09 15 2006

Orlando and Las Vegas Make it Illegal to Feed Homeless Groups in Public Parks, p. 9

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Where the Washington area's poor and homeless earn and give their two cents September 15, 2006 -- October 14, 2006

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Volume 3, Issue 11

www.streetsense.org

In My Opinion

Eviction Firms Sued

A Model Shelter?

Street Sense Article Prompts ClassAction Lawsuit on Minimum Wage.

By Peter Cohn

By Jesse Smith

I

Laura Thompson Osuri

n last month’s issue of Street Sense, I proposed converting the Franklin Shelter into a model shelter; the idea is not as far-fetched as I thought it might be.

I believe I can say I have seen it.

This model shelter is exhibited to a large part in a shelter already operating: the men’s shelter on New York Avenue, NE. Its only problem is that it is located on the fringe of the city, not in the center, where the need is. Let me give a bit of background.

Children from D.C. Village, the city’s largest family shelter, attend Leckie Elementary in Southwest, and will now be getting more support in school.

DC Finally Gets Funds For Homeless Students

By Daniel Horner

See

MODEL, page 16

See

Inside This Issue INTERVIEW

Fenty Promises Fenty on homeless issues, page 6 LOCAL

Paying for Shelter Rescue Mission and its policies, page 7

SCHOOL, page 4

See

EVICTION, page 7

Matthew Impett

I recently toured some of the facilities operated by Catholic Community Services (CCS). With me on the visit were CCS division director Chapman Todd, Street Sense executive director Laura Thompson Osuri and Street Sense associate editor David Hammond.

We visited facilities throughout D.C. and one of the things that became quite apparent was the contrast between the facilities owned by the District and operated by CCS, largely emergency shelters; and those both owned and operated by CCS, largely transitional housing.

The transitional housing was by and large a better temporary home, and the residents got better services and seemed to have more hope.

At CCS’ Mount Carmel House, a transitional housing program for 20 women, there are support services for up to two years to prepare the residents for self-sufficient living.

An on-site social worker/counselor helps them with life skills, the GED, and job searches. The residents we met had a very positive attitude

For the first time in 10 years, the District has applied for -- and is now receiving -- aid under a federal program to help homeless schoolchildren. For those 10 years, D.C. was the only state or territory that was not applying.

The money is for training school staff, providing students with school supplies, and other uses.

Advocates for the homeless say the money -- about $300,000 from the federal government, on top of about $250,000 that the District supplies -- is sorely needed for dealing with the special difficulties of homeless children in schools. And Bernice Green, a homeless mother of four school-age children, agrees.

Green said that her family did not have enough money for notebooks and other supplies at the start of the school year and could not afford the uniform shirts her twin boys were

required to wear.

A key part of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is that it tries to provide stability for homeless children who change addresses often. It removes barriers to education such as the requirements for documentation and records when families register at a new school.

The act, which has been in place since 1987, also subsidizes transportation, since under the law, children can go to the school they attended before they became homeless or the school in which they were last enrolled, as well as the one serving the area in which they currently live.

Though the school year has just begun, this new money already appears to be having an effect. As of Sept. 1, the school district had trained principals and registrars and was in the process of training “homeless liaisons,” who are usually

Three homeless men recently filed a class action lawsuit against six Washington area eviction companies alleging minimum wage violations.

In the April issue of Street Sense, it was reported that several eviction agencies were recruiting homeless people to facilitate evictions and paying them significantly less than the area minimum wage laws indicate. This article prompted the lawsuit, according to Lee Berger, who is the lead attorney on the case and an associate of the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, LLP. Berger said that he was outraged when he read the article and decided to look into the matter further.

After four months of research and dozens of interviews, he determined that this practice is similar among all area eviction companies, is widespread around the D.C. area and its suburbs, and has been going

on for more than a decade.

“If you add it up over the years, tens of thousands of individualsviolations,” Berger said. “The scope of the problem is much larger than I originally thought.”

The suit, which was filed on Sept.

1 with the help of the National Coalition for the Homeless, claims that the companies paid the plaintiffs in the case between $1.67 and $2.50 per hour. This is in violation of D.C.’s minimum wage of $7 an hour, Maryland’s $6.15 an hour and Virginia’s $5.15 an hour.

The suit also alleges that the eviction companies committed violations of antitrust trust laws in these jurisdictions since all of the companies were paying the same, equally low wage.

“Apparently all of companies were paying the same amount, which was $5 for an eviction,” Berger said. “This parallel conduct does

Men wait for eviction work in front of SOME on a spring morning.

REVIEWS

EDITORIAL

Vendor Cliff Carl eats out, page 12

August visits West Virginia, page 16

FEATURES

FEATURES

A new cartoonist and artist show their stuff in this issue, pages 14 and 15

From trucks to photos vendors are getting into the workforce, page 18

Red Sage Raves

New Artwork

Home in Huntington

Vendors Get Jobs

Street Sense . September/October 2006

2 ALL AbOUT US

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

bOARD OF DIRECTORS James Davis Robert Egger Ted Henson Barbara Kagan August Mallory David Pike John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Kathy Whelpley

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Thompson Osuri SENIOR EDITOR Ted Henson ASSOCIATE EDITOR David S. Hammond EDITORIAL INTERN Peter Cohn AD SALES MANAGERS Jake Ashford James Davis Alvin Dixon El Muriel Dixon Allen Jones Mark Jones August Mallory Brenda Wilson Wendell Williams VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Larry Allen, Jake Ashford, Karen Brooks, Sara Carkuff, Cliff Calre, Peter Cohn, Amy Detteriech, Keri Douglas, Michelle Gaudet, Jake Geissinger, Genenive Gill,David Harris, Hiniker, Dan Horner, Joann Jackson, Tina Khera, Maurice King, Jessica LeGarde, David Lohr, Brad McCormick, Mike Melia, Jill Merselis, Ben Merritt, Carl Morris, Mike O’Neill, Amy Orndorff, Jen Pearl, David Pike, Diane Rusignola, Patty Smith, Trish Savage, Rebecca Schlessinger, Jennifer Singleton, Jesse Smith, Katie Smith, Desiree Stephens, Isabel Toolan, Francine Triplett, Robert Trautman, Katie Trawinski, Linda Wang, Marian Wiseman VENDORS Jake Ashford, Robert Beecher, Tommy Bennett, Kanon Brown, Bobby Buggs, Cliff Carle, Conrad Cheek Jr., Bob Couto, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon El, Don L. Gardner, Leo Gnawa, David Harris, John Harrison, Michael Herbert, Patricia Henry, Phillip Howard, Michael Jefferson, Patricia Jefferson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Wayne Kern, Michelle McCullough, August Mallory, Carl Morris, Charles Nelson, Therese Onyemenam, Tracey Powell, Chris Sellman, Patty Smith, Tom Taylor, Francine Triplett, Martin Walker, Paul West, Wendell Williams, Brenda Wilson

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.

Our Editorial Policy

Editorials and features in Street Sense reflect the perspectives of the authors. We invite the submission of journalism, opinion, fiction and poetry, hoping to create a means where a multitude of perspectives on poverty and homelessness can find expression.

Street Sense reserves the right to edit any material.

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

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors,

Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. Since then, the paper has published consistently on a monthly basis and has greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network. For the first year, Street Sense operated as a project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space.

In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming an independent nonprofit organization.

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

We are proud members of:

north american street newspaper association

international network of street papers

Street Sense Vendor Code of Conduct 1.

2.

3.

4.

September Donors robin Dunnington avery smith

michael mavretic nicole williams

and Keller williams realty for sponsoring the Benefit Concert!

Thank you!

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

WANNA HELP?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a vendor, please contact Laura Thompson Osuri at Street Sense.

OUR NEXT EDITORIAL MEETING

October 11 at 6:00 p.m.

1317 G Street, NW (near Metro Center)

10.

Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means.

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are no territories among vendors.

I will respect the space of other vendors, particularly the space of vendors who have been at a spot longer.

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

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

Street Sense . September/October 2006

Let’s Talk About Homelessness

By Brenda Donald Walker Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Families and Elders

S

ummer is nearly over; autumn begins very soon.

Seasons may come and go, but our commitment to preventing and ending homelessness by sustained, meaningful efforts guided by a clear vision and strong leadership is constant.

With the coming of autumn, the leaves change, and we have beautiful fall colors in our parks and neighborhoods.

However, another change is the drop in the temperature.

We have been busy developing the plan for the upcoming cold-weather months. The official title of the plan is The Winter Plan: Protecting the Lives of Homeless People in the Winter of 2006–2007. The Winter Plan covers hypothermia season, from Nov. 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007.

Hypothermia is a life–threatening condition occurring when a person’s body temperature goes below 95 degrees Fahrenheit due to exposure to cold and/or wet conditions.

POLITICS

Coming Soon: Hypothermia Season, Plan During the 2005–2006 winter season, there were 85 hypothermia alert days and nights. A hypothermia alert is issued and assistance is available when the air temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or the wind chill factor creates the effect of 32 degrees or below.

During the winter, we have a shelter system that offers warm places for those who seek relief from the cold, and our outreach services provide blankets, food, and supplies to others. Our overall objective is to save lives during extreme cold, while being sensitive to the preferences and rights of those who are homeless. Sadly, there was one death of a homeless person due to hypothermia last season. We want to do everything possible so that there are zero deaths this winter season.

Our plan for this winter is ambitious with a budget for an expected 110 hypothermia alert days. We wanted this significant increase over last season so that we would be prepared to serve the needs of our homeless population under nearly any conditions.

The District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency monitors weather conditions, and notifies the agencies involved when the hypothermia alert is put into effect.

Shelter providers are then instructed to open hypothermia shelters and to keep them open until the temperature rises above 32 degrees.

A toll–free telephone number is available for those who are homeless to seek assistance, and for the general public to report emergency situations involving homeless citizens.

The number is 1–800–535–7252, and it will be publicized with pocket–sized cards distributed to homeless persons during hypothermia season.

Turning to another important subject, the mayor’s Interagency Council on Homelessness met on July 24th. One of the group’s main tasks is to hold up to four public hearings

this fall. During these sessions, we will take testimony and solicit ideas about homelessness from interested citizens: those presently or previously homeless, public and private providers, the religious community, neighborhood representatives, advocates, and others. We will publicize the meeting dates when they are established.

Now, I want to once again review a number of construction projects. One ongoing venture is the renovation of the former Gales School near Union Station. The interior demolition is well underway. When completed in the latter part of 2007, the Gales facility will feature central air conditioning, space for group activities, individual storage, and a full range of services. This project represents our commitment to serve those who are homeless with an appropriate living space, amenities, and services in a central location.

The improvements at the Community for Creative Non– Violence (CCNV) started with upgrades to the third floor plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. When finished, this floor will contain administrative offices, space for service providers, and accommodations for residents.

The Emery Shelter at 1725 Lincoln Road, NE is being converted to the Emery Work Bed Program, a housing facility with services for working men. Planned physical improvements to the Emery facility include roof and masonry restoration, window replacement, and work on the plumbing, lighting, and interior walls. Emery will not only have an improved program for those who are employed for at least 20 hours per week or in a job training program, but it will also be a significantly better place to live.

Thank you for your interest in this column. I sincerely hope that it is informative and that it shows that all of us are concerned about our fellow citizens who are homeless.

Please continue to be alert for your own safety and also care for one another.

Donate to Street Sense My Information

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Additional items that Street Sense needs: * Messenger and tote bags and backpacks for vendors

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* Basic laptop computer with at least Windows 2000 OS

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Please call 202-347-2006 or send an e-mail to info@streetsense.org if you have any of these items to donate.

LOCAL NEWS

Street Sense . September/October 2006

SCHOOL, from p.1 counselors, social workers, psychologists or others with similar training, according to Deltonia Shropshire, the education program specialist with the D.C. government’s Office of Transitory Services. The liaisons are being trained later than the others because they had to be selected, she added.

Because of the training financed with the McKinney-Vento funds, “we have not had the number of questions (on homelessness) we experienced in the past,” Shropshire said.

The amount of money available under McKinney-Vento changes from year to year, but Emily Benfer, an attorney with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, said the District had forfeited over $1.5 million through its decade-long failure to apply.

Accounts varied on why the District had stopped applying, but a major factor seems to have been a suit filed against the

District for noncompliance with the transportation part of the assistance. Under McKinney-Vento, state and local governments receive federal funds for the transportation but have to make arrangements for the buses and other forms of transit.

Some sources stressed, however, that at the time, D.C. was short of funding and under a financial control board.

But whatever the reason for the funding lapse, “We need to close that chapter” and “keep (the program) moving,” said Shropshire.

Last fall, Ben fer drafted a letter to the D.C. Board of Education and City Council urging them to put the District back on track for the McKinneyVento funding. The letter was signed by advocacy groups, family homeless shelter residents, and other individuals.

Board of Education member JoAnne Ginsberg said the letter came shortly after she had read a newspaper article saying that the District was the only jurisdiction

...the District had forfeited over $1.5 million through its decade-long failure to apply.

in the United States that was not receiving the McKinney-Vento funds. The letter “hit a nerve with me,” she said.

Ginsberg sponsored a resolution, unanimously approved by the board Jan. 17, directing Superintendent Clifford Janey to submit an application for the funds.

The council also adopted a law to implement McKinney-Vento in the District, but expanded it in some ways. Benfer said that one key addition is that the D.C. law makes families who are in transitional housing eligible for the assistance.

She pointed to a wealth of statistics from studies over the past seven years that she said make it clear that assistance to homeless schoolchildren should be a priority.

Homeless children in the District are one and a half times more likely than other students to repeat a grade. Additionally, more than half of children in homeless families in D.C. transfer schools at least once during the school year, with almost 10% transferring three times or more. With each change in schools, a student is set back academically by an average of four to six months -- and the average homeless family in the District moves every six months, Benfer added.

There is not a consensus on how many of the approximately 65,000 children in the D.C. public school system are homeless. Shropshire said the number was “over 1,500,” but declined to be more specific.

Benfer said the figure was likely much higher than 1,500 and that “there are an overwhelming number of children in D.C. schools who are homeless beyond the figures captured in statistics or living in homeless shelters.” McKinney-Vento, she said, “will allow us to reach out to them by heightening awareness, increasing identiROPA VIEJA fication, and removing barriers to education so that more of our Pulled flank steak with spicy sofrito sauce, served with black children will have the beans and Spanish rice opportunity to succeed and escape homelessness.”

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Benfer said homeless D.C. parents who need more information on enrolling their children could contact the homeless liaison at their child’s school, the D.C. government’s Homeless Children and Youth Program (202-698-3321) or the U.S. Department of Education (202 4010113). They also can contact her clinic (202 -328-5500) and other advocacy groups.

No Notebooks, Lots of Teasing The renewal of funding for the District under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act could make a difference to families such as the Greens, who live at the Community of Hope’s transitional shelter in Northwest D.C. The Greens have moved often. Parents Francis and Bernice report that their fourthgrader, Darrius, is in his fifth school since kindergarten and that seventh-grader Jermaine is in his eighth school since second grade. Jermaine’s learning disabilities make the moves even harder, Bernice says.

“I feel bad we have to keep moving to keep our family together,” Darrius says. When he gets to a new school, he often has to repeat “the same stuff” he learned at the previous one, he says. On a positive note, he has been able to make friends in these new schools, he says.

The Greens have two other children in D.C. schools and two more at home. Bernice says that because of the needs of a large family, they don’t have much money for notebooks and other supplies. Sometimes there are higher priorities, even among school-related expenses.

The middle school that Jermaine and his twin brother Jerome attend requires a uniform, and at the start of the school year the family did not have the money to buy the necessary shirts. Under school rules the boys would have been suspended, but for a secretary at the school who donated a shirt to each of the boys, Francis says.

The Greens’ biggest complaint is the attitudes of teachers and other school staff.

Jermaine describes an incident at a previous school, where he was arguing with some other students. The teacher, trying to end the argument, referred to the fact that he lived in a shelter, Jermaine says. He walked out of the room and stopped going to that class.

Darrius and Jerome say word spread that the family was homeless, and other students teased them about it.

Jerome recalls that he “got mad,” and was “running the hall … ready to fight.”

School officials often act as if “we don’t deserve the same respect” that is given to parents and children who are not homeless, Bernice says. According to Francis, when school officials see the residence documents that show his family is homeless, they “already think it’s going to be a problem.” Both parents recall occasions in which officials bypassed them and called Community of Hope when there was a disagreement over schoolrelated issues.

Still, Francis does recall at least one recent experience where the school did show sensitivity. While registering Jermaine and Jerome at their new school in August, the woman attending to them looked at the documents that showed where they live, and, he says, almost made a comment. Then she “caught herself” and “didn’t broadcast it out” that the family was homeless.

- By Daniel Horner

Street Sense . September/October 2006

LOCAL NEWS

Paying at the Rescue Mission

By Katie Trawinski At the Gospel Rescue Ministry’s temporary overnight shelter, men line up at 3 p.m. each day to receive beds for the night on a first-come, first-serve basis. Like most local programs, the Gospel Rescue Ministry located at 810 5th Street, NW aims to provide food, refuge and work initiatives to the area’s homeless people.

However, unlike most shelters, the men wishing to participate in these programs pay $3.00 per night for their stay.

According to Carlton White, assistant to the Gospel Rescue Ministry’s executive director, money raised from the shelter fee goes to such things as dinner, optional chapel services and breakfast the next morning.

Although controversial, Don Melvin, executive director of the Gospel Rescue Ministry, believes the program provides a service that many other shelters don’t offer.

“Unlike some of the overnight shelters, they get breakfast in the morning, dinner in the evening, clean sheets every night on their beds, as well as other amenities,” Melvin said.

“We don’t get any government funds to support that program.”

While many organizations generally oppose it, a shelter requesting an overnight fee is not unheard of. According to Michael Stoops, acting executive director for the National Coalition for the Homeless, programs such as The Salvation Army and other rescue missions often request fees to provide a steady, albeit minor, source of income.

Stoops, however, believes that shelters charging fees are unnecessary.

“Instead of charging homeless clients, the shelter should raise monies from the private and public sectors to cover the operational costs,” Stoops said. “This is the responsible thing to do.”

According to CharityNavigator.com, an online charity evaluator, Gospel Rescue Ministry grossed about $2.65 million in donations in FY’04. Of the total revenue raised, 73.5% went to program expenses, 18.2% went to administrative expenses and 8.3% went to future fundraising expenses.

Other programs hosted by the Gospel Rescue Ministry include a Transforming Lives Ministry (TLM). This program consists of a three-year addictions treatment and recovery program for men, one year spent in residential care, and two years of aftercare counseling and support. According to some of the program’s residents, the entire reason-

In Brief

Ward 3 Candidates Spar Over Funds, Locations, Aid to Homeless

Unlike most shelters, rooms at the Rescue Mission are not free but cost $3 a night.

ing behind Gospel Rescue Ministry hosting an overnight shelter is to encourage men to join the TLM program.

“All you have to do is be willing to change your life,” Ray Allen, a member of the Transforming Lives Ministry, said. “People choose this place because it’s more kept up. What they say, they mean.”

A recent TLM graduate, Keith Wallace never could have imagined a few years ago that he’d be going back to school to get his master’s degree. After graduating from California State University at Dominguez Hills and moving back to D.C., Wallace was kicked out of a relative’s home when he started abusing drugs.

Homeless and still using, his future appeared grim. It was then that Wallace discovered the Gospel Rescue Ministry.

“I thought it was all over for me … but when I came here I had more choices,” he said. “It brings you back to where you left off before you started being homeless.”

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“Your 30-something son is diagnosed with schizophrenia, won’t take his medication, and is now living on the streets. Who would you turn to for assistance?”

That sobering question capped an August 29 candidate forum on homelessness and mental health, featuring eight of the Democrats, and the sole Republican, vying for Ward 3’s City Council seat.

There was general agreement that many residents of affluent Ward 3 would be able to keep a loved one out of the city’s troubled mental health system. But questions over how to pay for mental illness assistance and other aid to poor people, and where to locate the shelters and homes that house the very neediest, prompted some of the sharper disagreements of the Ward 3 campaign.

“We’re going we have to reorient our budget priorities and invest in people,” said Mary Cheh, who won the Sept. 12 Democratic primary. “And that means investing in people’s needs. That may also mean real new money.”

Cheh suggested that not only better management, but possibly a hike in real estate taxes, might be needed to pay for efforts like affordable housing. That touched off a debate that ran right up to primary day although several candidates had argued investing money in urgent human needs saves money in the long run.

The other topic provoking a vigorous exchange was the NIMBBY (not in my backyard) syndrome where neighborhoods resist facilities like shelters and transitional housing, as well as the affordable housing that may require changes in existing zoning rules. These are sensitive topics, but as several candidates who have served as ANC commissioners explained, small, well-run facilities work best, and they make good neighbors, ifneighborhood residents get to know them early in the process.

Over 200 Ward 3 voters attended the forum, sponsored by the Community Council for the Homeless and the Friendship Place Partners, a network of small shelters, intensive street outreach, and social services headquartered in Tenleytown. The candidates fielded questions from David Hammond, associate editor at Street Sense; Andrew Aning, a CCH board member and former resident of CCH transitional housing; and Patty Mullahy Fugere, head of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.

- David S. Hammond

Low-Income Washingtonians Eligible For Free Prescriptions Some 5,025 people in the District of Columbia could be eligible for help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage but have yet to apply for the program that provides it.

The Low-Income Subsidy, worth an average of $3,700 a year for participants, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, pays for all or part of the monthly premiums and annual deductibles, fills in the coverage gap, and lowers the prescription copayments. People who qualify can join a Medicare drug plan immediately and pay very little out of pocket for their medications.

These District of Columbia residents are part of an estimated 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide who also potentially qualify for the subsidy but have yet to apply, according to rough estimates by the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Unfortunately, people who potentially qualify for programs like this often are challenging to reach. Only about a third of those who qualify for government assistance programs ever sign up for them. Access to medications is critical to health, so there is a special urgency to reach as many people who qualify for this prescription-drug subsidy as possible and encourage them to apply,” said Dr. Wallene Bullard of Howard University School of Pharmacy and member of the Medicare Rx Access Network of the District of Columbia.

To qualify, a person must be on Medicare and have an annual income below $14,700 and assets limited to $11,500 (not including the house or car) or $19,800 in income and $23,000 in assets for a couple. Those who qualify can immediately join a Medicare drug plan for coverage in 2006, with no penalty or waiting period. There is no cost or obligation to apply, so anyone who thinks they may be eligible should fill out an application as soon as possible.

District of Columbia residents can apply at their local Social Security office, over the phone by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, and online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Assistance is also available by calling the Health Insurance Counseling Project (HICP) at 202-739-0668 or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY users should call1-877-486-2048).

- Keri Douglas

INTERVIEW

Fenty Promises Aid and Opportunities standards as soon as they possibly can. The District simply should not spend public dollars on substandard shelters.

Adrian Fenty has won the Democratic primary for mayor, and is expected to win the office itself. On primary night, September 12, he spoke inspiringly about creating opportunity for everyone in D.C. “The District of Columbia, if no other place on this earth, should be known as a place where everybody has an opportunity – whether you’re homeless whether you’re in the child welfare system, whether you’re in the juvenile justice system.”

It’s great to hear the city’s new leadership talking about opportunity for everyone. But let’s take a moment to look back to the primary season that just ended. So below, in full and in his own words, are Adrian Fenty’s campaign-season promises on poverty and homelessness.

Street Sense: The last few years have seen big changes in the city’s network of emergency homeless shelters. Will you continue the current trend of opening large emergency shelters on the east side of the city ?

Adrian Fenty: I think the District has made a mistake by closing too many downtown shelters and replacing them with shelters that are harder to access and farther away from services and jobs. I will continue to press the Williams administration to honor its commitment that the Franklin Shelter will not close before the Gales Shelter has been reopened and there are enough beds in downtown, SS: And will you pledge not to close any emergency shelter until an equal number of replacement shelter beds have been made available in the same neighborhood?

Fenty: It makes no sense to me to close a shelter without providing an adequate number of shelter beds at another location nearby.

SS: Tell us about your plans for the Homeless Services Reform Act (HSRA). What are your top goals and timelines for implementing HSRA? And if those goals are not met in a timely fashion, what are the consequences ?

Fenty: I’m proud that, as chair of the Committee on Human Services, I was able to guide HSRA through the Council and into D.C. law.

The law has been in effect since October, and now it’s important for the Interagency Council on Homelessness to convene and begin working. The first order of business for the Interagency Council will be to determine where the District can locate shelters in critical areas.

HSRA also establishes clear standards for shelter providers, and they should meet those

SS: What incentives will you offer developers to build more affordable housing? And what rules will you support to require more affordable housing in new developments?

Fenty: We will not simply sell District land to the highest bidder. Principally, we will mandate inclusionary zoning to ensure that all new development includes a significant portion of affordable housing.

Tax incentives for inclusionary development will be a strong part of our program.

A Fenty administration will also encourage living wage initiatives for all new and current development projects including current development opportunities, particularly those major ones downtown and along the Anacostia.

SS: What about the NIMBY opponents, who oppose affordable housing requirements, or the location of affordable units? What will you do to gain their support?

Fenty: My vision for the District under my administration will be one based on inclusiveness and diversity. Our city must be a home to people of all socioeconomic groups.

I am committed to building and preserving homes for people of all incomes. No longer should we be a city of just the rich or the poor. Our future must be one that includes wonderful places for our teachers, nurses and fire & police officers that make moderate incomes to live.

Toward that end, my administration will work with the community to determine what kind of housing is developed and who is targeted. Too often, residents do not feel involved in the decision making process for development in their neighborhood. Because government has been a poor partner at times and has not acted in concert with the larger community there is mistrust. I will listen to our civic associations, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and other stakeholder groups.

SS: The mayor’s ten-year plan to end homelessness calls for the creation of 6,000 housing units for homeless and at-risk people. Will your administration support this goal?

Fenty: My administration will enthusiastically support a ten-year plan to address our homeless care throughout the city. Cities throughout the country, led by Denver and San Francisco, have shown that creating temporary and permanent housing for our homeless neighbors can actually be a costbenefit – although indirect. My administration will look to follow best practices laid out by these cities as well as the Federal government. Housing for the homeless will be created downtown in my administration.

SS: Leaving aside the question of full-service hospitals, what will you do to increase the presence of health care providers in poor parts of D.C., especially east of the Anacostia River?

What are the biggest barriers to doing so?

Fenty: Nothing is more important than ensuring that our residents, including those who are poor or homeless, have access to topquality health care. The major barriers are lack of health insurance and too few doctors who choose to practice in our underserved neighborhoods.

We first must make sure that health insurance is available to all D.C. residents. The health insurance the city offers must be comprehensive; that is, it must include the fullrange of medical services, including mental health and substance abuse services. We have learned, however, that health insurance is not enough to provide access to medical care.

We need health care providers to work in areas of the city that lack sufficient medical services, including areas east of the Anacostia River. A major focus will be on primary care and specialty medical care, like cardiology, that can keep people healthy and extend lives.

Medical care must be available where people are and be available when people need it.

We need to think about mobile vans as well if that’s the best way to reach our homeless

‘‘

SS: The Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force recommended restoring the previous level for the tax the city imposes on real estate transactions and using the restored proceeds to support affordable housing through the Housing Production Trust Fund. Do you support this proposal?

Fenty: I have been the leading supporter of the Housing Production Trust Fund and maintaining and increasing our affordable housing opportunities throughout the District. I also introduced the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Act of 2003 that established the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force. That said, I believe that we can achieve the recommendations set out by the task force without raising taxes. By tightening our belt, rooting out waste in government, and identifying efficiencies, our government will be able to improve the District’s affordable housing stock.

-- to treat drug addiction. The programs must take into account and address the range of situations our addicted citizens face -- poverty, homelessness, children. Providing more beds requires more money, and I will make the commitment to support more beds.

SS: D.C.’s minimum hourly wage for private-sector workers presently stands at $7 (the federal baseline is $5.15). Is that high enough?

What should the minimum wage be?

Fenty: I voted for the District’s $7 minimum wage in 2004. I co-sponsored the living wage for D.C. government employees and employees of D.C. government contractors. I am cosponsoring legislation that the will require large retailers to pay a higher minimum wage plus benefits. I am open to further discussion.

Of course, the minimum wage must be adjusted as the cost of living increases.

SS: D.C. has a large day-laborer economy, in which laborers are sometimes treated badly or even cheated out of their pay. What are your plans to address these problems? Should the city support a center for day laborers, as is done in Herndon, Va.?

Fenty: I will not let our city contractors get away with such practices. Recently, it came to my attention that a landscape contractor employed by the Department of Parks and Recreation was requiring his workers to pay him for rooms he made them use. The same contractor had numerous disagreements with his workers about money owed. I ensured that the contractor was taken off the roles of qualified contractors and that firm no longer works for the District. My administration will employ this approach and level of detail as we closely watch and determine how work with day laborers.

SS: Neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River have been struggling to attract businesses like supermarkets, larger retailers, and sit-down restaurants, as well as better-paying jobs. What will you do to help this happen

‘‘

MY Two Cents

Street Sense . September/October 2006

The District of Columbia, if no other place on this earth, should be known as a place where everybody has an opportunity – whether you’re homeless ...

citizens.

In a city with the talent and resources that we have, economic barriers should not deprive people of the best health care available to any of us.

SS: Some 60,000 D.C. residents are addicted to alcohol or drugs, at a rate far above the national average. But the city has a limited supply of space for in-patient treatment. Why has the city not provided more treatment beds for people who need them, and what will you do to provide more beds?

Fenty: Many of the city’s problems -- crime, homelessness, unemployment, the breakdown of the family, the tragic loss of human capital -- are directly related to our high rates of drug addiction. They cannot be solved unless we address the underlying problem.

The city must fund more programs – inpatient, out-patient, clinic based, office based

when other approaches have fallen short?

Fenty: From H Street to the Anacostia Waterfront and beyond, much of the District will be undergoing massive revitalization, work that looks to continue for several years. As mayor, I will ensure that these developments serve communities east of the river. I will negotiate the best deals for the District and will direct the Office of Plan to work closely with NCRC, the Department of Transportation and other city agencies to ensure that residents are informed and involved as the developments are planned and implemented.

SS: What would you say to Washingtonians who have been waiting for generations for a chance to get out of poverty?

Fenty: There are no quick fixes to end poverty, but my administration will address the root causes of poverty to give Washingtonians hope and their best chance to succeed.

Street Sense . September/October 2006

LOCAL NEWS 7

Police Shoot Homeless Man’s Dog in Dupont A U.S. Park Police officer shot the dog of a homeless man, known by the first name of Jim, in Dupont Circle during rush hour on Sept. 11.

“The officer was here for a patrol check and noticed that the dog was off the leash and running where there were citizens,” said Lt. Art Jacobsen of the United States Park Service.

According to Jacobsen, the officer asked the man to put his dog, Precious, on the leash before Precious allegedly turned and lunged at the officer. The officer responded by firing one round at the dog and severely injuring her.

Dupont Circle was crowded with pedestrians at the time of the incident.

Eyewitness Carolyn Stromberg was in the park at the time of the shooting and said that the dog was not being aggressive and was just standing there when the police shot the dog from about 10 to 15 feet away.

“We were in shock that the police officer had shot the dog. It didn’t seem justified or necessary,” Stromberg said.

Immediately after Precious was shot, the owner came running and put his body over the dog’s.

People familiar with both Joe and Precious were in disbelief that Precious, a pit bull, would have attacked anyone.

“I can’t believe that Precious would have attacked an officer and I can’t believe that an officer couldn’t have done anything better than shooting that dog,” said a man who often slept in the park with Precious.

Peter Brandt, an attorney with the Humane Society of the United States, happened to be walking through the park at 6 p.m., approximately 15 minutes after the shooting occurred.

Brandt noticed that the dog had blood stains and was apparently still breathing.

“I yelled out to euthanize the dog - the police told me to be quiet and asked me to leave. He told me my speech was disorderly and he took out his handcuffs,” Brandt said.

He added that a veterinarian wasn’t able to get through the police line until 6:20 p.m., nearly 40 minutes after the shooting occurred. The vet reportedly administered sodium pentobarbital, a chemical for euthanasia, to the dog.

Spectators gathered around the scene for nearly two hours. Both workers in the area, neighbors and other homeless men and women around the park stayed late into the evening, recounting stories of how friendly Precious and her owner were.

- Ted Henson

EVICTION, from p.1 not happen in a fair market. Paying identical wages in equal violation of law requires some conspiracy.”

The plaintiffs in the case, Kirk Green, Anthony Forte, and Jake Ashford, who is a Street Sense vendor, would not comment on the case. However, Allen Jones, a Street Sense vendor who performed evictions in the past said he was pleased that action has been taken against the eviction companies.

“The wages are unjust and its unfair they are using people like that,” Jones said. “And the only way to get their attention is through legal matters and I hope this changes the system.”

Many homeless people reported that multiple eviction agencies have been recruiting at locations throughout the Washington area.

These locations include the homeless assistance organization So Others May Eat (SOME) located on North Capitol Street and near the vicinity of the Community for Creative Non-Violence Shelter located near Judiciary Square. (Neither service provider is a part of the suit, but both organizations have been working with the attorneys in the case.)

For each eviction, 10 to 25 workers were needed and each worker was paid an average

of $5, with each job usually lasting an hour, not including travel time. Additionally, several homeless people reported that, if an eviction got canceled, they were paid nothing even it they had spent hours waiting.

According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 1, one of the plaintiffs, Kirk Green, was picked up outside of SOME at around 8:30 a.m., and participated in three evictions, one in Prince George’s County and two in Northwest D.C. He was paid $5 for each eviction, which took about three-and-a-half hours to complete with about two-and-a-half hours of travel time, equaling $2.50 per hour.

A man who identified himself as the manager of Butch Enterprises, Inc., a metro area eviction agency, said that all he could say was that “it isn’t true,” when asked about these practices.

None of the other agencies listed as defendants in the suit, including All American Eviction and East Coast Express Eviction, which were both mentioned in the April Street Sense article, returned calls.

Berger and other attorneys at his firm attempted to contact the eviction companies prior to filing the case and received no substantive responses. Minimum wage laws require that the companies maintain payroll records showing each employee’s name, rate

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“I see it having a far reaching impact on how day laborers are treated in the city,” Stoops said.

The front-page article that sparked the lawsuit.

of pay, hours worked and total wages paid in a pay period. Berger said that these documents have the potential to clear up the controversy, but that none of the companies listed as defendants have made them available.

The attorneys in the case are still attempting to serve all of the eviction companies involved with notice of the complaint. Once they receive the complaint they have 20 days to respond.

While these alleged violations have potentially affected thousands of people, Berger said finding homeless people who agree to

be named as plaintiffs is difficult due to their fear of being blacklisted. They interviewed about two dozen people until they came up with their lead three.

Jane Newport, an attorney with Cleary Gottlieb, said that the plaintiffs were aware that they were being taken advantage of but thought there was nothing they could do about it.

“The named plaintiffs were outraged by it, as they should be,” Hamilton said. “My sense is that they went on with it because they needed work at any pay, and they didn’t know what recourse they had.”

Michael Stoops, acting director for NCH, said that he sees this lawsuit having not only an effect on eviction companies’ practices but also on the way day laborers are paid in general.

“I see it having a far-reaching impact on how day laborers are treated in the city,” Stoops said, adding that NCH is considering bringing day laborer reform legislation to the city council.

Stoops is encouraging more homeless people that have been involved in these evictions to come forward, as more testimony and plaintiffs would make the case even stronger.

If you have been hired to perform evictions in the past four years, the statue of limitations in the court case, and would like to discuss your experience, please contact the National Coalition for the Homeless at (202) 462-4822.

LOCAL NEWS

Street Sense . September/October 2006

StreetPolitics

By David S. Hammond

“We started with the idea of a voting guide, and it snowballed from there.”

On the Hill

Childhood Poverty Targeted

When the Comm i t t e e t o S a ve Franklin Shelter started publicizing their struggle to save the downtown shelter they call home, and which the Williams administration says should close next year, it Jesse Smith (right) shows Adrian Fenty the CSFS turned out to be Anti-Gentrification Voting Guide. Said Fenty, “You only the first step, guys know I’m on your team.” said CSFS strategist David Pirtle. “We knew we wanted to be out on September 12, primary day, with our issue, with www.savefranklinshelter.com.

And then we realized people are going to say, ‘Oh yes, don’t close Franklin – but who should I vote for?’” So, Pirtle said, “we started with the idea of a voting guide, and then when we met with Ward 3 candidate Erik Gaull, we decided to endorse him, and it sort of snowballed from there.”

“Our test was, are you going to work to keep Franklin open?”

Pirtle said. “Gaull was the only candidate in Ward 3 that was willing to come out and say ‘I will.’”

CSFS looked for the same clear commitment in races citywide, and also noted candidates’ records on affordable housing. Kathy Patterson met with CSFS at Franklin, and the group also met with Jim Graham. CSFS president Jesse Smith said “Graham said he would do his best to help keep the shelter open.”

CSFS endorsed Adrian Fenty (for mayor), Kathy Patterson (Council chair), Phil Mendelson (Council At-Large), Jim Graham (Ward 1), Erik Gaull (Ward 3), and Curtis Etherly (Ward 6). On September 12 they were at the polls with Mendelson stickers, Gaull flyers, and the CSFS Voting Guide.

CSFS will rally and lobby at the Wilson Building when the Council meets September 19. But all this is only the beginning.

“We have been heard,” said Eric Sheptock, “and I hope they keep their promises.” And, he said, “this could grow into a much bigger concern, from Franklin Shelter and how they help the homeless throughout D.C., to how they help the homeless everywhere.”

The Bill The End Child Poverty Act, S 2504. (Proposed in the Senate.)

Purpose The End Child Poverty Act sets a national goal to cut child poverty in half within 10 years, and to end child poverty as soon as possible.

If signed into law, the act would create the Child Poverty Elimination Trust Fund, which would fund federal programs aimed at reducing child poverty.

The money in this fund would come from a 1% increase in income tax for individuals with incomes exceeding $1 million for joint returns, and $500,000 for individual ones.

The Child Poverty Elimination Board would determine the allocation of monies in the trust fund. This board would be composed of 12 congressionally appointed voting members, including two senators and two members of the House of Representatives.

This board would meet regularly to craft and enact a plan to reduce child poverty using funds from the trust. The Board would have the power to hold hearings and sessions on child poverty, while also having access to necessary information from any Federal agency.

Background In its research on child poverty, Congress found that more than 13,000 children in the United States under the age of 18 live below the poverty line.

In most cases, the parents of poor children are working to support their families and are still unable to help their children out of poverty. Seventy percent of poor children live in a working family, and one in three lives with a full-time year-round

employee. More than half of poor households with children are affected by utility shutdowns, lack of adequate food, crowded or substandard housing, or lack of medical care.

In terms of the effects of child poverty, poor children are more likely than their non-poor counterparts to have their growth stunted, to experience lead poisoning or to be held back in school.

Additionally, lacking nutrition can hamper brain development and concentration abilities necessary for excellence in school. The reading, math and vocabulary test scores of poor children tend to be lower than children who do not live in poverty, according to congressional research.

Statistics also show that poverty does not spread equally across racial lines: black and Hispanic children are far more likely to be poor than white youths.

In terms of cross-country comparisons, the child poverty rate in the United States is significantly greater than that of most other wealthy, industrialized countries.

Great Britain recently made a commitment to cut child poverty in half by 2020, and the country has already led 2 million youths out of poverty.

Sponsors Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) Co-sponsors None Status The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance on April 4, 2006.

- Jill Merselis

“I got a chance to see people and learn their views”

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Street Sense vendor and office volunteer Patty Smith met Linda Cropp and Kathy Patterson at a fish fry thrown by Smith and other residents at the YWCA. Both candidates asked for campaign volunteers, so Smith made phone Council chair candidate Kathy Patterson and calls for Patterson’s Street Sense vendor Patty Smith Council chair campaign, and handed out flyers for Cropp’s mayoral campaign.

“I got a chance to see people and learn their views,” she said.

“Some of them said ‘Cropp, that’s my girl,’ and others said, ‘Oh, No!’ “ Smith said, “Volunteering on a campaign is really an excellent thing to do.”

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Street Sense . September/October 2006

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Las Vegas, Orlando Criminalize Feeding the Homeless

By David Lohr Las Vegas and Orlando passed ordinances in July making it illegal to feed groups of homeless people in the cities’ public parks, becoming the first cities in the U.S. to do so.

The ordinances--aimed at preventing crowds of homeless individuals from gathering in the cities’ parks--sparked protests and lawsuits by organizations from local groups to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Still, more cities are considering similar feeding ordinances, according to a January 2006 report from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.

The Las Vegas ordinance makes “the providing of food or meals to the indigent for free or for a nominal fee” a crime. They define indigent as “a person whom a reasonable ordinary person would believe to be entitled to apply for or receive” public assistance. Violations are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 or jail time of up to six months.

Laws targeting the homeless community are not new in Las Vegas, which was ranked the meanest city for the homeless by the NCH in 2003. Recently, the city passed a statute that makes public defecation a crime, along with “knowingly establish[ing]” sleeping quarters within 500 feet of defecation unless that “deposit” is made in an appropriate sanitary facility.

Enforcement techniques are not yet clear.

In Orlando, a permit is required to feed a large group in any public park. Organizations are allowed two permits per park, per year, making it difficult to regularly to provide food to those in need.

Preambles to both statutes explain the rationale for these ordinances: encouraging public use of the parks, controlling litter and crime, and ensuring all groups of citizens equal opportunity and access to the parks.

Las Vegas city spokesman David Riggleman said that the city is “trying to empathize with both camps,” and that by regulating the impromptu food distribution, individuals will be encouraged to go to homeless services centers who can provide mental health and employment services in addition to meals.

While these are legally valid justifications, opponents of the ordinances argue that the new legislation does not adequately consider the needs of the homeless who have few other options.

Homeless advocates and charitable groups have rallied against the ordinances, looking for loopholes and simply ignoring the new laws.

“There’s no way for people to get out to those services in triple-digit weather,” said Gail Sacco, who operates a mobile soup kitchen in Las Vegas. “My plan is to do anything I feel is needed to keep these people alive.”

Days after the Orlando ordinance passed,

O r l a n d o Fo o d No t Bombs passed out food from vehicles parked in the area. The group, which has “picnics” in the Lake Eola Park area every Wednesday, is a chapter of the international Food Not Bombs movement that provides vegetarian and vegan meals to those in need.

Since late July, activists in both cities have Thanks to a new law, it’s now nearly impossible to distribute food to been cited for violahomeless people in this and other Orlando parks. tions and raised legal challenges to the statvada have filed suit against the city, claiming utes. A radio station in Las Vegas passed out that the ordinance violates the constitutional donuts and soda one morning, earning cita- rights of free speech, assembly, religion, due tions, fines, and Mayor Oscar Goodman’s ire. process, and equal protection.

“If they’re a vet we’ll send them to US Vets, In Orlando, members of the Stop The Orbut giving them donuts, that’s kids’ stuff,” dinance Partnership (S.T.O.P.) and Food Not Goodman said, insisting that the homeless Bombs have continued with regular feedings, could still get the help they needed. and hosted a “dinner dialogue” on the steps of “I don’t think anybody in America wants city hall, seeking to discuss other options to people to starve to death,” Las Vegas City the ordinance with council members.

Council member Gary Reese said, “but if you “We want to talk to them. We want them to want to help somebody, people can go to talk to us. We want to present some alternaMcDonald’s or Kentucky Fried Chicken and tives to the 9,000 to 11,000 people who were give them a meal.” out here,” said ACLU representative George The Las Vegas chapter of Food Not Bombs Crossley. If the ordinance is not changed, the and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ne- ACLU has said it will file suit against the city.

Street Sense . September/October 2006

10 PHOTOS & POETRY What’s Your Contribution?

Well this is the question that’s rest’n on my heart And how people answer it is what set people apart Do you understand the simile?

If you don’t I’ll break it down really O.K. here we go, What’s your contribution?

See all people are a part of this world’s pollution, There’s ozone pollution, violence pollution, air pollution, self-destructive pollution, baby mamma daddy drama pollution, he said She said pollution , racial profil’n pollution, child neglect pollution, High school drop out pollution, greed pollution, selfish pollution, I can go on and on about pollution But the two I hate most is the hate’n pollution Not to forget about the complain’n pollution, Hate’n the people that come up with a solution Complainin’ cause they ain’t doin’ it fast enough I’m sick of your stuff Enough is enough Get off your duff Sitt’n on the couch lookin’ like Homer drink’n Duff.

If you’re not part of the solution Then you’re part of the pollution I challenge you to see there is also solution pollution Which there is not enough of ‘Cause being a part of the problem to many people love They think out of everyone else on this earth them there above But they’re just of The same force guiding pain’s wave So I’m over worked and under staffed But if I fail I’m overly laughed, The people that are working to help this mess called human behavior Are seen as hypocrites, arrogant, shysters, fake, EST. If that’s what I am than what are you, What’s your contribution?

I only ask to know if you’re part of the problem or solution, To find out the solution to a problem You would have to find the right formula To solve the problems of what life will do to you ‘Cause if your determination is not diligent Life will knock you down and go right through you I was told to find the solution I had to get away from the problem Ideas aren’t as dumb As the idea with no drive Why confide in others that are just trying to survive Day after day they question why they’re still alive What’s your contribution?

Can you answer me?

Better yet, help me Help me change the tragedy Why people don’t care so naturally And don’t see that as a tragedy Why people wait for their children to disappear Before their concern for other children turn sincere, Why people let wise words go in and out the other ear, I must get through despite the different ways people hear And the ignorance of peoples’ fear People too concerned with their career that they can’t volunteer, So miseducated they still enter and exit through the rear We shall overcome But seriously I’m only one I can sing I shall overcome But do you remember the sayings Each one to teach one?

Together we stand?

Or those words by that I have a dream man?

Because divided we will fall If we continue to recall This invisible wall That separates us all What’s your contribution?

Is it positive resolution execution?

Protection of the rights in the Constitution Or do you promote a negative illusion?

Glorified free hidden prostitution What’s your contribution?

- Carl “Champ” Morris

Cliff’s Pics

With fall here and winter quickly approaching, Cliff decided this month to fo cus on the sun, while we still have quality time to see it. He looks at the variou phases of the sun, as he calls it, in the “greater of the lesser” phases of light.

This is a beautiful view of the Roosevelt Bridge. The sun peeking out between the tree branches is so soothing and reminds me a scene from a tropical island.

Street Sense . September/October 2006

PHOTOS & POETRY 11 Security Blanket

ous

e of

I love this view from the Southwest Waterfront. It reminds me of when I was young and living in Guam and sailing from island to island.

Another View of Autumn

This water stained blanket matted down like spider webs of tangled despair litter the alleyway like a predator holding its prisoner hostage in a surreal life still alien to him— covering his past but shielding a lost future overworked from repelling the city’s cold crystal raindrops and icy blasts of wind absorbing dust and debris from two tall towers that are no more.

But he clutches it, pulling it closer to his soul and it will forever be his protector and sec -James Davis In memory of 9/11

Monday morning, October 8th: a northern gust wakes me with its hellish breath carrying the threat of dark months and chills to come On October 10th my friend Ruth, strolling her leafy neighborhood, notes a few notes of brilliant orange and red that garnish her beloved trees and finally notices the presence of autumn Sixteen days ago, I traded my shirtsleeves for a downy jacket to shield me from the sudden chill Thirteen days ago, I combed the streets for yet another disaster blanket to complete my sidewalk nest Three nights ago, I prayed to God for a knit cap to soften the numbness of my ears

This is a great angle, that makes me kind of dizzy. I love the gargoyles against the late afternoon sky.

Today, Ruth finally notices autumn her rich season of colorful splendor Yet, a month ago, when all the radiant Ruths of the world were bathed in the boundless freedom of summer I rode along a mountain path, turned to a companion, and said “look at the leaves; a few already forecast the autumn” and even amid the beauty a silent chill stole through my heart Soon, Ruth will sit before a fireplace, cradled in warmth and, through a window, gaze at the ethereal sweetness of a winter night

The sky changes to multiple hues of pink as dusk come to the Washington sky.

A mile away, I will scrounge for more disaster blankets to ward off the lethal breath of northern gales

- David Harris

Street Sense . September/October 2006

12 FOOD

My Turn At the Table By Cliff Carle

Flavor Comes Alive at the Red Sage

David Hammond

Cliff enjoys tasty mushroom tamales at the Red Sage.

For my review we went to the Border Café at The Red Sage Restaurant.

That’s the section of the restaurant with the bar and booths. There’s also a “Grill” section with more formal seating and a different menu, including some more formal entreés.

Thelunch crowd on a Thursday mainly consisted of locals having relaxed business and social meetings over their food.

I was very impressed with the ambiance and panache of the restaurant and especially with the way the architect created a ceiling with a desert night sky. Our waitress, Marcella, was very courteous, polite, charming and punctual. She was very gracious and helpful as a server.

The reason my friend Dave and I chose this restaurant is because I am a strict vegan of 34 years. I’m very con-

scious about the foods that I put in my system.

Dave, however, is a carnivore who eats only wild meats and fish. He and I felt that a Tex-Mex place would have something we both could enjoy, so we chose Red Sage, located at 605 14 St. in Northwest, just a few minutes from many professional offices.

We first ordered drinks. I had lemonade, and Dave had iced tea, which was enjoyable on a summer day. We then started off eating like rabbits.

We shared the “Border Café Chopped Salad,” which consisted of romaine and iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, roasted corn, marinated jicama, tricolored peppers and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette, topped with corn tortilla shoestrings. This salad was a refreshing accompaniment to our food with its base of cool, fresh lettuce and espe-

cially because of the jicama. Jicama is a sweet, crisp root vegetable similar to a water chestnut.

Dave then had the “Tuna al Carbon Wrap,” grilled yellow-fin tuna rolled in a tortilla. The tuna was grilled just perfectly and topped with pico de gallo and cheese.

I ordered the “Chipotle Mushroom Tamale Plate,” which was a chipotle mushroom tamale with smoked chile-sauteéd mushrooms and corn tamales with Asadero cheese, garden beans and green chile rice. I must say, the mushrooms were so hearty and flavorful that I actually thought I was eating meat.

We shared a delicious side dish of borracho beans – a high-protein dish of medium size. And then it was time for dessert. Dave and I bantered for some time. Neither of us wanted cheesecake, which we have never eaten, and we said no to the banana flan, because I’m allergic to bananas.

Our ever-so-thoughtful server, Marcella, talked us into the “Coconut Tres Leche Cake.” It was a rich, crumbly white cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk and topped with white cream. The piece was plenty for two.

In the end, we felt well-fed but overstuffed and had enough leftovers for a doggy bag to take home.

And all I can say is, “Bon appétit!”

Cook’s Corner

Tony Turkey Parmesan Pasta Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

½ cup chopped spinach ½ cup diced tomatoes ½ cup diced green pepper ½ cup diced onion ½ cup broccoli (chopped into bite size pieces) 4.5 oz. can chopped mushrooms 1 ½ cup Alfredo sauce 2 tbls. oil 2 tbls. basil mix 16 oz. box of bowyie pasta 1 tbls. grated parmesan cheese 1 tbls. grated provolone cheese ½ lb sliced ham ½ lb sliced turkey

Preparation • • • • • •

Cook and drain pasta according to package Heat oil in medium saucepan.

Cook vegetables in oil Heat alfredo sauce, basil and seasoning mix Combine sauce, vegetables, ham, turkey and pasta in a large bowl and stir until pasta is evenly coated.

Top with parmesan and provolone cheeses.

Cliff has been a vendor for Street Sense for nine months. He used to be a martial arts instructor and loves photography. (See his spread on page 10.)

This Recipe was created and prepared by Tony Cook. Tony is a student at Community Family Life Services culinary arts training program.

These students work at Third and Eats Restaurant and at the U.S. Tax Court cafeteria. Many also work for New Course Catering.

For more info visit www. newcoursecatering.com or call (202) 347-7035.

Buying a Car Without Losing Your Shirt air conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, CD player, driver and passenger side airbags, an alarm, leather and power or tinted windows.

So you’ve decided that you need to buy a car.

You’ve already considered alternatives like catching the Metro, joining a carpool or signing up for a Zipcar, but those options don’t work.

Know What You Want Before you go to your nearest car dealership, you should really get some idea of what type of car will match your needs. All it takes is a few minutes to create a list that will help identify your priorities when shopping for your car. On the top of a sheet of paper, write the following three headings: “Have to have”, “Would be nice to have” and “Do not need”.

Now, you can start listing features under each heading to develop a clearer idea of what you’re looking for.

Features to consider are: standard vs. automatic transmission, two door vs. four door,

Comparison Shopping After the previous exercise, you’ll be better equipped to start comparing the prices of cars that have the features you’re looking for.

Some people find it helpful to look at guides like Edmunds.com (New or Used) Cars & Trucks Buyer’s Guide (www.edmunds.com), the NADA (New or Used) Guide (www.nadaguides.com) or The Kelley Blue Book (www. kbb.com). You can search for the different makes and models (by year) that include the features you’re looking for and get a good idea of the average buying price.

Publications like Consumer Reports and The Car Book are good places to find out about the performance, durability and reputation of different cars. It’s also helpful to check the classified sections of local newspapers to comparison shop and to see what, if any, promotions are being offered by car dealerships.

Used Car vs. New Car In general, new cars are more expensive than used cars, but they do have low mainte-

nance and repair costs, warranties, and usually a lower interest rate (if you are financing your car). On the other hand, if you are persistent and patient enough in your search, it is possible to find a used car in very good condition for a reasonable price.

Some questions to ask when looking at used cars are: What’s the gas mileage? What kinds of repairs have been made? Has it ever been in an accident? Can I see the records for this car? What type of warranty, if any, does it have? It’s also a good idea to get a mechanic to look at a used car before a purchase to ensure that it doesn’t have any serious issues.

Financing Other costs that you need to consider, in addition to the price, are finance charges. If you can’t pay the entire price of a car, then the rest will either be financed through a credit union, a bank or by the car dealership. A good rule of thumb is the longer it takes you to pay off a loan, the more interest you pay and the more expensive the car is. Try to avoid offers that emphasize very low monthly car payments because, in the long run, you may pay much more for the car than it’s worth.

To find the least expensive loan, be ready to pay some of the money up front to get a

better interest rate. Research online and call different banks and credit unions for an interest rate “quote”. Most likely, you can find a car loan outside of the dealership that has better terms and interest rates.

Learning More ...

On Saturday, October 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 CAAB and Enterprise Development Group (www.entdevgroup.org) host a free seminar on how to finance your car purchase, what to look for when buying a used car and how to clean up your credit so that you can borrow money. Please call us at 202-419-1443 for more information.

Buying a car can be an intimidating experience for many people, but if you learn the basics about the process and what you should be looking for, your car-buying experience will be considerably easier, and maybe even fun!

- Brenda Estrella This regular financial column is presented

by Capital Area Asset Building Corporation (www.caab.org). Please e-mail your questions on this topic or ideas for future topics to saving@caab.org.

LITERATURE

Street Sense . September/October 2006

Marvin Hammerman A mystery novel in parts BOOK 3, PART 8

By August Mallory

As the excitement ends and the scene of the event is cleared, emergency medical personnel now on the scene work on the injured man involved in the fight with three assailants.

Hammerman and Jamison are with the police, providing information about the three men. Suddenly, Capt. Chadwell pulls up in his unit car and meets with both Jamison and Hammerman.

“I just got word,’’ Chadwell says. “Just what the devil happened?’’

“Well, Captain,’’ Jamison replies,“I think we may have come across something very interesting. The gentleman that the EMS personnel are tending to right now has informed us of some pretty bizarre news concerning the three men who jumped him just a little while ago.’’

“Did you get a name on this guy?’’

“Yes, we did,’’ Jamison says. ``His name is Mr. Ronald Gregory. He was born and raised here in Atlanta, and he knows the three men who attacked him. He has run into them somewhere before. He has provided us with three names.’’

After the names are turned over to Capt. Chadwell, he says, ``Good work, you two. I’ll get to work on this and put out an APB on these three guys.’’

“Oh, Captain, one more thing,’’ Jamison says. “You may want to take this knife for evidence.’’

“Hold on just a minute, I’ll get a bag,’’ Chadwell says. He uses gloves to place the knife in the plastic evidence bag. He then marks it and takes it to the station.

Meanwhile, all three men - Smith, Handler and Williams - are now in a secret hiding place somewhere in Eastpoint, Georgia. Williams is treating a very sore jaw with ice packs after a vicious kung fu kick from Jamison. ``Man, that dude almost broke my neck,’’ Williams says. ``I don’t know where he learned all of that fancy foot-kicking but he kicked our butts. And that other dude he was with, man, that dude was fast as lightening. Who were those dudes, and where did they come from? We almost had Gregory down, but then those two dudes stepped into the thing. Check it out, man.’’

Williams adds: “Smitty, that one dude you whacked a few weeks back, you said he had some money on him and some other stuff’.’’

“Yeah, it was only $35 and some papers from the Georgia state pen,’’ Smitty says. “Whoa, wait a minute, the Georgia state pen. That dude was in prison. Yeah, the papers said for murder. Hey, yo, we need to lay low for a while until this mess blows over. If we go strutting out there half-cocked, we will get busted down big time.’’

“Hey, man, we need to do something,’’ Handler says. ``By now the police know who we are and what we look like. It ain’t no doubt that Gregory spilled his guts by now. Gregory is a wuss-rat who will rat on his own mama, He’s a punk with no backbone.’’

Meanwhile at Grady Memorial Hospital, Ronald Gregory is being treated in the emergency room. Jamison and Hammerman are with him.

“There are things about Jeffery Handler that I need to talk to you about.’’ Gregory says. “Several months back, Handler beat up a woman. It happened when there was a dinner served for the homeless near Piedmont Park. She had been drinking pretty heavy, and that’s the only reason why Handler was able to get the better of her.

Her name is Carmella, and she is a pretty tough girl. She can handle herself pretty well in a confrontation, but she just drinks too much. And when Handler confronted her, he was just too swift for her, and he took a large, hard stick and beat her senseless. He almost killed her.’’

“Life on these streets is not pretty, you go through hell,’’ Gregory adds. “You really have to get these guys off the streets. These men are dangerous. They will stop at nothing to take a life or almost take a life. You know, I just heard that there was a body found near downtown Atlanta, but the strangest thing is that it was found very near a place where the homeless are served meals. Mr. Jamison, Mr. Hammerman, you have got to get these men off the streets, and now.

“Mr. Gregory, we are doing everything that we can,’’ Hammerman says. “We have the police placing an APB out on them. You concentrate on getting better.

We’ll handle this from here. Thanks for all of your help.’’

Coming up next month: the second confrontation. And as the case unfolds, more bizarre stories are learned about the three men, and it is discovered that Smith was the perp behind the killing of William Biddle.

13

bOOK rEVIEW

Defending Cosby’s Comment and Brown vs. Board of Ed Juan Williams has made an unapologetic and thought-provoking contribution to the controversial and emotionally-charged discussion of what has gone wrong in black America. His book, Enough, is full of black history and social commentary, which issues a call for change. He cites staggering statistics, exposes the appalling and embarrassing actions of so-called role models, and details the disastrous consequences of governmentinitiated social programs. But with this book, Williams reassures us that hope is not lost by providing an undeniable remedy.

Enough picks up where Bill Cosby left off in 2004. In the face of a black American crisis and the need to publicly tackle problems discussed privately for years, the beloved entertainer and philanthropist addressed a black elite audience to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. What he said shocked many, not for its lack of truth, but for the forum he used to air this dirty laundry and for his own status as one the country’s highest paid black entertainers. How could Bill Cosby, so rich and far removed from those of whom he spoke, tell mixed company what was wrong with poor black people?

According to Cosby, poor blacks are not taking advantage of the new opportunities afforded them by the Brown decision and are not offering the kind of parenting their children need to succeed and overcome society’s negative influences. Not one of Cosby’s peers stepped forward to publicly support his words. He stood alone. Until now.

Williams, senior correspondent for National Public Radio, focuses on what’s wrong: a cycle of poverty; lack of proper education; and too many black leaders, with the power to br ing about change, who remain silent. Williams provides sobering statistics on the decline of black family structure since the Brown decision, the rise of housing developments in poor urban areas nationwide, and a welfare system that pushes fathers out of the house.

He also criticizes today’s black leaders for being “detached from the reality of the lives of poor black people in their preoccupation with the history of racism.” Instead of using their influence to teach poor blacks how to support themselves, they are just advocating for more money and government spending.

Williams admonishes black leaders, like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who attract media attention to stereotypical depictions of a black person on Mexican postage stamps, but are inattentive to more crucial issues affecting their people. He says they should denounce crime and criminals who terrorize neighborhoods. They should speak out about poor educational systems and should contribute to the community’s economy. Williams also accuses them of not rallying against bad role

Enough

By Juan Williams (Crown Publishing, 2006)

models, such as rappers with “Stop Snitching” campaigns and misogynistic, degrading music, as well as neighborhood thugs who proudly view prison terms as a right of passage. Finally, Williams charges black leaders with cowardice and cites examples of when they “preferred to avoid the risk of stepping out and speaking the truth.”

Williams takes readers on a historical review of former slaves’ courageous acts, organizing massive movements, pushing for change and dying in the process. They taught themselves to read and write and promoted self-reliance. Frederick Douglass accomplished this with his editorial, Learn Trades or Starve. Williams adds more of this rich history with the powerful legacy created by trail-blazers, like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Osceola McCarthy, who taught that education and self-determination are vital.

So what is the underlying message of Enough?

Personal accountability. The need to end selfdefeating behavior. Prioritization.

The book advises that education, marriage and a strong family unit are crucial factors in achieving goals, especially for poorer black Americans, who are not often taught their importance by leaders and role models. Parents need to make education a priority for their children, especially given today’s economy where advanced skills are needed to compete for higher paying jobs. Young people must understand their history, sacrifices that were made and subsequent changes that cleared some of the longstanding hurdles.

Without these keys to success, a generation of poor young blacks will continue to remain left behind.

As Bill Cosby passionately stated, “What the hell good is Brown v. Board of Education if nobody wants it.”

- Jennifer Singleton

He also criticizes today’s black leaders for being “detached from the reality of the lives of poor black people.”

14 PUZZLES

Street Sense . September/October 2006

Cryptogram

Street Su-Do-Ku Since Pluto is no longer a planet we can no longer do the Planetary Puzzler from Leo with eight instead of nine different planet names. So instead, vendor Chris Sellman has taken over and has decided to just run your run-of-the-mill Su-Do-Ku puzzle.

Just fill in the numbers 1 through 9 without repeating a number in any column, row or box.

Solve the message below to discover a famous, meaningful quote on poverty and homelessness.

2

PMZGK ZUIRPGF QPAPL OPET BQKUQP Last Month’s Solution JBIR. UQEK PMZGK OPBTF BQT PMZGK OP-

7 5 4 2 9 3 6 9 8

Due to a typing error, the last puzzle is unsolvable.

We are deeply sorry!!

BLGF IBQ TU GOBG.

Vendor Chris Sellman, who created this current puzzle, promises this one to be easy and very solvable.

-- QULMBQ AWQIPQG ZPBEP Hint: Q = C

Poverty often deprives a man of all spirit and virtue; it is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.

-- Benjamin Franklin

Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

ACROSS

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

10

11

12

13

1 4 9 14 15 16 17

20

21

22

24

25

31

26

27

32 34 38

28

29

30

35

36

39

40

37

41

43

44

45

51

52 55 60

61

46

47

53

48

57 62

63

64

58 65

66

67

68

69

70

71

www.CrosswordWeaver.com

49

50

31 32 33 34 36 38 40 42 43

54

56

18 19 20 22 24 25 27

33

42

59

23

44 45 47 51 53 54

swish scour port-a-potties spots speak in public Toward the rear of the ship August’s destination (abbr.)

Beat Girl in “Beverly hills, 90210” Become moldy Color vertex appeal Review restaurant: Red ____ Bird’s home hanker Ghost’s greeting Shelter changing to work beds only medicine doses Free (2 wds.)

Tried McKinney ____ Act Vendor who loves meatloaf ingest sesame street’s grouch Flightless birds ride a horse Compass point season

8

55 Group suing Las Vegas city 57 hoister 59 2:1, for example 62 Clad 65 Thai 66 poetic “evenings” 67 aloft 68 Drug 69 Dem. Mayoral Winner 70 Leg bone 71 sight organ DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23 25 26 28 29

ranger Direction sacred songs Place to pick up eviction workers sailors Gnawer shoshonean Attorney in eviction case Vendor plaintiff in eviction case Complies movie 2001’s talking computer Football assoc. pigpen perceive by sight Dashed saucy amateur Can Gilt

7

1

3 1

9 2

9

8

5

4 5

4

6 9

6

1

9

5

2 6 8

1 2

1 3

9

August’s Answer Key C A L M S

A R E A S

R E V U E

A W F U L

R E E F Y

T A B O R

A T A W I D L E S

L A I R I D B L E E N S U I C S K L E E R T

T R I C O T J E S S E

E A M A R E F T E M L O B I E U N N V O L T L E G G S E R R Y R N S E D A K I M I D A T E W A B U T G I V E E D E N

30 Goddess 32 Yea 35 Cow speak 36 pounds per square inch 37 its own 38 Come close to 39 upon 40 not this 41 stray 42 animal doctor 43 Catholic community services (abbr.)

45 night bird 46 Founded

G A L E S

A F F K E D A M A

E A R W L E S T T L I I D T A E L

neoimpressionism 48 Bravery 49 nervous 50 Gait 52 make impure 56 Comfortable 57 Jacob’s son 58 notion 59 arbiter 60 street abbr.

61 X 63 Kimono sash 64 Curtsy

A L I C E

L I G H T

L E E R S

C R A T E

FEATURES 15

Street Sense . September/October 2006

What our REaders are Saying...

I was stopped by a vendor at Navy Archives two days ago who shyly, and in an almost resigned manner, offered me a Street Sense paper. Almost brushed him off, but I looked at what was in his hand, and remembered that I had lived in New York years ago, and was homeless for about two weeks. And then I remembered the Street News paper that was sold in New York, mostly on the subways, by folks trying to gain a little legal income and some dignity. So I took his paper, gave the dollar, and kept going. It’s a shame how living in big cities hardens you.

It sat on my desk at work for a couple of days, unopened, just quietly sitting there waiting to see if I’d take advantage of the information my dollar bought me. I finally opened it and came to the Photos and Poetry page, and I realized how much I got for my dollar. Mr. Carle’s photos of the flower and fountain at Union Station, and his insightful captions allowed me to look “outside the box” and see the beauty in the things we pass by and ignore every day (people included). But Mr. Harris’s focused and evocative poems “Religion” and “1974” really blew me away!

I was an English major in college and am a sometime-poet now so I love it when a poem puts me right in the poet’s head or takes me to someplace in my mind I haven’t visited in awhile. What hidden artists lay within the hearts of these people we call “homeless.”

Please keep including these men’s works in the paper. I encourage them to try to get their work exhibited and published.

- Jann McClary

Hello StreetPolitics,

This is the CEO of the Maryland based Hip-Hop/R&B label “Prelude Productions”. I am writing this letter in order to express my deep gratitude towards your newspaper Street Sense! To me, it is very disturbing how one of the wealthiest nations on this planet cannot even find effective ways to fully support the citizens who are less fortunate then others.

Currently, I am a resident of Montgomery County. As it is known by many, MontCo., is one of the most prodigal counties in the Maryland area....but after reading the statistics of regional homelessness in your paper, I begin to realize that all of the beauty and glam is just a facade to cover up a much biggerproblem.

- Ryan “Rezolute” Currie

The Heroes. In his own drawing, Jean-Jean, a resident of Franklin Shelter, ponders the idea of a meeting between Leonardo da Vinci, Confucius and Frederick Douglass. (If you are interested in purchasing any of his drawings, contact info@streetsense.org.)

We Are Family

Michelle McCullough

Torn Apart By Homelessness

L

et me start with an apology for being out of touch for the past couple months. As usual, my life is rather hectic. I am still on the streets and home is wherever I lay my head. I have some new problems and overcome some old ones, so I guess I am about even for now.

Please keep me in your prayers, as well as the rest of my family even though we are no longer together.

That is what I want to talk about this month, but first I need to address some old business.

I have to thank Bernie Thompson, father of Street Sense’s editor Laura Thompson Osuri. Mr. Thompson responded to our family’s wish list in such a big way. He was the only one, and everyone who benefited would like to express our appreciation.

I would also like to thank my fellow columnist, Brenda Donald Walker for her kind mention. It swelled my head just a little to think that my work was being discussed in the mayor’s office.

My column is about homeless families and I came to Washington as a member of an intact family, as most of you know. That was two years ago and now I find myself a homeless individual.

When I read in the July issue of Street Sense that the number of homeless families decreased and the number of homeless individuals increased over the last two years, I couldn’t help but ponder my own family’s experience. While I hope that a majority of the families that are no longer homeless have found permanent housing, I wonder how many were split apart by their situation.

Family shelter is hard to come by and often not a pleasant experience. If you are not in a shelter, you run the risk of your children being taken by Child Family Services. As soon as you lose your children, you are no longer a family. The stress of all this can be too much to bear and that can lead to the demise of a family.

My son, Matthew, was taken from us in July of 2005, as many of you know. It has been very hard on our family and three months ago David and I separated. I don’t know what is going to happen from here, but I pray the best of God’s will for the three of us.

How many more families will be destroyed before we bring all our resources to the table to solve this problem? I feel very strongly that people become homeless for many different reasons and unless we address all the causes of homelessness we cannot ever hope to fully solve the problem.

Multidimensional service centers prepared to deal with the whole spectrum of issues leading to homelessness is a key step to ending homelessness.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. And God Bless.

Michelle has been a vendor for nearly a year. Her favorite color is purple. You can send any comments or suggestions to her at P.O. Box 51093, Washington DC 20091 or call her at 202-664-9576.

16 EDITORIALS

Street Sense . September/October 2006

MODEL, from p.1

On the Road

By August Mallory

Homelessness in the Hills of Huntington

I

begin this story from the hills of West Virginia, the state where my dad was born. It has been many years since I saw West Virginia. I was around 10 years old when I first came here. I see an entirely different state now.

Although West Virginia is not a very popular state to visit, it is very rich in minerals, such as coal, and it produces steel and aluminum,

along with agriculture, lumber and many other things.

But Huntington, W.Va., like many other places, has its issues with the problem of homelessness. As I make my way around Huntington, a real sense of poverty is present. And it really isn’t about race so much. In this part of the country, the racial make-up is mainly Caucasian, with very few African Americans.

And as I take a trip to the capital city, Charleston, W.Va., the very sense of poverty again is in plain view. But local politicians don’t seem to be much concerned about the problem of homelessness in their city. I see very few services available for the homeless in both cities.

West Virginia is a state that sits in a class all by itself. It’s called the hillbilly country, but many who live in the state are not ashamed of being a West Virginian.

As I walk into the Huntington City Mission at 624 Tenth Street in downtown Huntington, I can’t help but notice as I look around the very big hills surrounding the downtown area. It looks as though someone just found a big hill and drilled through it, and then placed stores, banks, restaurants and every other type of business right in the middle of this big drilled-out hill.

But the closeness that people here have is truly remarka b l e. O f c o u r s e, t h e re i s s o m e f r i c t i o n f ro m t i m e t o t i m e. Bu t i t doesn’t come close to what the situation is like in Washington, D.C. There isn’t a very good transportation service here, or much employment. A few employment services are available, but it’s a hit and miss situation.

Some of the services that are organized to assist homeless people really don’t have much to offer them. I tried to get in touch with the deputy mayor of Huntington to discuss the issue, but my attempts were unsuccessful.

In many cities, you will go through many hoops and over many obstacles just to get where you want to go, and Huntington is one of those cities.

And although Huntington is not all that bad, it could be a whole lot better.

I was directed to a place called the Tree House Resource Center, a very nice facility in downtown Huntington. It has almost everything, from computers and a library to a recreational room, wide-screen color TVs and a weight room with a treadmill. I was very impressed by this, especially for a small, laid-back town like Huntington.

Another thing I noticed was the lack of people sleeping out on the streets.

Maybe there were people outside sleeping, but if so, they were well hidden from public view.

As I attended breakfast at the resource center a couple of mornings, people were coming from everywhere for the morning meal. I asked myself, ``Where are these people coming from?’’

I found out later that people have certain places that they go to sleep, sometimes deep in the hills. And when I hear that, I cringe. West Virginia has a lot of snakes in those hills, and it amazes me to see these people come out of the hills without snake-bite poisoning or even dead.

As I relax at the Tree House, I am also working on my next, and probably final, story for Street Sense. I will be doing a farewell story for my readers. I truly want to say to those who have supported Street Sense: Thank you for being such faithful readers.

August has been a vendor since Street Sense started and is on its board. Comments or questions can be e-mailed to him at specialtywholesaler@hotmail.com or carriergroup2009@yahoo.com. Tune into the More Betterman show on radio station WOL-AM 1450 the third Friday of each month.

about their future.

CCS’ 30-bed Mulumba House for men, on Rhode Island Avenue, NW, is also a transitional housing program. It is pleasing to the eye both inside and out, and is maintained with the help of the residents. The staff seems highly qualified and interacts well with the clients.

Now we’ll look at the shelters owned by the city and managed by CCS, the designated provider, and see the difference.

The Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter is a low-barrier facility, which means overnight accommodation without the imposition of identification, time limits, or other program requirements, Its capacity is 95 to 100 women. The first thing apparent to me was the building’s location, tucked away on the grounds of the old D.C. General Hospital. If you did not know it was there you would be hard pressed to find it.

A l s o, t h e p a v e d walkways were much in need of repair.

And it seemed, if through an untrained eye, that many of its residents were in dire need of some psychiatric care.

The New York Avenue Shelter, also lowbarrier and city-owned, holds up to 360 men per night, with only four full-time social workers on duty throughout the week. About 175 men are seeing a caseworker, and a Department of Mental Health psychiatrist is on duty once a week. The brightest spot was that a Unity Health Care clinic is to begin operation soon.

For me, all this could truly add up to an operation designed to elevate the client from the homeless situation, to being a productive and self-supporting individual.

That would be as close to a model shelter as we can envision, with the big exception that it was not centrally located, where such a facility is most needed. And although many of the pieces are being put in place, there is still a ways to go before this shelter offers all the kinds of help people need, all day, every day.

The Franklin Shelter in downtown D.C., also low-barrier, has all the problems they are trying to solve at New York Avenue. The building is in much need of repair. A mobile medical unit comes once a week, but for other services the residents must go elsewhere.

Franklin has a capacity of 240 persons per night, but often there are up to 270 there. So those men need a shelter in downtown Washington.

And they need more services. It is paramount to those living there that this or some other homeless facility stay open within the downtown area, and that it be better than what we now have.

District law says homeless providers shall make sure that staff is trained, qualified and supervised and that facilities are safe, clean and sanitary and meet all applicable District health, sanitation, fire, building and zoning codes Let’s hope the next mayor heeds those rules.

One solution is a re-evaluation of Mayor Tony Williams’ proposal to close Franklin.

Let’s hope our new mayor will see fit to meet the needs of hundreds of the city’s homeless and keep Franklin open – and give it the services, support, and repairs it needs to become the kind of full-service shelter I have seen elsewhere in the city.

It is paramount to those living [at Franklin] that this or some other homeless facility stay open within the downtown area, and that it be better than what we now have.

Differences

Jesse Smith is a resident of the Franklin Shelter. He loves mystery novels and his favorite author is Agetha Christie. You can contact him at jsmithjr2267@yahoo.com.

Carl “Champ” Morris

W

hy do so many people that call themselves Americans and people that call themselves humans see so many differences in other selfproclaimed humans?

When I think of humans I think of people that breathe, bleed, eat, sleep, use the bathroom, sneeze, feel, cry, laugh, and cough, as well as using the five other senses that they have. I see only two things in this world like I see people.

Day and night, soft and hard, smooth and rough, good and evil.

I’m a black man and I have the same needs as a white man. How much sense does it make for me to pay so much attention to a white man trying to hurt me so that I pay no attention to a black man trying to hurt me? As I’m sitting here in this shelter I’m trying to leave, I can’t help but notice all the different nationalities that are here.

That leads me to believe that although we look different, we need the same things: justice and equality for all.

Carl has been a vendor for the past two months, and wants to start his own nonprofit some day. He sells both in Maryland and D.C.

EDITORIALS 17

Street Sense . September/October 2006

MAURICE SPEAKS

A Housing Priority Puzzlement

I

t has been very difficult for me to keep my mind on writing in recent times because I have adult children living in Israel.

Anyone who has followed the news knows how problematic that part of the world has been, and having a child who was drafted into the war effort over there was more than enough reason for me to be distracted.

The cease fire that is now in effect is a rather fragile one, and while it gives some respite, it does not completely take away the worry that I have felt.

With hopes of getting myself back on an even keel, I have been writing poems and taking part in discussions with others who do the same.

These are mere diversionary tactics designed to take my mind off of my many problems. Taking them all on at once is just too much for me to handle, and those on my support team

agree that I would not be able to focus on the entire load at once.

I am not alone in what I do. Many people who are homeless face a staggering load of problems and do not know what to tackle first. Coping with homelessness can be devastating. A large number will turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of escaping the stress of a problem overload. While drugs and alcohol never solve problems – they only create more – it is easy to understand why a person might fall into such a trap. Learning how to ask for help with substance abuse is yet another problem added to the already long list.

What I have found odd, however, is that many times I have been penalized for not having a substance-abuse problem when it comes to placement for housing. Many programs exist for people with substance-abuse issues, but a person with no such record is often excluded.

It hardly seems sensible to encourage people to develop substanceabuse problems in order to become eligible for housing, but that is precisely what these programs do. Granted, housing programs for substance abusers involve attending meetings, living under supervision and adhering to curfews – all restrictions that I would not particularly appreciate. But despite these extra requirements, addicts are still awarded housing, which puts them a step above someone who

does not have such problems.

I have somehow managed to survive as long as I have with a lot of good fortune. That is the best way that I can sum it up. However, I would call it surviving, not living.

I am not optimistic about gaining permanent housing, because I have seen already how the programs for obtaining subsidized housing are administered. The attitude of “just move somewhere, and if you don’t like it, you can always move later” has been thrust upon me more than once when I was urged to move into dangerous, high-crime areas. As a common Hebrew proverb says, “A pessimist is an optimist with experience.” I already have sufficient experience to be more than a bit pessimistic.

It is not as if things have to be this way. They could be quite different. I am left wondering why it is so difficult to grant housing to a person with no background of substance abuse, while people who have such backgrounds are given priority. It is a reverse logic that is most baffling and makes no sense. Then again, does logic really play a part in the planning of these programs?

Maurice King has been writing editorials for Street Sense since January 2004, and is also in the process of publishing his own book. If you have any comments, please e-mail him at benadam@cyberdude.com.

Reuniting with Familar Feelings

By Jake Ashford

H

ere is another season of summer heading into fall, and I must say the year 2006 has been a most pleasing year in my life.

Today I reflect on the past and focus on the future. The help of the Street Sense paper has held me through the toughest time of my life, and I am taking time out to say thank you again to the founders for the paper.

This summer I was able to spend a month with my son that I had not been with in five years.

At the sight of each other there were happy tears. The sight of someone had never made me shed tears before, and you can believe my face was torn up.

We spent one weekend in the District, but he also longed to see his

grandmother and aunts, not to mention the long list of cousins, who live in North Carolina.

It was so funny once we arrived in the south. He seemed to enjoy that to the utmost because there were less restrictions.

Within days of landing in N.C., we were just hanging out with family members when we found a great miniature motorcycle that would travel up to 70 miles per hour. Of course there were scratches and bruises to accompany the fun.

The greatest thing was to see my son close to me in the physical form. What made the visit real was that I even got to see the rebellious teenager in him

This was the most heart-touching summer I have had since 2000, and everything is getting in order.

come out. He reminds me so much of myself in the demeanor in which he carries himself.

We were once again able to attend cookouts and parties that I must say were truly summer functions at their best. We also enjoyed church together and praying together.

We had some great arguments, too, but God remains with us throughout our troubles. This was the most hearttouching summer I have had since 2000, and everything is getting in order.

I would like to thank all of the customers that support the community by indulging in this paper. Now that I have found happiness and peace with the visit of my son, I am seeking employment in the logistics field, and I’ll be all right.

Jake has been a vendor for Street Sense for two years and now works in the office. He is actively searching for housing, and wants to finally have his own bed again.

The Speakers Bureau Goes to Greensboro

By Joann Jackson

W

e began our journey on August 14, 2006 to Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. The crew included myself, speakers Francine Triplett and John Harrison and the director of the Speakers Bureau Michael O’Neill.

We had a lot of fun going down the highway. If we weren’t known, we are now, because Francine made sure that every place we stopped and anyone who seemed interested were well informed about Street Sense and the Speakers Bureau.

After getting lost for about a half hour we finally made it to Guilford College. When we arrived the freshman class were just ending their simulation of what it would be like if you were homeless and had to apply for food stamps, medical care and a place to live.

Even though it wasn’t the real thing I think they got a good idea of how the homeless are actually treated.

They were given balloons to represent their children, some were given five, four, one or two balloons. After being turned down for any type of assistance including the ones with children, some were even locked up for being disorderly, treated very rudely and even arrested. The students started to pop their balloon babies with pins. It was funny because you can’t do that in reality.

The next day was the time for the Speakers Bureau to give them the real facts of what homeless people go through.

Francine Triplett was requested to return to Guilford College after speaking there on several occasions in the past.

When she spoke about her life on the street as a result of domestic violence and how she had been stomped in the face, the audience became very quiet and their ears were wide open to make sure they didn’t miss a thing she said.

John Harrison was very good, he speaks softly but his story got their attention very quickly. A string of bad circumstances led to him becoming homeless. The song that he wrote and sings to the audience is incredible and everyone loves it very much. Personally I think he should have it published.

I spoke last and talked about being sexually molested by my uncle from ages 10 to 18. After being accepted to Howard University and told by my family that I needed to work in order to help support my family, I worked several jobs and eventually was able to own two businesses in Groton and New London, Connecticut thanks to the Small Business Administration. I told them how I ended up losing everything because I was introduced to alcohol and crack.

And while most of the students had never experienced homelessness, one student related to our stories because she had been from shelter to shelter. I congratulated her on holding her head up high and entering college and being proud and saying in front of everyone that she was homeless but now I’m attending college.

Students left with tears in their eyes, and came down and thanked and hugged us for opening their minds and eyes by breaking stereotypes about homelessness.

We had an excellent panel that was greatly appreciated by the students. In closing I say, “good job fellow speakers!

Keep a look out in future issues of Street Sense for other stories on the road with the Speakers Bureau.

The Speakers Bureau is program of the National Coalition for the Homeless made up of homeless and formerly homeless men and women that go around the country and share their stories with different groups and schools.

Joann Jackson has been with the Speakers Bureau for two years. If you are interested in having the Speakers Bureau come to you call 202-462-4822 or e-mail moneill@nationalhomeless.org.

Street Sense . September/October 2006

18 COMMUNITY PAGE

UPCOMING EVENTS Raising Dollars and Sense A Silent Auction and Reception to Support Street Sense

Samaritan Ministry Celebrates Two Decades of Next Steps The Next Step Program’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

When: Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: Josephine Butler Pavilion, 2437 15th St., NW Who: Street Sense and its many volunteers, vendors and board members.

What: Support Street Sense simply by munching on some delicious appetizers, sipping some tasty wine and bidding on some great silent auction items. This list already includes a weekend on the Eastern Shore, a handyman for a day, a complete set of running shoes and clothes and several gift certificates to local restaurants. You also will get a chance to listen to vendors give poetry readings and view the new vendor training video.

How Much: $20 minimum. Purchase tickets at www. streetsense.org. (Click on the “Raising Dollars and Sense” link on the main page.)

When: Saturday, Oct. 14 Where: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW Who: Next Step graduates and their friends and family What: In honor of this special anniversary, Samaritan Ministry is planning a celebratory service and family picnic for past and present program participants, staff, volunteers and supporters. We can’t celebrate without you.

For more details and to RSVP, call Chuck James at 202722-2280 or e-mail cjames@samaritanministry.org.

Vendor Notes Last month, several vendors found new housing – and this month, just in time for Labor Day, many vendors have found new jobs!!

Vendor Martin Walker started his new job last month as truck driver for Bates Trucking, a trash removal and recycling business. He is most happy to finally have a steady job, but still plans to sell Street Sense on the off-hours. The next step, he says, is to get a place of his own.

If you are a local nonprofit and have a event or announcement you want to publicize, please send all the key information to info@streetsense.org before the 10th of the month.

For more information, e-mail info@streetsense.org .

Housing Rally Stand Up for the Human Right to Housing When: Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Upper Senate Park, Delaware and C streets, NE (between the Capitol and Union Station) Who: Bread for the City, D.C. Coalition for the Homeless, Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and a handful of other housing and homeless nonprofits.

What: Come out and fight for affordable housing, local rent supplements, rent control, housing choice vouchers and other federal programs necessary to continue affordable housing.

Art Exhibition by Homeless Individuals Miriam’s Kitchen Artists Display Their Work When: Sept. 11 to Oct. 6, Reception on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Where: Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Road, NW (Columbia Heights Metro) Who: Miriam’s Kitchen What: Artists that participate in Miriam’s Kitchen afterbreakfast art program will be showing their painting and drawings. On the last day there will be a reception with a chance to meet some of the artists and listen to a performance by Miriam’s own musician Sam Hensley.

Street Sense Is Hiring!!! **Vendor Manager** We are looking for a Vendor Manager who cares about Street Sense and its mission and is ready for some hands on work. We want a quick learner who is motivated, creative, patient and organized and has experience working with homeless people.

Duties would include: • Coordinate job skills workshops • Recruit and train vendors • Help vendors get community exposure • Coordinate incentive system for vendors • Develop ways to increase vendor income • Provide some case management This is an Americorp VISTA position (which has a set pay and reuqires other commitments) through the National Coalition for the Homeless.

For more info or to submit your résumé and cover letter, please e-mail info@streetsense.org

For more info call Emily McCollum at (202) 452-8926.

Subscribe to Street Sense!

You can now find Martin driving a recycling truck.

Vendor Chris Sellman, who you can read more about on the back page, just started his new job parking cars for Atlantis Services, one of the largest valet companies in the area. He says he is excited about the tips and the chance to meet all kinds of people.

Vendor and resident photographer Cliff Carle has turned his photography hobby into a job, and sold his first picture last month. Some of his photos will also be auctioned off at the Street Sense Auction on Sept. 28, with 50% of the proceeds going directly to Cliff. If you would like to purchase one of his photos that are in the center of this issue or past issues or would like to buy a ticket to the Street Sense Auction, please call Street Sense at 202-347-2006.

On the housing front, new vendor Carl Morris moved into his own place at the beginning of September. He now rents a room in a group house in Silver Spring. His favorite thing about being out of the shelter: “Having my own bathroom.”

And vendor Muriel Dixon, who now has a place of her own, decided to spend her Labor Day laboring to help the homeless. She cooked a massive meal, including ribs, mashed potatoes and corn, to feed about 50 and distributed the food at parks in D.C. Reports were that the food was excellent and all was gone within a few hours.

Want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year? Order a subscription. When you do, not only will you receive 12 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also contribute to raising awareness on poverty in Washington.

___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense. That means I get 12 issues for $25 a year. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ___________________.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________State:_______________ Zip: _______________ Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to Street Sense. Street Sense is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization.

Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Thanks for your support!

Street Sense intern/vendor Wreslte Mania.

And all the staff and vendors would like to welcome the new Street Sense intern Peter Cohn. He goes to the University of Vermont and is in the American University’s Washington Semesters program. He has only been here a week, but is already making himself at home. In fact, on Peter’s second day he and vendor Cliff Carle were exchanging wrestling moves in the office!

Street Sense . September/October 2006

Community Service Index SHELTERS

SOUP KITCHENS

Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 783-6651

10th Street Baptist Church 1000 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-1685

Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 745-7118

Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-3066

CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 393-1909

Church of the Pilgrims 2201 P Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 (202) 387-6612

Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-7356

Dinner Program for Homeless Women 945 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 737-9311

Dorothy Day Catholic Worker (Family) 503 Rock Creek Church Road, NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 882-9649

Eofula-Spanish Senior Center 1842 Calvert Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 483-5800

Franklin School (Men) 13th and K streets, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 638-7424

McKenna’s Wagon 2114 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 328-6608

Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 842-1731

Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Ave, NW Washington, DC 20037 (202) 452-8926

House of Imagene Shelters 214 P Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 518-8488

So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 797-8806

House of Ruth: Madison Emergency Shelter (Women) 651 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 547-2600

Washington City Church of the Brethren 337 North Carolina Ave, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 547-5924

SERVICE PROVIDERS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 19

Shelter Hotline: 1- 800-535-7252 Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE Washington, DC 20011 (202) 269-2277 The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-2635

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Byte Back (computer training) 815 Monroe Street, NE Washington, DC 20017 (202) 529-3395 Capital Area Food Bank 645 Taylor Street, NE Washington, DC 20017 (202) 526-5344 x223

MEDICAL RESOURCES

John Young Center (Women) 117 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 639-8469 La Casa Bilingual Shelter (Men) 1436 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 673-3592 N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 939-2060

The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-2635 Zacchaeus Community Kitchen (“9:30 Club”) 10th and G Streets, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 393-9144

Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 328-1100

Catholic Community Services Homeless Services of Washington, DC 924 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 772-4300

Community of Hope 2250 Champlain Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-9022

Catholic Comm. Services Emergency Center 1438 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 526-4100

Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW

Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-8870

Washington, DC 20009 (202) 745-4300 Whitman-Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 797-3500 OUTREACH CENTERS Downtown Services Center 945 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 737-9311 Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 (202) 939-2060 Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 338-8301 Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 328-6608 Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 682-1005

EMERGENCY FOOD

801-East on the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital campus 2700 MLK Ave., SE Washington, DC (202) 561-4014

Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 265-2400AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE Washington, DC 20020 (202) 561-8587

New York Ave Shelter (Men) 1355-57 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 832-2359

Covenant House of Washington 2001Mississippi Ave, SE Washington, DC 20020 (202) 610-9630

Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 639-8093

Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 842-1112

Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 543-5298

Sasha Bruce Youth Work 741 8th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 675-9340 Friendship House 619 D Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 675-9050 Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 (202) 364-1419

Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 347-0511 Hermano Pedro DC Center 1501 Park Road, NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 332-2874 JHP, Inc. (Jobs and Housing) 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 544-5300 Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 667-8970 Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE Washington, DC 20020 AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 202-889-7702 Travelers Aid, Union Station (train level) 50 Mass. Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 371-1937 Virginia Williams Family Resource Center 25 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 (202) 724-3932 Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 328-5500

PHOTO FINISH

Royal Flush

By Cliff Carle

VENDOR PROFILE Chris Sellman Chris, 33, is originally from Minnesota, but he has lived in all parts of the country. During his childhood he lived with 13 different families, two of which were adoptions, and he went to 26 different schools.

He calls himself a “jack of all trades” and has held several different jobs, working as a nursing assistant, backyard mechanic, waiter and truck driver.

Chris came to D.C. a few months ago after “following a girl here,” whom he has since broken up with. Prior to that he was living in Florida and driving a truck for a carnival.

He just started a job as a valet and currently lives at the shelter on the campus of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Chris says his motto in life is “live and let live.”

How did you become homeless?

It goes back to about a year and a half ago when me and my ex-wife separated. I left Wichita (Kan.) and started bouncing around at that time. I moved to Minnesota to help out my sister, but in a few weeks she gave me the boot.

Why do you sell Street Sense?

It’s a good way to put extra money in my pocket. It’s a day-to-day paycheck that gets me what I need to get by.

A group of men enjoy a game of poker - complete with a makeshift table and chairs – on the streets of downtown D.C. during a recent sunny afternoon.

What advice would you give someone who is homeless?

Trust no one but yourself. I learned that lesson early in life.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t have any specific plans. I’m just living day by day. But I guess I would like to be remarried to a nice girl and in my own place.

StreetFact Of the homeless people in the Washington area, 12% are unsheltered, with most of them sleeping on the street.

SOURCE: METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON OCUNICL OF GOVERNMENTS

Street Sense is now part of the Combined Federal Campaign.

Please include us in your CFC recipient list.

CFC# 5485

September/October 200 • Volume • Issue 11

Favorite music?

I tend to like ’60s and ’70s music. I love the Beatles. Billy Joel’s “Pressure” is my favorite song.

Favorite movie?

The Matrix series. The first and third ones were the best.

Favorite Food?

Meatloaf when I make it. (It’s stuffed with mushrooms and cheese.)

Favorite Book?

Harry Potter series.

Chris reminds customers to only buy from badged vendors and not to give to those panhandling with one paper.

Raising Dollars and Sense A Benefit Reception to Support Street Sense

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Mail To:

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006 - 7pm to 10pm Josephine Butler Park Center 2437 15th St, NW

.

$20 minimum Silent Auction, Food, Drink, Entertainment and Much, Much More!

Interested in a subscription? Go to page 1 for more information.

To purchase ticket and be added to the guest list, visit www.streetsense.org or send a check by mail.