08 06 2008

New Health Director Seeks to Improve Outreach to the Uninsured, page 3

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Where the Washington area's poor and homeless earn and give their two cents Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008 • Volume 5, Issue 20

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Numbers of Chronic Homeless Decline Nationally

By Mary Otto America’s homeless crisis has been mounting for three decades.

But according to federal officials, nationwide approaches to ending chronic homelessness may now be stemming the tide.

A new report found 32,000 fewer chronically indigent people living

in the country’s streets and shelters last year.

Between 2006 and 2007, the chronic homeless population dropped about 20% to 123,833 according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s third annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.

“This is the news we have been

waiting for the past 30 years,” said Philip F. Mangano, executive director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, charged with coordinating the federal response to homelessness.

The newly released study, which includes data compiled from annual homeless surveys conducted by local communities across the coun-

try, charted a continuing decline from 2005, when 175,914 homeless people were counted.

Some homeless advocates gathered for a national convention in Washington, D.C., July 28 to 30, greeted the findings of the new report with skepticism.

“I’d ask for a recount,” said Bonnie Bramwell, of the Freder-

ick Community Action Agency in Maryland.

“It’s really hard to believe that our numbers are lower.”

But Mangano and other federal officials attributed much of the drop to the development of more than 40,000 units of permanent

See

National, page 4

Editorial

Serving the Poor At the Pentagon on a recent hot Monday morning, Kathy Boylan, Mike and Eda Uca-Dorn and Art Laffin from Washington, D.C.’s Dorothy Day Catholic Worker movement stand behind metal barricades to protest the Iraq War. Kathy holds up a sign that reads: “Refuse Orders to Kill!” and Eda calls out, “ I t ’s n o t too late to be a conscientious objector!

Put down your guns!”

Nearby, a Buddhist monk drums out a s l ow, rhythmic call to peace as hundreds o f Pe n t a gon employees file past.

The group, known as Dorothy Day or Catholic Worker, calls to mind parishioners providing food, shelter and clothing.

To help me fully understand their mission, the D.C. Catholic Worker community invited me to dinner at their residence where they live and work.

We gathered around the table for

The Catholic Worker Movement Celebrates 75 Years of Resistance and Protest as an Act of Mercy

See

Mercy, page 12

Photo by Max Nepstad/Street Sense

By Denise Wilkins

Franklin shelter residents protest closing

On Sunday, July 27, nearly 100 people marched in steaming hot conditions protesting the planned closing of the Franklin School Shelter on Oct. 1. See story and more photos, page 7.

Inside This Issue COLUMN

Saving for Change How you can support your election candidates, page 10

EDITORIAL

POETRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

Street Sense volunteer Jerry W. gives some advice for the newly homeless or about-to-be-homeless, page 13

Poems by two recent young victims of violence, page 9

Street Sense’s own Cliff Carle recently received recognition for his photos, page 8

Gotta Go, Now What?

In Memoriam

Cliff’s Clicks

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

ALL ABOUT US

Our Mission

1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347-2006 Fax: (202) 347-2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS James Davis Robert Egger Ted Henson Barbara Kagan Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Francine Triplett David Walker Kathy Whelpley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Thompson Osuri EDITOR IN CHIEF Mary Otto VENDOR MANAGER Rita Renee Brunson ASSOCIATE EDITOR David S. Hammond (volunteer) INTERNS Joe McKnight, Craig Downs VOLUNTEERS Matt Allee, Robert Basler, Robert Blair, Jane Cave, Jason Corum, Rebecca Curry, Rick Dahnke, Lee Davis, Jessica Gaitan, Joshua Gardner, Genevieve Gill, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Carol Hannaford, Justin Herman, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Aimee Hyzy, Alicia Jones, Mary Lynn Jones, Maurice King, Geof Koss, Jessica LaGarde, Jeff Lambert, Karin Lee, Matthew S. Lee, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Claire Markgraf, Sam McCormally, Kent Mitchell, Max Nepstad, Kim O’Connor, Robert Orifici, Swinitha Osuri, Katherine Otto, Brittany Pope, Derek Culver Schlickeisen, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Dan Seligson, Eric Sheptock, Jesse Smith, Katie Smith, Romney Smith, Kathryn Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Francine Triplett, Eugene Versluysen, Jerry W., Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu VENDORS Willie Alexander, Michael Anderson, Katrina Angie, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Tommy Bennett, Corey Bridges, Bobby Buggs, Conrad Cheek Jr., Walter Crawley, Louise Davenport, James Davis, Bernard Dean, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon El, Barron Hall, David Harris, John Harrison, Patricia Henry, Phillip Howard, Jo Ann Jackson, Michael Jefferson, Patricia Jefferson, Carlton Johnson, Jewell Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Brenda Karyl Lee-Wilson, Charles Mayfield, Lee Mayse, Jennifer Mclaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, L. Morrow, Charles Nelson, Moyo Onibuje, Therese Onyemenon, Thomas Queen, Kevin Robinson, Ed Ross, Dennis Rutledge, Gerald Smith, Patty Smith, Franklin Sterling, James Stewart, Gary Stoddard, Archie Thomas, Ingrid Thomas, Eric Thompson, Francine Triplett, Carl Turner, Jerry W., Martin Walker, Mary Wanyama, Lawless Watson, Inell Wilson, Ivory Wilson, Tina Wright

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Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Our Editorial Policy

Editorials and features in Street Sense reflect the perspectives of the authors. We invite the submission of news, opinion, fiction and poetry, hoping to create a means in which a multitude of perspectives on poverty and homelessness can find expression. Street Sense reserves the right to edit any material.

North American Street Newspaper Association

The Story of Street Sense Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 25 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world.

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. For the next three years the paper published consistently on a monthly basis and greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network.

For the first year, Street Sense operated as a project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space. In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming an independent nonprofit organization.

In October 2005, Street Sense formed a board of directors, and in November, the organization hired its first employee, a full-time executive director.

A year later, in November 2006, the organization hired its first vendor coordinator.

In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month as the network of vendors expanded to more than 50 homeless men and women.

To support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first fulltime editor in chief in April 2007.

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WANNA HELP? If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or have a great article or feature idea, please contact us at 202-347-2006 or e-mail editor@streetsense.org If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Rita Brunson at the same number or come to a vendor training session on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. at our office (1317 G Street, NW - near Metro Center).

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

PROFILE

profile

D.C. Health Department Renews Focus on Uninsured

By Derek Culver Schlickeisen Three months into his tenure as director of the District of Columbia’s Department of Health, Pierre Vigilance has brought a renewed focus on getting health care to the city’s uninsured – particularly the homeless.

“We have a unique challenge,” Vigilance told Street Sense. “The District differs from other jurisdictions in that we have a much larger homeless, and thus uninsured, population. They end up going to the emergency department for non-emergencies because they don’t have a primary health care provider.”

The Health Department has drawn criticism in the past from community leaders and local media for failing to help poor, uninsured residents obtain care. But Vigilance plans to get more people into services through improved outreach.

He aims to better link the uninsured to existing health-care resources of which they may not be aware.

“The problem is not simply that the homeless and the uninsured don’t have anywhere to go,” Vigilance said. “More likely, they will not know where to begin looking.”

Vigilance brings experience to the task of providing health care to needy populations.

In his previous capacity as the top-ranking health official for Maryland’s Baltimore County, he worked with a local hospital on joint grant applications that ultimately funded both medical records systems and health

care facilities paired with a local homeless the city may ultimately put up to $24 million shelter. into subsidizing electronic records at hospiVigilance said his department hopes to tals and other facilities that “serve a substanassign comprehensive case managers to co- tial number of individuals who are enrolled in ordinate and keep track of the many interac- Medicaid … or who are uninsured.” tions a typical patient will Beyond modernized rehave with the health syscord systems for individual tem over time. Citing porprovider locations, the settions of the city east of the tlement money will fund Anacostia River (Wards 7 the establishment of a sysand 8) as the District’s tem-wide, centralized “inmost heavily populated formation clearinghouse” with uninsured patients, with records available to he noted that many reproviders across the city. cipients of Medicare and According to the report, Medicaid assistance have this step will allow records little continuity of care to follow patients wherever because they do not re— Pierre Vigilance, they travel within the systurn to the same primary D.C. Department of Health tem, aiding case managers health-care provider from director in their work. visit to visit.

In addition to the report, “It’s easy to say but not Vigilance said his decision easy to do,” Vigilance said. to pursue electronic records “Navigating this system as it exists now can be and other steps towards continuity of inforvery challenging.” mation and care has been informed by his To help reduce the workload for health care experience at homeless roundtables, both in providers as well as patients, the department the District and in Baltimore County. plans to invest a portion of the more than “One issue that comes up again and again $100 million remaining from 1998’s historic has to do with the medically frail homeless,” $245 million settlement between tobacco he explained. “These are people who are discompanies and state governments to adopt charged from hospitals with continuing medielectronic health-care records. cal conditions, but without a home to return Following a recommendation contained in to. It can be hard to recover from a medical isa RAND Corporation report published in June, sue when you don’t have a place to call home.

“Navigating this system as it exists now can be very challenging.”

Photo Courtesy of The D.C. Deaprtment of Health

New Director Seeks to Improve Outreach, Portability of Records

Pierre Vigilance is the director of the District’s Department of Health.

While the Health Department is not primarily responsible for the issue of homelessness, we can look at managing the impact that the condition of homelessness has on the process of seeking medical care.”

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LOCAL NEWS

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons nationwide, down 11% from the previous year’s count. The first national report documented 754,147 in 2005. supportive housing in this decade.

Two-thirds of the nation’s homeless popMany factors have been implicated in the rising toll of homelessness — from dwindling ulation were individuals and more than one stocks of public and subsidized housing to third were persons in families.

Beyond the point-in-time count of the returning waves of traumatized Vietnam country’s homeless population, the annual veterans, from the deinstitutionalization of mental patients to the increasing availability report also estimated that nearly 1.6 million of highly addictive drugs. But the full scope of people used emergency shelters and transithe problem was never known, and no official tional programs over the span of the entire year, from Oct. 1, 2006 and September 2007. national count existed until three years ago.

But, HUD officials and homeless advocates In the past decade, in keeping with a national policy goal of ending chronic homeless- alike acknowledged that counting homeless people is an inexact sciness, communities have ence. begun employing “housing “There is no way we can first” strategies that place “There is no way count all the people in the chronically homeless indistreets,” said Iris Leary, an we can count all viduals into stable housing addictions counselor for the programs that include sothe people in the Homeless Outreach Procial services to address the gram in Los Angeles who streets. addictions and illnesses was attending the conferthat have contributed to We have the ence. “We have the hometheir problems. less count, but we don’t homeless count HUD defines a chronicount all the homeless.” cally homeless person as a but we don’t count Nan Roman, president of disabled person who has the National Alliance to End all the homeless.” been continuously homeHomelessness greeted the less for more than one year — Iris Leary, release of the report with or who has experienced addictions counselor, guarded optimism. at least four episodes of Homeless Outreach “Despite rising consumer homelessness in the past Program, Los Angeles prices and a faltering econthree years. omy, we’ve seen a dramatic The new figures show reduction in homelessness such supportive housing in many communities programs can provide an answer for the chronically homeless accord- across the country. However, significant challenges remain,” she said. ing to Mangano.

Conference participant Renee Kennedy, of “Housing without services sets up this the Savannah Union Mission, agreed. population for failure,” said Mangano. “So “We are making headway,” she said. But do services without housing that leave them on the street. We’ve been learning that lesson programs are still struggling to meet the needs over the past two decades. We now have an they see, she said. “It’s three steps forward, two steps back.” intervention that works.”

Others at the conference worried that withThe results of the national homeless report were announced by HUD Secretary Steve out a sustained commitment to social services Preston in a July 29 address to National Alli- supportive housing programs could turn into ance to End Homelessness, which drew more another form of warehousing for the disabled, than 1,000 advocates to Washington for the destitute and mentally ill.

Some contended HUD’s definition of organization’s national convention. homelessness is too narrow to capture the “We can all be encouraged that we’re maktrue scope of the nation’s problem. The definiing progress in reducing chronic street homelessness in America, and with more resources tion, for instance, does not include individuand better reporting, we can continue this als and families who have lost their housing but who are doubled up in other people’s trend,” said Preston.

“There is a long way to go to find a more homes.

In addition, the figures were collected too lasting solution. But working with our partners, we are establishing more permanent early to reflect the impact of the nation’s unhousing solutions for those who might other- folding housing crisis.

For the chronically homeless, services are wise be living on our streets,” added Preston.

The annual report found that on a single getting better said Leary. “But at the same night in January 2007, there were 671,888 time, other people are becoming homeless.”

National, from page 1

Thank you

to our Street Sense donors for June and July Saudi Abdullah Philip Aronson Fahah Ashraf Ron Ball Terri Renee Daye Aseel Elborno Linda Fibich Robin Goracke Carol Grigsby Lara Thornely Hall Audrey Hoffer Jarroda Kelsaw Jennifer and Kevin Kincaid

Gisela Marcuse Michael Mavretic Melani McAlister Emily McKnight Sharyn Meister Susan Nelson John Niehuss Jennifer and Anthony Park Tracey Parker Amy Rosenthal Linda Tripplett Raj Verma Ron Zimmerman

Homeless? Jobless?

Next Step Program staff help you make positive changes in your life. We help you set and take your next steps toward greater self-reliance.

We offer:

• employment services • job preparation workshops • resume writing • job search assistance • computer tutorials

• referrals to other community agencies that will support your next steps • HIV/AIDS services including bereavement support, burial assistance and a retreat program

Changing Your Life...One Step at a Time For more information on how you can participate in the Next Step Program, call 202-722-2280, email info@samaritanministry.org or visit one of our offices between 9:00 and 11:00 any weekday morning:

1516 Hamilton St., NW Washington, DC 20011 202-722-2280

1345 U St., SE Washington, DC 20020 202-889-7702

Would you like to help?

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E-mail editor@streetsense.org

The Next Step Program is sponsored by Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, a community partnership supported by more than 40 Episcopal and other partner parishes throughout the Washington metropolitan area. There are no religious requirements for participation in the Next Step Program.

SMGW-B&Wad_11012007.indd 1

11/5/2007 7:17:29 PM

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

LOCAL NEWS

Artist helps homeless express creativity, tell their stories

By Mara Grunbaum An old church façade. A pink sunset over the Hawthorne Bridge. A warm plate of breakfast. A tired face emerging from a sleeping bag cocoon. These photographs, mounted in rows on long white boards, narrate their photographers’ daily lives on the street. Five men, the students in Sharon Agnor’s art class at the Julia West House day shelter, have been working on the photo essays since last winter.

“The whole idea is to show what life is like on the street for low-income people,” said Agnor, a metal sculptor. “Invisible people, ones who are marginalized.”

Since she began holding the weekly class for Julia West’s homeless and low-income patrons two and a half years ago, Agnor estimates that she has seen about 20 students come and go. Most of her students now have been with her for several years.

“There are a lot of people who come (to Julia West) that draw,” Agnor said. “We’re creative beings — we almost can’t help but express it in some way.”

The only difference for people experiencing homelessness, she believes, is that they may not have the means or the medium to express themselves. So Agnor, who has her own local studio, donates the time and materials necessary to give a few that outlet.

“There are times — I’m sure all of us have experienced this – were we’ve just had a really bad week,” said C.J. White, a soft-spoken, bespectacled Julia West client who has been

in Agnor’s class almost since the beginning. bigger because of them — absolutely bigger.

“And this is one of the little things that made I’m exposed to things that I would never be us forget about it, even if it was just for a exposed to ... it really blesses me.” couple hours.”

With Agnor’s guidance, the students have Agnor “really knows how tiled a mosaic bench for to get us excited,” White the Julia West courtyard, adds. “She’s contagious.” bent wire into three-diFor the photography mensional self portraits, project, Agnor armed her pasted mixed media coldisciples with 24-exposure lages around painted disposable plastic camercardboard masks, and as. They snapped shots of glazed and fired raku pottheir sleeping setups, their tery, which goes into the hangout spots, their meals, kiln drably colored and their friends and their faemerges with astonishing vorite Portland vistas. luster.

A gallery show at War“Ev e r y t i m e w e d o ner Pacific College next something like that, we fall will give the class their have to talk about the first chance to display their analogy of it, too,” Agnor work to the public. The said. “Whenever matephoto essays will hang berial is subjected to extween their other projects, treme heat, it stresses — Sharon Agnor, which they can try to sell if and changes. It comes out Art teacher they choose. something totally differThe students are no ent — just like life. What strangers to art shows: Ag(people on the street) live nor occasionally arranges with is constant stress.” field trips to museums and galleries to further Darren Alexander, who has been homeless their artistic education. White said he’s deeply on and off for fifteen years, said that making moved by the Impressionists; Larry May, the art is soothing. Like most of his classmates, newest student, prefers modern art.

Alexander is too modest to call himself an artAgnor speaks as reverently of her pupils ist, but he’s happy to explain his work. In his as they do of her. “They’re so open to ideas, collage, two African tribesmen stand behind and they’re talented,” she said. “My world is a presidential podium under a speech bubble

“My world is bigger because of them — absolutely bigger.

I’m exposed to things I never would be exposed to ... it really blesses me.”

proclaiming, “Don’t pigeonhole me.”

“Part of it is a statement,” said Alexander, who carefully selects the few words he speaks. “Don’t assume that because you see one thing, that you know me.”

Alexander traces his creative streak back to childhood – he’s always written stories and drawn “doodles” – but Agnor’s class seems to have fueled his artistic ambition. He said he hopes to take filmmaking classes and work in movies or television.

“I have this idea,” he offers, “about a megachurch pastor who also happens to be a crime boss. Kind of like The Sopranos meets 7th Heaven.”

On their last visit to the Portland Art Museum, the class talked about abstract art.

Later, they painted their own abstracts in acrylic. Rick Miles’s canvas is a storm of finger-painted colors, dark with bright sparks.

His inspiration, he recalls, was good old-fashioned artistic conflict.

“I started to do my own stuff,” said Miles, a stubbly man in a trucker’s cap who likes to scavenge for art supplies in construction site dumpsters. “And then Larry said, ‘No, you’re not doing it that way. You’re going to have to do it the way the whole art class is doing it’...

So I had a lot of anger in that picture.”

But stylistic squabbles don’t last long, and the classmates are tight-knit. “There’s a really cool synergy that happens when they’re all to-

See

Art, page 7

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

6 POLITICS

Street Politics By David S. Hammond

1968

On the Hill

The din and hilarity of talk radio and cable news have a way of simplifying the two political parties down to caricatures.

But those images are not necessarily true, nor are they permanent, as a quick look at the party platforms of 1968 will show.

These statements, of course, are not real-life policy decisions. That’s politics. But they do show how some of the concerns of 40 years ago have changed, and how some of them are still with us today. Facts on the ground have changed, too.

Historic Homeless Act Reaches 21st Anniversary

From the Democratic Party platform of 1968: “Since 1961, we have seen … an increase of nearly 40 percent in real wages and salaries … . ” From the Republican Party platform of 1968: “We pledge … vigorous federal support to innovative state programs, using new policy techniques such as urban development corporations, to help rebuild our cities ...

“We will modify the rigid welfare requirements that stifle work motivation and support locally operated children’s day care centers to free the parents to accept work.”

“We will encourage extension of private health insurance to cover mental illness.”

“The entire nation has been profoundly concerned by hastily extemporized, undeclared land wars which embroil massive U.S. armed forces thousands of miles from our shores. ... At home, the [Johnson] Administration has failed to share with the people the full implication of our challenge and of our commitments. ... We will return to one of the cardinal principles of the last Republican Administration: that American interests are best served by cooperative multilateral action with our allies rather than by unilateral U.S. action.”

From President Nixon’s 1969 Inaugural Address: “We shall plan now for the day when our wealth can be transferred from the destruction of war abroad to the urgent needs of our people at home.”

Party platforms and inaugural address were obtained courtesy of John Woolley and Gerhard Peters at The American Presidency Project, University of California at Santa Barbara, http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu.

‘Maybe we should pull it out of the bank’ It isn’t just the 1960s we still hear about. The styles of the 1920s have been staples for decades. Now the 1930s too show up regularly in the work of musicians and even fashion designers. So “newsboy” caps, FDR, and hobos have been sharing the stage with hippies, disco, and bad taste from the 1980s – maybe a little more than previously.

Is this simply cultural recycling? Consider the recent headlines about bank failures, and read what I overheard in a gas station in New England, and decide for yourself: “You know, we got a small inheritance, and I’ve been thinking maybe we should pull it out of the bank.”

“Isn’t it insured?”

“Yes, up to 100,000.”

“That’s federal, isn’t it?”

Long silence.

“I have a safe that can get through a fire, a flood, or falling ten stories.”

‘I can live in a tent’ The owner of a small business in New England told me recently “It cost me $6,000 to heat this place last winter. Two years ago it cost $4,000. The year before that, $2,000.

I don’t think I can stay open this winter. I might go to Florida. I can live in a tent. I can do that.”

What’s on your mind? E-mail StreetPoliticsDC@aol.com.

Your thoughts are welcome. E-mail editor@streetsense.org.

By Street Sense Staff

homeless children. The bill defined for the first time what it means to be a homeOn July 22, 1987, President Ronald Rea- less youth, as an individual “who lacks a gan signed into law the first major piece fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime of legislation to address homelessness on residence.” the federal level.

Furthermore, the Act requires that such Twenty-one years later, the McKinney- children be given free transportation to Vento Homeless Asand from school, sistance Act (originally and admitted even known as the Stewart if they do not have B. McKinney Homedocuments usually less Assistance Act) is required such as still law and continues proof of residence. to be recognized as In 2007, to honor landmark legislation, the 20th anniversary although it has been of this important legupdated and amended islation, the House several times. of Representatives One provision of passed a motion acthe bill established the knowledging the act’s Interagency Council significance, espeon the Homeless (later cially noting that “the called the Interagency programs established Council on Homelessby the McKinney-Venness), whose mission to Act have provided is to “coordinate the housing, education, Federal response to health care, and job homelessness and to training assistance, create partnerships and critical outbetween the Federal reach, to thousands agencies addressing of homeless men, homelessness and women, and children every level of governin the United States … ment and every eleand the Education for ment of the private Homeless Children sector.” In practice, and Youth Program of — 2007 motion by the the Council, whose the McKinney-Vento House of Representatives members include Act has resulted in a Cabinet secretaries, significant increase in the attorney general, the number of homerepresentatives from the White House and less children and youth attending school others, provides federal leadership and on a regular basis.” coordination for homeless initiatives and According to the Third Annual Homeintergovernmental partnerships around less Assessment Report to Congress, rethe country. leased in July, nearly 1.6 million people Another significant aspect of the used emergency shelters and transitional McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs between October 2006 and SepAct is the focus on education rights for tember 2007.

“... [T]he programs established by the McKinneyVento Act have provided housing, education, health care, and job training assistance, and critical outreach, to thousands of homeless men, women, and children in the United States.”

Looking for a past story or poem?

Visit the Street Sense archives online!

Go to www.streetsense.org/archives.jsp to read past issues or use our internal search engine at www.streetsense.org

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

Photo by Max Nepstad/Street Sense

A participant in the march on July 27 in protest of the imminent closing of Franklin School Shelter.

Homeless Protest Franklin Shelter Closing Nearly 100 people marched in steaming hot conditions Sunday, July 27, protesting the planned closing of the Franklin School Shelter on Oct. 1. The march began at St. Aloysius Church with participants singing, “We are marching in the light of God,” and ended at the front door of D.C Council member Tommy Wells. Wells chairs the human services committee and represents Ward 6.

The director of the Father McKenna Center, Tom Howarth, organized the march. “Ward 6 has at least two parts, much like the city as a whole. There is one part for the privileged, where Wells lives, and one part for the poor,” Howarth said, “We walked from the poor part to the rich part. Salvation is from the poor. That’s a theological reality you can look up.”

Wells came out on the front steps of his home for what became an impromptu press conference concerning the future of Franklin Shelter. Wells acknowledged the possible closing of the shelter, but would not say whether or not he would support closing it. “We’ll have to look at the impact (of the closing) on Ward 6 and the homeless before we make any decisions,” Wells said.

However, many in the crowd believed they already knew some of the possible effects.

Renee Bowser, a volunteer at Empower D.C., said, “We’ve lost a lot of public property and get no benefit. There is no plan for the homeless who get kicked out of Franklin. It doesn’t make sense.”

— By Joe McKnight

Art, from page 5

der, whose photos show him waking up at his campsite, eating a meal, and writing in his journal. “You want to show your best side,” he said, but “it’s going to be a show of warts and all.”

All the same, his classmate May hopes visitors will walk away from the gallery with a broader understanding of life outside.

“I think if people see the artwork, they’ll understand that there are a lot of people out there on the street that are artistic, but just don’t ... have the ability to do it,” May said.

“There’s more out there for the homeless than just sleeping around and (collecting) cans.”

gether,” Agnor said. “Our friendships that we’ve formed are probably the biggest deal.”

As they try to settle on their photos’ final arrangements, the men are also plotting a multimedia installation for their exhibition’s centerpiece. They plan to stuff a sleeping bag so it looks occupied, give it a video screen for a head and roll tape of interviews they’ll conduct with people from Julia West.

“They’re so excited to be able to do something and have somebody see it and say, ‘Wow, that’s great,’” Agnor said. “How often do they get to hear that from anybody for anything?”

Of course, there is vulnerability in documenting your life for the public, said Alexan-

Reprinted from Street Roots © Street News Service: www.street-papers.org

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

PHOTOS FEATURES

Cliff’s Clicks:

Honored Street Sense vendor Cliff “the Moose” Carle takes hundreds of photos all over Washington every week. Here are two photos that have recently earned him some honors.

At the first-ever International Network of Street Papers awards, Street Sense’s own Cliff Carle was honored as a finalist in the Best Photograph category. The noteworthy photograph was called “Home Is Where You Make It” and was of a man sitting on his couch alongside a refrigerator just above Route 395 in Washington, D.C. This photograph ran on the back page of the Jan. 15, 2007 issue of Street Sense. The winner of the Best Photograph award was Karin Powser of Germany, who used to be homeless. Her picture was of a homeless person sleeping at the entrance of a department store below a sign promoting “the new design of comfortable living.” The other photography finalists were from Sweden and Portugal. Other award categories included: Best Feature Story, Best Campaign Coverage, Best Interview and Best Vendor Essay.

— By Joe McKnight

“I’m in heaven,” Street Sense vendor and photographer Cliff Carle said, after hearing the city would be buying one of his photographs. Carle has sold photographs to individuals in the past, including readers of Street Sense and supporters at the paper’s silent auction fundraisers. He has been looking for new markets and broader exposure, and recently found success with the news that D.C.’s Arts Commission is buying “Supreme Court at Sunset” for the city’s “Art Bank,” a collection of artwork and images of Washington. A panel of artists, dealers, and other experts selected the photograph, along with a few dozen other works, from some 450 submissions to the latest round of Art Bank acquisitions. “Supreme Court at Sunset” will join almost 2,100 images in a permanent collection. And Carle said he’ll keep looking for new places to show, and sell, his work.

— By David Hammond

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

POETRY

In Memoriam Two young men, members of the Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop, were shot and killed in separate incidents last month.

Christian Lamar Taylor was shot at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 27 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW, and Derrick Green was shot at about 2 a.m. Thursday, July 17 on the 1300 block of Vermont Avenue, NW, according to police.

Tara Libert, deputy director of Free Minds, described Christian as talented and a “go-go musician/poet with a great sense of humor.” Derrick was a “gifted, loving and creative individual,” she said in an e-mail.

The police are seeking the community’s help in solving the killings of Christian and Derrick. Anyone with information is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department’s Command Information Center at 202-727-9099. A reward may be offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons reponsible for the killings.

The organization they were involved in, Free Minds, “uses books and creative writing to empower young inmates to transform their lives.” Free Minds also provides mentoring and support throughout incarceration and reentry into society, hoping to inspire and aid these young people in achieving educational and career goals. For information, visit www.freemindsbookclub.com.

Street Sense often publishes poems by members of Free Minds. Below are two poems by Christian and Derrick.

Proving Them Wrong People say in life I won’t make it My spirit too strong so I won’t let them break it

Forgiveness

They say I’m hard headed and have a young mind I say in life all you do is take it one day at a time

Forgiveness is hard but it happens.

At times you will need to forgive or be forgiven.

So what I do, fight to win the battle My boat shakes, twists and rattles

I have forgiven people for the things they have done to me because after awhile it just gets old.

I don’t let people discourage me They want to see my downfall I still don’t let it worry me

Forgiveness means a lot.

Clawing and pulling my way to the top I keep striving for my goal and don’t let the next man make me stop

Forgiveness can save lives when a person does something wrong to another person grab the Bible and ask for forgiveness.

Proving them wrong and seeing the smile on my face Looking at the hater and seeing hate in their face You know what I say?

I made it

He shall answer your prayer.

It might not happen right away but it will happen right out of the blue.

— By Derrick Green June 8, 2007

— By Chris Taylor Sept. 30, 2006

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

10 FEATURES

Supporting Your Candidate Without Emptying Your Wallet

By Alisha Howell The political campaign rolls on this summer and chatter about the contenders for local seats and the highest office in the land continues to occur in the nation’s capital. No matter what your political affiliation, donating money to either a local or national campaign is something each candidate encourages from its supporters, but this is not the only way you can show your support. Instead of giving money that you may not have, here are some simple, no–cost and low–cost ways you can help your candidate get elected.

Volunteer with a campaign What better time to canvass outdoors than the summertime? Canvassing allows supporters to walk around in the warm, sunny weather to various communities and speak to people about the candidate of their choice and why the residents should vote for him or her. Interested community members can simply visit their candidate’s Web site or call his or her office for specific information in the D.C. area.

Political parties also have volunteer sign–up forms on their Web sites and other ways to volunteer include making phone calls, registering voters, or recruiting more volunteers. Check out the following sites for more information: Democratic Party, www.democrats. org/volunteer.html; Green Party, www. gp.org/volunteer.php; Republican Party, www.gop.com/secure/?Type=S2;.

Some D.C. City Councilmembers up for re–election, as well as their opponents, also have online forms through their Web sites to sign up to volunteer for the campaign. The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics is a good resource to see who is running for local office. A list of all candidates on the ballot for the Sept.

9 D.C. primary can be found at: www.dcboee.org and click on “List of Candidates for the September 9, 2008 Primary Election.”

Attend or host an event The summer months are full of free campaign events to attend. Presidential candidates have events almost daily and you can find a list of programs in your area on the Web site of your favorite candidate. Local D.C. City Councilmember candidates hold events as well in their respective Wards. Being a rally attendee shows your dedication to the campaign and if you are one of many, it shows other

voters, perhaps undecided, just how big a following your candidate has amassed.

Hosting an event might seem expensive but actually it can be a low–cost way to show support. Campaign rallies at parks or homes congregate supporters in one area to brainstorm ways to help the campaign. It can be as low–cost (punch and cookies) or high–end (catered dinner) as you like, and asking everyone to bring a dish to share will cut down on costs, too.

Show and Tell Signs in the window or yard, wearing a campaign button, a bumper sticker, or passing out fliers are all ways you can show your support this campaign season. Some news shows even feature segments for viewers to call–in or e–mail the show and express their political opinions.

You can also use the Internet to create a fan site supporting your candidate or link a candidate’s site to your own existing page. Just make sure you create your own content and do not copy text from another site and place it on yours – that is illegal. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a political campaign, especially the ones we are currently observing. These no and low–cost, fun, simple, and creative options provide the avid supporter with a more personal way to get involved and make a difference.

Don’t Forget Regardless of whether you decide to engage in these or other political activities, the most important event of all is Election Day, which is always free. So get registered and go to the polls on Sept. 9 and Nov. 4 to make sure you are heard at the ballot box this year.

Aug. 11 is the last day to register to vote in the D.C. primary elections on Sept. 9, 2008.

Oct. 6 is the last day to register to vote in the general election on Nov. 4, 2008.

To register, simply fill out the form on the D.C. Board of Elections Website (www.dcboee.org/voterreg/ovr_step1. asp) and mail–in supporting registration materials to: D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics Attn: e–Government Division 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 250 North Washington, D.C. 20001 This regular financial column is presented by Capital Area Asset Builders, www.caab.org, a nonprofit organization that helps people of all incomes to improve their financial management skills, increase their savings, and build wealth.

Send feedback on this column and your ideas for future topics to saving@ caab.org.

The Vulnerability Index

By Jesse Smith

O

n July 14, a meeting was held at the Wilson building hosted by the Department of Human Ser vices to explain the concept of the Vulnerability In d e x , w h i c h is to be used as the criteria for the selection for homeless persons to obtain the first of the available housing units for at–risk individuals, destined to be distributed by Oct. 1.

Present were many persons representing various organizations and advocates dedicated to the cause of eliminating homelessness in Washington, D.C. I believe that it is fair to say that there has been some success in the efforts made by the organization Common Ground that has allowed some high–risk individuals to obtain housing. It was apparent, however, through the questions and comments roused that there still remains work to do in order to finetune the process.

For example, a comment was made that many persons were not accounted for due to the fact that many of the outreach volunteers were not familiar with the places that many uncounted persons would be because the volunteers are not members of the homeless community and would not know where these people chose to sleep or to find shelter on the streets.

Another question raised was that of the degree of hope afforded to clients in the shelters to realize that the process of getting housing for persons in the shelters is in fact working, and not just more rhetoric that they are so used to hearing and that this was not just another ploy to keep them at bay.

To clarify this point further I need to explain my interest along with my colleagues, David Pirtle and Eric Sheptock, in attending this meeting.

At present, Oct. 1 is the deadline for the Franklin Shelter to remain in operation. As members of the former Committee to Save Franklin Shelter and the organization Until We Are Home, we again challenge the decision of the District government to cease operation of this facility.

We were under the impression that units were to be made available to accommodate the soon–to–be displaced residents of the shelter. We also believed that this was the catalyst for the creation of the Vulnerability Index study. It was proposed that the inhabitants of this facility would be placed in adequate housing prior to the closing of this institution. It is apparent given the time frame for the closing of the shelter that this is not going to happen.

What has occurred was a study to identify the most vulnerable persons who have been on the streets and homeless the longest. At the time of this editorial there are no definitive answers to the plight of the residents at

the shelter. What is understood is that Mayor Fenty directed the Department of Human Services to move 400 of the most vulnerable people from the streets and shelters by the Oct. 1 date. There was no language to specify any one particular shelter or agency, rather it is citywide.

The Vulnerability Index is based on research, which demonstrated that certain medical conditions place a homeless individual at a higher risk than others for dying if they remain homeless.

Common Ground was enlisted to identify the 400 people using its Vulnerability Index.

The Department of Human Services worked with shelter and outreach staff throughout the District to create a by–name list of 500 people who have been in the shelter system the longest and many persons they found sleeping on the streets.

Teams worked to gather such information as names, birth dates, health status and institutional history (jail, prison, hospital, foster care and military service), length of homelessness, and patterns of shelter use.

This data was then analyzed and shelter staffs were given the task of administering the survey to shelter clients who had a history of being homeless.

A total of 1,l52 surveys were completed from the shelters and streets. It was determined that 402 or 35% of those surveyed met at least one of the criteria from the Vulnerability Index. The findings are as follows: Note: The following information is taken from The Registry Creation Fact Sheet by Common Ground for Washington, D.C., on July 14.

These are some of the factors considered for prioritization for the available 400 units of housing.

Indicator

Number

Percent

At Risk Tri–Morbid

398

35%

At Risk ER or Hospitalized over 3X

179

16%

At Risk ER over 3X

70

6%

At Risk Age over 60

160

14%

At Risk HIV/AIDS

64

6%

At Risk Cirrhosis

124

11%

53

5%

136

12%

At Risk ERSD At Risk Frostbite

I was not privy to the actual survey that was presented to the clients in the shelters or the material that was given to the persons on the streets. However, the chart presented above is to be used as a gauge to determine who would be selected first to obtain housing as the units become available.

In addition to the items shown in this chart, there are other factors considered in the selection of persons as housing units become available. These factors are: Age, Years Homeless, Gender, Race/Ethnicity, Military History/Vet Status, Hospitalizations, Emergency Room Visits, Health Care Utilizations,

See

Vulnerability, page 13

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

FEATURES & GAMES 11

Street Su-Do-Ku July 9 Solution

3 1 9 8 5 4 7 6 2

Just fill in the numbers 1 through 9 without repeating a number in any column, row or box.

2 6

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Gregory’s Great Game

Puzzle by websudoku.com

8 7 9 4 2 7

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Homeless History Honor Health Horse House Heavy Hurry Heaven Help Handle

Street Sense vendor Gregory Martin loves creating puzzles.

5 1

Cryptogram

6 8 7 2 1 3 5 9 4

5 2 6 3 1

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Simply find the following words in the grid below. The solution to the last puzzle is found below.

Hair Heard Happening Hope Hour Higher Hard Heart Human

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The Cryptogram puzzle is on a temporary break.

Check back next issue for a new puzzle.

July 9 Solution:

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

“Poverty must not be a bar to learning and learning must offer an escape from poverty.”

— Lyndon Baines Johnson

With Street Sense now coming out every two weeks and reaching nearly 12,000 people each issue, now is the perfect time to promote your business with us.

Gregory’s Great Game: Solution to July 23 Puzzle B

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DEMOGRAPHICS And who your business will be reaching can’t be beat. Our typical reader is a 35–year–old woman who lives in D.C. and works for the government or a nonprofit earning $70,000 a year.

RATES Rates are about half the cost of the neighborhood monthlies and are as low as $57 for a 1/16 page ad that runs multiple times.

DISCOUNTS Discounts offered to nonprofits and to those that prepay for multiple ads.

Call 202–347–2006 or email info@streetsense.org for more information and to get a copy of our new advertising brochure. Or ask your local vendor, who can earn 20% commission from ads sales.

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

12 EDITORIALS

Mercy, from page 1

The Psychology of Selling Papers

By Jeffery McNeil

T

oday is my oneyear anniversar y of being in the nation’s capital. I have been a vendor for Street Sense for eight months. In addition, I have been a public speaker for the National Coalition for the Homeless. In my stay here I estimate I have met over one million people. I have been to many important functions on behalf of the homeless, and met many executives, lawyers and advocates who champion homeless causes.

I am not trying to boast about my accomplishments or my credentials or why am I selling newspapers. However, being a vendor I have learned about sales and human psychology and the why and how of whether people buy from or reject you.

I analyzed every sale and rejection and maybe here I can share my analysis of what I have learned.

The first thing I learned is how to deal with “no.” This is not always easy and it can be discouraging if the no’s are for a long period of time. How I handle rejection is I have come to accept it. People are not always going to say yes and I don’t take it personally.

Also, I learned to be patient when I work an area because people are not ignoring you but their minds are thinking about other things besides buying a paper.

Plus many are out to lunch and are making change so they can buy the paper, so if you are pleasant they’ll buy the paper on their way back to work.

The second thing I learned is qualifying people.

One thing I see a lot is vendors trying to be cute and clever with their sales pitch but the one thing they forget to ask is, does the person have enough money to buy a newspaper? What good is doing a lengthy presentation if someone can’t afford a small donation?

I feel uncomfortable trying to sell the paper to people and then they say they don’t have money – I can’t snatch it back and say ‘no money, no paper’ so it goes for free and I have to take a loss. So I ask qualifying questions so I know if this person can afford the price of the sale.

Free papers is another topic I’d like to discuss. I give away about 20% of the pa-

pers I have in stock. Even though I don’t get early dividends from free papers the benefits are enormous. Many of my best customers came from giving them a free paper. It shows your motive isn’t about shaking them down for a dollar but it shows you are authentic and sincere.

And many times when they see you, they show their appreciation.

So to me if someone wants the newspaper or is interested, I find a way for them to receive a newspaper. I believe we are messengers of something positive rather than helpless panhandlers looking for sympathy.

Appearance is a top factor in anything you do. If it looks appealing people will pay a high price for it. I always try to maintain a good appearance because I don’t want people to buy a paper from me because they pity me.

Many try to play to people’s sympathies but I like to tell people what the paper has done for me and what I can contribute and why I sell the paper. And if it wasn’t for of my appearance and my demeanor I probably wouldn’t have made that sale.

I want people to know I was homeless but I’m not hopeless and helpless nor am I lazy looking to connive for a dollar.

I’ll do alright in life and don’t need a pity party.

I work hard selling my papers and I’m out maybe 12 to 13 hours a day all over the D.C. area, in the extreme heat and the bitter cold, and I only get paid by making a sale.

Last point I’d like to make is attitude and energy. It is summer and it gets extremely hot. Plus we all have pressures we have to face. So I always believe when people buy the paper from me they made an investment and expect good things from me or they wouldn’t buy the paper.

So I make sure I invest my dollars wisely and am frugal so I never have to sell under duress and debt. Debt is something that can sap your energy and it’s sad to see good vendors with no cash because they don’t have money management skills.

I believe very strongly in money management – I have a savings account and set goals on what I want. Right now I’m working on getting my license by Christmas and entering college next fall so hopefully in the future I can find an occupation that’s as rewarding and fun as selling papers.

Vendor Jeffery McNeil regularly puts on a suit to sell Street Sense.

food and conversation and I took in the scope of the Catholic Worker movement. At one point, Eda admonished me: “If you’re going to write a fluff piece about us then don’t write anything at all.”

Kathy, a resident since 1993, told me that “the homeless and marginalized are killed – indirectly – through the diversion of valuable resources to the financing of war and other atrocities.” In other words, “We call the poor ‘victims of war.’”

The Catholic Worker Movement got its start in 1933 in New York City, founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. It seeks to bring about a society whose inhabitants “live in accordance with the justice and charity of Jesus Christ.”

They embrace pacifism as seen through the Catholic prism and are devoted specifically to the teachings that speak to: • providing hospitality for the poor; • e mbracing nonviolence and voluntary poverty; • o pposing war and the unequal division of wealth.

Every Thursday, his wife, Colleen McCarthy, gives out hot meals to the needy at two locations near the White House.

There is some difficulty, however, in galvanizing “the victims of war” to help in the effort to bring about a new society. I joined Colleen at the corner of Vermont Avenue and H Street, NW, to observe their Thursday hot–food giveaway. Approximately 50 people, mostly men but for one woman, stood in line. I asked 10 of them if they knew who was providing their meal for the day. Those who understood my question thought the food came from a church. Kathy Boylan said that many of those being assisted like to keep a low profile.

Both Kathy and Art have spent time in prison. Kathy, on and off, has spent a total of two years in jail after being arrested at various protests. Recently, Art was in custody for one day after participating in a protest at the Supreme Court, objecting to the holding of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. For Eda, who was raised a Muslim before converting to Christianity, and who has not ser ved any jail time (yet), the hardest part of joining this group, has been “wrenching myself from my family.”

Her solace comes from “being free enough to follow her conscience.”

Colleen has had a different experience.

She maintains a close relationship with her family who has always understood her need to serve. For her the expe— Kathy Boylan, rience has allowed her Catholic Worker to deepen her capacity to love – to love those who have been marginalized.

Outside the vast Pentagon, it was striking to see hundreds of people blithely walk past 11 protesters. And it is a tiny bit unnerving to come under the scrutiny of the Pentagon Police who asked me to put away my notebook and pen as journalists are not allowed to stand with the protesters.

Reasonable people will disagree about the need for war and the best ways to help the marginalized; however, no matter an individual’s beliefs, I take comfort in the fact that a group like the Catholic Worker Movement exists. Even as our determination and zeal may flag, they will continue to go out week after week.

This Aug. 6 is the 63rd anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. The D.C. Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Movement is planning a large protest at the Pentagon that morning.

The D.C. Dorothy Day Catholic Worker movement is located at 503 Rock Creek Church Road, NW, and you can read more at: dccatholicworker.wordpress.com.

“The homeless and the marginalized are killed – indirectly – through the diversion of valuable resources to the financing of war and other atrocities.”

Today, there are over 180 houses or communities around the world devoted to the mission of the Catholic Worker Movement, in some mix of charity and/or activism, depending on the inclinations of the residents.

T h e m ove m e n t i s decentralized; each hospitality house is its own entity and none is formally aligned. The New York City house still operates the Catholic Worker newspaper, which Day, a journalist, founded.

In honor of the recent 75th anniversary, the newspaper reaffirmed the Movement’s mission, adding to the tenets of nonviolence and works of mercy “opposition to the unbridled expansion of technology [and] … the development of agribusiness and disregard for the laws of nature.”

Here in D.C., five families living at the Catholic Worker house are responsible for keeping the electricity on, buying food and fixing the roof. None has outside employment, leaving household needs to be funded strictly through donations and volunteer help.

They dedicate their days to the Dorothy Day mission. A group goes out to the Pentagon and White House every Monday and Friday to protest the Iraq War. In addition, every Tuesday, Art travels to the D.C. Farmer’s Market on Florida Avenue to pick up surplus food.

Some of this food is given out on Wednesday mornings, along with clothing, to anyone who stops by the house.

Your thoughts and editorials are welcome.

Denise Wilkins is a Street Sense volunteer.

Please e–mail content to editor@streetsense.org or mail to 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

EDITORIALS 13

Gotta Go, Now What?

By Jerry W.

S

o your nice new home was financed with predatory lending?

You had a big fight with the love of your life and it’s time to go?

Lost the job and can’t pay the rent?

Or is your situation unique?

What’s Next? Here are some simple things to consider for how to deal with it, from people who have been there, done that, and/or are still doing that ...

1) Maybe resolve the conflict so you don’t have to move?

Depending on what the conflict is, maybe it can be resolved? Eviction is a somewhat slow legal process with the courts, and if you can avoid it, maybe that is best.

Watch out for threats – less than honorable landlords may threaten you instead of legalities, so protect yourself, too.

Getting help The list of services available may seem large, but when in a particular situation (i.e. looking for shelter or help on a given night or day, in a specific jurisdiction, as a male/female/family/etc.), you might find there aren’t as many options as it might appear at first. Nothing against most of the services, but resources can be scarce.

Check for landlord–tenant relations laws, discrimination laws and other laws that may help. Legal Aid may provide free services as well, but can take some time.

Most emergency assistance requires that you have a more permanent solution. So if your finances are such that things cannot be demonstrated to get better, i.e. just a temporary shortfall, it may not help, but it may help to research things a little. Making some calls or, even better, personal visits to inquire might help, too.

Making a list may make things more manageable. Think of a plan on paper to check the reality of it with yourself and others.

Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but if you are paralyzed, then you may need to get help for that too. Checking in with someone each day may help in dealing with the isolation and help keep you on track.

2) If you gotta go, what to do with your stuff?

Depends on how much stuff you have (i.e., a teen traveling light? Or just starting out with only the college–dorm–room–size

Vulnerability, from page 10 Insurance, Jail History, Prison History, Foster Care, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Victims of Violent Attacks.

My pr imar y focus is on the plight of the people in the Franklin Shelter. Here is a plan to include the homeless population in general. There is still much work to be

“...homelessness is a community, and Street Sense and other street papers, street poets, preachers and street corner prophets can read you better than you might read yourself. ” lifestyle? Or married with children and that million–dollar home by the river? It could and does happen).

Square feet measurements help too.

How many square feet is your place? How dense is the stuff? And somewhat important, how heavy is it? Can it fit in a vehicle?

Do you have a vehicle to put it in, can you get friends, or rent something? There are now pods delivered to a parking space, but consider you might not be able to get in and out of some boxed storage spaces and others might have limited access times, others could be 24/7. How secure is it? Protect things from getting wet, broken into, chewed on, infested, etc.

Storage is one option. You might be able to buy storage space for your things while you are out traveling around.

Sorting through stuff takes a long time.

If you can get help doing it, great. It’s also emotional. Parting with stuff is difficult.

Giving some things to others helping you might be a two–fer.

Storing important documents and memorabilia might help. Maybe you have trusted family and/or friends who can keep some things for you that are irreplaceable.

Failing that, a bank deposit box may be a

done but I believe that this is a step in the right direction in an ongoing struggle to end homelessness.

To get further information, the following persons and/or organizations may be contacted: Laura Zeilinger Deputy Director for Program Operations D.C. Department of Human Services

possibility. ID, legal documents, a copy of your lease, birth certificate, resume, work history, financial documents, etc. may be good things to have safe and secure.

Selling stuff might solve two problems in one. That large couch may be big for paying storage space and difficult to move, too. It might even be worth something.

Storage is expensive over the long term, and you can’t live or stay in your storage space, so as you are emotionally able to part with things, that helps, too.

As a pack rat, I can’t say all that much about it, but aging some things makes them a little easier to part with sometimes.

Duplicate items might be discardable/ recyclable. That magazine collection, probably isn’t high value and probably heavy to move.

What is the portable stuff you need?

Consider it as if you are doing urban, suburban or rural camping.

Some personal care items might be available on the road – toothbrush, glasses, deodorant, hair stuff, etc.

Medicines and health/safety things are important, too.

Contact information for people. An address book or equivalent for contacting people is handy. Some cell phones store numbers, but losing that, how do you contact people? Can your contact list be stored online so that you can access it from various places and it’s automatically backed up? Who you gonna call? Are they there?

Would they help? Are you also helping yourself?

3) And now that you’ve protected your stuff from being ‘put on the curb,’ or stolen by the unscrupulous and others playing ‘lord of the manor,’ where do YOU go?

Get a library card, reasonably priced cell phone and P.O. Box while you still have a fixed address. These may end up being your connection with the regular world. Also, a web–based e–mail address like gmail.com is good for lower-cost communications.

Messages are stored ready for you to pick up from almost any library or other shared machine. Just remember not to ‘remember yourself’ or store passwords/histories on a machine you are sharing, or you leave your personal e–mail and communications for the next visitors to read, forward, etc.

There aren’t a lot of rich homeless people

(202) 671–4335 Laura.Zeilinger@dc.gov Becky Kanis Director of Innovations Common Ground (917) 957–7104 bkanis@commonground.org Jesse Smith is an advocate for the homeless and a former vendor manager for Street Sense.

out there. Money solves many problems.

Saving some money for yourself is necessary too. Planning how to spend and move is necessary. Your current housing may be one of your highest expenses, with food and transportation and medical also up there. But being out can be expensive too, because you are renting space at a higher rate at that local coffee shop, all–night diner, hotel, campground, etc. than in a regular rental place. Credit and other good history may be necessary to find a new place. A graceful exit may help you later getting reestablished.

Having friends helps, too. “Couch surfing” may be an option. Limit stays with friends, as you are probably interrupting their normal lifestyle unless they have an extra room/floor or building like a garage just for you. Sometimes it’s difficult to ask, but as friends, they probably want to know you are OK. But keep in mind, you need to think ahead and plan for the next temporary stay as well. If you can cycle or rotate between people, maybe that reduces the “burden” situation?

You may feel like you have just entered the jungle, and surely things will be different, but life is also an adventure, and think of the bragging rights for surviving something like that!

Artists live the life less traveled, and you’ve entered a journey as old as the history of man and womankind. Hard to appreciate at the moment, but homelessness is a community and Street Sense and other street papers, street poets, preachers and street corner prophets can read you better than you might read yourself. As we have walked down some of that road, it is hard earned wisdom that we try sharing with you, as homelessness can happen to just about anyone, so maybe that is what people have trouble dealing with when someone is down and out. As our former intern Brittany in her parting Intern Insight column said, it makes us uncomfortable and sometimes we don’t want to deal with it.

But that is the humanity of it, we are all on this little blue planet together, and it’s best when we get along with a little help from our new friends and the homeless family/community.

Jerry W. is a Street Sense volunteer. This piece was inspired by Mary Rand in Writers’ Group discussions.

Join us!

The above piece was written as part of the Street Sense Writers’ Group.

The group meets at 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Street Sense.

All are welcome. Refreshments are served.

E-mail editor@streetsense.org for information.

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

14 STREET SENSE NEWS

What our REaders are Saying...

Making a Difference Dear Editor, I am a recovering addict that goes to periodic meetings at the Comprehensive Treatment Facility at 33 N St., NE. I found out about Street Sense through the counselors at the Treatment Facility. It appears that the counselors at the facility care about their clients in a way that has lifted my energy and spirits to new horizons.

When I first read Street Sense, it gave me a warm feeling inside, a feeling that for a moment I forgot about the selfishness, turmoil, and mayhem that is tormenting our society today.

In our meetings we feel that Street Sense and the treatment facility have a lot in common, dealing with people and helping them to deal with life on life’s terms.

The counselors and clients feel that we can create our own publication. It will be a publication that deals with the recovering addict perspective on drugs, their many years of drug use, the dangers and pitfalls.

The publication will probably have current events, community services, articles, a where and when page, readers rap, etc. We may even start off as a newsletter, and then go from there.

Vendors’ Corner SERVICES NEEDED Vendors need the following services: Free medical care/insurance Free education or training in all areas Rooms for rent

Intern Insight

With faith and devotion, I know we can make it happen. What is important is that it will deal with change.

One of the essential elements of change is confidence, confidence in yourself, the people around you, and what you want to achieve.

I take my hat off to the people of Street Sense, they have made a difference.

John S. Foulks

‘Brightened My Day’ Dear Editor, I wanted to drop you a quick note to commend a gentleman whose name I believe is Tommy, who said that he has just become a new vendor. I purchased an issue from him earlier today in downtown Silver Spring; I think he said he is vendor #37.

Despite the heat, Tommy was extremely friendly and in tremendous spirits. He told me a little about himself, and it would be an understatement to say that he brightened my day with his positive outlook.

What a wonderful representative of the organization!

Michelle Tellock

JOBS WANTED Cliff Carle PHOTOGRAPHER with outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills. Works well in both team and independent environments. Possesses a wide range of photographic skills. Cliff specializes in natural, fun, creative photographs of people.

Orin Andrus loads and unloads trucks,

moves supplies and tamps earth excavations, levels grounds using shovels, tamper and rakes. Mows, trims, edging and other landscaping skills. Orin performs interior and exterior painting (one story only), light carpentry and decks, hardwood, laminate & tile flooring.

Carlton Johnson -- Skills in carpentry and decks, hardwood, laminate & tile flooring.

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Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Thanks for your support!

By Joe McKnight

Working and Learning at Street Sense

I

’ve been assigned to write this article informing readers about my experiences at Street Sense. Having been here only six weeks as an intern, one might think the weight of my affairs light. Only someone who hasn’t worked within the Street Sense caravan would jump to that conclusion.

My feelings on this place, its people, and staff are wide-ranging and ever-changing. Rita, the maternal vendor manager, goes far beyond minimal decency when engaging with vendors. Although Rita’s main purpose is to facilitate the vendors with their papers, she often helps them find health-care services, jobs, clothes, and anything else they need within reason. Her spirit is infectious. David Hammond, Eugene Versluysen, Jane Cave and Roberta Haber are all volunteers who selflessly give their time to further the cause of Street Sense and its vendors.

Before joining the paper, I would’ve been shocked at the number of volunteers and their generosity towards the homeless. After six weeks, I understand their passion. It is the vendors – the beating heart of Street Sense.

The vendors at Street Sense have completely destroyed my previous thoughts on homeless issues. These vendors are homeless individuals who have refused to give up in the face of ever–mounting adversity. Often, the struggles the homeless must confront, contrary to convenient and prevailing thought, are not self-imposed. That is not to say that these individuals haven’t made bad decisions. They are, after all, human.

Sadly, the homeless experience often begins with one or two major calamities – a divorce, losing a job, getting behind on the mortgage, a massive hospital bill, or some other collapse. If someone is living paycheck to paycheck, an unexpected fallout can put them on the street overnight.

Many prefer to equate all homelessness with drug abuse or flat out laziness. But of the more than 6,000 homeless people included in the District’s 2008 homeless survey, only about one quarter are chronic substance abusers. Nearly as many, are living with a chronic health problem. And one in 10 report a dual diagnois – severe mental illness combined with addiction – according to the recently released figures. .

As for laziness, only those who live comfortably could summon the ignorance to call a homeless person shiftless. More than 20% of the District’s homeless single adults are employed, and more than 26% of the adults living in families also work according to the District’s homeless count. Many of the vendors at Street Sense are the hardest working folks in D.C. I know some people at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. who could take a few pointers from our vendors.

Not only do they work hard to sell the papers, but for the homeless, everything requires labor with little room for error. From food, transportation and storage to shelter itself, the necessary items to survive do not come easily. They have to work twice as hard for things you and I take for granted.

I’d like to thank the many vendors I’ve come to know including Jeffery, Gregory, Cliff, Susan, Moses, and Sammy. You all have made a profound impact on my life and I hope one day I can give back what you’ve given to me.

FEATURES 15 SERVICE PROVIDERS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

Community Service Index WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW (202) 783–6651 www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job development Franklin School (Men) 13th and K streets, NW (202) 638–7424 Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org John Young Center (Women) 117 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ La Casa Bilingual Shelter (Men) 1436 Irving Street, NW (202) 673–3592 N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 www.nstreetvillage.org 801 East, St. Elizabeths Hospital (Men) 2700 MLK Avenue, SE (202) 561–4014 New York Ave Shelter (Men) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359 Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093

FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Dinner Program for Homeless Women AND the “9:30 Club” Breakfast 309 E Street, NW (202) 737–9311 www.dphw.org Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112

Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org

Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8926 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ministry/ welcometbl.htm

MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

OUTREACH CENTERS Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment Green Door (202) 464–9200 1221 Taylor Street NW www.greendoor.org housing, job training, supportive mental health services Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050 www.friendshiphouse.net counseling, mentoring, education, youth services, clothing Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter.org laundry, counseling, psych care Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608 www.marthastable.org dinner, education, recreation, clothing, child and family services

Shelter Hotline: 1–800–535–7252

Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social activities Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC 20001 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services of D.C. 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost food resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511 www.cflsdc.org housing, job and substance abuse counseling, clothes closet

www.nationalhomeless.org activists, speakers bureau available National Student Partnerships (NSP) 128 M Street NW, Suite 320 (202) 289–2525 washingtondc@nspnet.org Job resource and referral agency Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE , AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202)889–7702 www.samaritanministry.org HIV support, employment, drug/alcohol addiction, healthcare St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1514 15th Street, NW (202) 667–4394 http://stlukesdc.edow.org food, counseling St. Matthew’s Cathedral 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW (202) 347–3215 ext. 552 breakfast, clothing, hygiene Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html national emergency travel assistance Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org

MARYLAND SHELTER Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc.org The Samaritan Group P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs

FOOD

Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing

Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

JHP, Inc. 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (202) 544–9126 www.jobshavepriority.org training and employment Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW (202) 667–8970 www.jubileejobs.org job preparation and placement National Coalition for the Homeless 2201 P Street, NW (202) 462–4822

Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Church, Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com

Manna Food Center 614–618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville (301) 424–1130 www.mannafood.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Community Clinic, Inc. 8210 Colonial Lane, Silver Spring (301) 585–1250 www.cciweb.org Mobile Medical Care, Inc. 9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301) 493–8553 www.mobilemedicalcare.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Catholic Charities, Maryland 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 942–1790 www.catholiccharitiesdc.org shelter, substance abuse treatment, variety of other services Mission of Love 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights (301)333–4440 www.molinc.org life skills classes, clothing, housewares Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Drive, Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportiveservices

VIRGINIA SHELTER Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239 Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 Ninth Road North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org

FOOD Alive, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723; www.alive–inc.org Our Daily Bread 10777 Main Street, Ste. 320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Abundant Life Christian Outreach, 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (703) 823–4100 www.anchor–of–hope.net food, clothing, youth development, and medicines David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 500 (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services Samaritan Ministry 2924 Columbia Pike, Arlington (703) 271–0938 www.samaritanministry.com social, job and HIV/AIDS services

Street Sense . Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008

A Refreshing Idea

By Joe McKnight

By Laura Thompson Osuri

John Snellgrove, Street Sense board member and director of operations for Café Saint-Ex, serves up lemonade to eager customers during the Dog Days of Summer sidewalk sale weekend on 14th Street.

Café Saint-Ex generously donated the lemonade-making materials and their sidewalk space, and for five hours on Saturday more than 100 passersby bought the freshly squeezed lemonade (which came with a free copy of Street Sense), bringing in $515 for Street Sense.

Raised by his sister, Eric Thompson grew up in the Congress Heights section of Southeast D.C. His mother died before he can remember and his father passed when Eric was 9. His sister, 14 years his senior and an alcoholic, became his guardian.

“I didn’t have any discipline at that time. I did what I wanted to. She was my sister, not really an authority figure,” said Thompson.

He attended Ballou High School where he played basketball and enjoyed English classes.

He was expelled from Ballou during his senior year in 1985 and spent the next 10 years “doing things I had no business doing,” he said.

Eric said he decided to clean up his act in 1995. He moved in with a different sister, got off drugs and got a job. In 1997, the sister who raised him died. Not long after, Eric and the sister he was living with had a falling out. She kicked him out of her place.

“That was the first time I had to deal with being homeless. I resorted to drugs and alcohol. It’s depressing when you have nowhere to go and no one to turn to. I had leaned on my sisters and both of them were gone,” he said.

Since 1997, Eric has been in and out of at least seven different homeless shelters as well as living on the street.

Two months ago, he discovered Street Sense.

“For the past two months, since I started Street Sense, I’ve been able to stay away from drugs.

It’s kept me busy,” he said.

Eric is due to start job training at the Project Empowerment Program in September. Once he completes his training, the program will set him up with a job, he said.

How did you become homeless?

I became homeless through a broken home and my addiction.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself working, having my own place, and being a productive member of society.

StreetFact

On a single night in January 2007, there were 671,888 sheltered and unsheltered homeless people nationwide.

See story, page 1.

Source: U.s. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Eric reminds customers to only buy from badged vendors and not to give to those panhandling with one paper.

Favorite music?

Old soul: James Brown, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke Favorite movie?

“Friday” Favorite book?

“The Autobiography of Malcolm X”

Sell on eBay, Give to Street Sense Through eBay Giving Works you can donate 10% to 100% to Street Sense simply by checking “donate a percentage of the sale” on your eBay sales form, and selecting “Street Sense.”

Aug. 6 – Aug. 19, 2008 • Volume 5 • Issue 20

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005

Eric Thompson

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