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Where the poor and homeless October 27 - November 9, 2010
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
earn and give their two cents
D STE GE ON G I S U N AT DO
Volume 8 Issue 1
Homeless Women Stitch their Way into the Smithsonian
65 cents for the Vendor
35 cents for production of the paper
Domestic Violence Survivors Celebrate through Mural See page 4
See Page 8
Chris Shaw showcases his music at our annual auction See page 13
Celebrating Volunteer of the Month, Margaret Chapman See page 14
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
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Our Mission
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.
Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year? Order a subscription today! Not only will you receive 26 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also help raise awareness about poverty in the D.C. area.
___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 26 issues. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ______________________________ Name:_________________________ Address:_______________________ City:____________State:__________ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: ________________________ E-mail: ________________________ Please make checks payable to: Street Sense. Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.
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 28 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 corps 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 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 a nonprofit organization. In October 2005, Street Sense formed a full 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 and began partnering with several service providers. In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month and to support the increased production brought on its first full-time editor– in–chief in April. As of January 2010 the paper had 72 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.
Vendor Code of Conduct 1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means. 2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and will not sell papers to other vendors (outside of the office volunteers). 3. I agree to treat all others – customers, staff, other vendors – respectfully, and I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers. 4. I agree to stay off private property when selling Street Sense. 5. I understand that I am not a legal employee of Street Sense, but a contracted worker responsible for my own well–being and income. 6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling the paper. 7. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 8. I agree to stay a block away from another vendor and respect the space of all vendors. 9. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and that I will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers and display my badge and wear my vest when selling papers. 10. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.
We are proud members of:
1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lisa Estrada Ted Henson North American Brad Scriber Michael Stoops Street Newspaper Manas Mohaptra Sommer Mathis Association Kristal DeKleer Robin Heller Jeffery McNeil Jordan Rummel John Snellgrove Dameon Philpotts Martin Walker EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Abby Strunk International EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Network of Mary Otto Street Papers MANAGING EDITOR Lisa V. Gillespie COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM MANAGER Amy Vokes INTERNS Jennifer Steadman, Hayley Burgess, Sam Giffin, Shadaye Hunnicutt, Cynthia Ribas-Santos, Kimberly Kroll Founders Ted Henson & Laura Thompson Osuri VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Adam Dangelo, Bobby Corrigan, Brett Topping, Carol Cummings, Elia Herman, Elle Leech-Black, Elsie Oldaker, Holly Caesar, James Clarke, Jane Goforth, Jesse Smith, Julia Sanders, Katinka Podmaniczky, Maggie Smith, Mandy Toomey, Margaret Chapman, Mike Plunkett, Nikki Conyers, Parisa Gropper, Rachael Petterson, Rachel Estabrook, Rhonda Brown, Robert Fulton, Roberta Haber, Sara Dimmitt, Sarah Ficenec, Sharon King, Tim Mazzucca, Tracie Ching, Trisha Knisely, Vicki Ann Lancaster, Willie Schatz, Marian Wiseman VENDORS Michael Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Donna Barber, John Bayne, Kenneth Belkosky, Patricia Benjamin, Tommy Bennett, Jimmy Bigelow, Reginald Black, Emily Bowe, Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Cliff Carle, Percy Carter, Peggy Cash, Conrad Cheek, Virginia Clegg, Aaron Conner, Anthony Crawford, Kwayera Dakari, Louise Davenport, Charles Davis, James Davis, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon El, Deana Elder, Richard Emden, James Featherson, Tanya Franklin, Samuel Fullwood, Larry Garner, David Ger, Marcus Green, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, John Harrison, Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Shawn Herring, Derian Hickman, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Richard Hutson, Margaret Jenkins, Donald Johnson, Alicia Jones, Mark Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Hope Lassiter, Brenda Lee-Wilson, Mary Lisenko, James Lott, Michael Lyons, Johnnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, John Matthews, John C. Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Herman Lee Mayse, Robert McCray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Kenneth Middleton, L. Morrow, Saleem Muhammad, Tyrone Murray, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Franklin Payne, Edward Perry, Gregory Phillips, Tracey Powell, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Michael Reardon, Ed Ross, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Ronald Simms, J. Simpson, Veda Simpson, Gwynette Smith, Patty Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, James Stewart, Leroy Studevant, Beverly Sutton, Paul Taylor, Sybil Taylor, Steve Thomas, Larissa Thompson, Louise Thundercloud, Deborah Tibbs, Carl Turner, Ronald Turner, Christopher Walker, Jeanette Walker, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Michael J. Welsh, Edna Williams, Sherle Williams, Wendell Williams, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, Mark Wolf, Charles Woods, Tina Wright
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Ohio Teen Wants to Help Homeless Veterans Davante’ Goins, a sophomore in Columbus, Ohio is on a mission. The 15-year-old wants abandoned housing in the area to be refurbished for homeless veterans, local NBC 4 reports. “These houses could probably be fixed up,� Goins told NBC 4. “Refurbished into livable conditions for homeless veterans to stay in. No veteran that went to war and fought for our country should be homeless in the United States.� So far, Goins has traveled Columbus looking for housing that he thinks could be easily refurbished. Goins has met with city council officials to see whether his plan can come to fruition and is waiting on final decision.
Massachusetts Continues Plan to End Homelessness by 2013 Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is employing a strategy to help end homelessness in the state, as part of the “Housing First,� the Boston Globe reports. The plan uses the approach of helping perennially homeless individuals find stable housing and get support services with the intention of getting them a job to keep
them out of shelters. “Not only are people living healthier lives in housing, but it is saving the system money,� said Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, who chairs the Governor’s Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness. Various organizations taking part in the initiative have helped place 376 people in housing and have helped prevent almost 11,000 families from becoming homeless, according to the Patrick administration. The state announced last month it is giving an additional $1.56 million to the 10 networks involved. As of the end of September, there were 919 families in these facilities, which officials say is due to the recession.
Wichita Group Sees Steep Decline in Donations Operators of a Wichita, Kan., homeless shelter say that with winter approaching, donations have taken a sharp turn south, the Associated Press reports. The shelter rotates among area churches between Nov. 1 and March 31. Janis Cox, co-chair of the nonprofit group that operates the shelter, says it has only about a third of the money needed to provide the
service. Another $45,000 is needed. The shelter served 475 people last winter, 226 of whom had never been homeless in the past. The group does not have alternative plans if the money is not raised.
Inaugural ‘World Homeless Day’ Spotlights Crisis Last Sunday marked the first annual World Homeless Day, and individual communities around the world gathered to help local homeless populations, the Huffington Post reports. According to the group’s website, the goal is to highlight homelessness as a global issue, including those displaced by natural disasters, such as those in Haiti or Pakistan. From the group’s site: “The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.�
Welsh Charities Demand More Thought Over Housing Benefit Cuts Six Welsh charities condemned the government’s housing benefit cuts, which the
groups called “devastating� and said would directly contribute to the poverty and homeless rates across Wales, WalesOnline reports. In a joint statement, the charities Shelter Cymru, Mind Cymru, Citizens Advice Cymru, Gofal, Community Housing Cymru and Cymorth called on the government to abandon its plans. “We believe that the UK government’s budget changes to housing benefit and local housing allowance will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in our society and contribute to homelessness, housing need and poverty,� the statement said. The proposals have included cutting housing allowances to cover only the lowest 30 percent of rents in areas, rather than the average. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said to WalesOnline: “Our reforms mean that, if you need a roof over your head, we will provide it, but they also put people on benefits on an equal footing with working families, rather than in accommodation they could never afford to maintain upon entering into work.� Compiled by Dianna Heitz, from previously published reports.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Mural Lights Way to a Better Life Award-Winning Washington artist tackles the questions surrounding domestic violence
Her story wasn’t there on the surface. In fact, she confessed she hadn’t even thought of herself as a victim. But it took her seven attempts to finally break away, and it was an even longer journey to stand in front of this crowd on a sunny Sunday afternoon to tell her story. On Oct. 2, a domestic abuse survivor took the microphone in front of approximately 200 people standing around the grassy lot outside of the Brookland Café just blocks from the Brookland Metro station. The story of the woman, who went unnamed to protect her privacy, was part of the inauguration ceremony of a community mural designed to raise awareness about issues surrounding domestic violence. As the mural, called “A Survivor’s Journey,” was being celebrated, its creator, international muralist Joel Bergner, was preparing to head to El Salvador to work on another project, a mural that will portray the story of refugees returning home to rebuild their village in the midst of a raging civil war. Both works give a sense of Bergner’s artistic goal since he was a young artist “to talk about important societal issues” and “to do it in a public space.” The idea for a mural addressing domestic violence started three years ago as a collaboration between Bergner and a friend who worked for the District Alliance for Safe Housing. DASH provides housing and services for survivors of domestic violence. The mural became a reality this fall thanks in large part to Bergner’s dedication, individual donations, a partnership with DASH, and support from the Brookland Cafe, where the mural is located. Preparing for the project, Bergner interviewed domestic violence survivors and DASH staff members. The survivors told their stories while the staff helped outlined larger themes. Interviews with the two domestic abuse survivors took place in their DASH-funded apartments as their children played nearby. Bergner said he was struck by the strength of the women and their children, considering what they had suffered. Bergner was suprised the multiple complications tangled up in each account. He learned that in some cases women stay in violent situations because they have few other options. In addition to finding ways to escape the violence, the women need to also think about children, housing and finances. Armed with the stories of domestic vio-
PHOTO BY mANDY tOOMEY
By Mandy Toomey, volunteer
A new mural by artist Joel Bergner has been painted on the side of the Brookland Cafe. The work, which portrays one woman’s struggle to escape an abusive situation and achieve a better life, is meant to inspire public conversation about domestic violence.
lence and the larger themes outlined by DASH, Bergner created a rough sketch of the mural, which was then taken to the organization for feedback. Bergner emphasized the importance of a dialogue between him and the women associated with DASH. For example, in his original sketch, hope was illustrated in the form of a home filled with a new family. Feedback from the organization emphasized that hope isn’t necessarily in a new partner, but rather having a safe home and a sense of independence. In the final mural version, hope is portrayed as a strong woman standing next to her son their home. Bergner confessed he wished he could have interviewed more women because every story is unique. The two survivors he was able to interview painted very different pictures. Because of the impossibility of capturing the diverse stories of domestic
abuse in one piece of art, Bergner set the task of “trying to get to the heart and emotion” of domestic violence, and then portraying the story of one woman’s struggle and her achieving a better life. According to DASH Director Peg Hacskaylo “The mural shows folks in the community that domestic violence isn’t always about pain and suffering, but that there can be a bright future for survivors who can find housing and support.” The inaugural event featured live musical performances from the all-female percussion band Batala and survivors of domestic violence sharing their experiences and reading poetry; speakers included D.C. City Councilmember Harry Thomas, Hacskaylo and Bergner. Hacskaylo, who keeps a framed print of the mural in her office, said that in addition to unveiling the mural, the event was also a
celebration of all DASH had accomplished since its start in 2004. She said she sees the mural as a starting point for building community support to aid those who have suffered from domestic violence. For Bergner, the important outcome of the event was that it “brought people together to see the art and talk about the issues.” Looking to the future, Bergner said his goal is to “affect people on many different levels” with his art. He hopes to continue growing his audience, to be able to tell community stories in more places, and to collaborate with more groups and artists worldwide. As if to prove his point, he pulled out a list of artistic ideas for communities from Cape Verde to England, where he hopes that someday his murals will also help excite wider conversations.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
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Race May Determine Unemployment As the first graph shows, all groups of DC residents lost jobs in the recession. But as the second graph illustrates, African American and Hispanic residents have been hit the hardest.
New study shows uneven unemployment levels by race “We’ve seen that when they focus, they can do something,” Lazere said about D.C. city government. The growing unemployment numbers have proved that a “laissezfaire” approach to the economy, as Lazere refers to it, is not enough. A seemingly comforting statistic is that, according to DCFPI, there has been a two percent decline in unemployment this past year. Although he acknowledges that this is a sign that the economy is in fact on the path to recovery, is concerned that minor-
By Hayley Burgess, intern
The recession is hitting minorities and those who don’t hold a college degree the hardest, according to the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI). The report, titled “Recession Pushed Unemployment to Record Levels for Many Groups of D.C. Residents,” says that since January 2008, unemployment rates in D.C. nearly doubled. As of 2009, unemployment rates stood at 8.4 percent for Latino residents, 15.6 percent for Black residents and 4.1 percent for white residents. DCFPI executive director Ed Lazere acknowledges that the economy in D.C. is recovering, but says that the effects on unem-Ed Lazere, excecutive director of DCFPI ployment have been serious and the city needs to ity or non-college graduate D.C. residents take many steps to raise the employment aren’t getting those jobs. According to Jenrates for these groups. ny Reed for DCFPI, only 30 percent of jobs A key point Lazere makes is that the re- in the District are held by D.C. residents, cession is not the main cause of the unem- and even in the supposed upturn in the ployment problem. He instead targeted a economy, only 48 percent of residents with long-term decline in the city’s economy and no post-secondary education were workrefers to what he calls a “gentrification of ing last year, as opposed to 80 percent of the labor market.” He said, “There are fewer college graduates. This is the lowest level opportunities for people, and some people in 30 years. just don’t have the skills.” Lazere thinks that city council chair VinSo, why is the problem more severe cent Gray, who is presumed to be the city’s for minority groups (specifically, African next mayor, is serious when he says that he Americans) and those who do not have a is going to make unemployment a top pricollege degree? Lazere said that because of ority. As Lazere pointed out, Gray made una significant overlap between race and edu- employment a main focus in his campaign, cation level, this is not surprising. To make proving that he recognizes the severity of it so that more minorities and non-college the issue. Additionally, according to the grads are not facing unemployment in such same article mentioned above, Gray “will significant numbers, he stressed the need need to help D.C. residents get jobs in secfor a renewed focus by the city government tors of the economy that are growing and on adult literacy education and specialized that offer living-wage career options.” job training.
There are fewer opportunites for people, and some people just dont have the skills.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Street Newspapers Helping Worldwide A rapidly growing street newspaper movement is helping thousands of homeless vendors and raising the visibility of poverty issues around the world, a new report has found. Over 200,000 vendors earned a living through street paper sales since 1994, and 71 percent of street paper organizations helped vendors get out of homelessness, according to a recent survey done by the International Network of Street Papers (INSP). “This was the first time that we have been able to gather information like this,” said Maree Aldam, network services manager for INSP. “INSP is a relatively small organization with a broad reach, so it is only now that we have the resources to carry out network-wide research. We plan to build on this so that we can really begin to assess the amazing impact of street papers.” INSP was founded in 1994 when a coalition of European street papers came together with a shared mission to provide employment for homeless people through the development of independent media, said Aldam. In 1995, the UK’s Big Issue hosted the first-ever INSP meeting for the directors, editors and social workers representing INSP’s membership of 16 street papers. From 16 street papers in 1995, INSP has now grown to 114 spread across 40 countries. The exponential growth is surprising, considering the recent decline in the newspaper industry. “Another piece of recent research that we conducted tells us that street paper sales have increased by an average of ten percent compared with last year,” said Aldam. “It’s an amazing figure, given that mainstream print media sales are declining.” Their growth will continue as INSP has several key projects that are set to expand the global movement of street papers in the coming years. Expansion plans include campaigning, network-wide fundraising, conducting more research, expanding content sharing among the publications through the Street News Service and supporting new street papers in Africa, Latin America and Asia. “This year, INSP is running its first network-wide campaign,” said Aldam. “Campaigning is something that our street papers are interested in, and INSP is in a position to unite street papers and utilize their combined readership of over 5 million people, to say something about poverty and make an impact.” The survey also found that a quarter of papers are involved in creating policy change on housing and homelessness in their home city or region. Los Angeles’ Community Connection and San Francisco’s newspaper Street Sheet have both claimed credit for policy changes in their communities. According to INSP, Community Connection helped stop the conversion and loss of 19,000 affordable housing units. They negotiated over 3,000 employment opportunities that recognize the barriers poor people face. They helped to remove legal barriers, such as misdemeanor arrests and traffic violations, so that residents could move forward in their lives. “[Community Connection] hosted the United Nations Special Rapportuer on the first official housing investigation mission, who subsequently released a report that highlighted their work in the international community,” said Aldam. “They created a legal defense for residents that were either falsely charged or overcharged by the criminal justice system.” Street Sheet helped to change the way people access the shelter system. The newspaper helped thousands of people get legal counsel in criminal charges when they otherwise would have had none, said Aldam. They also helped hundreds of homeless families access market-rate housing. “Street papers are now a global movement, and the INSP network is growing in numbers each year, as the concept becomes more widely known,” said Aldam. “We promote the street paper concept wherever we can, as we feel that it’s an effective and intelligent way to tackle poverty whilst providing a source of independent news and journalism.”
PHOTO BY Shadaye Hunnicutt
By Cynthia Ribas-Santos, intern
Bread for the City is expanding its Northwest Center on Seventh Street to provide more space for its medical clinic, food pantry and other services.
Bread for the City growing to keep up with city’s needs Shadaye Hunnicutt, intern While people rush in and out through the double doors leading to Bread for the City’s food pantry, a man sits resting his chin on his hand, waiting patiently to be called into the medical clinic. “They usually move right along,” said James Butler, “When this expansion stuff is finished everything will run a lot smoother.” Butler came to Bread for the City’s Northwest Center on Seventh Street over a year ago, after going to a local hospital when he had the flu. “I went over to Howard Hospital, but they didn’t help me much, so I came to Bread for the City, and they took care of me right away,” said Butler. Representatives from Howard University Hospital were made aware of this statement, but have not replied on the record. Like over 5,000 other D.C. residents, Butler comes to Bread for the City for medical help, and also relies on the organization for food. For over three decades, Bread for the City has been dedicated to providing vulnerable residents of the District with comprehensive assistance, including food, clothing, medical care and legal and social services. But at this point, Bread for the City’s modest facility is overwhelmed. There is no proper waiting room for residents picking up groceries. The hallway from the entrance to the grocery pantry is filled with clusters of people coming in, going out, elbowing through to offices and of course, waiting. With the increase of people coming in for help, the medical clinic has had no choice but to turn several away every day. Attorneys and social workers struggle to find private spaces to meet with their clients. . After starting an $8.25 million capital campaign in 2008 to double the size of the Northwest Center, construction has begun on the vacant lot next door. As planned, the addition will give Bread for the City’s medical clinic three times its current capacity. Social service case managers will have private areas to meet with clients, the food pantry will no longer double as a storage area and the legal clinic will have
office space of its own. “We’ll be educating the community about all the ways the new building is going to advance our capacity to provide services and more,” said Greg Bloom, development associate for marketing and communications. One of the biggest features of the expansion is the family friendly reception area. This area will have a public computer bar for residents to use while waiting to be helped. After the expansion, residents will come in through one entrance, receive their groceries and exit through a different door, allowing better traffic flow. “If they had more space, or a wider hallway my client might be able to get through here on her own,” said Oseh Thoranka. Thoranka is an aid for an elderly woman with knee problems. Her client can walk on her own, but it’s easier and faster in her wheelchair, but the wheelchair can’t maneuver through the narrow hallway. Along with the expansion of the hallway and waiting rooms, there will also be 10 medical rooms, an increase of four. There will be an eleventh medical exam room used for special services, such as wound care and diabetes counseling. Within five years of project completion, Bread for the City plans to have a two-chair dental suite designed for standard dental services, such as cleanings and fillings, as well as a vision room to provide routine vision screening services. In the meantime, these rooms will both be used as extra medical exam rooms. “Our mission talks about providing services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, we’re doing that by giving them the space they need,” Erin Holmes, the organization’s volunteer coordinator said. The expansion will also include a green roof garden. The garden will provide space to teach workshops on nutrition and growing one’s own food, and is also great for the environment. According to Bloom, the roof garden is expected to ‘come alive’ in this coming spring.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Into the Coral Reefs
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Homeless women help create a knitted world displayed at the Natural History Museum
By Cynthia Santos, intern As they work to rebuild their lives, the women of the crochet circle at N Street Village, a Northwest Washington shelter, also gather regularly to fashion hats, scarves and baby blankets out of colorful yarn. The creations are warm and useful and make great gifts, and the women enjoy their time together, learning and chatting as the yarn slips rhythmically through their hooks. And that is wonderful. But recently, four members of the group had a chance to take
their talents to a new level. Their handwork became part of something much larger than itself: the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, a new exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The 10-by-16 foot display, a fusion of handicraft, science, geometry and art offers a dazzling re-creation of a coral reef in all its diversity and fragility. The installation’s co-creator, Australian Margaret Wertheim enlisted more than 200 crochet artists from the Washington area to contribute their skills to make it real. The work, on display at the
Sant Ocean Hall from now through April 24 is part of a global network of crocheted reefs that Wertheim has helped produce to raise awareness of the endangered state of these delicate ocean ecosystems. Sandra Glenn, one of N Street’s crochet artists, is thrilled to have been part of the project. “It feels wonderful, it really does,” she said. “I’m really proud of what I’ve done. To have it shown in the Smithsonian is great. We are so pumped you can’t even imagine.” Barbara Parker, the leader of the crochet
circle and a teacher to those who join the group, showed Glenn how to crochet. Glenn laughs when asked if she knew how to crochet before joining the group at N Street Village. “I only knew one stitch but [Barbara] showed me how to m a k e a r e e f w i t h i t ,” s a i d G l e n n . From one stitch to a Smithsonian exhibit; now that’s improvement. Barbara Stauffer, chief of temporary exhibitions at the Museum of Natural History, found the blend of arts and crafts and sci-
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
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The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral reef exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History displays the stitched artwork of D.C. residents. Women at N Street Village contributed their work to the 4000 crocheted pieces that were submitted to the temporary exhibit.
ence appealing. She felt the exhibit would be a unique way to make visitors passionate about coral reefs and a wonderful opportunity to tap into the local community. The reef was constructed with over 4000 individual crocheted pieces, a real show of community, Stauffer said. “I think it’s fantastic, it’s exactly the sort of thing we wanted to come out of the project,” said Stauffer. “We wanted to engage the community and help create community. People bonded and formed networks around creating the reefs.”
The ultimate goal of the exhibit was to be visually powerful, for people to think “this is beautiful” or “this is stupendous.” Stauffer wanted the audience to be impressed, amazed and drawn to it. “ T h e e x h i b i t i s a we - i n s p i r i n g b e cause of the creativity and the imagin a t i o n t h a t w a s i n vo l ve d ,” s a i d Pa t Kuczkowski, a delighted viewer of the exhibit. “Using different kinds of materials and colors that are actually representative of what you would find in coral reefs.” Another pleased visitor, Donna Cartwright
agreed. “My jaw dropped, you can’t imagine someone doing something like this.” But to Glenn, this means more than just a beautiful exhibition piece in a national museum. It gives her a sense of pride. It affirms not only her newfound passion for crocheting, but also the passion to learn more about the beautiful, embattled coral reefs. In a way, N Street Village, which strives to offer a safe, empowering community for women facing homelessness, poverty and related challenges such as mental illness, addiction and chronic health problems, has
a similar goal in helping women restore their lives. The crochet circle is more than just a place to crochet; it’s a place that creates family. “We do everything. We live together and we bond because we’re all homeless,” Glenn said. “We’re a big family, we support each other in everything we do. We find that we help each other because we need each other, more than just crocheting. We support each other emotionally. “
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October 27 - November 9, 2010 By Sybil Taylor, vendor
By Sybil Taylor, vendor All ghosts, how they growl and howl from the dead. Scariest time of the year. All black cats how they prowl. Witches, how they cast their spells and fly on the broom sticks. And how the full moon shines so brightly in the cool dark sky.
Everyone shine and gloom All so cute on Halloween All ghostly tales of the creeps, the haunted houses, ghosts alive from hell. Grave sites all so scary. So creepy youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll scream From the top of your Lungs. Ghosts rise from the dead, a witch howls, bats, Dracula, and scarecrows that watch over the cornfield all day on Halloween Pumpkins that glow in the dark, all Jack-O-Lanterns take part in Halloween. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever go out alone on Halloween night, because you never know who you may see on the trail of trick-or-treats night. Tricks are for kids. Treats are for anyone. Why not have fun on the 31st?
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
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Walter Reed Plan Offers New Housing Can the reuse plan for Walter Reed be a significant part of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy for ending homelessness, particularly for homeless veterans? The federal government has declared 62.5 acres of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. as surplus property. The Local Redevelopment Authority must prepare a plan for reuse of the site in order to acquire a portion of the site for local use. On Thursday, Oct. 21, more than 200 people attended the public presentation of the Draft Final Reuse Plan which had been approved by the LRA Committee. Why is this important for Street Sense readers? The Walter Reed site represents a major resource in terms of land and buildings; it is of national, historical and moral interest because of its legacy of serving veterans. Clearly its reuse is a major opportunity to create a range of housing, including permanent supportive housing and affordable as well as market-rate housing. In particular, there is an opportunity to address the appalling reality of veterans and families who are homeless in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. While commendable progress has been made in housing over 1,000 homeless people through the Housing First program, the economic crisis has created an increase in homelessness that demands a creative and aggressive use of the resources of our city and nation. Title V of the 1987 McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act made serving the homeless the first priority for the use of all surplus Federal properties including military installations. The 1994 Redevelopment Act exempted Base Realignment and Closure installations from Title V and replaced the BRAC process with a community-based process that balances various community needs, including homeless assistance. In this process, the LRA develops a reuse plan that balances economic development interests with the needs of the homeless. The final draft plan had some good news. Two proposals for permanent supportive housing for homeless people were approved. The proposal by Help USA and Catholic Charities was approved for 75 units of housing for families and veterans in Building 14. The proposal by So Others
PHOTO courtesy ofPerkins + Will
By Jana Meyer, volunteer
A draft plan for the Walter Reed site calls for the reuse of many existing buildings and the addition of new facilities as well. The plan would provide permanent supportive housing in buildings 14 and 18.
Might Eat was approved for 44 units of permanent supportive housing at the site of Building 18. Other public use conveyances included D.C. Fire Emergency Medical Service and two charter schools (Washington Yu Ying and Latin American Montessori). The permanent supportive housing units represent over 10 percent of the 850 total residential units planned for the site, and 4 percent of the development for the site. During the discussions at this and other public meetings, there was visible support for housing for homeless veterans. At the same time, there was a clear need for accurate information. Many people mistakenly believed that the plan called for homeless shelters, as opposed to permanent housing with supportive services that integrate people who are homeless into the community. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the cost to tax payers of providing
permanent supportive housing is the same or lower as housing people in emergency shelters. When given an explanation of what permanent supportive housing actually is, several people who expressed opposition changed their reaction to one of support. What remains unclear is whether there is the possibility or even mandate for more permanent supportive housing on the site, and how many of the remaining units will be designated as affordable housing for very low-income persons. Over 30 members of Washington Interfaith Network representing 10 different institutions in Ward 4 and other wards of the city were present to support permanent supportive housing use and to ask that at least 30 percent of the total units be designated for affordable housing. The process is not over. The next steps include a public hearing and approval by City Council, and submission of the reuse
plan to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, projected in February of 2012. HUD must review and approve, probably in May or June of 2011. If HUD believes the District plan does not have enough permanent supportive housing, it can condition its approval on an increase in the number of guaranteed units. During this time, there is the opportunity for continued feedback and input into the plan. The Walter Reed site is a historic opportunity to gain free land for housing homeless residents of D.C., while also meeting economic development needs of the neighborhood and city. Jana Meyer is Minister of Missions at Foundry United Methodist Church, a member of the Washington Interfaith Network. WIN is a citywide organization rooted in local congregations and associations that has organized for permanent supportive housing in the District of Columbia.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
The Battle Between No Strangers to One Percent and Unkept Promises the Masses By Maurice King, volunteer
By Jeffery McNeil, vendor The November midterm elections will be a turning point in American politics. When all the votes are cast, will this country remain a democracy of, by and for the people? Or will we redistribute power to the special interests that use their wealth and influence to buy government. The two parties have now formed into one, a repubocracy, where both sides obscure their intentions by sounding as moderate as possible. Then once elected, their policies become so extreme that they make Ronald Reagan look like a liberal. However, I trust Republicans more than I do Democrats. The Republicans make no bones about throwing you out on the street with no blanket. The Democrats are much more kindhearted. They will at least give you a bag lunch and a bus ride to the polls. The two parties run Washington like James Jones ran Guyana; they make use of the poor and minorities with meaningless titles, while the banks and institutions preside over important matters (the money). In the end, the masses drink the Kool Aid and we all become much poorer. America has now become three classes: the elited, the defeated (poor and homeless) and the deleted (the erosion of the middle
class). No longer do politicians fight for labor, civil rights and fair wages. Today they fight for removal of the inheritance tax and outsource jobs to China, while government uses tax money to fuel private enterprise. This common concoction of cultural politics fused with tax cuts has scared poor white voters in states like West Virginia and Kentucky to vote against their well-being. Now with a black president, the special interest groups have gone all out with campaign ads in predominantly white areas, to brand Obama as a socialist, extension of big brother, where rich white guys are going to have to take care of the poor. Special interests are betting heavily that this tried-and-true strategy will be a winner on Election Day. They believe that the apathy and contempt of Obama will lead Americans to stay home and watch Jersey Shore on Election Day, so they can slip their Tea Party candidates into office in the middle of the night. This election is truly a battle between the one percent and the masses. Can the special interest finally buy the White House or do we stave off the wolves until another election?
In the end, the masses drink the Kool Aid and we all become much pooer. America now has three classes: the elited, the defeated (poor and the homeless) and the deleted (the erosion of the middle class.
Sept. 14 was the day of the primary elections. By now, the results are known to everyone: Vincent Gray won the Democratic nomination for mayor by a considerable margin over incumbent Adrian Fenty. What is not known is what the implications will be for the District, especially for the homeless community. We have heard the pre-election promises. The question is: what will happen in reality? Adrian Fenty was regarded as a friend of the homeless, too, during his campaign prior to his being elected mayor. He had promised not to close down any downtown shelters. Within a short time, he closed the Franklin School shelter allegedly to make room for commercial construction in its place. It was a preelection promise that was broken, and the reverberations were felt throughout the homeless community. All the homeless people living in shelters then began to worry: which shelter is next? Fentyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intentions seemed to be to close all the shelters to force the homeless out of the city. Needless to say, the discontent in the homeless community ran deep after that initial betrayal. Vincent Gray made a special visit for the homeless prior to the election in Franklin Park, a gesture that served to bring him closer to homeless voters. Given the discontent with Fenty and the hopes for better times, Gray won a sizable percentage of the homeless vote. However, those of us who have memories can only wonder if this scenario is to be a repetition of the Fenty experience. If it happened once, it can certainly happen again. The homeless are the most vulnerable population in the District. Lacking a financial base or even permanent housing, they are easy targets, especially when the government decides to make budget cuts, as we witnessed during the Bush Administration. Finding a sympathetic voice in government is, as a result, very important if not essential. We thought we had that when we elected
Fenty, but we were wrong. We have voted for Gray now. Will he be an ally? That remains to be seen. Being realistic, we have to acknowledge that most politicians say what voters want to hear before elections. Certainly the h o m e l e s s a re n o t strangers to unkept promises. For example, anyone who knows the history of CCNV knows that promises were made and then broken regarding building the shelter. The struggle to get the shelter built was highly publicized thanks to Mitch Snyder, who took drastic measures such as hunger strikes to bring awareness to the cause. Adrian Fenty may have lost the primary, but some people have attempted to start a write-in campaign for him. As of Sept. 30, the Facebook page for the campaign had amassed 4,158 members. There are also parallel groups on Yahoo and Twitter. That does not necessarily translate into a victory at the polls, but it does show that he still maintains a certain level of support from people who are ready to be counted. We have until November to wait for the election to be 100 percent official. We know where we stand now. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to wait to find out where we stand after the election.
Vincent Gray held a special session for the homeless prior to the election, a gesture that served to bring him closer to homeless voters.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Street Sense Holds it’s 7th Silent Auction
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On the evening of October 14, Street Sense staff, volunteers, vendors and friends gathered for the 5th Annual Street Sense Silent Auction. Together they made the event, “A Step Forward” the most successful fundraiser in Street Sense history. With contributions still coming in at press time, Street Sense executive director Abby Strunk estimated the auction had raised close to $15,000, nearly doubling the total from last year’s event. Highlights of the evening included vendor performances by David Denny, Chris Shaw and Jeffery McNeil; festive food and drink donated by Fresh Start Catering, a Well-Fed World and Café Saint Ex; competitive silent bidding on auction items ranging from a musical wine tasting to a cupcake baking class and a live auction. The following is a poem by vendor Chris Shaw on his experience playing at the 7th Annual Street Sense Silenet Auction.
“PLAYING IN THE BAND” By Chris Shaw, vendor Auction time! Let’s get in line, for Mr. Ford and I loaded up, Plugged in, and let our down home soul to flow. Sing Jamba, Lay-o, and Crawfish pie-o. Tennesee Waltz, we were a’dancin’. Prancin’ to My Toot-Toot, Who’s gonna be a wheel some day, Why, maybe you- especially if you were to bid on that Florida beach vacation. Friendly urgings, a memorable photo of an unsung street hero, And a cappella too! As we closed, Jamaica farewell, Success for Sense, and happy to be in the combo!
From right top clockwise: Mangaging editor Lisa Gillespie and vendor Ken Belkosky mingle with staff from Bread for the City; Editor Mary Otto gets her boogie on; Vendor David Denny gives an emotional performance; attendees enjoy food from Fresh Start Catering; Chris Shaw plays the blues.
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October 27 - November 9, 2010
Vendor the Month By Amy Vokes Congratulations to Patricia Henry, September’s Vendor of the Month! Patricia sells Street Sense in several locations across the city, but considers the Union Station area to be her preferred spot to sell on the weekends. Patricia was nominated by a staff member who has seen Patricia come into the office and spend entire days before the new issue comes out to help proofread and edit written submissions. Hour after hour, she pores over
Congratulations to Margaret Chapman, September’s Volunteer of the Month! Margaret received two nominations this month for her dedication to the Street Sense mission and work. Reliably and efficiently, Margaret helps with the often less glamorous aspects of volunteerism: data management and financial management. This can be a daunting task for a nonprofit that
Street Sense, and spent an afternoon with two other vendors assembling the purple domestic violence awareness ribbons you’ve seen on vendors’ vests this month. She regularly represents Street Sense at community meetings and events across Washington, D.C., and frequently shares community events and news with our staff. Activism and public service are important to Patricia, and she commits time to political and social efforts when she is not volunteering with or selling Street Sense, or searching for a job.
articles, proving to be a valuable part of our editorial team. Her love of writing and literature carry over into her conversations and written pieces. In addition to her help in sales and newspaper contributions, Patricia reliably attends nearly every meeting and session Street Sense offers. She is active in Women of
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH By Amy Vokes
Patricia Henry
Happy Birthday to our October Vendors!
James Hughes
Donna Barber
Michael Lyons
Margaret Chapman
does not have the resources to finance an advanced data management system. Margaret is not only very good at this work, but she enjoys it as well! The first time I met Margaret, she told me, “I love excel spreadsheets,” with a smile and contagiously upbeat attitude. “They’re so much fun!”
Margaret is originally from West Virginia, and is a graduate of Marshall University. She works in campaign finance consulting in Alexandria, Va., is an MBA student at George Washington University, and runs with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. She just finished a half marathon, and enjoys traveling, art, painting and tennis. Margaret, thanks for all that you do for Street Sense and our vendors!
Each month, Street Sense features a vendor of the month and a volunteer of the month. We encourage readers and supporters to submit nominations based on excellence in citizenship, sales, customer service and commitment to achieving personal goals. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Send to amy@streetsense.org.
Ronald Turner
Daniel Ball Sherle Williams
Kina Mathis
Deborah Tibbs
FOUNDRY www.listentothebody.com
A Reconciling Congregation Invites you to join us in worship on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 AM Homeless Outreach Hospitality: Fridays 9:00 AM
Massage Therapy Elizabeth Bourne, LMT Adams Morgan 202.253.0941 30% off 1st massage with this ad
Foundry United Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 332-4010
www.foundryumc.org
John Matthews
Deana Elder
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The District SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Ave, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) 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
October 27 - November 9, 2010 (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Thrive DC (breakfast Mon-Fri, 9:30-11, all welcome/dinner for women and children, Mon-Fri, 3-6 pm) St. Stephens Parish Church 1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311 www.thrivedc.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org
Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep
Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089 www.miriamskitchen.org
John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org
The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ ministry/welcometbl.htm
My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596 Washington, DC 20017 office (202) 529-5261 24-hour hotline (202)-529-5991 shelter and other services for domestic violence victims 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
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
Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093
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
FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place
New York Ave Shelter (Men 18+) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359
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 Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112 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/family services 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 events 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 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services 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 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
(202) 667–8970 www.jubileejobs.org job preparation and placement National Coalition for the Homeless 2201 P Street, NW (202) 462–4822 www.nationalhomeless.org activists, speakers bureau 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
Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs
Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html emergency travel assistance
Gospel Rescue Ministries drug, alcohol program (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731; www.grm.org
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org
Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing JHP, Inc. 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (202) 544–9126 www.jobshavepriority.org training and employment Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW
WVSA Literacy for Life 1100 16th Street, NW (202) 296-9100 www.wvsarts.org GED preparation and work force education
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The Samaritan Group Inc. P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org FOOD Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Avenue Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319; www.cmpgc.org 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) 493–2400 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
MARYLAND SHELTER Interfaith Works 114 W. Montgomery Avenue Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.iworksmc.org
Shelter Hotline: 1–800– 535–7252
He helped October 27 - November 9, 2010 your country. Now you can help him.
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Do you know someone who needs help? If they ever served in the military, they could qualify for no-cost health care, housing and employment assistance, and other benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
HELPING YOU CONNECT TO THE SOCIAL WORLD
@beckyblanton says:
1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit
Nothing is more powerful than our stories. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story told in pictures, or story told in words, stories change people. Social media and blogs are how and where we tell our stories. Stories connect us to the world. No matter how rich, how poor, how young, how powerful or how weak, stories change us.
one of these local VA facilities:
@HomelessGirl1 says:
Encourage them to call
6! #OMMUNITY Outpatient Clinic 820 Chesapeake Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20032 Metrobus routes A6 and P12
VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20422 Metro: Brookland/CUA or Columbia Heights (Free shuttle bus from both metros)
SIGN UP SPEAK OUT BE SEEN
Washington DC Vet Center 1250 Taylor St, NW Washington, DC 20011 Metro: Columbia Heights
As the online community around me got bigger, as I blogged and tweeted my very innermost secrets, I began to realize that I was not unique in my situation, people were asking me for advice and sharing their stories about living on the outskirts of society, the shame and helplessness they had experienced like me. This changed my perception and understanding about the epidemic of homelessness and it gave me the purpose that I had been looking for.
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