06 23 2010

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Where the poor and homeless

June 23 - July 6, 2010

earn and give their two cents

June 23 - July 6, 2010

Volume 7 Issue 17

D STE GE ON G I S U N AT DO

65 cents for the Vendor

35 cents for production of the paper

Would You Give This Man Ten Dollars?

See Page 5

Minds Over Motors: Excel Grads Celebrate Pages 6-7

Is Author Keith D. Martin a Communist?

Page 11

See Page 4

Cheesy & Greasy: A Fable of Street Life,

by Jeffrey McNeil Page 12

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June 23 - July 7, 2010

Our Mission

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Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year?

Order a subscription today!

Not only will you receive 26 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also help raise awareness about poverty in the D.C. area.

___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 26 issues. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ______________________________ Name:_________________________ Address:_______________________ City:____________State:__________ Zip: ___________________________ Phone: ________________________ E-mail: ________________________ Please make checks payable to: Street Sense.

Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

The Story of Street Sense Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 28 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world.

After bringing together a 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 full-time executive director.

A year later in November 2006, the organization hired its first vendor coordinator and began partnering with several service providers.

In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month and to support the increased production brought on its first full-time editor– in–chief in April.

As of January 2010 the paper had 72 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.

Vendor Code of Conduct 1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means.

2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and will not sell papers to other vendors (outside of the office volunteers).

3. I agree to treat all others – customers, staff, other vendors – respectfully, and I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers.

4. I agree to stay off private property when selling Street Sense.

5. I understand that I am not a legal employee of Street Sense but a contracted worker responsible for my own well–being and income.

6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling the paper.

7. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

8. I agree to stay a block away from another vendor and respect the space of all vendors.

9. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers and display my badge and wear my vest when selling papers.

10. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.

1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Brad Scriber Michael Stoops Manas Mohaptra Sommer Mathis Kristal DeKleer Robin Heller Jeffery McNeil Jordan Rummel John Snellgrove Dameon Philpotts

We are proud members of:

North American Street Newspaper Association

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Abby Strunk EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Mary Otto International ONLINE/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Network of Lisa V. Gillespie Street Papers INTERNS Mary Yost, Jon Howell, Eric Falquero, Mary Jean Chan, Adam Sirgany Founders Ted Henson & Laura Thompson Osuri VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Jane Cave, Willie Schatz, Robert Fulton, Jane Goforth, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Erica Hall, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Diana Heintz, Jesse Smith, Patrcia Henry, Steve Gilbert, Lisa Leone, Mike Plunkett

VENDORS Charles Armstrong, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Donna Barber, Cyril Belk, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Emily Bowe, Andre Brinson, Melody Byrd, Cliff Carle, Percy Carter, Peggy Cash, Conrad Cheek, Virginia Clegg, Aaron Conner, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, Charles Davis, James Davis, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon-El, Roger Dove, Charles Eatmon, Deanna Elder, Richard Embden, James Featherson, Craig Fleming, Samuel Fullwood, Roger Garner, David Ger, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, John Harrison, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Richard Hutson, Margaret Jenkins, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Alicia Jones, Mark Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Hope Lasister, Brenda Lee-Wilson, Michael Lyons, Jonnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, John Matthews, John C. Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Herman Mayse, Robert McCray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Kenneth Middleton, L. Morrow, Tyrone Murray, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Franklin Payne, Edward Perry, Gregory Phillips, Tracey Powell, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Ed Ross, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Ronald Simms, Veda Simpson, Patty Smith, Gwynette Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, James Stewart, Garland Stroman, Leroy Studevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Paul Taylor, Steve Thomas, Larissa Thompson, Deborah Tibbs, Carl Turner, Christopher Walker, Jeanette Walker, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Gregory Wells, Michael Welsh, Edna Williams, Wendell Williams, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, Charles Woods, and Tina Wright.

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June 23 - July 6, 2010

Obama Receives Homeless Plan On Tuesday, June 22, Cabinet secretaries from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness gathered to announce what they hailed as the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness.

The full report, titled “Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness,” outlines a plan to complete efforts to get homeless veterans and chronically homeless individuals into housing by 2015 and to end homelessness among families, youth and children by 2020. The plan would build upon existing federal, state and local initiatives that have combined permanent supportive housing with supportive services to reduce chronic homelessness by one-third in the past five years, officials said.

“As the most far-reaching and ambitious plan to end homelessness in our history, this plan will strengthen existing programs and forge new partnerships,” said U.S. Department of Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan, who also chairs the interagency council.

Federal Aid for Homeless Stalls in Detroit Federal reports show that less than 8 percent of Detroit's $15.2 million allocated for homeless relief efforts has been spent, The Detroit News reports. The money spent amounts to aid for 330 households, which falls short of the 3,400 families targeted through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.

The federal assistance cash is intended to help with utility costs and up to 18 months of rental fees, the paper reports.

But an influx of applications amid “pandemonium” and an extensive vetting process meant that just a few hundred

families were actually eligible for the program.

Homeless advocates say the city needs to step up efforts to fully allocate the money.

"That is unconscionable," said Councilman Charles Pugh to The Detroit News. "We need to spend 100 percent of the money and it needs to be spent well."

Homeless Artist Inspires Others Bob Muse, 61, won’t be homeless for much longer. The Mississippi artist is going back to school at Jackson State University after his art inspired locals in Jackson, The ClarionLedger reports.

After a series of misfortunes, Muse, who has held various odd jobs including TV work and working on a Ford assembly line, found himself without a place to stay. He decided to use one of the talents he could always rely on: his art.

"Bob is just one of those natural-born artists," said Stacy Underwood, a volunteer instructor at Stewpot Community Center's art ministry HeARTWorks. “Bob paints there in the same spot every Tuesday, and I just try to leave him alone.

You watch him create a masterpiece in an hour."

Last year, Muse applied to Jackson State University. He didn’t get in, but this year, he found more success. He’s finally going back to finish the degree he never got the chance to complete. And he says he’s doing it for him and to inspire others.

He’ll officially be off the streets on August 16.

Anti-Homeless Bumper Sticker Draws Ire A bumper sticker being sold in Ocean Beach, Calif., is causing outrage among homeless advocates who say that it’s a bridge too far, KTLA News reports.

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The sticker reads “Welcome to Ocean Beach/ Please don't feed our homeless” and is being sold for $2.50 in an area head shop. The slogan can also be purchased on a T-shirt. Ken Anderson, 42, works at the store and said that the stickers were a response to young transients asking for money.

Frank Gormlie, 62, runs a local blog and told KTLA News that the stickers send the wrong message about Ocean Beach, which he describes as a "place of laid-back tolerance."

But Anderson said that he would continue to sell the stickers so long as there is demand.

Housing Opens for Homeless Vets Homeless Minneapolis veterans will soon get a new housing facility, KSTP TV reports. The facility, run by the Salvation Army, will be used to house 10 homeless veterans. Residents may stay up to two years, during which the organization will help them find employment and secure permanent housing.

The facility opens on June 21.

Families in Homeless Shelters Increased 7 percent in 2009 USA Today reports that the number of families in homeless shelters increased 7 percent to 170,129 from 2008 to 2009, according to a report released by HUD on June 16. On the flipside, the overall number of homeless people in shelters fell 2 percent to 1.56 million.

"As the nation's housing and job markets show encouraging signs of recovery, there are still far too many families who are on the brink of becoming homeless or have fallen into our shelter system," Secretary Shaun Donovan said in a statement.

Compiled by Dianna Heitz, from previously published reports.

Every homeless person has a name, a story and a hope for something better.

Since being diagnosed with diabetes, Phillip Howard has not been able to stay on his feet for too long, but he loves selling Street Sense for a few hours at a time — it’s something constructive, and it helps him to support his daughter. Phillip became homeless when his landlord failed to pay the rent, but during his time with Street Sense, he’s secured housing.

I want to donate:

Help Street Sense help people like Phillip get back to work, restore their dignity, and improve their lives.

My information:

____ $60

With a $60 donation, we can provide food for six Writer’s Group meetings.

Name: __________________________________

____ $100

With a $100 donation, we can provide office supplies for one month.

Address: ________________________________

____ $300

With a $300 donation, we can buy vendor badges for six months.

City, State, Zip: ___________________________

____ $500

With a $500 donation, we can make significant improvements to the paper.

Phone: _________________________________

____ $1,000

With a $1,000 donation, we can have the space needed for vendor training.

Email: __________________________________

____ $1,500

With a $1,500 donation, we can print four issues of the paper.

____ $5,000

With a $5,000 donation, we can build significant organizational capacity.

Another amount of _________ to support what Street Sense needs most.

Please make your check payable to “Street Sense” and mail to: 1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

The amount of _________ to go directly to vendor ____________________.

Donate online at www.streetsense.org

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June 23 - July 7, 2010

Thank you for noticing me HUD’s definition will recognize individuals who are doubled up and live in hotels as homeless

By Mary Yost, editorial intern A single father and his 10-year-old son lived in a doubled-up situation for six weeks and were asked to leave their friend’s house. They thought they had found an apartment, but the move-in date was pushed back one week. Living in a shelter was not an option because the father worked the late-night shift as a cab driver and shelters do not allow children to be left unattended.

According to HUD's current definition of homelessness, the father is homeless because he sleeps on the streets, but the son is not homeless because he is couch-hopping with various relatives, the National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness (NPACH) said. HUD is altering its definition of who is considered homeless to include those living in doubled-up situations, youth and other individuals who are on the brink of homelessness like the father and son.

"There has been a longstanding discussion about whether to expand this definition for HUD's programs," said HUD spokesperson Brian Sullivan. "Challengers said that expanding the definition would dilute the impact of HUD's programs by making more people eligible for them, especially those people who are beyond those who are counted as technically homeless. Proponents said it will provide services to others who weren't previously counted as homeless by HUD." The main goal for HUD's updated definition is to provide clarification of the terms "homeless," "homeless individual," "homeless person" and "homeless individual with a disability" in accordance with the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act. "Every point when the HEARTH Act was vague, it gave HUD the opportunity to interpret it," said Jeremy Rosen, policy director at the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. "We hoped HUD would interpret it broadly, but it seems to have interpreted it as narrowly as possible.”

The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth recommends that HUD's definition of homelessness be aligned with the U.S. Department of Education's more realistic description. Rosen concurs: "We hope that HUD's

It seems to have been interpreted it as narrowly as possible.

-Jeremy Rosen

definition will mirror the Department of Education's definition, which is broader and covers people living with others and in motels."

The Department of Education defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals who lack a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence.

The definition includes children and youth who are sharing the housing of others due to a loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason.

It also includes children and youth who are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations.

Living in doubled-up conditions poses harmful effects on children. "In these living environments, there is a lack of privacy, sleeping patterns are interrupted, family members have no space to themselves, and their well-being depends on other’s economic conditions," said HUD's Assistant Secretary Mercedes Márquez. It is necessary for HUD to recognize these individuals as homeless.

Difficulties with Documentation One of the largest areas of contention in HUD's new definition is its requirement of evidence to prove that one is homeless, which some service providers think is unnecessary. Many people think that homelessness does not fit into the bureaucratic system.

"An oral statement should be sufficient because who is going to write a letter that says that they are kicking someone out of their home," Rosen said.

"HUD is going beyond what the law says and we don’t think that it is necessary."

Ruth White, a member of NPACH’s board of directors, agrees. "If a family or individual is homeless and they can describe their story to you, you should take their word," White said. "One of the most troubling aspects of homelessness verification is that it comes down to believability. Service providers have to make a decision about whether or not a person will receive services. And even though we try to address our prejudices, that decision may sometimes come down to a person’s race, class, appearance or personality, and we may hold their lack of evidence against them because of these prejudices. Self-verification by the individual saying that they are homeless should be enough proof. The amount of time and labor that is spent verifying people are homeless is a questionable use of HUD's funds."

The verification process also poses problems to individuals who are providing shelter to homeless individuals and families.

"The logistics become a problem when you are doubled up with a family that's in public housing," White said. "In order to receive services from HUD, you must provide evidence of your doubledup housing experience. However, if that publichousing family said that you have been staying in

The amount of time and labor that is spent verifying people are homeless is a questionable use of HUD’s funds.

-Ruth White their apartment, they will get evicted. So now there are two families who are homeless."

Neil Donovon, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, said that if HUD is going to require written evidence, it is necessary to clearly state in the definition that the listed sources are only examples of evidence.

"Rather than saying that these are the conditions under which it will occur, what we are saying is that these are clarifying because they are examples, not simply a set of actions that limit the definition of who become homeless," Donovan said.

“A lot of times, service providers will say that 'HUD says that it is this, this or this, so what do you fall under?' People will generally respond, 'Well, what happened in my case is this…,' prompting service providers to say, 'Well, you have to be one of these three cases that I mentioned.' Therefore, HUD's new definition must clarify that these are just three examples and that people do not have to fall solely under those categories."

Counts Expected to Rise HUD's proposed changes are projected to have a sizable impact on homeless assistance programs.

Prior to this update, HUD did not count those living in doubled-up conditions or in motels as homeless in their annual point-in-time enumeration. In 2009, the report counted 643,000 persons as homeless on a given night in the United States.

There were 11,774 individuals counted as homeless in the D.C. metropolitan region at that same time. The upcoming enumerations, which help policymakers and service providers determine how to address homelessness in their communities, will more accurately reflect the number of homeless individuals after this definition change.

The updated definition will also increase the number of people who are eligible for assistance through continuum of care programs. Other programs, particularly transitional housing programs, may need to evaluate how they target their assistance and will have to determine how they will serve people who are newly covered under the updated definition.

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June 23 - July 6, 2010

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One Man Finds a Gift in Unemployment "Happiness is only real when shared"

By Mary Yost, editorial intern

PHOTos by Jon Howell

"This is…ion Station Met…. Doors opening." Ding. The sounds of shuffling feet fill the air as hurried individuals exit the Metro train and head toward the escalator. The chatter of cell phone talkers reverberates across the crowded room. The flashing white sign is the signal to cross the street.

This daily routine can become somewhat monotonous if time is not taken out of a day to interact with strangers. Reed Sandridge ensures that he breaks the monotony by giving $10 away to a stranger every day.

"I enjoy stories and getting to know and be with someone," Sandridge said. "I've met drug addicts who sit down and cry when they tell me about their drug addictions and have met people who have just had babies. I've heard about the highs and lows of people's life. That's powerful."

Unemployment posed a unique opportunity for Sandridge to pursue his personal goals and focus on helping others.

"Unemployment is a time that's difficult and emotional, but it is also an opportunity to do, go and explore," Sandridge said. "While I was working, I volunteered at S.O.M.E. about once a month, but now I have the opportunity to go there more often. I couldn't do that before."

Sandridge's "Year of Giving" began at Above: Reed Sandridge tapes his latest beneficiary, Elijah Alfred “Nature Boy” Alexander, 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Jr. for his year-long project, titled “The Year of Giving.” Right: After Sandridge lost his job in "That was the three-year anniversary of my October 2009 at a non-profit in D.C., he decided to to give $10 a day to a stranger. mom's death, so I wanted to do something I must be a millionaire," he said. "They are brother and I," Sandridge said. "I was happy to remember the day," Sandridge even more surprised when they learn that very fortunate because their priority said. "I also wanted to do something that I am unemployed. Generally, everyone has was us. My mom worked the night got me closer to my community as well as been really positive and have told me that shift at a nursing home. She would go inspired others to give altruistically." my giving has inspired them to give more to work after she tucked us in and then For 365 days, Sandridge is setting out to themselves." help us get ready for school when she find a stranger to whom he can give $10.

While he is having a conversation with came back home."

The money comes from his savings account. the person, Sandridge asks them if there Sandridge is unsure of the next After locating the recipient of his $10, San- is anything they need. He then puts their steps he will take. "I am not satisfied dridge then composes a short story of their requests on the "Lend a Hand" section of getting the same type of job I previencounter and posts pictures and videos on his blog so his readers can help some of his ously had because of this experience," his blog. recipients.

Sandridge said. He plans on continuSandridge decides on recipients in two Sandridge does not think that the people ing his Year of Giving after this year different ways. "I live an everyday life, too," he meets are truly that interested in the $10. ends on December 14, but he anticihe said. "I have dinner with friends, go to "This is about the moment and the connec- pates being more creative. job interviews, and so I sometimes just give tion I can gain with someone," he said. "The What advice does Sandridge ofthe $10 out when I am on my way to or from most important part of my encounters with fer to other unemployed individuals? something. Other times, I specifically go people is that they have someone to listen "It is a time to re-evaluate a passion, out to find someone. I sometimes look for to. You cannot achieve happiness unless you dedicate time to it and to explore new a specific type of person, such as someone have someone to share it with." passions." who lives on the streets, or I just find someSandridge, who was an Eagle Scout, has For more information about his one I can have a connection with." always been interested in helping others Year of Giving, go to Sandridge’s blog The reactions of the individuals he has a and recognizes the value in the power of a at http://yearofgiving.wordpress. conversation with are varied. "People are of- simple conversation. com/. ten surprised at what I am doing and think "My parents gave everything up for my

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June 23 - July 7, 2010

Keeping Cars and Lives on Track "This is what it's all about" Students acquire more than just automotive training at the Excel Institute.

At this school, students learn both vocational and life skills that encourage them to succeed in their lives.

The mission of Excel is simple, said co-founder George Starke. "Anybody, regardless of age, literacy or his or her money situation, can get into the door at Excel," he said. "Once you get admitted, you spend two years learning. Assuming that you put effort into the program, you will walk out of the door with skills."

This year's valedictorian, Donald Yates, knew Excel was the right place for him to be when he read their mission statement. "I said, 'That's what's up.

That sounds like me.'"

John W. Lyon and George Starke founded Excel in 1998. The post-secondary vocational institution seeks to address the employment needs of unemployed individuals, people in at-risk situations and employers in the automotive industry who need skilled employees.

The Automotive Workforce Development Training Program specializes in providing vocational training in the field of automotive technology. The program includes basic literacy education, life skills development, career counseling and job placement services to their students. The services offered Excel are free to those who get accepted.

On Friday, June 18, the Excel Institute graduated 39 students.

"I like Excel because I can watch people flourish and grow," said Maria, who entered Excel in October 2008. She is one of the few women to graduate from the institution. "At first it is just school, and then it becomes so much more. All these people here are now my friends."

The faculty at Excel greatly contributed to Maria's positive learning experience. "The people who work here really care about the students," she said. "It is like they are sacrificing their careers to be with us. The teachers are also really dedicated to helping us learn. They ask you questions and questions all the time.

You ask them one question, and they will ask you five more."

Maria plans on using the skills she gained at Excel to be a service advisor.

"I will be the person that you see when you enter a mechanics shop that will get to you a technician and help you move on," she said.

PHOTOs by Amanda Reed

By Mary Yost, editorial intern

Above: Excel graduates move their tassels after Dr. Joseph McCoy, dean of student and academic affairs pronounces them as official graduates. Right: Dr. Jonathon Gueverra, chief executive officer of the Community College of D.C. emphasizes the importance of education.

One of the highlights of doing this type of work is its sense of empowerment. "The process belongs to you," she said. "You begin the job, and you feel energized when you know that you are the one who is going to complete it."

Yates also learned numerous life and vocational lessons from his time at Excel. He grew up in southeast D.C. and entered Excel following a recommendation from his probation officer.

"I was 13 when I fell in love with cars," Yates said. "I came from a family where money is tight and everybody does everything that they can to save money."

When Yates' 1987 Dodge car overheated, he became interested in automotive

technology. "I went to Track Auto and bought myself a book on my car," he said. "It told me to check the radiator, which was bone dry, so I poured coolant on it. It was something so small that fixed the problem. I knew then that I could make a career doing this."

Excel has partnered with the Community College of D.C. to expand their literacy programs and encourages students to continue their post-secondary education, said Dr. Jonathon Gueverra, chief executive officer of CCDC. "It was a long journey and now we are at the end," Yates said. "I plan to receive my associate degree in automotive technology from CCDC. Some of the

classes that I took at Excel count toward the degree. I also have some credits from another college, so I am already halfway toward receiving my degree."

Excel strives to keep their graduates in contact with their institution so students have the opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship with successful graduates.

"Hopefully, when you leave and become successful, you will remember it's important to not leave the school," Starke said. "You are never gone from here. We need to stick together to make the school a success, because we need to help those who are on their journey to being successful."

Michael Fru, a 2009 graduate of Excel, spoke at the celebration and provided a graduate's perspective on life after the institute. He works at Goodyear and does general service, inspections and alignments. He also actively promotes Excel to everyone he meets.

"I didn't believe that I would know how to change oil, but now I do, and I also know how to do many other things," Fru said. The knowledge he gained at Excel adequately prepared him for his career.

Fru offered some words of advice durContinue on page 7

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June 23 - July 6, 2010

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Continued From Page 6 ing his time with the graduates. "Once you are in the field, you should respect the customers, their time and their cars," Fru said. "If there is anything that you don't understand, find someone who can explain it to you.

Also, be nice to the managers, because they receive feedback from the customers and can help advance your career."

Fru hopes to volunteer his time at Excel as a teacher in order to give back to an institution that provided him with so many opportunities.

Excel hopes to alleviate the disparities that exist in the D.C. community by providing free automotive technology schooling to students who are willing and able to commit to learning about this field. "In the nation's capital, with all the resources we have, there are still many individuals with very profound needs," Gueverra said. Therefore, Gueverra is proud that Excel strives to address these needs and empower our community's residents.

For more information about Excel, call 202-387-1550 or visit http:// Maria (center), celebrates her accomplishments with friends on Friday, June 18 at Catholic University’s campus as part www.theexcelinstitute.org/. of the Excel Institute graduation.

PHOTo by Amanda Reed

You should respect the customers, their time and their cars.

2010 David Pike

Homeless Programs Endure City approves $45.4 million budget for homeless services

By Mary Otto, editor-in-chief The city’s newly approved $6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011 includes $45.4 million for homeless services, including shelter, housing stabilization and crisis intervention.

The figure represents roughly $2 million less than last year. Officials said they anticipate savings due to a restructuring plan that will return some previously contracted services, including the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center and the Emergency Family Shelter at D.C. General Hospital, to the Department of Human Services.

Considering the tough financial times and the struggles the city council underwent to arrive at this year’s budget, spending on programs for the poor and homeless emerged relatively unscathed according City Councilman Tommy Wells, who chairs the council’s Committee on Human Services. “There is more money for Housing First,�

Wells said. “The same amount of money is available for hypothermia. There are no shelters that I know of that are planned to be closed.�

Federal support has helped sustain the city’s innovative Housing First program, which provides housing coupled with counseling and other supportive services to homeless individuals and families in an

effort to address the problems underlying their homelessness. President Barack Obama’s proposed 2010 federal budget, like D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 2009 city budget, included $19.2 million for the District’s Housing First program. For the current fiscal year, Congress has approved $17 million for the program and the city is anticipating $10 million to continue to program in the coming fiscal year.

In addition, 105 housing vouchers for veterans have been provided to the District’s Department of Human Services through the Veteran’s Administration Supportive Housing Program.

City officials said that federal assistance, combined with local allocations of nearly $24 million for the Housing First program, will allow the city to provide permanent, supportive housing to an estimated 1,056 individuals and 231 families by the end of fiscal year 2011.

Still local expenditures on homeless programs are not keeping up with the needs, according to Ed Lazere, D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute executive director. “The reality is for sure that there is no increase in funding, even though the shelters were jam packed during hypothermia season, and there is no doubt homelessness is on the rise,� Lazere said.

A recently released report on homelessness in the D.C. region found 6,539 literally homeless people living in the District, a 5 percent increase over last year.

The largest area of growth in the city’s homeless population was among families seeking emergency shelter.

excellence in journalism awards

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Thank you to all those who made our Third

Annual David Pike Excellence in Journalism Awards such a success!

volunteers

board members

Amanda Fulton Bernadette McFadden Diana Cosgrove Hannah Guedenet Joanne Goodwin Sarah Ficinec Steve Fox

Bradley Scriber Lisa Estrada Robin Heller Sommer Mathis

interns Eric Falquero Jon Howell Mary Jean Chan Mary Yost

07A<=E OZ[]ab <SdS` 0]`W\U

award presenters David Denny Jane Cave Jeffery McNeil Sybil Taylor

guest speakers Sam Ford / ABC-7/WJLA-TV John Driscoll / President & CEO National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

And congratulations to our 2010 award winners!

Breaking News

Marc Fisher, Washington Post

Feature Story

Maria Glod, Washington Post

Investigative Journalism

Jason Cherkis, Washington City Paper

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Photography Mark Gail, Washington Post

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June 23-July 6, 2010

Those Busy

By Chris “Sky” Shaw

Tourism at a Different Angle: A Photo Essay

By Jon Howell, intern To me every shoot is an adventure. From friendly conversations on steps in Foggy Bottom, to the historic alleyways of Georgetown, I was amazed at how much there was to see and shoot in such a small area. Behind the new store fronts and eateries, Georgetown revealed a new and different face that I hadn’t seen. The behind-thescenes look at this historic part of town tops the tourist and shopper havens of the main streets. I encourage all who read this to take a different path and look at this area from a unique angle.

It was better than Di And why not? In 1964 I and nonsense. Dad had liamsburg, but he wasn destination like Old To Besides, if the Nats D.C. Stadium on the en Library at 9th and K in or we would stamp our would fly out the door, explore the faded, but Since this was the tim lanky Jim Duckworth o in the big, splashy mus folk do all day in their b “wee folk” beguiled by F, G and their complem anything more meanin Once, unaccompani found refuge from an u Rows of bentwood cha their legs. Coughing, I over a Chinaman empt The next time we we reminded me of the int ful, but mausoleum-lik Avenue, past the dust-l fascinating “LIFE” mag respectively. Soon dow that’s steep,” grumbled We wound up on F s and the jaggedly Deco More than youth has v Downtown in the “bus

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isney World, more authentic than a theme park and more accessible than the Mall of America.

I was 11 years old and had never heard of shopping malls, Wild World or any such fripperies d driven us in his battered Mercury wagon to Mystic Seaport, Connecticut and Colonial Wiln’t about to waste his precious time and gasoline (at $0.27 per gallon, surely not!) on a further ombstone Territory or (gulp) Las Vegas. (meaning the struggling Senators, “off the floor in ‘64” their goal) were not playing at the nd of the 40 bus line, why my sister and I knew just what to do. We would curl up in Central one of the musty, old oak window seats with a Marguerite de Angeli costume drama for kids, r feet impatiently while Sis researched Shakespeare for a school paper. Then “WHHEE!!” we , down the low marble steps, careful not to disturb a dozing hobo along the way, and go off to alluring commercial crannies of Downtown. me of Kennedys and Camelot, it was only right that my Sis’ big crush at this juncture (besides of the baseball team) was the brooding Richard Burton, currently portraying knight Lancelot sical, “Camelot.” One of Burton’s most erudite speculations was wondering, “What do simple busy little shops?” I think it was from Camelot, but in any case, the point is well taken. As two y the palette of strange people living and meandering through the crowded thoroughfares of mentary numbered cross streets, my Sis and I loved to poke around, even if we seldom bought ngful than a $0.02 hunk of Fleer’s Dubble Bubble Gum at the Peoples’ Drug. ied, I fled across a short graveled lot, past the Hippodrome peepshow and the Central Lunch. I unshaven, but knife-wielding man, by ducking into the creepy Hopwood’s Furniture repository. airs hung from the rusted stamped-tin ceiling, with garlands of cobwebs dangling down off slipped out a warped, round-headed Victorian side door onto 8th street and almost tripped tying boiling steam from a huge vat of noodles. ent out, I warned Sis that there was nothing of interest in Hopwood’s. In fact, the whole place terior of the Bates Motel in “Psycho,” which we had seen a couple years earlier at the beautike, Loews’ Palace Theatre. Our next foray took us down Skid Row on 9th street below New York laden windows of the George Friend Bookstore and similar emporia, which were chuck-full of gazines from the ‘30s and ‘40s and portrayed movie stars and thugs in corsages and fedoras, wn at the old barn of a Surplus shop, Sis bought a heavy cable-knit sweater for $1.25. “Wow, d Sis. street, gawking through the curvy, plate-glass showcases of Harris Jewelers, Urdong’s, L. Frank’s Jelleff’s. We then scarfed down milkshakes and BLT sandiwches at Murphy’s lunch counter. vanished with the decades. A simpler, sweeter way of life has also vanished, even as it was sy little shops.”

June 23-July 6, 2010

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New Year's resolutions are often hard to keep.

1 Vendor Martin Walker was one of millions of people in the world who made lofty promises at the beginning of the year. In the first Street Sense edition of 2010, he listed a variety of goals for the new year: get his own place so he could provide a safer place for his son to live, get to work using his commercial driver's license, find a vehicle for himself, get his 9 status straight with the IRS and obtain his high school diploma.

Some of us have not yet been able to check any of our resolutions off our lists. Earlier this month, Walker proudly donned a cap and gown and received his high school diploma from a Prince George's County program.

Here's a message from Walker: "Actually, to me, it was more than just a New Year's resolution. This was my lifelong goal, and now that I finally obtained it. I'm a very, very happy camper. I would like all Street Sense customers to know that some homeless individuals, such as myself, are trying very hard to better themselves and their lives.

"For all the wonderful people who have supported me and the other Street Sense vendors, I also would like to say that I have always cherished having an opportunity to express myself verbally, especially since most people seem to write the homeless off

Walker and his mother after the graduation ceremony. as mindless, lazy individuals. I know that could not be further from the truth.

"I hope that you good people will also support me and my new book, which is the introduction into my life and will be available on or around July 1. If you would like to reach me or try a copy of my new book, you can catch me at Farragut North Metro station Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

"I want my readers to know that I am working on improving my life and I am accomplishing my resolutions."

Congratulations, Martin!

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Taking a Personal Break to Address Health Issues

By Mary Yost, editorial intern Kenneth Belkosky was born in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 17, 1966. When he was a young child, Belkosky’s father, brother and he moved to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. There, Belkosky attended elementary, middle and high school. While in high school, one of Belkosky’s greatest accomplishments was receiving the manager of the year award. “I worked on the school’s soccer field because soccer is my favorite sport,” Belkosky said.

“Now, my favorite team is the D.C. United!”

After he graduated high school in 1985, Belkosky worked at a pizza parlor for two years before attending the University of Akron. There, Belkosky completed two and a half years of school, where he focused on special education. After dropping out of college, he stayed in Ohio to help take care of his father.

In 2002, Belkosky relocated to D.C., even though he had no plan about what to do once he got here. He became homeless when he arrived in the city and ended up moving into a community residence facility, where he still resides today. Belkosky has bipolar disorder and PTSD, so doctors said he is unfit to live independently.

However, Belkosky dreams of living independently and hopes to own his own apartments in five years.

In 2007, Belkosky attended the Convoy of

Hope job fair at RFK stadium. Optimistic that he would find work, Belkosky arrived at the fair with copies of his resume ready to distribute. There, he met one of the founders of Street Sense, Laura Thompson Osuri. She suggested that Belkosky should be a vendor and he said, “Laura, I will try anything.” Belkosky has been selling papers since then in Dupont Circle and has a lot of favorite customers. He enjoys the independence Street Sense offers to him and loves being his own boss.

One of Belkosky’s most proud moments at Street Sense was when his first story was published. “I like to write about fun events, such as festivals and restaurants,” he said, “because it makes people smile.”

Some of Belkosky’s hobbies include walking, listening to the police scanner and watching trains and airplanes. He enjoys watching M*A*S*H, Star Trek and Dr. Who. While not selling newspapers, Belkosky enjoys reading, especially the Nancy Drew series.

Belkosky recently found out that he has a few medical issues that need to be addressed. “Because I have a hernia and spots on my lung and liver, I will be taking time off until the tests and surveys are done,” Belkosky said. “I hope all of the readers will pray for me until I get back.”

By Kenneth Belkosky, vendor Even though I am going to be taking some time off, I will come back to Street Sense soon. I have some major health issues that I need to take care of during the next few months, so I won't be at 20th and Q streets for a little while. Please don't worry about me. Even though I won't be selling newspapers, you can still contribute to me by making a donation to the Street Sense office, which will make sure that I get it.

I want to thank Dick Helming, a special person who drove me to the emergency room on June 6.

He was concerned about how I was walking, so he drove me to the Georgetown emergency room.

They did a CAT scan and found spots on my liver and lungs. I will be having surgery to remove a hernia. After that, they will determine if I need a biopsy. I am confident that I am in good hands and that we caught this early enough to get treatment. If my favorite customers want to visit me, I will be at the Georgetown University Hospital.

I'm not saying that I am dying; I am just going to take time off to concentrate on my health issues. I plan to go back and forth to the doctors a lot, so I won't have time to sell Street Sense. I think of it as taking a long vacation. I am telling the readers this because, in the past, I didn't let you know that I was taking time off and some readers worried and told the Street Sense office that I was missing.

Thank you to the Street Sense readers, the Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals Association and Street Sense for understanding my need to take time off. I would like to be kept in your prayers, and I will keep you in mine.

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June 23-July 6, 2010

Local Authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey Through Liberal Thought

By Adam Sirgany, intern Warning: If you are a "Tea Party patriot" with high blood pressure, do not buy "A Liberal Mandate." Keith D. Martin would love to change your mind on past, current and future political issues, but he would rather not be responsible for your heart attack. The medical bills would cost too much, he might say.

On the other hand, if you are left leaning and want a conversational overview of the United States' most significant political debates of the past 50 years, this read may be worth your time. It certainly won't take long to get through, but it will undoubtedly take a while to process.

Like some Washingtonians, Martin has fixed political opinions and is anxious to share them. Covering the role of political partisanship, illegal immigration, health care, sexism, "going green," gay rights, globalization and affordable housing and homelessness, Martin analyzes the United States' failings in a book that takes less time to read than it would to argue any one of these topics with a stranger on the Metro.

According to its cover, Martin's book is about current affairs, politics and U.S. history. It certainly fits securely into all of these categories, but it is also a captivating look at the way an individual is shaped and reshaped by the growth and change of his fatherland.

Part op-ed, part open letter to President Obama and all bound by themes underscored in the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the Constitution, the book is witty, forward and at times, extremely funny.

It cannot truly be called a postmodern work, but "A Liberal Mandate" is certainly a book written for this specific time and place.

Dotted with pieces of Americana that will pique the minds and memories of baby boomers and the children of Generation X, the work is accessible to anyone who was even remotely keyed into United States' news from 1940 onward. To Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great credit, neither his overwhelming amount of subject matter nor his tongue-incheek humor take away from the fact that "A Liberal Mandate" deals with sensitive, and sometimes upsetting, human problems.

What can and will be highly criticized about this work is that it does,

for the most part, draw distinct moral lines. Martin paints liberalism as an ideal. However, when he does so, he does not always mean liberalism as it is, but rather liberalism as he thinks it should be. To Martin, liberals are people who wish to design a society that will work for the welfare of all. Conservatives, on the other hand, are self-interested.

He is keen on this point, giving due credit to moderate Republicans and having no hesitation to criticize Democrats when he finds it necessary. Martin strongly disagrees with the idea that there must be haves and have-nots, and he thinks that with focused systemic change, the gap can be diminished.

If "A Liberal Mandate" is starting to sound like "The Communist Manifesto," it is because both works share a strong focus on human equality. It is only fair to note that Martin is far more cued into current events and current humor than his predecessor. However, like Marx, he is a grand idealist.

Of course, this will raise the question of just how liberal Martin is.

Does his desire to live in a closer, community-oriented America make him a socialist? A communist? Does he mind being deemed either? In the end, these questions are a matter between Martin and his readers. You will have to become the latter if you wish to engage in the debate.

More on Martin.

Martin, 70, spent more than 40 years living in Washington, D.C., and

lives in Silver Spring, Md., with his wife, Marge. The two of them have a 14-year-old son, and Martin has two older children from a previous marriage.

Martin is semi-retired but teaches part-time at Montgomery College in Rockville. He has a B.A. from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in international relations and a master's of divinity. He spent time in ministry and continues this work by volunteering at the Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House and Ten Thousand Villages.

He has also spent time working for the U.S. government, both stateside and abroad, a fact he attributes to President John F. Kennedy.

"Kennedy inspired me to go into government service, as he did a lot of people then," Martin said. "Now people just read about him as a president who got shot."

When asked why he wrote "A Lib-

eral Mandate," Martin said that it is "a mystery." He began writing the work during President George W. Bush's administration because he was "angry" and "embarrassed," particularly around people from other countries.

He finished the work recently because he is "a general Obama fan," a fact he mentions several times in the book before critiquing Obama as well. "I think this is still a conservative country," Martin said. "Obama is trying to move us left of center, but it's difficult. I hope this can help. Hopefully it is more of a motivator than a cause for despair." ______________________________ "A Liberal Mandate: Reflections on Our Founding Vision and Rants on How We Have Failed to Achieve It" (2010). Weit Press. 8 January 2010.

ISBN: 978-0-578-04365-4.

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By Jeffery McNeil, vendor

When you see some people coming, your only response to them may be, “Keep it Moving.” Cheesy and Greasy are those types of characters.

Cheesy is grimy from head to toe.

He l i ve s i n the Bottom, which are the projects on West 44th Street in Philadelphia. He was born the middle of six children his mother had from five different men. Cheesy never had any father figures or role models and, at an early age, he had to do whatever it took to survive. He picked pockets and shop lifted because his mom abandoned him and her behavior caused her to end up in jail.

Cheesy isn’t a Rhodes Scholar, but he has a Ph.D in B.S. and he doesn’t hide the fact that he is cheesy from anyone. When he was young, he had a cousin named Trifling.

His cousin was 35 years old and lived in his mom’s basement. There, he played Nintendo and sipped on a bottle of Wild Irish Rose. He never thought of the little things, like paying rent, and would eat his Mama’s food and burn her gas and electric while sitting on the couch.

Trifling learned how to hustle to earn a couple bucks by pawning his mom’s jewelry, placing pearls in the rings while telling naive people that the pearls were diamonds.

Cheesy, like a good student, learned how to peddle from Trifling. When Cheesy was broke, he decided to rob a Cub Scout who was selling Milk Duds.

Cheesy sold the stolen candy, telling customers that the proceeds would go to rebuilding the neighborhoods. Many passersby would reach into their wallets and give Cheesy a couple bucks, causing Cheesy to realize that this was a good hustle.

Cheesy soon found a better way to hustle.

He bought a clipboard so he could collect signatures and donations for the Cheesy Fund, which donated proceeds to build schools for disadvantaged children. Even though he made good money taking advantage of people’s gullibility, he still slept on Trifling’s mama’s couch. While there, hygiene still did not become part of his vocabulary. Trifling’s mama was sick of the griminess and told Cheesy, “Get your sorry black @#$ out of my house.”

Cheesy ended up sleeping on the sidewalk with some dirty clothes. He ate at a soup kitchen at a local church near City Hall.

While staying at a shelter called Sunday Breakfast, he spotted somebody he thought looked eye-catching.

The person had a wig and tight j e a n s. C h e e s y was smitten with lust. He asked if they could go somewhere private, but it soon became apparent that the she was a he. When Cheesy found this out, he scurr i e d l i k e a ra t and said, “It is not that kind of party.”

The man got mad, pulled off his wig, took off his heels and became thuggish. He said, “Square up sucker. I am going to kick the!@$# out of you.” Cheesy’s manhood got the best of him and everyone at the shelter saw him get beat up by a she who was a he.

Cheesy could not stand the humiliation and went to a shelter across town called Ridge where he got a bed, enabling him to keep his belongings at the shelter. He roomed with a man who did a stint at Trenton State Prison. His roommate was orderly and neat; his bed was always made and clothes were always pressed. Cheesy drove him crazy because he was so grimy. This man had enough and told Cheesy, “You are one cruddy cat. I can’t live like this. When I was in the penitentiary, I had the cleanest cell on the block.” Right then and there, Cheesy was in awe of this man. Cheesy said, “Man, that is something to be proud of.”

Cheesy’s bunkie was a junkie who was trying to kick his habit. “My name is Greasy,” Cheesy’s roommate said. “Everyone says I am greasy like a Pork Chop.”

“I can’t do this homeless thing,” Cheesy said. “I got to get out of here.”

“I will be your mentor on greasiness,” Greasy replied. “Go to the store and steal some Oodles of Noodles, a bottle of water and a couple bottles of gin.”

When the soup kitchens closed, Greasy would go to the microwave, get a pot of water and make a pot of noodles. Once the smell hit the rest of the shelter, the residents would come to Greasy, begging him to give them some noodles. Like the hustler he was, he would say, “If you want some noodles, cough up two bucks.” The others couldn’t resist because they were hungry.

While they were eating, Greasy would grab

PHOTO by jon howell

Keep it Moving: The Pitiable Lives of Cheesy and Greasy

a bottle of gin so everyone could get a whiff.

Like clockwork, he put water in the cups and sold watered-down gin.

Greasy decided to let Cheesy partake in his hustle, telling Cheesy he would get a percentage of the profits. Cheesy wanted a slice of this paradise. “Sign me up. I am down with you.”

One day Cheesy spent all day running Greasy’s hustle because Greasy had other duties to do. He gave Greasy the money that he thought they would split, but Greasy took the money and said he couldn’t pay him.

Cheesy knew Greasy was another sorry dude who played him for a sucker.

Cheesy was angry that Greasy did him greasily, so he decided to find a hustle on his own. He bought a carton of cigarettes and a cooler, which he filled with beer cans.

Cheesy also became high-tech and bought himself a laptop. He let the shelter’s residents use his laptop for $5 an hour. Pretty soon people at the shelter realized that Cheesy offered better services than Greasy.

People stopped dealing with Greasy and bought from Cheesy. His corner was the spot. Tensions began to build between Cheesy and Greasy, who would try to prevent Cheesy from using the microwave.

The boiling point occurred at the first of the month when it was payday. The hustlers lined up like bears attending a salmon run. Greasy was counting the dollar bills that were about to come into his pockets.

He thought he was going to make a killing.

However, Cheesy was clever because he was a hawker and a peddler. He did a shrewd promotion that day and told the shelter’s residents that if they bought cigarettes and beer, they could watch their favorite movies at a discount. Greasy was jealous and couldn’t take it.

“I’ve had it with your Cheesy @#$.”

Greasy called the cops on Cheesy, who was arrested. However, Cheesy also snitched on Greasy, causing them both to get locked up for bootlegging. As they sat in jail, other hustlers found they could do what Cheesy and Greasy could do and cut into their action. The hustle disbanded. The two men became desperate and pitiful.

You can now find Cheesy and Greasy loitering in front of the liquor store from which they used to shoplift. Cheesy has a dog and acts like a homeless blind man. Unlike his cohort, Greasy has more dignity and sells hot items that he has stolen from an adult movie store.

When you see the Cheesys and Greasy’s of the world, you can’t help but to tell them, “Keep it moving.”

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

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Forum for Change: Ward 3 PHOTO courtesy of flickr/wonderlane

Tired of politics as usual.

Where is the Public in This?

By Tanisha Tate, volunteer When I was on my way to my fellowship, I saw a convenience store sign that stated "No PUBLIC restroom!" right on the front entrance. As I looked at the sign, I thought about the public's role in society and how limited this role is. Denying the public access to services is just as simple as ignoring the Declaration of Independence.

Organizations and federal agencies do not involve the public as much as they should when it comes to the decisionmaking process or early-planning phases.

The public's opinion holds society together because the government is created to serve them.

Federal transit agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) attempt to involve the public, regardless of age, income, race or literacy capability, in their decision-making processes. The public makes better choices for others, because we put ourselves in others' positions, assuming the role they play. The FTA’s Office of Planning and Environment ensures that the public is involved in the decision-making processes on livability, sustainability and transit. Transit decisions are especially important for the public to be involved in because transit affects environmental and livability issues among the public.

Consider the following scenario: there is a public meeting to discuss the livability of a community, but there is a person who was not informed or able to get word of it because he/she has a low literacy level, a status that can also cause low income and inability to afford housing. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. and the bus stop is approximately five blocks away.

Due to their inability of the poor to make the meeting because of transit issues and self-literacy problems, the government has failed to involve all the public. The government is not recognizing those who may not have the necessities to get there or even be able to understand the purpose, and yet be the government takes pride in the public’s opinion and involvement.

What is a government if the people are not involved? Frankly, I do not think you want the answer, but you get the picture.

How do we have a federal government that is democratic with the lack of public involvement? The key word here is "involvement,” a word that some federal agencies have forgotten because they do not see the public.

They want to make choices for them.

In my opinion, we tend to fall back and let our decisions be made for us. We should not do this. You may think that transportation does not affect you, but it does.

Transportation affects your ability to get to work, to obtain affordable housing and your kids’ safety.

Let us take a step back for a second.

We are individuals, and as individuals, our voices—all our voices—are separate.

Therefore, we all need to be involved in the decision-making process.

For approximately six months, construction has been going on outside my house. As a citizen of the community, I was not informed that construction would be happening in front of my home. I was not aware of any meetings or pre-planning phases. However, the government and federal transit agencies say they want the public involved. It may be my fault for not hearing about these meetings, but then again, why blame the citizen when

it should have been the transit agency's responsibility to inform the public about its renovations? I do not know how this construction benefits me.

However, it is affecting my accessibility to transportation. On my way to school one morning, I stood at the bus stop and saw an orange paper stating that the bus stop was discontinued two blocks down.

"Inconvenient" was the only word I could think of. The sign had the audacity to add that it would be discontinued for 10 months. Not only is it affecting me as a Metro rider, but it also affects others who ride the bus.

And you ask, "Where is the public in this?" Ask the convenience store that stated, "No PUBLIC restroom!" I'm pretty sure it has a better answer than the transit agencies. Where is the public in this society?

Tate is a student at Cesar Chavez PCHS

www.listentothebody.com

Massage Therapy Elizabeth Bourne, LMT Adams Morgan 202.253.0941 30% off 1st massage with this ad

By Robert Warren, vendor The mayoral candidate forum at St. Columba's church on June 10, located above Water Ministries in the Tenleytown section of Ward 3, was the first political debate for this homeless advocate. When it was completed, I looked around the room of mostly Ward 3 senior citizens.

I felt like I was looking into faces filled with amusement and disgust. I thought that the candidates could have done a better job answering the questions they were asked. I don't know whether it is just the advocate in me, but when you hold a candidate forum over a ministry that provides great homeless services to those in need and no candidate give any thanks on behalf of the city for the works that people volunteer their time to do, it really says something about how much people care about those in our city who need our help, which Water Ministries has been providing year in and year out.

That aside, Ward 3's seniors have heard it all before because they live in the wealthiest ward in the city. I hope they left unwilling to pay for politics as usual. Our city needs Ward 3 's leadership to help improve the lives of the poor and homeless people in Washington, D.C. Their leadership and support has given us Water Ministries and other works that the great seniors of Ward 3 have been volunteering at to help those in need.

Listening to the panel of Ward 3 residents asking hard questions and hearing the so-called front runners attack each other rather than answering the questions made me wonder how they got their jobs. I know Ward 3's seniors will be watching and listening, advocating for them to keep their word if one should become our next mayor. Neither one could do any worse than the two so-called front runners. Who knows? We thought that of Fenty.

A friendly Ward 3 senior was sitting behind me. For that matter, they were all friendly. I don't know how; maybe it was the smile that said, "Let's talk."

So 10 minutes before beginning, we did just that. One of the things this great American from Cleveland said to me is that people need to engage themselves in politics and stop being so lazy. She was looking right at me. She also said we need to know that politics control so much of our lives. The only way we are going to make all the changes that the politicians promise to bring us is to involve ourselves in the politics of change.

What can I say to that? I will not be lazy, and I will do what she asks. Please join me.

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June 23-July 6, 2010

About 100 Street Sense friends and supporters gathered at The George Washington University Media and Public Affairs building on Wednesday, June 16 to honor leading local journalists who have helped shine a light on issues of poverty and homelessness over the past year.

The occasion was the third annual David Pike Excellence in Journalism Awards.

This year’s honorees were Washington Post writers Marc Fisher and Maria Glod, Washington Post photographer Mark Gail and Washington City Paper writer Jason Cherkis.

Sam Ford, a general assignment reporter for ABC7/WJLA-TV, served as master of ceremonies. John Driscoll, president and CEO of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans offered a keynote address.

Vendors David Denny, Jeffery McNeil and Sybil Taylor and volunteer Jane Cave presented the awards.

The ceremony is held each year in memory of the late David Pike, who gave his time and talents to Street Sense as a board member and volunteer after retiring from a 40-year career as journalist. Pike passed away in 2007.

Mark Gail of the Washington Post won the photography award for his image of Alex Lascaris, a homeless man who was attacked while sleeping. His image accompanied a story by Theola Labbé-DeBose in the newspaper.

Street Sense co-founder Ted Henson addresses the crowd. He talked about the importance of Street Sense and thanked all donors and conributors who have helped keep the newspaper afloat.

All photographs taken by Jon Howell.

Jason Cherkis won the investigative journalism award for his Washington City Paper story “He Just Went Off.” The story is about the death of a man on a sidewalk and people’s unwillingness to assist him.

Vendor David Denny presents the feature story award to Maria Gold of the Washington Post for her story about homeless students.

Vendor Robert Warren signs in at the registration table.

Thank you to the May donors!

A. Fields, Alysha Chadderdon, Brightsight Group LLC, Caroline Klam, Carrie Green, David Martin, E. M. Huergo, Eleanor L. Geier, Harold Sharlin (in honor of Phillip Black) Jennifer E. and Anthony D. Park, Kelly Harris, L Ann Herzog, Lara Thornely Hall, Linda Greenhouse (in memory of David Pike), Linette Hwu, Margery Byers, Melani McAlister, Michael Mavretic, Philip Aronson, Robert and Claudia Egger, Robin Goracke, Sarah Heaton (in memory of Tom Heaton), Sharyn Meister, Timothy Meyer, and Valorie Lee

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WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Ave, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) www.calvaryservices.org

Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep

June 23-July 6, 2010 Thrive DC (breakfast Mon-Fri, 9:30-11, all welcome/dinner for women and children, Mon-Fri, 3-6 pm) St. Stephens Parish Church 1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311 www.thrivedc.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org 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

John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org

Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.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

Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

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 (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.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/family services Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc. php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social events Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org Community Family Life Services

305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511 www.cflsdc.org housing, job and substance abuse counseling, clothes closet Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs Gospel Rescue Ministries drug, alcohol program (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731; www.grm.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 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html emergency travel assistance

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org

WVSA Literacy for Life 1100 16th Street, NW (202) 296-9100 www.wvsarts.org GED preparation and work force education

MARYLAND SHELTER Interfaith Works 114 W. Montgomery Avenue Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.iworksmc.org 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

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(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 services

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 2921 11th Street South 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, hy-

Shelter Hotline: 1–800– 535–7252

You helped your country.

Now your country can help you.

June 23-July 6, 2010

Have you served your country in the military? You could qualify for no-cost health care, housing and employment assistance, and other benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit one of these local VA facilities:

S treetS ense.org

The Last Word

My Bridges Over Troubled Water

By Roger Dove, vendor Ever wonder where your Street Sense contribution winds up? Does your money go to buy vodka or vegetables, drugs or dungarees, crack or coffee?

I am one vendor who has been uplifted by your donations. I am enrolled in an A+ certification course, which would not have been possible without the income that I earned while selling Street Sense.

Six months ago, I was left homeless and broke due to a family dispute. During my absence from a home that I had lived in for 10 years, my laptop was destroyed, along with other property and my ability to earn an income selling books on eBay and Amazon.

Once I began selling Street Sense, I regained my pride and self-respect in addition to earning money. Your purchases have helped me survive one of the most brutal winters I have experienced physically, economically, emotionally and spiritually. The smiles and friendly "Hello" from passersby have lifted my spirits, even if those people did not buy a paper.

There are also those guardian angels who go an extra mile and help struggling vendors. My guardian angel contributes fresh fruits and vegetables, which have had a noticeable, positive impact on my energy and endurance levels. Her humane donations inspire and motivate me to continue the climb from poverty and hopelessness to self-sufficiency and prosperity. A million kudos to her are not enough, but I will begin with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you.â&#x20AC;?

Buyers of Street Sense have helped change the lives of vendors for the better.

Hats off to all the Street Sense contributorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you do make a positive difference in people's lives!

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