11 20 2013 by Street Sense Media

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Volume 11: Issue 1 November 20 - December 3, 2013

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Honoring Homeless Vets

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.

Female veteran works to help homeless comrades.

Eric Thompson-Bey recalls veterans in the sports arena.

Happy Thanksgiving from our vendors! And special thanks to homeless vets.

Barron Hall speaks from experience as a homeless veteran.

COVER ART

National memorials to honor our veterans. PHOTOS BY JOHNATHAN COMER

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STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

NEWS IN BRIEF Efforts Aim at Helping Philippine Storm Victims

VA Dedicates Millions More Toward Homeless-Veteran Programs The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a nearly 14 million dollar surge in funding for programs to assist homeless veterans, the Washington Post reports. Grants will go toward 189 programs in dozens of states. Nearly 9 million dollars in grants to provide transportation and renovated housing for homeless veterans was approved. Services to help women, the elderly and those who are mentally ill were also approved and 5 million dollars was earmarked. “Our local partners have played a vital role in our effort to find, engage, and rescue every homeless veteran,” VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said. “Until no veteran has to sleep on our nation’s streets, we still have work to do.” The VA has made use of a federal voucher program to house tens of thousands of veterans during the past four years, Washington Post reported. Through the Homeless Providers and Per Diem Program grants, the agency is able to help provide housing and services for homeless veterans. —Ramanda Lazaris

be involved. Residents present at the Oct. 31 meeting cheered the prospect of being included in the decisions made about the shelter. Many had suggestions and concerns about future services. “The city has let this building deteriorate. This building is a city shelter, so the city is responsible for it,” said Michael Coleman, a shelter resident. Graham told meeting attendees that he agreed and intends to get the city to take responsibility for the upkeep of the crumbling building. The bureaucratic red tape that delays homeless services is depriving many homeless people from the self-esteem and the education to deal with their situation, said Finnel Goodman, another CCNV resident. “If the government will allocate funds, it should be allocated to having real resources that transition people out of here. That’s the only thing that works,” Goodman said. —Claire Sloan

Animal Therapy Could Help Homeless Children

life often develop social, emotional and health problems as they grow up. Recently, researchers at Australia’s Monash Injury Research Institute (MIRI) conducted a study that used animals as therapists to teach these children empathy and coping skills. The study was run by Dr. Neerosh Mudaly, a senior research fellow, who has noted that children who come to the program often do not trust adults and may act out in fear. The species used in the study, guinea pigs and rabbits, are chosen based on their temperament and health. Groups of up to 10 children attend weekly sessions of 1-1.5 hours where they participate in activities such as animal handling (grooming, comforting), animal care (feeding and observing) and art and photography. “In the group, the children recognize that they are in charge of a vulnerable being such as a guinea pig,” Dr. Mudaly said. “They learn empathy and control, and often take these lessons back into their own families where perhaps they bullied their more vulnerable younger siblings.” According to Dr. Mudaly, the next step of the study involves in-depth interviews with children, their supportive parents, caseworkers and teachers. “This research has the potential to contribute to international knowledge on effective therapy for traumatized children and the prevention of violence,” Dr. Mudaly said. —Ramanda Lazaris

According to the International Network of Street Papers, an Australian study indicates that animal therapy could help homeless children. Just within the last year, almost 32,000 cases of abuse, neglect and violence occurred in Australia on children between 0-12 months. Research has shown that children who experienced traumatic events early in

Task Force Continues Work on CCNV Future At an Oct. 31 meeting of a special task force, D.C. Council member Jim Graham put to rest the fear that the federal city shelter known as the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) would cease to be a homeless facility when the covenant with the federal government expires. The lease on the building is long expired, meaning that the federal government does not control the fate of the structure. The only restriction on it is that if it is sold or leased, the proceeds must be used for homeless services. However, the covenant still requires that the parking lot connected to the building be used for health services until 2021, said Camille D. Sabbakhan of the Department of General Services. The task force for the future of the shelter met Oct. 31 in the CCNV facility to discuss the legal restrictions on the property and give residents an opportunity to voice concerns about their home. Specific changes to CCNV, such as remodeling, new construction and new services, have yet to be decided. The task force will formulate its recommendations and present them to the mayor in April 2014. Future task force meetings will be held at the CCNV facility so that residents may

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Typhoon Haiyan barreled through the Philippines earlier this month, causing nearly 4,000 deaths, the Guardian reports. In response to the tragic storm Americans geared up to help. Team Rubicon, which is made up of military veterans who work with first responders, prepared packages of food, supplies and medical items and plans to begin rebuilding communities throughout the Philippines. This group has traveled to regions hit by floods and earthquakes as well as war zones and other places where aid is needed. The U.S. Government promised $20 million to assist in relief efforts. About half will be used to send 10,000 hygiene kits, and the other half will go toward airlifting more than 50 tons of emergency food from Florida; this will feed at least 20,000 children under 5 and 15,000 adults for an estimated five days, reported NBC News. Many organizations and volunteers have gathered together to help communities affected by the storm. According to the Examiner, the American Red Cross has deployed 10 specialists to help coordinate shelters, distribute supplies, assist with telecommunications and assess the damage. The Red Cross also brought items so people can stay warm and clean themselves. “The best way to help is for people to send money, to UNICEF, to the Philippines Red Cross, to the American Red Cross,” said Bing Cardenas Branigan of the Asia America Foundation and the National Association of Filipino Americans. People who want to donate to the American Red Cross to support the response can go to redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. According to the Global Red Cross website, specialized emergency response teams from Red Cross societies across the globe are moving into the Philippines to assist the Philippines Red Cross. Red Cross teams have expertise in logistics, disaster assessment, shelter, health, water and sanitation. Local organizations participate in their own ways. A Philippine Church near D.C. prays for their homeland, according to Voice of America. At the Philippine International Bible Church in Laytonsville, Md., not far from Washington, D.C., a reported 50 churchgoers gathered following their pastor’s call for help. “This is not the first time that this is happening,” Pastor Nardito Manalang said. “All of us were saddened and shocked actually by the impact of it. Today, we took a special offering to give people a chance to write a second check- a separate envelope designated just for this… as part of our international involvement.” President Barack Obama made a state-

ment: “In the days ahead, the United States will continue to work with the Philippines to deliver whatever help we can, as quickly as possible.” —Ramanda Lazaris

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Advocates Ask: Does Winter Plan do Enough to Protect Homeless Youth?

Are you old enough to get a winter bed?

By Claire Sloan Editorial Intern Rikea Richardson knew she was truly on her own when she had stayed the maximum allowed time at a shelter and her family did not pick her up. She was 18 years old, stranded in the rain with her luggage.

Rikea Richardson PHOTO BY CLAIRE SLOAN “It was my time to leave. It was pouring down raining. And I was waiting on my dad to come get me, and he never came and got me,” Richardson said. Things had been rocky with her family for a while. She started couchsurfing when she was 16, then ended up on the street, wearing a jacket too thin to keep out the cold. “The first time having to sleep on the street, Lord knows, it was scary,” said Richardson, now 20. These days, she feels safe, thanks to help she received from the Independent Living Program at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, an agency that places at risk youths in safe homes. But she readily acknowledged she would not know how to survive on the street in cold weather. She said that with winter approaching, she fears for any youth without housing. DC officials say they have a clear cut protocol for keeping homeless and

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID SEROTA

runaway youth safe during the winter months. Yet like Richardson, some youth advocates say that the city’s winter plan for the homeless, approved Nov 12, does not go far enough in addressing immediate or long term needs. The Homeless Services Reform Act, passed in 2005, guaranteed all homeless people in the District shelter beds on nights when the temperature is below 32 degrees. An annual winter plan, drawn up by city officials and representatives from homeless service organizations, spells out how the city will meet its legal obligation to protect people from freezing conditions. The plan lists bed availability in shelters across the city, describes outreach and intake procedures, and lays out the schedule for a hypothermia shuttle bus system dedicated to getting individual men and women as well as entire families out of the cold. But until this year, the winter plan did not include a specific section laying out procedures for how to help homeless young people. In response to requests by youth advocates, a subcommittee of the District’s Interagency Council on Homelessness tackled the job of adding such a section to this year’s winter plan. The city already had a year-round protocol in place to assess and respond to the needs of unaccompanied young people below the age of 18. When a minor arrives at a homeless program seeking a place to stay, a 24-Hour Runaway and Homeless Youth Hotline is contacted. A staff person from the hotline picks up the youth and conducts a screening and determines whether to contact the minor’s family, provide appropriate shelter, or get a protective agency such as Child and Family Services involved. But what if the youth truly fears returning to his family, or rejects the help being offered? Child advocates worried that because the protocol does not include a clear cut right to shelter, on a cold night it

could end up costing the life of a runaway or homeless youth. Scott McNeilly of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless worked unsuccessfully to add a few lines to the winter plan making clear that the city’s right to shelter applies to all district residents “including unaccompanied youth,” and if for some reason the protocol for unaccompanied minors does not meet the needs of a particular youth, the District will still “ensure that no homeless youth is in danger of hypothermia this winter.” That measure was rejected. Yet District officials say the final wording of the winter plan, which restates the protocol and outlines the availability of beds set aside for homeless youth and young adults, ensures that any homeless young person will be protected from the cold during the coming winter. “It’s not a perfect solution but it’s better than what we had,” said the city’s Department of Human Services Director, David Berns. Increased funding will help increase the number of youth beds for the winter, Berns also noted. “Mayor Vincent C. Gray and the City Council of the District of Columbia have provided an additional $500,000 for the fiscal year 2014 that will be used to expand the availability of crisis beds for unaccompanied children (under age 18) who do not have a safe place to stay,” wrote Berns in an open letter to the community. The city will provide five emergency beds for unaccompanied youth under the winter plan at Sasha Bruce House, and a sixth bed will be competitively awarded in January, said Maggie Riden, executive director of DC Alliance of Youth Advocates. Youth advocates said they will continue to work to make sure district agencies become more deeply invested in meeting the needs of homeless and runaway youth this winter and throughout the coming years. When unaddressed, those problems can have lifelong implications, according

to Deborah Shore, executive director of Sasha Bruce Youthwork. “Fifty percent of all chronically homeless adults report being first homeless as a teenager,” said Shore. In many cases, Sasha Bruce Youthwork staffers attempt to re-unite young homeless people with their families. But in some cases, a family may be too unstable or broken to offer the help a young person needs, said Rikea Richardson. “Family is crazy. You always think they’re there for you. No, not mine,” Richardson said. There are still things about those hard teen years she cannot figure out. For reasons she may never understand, of the 37 young people in her extended family she was the only one who ended up on the streets. She counts herself fortunate to have found Sasha Bruce Youthwork and the support system and “family” she needed. At Sasha Bruce, she received employment training, an apartment for 18 months, and a case manager who motivated her to succeed. She described what it meant: “Hands on staff there for me, interacting with me, getting to know who I am, getting to know what I like, helping me get back in school.” Rich a rdson gra du a t e d from h i gh school in June and plans to be a lawyer. She said she is in the process of finding a new program to transition into until she can pay for her own apartment and a college education. She said her experience with Sasha Bruce Youthwork changed her perspective on how a family can and should be and she believes that is what other homeless youth need. She said that no homeless youth should be turned away for lack of services. “I really think that’s unacceptable because it’s so many young kids going through family issues, with themselves, or abuse. They need that support from Bruce House.”

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

NEWS

Facing Another Winter Without a Home

Photos by Johnathan Comer

Film Captures Fleeting Moments at Hospice By Ramanda Lazaris Editorial Intern Three short films exploring some of “I make films to articulate the experilife’s most heartbreaking and revealing ence of these people.” moments were the focus of a recent eveAskew left a life in the business world to ning of conversation hosted by Joseph’s become a poet filmmaker. He films organiHouse, a 24-hour hospice for the homeless zations, leaders, brands, and simply everyand dying. day people expressing their pain, joy and The films, shown Oct 22, were created life. More of Askew’s work can be found at by poet and filmmaker Nic Askew. The soulbiographies.com. first, “On the Edge of Life and Death,” “I got an idea, just out of the blue, to portrayed life at Joseph’s House itself. make films,” Askew said. “So I stood up The others looked at the onset of demenand walked to a friend’s house and bortia and the death of a child. rowed his camera and that was that. I’ve Askew got the idea to make a film done nothing else since.” about Joseph’s House about a year ago He said he hoped “On the Edge of Life when he was speaking at Georgetown and Death,” helped capture the moments University. He met a hospice staff member he witnessed in his time at Joseph’s House. who told him about the place. Joseph’s “I just hope tonight someone gets the House serves about 35 men and women experience of another person,” Askew said. per year with a primary mission to those When he makes these human-portraits with late stage AIDS and terminal cancer. Askew likes to turn a last question back to Askew decided to spend the day there the audience. and get a feeling for what it was like. As the evening ended, a question re“When I walked up to the steps of Jomained flickering on the movie screen. seph’s House, it was like an immediate It was this: sense of belonging,” Askew said. He said “Where is it that you belong?” his goal as a filmmaker was to capture the essence of the place and the people. “The job is to see people, really see people, beyond what the world may see,” Askew said. Patricia Wudel, who has run Joseph’s House for the past 15 years, said she felt Askew must have been guided by a higher power to her door. But that is the way things work at Joseph’s House, she said. “How people come and hear of Joseph’s House will always be a great, great mystery to me,” she said. “I always feel it is God who brings each person through our door.” Wudel is helped in her work by a staff of nurses, volunteers. The organization’s goal is to ensure that “each person is loved and cared for as family.” The nonprofit offers this as its statement of purpose: “At Joseph’s House, all are changed. We believe in love. We nurture and support our volunteers and staff members with as great an intention as we care for our residents. We learn to find a place of rest in the middle of things; just as it is, just as we are.” The mission appealed to Askew, who is known for traveling the world to make and screen his films. Although all three of the short films shown at the Oct 22 event were deeply serious, Askew said he loves making comedies as well. Nic Askew and Patty Wudel lead the eveAt the center, he sees his works as “hu- ning discussion. PHOTOS BY RAMANDA LAZARIS man portraits,” he said.

Female Vet Rescuing Others from Homelessness By Carol Cummings, Volunteer

Jas Boothe PHOTO COURTESY CNN About 3,328 women veterans are homeless in the United States, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That number may seem small, but it doesn’t account for women who are sleeping on friends couches, staying with family, or afraid to leave abusive situations. While the VA and HUD don’t keep track of the factors that contribute to female veteran homelessness, there are many theories. “America as a whole has forgotten about the women,” said Jas Boothe, a U.S. Army Veteran and founder of the nonprofit Final Salute, Inc., an organization to help women veterans get back on their feet. Boothe founded Final Salute in 2010 after her own experience caused her to become aware of the lack of services available for struggling female veterans, especially those with children. Final Salute has three transitional homes for women veterans and their children, with the capacity to support 20 women. The organization, which places its primary focus on helping women in the DC Metro region, operates two transitional homes in Northern Virginia. But is also operates a third home in Ohio and offers a variety of services across the country, including grants and no-interest loans to female veterans as well as current guardsmen and reservists who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. “If you’re a man there are 500 transitional housing facilities, there are hundreds of programs to help you,” she said. “When it comes to women the welfare office is good enough for you.” Boothe sought help for herself and her young son after losing her home in Hurricane Katrina, and receiving a cancer diagnosis, both shortly before she was schedule to deploy with her Army Reserve unit. She

reached out to the VA. But she found little in the way of assistance, she said. When someone suggested she apply for welfare assistance, she was deeply hurt. “That’s not a line that I should ever be in,” Boothe said. “No disrespect for the women who are on welfare, but as a person who has served my country honorably, raised my right hand to say that I am willing to die in support of my country, there should be something else for me, but because I’m a woman there isn’t.” Homelessness among female veterans has been discussed in variety of forums, from Congressional hearings to the Oprah Winfrey Show, but like Boothe, many women veterans feel more outreach needs to be done.

Ending female veteran homelessness falls under the scope of the VA’s plan to end all veteran homelessness by 2015, but many programs are not equipped to meet women’s needs. Due to the shortage of supportive services for homeless female vets nationwide, Boothe said she has been receiving plenty of calls from women in need. “They actually find me pretty easily,” said Boothe.” I’ve never had to go out and look for them or say ‘Hey Final Salute is doing this.’ We definitely have more people than we can help, and the VA is our largest referral source.” The National Resource Directory (NRD), the U.S. Government inter-agency online portal for service members, veterans, their families and caregivers, currently lists 21 services for women veterans. Nationally, the VA’s Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program funds eight programs for women in California, Massachusetts, Ohio and Pennsylvania. According to data collected by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), many housing facilities for veterans don’t allow children, despite the Department of Defense (DoD) estimate that more than 30,000 single mothers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and as of 2006 more than 40 percent of women in the U.S. Military have children. “Programs that support women need to automatically be ready to support children,” Boothe said. “Half of our [women veteran] population is single mothers,

so if you do land that good job at $15 or $20 an hour, factor in three children and you’re going to need daycare.” The NCHV also collected data on a recent survey by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which states that more than 60 percent of organizations with GPD programs did not have adequate resources to provide housing for the children of veterans. Of the 52 organizations did provide housing, 70 percent restrictions on age limits, and number of children. Boothe said of the over 500 women who have applied for Final Salute’s help, unemployment and underemployment are probably the largest causes of homelessness, although the statistics are often skewed in favor of hot button issues. In a recent interview she did with SBS Dateline in Australia, sexual trauma was named as the leading cause of veteran women’s homelessness. “Maybe five percent of the women who have applied for our programs have mentioned some type of military sexual trauma,” she said. “It’s not fair to the women who are actually going through these issues for other reasons for someone to put that label on it because that’s what they think.” Another misconception Boothe sees is that women currently in the military, reservists and guardsmen don’t need help. “When they go on their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan they don’t always have a job to come back to or a support system,” she said.

On Nov 11, The Church of the Epiphany hosted a dinner open to all where dozens of homeless veterans were able to share their stories and let their voices be heard. Read more in the column on page 14. PHOTO COURTESY ASHLEY TRICK

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

NEWS

City of Fresno Destroys Downtown Homeless Encampments

By Mike Rhodes Street News Service The City of Fresno followed through on their threats to destroy homeless encampments in the downtown area last month by bringing in bulldozers, garbage trucks and sanitation workers who knocked down and hauled away dozens of shelters. They destroyed the last of the encampments in the downtown area on October 23rd. City spokespersons say they are determined to stop any encampments from reemerging. To accomplish that goal, the Fresno Police Department has established a task force to keep the homeless on the move. Homeless advocates have responded by calling on the City Council to set up safe

and legal places where homeless people can live. They argue that until the City of Fresno has enough housing, homeless people need a place to live that provides basic public services (e.g. drinking water, trash pickup, toilets). City Manager Bruce Rudd told the advocates they should take their com p l a in ts to representatives at the County of Fresno. Homeless advocates reminded Rudd that it was the City of Fresno and

not the county that was bulldozing the encampments and chasing homeless people from one vacant lot to another. Most of the homeless living in downtown Fresno seem to be adjusting to the new dictates of City Hall. Many of them sleep on the sidewalks near the Poverello House and the Rescue Mission, get up early in the morning and move on, returning in the evening. Many homeless people have moved to other areas of the downtown

area, like the Fulton Mall and Courthouse Park. Homeless women are now more vulnerable to predators who victimize them. Dispersing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homeless people throughout the city (with no place to go to the bathroom) is unlikely to improve the health and public safety in this community. There are several groups of homeless advocates that are attempting to improve life and restore dignity and respect to their homeless brothers and sisters who are on the mean streets of Fresno. You can see what they are up to and contact them by visiting www. helpfresnohomeless.org. Mike Rhodes is the editor of the Community Alliance newspaper. Contact him at editor@fresnoalliance.com.

Isotopia pt 12: The Final Chapter By Ibn Hipps Vendor With the whole city of Isotopia in a peaceful trance, the Child of Life of Light grows as his powers progress. The child is blessed by the one true God, as is Josh, his family and the whole city of Isotopia. As the gifted child battles the evil of Isotopia and its demons of lies and deceit, all kinds of evil attack the child - but damage him not. Thunder, gray clouds, and flashes of light rain goodness on Isotopia and destroy its evil. The children of Isotopia will soon be free from their transformation, to do nothing but good, kindness and love. Josh, the kids, Melissa, the Secret Circle of Love and the whole city look on, having believed they would never see this day. The day the evil that ruled Isotopia for so long vanished. “At last!” Josh and Melissa scream in unison. “The cure for Isotopia is here,” says Josh. As he watches the child do his work, Josh knows mankind does not possess the type of power this child shows. God is most wonderful. Josh is finally feeling like a human being. He photographs this image in his mind so that the feeling can last forever. “God is most wonderful!” yell out the kids. Josh and his family watch the battle from behind a protective forcefield cre-

ated by the gifted child. There’s one evil djinn that possesses certain types of souls of the city of Isotopia. This djinn is called Starticus, and he is a djinn of hatred. He throws all types of hatred at the Child of Life of Light, but it phases the child none. The gifted child sends back at Starticus thunderbolts of love, sent directly from the one God himself. Bolts of special prayers and chants of truth beyond truth. As the hate and lies fade into sparkling fragments of 40,000 flakes falling out of the sky, songs of love can be heard throughout the whole city of Isotopia. Melissa, Josh, everyone feels a tingling inside. The kids yell out “Mom, Dad - what is that?” “That’s the love God has for his people of Isotopia,” replies Josh. As they turn their attention back to the battle, lies and evil are still being blasted at the gifted child. The terrible sounds of the unseen evil of Isotopia can be heard for miles and miles. Earth-shaking thunder lashes back at the lies. The truth untold comes in the form of thunder and lightning, knowledge unlimited. The child ages with each battle. As the child gets older, he grows stronger and stronger. Memories of evil are slowly erased from Josh, Melissa, the kids and the whole city of Isotopia. As thunder, lightning and gray clouds rule the sky, the gifted child battles all that is not right. As evil is thrown at the child, his power increases and he ages. Meliki is now 18 years old. Melissa sees

and recognizes the child’s age from motherly experience. “10 years in 2 hours, that’s incredible,” observes Melissa. Anything that’s not right the human-

like child destroys for the lie that it is. The child strikes down every lie that’s ever told to the city. As the child ages, as the city is cleansed of all misguidance,

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3 , 2013

FICTION

all the mean people and all eyes of shame now look upon the people of Isotopia with love and respect. No one is mistreated, no one is misguided, no one is lost, thanks to Meliki. Thanks to the one God who sent Meliki. As the battle ends, every evil lie has been destroyed and turned into snowflakes of knowledge. Sounds of love exit the beautiful skies above. The evil has been vanquished from every soul: bad thoughts, bad memories, all gone. No more suffering of the poor. Every single person in the city will no longer rest without a roof over their head. No human being, woman or child, animal, etc., shall go hungry anymore. Physical and spiritual things and wants will be of a positive thought: truth and love. All that was not good, all that was not positive, is no more. Josh turns to tell Melissa. “I’ve never

seen the sky so clear, so bright, in decades. The air is now safe to breathe. The clouds release no more diseases amongst the people of Isotopia. Truth lives here in Isotopia now,” says Josh. “Okay, now I have nothing to worry about with you and these Isotopia women,” Melissa jokes with Josh. Josh turns and looks at her with a smile, “You never did honey, you never did.” The children overhear this and giggle. The human-like child speaks for the first time. “God has found favor amongst the city, Isotopia is no longer forsaken. The prayers from the little good that was left, the people of Strive 77 Dr, were heard, and I was sent.” Josh and Melissa listen with tingling in their heart and Josh yells out “Meliki, what is that feeling?!”

Hipps’Notes

“God. God’s love. The love he has for your city and your people,” answers the child. As Meliki disappears into the sky, the sun rises, brightens, and the gray clouds fade away. Suddenly, you can hear laughter of children, chirping of birds, sounds of animals… clouds start to bloom and the sun shines bright. Decades and decades Josh and Melissa have waited to see this day, for their sake and for their children. Everyone in Isotopia now lives a normal life and at night the stars shine bright blue. A tone of love can be heard in the air and the seasons come with love, no harsh weather. All the children, all the people are no longer in a trance. Everyone awakened to a brand new city. Bubble-eyed, everyone looks at a city redecorated by the hands of the one God himself.

The force field that protected everyone that tried hard to protect the city of Isotopia from evil is no longer needed. Memories of bad thoughts, sad memories, fornication, deceit, are no more. It is safe. Safe. (Isotopia) All hearts are pure of evil. Wives and husbands are faithful to each other. Peace is amongst the people of Isotopia now, family and friends. Flowers, trees, animals, birds, all are beautiful throughout the land of Isotopia. Strive 77 Drive E now lives in peace, love and happiness. Thanks to the one God himself and the humanlike child, Meliki. The End.

(Isotopia)

The Life of Light, the goodness has been revealed. Isotopia was a city full of corruption, lies and hatred. The poor people of Isotopia suffered horribly while others judged them, turned their head, and ignored their cries for help. The laws were unfair to the poor people and marriages were unfaithful. No one believed in God anymore except for the residents of a very small neighborhood: Strive 77 Dr. E. This particular family, Josh, Melissa, their kids, and the Secret Circle of Love chose to play a major part in the cleanup of Isotopia. Because of the extreme, sincere prayers of Josh and Melissa, God chose their family for a special job. And so Josh found the Child of Life of Light: Meliki. The child was an angel sent by the one God himself, prayed for by the people of Isotopia. Their prayers were heard as God took favor upon this city. Once the angel revealed himself, he swore to cleanse the city of Isotopia and save the good hearted people that rest at Strive 77 Dr. This story proves that every prayer, every sincere thought, is being heard by God or whatever force of good that you believe in. Josh and Melissa had faith. This story teaches faith. This story shows strong belief. So whatever greater being you choose to believe in: faith is all you need. (Isotopia)

CHILDREN’S ART: PORTRAIT OF A VOLUNTEER

Po r t ra i t o f a Homeless Children’s Playtime Project volunteer completed by a child living at DC General shelter.

There are 1,868 children experiencing homelessness in the District. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project visits 6 different transitional housing and emergency shelter programs to provide weekly activities, healthy snacks, and opportunities to play and learn to as many children as possible.

Courtesy of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project

COMICS & GAMES

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THANKSGIVING By Terron Solomon, Vendor Street Thanksgiving

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give thanks

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seconds

pilgrims

pumpkin pie

gravy

Cyber Monday

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tradition

cranberry sauce

Burke Herbert

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

OPINION

A Coming to Damascus By Jeffery McNeil, Vendor

Republican Governor Chris Christie’s historic victory in New Jersey proves that he is the most popular candidate in America. He captured 51 percent of the Hispanic vote and garnered 21 percent of the black vote. Even more impressive was that he won the votes of moderates and independents by over by 66 percent. To cap it off, 32 percent of registered Democrats crossed party lines to vote for him. Like many Democrats who supported Christie, I don’t agree with him on everything. However I think he’s done a good job in New Jersey. While New Jersey is a blue state, Democrats such as former governors Jon Corzine and Jim McGreevey left the state with scandals, failing schools and huge debt. Although many point to Christie’s battles with teachers’ unions, democratic mayors such Cory Booker, Adrian Fenty and Rahm

Emanuel have also taken on teachers’ unions. In New Jersey, the teachers’ union battle needed to happen. New Jersey residents pay the highest property taxes in the country and many are tired of seeing their tax dollars go to supporting failing public schools and huge teacher pensions. New Jersey is home to some of the worst schools in the country and many support the Chris Christie position that the best thing we can do for these kids is give them a chance to get out of poverty by either making teachers accountable or shutting these schools down and privatizing them. Ronald Reagan once said, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party. The party left me.” One of the reasons I like Chris Christie is that I feel the same way Reagan felt when he left the party. I once considered myself an old school liberal. The Democratic Party once stood for issues such as feeding the hungry, supporting public education, and improving our infrastructure. Today’s Democrats have veered off to the far left fighting for legalized pot, abortion on demand, and banning trans fats.

The people most impacted by liberalism are minorities. As a black man it’s hard to stomach. When did we start calling ourselves African Americans when many don’t know anything about Africa? Many of us can’t resist greasy pork chops and fried fish. Now we are arm in arm marching with liberals over banning trans fat. The black church was front and center when it came to opposition of marriage equality -- that was until Obama embraced it. Now a black pastor can’t make a sermon without defending gay marriage. Why minorities walk around calling themselves Democrats I’ll never understand. They are the victims of the Democratic Party. No one has been more harmed by Democratic policies than black men. In the age of Obama, all metrics for black men have deteriorated. According to the Department of Labor, the black male unemployment rate is 12.6 percent while those under thirty is 40 percent. And according to numerous sources, including the FBI, one in six black males will serve at least two years in prison. Half of all vio-

lent crimes are committed by black men. I am not endorsing Republicans but I do believe black people need to be sagacious in who they elect. Since the 1960s we have blindly given our votes to Democrats who have done nothing but keep minorities in a state of helplessness and dependency. They induce us with government programs then once elected they make secret deals with Republicans and drastically reduce them. Cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Detroit have been ruined by liberal Democrats, as they bury their citizens with crippling debt, budget shortfalls, along with high taxes. This has led to other pathologies such as rampant drug use, crime and prostitution. This is why I love Chris Christie. His message is the same message that resonated with working class people that supported Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Many people see America is becoming a national version of San Francisco and steering too far to the left. I believe a Chris Christie presidency could save America from itself and put a cork on liberalism.

My Quest to End Homelessness, Phase 1

Remembering Veterans Day: Rock Bleier

Earlier this year, during the annual city budget deliberations, advocates — including me — got embroiled in a struggle against changes to the city’s Homeless Services Reform Act that we worried would increase homelessness in Washington. In response to loud opposition, the DC City Council made some important revisions to the amendments. Homeless families that fail to place money in an escrow account will no longer face the risk of losing their beds — though they may face sanctions. And the council entirely eliminated a “provisional shelter” amendment that would have allowed families and individuals to be placed in shelters on a temporary basis while the city determined their eligibility for homeless services. And in what seemed like an acknowledgement of the importance of homeless services, a new position was created in city government; an executive director for the city’s Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH.) I have been writing for this newspaper and participating in advocacy for the last five years. For the past two years, I have been working under the assumption that no paying job would really fit my current skills. Then the details of the executive director position became public. I got to thinking “this could be me! Why not go

Veterans Day is the day that we as Americans honor the men and women who sacrificed for our country. My two part story American heroes gave honor to Pat Tillman and Bob Kalsu, who both lost their lives fighting for their country. So as I continue to honor our American veterans, I came across another American athlete who sacrificed for his country. Although Rock Bleier didn’t lose his life during the Vietnam war, he was seriously injured. He overcame his injury with hard work to become one of the most popular players in the National Football League. Robert Patrick Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. His father gave him the nickname Rocky when he was a baby and the name stuck. While attending Xavier High School he starred in football and basketball. As a football player he was a three-time All-State player as a running back and All-Conference linebacker and defensive back. After high school he attended the University of Notre Dame where he won a National Championship in 1966. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1968 with a degree in business management. In 1968 the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Bleier with their last pick in the 16th round. After his rookie season he was

By Reginald Black, Vendor - Da’ Street Reportin’ Artist

for it?” With that, I launched my effort to seek the appointment. I fully believe that with my experience both as a lifelong resident of Washington and as a homeless person in the city I am the best candidate for the job. I have planned out my efforts to get the job in phases. During Phase One I emailed the Ward 4 Councilwoman Muriel Bowser in an attempt to get a meeting and while I did not get to meet with the council member herself, I was able to meet with a member of her staff. I had a chance to pass along my resume and cover letter and the meeting made me feel like I was able to engage in a meaningful way. It left me hopeful for more extended conversations with other government officials about the position. Then at a recent ICH meeting held at the 801 East shelter, I was able to hand both the city administrator and the director of the department of human services copies of my resume and cover letter.

With these tasks now completed, I am actively moving toward Phase Two. I ask any readers wishing to help to please do your best to support Reginald Black for Executive Director of the ICH.

By Eric Thompson-Bey, Vendor

drafted into the U.S. Army and volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War. On August 20, 1969 while on patrol Bleier was wounded in the thigh by a rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed. While he was down and injured an enemy grenade landed nearby sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. While he was recovering in the hospital doctors told him he would never play football again. A year after he was wounded Bleier reported to the Steelers training camp. It was a struggle for him to walk. He spent two years trying to regain a spot on the Steelers roster. After working diligently in the offseason he got his weight and strength back up to par. From that point on he would be a starter for the Steelers. he played on the first four Steelers Super Bowl teams. Bleier retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. The football stadium at his high school was renamed Rocky Bleier Stadium on October 12, 2007. His high school number 23 is the only number retired in the school’s history. November 11th is a day that all Americans should honor. We have to remember the Pat Tillmans, Bob Kalsu’s, Rocky Bleier’s and all other veterans that sacrificed so that we could be the land of the free.

The Street Sense Writers’ Group is led by writing professionals and meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The group’s goal is to develop ideas and collaborate on the next great issue of Street Sense.

Not Right Now

By Angelyn Whitehurst, Vendor Sometimes it crosses my mind What I don’t know I want to know right this minute. Is it really worth the effort and time? The bigger, greater, most awesome question Do I really need to know? Is it going to help me? Every day in any little way Make me happier Give me the answers Any ole way My anxiety says, “Now!” A tense, deep breath later With a pause and a woeful murmur sung I will think about that decision to be made. Sometime later; not right now.

Like You

Loss: Losing Sense of By Chris Shaw, “The Cowboy Poet” Caryatid or cotyledon? Either one will do. Little shop or Payphone? All their times are through. A choice of digital or film Camera, Is ill-timed, for only with the old form Will a movie light be there to warn. Mister tuxedo of the Blues, His time has been used. No more may we groove On the sound so true, So smooth. Call it "Back In The Day," Whose day? -My day. Trying to hold on, to sweet memory!

By Dorris Robinson, Vendor I’m I’m I’m I’m I’m I’m I’m I’m

a good guy or bad guy not smart like you not hungry like you not happy like you not dark like you not blemished like you not fine like you not white like you

Between Two

By Carlton “Inkflow” Johnson, Vendor Replications between two mysteries Within the greatest parts Mind, body and soul, Prestigious marvels known to mankind.

Family Ties

By Ron Turner, Vendor My brother Carl moved here in 2007 when he found out our mother was ill. He could not find work, so he began to sell Street Sense. After being useful selling the paper he introduced me to Street Sense and now I am a vendor. We like selling the paper because it really helps out so we like to thank Street Sense for all it has done. Brothers Ronald Turner and Carl Turner. PHOTOS BY JANE CAVE Yours truly — Ron Turner

National Homelessness Awareness Week By Gwynette Smith, Vendor

The National Homelessness Awareness Week is from November 16 to 24. It is sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). The purpose of this week is to give people a chance to understand homelessness and the people who experience it and to encourage discussions about what can be done to end homelessness. The NCH encourages people to participate if they have these goals. People who are interested in raising awareness about homelessness might invite a homeless or formerly homeless person to speak before their church or community group. They might show a movie or a documentary film to the group and discuss it afterward. During election season, they could host a “candidate challenge” and invite politicians to join them and live on the street for a period of time to increase understanding about the need for laws and policies that would be helpful to those who are homeless. The NCH organizes such homeless challenges. A guide who is homeless or formerly homeless helps lead a group of up to five participants who experience life on the streets. They dress warmly, carry a piece of ID with them and maybe find a piece of cardboard for a mattress. Many people have participated in the homeless challenge over the years. The participants are usually high school or college students and they seem to enjoy the opportunity. I have met them on several occasions. They are interested in learning about how homelessness could end. One of the main solutions seem to be affordable housing. The students usually spend 48 hours living as homeless people. They do not stay in shelters. They dumpster-dive and panhandle. The chaperones carry cigarettes to trade when appropriate. They also bring toiletries and dispense them in the parks to the homeless. These participants

seem very eager to take on this challenge additionally, working in shelters and helping to serve food while they are in Washington, DC. Michael Stoops who directs the program for the NCH is adamant that participants do not ask homeless people personal questions that would be an invasion of their privacy. He told me that while the students usually spend 48 hours on the streets, he is formulating a project with a formerly homeless guide that will give the students a chance to do the challenge for a considerably longer time, at least a week, along with their chaperones. Stoops said that the guide may film a part of the challenge. The students who have participated often say they hope to go back to their communities and help motivate their leaders to help end homelessness.

[monument photo by Henrieese]

PHOTO BY HENRIEESE ROBERTS

C=mb2: Service With a Smile By Cynthia Mewborn, Vendor

What do segregation and ostracism have to do with homelessness? Everything. I was recently turned away at the door of a coffee shop at the corner of 14th and P Sts NW. The employee told me his manager said that I couldn’t come in. The words felt like an assault. They felt like segregation. I am the same person who visited that

coffee shop before I became homeless. Now, due to my attire, my pushcart, my extra bags, I have been turned away. I ask this: what right does a business have in denying a paying customer based on attire or appearance in receiving services? It was a day when the temperatures were down in the 40s and I simply wanted something hot to drink. To you business people out there: homeless people are just like you. We have feelings just like you. Yet I am almost sure that you have no idea just how much homeless people have to endure

because of cruelty and mean-spiritedness. It was this same kind of ostracism which thankfully was ended with segregation. Thank God not every coffee shop out there encourages that kind of cruelty. I recently visited another shop on L St and Vermont Ave NW where the members of the staff were very professional and treated me with respect and dignity and even offered to pay for my coffee. There was another nearby place where a member of the staff said “there’s no more hot coffee but there plenty of hot food left” and even gave me a free soda

after I had explained how I was mistreated at another store. Regardless of what you think; homeless people are women and men but we are also customers and human beings. The question shouldn’t be whether or not homeless people are welcome into a store but the question should be how can we help you? Learn how to be kind and not nasty; it’s not a good look for your business or for the world. Kindness is key for all who live on this planet! Good Luck!!!!!

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

VENDOR WRITING

The Mysterious Masonic Ring

Chapter 6: Solo Mission (con’t)

By: John “Mick” Matthews Vendor

In the last installment Dickerson pondered the riddle Bowler gave him. He soon realized that the “saved/earned” clue was in reference to Benjamin Franklin when he used to write as Poor Richard. On a roll, Dickerson also realized that the “tower chiming its bells glory” must be referring to his old “home” or the Post Office Pavilion. Putting all the pieces together, Dickerson knew that Bowler must want him to meet at 8:00 the next night by the Franklin statue in front of the Pavilion. After briefly talking to Kittie, part 2 of Chapter 6 ends with Dickerson pleased having solved the hidden message. A couple hours later, after much caffeine and a cliffhanger ending for the Avengers, we caught a cab and headed back to the hotel. When we had gotten comfortable, I pulled out the envelope the Mason at the Washington Monument bookstore had given to me that morning. The neatly folded sheet of paper read, “the Worshipful Master of Brotherly Love looks out over his encompassed square from on high. Not a G in sight, but perhaps a now homeless thug. The fortress of the shrine to his right , the president’s mansion in the distance it’s great weather to fly a kite.” “Another reference to a worshipful Master, “Kittie commented, “I’m assuming they’re not talking Washington this time.” “I don’t think so,” I responded , “the Brotherly Love reference sounds like they are talking about Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Do you know who the most famous mason to come out of Philadelphia was?” “Well, I know he was born in Boston, “ Kittie answered, “but wasn’t Ben Franklin the Worshipful Master of one of the Philadelphia lodges at one point?” “That’s exactly who I had in mind,” I responded, “but an encompassed square... that doesn’t sound very Masonic.”

“Bill, think about it, “ she said.“ Where did we use to eat on the weekends before this adventure began?” “Franklin Park,” I responded. “No wait. We homeless call it Franklin Park, but its proper name is Franklin Square!” The revelation of that hit me like a ton of bricks. “Exactly,” she exclaimed, “and there’s not a compass anywhere in sight.” “And as for looking down on the square from on high,” I continued, my mind racing racing, “there’s a bust of Franklin at the top of the old shelter they closed down last year.” “ I have to admit, these Mason guys keep up with the times,” Kittie went on. “That reference to homeless “G” in the park was a nice twist. But what about this ‘fortress of the Shrine?’” “Shrine...Shrine...Shriners!” I mused, exclaiming as the truth dawned on me. “OK. In Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” it mentions a building of unusual architecture owned by the Shriners at Eight Franklin Square.” “You mean those guys with the fezzes and the funny go-carts we see at all the parades?” Kittie asked. “The Shriners are an offshoot of the Masons,” I explained. “All of those ‘funny guys with the fezzes’ had to become 33rd degree Masons before they could even think about getting into one of those go-karts. I guess when you’ve made it that far, you deserve to have a little fun now and then.” “Good point, and a Masonic reference I completely didn’t catch, “ she conceded. “I assume that the President’s Mansion is the White House.” “Yep,” I answered. “From the height that Franklin’s bust is at, he just might be able to see the White House in the distance.” “So I guess that “kite flying” reference is to Dr. Franklin’s experiment with a kite, and a thunderstorm? “ “That would be my assumption,” I said. “A rather electrifying experiment it was as I remember.”

Outcry

Ashley McMullen, Vendor On November 26, 2007, four young men invaded Sean Taylor’s house in Miami, Florida attempting to rob his house. To their surprise, Sean Taylor was home with his girlfriend and their 18 month old daughter. Sean Taylor locked his bedroom door, which was kicked in by the alleged shooter, Eric Rivera. Sean Taylor was shot in his femoral artery and died a day later, due to the amount of blood loss. There was an outcry of condolences

and sympathy across the NFL and the United States. The trial of Eric Rivera began earlier this week, while the other defendant’s trial is later on. One defendant, Verge Hunte pled guilty and was sentenced to 29 years in prison. I wonder was the $200 and some televisions worth spending the rest of your life in prison?

“Sounds like,” Kittie responded, reaching for a carryout menu.“So tomorrow we go to Franklin Park and see what’s up?” “Yep.” I responded.“ Now what was it you wanted to talk about.”

“Let’s wait till dinner gets here,” she answered, reaching for our room phone.” Sweet and Sour Chicken for you I’m assuming.“ “You know me too well”.

de 1 o s i ep 4-5 pgs

Thankful to God for Giving Thanks By Robert Warren, Vendor McLean, VA By Scott Lovell, Vendor

I am very thankful to God for allowing me to meet people and sell papers in McLean VA. McLean is one of the richest cities in the USA. God has truly blessed me in that city. I have met the homeless and the wealthy in that city. The city is not aware of the homeless. But they want to know about the homeless and what to do to help them. I think to them about a lot of issues, including that I am a Cowboys and Washington Caps fan. Today I work part-time at Embassy Autowash and sell Street Sense newspaper at Chainbridge Corners in McLean. I was hit by two cars in one day, so my life is a blessing to help people. God has allowed me to be hit to be a blessing to someone else. In 2009, I met Ted Leonsis when he came out of the Verizon Center . God sent him to rescue me from homelessness. My mother and grandmother prayed for him years ago to save their baby boy. I have learned and met a lot of positive people in McLean. They come by sometimes just to say hi. It is truly a pleasure to be able to wake up and make it to McLean. Thank You God for McLean VA and the people that are in my life. Come by Chainbridge Corner and let’s talk.

Giving Thanks By Charles Davis, Vendor

This is my ninth month working with Street Sense and I hope it will be my best. Because giving thanks is something that the Lord Jesus Christ really appreciates, and I hope all God’s children understand that. When selling Street Sense for the month of November, I hope a lot of people will help us out so we will have a nice Thanksgiving with our family and friends. We know that giving thanks is beautiful, but we have to give it from our hearts the way God taught us. So stay strong all of you vendors. Make it work for us. Have a very happy Thanksgiving, all of you, and may God Bless you all!

Thanksgiving Cheer

By Mr. Phillip A. Howard Sr., Vendor Thanksgiving cheer is a time Of year for all people to come Together with joy and cheer. A time of spiritual love, peace and Respect toward one another. Thanksgiving cheer is a time Of year to give thanks and Blessings to our lord who Makes it possible for cheer. A time of year to see little children smile, Laugh, sing and dance to the cheer Of Thanksgiving Day. -Hebrews 13:15 verse

Honor Our Veterans Ashley Trick, Editorial Intern

November days and the beauty of the rainbow of leaves That whisper as they fall from the trees. Thanksgiving, thanksgiving as one’s thoughts Go to those in need. The November days that say There always is a season To reflect on life and what it means. To be thankful and for those who don’t look up To see the beauty of the Lord’s season of leaves. Heads held low, that every knee would know The prayer of thanksgiving for a fallen Veteran. A family to nourish, a widow in need of a kind word And orphans without a home A man who has grown old without a home of his own. We give thanks that we are not all alone. In these November days of the Lord’s rainbow of leaves – Happy Thanksgiving to the Lord.

Thankful

Thanksgiving

My big thanks go to God, thanking Him for letting me and my family make it through Katrina, and for all the new support from people reaching out to help me. Customers have given me gift cards to buy jeans, shirts, tennis shoes, and personal hygiene products. They have also given me Metro cards and gift cards for Subway sandwiches. I thank people for my new life. I’m on a new page now with new motivation. In my last article I thanked Ms. Edrie Irvine for helping me go home to see my family, and I told about that joyful visit. Ms. Irvine posted my article on a bulletin board in her office and now her co-workers know who this guy is, selling papers, and many have become my customers. I thank Ms. Irvine again because she really keeps me motivated, so I hope I keep others motivated with my daily words: Good morning! Good morning! Good morning! Have a blessed day!

Thanksgiving is usually a day of love and time with family and friends. Many places like churches serve the homeless community with food and shelter. The table is big enough for everyone there. God’s love spreads to all of us in need of a plate of food. Thanksgiving brings joy, happiness and warmth to all those across the world who are less fortunate. Thanksgiving should be shared by everyone across the world, reaching out to all people with a hot cooked meal and joyful peace. When there is no love given to the needy, we remember those who have been there with us that are no longer here. They live in our hearts with love, spirit, and memory. Memory lives on forever and ever. Nobody can ever replace a smile that once was with us, at the dinner table saying Thanksgiving grace. That face lives on forever and ever. We shared our prayer of love and thanks to God. “Bless the food we are about to receive…” as we are joined to eat a lovely holiday meal of turkey with stuffing and gravy, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, collard greens, string beans, cranberry sauce, biscuits, rolls, potato salad, dessert: sweet potato pie, cherry pie, ice cream. They are with the Lord above now, with all the treasures of loved ones and friends. They are all set to sit down at the dinner table and have the largest meal ever with lots of love and honors. At a golden table with lots and lots of food, they look down on us with a heavenly smile. “Smile, rejoice, be happy - one day we will all be together as one,” they say. So enjoy your memories, remember their love and keep peace in your heart. Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.

By Gerald Anderson, Vendor

How to Spell Happiness By Veda Simpson, Vendor

is is is is is is is is is is is is

for Turkey for Happy for Apples for Napkins for ? for Sweet Potatoes for Greedy for Ice Cream for Vegetables for invitations for Nuts for Games

Put if all together and it spells Thanksgiving, a word that means a lot to the world. I want to give thanks to my creator and all my old and new customers who have been by my side through thick and thin.

By Sybil Taylor, Vendor

God Bless.

After not attending Mass in over six years, walking into a church is the last thing I thought I would be doing on Monday, November 11. I gravitated toward the back row. As soon as I sat down, members of the Church of the Epiphany welcomed me. They asked what my name was, where I went to school, and introduced me to other friends and family--my uneasiness quickly began to fade. The service at the historic church in downtown Washington started in an unconventional way: Motown renditions echoed throughout the room and everyone sang along. Afterwards, the pastor, Randolph Charles came to the front to thank all of the veterans in the crowd. Most of them were homeless. According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, there are more than 300,000 U.S. veterans living on the streets or in shelters on any given night. Furthermore, veterans constitute a third of the adult homeless population in the U.S. As the federal holiday of Veterans Day honored all those who have served our nation, one can wonder if our veterans on the street get proper recognition. The Church of the Epiphany did what it could by hosting a dinner immediately after their Nov 11 service. Free to all, it included unlimited pasta, soup, bread, and aisles of desserts. Dozens of homeless veterans were able to share their stories and let their voices be heard. I was overwhelmed by the kindness shown by everyone. I was immediately offered food and a place to sit. What would happen if the tables had been turned? Here I am, a middle-class white undergrad student at an event in which I clearly stand out, yet was accepted and taken care of just as everyone else. Do we live in a society where a homeless person could show up to an event of sheltered middle/upper class individuals and be embraced as an equal and offered food and kindness? The dreamer in me says yes, but I have my doubts. America has between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans that are homeless at some point during any given year. So many of our veterans have come back home to find affordable housing out of their reach. One attendee, homeless advocate John McDermott, spoke of the struggles of lives on the streets and the importance of affordable housing. The words of Anthony Love, a senior advisor for the Veterans Healthcare Administration, rang powerfully in the back of my mind, “We must make noise about this issue. Silence is consent. We must stand against this disgrace on our veterans.”

Thanking God

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Jacqueline Turner Vendor At 60 years of age, I wake up every morning thanking God for another day of life. I live in Catholic Charity housing. I moved in two years ago from a shelter. I felt blessed to get an apartment with all new everything! At the time, I was working at a day care facility, but soon I lost my job because of illness. While on unemployment I went to school. I got several certificates and licenses and applied for work only to be told there is no place for me. I applied at McDonald’s and

Academy of Hope: 269-6623 601 Edgewood St, NE aohdc.org Bread for the City: 265-2400 (NW) | 561-8587 (SE) 1525 7th St, NW | 1640 Good Hope Rd, SE breadforthecity.org Calvary Women’s Services: 678-2341 1217 Good Hope Road, SE calvaryservices.org

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

Charlie’s Place: 232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW charliesplacedc.org Christ House: 328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd, NW christhouse.org Church of the Pilgrims: 387-6612 2201 P St, NW churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach food (1 - 1:30 on Sundays only)

Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place: 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW cchfp.org Community Family Life Services: 347-0511 305 E St, NW cflsdc.org

was told that there were people more qualified to clean the dining room then me. That hurt! I continue to look for work and hope to find something soon. I don’t feel useless. I am grateful that I have a place to live, food to eat and a life. But I am overweight. I don’t drink or do drugs, but I like food! I pray to God and I am grateful.

Housing/Shelter

Clothing

Outreach

Transportation

Education

Legal Assistance

Food

Showers

Medical/Healthcare

Laundry

Employment Assistance DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS HOTLINE 1-888-7WE HELP (1-888-793-4357)

SHELTER HOTLINE: 1–800–535–7252

Covenant House Washington: 610-9600 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE covenanthousedc.org

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

St. Luke’s Mission Center: 333-4949 3655 Calvert St. NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

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

My Sister’s Place: 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

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

N Street Village: 939-2060 1333 N Street, NW nstreetvillage.org

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

New York Ave Shelter: 832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave, NE

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

Father McKenna Center: 842-1112 19 Eye St, NW fathermckennacenter.org

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

Foundry Methodist Church: 332-4010 1500 16th St, NW foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities ID (FRIDAY 9-12 ONLY)

Georgetown Ministry Center: 338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW georgetownministrycenter.org Gospel Rescue Ministries: 842-1731 810 5th St, NW grm.org

Jobs Have Priority: 544-9128 425 Snd St, NW jobshavepriority.org John Young Center: 639-8569 119 D Street, NW

Community of Hope: 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

STREET SENSE November 20 - December 3, 2013

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

Open Door Shelter: 639-8093 425 2nd St, NW newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html

Rachel’s Women’s Center: 682-1005 1222 11th St, NW rachaels.org

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

Samaritan Inns: 667-8831 2523 14th St, NW samaritaninns.org Samaritan Ministries: 1516 Hamilton Street NW | 722-2280 1345 U Street SE | 889-7702 samaritanministry.org

Subscribe to Street Sense 1 Year: $40 2 Years: $80 3 Years: $120 I want half of my purchase to benefit a vendor directly Vendor Name

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

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

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VENDOR PROFILE: ELIZABETH BRYANT By Jenny Gudmundsen, Editorial Intern

During the whole interview Elizabeth Bryant counts her 80 Street Sense papers to make sure everything is ready for a good weekend. She is soon on her way to her regular spot at Dupont Circle. One can tell that this woman has a unique working spirit by looking at her steady body language and her big smile. She looks determined, and has no problem with giving away answers while she’s counting papers. Her motto is the following: “You have to take chances because you don’t know your outcome.” Bryant is a woman of many passions. She likes swimming, music, dancing, bowling and skating. Right now she’s not exercising as much as she used to, but she will find a way to get into exercise again, says she. “In the future I will have my own swimming pool and a backyard.” Bryant is also a true foodie. “I don’t like cooking as much as I like eating,” she says smiling. Her smile has the ability to light up a drab meeting room. Bryant was born in Gooseland, Va., but considers herself a Washingtonian, since she’s lived in Washington most of her life. Her mother was an alcoholic, whom she met for the first time at the age of 9. “I hated her because she didn’t take care of me,” she says. The lack of caring parents affected her life in an unfortunate way. Bryant has participated in several recovery programs since she was 17. Despite a rough childhood, she continued to fight and has stayed sober

for almost seven years. Bryant says she will continue her positive path toward a brighter future. “I’m very determined. Most people would have just given up, but I don’t want to give up. Today you see prejudice, power among people with money. I see a lot of hatred,” she says, and adds that she does not want to be like that. Bryant gives away a serious look when her eyes look up from the papers. She believes that God makes her strong, in addition to her children and the people from her 12-step program in church. Bryant has one child who is 30 years old. Tragically, her second daughter was buried four months ago. She died of breast cancer and she had five children. “I love my grandchildren. One of my grandchildren, Arthur, told me he loved me. I melted when he told me, and I said I loved him, too.” Bryant lives in her own apartment in Southeast D.C. She’s a Christian who goes to Paramount Baptist Church, about three blocks away. She studies at Academy of Hope, a school that provides adult basic education. She was introduced to Street Sense four months ago by a man called Herbert. She finds a sense of purpose at Street Sense, because she’s able to be her own boss. “Here, I got no boss hanging over me.” Bryant says that she will continue at Street Sense and finish her education in a clear statement. “And people could’ve lost their previous jobs, but here you can’t judge nobody. Me trying to do something for myself is good,” she says.

Charles Nelson - 11/23 | Eric Thompson-Bey - 11/27 November 20- Desember 3, 2013 • Volume 11 • Issue 1

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

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Remember, buy only from badged vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper. Interested in a subscription? Go to page 15 for more information.

The playwriting group, Staging Hope, gather the day after their first perfomance at George Washington University. From the left: Chris Shaw, Robert Warren, Carlton Johnson, Roy Barber, Leslie Jacobson, Cynthia Mewborn and Reginald Black. PHOTO BY JANE CAVE

Street Sense poets Carlton Johnson, David Denny and Chris Shaw read their work at a Georgetown University cafe Thursday, Nov. 14 . PHOTO BY BRANDON CAUDILL

Being A Vietnam Veteran By Barron Hall, Vendor

Being a Vietnam veteran, I was really hurt when the lawmaker’s of the country that so many of my brothers that lost life, limbs, peace of mind, and dignity because of guilt acted like little children instead of fearless leaders. We almost lost everything that we earned protecting the so called ‘free world’, but one thing I found out is that it’s not about freedom at all. That’s why so many of them, and their sons, ran or tore up draft cards. It’s about

their life style. These lawmakers and rich confederates represent our country. It’s not about America at all. When are we going to wake up and realize that our help comes from God only? Men are for themselves when they don’t fear their Lord God. What will happen when the world gives to us what we have given to others. Praise God while you still have time. We will reap what we sow. Thank you, Barron Hall.