07 25 2018

VOL. 15 ISSUE 19

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JULY 25 - AUG. 7, 2018

Real Stories

Real People

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Real Change

What’s next in the effort to replace D.C. General family shelter?

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The Cover

The Street Sense Story, #MoreThanANewspaper

Construction at the Ward 7 short-term family housing facility being built as part of the plan to close and replace D.C. General.

Originally founded as a street newspaper in 2003, Street Sense Media has evolved into a multimedia center using a range of creative platforms to spotlight solutions to homelessness and empower people in need. The men and women who work with us do much more than sell this paper — they use film, photography, theatre, illustration and more to share their stories with our community.

Our media channels elevate voices, our newspaper vendor and digital marketing programs provide economic independence, and our in-house casemanagement services move people forward along the path toward permanent supportive housing.

At Street Sense Media, we define ourselves through our work, talents and character, not through our housing situation.

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EVENTS

// 3

NEWS IN BRIEF Man found dead on F Street NW

A makeshift memorial where the man used to sleep. PHOTO BY ERIC FALQUERO

Street Sense Media Celebrates 15 Years of Impact Early bird tickets on sale now!

Sept. 25 // 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Big Chief // 2002 Fenwick St. NE Our talented artists will present a multimedia gallery that shares their stories through photography, illustration, interactive art, poetry and writing, theater, film, and audio production. Attending guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and purchase displayed pieces which will be on sale for donation to support the artists and grow our media center where the work is created. All support for this event will advance engagement and education between our vendor-artists and the public. This artistic evening will also include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffles for prizes and artwork, dancing and live music, and your community coming together to support Street Sense Media!

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1

UPDATES ONLINE AT ICH.DC.GOV

SATURDAY, AUG. 4

Elanor Holmes Norton’s 2018 Annual Job Fair

D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness Meetings

CivicFest

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Housing Solutions Committee Aug. 7, 1:30 pm // TBD (most likely 1800 MLK Ave SE)

12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park

Job opportunities from ALL sectors, including nonprofits, private businesses, retail, restaurants and hotels, construction companies, federal and county governments, law enforcement, labor unions and many more!

More info: (202) 408-9041

Youth Committee Aug. 1, 1:30pm // TBD ( most likely 441 4th Street NW) *For more information on issue-focused working groups, contact ich.info@dc.gov

(Weather delay from July 21)

CivicFest combines music, dance, art, and volunteer opportunities to inspire people to work together for the long term. Take a yoga class, participate in a workshop, or sign up to tutor a child in need. Help create a movement in D.C. to build the civic culture we all need.

More info: http://civicfest.us

Submit your event for publication by e-mailing editor@streetsensemedia.org

AUDIENCE EXCHANGE Legal Clinic (WLCH) @WashLegalClinic

Don’t miss this @streetsensedc series by Tyrone Chisholm, Jr - he opens a window for readers into his experiences and mindset as he navigates homelessness and housing instability as a working student enrolled in higher education in DC. 1:00 PM - 13 JUL 2018

A middle-aged man who had been living on the 1300 block of F Street NW was found unresponsive among his belongings early in the morning of July 9. According to the police report, he was transported to The George Washington University Hospital with attempts at CPR ongoing, and further life-saving measures attempted upon arrival. The man was declared dead at the hospital.

Sources from multiple businesses located between 13th and 14th Streets NW reported seeing the man daily since approximately August 2017. A small community memorial of candles, flowers and balloons was started the evening of July 9 in the place where he used to rest.

The man was identified several days later, according to sources in the homeless services provider community. His name is being withheld until his family has been notified, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

—ericf@streetsensemedia.org

Please contact ericf@streetsensemedia.org or 202-347-2006 x 13 if you knew this man and are willing to be interviewed for his obituary.

Suspect sought in Judiciary Square shooting The Metropolitan Police Department has identified a suspect in the July 2 murder of William Mayo that took place outside of the Community for Creative Nonviolence shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street NW. “The guy literally went into the shelter, pulled the gun from behind the Reginald Johnson.

COURTESY OF MPD. information booth, and shot [Mayo] there on the steps,” said an eyewitness who requested to remain anonymous while Johnson remains at-large. “There are bullet holes in the wall by the handicapped ramp.”

The suspect, identified as 37-year old Reginald Johnson, is described as a Black male, approximately 5’10” in height, weighing approximately 210 pounds, with green eyes and was last seen with a Mohawk style haircut, according to a press release. Johnson is currently wanted on a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant for First Degree Murder While Armed.

Police say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The eyewitness confirmed Johnson as the shooter. They said he lived at the shelter and also worked on the staff. The eyewitness accused other shelter staff members of helping Johnson elude the police.

MPD offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District, according to the press release. Tips can be provided by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.

As Street Sense went to press, a message was sent through the Alert DC system warning of an armed man and shots fired in the 200 block of D St. NW. —ericf@streetsensemedia.org

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NEWS

Advocates disappointed in legislative response to D.C. General replacement concerns

BY TATIANA BROWN tatiana.brown@streetsensemedia.org

A

t a legislative meeting on July 10, advocates for the homeless community withdrew support for the “D.C. General Resident Relocation Emergency Act of 2018” after seeing significant changes had been made to the bill’s original draft.

Forty-six advocacy organizations and individuals previously signed a letter urging D.C. Council to pass the first draft. When Councilmembers Trayon White and Anita Bonds introduced the bill at the July 10 legislative meeting, advocates for the homeless community urged the Council to vote against it.

“We ask the Council to pass something real, or nothing at all,” the Washington Legal Clinic organization wrote on Twitter.

That evening, D.C. Council unanimously passed the new version of the bill.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson said he was sympathetic to the bill that was introduced initially, but nothing could be done because the legislation was not funded, and it caused a fiscal impact.

The day before the draft was expected to be introduced, Department of Human Services Director Laura Zeilinger expressed concern with these proposals.

“Concerned about [D.C. Council] emergency Legislation impeding our ability to help families move from shelter to housing, reverting back to prolonged shelter stays and reversing progress,” Zeilinger wrote on Twitter, stating family homelessness was down by 40 percent. The results of the most recent annual homeless census, conducted in January 2018, showed a 20.8 percent decrease in D.C. family homelessness over the past year and a 17 percent decrease between 2014 and 2018.

The first draft of the bill would have required the D.C. General family shelter to stay open until the new replacement short-term family facilities in Wards 4, 7, and 8 are open. It also stated that all abatement, demolition or deconstruction on the D.C. General campus must halt until all residents of the shelter have been relocated.

The new bill requires Mayor Muriel Bowser to report how many lead and asbestos samples were taken and whether the samples exceed the exposure limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational

Construction at 5004 D St SE, the Ward 7 short-term family housing site, part of the plan to close and replace D.C. General family shelter. PHOTO BY TATIANA BROWN

Safety and Health Administration.

On July 23, the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless began soliciting signatures for an online petition to delay demolition, which the organization claimed will otherwise begin on Aug. 1.

Bowser’s administration has been determined to close the shelter in fall 2018. Despite changes to the mayor’s proposal by D.C. Council that allowed the city to own the new replacement facilities instead of leasing them, coupled with difficulties identifying locations for each of them due to pushback from residents in several wards — the mayor announced in January that new families would no longer be placed at D.C. General after April.

However, documents recently obtained by Washington City Paper revealed two of the three replacement shelters expected to be completed by the closure date have experienced significant construction delays.

In response to the construction delays, D.C. Council held a roundtable on June 25 consisting of representatives from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of General Services.

Representatives from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless testify at the June 25 council roundtable about the D.C. General replacement plan. PHOTO BY TATIANA BROWN

When asked what changes would be made to the plan, officials insisted D.C. General will close as scheduled, despite the delays, and all families will have a place to go after its closing.

The representatives from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless said no one except the few families with housing vouchers know where they will be placed when D.C. General is closed.

At the roundtable Amber Harding, an attorney with the Washington Legal Clinic, mentioned construction

hours being extended to 1 a.m. six days a week because of the delays, leading to complaints from neighbors in both Wards 7 and 8.

Harding also said the Department of Human Services told her private bathrooms could not be built because of the construction delays. “But the architect said it could be done for every unit,” Harding told the council.

As Street Sense Media reported when the issue of private bathrooms was debated during planning stages in 2015, one reason given to not include them was the assumption families would not move out if the facilities were “too comfortable.”

At the June roundtable, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh asked why D.C. General could not be kept open longer until all concerns regarding the new facilities had been addressed. “We are introducing more people to more misery and disruption,” she said. “We should do this the right way the first time.”

However, some of the families that live at D.C General are eager to move to better conditions.

A 28-year-old who previously benefited from a permanent supporting housing program provided by Friendship Place in 2015, said, “Before I got pregnant I sought help but could not access any of my benefits from Friendship Place. Then, at 3 months pregnant, I returned to Virginia Williams.”

She said she was told that she could qualify for help only when she was 6 months pregnant.

“These are the rules,” the woman remembers being told. She arrived at D.C. General two months ago and is awaiting the birth of her new baby, due sometime in August.

She said D.C General is not an adequate place for a newborn baby, and described mold in the bathrooms and common areas.

Several residents told Street Sense Media they have known families whose case workers forced them into living situations they said are not safe for children or people with disabilities.

Six of the 10 residents interviewed by Street Sense Media said they were forced to spend their own money on apartment applications every month, knowing the applications were to places where they could not afford the rent or aren’t suitable for their families.

There are approximately 170 families still living in the D.C. General facility.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

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Department of Behavioral Health trains people in recovery for careers helping their peers

BY OLIVIA ZHANG olivia.zhang@streetsensemedia.org

A

fter experiencing homelessness for more than 27 years, Lynda Jordan said becoming a “peer specialist” changed her life. Since enrolling in the program, she has secured her own apartment and been hired by the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health.

In 2004, DBH began offering training sessions for people who struggle with mental health and substance abuse to become certified to help others navigate similar challenges.

“Everything that affects my life, I use to help other people learn how to live with their life,” said Jordan, who struggled with alcohol and cocaine addiction in the past. When she signed up for training, Jordan was already in recovery. But engaging in the program greatly helped her maintain sobriety and mental wellness.

Jordan is currently working at office of consumer and family affairs to help more consumers of behavioral health services.

Any consumer of mental health services in D.C. qualifies for the program. One of its focuses is people recovering from substance abuse. There are two tracks, one focused on families and the other focused on single adults over the age of 18.

The peer specialists include a wide range of abilities, identities, and previous experiences. Some have been homeless, some live with disabilities, some live with behavioral health issues and some, like Jordan, are in recovery.

The specialists are models for personal recovery from mental illness and substance abuse. They have a variety of responsibilities including but not limited to assisting others to develop personal goals, helping to monitor progress, learning coping techniques, teaching others self-help strategies, and

building community support.

Raphaelle Richardson, the director of the peer specialist program, has worked side by side with the peer specialists for more than two years. She said it is rewarding to see participants connect their old selves to their new selves. Many participants in the program used to have trouble dealing with substance abuse, depression or other issues. By helping others face those similar obstacles, they maintain their own sobriety and stay connected with other people.

The most important aspect of this program is the community it has built among the peers, according to Richardson. “That’s what keeps me here almost every night,” she said.

Richardson described one instance when someone with suicidal thoughts walked in to meet with one of the peers.

Through the relationship that started that day, he eventually found enough “love and respect” and changed his plans.

The role of the peers is to reach out to consumers of mental health services and take care of their behavioral health. The peers are now doing a survey of DBH service recipients regarding the effectiveness of the program and are eager to see the positive feedback.

The training program started with two 20-student classes offered in 2004. Seven years later, the program had expanded to training more than 170 peer specialists. Each class still has a between 10 and 20 peers. Classes are kept small in order to encourage interpersonal connections, according to Adrienne Lightfoot, who coordinates the training program.

The training lasts for six weeks. The purpose of this program is to provide people who experienced mental illness and

substance abuse an opportunity to inspire others who currently live with similar situations.

The curriculum is taught by a group of experts in different subjects. The peers have to attend 70 hours of class and complete 80 hours of practice. During the practice phase, peers are paired with a service provider as interns. After they’ve completed their practice hours, the peers have to pass a test to receive the certificate. The peers usually became experts in the fields they were recovering from when the program finished.

A good portion of the program participants are hired by the providers they interned with, according to Lightfoot.

Charles Gervin was hired by McClendon Center as a peer specialist after his internship. He suffered from depression many years ago but now he has helped numerous consumers of mental health services make improvements in recovery. He said he felt connected to the “community of shared resources” throughout this program.

Gervin learned how to cope with depression from his peers and encourages people with mental health problems to actively seek help because it’s completely normal to deal with these issues.

He believes one of the most important aspects to maintaining mental health is to stay connected with a community.

He said building connection is also important for homeless people with mental health problems. In every class there are at least one or two peers that are homeless. Given there are many peers who had the similar experiences of homelessness, Gervin encourages homeless people to seek resources and learn from other peer specialists how they have overcome their difficulties.

Fatal batch of synthetic drugs sickens community

BY ERIC FALQUERO // ericf@streetsensemedia.org

City agencies began to distribute an emergency alert flyer on Wednesday, July 18, warning of “a potentially fatal batch of K2.” The document also cautioned that dehydration in warm weather can increase the likelihood of an overdose and offered water delivery by way of the city’s shelter hotline.

Starting the previous weekend, more than 100 D.C. residents had become hospitalized after use of the synthetic drug. By the following weekend, those numbers had climbed to well over 200 people hospitalized, according to D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department data.

“There are deaths that are being investigated to determine if they are linked to the recent spike in K2 usage,” the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed in an email. “Toxicology reports from OCME are pending and therefore specific causes of death have not been confirmed.”

K2, Spice, Bizarro and dozens of other names have been used to refer to the dangerous plant matter spayed with various chemicals that has plagued the District for years, often packaged as potpourri or incense.

“It says ‘not fit for human consumption’ right there on the package,” said John Smith*,

who sold the drug from 2012 to 2015. He spoke on condition of anonymity in order to leave such activity in his past.

Dealers like him don’t know what chemical mixtures have been sprayed on the plant matter when they purchase it. And they might mix multiple types together before they resell it.

Three years ago, Smith knew sellers that were mixing gasoline and embalming fluids with the drug before they wrapped it up for individual sale in a “blunt” or a “white boy,” so it could be smoked. Each might sell for three to five dollars, depending on how big and how potent they were. Really strong blunts could go for as much as $10 or $15.

“You go for what they want, and they don’t want nothing weak,” Smith said. “They’re always reaching for more, that’s how it is with anything you’re addicted to. You get one high, then you’re reaching for the next high, then you’re reaching for more.”

The day after District government issued the emergency alert flyer, the Food and Drug Administration announced it had found tainted batches of the drug in about 10 states that contained a very long-acting anticoagulant

commonly used in rat poison. It is thought to extend the “high” induced by use of the drug, but can also cause severe bleeding.

“Individuals who have possibly used synthetic marijuana products should be vigilant for signs of bleeding. These include easy bruising, oozing gums, and nose bleeds,” according to the FDA. The statement also warned blood donated by users of the drug could also be tainted by the rat poison, which could pose severe risk for patients in need of a life-saving transfusion.

Because the chemical composition of the drugs can vary so much, reactions are often unpredictable. As Street Sense Media reported during a rash of overdoses in 2015, “Sometimes the high will be a calm, zombielike sensation. Other times it leaves users violent and paranoid. The drug will impact each person differently and no one really knows what is in the package.”

Overdose signs include collapse, unconsciousness, vomiting, and physical aggression, according to the emergency alert flyer distributed by the city.

Nationally, youth are the most common users of these drugs. However, as Street Sense

Media reported in 2016, local data show homeless adults are the most common users in D.C. The Washington Times reported that so many overdoses from the suspected “bad batch” occurred between Union Station and the CCNV shelter at Judiciary Square, that FEMS supervisors were stationed at the shelter to speed up response times. Smith said Gallery Place Metro is also a big market. When asked if sales of the drugs are targeted at the homeless, Smith said “It’s not just the homeless, that’s one of many groups. It’s the poor, period.”

Legislation was passed in 2015 to curb sales of K2 and related synthetic drugs by imposing steep fines on businesses caught selling the products. But Smith said certain stores still sell to certain people. He stopped dealing the drugs in 2015, but not for fear of the fines.

“This stuff was killing people on the spot.

They smokin’ it, passing out, and dying,” Smith said. He was living in 801 East men’s shelter at the time. “There was a bunch of us selling it, but I said, ‘I need to make a change,I need to stop selling this stuff to these people.’” *Name has been changed.

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NEWS

Barry Farm residents fear displacement as housing authority reconfigures plans for decade-old redevelopment

BY CHRISTIAN ZAPATA christian.zapata@streetsensemedia.org

O

n April 26, the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a petition by the Barry Farm Tenants and Allies Association, moving that the court reexamine the D.C. Zoning Commission’s decision to approve redevelopment plans for Barry Farm.

The tenants association claimed that the Commission made “erroneous” conclusions about the redevelopment application, which provides for less public housing units at Barry Farm and fails to weigh the hardship of relocating residents, according to the court decision.

More than a month after the court’s conclusion that “the Commission did not fully address all contested issues as required by the zoning and redevelopment regulatory scheme,” the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization announced a public roundtable to discuss the future of redevelopment at Barry Farm.

At-Large Council member Anita Bonds, who chairs the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, called the session to order on July 12.

She said that executive witnesses would likely not be able to fully answer questions regarding the future of redevelopment due to the court’s dismissal of the current plan, and reminded residents that they have until July 15 to express their interest in a housing voucher from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before they expire.

By expire, Bonds meant that DCHA will no longer have access to these vouchers as a government relocation subsidy.

Residents who accept a relocation voucher before July 15 have 60 days from when they expire to find a private housing unit that accepts housing vouchers within DCHA jurisdiction. September 30 is the last day that DCHA has access to these vouchers.

Sitting beside her council colleagues and in front of a room packed with Barry Farm residents, Bonds swore in Director of the New Communities Initiative (NCI) Angie Rodgers and DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett, who made an unexpected appearance following rumors earlier that week that he would not attend, as tweeted by Empower D.C., an advocacy organization working with the district’s low and moderate-income residents.

Barry Farm is one of four distressed neighborhoods, including Park Morton, Lincoln Heights and Northwest One, and has been subject to redevelopment and revitalization efforts on behalf of NCI since 2005. D.C. Council approved the Barry Farm Redevelopment Plan in 2006 with the goal of “transforming the public housing development into a mixedincome, mixed-use community,” according to NCI’s site.

Since then the property has undergone over a decade’s worth of planning and accessory developments leading up to its demolition. Despite this, some Barry Farm residents have grown restless with the project and the lack of communication with DCHA. Prior to the court’s decision regarding the zoning order, Chanda Washington, director of communications for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, said Barry Farm was set to be NCI’s first development on a public housing footprint and was ahead of other neighborhoods undergoing revitalization.

The future of development at Barry Farm is predicated on how soon DCHA can agree on a redevelopment plan that finalizes costs for the rest of the project.

A housing unit in the Barry Farm community managed by the D.C. Housing Authority. 2014 FILE PHOTO / MATAILONG DU

But with each step dependant on the last, DCHA cannot finalize that plan until it meets the specifications made by D.C. Council and discusses with tenants what they would like to see from redevelopment. Daniel del Pielago, organizing director for Empower D.C., said these discussions have not engaged residents on their needs aside from superficial details.

To date, the District has committed $25 million to Barry Farm through memorandums with DCHA. The remainder of this money will cover pre-development work and infrastructure — as well as kickstart demolition.

Construction of new housing remains unfunded without the cooperation of residents and approval of a development plan.

Neither is necessary for demolition to commence.

When asked how far DCHA is willing to extend its relocation deadline to ensure all residents have found stable housing, Washington said the housing authority has not put a deadline on this and is willing to continue working with households to find suitable options.

Residents have been unsure as to the future of their housing security for over a decade, del Pielago said. Many are in the same boat they were when they first arrived at Barry Farm, moving from one demolished public housing unit into another.

Poor maintenance of public housing owned by DCHA is a persistent issue across all of its properties, del Pielago said.

He believes the housing authority delivers vague answers as to how these issues will be solved and failed to specify a timeline regarding future redevelopment at the roundtable.

In his opening statement, Garett reinforced that tenants have the right to return to Barry Farm once the property is completed. He added that 90 families currently remain at Barry Farm; 41 currently have active housing vouchers while searching for a new home, six are awaiting a voucher; and 23

have specified they do not want a voucher.

This leaves 20 families who, as of July 12, had not made a decision of whether they plan on accepting a voucher or not.

Garrett said this group was the focus of an information session hosted by DCHA earlier that day.

He stated that 13 families attended this meeting and determined that they would accept a housing voucher — leaving only seven families undecided. He confirmed that any families who have not committed to a housing voucher by the time of the program’s expiration will receive guaranteed public housing.

In an interview with Street Sense Media, a member of one of the seven undecided families said that choosing whether or not she wants to relocate is a decision she doesn’t want to make.

For her, the essence of Barry Farm is its community.

“I just live at Barry Farm, unfortunately,” she said of the physical place. “But recently over the last couple of years I’ve developed a relationship with the community.”

She is bent on fighting the redevelopment alongside her community. In addition to not wanting to leave her community, she was afraid the added costs of living on a housing voucher would be too much to handle. Equally daunting are the prospects of navigating a competitive housing market, not feeling at home and finding a trustworthy landlord.

Even though Barry Farm is not the modern, mixedincome community that redevelopment intends it to be, there are sentimental qualities that its residents treasure: crossgenerational occupancy, building a community for oneself and the small plots of grass around each housing unit are all special.

Residents say that disappears in a mixed-income community.

Despite DCHA policy that states residents as of 2012 retain the right to return, some tenants are afraid that the amount of uncertainty surrounding this project, coupled with a decrease in the number of public housing units from the previous redevelopment plan, is cause for concern.

Rodgers, the NCI director, stated that as DCHA works to finalize a redevelopment plan, relocation of the remaining 90 residents will continue along with abatement work scheduled for later this summer and about a year’s worth of demolition shortly after. Approximately 80 percent of the existing units are currently vacant.

She said the small area plan, an estimation of the number of housing units and an additional layer of affordable housing, will transfer to the first phase of development and is already funded by the District. This statement was followed by a collective scoff from residents sitting on the left side of the room.

As of now, the remanded plan for Barry Farm features 89 three-bedroom units, 40 four-bedroom units, 10 five-bedroom units and one six-bedroom. This is a significant decrease in threebedroom units — 90 fewer — and adds 10 five-bedroom units, which are non-existent at the current site. DCHA estimates these numbers based on the needs of current residents.

Rodgers expressed the difficulty of budgeting roughly a decade in advance. She said not having a finalized funding plan is a reflection of the need to have a final development plan, not of a lack of commitment.

Bonds concluded the conversation with DCHA executives by requiring that they submit bi-weekly reports on the status of redevelopment. DCHA has scheduled its next meeting with residents of Barry Farm for August 1.

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AT A GLANCE

A photo of Wendell Williams that accompanied his article that was nominated for the INSP awards and that is also featured on his GoFundMe page.

WENDELL WILLIAMS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS “Writer Award Trip” After he and Jeffery McNeil were both named finalists for the International Network of Street Papers awards, as noted in our June 27 newspaper, Wendell Williams began working with his customers to crowdfund the conference fee and airfare to attend in person, in Glasgow, Scotland. He is halfway to his goal on GoFundMe.

BIRTHDAYS Anthony Crawford July 29 ARTIST/VENDOR

James Davis Aug 1 ARTIST/VENDOR

Marcellus Phillips Aug 6 ARTIST/VENDOR

Our stories, straight to your inbox Street Sense Media provides a vehicle through which all of us can learn about homelessness from those who have experienced it. Sign up for our newsletter to get our vendors' stories in your inbox.

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8 // ST REET SENSE ME DI A / / JULY 2 5 - A UG . 7, 2018

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// 9

Vendor Memorial: Alvin Dixon-El

BY MATTHEW BERRICK // Volunteer

PH

Alvin James Dixon, a native Dixon was beloved by many vendors Washingtonian, died on June too, including his friend Dwight 14, according to a police Harris. They grew up together but report. He was 70 years old lost touch until they reconnected and lived with his brother in 2003. Dixon introduced in Northwest D.C. Harris to Street Sense and Dixon attended Dunbar helped him recover.

High School and the “If he could help you, he University of the District would help you any way he of Columbia. He married could,” Harris said. young at age 17 and had Dixon was equally grateful three sons. When he and his for the help he received along the TO wife were divorced, Dixon way. “I want to thank all of you who BY JA NE moved in with one of his sons, have supported us in our concerted CAV E but eventually “lost [him] to the effort to overcome the myths and stigmas streets,” according that make it much to a 2004 interview Homeless folks are visible, we see them every day. more difficult with Street Sense. to overcome Because we’re so preoccupied, we look the other way.

“Put God into You may not think we see your face or manufactured smile. homelessness,” he e v e r y t h i n g y o u So be yourself and keep it real – buy Street Sense for a while. wrote in a January do,” Dixon advised 2010 article. in the same interview. “Every time you leave Him Dixon always had a smile and also had style, out, you’re leaving out the main ingredient.” according to Street Sense co-founder Ted Henson.

His son’s death triggered a breakdown, and His favorite restaurant was Ben’s Chili Bowl and he Dixon became unable to work. He eventually could often be found selling papers nearby. experienced homelessness.

“He wore Kangol hats and had swagger,” Henson That’s when he found Street Sense and began wrote in an e-mail. “He loved talking trash when selling the newspaper and writing poetry. playing chess. He was part of our solid core of “Alvin was always so nice but always spoke his vendors back in the 2000’s and an important part mind,” said Street Sense co-founder Laura Osuri of our organization.” in an e-mail. “He was kind of a father figure to the When asked what Dixon was passionate about, other vendors. He was one of the originals and really Harris said poetry came naturally to him and it made helped us promote Street Sense at the beginning.” him happy.

O

Vendor Memorial:

Leonard Hyater Jr.

BY ERIC FALQUERO // ericf@streetsensemedia.org

PHOTO BY JANE CAVE

On July 13, Leonard Calvin Hyater Jr. died by natural causes at the age of 59, according to a police report. He grew up and worked in the D.C. Metro area, attending Suitland Senior High School and hearing tales of how his dad used to play ball with Marvin Gaye in Lincoln Heights.

The week before his death, Hyater had just celebrated receipt of a Maryland real estate certification and scheduled a test for late July to become re-licensed as a mortgage loan officer. He had been selling the Street Sense Media newspaper since 2012 while working toward these goals and living at shelters. One of his customers had generously sponsored a laptop and the cost of the certification courses.

“If you really looked at him, you wouldn’t know that he was homeless,” said Jeffery McNeil, a friend and fellow Street Sense Media vendor. “He made the best of it.”

McNeil worked with Hyater every other Wednesday morning as part of the team of vendors who unload the delivery of the latest edition of Street Sense. They also sold the paper several blocks away from each other near Farragut Square. Hyater could be found at 19th and M Streets NW every weekday morning. That’s where he met local news legend Jim Vance.

“He really liked selling papers,” McNeil said. “He was out there every morning, bright and early. Sleet or snow, he was dedicated.”

They met in Adams Morgan, before Hyater worked for the paper. They both played in a friendly poker league. Nothing serious, the winner might get a free meal from the bar. But as time passed, McNeil began to see Hyater in other familiar places: Miriam’s Kitchen, Central Union Mission and the park at Dupont Circle.

“He was always nice to me, laid back, not overly political,” McNeil said. “He dreamed of getting out of that shelter and getting his own place.”

Most days, after selling newspapers in the morning, Hyater would come to the Street Sense Media office to unwind. If there was a free computer, he would watch movies or old television shows on YouTube. It was most obvious how much he enjoyed film and entertainment when an unexpected burst of his laughter or a whispered warning to a character on the screen came out. He also had an encyclopedic knowledge of many actors’ work.

Hyater was proud and sincere. He wore his emotions on his sleeves and was not shy about discussing the money he had earned that day and how much he should be able to put into savings. He often talked about finding scripture while incarcerated and how it guides his daily life. And he proselytized about the daily changes he was making to his diet: losing weight, eating healthier and receiving positive feedback from his doctor.

This frankness extended to Hyater’s writing. He only contributed to the paper when he felt strongly about something: from his personal well-being to how well the Washington Redskins play.

His work contained many tributes to the great personalities and performers he admired: Jim Vance, Marvin Gaye, Robin Williams, Al Jareau,and most importantly, his father, a retired police officer who died in May. It is only fitting that we wish him the same sentiments. Rest in peace, Leonard Hyater Jr. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Church of the Epiphany at 1317 G Street NW.

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1 0 // S T REET SENSE ME DI A / / JULY 2 5 - A UG . 7, 2018

OPINION

Walk Away From the Democratic Party

BY JEFFERY MCNEIL

Kudos to Brandon Straka, the founder of the #WalkAway movement: an Alcoholics Anonymous of sorts for ex-radicals and leftists. Gay people, women, Latinos and minorities who have joined the movement say they’ve felt isolated in the Democratic Party, and are walking away from it. Many have shared their #WalkAway stories on social media, and I hope my #WalkAway story will motivate others to walk away in search of reality.

As with many African-Americans, I grew up in a Democratic household. My parents were atheists, but little did I know that my mom grew up as a Seventh Day Adventist and my dad grew up in a church environment.

They became liberals because they were in rebellion against the church.

My dad was a product of the 60s. Doors were opening for African-Americans, but for some, it wasn’t fast enough. The only time I really got along with my father was when he told stories about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Living in New Jersey, I got to hear all the black rabble rousers and agitators such as Khalid Muhammad, John Henry Clark, Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan. One of my favorite TV shows was Tony Brown’s Journal; I didn’t know he was a “Black Republican,” but I liked his message of entrepreneurship and “bootstrapism.” But I couldn’t fathom being anything

else but black, angry, bitter and militant. I truly believed white people were the cause of my black suffering.

I was exposed to photos of Emmett Till, to lynchings and burnings of black men, followed by the narrative that the white man stole from black people, and exploited and raped black women. I exploded with anger and rage.

Now, I feel as if I was brainwashed and bred to hate white people. Why would I vote Republican when I was taught these were the people who committed black genocide?

Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt chose not to help Jews fleeing Nazi Germany, put Japanese-Americans in internment camps and refused to sign anti-lynching laws because he didn’t want to upset Dixiecrats. Yet liberals celebrate this man because they got some free stuff. Richard Nixon appealed to white Southerners’ racism to win, but the left won’t admit that Nixon was progressive on civil rights.

It was Nixon who promoted affirmative action and the Small Business Administration, so blacks could start businesses.

Nixon took more initiative to desegregate schools in the South than John F. Kennedy or Lyndon B. Johnson.

This began my awakening. I thought Bill Clinton was the first “black” president, but I ignored that his policies were harsher than those of other presidents towards poor black men and young single mothers. When liberals talk about President Donald Trump separating families, they

don’t mention that Clinton sent federal marshals to rip Elian Gonzalez from his relatives to send him back to Fidel Castro’s Cuba, or that he sent back Haitian refugees fleeing from a corrupt brutal dictatorship. Hillary Clinton has even referred to the late Republican Sen. Robert Byrd, a former Klan leader, as a “friend and mentor.”

While I loved my father because he had a work ethic, he suffered from a “black victim” mindset. What saved me was my grandfather. He grew up in the Jim Crow South, but he never used racism as a crutch. I remember complaining about the white man, and he showed me a picture of a black military officer. He asked me, “What do you think this man’s doing that others aren’t?” That simple question stunned me because I knew the truth.

This black man, despite racism, did what he had to do to get in the military academy and become an officer.

My grandfather told me how many groups of people had faced discrimination and came through it. Despite what I learned from my grandfather, it took until 2009 to leave that “blame racism” mindset.

Leftism is all about anger, resentment and bitterness.

I have learned to walk away from the Left.

Jeffery McNeil is a vendor and artist with Street Sense Media.

Homelessness: a call to early death

Overcoming Barriers

BY ILYAS MUHAMMAD

BY TYRONE CHISHOLM

On July 14, I got some very sad and heart-wrenching them vulnerable to a number of diseases, including HIV/ news from a colleague about the death of our vendor, AIDS, influenza, skin disorders, tuberculosis, malnutrition, Mr. Leonard Hyater. The news erased all my weekend parasitic infections, dental and periodontal disease, plans and made me think about the time that I have spent degenerative joint diseases, venereal diseases, cancer, heart with him as a colleague. As a vendor, he worked hard disease, hypertension and diabetes. These have been the for positive change in his life. Recently, he received his main causes of death among homeless people. certificate in real estate mortgage for Maryland. He was Faced with problems such as financial instability, lack preparing to take the test for Washington D.C, and then of good health, concerns about the future, lack of proper seek a national license. Being a homeless person, he diet, lack of social structure and distance from family, hoped his life would bring change, not only for himself homeless people can become mentally ill and depressed. but for the community.

They have to tackle multiple We were about to problems at once, which is a Homeless people experience the same celebrate his success, very tough job. but he left us and passed As citizens, it’s our kinds of diseases as those with homes, away. Unfortunately, responsibility to make but with greater severity he is not the only one. the world a better place.

Countless homeless It is also the job of the people are dying on a government to take care of daily basis throughout its citizens. As citizens and the world. We can’t deny the fact that death is a natural part of the community, we should raise our voices for the process, but homelessness increases its likelihood. On homeless community. We can help them by giving them average, homeless people are three times more likely to a space in our lives, corporations, nonprofit organizations die than people who have homes. The average lifespan of and government. We can all collectively make the world people suffering from homelessness is 50 years, while for a better place by countering all our problems, of which others it is 78 years. Homeless people experience the same homelessness is one. kinds of diseases as those with homes, but with greater Let’s make a start—it’s not too late. Let’s put it on our severity. They are also three to six times more likely to own agendas and those of our political leaders to get rid be affected by a disease, according to a 1990 study in the of homelessness by providing affordable housing, health Journal of Social Issues. care, education and employment opportunities.

Homeless people are more vulnerable to different kinds Ilyas Muhammad is the vendor manager for Street Sense Media. of situations. Due to limited accommodations in shelters, they have to face severe cold in winter, while in summer they have to face hot weather. These kinds of situations make

Housing comes with many barriers. A lot of the time, people ask to hear your story but don’t want to hear the truth. When I became homeless, I begged, borrowed and stole. I don’t justify my actions, nor would I push the blame somewhere else. But my conditions created barriers. Programs to help the homeless are only granted for a short time. When the program runs out, or something else happens, what are the next steps?

I refuse to backslide or have a repetitive outcome. When we adopt bad outlooks, we develop a distasteful connection to those who view us in a different light. But my hunger to bring forth awareness is crucial, and I want to give an untainted perspective of homelessness.

I am now working, but am on the streets once again. I know things can get better, and I have not lost my faith, but it is a struggle. I am at the point where my reactions are critical to the next step. We are all entitled to another chance, but what if you would like to make that first time the only time? The struggle is real, and only positive outlooks can keep you afloat in the struggle. In all you do, stay cool, understanding and endure the transition to a better you.

Tyrone Chisholm Jr. writes this series to show what opportunities exist for people experiencing homelessness and answer questions about the challenges he has faced, homeless, employed and enrolled in higher education in our nation’s capital. He’s also willing to answer questions, which may be sent to editor@streetsensemedia.org.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

/ / 11

ART

One at a Time

BY CHRISTOPHER WELLS

I consider myself a lucky man. I have a home. I have a kind and loving wife. And I have a good job.

But about three years ago, I began losing sleep over a simple question: How can I help the nearly 7,000 people experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C.?

It turns out that for me, the answer is simple: One at a time.

I used simple methods to find that answer. Every day on my way to and from work, I would stop and talk to every person who asked me for money on the way. I stopped at Metro stations, in front of coffee shops and at intersections to learn about their lives.

For those who said they were sleeping on the streets, I asked a lot about that problem specifically — the problem of homelessness.

But the problem was different for each of them. It was true that for some, the streets meant a difficult life of danger and violence. But for victims of abuse, the streets were an escape from violence. Some believed that they would very soon die on the streets. But for some people recovering from drug addiction, the streets represented a new life, away from the drug use that was so common in the housing they had known before.

That’s how I realized that when it comes to people experiencing homelessness, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. And in many cases, just listening can make a difference. So I started to form relationships with the people I passed, and I began to ask my newfound friends what they needed.

Every time I asked, I received an answer. Some needed medical care. Some needed jobs. Sometimes I could help. Sometimes I couldn’t.

But I had found an answer to my question.

So today, when I think about the 6,904 people living on the streets of D.C., I don’t think about an “issue” that needs to be “solved.” I think about the human beings who are asking me for help when I walk by. And they’re the only ones who know what that help should look like.

I am convinced that if there are 6,904 people experiencing homelessness, there are 6,904 different solutions to the problems they face.

I can do my part if I look for one solution at a time.

Christopher Wells is a participant in National Community Church’s homeless outreach programs.

A “ghost bike” to remember Jeffery Hammond Long, who was killed Saturday, July 7, 2018 by a driver making a right turn across the bike lane on the 2100 block of M Street NW. He was the second cyclist, after Malik Habib, in so many weeks to be killed by a driver in the District. The D.C. bike community gathered on July 12 for a ride of silence to the site where Jeff was killed and stopped for a moment of silence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AIMEE CUSTIS / FLICKR.

Stay away from the bike lane

BY RON DUDLEY, A.K.A. “POOKANU” // Artist/Vendor

I see people driving crazy in the bike lane.

I seen a truck hit a lady in the bike lane.

I seen a car hit a man in the bike lane.

Why can't the people understand this the bike lane?

I seen a car hit a truck in the bike lane.

I seen a kid get struck in the bike lane.

I seen a plane even crash in the bike lane.

I seen a man run an’ dash out the bike lane.

I saw a motorcycle flying down the bike lane.

Hit a dog, now we crying the bike lane.

I even see people walking in the bike lanes, on they phone, people talking in the bike lane I saw somebody eating food in the bike lane, got hit, acting rude in the bike lane.

I seen a car door open in the bike lane, then I seen a body rollin’ in the bike lane.

I seen a scooter get crushed in the bike lane, ‘cause he didn't see the bus in the bike lane.

I seen a high speed chase in the bike lane.

I seen somebody catch a case in the bike lane.

I see so many people mad in the bike lane.

So many people think they bad in the bike lane.

Why do these trucks wanna park in the bike lane?

Wanna fight, wanna fuss in the bike lane.

Happy Pride from New York

PHOTO BY HENRIEESE ROBERTS

BY HENRIEESE ROBERTS

Last month, New York City hosted its Pride Parade to honor Pride Month and LGBTQ rights. This year’s parade theme was “Defiantly Different.” David Studinski, NYC Pride co-chair said that the “parade showcases a wide selection of defiantly different community members from performance artists to mental health advocates.

We are standing defiantly -- defiantly different and defiantly as one.”

NYC stood! Came! Participated! Rocked with

jubilation! Joy! Joy! Applause rose, as the city led the way in her joyous parade.

The city met the needs of her citizens to the best of her abilities, meeting the food, housing and medical needs of her residents in need.

It was fun, fun being at the parade! Take a look, as NYC leads with love “trumping” hate! Yay to New York City! Accolades and blessings!

Henrieese Roberts is a vendor/artist for Street Sense Media.

I just wanna ride my bike in the bike lane.

I don't ever wanna drive in the bike lane.

I see the people protesting in the bike lane, in rain ‘cause they care about the bike lane.

Yesterday I saw a tent in the bike lane, people just ain't making sense in the bike lane.

People laugh, people joke in the bike lane.

I think we should take a vote in the bike lane.

I think we should take a stand in the bike lane, make a plan, save a man in the bike lane.

Ron asks as many readers as possible to come to the bike lane at 14th and U Streets NW at noon on Saturday, Aug. 4. There, where he sells his papers, Ron would like to unite community members to take a stand, and a photo together, in support of cyclists and safety.

1 2 // S T REET SENSE ME DI A / / JULY 2 5 - A UG . 7, 2018

ART

Treading the Waters PART 5

BY GERALD ANDERSON Artist/Vendor

When we were last with young Gerald, he was at the jail for the first time waiting for his mother to sign him out and take him home.

My mother came up to the station to pick me up.

As the woman in the station got me out the cell, she warned me not to come back again.

I was looking at them, saying to myself, "Shit, I don't think I'll ever come back after what I've seen them do, after how they try and intimidate me."

My momma asked me, "How you like your first time in jail?"

I say, "Hmm. Not too good.”

“Well, I hope you learn from that.”

I say, "You know how I am, I ain't trying to go back to jail."

My momma ask me if I wanted something to eat, so we stopped and got me something.

When I got home, my sister and brother— they called me “Joe”— said, "Damn, Joe, what happened?"

I say, "Man, I went to jail because I was in the drug store and, you know, a lot of us was in there, and the people saying I stole something. But, you know, I don't steal."

But in my mind I knew I did steal.

My brother tell me, "Man, you know that ain't good, that ain't a good look, bro. I'm gonna tell you somethin' — Once you start goin', they say you keep goin’ back."

But I was already out in the street, and they didn't really know I knew my man Gregory and the Rat Pack like that.

When I got up the next morning to get ready to go to school, my momma say, "Come here.”

I say, “What?”

She say, “Go get me a cream cheese and a newspaper before you go to school.”

All the while, in my mind, I wasn't going to school. But I say, "Alright."

So after I returned from the store, my momma say, "Be safe, have a good day at school."

But every time I head out for school, I would always go to my man Gregory's house.

We were real close.

To be continued. You can purchase the first book, “Still Standing: how an ex-con found salvation in the floodwaters of Katrina,” from Gerald directly or find it on Amazon.com.

A place of my own

Pitfalls of Homelessness

BY LATISHIA GRAHAM Artist/Vendor

I didn't know that bad credit can keep you from getting a job, but I did know that bad credit can stop you from having a chance to move into a new home. My biggest pitfall is raising funds for credit repair. With the rise of Metro fares and the cost of food, another pitfall is having too much free time. It becomes your enemy. People who don't know your real problems can make you an enemy of the state. People think you are wrong when you are trying to better yourself.

I'm feeling great, and I'm making moves toward my future.

When it's very hot or very cold, weather conditions can be a pitfall also. Finding companies that need people to work for them is easy. But getting a call back from one of them is hard.

It seems like they don't hire homeless people of 48 or older.

How can I learn new skills and start working again? I put more pressure on myself, but only become more frustrated when I don't get a call back or when I am just ignored.

Progress is very slow, and the pitfalls are something I must learn to live with every day.

BY DWAYNE BUTLER Artist/Vendor

My name is Latashia Graham, a Black American woman. I have lived in D.C. all my life. I am the mother of three: Tiffany, Darrell Jr. and Joy. They are grown up now, and I love them.

My mother is Diane Jones, my Dad is Miko Ricardo Jones, and I have two brothers and one step sister.

I have been a Street Sense vendor for about three years and I have written some good stories. When I was homeless, I couch surfed with good family and friends.

I thank God for the people at Street Sense. It is thanks to them and many others, including Adam's shelter and the House of Ruth, that I now have my own place, since Christmas. I am so happy there. I have so much to be thankful for.

A letter to my son

BY DARLESHA JOYNER / Artist/Vendor

It has been a joy being your mom. I am so excited to see you grow.

Life is different for us now that mommy has a twobedroom apartment. I can't wait to see you walk, play and run around the house.

God has given a fifth chance for me as a mother. You've got the bomb parents, no matter what people think of us.

And we're going to have it up for your first birthday, August 4. Happy Birthday, Markquelle!

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARLESHA JOYNER

Black Man, Black Woman

BY ROBERT WARREN // Artist/Vendor

Now I'm wondering when night comes up to our faces, for where we will be a people who believe?

That I may remember your touch And be thankful for you, And a smile I came to know in these days of high times

If a star falls, I will see if I can give it to you, as a ring of lights and love to see you through.

And the work one does that soul-mates might meet, and find reason and a guiding light.

Until that time, when I can behold the loveliness of a woman, who I believe not by chance I came to know.

In the eyes of differences among men and women.

It's all in who you trust.

By my Lord's grace now to trust, to keep our trust in our Lord.

For the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want For my love in the Lord In who I trust,

If my words were to reach you, for what would they say?

Saying something about how great is my Lord.

For in my heart, He gives me life and a woman to love

In these days of great darkness and lost souls, and those who don't know man is naturally ungrateful,

And remember thy grace and mercy, the peace of the day, When Christ shall be a witness against those sinners.

Every tear a woman cries, my Lord counts.

The Lord of All already knows the hearts and mind, of every man and women.

STREETSENSEMEDIA.ORG

Blinded Love

Evicted!

BY ALICE CARTER, A.K.A. "BABY ALICE" Artist/Vendor

BY LATICIA BROCK Artist/Vendor

// 13

Who am I?

BY FLEGETTE RIPPY Artist/Vendor

Who am I supposed to be?

There is nothing set in stone.

Where am I supposed to go?

On this journey the choices are my own.

I got evicted from my house, I have nowhere to go, I'm working on a plan, working out the kinks.

Life is not easy, life is not handed to me.

I do what I have to.

I was born into this world December 5, 1980.

Mama is a jewel, but Daddy is always a maybe.

It took two to tango that night you made me.

Why wasn't your daughter a part of your plan?

I'm constantly breaking the law, just trying to survive.

Poverty is a serious problem in my city.

This is what I go through, this is my life.

This is what I deal with, just living in the real world.

Do you think God is going to honor your negligence, when that baby girl you denied was Heaven-sent?

Some things she experienced may have bypassed her.

But it is what it is, she survived in spite of you.

As I grow, I sin.

But my sin is my journey.

It only has value if I learn from my mistakes.

Even though I rest, I take no breaks.

Mothers and fathers, plese do your job, so your child won't surround herself with blinded love.

Who am I supposed to be?

Well I can only be me, the person I was chosen to be, and fight to hold on to my integrity.

Laticia, or "Pwezzy Village," runs a video series on YouTube and Facebook called "Pwezzy Village & Sequan."

Random acts of kindness: Angels everywhere!

BY WENDELL WILLIAMS Artist/Vendor

As some of you know, I am on a one-year quest to catalog the many random acts of kindness that have been shown to me — most by complete strangers. I am alive today because of the cumulative effect of all of those wonderful acts.

These small kindnesses don’t usually show immediate results. But looking back on my journey, I can see each one got me through that day, that situation, or that crisis and allowed me to stay alive long enough for the miracle to happen.

It would have been impossible to predict who would perform the acts or where and when they would happen. But they always happened just at the right time, not a minute sooner or later.

It was kind of like the old black-and-white gangster movies I used to watch on TV as a kid.

Whenever James Cagney or some unrepenting gangster was taking that long walk to Oblivion, meaning the electric chair, the camera would focus on a nondescript telephone hanging on the wall. Some prison official would always have his hand on the receiver, waiting to answer if the governor called to say they had been granted a stay of execution.

So many times I was down to my last penny or to my last ray of hope, when some stranger came along to give me whatever it was that I needed to move me forward or to keep me safe for that moment.

I began to come up with the idea to write about these acts as I began my personal

recovery in a program that required me to list the people I had harmed. When thinking about that long list, I also began to think about how businesses are inventoried. I then thought about one of my favorite TV shows, “My Name Is Earl,” where a dirty rotten scoundrel, through a miracle, saw his life in the harm he had done to others and set off to right those wrongs. It is from that show I got the motivation to not only look at the wrong that I have done but to sort of flip it around and inventory the kind things people had done for me, even though I was so undeserving.

As I struggled through the years, I learned from people like Alan Johnson, a former mentor who passed away with over 51 years sober. He used to always say, “My job is to do my best and the spirits of the universe will do the rest.”

Today I believe him. It has been demonstrated time and again by these many, truly random, acts of kindness.

One of the most recent examples occurred Sunday, June 17, in Takoma Park.

Some of you know that I have been doing some traveling recently. What you may not know is, in some of the places that I've been going, I've been attempting to help start groups to support people along the road to recovery from various substances. It has left me almost strapped doing this work, which is always pro bono.

So, as I stood in Takoma Park distributing my paper, I was trying to figure out how I was going to pay my July bills, specifically my rent.

As I did the math in my head, a couple

walked up and addressed me by name. It kind of freaked me out because I did not recall ever meeting them before. The gentleman said he was a member of the Washington Ethical Society, which had recently come up with a plan to anonymously distribute funds they had been raising into the community. The couple was supposed to find a person they thought could really use the help, and pass on the envelope they had been given.

I was their person. The man went into his pocket and handed me a white envelope with the Washington Ethical Society logo on it. I was floored they thought so much of me to choose me for this very kind gift. I thanked them and they walked away. Then I stuck the envelope in my back pocket and kept trying to distribute my paper and ask for donations.

At the end of my shift, as I packed up everything, I opened the envelope. The amount inside was exactly equal to what I had predicted my shortfall would have been for the coming month.

I sure I'll be looking around and watching passersby for weeks, wondering who those people were and why they picked me.

Washington Ethical Society, I am truly grateful for your gift.

What random acts of kindness have helped you out? Please share them with Wendell via editor@ streetsensemedia.org.

Wendell is a finalist for the International Network of Street Papers “Best Vendor Contribution Award” and is raising money on GoFundMe to get himself to the ceremony and conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

Because I have the answers, And, indeed, shape my own fate, the truth is not hard to find.

1 4 // ST REET SEN S E ME DI A / / JULY 2 5 - A UG. 7, 2018

FUN & GAMES

Challenging Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Book 1

Sudoku #3 4

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9 4 5 3 8 4 7 2 7 8 9 3 1 3 6 4 1 9 5 6 1 2 7 8 6

6

1

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Sudoku #4 4 7 5 1 6 2 9 8 3 1 8 5 9 5 6 4 2 4 3 9 1 8 7 2 5 6 4 7 7 9 2 3 8 3 1 6

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Sudoku #6 7 9 3 5 4 2 6 3 8 5 1 6 3 4 5 7 6 7 8 1 9 1 2 8 5 6 7 2 2 8 4 9 1 3 9 4

1 2 8 9 8 7 7 4 3 2 9 1 4 3 5 6 5 4 3 1 9 5 7 6 8 6 2

7 5 2 5 6 4 4 1 7 1 9 8 9 2 1 2 3 6 8 4 3 3 7 9 6 8 5

9 7 8 9 7 2 4 1 6 8 1 5 5 3 3 4 2 6

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Who Am I?

"Art is parasitic on life, just as criticism is parasitic on art."

-- Harry S. Truman

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BY DERIAN HICKMAN // Artist/Vendor

According to the birth certificate formally issued by the hospital where I was born, before they began issuing the certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics, I am Derian Douglas Hickman.

Would you ever change your name? If so, why? According to many religions, I am a child of God. How do I identify myself? As an inventor, writer, father, military man and founder of the republic of Derian Douglas Hickman.

What are my values and beliefs? People are not rules, and rules are not people. An © 2013 KrazyDad.com Challenging Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 1, Bookagreement 1 is only as good as the people who participate in creating that agreement.

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each Sudoku 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. #2 Where do I come from? At one time I had SUDOKU: Fill in 8 7 3 without 9 2guesswork.

8 4 1 6 5 If you logicsquares you can solve the puzzle about $400 billion. I was one of the largest theuse blank so athat employers in the United States, with ls of 6Need 5shows 6 a4logical 1 order 9 solve 7 the 2 puzzle.

8 3 to little each help? row, The hints page each column Use it to identify theand next square you should solve. Or use the answers page property, trademarks and copyrights.

1 8 2 5 6 7 4 3 9 1 if you really get stuck. each 3-by-3 block But here I am, and sometimes I wonder 9 contain all of the 6 4 3 8 9 2 5 1 7 where all my hard work went. digits 1-9.

I think of all I have done, like inventing 2 8 5 1 6 7 3 2 9 4 my version of the Internet and working with 5 2 9 7 4 1 5 3 8 6 the Departments of Energy, Education and 3 LAST 9 7 6 3 5 1 8 4 2 Defense. I think of my work at Street Sense EDITION’S Media too. It should all contribute to a fruitful 3 2 5 9 4 8 6 7 1 7 PUZZLE retirement, right?

4 SOLUTION >> 4 1 8 7 2 6 9 5 3

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1 3

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6 9 7 3 4 2 1 7 8 5 3 6 9 1 5

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8 2 3 4 5 1 7 9 6 2 3 8 1 6 7 9 4 5 3 8 2 6 1 4 5 7 9

4 6 1 5 9 2 6 8 2 9 7 3 8 4 3 1 5 7

Sudoku #8 9 3 7 8 6 2 4 1 5 1 2 6 4 5 3 9 7 8

BY JAMES DAVIS // Artist/Vendor

I posed this question to customers on one of the hottest days of the year: What if you were homeless today?

“I'd cry.” —Debbie Maxwell “I would rely on the kindness of strangers.” —Meg M. “Hang out in the Potomac.” —Dylan “Change my life quickly.” —Karen Mapp-Griffith “Go to the White House or Trump Hotel and enjoy the AC. Wonder whether I would be able to go to the city pool.” —Monica “Try to find a library.” —Margaret “Find someplace cool.” —Michael R. “Seek shelter in a government building.” —Katherine

Author Gene Weingarten is a college dropout and a nationally syndicated humor columnist for The Washington Post. Author Dan Weingarten is a former college dropout and a current college student majoring in information technology. Many thanks to Gene Weingarten and The Washington Post Writers Group for allowing Street Sense to run Barney & Clyde.

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All services listed are referral-free Academy of Hope Public Charter School 202-269-6623 // 2315 18th Place NE aohdc.org

Bread for the City 202-265-2400 (NW) // 561-8587 (SE) 1525 7th St., NW // 1640 Good Hope Rd., SE breadforthecity.org

Calvary Women’s Services // 202-678-2341 1217 Good Hope Rd., SE calvaryservices.org

Catholic Charities // 202-772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

Central Union Mission // 202-745-7118 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW missiondc.org

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Foundry Methodist Church // 202-332-4010 1500 16th St., NW ID (Friday 9am–12pm only) foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities

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Georgetown Ministry Center // 202-338-8301 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW georgetownministrycenter.org

Jobs Have Priority // 202-544-9128 425 2nd St., NW jobshavepriority.org

Loaves & Fishes // 202-232-0900 1525 Newton St., NW loavesandfishesdc.org

Church of the Pilgrims // 202-387-6612 2201 P St., NW food (1-1:30 on Sundays only) churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach

Martha’s Table // 202-328-6608 2114 14th St., NW marthastable.org

Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511 // 305 E St., NW cflsdc.org

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Community of Hope // 202-232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

Covenant House Washington 202-610-9600 // 2001 Mississippi Ave., SE covenanthousedc.org

D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 202-347-8870 // 1234 Massachusetts Ave., NW dccfh.org

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOTLINE Línea de salud del comportamiento

(202) 749-8000

Housing/Shelter Vivienda/alojamiento

1-888-793-4357 Laundry Lavandería

Patricia Handy Place for Women 202-733-5378 // 810 5th St., NW

Samaritan Inns // 202-667-8831 2523 14th St., NW samaritaninns.org

Samaritan Ministry 202-722-2280 // 1516 Hamilton St., NW // 202-889-7702 // 1345 U St., SE samaritanministry.org

New York Avenue Shelter // 202-832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave., NE

JOB BOARD Server

Red Lobster // Silver Spring, MD Delivering food to tables, cleaning up tables, taking orders correctly from customers and managing transactions.

REQUIRED: Able to multi-task, have communication skills, be of legal age to serve alcohol, be able to lift up to 30 pounds, work hard under pressure and be on your feet for several hours.

APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/redlobster2018

Janitorial Custodian Sasha Bruce Youthwork // 202-675-9340 741 8th St., SE sashabruce.org

So Others Might Eat (SOME) // 202-797-8806 71 O St., NW some.org

St. Luke’s Mission Center // 202-333-4949 3655 Calvert St., NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

Thrive DC // 202-737-9311 1525 Newton St., NW thrivedc.org

Unity Health Care // 202-745-4300 3020 14th St., NW unityhealthcare.org

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U St., NW // 202-328-5500 legalclinic.org

The Welcome Table // 202-347-2635 1317 G St., NW epiphanydc.org/thewelcometable

My Sister’s Place // 202-529-5991 (24-hr hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

N Street Village // 202-939-2060 1333 N St., NW nstreetvillage.org

// 15

Whitman-Walker Health 1701 14th St., NW // 202-745-7000 2301 MLK Jr. Ave., SE // 202-797-3567 whitman-walker.org

For further information and listings, visit our online service guide at StreetSenseMedia.org/service-guide

Pelenti Group // Washington D.C. $14.20 an hour Provide cleaning for homeless shelters and other administrative buildings. Must be hardworking and be a reliable employee. Looking for an employee to work full time and part time.

REQUIRED: At least two years of experience in institutional cleaning such as schools, hospitals or colleges.

APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/pelentijanitor

Part Time Advocate

N Street Village // Washington D.C. N Street Village helps women achieve stability and make meaningful gains in their housing, income, employment, mental health, physical health, and addiction recovery. Responsibilities include providing support for client’s requests and assisting the development of case plans and immediately responding to reports of incidents in the housing.

REQUIRED: must be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds. Must be adaptable to the evolving environment in the housing. Knowledge of the Internet and navigating Microsoft Word and Excel.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and willing to drive a van.

APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/nstreetvillage1

Church Plant Team

Church for Black Men // Washington D.C. $10-$20 an hour Provide help organizing Sunday service, work on music and food support and assist the black families and individuals that arrive.

REQUIRED: Training done on site over a twoweek process after submitting a questionnaire and phone call interview.

APPLY: https://tinyurl.com/churchplantteam1

Hiring? Send your job postings to editor@StreetSenseMedia.org

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JULY 25 - AUG. 7, 2018 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 19

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