06 12 2019 by Street Sense Media

VOL. 16 ISSUE 16

JUNE 12 - 25, 2019

Real Stories

Real People

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Real Change

Addiction & Homelessness

How community and housing support recovery

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The Cover

The Street Sense Media Story, #MoreThanANewspaper

In the same way a lack of housing can combine with other trauma, instability, or lack of healthcare to develop a substance use disorder, stable housing is a crucial support for lasting recovery.

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

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EVENTS

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NEWS IN BRIEF Conﬂict over funding for public housing repairs steers D.C. budget toward an impasse BY BRIANNA BILTER brianna.bilter@streetsensemedia.org

D.C. Walk 4 ReCovery Saturday, June 22, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Washington National Mall // 14th Madison and Jefferson Dr. NW (Across from the National Museum of African American History and Culture) “DC Walk 4 ReCovery’s objective is to address the concerns in regards to recovery for a variety of people who are affected by co-occurring disorders and the effects it poses on the community. BUT most importantly to bring attention to those persons who are NOT aware they are being affected. MORE INFO: www.tinyurl.com/2019-walk-4-recovery SATURDAY, JUNE 15

UPDATES ONLINE AT ICH.DC.GOV

Health Fair For The Homeless

D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness Meetings

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church 1525 Newton St, NW

Strategic Planning Committee June 25, 2:30 pm // TBD * Likely 441 4th Street NW

Hosted by The Organization of United People. “Do you have diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, or other ailments? Somebody said all diseases are curable.” MORE INFO: 202-805-3812

Shelter Operations Committee June 26, 1 pm // TBD * Likely 441 4th Street NW *Committee schedules only. For issue-focused working groups, contact ich.info@dc.gov.

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

AUDIENCE EXCHANGE Angelica Das @thedas

The D.C. budget is poised for a standstill after CFO Jeffrey S. DeWitt refused to approve it until a provision to transfer $49 million of reserve funds from Events D.C. is removed. The budget had called for half of the funds taken from the reserves going for public housing repairs, seen by many as long-overdue and a key step toward accomplishing the Homeward D.C. initiative. According to the D.C. Housing Authority, 2,610 units are in need of repairs that must be made by the end of the year and 4,445 units are in “critical condition.” The agency places the total cost of repairs over the next 17 years at $2.2 billion. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson insists that diverting a portion of the $180 million unused reserve fund would not hamper bond payments. DeWitt, however, argued that the city made a pledge to direct all excess revenue toward repaying bondholders and that pledge must be upheld. “Our word is our credit,” DeWitt wrote last month in a letter to the Council. “If we break our promises to investors, we not only lose our credit but also our credibility and reputation.” Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau and Elissa Silverman identified another source of funding, though its impact would be limited in scope. They say that the D.C. Line Hotel, located in Ward 1, has not met the requirements to receive a $46 million tax abatement and they proposed that funds initially targeted to that tax abatement should instead be made available to the Council on an incremental basis for public housing repairs in Ward 1. Councilmember Nadeau released the following statement: “... the terms of [the Line Hotel’s] $46 million abatement were clear about how many Ward 1 residents needed to fill construction jobs. Unfortunately, they didn’t meet this requirement. This amendment is an attempt to make right the loss of opportunity for Ward 1 residents and the loss of construction jobs that were not created for them. ... The Housing Authority has classifi ed several properties in Ward 1 as being in ‘extremely urgent’ condition and in need of repair, including Garfield Terrace, Kelly Miller/LeDroit and Harvard Towers. This funding will directly help Ward 1 residents living in public housing.” If the budget remains at an impasse, the deadlock could cause a D.C. government shutdown. Roberta Haber contributed reporting.

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3:34 PM - 10 JUNE 2019

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NEWS

Opioid-related deaths in Washington, D.C. *Data for 2018 is subject to change due to cases where cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. COURTESY OF THE D.C. DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Opioid epidemic surges in DC region PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO

DC government and Greater Washington Community Foundation align to end homelessness Mayor Bowser’s Interagency Council on Homelessness collaborated with the Greater Washington Community Foundation to launch the Partnership to End Homelessness on June 6. The public-private initiative intends to increase the supply of affordable housing and aid in the transition from shelters to homes. The mayor’s Homeward D.C. Plan, released in 2015, has seen tangible results, including a 22 percent decrease in people experiencing homelessness and a 45 percent decrease among families. However, until now, the administration has not formally coordinated with the private sector to achieve its goal to end long-term homelessness. The Partnership’s strategy is four-fold, based on education, advocacy, participation and donation. Investments are going toward a grant-making fund, which will be available in August, and the Enterprise Community Loan Fund for building and preserving housing units. “The Bowser Administration has established a strong foundation,” said Bruce McNamer, president of the Community Foundation, “but private sector engagement will be critical to long-term success.”

—brianna.bilter@streetsensemedia.org

BY MARK ROSE Volunteer

his year, D.C.’s rate of drug overdose deaths is third highest in the nation, up from seventeenth, according to a panel convened last month by the American Association of Medical Colleges to discuss ways to deal with opioid addiction. The panel discussed opioid abuse, treatment, and fatalities. The assembled doctors treat patients who wrestle daily with addiction. Those doctors were in agreement: the opioid epidemic, already a serious problem, grew exponentially in the District this year. “While there are more billionaires, there are also more homeless people,” said panelist Dr. Edwin Chapman, a graduate of Howard University Medical School and a specialist in addiction medicine. “D.C.’s addiction problems have always been to street drugs,” he said. A recent Washington Post story described how, as opioid use and addiction shifts from heroin to the much stronger fentanyl, long-time users are overdosing and dying in D.C. Washington has become “ground zero” for deaths, according to the story, with more than 279 last year, surpassing the city’s homicide rate. More than 80 percent of those who overdosed were African American. The Bowser administration has a publicly available 10-year plan that includes cutting opioid use in half by 2020. A summary of the plan, LIVE.LONG.DC, is available online. The AAMC panel moderator said that recent Bowser administration budgets provided $42 million to treat opioid addiction. Treatment for this malady is far cheaper than jail time, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The mayor’s plan also creates a public-private partnership of more than 40 stakeholders. Her administration has given $25,000 in grants to develop curricula on pain management and opioid use. “Medical schools in the District are doing innovative work … and succeeding in teaching innovative curricula about opioid treatment,” said Ambrose Lane, founder and chair of the Health Alliance Network, an advocacy group for health equity in poor communities. Audience member Joe Henry spoke up to support funding for health care workers who have demonstrated success. Henry said he benefited from quality help in 2005 and 2006 when he was broke and recently released from jail. “If Dr. Chapman is able to successfully treat addicts who come to his clinic, get him some money,” Henry said. He added that Howard University Medical School has developed Project ECHO, a national Telehealth Model for rural health care, to extend addiction treatment. In D.C. there are 300 to 400 medical educators teaching

opioid treatment, prevention and recovery to foster inclusive communities, according to Lane. He said the medical education unit of the AAMC has been training the District’s medical educators. “There’s a simplicity we need to have to solve this crisis,” Lane said. Lane told the assembled group that the substance abuse unit of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department and SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, have launched full investigations of opioid use and are distributing kits to police officers in wards 7 and 8 and downtown D.C.

“Medical schools in the District are doing innovative work … and succeeding in teaching innovative curricula about opioid treatment.” Ambrose Lane In the Mayor’s budget, much of the funds to address the opioid crisis come from a State Opioid Response grant from SAMHSA. The SOR grant allots $21 million its first year, plus an additional $21 million its second year. The grant will help increase access to medication-assisted treatment, which combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat opioid-use disorders, reduce unmet treatment needs, and lower opioid overdose-related deaths. However, according to a report by The Hoya, Georgetown University’s campus newspaper, the D.C. government is facing a federal audit for failing to implement federally funded programs designed to combat the opioid crisis. D.C. has been on the front lines of expanding access to naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of opioids, including overdoses. Often referred to by a popular brand name, Narcan, the drug is safe and easy to use, according to a report by The D.C. Policy Center. Local officials have reported cautious optimism; giving it a “degree of success,” though there are also financial concerns. “It’s too expensive to train police officers to use the kits to help the users, addicts and people on the street where they are,” Lane said during the panel discussion. The mayor’s office plans to present Mayor Bowser’s LIVE. LONG.DC to the D.C. Council late this month, after they pass the proposed budget. They anticipate getting to it further into the summer, a Bowser administration spokesperson told Street Sense Media.

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Good things are coming for the recipients of the Valenti Peer Scholarship as they recover from substance use disorder or mental illness BY GABRIELLE WANNEH gabrielle.wanneh@streetsensemedia.org

t the age of 57, Calvin Watson is recovering from a long addiction to crack cocaine — the drug of choice that led him down a path that included time in jail and conversations with disappointed family members. He is a veteran living with PTSD and manic depression, both of which made the road to recovery all the more difficult to maneuver. “Everything can fit in a crack pipe” is a phrase Watson often uses when describing how far he’s come since that period of his life. He does so to remind himself and others of the Woodley House executive director Ann Chauvin, front, and the perseverance it requires to ensure those days remain behind D.C. Department of Behavioral Health’s Raphaelle Richardson, him. His shoes, his clothes — everything he owns could be far left, attended the May 22 awards breakfast with this year’s five Woodley House-Mary Margaret Valenti Scholarship recipients — gone tomorrow if he were to allow himself to slip back into from left to right, Charles Morris, David Frye, Deborah Perkins, the state of being that once ruled his life. Calvin Watson, and Selina Mathis. PHOTO COURTESY OF WOODLEY HOUSE. Like more than 20 million Americans, Watson is “in recovery.” He says he is still as sick as he was when he first began his journey, but is nonetheless elated with Charles Morris, and David Frye — during a breakfast ceremony the progress he’s made. Today, his life involves routine at The Hamilton restaurant in Northwest D.C. The scholarship will treatment of his mental health and the maintenance of support all five of them as they complete the certification program absolute sobriety from cocaine. or pursue internships and jobs to put their credentials to use. It also involves the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health’s “It’s one thing for me to be able to speak about life experiences,” Peer Specialist Certification Program, a six-week training said Frye, 43, who is also a military veteran recovering from course that enables people who are going through recovery from addiction and looking to help others. “With this scholarship, it’ll mental health or substance abuse issues to become certified really help me out with being able to get some clothes and dress coaches so they can assist others in recovery and wellness. appropriate — to show the clients we’re going to be working Although the program is free of charge, related costs can stunt with that this is part of it, too. Not only getting healthy mentally a person’s progress or prevent them from even getting started. or spiritually, but also looking clean, looking the part.” A new scholarship program, however, is helping Watson and When Frye started getting help for his disorder, he found four others to achieve their goals and establish a new career. it challenging to open up to psychiatrists and doctors. As Created last year, the Woodley House-Mary Margaret someone struggling with an addiction, Frye said, having to Valenti Scholarship provides its recipients with financial sit across from someone dressed in a suit initially caused him assistance for everyday expenses such as transportation some discomfort, even when he knew that person was there to classes or internships, professional to help. At the time, Frye cared more clothing, a cellphone or computer, further about feeding his addiction than about education, and food. his appearance or hygiene, he said. “The people taking [the course] lots “I didn’t realize how bad I was of times have other things that they looking, ” Frye said. “I didn’t even look need in order to shine and be able to in the mirror a lot. It was more so, ‘Okay, take the course,” said Linda Meixner, I’m going to wear this mask and go out in Development Director for D.C.-based public and do what I have to do.’” nonprofit Woodley House. “They’re Frye credits his family and friends for coming out of a lot of different things being truthful with him during this period. and may not have a lot of money.” Since making the decision to move on from The scholarship is named in honor of living that way, his situation has changed. David Frye Mary Margaret Valenti, former personal Channeling the military’s emphasis secretary to President Lyndon B. Johnson and a longtime supporter on organization, he said he now strives to keep his home and of Woodley House, which has offered housing and mental health himself in immaculate condition. With the scholarship, he plans on services in the District since 1958. Valenti frequently donated improving upon his appearance even more in order to show clients to the organization, helped establish signature events such as the value of cleanliness and confidence as they pursue recovery. an annual movie benefit, and served as an adviser and a board “I feel like the peer support specialist is the bridge that member for many years. When Valenti died in September at the comes before the doctor,” he said. “We can influence them age of 85, her family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations to open up, and that’s why I’m grateful for this scholarship.” be sent to Woodley House in memory of her work. For Perkins, 53, it was a lack of love throughout the earlier Instead of using the contributions for general expenses, stages of her life that led her toward addiction. As she began Woodley House opted to establish the new scholarship in recovery, she developed a passion for helping others who were partnership with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health. going through the very things she was still healing from. Five recipients were recently selected from 14 eligible Perkins experienced issues with drugs, depression and applicants. To qualify, they had to be enrolled in or have domestic abuse from a very young age and said she had felt completed the certification program. broken since the age of 18. Without an outlet to properly engage On May 22, Woodley House presented the awards to Watson her woes or emotions, she carried a lot of the pain within her. and the other four awardees — Selina Mathis, Deborah Perkins, Knowing what it was like to feel “stuck and lost,” Perkins

“I feel like the peer support specialist is the bridge that comes before the doctor.”

said she’s confident she can help others find their way out of that state. “I can do it without judgment,” she said. “I can do it with the compassion and empathy that is needed for a person that’s stuck.” The approximately 60 friends, colleagues, and officials who came to the scholarship breakfast to show their support reassured her that trying to become a peer support specialist was the right thing to do. “To see that so many people care,” Perkins said. “That blew my mind.” At the awards breakfast, D.C. Department of Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt said the scholarship recipients ought to feel proud that their work and expertise will enrich the city’s behavioral health services. The position of certified peer specialist, she said, is “a model for personal recovery and performs a wide range of tasks to assist individuals to regain control over their lives and their own recovery process.” As Street Sense Media previously reported, the Department of Behavioral Health’s Peer Specialist Certification Program has certified more than 200 people since its 2004 launch. Service providers often hire program participants upon completion of their internships. As part of the certification process, participants — who must have been in recovery for at least two years — have to complete an “80 hour, non-paid field practicum with a District community based behavioral health provider,” according to the DBH website. The professional certification is not recognized nationally, but similar professions and training programs exist in most states. A spokesperson for the Department of Behavioral Health did not respond to requests for further information. After hearing the personal stories shared by the scholarship recipients, John Valenti — Mary Margaret’s son — told attendees at the breakfast that he hopes to see the program continue and expand. Valenti, who recently joined the board of Woodley House, said the organization that was such a key part of his mother’s life remains important to his family. “What struck me was just the compassion and empathy that these people have, and how they want to turn that hardfought knowledge into their life’s work,” Valenti said. “I would hope that Woodley House can grow in such a way that we can expand that award list by order of magnitude. Because it’s hard to pick only five winners.” This article was co-published with TheDCLine.org.

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NEWS

Experts say housing is the ﬁrst step on the road to recovery from substance abuse BY LEAH POTTER leah.potter@streetsensemedia.org

fter living in abandoned buildings for roughly 12 years while growing up, Keith Belton said he was homeless and started to engage is using addictive substances by age 13. Belton, a client of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council from Chicago, spoke on a panel at a U.S. Senate office last month as a part of the organization’s annual conference in D.C. During the panel, Belton said he was the oldest of six children and his parents were alcoholics. He spent time in a juvenile detention, the foster care system and later as an adult, at least 12 penitentiaries. “As soon as they put me in foster care, I was right back out there in the street,” Belton said. “They didn’t really have counseling back in those days. Got you in foster care, put you in school, and from there, it was you, and you just had to be in at a certain time.” Belton said when he was in foster care he was learning how to survive because he didn’t anticipate being in foster care for long. Later, he began to use substances like alcohol and crack cocaine.

“All I knew was to get high or to get drunk,” Belton said in an interview with Street Sense Media. Now, at age 55, it took both wanting help and finding a strong support network that met Belton with “open arms” to start on the road to recovery. After he was released from prison in 2012, he received medical assistance from Chicago Health Outreach and found a spiritual group – Willow Creek Church – that helped him move toward recovery. “It completely changed my life,” Belton said. While people experiencing homelessness often struggle with substance abuse, he emphasized people don’t necessarily become homeless as a direct result of substance abuse. “That’s the myth that people have. When they see somebody who is homeless, the first thing they think is drugs and alcohol, but that’s not true.”

Helping District Residents The National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2016 to 2017 found that 4 percent of District residents age 18 and older struggled with illicit drug use disorder. The

Keith Belton, a client of Health Care for the Homeless from Chicago, spoke on a panel last month about his lived experiences with homelessness and substance abuse. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH BELTON

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council hosted a panel on May 21 at the Rayburn House Office Building to discuss substance abuse and homelessness. From left to right: Cynthia Kopec, Keith Belton, Tamisha McPherson, Courtney Pladsen, Bobby Watts. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH BELTON

survey estimated that less than 1 percent of people in the same age range struggled with pain reliever use disorder while 9 percent struggled with alcohol use disorder. The number of fatal overdoses as a result of opioid use saw a 178 percent increase in the District between 2014 and 2016 and peaked in 2017 with 279 reported cases, according to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health. Officials from the department did not return multiple requests for comment. Catherine Crosland, the medical director for homeless outreach development for Unity Health Care, said Unity Health Care has a network of clinics that prioritize meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness, which include shelter-based clinics. “We always believed in meeting our patients where they are, and we have partnered with overnight shelters, so that we can see patients, either as they’re coming in or leaving,” Crosland said. For individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, having stable housing can help an individual prioritize treatment and stay sober. When someone has housing, the emotional and physical trauma of being homeless is removed from the picture, according to Crosland. “In this work, we always say that housing is health care, and it’s in so many aspects of people’s lives,” she said. Health groups in D.C. like Unity Health Care provide resources and treatment options for individuals struggling with substance abuse and the District government provides same-day service at its Assessment and Referral Center (ARC) to help match people to the best resources for them. Whitman-Walker Health works to both provide treatment and support to people struggling with substance abuse and to de-stigmatize substance abuse disorders. “These aren’t substance abusers. These are people with substance use disorders, and they’re people first, they’re not addicts,” said Adam Bloom, Whitman Walker’s behavioral

health manager of substance use disorder treatment services. The programs Bloom coordinates offer several resources for people struggling with substance abuse, including an abstinencebased outpatient program and a harm-reduction program for individuals who eventually want to give up a substance completely, but want to start by reducing how often they use it. Whitman-Walker also offers medicationassisted treatment that is commonly used for patients who struggle with opioid abuse. But recovering from substance misuse isn’t only about prescribing medication. Individual therapy and peer support are integral components to recovery, Bloom said. The health center does not offer methadone – a drug used to substitute substances like heroin – because it requires a specific license. Instead, Bloom said they utilize suboxone, a medication that can curb withdrawal symptoms and blocks the effects of opiates like heroin or prescription pain medication. The clinics are also able to prescribe naloxone – medication that blocks the effects of opioids – to patients struggling with substance abuse. Cynthia Kopec, a client of the National Health Care for the Homeless Committee from Baltimore, said she went through medically assisted treatment, using suboxone, and went to a group meeting everyday. She said she hasn’t used the suboxone for eight months and hasn’t used any substances. For some of Whitman-Walker’s services, patients can work with insurance navigators to find a payment plan that works best for the patient, Bloom said. The clinics can also assist individuals who are uninsured, and some patients may qualify for a sliding fee scale depending on their “poverty level.” While Whitman-Walker does not provide housing, the health center refers patients in need to organizations like Friendship Place. “Housing is a major concern – it’s a major concern all over the city,” Bloom said. “We establish the support with agencies that made [housing] their priority.”

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

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AT A GLANCE Housing as health care Bobby Watts, the CEO of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, said there is an “extremely strong relationship” between poverty, health and homelessness. “If you are poor, you’re more likely to be in poor health, you’re less likely to get the care that you need, which exacerbates the poor health,” he said during the panel for the council’s annual conference last month. “If your poor health and extreme poverty leads to losing your home or experiencing homelessness, then it makes it much more difficult to get treatment.” Housing and substance abuse experts said having housing before attempting to seek treatment for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse increases the likelihood of success. Mary Andres, an associate professor of clinical education at the University of Southern California, said housing helps an individual feel safe, and allows someone to be more receptive to support and care. Andres said medical professionals often assume that medication is the first approach they should take when treating someone struggling with substance abuse. She said ensuring that someone has housing first can improve their sleeping habits and help them feel less anxious. “A lot of times in our systems today, people treat it more expediently, like let’s just throw some meds at this and keep moving instead of really addressing the kind of woundedness that trauma causes,” she said. Cynthia Kopec, the woman who found success using suboxone, started experiencing homelessness in 1993 and did not have stable housing until she found Health Care for the Homeless about 10 years ago. Kopec remembers feeling abandoned at the age of four, when her mother left and took her two oldest brothers with her. After Kopec’s father remarried, she avoided her house as much as possible and started running with “the party crowd.” She started using marijuana and alcohol at age 15 and said she met a man at age 30 who introduced her to heroin – a drug she had previously avoided. “I stuck out my arm and it was the best feeling I had ever had in my life,” Kopec said. While she initially thought she would just “get high on the weekends,” she said she and

her brother eventually became “fully-fledged heroin addicts.” Health Care for the Homeless helped her secure housing, find medical treatment and join therapy programs. She called the people she met there nothing short of life savers. “It was a reason to get out of bed, which I don’t always have,” Kopec said. She added that having a roof over her head, a bed and a shower has drastically improved her mental and physical health. Suzanne Wenzel, the chair of the department of adult mental health and wellness at the University of Southern California, said people experiencing homelessness also experience a high level of “de-stabilization” in their lives because of things like losing their job, losing touch with family members and eviction. Wenzel said an individual may turn to alcohol or another substance because of the “enormity of the trauma” they have or are currently experiencing. She said if an individual were using substances prior to becoming homeless, it becomes more difficult to stop or “slow down” use when they’re experiencing homelessness. She added that in order to effectively address issues pertaining to substance abuse, an individual first needs stable housing. She said when someone is experiencing homelessness, they are first focused on where they are going to stay to be safe, where they are going to sleep, and where they are going to eat. “If you have a place to shower every day, then you might be thinking more about, ‘now I can go to treatment, I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep, I don’t have to worry about food, that’s taken care of, so I have a place to shower, I have some clothes, now I can start participating in other activities,’” she said.

Calling on health care professionals Niranjan Karnik, the associate dean for community behavioral health at Rush Medical College in Chicago, said the “double stigma” surrounding people experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse can make it difficult to access health care. “People come in and a lot of health care professionals are somewhat dismissive of individuals who [misuse substances], and then they’re equally dismissive of individuals

Resources in the District WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

1525 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 745-7000 2301 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020. (202) 745-7000 UNITY HEALTH CARE (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 202-469-4699 THE SALVATION ARMY – HARBOR LIGHT CENTER

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64 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20002. (202) 442-5955

who are homeless,” Karnik said. No t e v e r y o n e w h o i s struggling with substance abuse is necessarily ready for treatment. Karnik said health care professionals need to be cognizant of what an individual will be most receptive to and what will allow that individual to be most successful after they leave medical care. “Good programs and providers will try to meet folks where they are, and be willing to help them to the extent that they’re willing to let them help,” he said, “Rather than insist that they try to meet some arbitrary threshold for engagement.” Karnik said individuals who are experiencing homelessness, individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, and individuals who are both experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse are all groups that end up needing the health care system more than average patients. They also have more contact with emergency rooms. Even though people experiencing homelessness are in need of the most medical care, many housing and health care experts like Karnik, Crosland, and Bloom said a lack of training means a shortage of healthcare professionals who are properly equipped to treat individuals who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse. Items that are considered to be “social determinants of health,” such as housing and income, have only recently started being incorporated into medical school curricula, according to Karnik. “Most health professional training programs were more focused on the biology and physiology of health,” he said. “[That] undoubtedly is important, but turns out not exclusively important.” There has been a recent push from students in nursing and medical programs to provide health care to people experiencing homelessness. At his own university, Karnik said medical and nursing students have organized free clinics for homeless individuals and have sought specific training on how to best care for these individuals. “We’re trying to meet that need,” Karnik said of medical faculty in the United States. “We’re trying to build that up, and I think that that’s amazing.”

Artist/Vendors Sasha Williams, Robert Warren, Jennifer McLaughlin, Ayub Abdul, Angie Whitehurst, and Reginald Black present to a crowd at the new Apple “town square” in the historic Carnegie Library in Mount Vernon Square. PHOTO BY SHEILA WHITE, ARTIST/VENDOR

Members of our homeless filmmakers cooperative shared their expertise in storytelling and research about displacement and inequality at the Apple Carnegie Library.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Aida Peery & Wendell Williams

Their writing in our Opinion section led Street Sense Media to win “Best Commentary” in the 2019 D.C. Society of Professional Journalists’s awards. ARTISTS/VENDORS

Ivory Wilson

Recorded his second auidobook, based on his printed memoir “Weekend Cowboys.” ARTIST/VENDOR

Our stories, straight to your inbox Street Sense Media provides a vehicle through which all of us can learn about homelessness from those who have experienced it. Sign up for our newsletter to get our vendors' stories in your inbox.

www.StreetSenseMedia.org/newsletter

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ART Tree of life, Part II BY RON DUDLEY, A.K.A. “POOKANU” Artist/Vendor

They say I'm the tree of life I got struck by lightning Burn me to a crisp But I’m still surviving. They thought I died with the forest rangers The tree of life warned them from danger But instead they followed a snake Now death is their only mistake

community spotlight BY KEN MARTIN Artist/Vendor

Pictured above is Reverend Jen Dunfey, the inspirational and spiritual leader of the National Presbyterian School’s student service project. She is leaving for a new full-time assignment in Northern Virginia. As we celebrated the students’ past year of honorable and altruistic achievements, she proudly displayed “Helping Hands.” The photo is a fitting representation of fifth-graders’ hands-on completion of the annual Toiletry Donation Service Project, a joint effort of D.C. Public Library’s Homeless Services, Friendship Place, and me.

We can do better on housing Dear Mayor Bowser: I am experiencing homelessness for the second time, which is why I call it a revolving door. My first place was a disaster. I was grateful for having somewhere to stay, but I experienced an incredible amount of stress. My counselor threatened me by saying I was lying about my employment search at the time and not doing what was required to qualify for the housing program presented to me. The truth was I had just become employed at the airport but my background check was going to take between a week and a month to complete. The counselor didn't believe me and continually accused me of lying. So, I told him I didn't want him as my counselor. Fast forward three weeks and my job came through. So, I'm not sure what disqualified me for housing. Someone from the streets doesn't need or deserve that kind of interrogation and harassment. I wouldn’t be in my current situation if that counselor had been civil and decent to me. Now let's go outside the box: It makes perfect sense for someone who has a house to house a homeless person. Of course you wouldn't do that without confirming their health and mental conditions. More people have the capacity to help one another. Lastly, let's help the homeless before housing them. I speak about this because three of my friends have died in their apartments not so long after moving into them. One of them drank all his life, was put in an apartment, and told to quit drinking. That’s not what I call “supportive.” We can all do better, in so many ways. Sincerely, ANDRE BRINSON Artist/Vendor

They say I’m the tree of life I created Vitamin C The very fruit that you eat had to fall from a tree But I don't get no credit They tried to kill me with electric But I absorbed the pain Like I absorbed the rain in a hurricane They say I’m the tree of life I'm like a map and an atlas I was just drifting and my root saved a catﬁsh I am your direction from God If you follow me you won’t get lost

Love your life BY CHAD JACKSON Artist/Vendor

Life: what does that word mean? To me it means sacrifice, decision-making, and housing yourself. But some people take it for granted. What I’m trying to say is, live life to the fullest because you only live once. So, live your life and, also, love your life.

They say I’m the tree of life I be hanging with the mountains I just saved a mountain from drownin’ They say I’m the tree of life I will guide you; I will lead you I will never ever leave you I will save you; I will feed you I will protect you from the sun We know bullets burn I will protect you from that gun They say I’m “just a tree” Well tell that to the planet’s creatures Every time they talk to me They say I’m the tree of life.

What I do BY AYUB ABDUL Artist/Vendor

I like my job I like what I do I write stories My stories are true We help the homeless What about you? This is huge No false news We need your assistance To get through.

PHOTO BY RON DUDLEY, ARTIST/VENDOR

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

To become a better man BY RONALD SMOOT // Artist/Vendor

I was in prison for two years. I was addicted to drugs and alcohol. I've done many, many other wrong things. But I'm over that. I'm through with that life. I know I must change to be a better person because life is too short to mess around. I don't want to be like my friend, who died from an overdose of K2. I don't want to do drugs anymore because I want to live today. Even my family doesn't really know how badly I was abusing myself. I want to show my family and myself I really can change. So, I must stay focused to achieve my ultimate goals. I need to do what God put me here for: share my life story with young people so they don't make all the mistakes I did.

A devastating loss BY ANTHONY CARNEY // Artist/Vendor

Addiction killed my best friend. He had a fatal dose of fentanyl and he was only 53 years old. Actually, he was more than a friend; he was my homeboy. We ate out of the same old noodle bowl. As 16-year olds, we worked together as vendors selling kitchen items in the streets. We made hundreds of dollars a day. I cried like a baby at his funeral. When you're a heroin addict, you’ve got to have it to function. Remember, addiction can happen to anyone. Rather than looking down on addicts, love them and help them up. Spread the love!

The Drugs

BY ROBERT WARREN // Artist/Vendor

Crazy as Hell

The truth could make you cry Every decade something new comes along To get you drunk or make you high The bootleg liquor of World Wars I and II The heroin the mob sold And the crack babies of the ‘80s Killing our children’s minds in the mother’s womb

BY ALICE CARTER, A.K.A. “BABY ALICE” Artist/Vendor

Doing crazy things Living on the edge Like I’m on a cliff Ready to jump

The murder capital of the world And the ‘90s was a sad sad time With a lot of childhood friends and other Black men who died

In a world unknown A world of forgetfulness Trying to numb the pain Trying not to lose my brain Trying to run away from reality Yet waking up on a sidewalk Trying to figure this out Life in general I live a rough life I’m always getting high Always in trouble Trying to run away At an unknown pace I can’t think straight From the life I live Trying to straighten up Yet always messing up I can’t help myself I’m truly one of a kind.

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker A rainy path through Franklin Park.

PHOTO BY FREDERIC JOHN, ARTIST/VENDOR

The ﬁrst decade of the 2000’s Brought us nothing new But the same old methods They used to keep killing you Now we have this sh** called K2 And all the pharmaceuticals you want to use It’s all set up for you to lose The police coming into our homes And our communities To work the thought to kill us That’s what they do, it’s true How do we get back To the good ways of the motherland? And take these drugs and guns Out of our communities' hands? The devil has a plan So, too, do we need a plan That will give us a chance to stand To rebound and rebuild our families And pray that the Lord forgives us The Lord’s grace and mercy Are found on one’s knees Remember what Brother Malcolm taught us: Anyone can be a believer But brotherhood and education are the only way to God’s Paradise

Using BY JOE JACKSON Artist/Vendor

As far as synthetic drugs, if you've been smoking it for a long time, it is already in your system. So, as with most other drugs, you will have to go to a rehab program to wean yourself off.

I've seem so many people die from using synthetic drugs because someone sprays fentanyl on the K2. Their body shuts down. Not using can be a mind over matter thing. But a lot of times, it’s more complicated. And no matter what, it’s a lot easier when you have people in your corner. So be strong and be high off life.

// 9

1 0 // S T REET SENSE ME DI A / / JUNE 1 2 - 2 5 , 2019

OPINION

Donald Trump is to politics as Muhammad Ali was to boxing BY JEFFERY MCNEIL

Income-restricted affordable housing by advisory neighborhood commission in 2018. MAP

COURTESY OF THE D.C. OFFICE OF PLANNING // DATA COURTESY OF HOUSINGINSIGHTS.ORG

This map shows even more starkly how inequitably distributed DC’s affordable housing is BY DAVID ALPERT

This column was ﬁrst published by the nonproﬁt blog and advocacy organization Greater Greater Washington on June 5.

Donald Trump transformed from a New York celebrity into an international sensation much as Muhammad Ali did throughout his illustrious life. Ali entered the scene as a brash Olympic champion and defied the odds by defeating Sonny Liston, whom boxing experts viewed as invincible. Like Trump, Ali not only took on the boxing establishment by hiring African Americans to manage his career, Ali also took on the United States government by refusing to fight in a war many perceived to be immoral. As with Trump, Ali for a period was despised because many felt he was a traitor. However, after his first Frazier fight even his enemies had to respect him because no matter what blows came his way, he stood firm and persevered. I put Trump in the same category. He never had to run for president. The man was a billionaire with children to carry his name for generations. So why risk his reputation for an endeavor as sleazy and slimy as American politics? Trump took on taboo topics, such as immigration and radical Islam. Because of Trump Americans are no longer interested in politicians who virtue-signal and never offend anyone. What they want is someone with the courage to speak his mind and say what he means. This will be Trump’s contribution to American politics. As with Ali, Trump's bravado and cockiness bring out his enemies' ire. As with Ali, Donald Trump knows how to hype and promote his brand. When he does a rally it’s like the carnival has come to town. People will stand in line for days for a chance to see the president. Democrats don’t realize that Trump is evolving into more than just a president. He's becoming the leader leader of the free world. His recent trip to Europe may have been one for the ages. We have been hearing from the Mainstream Media that world leaders believe he’s an embarrassment and an idiot. However, the world saw President Trump with Queen Elizabeth giggling like a teenager. The world saw two leaders French President Emanuel Macron and President Trump -- two people who are philosophical opposites — have genuine affection for each other. It will be hard for Democrats to keep pushing the narrative that President Trump is Adolf Hitler after actual soldiers who fought to liberate Europe welled up in tears when they heard the president speak. And it was beautiful to watch a 93-year-old queen grinning from ear to ear like a twenty-year-old. While Trump was on the world stage It was equally infuriating that Democrats couldn’t put politics aside and encourage the president to speak for our country. While Trump rose to the occasion, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested he should be put in prison. Democrats look like petty partisans who are only concerned with winning elections rather than doing what’s best for all Americans. There are many things I disagree with this president on, but I can see Trump isn’t getting us into reckless wars, he’s not imposing onerous regulations or new laws by executive fiat. Nor is he trying to transform America through social engineering by leaving our borders open. Democrats' worst nightmare is happening. People are becoming comfortable with Donald Trump as our commander in chief.

In the entirety of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C (Woodley Park/Cleveland Park), 3D (Spring Valley/AU Park), 2D (Kalorama), and 2E (Georgetown/Burleith) there are zero “income-restricted” housing units — homes dedicated for people earning below a certain level. Meanwhile, 6E (Shaw) has 3,477, or 6.8 percent of D.C.’s total, and 8E, which includes Congress Heights, has 4,202 or 8.3 percent of the city’s total. The D.C. Office of Planning had previously released maps showing which “planning areas” across the city have more or fewer of these affordable homes. At the request of ANC 2B chair (and GGWash Advocacy Committee member) Daniel Warwick, OP created a more granular map showing ANCs, which are 40 elected neighborhood councils spanning the entire District. Jeffery McNeil is a Street Sense Media artist and vendor who also contributes to the 2B itself has only 34 of these units, or a tenth of what’s in Shaw just a short distance Washington Examiner. to the east. Columbia Heights/U Street (1A & 1B), Southwest & the Navy Yard area (6D), and most neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River have the bulk of them. While D.C. needs more affordable homes overall, including in low-income areas, it’s not fair for the wealthiest parts of the city to have repelled them entirely. This happened because of a combination of high land costs, restrictive zoning, historic preservation rules making homes even more expensive, and fear of lawsuits from neighbors who’ve sued other new housing in the past. - Have an opinion about how homelessness is being addressed in our community? The Obama-era federal Department of Housing and Urban Development even - Want to share ﬁrsthand experience? told D.C. this disparity violated the Fair Housing Act. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s - Interested in responding to what someone else has written? recent order asking the Office of Planning to set targets for individual planning areas is a start toward pushing for this to change. Street Sense Media has maintained an open submission policy since our founding. We aim

Join the conversation, share your views

David Alpert is Founder and President of Greater Greater Washington and Executive Director of D.C. Sustainable Transportation (DCST). He worked as a Product Manager for Google for six years and has lived in the Boston, San Francisco, and New York metro areas in addition to Washington, D.C.

to elevate voices from across the housing spectrum and foster healthy debate.

Please send submissions to opinion@streetsensemedia.org.

ART

Don’t let America fade away BY JACKIE TURNER Artist/Vendor

There was a time when Americans were proud and felt love for our homeland. But now I feel most people are so concerned about themselves and getting money that the value of life is secondhand. The heartland where the farmers are is being taken over by drug addiction and loose morals. In some places, they stock Narcan in high schools because of so many overdoses. People seem to think a family as a unit is not necessary and that one or two people can just meet and be family for a couple of days. What about mothers? Somebody had to carry you, deliver you to the world, and help make you a person. I know a lot

of people don’t believe in God, and the percentage of those people is rising. But, woe to them, because God is real. And just look around you! Everyone all tattooed up on every part of their bodies, with heads half-shaven. More and more people are living on the street. Bad health and mental illness are on the rise. Bands of children roam the streets looking for victims. People are having to buy everything used and hopefully not broken or unsafe. The next generation have a look of no hope in their eyes. They’re on their own, just trying to survive. So, please, look around and start to love each other.

Come enjoy a FREE meal and conversation with our volunteers! The first 40 guests will be served.

UPCOMING DINNERS: Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 Thursday, June 20th, 2019 Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 Doors open at 6:00pm. Dinner is served at 6:30pm. 1317 G Street - Church of the Epiphany Questions about our dinners or interested in group volunteer opportunities? Call 202-347-2525, or, check us out at ysop.org.

1 2 // S T REET SENSE ME DI A / /

JUNE 1 2 - 2 5 , 2019

ART

Mac & Jenny, Part 2:

Unconditional Love BY IBN HIPPS // Artist/Vendor

PREVIOUSLY: Mac was sent to the principle office for getting in “another” fight at school. He met a beguiling classmate, Jenny, while his mother and the principle talked privately. Both adolescents felt misunderstood, but that’s about all they could talk about before Mac was taken away with his mother in a huff, fearing what his father would say. Mr. Johnson reacted calmly but firmly when he learned Mac was suspended, telling Mac to box up all the fancy electronics he was going to be deprived of as punishment and threatened him with “The Quiet Room...” Walking up the driveway to the house with such sadness on his face, Mac thinks, “Is they listening to me?” He feels like no one understands.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLAS VOLLMER / FLICKR

Treading the Waters, Pt. 17

Mac: But Dad!

BY GERALD ANDERSON Artist/Vendor

When we were last with Gerald in his hometown of New Orleans, he had just learned that his old crew, including his best friend Greg, had gotten long prison sentences for a string of robberies…

ll us had been juvenile together, raised together. Detention center together. Now I’m thinking these dudes like, “F*** it.” They hitting the penitentiary. I’m like, “D***.” Greg play a big part on me. I hope he ain’t ratted. I heard another one was a rat too. But I never checked the transcript to see who rat. See, word travel in the streets through hustlers. I don’t give a d*** if you out the game, in the game —you gonna get the word. If anything happen in that jail with anybody rat, somebody gonna come out. When you go in that jail, you don’t look to come out tomorrow. (Now, that’s when you on capital offense, you on a robbery, murder, you on a big charge.) But you come out tomorrow, I don’t even want to stand by you. I know what that means: You either told on somebody. Or you told on somebody. Man, I tell you, when I heard he was maybe doing that, I was like, “D***.” Then they give him 75. Everybody caught a big case. Big time. And everybody was like “Aw, f*** it. It is what it is.”

Mr. Johnson: [Yelling] Take those damn electronics, game, tv, phones, everything — and box it! Box it! Box it all, Now.

I stayed on the street maybe six, seven months. Eight months. Ten. Almost close to a year. They was down. They down in the Parish Prison, getting ready to get transferred. I heard Greg try to swallow a quickie. A quickie is like bleach. He try to swallow a quickie, trying to kill himself. That what they say. But it’s hard for me to believe. But the f***ing pressure will bust the fight. A lot of pressure. I’m always saying — the pressure will bust the fight. You catch some of these dudes, some street dude. When the police put him up, and put him on the benches, put the cuffs, and talking about the 75 years. They go to singing like Jesus. Some of them sing better than Michael Jackson. “I know what Gerald did! What Gerald did with Lisa! What Lisa did out of the project!“ You know, with all them hardcore dudes. They can fall. They got 17, 18 gold. I see some of the hardest dudes in the game fall. To be continued. Gerald’s ﬁrst book, “Still Standing: how an ex-con found salvation in the ﬂoodwaters of Katrina,” is available on Amazon.com.

Mr. Johnson: But nothing. Look at me while I’m talking to you. Mac turns back toward the street with tears running. Mr. Johnson: Don’t know whether you understand or not. I told you multiple times... education is most important. Life. Pleasure. That all comes from education. Fighting brings nothing but misery. Now— Box. Everything. Mac pushes open the front door and storms up the stairs, face full of tears. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson get cleaned up and discuss Mac’s punishment. Mrs. Johnson prepares dinner.

Mrs. Johnson: [Yelling] Mac, get your butt down here and come and eat! Both parents stand at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. Johnson walks away, so upset he’s at a loss for words. He heads to the kitchen before sitting at the dinner table. He turns and yells. Mr. Johnson: Bring all that crap with you! Mrs. Johnson: Boy, get that damn look off your face. She pops Mac upside the back of his head. Mrs. Johnson: Put these boxes down and go eat your dinner. When you finished, go back to your room. Mac heads to the dinner table, feeling like he’s going nowhere, never. He, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Johnson sit quietly at the table, eating. To be continued.

Helping others BY BEVERLY SUTTON Artist/Vendor

I feel good when I help somebody. The other day, this person was walking up and down the street where I sell papers at Van Ness. He was picking things up off the ground, so I kinda knew what was going on in his mind. He told me he was homeless and asked for help. I would have given him money but he said he needed food. So, I went into the Giant and got it for him. Doing that made me feel so good that I was able to help somebody. This would be a better world if we all could do this, especially on a grander scale.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

False wisdom BY JAMES GANTRELL Artist/Vendor

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Homeless Lives Matter BY LATICIA BROCK // Artist/Vendor

Today is a beautiful day of living and enjoying life. Yet I somehow still feel as if I deserve the harsh and neglecting attitudes — the complete lack of moral support — that people show towards homelessness. Businesses still close their doors when it comes to offering help to end poverty. I know from personal experience that the minds and hearts of some too many people are changing for the worse when it comes to how they think about homelessness. Some people may think to themselves, “Why bother to help someone in need? Everybody is for himself.” What really bothers me is my ancestors, and those of many poor and homeless people, helped build this nation. We as minorities have the right to claim this nation as ours, under God, with liberty, integrity, and peace. Now, what does it have to take for individual human beings to realize that everybody is the same as life goes on? We each have two eyes, one nose, two ears, one mouth, two arms and two feet. And we should talk with one heart and mind to decide to do the right thing for everyone. No one should be marginalized. But that’s exactly what divisions amongst ourselves perpetuate. Why blame someone else or some other group of people for something that we can handle among ourselves, as a nation? Why discriminate again each other? Is it pride or hate? Does only God know? Whatever the answer, the choice is always

up to each individual to act with integrity, dignity, and charity. I have a few friends that invest in my potential abilities to grow and succeed. They believe in my motivation to achieve my goal of overcoming homelessness. They believe that through my hard work selling papers, shining shoes, and taking an opportunity that presents itself, that I can have a place of my own and a chance to live my life in a positive and productive manner. And I’m so grateful to them. Thank you Andrew, Valen, Ms. Queen, and Mr. Wynn! Now, I know not everyone can invest in me. But we all have to invest in others. It’s not all about money, it’s whatever we have to give. It’s the only way we can survive. I have observed people trying to take care of animals before they will help another human being step up and make the attempt to overcome poverty and homelessness. What’s up in America? People will watch a charity commercial and send money far away. Companies advertise their efforts to help poor children living on the streets in other countries, when kids and families need help right here, in our cities and our states. What is going to happen if we keep neglecting the people in our own neighborhood? Only the Creator knows best, so I can’t be certain I’m right about this. But I believe it’s best not to assume you are either. We all have to help each other. God bless everyone. I wish you a blessed journey in life.

There may be storms now, but be patient, great things will happen in God’s time BY CHON GOTTI Artist/Vendor

Yesterday afternoon, I walked into a hotel. After going through the menu, I ordered some food. Twenty minutes later, a group of men and women walked in and ordered theirs. To my dismay, these folks got served first. I watched as they began to eat and laugh heartily. I even overheard one of them bragging about how he is connected to everyone in the hotel. I felt mocked and decided to leave. But when I gave the waiter a piece of my mind, he calmly told me, “Yours is a special order being prepared by the chief chef himself. Their orders were prepared hurriedly by students because the top chefs are busy with yours. That is why they were served first. Please, have some juice as you wait.”

I calmed down and waited patiently. Shortly after, my food was served by SIX waiters. Unknown to me, the owner of the hotel, who happened to be a long-lost friend of mine, saw me when I entered and decided to surprise me. She changed my simple meal to a five-star meal. The party at the other table was shocked. They could not stop staring . Suddenly, they were the ones murmuring and asking why they did not get this kind of meal and service. Such is life! Some people are ahead of you. They’re eating now and laughing at you. They’re talking about how they are better, wiser, and smarter than you — how they are blessed, well connected, have money, and are enjoying life. You are waiting tirelessly wondering why its taking so long to break through. You endure mockery and humiliation. Maybe you have gone through depression, suffered through severe anxiety, or even contemplated suicide. Don’t worry! The owner of the world has seen you and

What’s your deﬁnition of cleaning up their tents? It’s not just sweeping the streets When the homeless still sleeping over the heat vents Why aren’t my homeless rat bites cleaned with peroxide? Why did my asthma come from heat-vent carbon monoxide? This mayor thinks she used us for a ﬁscal budget But housing is an equal right and we ain’t budgin’ Homeless lives matter, H-L-M Muriel Bowser don’t care about us Because she ain’t our friend. Laticia, or “Pwezzy Village,” runs a video series on YouTube and Facebook called “Pwezzy Village & Sequan.”

doesn’t want you to be served a simple meal like those who are cruel to others. You are waiting long because yours is a special meal. It takes time to prepare and only chief chefs prepare them. Relax and wait for your meal. When it comes, you won’t even be thinking about that laughing party. Stay blessed! Enjoy your day! This is my word of encouragement to you. Thank you for reading my articles my, dear customers. If you are feeling similar to what has been expressed in these verses, here are several ways you can instantly connect with someone to talk about it for free: — Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for national operators — Call 1-888-7-WE-HELP (1-888-793-4357) for D.C. operators — Text CONNECT to 741741 in the United States — Visit www.ImAlive.org to chat with someone online — Dialing 911 is alway an option if you or someone else is in danger

1 4 // ST REET SEN S E ME DI A / / JUNE 1 2 - 2 5 , 2019

FUN & GAMES

Sudoku #2 7

8 7 5 6 2

scratch area

3 4

5 2

1 9 5

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

LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTION >>

Mistaken for Love

Synthetic Drugs

BY PATTY SMITH Artist/Vendor

BY MARCUS MCCALL // Artist/Vendor

8 1 6 4 5

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

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

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

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

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

Tricked!

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

7 5 4 6 9 8

2 1 3

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

6 5 8 7 3 9 1 2 4

4 2 1 6 8 7

9 5

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

I first started using synthetic marijuana in 2012. I was introduced by a friend. (Or at least I thought he was.) It was a hot day in July and I was bored with nothing to do one weekend. I called a buddy to chill and blaze and he told me about his new batch of weed and was giving out free joints. So, I took him up on his offer of a "free high." I did not complain at the time but my life has taken a major turn since smoking what I learned was K2. I can honestly say it has a serious side effect on mood swings. You see, the way addiction works, is the brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to send messages from cell to cell, with specialized receptors in place to interpret those messages. Scientists believe the brain contains about 100 different types of neurotransmitters, each with a highly specialized function. Trouble begins when drugs and alcohol interrupt this carefully balanced system, especially the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that plays an important role in pleasure and reward, as well as sleep, learning, memory, attention, and mood. Tough Sudokuevery by KrazyDad, Volumein1,a Book 1 Dopamine is released time you engage pleasurable activity, including eating, having sex, Sudoku #2 running, or even watching your favorite sports team. However, pleasure associated with drugs and alcohol can trigger the 9 1 3 6 5 7 4 release of up to 8two2times more dopamine than natural rewards. Damage 1 7 is fl5ooded 2 6 3high amounts of dopamine. 8 9 begins when the brain with4abnormally The brain works6hard to adjust and restore 3 4 5 2 7 8 balance, 1 9 but the release of dopamine continues every time the substance is used. Soon, the brain becomes tolerant of 9 1 feelings 3 7 8 6 4 2 the substance and 5pleasurable are no longer possible. Larger amounts of 6 3to simply 9 8withdrawal. 4 5 avoid 1 7painful dopamine become2needed I’ve been to two treatment programs to address 4 8 7 2 6 9 1 3 my 5 issue and I have problems going to sleep. Sometimes I feel spaced out using synthetic drugs. It kills my drive 3 5the6end9of last 1 2 4 8 7 or motivation. Toward year, I tried doing out-patient treatment in 1 8in Southeast 7 4 5by 3the Big 2 6 groups at Family 9 Medical Chair. I’m still trying. Addiction is pleasure without conscience. 7 4 2 6 8 3 9 5 1 Every journalist has a novel in him, which is an excellent place for it.

Tough Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 8

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

9 1 6 3

Love is like a ﬁreball Falling from the sky All because My whole world was torn apart The moment I met you You seemed to care Because, I know it is not The way you treated me Or the way your love set me free I walk on this lonely highway With my head hung down Searching for love Any old woman will do. Any old woman have to do.

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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// 15

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MALIZ ONG // PUBLICDOMAINPICTURES.NET

Happy Father’s Day! BY SYBIL TAYLOR Artist/Vendor

On fatherhood BY MICHAEL DANIELS Artist/Vendor

ILLUSTRATION BY MEG ROGERS MEGROGERS.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

Growing up, my father always wanted to know how my school day went. “What did you study?” “Did you have test?” “Did you learn something new?” “What activity was the most fun?” After I finished my homework, he insisted I clean my room, then mae sure I cleaned my sister’s and brother’s rooms. My father helped me get a job delivering newspapers, which I did for about five years. I was 13 when my son came into this world. So, before my father died 15 years ago, he would sit down and talk to me about being both a man and and a family man. I always asked him how to be a good father to my son and how to treat my lady friend. His rules: always be a good person, always be a good father to your son no matter what, always treat your children’s mother as you would your mother, and respect love and understanding.

A proud, strong African American BY REGINALD BLACK // Artist/Vendor

I have mixed feelings about my father. He was the first man I could identify with. Any father on the low-low is a hero. He defended his country and got some opportunities to have a stable family. And although we were middle class, we were not without struggle. He lost his spouse early in my childhood, leaving him to raise me as a single parent. I once asked him whether he had dreams. “NO!” he said emphatically. I was disappointed, but it is one of the things that fuels me to continue pursuing my dreams. My guess is that the turmoil of being

born in 1948, living through the pre-civil rights movement, and enduring Vietnam hardened him. I could see at times he held things inside that may be bothersome but worth sharing. And even though it seemed he could see only into the next day, his most enduring life lesson is perseverance. Like all fathers, he was a hero. When we celebrate Father’s Day, we should remember to value the importance of a father. As men, we are all fathers in a way. And I pray I will be able to pass the lessons he taught me to my children.

To my father, who’s spending his special day in Heaven, and the many other father’s out there: Happy Father’s Day! My dad was an Army vet, a brave soldier who served this country, like his father before him. My grandfather served in the Korean War, one of the bloodiest wars, while Dad served during peacetime. Our family loves and misses them dearly. I cherish the memory of Dad walking me to school after Mom cooked breakfast for us. And helping me with homework and chores. We were all saddened when he left us to go to his new home and receive his wings and his halo. But I’m glad he is now free and happy with no sickness or pain. I know he is a wonderful angel because he was a loving father, a loving husband, and a loving grandfather. We’ll especially miss him during the Fourth of July, when he would cook out and help us light the fireworks. You were the best, Dad, always. And one day we will all be together. Enjoy your heavenly Father’s Day!

Thank you for reading Street Sense! From your vendor JUNE 12 - 25, 2019 | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 16

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