06.29.2022

VOL. 19 ISSUE 32

$2

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022

Real Stories

Pride Edition

Real People

Read about what LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness need from DC, page 8

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VENDORS Abel Putu, Abraham Aly, Aida Peery, Amina Washington, Andre Brinson, Andrew Anderson, Angie Whitehurst, Anthony Carney, Anthony Pratt, Archie Thomas, August Mallory, Betty Everett, Beverly Sutton, Brianna Butler, Carlos Carolina, Carol Motley, Charles Armstrong, Charles Woods, Chon Gotti, Chris Cole, Chris Sellman, Conrad Cheek, Corey Sanders, Cortney Signor, Daniel Ball, David Snyder, Debora Brantley, Don Gardner, Doris Robinson, Earl Parker, Eric Thompson-Bey, Evelyn Nnam, Floyd Carter, Franklin Sterling, Frederic John, Fredrick Jewell, Gerald Anderson, Gracias Garcias, Henry Johnson, Ivory Wilson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Turner, Jacquelyn Portee, James Davis, Jeanette Richardson, Jeff Taylor, Jeffery McNeil, Jeffrey Carter, Jemel Fleming, Jenkins Daltton, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jermale McKnight, Jet Flegette, Jewel Lewis, John Littlejohn, Joshua Faison, Juliene Kengnie, Justin Blakey, Katrina Arninge, Kenneth Middleton, Khadijah Chapman, Kym Parker, Laura Smith, Lawrence Autry, Levester Green, Malcolm Scott Jr, Marcus McCall, Mark Jones, Maurice Spears, Melody Byrd, Michael Warner, Michele Rochon, Mildred M. Hall, Morgan Jones, Patricia Donaldson, Patty Smith, Phillip Black, Queenie Featherstone, Redbook Mango, Reggie Jones, Reginald Black, Reginald C. Denny, Ricardo Meriedy, Rita Sauls, Robert Warren, Rochelle Walker, Ron Dudley, Sasha Williams, Shawon McCrary, Sheila White, Shuhratjon Ahmadjonov, Susan Westmoreland, Susan Wilshusen, Sybil Taylor, Warren Stevens, Wendell Williams BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Coller Albert, Blake Androff, Jonquilyn Hill, Greg Jaffe, Stanley Keeve, Clare Krupin, Ashley McMaster, Matt Perra, Michael Phillips, Daniel Webber, Shari Wilson, Corrine Yu

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DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

AVA I L A B L E

Doris Warrell

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Darick Brown

CASE MANAGER

VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Leo Grayburn

As self-employed contractors, our vendors follow a code of conduct.

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I will support Street Sense Media’s mission statement and in so doing will work to support the Street Sense Media community and uphold its values of honesty, respect, support, and opportunity.

I will treat all others, including customers, staff, volunteers, and fellow vendors, respectfully at all times. I will refrain from threatening others, pressuring customers into making donations, or engaging in behavior that condones racism, sexism, classism, or other prejudices.

I understand that I am not an employee of Street Sense Media but an independent contractor.

While distributing the Street Sense newspaper, I will not ask for more than $2 per issue or solicit donations by any other means.

I will only purchase the newspaper from Street Sense Media staff and volunteers and will not distribute newspapers to other vendors.

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I will abide by the Street Sense Media Vendor Territory Policy at all times and will resolve any related disputes with other vendors in a professional manner.

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I will not sell additional goods or products while distributing “Street Sense.”

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I will not distribute “Street Sense” under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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

The Cover People stand together smiling with their respective LGBTQ flags painted on their skin.

ART BY KHADIJAH CHAPMAN

The Street Sense Media Story, #MoreThanANewspaper Originally founded as a street newspaper in 2003, Street Sense Media has evolved into a multimedia center using a range of creative platforms to spotlight solutions to homelessness and empower people in need. The men and women who work with us do much more than sell this paper: They use film, photography, theatre, illustration, and more to share their stories with our community.

Our media channels elevate voices, our newspaper vendor and digital marketing programs provide economic independence. And our in-house case-management services move people forward along the path toward permanent supportive housing.

At Street Sense Media, we define ourselves through our work, talents, and character, not through our housing situation.

DIRECTOR OF VENDOR EMPLOYMENT

Thomas Ratliff

VENDOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATES

Aida Peery, Clifford Samuels

VENDOR PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

Jeff Barger, Haley Gallagher, Roberta Haber, Ann Herzog, Kevin Jaatinen, Jacob Kuba, Eva Reeves, Mauricio Reyes

MANAGER OF ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Will Schick

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kaela Roeder

PRODUCTION EDITOR

Athiyah Azeem

STAFF REPORTER

Annemarie Cuccia

MICHAEL STOOPS FELLOW

Jasper Smith

INTERNS

Atmika Iyer, Hannah Loder, Holly Rusch, Hope Davis, Ingrid Holmquist, Riley Nee

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

Ariane Mohseni (Film), Bonnie Naradzay (Poetry), David Serota (Illustration), Lalita Clozel (Film), Willie Schatz (Writing)

ARTS EDITOR (VOLUNTEER)

Austine Model

OPINION EDITORS (VOLUNTEER)

Rebecca Koenig, Emily Kopp, Lydia DePillis

EDITORIAL VOLUNTEERS

Josh Axelrod, Ryan Bacic, Katie Bemb, Lilah Burke, Chelsea Ciruzzo, Lenika Cruz, Alison Henry, Kathryn Owens, Nick Shedd, Andrew Siddons, Jenny-lin Smith, Rebecca Stekol

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Why is a Pride edition important?

This week’s edition is our last issue for the month, and it will run until the first week of July. The timing of this Pride-themed issue is intentional. Our coverage of issues important to LGBTQ people does not end in the month of June. It has always been something we’ve cared about and covered extensively in our reporting.

Three out of the four editorial staff members at Street Sense Media identify as LGBTQ and have worked hard to dedicate this edition to their community.

Despite civil rights gains earned over the past several decades, people identifying as LGBTQ continue to face outsized

discrimination because of their identities. Around 40% of youth experiencing homelessness in D.C. identify as LGBTQ, according to the latest Youth Count numbers. With the recent repeal of Roe v. Wade, hard-earned rights such as marriage equality have now come under threat. This underscores that journalists need to continue to provide coverage that shines a light on injustices and fairly represents people.

The Street Sense Media editorial staff

ATHIYAH AZEEM Production Editor

A number of Street Sense Media vendors and artists identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Here are three who shared with us their experiences.

SYBIL TAYLOR

KYM PARKER

KHADIJAH CHAPMAN

Sybil Taylor was a young adult when she got into voguing — a dance born from queer Black and Latinx underground ballrooms in the ‘80s, which became a worldwide phenomenon through pop singer Madonna’s song, Vogue. Taylor’s gay friends would invite her to bars to vogue, offer free food and drinks and a place to stay when she was experiencing homelessness.

“They help me in any way they can help me,” Taylor said. “The gay community, they really love me.”

Although Taylor was integrated into D.C.’s queer community, the homophobia she experienced affected how open she was with her sexuality. She worked at the Ritz-Carlton hotel at Dupont Circle for six years, until management found out she was bisexual and fired her. For years, Taylor didn’t like to talk about her sexuality in fear of how people would treat her.

But as gay representation in the U.S. became more prominent over the years, Taylor felt more comfortable expressing herself. She attended the D.C. Pride Parade this year, wearing matching rainbow armbands, earrings, shoes and a necklace with a rainbow pendant.

“Right now I’m out, and I feel confident.

These are all my friends,” Taylor said, as she gestured at other Pride attendees decked in rainbow regalia. “This means a lot to me.”

When Kym Parker was 11, she showed a photograph of a man and a woman on a beach to her mother. Her mother asked her to pick which one she liked. Parker, who had been aware she was attracted to both men and women for about two years, said both. Eventually, Parker would come out as bisexual to her parents, who said they already knew and accepted her for who she was.

“My mother told me to always respect myself,” Parker said. “Never let anyone take advantage of you of anything you wouldn’t want to give out yourself.”

But seeing how the outside world treated LGBTQ people, Parker grew reticent of sharing her identity. She also doesn’t like how LGBTQ communities divide themselves across racial lines, and with labels like gay and bisexual. She prefers to think of LGBTQ people as one community united by God, she said.

While Parker doesn’t like attending D.C.‘s Pride festivities, as she finds them to be too political, she still identifies strongly with the concept of Pride.

“Be you, be happy, because you are already perfect,” Parker said. “To love oneself unconditionally is Pride to me.”

Khadijah Chapman joined Street Sense Media this year as an artist, and designed the cover of this newspaper. She drew it with the intention of including everyone in the LGBTQ community — especially intersex people who are underrepresented, and asexual people who typically find it hard to be accepted in the queer community.

“I wanted to add almost everyone that’s in the acronym,” Chapman said.

As a Black lesbian, Chapman finds it difficult to be herself in either Black or LGBTQ communities.

“So sometimes I feel kind of threatened, and I kind of tone it back a bit or just don’t mention my sexuality at all,” Chapman said. She says men have disrespected her sexuality, and continued to pursue her despite her expressed lack of interest.

Despite these struggles, Chapman still wishes to continue supporting the LGBTQ community across race, gender and other intersecting identities.

“Don’t be sad that you’re asexual, don’t be said that you’re intersex, don’t be sad that you’re gay,” Chapman said. “It’s not a curse.

It’s just who you are.”

Taylor has been a vendor since 2008.

AT A GLANCE

VENDOR PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Street Sense offices will be closed next Monday, July 4.

LGBTQ vendor/artist spotlight

Parker has been a vendor since 2019.

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Chapman has been a Street Sense Media artist since 2022.

• New Workshop! Watercolor (painting) workshop is every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m.

• “Beat the Streets” is every Thursday at Street Sense at 3 p.m.

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Show us your CDC card and get 15 papers for being fully vaccinated plus 10 more for being boosted.

BIRTHDAYS Phillip Black Artist/Vendor

June 19

Marcus McCall Artist/Vendor

July 3

Vennie Hill

Artist/Vendor

July 4

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NEWS

After six months, DCHA is now fully implementing selfcertification ANNEMARIE CUCCIA Staff Reporter

I

t just got a little bit easier for people experiencing homelessness to get a housing voucher. After a months-long fight by advocates, the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) will now let voucher applicants move into housing without requiring a photo ID to process their application.

People applying for housing vouchers typically have to provide documents showing their legal identity, annual income and family members, but a process called self-certification allows people to bypass this step if they can’t easily access their documents. The DCHA Board of Commissioners has twice approved emergency regulations that allow D.C. residents applying for a tenant-based Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) voucher to self-certify their identity and eligibility.

But advocates say execution of that policy has been both slow and flawed.

When implementing the first set of regulations, passed in February, DCHA did not allow people to apply for a voucher without a photo ID. However, the agency changed its policy in June to fully allow self-certification of identity under a second set of rules adopted that month, according to Sheila Lewis, DCHA’s director of public affairs and communications.

“We’re pleased to hear that DCHA has finally decided to implement their existing regulations on self-certification for legal identity,” Brit Ruffin of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless wrote in an email. “The implementation change will greatly increase access to housing resources for DC’s most vulnerable residents.”

People seeking housing through LRSP vouchers often struggle to find their documentation — a particular problem for unhoused people seeking Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) vouchers. The LRSP program provides a rental subsidy to extremely low-income D.C. residents; PSH vouchers are targeted at people who have experienced homelessness for more than a year. It’s the latter group that housing advocates say will benefit most from self-certification. Between moving frequently and staying in communal spaces, unhoused people commonly lose track of their ID and other documents needed to apply for a housing voucher. Applying for new IDs — especially for people not originally from D.C. — can be an arduous process, taking a year on average and up to three.

“And meanwhile, you’re homeless,” said Amber Harding, director of policy and advocacy at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and an advocate for self-certification. Without self-certification, unhoused people who don’t have identity documents face long delays before they can apply for a voucher. “We didn’t want people to be homeless merely because they can’t make it through government bureaucracy.”

Seeking a solution, Harding and other advocates took inspiration from the Emergency Housing Vouchers Program, implemented locally and nationally during the pandemic. The program allows people to self-report identity and eligibility without documentation, drastically shortening wait times for housing. When adopting the budget last year, the D.C. Council mandated that DCHA allow the same for tenant-based LRSP vouchers by November 2021; the board missed the deadline but passed temporary rules doing so in February 2022.

But providers say DCHA never adhered to the self-

certification rules the board passed. The Housing Authority circulated guidance to providers this spring that explained applicants could self-certify their name, date of birth, Social Security number and income but also stated that “identity cannot be self-certified” and that “a government-issued photo ID must be submitted with the application.” In a statement to Street Sense Media and The DC Line in April, DCHA media relations specialist Christine Goodman confirmed that the agency was requiring a government-issued ID. DCHA had to check potential residents against the lifetime sex offender registry, she said, which the agency needed a photo ID to do.

Providers swiftly took issue with this implementation, pointing out that the agency’s own rules explicitly said applicants could self-certify legal identity. Agency communications with providers only confused the issue further — DCHA employees gave conflicting advice and had to be reminded repeatedly that self-certification was in effect.

Self-certification, round two DCHA’s board passed new regulations, on June 8, one day before the February regulations were due to expire. DCHA’s board did not discuss the authority’s implementation of selfcertification at its meeting, but the June regulations again included the language that housing providers have insisted for months allows DCHA to waive the requirement for a photo ID. And now it’s done so. According to Lewis, the agency held a series of conversations over the last few months with providers and advocates. After the discussions, the agency changed its guidance on the policy’s implementation — effective alongside the June regulations — to allow people to self-certify their IDs if the documents are not easily available. Lewis said the agency has not yet received any applications self-certifying for ID. But even with DCHA’s new guidance on self-certification fully implemented, housing advocates and at least three members of DCHA’s board contend the guidelines don’t go far enough.

A two-year time limit A new provision in the June regulations sets a two-year time limit for self-certification. For recertification, LRSP voucher holders will have to show any documents they initially selfcertified; otherwise, they risk being dropped from the program.

This will inevitably lead to evictions, according to Harding.

Some people may never be able to access their documents, she said, especially if their legal name differs from the one on their birth certificate.

“They will get a voucher, they’ll lease-up, they’ll finally be housed, be in affordable housing, and then two years later when they go to recertify, they’ll be kicked out of the program,” Harding said.

Bill Slover, the advocate representative on the DCHA board, raised these same concerns at the June 8 meeting. He and Ann Hoffman, the labor commissioner, pointed out that the two-year timeline assumes voucher holders have access to caseworkers to help them acquire documents, which is not always the case.

Their concerns led the board to add that if voucher holders don’t

have their documents at recertification they will be eligible to begin a “grievance process” and will not be automatically dropped from the program. There is no guarantee, however, that voucher holders without documentation will be able to continue receiving a subsidy.

Slowly expanding eligibility In addition to raising issues over self-certification, housing advocates argue that DCHA isn’t implementing eligibility requirements correctly. In the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Support Act, the council instructed DCHA to remove all barriers to housing for people who lack immigration documentation or who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

The February regulations officially allowed people without immigration documentation to obtain vouchers. The June regulations kept this provision and removed a prohibition against giving vouchers to people who manufactured methamphetamine on federally assisted housing properties.

However, both sets kept in place a ban on individuals on the national sex offender registry. Limiting eligibility at all contradicts what the council had required in the Budget Support Act, Slover said at the meeting.

Lorry Bonds, who advises the board as DCHA counsel, responded that the Housing Authority is not allowed under federal law to spend money to house people on the registry.

Critics acknowledge that this is partially true: People on the lifetime sex offender registry are banned from public housing and from the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the federal version of LRSP. DCHA adopted the same eligibility rules for the tenant-based LRSP program, but the board has altered them in the past. In fact, the ban on people on the lifetime sex offender registry can be found in the same statute as the ban on people who produced meth on the premises of federally assisted housing — with the board already having repealed the latter provision for the locally run LRSP program.

Slover asked DCHA officials to seek clarification from the D.C. Council on the issue and, along with three other commissioners, voted against the new regulations based on the various concerns they had raised.

What’s next The June and February regulations were both temporary, gearing up for a permanent set of rules at some point. These would have to pass the council, which has already voted for self-certification of all factors and for no limits on eligibility.

Meanwhile, providers are continuing to push to ensure that DCHA’s implementation of the regulations matches the council’s intent.

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A Housing Narrative Lab webinar challenges the common stories of homelessness HANNAH LODER Editorial Intern

Homelessness solutions advocates Marisol Bello, Margot Kushel and Samuel Carlson discuss what stories on homelessness get wrong. Screenshot by Hannah Loder

T

he Housing Narrative Lab, a D.C.-based communications research hub providing support to organizations working to end homelessness, hosted a Zoom webinar on June 10 to discuss the ways journalists get the story of homelessness wrong.

Marisol Bello, director of the lab, moderated the event. Panelists included Dr. Margot Kushel, the director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative; and Sam Carlson, manager of research and outreach at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The event detailed common ways the media and data fail to provide a complete picture of homelessness.

For instance, when journalists cover homelessness, they often focus on its visible forms, like people living in tents on street corners, Kushel said. Journalists are less likely to tell more hidden stories of homelessness, like taxi drivers sleeping in their cabs.

“Each of them is deserving of our help, our compassion, our lack of judgment, but one of those stories gets told a lot more than the other one does,” Kushel said at the webinar.

Kushel and Carlson explained the drawbacks of the Pointin-Time count, a popular data set used by cities, journalists and organizations as the basis for services offered to the homeless community. One night each year, volunteers count the number of people experiencing homelessness.

“With that, it fails to account for those temporarily staying with others or those not experiencing homelessness at that point in time,” Carlson said. “Point-in-Time methodology dramatically undercounts homelessness, and worse, points to

the wrong policy solutions.”

In D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced in April a record low number of people experiencing homelessness based on this year’s count. While Bowser celebrated this decrease, it may not be accurate, panelists said. Point-in-Time counts are “more likely to count the people who are visibly homeless,” Kushel said.

Kushel and Carlson conduct research on homelessness in their respective cities, and they work to ensure a representative count by looking for the people who are not visibly homeless.

Carlson emphasized the importance of counting people temporarily staying with family or friends, also known as doubling up.

“The vast majority of these families are staying wherever they can. They’re often forced to move frequently between unstable living situations like sleeping in motels, cars, trains or temporarily staying with others,” Carlson said. “I can’t underscore enough that homelessness is not as linear as what’s seen in the public.”

The pair also highlighted some causes of homelessness the public overlooks. Through her research, Kushel discovered that the death of a parent was a common cause; if the lease is in a parent’s name and the parent dies, their children often face eviction. Updating end-of-life practices, like adding another name to the lease, “is an incredible opportunity for prevention,” Kushel said.

The Vulnerability Index - Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT), which providers use to determine who receives homeless services, is another example of how current data-driven solutions can misinterpret the causes of

homelessness.

“The problem with how we prioritize homeless services is that we base your priority for services … on those individual vulnerabilities, which is going to disadvantage people who don’t have those but who are homeless because of these larger societal forces,” Kushel said.

Kushel pointed to the ways structural racism, like Black families being excluded from buying property and accruing wealth, has pushed people into homelessness at a higher rate than mental health and substance use problems, which often receive more attention from support organizations.

Affordable housing is the answer, Kushel said.

“We need to solve that underlying problem. We need to stop focusing on mental health and substance use as the drivers.

They are not,” Kushel said. “The driver of homelessness is this dramatic shortage of extremely low-income housing.”

In the District, there are 40,000 people currently on the D.C. Housing Authority waitlist. According to 2020 data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of more than 27,000 affordable units for low-income renters across the District.

Carlson said the way to bring change is through “political will and the public awareness of the issue.”

Research shows that people facing chronic homelessness have found and retained housing through “supportive housing,” which includes subsidized housing, case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and medical treatment, Kushel said.

“We know what to do. We just lack the political will to do it, and we’re telling the wrong stories,” Kushel said.

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NEWS

Anti-discrimination bill returns to the council for a third time JASPER SMITH Michael Stoops Fellow

Michael Stoops and Mitch Snyder in Washington, D.C. Photo Courtesy of National Coalition for the Homeless

A

t 18, John Alley left Puerto Rico with a dog, an accordion and the clothes on his back, looking for a fresh start from the island he had called home. Alley first went to New York City, but without connections and nowhere to stay when he arrived, he experienced homelessness there for many years. Twenty years later, Alley, now a Street Sense Media vendor, is still housing insecure, and has been vocal about the discrimination he experienced while unhoused in D.C. On June 28, the D.C. Council passed the Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act to amend the Human Rights Act of 1977, adding homelessness as a protected class. The act aims to protect people experiencing homelessness from discriminatory practices, incorporate educational and sensitivity training for law enforcement for their interactions with people experiencing homelessness and establish employee protections against workplace harassment.

If the bill is approved by the mayor and Congress, D.C. will become the first city in the country to make discrimination based on homelessness status illegal. Since homelessness was not a protected class, there has been no legal recourse for individuals who experience discrimination based on homelessness status, including individuals like Alley.

Alley developed a brain tumor three years ago and was unable to work due to a visual impairment. Because of his disability and homelessness status, he qualified for a housing

voucher. Alley had been staying in a shelter and was looking for an apartment where he could recover from his surgeries and take care of his mother.

Alley went to tour an apartment with hopes of securing housing with his voucher, but his excitement quickly turned into disappointment when the property manager learned he was experiencing homelessness and turned him away.

“He came back and said ‘sadly, we can’t have you here,” Alley said. Alley protested, saying the apartment legally had to accept his voucher, but the manager continued. “‘Nope, not here in this place. We are voucher free. This is not the place for you,’ he told me. And just like that, I couldn’t. I was shocked,” Alley said.

Under the Eviction Record Sealing Authority Act of 2021, it is illegal for landlords and housing providers to turn down housing vouchers in D.C. or charge voucher holders inflated rent prices. Despite this law, many people still report discrimination from housing providers due to their vouchers or homelessness status. Overall, individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to face discrimination and harassment in securing housing, employment and medical services.

“It’s class discrimination. It puts you in a sore spot,” Alley said. “If you have people discriminating against you… it’s because you’re homeless. It’s a class discrimination because you’re poor.”

Anti-discrimination legislation before the council, for a third time The Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act comes as a modified version of the Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act, which first sought to add homelessness as a protected status. The bill was named after the advocate Michael A. Stoops, in honor of his dedication to ending homelessness in the District. Stoops died on May 1, 2017, just weeks before the bill was first introduced to the council.

Though the act was largely supported by many advocacy organizations in the District, the bill died in the D.C. Council in 2017, and again in 2019 when it was reintroduced. The Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act takes many of the provisions from the initial bill.

D.C.’s Human Rights Act currently protects race, sex, religion, age, marital status, disability and 13 other classes.

Added as a protected class, homelessness will be defined as “an individual or family that lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,” provided by the Homeless Services Reform Amendment Act. Adding homelessness as a protected class under the Human Rights Act will ban discrimination in the workplace, housing, educational institutions, public transportation and businesses, as well as government services and programs. Discriminatory

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A timeline of what D.C. has done over the years to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from discrimination. Graphic by Jasper Smith

practices can include restrictions from public or private areas, such as asking people experiencing homelessness to leave restaurants or businesses.

While people experiencing homelessness may be protected from discrimination by their other traits, such as personal appearance, it’s much easier to prove discrimination based on housing status, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH).

Failure to comply could result in fines, lawsuits or other forms of restitution, when filed as a complaint with the Office of Human Rights.

The estimated cost to implement the bill is $1.5 million over a four-year financial plan; these funds are already included in the fiscal year 2023 budget and financial plan for the Office of Human Rights.

The bill was introduced by Councilmembers Robert White and Charles Allen in April 2021, along with five others.

“This legislation will help restore dignity for people who suffer discrimination. If an employer, retailer, or landlord turns away a person based on their actual or perceived homelessness status, and the person can prove that that happened by a preponderance of the evidence, then the person may be entitled to monetary damages or other remedies,” White said in an interview with Street Sense Media.

White added that he hopes the act will “push everybody

to think twice” before being hostile toward or discriminating against a person experiencing homelessness.

resources and sensitivity training in an attempt to decrease the amount of citations given to people experiencing homelessness.

New training for law enforcement

‘Homeless Bill of Rights’

Under the act, police will undergo anti-discrimination and sensitivity training. Unhoused people experience police violence at higher rates — according to an NCH study, 70% of African Americans experiencing homelessness reported that they faced discrimination from law enforcement.

Businesses often resort to calling the police to have an individual forcibly removed due to loitering or their perceived homelessness status. Under the Human Rights Enhancement Amendment Act, this practice would become illegal.

“Improving that relationship would definitely help the police understand homelessness and what it means for those people experiencing homelessness. It would be a good thing,” Lynn Amano, the director of advocacy at the homeless services provider Friendship Place, said in support of the act.

Other parts of the country have made similar efforts.

Hospitality House, the county’s largest homeless shelter, introduced the Peace Officers and Standards Training curriculum to the Nevada City Police Department. The curriculum included de-escalation training, crisis stabilization

Reginald Black, a workforce development specialist, vendor with Street Sense Media and director of the People for Fairness Coalition, has worked on implementing homelessness as a protected class in D.C. for many years with various organizations and advocates, including Michael Stoops.

“This is something that has a national connotation. This was part of a movement to create what is essentially a homeless Bill of Rights. D.C. was different because it had a Human Rights Act already,” Black said. “We just needed the definition for homelessness to be called out as one of those traits.”

Now that the bill has passed, it must be reviewed by the mayor and undergo congressional review before it can be passed as a law. The bill could go into effect as early as October 2022.

“This is just a step in the road to ending homelessness,” Black said. “It’s an important step. I’m sad that Mike didn’t get to see this day, where homelessness may actually be a protected class in the District of Columbia. He worked a majority of his life to get this.”

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NEWS

Pride celebrations are over, but queer youth still need help ANNEMARIE CUCCIA Staff Reporter

DC Front Runners, a social running and walking club that caters to the LGBTQ community, marching in the D.C. Pride Parade on June 11. Photo by Athiyah Azeem

O

livia Rodriguez-Nunez still remembers dancing around in a jumper at the age of 4.

If she undid the buttons on the side, it felt like she was wearing a dress. The thrill that thought gave her — commonly called gender euphoria — was one of the first sparks of joy she felt as part of her queer identity.

“Being trans and being queer, it’s like a whole unique experience of figuring out who you are, something new you always learn about yourself,” said Rodriguez-Nunez, now 25. “I couldn’t even imagine transitioning — and now here we are.”

Rodriguez-Nunez’s identity as a trans female has brought her a lot of joy — like when she cut her hair into a bob during quarantine. She looked in the mirror of her hotel room and told herself, “Oh my god, that’s Olivia. For the first time, that’s Olivia.” But the joy of queer youth is often met by intolerance, homophobia and hatred from the world around them. Parts of Rodriguez-Nunez’s family rejected her, just as thousands of families have rejected other queer youth around the country.

The result of this rejection is often homelessness.

Queer and transgender youth are vastly overrepresented in the unhoused population. Nationally, 7% of people between 13 and 25 identify as LGBTQ, while 40% of unhoused people of those same ages do. D.C.’s most recent Youth Count, which surveys the number of youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, reports that the same is true in the District, with 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ. While D.C.’s Pride celebrations bring added attention to LGBTQ issues each June, service providers and young people say queer unhoused youth need more support year-round from their city and community to find sustainable housing and employment so they can celebrate the joy they find in

their identities.

The link between queer youth and homelessness For Rodriguez-Nunez, fully coming into her trans identity was a 20-year project. She recalls gravitating to the stereotypical girly things growing up; she wanted Barbies and dolls, and everything pink. She began to suspect she was transgender in middle school, after she met another kid who was feminine in the same ways she was. But for years, she buried that feeling in work, distracting herself to dismiss what she was starting to feel.

But then, in 2020, Rodriguez-Nunez noticed she had begun to feel sad most of the time. She only felt happy if she was wearing makeup or a wig — in glam, as she says.

“It came to the point where I didn’t want to be seen without it,” she said.

When Rodriguez-Nunez decided to transition soon after that, she was living in her family’s home with her siblings. At first, they seemed supportive, but as Rodriguez-Nunez’s transition progressed, her sister’s reaction changed. The two of them began fighting frequently, she said, and her sister would berate her with slurs.

“There was so much hate and so much anger,” she said. “It just became a moment where like, it wasn’t safe anymore.”

Forced out, she began experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

Rodriguez-Nunez isn’t alone. LGBTQ youth most often experience homelessness due to severe homophobia and transphobia in their previous living situation. According to a report by national nonprofit True Colors United, around

80% of queer youth experiencing homelessness were forced out of their home or felt pressured to run away. Among the respondents, 40% said they experienced other problems at home, and 30% had been abused by their family. Providers worry these numbers will increase as multiple states pass a preponderance of anti-queer legislation.

While these are numbers from a national survey, they line up with what providers have seen in D.C. — a lack of acceptance drives homelessness.

“It’s the abandonment that takes place by living in their authentic truth. It is the violence they face by their gender expressions or people they love. It is the need for refuge,” said Monroe Poston, the residential coordinator for Covenant’s SHINE program, which provides housing and case management to 24 unhoused LGTBQ youth in the District with funding from the D.C. government.

Discrimination isn’t the only reason queer youth experience homelessness — aging out of the foster care system and family poverty are also common reasons — but it can make securing housing and employment much harder. This is especially true for LGBTQ young people of color, nearly half of whom report that discrimination has affected their ability to find housing.

Once they’re unhoused, everything becomes harder for queer youth: It’s difficult to hold down a job without steady housing, affirming hormone services feel out of reach, and there’s little familial or community support. This hits youth who already were poor or had few resources hardest, according to Elly Bludworth, the director of youth housing at D.C. nonprofit SMYAL. “Any 18-year-old is usually not prepared to go out and get their own apartment,” Bludworth said. “But then the perpetual discrimination they experience even after that only exacerbates the issues.”

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Meeting the needs of queer youth After leaving her family’s house, Rodriguez-Nunez bounced around for a bit, generally staying with her then-boyfriend. But eventually, she was out of options and turned to Casa Ruby, an LGTBQ services organization that then operated a low-barrier shelter in D.C., though the shelter was forced to close in 2021 due to a loss of city funding.

Rodriguez-Nunez said she had heard years before about the shelter but had never thought about the possibility she’d have to go herself. She cried herself to sleep every night the first week. But soon she found happiness being around people who understood; she said she felt like a kid while she was staying at Casa Ruby. The residents knew what everyone else was going through and could support each other.

“It was like a cute little family,” Rodriguez-Nunez said.

Queer-specific shelters can be a lifeline for youth, according to experts. LGBTQ people experiencing homelessness routinely face violence in shelters that are not specifically designed for them, including abuse, attacks, intentional misgendering and hate crimes, Poston said. It’s this discrimination that has led several community organizations, including Covenant House, to create LGBTQ youth-specific housing programs. In SHINE’s first year, youth have filled more than half the beds each day, and Poston believes there’s even more need than current operators can fill.

The number of queer- and trans-specific shelter beds in D.C. has increased in recent years, which providers attribute to growing demand. SMYAL, an organization devoted to meeting the needs of queer youth, has opened three housing programs in the last five years. Despite having closed its low-barrier shelter, Casa Ruby provides short-term and transitional housing for LGBTQ youth. The Wanda Alston Foundation also provides transitional housing, where Rodriguez-Nunez is now staying.

Some city-provided housing vouchers are also set aside for LGBTQ individuals, including 20 new Local Rent Supplement Program vouchers in the District’s fiscal year 2023 budget.

The city is in the midst of developing its first LGBTQ adult shelter for ages 25 and older. Queer-specific programs are not just protection from discrimination, Poston said, but can be affirming and empowering spaces — particularly for youth who may never have been able to show their gender or sexuality at home before.

“It is a safe haven; it is a beacon of hope; it is a place where LGBTQIA youth can come and be free of misgendering, free of discrimination, and be able to get the services and support that they need,” said Poston, a longtime trans activist in D.C. “It’s the equity, it’s the inclusion, it’s the representation, it’s the feelings of welcome.”

What’s left to do Not all of the local LGBTQ-focused housing programs are idyllic. Rodriguez-Nunez said she didn’t always feel safe in shelters and transitional housing, and living with so many other people often led to fights. At one point, another resident destroyed all of her possessions. This led her to start looking for more permanent housing. After being let down by several promising programs, she’s hoping the apartment application she submitted this month will be the final step.

Providers and youth also say more housing programs are needed. Bludworth, from SMYAL, gets emails from young people all over the country looking for housing in D.C. One specific program she’d like to see is a housing service focused on mental health and other medical needs. A lot of young people come into SMYAL’s programs with trauma, she said, but the organization has a limited ability to help them. SMYAL can’t provide medication, for instance, or make sure residents take it.

“A lot of them have not had access to quality medical and psychiatric care for most of their life,” Bludworth said.

More than a quarter of transgender and gender nonconforming youth experiencing homelessness nationally report needing help with transition surgery and other gender expression services. Rodriguez-Nunez decried the price of hormone replacement therapy, which can cost up to $2,400 annually without insurance. Around 15% of all LGBTQ youth say they need assistance with health care, and providers report that many youth have unmet needs in terms of their mental and physical health after years of being refused appropriate treatment because of a lack of parental consent.

Rodriguez-Nunez is also hoping that more housing programs will incorporate classes and workshops into their lineups. This year, a coalition came together to call on the city to create an employment program specifically for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, who say current options are not accessible to them. Queer youth often have rejection-related trauma that can be triggered by discrimination and derogatory comments made in the workplace.

SHUGG’s Place at Damien Ministries currently runs a program for transgender and gender non-conforming youth experiencing homelessness that has been a success, according to Gabrielle “Gibby” Thomas, the group’s director. But the program has limited slots and isn’t open to LGBTQ youth who don’t identify as trans or gender non-conforming, causing advocates to call for the program to be expanded. The D.C. Council did not fund a queer-youth-specific workforce program this year.

“LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness never have a fair chance to have those practical needs met or to have things that will make them successful — the things that will allow them to express themselves and live in their authentic identities,” Poston said.

Bringing Pride to every month Despite everything, queer youth in D.C., including those who are unhoused, have been celebrating throughout June.

This year, Covenant House took residents to the Capital Pride Parade and held a cookout in its service center. SMYAL’s housing services have been celebrating Pride all month long, Bludworth said. One young trans woman was finally able to get her name legally changed, and everyone joined in on the festivities.

“It’s like Pride every month here, though, to be honest,” Bludworth said.

Rodriguez-Nunez found particular joy in her tasks at work over the past month. An employee at a nonprofit that provides the LGBTQ community with testing for sexually transmitted diseases, she went to every Pride event to help offer free services.

Poston’s job is also a celebration for her. When she looks at the young people she works with at Covenant House, she sees herself. As a trans woman, Poston finds inspiration when recalling the lack of access to housing, employment and health care she faced when she was younger. ”They are me — they are a representation of who I was and who I am today,” she said.

For queer people who have been rejected by the people they grew up around, members of the LGBTQ community often become a chosen family. In that spirit, service providers and youth hope their city can extend Pride by bringing those feelings of community and acceptance into the rest of the year and helping unhoused youth where they can.

“The biggest celebration of all is to recognize where the lack is and fill the need,” Poston said.

This article was co-published with The DC Line.

HELP! WE’RE LOOKING FOR

volunteers Become a Street Sense Media volunteer and help further our mission to empower people experiencing homelessness.

Get to know the vendors and make a difference in their lives and yours!

You’ll support hard-working newspaper vendors by volunteering your time, four hours a week, distributing newspapers at the Street Sense Media office.

If interested, please contact Thomas Ratliff thomas@streetsensemedia.org 202-347-2006 (x103) For more information about these opportunities and other volunter positions, visit StreetSenseMedia.org/volunteer

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OPINION

While Trump is no longer president, Trump derangement still exists

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JEFFERY MCNEIL

atching Democrats trying to attack Donald Trump is like watching Elmer Fudd trying to kill Bugs Bunny. For six years, they have been trying to arrest Donald Trump, first over “Russia collusion” and then over the Jan. 6 insurrection. Neither bore fruit, no matter how many writers from the Washington Post and New York Times howl that Trump should be brought to justice.

I don’t know what to say to people whose hate for Trump has become an obsession. They’re so blinded by rage that they can’t see the consequences or think rationally.

Democrats tried to use a one-vote majority to remove the filibuster, pack the Supreme Court and pass another multitrillion-dollar spending plan. They didn’t succeed, but Republicans might: In the midterm elections, the GOP could pick up 100 seats in the House and Senate. What will stop them from removing the filibuster or stacking the Supreme Court with partisan right-wing judges?

Democrats have focused on Jan. 6 and red flag laws instead of rising fuel and food prices. Arresting Trump is a waste of money. But some would rather suffer through a recession than elect people who will get the economy moving. Their obsession with Trump has so clouded their judgment that they can’t see they have alienated their former supporters.

Unfortunately, some are so far gone in their Trump derangement that anyone not hysterical over his supposed

misdeeds is Nazi or a racist.

I didn’t vote for Joe Biden or Muriel Bowser, but I never condemned anyone who did. Democrats wanted Biden. I don’t understand the mentality, but it’s their decision, so live with the consequences. If you voted for him, I’m not going to attack you, I just go on trying to survive. I’m never going to go to Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s house because she writes an opinion I disagree with.

In life, things happen, you receive setbacks, get fired, or get sick. You deal with it. I believe Biden sucks, but I refuse to blame him for my problems. If leftists genuinely believe in what they say, let them die on that hill.

Trump supporters are battle-tested. Family members disowned us, we were thrown off social media, and they have erased our work. But like the Bible, my writings have appeared in oppressive places such as China, North Korea and Cuba.

Trump pulled the curtain down; we no longer take our politicians seriously. Not only did our politicians sell America out, but many have also committed treason while others have bombed countries indiscriminately.

The ruling class’s days are like a bear in a tree. Their reign is over. Americans are furious. We see the crimes, lies, corruption, and no arrests. We see Republicans talk a good game about the rule of law, but when it’s time to take a stand, they’re nowhere to be found.

Are we headed for some armed conflict? I don’t know

whether gun lovers can exist with people who allow their cities to be destroyed by gun violence.

I don’t want to mock leftists, but your derangement has become comical. In your zest to eliminate Trump, you can’t see everything you’re doing is strengthening his movement.

Hearing a different point of view for the left is like showing sunlight to a vampire, and many will vaporize. As a Black man who doesn’t hate Trump, I will be accused of enabling white supremacy.

Let leftists continue spinning their wheels until the barbarians are at the gate and they have no power. Only then will they realize the damage they caused.

Jeffery McNeil is a vendor with Street Sense Media.

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We aim to elevate voices from across the housing spectrum and foster healthy debate.

Please send submissions to opinions@streetsensemedia.org.

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Black lightning

Changing the world

CHRIS COLE Artist/Vendor

ABEL PUTU Artist/Vendor

The rains of May have gone away and now there’s no you.

How can I think about writing without my muse?

Your chocolatey velvet skin, a smile powered by the sun.

Muscles dripping with sweat had my poetry stanzas on the run.

The buttery tone of your voice made me want to write short succinct haikus.

But, the depth and power of your grace, had me thinking of “I do’s.”

Then, the thoughts of getting horizontal left me writing acrostic.

And, if there was a line, I’d have already crossed it.

I met a lady last week who was with her baby, a single mother who needed help. So I decided to help her and her baby, because I help people. People know they can trust me, and if you need help, I am here. I want this world to be a better place. I know I have said this a lot, but it is true: we need to be together to improve it. That’s why I am here at Street Sense Media all day because I work hard for everyone. You must know all the hard work we do. We need your help, so everyone has a better life.

I give the gift of Street Sense Media to everyone because I am trying to change the world, have a better future and have better days. I am trying to motivate others to see me and hear my story.

Pride Stands For: Summertime in Washington, DC KHADIJAH CHAPMAN

Artist/Vendor

Persistence. Keep going, keep doing the things that make you happy.

Resilience. Have resilience to these intolerances.

Individualism. Having Pride is something only accomplished by one’s self.

Dedication. Dedicate yourself to others who may be struggling in your community.

Elegance. You are beautiful just the way you are. You are a luxury.

For Liz Taylor FREDERIC JOHN Artist/Vendor

Beware bike Velvet purple of Petunia Petals, Harks back Memory of Violet eyes

Some health tips MICHELE ROCHON Artist/Vendor

We are so blessed in the U.S., because we have a functioning health care infrastructure. Our country provides programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

A myriad of health care organizations have offered free Covid19 vaccines throughout the pandemic, and they have continued to offer free Covid testing in locations throughout the country for the past 24 months.

Unlike North Korea, we have been able to prosper. But, just because we’ve been able to survive through this difficult period, we also need to continue to pay attention to our health.

Spend the remainder of 2022 thinking through your plans to stay healthy. For example, you can walk several times a week.

You should spend time enjoying activities that promote positive thoughts. And, find one thing beautiful every day.

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Look what sprung up

ANTHONY CARNEY Artist/Vendor

Summer breezy in Washington, D.C. Make me feel so fine.

In the summer moonlight, Shining so bright.

Summertime at night, Enjoy the cool breezy.

Let’s dance in the summer Moonlight in Washington, D.C. Step in the name of love in the summer Moonlight in Washington, D.C. Let’s eat ice cream In the summertime In Washington, D.C. We love D.C. In the summertime.

It fell into my dreams CAROL MOTLEY Artist/Vendor

It fell into my dreams.

The screams of strangers, they were in danger.

In my dream, I saw them moving fast, not knowing how long the gunshots were going to last. Using chairs and desks, but none of these things were bulletproof vest.

Where are the children, is anyone with them…

It fell into my dream.

BRIANNA BUTLER Artist/Vendor

You’re in a delightful, joy-filled field. Let go and love. Look around you and see God’s beauty. There’s a clear water stream flowing through it. Let the feeling cleanse your soul.

You can walk, run and slide along this cozy cushioning grass hugging your toes in freedom. Freedom to relax and to be you without judgment. Let go and have fun with swirling slides, and galloping ponies to the left and to the right. In the middle are the gorgeous flowers of all heights that are blooming red, purple, white, yellow and blue. The flowers embrace the vibrant rays of the sun with their outstretched pedals of softness. Everyone can reach out and touch these elegant roses of love. Spread the love, it gives off to your loved ones.

To the far left, there is a big fluffy hydrangea lurking over a blue-sky swing to play with. At the end of the flowing stream lands a cool spot to swim. Resting around this cool spot are wildflowers of every color, from burgundy violet to pinkish swirl-gazing orange. The smell has a sweet perfume that’s fresh. It smells edible enough to eat. It is free to all people that want to have fun. Let go and love tickles the spirit and hearts of those who love generously. I hope to see you them smiling.

Come down here and be filled with cheer. I will see you there.

The streets ANDRE BRINSON Artist/Vendor

Yes, I’ve spent a lot of years on the streets back in the early 2000s. People think it’s better during the summer for the homeless. But it’s not. You are often dealing with bugs, sweat and trying to find a place for a shower.

As we know, life can deal you a bad hand from time to time.

I’ve driven for Amazon for five years, working hard with long hours. Working is never a problem for me.

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ART

What is this world coming to?

VENNIE HILL Artist/Vendor

Today, I haven’t been too interested in the news, and I don’t listen to much politics. But, my question for you today is: what is going on these days? I haven’t really seen or heard too much stuff. But, lately, I have been hearing that Trump is trying to get back into office. Look, I’m not prejudiced or anything like that; I love all people. I just want someone to get into office that really cares about the people and their welfare. Of all people. Rich or poor. I’m sure someone can come up with a plan to treat each and every one of us fairly. I want a president in office that works on homelessness, jobs and free education for those that can’t afford it, so that they can get good jobs and grow in their career. I want a president that believes in God and knows his ways. Someone that knows how to handle the enemy in the best, resolving way possible, so there will be no more wars. We need a president that is compassionate

about our kids being on drugs and joining gangs and killing each other.

Find better programs for them. The kids that are no older than 13 are out there prostituting; boys and girls to have something of their own.

The other day I was on the train behind a couple that was debating about Trump and Biden. I couldn’t hear everything, but I know she was happy with Biden and he wanted Trump back in the office. She told him if we get Trump back, he’s going to blow up the country. He said that they always talk about the bad things that Trump did, but they never talked about the good. I say, the man told us to drink bleach, that’s how I feel about that. He can stay out; we don’t need him in office, making the world a harder place to live in.

This morning, as my husband was taking me to the train, he likes to talk about the Bible a lot, so he was telling me how the world is going to

Dear Street Sense Who is your role Media model?

WARREN STEVENS JR. Artist/Vendor

Summer is here already, Father’s Day was very nice.

My son called to wish me a Happy Father’s Day. My dad passed away in 2006.

He is in Heaven.

Gas, food and rent are going up. People are not happy about the situation.

God will use the president to fix the problem.

Fourth of July.

People will be traveling short distances by car.

People are enjoying going to the beach.

Hiking and biking.

Hope I will have another bike soon.

That is something I enjoy.

Stay safe.

Christina KYM PARKER Artist/Vendor

Woman of strength, woman of beauty.

She was put in this world to show us all that God is love.

Beautiful being, full of God’s grace.

A gift to this earth.

Awesome, a true beauty.

Loyal to her family and all her children.

Forgiving, as he was burning.

She stood by us, she loved us all.

She never wanted for anything, very forgiving, Always sure of her word, and always there.

Now she’s gone.

She walks with the angels now.

She is always with us.

She is a saint in our eyes.

REDBOOK MANGO Artist/Vendor

My characteristic is MJ. My soul is Mayor Barry.

My heart is Makaveli.

My love is a tooth fairy.

My dream is to be with you.

My hope is that my dreams come true.

My goal is to align my ways with God. My prayer is that he spares the red.

My wish is that this too shall pass.

My lord is my shepherd, my wants will not last.

Mayor Bowser JACKIE TURNER Artist/Vendor

Muriel Bowser is a good mayor. She is running for mayor one more time. She has won the primary.

Hopefully, she will be mayor once again. She has improved D.C.’s economy and cleaned up the streets. There are not as many laying around on the streets. To me, she made it a point to improve housing in D.C. for low-income people — that’s all housing. That’s a whole lot better than placing all low income in one place like projects!

She got new businesses to come to D.C., which helps the economy flow. Better care for the elderly, quality medical care and programs for a healthy lifestyle.

She said she would improve the education of our children. I don’t know what she has done, but there are still a lot of schools that are private businesses.

I know she has not won the seat of mayor yet; I am sure she will.

I want to see what her plans are this time.

end. At least that is how he receives the word. First of all, he thinks our next president is going to be straight from hell itself. He says he or she is going to be wicked and evil, and we are not going to see it coming; it’s too late. But, before he can destroy the Christians, they are going to disappear, but the rest will be left to be tortured and in a lot of pain.

He says that he is going to make some wear marks on their forehead to know that they worship him. I, myself, believe that God is coming back for us, and he will choose the ones who follow him and worship him, but all the others are going straight to hell. That’s my belief. It’s just that simple. And, we will live in heaven, with many mansions and peace. What do you think? What is this world coming to? Until next time, be safe and stay clean.

Mayor Race — don’t count your chickens before they hatch!

RITA SAULS Artist/Vendor

On June 20, there was a primary election held in Washington, D.C. The projected outcome was for the incumbent mayor, Muriel Bowser. But, not so fast, there’s a saying — don’t count your chickens before they hatch. One fact: some never vote in the primary, including myself and everyone who doesn’t want people to know who they will be voting for.

These are the people who show up only in November for the general election, which determines the real winner. So, I’ll see you in November, when the senior citizens with their canes weather the temps and the long lines along with their influence. As well as the religious holy rollers, with moral virtues to pick and place someone with their values in office.

Then there are the first-time voters that just turned 18 after the primaries.

All are coming to the polls in November. Some of these voters in the primary may even show up in November for the general election. So, I say it again, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. I don’t want to predict a winner and neither should you. Listen to this.

Winner, winner in November.

Minds got changed in September.

Primary winner do remember.

How fast things end come December.

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Don’t let him lose, because then he’s going to reset the game or lock the board LEVESTER GREEN Artist/Vendor

I returned to Norfolk to get my cast removed.

No doctor would remove it so I had to return to get it removed by the casters. I kept it as brief as possible.

I haven’t been back since but it was through that whole experience of being jailed down there, that I penned Reporters and Detectives cause once I was released that’s what the atmosphere felt like as I departed their grounds.

The crooked police officer broke my arm while I was on my way to work that one day. That same day, I ended up in jail and had to sit with it for a week without proper medical care, until doctors could properly cast me up, because that clown cop broke my arm with his excessive brutality and felt he had to cover it up by trying to “lose me in the system.” But they let me choose my colors. It did help cheer me up and I took on a Thor persona. “AuThor”, “King AuThor”! As I recall, there were issues when he had to wear armor and I believe he had a broken arm too. I chose green and black. I ended up getting into a fight with the cast upon my return from the doctor at that time, in the holding portion with a prisoner who wouldn’t stop whispering in my ear! I awoke to him glaring over me as the Shakira /Wyclef jam

played on in the background with the “No fighting!” repeating itself continuously. It was a memorable moment. I did manage to clock him a few with the cast just so he could feel it and try to knock some sense into his noggin.

The slow throw action is another reason why I held back when attending UMUC and being wrongly jailed and jumped in upper Marlboro prison by the goons squad. I would have been much too slow and risked the other and only arm left being injured too.

Anyway, I also got to enjoy the tune Promiscuous Girl by Nelly Furtado and Timbaland. We had cable TV in the general holding cell.

I saw this guy named Jenkins in there.

I met him back in Palmer Park, Md. by way of my neighbor Walt.

Walt had “accidentally” shot him in the leg or something when they were chilling together one day. I was surprised to see him all the way down in a Norfolk jail! He told me he was friends with a C.O. and that they smoked weed together before. I soon left that sector after they failed to break up the fight I had in there. I remember the nurse Sykes who helped me get through with at least a pretty face to look at on the regular. There was also a guard that reminded me of Diana Taurasi.

Things were more peaceful overnight as I found peace and tranquility

in the pine aroma of the freshly mopped walkways.

They ended up moving me from that nice roomy bossman-like cell to one with a pillar obscuring any outside view. I read the Bible with no glasses and wrote poems. Reaching out to whoever’s addresses I could recall as well as reaching out to Mimi Valdez through a Vibe magazine they had laying around. I believe that was the difference-maker as I had to go into survival mode trading food for stamps and envelopes.

I hadn’t even seen my lawyer by then. All very strange circumstances like they were trying to cover it up and hide me away! The cop had destroyed my glasses whilst the whole time they were telling me they were in the property bag! More bullcrap just like the accusation that landed me there cause they never found any such evidence saying it’s probably in the bag and that’s the same thing he said about my glasses, as neither were in my bag! An easy excuse. Upon my return to the scene of the abduction, I found my glasses smashed and scraped into the ground bringing their existence to an abrupt end. Just like my temp agency run and adventures in Norfolk, Hampton, and Newport News, ended there too.

Thought they only were

Street Sense prayer

What it means to be homeless

ROCHELLE WALKER Artist/Vendor

I began to be homeless at 17 years old. My grandmother put me out because I wouldn’t save my money. She helped me get a government job working in the sewer department. It was a one-year contract, and because I don’t have a GED, they let me go. Then, I went to stay with my mother for three years, then I was on my own. Then, of course, I had several jobs when I was on my own, and it was hard for me to survive. Then, I found a friend to live with. I also stayed with a classmate from school, when I was in the government. His mother would only charge me about $50 to $70 a month to stay with them. Then, they put me out. Then, I was, again, homeless. I also stayed with my girlfriend and with my baby’s mother. All this happened in Southeast Washington, D.C. I left because they tried to kill me over there, so I went Northwest. I loved Northwest because you can make money there. There, I went to Street Sense and started to make more money and that was a blessing for me to survive the street. I advise people that are younger than me: don’t do what I did. Listen to your family, and you would be a better person than I was; please learn from my mistakes. You would have a better life than you think.

DANIEL BALL Artist/Vendor

Struck with grief you were, Daniel, and — Thought they only were Thought they only were Thought they only were Thought they only were The day your mother cut Sybil mermaid hair, And stood with a stranger, and Daniel was smiling at the door.

They frowned and said tsk-tsk you willfully And with cruel despair, when you slunk — Beneath the longer piano strings, and sobbed Yes, until my lungs hiccupped now for air today.

Lord — Lord, I want you to help me.

Lord, I want you to keep me.

Lord, help me on the street, help the people I meet.

Lord — Lord, I want you to help me.

Lord, I want you to keep me.

Lord, help me on my journey, help with my learning experiences.

Lord — Lord, I want you to teach me.

Food for thought!

MARCUS MCCALL Artist/Vendor

Take one minute to read this devotion. Starts our day right.

Live with intention, one day at a time.

When we’ve surrendered, we know God’s in control of our life. He opens doors; he makes a way; he puts the right people in our life and removes those that aren’t right. We listen. We go with his will, not our own, and our life is much better for it. But, let’s take it a step further: imagine thinking God is part of everything all day long. We’re guided through life, constantly with the major things and the minor things. Maybe there is a reason you’re stuck in traffic or got passed over for

the job or someone cut in line. The stuff that happens is all part of the design of life. When we picture God involved in it all, we can relax. Let it be, irritations fade. Trust the guidance.

No explanation is needed. And, promise our life will go a lot more smoothly. We’ll be way more peaceful. Surrender in everything.

You get tested the most when it’s time for you to elevate.

Don’t break!

RONALD SMOOT Artist/Vendor

Free Daily Printable Crossword Puzzles

https://www.onlinecrosswords.net/printable-daily-crosswords-1

Printable Crossword Puzzle #1 1 4 // S T R E E T S E N S E M E D I A // J U N E 2 9 - J U LY 5 , 2 0 2 Free 2 This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #1 for Jun 23, 2022 Across 1. What's more Across 5. Florida seaport 1. What’s more 10. "Reflections on Ice5. Florida seaport Breaking" poet 10. “Reflections on Ice14. Word between in and of Breaking” poet 15. Certain woodwinds 14. Word between in and of 16. "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" first 15. Certain woodwinds name 16. “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” first 17. Important time periods name 18. They could be hard to 17.

Important time periods swallow Theywand couldfeature be hard to 19.18.

Magic swallow 20. Spade Magic feature 23.19. ___ out awand living 20.

Spade 24. "Do the Right Thing" 23. ___ out a living pizzeria owner “Do the Right Thing” pizzeria 25.24.

Diamond owner as with excitement 34. Buzzing, 25.

Diamondof Korea 35. Syngman Buzzing,symbol as with excitement 36.34.

Sovereign Syngman of Korea Woody 37.35.

"Cheers" bartender 36.

Sovereign symbole.g.

38. Burn with steam, 37.

“Cheers” bartender Woody 40. Barbed remark Burn with steam, e.g.

41.38. ___ Jima Barbedofremark 42.40.

Relative etc. ___ portrayer Jima 43.41.

Joker Romero Relative of etc.

44.42.

Club Down 6.

One who waits Jokerlegend portrayer Romero 48.43.

Sports Bobby

FUN & GAMES

>> This crossword puzzle’s answers: https://tinyurl.com/SSMcrossw-06-29-2022

<< LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTION

Clubwith cold or loud 49.44.

Word Sports legend Bobby 50.48.

Heart 49.

Word with cold or loud 59. Code lead-in Heart 60.50.

Not on all fours Code lead-in 61.59.

Something to pass Not on all fours 62.60.

Skyrocket Something to pass 63.61.

Kidney-related Skyrocket 64.62.

Color for a little boy Kidney-related 65.63.

Descry Colorchallenge for a little boy 66.64.

Skier's Descry 67.65.

Appear 66. Skier’s challenge 67. Appear

Down

1. Some are stout ones 2. Foreign currency of old 3. Line of clothing?

4. Expel 5. Capital of Kansas

1 of 1

Find the solution at https://onlinecrosswords.net/7438

40. Lapidarist’s item 7.1.Source of astout leak ones Raison d’___43. Spoils shares Some are 22. Word with42. man or 8.2.Neanderthal’s wearof old 43. Spoils shares45. Public lead-in dweller Foreign currency 9.3.Did taxing task?

45. Public lead-in 25. Former undersecretary Linea of clothing?

46. Cobbler's piece of state Philip 46. Cobbler’s piece 10.

Hershey rival 4. Expel 47. Steal livestock 26. "Life is Just of livestock 11.

Prefix meaning 47.___ Steal 5. Capital of Kansas“high” 50. Grammatical category Cherries" 12.

Pole,who e.g.waits 50. Grammatical51. category 6. One Love deified 27. "Oh, ___ don't!"

13.

Tortoise’s 51. Love deified52. Minimal high tide 7. Source of avictim leak 28. Young ibex52. Minimal high 8. Neanderthal's wear 21.

Mend tide 53.

City south of Moscow 9. Did a taxing task?

Quicky-marriage locale 22.

Word with man or dweller 29. Medical student's 53. City south of54.

Moscow hurdles 10.Former Hershey rival 55. Peters 25. undersecretary of state Philip 54. Quicky-marriage localeout 30. Org. for Sharks and out 56. It has banks in Africa 11.“Life Prefixismeaning 26.

Just ___ "high" of Cherries” 55. Peters Penguins 12.“Oh, Pole,___ e.g.don’t!”

Popular board game 27.

56. It has banks 57. in Africa 31. Kind of pollution 13.Young Tortoise's 58.game Kind of sch.

28. ibexvictim 57. Popular board blight or 21.Medical Mend student’s hurdles 32. Word with58.

29.

Kind of sch. guerrilla 30. Org. for Sharks and Penguins 33. Movie critic Roger 31. Kind of pollution 38. Swizzle sticks, e.g.

32. Word with blight or guerrilla 39. Recyclable item 33. Movie critic Roger 40. Lapidarist's item 38. Swizzle sticks, e.g.

42. Raison d'___ 39. Recyclable item

Author Gene Weingarten is a college dropout and a nationally syndicated humor columnist for The Washington Post. Author Dan Weingarten is a former college dropout and a current college student majoring in information technology. Many thanks to Gene Weingarten and The Washington Post Writers Group for allowing Street Sense to run Barney & Clyde. 6/23/2022, 4:32

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

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// 1 5

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Unity Health Care 3020 14th St., NW // unityhealthcare.org - Healthcare for the Homeless Health Center: 202-508-0500 - Community Health Centers: 202-469-4699 1500 Galen Street SE, 1251-B Saratoga Ave NE, 1660 Columbia Road NW, 4414 Benning Road NE, 3946 Minnesota Avenue NE, 765 Kenilworth Terrace NE, 3240 Stanton Road SE, 3020 14th Street NW, 1717 Columbia Road NW, 1313 New York Avenue, NW BSMT Suite, 425 2nd Street NW, 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 1333 N Street NW, 1355 New York Avenue NE, 828 Evarts Place NE, 810 5th Street NW, 850 Deleware Avenue SW, 65 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 4515 Edson Place NE

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Last updated May 25, 2022

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ART

Pride month SYBIL TAYLOR

Artist/Vendor

I enjoyed the pride day. Pride is seeing people come out for who they are. Being free and cheerful, with all the rainbow colors. I support the gay and lesbian community. I am proud of the parents and children for being themselves.

Everybody is coming out, like the Diana Ross song.

You Better Work - RuPaul I’m Coming Out - Diana Ross Vogue - Madonna

Before she can leave IBN HIPPS Artist/Vendor

Looking through her dresser, pulling clothes out of the closet, Khadijah moves back and forth preparing for a shower.

Khadijah’s moving as if she’s about to have company. Just a feeling she’s feeling. Back in the bathroom, while brushing her teeth. She hears a buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

“Damn! I knew it.” She washes the toothpaste out of her mouth, grabs her pink towel, wipes off her mouth. Rushes out the bathroom and hurries downstairs. “Hello, yeah?”

“It’s me, Ronda,” Ronda yells at Khadijah through the intercom. “Girl, you thought you were leaving without us hanging out? Girl, you got a long day cause we are hanging out. Girl, hush on, buzz me in,” Rhonda said.

Khadijah buzzes Ronda in.

“Girl shut up, come up, I am getting in the shower, making all that noise,” Khadijah said. “Girl, damn!”

Ronda enters the apartment building through the lobby onto the elevator, pushes number three, gets off on the third floor, walks down the hallway.

When Ronda enters Khadijah’s apartment, Khadijah runs upstairs and hops right back in the shower. “Hey girl!”

Khadijah yells over the sounds of running water.

Ronda yells “Hey, miss me Deejah?” a nickname she calls her.

Khadijah’s laughter echoes out of the shower as water runs down her face, showing off her beautiful Native American heritage. Bath & Body Works products scent up in the bathroom. Soaking wet, she grabs her pink towel, steps one

foot at a time out of the shower. Dries off, wraps her hair while listening to her bestie Ronda go on and on about her long-term relationship with Jim. The doorbell rings rapidly.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

“What the hell? Who is that?” Khadijah said. “Ronda, Ronda what!” Ronda smiles leaning on the couch smoking a Black and Mild.

“Girl what I don’t know who's been peeping through your window. I don’t know who at your door,” Ronda said.

Khadijah rushes out of the bathroom, runs downstairs to answer the very loud doorbell.

As she runs to answer the door she turns and looks at Ronda with a smiley grin, “Girl, please.” Ronda playfully yells “Answer the door!”

Khadijah says, “Girl, you are really trippin’.”

“Nah, trippin’ is you were going to leave without telling us,” Ronda said.

“Who’s us, Ronda? You jealous honey?”

Khadijah just smiling as she opens the door saying, “Awww” Khadijah leaves the door half open and runs upstairs to the bathroom. Lisa, Belindz, Keke, Melissa and Karen all walk in as Khadijah yells out of the bathroom downstairs “Hey girls.” Lisa yells, “Hey silly.” They all walk in and see Ronda sitting, leaned back smiling smoking her Black and Mild.

Thank you for reading Street Sense!

From your vendor, JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2022 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 32 NO CASH? NO PROBLEM. WE HAVE AN APP! SEARCH “STREET SENSE” IN THE APP STORE

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