A Customer Letter About Vendor JT in Lakeview

Dear StreetWise,

If you have ever been in the Northeast Lakeview area where Broadway and Waveland intersect, you have likely seen J.T. He is usually at Walgreens: either on the sidewalk, or on hot days, in the parking lot, to be in the shade. He sits there in his well-worn camping chair that has an attached table with a loaf of bread feeding "his" birds. He always has at least one person standing there conversing with him.

J.T. sells StreetWise, which is information on the community of homeless, among other topics. J.T. takes his job seriously; he works a full day, sometimes 7 days a week. He has become a well-respected individual in the Lakeview community, he engages with people from all walks of life. I have never seen someone who gets so much help from his community. Not only do people buy papers, but they most often hand him extra money. They care about him and know that the money they give him will go towards what he needs. That kind of compassion J.T. earns because he has self-respect. He never asks anyone for anything, and the way he presents himself is always professional. He is always clean shaven and dressed well.

I know that people see in J.T. the same things I do: integrity, honesty and professionalism. He shows kindness, empathy and compassion. J.T. has grit! In a job where you set your own hours, you can come and go as you please. J.T.'s work ethic rivals those of a corporate lawyer. He is always there. It is astounding how many people he knows! And these folks always help him, whether or not they purchase a paper. He is so easy to get along with and I have had many great conversations with him. I don't know how much money he amasses in a day – that is not my business. But I do know that this community sees a respectable man working to make a living and they appreciate that. I have been watching for years the generosity people show J.T., not just with money but with conversation and acknowledging him as a person. Most take the time to stop and have a brief conversation.

I have been knowing J.T. for as long as he has been there, at least 6-7 years. He is a very genuine person, and I am pleased to be one of his many friends.

-Becky

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