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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Where the poor and homeless
earn and give their two cents
December 9 - December 22, 2009
D STE GE ON G S U N AT I DO
Volume 7 Issue 3
65 cents for the Vendor
The Life & Times of the Laundromat
35 cents for production of the paper
Georgtown Medical School implements homeless sensitivity training
A look at the role laundromats play in communities See page 4
Page 12
One ticket buys a show that can’t be seen anywhere but the 14th Street Circus
Give a Vendor a Gift That Will Last All Year, details see page 3
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Homeless with two children Page 14
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristal DeKleer Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Mary Lynn Jones Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Martin Walker David Walker Kathy Whelpley EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Laura Thompson Osuri EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Lisa Gillespie VENDOR MANAGER Gregory Martin Interns J. Deveaux, Shivan Sarna, Caroline Hopper
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.
The Story of Street Sense
Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 25 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world. After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. For the next three years the paper published 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 fulltime 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, Street Sense brought on its first fulltime editor–in–chief in April. As of January 2009 the paper has 80 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.
VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Laura Arico, Robert Basler, Robert Blair, John Brandt, Jane Cave, Carol Cummings, Rebecca Curry, Katie Edson, Andy Freeze, Becky Fried, Robert Fulton, Jane Goforth, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Erica Hall, Carol Hannaford, Justin Herman, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Kayne Karnbach, Michael Kelly, Maurice King, Geof Koss, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Starlett McNeill, Frank Mearns, Jessica Neal, Benjamin Newell, Kim O’Connor, Gabriel Okolski, Michael O’Neill, Robert Orifici, Jon Pattee, Katinka Podmankzy, Sarah Pope, Chris Robbins, Diane Rusignola, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Dan Seligson, Jesse Smith, Christna Studivant, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Eugene Versluysen, Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu
VENDORS Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel ball, Donna Barber, Kenneth Belkosky, Justin Benedict, Lakiesha Bennett, Patricia Bennett, Tommy Bennett, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Corey Bridges, Melody Byrd, Cliff Carle, Peggy Cash, Conrad Cheek, Aaron Conner, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, James Davis, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Alvin DixonEl, Charles Eatmon, Deana Elder, Richard Embden, Pieus Ennels, James Featherson, Craig Fleming, Tanya Franklin, Larry Garner, David Ger, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Shawn Herring, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Lester Irby, Patricia Jefferson, Donald Johnson, Jewell Johnson, Tiesha Johnson, Alicia Jones, Allen Jones, DeRutter Jones, Mark Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Brenda Lee-Wilson, Anthony Lindsey, James Lott, Michael Lyons, Johnnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, Charlie Mayfield, Herman Mayse, Robert McCray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Frank Mearns, Kenneth Middleton, Virginia Moore, L. Morrow, Tyrone Murray, Lester Myers, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Franklin Payne, Gregory Phillips, Tracey Powell, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Raymond Ragland, Michael Reardon, Jeanette Richardson, Sean-Christopher Riley, Lawrence Rogers, Ed Ross, Jomika Roundtree, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, Gerald Smith, Patty Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, Leroy Studevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Eric Thompson, Deborah Tibbs, Carl Turner, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Edna Williams, Howard Williams, Brian Wills, Ivory Wilson, Charles Woods, Tina Wright.
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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.
We are proud members of:
North American Street Newspaper Association
International Network of Street Papers
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. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and will not deface it. 9. 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.
Last Month’s Donors
Sanders-McClure Family Fund Mary Barcella David A. Sellers First Congregational Church of Pelham Margery Byers David Kessel Sandra Yarrington Gisela Marcuse Robin Goracke Laura and Sameel
Osuri Janice Moskowitz Veronique Danforth Adrienne Fields Kathryn Petit Steve Hill BBYO Gary J. Peters Elinor H. Stillman Carrie Calaghan Dorothy Jean Black
Amy Dacey Michael Mavretic Wendy Taylor Susan Scheck Sarah Shapiro Shelia SockwellThompson Susan Krause Bell Denise R. Warner Rebecca Soll Judith Rosenberg Kate Gersh Acasia Barrett
Thank You!
Darcy L. Martinez Judith Boucher Maureen Ferguson Judith Singleton Sharyn Meister Lara Thornely Hall Mary Beth Ray David Martin Melani McAlister Lane Schlessel Marissa Feinman
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Detroit Shelters See Rise in First-Timers at Shelters Metropolitan Detroit is experiencing a rise in the number of people who say they are homeless for the first time, wich according to the Detroit Free Press, is putting a strain on local shelters. There were 86,189 homeless people in Michigan in 2008, a 10% increase from the previous year. Homeless advocates say a shaky economy and a jump in home foreclosures might push the number up another 10% in2009. Experts estimate that in certain counties, those who are homeless for the first time account for 20% to 40% of those seeking aid services.
New Jersey Shelters See More White-Collar Professionals Shelter workers in Morris County, N.J., are helping a whole new group of homeless – newly homeless whitecollar professionals, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports. In New Jersey, the unemployment rate grew to 9.3% in October, while it was 10.2% nationwide. "It’s stunning. We’re seeing people we wouldn’t ordinarily see in the system," said Shelia Carter, a coordinator at the county’s Department of Human Services, to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. "The cost of living has gone up so much, and combined with losing a job and the bad economy, they eventually end up in our homeless shelters." Advocates say some of the rise in white-collar professionals in homeless shelters can be attributed to the loss
of one salary when two were necessary to make ends meet. "They were counting on two salaries and just making it, but now they’re not able to pay the bills. In just a few months-that’s the shocking thing, people don’t realize how fast it can happen," said Joann Bjornson, executive director of the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County to the Star-Ledger.
Big Warm-Up Collects More Than 33,000 Coats The National Coalition for the Homeless and Lands’ End announced that they gathered 33,170 gently used coats as part of the Big Warm-up Project. The coalition will distribute the coats to the homeless through their networks in the areas where the coats were collected, according to a press release. "The Big Warm-Up brought together an entire nation to warm people in need," said Nick Coe, president of Lands' End, in a statement. "Each coat collected stays within the community it came from and not only warms the recipient's heart. It warms the hearts of those who donated and, in turn, our hearts. We are proud to have been part of this initiative and want to thank everyone who donated a coat and supported the Big Warm-Up."
ACLU Sues San Diego for Destruction of Homeless Property The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit
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against the city of San Diego, city officials and the police department, alleging that city workers destroyed homeless persons’ property during raids, The Associated Press reports. The lawsuit alleges that raids were conducted to harass homeless men and women. The ACLU wants further raids stopped and items returned. “These raids have nothing to do with cleaning up trash,� said David Blair-Loy, ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties legal director, in a statement. “This is purely and simply a drive to force homeless people out—out of the neighborhood, out of the city, and out of sight and mind.� The suit stems from raids in September and October when city workers say they mistook homeless persons’ property as trash, including full shopping carts, and threw the items out.
Veterans’ Homeless Shelter to Open in Chicago The homeless outreach agency Featherfist is opening a transitional living facility in Chicago, The Chicago Tribune reports. The shelter will have 32 beds and will primarily serve veterans. The shelter will be a “safe, secure and stable environment.� The groups says it decided to open the facility “because of the increased number of homeless veterans and the demand for comprehensive, specialized services for them,� according to the Tribune. Compiled by Dianna Heitz, from previously published reports.
Give a Vendor a Gift that Will Last All Year For 2010 Street Sense is making a concerted effort to better assist its vendors to help them improve their lives and get off the street. New programs include:
‡ Sales Training Workshops: 6DOHV SURIHVVLRQDOV ZLOO KRVW ZRUNVKRSV WKDW WUDLQ YHQGRUV LQ WKH ÀHOG RI VDOHV DQG KHOS WKHP DFTXLUH RWKHU VDOHV jobs outside of Street Sense.
‡ Vendor Savings Accounts: Street Sense will save 10 cents from each 35 cents it collects from each paper and set it aside in an account that vendors can access to put towards housing, education, or starting a business once they sell 3,000 papers. ‡Serial Novel poetry book.
& Poetry Book: Street Sense plans to publish a 24-chapter novel with each chapter written by a different vendor and another
+RZHYHU ZH QHHG VXSSRUW IURP UHDGHUV OLNH \RX WR JHW WKHVH SURJUDPV XS DQG UXQQLQJ DV LW ZLOO WDNH DGGLWLRQDO UHVRXUFHV DQG VWDIÀQJ WR PDNH WKHP D VXFFHVV :H DUH DLPLQJ WR UDLVH DQ H[WUD D PRQWK WKURXJK LQGLYLGXDO GRQDWLRQV WR VSHFLÀFDOO\ VXSSRUW YHQGRU SURJUDPV 6R SOHDVH KHOS VXSSRUW \RXU ORFDO YHQGRU WKURXJK these programs, and give them a gift that will last all year – and many more to come!
I want to donate:
My Information:
____$60 for supplies for one sales training workshop ____$100 for the printing of 25 Poetry Books ____$300 for the vendor savings account to match the “cashout� level ____$500 for the printing of 125 serial novels ____$1000 for the space needed to hold a complete series of training workshops ____$1500 for one month increase in the vendor manager’s salary to oversee all the new programs ____ Another amount of _________to go towards __________________________ ____The amount of _________to go directly to vendor _______________________
Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:__________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________ Email:____________________________ Please make checks payable to “Street Sense� and mail to: * 6WUHHW 1: :DVKLQJWRQ '&
Donate online at www.streetsense.org
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Another Urban Icon Disappears The Laundromat: A History The wringer washer was invented, which is a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers in a strong frame, connected by cogs, and in its home version, powered by a hand crank or electrically.
PHOTO by Shivan Sarna
1934
The Laundromat on 7th and Q Streets has been in operation for 20 years. Laundromats serve mainly the renting community in the District, as this housing usually lacks proper facilities to wash clothing.
A necessary service fades from the streetscape By Shivan Sarna Laundromats, once at the center of the American neighborhood experience, are on the decline. The popularity of high prriced condos within gentrifying communities has forced Laundromats to follow their traditional client bases out of the city. “The most significant demographic characteristic of self-service laundry customers is that of a renter household,” said Brian Wallace, president and CEO of the Coin Laundry Association. “Depending on the neighborhood, these renters can be either low-income residents (renters in the inner city) or middle-income residents (renters in, suburban areas).” Between 2003 and 2008, 21,000 new renters settled in D.C., according to the U.S. Census and Claritas, Inc. Singles are driving the rental markets. In the span of those five years, 14,143 singles rented households. Laundromats such as Big Wash and Shaw Laundrymat in Columbia Heights have closed due to gentrificationand the construction of high-rise condos, which are able to support washers and dryers for private residents, according to Janene Jackson, senior vice president of External Affairs for the D.C. Chamber of Commerce. “The housing amenity is behind whether laundromats stay or not.” According to Jackson, the coin operated laundry businesses are local and not corporate-run. “The community has a stronger relationship with businesses that are owned by individuals,” Jackson said.
“Development has unfortunately resulted in losing neighbors and smaller businesses” said Commissioner Eduardo Ferrer of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. “We are trying to promote low-income housing.” Judy Brown, an attendant who has been working the day shift for two years at the Laundromat on 7th and Q Street said, “They had like 11 of ‘em [Laundromats], there used to be one couple of blocks from here, until they built a Target up there, so they sold that one,” said Brown. “But they can’t take all the laundromats, people got to wash their clothes!” Despite the Laundromat having been in business for 20 years, it looks brand new. Several video game machines, vending machines and a bubble gum dispensers line the right wall. The washers and dryers are painted alternating blue and faint yellow. The two television sets were on, one of which was tuned to TNT. People drowsily sat waiting for their laundry on the chairs at the back of the Laundromat. For the laundromats that are still in existence, they draw a sense of community. Angela Amoateng, a regular visitor to the Laundromat located at 7th and Q Streets, says that everyone she has met at the Laundromat is sociable. “Once I forgot my detergent, and someone offered me theirs,” said Amoateng. “People are really nice. They help one another.” Amoateng moved into the neighborhood two
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Manufacturers added coin-slots to the machines and a coinlaundry construction boom followed. The owners of coin laundries did not have to keep their stores clean and machines working in order to attract customers and generate a profit. As a result, many Laundromats were run-down.
1960s The industry saw another downturn as energy costs cut into profits during the Oil Crisis.
1980s The laundry industry is not growing; instead it has reached a point of maturity. There are about as many stores as there is dirty laundry to fill them. In order for a Laundromat business to survive, it must be in a location that is convenient for people who use the service.
1907
The first Laundromat was opened by C.A. Tannahill in Fort Worth, Texas. During the Depression, public laundries that operated with wringer washers were originally drop-off services, where customers left their laundry to have someone wash it for them.
1950s
The industry experienced resurgence, when new investors realized that they could do better by building Laundromats that had a pleasant atmosphere.
1970s Due in large part to the production of new, energy-efficient equipment by manufacturers, the industry recovered.
Today
S treetS ense.org Continued from Page 4 months ago and has been using this Laundromat since. “I’ve seen people here that I knew from way long time ago, who just happened to be in here doing their laundry.” Brown said that no loitering was allowed, and homeless individuals are only allowed in if they have to do laundry. “I have seen fights break out in the neighborhood, but not inside the Laundromat,” Brown said. “If crime is here, it must be here when I ain’t here!” This Laundromat is open 24 hours a day seven days a week, according to Brown. “Laundries themselves do not invite crime but may be located in high-crime neighborhoods in service to those residents,” said Wallace. “Today’s laundries, regardless of location, are more likely than ever to take additional security measures such as video surveillance, remote monitoring, perimeter alarms, and trained attendants.” Unlike the Laundromat, Tom’s Chinese Laundromat, located at 1120 9th Street, is a small, family-owned business. This laundromat is old and run down; the washers and dryers date back to 1958. “We are not a big laundromat. We close at 5 p.m. because we have to make dinner,” said Paul Chin, owner of the business. “On Sunday’s we close earlier, because we have to clean up and sleep.” Chin says he has not encountered a problem with crime.
After an incident that occurred in the early 1990s, when someone broke the windows at night. Bars were put up. Paul Chin, has observed that mainly Hispanics visit his laundromat. Paulino Casas who uses 11 M Coil Laundry on 1017 M Street, moved into the neighborhood one year ago. “If you have one friend, you talk, there is no problem here,” Casas said. Michael Relland, a regular visitor to laundromats, says that he is usually the only Caucasian at Capital Laundry Mat, located on 17th and H Street NE. “I’ve always loved going to laundromats, the people are great, conversation is fun, and the television is always on,” said Relland. “The television is tuned to Spanish soap operas, or European soccer, it’s always on something interesting.” According to the 2000 U.S. Census, in the Shaw neighborhood, where the Laundromat on 7th and Q Street, Tom’s Chinese Laundromat and 11 M Coil Laundry are located, half of the people were African American, 18% were Hispanic, 25% were Caucasian, and 5.9% were Asians. The racial composition of the Kingman Park neighborhood consisted of 67 % African Americans, 2.5% Hispanics, 29% Caucasians, and 1.5% Asians. “The laundromat is a reflection of the neighborhood, and being a person who looks different among everyone else in my neighborhood, it would be easy for me to feel tense about it and to feel like I’m singled out,” Relland said. “When really they’re a lot like the people I know, they express themselves in different ways, like another culture, but I don’t feel tensions.”
PHOTO by Shivan Sarna
December 9 - December 22, 2009
11-M Coin Laundry serves the Shaw Neighborhood
Medical School Requires Students to Take Lessons from the Street By Marcus Williams
PHOTO Courtesy of WAMU 88.5
First-year Georgetown Medical Students are now required to take a course taught, in part, by the homeless. On December 4, students met with their new homeless teachers as they shared their surprising life stories in small groups, a final discussion component capping off a week of coursework on homelessness. Students began by listening to a panel of homeless speakers who provided an overview of health issues associated with homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless coordinated with members of their Speakers’ Bureau to give students face-to-face time with the homeless, splitting off into 10 rooms with 20 students each. The stories of the homeless speakers David Pirtle points out the culture of seperation while incarcerated. As a young adult, he often provoked unexpected responses served two years in prison for mail fraud and theft before being released on parole in 1980. from students. In one room, the first student comment caught many unawares. “I the students left with an understanding He didn’t speak with anyone at all during was homeless for three and a half years that anyone can end up homeless. his first three months of homelessness. before I came here to medical school,” Dowling’s admission helped her peers Before that, he earned $170,000 a year said Heather Dowling, “I just wanted to speak candidly about their own interac- working in diplomatic security for various put that out there.” Dowling spent her tions with homelessness. “I walk past four government agencies. undergraduate years sleeping in a car, homeless guys, and I never know what to “As medical students, we spend a lot of in the school library, on the street, and do. Should I give them money? What can time in the books, and most of our knowloccasionally on friends’ couches. Mean- I give them that they would need?” asked edge on this topic comes from statistics,” while she worked two jobs and showered one student, who said he felt weird just commented Sanna Ronkainen, one of the at the school gym. Her first year medical walking past them every day. students who participated in the new reschool classmates hadn’t known about Banks recommended that the student quirement. her homelessness. simply say hello and good evening, which Carol Taylor, Director of the Center for Homelessness doesn t have a set face. could go a long way to help those who are Clinical Bioethics, which organized the Sometimes homelessness just happens, habitually ignored. new curriculum, hopes that stories like says Alan Banks, who was leading the Banks says he became homeless when Banks’ help place real people at the center classroom discussion. Banks said he hopes his father’s death led to serious depression. of students’ educational experiences.
“We’re steeped in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, which means care of the whole person,” says Taylor, “so hopefully if [our students] would encounter a homeless person in the ER or in a clinic they wouldn’t just be checking their high blood pressure and sending them off with another prescription for pills that they can’t afford.” Taylor says the program will probably remain in the required curriculum for next year’s students, but she hopes to allow even more time to focus on the homeless population. “That clinical encounter is absolutely important,” explains Taylor, who adds that students will have a real opportunity to make a difference for the vulnerable populations that physicians serve. In the classroom, it was hard to discern the lasting effects on students. Dowling was skeptical that her classmates would leave with a new worldview. “They’ll probably forget about it,” she said, “they’ll probably forget about it because they’re so far away from it at that it’s not reality to them.” Dowling doesn’t blame her classmates, who, at the end of Banks’ talk, quickly returned to discussing the weekend’s upcoming parties. “It’s exactly what happened to me,” Dowling says, adding that she didn’t think seriously about homelessness until she found herself on the street. “The hope is that one, or two, or three will remember,” says Banks, “when it comes time when they can make a contribution, they will remember.”
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Blair Underwood Clinic Opens for Business Clinic provides free STD and HIV testing and treatment services to D.C. residents Washington, D.C.’s alarmingly high HIV infection rate has garnered nationwide attention, including that of Hollywood actor Blair Underwood, who helped found and provides the namesake for the newly opened AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Blair Underwood Clinic in Northwest Washington. The clinic provides free HIV and STD testing and treatment services. It also offers a Men’s Wellness Center service on Thursday evenings. Dr. Roxanne Cox-Iyamu, the clinic’s medical director and primary physician, says the facility is fully operational and prepared to take on new patients. The Men’s Wellness Center hours were created to encourage testing for STDs and AIDS among men, who show the highest infection rate. Following a diagnosis, patients can access the clinic’s in-house pharmacy and can receive free treatment for a short time. “We can’t provide anti-retroviral drugs nonstop, but we can help patients complete a Medicaid application and many pharmaceutical companies also have assistance programs,” said Cox-Iyamu. “If patients are in need of emergency treatment, we can start them on that and will provide assistance in applying for (drug assistance) programs.” While the clinic is not specifically geared toward the homeless population and Cox-Iyamu has not treated any homeless patients yet, she says all are welcome regardless of their housing situation. The clinic is advertising at bus stops and its mobile testing vans are designed to reach out to as many D.C. citizens as possible, including the homeless population. Homeless individuals face basic barriers to receiving quality healthcare. “Keeping up with care is essential, and often a person requires a working telephone to remind them of appointments,” Cox-Iyamu said. “Without a reminder, they may miss appointments and it’s more difficult to get in touch. They may also have gotten lab work done, but the clinic is not able
PHOTO By Veronica DeVore
By Veronica DeVore
Left, an advertisement for the AHF Blair Underwood Clinic attempts to draw clients from the homeless and low-income communities. Above, a homeless man sits on a park bench. A high incidence of drug use throughout the homeless population increases the risk of infection via shared needles. This method of infection is responsible for 13% of HIV/AIDS cases in the United States.
to get in contact with them to share the results.” HIV, in particular, as a chronic but manageable disease, requires constant treatment and a strong relationship between physician and patient. Achieving this bond can be difficult if the patient is highly mobile, according to Cox-Iyamu, and patients who must worry about very basic necessities like food and shelter are more likely to forget appointments and medication. To address these problems, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) emphasizes the importance of placing homeless HIV-positive and chronically ill people in stable housing as soon as possible. Formerly homeless people are four times more likely to seek health care after being placed in stable housing, according to NCH.
Shelter life, with its constant fluctuation and lack of privacy, may increase the rate of infection among the homeless by making it difficult to develop stable sexual relationships. High incidence of drug use throughout the homeless population also increases the risk of infection via shared needles. This method of infection is responsible for 13% of HIV/AIDS cases in the United States. Although they do not include housing, the services offered at the Blair Underwood Clinic go a long way toward identifying and addressing the health care needs of all populations. Tom Myers, chief of public affairs and general counsel for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, says the initial response to the clinic has been encouraging and the facility must only
acquire a Certificate of Need from the Washington, D.C. government to achieve full certification. “I think (the response) has been positive,” says Myers. “In securing a Certificate of Need from the D.C. government, a number of organizations and medical providers have written letters of support. The clinic space is open and Dr. Cox-Iyamu is seeing patients.”
The AHF Blair Underwood Clinic, located at 2141 K St. NW, Suite 606 in Washington, D.C., is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Men’s Wellness Center is held every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. The clinic is reachable by phone at (202) 293-8680.
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
United States Climate Policy Derailed by Corporate Interests By Adrianne Appel BOSTON - As the U.S. climate delegation arrives in Copenhagen nearly empty-handed, watchdog groups back at home say they know why: a political system gone astray due to the influence of huge amounts of corporate cash. "The bottom line is our method of private financing of campaigns is a disaster," said Tyson Slocum, director of energy at Public Citizen, a Nongovernmental Organization (NGO). From the start of a congressional campaign, to the drafting of legislation, to the launching of an excongressman's, lucrative lobbying career, big business is at work they say. "The special interests pay for our political campaigns. They in a sense are buying access," said Mary Boyle, spokesperson for Common Cause. "They have a very strong voice and a very strong role in setting our political agenda," said Boyle, whose group is proposing an overhaul. Among corporations with influence in the U.S. Congress, oil and gas companies wield particular power, and they came out in force to shape the climate bill that passed the House in June. That bill proposes reducing U.S. carbon emissions 17 % below 2005 levels by 2020. This is roughly 4% below 1990 levels, not the 40 percent reduction called for to keep the planet from warming 2 degrees C. A similar measure is sitting before the Senate. President Barack Obama, expected in Copenhagen on the final day of the climate talks, said the U.S. will rely on the 17% formula as a starting point for negotiations at Cop15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. "There are thousands of corporate lobbyists courting [Congress], way outnumbering our side. What we ended up with is a climate bill that is more of an industry-friendly bill," Kert Davies, research director at Greenpeace U.S.A., told IPS (Inter Press Service). The next election isn't until Nov. 2010, but oil and gas special interests are already giving campaign cash to members of Congress. Since Jan. 1, 2009, these industries have handed out $4.4 million. Chevron has given the most campaign cash, $328,000, followed by Koch, which owns the Koch Petroleum Group, at $308,000, Valero Industry at $289,000, and Exxon Mobil Corp. at $273,000. "Seven of the 10 largest corporations in the world are oil companies, based on revenues. Their cash on hand gives them a huge voice in the political system in the United States," says oil industry expert Antonia Juhasz. Serious candidates have little choice but to accept the cash, because campaigns are too expensive for voters alone to sustain. In 2008, the average winning House candidate spent 1.4 million dollars
during the campaign, while a Senate seat "cost" $8.5 million, according to analyses by the Center for Responsive Politics, an NGO. "BP and Shell don't have as great influence in Europe as in the U.S. We need help from the world, for the world to say to us, 'You have to change your climate policy,’" said Juhasz, a former congressional aide. Oil and gas special interests are targeting their cash to legislators who have jurisdiction over energy-related legislation, like the climate bill before the Senate. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took $210,000 in oil and gas cash this year. Sen. David Vitter, a Republican on the Committee on Environment and Public Works, accepted $157,000, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski took $139,000. Murkowski is the lead Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The oil and gas special interests who are financing lawmakers' re-elections next year are also sending lobbyists to the lawmakers' offices to convince them to include or exclude provisions of the climate bill and other legislation of interest to them. “[To a lawmaker] their presence is a constant reminder of how much the industry will fight against you in the next election or support you in the next election. The oil industry says, 'This is the bill you have to follow. You are going to follow our position on this or you will face our opposition,'" said Juhasz. The lobbyists raise funds for the lawmakers, raising huge amounts of corporate-insider cash for the next election, Boyle said. "They are raising money from all their corporate friends and colleagues," Boyle said. Oil and gas companies spent $121 million to dispatch 745 lobbyists to Congress between Jan. 1 and Oct. 26, 2009. They also poured money into the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has increasingly lobbied on behalf of oil interests, on the climate bill and other legislation, Juhasz said. BP America spent $11.3 million, Chevron spent $15.5 million, ConocoPhilips spent $13.2 million and Exxon Mobil $20 million, among dozens of gas and oil companies that have lobbied so far in 2009. Last year, Exxon Mobil spent $29 million lobbying Congress. Electric power companies spent $108 million so far this year, while the coal industry spent $10 million. "The oil industry is unified in its opposition to the climate legislation. The [American Petroleum Institute], led by ExxonMobil, has played a key role in trying to influence Congress, embarking on a very sophisticated Astroturf campaign and discrediting the signs of climate change," Slocum said. "The special interests have gotten hold of the bills, and the bills give away tens of thousands of
dollars to polluters," Slocum said. "This is not an effective strategy for climate change," he said. A ray of hope is that the Obama administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency and its Clean Air Act, has the authority to sharply reduce the emission of some greenhouse gases, without the approval of Congress, Slocum said. The climate bill that passed the House, however, attempts to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's authority, in a clear giveaway to industry, Slocum said. The bill will not become law unless approved by the full Congress next year. An analysis by the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit journalism watch dog, found that the number of special interests lobbying Congress surged from 880 entities to 1,150 as the House took up debate on the climate bill in spring 2009. The groups lobbying were very diverse, from food associations to clothes manufacturers to religious organizations, it found. Corporate and special interests spent a total $2.5 billion lobbying members of the U.S. Congress during the first nine months of 2009, says the Center for Responsive Politics. Many lobbyists are former federal officials or former members of Congress. Lisa Barry, for example, is a former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Today she lobbies for Chevron, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Vic Fazio, a former Congressman, now lobbies for Royal Dutch Shell and other corporations. Patrick Von Bargen was a chief of staff to Democrat Sen. Jeff Bingaman, chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Von Bargen is a lobbyist for the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, through the firm Quinn, Gillespie and Assoc. The QGA firm was co-founded by Jack Quinn, former legal advisor to President Bill Clinton, and chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore. The QGA firm spent $260,000 lobbying on behalf of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, an industry group known for its non-stop television ads promoting coal, and its back-door campaigns against greenhouse gas regulation. "Patrick provides strategic counsel to QGA's energy clients representing the coal and electricity industries as well as startup firms using venture capital to develop clean energy technology. He has an acute understanding of the various, complex aspects of the new public policy proposals that will shape the nation's energy future," the QGA website brags. Courtesy of Inter Press Service © Street News Service: www.street-papers.org
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Spiritual By David Harris
I hear it in airborne moisture of a cool and misty morning though I walk alone a thousand voices sing to me
the loud young girls in the back of the bus I rode this morning in the supple notes of a battered tenor sax played on a lonely evening corner for spare change
a song of peace for me in the vibration of trembling leaves of every living tree in the voices of
the wordless melody tells me God is not the invisible man in the sky that some believe in, no,
for the very first time God is in those voices that protect and comfort me; telling me to believe, and hope
and in the warm and tender whispers of a friend telling me, one more time she loves me
I hear the spiritual in the throb of drums on the distant coast of africa
and in the drone of midnight traffic lulling me to sleep
and in the eager questions of children meeting a man like me
I believe, and hope.
when I listen to this timeless song,
The Scott Circle photos were taken at Scott Circle Park (16th Street NW and Rhode Island Avenue NW). The photos of the man sleeping on the ground were taken at the PNC Bank at Dupont Circle (Dupont Circle NW & Massachusetts Avenue NW).
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
This Will Soon Pass By Sibyl Taylor
Are made of.
Why does love Hurt so badly
Bruised and Abused, Lost of Daily activities Lost of interest Scared and Pained
When the one You love doesn’t Love you back Love hurts, Love burns Love is anything In my Heart. I Can’t scratch it Was it something About you that I Saw, That I fell in Love with. What was it That I seen. Your Charm you smile Your laughter. How could I hang Let my heart go Down, what about Me, I don’t care any No more. I do care But I am in a lot Of Pain over Love That wasn’t mine Or promised to me Do I care enough To take pride in Myself, make do Stay on top Of my game. Love don’t live Here anymore What they say. That’s what Hearts
Josh Miller, 27, is a journalist working in Washington, D.C. He contributes to Street Sense as both a writer and a photographer.
Lonely and Blue Sad and Mad at The same time. Don’t find myself Attractive anymore See, ‘cause I am in Serious competition Against other gals Who all are in love With the same One. Love has its Ups and downs. Quiet time And peace time To play and dream Of the day of Happiness once again. Arguing about Tough times as The rough boats Sails on. This soon will Pass. Persisting women All walks of Life Appearing when They want to. There is no Better resting Better than Jesus. Power, the Peace Maker.
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
REVIEW:
The Bur g er Joint
Good Burgers, But at a High Price
By Kenneth Belkosky, Vendor 225 This is a review of a new restaurant called BGR The Burger Joint. The place is located in the Dupont Circle area. The place has been open for about two weeks. The burgers are fresh, and the onion rings are huge. The restaurant is kind of pricey, but the food is the best to me. The drinks are small but come with free refills. For the price, I think it is a good idea. The bathrooms are clean. Only one person can use it at a time. Out of five Street Sense stars I give it four and a half stars. I ate there on Tuesday November 10, 2009. The food I had was their best burger, onion rings and a Diet Coke. The reason they lost half a star is because they might be too pricey for homeless people to eat there. I did have a good time there. The line was long because they were giving away free burgers for a coupon and having “BGR” written somewhere on your body. The burgers are packed with a lot of fixings. They serve alcoholic drinks, but I did not drink them. I was served fast when I got to the counter. The place has like a sports bar type atmosphere. It was dark, and the tables were stained glass with cartoons on them. There is even a guitar A challenger to Five Guys for the D.C. burger throne? from Pink Floyd. BGR The Burger Joint is located at 1514 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. There are also locations in Bethesda, Md., and Alexandria, Va.
FOUNDRY 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
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 332-4010
www.foundryumc.org
A’s Word Match
Match some of Street Sense’s favorite books with their authors! Memory and Dream
a.
2.
Gravity’s Rainbow
5 3 Carson 4 1 2 McCullers 9 6 8 7 b.
3.
The Heart is A Lonely Hunter
4.
The Way of All Flesh
5.
Trustee From The Tool Room
6.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
January 9th Solution
1.
1
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2
9
c.
6 4 9 1 3 2 7 8 5
5 7 1 4 8 9 6 2 3
7 6 5 9 1 8 3 4 2
8 9 2 5 4 3 1 7 6
1 3 4 2 6 7 8 5 9
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1
Nevil Shute
d. Charles DE Lint 8 7 3 9 1 5 2 6 4 e. 9 6 Thornton 5 8 4 2 Wilder 1 7 3 4 f.
1
3
4
7
Answers from last week’s Sudoku 6
2 8 3 7 5 6 9 1 4
Samuel Butler
2 7 3 6 8 9 5 Thomas Pynchon 9
2
8
1
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3 5 8 6 7 4 2 9 1
9 1 6 8 2 5 4 3 7
4 2 7 3 9 1 5 6 8
Help Bring the Homeless in from the Cold
THE CALLthe Call
Shelter Hotline 1 800 535-7252 o r C a l l 3 11
Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia
S treetS ense.org
Will Write For Food:
Writer’s Group
December 9 - December 22, 2009
meets Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office. The poetry after party is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Writer's Group is in need of laptops; email: info@streetsense.org if you can help
Inspiring souls In our lives there are people who we will never forget here lie some example of people who have greatly impacted our lives
She said never give up
by Reginald Black In my journeys before street sense, I have been blessed by many people. This month the homeless will hold a vigil in which the names of the fallen are read. If you know a little of my history you would know that I have a fallen, but she is not the one that has awakened this new found inspiration. My mother passed away on January 23rd, 1993. While she was the inspiration of my childhood. The thought of her gone only added to the depression I felt when I became homeless. So who is it that kept me from quitting? Her name was Afrosina and she was from Virgina Beach, Virginia. When I met her she was a new student enrolled at Potomac Job Corps. When I resigned she was one of three to see me off. To this day, I can still remember her voice and touch. She wrapped me in a huge hug. She also made me promise to never give up. At the time, I thought it was just words, until on day last year. I hadn’t found Street Sense and was trying to survive by panhandling in the neighborhood. It had been a rough week and I didn’t want to live any longer. I found a spot on the floor in the boiler room where I was staying, and resolved to stay there until every life force in my body gave out. I soon fell asleep. What I thought was a dream was this memory of someone who believed in me. It was so vivid and real, I woke with a start. Since that day I haven’t given up and don’t plan to. Even though Sina is not a part of my life any longer, she was a crucial character in a chapter of my life. By her believing in me, she gave me the inspiration to continue living. If she hadn’t said that to me, I don’t think I would be here today. I hope that someday I will see her again in a different light and better circumstances, but I know that my dear mother in heaven was the one that entered her spirit that faithful last night of Potomac. I have no doubt that I can, and will achieve greatness thanks to the kind heart of one.
If I Had by Patty Smith
It is Saturday night, and I was in my room all alone. My mind was wandering back to the time that I used to baby sit my niece. She was about a year old, and we had so much fun in those days. About 12 years ago, I found out that I am suffering from an illness,that prevents me from having children. I was thinking ,what if I had a baby? What would I teach him or her? I remember the baths I gave my niece. Imagine holding this little innocent person splashing water on them, and forming with your mouth the words that they will learn to say. All these things I would have shared with my own child, and see why they are so fascinating. Oh if I had a baby...
Reggie’s Reflections- Invader!!!!!! By Reginald Black I returned to the southside of the District of Colombia. I had a way to support myself and a hide away, but how could I make it out of this? I wasn’t sure. I was still around the neighborhood trying to muster up local support from familiar faces. The sales went well, but people weren’t taking the paper. And I haven't written anything yet. Using my hideout got me through the winter. A friend told me you should never sleep outside. Taking heed to the older man’s advice, I found room that had a furnace, which meant I did have heat. When sleeping outdoors one lesson is learned you will surely die if you sleep outside. At the time, I didn’t know this information. Although, it did make a great spot. One night I settled in to what was once my space alone. He walked in waking me up. After a mini scuffle he asked to stay. Being nieve with friendship, I told him yes. This happened several times before, but this time was different. I was into my web dating forum when I noticed movement. This invader seemed to be having fun. Disgusted, I packed my things and left. Was this what I have been reduced to? Why do that around another male, and could jail really be like this? Confused, baffled, and mortified I tried to sleep in a nearby rooftoop hallway. Reggie Hosts the Writer's Group Meetings. Contact: Rblackstreetreporter@gmail. com
My salvation by Robert Warren what is salvation, and my salvation, what does it mean? The lord and my salvation? What does that mean? Salvation, Salvation, God gave me salvation? What does that mean? I love the salvation the lord gave to me. God gave me salvation, and what does that mean? I love salvation that the lord gave to me. that’s what salvation mean. And what does that mean? Salvation is a good thing. I think that what salvation means Robert is a member of People for Fairness Coalition. Contact: Robertwarren47@ yahoo.com
Salvation
Patty, a veteran vendor, loves creative writing. Contact: Pattyscoffee@netzero.net.
by Elexcia Arbuckle It’s like a piece of mind and reminds me of particles settling at the bottom of a fish bowl for instance.
CAUSE UNKNOWN
The way it clears the mind and gives grasp of reassurance is like a cool blowing breeze.
by David Rubin The unresolved death of former dive spy, Lionel (Buster) Crabb exposed the private lifestyle of friends and families alike to the public.This proves to be the same when the cause of death is unknown to a homeless person.Suddenly, the spotlight is on you, and critics follow.
All in blue sequences blowing against something like the face or cheek face or cheek all from peaceful origins. It is the victor and reconciliatory and nothing else.
David volunteers & is writing his own novel. Contact: stonepotts2000@yahoo. com.
Elexi a poet now lives ont the west coast contact: Borgenstine@aol.com
PRODUCTION, HOSTING, LAYOUT AND SUPPORT: Patty Smith, Reginald Black
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
Go-Head Diva:
My Run in with a Modern Cleopatra By Jeffery McNeill
photo by Jane Cave
I come across many ladies while selling newspapers. Some are old, some are young, some are rich and some are poor. They come from many ethnic groups and represent many nationalities. I have learned to appreciate the mixture of beautiful women that I see while selling newspapers, but I’ll never forget one woman in particular. I met her in Philadelphia. Cleopatra Robinson was no ordinary lady. She came from 5th and Girard on the north side of Philadelphia, the Richard Allen Projects. Her mom was from Burma and her father was Mulatto. She was the most gorgeous baby. She had bronze curly hair and hazel eyes. Her parents were very proud of their child because of her rare and exotic beauty. They named her Cleopatra, after the Egyptian queen. Even though Cleopatra’s parents lived in the projects, it seemed like they wouldn’t stay there. Her father worked for Septa as a bus driver. He helped his wife through college while a babysitter cared for Cleopatra. Their finances were tight, but the family was the crème de la crème of the projects. They spoiled and pampered their baby Cleopatra. She was a diva queen. Cleopatra wore top-of-the-line baby clothes from Zak’s clothing store, petite baby shoes with little pearls from Nieman Marcus,
and her little curls were always brushed— just so—into tiny little braids. She was told she was special from an early age. Her parents even called her Queen Cleopatra. She threw tantrums if she didn’t get her peas cooked the way she wanted. If she
couldn’t watch cartoons, she would scream and make everyone in the house miserable. She exhausted her parents because nothing was ever good enough. As she grew up into a teenager, Cleopatra began blooming into a mature lady. She idolized women like Liz Taylor, Diana Ross, and Beyoncé. She was a princess and wanted the world to follow her in lockstep. She was popular and became a cheerleader. She won the vote for best smile after graduation. After graduation, she enrolled in City College, on Spring Garden Road in Philadelphia. She wanted to become a fashion designer. Cleopatra was now 21 years old and stunningly beautiful. She had mocha colored skin, pretty Asian eyes and a body shaped like an hourglass. She was a good “goga woga.” She spent hours in front of the mirror, delicately putting on makeup and false eyelashes. She was all about her hair, which was long and flowing. She would walk down the street with “Miss Thing” written on the back of her shorts. All the men would stop and dream of a night of debauchery with her. She thought she was so fine. Eventually Cleopatra became an exotic dancer and masseuse at a gentlemen’s club in Atlantic City. She learned at an early age
that she didn’t have to sleep with men in order to get money but she became a golddigger who made wealthy men fall in love with her. Men were all too willing to do anything for Cleopatra; they offered her everything from diamonds to cozy trips to France and Sweden. Often she would have affairs with younger men while the older ones waited for her. She was a seductress. With one look into her eyes, men became entranced; they became intoxicated by her voice. When Cleopatra got older it was harder to maintain her beauty. She started getting wrinkles and got facelifts because she was so concerned with her looks. She even became a vegan. She reached her fifties and the old men who used to look at her began looking for younger women. She started to become lonely and miserable. Poor Cleopatra… she left a trail of broken hearts in her wake, but no children. She became overweight and moved into an apartment in the projects. She became delusional about her looks because she was vain and high maintenance. If you ever go to Philadelphia, see if you can find the go-head diva, Cleopatra. She is still attractive but has retired from being a gold digger. She now sings in a choir at a Philadelphia church. She has changed her ways and found a loving husband but she will always be the queen among queens.
A Day in the Life: Davie McInally By Davie McInally 5:00 a.m. As soon as everybody wakes up, they pack their belongings, clean up their cardboard, and stash away their blankets before the janitor hoses down our sleeping area. Not having everything cleaned up and packed by 5:45 a.m. results in our belongings getting wet or getting in an unwanted altercation with the police. However, everyone knows when to wake up, so usually there are no problems. Two good samaritans help pick up the garbage after those who are mentally challenged and don’t have the ability to clean up after themselves. After greeting the janitor lady, it’s off to Miriam’s Kitchen for breakfast. At Miriam’s Kitchen we receive cereal and juice in the mornings; there are also different after-breakfast programs that depend on what day of the week it is. I prefer the writing groups that are held on Mondays and Thursdays. Geography on Fridays is great as well, because you not only get to hear the opinions of each individual that participates but also how they view current issues. On Wednesdays I head over to the Father McKenna Center in the St. Aloysius Church on North Capitol Street to wash
my clothes. There are showers at the back, a television that is switched on to the news, as well as a television that is switched on to a random movie at the same time. There is even a room where people can rest for a couple of hours. 11:00 a.m. In order to receive the good lunch that is provided at the church, everyone must attend a meeting. The church closes at 1:00 p.m., after lunch is over. The church is open every day, except on the weekends. 1:00 p.m. Time to leave and get on with the day. On a nice day you may find me on a downtown D.C. street corner selling Street Sense to people walking by. On rainy days, I have realized that people are generally not in a good mood, and hence, not many papers are sold. I, therefore, head over to one of the city’s libraries to further read, write or to connect with my mates via the Internet. 5:00 p.m. At this time, I head toward McPherson Park at 15th and I streets in order to reach Martha’s Table – McKenna’s Wagon, which serves hot soup, tea, water, sandwiches and pastries.
If you get there late, then you get very few pastries and would be lucky if there is any hot soup left over. 7:30 p.m. I leave McPherson Park and head to 14th and H, where I sleep. No one is allowed to set up for the night until 7:00 p.m. because no businesses want people blocking the path into their doorways. What I always look for is the ‘crazy Korean dude’ with his tent set up as a sign that it’s safe to build my cardboard for the night. I then wait until more people come so that they can watch my belongings. It is then that I leave for a cardboard run, or if I had stashed the cardboard from the previous night, I head off to the area where I left it. Between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m., the Grate Patrol brings food as well as hot chocolate for us on 14th and New York Avenue. 9:00 p.m. With my cardboard set up and sleeping bag inside, along with my tarp and blanket to cover both front and back, I am finally ready for another night’s sleep. I always make sure that I have an emergency escape side, which would allow me to roll out in case something happens, such as an attack. It is always better to sleep close to people who you are familiar with and to sleep in a group –– better to be safe than sorry.
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
The Tent Neighborhood at 14th and H: Say Hello Instead of Just Enjoying the Show By Davie McInally I sleep under the 1401 building located on 14th Street between New York Avenue and H Street. I have been at this spot now for about eight weeks and must report on something that really bugs me to the core. Many unsuspecting people who pass the block at 14th and H, stare at us as if we are a mere tourist attraction, or just look at us, staying as far away as possible. Instead of greeting us with a “good evening,” or even a simple “hello,” they look upon us like a circus, as if we are some exotic animals they have seen for the first time in their lives. Photos are taken of us without even asking and when we try and speak to these people they either hurry away or laugh at us. It hurts. If the tables were turned, would they enjoy being viewed as a circus or zoo animal just because they’ve had a spree of bad luck? Some of the people who live at this spot are insane who make the general public feel uneasy, but then there are those of us who are mentally stable who sleep there. My friend James told me that the reason these weird people are here is because they closed down the St. Elizabeth mental hospital, and so the result is we must put up with their antics and try to reason with the unreasonable. So one day I mentioned to my mate Frank, why not write about the trumpets that happen to live at this spot with us, as well as the people who walk by and just stare at us, and thus was born the poem 14th STREET CIRCUS.
Davie shows off his shelter and his Scottish Flag.
Frank Mearns, in front of his tent.
The 14th Street Circus By Frank Mearns and Davie McInally Come for the attraction on 14th and H, The homeless circus begins every night at eight, Visible tents from all points in the street, And the litter of boxes where homeless folk sleep. Count all the colors. There are many you will find. Many people with different lives, All walks of life with many strife’s, In the north lies the jester, silver bag on his head, Beside him the Korean no one understands, Then there are the Tim’s from Eire and Alba Next is the strong man with his red cart he fairs Below comes the Chinaman beard like Khan. The Jamaican and African follow the clan. Advancing southward there you shall find a few clowns Watch for a while, as they scream and shout. With a comical smirk the show rolls on.
A neighbor’s ‘cozy’ interior decor.
We find the woman. Called 911 phone. Jumping at shadows, she calls the police. Only to wind up in jail, her phone now in peace. Every circus indeed has the teller. You’ll find ours in the north, in her cardboard cellar. The bell in the steeple chimes all the way, Telling us all the time of day, So don’t be alarmed when you pass by and stare. Our circus rolls on, so have a heart and show some care.
Frank gets ready for a ride.
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December 9 - December 22, 2009
By Frank Mearns Ronald Bosco, 35, is a single parent. His wife, who lives with three of their five children in Montreal, Canada, is in the same situation. Bosco lives with two of his children, D’iangilo, 7 and Giovanni, 6. The boys have three siblings, Steven, 11, and 5-year-old twins Ronnie and Sangio, who all live in Canada with their mother. Bosco’s family left Montreal after their house was burgled and Bosco’s wife was attacked in an attempted rape. Bosco decided to take his family away from Canada and move to Michigan, where he was unsuccessful in getting any help for his family. In May 2009 he moved his family again, this time to Washington, D.C. When they arrived in D.C. they tried to get services for the whole family but were denied by D.C. Welfare Services, who claimed that the family earned too much money by panhandling and receiving other donations to receive any help. Virginia Welfare Services gave the family two weeks worth of food stamps but removed them from Welfare again, for the same reason. They said the family earned too much money to get help. How could Welfare Services classify panhandling as a job? All Bosco is doing is trying to keep himself and his family safe and fed. After living in D.C. for two months, Bosco’s wife returned to Canada to see her oldest son and brought all of her children with her. Caring for the children and the trauma from the attempt-
Homeless Persons Memorial Day December 21st 6:00-6:45pm Union Station (Columbus Plaza) Help bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to end homelessness.
ed rape became too much for her and she attempted suicide. God decided it wasn’t her time and she is still alive today. Now Bosco has two of their children with him because he says, “it would be too much for her to handle.” Bosco asked the children if they wanted to go back to Canada. “No, we don’t want to go back to Canada,” D’iangilo and Giovanni replied simultaneously. The children’s grandmother tries to convince them to live with her in Canada, but they want to be with both of their parents. The kids seem quite healthy. Their father takes care of them and makes sure they are well dressed. The boys are home schooled and very bright. D’iangilo likes cursive writing and his brother, Giovanni, was reading during our meeting. As I was talking to D’iangilo he happily said, “I love pizza. It’s my favorite food.” Then he added, describing an assignment in his workbook, “The second row (which was spelling and vocabulary) was the best thing.” I asked the kids how they felt about sleeping in a car and tent. “It’s fun, we love it. It’s like camping out every night,” they replied. But they both know that they need a house so they can be safe and warm. While I was building my own tent one evening, I saw the two children playing soccer using a toy car for a ball and they seemed quite content with what they had. Bosco seemed a little bit down to me, but he knows he must maintain a brave face for the sake of his children.
PHOTO by frank mearns
Family Torn Apart by Legal Rules
Ronald Bosco and his two sons, D’iangilo and Giovanni, in front of their tent they call their temporary home. Bosco’s wife lives in Canada with their other three children.
I wish that President Obama could see the struggle this family is going through. Maybe then they could get the help they deserve. For Bosco and his family it is a daily struggle to get the kids washed, fed, and schooled. This should never be a problem for any family. I have a Christmas wish for the
Transportation During Hypothermia Season For Women
Morning 6:30 am: From New Covenant Baptist Church to Harriet Tubman 6:30 am: From Community of Christ to Rachael’s Bethany Evening 6:30 pm: From Sacred Heart (16th & Park) to Nativity 6:30 pm: From Thrive to Harriet Tubman,
For Men
Morning 6:30 am, 7:15 am, 8:15 am: from Adams Place, 801 East, NY Ave. to Union Station, 9th & P streets, NW, and MLK Library 6:30 am from Bannek Rec., First 7th Day Adventist, Sacred Heart, St Luke’s Evening 6:30pm,7:15 pm.8:15 pm from MLK Library to Adams Place, 801 East, NY Ave.
Bosco family: together again in a happy home.
If you want to help this family please contact them at (231) 881-1871 or balegacy4christ@yahoo.com.
Holiday Meals for the Homeless
Dec. 20, 12pm-3pm: Martha’s Table, 2114 14th St,. NW Dec. 25, 12pm-3pm: Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave, NE Dec. 25, 12pm: Loaves & Fishes, 1525 Newton St., NW Dec. 25, 11:30am-1pm: S.O.M.E., 71 O ST, NW
S treetS ense.org WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW (202) 783–6651 www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org 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 New York Ave Shelter (Men 18+) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359 Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093
FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW
December 9 - December 22, 2009 (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Thrive DC St. Stephen’s Church 1525 Newton Street, NW (202) 737–9311 http://thrivedc.org/ Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ ministry/welcometbl.htm
MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org
OUTREACH CENTERS Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment 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 and 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 Washington DC 20001 (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
MARYLAND
Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs
Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc. 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 (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 Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/ dc.html emergency travel assistance Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org
SHELTER
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 Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Drive, Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive ser-
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VIRGINIA SHELTER Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B-Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239 Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org The Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 9th Road, North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org
FOOD ALIVE!, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723 www.alive–inc.org Our Daily Bread 10777 Main Street #320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org
MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Abundant Life Christian Outreach, 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (703) 823–4100 www.anchor–of–hope.net food, clothing, youth development, and medicines David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services only
Shelter Hotline: 1–800– 535–7252
S treetS ense.org
December 9 - December 22, 2009
THe Last Word By J. Deveaux
Vendor Profile By J. Deveaux
Peggy Cash
For the past three months, most of my time was spent at Street Sense. Originally from North Carolina, Others usually have wise words or lessons learned to offer; I don’t. I am still Peggy Cash reminisces about not processing the transition from a directionless college student to a driven enjoying the District as a young girl. journalist. She recalls visits to her Aunt’s home I never thought that the things I typed on a screen could reflect the strugin D.C. where she attributes her disgles of day-to-day homelessness and poverty. The more stories I cover, the pleasure with making such a long more involved with the issues behind them I become. trip from North Carolina, rather than I’ve sat in on Coalition Of Housing and Homeless Organization (COHHO) spending time with her “Auntie.” She and Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) meetings, but a human has since changed her opinion of the rights conference at Georgetown University made the most lasting impact. city as she’s grown older. I had to attend wearing a suit with Converse sneakers while the United NaShe became homeless after losing tions Special Rappeuter gave a heartfelt speech. I ate bagels with cream her job in North Carolina after havcheese while scribbling in my notebook to find a story that interested me; ing a brain aneurism. Her extended that day the story was the criminalization of homelessness in St. Petersburg, hospital stay required her to miss Florida. work; she consequently lost her job. I contacted lawyers and pored over legal documents. Seven ordinances On her way to D.C. she stayed briefly in Baltimore, but felt that her and banned the day-to-day activities of the homeless, like pitching tents to sleep her boyfriend would fare better if they headed south. in and loitering. I even found videos of the police slashing tents. The story She has five children, one boy and four girls that still reside in North got bumped for space, but I was left with a strong impression of the event. Carolina with other family. She and her boyfriend stay at the CCNV shelI left home with all the money I had saved from the past few years cooking ter. in a restaurant and going to school. The change in pace has been jarring. In “We like it alright,” she says. the restaurant, I could usually predict what would happen on a given day. How long have you been selling Street Sense? There is nothing predictable about Street Sense. I’ve been selling Street Sense for about two months. The only thing I could predict was that what I learned doing a new story How did you find out about Street Sense? would leave a lasting impression on me. I was told about it by James Fetherson. I have begun to fear that staying in D.C. might mean choosing some deFavorite movie? gree of homelessness. Journalism isn’t that lucrative a venture now. The Godfather Homelessness does not equate with street or shelter living. Homelessness Favorite music? Shop | Eat |R&B Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | is being without a home—not having a permanent residence with a mailing and Gospel address. As the money runs out, I wonder if I’m going to have to tuck my tail Favorite Food? | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | between my legs and run back to where I came from. Will going back mean Country Fried Chicken a step back? Will I be able to get my old job? Do I want my old job? Favorite|Book? Explore | miDCity Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E I’m left with questions, not words of wisdom. I’m left wondering what The Bible |stone miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | Street Sense means to me. Was it just an internship—a stepping to the next part of my career? Did I help at all? As I wonder what my next home City | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miD will be, questions about my home at Street Sense will continue to linger in
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CFC# 28233
caramel