05 25 2011

Volume 8: Issue 14 May 25 - June 7, 2011

Street

Thrown into the Limelight

donation $1 suggested

sense

Read more and get involved at www.streetsense.org | The D.C. Metro Area Street Newspaper | Please buy from badged vendors

Street Sense vendor Dwight Harris became a YouTube sensation after a video surfaced of his arrest by Metro Transit Police

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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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Street Sense vendor Dwight Harris tells his story of arrest by Metro Transit Police

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Homeless community marches to protest proposed budget cuts to shelters and services

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Bread for the City adds rooftop garden for the clients to pick and grow their way to health

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Pics&Poems: Sybil Taylor contemplates “Homeless Eyes.”

Read an online exclusive on teen pregnancy in D.C.

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Ivory Wilson: Part 2 of Nina the Detective

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Op-Ed: Brutal budget cuts could most affect those at the bottom

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Mary’s Center opens in Petworth, signaling new care

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Outgoing Vendor Manager writes a farewell letter to the Street Sense family Vendor Profile: Carl Turner

A new issue comes out every two weeks, but you can stay connected to Street Sense every day! /streetsense @streetsensedc /streetsensedc Cover art by Jane Cave

From the Executive Director

To Protect and Serve

B

By Douglas Knight Executive Director

y now, some of you may h a v e s e e n a Yo u Tu b e video of two Metro Transit Police officers encountering a man in a wheelchair and wrestling him to the ground after the man allegedly refused to obey the officers’ instructions and resisted arrest.

The man in the video is Dwight Harris, and he is a member of our Street Sense vendor team. And although it appears this incident did not occur while Harris was working as a Street Sense vendor, this situation does indeed affect us all here at Street Sense.

To be clear, the video does not show what happened before the camera rolled and what might have been said, not said, instructed, or not instructed by the Metro Transit Police. The video also does not truly give a sense of what Harris said, or did not say, prior to the incident captured on the YouTube video.

Now, having said all of that…

Really? This was really necessary at this point? Now as you probably would guess, I can speak to this as the executive director of Street Sense and give you a sense of how frustrated scenes like this make me, what they suggest about relationships between the poor and the powerful.

As a person who has family in law enforcement, I applaud what the police do each and every day to keep us safe and protect us from what might cause danger in our community. I am grateful that each and every night, police officers of every race, creed, religion and socioeconomic background go out on the streets and assure me that, “tonight, nothing will hurt you.” The police protect and serve, and most often do so without limelight or pageantry. They do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

But this situation isn’t about any of that.

Was Harris doing something illegal?

Was Harris “refusing to comply” and

“resisting” as the Metro Transit Po lice report states? Let’s assume all those things are correct and truthful for one second. Was a two-man tackle (with two Metro Transit Police officers each holding one of Mr. Harris’ arms as he fell head-first onto the Metro station air grate and concrete of the sidewalk) needed to get Mr. Harris to “comply”?

The man is seated in a wheelchair.

Color me practical, but I am guessing that walking behind a person in a wheelchair and starting to push said wheelchair in any direction the police saw fit would most likely begin the process of “compliance.” Did the two officers truly feel that an older man in a wheelchair constituted a warranted enough “threat” to require such a physical encounter?

This is the kind of example in our city that shows a lack of common sense regarding those who are lower on the socioeconomic scale. It is when we see images like this that we all feel that our community deserves better and most importantly our homeless and poverty-based brothers and sisters deserve greater respect from those in power and those sworn to “protect and serve.”

It is an image like this that forces us all to confront our reality that a city like Washington, D.C. must approach those on the streets with greater care and support, and not simply forcibly moving people about like trash or a stray dog.

The man was in a wheelchair.

There were two of you. Really?

ADDRESS 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 PHONE (202) 347 - 2006 FAX (202) 347 - 2166 E-MAIL info@streetsense.org WEB streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lisa Estrada, Ted Henson, Brad Scriber, Michael Stoops, Manas Mohapatra, Sommer Mathis, Kristal Dekleer, Robin Heller, Jeffery McNeil, Jordan Rummel, John Snellgrove, Dameon Philpotts EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Doug Knight EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mary Otto MANAGING EDITOR/NEW MEDIA DIRECTOR Lisa V. Gillespie VENDOR AND VOLUNTEER MANAGER Robert Weaver INTERNS Hannah Traverse, Zachery Davidson, Erin Durkin VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Rhonda Brown, Margaret Chapman, Tracie Ching, James Clarke, Nikki Conyers, Bobby Corrigan, Irene Costigan, Sara Dimmitt, Joe Duffy, Lilly Dymond, Ashley Edwards, Garrett Epps, Rachel Estabrook, Sarah Ficenec, Andrew Gena, Steve Gilberg, Jane Goforth, Jonah Goodman, Roberta Haber, Elia Herman, Cherilyn Hansen, Adam Kampe, Trisha Knisely, Vicki Ann Lancaster, Elle Leech-Black, Lisa Leona, Sean Lishansky, Elsie Oldaker, Katinka Podmaniczky, Mike Plunkett, Willie Schatz, Jesse Smith, Lilly Smith, Mandy Toomey, Brett Topping, Melissa Hough, Kate Sheppard, Marian Wiseman, Kelly Stellrecht, Jane Cave VENDORS Michael Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Reginald Black, Deana Black, Harmon Bracey, Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Floarea Caldaras, Conrad Cheek, Theresa Corbino, Avram Cornel, Anthony Crawford, Kwayera Dakari, Louise Davenport, James Davis, Charles Davis, Devon Dawkins, Michael Dawson, Chino Dean, Daivd Denny, Richardo Dickerson, Alvin Dixon El, Charles Eatmon, Richard Emden, Pieus Ennels, Betty Everett, Joshua Faison, Larry Garner, R. George, David Ger, Marcus Green, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Derian Hickman, Vennie Hill, Anne Holloway, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Patricia Jefferson, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Mark Jones, Evanson Kamau, Mike Leach, Michael Lyons, Johnnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, John C. Matthews, Authertimer Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Robert McGray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffrey McNeil, Kenneth Middleton, Gary Minter, L. Morrow, Jai Morton, Saleem Muhammad, Tyrone Murray, Darryl Neal, Charles Nelson, James Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Douglas Pangburn, Franklin Payne, Michael Pennycook, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Michael Reardon, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, J. Simpson, Patty Smith, Gwynette Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, Leroy Sturdevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Paul Taylor, Archie Thomas, Larissa Thompson, Carl Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Terry Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Wendell Williams, Edna Williams, Sherle Williams, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, Mark Wolf, Charles Woods, Tina Wright

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

Retiree on Mission to Help Homeless in San Diego Known as “Waterman Dave,” David Ross drives around San Diego in his beat-up black Hyundai, called “Homeless Hyundai,” handing out hundreds of water bottles each day to homeless people, National Public Radio reports.

“Hey brother, I got some juice and stuff for you,” Ross tells one homeless man outside the city library, as another kid asks: “Do you have my cheeseburger and curly fries?” National Public Radio reports.

With almost 4,600 homeless people in San Diego, the city is seeking ways to find permanent housing solutions for them, but many remain pessimistic, according to National Public Radio.

Hollywood homeless Finds Permanent Housing A group of volunteers hiked up Hollywood hills to a homeless encampment to identify the most at-risk individuals, and find permanent housing solutions for them, the Los Angeles Times reports.

“A year later, the early results are promising. Thirty-seven chronically homeless people are in apartments, 34 others are expected to be housed

NEWS

within weeks, and more than $800,000 has been raised to sustain the effort,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

The project was conceived out of public outrage about a homeless shelter that was slated to open near ritzy Hollywood Boulevard. The volunteers believe that if they target the most vulnerable and at-risk homeless, then more money and resources will be available for the general homeless population.

Hawaii Lawmakers Scramble to Find Housing for Homeless Before Economic Summit Ahead of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation led by President Obama, Hawaii lawmakers are noticing the growing homeless population taking up residence in the state’s beaches and parks, the Associated Press reports.

Hawaii has the third-highest ratio of homeless to population of any state, with most of the homeless centered in Honolulu. It’s estimated that several hundred homeless live in the luxury neighborhood Waikiki where APEC will take place. Part of the problem is unaffordable housing.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has made the issue a top priority of his administration, implementing, “a 90-day plan to increase mental health care services,

repair shelters, and move the chronically homeless into permanent housing.”

“We still are focused on solving this problem because it’s our moral obligation to solve this problem. On the other hand, it’s a handy deadline before which we want to have some progress to show our community and the international community,” Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said to the Associated Press.

Minneapolis tornado kills, & leaves hundreds homeless Minneapolis is under a curfew and non-residents are encouraged to stay away from the city as there are reports of lawlessness and looting after a destructive tornado ripped through parts of the city Sunday, May 22.

“One person was killed and more than two dozen were injured. Scores more were left homeless as the tornado hopped and skipped block to block, pushing trees into houses, snapping utility poles, zipping off roofs, ripping up natural gas lines and wreaking havoc over an area roughly four miles square,” according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

YOUR DOLLAR

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

In October 2005, Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November, the organization hired its first employee, a full-time executive director. A year later, Street Sense hired its first vendor coordinator and began partnering with several service providers.

In February 2007, the paper increased the frequency of publication to twice a month.

65%

Each vendor makes a personal investment in Street Sense, by purchasing is- Directly sues at a rate of 35 cents per copy. This aids the money helps cover our production and vendor printing costs for the paper, while still allowing the vendors to sell the paper at a low price and substantial profit.

all people are

Welcome

here

Join us in worship on Sundays at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 5:30 pm Homeless Outreach Hospitality Fridays at 9:00 _____________________________

Foundry United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation

1500 16th Street NW | Washington DC | 20036 202.332.4010 | foundryumc.@foundryumc.org

www.foundryumc.org

Compiled by Zachary Davidson, from previously published reports.

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 with the idea to start a street paper in Washington, D.C. They saw it as a means of empowering the area’s poor and homeless and desided the paper would cover homelessness and other social issues.

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers, Street Sense published its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies.

About a dozen vendors sold the first issue of the paper. For the next three years, it was

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Vendor Code of Conduct

In order to support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first full-time editor-in-chief in April.

Today, Street Sense has four professionals, more than 100 active vendors and nearly 30,000 copies in circulation each month. The newspaper has become a major source of news for Washingtonians, providing content on issues which often go uncovered by the mainstream media.

Street Sense is a member of the National Association of Street Newspapers (NASNA).

35% Supports costs

1. I agree not to ask for more than $1 or to solicit donations for Street Sense by other means.

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

3. I agree to treat others respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers.

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

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

6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling Street Sense.

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

8. I will stay a block away from another vendor.

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

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

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MTPD police officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers throughout the 1,500 square mile Transit Zone that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia for crimes that occur in or against Transit Authority facilities. It is the only tri-jurisdictional police agency in the country and serves a population of 3.2 million.

“Excessive Force”

Dwight Harris admits there was beer in his cup when Metro Transit Police pulled him out of his wheelchair

By Erin Durkin & Zachery Davidson Editorial Interns The scene captured by a passerby on grainy video, has been watched by thousands on YouTube and local news channels.

A man riding in a wheelchair is apparently grabbed by his upper arms by two Metro Transit officers and forcibly pushed from his chair. He topples and lands hard on the ground, the right side of his face against a sidewalk grate.

The disabled man is Dwight Harris, a longtime Street Sense vendor, apparently not selling papers at the time of the incident. Following his violent encounter with the Metro officers on the afternoon of May 19 near the U Street Metro station, Harris was charged with resisting arrest and carrying an open container of an alcoholic beverage.

Harris was transported to a local hospital where he received stitches for cuts around his right eye, and then was released. But the video of the confrontation has taken on a life of its own. It continues to attract viewers and raise questions about the level of force the police used in arresting Harris.

Metro Police spokeswoman Angela Gates told Street Sense the incident is now under investigation by the Metro Transit Police and that the official report will not be released until a later date.

She said the matter is being taken very seriously.

“Metro Transit Chief of Police Michael Taborn saw the video and had some issues with what he saw,” she said.

Taborn was not available for comment.

In an interview with Street Sense on Monday, May 23, a bruised and bandaged Harris claimed he was not belligerent and was minding his own business when the police came up to him.

“Why would you ask me what’s in my cup?” Harris said he asked the police.

Harris also said that the officers never read him his Miranda rights. He said he was not told what he was being arrested for until he was booked downtown.

He now acknowledges there was beer in the cup he was carrying. Harris had a

Left, Street Sense vendor Dwight Harris recieved injuries to the right side of his face while being slammed down on the sidewalk grate. Above, Harris, long time vendor, was photographed by a volunteer two years ago.

ZACH DAVIDSON I STREET SENSE JANE CAVE I STREET SENSE

blood alcohol level of .30 at the time of his arrest, according to unnamed official sources, cited by NBC News4.

Harris claims the police used “excessive force” citing the fact that he is in a wheelchair and posed no threat to the officers.

Anne Marie Staudenmaier, legal advocate for the homeless from the Washington Legal Clinic, said she arrived at the scene, very near her office, after Harris was on the ground.

“What we saw was Harry laying on the ground, bleeding profusely with six officers standing around him with their arms folded,” she said.

As a crowd gathered more officers arrived at the scene, refusing to answer anyone’s questions, Staudenmaier said.

Lawrence Miller, another witness, had

tried to help Harris but was arrested by the police for interfering according to published reports.

Staudenmaier said that she thought the Transit police had gone, “overboard,” with their actions.

When she asked the closest officer why Harris was not receiving medical attention, she claims the officer asked, “Why do you want to know?” She explained that Harris was a client of their office and the officer responded, “This is none of your business. An ambulance is on the way,” according to Staudenmaier.

She moved to another officer at the scene who Staudenmaier said was more belligerent. She claimed the officer grabbed her arm and moved her away from the scenesaying, “You need to stop asking questions and move away right

now.”

“I think it was bored transit police who never have excitement, it’s like a classic case of rent-a-cop,” she added.

“He’s not dangerous and he didn’t have a weapon.”

Harris is in the process of obtaining legal council. He was taken from the scene by ambulance to an area hospital where he received stitches to a cut near his right eye. He was then taken to the Central Detention Facility in Southeast D.C. He was charged and released.

For now, Harris continues to do “his thing” and is receiving a kind of hero’s welcome in his neighborhood. As he crossed the street to fill his prescription at the local Rite Aid May 23, a trail of friends followed him asking about the incident.

“I’ve bought Street Sense from him and he always seemed to have a pleasant look on his face. He seems to be a peaceful kind of person,” said Alison Whyte, a regular customer of Harris. “It was a horrible thing for those officers to do. They overstepped their boundaries.

It did not appear that he was putting anyone in danger.”

There are currently over 130,000 people in D.C. participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

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LOCAL NEWS

D.C.’s Homeless Join Forces A march on the Wilson Building aims to lessen the blow of budget cuts

By Hannah Traverse Editorial Intern With voting on the city budget imminent and millions of dollars for vital human services slated for cuts, homeless people and their advocates have increased the pressure on officials to find the funding to keep shelters open and antipoverty programs running.

Advocates have staged telephone callin sessions and e-mail campaigns directed at members of the city council. On Wednesday, May 18, scores of homeless activists marched from shelters and converged on city council offices at the Wilson Building to push for radical changes to the District’s proposed spending plan for Fiscal Year 2012.

On their Safety Net Reality Tour, homeless men and women and their supporters attempted to sway council members away from backing the current budget before a preliminary May 25 vote. A final vote on the budget, which will include revisions and adjustments, is scheduled for June 14.

Homeless marchers and other members of the tour—which was organized by the group Save Our Safety Net (SOS-DC) and sponsored by such groups as the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, the Fair Budget Coalition and Organizing Neighborhood Equity DC—demanded a new budget that would maintain funding for affordable housing and welfare programs, not a budget that would threaten to close homeless shelters.

Before the tour began, the day started with a march to the Wilson Building from the Committee for Creative NonViolence shelter, located at the corner of 2nd Street and E Street, Northwest.

Marchers held signs that read, “Save Homeless Services!” and, “Protect our Safety Net!” Eric Sheptock, a homeless individual who helped organize the march, used his

After marching through the rain from the Community for Creative Non-Violence shelter, participants in the Safety Net Reality Tour wait to go through security at the entrance of the Wilson building. Participants included homelessness advocates, as well as those who depend on safety net services, including people who are currently homeless, previously homelss and low-income. bullhorn to lead the crowd in such chants as, “Don’t worsen the homeless plight!

Housing is a human right!” and, “I love D.C. This is my city! They try to kick me out and it won’t be pretty!”

As the protesters came out of the rain and filed through security at the entrance to the Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Aiyi’nah Ford, a campaign organizer for SOS-DC and the leader of the tour, addressed those already indoors. “We’re trying to bring the realities of homelessness here to the Wilson Building,” she said.

From those who have everything, we get $18 million.

And from those who have nothing, we get $27 million. And I ask you, ‘Does that make sense to you?’”

-Councilmember Jim Graham

Some councilmembers have already indicated their support of the SOS-DC agenda. Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) and Michael Brown (I-At-Large) all spoke to tour members at various points during their trip around the Wilson Building.

“Right now the mayor is looking at a proposed alternative budget,” said Wells, standing before a crowded room of participants at the start of the tour. “I believe it should have been the first one he looked at.”

Graham, who chairs the council’s human services committee, spoke immediately after Wells. He laid out some of the specifics of how the current budget before the council would address the approximately $300 million deficit the D.C. government faces. About $19 mil-

lion would be cut from shelters and other homeless programs. The welfare program, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), would stand to lose $7 million. Roughly $1.5 million would come out of Interim Disabilities Assistance, a program that assists people waiting for federal disability support, Graham said. Meanwhile, Graham said, taxes on the wealthiest D.C. residents would only net about $18 million. “From those who have everything, we get $18 million,” said Graham. “And from those who have nothing, we get $27 million.

And I ask you, ‘Does that make sense to you?’”

Many on the tour were quick to share

Continued on Page 6

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To receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits, you must be either pregnant or responsible for a child under age 19.

Continued from Page 5

their opinions about the injustice of cutting funding for safety net services. O.B. Black, a 59-year-old D.C. homeless man, spoke of “a million and one ways” to correct the current budget deficit without drawing from human services. “This is a matter of doing what’s humanly right,” said Black. “There are 9,000 cats, dogs and hamsters sheltered in the city–I think they can find a place for us homeless.”

John Jones, 61, who currently stays at the Adams Place Shelter, said he came to the Reality Tour to make sure this country remains a land “rich with milk and honey.” “It’s no joke out there on them bricks,” said Jones.

The Reality Tour made stops at the offices of council members Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) and Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), as well as the offices of Chairman Kwame Brown (D) and Chair Pro Tempore Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3). All four of these lawmakers are in favor of the current proposed budget.

Chairman Brown was the only one of the four to address the crowd, while staffers spoke on behalf of Bowser and Alexander. A poignant moment came when a mother who used Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits to help raise her daughter (now a college sophomore) presented a ragged teddy bear to a Bowser staffer. The bear was symbolic of how children would be the ones most deeply impacted by cuts to TANF funding. Ford mentioned that some 14,000 children, 70 percent of whom are under 10 years old, now benefit from TANF. The current budget would cut the average per-family monthly TANF payment from $428 to $257.

“Can you survive on $257 a month?” said Ford. “Can any of your children go out and get a job to help support your family?”

The crowd responded with an assertive, “No!” Tour participants applauded Chairman Brown for stepping out of his office to address the crowd, but they were not pleased with what he had to say. The chairman promised he would find money to maintain or restore all benefits, but pledged to never raise taxes on any D.C. residents. This went against the suggestion made by many in the crowd, and by many in D.C., to increase taxes on the wealthiest D.C. residents to address the

Above, tour participants on their way to the office of Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4).

Left, after marching over from the Community for Creative Non-Violence shelter, tour participants wait to go through security at the entrance of the Wilson building.

HANNAH TRAVERSE I STREET SENSE

budget deficit.

At the start of the tour, participants were instructed to write their ward number and contact information on the back of green slips of paper that were printed

to look like dollar bills. These “dollars” were handed to Chairman Brown as a symbolic tax payment. Brown returned to his office when the crowd began asking him where he planned to actually get

the dollars to keep vital services going.

Valerie Alston, 61, a homeless woman living at the Committee for CCNV shelter who is looking for her family, mentioned the need for such services in order to keep her on her feet. “If Humpty Dumpty had focus he never would have fallen off that wall,” said Alston.

Laura Rainy Anderson, 56, currently residing at the Open Door Shelter, said she sees funding cuts to safety net services as a violation of constitutional rights as well as human rights. “Some of us have been homeless since 1990. Some of us have been waiting patiently–help never comes,” said Rainy Anderson. “I don’t think you can give people the right to vote someone into the street.”

There are 47 community gardens in Washington, D.C. Ward 4 and Ward 6 are tied for having the most number of gardens, each with eight different plots. Ward 1 and Ward 8 each have one plot.

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

LOCAL NEWS

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Expanding Out & Growing Up

By Erin Durkin Editorial Intern Visitors to Bread for the City’s venerable food pantry will soon be able to take their pick of fresh tomatoes, peppers, squash, berries and other produce, grown in a new garden perched two-stories up, atop the nonprofit’s roof.

After months of planning and work, on May 20, organizers proudly cut the ribbon on the roof garden at Bread for the City’s Northwest Center, on Seventh Street NW. The idea for the garden, now bright with young vegetable plants, berry bushes and even beehives, got its start during the expansion of Bread for the City’s facility in the Shaw neighborhood. The building project added 11,000 square feet, providing more space for the nutritional, social, medical and legal services Bread for the City offers to low-income residents in Northwest Washington. The nonprofit also operates a center on Good Hope Road in Southeast, D.C. Initially, the rooftop was planned as a green roof that would insulate the building and absorb rainwater. However, the idea expanded into a garden, which would provide fresh food to the clients.

“In our recent history we’ve always gone out to farmers and farmers markets to get fresh food for our food pantry,” said George Jones, executive director of Bread for the City. “While designing the expansion we sat down with architects and began talking about green roofs. This roof is a real cost effective plan.”

According to Jones, the idea for the roof was also sparked by the fact that a garden known as Common Good City Farm used to sit on the lot used for the building’s expansion. That garden has moved to LeDroit Park.

In planning the new roof garden, Bread for the City teamed up with DC Greenworks, a non-profit organization that helps establish urban agriculture.

There specialists were able to determine the best kinds of plants to grow and the best type of soil to use.

“The plants are growing in a mixture of shale, clay, and soil that can adapt to the wind and the heat,” said Peter En-

ERIN DURKIN I STREET

Above, Michael Reilly, a volunteer at Bread for the City, inspects the pea plants that he donated to the garden.

Below, donors and volunteers take tours around the garden viewing the variety of fruits and vegetables and the expansive city view.

sign from DC Greenworks. “During the summer we are hoping to teach the clients how to replant, harvest and maintain the garden.”

Ensign said they are hoping to add an irrigation system to the garden later this summer.

Several of the volunteers were a combination of workers from the center and clients.

“I am excited about the fresh fruit and vegetables but especially the bees,” said Verneice Green, development assistant, as she sliced lemons for the reception. “It’s an amazing blessing and it will help us assist more people.”

The garden will provide a variety of produce, including blueberries, peppers, eggplants, beans, and oregano. Two garden beds were left empty to allow the clients to decide what they would like to grow and two beehives will be provided to provide fresh honey to the community.

Leonard Edwards, a client, volunteer and donor to Bread for the City, provided many services for the garden. He said the biggest benefit of the garden would be teaching community members about nutrition.

“It is going to get the word out to the poor community about what they can eat. Many people don’t know what they should and should not eat,” he said.

“This can show them they can eat their grains but they must eat vegetables at the same time.”

The volunteers and clients at the reception expressed their excitement for the prospects the garden brings.

“I am very excited to be able to pick fresh food and use the garden on a regular basis,” said Erika Moses, a client at Bread for the City.

Michael Reilly, a volunteer who built the trellises and donated seeds for the pea plants that were already crawling up the bamboo poles, said that he was amazed the plan has become true.

For Bread for the City, this is not the end of the green innovations.

“We want to add solar panels on the old roof,” said development associate Greg Bloom, gesturing to the few square feet of roof that marked the old building. “We are going to be utilizing this entire space as best as we can.”

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Eyes of the H

By Sybil Taylor Vendor

Looking into the eyes of the homeles The painful, stressful life on the stre Sad eyes Teary eyes Unhappy eyes Hopeful eyes Thoughtful eyes Eyes of despair Panic eyes Eyes of being lonely Nowhere to turn to Nowhere to go.

Panhandling Change to get something to eat.

Sleeping outdoors Or finding late-night shelters to sleep Refreshing up for the next day in bat With eyes that never hide A face of sadness.

Being homeless, not knowing where to get a next meal to eat. People say Being homeless, very upset with soci It’s painful to look into one another’s Pain of rejection.

One of these days, the homeless will Life and a new foundation and look b Homeless life, renewed.

For the homeless, life is on the stree But life is also in the hands of the Lo Peace is in the heart and mind.

Pray for a new day Being healthy and strong.

One day this dream Will come true for those in need.

Look forward to a new horizon star That it will soon be.

Homeless

ss eets

p at, throoms,

ying they can’t help. iety. s eyes.

l have a new back on their

ets now ord, where

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

Pics & Poems

9

10 10

Fiction

NINA THE DETECTIVE: PART 2

Cold Case Gets Warmer for Nina

By Ivory Wilson Vendor Summary of Part 1: Nina is a t o u g h a n d g o rgeous police detective.Nina has lived with her grandparents ever since the death of her father and the murder of her mother many years ago. One evening, while sitting at her desk in the police station examining a file on a cold case, Nina senses that Warren, a fellow detective, does not want her to look further into this particular death. Warren was the officer who investigated Jane Doe’s death back in the day and declared it a suicide. Nina decides she is not going to let this case go unsolved.

Nina thought the dead woman must have a family, and she decided to find them. She opened her desk drawer, put the files in, closed the drawer and rose from her desk. She said to Warren, “I’ll see you in the morning.” She left the room and went downstairs and out the Department doors to her car, a 429 Hemi engine four-on-the-floor four-speed Mustang Fastback. She got in, shifted into gear, peeled out of the parking lot and drove home. She parked in the driveway, turned off her car, got out, walked to the house, opened the door and went inside. She turned on the lights and saw cookies and milk on the table that her grandmother, Ann, had left for her.

Nina went upstairs, turned on the bathroom lights and started running water for her bath, still seeing the face of that dead woman in her mind. She got undressed and got into the tub, then jumped out, put a towel around herself and looked in the mirror, thinking “I look like her.”

Nina ran to her bedroom, turned on the light and looked for the box with pictures of her mother, Stephanie.

Nina looked at Stephanie’s picture and thought that if she were to take the

reddish hair color off the dead woman and put long black hair on her instead, the woman would look like her mother. Nina got dressed, ran out of the house, got in her car, started the engine, backed out of the driveway into the street and shifted the car into gear, spinning the tires. She drove down the street, heading back to the Department.

She parked and saw Warren up ahead in his car, an LTD Ford four-door, leaving work late. Nina ran into the Department and up the stairs to her office. She opened the desk drawer and searched for the file of the dead woman, Jane Doe. It was gone. Nina thought, “That’s why Warren was here.”

She walked back to her car and climbed in thinking about Warren, a fellow detective who had taught her so much over the years about police work and crime fighting. Should she just let it go? She drove home, walked in the house and up to her room, closed the door, turned off the lights and went to bed.

The next morning Nina woke up and lay in her bed. She was wondering if there was anybody on the street who would know about the 15-year-old unsolved murder at Motel 6 on Clark Street. She thought of Shaggie.

Shagg Nasty was a pickpocket, paperhanger, drug dealer, stealer of cars and a common thief. Nina busted Shaggie for pickpocketing when she was working vice. She made him return the items and then let him go. After that, she used Shaggie for information. Nina was smiling, thinking about Shagg. She wished she could change him from his way of life. Shagg, with his street smarts, could save so many kids.

Nina got up from her bed. She got dressed, went downstairs and ate her cookies. She went out of the house,

LAWRENCE HOWARD, STREET SENSE

got into her car and took off down the street.

She drove down to the south side, around Clark Street, looking for Shagg Nasty, and spotted him sitting at a shoe shine booth on the corner, all dressed up in a new suit, getting a shine. She saw Shagg pass another man something out of his hand and knew it was dope. Shagg was dealing again.

Nina knew if Shagg saw her car, he would start running down the street, so Nina stopped a taxi driver, showed him her badge and said, “I want you to drive my car past that shoe shine booth where those men are, and I’ll drive your taxi up the street and park it.”

The taxi driver got in Nina’s car and drove it around the corner. Shagg Nasty heard the sound of an engine and spun around. He saw it was Nina’s car and jumped up, dropping his dope on the ground. He ran down the sidewalk, pushing people out of his way. Nina sat in the taxi, smiling as Shagg ran her way. She opened the back door of the taxi and dropped down in the front seat.

Shagg Nasty saw the open back door of the taxi. He smiled, jumped in, closed the door, ducked down in the back seat and said, “Drive off. I’ll pay you.” Shagg felt the car wasn’t moving. He looked up and saw Nina, smiling. Shagg said, “OK,

woman. Don’t hit me in my pretty face.”

Nina laughed and said, “Well, Shaggie. It seems to me I just saw you hand someone a crack rock.”

Shagg said, “Oh, no, woman. You got me wrong. I’ve been selling Bibles. I’ve gone straight.”

Nina said, “Shaggie, you are so funny.

Show me one of those Bibles. You always make me laugh when I bust your ass. Here’s the deal, Shaggie. You tell me what I want to know and I might let you go.”

Shagg said, “I want more than that.

What’s in it for me?”

“Your freedom.”

Shagg said, “Damn. OK, woman. What is it?”

Nina asked Shagg, “Do you know about a murder at a Motel 6 on Clark Street?

A murder that happened 15 years ago?”

Shagg said, “Fifteen years back... I was shooting dice in a crap game across the street at Lee’s pool hall that night.”

He laughed. “Nina, that’s the motel where your kind goes to get their freak on.”

Nina looked shocked.

Shagg said, “I’m talking about cops, baby. I think I seen that old cop leaving there before the police came.”

(To be continued…)

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

Street Sense offers our vendors the chance to share their stories and poetry every Monday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Writers’ Group

IN THE KINGDOM OF THE ANIMALS

By Chris Shaw, the Cowboy Poet

A Race Horse reads no odds boards,

Lost Souls

So I’ve observed

By Robert Warren

Walking in the spoor of stable hay.

When I flee the troubles of the day

As we travel around the city to and fro

To the Paddock, I’ll idly go

Are we all just lost souls?

And watch steeds munching,

Trying to come in from the cold,

Lunching without a care

The cold, cold hearts of those who can not see

Neither pressures of time

The lost souls sleeping on the streets.

Nor “Bad Pay” Situations rile their down time at the trough.

A kind word is all we need,

Nay, say I - my time is unmeasured

Before it is time to take cover from the heat

Too, like the horseflies buzzing about I’m merely a fly on the wall, no doubt.

In and out we come and go,

The winner of the derby

No one really knows.

Wove through traffic

I know the Lord knows the travels of all lost souls.

like the ‘Hashashin,”

And those whose hearts turn cold,

Called ‘Raffiq!”

Those who lend a helping hand,

Maybe Kingdom’s incandescent

Those who feed their fellow man

Saddle cloth of paisley magenta

Those with a word of kindness for a traveler to and fro,

And lime julep colors,

A lost soul in need of a home

So dazzled the herd That not a disparaging word

A home to pray in, a place to stay, to travel to,

Could be heard!

For a soul to live and be and work a good deed.

Maybe it’s helpful to remind Oneself that we are all Animals of one sort, or another, Who, the decides be ye A god, or Monster?

This is what we need to rest our weary soul So tired of traveling to and fro In and out we come and go, To places only the poor and homeless and the Lord know.

And those who bless the lost soul that travels to and fro Only the Lord knows when they will travel home.

11

12

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

IN THE SUPERIO R COURT O F THE DISTRICT O F COLUMBIA CIVIL DIVISION __________________________________________________________ ) BARBARA BATES and BONNIE BELL, ) ) Plaintiffs, individually and as representatives of a ) certified class of similarly situated persons, ) ) v. ) ) NORTHWESTERN HUMAN SERVICES, INC., NORTHWESTERN ) HUMAN SERVICES OF LEHIGH VALLEY, INC., AND NHS ) MIDATLANTIC, INC. ) ) Defendants. ) )) ) )

2008 CA 008369 B Honorable Judge Edelman Next Event: Final Class Action Settlement Fairness Hearing July 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

SECOND NO TICE: PROPOSED SETTLEMENT O F CLASS ACTION TO : ANY AND ALL RESIDENTS O F THE DISTRICT O F COLUMBIA WHO RECEIVED HEALTH CARE SERV ICES FRO M: - NORTHWESTERN HUMAN SERVICES - NORTHWESTERN HUMAN SERVICES OF LEHIGH VALLEY, - NHS MIDATLANTIC (the “DEFENDANTS” in this lawsuit), AND ONE O F THE DEFENDANTS ACTED AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE O R TRUSTEE FO R FEDERAL BENEFITS YOU WERE REC EIVING BETWEEN 1996 AND 2004.

This is the second notice related to class action litigation pending in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. An earlier notice was approved and issued by the Court which informed class members that a class had been certified in the litigation and advising Class Members about the opportunity to opt-out of the litigation. This Second Notice serves to inform you of a proposed settlement of the class action litigation and of a hearing that the Court will hold to consider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the settlement. This Notice is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an expression of any opinion by the Co urt with respect to the truth of the allegations in the Action or the merits of the claims or defenses asserted. This Notice describes the rights you have in connection with the proposed settlement and what steps you may take in relation to the settlement and this class action litigation.

IF YO U BELIEVE YO U ARE A MEMBER O F THIS CLASS AND WISH TO RECEIVE BENEFITS UNDER TH E SETTLEMENT, YO U MUST CONTACT TH E CLAIMS ADMINISTRATO R AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THE “RECEIVING BENEFITS UNDER THIS SETTLEMENT” SECTIO N.

earlier notice was approved and issued by the Court which informed class members that a class had been certified in the litigation and advising Class Members about the opportunity to opt-out of the litigation. This Second Notice serves to inform you of a proposed settlement of the class action litigation and of a hearing that the Court will hold to con sider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the settlement. This Notice is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an expression of any opinion by the Co urt with respect to the truth of the allegations in the Action or the merits of th e claims or defenses asserted. This Notice describes the rights you have in connection with the proposed settlement and what steps you may take in relation to the settlement and this class action litigation.

13

IF YO U BELIEVE YO U ARE A MEMBER O F THIS CLASS AND WISH TO RECEIVE BENEFITS UNDER TH E SETTLEMENT, YO U MUST CONTACT TH E CLAIMS ADMINISTRATO R AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THE “RECEIVING BENEFITS UNDER THIS SETTLEMENT” SECTIO N. .

A court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

TH E AC TIO N Plaintiffs Barbara Bates and Bonnie Bell (“Class Representatives”) sued Defendants in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The lawsuit is known as Barbara Bates and Bonnie Bell, et al. v. Northwestern Human Services, Inc., et al, Civil Action No. 008369-08 and shall be referred to in this document as the “Action.” In the Action, Plaintiffs have claimed that the Defendants mismanaged certain of Plaintiffs’ social security and other governmental benefit funds while Defendants were providing mental health and representative payee services to Plaintiffs on behalf of the District of Columbia government. Plaintiffs claim that these acts resulted in Defendants breaching duties that it owed to Plaintiffs and that Defendants improperly took Plaint iffs’ funds or property.

The Court ordered that the lawsuit proceed as a class action on behalf of all individuals who, while residents of the District of Columbia and while receiving mental health care services from Defendants in the District of Columbia, had the Defendants act as their representative payee or trustee for federal benefits (the “Class”). On September 28, 2008, the Court certified the Class and directed a notice to be issued informing Class members of the litigation. After the first Notice was duly issued, the parties mediated a resolution of the litigation. Plaintiffs and Class Counsel have determined that it is in their own and the Class members' best interest to settle this Action on the terms described in this Second Notice.

DEFENDANTS' DENIALS O F WRONGDOING AND LIABILITY As advised in the previous Notice of Class Action, the Defendants deny each and every claim and contention alleged by Plaintiffs in the Action. The Defendants deny all charges of wrongdoing or liability against th em arising out of any of the conduct, statements, acts or omissions alleged, or that could have been alleged, in the Action. The Defendants also have denied and continue to deny, inter alia, the allegations that the Plaintiffs or the Class have suffered damages as a result of the conduct alleged in the Action.

Nonetheless, the defendants have concluded that further litigation of the Action could be protracted and expensive, and that it is desirable that the Action be fully and finally settled in the manner and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Notice, without admitting liability.

CERTIFICATIO N O FCLASS AND CERTIFICATION O F SUBCLASSES FO R SETTLEMENT PURPOSES On September 28, 2009, the Court certified a Class of all persons who, while residents of the District of Columbia and while receiving mental health care services from Defendants in the District of Columbia, had the Defendants act as their representative payee or trustee for federal benefits between 1996 and 2004.

An initial notice of the class certification order was mailed and distributed in February 2010, and all Class members were provided instruction and opportunity to opt out of membership in the class and any benefits that the class receives as a result of this Action. If you fit the description of a class member and you did not opt out of the Class at that time, then you are considered to be a member of this Class in this Action and will be bound by this Settlement. Your ability to object to the Settlement is described in detail below.

For settlement purposes, the Class has been divided into two subclasses: (A) Class members who were identified as the intended beneficiaries of payments that Defendants made directly to the Social Security Administration as the result of an internal account reconstruction that Defendants' undertook in 2004 (“Subclass A”), and (B) Class members who were not identified, and whose accounts were not reviewed, as part of Defendants’ internal account reconstruction of 2004 (“Subclass B”).

14

Op-Ed

The Science of Selling

Budget Cuts Not the Solution

By Jeffery McNeil Vendor

By Maurice King Editorial Volunteer

Selling newspapers has given me great insight into human behavior.

Working as a Street Sense vendor, I have had the chance to meet people from all walks of life. I have made connections from the crack house to the White House. I have learned that selling newspapers is an art with many nuances and intricacies.

There is far more to selling than just standing on the corner, hollering “Street Sense.” Vending is theater. You are like a performer on a stage. Like an actor, you’ve got to know your audience and play to the crowd. Great entertainers are welcomed to the tables of presidents and kings, while moaners and malcontents are removed from the stage and kicked to the sidewalk.

People love to be entertained and amused; be the sun that rises above the stars, not the dark cloud that rains on the party.

Sales is also about rejection and putdowns. The word “no” is part of the game. People do not wake up wanting to buy Street Sense. You have to plant the seeds of emotion to get someone to buy what you are selling. I used to get upset when I was ignored or heard a nasty comment. But as I honed my craft, I learned to work with rejection. I learned that every rejection is an opportunity for a potential sale. My favorite people are the suits and ties who wouldn’t be caught dead with a homeless newspaper. A good salesman looks for the Tasmanian devil, not an ordinary groundhog.

This is how I approach selling papers Preparation: To be good at anything, you’ve got to plan. I play everything out in my mind. I have an imaginary number of papers I want to sell, and I know the peak hours. I have a keen awareness of when it is a good day to sell and I know

when to not sell in a particular area. These insights do not come overnight. They develop through hard work and experience.

Location: After I plan out my strategy, I choose where I am going to sell. Customers tell me they see me everywhere, but there is a method to my madness. I move around for different reasons. Selling newspapers is no different from investing in the markets. It’s all about supply and demand. The less they see of you, the more they will want to see you again. So like a hedge fund, I diversify. This method works for me because if buyers are going on strike in one area, you have alternative locations that might be more buyer-friendly. So I have a cache of different locations.

Don’t bring me no bad news: When I put my vest on, it is show time. I forget about my problems and perform. If you do not want people ignoring you, don’t complain about your situation. Positivity attracts positive people.

Find the suit that fits you: The best vendors use colorful jingles. Some are poets. Some vendors are just so pleasant, you can’t help but buy the paper. I never show discouragement when no one is buying. I realize my game is off and try something different. There is no onesize-fits-all way to sell papers.

It’s not the paper or the spot, it’s the person on the spot: Nothing irritates me more than when I hear vendors complaining about how people look at them like they are crazy. Some will play to people’s emotions with begging. Many will ask me for good locations. I always tell them, once you put on the vest and find a location. Farragut North is no different from Farragut West, 14th Street is no different than 15th Street.

It’s only people, and if you follow my tips you won’t be intimidated by anyone.

As a matter of fact, you will feel confident and believe you can make money anywhere. So do not be concerned about a corner, because no matter where you go, you bring yourself.

the “nanny state” will maintain that the homeless should take care of themBy now, the subselves, that they ject of the 2012 should not expect budget for the Disany government to trict of Columbia is help them. on the lips of everyThese critics are one in the homeless noticeably absent in community. Budget the homeless comcuts will affect real munity. The homepeople, both familess know all too well lies and individuals, that getting out of who may well find homelessness is defithemselves on the streets. Members of the D.C. Council nitely an admirable goal, but one that vary in their opinions about this un- almost always requires a considerable fortunate situation, but they all seem amount of help from some source. to regard budget cuts as inevitable The government invariably plays a unless funds can be found from an- major role in funding such sources. other source. Increased taxes on the Of course, there are exceptions, but wealthy are suggested as one addi- they are rare. Pretending that homelessness will magically vanish with no tional source of revenue.

The efforts of organizations such intervention is folly, yet that seems to as the National Coalition for the be what is being contemplated while Homeless’ Speakers Bureau attempt establishing the 2012 budget.

The economic quandary in which to put a human face on the problem of homelessness. They show that the the city finds itself is indeed a probhomeless community is very diverse lem that requires attention, but putand filled with people who have ting large numbers of people out into many different stories to tell about the street only creates more problems how they became homeless. The hu- that require attention. The homeless man face of homelessness is largely population is quite vulnerable, and ignored in the interest of balancing denying shelter to so many people will only increase that vulnerability. the budget.

It will generate severe social probPutting some 1,400 people out into the streets of Washington, D.C., lems that will probably be even more will undoubtedly do harm to the city, costly to correct than providing shelwhich is a major tourist attraction for ter to these people.

The argument that the budget dipeople from around the world.

The problem of homelessness can- lemma is a direct result of the failed not be solved by closing shelters; that economic policies of the former presionly makes the problem more visible. dent does not solve the problem at The nation’s capital will become an hand. Everyone can have an opinion as embarrassment, a showcase of our to why the city and the nation are facing such difficulfailure to end The homeless know all ties, but not many poverty and too well that getting out people seem to be homelessness.

Is this what the of homelessness is defi- able to show the out of them. A D.C. Council renitely an admirable goal, way solution is what is ally wants for but one that almost alneeded, not slashthe city? ways requires a consider- es to needed serCritics of what has been able amount of help from vices. Something referred to as has to be done.

some source.

STREET SENSE May 25 - June 7, 2011

Service Spotlight: Charlie’s Place

By Hannah Traverse Editorial Intern Charlie’s Place, located in the basement of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 1830 Connecticut Ave., N.W., has served the D.C. homeless community for the past 21 years. Every Tuesday through Friday, Charlie’s Place begins offering coffee, tea and pastries at 6:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m. a brief announcement is made about any upcoming events or new support services in D.C., followed by a hot, nutritious breakfast. Over 300 homeless individuals are served eacy week.

Charlie’s Place offers much more than food and community news, however; bus tokens and Metro cards are distributed twice a week, free HIV testing is provided once a month and every Tuesday a master barber gives haircuts to up to 25 individuals.

A registered nurse visits Charlie’s Place two times a week to treat minor ailments and to refer those with more serious conditions to the appropriate healthcare provider. In addition, the

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

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

nurse assists in dispensing basic toiletries and cosmetic tools, such as razors, toothpaste, combs and tissues. A clothing distribution also aids in meeting visitors’ basic needs.

To help homeless individuals in their job search, Charlie’s Place offers writing classes and a stable location from which to send and receive mail. A case management program gives specialized assistance to consistent visitors.

Charlie’s Place depends on grants from Fannie Mae for most of its funds, but it receives grants from over a dozen additional organizations, as well. They also depend on individuals who commit to making monthly contributions.

They are responsible for going on bread runs to collect pastries, cooking and serving breakfast and cleaning up after the meal. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate Fannie Mae’s annual Homeless Walkathon, too.

Charlie’s Place welcomes community members to come observe what they do, and to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Charlie’s Place can be contacted at (202) 232 – 2995 x 17.

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

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

15

Community Service St. Stephens Parish Church 1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311, www.thrivedc.org

www.georgetownministrycenter.org Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608, www.marthastable.org

Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277, www.foodandfriends.org

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

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

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

THE LAST WORD

VENDOR PROFILE: CARL TURNER

A Life-changing Experience

Selling for Stability

By Mandy Toomey Editorial Volunteer

By Robert Fulton Outgoing Vendor Manager

When I met Street Sense vendor Carl Turner, he was coming straight from Prince George’s Hospital Center where he had been keeping watch over his 86-year-old mother. Carl came to Street Sense that Wednesday morning looking for a distraction, something to keep his mind off his mom’s recent stroke and her current medical condition. He may not be able to control his mom’s health, but he can control his finances through Street Sense. “Street Sense allows me to make money and spend time with my mom,” said Carl.

Carl first started selling Street Sense three years ago when he moved back to Washington, D.C., to care for his ailing mother. After 40 years living in New York, and working as an ambulance driver for eight years, Carl was unable to find a job in the District. During his job search, he heard about Street Sense from an old high school friend and vendor, Leonard Morrow.

According to Carl, the best part about selling Street Sense is the independence it gives him, and the money it puts in his pocket. He sees the value in a project in which someone gets out of it depends on what they put in. Carl says he can sell about 300 to 400 papers in a good week. Anyone looking to buy a paper from this vendor can find him at 19th and K Street, NW. These days, eight members of Carl’s family also sell Street Sense, including his wife of 39 years. Carl

A woman called the Street Sense office the other day. She wanted more information about volunteering.

I explained to her that the most important responsibility for an office volunteer at Street Sense is getting the newspaper into the hands of the vendors. Helping out here requires one-on-one interactions with the people who sell Street Sense, making sure their needs are met and seeing they get the papers they need to earn some money.

The woman hesitated. I sensed that she, while supportive of the Street Sense mission, was uncomfortable with the prospect working directly with members of the homeless community. She said she had to think about it, and planned to get back to me.

Thing is, I get it.

When I first started as a volunteer at Street Sense in September of 2009, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I had no experience working with the homeless or people living in deep poverty.

And looking back on it, after 18 months of volunteering and 10 weeks as the vendor manager, I realize my fears were unfounded.

If I had such issues in working with the community, why would I volunteer for a street newspaper? The answer is that I’ve always loved newspapers and I believe in the mission of Street Sense.

From that beginning filled with hesitation, I ultimately had one of the most rewarding experiences of my 32 years.

It’s a well-worn cliché, but I have truly learned more from the Street Sense vendors than I could ever give them.

The people who sell Street Sense represent a diverse cross-section of society. Some are homeless, others are in different housing situations.

Black, white, men, women, college graduates, high school dropouts, old, young, you name it. Some have criminal backgrounds, others have battled addiction, some have struggled through bad domestic situations, others through serious health issues. A lot

said, “Whenever someone doesn’t have a job, I bring them straight to Street Sense.” One thing Carl appreciates about the organization is that they will “give anyone the chance to do the right thing.” One of the best parts is the people Carl has met over the past three years. This Anacostia resident would like to thank his readers for all their contributions and donations, and he hopes people continue to support the organization.

Facts about Carl * He hopes to make his mark in the auto industry buying and selling vehicles; his favorite car is a 1969 Buick 225 * His favorite food is seafood * He has three children and nine grandchildren

May 25 - June 7, 2011• Volume 8 • Issue 15 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

Permit #568

Mail To: Remember, only buy from badged

vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper.

Interested in a subscription? Go to page 14 for more information.

of the people who sell our newspaper are in their current situation either through one or two poor decisions, or just plain bad luck.

But for the grace of whatever you believe in, what separates a Street Sense vendor and someone who purchases Street Sense from a vendor can be the smallest of circumstances.

Executive director Doug Knight said something that stuck with me, and I’m paraphrasing: There’s not us and them. There’s just us, and we’re in different stages.

One of my favorite programs Street Sense offers is Vendor for a Day, when groups of students join vendors to sell the paper for a couple of hours.

One of the lessons that these students learn is that Street Sense vendors are not looking for charity and are not looking for a handout. They sell a product put together by a talented editorial staff of editors, volunteers and interns. When you purchase a copy of the paper, yes, you’re helping the homeless. But at its root level, you’re purchasing a product from a man or woman trying to make a living.

My short time as vendor and volunteer manager is now over. Having been a volunteer and then having relied on volunteers to help with the mission of Street Sense, I realize now more than ever the importance of those who donate their time during the workweek.

So, I ask that if you have a few hours a week, volunteer at the Street Sense offices. I promise that when you hand your first stack of 10 papers to a vendor eager to get out and make some money, it will be an experience not soon forgotten.