from entering into homelessness.”
Two mobile floats
Rally, protest and virtual discussions addressing mass incarceration and inequities. “DC must do more to address the inequities black people face in the nation’s capital as COVID19 has devastated Black people in more ways than one.” MORE INFO: Call 202-848-4394 or email info@dontmutedc.com.
June 20: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. June 21: 6 p.m. RSVP online
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. RSVP online
Submit your event for publication by emailing editor@streetsensemedia.org
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For the past year, Street Sense Media has been working strategically to better meet the information needs of the low-income communities we most frequently write about. Now, thanks to funding from the American Press Institute, we are piloting a text-messaging service for community members to send in your questions related to getting by in the District. We’ll do our best to provide timely, direct responses to meet your information needs. We look forward to hearing from you! In the coming weeks, this number will also provide access to an automated resource directory. Please send suggestions for improvement to editor@streetsensemedia.org.
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine announced a lawsuit against the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) on June 9 for failing to address “drug-and firearm-related nuisances at the properties.” The suit claims DCHA “...endanger[ed] over 5,000 tenants within 2,567 units in 10 public housing properties — as well as the surrounding communities in Wards 1, 5, 6, and 7” by violating the Drug-, Firearm-, or Prostitution-Related Nuisance Abatement Act, according to a press release. The announcement also says Metropolitan Police Department responded to more than 5,270 incidents including homicides, shootings, and drug offenses that took place at the properties in question between January 2019 and May 2020. According to the D.C. Code, the Nuisance Abatement Act allows the Office of the Attorney General and community groups to “file lawsuits against properties that are being used to sell, store or manufacture illegal drugs; that are being used to unlawfully store or sell guns; or that are being used to facilitate prostitution.” Proposals for improving safety around the properties by expanding the presence of security, adding more lighting and adding security cameras were largely ignored by DCHA, the suit alleges. Complaints from residents of the properties and the Attorney General did not receive responses. DCHA acknowledged the lawsuit in a press release published later the same day, saying they agree the concerns need to be addressed. However, the agency disagreed with the decision to pursue legal action, stating that “the time and financial resources that will be expended to respond to this litigation would be best used to support the measures that this suit seeks to remedy.” DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett said the agency will conduct an internal investigation. The 10 public housing properties cited in the lawsuit are James Creek Apartments, Syphax Gardens Apartments, Langston Terrace and Additions, LeDroit Apartments and Kelly Miller Apartments, scattered-site public housing properties, formerly known as the Arthur Capper/ Carrollsburg Apartments, Kenilworth Courts Apartments, Richardson Dwellings Apartments, Benning Terrace Apartments, Stoddert Terrace Apartments, and Lincoln Heights Apartments.
Follow more headlines at StreetSenseMedia.org/news
Where are you going for curfew? “I live out here, I am staying out here.”
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NEWS
The first half of every edition of Street Sense is reserved for local news affecting D.C. communities and occasional national and international news related to homelessness. Think we should be writing about something? Send tips and suggestions to editor@streetsensemedia.org. PHOTO: A man who goes by C Money stands near Dupont Circle at Midnight on Sunday, May 31. Earlier that day, Mayor Bowser ordered an 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. curfew. The written order exempted “individuals performing essential duties as authorized by prior Mayor’s Orders, including working media with their outlet-issued credentials and healthcare personnel.” It did not mention details specific to people experiencing homelessness. Photo by Benjamin Burgess / K Street Photography.
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NEWS
Protesters in D.C. on June 6. PHOTO BY CODY BAHN / CODYBAHN.COM
Response to protests upends daily life for homeless people downtown
BY JAKE MAHER jake@streetsensemedia.org
A
s near-constant Black Lives Matter protests have become a fixture near the White House, people experiencing homelessness in the District are finding themselves caught in the crossfire between demonstrators and law enforcement. Protesters have taken to the streets in D.C. every day since May 29, prompted by the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man in police custody, by a white Minneapolis police officer. They are calling for an end to the racist abuse of police power against Black people and defunding police departments to instead invest more in public health services, education, affordable housing, and more. The demonstrations have upturned daily life for those who live in downtown D.C., due to the heavily increased police presence, violent tactics used to disperse crowds of protesters — including rubber bullets, tear gas, and low-flying military helicopters — and sporadic incidents of looting. For homeless people who sleep on the streets and in the parks in the area, the protests have also led to injuries and disruption, and many have mixed feelings about the demonstrations. Lissa Ramsepaul, Street Sense Media’s clinical director, reported several injuries among homeless people living downtown whom she’s visited during street outreach: wounds from police rubber bullets, scrapes and bruises from crowds of people rushing through the area, and three people whom she found struggling to breathe due to the effects of pepper spray or tear gas. She said she helped many of the people get to the hospital and personally called an ambulance for a man who was “gasping for air.” Darren, a man living in Franklin Square, said his tent was slashed on Sunday night when police chased protesters through the park, although he wasn’t sure which group was responsible. Laticia Brock, a Street Sense Media vendor, said her tent across the street from Union Station was burned during the protests, though she similarly did not know who was responsible. Attacks against people experiencing homelessness have been reported in other cities, too. Street Roots News reported that someone posted a Youtube video of a man punching and
shoving a homeless man after protests in Portland, Oregon. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that police shot a homeless man in a wheelchair in Los Angeles with a rubber bullet, and a viral video appears to show a crowd setting a homeless man’s mattress on fire in Austin, Texas. Some Twitter users alleged that workers for the conspiracy-theory website Infowars who recorded the fire were also responsible for the attack. A fundraiser has been set up to pay for the man’s belongings. Looting, Ramsepaul said, was especially concerning to the homeless people she’s spoken to; she reported receiving seven calls about fears of violence by looters, including four in a single night over the weekend. For instance, she said Gerald Anderson, a homeless man, was sleeping near the intersection of 11th and G streets NW when a looter smashed a window over him, forcing him to dodge falling glass. In addition to physical harm, she said many Street Sense Media vendors experiencing homelessness or housing instability are concerned that looters will harm businesses that are already weakened by COVID-19 closures and where they sell papers. In some cases, vendors have built relationships with the business owners over time and are worried about them personally. Moreover, as people who depend on an influx of visitors into downtown D.C. every day for income, many homeless individuals are worried the protests may make people reluctant to go there. With many downtown CVS locations closed due to fears of looting, Ramsepaul said it’s been harder for some homeless people to get their medications. The heightened police presence downtown has also adversely affected the ability of some organizations to deliver critical services. Martha’s Table used to provide daily meals at 15th and I streets NW at McPherson Square Park every evening at exactly 5:50. On Sunday, for the first time since 1983, they moved the location to 14th and K streets NW due to street closures and arrived much later. The National Guard allowed their van through the next day when streets remained closed, still causing a delay. The organization plans to stay at the new location next to Franklin Park as long as the protests last. Martha’s Table has been serving many more people since the coronavirus pandemic started — but demand was down at the new location and fluctuating time. The change was so abrupt
that they could only spread the news by word of mouth, with one team member running to McPherson Square to let people there know where the van had to park. Many of the homeless people in Franklin Square, Farragut Square and McPherson Square were indifferent to the protests or did not know what they were about. Many also said they have not been bothered by the increase in police in the area since the protests started. Gerry G. Martin in Farragut Square said rioting “isn’t the smartest thing to do” and that he disagreed with it, but he thought the police shouldn’t be attacking protesters either. He said he’d seen instances of police brutality against homeless people but also seen homeless people breaking laws. Other people experiencing homelessness support the aims of the protests. Ramsepaul said the injured people she had spoken to support the demonstrations but also feel a “sense of helplessness” about the prospect of achieving meaningful change. Darren in Franklin Square similarly supported the protests, saying that laws should uphold equality. He blamed the looting that took place the first several days on “out-of-towners destroying the city.” The protests have been mostly peaceful since June 3, with the number of police officers and soldiers on the street reduced and the curfew instated by Mayor Bowser lifted. Protestors remain a constant presence at Lafayette Square across from the White House, with thousands filling the streets on June 6. People experiencing homelessness were not specifically excluded by the text of D.C.’s curfew order, but a spokesperson for the mayor’s office confirmed over email that the curfews last week did not apply to them. One man in Farragut Square on Monday, who refused to give his name, agreed about who was responsible for the damage: “People in D.C. don’t go around busting windows, because we have to live here.” He said that he agreed with the goals of the protests, and that although the police violence that sparked the protests didn’t have to do with D.C., “the only way to get their attention on Pennsylvania Avenue is doing what’s being done.” “You can only push a person so far before they start pushing back,” he said. “You can’t blame the people.”
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PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO
“The sing says it all.” A man named Moon, who is currently homeless, holds up a sign that he found on June 1. The other side lists the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BURGESS / K STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO
PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BURGESS / K STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BURGESS / K STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
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NEWS
Saturday, June 6.
PHOTO BY CODY BAHN / CODYBAHN.COM
Monday, June 1.
PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO
STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG
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KEEPING UP WITH THE COMMUNITY
Artist/Vendor Reginald Blacks article “People experiencing homelessness can transform homeless services if given the chance” was recognized as a finalist for Best Feature in a weekly newspaper by the D.C. chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists. PHOTO BY ROLANDO APARICIO VELASCO
BIRTHDAYS Jet Flegette June 12 ARTIST/VENDOR
Reggie Jones June 14 ARTIST/VENDOR
Making the Most of a Digital-Only Edition Saturday, May 30.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH YOUNG / BEHANCE.NET/JOSEPHYOUN2623
• Every page is a color page! • Links and other interactive resources can be accessed right from this publication! • As long as we remain digital-only, the current edition will be downloadable as a PDF you can read offline on any device. These extras cannot begin to make up for the community our readers and vendors built together on the street corners of the D.C. area. Please join us in sustaining those relationships and building new avenues for supporting each other. • Most importantly, if you can, please continue to support our vendors through the Street Sense Media mobile app. While we’ll continue to gather news, art, and opinions throughout the pandemic, 130+ men and women lost a substantial source of income when we suspended print newspaper sales. • Sign up for our newsletter, or edit your preferences if you already subscribe, and choose to receive “our newsgathering.” We’ll send each new edition straight to your inbox. • Join the “#DCHomelessCrisis Solutions” Facebook group and post your questions, your needs, efforts to aid your community, etc, Let’s pivot to each other, while social distancing, in these uncertain times.
Saturday, May 30.
PHOTOS (CENTER FOREGROUND AND BACKGROUND) BY JOSEPH YOUNG / BEHANCE.NET/JOSEPHYOUN2623
Saturday, May 30.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH YOUNG BEHANCE.NET/JOSEPHYOUN2623
• Let us know how else we can serve the community: editor@streetsensemedia.org.
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Mayor’s budget cuts money for street outreach BY LANA GREEN // lana.green@streetsensemedia.org
M
ayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 eliminates $2.1 million in onetime funding for street outreach allocated in fiscal year 2020, and advocates are now worried about the possible impacts, given the ongoing pandemic. According to Jesse Rabinowitz, advocacy and campaign manager for Miriam’s Kitchen, the $2.1 million one-time funding allowed D.C. to create a comprehensive street outreach initiative that was housingfocused and connected all eight wards to services they needed. “I think it was a large step in the right direction, and set D.C. on track to really meet the needs of unsheltered individuals living on the street from an outreach perspective,” Rabinowitz said. “Certainly, a $2.1 million reduction would be a significant decrease that would limit our ability to get people’s basic needs met.” The cut decreases funding for street outreach by about 57 percent just as the COVID19 pandemic makes those services more
necessary than ever. Advocates foresee a rise in homelessness and a greater need for street outreach in light of D.C.’s current economic situation due to COVID-19. According to Community Solutions, a nonprofit that works to end homelessness through data-driven solutions, homelessness is projected to increase by 40 to 45 percent nationwide, and 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness are at a high risk of contracting the virus. Kate Coventry, a senior policy analyst at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute and homelessness advocate, said the weakest part of the proposed budget is cuts to homeless street outreach. “Given COVID, there are some people who will not come inside because they do not want to be exposed to the disease,” she said. “So in many ways, street outreach is more important now.” According to Rabinowitz, Miriam’s Kitchen’s outreach has increasingly used FY2020’s funding to focus on COVID-19 response and connecting people to housing. Funding for street outreach was at risk of being cut for the fiscal year 2020 budget, too. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau,
chair of the Committee on Human Services, explained that when the council learned outreach programs under the Department of Behavioral Health were getting cut in FY2020, the committee established a separate outreach program under the Department of Human Services that focused on homeless residents in 2019. In the D.C. Department of Human Services’ proposed Priorities and Budget Report for 2021, DHS hopes to reduce spending in the current fiscal year and maximize resources for those affected by COVID-19. DHS is predicted to lose revenue due to COVID-19, and as a result will have to cut programs. “The mayor also, in this budget, created a new allocation for the qualified high-tech companies that I had actually cut last year,” Nadeau said. “She set aside $1.9 million for them in this budget, so that’s one of the first places we’re going to be looking for funding to replace it like we did last year if we can’t find the money.” Another proposed solution to fill the gap in street outreach funding is a partnership between the DBH and DHS, but Nadeau
noted there are drawbacks to combining both agencies. Nadeau said one concern is that homeless outreach will not be DBH’s number one priority because it is not their mission. “Also, we don’t have answers yet on whether or not the funding that they have available through the federal government actually allows them to work with people who don’t have a behavioral health diagnosis,” Nadeau said. On May 22, advocates requested that the council “invest an additional $66 million to end chronic homelessness, to fully fund homeless street outreach, and restore cuts and increase funding to Project Reconnect” at the Committee on Human Services budget hearing. Rabinowitz said that $66 million would end chronic homelessness for 1,404 individuals, 206 families, and prevent more than 2,000 individuals from entering poverty in D.C. “We are hopeful that the D.C. Council will invest to fund that gap of $2.1 million to bring it back up to the FY20 number,” Rabinowitz said. “We are actively lobbying the council for that.”
No significant funding added for emergency rental assistance despite ongoing effects of COVID-19 BY EUNICE SUNG eunice.sung@streetsensemedia.org
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 only includes 7.85 million in local funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This is $15,000 less than what was approved last year for the current budget. ERAP helps low-income D.C. residents face housing emergencies by paying for certain expenses like overdue rent, late costs, court fees, security or damage deposits and the first month’s rent. Residents are allowed to receive an ERAP payment once a year. Some advocates, though, are not satisfied with this amount, especially with the ongoing financial effects of COVID-19. “Given the public health crisis on high end employment, it is likely that many people will need emergency rental assistance to pay for their rent,” said Kate Coventry, a senior policy analyst at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute. “ERAP runs out of money every year. So even just in a regular year, it doesn’t keep up with the whole demand.” Kay Pierson, director of the community reinvestment division for the United Planning Organization, said she is already seeing the impact of the COVID-19 economic slowdown through the high, steady flow of applicants and is expecting money to run out in the next few weeks. The proposed funds being considered now will not be available until Oct. 1 Marian Siegel, executive director for Housing Counseling Services, said her organization is usually the first to run out of ERAP funds before the end of the fiscal year. “There has always been a rental housing crisis in D.C., and in most of this country, and a pandemic is going to exacerbate
that tremendously,” Siegel said. “I think the biggest impact we’re going to see isn’t going to be immediate. It’s going to be later in the year when all the moratoriums are lifted and people who might not have been coming for assistance are now at risk of eviction.” As of June 4, the Department of Human Services received 2,463 ERAP applications and 886 of them have been approved, according to Laura Zeilinger, director of the Department of Human Services. The number of applications are down compared to the last fiscal year, which is likely due to the current halt on evictions, according to Zeilinger. The Fair Budget Coalition suggested $12 million in ERAP funding, an estimate reached by working together with researchers from Georgetown University and the philanthropic organization The Myer Foundation. Based on an average of $2,500 per ERAP payment, the coalition’s proposed amount would prevent 4,800 evictions, according to their budget report released in February. Next year’s $15,000 funding decrease compared to this year could deny aid to up to six households. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau said there is potentially about $15.6 million in federal funding that can be used to expand ERAP and other rental assistance programs. $6.2 million of that amount in Community Development Block Grant funds have been set aside to launch a new COVID19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program to support those directly affected by the pandemic. But Brittany Ruffin, a staff attorney at The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, said it seems premature for the council
Leonard Edwards at Bread for the City. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEONARD EDWARDS
to rely on millions of dollars of federal funding that hasn’t been obtained yet. ERAP is a cost-effective way of preventing people from entering the homeless services system when they experience a setback, according to King. He added that interventions for those who have fallen fully into crisis, such as shelters and rehousing, are much more disruptive for families and expensive for the city. Leonard Edwards, a member of the client advisory board for Bread for the City, applied for ERAP in 2008 because he was unable to work due to his severe arthritis. But he struggled to prove he had a disability and get approved for ERAP funding. Edwards said the eligibility requirements for ERAP should also be expanded in order to help those who have an unexpected emergency and so that applicants don’t have to jump through hoops to get the help they need. “The ERAP program is the only thing that kept me from becoming homeless,” Edwards said. “If there’s any program I know that works … it’s the ERAP program.”
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The global pandemic and political discord highlight the importance of the Poor People’s Campaign BY ASIA ROLLINS asia.rollins@streetsensemedia.org
D
espite the coronavirus pandemic and related closures across the country, the Poor People’s Campaign has found a way to take its march on Washington, scheduled for later this month, online. For safety reasons, plans were changed. Instead of a physical gathering, what organizers describe as “the largest digital and social media gathering of poor and lowwealth people, moral and religious leaders, advocates, and people of conscience in this nation’s history“ will take place on Saturday, June 20. “This is a moment of transition in this world, and how you are going to act right now is going to set up how you are going to act in the future,” said Zillah Wesley, the chair of the D.C. Poor People’s Campaign and regional coordinator for the Moral March on Washington in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. “A lot of people think we’re going back to normal: we’re never going back to normal.” Since its beginnings, the Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington, which calls itself a campaign for moral revival, has been intended to be more than a march. The mass gathering is meant to highlight the disparities that marginalized groups face in America and galvanize people to fight for the campaign’s demands, which encompass voting rights, workers’ rights, welfare, health care, housing, education, indigenous sovereignty, disability rights, water and sanitation and peace. Representatives of diverse groups as well as public figures are scheduled to appear. The 2-hour event will be broadcast online at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and again on Sunday, June 21, at 6 p.m., according to the campaign’s website. The campaign, begun in 2018, was named to honor the eponymous campaign and march on Washington that Martin Luther King, Jr,. began organizing in 1967 to end poverty in America. King led the original Poor People’s Campaign but was assassinated the next year. The revived effort keeps King’s goal in mind by striving to create a national, moral revolution of values to address systemic racism, inequality, mass incarceration, ecological devastation, and “military aggression and war-mongering.”. People across the nation are sending in prerecorded audio to be broadcast at the June 20 event, which will feature a mix of live shots and pre-recorded interviews. Organizers are working hard to make the event memorable, according to Wesley. “I just gotta do a big shout to our media team and all the teams that are helping
of 18, early voting in every state, same-day registration, the enactment of Election Day as a holiday, and a verifiable paper record. We demand the right to vote for the currently and formerly incarcerated.” For some Americans, the fight to be seen as equal is a daily struggle. Others are just starting to see the gaps that exist in various systems within the country. “Because of COVID-19 everyone was inside and they were forced to watch TV, watch their phones and see things that they wouldn’t normally see,” said Brenda Coles, a member of the Richmond, Virginia, chapter of the campaign. “I have been working in the criminal justice system for many years, so it’s not anything new to me.” Coles has more than 39 years of experience working in civil rights and is serving her second term as the National Action Network’s (NAN) Richmond, Virginia, chapter president. NAN is a civil rights organization created by Rev. Al Sharpton in 1991. Zillah Wesley and Elliott Smith, co-DMV coordinators for the Poor People’s Moral March on Washington, posed for a photo after a mobilization meeting in February. PHOTO BY NICK SHEDD
with this because it takes a lot to really put something like that on,” Wesley said. “As of now, they have 3,000 hours of footage that they’re editing down, and most of the people are doing this for free because they’re passionate about this.” The inability to physically gather a large crowd has limited the number of people planning to attend, but organizers believe the digital event will have a big impact. “Organizing around systemic transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and so the work that has been done has prepared the campaign for this moment,” said Rev. Glenna Huber, the rector of The Church of the Epiphany. “We’re organized, and now we’re ready to mobilize and that’s what the 20th is all about.” Huber is no stranger to the Poor People’s Campaign. On Feb. 29, she opened the doors of her church for one of the group’s mass meetings. Huber is actively making sure that those within her congregation are registered for the digital assembly. “One of the principles of organizing is don’t do for others what they can do for themselves, which I’ve been reminded of over and over again these past few weeks,” Huber said. The Poor People’s Campaign is intentional about not letting those with privilege in society overpower the voices of those with firsthand experience with poverty, according to Huber.
“I’m indirectly impacted by homelessness and poverty, but there are people who are living the experience that can tell their own stories,” she said. “I would not want to speak on the 20th because there are people who can speak to their own experience and that’s part of shifting the narrative.” COVID-19 and protests in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer, has created a national conversation about equality. The events show that not everyone is treated equally in America. One of the campaign’s main goals is to unite those from different backgrounds for a common goal of equality for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion or gender. According to its website, the campaign strives to change laws that have negatively targeted people of color, those who are poor, undocumented immigrants and various religious groups. Another goal is to provide a pathway to citizenship and ensure full voting rights for all citizens. The campaign has a specific, though wide-ranging, platform and strategy. For example, on voting and citizenship, the platform states, “We demand the immediate full restoration and expansion of the Voting Rights Act, an end to racist gerrymandering and redistricting, early registration of 17 year olds, automatic voting registration at the age
“A lot of people think we’re going back to normal: we’re never going back to normal.” Zillah Wesley On Thursday, June 4, at George Floyd’s memorial service, Sharpton announced his plan to organize another March on Washington. That event is planned for late August, on or near the anniversary of the original 1963 Moral March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The event will be led by families who have lost loved ones to police brutality. “Yes, there will be a march and I’m sure I will be getting the information,” Coles said. There are many factors that divide humans, but race is the main factor, according to Bernadette Brown-Lark, a member of Southwest Virginia’s chapter. Brown-Lark said that when racial tension dies down, it will be easier to solve more of the nation’s problems. Brown-Lark said she regularly receives life-saving blood transfusions and never asks the race of the donor. “If they come back to me with the right blood type, do you think I would send them back to find Black blood?” she said. “Some people are so hate-filled they would have.”
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OPINION
The section aims to foster healthy debate about critical issues affecting vulnerable communities in the District. We have an open submission policy and welcome diverse voices from across our region, regardless of your housing status. Whether you’re responding to something we’ve published or putting forth a new argument, send your thoughts to opinion@streetsensemedia.org. PHOTO: Someone set a public restroom in Lafayette Square Park on fire after the 11 p.m. curfew on Sunday, May 31. Photo by Benjamin Burgess / K Street Photography.
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OPINION
The crushing knee of systemic racism BY BRIAN CAROME
My heart broke upon news of the murder of George Floyd. It is further proof that not all Americans believe that Black Lives Matter. As I see it, that we even have to utter “Black lives matter” is a testament to the moral shortcomings of our nation. As far as we may have come, we’ve not nearly come far enough. Not nearly. Street Sense Media stands with the protesters demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others who have lost their lives unjustly. We join them in calling for an end to police brutality, systemic racism, and public policies and discourse that discriminate and marginalize on the basis of race. According to a 2019 article published by The Pew Charitable Trusts, “African-Americans make up 13 percent of the general population. Twenty-one percent of people living in poverty in the United States are Black, according to census data. But African-Americans account for 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness — and half of homeless families with children.” In the Washington, D.C. metro area, more than 80 percent of people experiencing homelessness are Black. Study after study finds that while homelessness happens to people of all backgrounds, it more commonly happens to white Americans due to an economic shock, such as a job loss, injury, or natural disaster, while the root causes for Black Americans are most often ongoing, even generational, social discrimination and disadvantage. [Read more: University of Maryland public health professor investigates connections between race and homelessness] Structural racism and inequality — in housing, child welfare, education, credit and lending, policing, and health care delivery — have long contributed to an over-representation of Black people among our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Welldocumented racial disparities in arrest rates for nonviolent crimes put Black Americans at a significantly higher chance of becoming homeless because they interrupt , often permanently, the ability to obtain stable employment. So too do historical performance disparities in public schools, establishment and repair of credit, and health disparities, most recently seen in the
current pandemic. In exceedingly tight and competitive housing markets, a single eviction can become a permanent barrier to housing. These factors also make it more difficult for Black people experiencing homelessness to access the services, jobs and support needed to move towards stability and opportunity. Simply stated, for too many of our brothers and sisters there is an American nightmare, not an American dream. Systemic racism places a knee on the necks of all Black Americans. Street Sense Media continues to offer support to anyone experiencing homelessness who may need it. In recent nights, some of our homeless brothers and sisters were injured and further traumatized as police forces used pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets on crowds. People without homes, who live on the D.C. streets that became battlegrounds, were vulnerable to injury. They had no place to retreat to. Our case management team is working to serve some of those who were hurt. If you or someone you know is homeless and in need of assistance, please call our offices at 202-347-2006. We abhor the politics of division. We were shocked when force was used to interrupt peaceful protests outside the White House for what could only be called a campaign stunt. We join with those of you who cry out for leaders who speak honestly about our nation’s problems and employ the tools of unity and inclusiveness. “A riot,” said Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “is the language of the unheard.” Nearly 250 years ago, protesters violently stormed mercantile ships in Boston Harbor and threw the looted goods into the water. Undoubtedly, some labeled their actions in words akin to “domestic terrorism.” Today, we describe them as patriots. Freedom fighters. Founding fathers. At Street Sense Media, we will continue to provide a platform for Black voices and the causes they espouse. In support, we will add our voices and amplify others that highlight injustice and point at solutions. We do this to advance our mission to end chronic homelessness and the injustice that causes it. Please join us in our work toward building a more perfect union.. Brian Carome is the CEO of Street Sense Media.
Protesters in D.C. on June 6. PHOTO BY CODY BAHN / CODYBAHN.COM
Don’t believe scams — your utilities will remain on through the health crisis BY WILLIE L. PHILLIPS
Americans received more than 132 million robocalls a day in March as the COVID19 pandemic worsened, according to The Washington Post. Scammers are taking advantage of consumers, who are spending more time at home, by bombarding them with robocalls, text scams, and phishing emails throughout the day. This can unfortunately cause additional emotional and financial stress for consumers. That is why the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) is working hard to educate consumers on how to protect themselves from utility scams. And the best defense to a utility scam is an informed consumer. Think you wouldn’t fall for a scam? Oftentimes you’ll hear that it’s older adults who are the most common victims, but it can happen to anyone – young, old, rich, poor, college-educated, or not. Scammers don’t care who you are. Their goal is to steal your money
or your sensitive personal information. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the DCPSC’s Office of Consumer Services had seen an uptick in complaints about disconnection threats, overpayment notifications, and robocalls from scammers pretending to be a utility. We’ve continued to educate consumers about the most common scams and how to spot them. Many scammers will pressure consumers into making a payment on the spot without verifying who is calling. They’ll also ask for your account number, social security number, or other personal information to steal your identity. You should know that a utility will never ask for your account number or financial information. DCPSC has taken an active role in making sure that District residents continue to have electricity, natural gas, and telephone service. We’re also continuing to help consumers with complaints and questions about their utility
bills. You can reach out to our Office of Consumer Services by phone, on our website, or social media. We also applaud Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council for passing emergency legislation that suspends all disconnections and late fees for utility service. To stay connected to consumers and to keep them informed, the Commission has launched two online resources: • A COVID-19 resource page that keeps consumers informed about their utility service, how to pay their bills, and consumer assistance programs. • The Fight Utility Scams guide is a one-stop shop microsite for consumers that provides tips, videos and community resources to help them respond to scams, such as individuals impersonating utility representatives over the phone, online or in person.
We’re asking you to join our fight by informing your family, neighbors, and community groups about scams and how to avoid them. Many scammers target neighborhoods individually, so more than likely you already know someone who’s been contacted by a scammer. We want utility consumers to feel empowered by being informed and taking control of the conversation. If you need assistance with your utility bills and to stay informed, you can connect with the DCPSC in the following ways: • • •
202-626-5100 www.dcpsc.org Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Willie L. Phillips is the chairman of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.
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White conservative privelege runs deep BY ANGIE WHITEHURST
U.S. Park Police in Lafayette Square on May 31. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BURGESS / K STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
A home gone to ruins BY COLLY DENNIS
Lafayette Square Park, directly behind the White House, was a home away from home for many displaced or homeless people in downtown D.C. It’s one of the places I go to lie and sleep. It’s where I first learned about Street Sense Media. Churches and donors would show up to give clothes, food, or anything else to the people sleeping on the park benches. If you needed something to eat, all you had to do was go to Lafayette Park. Unfortunately, that’s not true anymore. I’ve seen all kinds of demonstrations in Lafayette Park. But during the first weekend of the protests against racism and the murder of George Floyd, it was hijacked by the U.S. military, the U.S. Park Police, and other law enforcement departments of different jurisdictions. First came the barriers and police lines. Then 8-foot-tall fencing. Lafayette Park was taken from people that called it their household. It’s now more of a military base than the welcoming place people used to love. What if they couldn’t move their belongings in time? What if they were still there when peaceful people were tear gassed? What happened was just despicable and disrespectful. Someone needs to apologize for this. This is just unbelievable. Anyone who slept in Lafayette Park had to find a new place to take refuge. The Secret Service said the fencing would stay
up until June 10. The protests have made it hard for homeless people to reside in the District of Columbia. Every day programs like the city’s facilities at Adams Place in Northeast or the Downtown Day Services Center in Northwest have been shut down for a couple months. I know that was due to the pandemic, but the fact of the matter is more homeless people were forced to move into downtown Northwest to get better services. Now, because of the protests, they can’t even sleep on the church steps across the street from Lafayette. The historic St. John’s Episcopal Church there — where Trump ordered officers to tear-gas protestors a half an hour before the stated curfew so he take photos with a Bible — is where homeless people could often get food and where multiple people can usually be seen sleeping on any given night when the streets are calm. These individuals that were displaced by unnecessary fortifications for the White House will never be known or counted because they resided on park benches. Their voices have been thrown out. They have been forgotten and abandoned. Someone needs to step up. Colly Dennis is an artist and vendor with Street Sense Media
The police are trained to use ruthless, no-option, zero-tolerance, brutal-restraint force to achieve their goals. There are no pre-existing requirements or conditions — just, the on-the-scene, individual law enforcers’ legal, non-God-given will. They are trained to do this via the legislated local and state appeals processes as well as the Supreme Court of the United States' decisions to justify the law of order. They are subsequently historically ordained, strategically systemic, court decisions, biased by “Eaglese” — the founding fathers’ legacy of Anglo-European superiority; laid on the wings of eagles. That’s a hard and ugly thought to voice, given that 350 million people live in America and stay alive, albeit subconsciously, and try daily to survive another day. The United States Constitution was written and enacted with the lure of hope for equality, the attainment of human freedom, and the opportunity to secure wealth as envisioned by the American dream. The founding fathers always thought they would be a small elite group, because only they were educated. And so their children would be educated. And privileged. That’s
why public education had to be legislated, and eventually state universities along with land grant universities and historically black colleges under the same legislation. This is a point that Brookings Institution fellow Andre Perry makes in his new book, “Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives in Americas Black Cities.” Perry speaks the truth when he says we have to change the order of law and the courts. This purposeful denigration, depravity and selective criminalization rooted from slavery to this construct we call race needs to correct itself by the mandate of our human authority. Please be encouraged to view the Brookings interview and panel discussion, recorded on May 20. It is powerful and speaks a truth of why the change, the reform, and the effort has to be now. How many more Black men will die from the unrest in peace. Let's stand and move together to fix it, reform it, enact it and allow for a sincere and honest R.I.P. for Floyd George and all the unfortunate previous, present, and unacceptable victims to come. Angie Whitehurst is an artist and vendor with Street Sense Media.
We can only take so much! BY WENDELL WILLIAMS
While I am in no way a dyed-in-the wool conservative, I am now a full supporter of Black people fully exercising their Second Amendment rights. It’s clear that the system will not serve and protect us. Looking back, the Panthers were right about arming ourselves. Cops know for sure they will defend themselves. What else needs to happen before those of you who consider yourselves allies accept that this has always happened to Black people? The only thing that has changed is now everyone has a camera. But that still doesn’t guarantee a conviction of the perpetrators of racist violence in this country. Just look at the beating of Rodney King. Understand this: Anytime a white person threatens to call the police on a Black person, they are effectively threatening their lives. Isn’t it ironic that when a Black cop shot and killed a white woman who was charging at him in Minneapolis a few years, the officer was arrested within hours, charged with murder, convicted, and given 10 years? Yet when a white cop was filmed kneeling on the neck of a Black man for nearly nine minutes, it took four days to arrest him and national protests to increase the charges and charge his three co-workers who were on the scene. Do not underestimate the power of racist police unions. For example, look at the white female cop who killed a brother in his own apartment thinking she was in hers and he was an intruder. She got 10 years, which for a cop means 4 to 5 and she’s out. The family members of the victim had the nerve to publicly forgive her at trial, no less. Shouldn’t she have been the one publicly asking for their forgiveness? Why are Black people always willing to pray for and forgive the perpetrators of the heinous acts of violence against us while they are shown compassion. Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, author of the “Cress Theory on Color Confrontation,” used to say that religion in this country has given Black people a type of mental illness kinda like Stockholm syndrome. Wendell Williams is an artist and vendor with Street Sense Media.
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ART
The art section is reserved exclusively to elevate the art of street paper vendors who contribute poetry, essays, illustration, fiction, and more. PHOTO: A young girl at the protests on Saturday, June 6, in response to the murder of George Floyd. By Cody Bahn / codybahn.com
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ART
Hard to believe I didn't touch nothing Much as I seen go down, my hands stayed to my side BY GERALD ANDERSON Artist/Vendor
Americans of any color BY MARCUS GREEN Artist/Vendor
First of all, I'm not African American. Born and raised in Southeast D.C., I'm just American, plain and simple. Just to give a little of my family tree, my great grandfather was Irish American and my great grandmother was of color. George Floyd’s murder was tragic, and it took me back to Dr. King’s assassination in '68. I thought this country had come a long way. But this killing showed everyone that the American justice system is a joke. From Trump to police brutality, we are the laughing stock of the world. Hate is a taught behavior, but so is love. What we need is more love. Being nice costs nothing. And once you plant that seed in others, it can grow. My prayer is that everybody out there can be safe and get home to their loved ones each day. God Bless.
I seen it when these protests start in D.C. and I'm still seeing it today. It's like a nightmare being homeless and being out on a bench, sleeping out, seeing all this. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Me being an ex-con, it was hard for me to get over the things that they were doin’, like breakin' in stores, breakin' in CVS, breakin' in jewelry stores. It was just a sight that really made me tremble. I trembled so hard. They ran by, a group of ‘em, "Get up OG, get up off that bench! Come get some dis money." I said, "What kind of money? Green money?" He said, "No Gucci, Versaces. Man, we hittin' all these motherfucking stores. Forever 21. All these stores." I said, "Aw man. I don't need no items, I need some green." As I walk around in this city, D.C., it's a mess. It's a mess. But no one thought about it as they tore it up. Now they’ll think about it. You mess up all the pharmacies, now your mother, your aunt, your sister, or brother — somebody at home in pain — won't know where they can get they medicine from. THINK before you do that kind of thing. I'm not saying "Don't." But people need to be able to get help and medicine. Many CVS locations downtown initially closed in fear of continued looting. Now, where do we go from here with this protest? Like I said, I'm an ex-con, I been in the street. Honestly, if I kill a person today or tomorrow, I'm behind prison for the rest of my life. But they do it, always be they free. You gotta look not just at the thing that happened
with George Floyd and the police officer. Look at the pressure they puttin’ on you. You got him down, what more can you do? I seen some crazy stuff happen all the time I been in prison. I never had 'em really beat me up. They pressed me out, but never beat me up. But one thing you never want to go to prison for: Putting your hand on a cop, a deputy, the prison man, or whoever. You do that, they beat you from sunup to sundown. Every shift come on, whoop you. It's they way, or no way. I hope and pray that everyone be safe through the protest, and we can get the city back together, everyone go back to work, things go back to working right. We just ask for Peace and Justice. That's all. Thank you. Also, I want to thank Jaleo, the restaurant on 7th and E, behind CVS. Zaytinya, Pi Pizzeria, Ella's, and all the restaurants that been holding us down during the coronavirus, for the homeless people, feeding us. But Jaleo, I tell you one thing. It was on a Sunday. You made a meal that made me really cry, feel like I was at home. It was mashed potatoes, fried chicken and corn. I tell ya. Pi Pizzeria, you holding me down. Shout out to the GM, to all the coworkers. It's amazing. Thank y'all for all y'all food, all y'all support. And everybody be safe, take care. Peace and love. Anderson’s book, “Still Standing: How an Ex-Con Found Salvation in the Floodwaters of Katrina,” is available on Amazon.com.
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My Black heart of fire is lynching white racism in a storm of peace BY ANGIE WHITEHURST Artist/Vendor
I am seeing, hearing, listening —to the opining; Viewing the protests, marches, car-and-foot caravans with and without the masked faces less than six feet apart
Masquerade BY JAMES DAVIS Artist/Vendor
And I am numb with shock to see over and over again a man knee-lynched on real-time, replayable, digital social media
We wear the mask, covering our mouths and nose. Some dull cloth or something else I suppose. Some get offended if we put it on near them. Look at us peculiarly wondering if we fear them. Then we say, “Oh, it's to protect them not us,” Some want to argue and put up a fuss. Some refuse to wear it in a public space. Some just because of their race. Some wear a mask that few can see. But it's so obvious to you and me. It shows in their demeanor and actions. Making it worse than a virus they might be catching. So is it so hard for you when I ask. Can you please put on a MASK?! Be safe out there!
It shook my soul to see human beings stand by and have nothing to say; Those dudes, Men in Blue, stood and kneeled as if there was nothing going on They, too, were numb with the power of God Doing what they’d probably done many times before; No big deal just another forced arrest When I first heard about it, I thought it had to do with drugs, professional sports gambling, the mob, or a personal difference with someone outside of human compassion Who would kill someone that way? Much less, a cop? There had to be more to the story, deeper than that; Did they know each other? Were they friends or enemies? How did it get to the point of abuse by one of them? Surely, I had hoped, it was not about race Then, again: What made the cop, so coldly, nonchalantly comfortable to be Judge, enforcer, jury and executioner without due? Was George Floyd not privy to constitutional rights no matter what happened?
Police Brutality BY LATICIA BROCK Artist/Vendor
Is cops always right? How can you sleep with yourself at night? It's using something called unnecessary roughness. Why y'all don't go where the real stuff happens? So your gun make you tough? Stop petty larceny and deal with real stuff.
Christina's Story (God's Gift) BY KYM PARKER Artist/Vendor
With her tears, she cries her into being With her breath, she made I And her sigh, she said she gave her to us Passion, wisdom, mercy, faith Her sisters Me, her child She gave birth and beauty to us all Needed to come to life Unconditional love was given to us all Protestors in D.C. on june 6. PHOTO BY CODY BAHN / CODYBAHN.COM
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FUN & GAMES
Intermediate Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 20, Book 2
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Never build after you are five and forty; have five years' income in hand before you lay a brick; and always calculate the expense at double the estimate. -- Kent
4 9 5 6 2 6 3 7 5 Answers Sudoku #1 4 5 7 4 56 3 9 2 6 6 3 8 1 6 9 6 8 5 2 3 1 1 56 8 9 1 4 7 2 3 6 4 99 35 2 8 5 1 7 4 2 1 3 4 2 4 73 8 3 6 7 5 1 5
Intermediate Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 20, Book 2
Sudoku #2 9 6 5 2 8 2 4 6 3 7 1 8 5 8 9 7 1 4 2 3 7 3 6 9 2 5 8 4 6 1 3 5 4 9 7 1 Sudoku #4 5 3 7 6 1 4 9 2 2 8 6 4 4 7 5 8 6 1 3 5 8 9 2 1 3 6 4 7 9 2 1 3 7 5 8 9
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3 9 1 8 4 2 5 6 7 BY PIERRE JOHNSON 1 8 9 Artist/Vendor 4 7 5 Uncle Willie doesn’t have any kids of his own, but he’s like a father to 2 most 3 of6the neighborhood. His character is inspired by many people I
have known over the years. It takes a village to raise every child. Happy Father’s Day to all the father figures and “uncle daddies” out there!
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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.
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All s e rv i c e s l i s t e d a r e r e f e r r a l- f r e e Academy of Hope Public Charter School 202-269-6623 // 2315 18th Place NE aohdc.org
Bread for the City - 1525 7th St., NW // 202-265-2400 - 1640 Good Hope Rd., SE // 202-561-8587 breadforthecity.org
Calvary Women’s Services // 202-678-2341 1217 Good Hope Rd., SE calvaryservices.org
Food and Friends // 202-269-2277 (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc) 219 Riggs Rd., NE foodandfriends.org
Foundry Methodist Church // 202-332-4010 1500 16th St., NW ID (Friday 9am–12pm only) foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities
Friendship Place // 202-364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave., NW friendshipplace.org
Catholic Charities // 202-772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp
Georgetown Ministry Center // 202-338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW georgetownministrycenter.org
Central Union Mission // 202-745-7118 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW missiondc.org
Jobs Have Priority // 202-544-9128 425 2nd St., NW jobshavepriority.org
Charlie’s Place // 202-232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave., NW charliesplacedc.org
Loaves & Fishes // 202-232-0900 1525 Newton St., NW loavesandfishesdc.org
Christ House // 202-328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd., NW christhouse.org
Church of the Pilgrims // 202-387-6612 2201 P St., NW food (1-1:30 on Sundays only) churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach
Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511 // 305 E St., NW cflsdc.org
Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 communityofhopedc.org
Covenant House Washington 202-610-9600 // 2001 Mississippi Ave., SE covenanthousedc.org
D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 202-347-8870 // 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW dccfh.org
Father McKenna Center // 202-842-1112 19 Eye St., NW fathermckennacenter.org
Martha’s Table // 202-328-6608 marthastable.org 2375 Elvans Road SE 2204 Martin Luther King Ave. SE
Miriam’s Kitchen // 202-452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave., NW miriamskitchen.org
My Sister’s Place // 202-529-5991 (24-hr hotline) mysistersplacedc.org
N Street Village // 202-939-2060 1333 N St., NW nstreetvillage.org
New York Avenue Shelter // 202-832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave., NE
Patricia Handy Place for Women 202-733-5378 // 810 5th St., NW
Samaritan Inns // 202-667-8831 2523 14th St., NW samaritaninns.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOTLINE Línea de salud del comportamiento
1-888-793-4357
Laundry Lavandería
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 3020 14th St., NW // unityhealthcare.org - Healthcare for the Homeless Health Center: 202-508-0500 - Community Health Centers: 202-469-4699 1500 Galen Street SE, 1500 Galen Street SE, 1251-B Saratoga Ave NE, 1660 Columbia Road NW, 4414 Benning Road NE, 3924 Minnesota Avenue NE, 765 Kenilworth Terrace NE, 555 L Street SE, 3240 Stanton Road SE, 3020 14th Street NW, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, 1717 Columbia Road NW, 1313 New York Avenue, NW BSMT Suite, 425 2nd Street NW, 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 2100 New York Avenue NE, 2100 New York Avenue NE, 1333 N Street NW, 1355 New York Avenue NE, 828 Evarts Place, NE, 810 5th Street NW
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St., NW // 202-328-5500 legalclinic.org
The Welcome Table // 202-347-2635 1317 G St., NW. epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable
Whitman-Walker Health 1701 14th St., NW // 202-745-7000 2301 MLK Jr. Ave., SE // 202-797-3567 whitman-walker.org
For up-to-date information on service provider operations during the pandemic, visit: TinyURL.com/HOS-covid
// 2 1
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Become a Street Sense Media volunteer and help further our mission to empower people experiencing homelessness. Get to know the vendors and make a difference in their lives and yours! More details: streetsensemedia. org/volunteer You can support our vendors by helping provide essential resources in our office for one four-hour shift each week. If interested, please contact: Eva McNabney eva@streetsensemedia.org 202-347-2006 (x10) Or you can support our artists and interns by helping with editorial duties such as writing, editing, page design, and web publishing. If interested, please contact: Eric Falquero ericf@streetsensemedia.org 202-670-5591
Happy Father’s Day to all the father figures who read Street Sense! I love my father every single day. My father passed away about six or seven years ago now. We both loved to go fishing together. He used to take us to Sandy Point when I was little. He did most of the cookin’ of the fish. I’ve forgotten the name of the fish now. I honor my father, and respect my mother every day. Happy Father’s Day, Earnest.
PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO
What Dad was all about
— BY DANIEL BALL // Artist/Vendor
BY DARLESHA JOYNER Artist/Vendor
Thanks, Dad, for being the best dad.. You let me know what dads are all about. I miss you a lot. I wish you was here with me and your grandchildren. Life is different for me at times, the shit I go through in life. I wish like hell the police never killed you that night when I was seven years old. Your baby girl still got your back. I promise, before I close my eyes, I will get to the bottom of this. I demand justice for you, Daddy, and I will get it. I won’t stop until I take my last breath. I still wake up crazy after the fact of knowing you gone from me. Being outside seeing other people with their dad f***s my head up deeply. It hurts witnessing other people with peace and happiness with their dad. But you know what, Dad? Your Daughter love you. I wish like hell our time was not short together. But like I always say, things happen for a reason — even though I still haven’t got understanding of this pain and scarring of my heart. God, why it feel like someone stabbing you uncontrollably, stepping all over your heart? Your daughter miss you.
I am in pain, Dad. Why you let them win against you? They took you away from your awesome daughter. I am frustrated by these asshole fathers these days. They don’t do shit and they lazy as f***. You was locked up in D.C. Jail and you was still maintaining custody, or working on retaining custody of me with my grandmother assistance. They kept sending you mail to release custody of me, but you kept returning to sender. It’s crazy how motherf***ers not in jail, with no bars around, access to public transportation and shit. They have all the excuses in the world for why they can’t do anything for their kids. It irritate my soul to see these sorry motherf***ers around that ain’t doing shit for their kids. So f*** Father’s Day. I can care less about a damn Father’s Day for real for real. Mine was taken from me. And these fathers these days some shit. I don’t know where the hell they come from. But thank God mine was good while he was with me.
Memories of my dad BY AIDA PEERY Artist/Vendor
Some of my fond memories I have about my Dad start when I was about six or seven years old, when he used to take me on nature walks. I remember how I used to have a fascination with red robins and used to try to catch a butterfly. I remember my dad caught one in his hand. I wanted to take it home. My dad always told me that I couldn’t keep butterflies because they have work that God intended for them to do. Then out of the blue my Dad bought this huge butterfly that actually fitted into a big pickle jar. He put a steel lid on it that he punctured with all these holes so that the butterfly could breathe. I let the butterfly out of the huge pickle jar. Boy, was my Mom mad at my Dad and me, because the butterfly would fly around the house and it was a bit annoying. I’ve never in my life ever seen another huge butterfly from that day on. After my parents divorced, my Dad was still in my and my brother’s life. Back in the early 60s, my Dad would sometimes take me and my brother to the movie theater on the weekends. That’s when we all saw “Mary Poppins”.
My real Dad died when I was 8 years old. We did not get along. My Stepdad is like my Dad. He’s been with me since I was 3 years old. Everything I know about life and about God, my Stepdad taught me. — BY MARY SELLMAN
Dear Dad, It’s always good to have a friend. I was last with my Dad when I was little. I hung out with my father. We had father-son talk. We played football. My Dad passed when I was 10. I miss him. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Artist/Vendor
— BY ROBERT REED Artist/Vendor
I want to say Happy Father’s Day to my family and friends. My father is a really good father. Fathers are nice to have. God is nice to bless a person with love from fathers. My father shows me love and understanding. My brother, I want to wish you a happy Father’s Day, with love and dedication. My son, my uncle, may God bless you with good memories, nice things, and good days of devotion. — BY MELODY BYRD Artist/Vendor
The “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” song was my favorite and it took me a month to say it correctly! My little brother and Dad were able to say it right off the bat immediately after seeing the “Mary Poppins” movie. They both helped me to say it correctly. Sometimes he would take us to the Natural History Museum. I remember how my dad would take me and my brother fishing and cook the fish as soon as we got a catch. That was a lot of fun eating too. I remember how my dad bought my first blue bike and taught me how to ride it without the training wheels. Even after I flew out of the nest and had my own apartment, me and my Dad kept up the tradition of having quality time together by going to one of his favorite movies or to his favorite bar called the “Green Mill” to listen to live jazz musicians. I miss my Dad and our quality times together. Even after I had children of my own, he started the same tradition with his grandchildren. My Dad passed away in 2013 and I know he is always with me spiritually.
JUNE 10 - 23, 2020 | VOL. 17 ISSUE 16
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