09 19 2018 by Street Sense Media

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suggested donation goes directly to your vendor

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BUSINESS MODEL

How It Works

Street Sense Media publishes the newspaper

Each vendor functions as an independent contractor for Street Sense Media, managing their own business to earn an income and increase stability in their life.

$2.00 YOUR SUGGESTED

$.50 Vendors pay

DONATION

per newspaper copy

supports your vendor, helping them to overcome homelessness and poverty

NO CASH? NO PROBLEM.

Pay vendors with the Street Sense Media app!

S treet S ense M edia . org /A pp

AVAI LABL E

VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT

As self-employed contractors, our vendors follow a code of conduct. 1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $2.00, I agree not to ask for more than $2.00 or solicit donations for Street Sense Media by any other means. 2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense Media staff and volunteers and will not sell papers to other vendors. 3. I agree to treat all others, including customers, staff, volunteers, and other vendors, respectfully at all times. I will refrain from threatening others, pressuring customers into making a donation, or in engaging in behavior that condones racism, sexism, classism, or other prejudices. 4. I agree not to distribute copies of Street Sense on metro trains and buses or on private property. 5. I agree to abide by the Street Sense Media vendor territorial policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes I have with other vendors in a professional manner.

6. I understand that I am not an employee of Street Sense Media. but an independent contractor. 7. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when distributing Street Sense. 8. I will not distribute Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 9. I understand that my badge and (if applicable) vest are property of Street Sense Media. and will not deface them. I will present my badge when purchasing Street Sense. I will always display my badge when distributing Street Sense. 10. I agree to support Street Sense Media’s mission statement. In doing so I will work to support the Street Sense community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.

INTERESTED IN BEING A VENDOR? New vendor training: every Tuesday and Thursday // 2 p.m. // 1317 G St., NW

The Cover

The Street Sense Media Story, #MoreThanANewspaper

VENDOR PORTRAITS BY ROLANDO VELASCO

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

Volunteer

CUSTOMER PHOTOS (FRONT) BY CHON GOTTI

Artist/Vendor

CUSTOMER PHOTOS (BACK) BY KEN MARTIN

Artist/Vendor

DESIGN BY TIFFANY NEWMAN

www.tiffanynewman.com

VENDORS Shuhratjon Ahamadjonov, Dele Akerejah, Ollie Alston, Gerald Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Katrina Arninge, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Charlton Battle, Lester Benjamin, Reginald Black, Phillip Black Jr., Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Laticia Brock, Donald Brown, James Brown, Lawrence Brown, Elizabeth Bryant, Brianna Butler, Dwayne Butler, Melody Byrd, Anthony Carney, Alice Carter, Conrad Cheek, Anthony Crawford, Kwayera Dakari, Michael Daniels, Michael Daniels, Louise Davenport, James Davis, David Denny, Reginald Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Patricia Donaldson, Ron Dudley, Jet Flegette, Jemel Fleming, Johnnie Ford, Duane Foster, Chon Gotti, Latishia Graham, George Gray, Levester Green, Barron Hall, Mildred Hall, Dwight Harris, Dwight Harris, Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Derian Hickman, Ray Hicks, Vennie Hill, James Hughes, Leonard Hyater, Chad Jackson, David James, Harold Johnson, Linda Jones, Morgan Jones, Reggie Jones, Darlesha Joyner, Jewel Lewis, John Littlejohn, Scott Lovell, Michael Lyons, William Mack, Ken Martin, Kina Mathis, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Joseph Melton, Ricardo Meriedy, Richard Mooney, L. Morrow, Collins Mukasa, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Earl Parker, Aida Peery, Marcellus Phillips, Jacquelyn Portee, Connie Porter, Angela Pounds, Robert Reed, Henrieese Roberts, Rita Sauls, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Gwynette Smith, Patty Smith, David Snyder, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Archie Thomas, Shernell Thomas, Eric Thompson-Bey, Harold Tisdale, Sussie Trivette, Carl Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Martin Walker, Michael Warner, Robert Warren, Vincent Watts II, Sheila White, Angie Whitehurst, Earth Williams, Robert Williams, Sasha Williams, Wendell Williams, Susan Wilshusan, Ivory Wilson BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeremy Bratt, Margaret Jenny, Brian Leonard, Jennifer Park, Reed Sandridge, Dan Schwartz, Jeremy Scott, John Senn, Kate Sheppard, Aaron Stetter, Annika Toenniessen, Martin Totaro, Daniel Webber, Shari Wilson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brian Carome

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Falquero

COMMUNICATIONS & SALES MANAGER Jeff Gray

VENDOR MANAGER Muhammad Ilyas

EVENTS & WORKSHOP MANAGER Leila Drici

CASE MANAGER Colleen Cosgriff

WRITERS GROUP ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Willie Schatz

OPINION EDITORS (VOLUNTEER)

Rachel Brody, Arthur Delaney, Sara Reardon

ADVISORY BOARD John McGlasson

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Kira Barrett, Katie Bemb, Sam Caruso, Zachary Headings, Santul Nerkar

EDITORIAL VOLUNTEERS

Ryan Bacic, Jason Lee Bakke, Grace Doherty, Roberta Haber, Thomas Ratliff, Mark Rose, Andrew Siddons, Sarah Tascone, Jackie Thompson, KJ Ward, Howard Weiss, Marian Wiseman, Howard Weiss

OFFICE SALES VOLUNTEERS

Miya Abdul, Bill Butz, Jane Cave, Emma Cronenwethe, Pete Clark, Orion Donovan-Smith, Maria Esposito, Roberta Haber, Ann Herzog, Bill Magrath, Alec Merkle, Nick Nowlan, Sarah O’Connell, Leonie Peterkin, e Versluysen, Natalia Warburton

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EVENTS

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ALL-VENDOR ISSUE Help rebuild lives after the Hopkins fire BY JAMES DAVIS // Artist/Vendor

Our 15th anniversary celebration: Art Brings Us Home

On Friday evening, Aug. 31, Abena Disroe lost everything in an apartment fire. Please consider helping my dear friend. You may have met her, as she has volunteered at the annual Street Sense Media fundraising celebration for the past several years. The Hill Rag reported that her apartment was already filled with black smoke when Disroe’s cat woke her. She was found unconscious in a stairwell with the cat and had to be revived twice. Disroe’s unit was destroyed and three others were damaged by the fire, for which the cause is still under investigation. Eleven people were displaced. Neighbors have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist Disroe and the three families who were affected. If you can’t donate online, send checks and money orders using the following information: Abena Disroe, c/o Street Sense Media, 1317 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. I’ll pass them along. The GoFundMe campaign may be found at https://www.gofundme.com/hopkins-fire?member=696164

A homeless community cook-out

6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Big Chief (Ivy City) // 2002 Fenwick St NE, D.C. 20002

BY JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN // Artist/Vendor

The talented artists of Street Sense Media will present a multimedia gallery that shares their stories. Attending guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists. The evening will also include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffles for prizes and artwork, dancing and live music.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20

UPDATES ONLINE AT ICH.DC.GOV

MONDAY, SEPT. 24

4th Annual Project Homeless Connect

D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness Meetings

Envision Tiny Home Living, D.C. Style

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. D.C. Armory // 2001 E Capitol St. SE

Strategic Planning Committee Sept. 25, 2:30 pm // 441 4th St NW Emergency Response and Shelter Operations Committee Sept. 26, 1 pm // 441 4th St NW Youth Committee Sept. 27, 10 am // 441 4th St NW Housing Solutions Committee Oct. 3, 1:30 pm // location TBD— most likely 1800 MLK Jr. Ave. SE

11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 1109 50th Place NE

In one day, participants gain access to services that might otherwise take 18 months to secure. Medical, legal, employment, rental assistance and more. More info: tinyurl.com/united-way-pwc

Join the mayor, city officials and the Ward 7 community as we celebrate the unveiling of a tiny home demonstration project. RSVP: vacant2vibrantdctinyhome. eventbrite.com.

Submit your event for publication by e-mailing editor@streetsensemedia.org

This year, several Street Sense Media contributors were recognized as finalists for the Best Photography and Best Vendor Contribution (2) categories in the International Network of Street Papers awards. We were proud of the work that was recognized and and equally delighted to win the Best Breakthrough award for our evolution from Street Sense the newspaper to Street Sense Media, the multi-platform media center. This speaks to the hard work of our vendors, artists and staff members, as well as the strong support from readers like you.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN

More than 1,000 people, including several nonprofit groups, attended the seventh annual “People’s Barbecue” in Baltimore on Aug. 26. Attendees enjoyed dancing to live music from WLOY Loyola Radio and getting whatever items they might need. Hope on Wheels, one of the nonprofits that attended the event, provides toilet, shower and laundry services in Baltimore City, and they plan to bring these services to Washington, D.C. They are currently setting up an office on Good Hope Road. The organization Project PLASE, People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment, was at the barbecue as well. They have worked for over 40 years to provide housing and help those with long-term mental and physical illnesses. The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition also educated attendees on opioid overdose prevention and how to use Naloxone to reverse an overdose. Aside from the nonprofit resources, there were so many clothes donated that people had shopping carts to carry them in. Attendees got a snack bag and grilled food, along with hair styling, haircuts and more. Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh awarded Bonnie “Raven” Lane for her volunteer work. Lane, a local advocate for the impoverished, founded the barbecue and used to sleep in the park where it is held.

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15TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

TOP: The view from Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, Scotland. RIGHT: A small portion of a rampart at Edinburgh Castle. PHOTOS BY WENDELL WILLIAMS

Random acts of kindness: McDonald's to Scotland BY WENDELL WILLIAMS Artist/Vendor

s you may know by now, I am on a quest to inventory the kind things people, often strangers, have done in my life or get me through a crisis. This is one of those stories, only with many people performing multiple acts over the years. I recently visited Scotland, where I was a finalist for best contribution/story of the year by a vendor in the International Network of Street Papers Awards. To quote the lyrics of “Once in a Lifetime” by the Talking Heads, “How did I get here?” It all started on a cold evening in Cincinnati, Ohio. My life was in shambles and I was sleeping on the floor of a drop-in center in one of the worst parts of the city. In walked Donald Whitehead, the executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. He went from mat to mat asking who would help by being an audience member for a cable access show. His request fell on deaf ears until he mentioned there would be a stop at McDonald’s for all. After eating daily at soup kitchens and churches, McDonald’s sounded good. But I still had reservations. “What can we order?” I asked. “Anything on the menu,” he replied. So, for a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese combo, my involvement with street newspapers began. I intended to just sleep through the show. But there were only about a dozen people crammed into the small studio, which meant I had multiple chances to comment as the host walked around Donahue-style. After a long radio career, I had no fear of a microphone. I was asked to be guest on the next Streetvibes TV show and Donald gave me his pitch on the potential of street papers to uplift lives. I was offered the chance to man the Coalition’s flagship city-approved location to sell Streetvibes downtown. After that very first shift, I knew I had found what I had been looking for. But, both my parents passed in 2001 within 30 days of one another and I found myself back in D.C. Years later, the mismanaged events of my life again landed me homeless. Some Ohio friends mentioned Donald was also in D.C. He had been given the special honor of becoming the first formerly homeless person to head a national homeless

organization. I was floored. My old case worker then helped us reconnect. He talked about working on a new D.C. area street paper and gave me a contact person: Street Sense Media co-founder Ted Henson. Frustrated and unfulfilled with a series of crap jobs, I signed up in the early days of vendor recruitment in 2003. And, like riding a bike, the skills I learned distributing the Cincinnati paper returned. I was unable to completely escape the back-and-forth cycle of homelessness for years. So, during a 2017 visit to the office, the unthinkable happened: The latest editor suggested I write something for the paper. I refused. For most of my life, I’ve gone to great lengths to hide my learning disabilities. Even in radio, I would cut and paste others work and made sure I hired a personal intern to do my editing and writing. I’ve never told anyone until

A kilt store in downtown Glasgow at the rear of a souvenir shop.

PHOTO BY MY NEW FRIEND KATHARINA FROM THE GERMAN PAPER “ASPHAULT”

now, let alone openly discussed it. In my Catholic grade school, I mastered the art of multiple choice and memorizing spelling test words, but I could not recall how to spell them days later. In parochial high school my deficiencies were exposed. I refused to do essay portions of exams, I was embarrassed by my illegible handwriting, and I couldn’t spell words correctly or put complete thoughts on paper. It was as if I would lose something between my brain and the hand holding my pen. But C and D grades kept me eligible for the sports I loved to play. However, I started to be reprimanded for behavioral issues that were attempts to hide my shortcomings. If I was called to write on the board where the whole class could see, I would act out. I was labeled a class clown, uncooperative or just stupid. If I could have taken exams orally, I would have done extremely well. One instructor even said he would no longer accept D and C work from me because he knew, based on our conversations, that I knew the material. So I was surprised when my editor asked me to write. I dodged and avoided him, using every red herring I could think of. But he countered by telling me about the technology available today and offering to advise and edit. Okay, but what would I write about? Looking at some of the personal writing used in my own recovery, I stumbled upon the idea to list the kind things people have done for me over the last 20-some years. Thus “Random Acts of Kindness” was born. The longer I stay sober, the more I remember the little things people have done for me. I see kindness or the potential for kindness in everyone. It has allowed me to forgive and feel better about myself, which makes forgiving others easier. But I never believed any of the things I wrote would be worthy of special consideration, let alone held in high esteem. In January, I wrote a story about a trip to Jamaica, turned it in, and went on with life. My editor entered it into the international competition behind my back. I didn’t know about it until the 10 semi-finalists were announced in June. His secret act of kindness set the stage for what I call my “Magical Mystery Tour” to the other side of the world. I never really thought of traveling that far. In some ways,

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maybe I was thinking the world really was flat and if I went that far east, I would fall off. What I am saying is all this was so far out of my comfort zone. I feared I might wake up and find out a cruel joke was being played on me. But when I mentioned the nomination to several supporters, one said, “Wendell, you should go to Scotland.” “Yeah, right!” I responded. Another advised me not to reject the idea out right. “Just see what it costs,” he said. I thought I had a better chance of being elected president, but looking at 45 (or President Trump as others might know him) made me think it was possible. Until I checked on the cost. Then another supporter suggested GoFundMe. “Who in the hell is going to donate enough money to get me to Scotland?” I thought. Turns out around 60 wonderful people thought enough of me. It is mind-blowing to think that so many friends and supporters could come together to make this happen. It was really a spiritual undertaking. When the campaign stalled at the halfway point and prices for airfare continued to rise, I worried I had bitten off more than I could chew. Then, a special friend booked all the flights, freezing the price while I continued to raise donations. That really made the difference between going and not. It took most of the anxiety away. For the first time I confidently believed I was going to Scotland. As my departure drew closer, I began to think there was something around every corner that would prevent me from actually getting on that plane. My mind and body didn’t relax until the 757 was airborne and I was on my way. I was not travelling alone; I took all those wonderful wellmeaning people with me in my heart. I had no idea there would be entertainment available in-flight. With the credits still rolling on a second movie, the plane touched down in Iceland. It took me a minute to process that people were running around the tarmac wearing down coats. Man, was it was cold, damp and rainy. I almost missed the connecting flight out because I was so tired I went to the wrong gate, 27A instead of just 27. However, I was saved by a panicked email to a Street Sense Media staffer who was to join me for the final leg. After an hour, she and I touched down in Glasgow. I had been in the air so long. I almost bent down and kissed terra firma.

City Hall, where we were welcomed by the mayor. PHOTO BY WENDELL WILLIAMS

A poster of one of our old Street Sense covers hung in the INSP office with other blown up street paper covers. They were part of an exhibition at Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture last year. PHOTO BY WENDELL WILLIAMS

As other cabs came and went, we held out until one of those old-style black taxis from the movies appeared. Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to the conference site the Crowne Plaza right on River Clyde and directly across from the headquarters of BBC Scotland. After a quick check-in I was off to a prearranged tour of the city that concluded with a reception and greeting by the mayor of Glasgow at the centuries-old city hall. Everything about the building, from the stairs to the to the dome, was a work of art. Seeing the many homeless people along the streets with that same look of despair in theirs eyes gave me a deeper understanding of how the fight against homelessness is truly a global issue. After some serious sleep, I was up early for breakfast the next morning where I met more of the representatives from around the world. There were 100-plus delegates and I was one of only two vendors there. I was also the only person of

Allan, a vendor for Hus Forbi in Denmark and the only other vendor attending the conference. PHOTO BY WENDELL WILLIAMS

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color, other than the five people from a few Asian street papers. This time being different turned out to be an asset. At 6-foot-3inches and over 300 pounds, I couldn’t be missed and it gave me the chance to tell many people about our paper, my story, my plans for a Random Acts of Kindness book and how being nominated for this award meant so much to me and how I hope it is motivational for other vendors. Every morning I would rise at 5.30 to eat and go see parts of the city. One morning I even took an hour train ride to visit Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding area. The views of the countryside from the train and castle ramparts were breathtaking. I even went out alone at nights to sample the local hangouts and attend 12-step meetings. I didn’t want to be strictly a tourist. My only complaint was I couldn’t understand a word the locals were saying, even when they attempted to slow their speaking just for me. I adopted the strategy of clapping when everyone else clapped and laughing when everyone else laughed. I wound up really enjoying myself and the people even if I was often clueless. Do you think they could tell I wasn’t from Scotland? After days of workshops and discussion, the awards night arrived. I tried to act nonchalant, as if winning would mean nothing to me. But that was far from the truth. I have never won anything in my life as an individual and it meant a lot to hear what the judges said about my piece, “Random Acts of Kindness: Reggae Style.” I wanted to win not just for me, but also for all the people who believed in me and for my fellow vendors back home in D.C. When my name was not called, I went into a brief emotional spin. I felt like I had let everyone down. “Who was I to believe I was a winner?” my inner-critic asked. I messaged some of my supporters apologizing. But all their responses were in agreement: I had already won just by being a top-five finalist, getting there and all the work I am doing otherwise. Those texts lifted my spirits in an indescribable way. I hopped in a taxi to hit a meeting and a comedy club to celebrate my “win.” Because of many random acts of kindness over the years coupled with donations from over 60 known and unknown supporters this summer I was able to ride the perfect storm created by your love and concern all the way from McDonald’s to Scotland.

A physical reminder of my start with this movement. PHOTO BY WENDELL WILLIAMS

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ALL-VENDOR ISSUE Candlelight vigil for missing and murdered women BY WILLIAM MACK Artist/Vendor

Protesters call on Bowser to denounce ICE raid BY REGINALD BLACK, A.K.A. “DA STREET REPORTIN’ ARTIST” // Artist/Vendor

Seen at the vigil. PHOTO BY WILLIAM MACK

On the morning of Sept. 11, while working in the NoMa area, I happened to meet two Native American women who bought a newspaper from me. Some conversation revealed they were from Devils Lake, North Dakota. I was very happy to meet them because I actually lived in Devils Lake near a reservation for six months before moving on to live in Bismarck, North Dakota. We had a lot of smiles and good conversation about my stay there. They had travelled all this way to attend a candlelight vigil for missing and murdered Native American women. It was scheduled for that evening at the National Museum of the American Indian and I told them I would be there to give my support and prayers. I arrived around 8 p.m., 30 minutes before it ended. A Native American woman spoke about the murder of her daughter and how the accused was only sentenced three years in prison. There was a prayer at the end, and then I had a chance to interview two women from the First Nations Women’s Alliance in Devils Lake. Community Coordinator Ashley Roulette said the group was there to stop the trafficking, abuse, domestic violence, stalking and murder of Native American women and girls. “Nobody even knows or cares,” Roulette said. “If it was someone who is not Native American, it would be all over the news.” Last year, North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp introduced legislation to improve how law enforcement tracks these cases. According to her webpage about the bill, citing a national study, “56 percent of Native women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, and 38 percent were unable to receive any type of victim services. The high rates of sexual violence are closely interconnected with the likelihood of Native women going missing or being murdered, and on some reservations, they are murdered at more than ten times the national average.” A study by the Urban Indian Health Institute about Native women in Seattle found that 94 percent of survey respondents had been raped or coerced into sex, often by non-Native men. Times have certainly changed from when I used to live in Devils Lake. I worked as a volunteer at the police station there. These issues were unheard of back in 1991.

demonstration criticizing local raids by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency was held outside of the Wilson Building on Aug. 6 by the group Sanctuary DMV. Roughly 30 people showed up, carrying handmade signs and chanting. Members of the organization said at least 12 residents in Washington, D.C., and more in Virginia, were illegally stopped and detained the previous month. They also accused the Metropolitan Police Department of colluding with ICE, contrary to its own policy. “MPD officers are strictly prohibited from making inquiries into citizenship or residency status for the purpose of determining whether an individual has violated the civil immigration laws or for the purpose of enforcing those laws,” according to the MPD website. However, the department is still bound to assist the federal agency with enforcing criminal law. And despite a July letter of inquiry from D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, ICE has not released any details about the arrests it conducted. “It is clear the mayor’s office has been silent on these raids,” said one protestor after trying to visit the mayor.”It’s separating families right here in Washington.” The group was told D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was not present and given a brief meeting with staffers, including Bowser’s general counsel. The group submitted a letter asking Bowser to review the raids and see that all the detainees be released by Aug. 10. However, the mayor’s office does not have this authority and the protesters were told Bowser was unlikely to speak about the specific raids without access to the details. The mayor’s staff instead provided handouts about services available for undocumented immigrants. As of Sept. 10, no details have been released by ICE and there has been no indication anyone will be released. For the second year in a row, the Bowser administration has issued grants that fund legal services for immigrants in Washington. “Since launching the program in January 2017, the mayor has made $500,000 per fiscal year available for the program,” according to a press release. “In fiscal year 2019, Mayor Bowser increased her Administration’s investment in the program to $900,000.” These grants began as a response to changes in federal immigration policy, such as the removals of Temporary Protected Status and attempts to end the Deferred Actions For Childhood Arrivals program. According to Zuzana Cepla’s article posted to

Seen at the protest. PHOTOS BY REGINALD BLACK

Immigrationforum.org, TPS provides funding for more than 300,000 immigrants. In addition, TPS recipients contribute about $4.5 million annually in salary or pre-tax wages, to the U.S. economy. The Pew Research center reports that DACA helped roughly 800,000 people since the program’s creation and, as of September 2017, 690,000 are enrolled. Since then, a lawsuit appealing the decision to end DACA has kept recipients in limbo. A federal judge ruled on Aug. 17 that DACA renewal applications must continue to be processed until the case is decided. However, new applications are not being accepted and there is more than one lawsuit in play, according to reporting by The Washington Post. Protestors saw these grants as a hollow gesture, based on their assessment that Bowser was not willing to speak out against ICE raids in her city. “While we welcome the training, resources and legal support for immigrant communities, these don’t bring back the people snatched away from our city,” wrote Sanctuary DMV organizer Gaurav Madan in an op-ed published by The Washington Post. “Furthermore, the legal services the mayor’s office is promoting do not apply to people who have already been detained by ICE.” Sanctuary DMV has followed the local immigration conversation since the Trump administration transitioned to power. Danny Cendejas, an organizer with La Colectiva, attended the August rally in support of his neighbors. “Fist up, ICE down,” he chanted, in both English and Spanish. “We are here today to stand in solidarity with the families, with residents and community members, that are affected by ICE raids in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.” He proposed that communities and neighborhoods must organize to protect themselves. Cendejas said these raids are nothing new and believes politicians give ICE the tools to terrorize families and communities. “We say ‘no more,’” Cendejas said to the crowd. “We are asking Mayor Bowser, ‘Are you going to be silent?’ We know that silence is complacency. They are complacent with the creation of fear in our community.” Also present to voice her concerns was Maha Hilal, an organizer with the Justice for Muslims Collective. “Is Mayor Bowser really a champion of immigrants if she can’t guarantee the safety of our communities?” she asked the crowd. “It’s unfortunate that we have to keep coming back here, time and time again, because she wants to consider D.C. a sanctuary city but does nothing to make that happen.”

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Happy Birthday, Melody! PHOTO ROLANDO APARICIO VELASCO

BIRTHDAYS Sheila White Sept. 21 ARTIST/VENDOR

Terry Winslow Sept. 21 ARTIST/VENDOR

Darlesha Joyner Sept. 27 ARTIST/VENDOR

L. Morrow Sept. 28 ARTIST/VENDOR

Melody Byrd Sept. 29 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.

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1 // ST REET SENSE ME DI A / / S E P T. 2 9 - O CT 2, 2018

Are you a veteran who is literally homeless or “at-risk” of

being homeless? Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) may be able to assist you.

PRIMARY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA A member of a “veteran family”: Either a veteran or a family member in which the veteran is the head of household. “Very low income”: Household income does not exceed 50% of area median income. Must not have a discharge status of dishonorable or been dismissed by General Court Martial. SERVICES Case Management Assistance w/ VA & Other Benefits Personal Financial Planning Housing Counseling

Temporary Financial Assistance Legal Services Child Care Services Transportation and More!

U.S.VETS - Washington D.C. 111 K St. NE, 3rd Floor Washington, D.C. 20002 dcinfo@usvetsinc.org | 202-683-8357 www.usvetsinc.org

REST IN

PEACE

Elizabeth

An overflowing blanket of love covered the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington in Virginia. Oblivious to the absolute hottest heat of summer, everyone came to say farewell and express their love, honor and respect for Elizabeth Kitsos-Kang and to embrace and console her husband, Stan, and her children, Jamie and Eli.. Elizabeth founded and ran the intergenerational theater group, Devising Hope, which brought together Street Sense Media vendors and local high school students. The memorial was very special. Family and friends shared stories of how they knew Elizabeth and shared the words of others to her and the family before and after her death. Ken Martin, Sheila White, Julie Turner and Roy Barber and myself attended. So did Shira Hereld, who helped start the theater program at Street Sense Media when she was a student and community service volunteer at George Washington University. Leslie Jacobson, who ran our adult-only theater group, was out of the country. The program ended with Devising Hope’s favorite song by Bill Withers, “Lean on Me.”

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WE MISS YOU & WE LOVE YOU

And yes, Elizabeth let all of us lean on her! She devised the hope and dialogue between youth and adults across the strata and spectrums of race, color, -isms and gender. Over the summer, Devising Hope and Educational Theater Company convened and performed a beautiful program produced and directed by Francesca Chilcote. At the end of each show, a candle was lit and a moment of prayer was offered in memory of our beloved Elizabeth. I am still grieving and very sorrowful. Elizabeth, her family and the Educational Theater Company were and still are a big part of my peaceful coexistence, inspiration and a bridge to a calmer, happier and better place. I still cry when I stop and think of Elizabeth and what she gave and what she left. Her dream to be fulfilled is an undying wish that we carry on and light the world with never-ending love, limitless forgiveness, forever mercy, oceans of kindness and galactic interstellar snow storms of DEVISED HOPE! BY ANGIE WHITEHURST Artist/Vendor

In losing one of the most passionate, most generous, most loving mentors and friends I could ever know, I keep returning to the words of Samuel Beckett: “You must go on. I can’t go on. I’ll go on.” BY SHIRA HERELD Volunteer

An empty chair, mic stand and music stand were set for Elizabeth at her memorial service. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN

These verses by Bill Withers are from Elizabeth’s favorite song in Devising Hope, a program where high school kids across the city teamed up with the Street Sense Media workers to create original theater performances. Elizabeth Kitsos-Kang was the program’s founder and a friend. This was a seasonal program for several years that I alwasy looked forward to. BY PATTY SMITH // Artist/Vendor Lean on me when you’re not strong I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on For it won’t be long Till we all need somebody to lean on

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Lifeline Program (Economy II)

Annual discount on one land line service per household.

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Potential savings are between $300-$475 annually.

Water

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Potential discount could be over $450 annually.

For more info call 311 or visit doee.dc.gov/udp

To apply for the telephone Lifeline Service (Economy II), call 800-253-0846. These programs are for DC residents only.

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Just call on me, brother, when you need a hand We all need somebody to lean on I just might have a problem that you’ll understand We all need somebody to lean on

Pound for pound, Elizabeth commitment. She seemed to be more Kitsos-Kang was the most inspiring determined to end homelessness than her “homeless advocate” I have ever housing-deprived cast members. So known. It was not her vocation. petite, yet her heart and strength It was her passion. were unmatched. Not only Devising Hope was did Liz possess the creative her brainchild — and talent, leadership and what a brilliant idea! imagination necessary Bringing together underfor this work — she also represented teens and had energy and “go after” overlooked homeless skills that could only be adults to discuss their rivaled by the likes of PT IN RT misconceived public images, Barnum. A M P H O TO B Y K E N discover their commonalities, I often told her she missed her develop relationships and devise an true calling: used car sales! entertaining performance that brings The secret was that Elizabeth worked hope to both groups as it strengthens tirelessly, generously, and courageously the awareness of an under-enlightened while fighting a brain cancer. She was the domiciled community. strongest person I’ve known. Her message was always about She was family: that sister, cousin, inclusion, never, ever, exclusion. aunt or niece you wish you had. Much Elizabeth knew and taught that everyone like the relative you only see at special has a valuable story to offer and should events, and when you do it’s like you be permitted a platform to express were together yesterday. You hate to part it. She also taught that we all have company but somehow life intervenes a responsibility to contribute to the and you lose contact until a birth or a betterment of our mutual existence. death or a wedding. Each skit, poem reading and song What makes her the exception is that her group performed drove home the you don’t lose connection with someone fact that we are more alike than we that ignites love in your hearts. I believe are different. Bonds were made in she lives. Her legacy and her message these groups of strangers from vastly shall live on. different lifestyles that became stronger I encourage each of you readers to than any super or Gorilla glue. This I give a little bit of yourselves to continue declare with great conviction because what she did. Elizabeth brought unity to I reluctantly joined in once as a the community. She did what we all are performer. I mean RE-LUC-TANT-LY! charged to do: Make the world a little Before I knew the secret, I used to better place for all she encountered. BY KEN MARTIN // Artist/Vendor tease Elizabeth about the depth of her

1 0 // S T R E E T S E N S E M E D I A // S E P T. 2 9 - O C T 2, 2018

OPINION

Don’t repeal a fair wage for D.C. workers BY TRUPTI PATEL

IMAGE COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM

Getting homeless services and getting them effectively BY SUSAN WILSHUSEN

Instead of traveling to appointments for one-size-fits all programs, and spending time and money to attend meetings to discuss noncustomized programs and services, the city should offer homeless men and women better social service options. Why not offer safely driven, mobile service delivery vehicles with specialized and diverse employees, fluent in languages of the homeless? We need social science agencies that visit the entire apartment building, neighborhood and other places where homeless people gather to give homeless and potentially homeless persons food, housing, clothing, schooling, medical checks, treatments, prescriptions and more. And why spend years waiting for rental housing, instead of building energy-efficient, state-of-the-art structures with laundry facilities? Here, homeless people could work and build wealth, savings, and entrepreneurial objectives. Susan Wilshusen is a vendor/artist for Street Sense Media.

PRODUCT OF PROGRESSION:

Life after rapid rehousing is not easy BY TYRONE CHISHOLM, JR.

I know I am not weak-minded but the stress is building. I know there is a brighter day but the darkness is still there. I am not eating healthy, my sugar has been up and down, and it seems as if I am gaining weight when I barely eat. Since I have been out of Friendship Place, which was a program that assisted with rent, I have applied to more jobs so that I can be in a particular bracket for housing and put my first application in. I was denied one apartment due to my credit history, so I moved on to the next application. I invested $40 dollars in the process of trying to rent a place that I can call my own. I have started to try to pay back in portions what was given to me. We may feel obligated to always give and this is good. We need to not only give back, but also to give to ourselves. I strive to thrive in all conditions that have been put forth for me to overcome. Every day I put a new piece in the puzzle, but the total number of pieces is unknown. Tyrone Chisholm writes to show what opportunities exist for people experiencing homelessness and answer questions about the challenges he has faced, homeless, employed and enrolled in higher education in our nation’s capital. Questions may be sent to editor@streetsensemedia.org.

I am a resident and a tipped worker here in the nation’s capital, and I support Initiative 77. And I am not alone. On June 19, the majority of voters in Washington, D.C. sent a powerful message to the city council when they approved a bill that would enact “one fair wage”—a full minimum wage—for nearly 30,000 tipped industry workers in this city. Currently, tipped workers—who include restaurant servers, nail salon technicians and parking valets—only earn $3.89 an hour, in comparison to workers in other industries, who earn the full minimum wage of $13.25. But the city council is more concerned about preserving relationships with big business than respecting the will of the voters. Just two weeks after the election, councilmembers, in coordination with the National Restaurant Association, introduced legislation that would repeal the initiative and keep wages for some of D.C.’s most vulnerable workers below a livable wage. A hearing on the bill to repeal Initiative 77 was held on Sept. 17. No vote was scheduled. The National Restaurant Association is a powerful pro-business lobbying group that fights against raising the minimum wage for restaurant workers across the country. The group is responsible for the recent “Save Our Tips” campaign that claims workers will lose tips if restaurant owners are forced to raise prices. But this is little more than a thinly veiled scare tactic. We know from cities across the country that have passed one fair wage legislation that raising the tipped minimum wage does not reduce rates of tipping. One fair wage is a social justice issue. Tipped workers in D.C. experience poverty at nearly twice the rate of all workers in the city, and the majority are them are people of color and women—like myself—who can barely earn enough in tips alone to survive. Despite the fact that employers in D.C. are supposed to compensate workers for a full minimum wage when tips do not make up the difference, wage theft is still a huge problem that plagues the industry. Just last week, we

saw more instances of wage theft from one of D.C.’s largest restaurant groups—Farmers Restaurant Group—which was ordered to repay almost $1.5 million in sick leave to underpaid tipped workers. The burden to pay a legal wage should fall onto the employer, not me, the worker. There have been countless times that I’ve had to approach my employer due to wage discrepancies only after diligently combing through my pay stubs, line by line, and keeping meticulous records of the hours I have worked. Let’s get the facts: In the seven states (California, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Arkansas, Minnesota and Montana) that have already enacted one fair wage for tipped worker, rates of tipping have remained the same, or in some cases—such as in San Francisco—risen. These states also report higher restaurant sales per capita and higher job growth in the restaurant industry. Restaurants are doing better, and workers earn more money. But in addition to the economic and social factors that make a one fair wage compelling for a city like D.C., we must remember that the voters have already spoken. It is the job of our city council to uphold the will of us, the people. I was appalled by the blatant dismissal of the democratic process when they quietly introduced a bill to fully repeal Initiative 77, avoiding the glare of cameras and pushback from constituents. Seven wards voted in support of Initiative 77 by double-digit margins, with the greatest support stemming from the most economically marginalized sections, including Wards 7 and 8. We must refuse this attempt to actively suppress the voice of the people, and we must demand that our elected leaders respect democratic values and not cave to special interest groups. Trupti Patel is a tipped worker and D.C. resident. She is also a member of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United, a nonprofit group behind Initiative 77.

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

Please send submissions to opinion@streetsensemedia.org.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

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MOVING UP:

The unemployment problem for D.C.’s Black youth BY ARTHUR JOHNSON

with college degrees, but extremely limited including college options. Volunteers from find jobs upon high school graduation. This is jobs for individuals who do not have a high the District’s four-year universities, such as especially important because apprenticeships school diploma. Jackson’s research states Georgetown, George Washington and Howard, are often more focused and can provide handsthat, by 2020, half of all new jobs in the could speak to high school students in shelters on experience. Some might argue that trade District will require a 4-year degree or above, and help them prepare for the SAT and ACT, schools could fulfill this need better, but many and almost 60 percent will require some complete financial aid forms and write college trade schools are for-profit institutions that are education or training beyond high school. essays. It would also help to have student very costly and in many cases are not accredited. The problem, he says, is that, as of 2014, representatives for area community colleges Having said that, educational differences only 12.3 percent of Black residents in the available to young shelter residents, as they are do not necessarily explain why African District have a bachelor’s degree, a third of excellent low-cost and accessible alternatives. Americans have persistently higher the number of White residents in the District Second, we must limit the recent minimum unemployment rates than White people do. with a bachelor’s degree. The report also wage increase to those above age 20. I Federal Reserve researchers reported in 2017 points out that 60,000 Black D.C. residents believe this is critical to helping Black youth that observable characteristics — such as age, did not complete high school, and a whopping gain access to employment opportunities education, marital status and region — don't 50 percent had no formal education after and acquire important skills. The minimum explain the difference between Black and high school. Only 5 percent of White D.C. wage increase may bring larger paychecks White unemployment. residents have no further formal education. for adults, but youths might find themselves In my next “Moving Up” column, I will It is tough enough to try and find shut out of the job market; getting early job look at the digital divide and how it impacts employment in a brutal job market like the experience is the key to becoming more job searches, education and personal finance. District when you have insufficient or no marketable and able to compete successfully Questions or comments can be sent to work experience, but when you lack a high in today’s fast-changing job market. AJohnson@streetsensemedia.org. school diploma or college degree, it makes it Third, the District’s public school system Arthur Johnson is a volunteer writer focusing nearly impossible. But there are ways to fix should create apprenticeship programs to help on finance and economic issues in his column this disparity for Black D.C. residents. Black youth learn trades that would help them Moving Up. First, we must give young Black men and women, especially 100 those deep in poverty 90 and/or experiencing homelessness, In-Migrants 80 reassurance that 70 Out-Migrants education is available 60 Non-Migrants to them. Shelters and 50 school systems should 40 work together to make sure they are providing all shelter residents with access to every D.C. must address the economic well-being of African American residents in order to prevent further population decline, according educational opportunity, to the “African American Employment, Poulation and Housing Trends in Washington, D.C.” report. CHART COURTESY OF THE REPORT. Dollars ($)

Though many people, particularly those in the Trump administration, try to pat themselves on the back for strong economic growth and low rates of unemployment, the reality is that many Americans are not able to enjoy the success that the White House is bragging about. While the unemployment rate for Black Americans has gone down in recent years, it is still a problem, especially for Black youth. Under President Barack Obama, the unemployment rate for Black Americans, ages 16 and over, decreased 9 percent from a high of 16.8 percent in March 2010 to 7.8 percent in January 2017, when Trump was sworn in. But since that time, the unemployment rate has decreased only 1.2 percent to a rate of 6.6 percent in July of 2018. And young Black Americans have it especially bad. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for most of the last year, the unemployment rate for young Black Americans ages 16 to 19 was over 20 percent. This should be alarming; when these young people enter their 20s, they will likely have little work experience, which will make it harder for them to obtain the skills necessary for employment. And if Republicans ever succeed in making work a requirement for receiving benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid, these young people will be in serious trouble. In a recent report, Maurice Jackson, an associate professor of history and AfricanAmerican studies at Georgetown University, points to joblessness and a lack of job training as major reasons for the departure of many Black D.C. residents. Interestingly, Jackson also points to education as a driver of Black people leaving the city. Washington D.C. has plenty of opportunities for good jobs for those

On emotion, rage and anger BY JEFFERY MCNEIL

Maybe because I grew up in Atlantic City, I don't get angry or upset about other people's actions. Poker is a metaphor for life: instead of being angry or upset, you have to play the hand you're dealt. Washington, D.C. is sort of like Atlantic City. It’s a place where dreams go to die. You run into a lot of failed ambitious types. As with losing gamblers they blame the casino, dealers, other players -- but they never look inward. Beltway politics is the same. People blame racism, sexism and homophobia. I have no time for victimhood or pity parties. Failures succumb to the actions of others while champions don’t care what others do. Nobody can make me unhappy. I was homeless and incarcerated! Do you think I care

what miserable, unhappy people say? I feel sad about their circumstances but I’m not the cause of it. You get bent out of shape because you're inconvenienced at Starbucks while there are people sleeping outside. When losing gamblers complain about their luck, I tell them, you have options, such as don’t play. It’s the same with people who complain about Donald Trump. If you're unhappy, why be miserable? If you think America is racist go to Mexico or Canada! I don’t get it. I love America, I

love my gun, God and the American flag. I’m not apologizing for being a straight heterosexual male. Washingtonians aren’t bad people, just very lousy poker players. Today's Democratic Party is stuck in the sixties and needs to be overhauled for the 21st century. They need to abandon identity politics and move towards classbased liberalism that is centered on remaking America's crumbling infrastructure, failing schools and helping those left behind in a global economy.

Washington, D.C. is sort of like Atlantic City. It’s a place where dreams go to die.

Brexit, Trump and all these populist nationalist groups in Europe and Great Britain came about because Left/Right politics have failed the masses. Today’s social policies are ideas that came out of the Great Depression and sixties. We need new ideas, such as public/ private partnerships, that can help poor people. These policies should more localized and accountable to the community. Liberals need to leave Washington, D.C. and start visiting areas that haven’t voted for them. What plays well in Dupont Circle and San Francisco doesn't play well in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Learn how to play the game. Jeffery McNeil is a Street Sense Media vendor who also writes for the The Examiner.

1 2 // S T R E E T S E N S E M E D I A // S E P T. 1 9 - O C T. 2 , 2 0 1 8

15TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Treading the Waters,p t 7 BY GERALD ANDERSON Artist/Vendor

When we were last with young Gerald, he was a young man in New Orleans living the life of a hustler with his friend, Gregory... It really trip me how much I was in the street as a young hustler. I never stayed in the project. They think all hustlers come out the project. But it ain’t like that. If you go back to New Orleans today and ask people, they’ll tell you, “He stay in the project.” But I never stayed in the project. I was outside of the project. But I got a reputation in the project. People would tell me, “You from Calliope Project? Magnolia? Calliope?” They always thought I was out of projectbut I never really stayed there. I used to tell people I stay in the project, but I really stayed in a regular house. Maybe because of my character as a hustler they feel like I was out of the project. I know all the killers and robbers and hustlers in the project because I was brought into the game. The more stuff I get… Like I said, I don’t stay with my momma. I mostly carry them around in a bag, or keep them at Greg house, because they had a garage. I used to sleep in they garage. Greg, Daddy and Momma knew. They used to holla, “Where Baby Gerald at? See if he want something to eat.” His family looked at me like I was one of they kids. But at the same time, they know it wasn’t me running away from home as a young boy. His daddy used to work the Queen boat out of the Mississippi River. And his daddy, Jimmy, really wanted us to be good guys, but he couldn’t control us the way he wanted to. Jimmy used to go out on weekends, and do crawfish, crab hunting and fishing. He used to get us to go out and do all kinds of things. We get big old racks of shrimp up out the water. We’re looking at $75. That’s a lot of money at the age 17 to be earning every weekend. At the same time, Jimmy had a fish market. Greg told me, “Man, my daddy tight as shit, he own the whole business. All this shit… I’m gonna tell you the truth boy, we supposed to be getting more money here. I didn’t want to tell on my father, but he robbin’ us.” He told me, he said, “Man, I know what we gonna start doing: We gonna start stealing us a sack, and we’ll sell it to Big Giant Crip.”

Color Blind

BY RON DUDLEY, a.k.a. “POOKANU” // Artist/Vendor

I’m color blind, I don't see color If I like ya’ then I like ya’ If I love ya’ then I love ya’

It's kind of crazy ‘Cause inside we the same We got a heart we got a brain Red blood, blue veins

My family gave him food My family bought him clothes The dirt don't even matter Long as a flower grows

I wear sun shades To block the negative rays I see through people’s frowns I block their negative ways

I love all people I wish that we could be equal But just ‘cause we not equal Does that make us evil?

If you turn off the light We the same color at night If you dark, if you light If you slow, if you bright.

I saw the devil in church He gave me a smirk He said God was a racist Said he came from the dirt

See I was taught to respect The good in people's hearts And never to disrespect

I see good in the worst But it hurt when you cursed Stop calling me names ‘Cause I am not to blame

But my grandma always told me About the power of prayer Looked that racist in the eyes Gave him a powerful stare

See one of my best friends was white we never had a fight he never called me nigga he never made me cry

See, one of my best friends was poor. We never knew what for He never had a bed He slept on the floor

‘Cause I don't see color If I like ya’ then I like ya’ If I love ya’ then I love ya’ I'm color blind

I don't care how you look If you clean if you cook Or if you just wrote a book I don't care about your status I seen poor people happy I seen rich people the saddest I don't see color. If you black, if you white Man, you still my little brother

My future of extra income BY AIDA PEERY // Artist Vendor

I’ve been to all kinds of job fairs over the last five years. I’ve put my resumes online and given out resumes in person, but I don’t hear back from anyone. Once they see my impressive resume, they probably think I’m lying or that there is something wrong with me. I remember learning in college about how people will treat you once you have fallen from point A to B. We learned that people struggle to understand how a person could possibly become homeless after earning a college degree. They don’t understand why I’m selling newspapers and probably assume I must have some kind of addiction or other illness. I can understand how people would come to that conclusion after comparing my credentials to my current situation, but, it would be nice if they got to know me a bit before taking my resume. My degree is in IT, but I have also recently worked in and completed certifications for the food industry. In the future,I would like to build a career in that field. By becoming a food inspector, I could teach people who handle food in the workplace how to sanitize and work with hot food bars to make sure the food is at the right temperature

and thoroughly cooked. I’d like to help kitchens remain in compliance with the city inspectors so these restaurants don’t have to close down and lose money. City health inspectors are often too busy to check in after you’ve corrected the problem, so restaurants can be closed for a while until the inspector has time to check back in. I’ve also seen some terrible hot bars in many restaurants and supermarkets. They get away with it because most consumers are in a rush during lunch hour and don’t really care what the food looks like as long as they can eat. But then later on they end up with a stomachache and can’t figure it out. I would love to work for USDA to get firsthand experience. I have sent resumes to them also. Still no replies. Even though my degree is in IT and D.C. is supposed to have an increasing number of tech jobs, it seems I have to travel out to Virginia or Maryland somewhere to find openings. And it isn’t guaranteed I would be hired there either. My options have been limited on numerous occasions. I do feel it is related to my age. But this is due to my age — can I prove that it’s age discrimination? I probably could, but it would be too time-consuming to prove.

To be continued.

The value of self-Expression BY JACQUELYN PORTEE // Artist /Vendor

Self-expression helps me define the hidden talents I may have within. Communicating with others enables me to understand how they are feeling, too, especially if it’s positive. Self-expression gives me freedom to explore new ideas, creativity and innovation. When a person is limited in self-expression, it can stunt development and conscious mental growth.

I am a high school graduate! BY DARLESHA JOYNER Artist/Vendor

I am a high school graduate and I live in Washington, D.C. I am 27 years old and have five beautiful children and two brothers. I became homeless when I ran away from home to be with my boyfriend, who

was the father of my child. I feel happy to express myself in the newspaper because it is a form of therapy for me. I want a house on the beach, with one level for the kids, and one level for the adults. I like ice skating and eating out. My dream is to have all my kids together in one place.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

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How homeless cats healed a homeless woman BY CHARLES MCCAIN Volunteer

She reminded him that the alley was a public right-of-way and feral cats are protected under D.C. law. He sprayed her in the face with a hose. She called the police. Upon arrival, the Metropolitan Police officers explained that killing feral cats or interfering with someone trying to feed feral cats is against a municipal ordinance. The man was told that if he interfered with her again, such as spraying her in the face with his garden hose, they would arrest him. He stopped hassling her. In 2008, Washington D.C. Animal Control Act of 1979 was amended to promote the policy of trap-neuter-return; the municipal code was changed to support “utilization of trap, spay or neuter, and return practices as a means of controlling the feral cat population; provided, that all efforts shall be made to adopt out a trapped, tamable kitten.” This has become the subject of great controversy. Local biologists now estimate there are 40,000 feral cats in D.C. and some alleged this ordinance is responsible. According to Biologist Dan Rauch of the District’s Department of Energy and Environment, quoted by WJLA in a February, 2017, story, “It’s going to come to a tipping point.” Rauch said feral cats and D.C.’s native species cannot co-exist, remarking that “One hundred and thirty species of bird, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles [are] in the U.S. National Arboretum and they are all in trouble.”

Connie Porter always carries a bag of cat food with her in case she meets an animal in need. PHOTO BY CHON GOTTI

Organizations on different sides of the Washington D.C. Humane Rescue Alliance. issue vehemently disagree over the effect of Their trained employees respond and take the the ordinance as well as the number of feral cat to their veterinary hospital where the cats cats. “The number of felines in the city is are spayed and checked for distemper and ‘impossible to say,’” says Lauren Lipsey, the rabies. In accord with the D.C. ordinance, vice president of community programs at the the Humane Rescue Alliance has a policy Humane Rescue Alliance. The disagreement of trap-neuter-return. over the number of feral cats is such that over Connie is committed to her work of feeding the next three years an organization known these cats that are scattered in three of the as Project Synopsis, funded by a group of four quadrants of the District of Columbia. wildlife conservation and animal rights She pays for the cat food, her transit costs, as groups, is going to spend 1.5 million dollars well as a special gel she places on the backs to attempt a “D.C. Cat Count.” of the necks of her cats to kill fleas, ticks, and Connie stays away from anything mosquitos. This amounts to several hundred controversial. She focuses on feeding her dollars a month that comes out of her small cats and reminds everyone that these are feral disability check. cats, not domesticated house cats. You should At a terrible moment in her life some years not pet them because if you do they will most ago, Connie lost her camera with 11,000 likely perceive that as an attack and scratch photographs of cats and relatives. She suffers or bite you. She gives every cat a name from bouts of depression and became so based on their temperament or personality, depressed over the loss of and once they trust her, they will come these photographs that when she calls. Because she feeds as she contemplated many as 63 cats a day, seven days suicide. But she a week, they quickly recognize kept asking her. They will walk to her and herself who brush up against her legs. would take “There is such a wide care of her variety of cats, it’s amazing,” cats if she she said. “Blue-haired did kill Persians, Bengal cats, longherself. No haired cats. Every type.” She one. Because can only feed them in daylight her nuclear because predators come out family is dead at night—raccoons (which are n y except for her H P ca r. often rabid), an occasional fox, even daughter, the cats ts o f Co nnie h as c ared possums. They can all be dangerous, she she feeds are her family. says, not only to the cats but to her. Other She said, “When feeding cats predators include dogs and, of course, people. there are no humans, no noise. It’s peaceful.” Connie identifies colonies of feral cats She has signed up for the next round of the and reports the locations to the appropriate D.C. Homebuyer Education Course to help agency. Further, to reduce the population her buy a house, which she ultimately wants of feral cats, she sets approved humane to turn into a cat sanctuary. “Even when I traps, which she baits with tuna or sardines. die, cats will have a place to go. It will be my After Connie traps a cat, she contacts the legacy for them.” Smo

N N I E P ORT ER

“I

feel privileged to serve them. I’ve even buried a few of them,” said Connie, known to many in D.C. as the Cat Lady. She began her mission on July 13, 2013, when she found a large colony of feral cats in Southeast Washington, D.C. She began feeding these cats and notified the D.C. Humane Society (now the Humane Rescue Alliance), which began trapping, neutering and releasing the cats. “I have compassion for these cats,” she said. “They don’t have the choices people do.” She knows that although she is homeless, she can go to a hospital if she is ill, can go to a church for a meal, can temporarily stay with relatives or in a homeless shelter. “Cats can’t do this,” she said. Because she has been homeless, she has great sympathy for feral cats. “If I can get a home for a kitten, then they have a home, a real home, before they become feral.” Occasionally people have gotten angry at her for feeding these cats. Two years ago she was feeding feral cats in a small colony in Southeast. She could access their location only by walking down an alley, of which there are many in D.C. Because these are service alleys that are used by sanitation trucks to collect trash, they are public property. One day a man whose home backed up on the alley challenged her and told her to stop feeding the cats and stop using the alley.

PHOTO BY CONNIE PORTER

f k e y, o n e o

Connie builds many cat shelters like these every year right before winter. She usually starts in October.

ALL-VENDORSudoku #2 9 7 3 2 ISSUE 3 6 5 6 1

Challenging Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

Sudoku #7

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

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

1 3 5 6

9 3

9 2

7 6 2 1

8 2

9 3 4

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

9 1 5 7

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

2 5

8 4

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

5 4

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each Sudoku 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.#6

SUDOKU: Fill in 8If you 3 5guesswork. 1 2 8 4 6 9 without logicsquares you can solve the7puzzle theuse blank so athat 2 a6logical 3 order 9 to8 solve 7 the 1 puzzle. 4Need 4 shows 5 little each help? row, The hints page Use it to identify theand next square you should solve. Or use the answers page each column really get stuck. 6if you 8 5 1 6 7 4 3 9 2 each 3-by-3 block contain all of the 9 3 4 5 7 2 9 1 6 8 digits 1-9.

9 2 4 7

5 8

6 1 3

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

LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTION >>

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

The Faces of All Times BY ROBERT WARREN // Artist/Vendor

5 9 6

4 7 2 3 7 2 8 1 9 5

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

1 6

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

8 2 4 1

6 3 9 7

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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8 4 1 6 5 Challenging 7 2Volume 8 1, Book 1 4 Sudoku 3 by9KrazyDad, 8 2 5 6 7 4 3 9 4 3 8 9 2 5 1 7 5 1 6 7 3 2 9 4 9 7 4 1 5 3 8 6 7 6 3 5 1 8 4 2 2 5 9 4 8 6 7 1 1 8 7 2 6 9 5 3 9

What it means to be a man BY MARCELLUS PHILLIPS // Artist/Vendor

I was raised by my mother and family members. I didn't grow up with a father. My role model of a man has always been my uncle, who died this year. Everyone has their own idea of a real or true “man.” Most men say they’re real men because of what's between their legs. However, being a male and a man are two different things. From listening to women and seeing the things other males do, I have seen the difference between a man and a boy. The first thing is to always know that no one is perfect and we all have to live with our actions — good or bad. Men accept this; boys deny and lie to try to cover things up . Men accept the truth and boys create drama. Men don’t cheat, though they do make mistakes at times. Boys create a separate life that no one knows about and lie once they get caught. Men create happiness and build in life, while boys fun it up with no goals or future. Some have their lives and financial situations straight but still lack true love and honesty. As a man, my goal is to build in life and create an endless legacy. As a man, I give women the respect they deserve. As a man, I shall be successful in life. As a man, I shall conquer all obstacles in life. As a man, I learn from my mistakes and never make the same mistake twice.

I look into this child's dark, dark, almost black, blue eyes With that tear rolling down the side of her face A nation of shame, will we ever be the same after the selfie? Look at me, what a beautiful thing to see The faces of justice standing tall Right before the fall from grace From the face that says he will make you great again With no one to hate again The faces at the gate again, climbing the walls of hate again The First Lady the face of a country divided again And when will we face the truth of who we are again? Sad, sad faces behind the laugh, before you cry again The faces of the young people who have not yet tried again The faces of the old lie again and again Why, my face is in my hand again Looking out to Heaven's hell again Nothing's wrong with the picture of that face Focus, Attitude, Commitment to your Excellence, The words of F.A.C.E

Aretha Haiku

BY FREDERIC JOHN // Artist/Vendor

The rhythms of this Heart: Baby baby baby I love you, baby Since You’ve been Gone You Better think think What you tryin’ to do to Me; Yesterday I sang A love song, but today I sing the blues! Take Care, t/c/b, R-e-s-p-e-c-t!

FOUND OBJECT DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION BY FREDERIC JOHN

1 4 // S T R E E T S E N S E M E D I A // S E P T. 1 9 - O C T. 2, 2018

Author Gene Weingarten is a college dropout and a nationally syndicated humor columnist for The Washington Post. Author Dan Weingarten is a former college dropout and a current college student majoring in information technology. Many thanks to Gene Weingarten and The Washington Post Writers Group for allowing Street Sense to run Barney & Clyde.

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

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Catholic Charities // 202-772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

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

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

Friendship Place // 202-364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave., NW friendshipplace.org

Georgetown Ministry Center // 202-338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW georgetownministrycenter.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

Covenant House Washington 202-610-9600 // 2001 Mississippi Ave., SE covenanthousedc.org

D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 202-347-8870 // 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW dccfh.org

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOTLINE Línea de salud del comportamiento

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1-888-793-4357 Laundry Lavandería

Patricia Handy Place for Women 202-733-5378 // 810 5th St., NW

Samaritan Inns // 202-667-8831 2523 14th St., NW samaritaninns.org

Samaritan Ministry 202-722-2280 // 1516 Hamilton St., NW // 202-889-7702 // 1345 U St., SE samaritanministry.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork // 202-675-9340 741 8th St., SE sashabruce.org

So Others Might Eat (SOME) // 202-797-8806 71 O St., NW some.org

St. Luke’s Mission Center // 202-333-4949 3655 Calvert St., NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

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

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

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St., NW // 202-328-5500 legalclinic.org

The Welcome Table // 202-347-2635 1317 G St., NW epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable

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

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

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

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

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

JOB BOARD Custodian

Emery Work Bed Program// Washington, D.C. Responsible for daily cleaning and maintenance. Comes with benefits including health and life insurance, disability, 403b, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED, one (1) year of building maintenance experience. APPLY: www.tinyurl.com/custodian-emery

Shift Assistant

Emery Work Bed Program // Washington, D.C. Full-time, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Make hourly facility rounds, complete log entries and incident reports, and have the ability to carry out program procedures and protocols. Comes with benefits including health and life insurance, disability, 403b, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED, one to two (1-2) years experience in Human Services Programs. A P P LY: w w w. t i n y u r l . c o m / e m e r y - a d m i n

Weekend Shift Assistant

Emery Work Bed Program // Washington, D.C. Part time, 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. Make hourly facility rounds, complete log entries and incident reports, and have the ability to carry out program procedures and protocols. Comes with benefits including health and life insurance, disability, 403b, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED, one to two (1-2) years experience in Human Services Programs. APPLY: www.tinyurl.com/dcparttime

Child Care Provider

Health Center for Children with Special Needs, Inc. Washington, D.C. The Child Care Provider will be working with children with special needs, from mild to severe disabilities, to nurture their physical, emotional and intellectual growth. The Child Care Provider will provide care for a group of no more than six children. REQUIRED: Child Development Associate credential, high school diploma or GED, two (2) years of experience in child care. APPLY: www.tinyurl.com/childcarehsc

Medical Receptionist

Community of Hope // Washington, D.C. Check patients in, ensure all forms are completed, collect payment and pull charts in a timely manner. Provide administrative support to health center. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-and-long term disability, 403b, transportation pre-tax payroll deduction for metro, generous paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED, two (2) years of experience as a medical receptionist, bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/medrecept

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

SEPT. 19 - OCT. 2, 2018 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 23

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