July 18 - 24, 2022 Vol. 30 No. 29
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$3 $$
$1.10 + Tips goes go$1.10 to vendor to vendor
$1.85 + Tips go to your Vendor
Starting
June 27 Streetwise will cost
$3 + Tips
We Are Giving Our Vendors a Raise! Beginning June 27, StreetWise costs $3.00 + tips. Vendors will now earn $1.85 per issue instead of $1.10 for every magazine sold.
Why now? StreetWise has not increased the price of our magazine to the vendors or customers since 2008! It was only the second increase in the 30-year history of StreetWise. The cost of living has gone up 34% since 2008. A dollar's worth of goods in 2008 would cost $1.34 today. Our vendors deserve more money in their pockets to offset the rising costs of food, transportation and housing. StreetWise magazine is an award-winning weekly publication that also serves as a platform for people with lived experience to share their stories and their views as writers and more. Post-COVID inflation has hit us hard. Our production costs have increased 25% over last year.
Selling StreetWise is a Job Selling StreetWise isn’t begging, and it isn’t asking for charity. It’s a job. Our vendors are self-employed microentrepreneurs who build relationships and create connections between and across communities that change perceptions about homeless and low-income individuals. The new price of $3, with vendors paying $1.15 for their papers, means each paper sold nets the vendor a solid $1.85. It raises the floor so that our vendors earn a wage that is worth their while. It’s time for this to happen. We talked with our vendors and received feedback from some of our customers and supporters. We have nearly unanimous support for the price increase. Now is the time. The price increase, by expanding one of the most reliable income sources we have, will give StreetWise vendors an income they need to thrive, and not just survive.
Our Vendors Deserve a Raise!
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
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SportsWise
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Cover Story: Prince William the vendor
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More and more events are happening in Chicago, and we want you to know about the best of the best!
The SportsWise team discusses WNBA and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, who is currently detained in Russia.
The Duke of Cambridge writes about why he took to the streets to sell The Big Issue and why ending homelessness is a cause close to his heart. He also sits down with The Big Issue vendor Dave for a one-on-one conversation. [Editor's Note: We preserved the British English of the Duke of Cambridge's essay, but used American English for his conversation with The Big Issue vendor Dave and for the story written by The Big Issue.]
The Playground ON THE COVER & THIS PAGE: Prince William with The Big Issue vendor Dave Martin (Andy Parsons photo). DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, Executive director
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616
LEARN MORE AT streetwise.org
DONATE
To make a donation to StreetWise, visit our website at www.streetwise.org/donate/ or cut out this form and mail it with your donation to StreetWise, Inc., 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616. We appreciate your support!
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Emma Slings
Dance Inspired by Chicago Murals!
Mural Dances 2022 is the Year of Chicago Dance, and the Chicago-based Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (GDDF) is supporting 28 small dance companies and their performances throughout the city! The Synapse Arts’ "Mural Dances" is on July 23 with local dancers and musicians performing “projects inspired by Chicago’s fascinating neighborhood murals” of Park #567 on the 606 trail. Featured artists include Anjal Chande, Felicia Holman and Rahila Coats. “Small dance organizations are part of the everyday rhythm of our city. With programs rooted in the global diversity of Chicago, these vital companies benefit the overall health and wellness of our communities,” said David Farren, executive director of the GDDF. The Year of Chicago Dance is far from over! Future dances include Momenta, an integrative performance for those with and without disabilities on August 20, a second performance of Synapse Arts’ Mural Dances on August 27, and more! Visit gddf.org for details.
Sweet 16!
Wicker Park Fest The Wicker Park Fest is returning for its Sweet 16 party at 1423 N. Damen Ave. with over 50 bands, interactive art, over 80 food and shop vendors and the popular Kids Fest! The fest runs from 5 - 10 p.m. July 22-24. A $10 donation at the entrance benefits the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce in its small business assistance. Visit choosechicago.com for more.
Back in the Loop!
Sundays on State Mark your calendars for what Time Out Chicago named the “Best New Event in 2021” as it returns to State Street on July 24! This interactive block party of Chicago neighborhoods is back with art, culture, food, shopping and recreation fit for every age and interest. Can’t make it on July 24? Future Sundays on State will be August 7, August 21 and September 4. Enjoy this free event presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance. This event runs 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the closed-off street between Lake and Monroe. Don’t miss out on W hat the New York Times calls one of “eight great spots [in Chicago] to hit while the weather is hot!” .
ENTERTAINMENT
Unity in Hyde Park!
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Bantu Fest Promote cultural exchange and diversity through music, food, culture and history of over 30 different countries at the Bantu Fest! It’s Chicago’s biggest multi-cultural festival returning for its 6th edition to celebrate love, peace and unity. The Bantu Fest is at Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park (1130 Midway Plaisance near 60th and Ellis) from July 23 at 10 a.m. - July 24 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $10 on eventbrite.com. For more information, visit bantufest.com.
A Chicago Story!
Conversation with author Tonya Wolfe Read about author Tonya Wolfe’s lived experience in her debut novel, "Last Summer on State Street." "Last Summer on State Street" authentically shares life from inside the projects, from gang life and predators to the power of community and family. Read this story to better understand the impact of “racist institutions, redlining, gentrification and the power of one’s past” on identity. Wolfe will be joined in conversation on Wednesday, July 20, with Chicago author and journalist Dawn Turner. Attend in person in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library at 6 p.m. or later online via CPL’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.
Tacos For All!
Rogers Park Taco Crawl Join the Taco Crawl along North Clark Street on Thursday, July 21, from 3 - 7 p.m. Enjoy authentic tortillas and toppings from 14 different restaurants including El Famous Burrito, Taqueria El Chorrito, Tomatillo and Urban Tables. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 the day-of. Get yours at RPBA.org before they’re sold out! Each ticket allows one signature taco from the participating restaurants. Start your crawl at the check-in station at 7056 N. Clark St. to pick up your pre-paid passes or to purchase day-of passes. This event is presented by the Rogers Park Business Alliance.
Poetry & Community!
Chicago Poetry Center: Summer Poetry Gathering To go or not to go: that is the question. The Chicago Poetry Center is presenting A Summer Poetry Gathering, and we say go! Join poets and poetry fans from around Chicago in this evening of celebration and community. Enjoy performances by CPC’s Poets in Residence, including Fullamusu Bangura, Larry Dean, Isaac Ginsburg and Joy Young. These performances will be followed by a time of community building with beverages and snacks. Head to the Haymarket House (800 W. Buena Ave.) on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Masks are required inside. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.
Fire in Boomtown
Chicago History Museum: The Chicago Fire Enjoy the "Fire in Boomtown" family event at the Chicago History Museum on Saturday, July 23! From 1 - 1:45 p.m., musicians and storytellers Amy Lowe and Megan Wells will perform a musical mix of commentary, theater and history on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the resilience of Chicagoans. This event is free with general admission to the museum. Also visit the exhibition "City on Fire: Chicago 1871" to learn about Chicago as a rapidly growing city built from wood, a summer-long heat wave and the spark that started it all. Experience history in the 40-foot-wide immersive 1871 Cyclorama. Visit chicagohistory.org for tickets.
Butterfly Kisses!
Butterflies & Blooms Immerse yourself with the butterflies at the "Butterflies & Blooms" exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road. Now through September 25, visitors of all ages can learn about the life cycles of butterflies and moths in the 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure with hundreds of butterflies on the Regenstein Learning Campus. Featured species include those native to South America, Asia, North America and Africa. "Butterflies & Blooms" is open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission fees vary. See chicagobotanic.org.
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
Pizza City Fest Calling all pizza lovers to Plumber’s Hall in the West Loop (1340 W. Washington Blvd.) for Chicago’s first Pizza City Fest on July 23 and 24! Join over 40 pizza makers for a weekend of tasting, education and history, an event curated by the awardwinning food reporter and author of “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide,” Steve Dolinsky. Listen to pizza experts talk about the history of deep-dish and how you can make great pizza at home while you enjoy slices from a variety of different pizza styles. 1-day General Admission is $59 and comes with all-you-can-eat pizza from 18 different vendors, VIP panels, seminars, demonstrations, live music, book signing and more. 2-day tickets start at $89 and VIP tickets start at $149. Kids 10 and under are free with a ticketed adult. The daily events run from noon to 9 p.m. For tickets and details, see pizzacityfest.com.
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Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Patrick: All right, fellas. So, here’s a brief summary of our topic of discussion this afternoon: Brittney Yevette Griner is a WNBA star for the Phoenix Mercury. Played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears, even helping to win the championship in 2012. Donald: Interjection, please: Ms. Griner is one of only 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal and a WNBA championship.
SPORTSWISE
Russ: Wow… Patrick: Wow is right. And, unfortunately, in February of this year, Brittney was detained by Russian Customs on allegations that cartridges containing hashish oil had been found in her luggage. She had been entering the country to play with the Russian Premier League— something she’s done for many years while the WNBA was in its offseason. John: I’d forgotten I’d heard that. Patrick: Right. So, fellas, how do you feel about all of this?
Donald: Okay, so a week before Russia invaded Ukraine, Brittney was detained and arrested. Since February 17, she has been in a Russian prison—a stark contrast to her life here as a millionaire athlete in the United States, as well as during her time playing in Russia, where, interestingly enough, she earns more than she does in the U.S. There’s so much involved with this, I believe, and it’s hard to break down and express it.
made a mistake in not being careful with her drugs—assuming, of course, that she had some on her. She’s a veteran to the Russian airport, so there’s no reason she would not have known the laws when it came to this, which leads me to her not paying attention to detail.
Russ: My belief is Russia is holding Brittney for no good reason at all. They say drugs is the reason, but I say no way, because I’ve heard Russia is prejudiced against gays like Brittney. I feel, also, that we need to make sure we’re paying our players enough money that they won’t feel that need to go overseas to earn another paycheck.
Patrick: This is a tough one. On one hand, it’s a new world here in the United States with the legalization of marijuana— in some cases, decriminalization of possessing the drug— but, on the other hand, when it comes to many other countries, they have their own laws, and, when we’re there, we have to adhere to them. However, as a non-lawmaker, it feels almost “too”; has me wondering if her detainment has anything to do with our support of Ukraine in the current war going on between them and Russia.
John: Russ, I hope it isn’t the case that this is all fabricated. Personally, I believe Brittney
John: Sadly for Brittney, and others who get caught in the web, the Russian court system is
as harsh as they come. If on trial inRashanah Russia, your chance of acBaldwin quittal isn’t 50/50; it’s more like 1/99, with 1 being the number of times out of 100 you’re acquitted. So, yes, not good. Donald: I feel what y’all are saying about this being about much more than weed. History tells us many things go way deeper than we’re ever prepared for. Russ: Listen, all I know is that I believe the NBA—or somebody—needs to add some dollars into the WNBA, so the women players are paid enough so there’s no need to go overseas, risking freedom. Patrick: Good stuff, fellas, on this unfortunate topic, but maybe something to consider in all this is the notion that “When in Rome…” Now, let’s get her back, so we can restart. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
The current outbreak of COVID-19 has led to stressful times for many of us. Our routines have been disrupted and there may be a lot of anxiety about what is happening.
Stress & COVId-19
Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) to help reduce stress for you and those around you.
Tips to help yourself • Give yourself a break. Remember, it is important to take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media stories about the pandemic. It is important to stay informed, but, practice moderation. Over-consumption of the news on the pandemic can be upsetting or stressful.
by Dr. LaTonia Sweet
• Take care of yourself and try to stay healthy. Try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs. • Stay active and make time to relax. Try relaxation techniques such as stretching, meditating, praying or engage in activities you enjoy. Take breaks between stressful activities and do something fun after a hard task. This will help you maintain a sense of hope and keep you thinking positive. You may also keep a journal to write down your thoughts and things you are grateful for. • Stay in touch. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Reaching out to people you trust is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness, and boredom during social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. You can use the telephone, email, text messaging, and social media to connect with friends, family, and others.
Tips for your child, family and others
• Listen and teach coping skills. Let your child know it is okay to feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your stress so that they can learn coping skills from you. • Monitor your family’s exposure to news coverage. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. • Establish a schedule or routine. It is important to keep a
• Check in with others often. Staying in touch can help you and your family feel less lonely and isolated. Use telephone, email, letters, text message, video chat and social media options to stay in touch.
Get Help If You Need It If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911. If you think you have questions or need help that and it is not an emergency, please contact your provider. You may also contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline toll-free at 1-800985-5990. Dr. Sweet is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine specialist. She has been a leader in community mental health and integrating mental health care within hospital systems. Since 2018, Dr. Sweet has lead Molina Healthcare of Illinois and Wisconsin behavioral health operations.. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/ managing-stress-anxiety.html
HEALTHWISE
• Keep your child informed on what is going on with the pandemic. Answer any questions they may have and teach them ways of staying safe.
routine. Create a schedule for homeschool learning activities and be sure to make time for fun activities and relaxation.
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Prince William: Why I wanted to work with the big issue by Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge
I was 11 when I first visited a homeless shelter with my mother, who in her own inimitable style was determined to shine a light on an overlooked, misunderstood problem.
jority of Big Issue vendors, who sell year-round – including through the bleak winter months – and are barely given a second glance by passers-by.
The Big Issue had launched just two years before, offering people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine to the public and providing a solution to the issues that saw a growing number of people on the streets of the nation’s capital.
A hardworking, funny, joyful man, Dave is the kind of person we should all be actively encouraging and supporting. Instead, people often just ignore him. And while The Big Issue provides a mechanism by which Dave can provide for himself, earn a living and – in his words – regain some selfrespect, it is reliant on us playing our part, too. Because he can only succeed if we recognise him, we see him and we support him.
In the 30-odd years since, I’ve seen countless projects in this space grow from strength to strength, including charities of which I have had the honour of being Patron. New initiatives have been launched up and down the country – some have worked, some have not. But The Big Issue, perhaps now the most immediately recognisable of these organisations, has undeniably had an impact. Its social business model has provided a means of making a living to 105,000 vendors who have earned over £144 million [$171.33 million USD]. Looking back helps us to see how far we’ve come, but problems are fixed in the present. And despite all the progress, homelessness is still seen by many as some entrenched phenomenon over which we have little power. And there are worrying signs that things might soon get worse as people feel the effects of higher prices and find it harder to make ends meet.
COVER STORY
And although we can’t fix all of that at once, I refuse to believe that homelessness is an irrevocable fact of life. It is an issue that can be solved, but that requires a continued focus and comprehensive support network.
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Thankfully there are brilliant, compassionate people working tirelessly to support those that find themselves in that vulnerable position and to provide opportunity when it is most needed. And people up and down the country fulfil small acts of kindness as they purchase a street magazine or make a donation to someone on the street before proceeding on with their day. I wanted to experience the other side and see what it was like to be a Big Issue vendor. My time was truly eye opening. I was lucky to join Dave on a warm, sunny day in June. People recognised a familiar face and were happy to give me the time of day. But that isn’t the case for the vast ma-
If you’re reading this, then it’s because you’ve met someone like Dave who needed your help and you chose to offer it. With that small act of kindness, you’ve made a difference. And I hope you continue to do that while encouraging those around you to do the same in the future – to see the person behind the magazine, or the cardboard sign, or the empty cup. I count myself extremely lucky to have a role that allows me to meet people from all walks of life, and to understand their full story – whatever it may be. It’s a privilege that many of us, busy with our days, don’t always afford. And while I may seem like one of the most unlikely advocates for this cause, I have always believed in using my platform to help tell those stories and to bring attention and action to those who are struggling. I plan to do that now I’m turning 40, even more than I have in the past. So, for my part, I commit to continue doing what I can to shine a spotlight on this solvable issue not just today, but in the months and years to come. And in the years ahead, I hope to bring George, Charlotte and Louis to see the fantastic organisations doing inspiring work to support those most in need – just as my mother did for me. As she instinctively knew, and as I continue to try and highlight, the first step to fixing a problem is for everyone to see it for what it truly is. Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers / The Big Issue UK bigissue.com / @BigIssue Prince William selling The Big Issue (Andy Parsons photo).
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What Really Happ when prince willia the big issue by Steven Mackenzie
Less than a week after tens of thousands packed The Mall and a global audience of hundreds of millions celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the royal family, Prince William is standing outside a supermarket and passers-by are passing by. He’s still wearing a bright red uniform like he had on for Trooping the Colour and watching the noisy flypast. But instead of a ceremonial military outfit and medals, it’s a Big Issue vest and badge. Next to him stands Dave Martin, a veteran vendor who volunteered to show the Duke of Cambridge the ropes and give a glimpse into the life of a Big Issue vendor. Only a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, it's a vending spot Dave knows well. A decade ago, Rochester Row in Victoria was one of the places he sold magazines when he first came to The Big Issue for the opportunity to work his way off the streets. He’s adept at putting the new recruit at his ease. After donning his tabard, William is handed a bundle of magazines and briefed on how to accept cash and card payments, then the pair set off. At first, business is slow. Nobody takes much notice of the vendors – a feeling familiar to many who make their living on the streets – but Dave shares some selling tips and soon the sales start coming. A Royal Mail employee, who probably spotted some family resemblance from stamps, is one of the first customers. There are double-takes and swerving bike couriers rubbernecking the new vendor. A young man named Khalid says after purchasing that he bought the magazine because “I am a bit curious so I want to know what’s going on in the world.” Not because of who was selling it? Khalid says he wasn’t really surprised when he learned it was Prince William. That’s the kind of thing
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you’d expect him to do. “It’s like meeting a normal person,” he adds. Neil Kramer is charging his taxi on the opposite side of the street – a captive customer. Dave and William cross over to secure a sale. I ask Neil about their technique afterwards. “He said, ‘Would you like to buy a Big Issue? You look like you’re a generous man.’” Was he right? “Yeah, my wife and I do buy The Big Issue. As they both left, I wished them luck and then pinched myself.” A queue has started to form. There’s a group of Colombian and Ecuadorian students who can’t believe they’ve met a postcard face of London on the street; a young girl and her mother pose for a picture. “Happy Jubilee!” they shout. Lots of people want to shake hands, snap a selfie and have a chat, which William allows – only if they buy a magazine, of course. Brian, who’s involved with the Prince’s Trust, jots down his number on the back of a Sainsbury’s receipt and William promises to look him up. As is often the case, Big Issue customers cut right across society. Some were among the throngs that joined the Jubilee celebrations the previous weekend, amazed to have
pened am sold Prince William and The Big Issue vendor Dave Martin (Andy Parsons photos).
won’t leave until every copy is sold. While he’s shifting his last few, I speak to Tolu Desalu. “I’m attached to a Christian church,” she says. “What we do is go into hospitals to visit patients who don’t have family. So this is bang up my street. their own private audience with the future king. Some have a history of homelessness themselves. A woman and her mother introduce themselves. Later on, William shares their story. “We met two Ukrainian refugees,” he explains. “The daughter lives here, she’s brought her mum from Kyiv. Sadly, they’ve lost a number of family members and most of their property. The grandmother is still out there. “And then there was another gentleman who undid his shirt like Superman with a Ukrainian logo on there. He’s got his whole family over here and they’ve lost everything. From Mariupol.” The time Dave and William spent selling goes on longer than planned, but William calls for extra magazines and
“I was having a bad day so I thought I’d just go for a walk, I had no destination. I was in Waitrose and I think the security guard thought I was trying to steal something – well not steal, but he said, ‘Why don’t you go to Tesco’s, it’s a lot cheaper’. OK. All right. Then somebody said to me Prince William’s around the corner standing outside Sainsbury’s. I thought yeah, of course… “Life is funny,” she says. “But he’s lovely and I hope this encourages people to buy the magazine.” Completely sold out, Dave and William call time. Together they’ve sold 32 copies. “How long would it take for you to sell those normally?” William asks. In under an hour they’ve sold what it would usually take Dave half a week to sell. Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers / The Big Issue UK bigissue.com / @BigIssue
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Prince William and Big Issue vendor Dave in conversation: 'Homelessness is an issue I want to fight for' by The Big Issue
The Duke of Cambridge and vendor Dave Martin spent an afternoon on the streets of London selling The Big Issue. Once they had sold all their copies, they headed to The Passage, a center that supports people threatened by or experiencing homelessness. It was here, in 1993, that Princess Diana brought her young sons to give them a sense of the world outside palace walls. They’d talk and play board games with residents. Today, William is a patron. It was here too that Dave came when he needed help when sleeping outside in the area a decade ago. Dave and William sat down for a post-selling debrief and to get to know each other better. Dave: How did you feel selling The Big Issue?
Dave: You’re still young. I’m 60.
Prince William: I really enjoyed it. I could have spent many more hours out there with you.
Prince William: Sixty? Are you? You don’t look a day over 50. I felt my birthday was a good opportunity. I wanted to make sure we were highlighting something that matters to me. Off the back of Everyone In [the scheme that brought all rough sleepers off the streets during the pandemic] it started to feel that actually, this issue isn’t quite as big to tackle as we think. But it feels like it’s gone back to what it was before the pandemic. We can fix it. It is possible to – I never want to say completely end homelessness, because every day something else might happen for someone – but get on top of it more than we have done.
Dave: Why did you want to do this today? Prince William: The Big Issue is something that’s been around for a long time. It is part of UK history. I think at times it’s had peaks and troughs in terms of its visibility. People don’t know enough about it. The fact that we’ve been through a pandemic, and realizing what that’s done for The Big Issue, but also for homelessness, how much that’s troubled everything. Dave: I lost a lot of sales for, I call it, COVID reasons. People shop online or they don’t go to the store so often. And actually, there’s still people scared to come out. Today was quiet to begin with and then all of a sudden, it’s like crazy. Prince William: I was surprised how many people actually spotted me wearing a Big Issue vest standing outside Sainsbury’s. I can walk down the street with a baseball cap on and nobody would pay attention. But everyone was really friendly, weren’t they? I’m conscious that I got the easy version in the summer sunshine. Dave: What would you have done if it was raining? Prince William: I’d have still come out, don’t worry, Dave. Ever since I came here [to The Passage] with my mother, homelessness has stuck with me as an issue I want to fight for. I’ve done everything I can to raise the profile of the homeless, and I want to do a lot more. Dave: I’ve heard somebody’s got a birthday coming up. Are you 21 again? Prince William: I’d like to be 21 again, Dave. The big four-zero.
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Dave: How would you do that? Prince William: It’s a good question. How do you bring together all the best people like The Passage, Centrepoint, Big Issue who know this area very well? How do you build something that’s got legs and can deliver support packages to allow individuals to come out the other end standing on their own two feet? That’s what I’ll be trying to do. How would you fix homelessness, if you had the power? Dave: Get all the homeless off the street, get them accommodation. Give them support and help to move on in their life. That’s the first thing I’d do. Prince William: Sounds like a good idea. Dave: A lot of day centers have closed. Would that be a good idea to open them up? Prince William: You know, I’m not the expert. But there’s no doubt about it, more support at the sharp end is needed. Rather than the firefighting going on – brilliantly done in lots of areas – it would be good to bring everyone together and have it a bit more streamlined and coordinated. Look ahead
The Duke of Cambridge and Dave Martin at The Passage (Andy Parsons photo).
as much as we can as well and prevent homelessness, as much as curing what’s going on right now. Dave: There’s a lot of, excuse the pun, issues with why people become homeless. Could be family, could be a multitude of reasons. So as you say, you need to address all those problems together. Prince William: Can I ask how you found yourself in the situation where you were living on the streets? Dave: Well, I mean it first started when I was 5 and my mum died. I got pushed around different families and care hostels, that sort of thing. Then I decided to come to London. Obviously, come here and you’ll make it. And you don’t. I found myself on the street. Prince William: This is what got you back on your feet, selling The Big Issue? Dave: It got me off the street. Gave me respect. I was begging at the time. Another vendor said I could be doing something a lot better and took me along to the Big Issue office. Hey presto, I’ve been doing it for 11 years now. Prince William: When I speak to you or anyone who’s been living on the streets, you start to see the human and the difficulties you’ve been through. There’s still some taboo about
homelessness. I think the mental health side of things frightens people. We have to tackle all this to help humanize those who are living with homelessness. Many people would not be able to fare as well as you have to get through. Dave: A few people didn’t fare so well. Prince William: That’s the sad thing. Many don’t. But if there was some way of being able to talk more openly about these stories, to show people the real challenges you’ve faced, I think a lot of people would be like, OK, I can now see why people end up where they do. Dave: That’s right. You try to engage with people. Perhaps they don’t know how to approach you. I see some members of the public engage with the homeless and when that happens, you’ll see their face light up. They’ve got someone to talk to. Prince William: I’m fortunate enough that I get to see the best of people whenever I meet them. They give me their best side. Dave, you probably get to see the worst in people. Dave: Sometimes, yeah. I’m fortunate that I’ve built up my pitch over the years [Dave normally sells at Tesco in Hammersmith] and it is quite a friendly place. But I’ve heard vendors getting spat at and a lot of verbal abuse.
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Prince William: I’m lucky because I am who I am. Often, people are happy to talk to me. We’ve got to push back on the normality that is popping in your wireless earphones and wandering down the street, listening to music or on a phone. In a city, you walk past hundreds of people every day and you don’t even look at them. Wouldn’t it be nice to find out a bit more about the people on either side of you? That way, people would be a bit more understanding, a bit more tolerant of what everyone’s had to deal with. Dave: They probably get to hear about the bad stuff rather than the good stuff. “Oh, I heard this vendor did that, I better not approach them.” Prince William: When you’re selling The Big Issue, I think people feel they can approach you. But if someone’s sleeping rough on the streets, that’s a different thing isn’t it? Dave: The Big Issue has done Night Walks before, to take the public around where homeless people sleep to try and explain the situation. We try and get people to understand.
Dave: Yeah.
Prince William: It’s about respect. People who are homeless can’t rebuild their life without a number of things. And one of those things is respect and self-respect. And that’s what The Big Issue gives you.
Dave: Every week. Then hopefully I can take a bit of time off at the weekend. Depends how the sales go.
Dave: That’s right. Prince William: It’s a good start to get yourself back on your feet where you feel like: 'I matter.' Dave: Gives you pride. Gives you something to aim for. Prince William: You’ve got something each day to know you’ve got to do – a bit of structure. Because everyone needs a little bit of structure in their life, don’t they? Dave: So how did you find the Jubilee? Prince William: It was a lovely weekend, thanks. It was a moment of national unity, I felt. I think it brought a lot of people together. I think it made everyone feel a bit better about themselves after a difficult couple of years. Dave: I saw a picture of The Mall. It was just chock-a-block with people. Prince William: Chock-a-block. Red white and blue everywhere. It was really good to see.
Prince William: Every week?
[Even after a stellar sales session, Dave plans to head off to his regular vending spot. But before he goes, he has a gift for the Duke. A few years ago, Dave became an artist, when he started “doodling” after visiting the Tate Modern. Now he exhibits his work and sells it online. He hands over a set of postcards of his work.] Prince William: You’re a good doodler. It’s quite abstract, isn’t it? Does it represent anything to you? Dave: I always leave it down to the eye of the beholder. Prince William: I studied a bit of art history at university. Had to give it up. I kept falling asleep in the lectures. Terrible. We did a lot of Renaissance, which was amazing. But then once we got into modern art, I started to get a bit dozy. Dave: I can introduce you to modern art. Prince William: Yours are more interesting. I like to have a story behind the artist. Dave: When are we going to do this again? We’ll do 50 next time, at least!
Prince William: Did you get to see it?
Prince William: Honestly, I really enjoyed it. Thank you for looking after me. When you first do it, I can see it’s daunting. You just don’t quite know what’s going to happen or how it’s going to go.
Dave: Unfortunately I was working. I saw highlights. I should have said, yes, I did see it.
Dave’s work is available to buy from his website, artbydavemartin.com.
Prince William: No you shouldn’t. Because that’s the point. You need to work. You were telling me, you do seven days a week?
Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers / The Big Issue UK bigissue.com / @BigIssue
Dave: The best part of the celebrations was the flypast.
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Prince William and The Big Issue vendor Dave Martin (Andy Parsons photo).
Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the ethe7/10/17 Sudoku
PuzzleJunction.com
1 to 9.
53 55 56 58 60 61 62
Streetwise 7/10/17 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the Sudoku numbers 1 to 9.
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Wind instrument 38 Arduous Decant journey Some receivers 40 Ranch Kitty pleaser newborn Voting group 41 Bookstore Canyon feature section Bulgarian 43 Dewy money 45 It’s a breeze 25 Spanish 46 Grassy plain sparkling white 47 W.W. II wine conference site 26 Rime 48 Iowa State’s 28 Towhead home Down 29 Lily family 49 Treaty member 1 Rebuke 50 Unpolluted 30 Cut the crop 2 Cover girl 51 Astringent 3 Excuse 31 Thus far 52 Encounter 4 Starchy tuber 32 After-bath wear 54 F.B.I. operative 5 Dig like a pig 33 Deer sir 57 Flying geese 6 Lennon’s lady 34 Bat an eye? formation PuzzleJunction.com 36 ©2017 Little devil 7 Equals Copyright 59 Aquarium 8 Sandwich shop 37 Intrepid denizen
Fall behind Stake driver Roulette bet Kingdom Neutral color Lawn starter “Fiddler on the Roof” role 63 Plant part 64 Collector’s goal 65 Student aid
9 10 11 13 14 21 23
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last week's Solution Puzzle Answers
Solution
Solution
PuzzleJu
Crossword Across 1 Seductress 5 Cuckoopint 9 Mischievous 14 Diaper cream ingredient 15 Detective’s assignment 16 Riyadh resident 17 Gobs 18 Berry starter 19 Kind of drive 20 “Put a lid ___!” 21 Denial 23 Adjust a camera 25 Certain student 29 “Is it soup ___?” 30 Pound sound 31 1969 Peace Prize grp. 32 Insignificant 35 Dance bit 36 Think ahead 37 Vine fruit 41 Sheepskin leather 42 Kayoed 43 Memory unit 44 Recliner part 45 Regret 46 In times past 48 It blows off steam 50 Non-owner habitation 55 5th letter of the Greek alphabet 58 Actor O’Shea 59 Certain sorority woman
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62 Lease 63 Isaac’s firstborn 64 Ornamental handbags 65 Race track shape 66 One of TV’s Simpsons 67 Nettle 68 Cairo’s river 69 Pharaoh’s symbol
8 Diner’s card 9 Protective embankment 10 Big dipper 11 Stole 12 Nuptial agreement 13 Matchsticks game 22 Involuntary twitch 24 Cluster of flowers Down 26 Kitchen light 1 Guts 2 Unaccompanied 27 Carpenter’s tool 3 Recurring theme 28 Hither’s partner 30 Deviation 4 Marinara 32 Beach alternative 5 Build up 33 Full of rich soil 34 Night spot 6 Least cooked 35 Most preferred 7 DoD part
36 38 39 40 41 45 46 47 49 51 52 53 54 56 57 59 60 61
Thickness ___ truly Expected Black, to poets Dust remover Meal Discordant Washer setting Old photo color Tiny organism Month after Adar Lewis’s partner Early days It’s pumped in a gym First name in jeans Beer barrel Gobbled up Wall Street order
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