02 04 2009

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

Where the poor and homeless

February 4 to 17, 2009

D STE GE ON G S U N AT I DO

earn and give their two cents Volume 6 Issue 7

HOW MANY HOMELESS?

Pages 4 and 5

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Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Dual Diagnosis (both CSA and

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SMI) U.S. Milirary Veteran HIV/AIDS diagnosis Domestic Vio-

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lence Victim Unaccompanied Youth Physically

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Disabled Chronic Health

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Problems Language Minority

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Formerly in Foster Care

Does client belong to any of the subpopulations listed below? Mark (x) all that apply.

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Formerly Institutionalized

See Page 6

Is Client Disabled by chron-

Substance Abuse (CSA)

ic substance abuse or severe

Chronic

mental illness? Mark (x) 1 of 3.

2009 Continuum of care point in time tally sheet

A First Draft of History

The Writer’s Group Plays Cupid Page 11

Inauguration Scrapbook Pages 8 and 9

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristal DeKleer Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Mary Lynn Jones Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops David Walker Martin Walker Kathy Whelpley

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Thompson Osuri EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Mary Otto VENDOR MANAGER Gregory Martin ASSOCIATE EDITOR David S. Hammond (volunteer) VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Sherry Antoine, Laura Arico, Robert Basler, Robert Blair, Cliff Carle, Jane Cave, Rebecca Curry, RickDahnke, Jessia Gaitan, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Carol Hannaford, Justin Herman, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Kayne Karnbach, Michael Kelly, MauriceKing, Geof Koss, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Gregory Martin, Starlett McNeill, Kim O’Connor, Gabriel Okolski, Robert Orifici, Swinitha Osuri, Michael O’Neill, Jon Pattee, Katinka Podmankzy, Sarah Pope, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Jesse Smith, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Francine Triplett, Eugene Versluysen, Jerry W., Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu VENDORS Willie Alexander, Jake Ashford, Kenneth Belkowskly, Tommy Bennett, Reginald Black, Corey Bridges, Bobby Buggs, Cliff Carle, Conrad Cheek Jr., Louise Davenport, James Davis, Bernard Dean, Muriel Dixon, Patrick Ebitit, Alvin Dixon El, Randy Evans, Tanya Franklin, Barron Hall, David Harris, Patricia Henry, Phillip Howard, Jo Ann Jackson, Michael Jefferson, Patricia Jefferson, Carlton Johnson, Jewell Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Brenda Karyl LeeWilson, James Lott, Robert McCray, August Mallory, Gregory Martin, Charles Mayfield, Lee Mayse, Jennifer Mclaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, L. Morrow, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Moyo Onibuje, Thomas Queen, Raymond Ragland, Kevin Robinson, Tyrone Rogers,, Franklin Sterling, Sybil Taylor, Eric

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Our Mission

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

The Story of Street Sense

Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 25 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world.

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. For the next three years the paper published on a monthly basis and greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network.

For the first year, Street Sense operated as a

project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space. In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming a nonprofit organization.

In October 2005 Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November the organization hired its first employee, a fulltime executive director.

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

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

As of January 2009 the paper has 80 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.

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: _______________________________

We are proud members of:

International Network of Street Papers

Vendor Code of Conduct 1.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Month’s Donors

Please make checks payable to: Street Sense.

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

North American Street Newspaper Association

Thank You!

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

In Other News Compiled by Jon Pattee Global Warming Poised to Swell Homeless Ranks A new article in The Sunday Times highlights the looming problem of homelessness that looks set to strike hundreds of thousands of people around the world as sea levels rise. The Feb. 1 article by Christine Toomey focuses on the efforts of the island state of The Maldives to cope with rising tides that may inundate the entire country. But Toomey also notes that parts of densely populated countries such as Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, and Egypt that will also be drowned by rising sea levels. In Bangladesh alone, the article states, 17% of the country’s landmass is expected to be submerged in the next 40 years, making at least 20 million people homeless.

Economic Woes Complicate Count of Homeless Americans The United States’ economic dive is complicating efforts to count the homeless, according to a Jan. 30 AP article by Evelyn Nieves. In the first major census of people living on the streets since the recession began, thousands of volunteers are trying to count the homeless in their communities. But the census does not count those staying with friends or relatives, or in hotels, garages, or other makeshift, inadequate housing. Some advocates say the biannual, federally mandated census will actually omit the majority of homeless people.

“I call it the double trouble,” said Philip Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “You would have to be naive to believe that the loss of over 850,000 homes and over two million jobs wouldn’t have an impact.”

Study Finds Race Affects Perceptions of US Homelessness Whites and African Americans have very different experiences on the streets, according to researchers cited in a Jan. 30 UPI article. Researchers at the University of California who studied 205 homeless youth in San Francisco found that the majority of white homeless youth there came from elsewhere in California and the US, while the African Americans were all born and raised in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

The study also found that 81 percent of whites reported being “literally” homeless, meaning they had no place meant for human habitation in the last month, compared to 37 percent of African Americans.

In general, white youth seemed to embrace the label of "homeless" and showed poor hygiene, tattoos, and piercings, while African-Americans said homelessness was shameful and something that should be hidden at all costs, and emphasized the importance of appearing prosperous.

Unemployment Spurs Growth of Homelessness in Spain Joblessness is spreading in Spain, and with it homelessness that is becoming a source of social tensions, according to a Jan. 15 Reuters article by Andrew Hay. The unemployed are losing their housing and eating in soup kitchens in Spain, where the global economic has pushed unemployment to levels not seen in any European country since the 1930s.

“One day this place is going to explode," unemployed waiter Miguel Roa, a Spaniard, told Hay. Since De-

cember, Roa said, he had lost his job and his home and watched his family split as economic crisis ended 14 years of growth in Spain.

Nigerians Seek Justice in Home Demolitions Case In a bid to secure compensation for the demolition of their homes 19 years ago, residents of Maroko, a suburb of the Nigerian capital of Lagos, have taken their housing demolition case to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Gambia.

According to a Jan. 14 article on allAfrica.com by Chinazor Megbolu, they seek compensation for the destruction caused by the military regime of that time.

One leader in the move for compensation said that Maroko was reduced to rubble by bulldozers, with over 10,000 houses flattened and 300,000 people left homeless. He added that “innocent citizens went through this harrowing experience so as to satisfy the greed of a few elite whose residences have now sprung up in Maroko.”

Migrants Fill New Irish Shelter’s Beds A new emergency homeless shelter that opened in Dublin city in January is housing a large proportion of people from Eastern Europe, according to a Feb. 2 article by Alison Healy in The Irish Times. The new 21-bed shelter was opened to “dissuade people from sleeping rough,” and looks to fill a gap for people reluctant to use hostels or shelters because of concerns about disclosing information to register. According to shelter staff, homeless people from abroad are more likely to sleep outside because many do not speak good English and had difficulty accessing services.

Donate to Street Sense My Information

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Name:_______________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________________________ Phone:_______________________E-mail:_________________________

___ $50 for two vendor awards each month

Please make checks payable to Street Sense Street Sense is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

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

You can also donate online at www.streetsense.org

___ $70 for food for vendor meetings ___ $100 for postage each month ___ $200 for the vests of 15 new vendors ___ $500 for rent for vendor office ___ $1,200 for the printing of one issue ___ Another amount of $_______ ___ Another amount of $_______ for vendor: ________________

In Kind Donations Neeeded * Messenger and tote bags and backpacks for vendors

* Laptop computers with at least Windows 2000

* Bottled water to hand out to vendors

and 10 GB of storage space

* Food for vendor meetings

* Laser color printer

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Cliff Carle

Editor’s Note My phone rang at 6 a.m. on Inauguration Day. It was Cliff Carle, a Street Sense vendor who also takes photographs, and he told me “It’s unreal. It’s – whatever time it is – and there’s probably 10,000 people around the CCNV shelter, and I got some good shots already. I intend to get out in this. I can’t sit around and wait.”

At Street Sense we never had to ask whether we should cover Barack Obama’s inauguration. Vendors had begun writing about the 2008 presidential race as soon as anyone was in it.

So we knew we’d be able to get some interesting stories and pictures as our hometown hosted this national celebration.

But we also saw an opportunity for our writers and photographers to learn how the professionals do it.

We tapped Cliff Carle, because we wanted a seasoned photographer out there and because he lives near the Mall at 2nd and D streets, NW. Reggie Black and Carlton Johnson also stepped forward to try out the Official Media Experience.

I was able to get them credentialed for several official events and also for an NAACP open house that looked interesting. It all turned out to be a pretty good fit, and we were glad to know they were amidst those historic crowds, along with the many other vendors who went out to sell papers that week.

We were thrilled to see this happen, not least because the excitement and satisfaction expressed by our credentialed team was matched by many of their fellow Street Sense vendors during Inauguration Week.

And those feelings reflected the hard-won pride of so many vendors whom I have seen, during my five years with Street Sense, coming to understand that their involvement in spreading the news – whether by selling the paper to eager readers, writing, taking pictures, or being interviewed for a profile or longer article – is a measurable, tangible, undeniable achievement in their lives, and an equally substantial contribution to the public discussions and debates which are meant to be at the heart of American self-government.

Read these reports, view these pictures, and read the words of Street Sense’s vendors and other contributors throughout this and every issue. I think you will agree.

– David Hammond

Inauguration Day Experience

Cliff Carle

By Patricia Jefferson

On Inauguration Day, after stepping out of the door of the shelter in which I reside, I was overwhelmed by the tons of people that filled the streets of the small vicinity surrounding the courts and Union Station.

The area reminds me of a small town which has most amenities.

Out-of-towners happily gathered in the streets and enjoyed coffee and breakfast before the big event of the day. People from all over the world congregated outside and in stores to purchase their favorite inaugural souvenirs and memorabilia to cherish forever. When I saw that the t-shirts were selling quickly, I decided to purchase one.

Due to the extreme crowds of people, I watched Obama’s speech and the parade on TV along with the other residents in the shelter. The room was quiet. Everyone was glued to the television set to witness the history of the first black President of the United States being sworn in office, the highest seat in the land.

Three-Fifths

By Cliff Carle As I looked out my window downtown at 4 a.m. on Inauguration Day, I began to understand the excitement of this new president.

When I was a kid, half a century ago, we had to ride in the back of the bus. But now, everyone will stand up when the 44th president enters the room.

No longer can society even suspect that minorities are just three-fifths of a human. And not since the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery have we blacks been so excited – not even when Edward Brooke from my home state of Massachusetts became the first black senator since Reconstruction in 1967.

I’ve only waited like this for one other icon – 12 hours for Jimi Hendrix on Randall’s Island in New York City back in the early 1970s. Hendrix finally came on stage at 6 a.m. and it was worth the wait.

That was exciting. But seeing this new president take office was even more exciting for me.

And history, some years from now, will tell the whole story. So let’s watch history being made.

And “Yes We Can!”

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

Making Friends in the Crowd

By Kenneth Belkosky

Cliff Carle

Reginald Black

The weekend of the Presidential Inauguration was fun. I met a lot of people who were here for the first time, and I even interviewed some people for this paper.

The first person I talked to was a man named Mark who works for a company that provides the Jumbotrons for the Grand Prix, the Kentucky Derby, and as of this weekend the celebration on the National Mall.

Another person was from Lexington, KY and this was their first time here for a swearing in of a President. They heard about it online and will come back if Obama is re-elected.

Next I talked to Maria and Gary, who were from Baltimore. This was also their first time here. They came here for the fun and excitement and will come back again.

I had a great time taking pictures for Street Sense and hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

I Was There. I Was There!

By Reggie Black Our view was blocked by a column. I almost bumped into another photographer, Polly from the Rockville High School’s Rampage newspaper.

I felt honored to share the press space with someone so close to my own age.

Then the “We Are One” inaugural concert began. I felt the energy, especially when Garth Brooks got the people to sing in unison.

When the president-elect spoke I wondered what will this mean for the significance of upcoming events.

The crowd leaving was intense. I walked to Farragut North and sold a few copies of Street Sense.

As I headed for the nearest shelter I could feel that I had experienced something historic and magical.

But there was more to come.

I was also given access to the Mall for the swearing-in ceremony.

I woke up Tuesday morning to a surprise – people as well as the press had camped out for the night.

I arrived around 8 on Tuesday morning and was instructed to walk from Eastern Market to the Third Street tunnel, southbound.

But when I saw the huge crowd, I took the northbound tunnel.

I continued with the crowd and as I passed 12th Street the people on the bridge cheered us, as we made our way to join them. They waved and hollered.

A front-row seat for the inauguration Now I had a front row seat to one of the most historic events in history – the inauguration of the first black president of the United States. The program began with a prayer by the powerful Rev. Rick Warren.

People bowed their heads. Soon the delegates and the former presidents made their way to the Capitol.

If you were anywhere near the Mall when President Bush showed up on the Jumbotron, all you heard was a resounding “boo” and “na na hey hey, goodbye!”

Vice President-elect Joe Biden and the new first family came on the stage. Now everybody was waiting for the president-elect.

The crowd was huge, the chanting of “Yes WE Can” and “Obama Obama” rang loudly.

Suddenly there he was on the Jumbotron.

The people become excited. Obama stood in an intensely elated ocean of American pride and joy.

They raised their fists, waved their flags and screamed at the top of their lungs (myself included). With much anticipation the crowd hushed to hear the new president take his oath of office. As Mr. Obama said “so help me God,” the crowd cheered louder than ever before.

I was there. I was there!

Can you imagine an ocean of people screaming? It was like the sound of rushing water without the crashing of waves.

President Obama then turned to address America, saying that the road may be long, and that there are needs and that the needs will be met.

Leaving the Mall was as complicated as it had been to get there. But I hopped a shuttle and journeyed to Stadium-Armory.

I soon returned to Southeast and I ended my night with one thought – I was there. I was there!

District of Colombia tow trucks removing cars from the street.

I reached the Lincoln Memorial around 8.

It was a chaotic scene, but after a lot of sorting out, the wave of press were allowed in. I was among them, representing Street Sense with an official credential from the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

I chose a spot and began to take pictures.

Reginald Black

Reginald Black

I awoke at 6:30 on the morning of Sunday, January 18 and hurried down to Southeast for a bus pass, headed for the inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

It was a day, and a week, like no other, and even getting to the concert was unlike your typical D.C. cross-town trip.

The bus didn’t work out, so I hopped a crowded Metro train at Potomac Avenue.

I came out of the Foggy Bottom station at about 7:30 a.m. and witnessed an army of

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

A Cold Night in January

By Mary Otto Armed with clipboards, volunteers spent all day Jan. 28 counting the region’s thousands of homeless men, women and children, in shelters and at food and counseling programs.

And later, when streetlights shone on the ice-glazed snow, they went out again, searching for the ones they had missed during the day – the hurt, the high, the scared, hidden in alleys and under bridges, or deep in the parks.

The point-in-time enumeration sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has been held every January since 2001, and is intended to provide an annual snapshot of the homeless population in Washington and its suburbs.

Regionally, analysts are on the lookout for signs that the poor economy and the housing crisis may be leading to an increase in homelessness, according to Michael Ferrell, chair of the council of government’s Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee and the Executive Director of the DC Coalition for the Homeless.

“What we will be paying attention to is people who have become homeless due to the economic situation and foreclosure,” Ferrell said.

Some people who have lost their homes due to foreclosure still have income and become renters, Ferrell said.

But he added, o t h e r s “f a l l into that group – Jeff Rustin where the bottom literally falls out.”

This is outreach.

T h i s i s what it’s all about.

Tracking People, Tracking Need The data gathered during the count is compiled and analyzed, giving a better understanding of changes in the homeless population over time, the needs of homeless men, women and children in different communities, and the causes of homelessness. Last year’s count, conducted just months after the housing crisis broke, showed numbers virtually unchanged from 2007. Throughout the region, 11,752 people were counted, 10 fewer than in the previous year. More than half, a total of 6,044, were found in District shelters, soup kitchens, day programs

and outdoor camp sites. The rest were found in suburbs throughout Maryland and Virginia, staying in a range of emergency and transitional programs as well as woodland encampments.

Here in the District, the ninth annual count was marked by a concerted effort to reach people not included before, in neighborhoods barely touched in previous counts.

Teams of volunteers searching Southeast Washington found a handful of people, including a pregnant woman hidden in an abandoned house. They also found a mentally disabled woman whose mother had recently died wandering the frigid streets, said Jeff Rustin, an outreach worker from DC Central Kitchen. While the pregnant woman chose to stay where she was, the disabled woman agreed to go into a shelter, he said.

“This is outreach,” he said. “This is what it’s all about.”

Without extra effort, these people would not have been included in the survey – and could have remained invisible to the network of services designed to help them, said Hilary Espinosa, also an outreach worker from DC Central Kitchen, who searched behind dumpsters in Anacostia with a flashlight and scanned Anacostia Park for footprints in the snow. She found only one man, slumped in the doorway of a closed café.

He refused to go to a shelter but accepted a blanket and answered some of the questions on Espinosa’s survey.

When she left, he had a little protection from the cold and he was included in the count.

The outreach workers’ aims are simple, yet profound, Espinosa explained.

“We’re not the people who get things done,” she said. “All we do is help people be OK until they can make a decision” to cope with their homelessness.

Modern Homelessness: Trying to Count a Rising Tide Over the past 30 years, factors including the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, the wide availability of highly addictive drugs and the loss of public, affordable and single room occupancy housing have all contributed to increasing homelessness across the country.

Since the early 1980s, as modern homelessness was being defined and quantified here in Washington both in the streets and in the halls of Congress,

Mary OttoPHOTO CREDIT

As Economy Worsens, the Homeless are Counted

Hilary Espinosa fills out a homeless count enumeration form by the light of her flashlight .

counting the homeless has remained an inexact science – and a matter of intense controversy.

Back in those days estimates of the local homeless population ranged from 3,000 to 10,000, with city officials placing the numbers on the lower end of the spectrum and homeless advocates, including the late Mitch Snyder and members of his Community for Creative Non-Violence saying their larger numbers were based upon the needs they saw around them.

“The numbers on the streets were huge,” recalled Carol Fennelly, a former CCNV spokeswoman, in an interview this week. But besides that, it served officials’ purposes to present the homeless problem as smaller, and the advocates purposes to present the problem as larger, she said.

“We were providing services to the homeless.”

But leaders of CCNV, which completed renovations on the 1,350 bed Federal City Shelter in 1988, also liked to dramatize the point that the true number of homeless people living in the city was, by nature, practically unknowable.

“We will know how many there are only after we have brought them inside,” wrote Snyder and CCNV colleague Mary Ellen Hombs.

While acknowledging the difficulties inherent in counting the homeless

nationally, officials at the U.S Census Bureau have recently announced efforts for increased outreach in order to provide a better estimate of the nation’s homeless population in the 2010 census.

The news might have amused Snyder. Before his death in 1990, he and other CCNV protesters dumped a truckload of sand in front of the Department of Commerce, which oversees the U.S. Census Bureau, as a way of highlighting the failings of homeless counts, Fennelly said.

“Mitch’s line was ‘counting homeless people is like counting grains of sand.’ ” A report on this year’s homeless count is expected in the spring.

We will know how many (homeless people) there are only after we have brought them inside.

– Mitch Snyder and Mary Ellen Hombs

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

Street News Service

What’s Next for Guantanamo?

By Adam Forrest The first step, civil liberties campaigners agree, is to end the system of military commissions, a legal black hole set up by the Bush administration to allow detainees to be tried outside of international and domestic standards. This would prevent the trial of Omar Khadr, a Canadian imprisoned and interrogated at Guantanamo when he was just 15, and signal the new administration’s desire to see the conventional rule of law restored.

What then? What’s to be done with the remaining 250 prisoners? Most estimate that there is enough evidence to put around 40 to 50 detainees on trial in US courts. Human Rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, whose organisation Reprieve has represented many of the most high profile detainees at Guantanamo, believes the camp’s end is nigh. “We’ve been in discussion with Obama’s transition team about it, and closure is a very high priority for them,” he tells The Big Issue. “We’ve relied on the federal courts for 200 years. If the government thinks they’ve done anything wrong, then put them on trial in a

We’ve been in discussion with Obama’s transistion team about it, and closure is a very high priority for them,” he tells the Big Issue. “We’ve relied on the federal courts for 200 years. If the government thinks they’ve done anything wrong, then put them on trial in regular court.

regular court.”

Ken Gude, director of international rights at the Centre for American Progress believes another option would be to use military courts, as prescribed by the Geneva Convention, but would not apply to most detainees since they were not picked up on the battlefield. “The most favoured route should be regular federal trial,” says Gude. “Those procedures have already been used to incarcerate and put on trial some of the most dangerous terrorists. The US justice system has the ability to handle it. It’s a great a shame and tragedy that we pursued a course that threw aside all that and viewed traditional justice as deficient.”

America may have to deal with some difficult trials and unpalatable verdicts as it returns from one idea of justice to another. Susan Crawford, the Bush administration official in charge of the military commissions, recently admitted torture was used to obtain testimony from Mohammed al-Qahtani, a Saudi man suspected of involvement with the 9/11 attacks. “It demonstrates how incompetent and mismanaged the process has been,” says Gude.

Another 150 or so of Guantanamo’s detainees are already cleared to leave, but as refugees in danger if they return to countries of origin, are in need somewhere to go. So far only Portugal and Albania have accepted to resettle some of the prisoners, but many observers believe several other European countries, including Britain, France and Germany, are willing to work with the Obama administration to find a solution. The government of Yemen will also have a big part to play in any resolution - 97 detainees are Yemeni - but the US is reluctant to let them return until there is a rehabilitation programme set up to its satisfaction.

Resettling the refugees would leave one final, anomalous group at

the place Tony Blair once described as a living “anomaly” - the detainees considered to dangerous too release, but for whom there isn’t sufficient evidence to charge. “It’s a bizarre category,” says Stacey Sullivan, counterterrorism advisor at Human Rights Watch. “At some point, you either get evidence to prosecute or let them go.

Our recommendation has been to review the cases and put them into one category or the other. You have to live with letting some go. Potential terrorism suspects can be watched.”

Sullivan’s point speaks of the wid-

er, ongoing struggle to uphold human rights as America engages with its’ enemies, either real or imagined.

Stafford-Smith estimates the United States currently keeps 20,000 in military prisons around the world; places where the concept of habeas corpus is sketchy, at best. “We can’t keep treating the (terrorism) situation like it’s a war and rules don’t apply – we’ve got a criminal justice system, we should just use it.”

Reprinted from The Big Issue In Scotland by © Street News Service:

Help Bring the Homeless in from the Cold

CALL THE

Shelter Hotline 1 800 535-7252 Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

“This was my badge. I still have it.”

-Reginald Black

“Grand Entrance-Flags waving, fists pumping.”

-Reginald Black

“12th Street tunnel mess.”

-Reginald Black

“This couple paused, in their Obama hats, amidst a historic crowd – and cleanup job” -Cliff Carle

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“Obama speaks, all eyes to the front.”

-Reginald Black

“This guy and that guy. This guy is feeling good – because of that guy, behind him.”

-Cliff Carle

“It’s time for business” -Reginald Black “A piece of history.” NAACP Press Credential.

-Carlton Johnson.

“Worst spot ever-General Press area, before Sunday’s concert.”

-Reginald Black

“Ocean of American pride” -Reginald Black

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

gREGORY’S gREAT gAME

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Vendor Gregory Martin loves to create seek-and-find puzzles and drive the Street Sense staff crazy trying to find the answers. Below is his latest puzzle. Good Luck!

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e Scope rlton Johnson

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS The Scope

By Carlton Johnson The month of love and history is in the air. Remember to keep your Street Sense of humor - today is your special day, spoiling yourself is must.

Now is the time to cultivate peace around the world but start in ones heart. Then to no end every one that’s surround you will benefit from your entire peace it’s harmony that make the world go around.

Don’t become attached to things of no benefit. Be sincere in your words and be good to those in need of your help.

Remember: “if your are not on top of your game, the game will be on top of you”.

Today’s predictions, are that good comes from within and that everything arises from hard work and acts of kindness.

Remember the desire to share your happiness with someone in need and all those around you carry the torch of hope and speak pleasant words to all that you meet. Practicing this you will enrich, influence, all you encounter.

Sunday January February March April May

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Will write for food: Writer’s Group

February 4 - February 17, 2009

Writer’s Group meets Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office. A poetry after party is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Writing

In keeping up with the happenings of the streets and the homeless a few of us in writers group took five words and express what valentimes day means......

Words of Love

By Reginald Black

Love binds us together no matter what the weather.

Affection runs deep.

I think of ya every night before I sleep.

Wow? A day I don’t have to be discreet.

Its not a secret and the emotion flows holding up the shield I shudder life’s stinging blows.

My card, my sword slicing through the thick rubbish that hides your heart the throbbing thing in your chest.

Cause you to lose all control and finesse.

It can really leave you in a mess.

Is it a match, a match of wits?

Only time will tell, relative, if you are up to it.

Valentine’s Day

by Carlton Johnson Happy Valentine’s Day It’s that one day of the year we, you, and I go into that mad dash to find the right card of expression to say what’s on our minds.

The hunt for the right box of candy to reflect the reflection of ones heart and soul to friends, family, and love ones alike.

The special day of the year that arises when our speech softens to say all the things that we just didn’t have time to say sincerely from the heart.

Valentine’s day the source of harmony and openness that we feel within ourselves of all the good fortunes that come from having the people that enrich and shape our lives the perfect match the card, candy and flowers all rolled into one just to say happy Valentine’s day to our love ones.

Carlton designed the logo helps with layout and writes poetry Contact at inkflownation@gmail.com

Judgmental

By Jerry W.

He lacks judgement thinks common sense isn’t that common.

A judgment took possession of his rental over a decade ago.

Most would have been able to find other work, but he decided to stay alive. Instead of taking his life, it was reframed as an adventure, try homelessness instead of institutionalization, prison for killing the abusive, leaving behind an unfaithful girlfriend/widow, an unknown child, could be his, or not, instant family, that decision was from a broken home, propagated out of love and outside marriage.

He lacks judgment, but played the life dealt him the best he could.

Jerry volunteers with writers group

Figure Skating Championship

by Patty Smith Only one man can win this ice skating match. Jeremy Abbott won first place and Brandon Marrose won second place. Jeremy had smooth moves and worked the audience. Plenty of toe action and many spins, he proved himself to be the champion. He received flowers and huge applause. As far as Brandon Marrose winning second place goes, he also did a good job.

Patty is one of the original vendors and an early group participant.

For The Month of Febuary, we here at the writers group encourage all to attend a writers group meeting and share your thoughts and stories Involving black history month. The writers groups meets at 1317 G Street N.W and is public friendly so please stop by and share a light lunch and your two cents as well PRODUCTION, HOSTING, LAYOUT AND SUPPORT:Cara Schmidt, Carlton Johnson, David Hammond, Jerry W., Patty Smith, Reginald Black

Reggie’s Reflections: In Review

by Reginald Black I’ve been writing about how homelessness affects the social scene. Here’s what I’ve covered ;

“How Do I Say Hello.” In this first piece I need to find a way to meet people without them seeing me in all my roughness, because I’ve been living on the streets. ”Her.” As I struggle with being homeless I start meeting people in mobile phone chat rooms.

This forum takes away my visual roughness and it’s easier for both parties to move forward. I got my wish and a connection was made.

“Incident.” I was talking to a female that I hoped to contact. I found that even if you feel you have nothing, you can have something, and while street life may be lonely, you do not have to be alone.

“Effect.” I was at my highest point but there was more to learn, and sometimes the truth will hurt you worse than a lie. But being truthful with my chat room friend showed that a working relationship does involve two lives, even if one life is a homeless one.

“Free Fall.” I was in and out of contact with the person I had deep feelings for. I was back literally staying underground and the harsh reality hit me like a freight train: she didn’t want anything to do with a relationship

“Desertion.” I moved in with an old friend, so I had somewhere to stay to get on my feet. I continued to chase the same person, while the males I hung out with tried to convince me to go after women with low self-esteem.

I battled the idea but I began to like it since my hopeful didn’t return an ounce of affection.

“Dawgging.” I leave my friend’s home and meet another chat room friend.

With huge emotion lugged on my back I headed to where she was. But after a full day of fun and fellowship I had to leave.

“Extreme Actions.” I was still questioning myself and my interactions on the phone. And the girl was cheating on me. I had to decide did I want someone who I would mean nothing to, or the girl of my dreams.

“Messages.” I have become a relentless flirt. Then, I was surprised by a voicemail. A girl told me she had feelings for me. I began thinking that if I am going to fill the open spot left by another, she would be the one for that task.

“A Premonition.” Things get complicated: a new interest reappeared from my past. But I can never catch her. I flirt my thumbs off while relationship after relationship crumbles. Is this my fate?

Reggie puts the new spin on Sara Jessica Parker’this side of the Anacostia. contact: roninworrior@yahoo.com

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

My Life, Part Two

By Jeffery McNeil

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y world started to change with the deaths in my family. There were many yelling and screaming matches. Sometimes in a rage, my dad would smack my mom, me and my brother. I started to become different. I started getting brutal whippings. I still have the scars from some of the switches.

My saddest moment, and I still cry, is when my dad moved me out of Ohio and went out to New Jersey, first to Linden, then Elizabeth, then Roselle. The earliest memories of New Jersey were of the projects. There was no sense of families.

Many didn’t even have fathers and the kids would do all kinds of mischief.

My dad was a landlord so I would get jumped because my dad evicted people. I hated North Jersey and I cried every day.

My nightmare got worse when my father took me away from living around people who looked familiar. At the time I never even knew I was different because everyone was the same color as me. In 1972 I moved out from the city to a town called Toms River, New Jersey.

We were the first black family and I was

not for pioneering. I got into fights was called nigger and Kunta. Sometimes I wished I had my Cambridge rifle. I was isolated. My schooling suffered and almost dropped out. Because of the racial torment it affected me for awhile.

Even though I didn’t make a whole lot of friends in Toms River, I did bond with people when it came to fishing and music. I loved fishing on the Jersey shore I got thrills when I caught bonitoes, sharks and all the fish that ran through the Atlantic Ocean. I first started drinking and getting high on the fishing boats of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. We would go off shore to catch fish, get paid and to show how macho or foolish I was. I would drink, play poker or shoot pool to get someone else’s money.

Then tragedy struck me in the eighties. First in 1984, my grandma died.

Then my other grandmother died a few months later. Then my great grandparents died in 1985. I got to see my cousins but when we went back to New Jersey, I missed them. I eventually withdrew smoking, doing acid and just getting high. I was truly alone. I didn’t care about the future because I thought I was in hell.

My parents tried but never understood how I hated living in Toms River.

Soon after graduation I joined the service and I distanced myself from my parents but my mom was everything. I soon missed her, got out of the service

and stayed with her. She started getting sick. She had heart disease and passed 1992.

I really became sad but my relationship with my father got better. I realized I was being manipulated but I was in no condition to be on my own. I helped my dad out and sacrificed my life staying with my father.

My brother had tragedy by losing his first girlfriend and getting into drugs. I got so angry when he stole my rent money one day I didn’t want anything to do with him I started disliking myself and the dysfunction of my life. I ended up drinking, contemplating suicide, tricking with prostitutes, anything so I didn’t feel alone. My depression got so bad I said to my dad, “I’ll be back,” and disappeared and never returned to know anything or his whereabouts’. I was hurting, as the years went by I never heard from anyone. I was truly a hermit. I thought I would die in an alley by myself.

I asked God what I did to deserve my fate. I drifted from the South Bronx to all over New Jersey, eventually Philadelphia. Until very recently, the last time I saw my dad was Thanksgiving 2004 where he cried because he happy to see me. I was so out of it mentally I didn’t care I was getting high and drunk tricking my life away. The last time I saw my brother was in a rehab treatment center

where we both, by coincidence, were going at the same time. I was still sick.

I eventually drifted to Washington thinking I might end my life in at least a decent gutter. July 4 2007.

I tried the archives building in Washington a few times, found a few names of my relatives but never called them I was scared. I eventually ended selling newspapers for Street Sense I started not being homeless and met people who liked me. But I was still empty and alone and was still drinking. I stopped getting high and chasing women but I was alone.

This holiday I thought it would be more of the same misery. Till one day I was out selling my papers and met a church group from Barnesville, Ohio. I remember the conversation I told them I haven’t seen my relatives in almost 20 years.

They went to Cambridge and called my Aunt Carol. She called me and I took the bus to Ohio this Christmas. I saw my relatives I was so happy to see them. I went to Zanesville to see my fathers side of the family. I had two family reunions one in Cambridge Ohio and another one in Philadelphia. I called my grandpa who is 92.

Jeffery McNeil regularly puts on a suit to sell Street Sense. E–mail him at jeffery_mcneil2000@yahoo.com

What our REaders are Saying...

The New President

Brown–Skinned African–American Realist Accepting Challenges King–Sized Ousting Bush And Motivating AMERICA Long live our 44th President, Barack Obama

— Shawn Herring

To the Editor, I was very moved by the article entitled “Blanket Worries” in the last issue of Street Sense that I read. This small paragraph carried a big message. We cannot continue to treat homeless populations as though they do not have the same needs as those of us with a roof over our heads. A group of my peers at The George Washington University would like to make blanket donations before this cold winter wraps up — and I was wondering if you could direct us somewhere we could directly make those.

Thank you very much.

Kate Hornyan To the Editor, I’m a long–time Street Sense reader and I had to write and tell you that the Jan 21–Feb 3 edition was excellent. (My all–time favorite is still the 2008 April 1 edition, which fooled me completely!) I especially appreciated the student essays on selling Street Sense, and the article on the homeless women who were chosen to have a day of pampering and then to attend the People’s Inaugural Ball, and definitely the report on President Obama being urged to give attention to the recent reports and statistics on homelessness. But please don’t mix fonts — too hard to read (“Pics n’ Poems” section).

Thanks for consistently producing this newspaper that keeps us informed on so many important topics and shares often uplifting stories about people who are part of our community.

Sincerely, Jenny Thorn

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BOOK REVIEW

February 4 - February 17, 2009

Good Morning Washington!

By Patty Smith

“Ask the Cards a Question” Sharon McCone, Private Eye, was parking her car when she saw a huge crowd in front of her building. The police barred her way to the entrance, even though she lived in the building. Sharon saw Greg the detective and called his name. He explained that someone had been murdered – Molly Antonio. Sharon had known the dead woman.

This is the setup for “Ask the Cards a Question,” a murder mystery. Here is what the book is about: a lady who is afraid of birds, a big black crow, a fortune teller, a blind man who listens well, and a secret too dangerous to share.

It’s a page-turner, by a writer who is fast paced. Sharon the Private Eye is the best in the business. Her instincts tell her what to do, and she is always good at talking to people and getting the information out of them. The book is a roller coaster ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s high speed, intense, and full of chase.

Through important inves-

Patty Smith

“Ask the Cards a Question”

By Marcia Mullen (Mysterious Press, New York, 1982)

tigative work, and with a whiff of gunpowder, Sharon McCone solves the mystery of who killed Molly Antonio.

“Ask the Cards a Question,” and find out with her.

Your thoughts and editorials are welcome.

Please e–mail content to editor@streetsense.org or mail to 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

By Charles Carson

H

ope you slept well. It was cold here, and windy too. As I fold and roll my bed and stuff it into plastic trash bags, I wonder who decided to purchase these damn grey blankets.

Don’t get me wrong. I really appreciate them on nights like last night, but they leave a great deal to be desired.

First they are made of felt. They look like dryer lint, and they shed something fierce. I comb and pick lint from my hair, ears and clothing all day long! Still I can’t get it all. They are not washable.

If they get wet, they practically disintegrate. They are flimsily made. They are see through. They are not waterproof, and we all know they are not windproof.

They would make good AC filters, but they are not good blankets.

Yet mine have been stolen twice this year. Obviously, someone needed them more than I did.

When blankets were first given out, each person was given two. That would be fine if they were big enough, if they weren’t so flimsy, if no one would steal them, if the trash man would not throw them away, if the police wouldn’t toss them due to “security concerns,” if it didn’t rain, if it didn’t snow, and if the wind didn’t blow. Only the crazed, alcoholic, lunatic homeless are required to carry everything they own everywhere they go all day long.

Now only one blanket is given out per person. We’re told that this is due to a supply limited by a cost of $10.00 each.

Blankets are made available when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. November 1 is the day mandated by the District for temperature to get that low. It’s a historical fact that the temperature has never been below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in D.C. between September 30th and November 1, EVER. Forty degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature you want to set your refrigerator to keep food. 40 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect temperature for beer, ice tea, and sodas. Forty degrees Fahrenheit will KILL YOU! Hypothermia can be experienced at 55 degrees Fahrenheit if one is wet and there is a breeze blowing. This is due to windchill. The young, the elderly and the sick and infirm are affected by wind chill more than healthy, well-fed, wellclothed, dry adults. Most homeless are not in the second group.

As well, people have died of hypo-

thermia in every month of the year in every state of the US. Hypothermia has no season, except in D.C. Another reason given for the blanket rule is that ‘you guys just throw them away.’ I don’t. No one I know does. We get our beds stolen or confiscated or trashed simply because we can’t take them with us and there is no place to safely store them that is open 24/7 and affordable (free).

I d o n’t k n ow i f a solution can be found, but I do have a few suggestions to be considered if you would: Find a source for wool military surplus blankets or find a manufacturer to produce the same of a size 80 inches by 90 inches at a price not to exceed $10.00 each. Find a source for hypoallergenic blankets, same size, same price. Purchase ‘space blankets’ or plastic tarps not less than 80 inches by 90 inches or 7 feet by 8 feet in the case of tarps. Purchase rolls of Visqueen and cut it to a size 7 feet by 8 feet. Then, using double sided carpet tape, make a shell 8 feet long by folding and taping the Visqueen on the inside.

Purchase used sheets from hotels, and, using the grey blankets as padding, sew 2 sheets together to make a washable, warm and durable quilt. Purchase sleeping bags rated for 0 degrees Fahrenheit to fit a 6’6” person who weighs 300 pounds or that zip together to form larger bags.

Hire the homeless to make quilts or shells. Provide space and materials so that homeless can do it themselves.

Get churches involved or other charitable organizations. Set up or provide 24/7 laundry service to clean blankets, quilts, sleeping bags, etc. STOP throwing our things away. STOP confiscating our things because you’re scared. Shoot. We have more to be afraid from you than you do of us. Remember: every time you take a bed, especially now, you essentially kill a human being.

Street Sense vendor Charles Carson came to Writers Group with a handwritten draft of this piece. He read it to the enthusiastic group and worked one–on– one with writing coach Cara Schmidt. He now plans to move on, out of the area, but hopes to continue to contribute his ideas on how to help save lives.

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February 4 - February 17, 2009

veNDOR NOTES Vendor Manager Changes We would like welcome Gregory Martin, who took over as vendor manager at the beginning of February. He has been a vendor for more than a year and a volunteer for six months, and is also a regular contributor to the paper via Gregory’s Game.

We also look forward to great things from him and all that he will do to help improve the lives of our vendors.

Cliff’s Clicks on Display with City You can now visit a picture from vendor and skilled photographer Cliff Carle enshrined in the city’s Chief Information Officer at 441 Fourth Street NW. Cliff’s fabulous photograph of the Supreme Court (pictured below) is now part of the city’s collection.

The picture was part of the city’s Art Bank, that started as a traveling collection of images of DC. Cliff’s picture was selected with a dozens others from a host of submissions last year.

Wanna See More Vendor Restaurant Reviews?

Martin on Board At the end of January veteran vendor Martin Walker officially joined the board of Street Sense, where he will serve for a year term. He follows in the footsteps of esteemed board members like August Mallory, James Davis, and Francine Triplett.

At Martin’s first board meeting, he did great, commenting on the organization’s financials and giving his two cents when it comes to the new type of paper. We look forward to big things from Martin!

75 Candles?!??!?!?

We would like to wish a very happy birthday to our oldest vendor Charlie Mayfield.

And while Charlie topped 75 on Feb. 3, 2009, he does not look a day over 55. He is still as young and spry as ever selling papers regularly near Union Station.

Chino’s Layoff We reported just three short months ago that vendor Bernard “Chino” Dean started a job as a dishwasher at Brasserie Beck. But like the fate of many other workers in the last few weeks, Chino was laid off suddenly to economic strains.

Chino is now regularly selling papers, but he is definitely looking to get back in the restaurant businesses.

If you are looking for a dishwasher, bus boy or other restaurant help, please contact us at 202-347-2005.

You Can Help!

This year, we resolve to ask more vendors to visit area eateries and report on their breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Keep an eye out for these honest and complete reviews.

You can help by DONATING GIFT CERTIFICATES to Street Sense and a vendor will go check it out, and Street Sense will thank you in a review.

Typically reveiws are $50 to $70 (for a vendor and guest).

Missing Vendors Vendors often come and go at Street Sense, moving onto other jobs or moving out of town. But when vendors who become fixtures at the organization go missing, we definitely start to worry. Since Christmas, we have not seen Charles Nelson, who could always be found at Metro Center or Phillip Black, a fixture at the CVS in Tenleytown.

If you know anything about the whereabouts of these fine vendors please contact vendor manager Gregory Martin at gregory@streetsense.org or 202-347-3006.

And if you are concerned about another Streeet Sense vendor you have not seen in a while, please feel free to contact Gregory at the information above. We always like to know of reader’s concern.

INAuGURATION CELEBRATION

Please mail your gift certificates today to: Street Sense, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Now Providing Quality Dental Services for D.C. Medically underserved and homeless persons

….We treat you well

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

For one of Unity Health Care’s Medical Homeless Service Sites Call (202) 255-3469 In Chinatwon, vendor Carlton Johnson celebrates the inauguration of Barack Obama with two tourists in town for the festivities.

For an appointment at any of our Community Health Centers Call 1(866) 388388-6489

1500 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 332-4010

www.foundryumc.org

S treetS ense.org WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW (202) 783–6651 www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org John Young Center (Women) 117 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596 Washington, DC 20017 office (202) 529-5261 24-hour hotline (202)-529-5991 shelter and other services for domestic violence victims N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 www.nstreetvillage.org 801 East, St. Elizabeths Hospital (Men) 2700 MLK Avenue, SE (202) 561–4014 New York Ave Shelter (Men) 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 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612

February 4 - February 17, 2009 www.churchofthepilgrims.org

mental health services

Dinner Program for Homeless Women AND the “9:30 Club” Breakfast 309 E Street, NW (202) 737–9311 www.dphw.org

Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050 www.friendshiphouse.net counseling, mentoring, education, youth services, clothing

Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112

Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter. org laundry, counseling, psych care

Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8926 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ ministry/welcometbl.htm

MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

OUTREACH CENTERS Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment Green Door (202) 464–9200 1221 Taylor Street NW www.greendoor.org housing, job training, supportive

Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608 www.marthastable.org dinner, education, recreation, clothing, child and family services Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc. php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social events Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC 20001 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance

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 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

SHELTER Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc. org The Samaritan Group P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

FOOD

Mobile Medical Care, Inc. 9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301) 493–8553 www.mobilemedicalcare.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1514 15th Street, NW (202) 667–4394 http://stlukesdc.edow.org food, counseling

Catholic Charities, Maryland 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 942–1790 www.catholiccharitiesdc.org shelter, substance abuse treatment, variety of other services

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

Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511

MARYLAND

Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 Ninth Road North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org

Our Daily Bread 10777 Main Street, Ste. 320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org

Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE , AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202)889–7702 www.samaritanministry.org HIV support, employment, drug/ alcohol addiction, healthcare

DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org

Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239

Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES

Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/ dc.html emergency travel assistance

SHELTER

FOOD

National Student Partnerships (NSP) 128 M Street NW, Suite 320 (202) 289–2525 washingtondc@nspnet.org Job resource and referral agency

St. Matthew’s Cathedral 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW (202) 347–3215 ext. 552 breakfast, clothing, hygiene

VIRGINIA

Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Church, Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com

Manna Food Center 614–618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville (301) 424–1130 www.mannafood.org

Community Clinic, Inc. 8210 Colonial Lane, ilver Spring (301) 585–1250 www.cciweb.org

15

Alive, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723; www.alive–inc. org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Mission of Love 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights (301)333–4440 www.molinc.org life skills classes, clothing, housewares Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Dri Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportiveservices

Abundant Life Christian Outreach, 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (703) 823–4100 www.anchor–of–hope.net food, clothing, youth development, and medicines David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 500 (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services

Shelter Hotline: 1–800–535–7252

February 4 - February 17, 2009

S treetS ense.org

Evelyn Nnam

Vendor Profile

By Alecia Peterson

THe Last Word

By Laura Thompson Osuri

Grayer Times

A

Evelyn Nnam and her husband came to the United States from Lagos, Nigeria, as refugees in 1999. When they first arrived here, they lived with friends. Evelyn has earned a high school degree and wishes to further her education in English. She is also the mother of an eight-yearold daughter named Victory. Evelyn is currently looking for a job after being fired from the Golden Restaurant, because she became ill and was late to work. She has been a vendor for Street Sense since October 2008, after encountering a Street Sense vendor and asking him where she could get some newspapers to sell.

fter glancing at this issue of Street Sense or the previous one, some of you might have wondered if something has changed. You might have questioned: “Why is my paper so thin?”, “Why does it look so gray?” or “Is this paper smaller?”

Well, something has changed. As you have read, here in this publication and in various other media, the economy looks bleaker every day and these tough times are hitting all individuals and businesses hard. And nonprofits like Street Sense are not immune. As What is your favorite music? the Catch–22 of social services nonprofits goes, in a bad economy I like Christian music, gospel in particular. demand for services rises, but the money to fund such services becomes scarcer.

Favorite Food?

Street Sense has seen its vendor numbers increase 35% over the Rice and chicken noodle soup. past year, with circulation increasing by nearly 30%. Yet at the end of 2008, individual donations, while numerous, were not nearly as large Favorite Movie? as past years. Grant income also fell short. And many predict both of I really like Christian movies, especially “The Coming of Christ.” these areas of nonprofit income will only get worse in 2009.

To prepare Street Sense for a worst–case financial scenario in How did you become homeless?

2009, we decided to cut back on our expenses. That’s where the I am not homeless exactly, but am in desperate need for a job. changes to the actual newspaper came in. We decided to shrink the paper by an inch vertically, only shrinking the printable area by half Were you ever homeless before? an inch. We also decided to switch from bright white 35 lb. paper I have never been homeless before. to a 20 lb. newsprint paper, the kind we used when we first started publishing Street Sense.

Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

These two small changes will save the organization about $450 In 5 years I would like to be very successful with Street Sense and be able Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | each issue, or more than $11,000 a year. And with a budget of| just to speak, read and write perfect English. over $205,000 for 2009, $11,000 is a nice little chunk of change to Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E save. While losing color on the front, back and center would also Evelyn would like to tell the customers to enjoy Street Sense and be blessed! have saved money, we decided it was important to keep, helping | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | with visibility and vendor sales.

City | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miD So yes, Street Sense may look a little grayer and smaller than it has it the past, but you are still getting your dollar’s worth and then some Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | as our editorial content — I think — has been better than ever, with Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | hard–hitting news stories and unique features. Also each time| you buy a paper, you can be confident that even more of our resources, Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E and yours, will go directly to empowering our vendors rather than | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | to aesthetics.

fashion in MidCity

1603 U Street|NW City | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity Shop |1736 Eat14th| Street Explore | miD NW www.caramelfashion.com www.circleboutique.com Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity |Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | S Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | 1338 U Street NW City | Shop | Eat | miDCity | Shop | Eat |Floor Explore | miD 1911 | 9thExplore Street NW 2nd February 4 - February 17, 2009 • Volume 6 • Issue 7 www.lettiegooch.com www.dekkafam.com Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Street Sense Nonprofit Org Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E US Postage Paid 1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | Washington, DC 20005 Permit #568 1512 U Street NW City | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miD www.moojooken.com 1734 14th Street NW Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity www.redeemus.com | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity |S Evelyn Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | reminds customers to only buy Mail from badged vendors and not to Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E give to those panhandling with | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | 1528 U street NW 1803a 14th Street NW one paper.

City | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop |afterEat | Explore | miD www.nanadc.com.com shopping MidCity— www.rue14.com unwind at Cafe Saint Ex Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Interested in a subscription?

Go to page 2 for more information. www.midcitylife.org | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | E | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | caramel