02 13 2013

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Volume 10: Issue 7 February 13 - 26, 2013

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

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Mayor announces increased funding for affordable housing.

The voice behind a community’s artwork.

Day 12-13, Valentine’s wishes and more from the 16 hearts of our vendors...

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Remembering a vendor and friend.

COVER ART POSTER BY SHARON HART PHOTO (LEFT) BY ZOE KING PHOTO (RIGHT) COURTESY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPEMENT DESIGN BY LAUREN POOLE

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INTERNS Jeff Gray, Zoe King, Lauren Poole, Shonette Reed, Claire Riesenberg, Lanie Rivera

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OUR STORY Street Sense began in August 2003 after Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions with the idea to start a street paper in Washington, D.C. Through the work of dedicated volunteers, Street Sense published its first issue in November 2003. In 2005, Street Sense achieved 501 ( c ) 3 status as a nonprofit organization, formed a board of directors and hired a full-time executive director.

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STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Report Documents Flaws in Winter Homeless Services

By Mary Otto Editor-in-Chief

Jasman Thompson and her new baby were not on the lease at her mother’s apartment and last fall, after staying there for a month, they had to go.

The woman at the rental office at the apartment complex tried to help. She told Thompson about the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, the intake center run by a city subcontractor, where homeless families could go to ask for services including shelter.

“They can’t turn you away,” the woman told Thompson. “You are homeless, with a baby. It’s cold.”

But Thompson was turned away that day in November.

“I was frustrated. I was scared,” said Thompson. She and her baby spent nights in a laundromat and a hospital emergency room before getting help. And they were not alone, according to the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.

Over the fall and winter, city programs intended to protect homeless men women and children faltered in serious ways, according to a new report, “Should D.C. Residents Need a Lawyer to Access Emergency Shelter?”

The city has a legal obligation to provide shelter to individuals and families in “severe weather” or whenever the actual or forecast temperature, including wind chill, falls below 32 degrees.

And last fall, responding to reports of homeless parents and children sleeping in parks and waiting rooms, city officials also offered assurances that the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) would assist so called “priority one” families with no safe place to sleep even on non-hypothermic nights.

But the department did not followed through with the policy, according to the legal clinic.

“The Legal Clinic worked with more than a dozen families over five weeks who were found to be Priority One but were not places initially because it was not a hypothermic night,” noted the report.

The report also describes cases where individuals, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were said to have been wrongfully denied shelter.

And over several weeks in the fall and winter, a number of families reportedly received “respite stay placements” at the city’s family shelter at the former D.C. General Hospital. The conditions of the placements left them confused and frightened about whether they would be allowed to stay for more than one to three nights. Such procedures were in violation of District law, according to the report.

“Families, when they are in their most desperate hour, are forced to jump through so many hoops to prove that they qualify for emergency shelter, and even then they are often turned away,” said Amber W. Harding, a staff attorney at the legal clinic.

“It’s like an emergency room doctor asking a bleeding hit and run victim whether she caused the accident and demanding that she stitch up her own wounds before the doctor even considers treating her life-threatening injuries.”

At the DHS, officials stressed that they were familiar with the findings contained in the report.

“I work very closely with the legal clinic when these issues come up,” said Family Services Administrator Fred Swan.

“None of the issues that they raised in the report came as a shock or surprise. They mentioned a dozen or so families but we’ve served over 1,000 families since the winter has begun. By and large we are serving families very well.”

DHS Director David Berns noted

that the city had worked to accommodate families on non-hypothermia nights “up to the cap of 271 (families) at D.C.General.” He also said that some of the problems reflected in the report came at a time of major transition for the department. The Virginia Williams Homeless Resource Center was moved in late fall to new quarters and a new staff and new procedures were put into place.

“It was a new system and I’m sure we had a few bugs and missteps,” said Berns.

The move was part of a larger shift as the city attempts to move homeless services away from an emphasis upon emergency shelter and welfare, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF and toward stable housing and self-sufficiency, said DHS spokesman Reggie Sanders.

“In this approach, families are not only provided with expanded shelter opportunities but more importantly often have opportunities for more appropriate alternatives including prevention of homelessness, interventions to stabilize their previous living situations, immediate housing opportunities in apartments and integration with TANF services such as employment, job training and supports necessary for their economic stability, “ Sanders said. “This has been a massive systemic change and we have learned and improved this approach even as we implemented the new model.”

While the legal clinic report contained far more criticism than praise, it gave DHS credit for progress in efforts to move homeless families into apartments. As of early January, the city had managed to place more than 150 homeless families into housing, the report found.

While falling short of a goal of moving 200 families out of the shelter and into housing, the report found DHS had largely managed to free up enough beds in the shelter to avoid the expensive

last resort of placing homeless families in motels until the week of January 21.

“Even since then, D.C. has only placed a few families in hotels. Compared to last year, this is significant progress,” the report noted. “During the same week last year 192 families were residing in hotels.”

Berns said he was not taking any time to pat himself on the back.

“There is still too much work for us to be celebrating yet,” he said.

After the legal clinic intervened, Jasman Thompson and her baby boy, now nearly six months old, were placed in a safe apartment. And Thompson says she is getting the help she needs to move off cash assistance and build a career. “I have applied for cosmetology and I am looking for a job,” she says hopefully.

Harding says she is glad families like Thompson’s found the legal clinic, and got safe placements. But she is not yet satisfied with the city’s efforts to meet the needs of the homeless.

“What I worry about the most is that the vast majority of homeless families never reach us, never reach a lawyer who can advocate for them to get the services they’re entitled to,” sys Hard-

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Advocates Hail Mayor’s Housing Push

By Lanie Rivera and Shonette Reed Editorial Interns

A pledge by Mayor Vincent C. Gray to spend $100 million for the building and preservation of 10,000 units of affordable housing drew enthusiastic applause at the annual State of the District Address at the Historic Synagogue on Feb. 5.

“Last September, I announced $35 million in financing to create and preserve additional affordable housing,” said Gray, “But we have to do more.”

The mayor acknowledged the rapid gentrification that has led to a dwindling of affordable apartments and homes in the city.

“We once worried about the District becoming a city of the haves and have nots,” he said “But now we are increasingly in danger of becoming a city only of haves.”

Although the affordable housing plan was not a major goal in Gray’s 2010 campaign, the announcement of the housing initiative for the coming year signified a shift. Affordable housing advocates were thrilled. It seemed the mayor had gotten their message.

Campaign Coordinators from the Coalition for Non-Profit Housing and Economic Development photographed themselves beaming at the conclusion of the event.

“We applaud this action!” the group posted on its website. “One hundred million dollars is a great start toward making sure there are 10,000 additional affordable homes for District residents.”

Jenny Reed, of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute also praised the initiative but went on to offer some cautionary words.

“DCFPI applauds Mayor Gray for pledging a big investment in affordable housing. At the same time, getting to 10,000 units may require additional support. In particular, the mayor indicated that the funding would be provided on a one-time basis, rather than serving as an ongoing commitment every year,” Reed blogged.

“A one-time commitment also would

District Mayor Vincent C. Gray gives his annual State of the District Speech at the Historic Sixth and I Street Synagogue on Feb. 5.

LANIE RIVERA PHOTOS

“Last September, I announced $35 million in financing to create and preserve additional affordable housing. But we have to do more.” make it unlikely that this new housing investment could serve DC’s most vulnerable residents — a population Mayor Gray pointed out in his speech.”

A mayoral task force on housing is expected to release a report later this month. Gray said the city’s economic growth was responsible for a “prosperity dividend” that made such projects possible.

But not everyone was pleased, either by the housing pledge, or the other spending initiatives promised by Gray.

A group of parents and children showed up outside the synagogue to protest the planned closing of 20 public schools, a measure D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson says will save money and improve performance systemwide.

Meanwhile, some homeless advocates

Children and parents protested the closing of District public schools outside of the Historic Sixth and I Synagogue before Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s annual State of the District address.

PHOTO BY LANIE RIVERA

remained troubled by the late January announcement by the mayor and outgoing District Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi of a budget surplus of $417 million in the last fiscal year. The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, in a blog on its website noted that while homeless families were denied shelters last year on fiscal grounds “the DC government was amassing hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent funds.”

Gray steered clear of criticism about his refusal to spend any of the surplus funds and he made no mention of the ongoing investigation into questions about donations to his 2010 campaign.

Instead he focused on his future plans for District improvement, including pay raises for city employees, technological improvements, strengthening numbers in the police force, and a taxi “smart meter” regulation for credit cards.

He stated his intent to create a One City Fund to finance eligible non-profit organizations, noting the District’s “vibrant non-profit community makes a difference in the lives of millions a day.”

The fund will provide one-year grants amounting to $100,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations, with a budget totaling $15 million.

Gray also announced a technological development plan he dubbed the 1776 project “because it is revolutionary in nature -- a collaborative space that will help us nurture and incubate ideas that become small District companies that then grow up to be big District companies.”

He also provided an update on a decades-old effort to redevelop the Skyland Shopping Center in Ward 7, announcing the project is “finally becoming a reality.” A Walmart store and 500 units of housing are slated for the site.

Plans are also underway for redevelopment at Walter Reed Hospital’s former site in Ward 4 and construction teams have broken ground at the CityMarket on O Street, a project scheduled to include 80 affordable senior rental units, mixed income housing, a supermarket and other stores, Gray said.

Gray also made mention of the La Casa Project,a permanent supportive housing program taking shape in the Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights neighborhood.

STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

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NEWS

Seeking the Numbers Behind Homelessness in the District

By Jeff Gray Editorial Intern

The frigid night of Jan. 31 found Eric Sheptock and Patricia Gaston patrolling a 12-block grid in downtown Washington, looking under bushes, glancing behind walls, and peering into stairwells.

They were searching for the homeless.

“You’d be surprised where you’ll find some people,” said Sheptock, pulling his head out of an industrial dumpster.

“You have to look in any spot where someone could hunker down.”

Roughly 200 other volunteers were replicating the search that night throughout the metro area as part of the District’s annual Point-in-Time homeless count. The count is part of an effort organized by the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (CPPH) to discover the number of homeless persons residing in D.C. The annual count collects groundlevel data on the numbers and makeup of the District’s homeless community, providing vital information to service providers and federal agencies that fund and oversee homeless and housing programs in jurisdictions nationwide.

“Its the go-to source of information for what homelessness is like on a given day in the District,” said Tom Fredericksen, Senior Policy Analyst for CPPH. “This count is about making sure we have the best possible information about where the homeless are, who they are and how many there are,” added the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Shaun Donovan.

“That more than anything has been an absolutely central part to our ability to make progress.”

The street count is one aspect of a multi-pronged approach that includes shelter counts and reports from service providers, distribution centers and meal programs throughout the city.

The entire count is held within a 24hour period, a “blitz” approach meant to decrease the likelihood of counting individuals more than once.

Volunteers gathered at National City Christian Church at 9 p.m., where they organized into groups before setting out

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan takes part in the annual Point-In-Time homeless count.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUD

to predetermined areas of the city.

The search can be difficult, and can actually become more so after a homeless individual is found. Sheptock, volunteering in his third count, admitted the inherent awkwardness of approaching and questioning individuals on the street, many of whom must be awakened to be interviewed.

“These people are out here minding their own business, they’re not really into being bothered by strangers,” said the local homeless advocate who lives in a shelter himself.

“Its tough,” agreed Gaston, a contract editor with the Washington Post taking part in her first count. “These people don’t always want to be disturbed.”

Like all other volunteers, Sheptock and Gaston attended a mandatory training session the week before the count where they received instruction on how to conduct surveys under such difficult circumstances.

“We train people to make it as conversational as possible,” said Fredericksen. “We try to avoid them just ticking

through the questions one-by-one.”

The count is part of a larger nationwide project engineered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD conducts the count on local levels through Continuums of Care (CoC’s), community service organizations that receive competitive funding from HUD. As a stipulation for receiving funding, CoC’s must agree to participate in bi-annual Pointin-Time counts.

As the District’s CoC, CPPH’s is tasked with organizing the local count.

Though federal mandates require a street-level search only once every two years, CPPH conducts one every January. “[The count is] useful as a project beyond what HUD is requiring,” says Fredericksen. “We get a lot of information that goes into problematic planning. It just makes sense to do it every year.”

Findings from the 2012 Point-in-Time homeless suggest homelessness is slowly declining on national scale. HUD’s annual report on the count’s results, released this past December, estimated that

roughly 633,000 individuals were homeless in the U.S. on a single night in January, a six percent decrease since 2007.

Yet CPPH’s local results suggest homelessness is trending in the opposite direction in the District. Their 2011 count found 6,546 literally homeless (those living without shelter or in emergency or transitional housing) in the metro area, up from 6,044 in 2008.

Sheptock and Gaston concluded their search at about midnight, having counted three people in three hours.

For some, such minimal results may not seem to warrant the time wandering through dark alleys in the freezing cold, but Gaston insisted the effort was worth it.

“I’m at a point in my life where I think its really important to help other people,” she said, adding that a few hours of discomfort provided her a brief insight into the lives of those she was counting. “This is only four hours of my life. The people living out here spend every night like this.”

“It’s been a full house since the hypothermia [alerts] started. You can relax here, and you can’t on the street. We are all like family.”

- Willis Anderson

Willis Anderson, local Hermano Pedro Day Shelter visitor, is disappointed by the expected closing of the shelter on March 31.

PHOTO BY LANIE RIVERA

Hermano Pedro Closing

By Lanie Rivera Editorial Intern

After nearly 10 years of offering counseling and educational programs to homeless men and women from the basement of a Columbia Heights church, the Hermano Pedro Day Shelter will close on March 31.

City officials have offered assurances that funding for the shelter will be shifted to other programs geared toward helping the mentally ill and homeless, but some clients of Hermano Pedro do not foresee an easy transition to other day programs.

David Jones, 61, has attended daily math and reading classes at the shelter that helped him to pursue his General Education Degree. The staff and programs at Hermano Pedro had become an important part of his life.

“These people really try to help you,” said Jones. “I’m hurting because it will close down.”

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) signed a five-year, $2 million

The Hermano Pedro Day Shelter of Columbia Heights is expected to close on March 31, as funding from the Department of Mental Health has ceased due to an expired contract.

PHOTO BY LANIE RIVERA

contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and Anchor Mental Health Services in 2007 to fund the shelter, located at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart.

The contract ended last November and the shelter was scheduled to close, but clients, joined by homeless advocate Eric Sheptock and other members of the grassroots group Shelter, Housing

& Respectful Change (SHARC) spoke out against the termination.

Amid concerns about the potential impact of closing the shelter, particularly in winter, DMH Director Steve Baron granted the facility a four-month extension.

According to Phyllis Jones, a spokeswoman for DMH, Baron also agreed that a delay of the program’s termination would ensure a smooth transition

for patients.

“We believe we have put a system in place to continue to provide needed supports while we aid individuals in transitioning to other nearby services,” she said.

To prepare for the closing, Hermano Pedro staff members have been meeting regularly with staff from DMH and two neighboring day shelters, Thrive DC and Neighbors Consejo, to discuss clients who need specific, hands-on assistance.

The organizations are working to ensure that clients now receiving services at Hermano Pedro can make the transition to the other day shelters.

Despite the combined efforts of DMH and other shelters, some of Hermano Pedro’s patrons and friends are not at ease.

Cynthia Mewborn, a Street Sense vendor who speaks with familiarity about the programs at Hermano Pedro, said she does not think Thrive DC can successfully replace Hermano Pedro.

“Thrive DC just gives services to women, but men need it just as much as women do … these services need to be extended to men, and Hermano Pedro offered that,” she said. “They engage and work with you at your level.”

The shelter not only offered mental health counseling but it also served the community as a refuge in hypothermic conditions – the basement provided the homeless a place to sleep when temperatures or “wind chill” dropped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

“It’s been a full house since the hypothermia [alerts] started,” said visitor Willis Anderson. “You can relax here, and you can’t on the street. We are all like family.”

DMH has also pledged to continue providing care for those individuals who need it.

“In addition to funding the Hermano Pedro day program, DMH supports eight full time employees on the Homeless Outreach Team who work with the chronically homeless on the streets and in the shelters to … help link them to treatment and other benefits,” Phyllis Jones commented.

Furthermore, the money that was used to fund Hermano Pedro will be allocated to strengthen other services, according to Jones. These services include financing housing subsidies, providing aid for individuals who have recently left jail, and funding Assertive Community Treatment to serve the needs of the Latino homeless population.

STREET SENSE February 13 -26, 2013

77

OPINION

Why not defend yourself?

By Jeffrey Mcneil Vendor The Sandy Hook tragedy may be the breaking point when it comes to gun violence. Never has such carnage divided gun owners from advocates.

Having been a hunter, I am torn. It is hard to defend assault weapons, but I am skeptical of an outright ban.

Being born and bred in Appalachia, guns are a part of me. And like many who live in gun country, it doesn’t seem American to alter this right that our Founding Fathers granted. It explicitly says, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Like the NRA and survivalist groups, I am skeptical about limiting my rights to the government.

While tragedies such as Sandy Hook and Aurora get the press let’s not forget gun violence occurs everyday in Baltimore and Prince George’s County, sometimes precipitated by the agencies who vow to protect us. While spree killings in the suburbs may be a new phenomenon, this is standard procedure in the inner cities via gangs, guards or the police.

Although I am not in the camp with

the NRA or right-wing survivalist groups, I believe they raise valid points. Guns are here, they are being produced, and trying to curb purchases is futile. Criminals are criminals because they break laws, and history has shown bans are mere advertisements that announce civilized people are unarmed.

Guns and violence are a sad price to pay for a presumed democracy. But in a world based on standards, accomplishments and abundance our nation shouldn’t be shocked that people become envious, lustful and jealous enough to harm others.

Because of these conditions and the atmosphere of rage they create, it is foolish to limit resources that could protect against those who want to harm us. One of those options is firearms.There are some who believe that you can live in a non-violent world, and these people frighten me.

Being an Afro- American Indian means being subjected to a hostile world where confrontation is unavoidable.

When these dangers are faced I hope I won’t be limited to defend myself.

I make no illusions that guns are a dirty business. However, guns have not wharmed me. When I lived in the Ap-

palachian hills my rifle fed me and my family. It allowed me to survive and be self-sufficient.

There are hazards and dangers, which means irresponsible use can be lethal. There are some who will not learn these lessons, which means that accidents and violence will occur.

Despite the ugliness of guns I am skeptical about sacrificing any liberty granted under the constitution. It is naive to think criminals care about bans, background checks or ammunition capacity.

Wolves don’t attack other wolves, they attack defenseless sheep. I get nervous when gun control advocates suggest grazing while wolves take advantage of sheep shearing technologies. In the end I believe it’s upside down thinking that the way to end mass killings is to restrict gun owners from purchasing firearms.

Thomas Jefferson said, “A government works best when it works the least.”

Like many others, I would like to see an end to senseless killings. However I am not willing to swap my constitutional rights in return for an overreaching intrusive government. This is too intolerable to support.

Ravens Turn Out Lights on 49ers

By Eric Thompson-Bey Vendor The Baltimore Ravens overcame a power outage and a rally from the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII 34-31.

Down 34-29 with less than 2 minutes to play, Colin Kaepernick’s pass on 4th and goal to Michael Crabtree landed just out of reach of his outstretched hands. Crabtree appeared to be held on the play, but no call was made by the officials and the Ravens held on.

The goal-line stand was a fitting end to the career of linebacker Ray Lewis, who announced in December that he would retire after the playoffs.

After a strong first half by Baltimore, the game seemed to turn after a 34-minute delay due to a power outage in the Superdome. Before the outage Baltimore led 28-6. When play contin-

ued after the delay the momentum had changed to the San Francisco side.

San Francisco scored 17 points in over 4 and half minutes to make the score 28-23. After the delay, San Francisco outgained Baltimore by 134 yards, including an 87-yard rushing advantage.

With 12:54 left in the 4th quarter Baltimore added a 19-yard field goal to make the score 31-23. With 9:57 left in the game Kaepernick ran it in from 15-yards out for his second touchdown of the game. After the two-point conversion failed, San Francisco trailed 31-29.

Baltimore kicked a 38-yard field goal with 4:19 left, setting San Francisco up with one last chance to continue their unbeaten streak in Super Bowls.

San Francisco marched down the field and had a first and goal at the Baltimore 7-yard line. The 49ers failed to reach the endzone on three plays, setting up Kaepernick’s failed 4th down pass.

Baltimore used a strong first half performance from Joe Flacco to gain an early lead. Flacco ended the night with 287 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions to earn to earn MVP honors.

Baltimore took the lead on their first possession when Anquan Boldin caught a 13-yard pass from Flacco. San Francisco added a 36-yard field goal in the quarter to make the score 7-3.

The second quarter was all Baltimore. Flacco threw for two more scores, including a one yard pass to Dennis Pitta and a 56-yard pass to Jacoby Jones to make the score 21-3. David Akers kicked a 27-yard field goal for San Francisco as time expired in the first to make the score 21-6 at the half.

Baltimore kept the momentum going in the second half when Jones returned the opening kickoff 108-yards for the score, the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl history.

Stinkin’ Thinkin’

By Aida Basnight-Peery Vendor

Since I’ve been homeless for two years I’m seeing more new faces of women between the ages of 45 to 70 years that are in shelters everyday.

What baffles me is when I read an article in “The Examiner” about how “taxpayers won’t get a dime of the $417 million dollar surplus” and that D.C., our nation’s capital, with a town full of lawmakers, is allowing the Mayor to put $417 million dollars aside for a rainy day? I guess Mayor Vincent Gray doesn’t like homeless people. If he did he would take some of that money to build apartments and homes for people who have low incomes and people like myself who has an income as a Street Sense Vendor shouldn’t have to try to convince some property manager “just because I don’t have a pay stub” in order to find suitable housing for myself and family.

I would love to give my shelter bed to someone else that is in need because they became homeless overnight. After two years of being homeless myself it would be a blessing to reach into my purse for my house keys and shut the door behind me. A $417 million dollar surplus shouldn’t go back into homeless shelters or to build more shelters, but to build the personal human hope, dignity and integrity of every homeless person and their family. For the mentally, ill they should build group homes and hire professionals who can help with their needs. I think it’s a damned shame in our nation’s capital that has tourism from all around the globe, adjoining the 51 States of America, has to see homeless men, women and families living in the streets or in shelters in Washington D.C. Mayor Gray doesn’t see how $417 million dollar surplus can help the homeless epidemic of Washington D.C.? Mayor Vincent Gray you are FIRED! Eleanor Holmes isn’t off the hook either because she should be speaking up for homeless families and individuals of Washington D.C. If Congress/Senate decides that Washington D.C. receives statehood, we still got a problem called “Homelessness” and people are still sleeping in the streets.

The “Hart” of N Street Village Zoe King Editorial Intern

Faith. Purpose. Forgiveness. Love.

Words of inspiration cover the walls of N Street Village’s multipurpose room.

Skillfully styled into posters and artworks, sometimes in sentences and sometimes standing on their own, the words are are intended as a balm to the women who come to N Street,to overcome homelessness, to heal.

Sharon Hart, who has worked at N Street Village for 25 years, seeks out the messages and puts them on the walls, where they brighten even the darkest day.

“I’ve seen quotes over the years and I’ve collected them in books,” explains Hart, whose job title is community outreach chair. “I’ll usually find quotes that I like and then do some sort of art-

work around them.”

Her creations provide an everchanging display in the big room that is central to the life of the Northwest Washington program that offers housing, health care, counselling and other supportive services to women. Sometimes there are white paper snowflakes and other times, colorful origami flowers; right now there is a collage of influential historical African-American figures, in honor of Black History Month. And there are always Hart’s posters. They line the far wall, each bearing a message that buoys the spirit.

“The art Sharon creates reflects the spirit and culture of our community,” says Ann McCreedy, director of programs at N Street Village. “She uses her own words and the words of artists, politicians, educators and activists to inspire our staff and clients to be our best selves.”

Hart’s work has evolved over the years. While she started out with holiday decorations, she started making the quote posters when residents asked her for art they could enjoy throughout the year. Hart says she never really knows where her next inspiration will come from.

“Sometimes things just come to you in the middle of the night and you’re like ‘Wow! I never thought about that,’” she said. “I never know when it is going to hit me, I just have to follow through with it.”

Once she finds a quote, Hart lets her artistic imagination run wild. She uses a simple set of tools, paper and mark-

ers, to create the posters.

“Paper is pretty much my favorite medium because its cheap and its easy to find,” she said “Sometimes I’ll take paper out of the recycling; I’ve always tried to rely on what was at hand.”

Hart received a degree in graphic design from Washington Technical Institute, now known as the University of the District of Columbia. Before she began working at N Street Village, she struggled to find a job in graphic design.

“Graphics is sort of hard to get into,” she said. “I tried to do a bunch of different jobs to make ends meet and then eventually I came to N Street in January 1988.”

Hart was appointed community outreach chair in June 2011 after N Street Village underwent an expansion last year, acquiring two additional properties and increasing its staff from 29 people to 65.

Even as N Street has grown, Hart’s artwork, whether it be her posters, or holiday decorations, has served as a way to keep alive the unifying spirit of the place, says executive director Schoeder Stribling.

“The quotes that she finds to inspire and uphold us, and the beauty of her decorating--all of it creates community,” Stribling says.

Hart has gone beyond sharing her finished works. She also shares her skills, teaching art and craft classes to the women at N Street Village. She has enjoyed unlocking the talent of others.

“Some of the women are artistic in their own rights,” she said. “They like

Sharon Hart creates artwork from found materials at N Street Village to brighten up the community.

PHOTOS BY: ZOE KING

to do arts and crafts, they like to knit and crochet.” Some have also started taking photographs, and writing down their thoughts and feelings, Hart notes with pride.

“That’s powerful to me to see someone appreciating something I came up with.”

In addition to art classes at N Street Village, Hart is also involved in a group called the Community Craft Collective, a few women who meet once a week across the street from N Street Village at Luther Place Church, to do various arts and crafts activities including painting and jewelry making.

She knows well the deep benefits of arts and handicrafts.

“You kind of feel good about making things by hand,” Hart said. “It’s also a healing process.”

And she hopes the women of N Street find the same benefits.

“I hope they give some sort of inspiration, that they lift their spirits for the day,” she said.

Her own favorite poster displays an ancient Chinese proverb. The quote reads: “An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, and circumstance.

The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break.”

The statement says something profound to her about how lives intersect here at N Street..

“That hits home,” she says. “We really don’t know why were brought together, but there is a common thread between us.”

STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

Second Time Around...

By Reggie Black Vendor

PHOTOS BY REGINALD BLACK

Four years ago, I witnessed an event that has taken over two hundred years for the United States to get to. This event was the election and swearing-in of the first African American president of the United States. During his second term, he culminated in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “We are free at last.” While President-elect Barack Obama has worked extremely hard the past four years, the campaign this year was even more difficult. All of the turmoil the prior four years in office paid off with a landslide victory for the president’s re-election. January 21, 2013, marked the second chapter.

For such a momentous occasion this reporter had to witness the events first hand. I took it upon myself to make it to the swearing in ceremony. Starting at five am, I set out to be part of one of the biggest events in African American history for a second time. The walk-zone started right at north capi-

tol street nw and continued through seventh street nw. I was allowed to cross through senate park near 2nd St NW, for there the path detoured to the south running through southwest. For those of the general public the walk had to be tiring but for what this day symbolized, I pressed on. I was able to enter the public viewing area at around seven am. With a beautiful sunrise in the background, I listened as groups performed and Ellen DeGeneres hosted the pre-Inaugural event performances.

I have to admit, this time around was a great improvement from the last inauguration. The event was more organized even though there were not as many heating centers available before during and after the events. Aside from that, I began to explore the viewing area. Among the concession vendors, park service was in attendance. After several hours it was time for the arrival of the president and his family.

The cheers rang loud and clear as the Obama’s made their way to the Capitol steps. Flags waved and people chanted

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“Obama! Obama! Obama!.” Clearly the nation was united under this president.

During his speech the people clung onto the president’s every word. I wonder what people thought as the president said, “For history tells us that while these truths may be self evident they have never been self executing.”

That statement made me think of how many of the poor are in this crowd.

President Obama went on to say, “Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortunes.”

The people remained silent as the president continued with his speech. I could not help but to understand that we have come a long way yet, we have so far to go. Even as I participated in an historical event, I could not help but to feel that local officials really need to hear these words and act on them. The issues on the table vary from person to person, but the larger picture would have to be that we must work together to secure the next generation.

CHILDREN’S ART

Obama!

By Gary Minter Vendor Written on the occasion of the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as President of the United States of America, January 20, 2013.

-Dylan , Age 4 There are 1,880 children experiencing homelessness in the District. The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project visits 6 different transitional housing and emergency shelter programs to provide weekly activities, healthy snacks, and opportunities to play and learn to as many children as possible.

Courtesy of the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project

Your father came from the cradle of humanity Your mother from the heartland of a New World.

In these dangerous times, beware the Ides of March.

May God protect you and your family, May God protect us all and our loved ones.

Seek Liberty and Justice for all.

Have mercy on the poor, the old, the sick, the lame, the jobless, the homeless.

Honor those who work, who serve, who pay taxes, who obey the laws.

Remember the promises made to you and to us, your fellow citizens.

Seek Peace on Earth.

Love our neighbors on this planet as we love ourselves.

May the force be with you, and with us all.

COMICS & GAMES

TERRON’S GAME: STREET VALENTINE’S DAY Terron Solomon Vendor

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STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

The Mysterious Masonic Ring

By John “Mick” Matthews Vendor

EARLIER IN CHAPTER 1: we meet Bill, a native Washingtonian living on the streets of the nation’s capital. One day as Bill and his “best friend with benefits to be determined,” Kittie, sit chatting in Pershing Park, he learns of the death of Frank, another homeless man who often slept in the park. Frank was known for a certain piece of jewelry he always wore, a gold Freemason’s ring.

Though the ring boasts the emblem of the stonemason’s square and compass, Bill suspects that Frank may not be the Mason he claimed to be. _________

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o when’s the funeral?” Kittie asked, interrupting my reverie.

“Ain’t gonna be one,” Marlane responded, sipping her soda. “Frank didn’t have no family. It’s the oven then Potter’s Field for him.”

Frank’s remains were to be cremated and interred in the city’s mausoleum for the poor. It’s a fate many homeless face. Those of us with no family to foot the bill for burial don’t have much choice in the matter. Of course, by the time it becomes necessary, we’ll be beyond caring.

The bells at Epiphany could barely be heard tolling 11 o’clock. Marlane looked up, slurped the last of her soda, then picked up her ever-present backpack.

“Been real chatting folks, but I gotta go to work,” she said, getting up.

“Work” for Marlane meant heading up a few blocks to panhandle for lunch at McDonald’s and maybe a beer or two.

While I don’t advise hardcore abuse of any substance, a beer or a few sips of vodka can make cold, hard, forgiving concrete a lot more comfortable to sleep on — or at least keep you from

caring about how uncomfortable it is.

Marlane walked off, and Kittie went back to cornrowing my hair. A few hours later, as Kittie was braiding the last ‘row in, a somewhat attractive woman in her early 40s approached us.

Her burgundy business suit screamed “law” to me.

“Excuse me, are you Mr. William Dickerson?” she asked politely, sipping from a venti-sized Starbucks cup.

“That depends on who’s asking, detective,” I responded with just a hint of sarcasm. I love messing with a cop’s head. It puts them a little off-guard, which can give me an edge in dealing with them.

“Oh, I’m not a police officer,” she said with a warm smile. “My name is Eileen Bell, and I’m an attorney representing the estate of Mr. Francis Allen Cornel. I assume you knew him. I’ve heard he used to sleep in this park.”

“I can’t say as I know any Francis Allen … Wait a minute,” I said, the meaning of her words began to dawn on me.

“You mean Frank?”

“I believe we’re talking about the same man, yes,” Ms. Bell answered.

“You were named in his will.”

She handed me a business card with her office address and phone number, and a handwritten note on the back: Be here at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, it’s in your best interest.

This brought a lot of questions to my mind. How does a drink-and-pill bum like Frank have an estate? How did he manage to hire a high-class lawyer like Ms. Bell to represent that estate? What the hell did he leave me, and why did he leave it to me? And is there any way to get a free lunch out of this?

street sense

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Agents in Love

By Kenneth Belkosky Vendor It is 1-17-2030 at the NCIS head office at the Navy yard. There is a wedding between Tony DiNozzo and Ziva from Israel. They hooked up when Ziva was working with Mossad, a service that is like our CIA or NCIS. Ziva liked the US so she became a real citizen of our country. She then became a real agent of NCIS. She had always worked closely with Tony and they finally fell in love with each other. Then one day in 2030 Tony asked Ziva to marry him, and even though Gibbs did not like it he became Tony’s best man. Now the husband and wife team are in charge of NCIS and Gibbs is retired in Mexico still building boats.

street sense

To Be Continued...

StreetSense.org/NewOffice

The Street Sense Writers’ Group is led by two writing professionals and meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The group’s goal is to develop ideas and colaborate on the next great issue of Street Sense.

BEFORE THE RAIN, PT 15: A VALENTINE OVER DESTREHAN VILLAGE

By Chris Shaw “Cowboy Poet” Waters were roiling, even Algiers and the pending Mardi Gras floats were knocked about, though not as badly.

Overhead in the murky Nola atmosphere was a constant, irritating BUZZ of rotor blades. Yes, the choppers had finally begun to arrive. One Cajun rescue whirlybird, piloted by one Maurice Febre of Destrehan, was impatiently growling into his mike: “Dammie, dem Natural Guardiez is draggin’ they tails wussen’ une ecole de crawfish malades!”

Febre picked up a bunch of static.”Who dis?” he screamed. Turned out it was one of the media suits who’d just lost sight of Lyndsey Patterson.

“We have a bleeding heart who is attempting to track a recalcitrant from the Convention Hall. Don’t suppose you--” “Arrgghh-mebbe I would-jus’ to spite ye Dry-Lander bastides,” snarled Febre.”Where their 10-20 nah?” Lyndsey was at this moment shoving a fraillooking Pinkie Hadden aside as she commandeered his gilt-laden French ‘tiques establishment. She waved her

big laminated Social Services ID wildly till he broke down, mincing all the way.

Over behind the Hair-Drom-Mat, Missy Gaulinfat heard distant copter roarings. “Posieidon! Git away from yo’ raggedy Caddie!!” Poseidon reluctantly shooed one last hair client out to the dry spot by the taco shop, hung “CLOSED” across the salon door, and joined his wife as they climbed over the propane tank to the sloping back tin canopy.

Meanwhile, Loomis realized he was hugging Mojo Man. Loomis pleaded with his crusty mentor, “We are going to make Mardi Gras, no??” Mojo was insistent now. “You best waken and head on out!”

“B’but how about you, Mojo Man?” Loomis had no idea what was coming, though the chopper of Maurice Febre was now loudly overhead. Leaning out the entry port was none other than a spray-soaked Lyndsey! Mojo smiled, strangely serene.

“They be yer gal friend,” he laughed.

“H-how in Hail di you f-figger out---” Mojo Man dismissed Loomis’ feeble protests with a kingly wave of his gnarled right hand. “I am stayin’ put, no matter WHUT.” “Look, man, I can’t let you--” But

The Lady in the Moon

By Gary J. Minter Vendor My college students in China told me a tale of the lady who lives in the moon: Her husband was a great archer. The villagers begged him to slay the dark

Mojo cut him off with an unearthly basso profundo. “MY WORK IS HERE!!”

The tiny shack then shuddered as the tow rope mistakenly gaffed the skylight frame. Mojo Man with all his strength shoved Loomis skyward.

Somehow the befuddled seeker caught the leather and canvas loops and swung to safety.

The next thing Loomis heard was Lyndsey’s frantic but soothing voice in his one good ear. “Loomis! I’ll stay with you now—I gave myself a pass, ha ha— Where are we going?”

Febre trumpeted his suggestion. “I theenk we flyin’ to DESTREHAN, No???!”

A close look at the dazed Loomis Reader gave no clear suggestion.

With the Seventh, Eighth and what was left of the Ninth-Wards fading out of sight, Lyndsey Patterson impulsively pulled Mister Reader close to her lips.

Ignoring the incessant squawks and shouts from Captain Febre’s cockpit, she kissed Loomis as the rusty rooftops of endless Destrehan shotgun shacks swung into view. “Here, you not-so-big brute, an early Valentine for you...”

(To be continued)

Yeah, So I Hate monster that had been swallowing the sun at New Year. With his bow and seven arrows, the huntsman slew the dragon of darkness. The gods rewarded him with a medicine that would make him immortal. But his wife stole his stash and ate most of it herself.

When he learned of her betrayal, he angrily asked the gods to punish her.

The gods banished the lady to the moon, doomed to live alone… forever.

Eventually, her husband forgave her, and the gods took pity on the lonely lady. They flew her beloved pet rabbit to the moon to share her solitude.

When the moon is full, we can see the lady and her rabbit.

Once a year, in early autumn, when the moon is full and closest to the earth, the archer walks along the Milky Way to visit his lonely wife and her pet rabbit.

This is the autumn moon festival of China, when we too visit our loved ones.

By Victoria Beaumont, Vendor Yeah, so I hate the fact that I am writing this poem.

Yeah, so I hate the fact that shelters and Street Sense have to exist.

Yeah, so I hate my ex for doing his best to ruin my life.

Yeah, so I hate Metro for raising its rates but always having delays and broken o elevators and escalators.

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE WPA GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS, 1938.

can without being called a racist.

Yeah, I hate that the residence-free expect the government to take care of them when the government didn’t make them residence-free I hate that I can go on and on…

Yeah, I hate that when I look in the mirror in the morning I loathe the face looking back at me.

Valentine’s Day

By Sybil Taylor, Vendor

Yeah, so I hate that I’m not sorry for using the word “hate.”

Yeah, so I hate my peers thinking I have it easier because I am a white female.

Yeah, I hate being unable to criticize President Obama to an African-Ameri

A day of love.

A day of honesty and trust.

Sharing this day with the one you love.

Sharing our love with a dozen roses, a box of candy and a shower of gifts.

To show and appreciate your love.

Enjoy this day with lots of love and joy.

STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

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NEWS

ILLUSTRATION BY TIMOTHY DONELSON

Venus vs. Mars

By Ibn Hipps Vendor

By Timothy Donelson Vendor The mother of creation, the perfect one for me. From my side you were born, at my side you should be. We’ve eaten the forbidden fruits from the tree.

‘Til death do us part is our destiny. You’ll be my woman and I’ll be your man, like Adam and Eve. What part don’t you understand? Without you, woman, there would be no me, but without my seed there would be no you. Don’t get this thing twisted, girl, we need one another, like daughters need a father, like sons need a mother. Don’t think too long baby, we don’t have all night. You say you need a good man because your life isn’t right. I want to take this time to talk to you girl, so right for a man, God’s gift to the world. Never cease to amaze

me with all the things that you do. You can use me and I can use you. Like a human transformer, you can change positions. Like a fitness instructor, you’re in top condition. Extraordinary things are what your body can do. With pain or pleasure no one is greater than you.

Push my buttons with your world of emotions. Set me on fire with your love and devotion. If I’m moving too fast, you’ll slow me down. If I’m falling too low, you’ll pick me up off the ground. Your mind is complex, body is tight. If loving you is wrong, then I’ll never get it right.

The things of the world mean nothing to me if I can’t have a woman’s sexuality.

Sex isn’t everything, there’s no doubt about it. I can live with that but I can’t live without it. So please, don’t think I’m just trying to get you in bed. There are a lot of other things we can do in-

stead. When you need a strong arm, you can lean on me. If you are tired of being alone I’ll keep you company. Turn on the radio, keep you safe and warm, with love talk and slow jams on the quiet storm. Let me know now girl if I’m moving too fast, because I’m about to wrap you up and marry your ass. I know you are tired of those boys; they all think the same: that hood-rat drama: the lies, the pain. You’ve heard all the rap, the bullcrap, the games from the men who talk about their fortune and fame. They practice their lines like actors on stage, but, when they flip the script you’re not on the same page. I’ll take you away from the neighborhood thugs and show you what a real man is made of. We’ll travel the world, I’ll make your dreams come true, I promise you, girl, I won’t deceive you.

In Part 1, Vennie described the pain of losing her beloved brother, William, to cancer.

I want to take the time to thank my Aunt Barbara.

Auntie, you are awesome. It’s not like I already didn’t know this, but thank you Auntie. You are truly a part of my strength and happiness. When it comes to doing what we have to do to support each other in a crisis like this.

Auntie you still make the sun shine when I hear your voice and see your face. Thank you!

Bernice, thank you for holding on so strong to our brother and never giving up. Although you believed that he would not leave us, trust and believe that God has him now and that he is alright.

Mom, my heart goes out to you as far as the sea. I cannot bring him back, but I

promise you that I will try to take care of myself. You will not have to go through this pain again anytime soon. I promise to love you and call you everyday to let you know where I am and what I am doing. I know there is nothing I can do to take you pain away, but I’m telling you Mom, I will do my best to make your pain lessen. I love you Mommy.

To Mark, George, and Joy, my cousins: I know that you are hurting too, knowing that you all clung together all the time like brothers. I could not stop you soldiers if I tried. You are truly troopers. I love you fellows for being family and always trying to take care of us. Stick around, lifelong warriors.

Peace out!

To my nieces, thank you. Thank you Dawn just for being you. India, thanks for bringing the kids into my life. Egypt, thank you just for still loving me and all that comes with it. Faith, loving you is easy and always will be.

To Mark and Darrell: Oh boy, you truly surprised me by how strong you are.

Keep up the good work.

Patricia, thanks for being my role

A lifetime promise, I swear Never played unfair Just wanted love games Fairytale, fantasy plays of love She’s versatile when I play the doc With her cares of a nursing heart Or the makeup love game Never bored, lifetime of enjoyment Color blind when true love finds (Many) pleasures she can bring of all kinds Sweet as honey Hurricane love-making Like biting a peach Sipping, the juice dripping

Losing My Brother, Part 2

By Vennie Hill Vendor

Flowing watery thoughts of her (mercy me!!)

I might say!! Her love would never be taken unfairly.

model and helping me respect others and being able to hold a mature conversation with others. I may never be half the champ you are, but I am working on it.

Michelle, my newfound light, my guardian angel and my new friend; thanks and don’t give up on me. Your task is not easy.

Thank you to my husband, Harmon, who had to deal with all the anger and crying. Thanks for all of your understanding. Thanks for being at my side and holding my hand. I love you. Thanks for your patience.

To all of my family and friends, thank you for loving my brother. Thank you for coming to see him go on a new and beautiful journey and thank you for being a part of it. I’m sure as he is looking down on us he is very proud to have a family like ours. I love my family and hope that you all love me, too.

Thanks to all the participants of William David Taylor, Jr.’s funeral. May God bless you and may he take care of us all.

A piece of heaven Her love never taken for granted Street-light love-making.

Lustful wishes, she loves the air I breathe She says it’s a long lasting relief The torches light for life Going to her outer limits Glass slippers, shooting stars and wishes Overflows of willingness Sweet listening, pillow-gripping Savory love blisses, My determination flares, sparkling bright She brings lonely a loss Stitch together broken hearts Sleepless nights A lover’s might Venus vs. Mars.

VENDOR MEMORIAL: TYRONE MURRAY

C=MB: WHERE IS THE SENSE OF URGENCY?

By Michael Porth Volunteer

By Cynthia Mewborn Vendor

“Now you have a blessed day! Get home safe. You know I have you in my prayers.”

Tyrone Murray had a way with words, as much as he had a way with people.

My relationship with Tyrone began on a winter night in 2010, as I was crossing Wisconsin Avenue and heading toward the Tenleytown Metro west escalators.

Not being familiar with Street Sense, I was admittedly skeptical about his charismatic approach. I believed he sensed what I was sensing. Instead of asking me for a donation in exchange for one of the papers he was carrying, he asked me how my night was going, and told me to have a good time.

After that exchange I looked into the organization and realized its mission.

Next time I saw him, I told him I had a great time. Then I gave a donation.

Over the course of two years, what began as brief, pleasant interactions from time to time — capped off with a donation for his cause — turned into the nascent stages of a friendship. I would ask him about his day, and listen as he told me about his triumphs and challenges, spoken with reflective depth and cadence of a man who had endured more than his share of life’s obstacles.

But then he’d listen to my triumphs and challenges.

As any single 30-something in the city, one of my challenges was the dating scene.

Before I proceed, pause for a moment to encapsulate this dynamic. Tyrone lived day-to-day, often not nowing where he would sleep if he didn’t make rent for his place in Capitol Heights, Md. I came from a plush downtown office building dressed in a suit during a regular, steady work week, on my way to a home whose payments I was not concerned about making. And I said dating was a challenge.

How did Tyrone respond?

“Mike, I know this girl. She’s done some work with me for one of her school projects. Real cute. Studies at AU.” Before I could react to what he said that afternoon in May, he gave me his phone and said it was dialing.

He hooked me up with a date.

That was Tyrone. His interest was as much in making his way as it was in

fostering his relationships. Genuinely. I never got a sense that he did me a favor because he expected one in return. He had my phone number. He never asked me for money.

I cannot count the times, during the latter stages of our relationship, when he would interrupt our more involved conversation to open a door for someone, or follow up with a comment with someone he knew, be he or she a Street Sense client, or a familiar face.

Tyrone exuded passion through his bright smile and kind words. This passion nurtured a part of me, as I’m sure it did for countless others.

He went far too soon.

I wish him peace every time I pass the spot where he helped give me some.

Tyrone Murray: 1958 - 2012

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Address Phone

Where is the sense of urgency when it comes to the homeless?

It’s in these great words!

On July 4, 1776 our nation de clared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Many years later, on August 26, 1963, Dr. King stood on steps of the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed to the world, “I have a dream.” Nearly 50 years later, we still face the same beast — just in a different outfit. Many Americans are limited by the demoralizing, deplorable and derogating circumstance of homelessness. It is appalling for those who experience homelessness, but also how shameful it looks for our great nation.

Where is the pursuit of “life,” when you live or die on the streets? Where is the pursuit of “liberty”? Where is the pursuit of “happiness”? This great phrase is supposed to epitomize America’s values. But it not possible for those who are homeless. A few weeks ago many District homeless residents held a respectful visual for the 45 homeles s individuals who died in 2012, whether on the streets or in shelters. Their passing should teach us how fragile life is.

So often we see an injustice, yet we say nothing. When we see that someone needs help, we keep walking because it reminds us just how close we may be to becoming homeless. We do our best to afford them, but it doesn’t go away.

With more than 7,000 seniors, families, veterans and single men and women homeless in Washington a definite dilemma needs to be addressed. Billions of dollars are spent each year for temporary services for the homeless, yet what is needed is sustainable, permanent housing and jobs. We know homelessness simply means not being able to pay one’s rent. And without these key fundamental requirements, homelessness will never end.

It’s a problem when household pets

and animals are treated better than human beings. The homeless on the streets won’t express their pain to you.

But if you look into their faces you’ll be able to read every sorrow they have faced. A sense of urgency comes only when you’re faced life on the streets yourself. Are these individuals any different than you and I? Over the recent months I’ve come up with a very comprehensive, therapeutic program that would address these issues and provide the sustainable housing needed to end homelessness.

If we provide temporary housing with no long-term sustainability for total recovery and self-sufficiency, all we’ve done is bandage a problem that requires more extensive care. Homelessness is a moral issue that requires comprehensive approaches with the sole intent to end homelessness across the board for all.

This program would provide permanent housing and jobs for all homeless.

This program would provide comprehensive therapeutic services that would help heal many emotional, psychological, spiritual, mental and physical scars homeless people have had to face for years. Dr. King’s success was accomplished with many individuals getting involved to end a grave injustice. Today we face an even graver injustice among the homeless population that will require just as much vigor, commitment, dedication and determination to end homelessness. We all have a moral obligation to make sure that every human being is treated fairly and is given the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness. The homeless are not exempt from these inalienable rights that make America great.

Service Spotlight: Thrive DC

By Shonette Reed Editorial Intern Thrive DC started in 1979 as the Dinner Program for Homeless Women. Its first goal, providing meals to the hungry, came in response to Washington’s first major wave of homelessness. Since then the organization’s mission has grown broader: “To prevent and end homelessness by providing vulnerable individuals with a comprehensive range of services to help stabilize their lives.”

Thrive DC’s services have expanded as well. The organization now offers homeless clients emergency services which include two meals a day, showers, laundry, a mailing address and telephone, internet access, personal care supplies, transportation assistance to medical appointments, and emergency clothing and blankets. Clients are also encouraged to take advantage of enrichment activities including art

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS HOTLINE 1-888-7WE HELP (1-888-793-4357)

SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Avenue, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118, www.missiondc.org Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 www.newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356,www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE (202) 610–9600, www.covenanthousedc.org John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469, www.catholiccharitiesdc.org

therapy, yoga and presentations on physical and mental health. Thrive DC also offers resume workshops and other help with job preparedness.

An emergency pantry program is available to individuals in need of supplemental food resources.

The organization also provides assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

In 2012, Thrive DC was able to serve 108,000 meals, including diabetic options, as well as distribute 100,00 pounds of emergency groceries and offer thousands of free showers and loads of laundry to its many visitors.

Executive Director of Thrive DC, Alicia Horton, was recently recognized by the Washington Wizards as a Black History Month Community Spotlight Honoree due to her dedicated leadership on the issues of hunger and homelessness.

My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596, Washington, DC 20017 (202) 529-5261 (office) (202) 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060, www.nstreetvillage.org Samaritan Inns 2523 14th St., NW (202) 667 - 8831 http://www.samaritaninns.org/home/ New York Ave Shelter (Men 18+) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359

FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplac Church of the Pilgrims (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612, www.churchofthepilgrims.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277, www.foodandfriends.org

STREET SENSE February 13 - 26, 2013

15

COMMUNITY SERVICES Thrive DC Breakfast served Mon.-Fri., 9:30-11 a.m.

Dinner for women and children, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m.

1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311, www.thrivedc.org

2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608, www.marthastable.org

Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089, www.miriamskitchen.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340, www.sashabruce.org

The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635, http://www.epiphanydc. org/ministry/welcometbl.htm

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES

Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood Street, NE (202) 269-6623, www.aohdc.org

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 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587, www.breadforthecity.org Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419, www.cchfp.org Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060, www.nstreetvillage.org Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112 Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050, www.friendshiphouse.net Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter.org Martha’s Table

Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005, www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300, www.ccs–dc.org D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW (202) 347–8870, www.dccfh.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511, www.cflsdc.org Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010, www.foundryumc.org Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731, www.grm.org Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ JHP, Inc. 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 544–9126, www.jobshavepriority.org Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202) 889–7702, www.samaritanministry.org

SHELTER HOTLINE: 1–800–535–7252

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Valentine’s Day

My Valentine Butterfly

By Evelyn Nnam Vendor

By Phillip Howard Vendor

There’s the one and only Valentine’s Day.

Butterfly, so bright your love is out of sight.

Filled with lacy cards, heart-shaped candy, and big bouquets of flowers.

And, there’s that special Valentine’s Day.

My Valentine Butterfly Butterfly, you guide me, with all your might.

As only we can celebrate it, filled with moments that are magical, that are ours alone to share. That’s the Valentine’s Day I’ve been waiting for, the one we’ve dreamed of all year.

My Valentine Butterfly Butterfly, with love, like a flying kite.

My Valentine Butterfly