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STREET SENSE September 21 - October 4, 2016

3

VOTER ACCESS

Your Address Could Determine Your Right to Vote. What if you don’t have one?

By Colleen Cosgriff Volunteer

N

ot everyone has the financial means to replace a lost or stolen identification card. People experiencing homelessness may additionally struggle with accessing other proofs of identification and residency required to obtain a new identification card. Not having any identification can mean denied access to benefits or services and, in some states, the loss of the ability to vote.

While some states and the District only require identification during voter registration, others require a photo ID at the ballot box. North Dakota, Kansas, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Virginia all require photo IDs on Election Day. Other states accept non-photographic proof of identification, such as a bank statement with a voter’s name and address.

So what happens if a voter goes to the polls without an acceptable form of identification in their state?

In the states the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) calls “non-strict,” voters may sign an affidavit of their identity or the poll worker can vouch for them. Some states — Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont — allow voters to vote on a provisional ballot. After Election Day, officials will check the voter's eligibility and registration to determine if the provisional ballot can be counted. In those states, the voter does not have to take any further action. In New Hampshire, election officials mail a letter to anyone who signed an affidavit. The voters must return the letter to prove they are at the residence they listed.

In states the NCSL calls “strict,” a voter may have to return to an election office a few days after the election to provide identification. If the voter does not return to the office with an acceptable form of ID, their vote will not count.

There are exceptions to voter identification legislation in some states. Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin all make exceptions for people who have religious objections to being photographed.

South Carolina’s allows exceptions if a person has a “reasonable impediment” to getting an ID and Tennessee allows exceptions for people who are “indigent.”

Congressmen Mark Pocan (D-Wis) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) introduced House Joint Resolution 25 in January 2015 to, in-part, empower Congress to protect against infringements on the right to vote.

The bill has been in committee since that

time. “With more than 300 successful voting rights lawsuits over the last 2 decades, the Supreme Court striking down critical Voting Rights Act protections, and states across the South making it harder for citizens to vote, it is clear that more must be done to protect this cornerstone of our democracy,” said Congressman Steve Cohen, a supporter of the bill, in a press release.

According to The National Coalition for the Homeless, state election laws did not include pathways for unhoused people to vote until the 1980s. Pitts v. Black (New York, 1984), challenged a New York State Election Law provision that banned people experiencing homelessness from voting. The District Court found that this ban “disenfranchised an entire group of people, which is forbidden by the Equal Protection Clause.” It was determined that someone’s place of residence is the place “at the center of the individual's life” or where they intended to stay, and where they can be contacted.

In the administrative hearing of In re-Application for Voter Registration of Willie R. Jenkins (D.C., 1984) the D.C Board of Elections ruled that a person’s intent to reside in a place means the location counts as their place of residence for voting purposes. They will then vote in the district where they reside. In D.C., a person can name the place they sleep as their place of residence, but they must list a mailing address of a place they have “sufficient ties.” Many unhoused people in D.C. get their mail sent to their service providers even if they do not reside at the center.

Also in 1984, Committee for Dignity and Fairness for the Homeless v. Tartaglione (Pennsylvania) ruled that a homeless shelter meets the requirements of residency set by the Pennsylvania Election Code. A voter’s mail can be received at the shelter and the person must vote in the district where the shelter is, even if they are living elsewhere.

In 1985, Collier v. Menzel (California) three people experiencing homelessness fought the Santa Barbara county clerk’s rejection of their voter registration applications. They had listed a public park as their place of residence. The court ruled that denying people their right to vote because they listed the park as their place of residence violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The park’s location would determine the district residents voted in. The court also said “people who were experiencing homelessness should be encouraged to register and vote in order to provide them with some greatly needed political influence and electoral power.

T h e B d . o f E l e c t i o n C o m m ’ r s v.

Chicago/Gray Area Union of the Homeless, Circ. (Illinois, 1986) ruled that an unhoused person can register to vote if they state under oath that they are homeless and present two pieces of identification. Before an election, mail will be sent to the listed mailing address with a prepaid return postcard to be sent back to the Board of Elections.

Fischer v. Stout (Alaska 1987) ruled that a homeless shelter or park bench are sufficient places of residence.

North Carolina On July 29. North Carolina’s Fourth Circuit panel ruled that a North Carolina voting law discriminated on the basis of race. The New York Times reported the ruling is “possibly the largest rollback of voting rights since the 1965 Voting Rights Act.” North Carolina legislators requested data on the ways different races use various voting practices. Fourth Circuit Federal Judge Diana Gribbon Motz found that once General Assembly received the data, they then created legislation that affected voting and voting registration.

Motz cited these specific ways in which North Carolina legislators used data to create voting restrictions that disproportionately affected Black Americans: 1. The first part of the bill (SL 2013381) was a law that would begin in 2016 that required voters to show photo IDs when voting in person. Motz wrote that the Black American demographic “disproportionately lacked” photo IDs. Before this law was created, all government issued IDs, even expired ones, were sufficient for voting. This new restriction excluded many of the alternative photo IDs used by Black North Carolinians, but not the IDs most of their White counterparts use.

2. The data requested by state legislators showed that early voting practices were prevalently used by Black Americans. After reviewing the data, the General Assembly then shortened the early voting period from seventeen days to seven. This included eliminating one of the two “souls-to-the-polls” days, where Black American churches provided transportation to voters.

3. Legislators requested data on the races of same-day registrants. North Carolina same-day registration allowed people to register at early voting sites the same day as they voted. Motz wrote that “same day registration also provided an easy avenue to re-register for those who moved frequently, and

allowed those with low literacy skills or other difficulty completing a registration form to receive personal assistance from poll workers.” The district court found, “it is indisputable that African American voters disproportionately used [same-day registration] when it was available.” The court also found Black Americans were more likely to move between voting districts and would need to re-register more frequently. The court reviewed the errors frequently found in registration forms filled out by Black Americans and concluded that on-site assistance would benefit Black Americans. The new legislation (SL 2013-381) removed same day registration.

4. Legislators also inquired which races access provisional voting. Prior to the new legislation, the Board of Elections in every county was required to count ballots cast by voters who went to the wrong precinct but voted in the correct county. The data found that Black Americans “disproportionately voted provisionally.” SL 2013-381 eliminated all out-of-precinct voting.

5. The requested data found that Black Americans disproportionately used preregistration, which permitted sixteen and seventeen year-olds to indicate their intent to vote while they got their driver’s licenses or attended mandatory high school registration drives. Once pre-registered teenagers turned eighteen, they were automatically registered. SL 2013-381 eliminated this pre-registration.

This bill was signed into law August 12, 2013. The same day the bill was signed, several organizations and individuals filed suit, including the League of Women Voters. The Plaintiffs filed on the basis that the new bill was not only a violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, but also that these changes were “motivated by discriminatory intent.” Also on the same day, the North Carolina Conference of the NAACP and others filed a separate action citing the same amendments. A group of young voters also filed a suit citing a violation of the Twenty-Sixth amendment.

From 2013 onward, the courts heard many of the suits from various groups and individuals. Judge Motz found that the district court did not appropriately address the concerns of citizens and her findings prompted the “reverse of the judgements of the district court.”

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On a single night in Mecklenburg County, 78 percent of homeless individuals were found to identify as Black, according to a 2016 Point in Time Count (PIT).

Mecklenburg County is the most populated county in North Carolina and includes the city of Charlotte within its borders. Statistically, Black homeless individuals in North Carolina face disproportionate challenges when trying to vote.

Judge Motz found that motivation to eliminate the pathways to voting many Black Americans use in North Carolina was an attempt to keep the political power of the state under one party’s control. “After years of preclearance and expansion of voting access, by 2013 African American registration and turnout rates had finally reached near-parity with White registration and turnout rates. African Americans were poised to act as a major electoral force. But, on the day after the Supreme Court issued Shelby County v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 2612 (2013), eliminating preclearance obligations, a leader of the party that newly dominated the legislature (and the party that rarely enjoyed African American support) announced an intention to enact what he characterized as an ‘omnibus’ election law.”

Obama won North Carolina in 2008, while Romney took the state in 2012.

North Carolina is considered to be a swing state in this election, with both Trump and Clinton’s campaigns fighting to win it.

Virginia In Virginia, thousands of previously convicted individuals’ voting rights are hanging in limbo. In April 2016, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe attempted to restore over 200,000 felons’ voting rights.

A few months later in July, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that McAuliffe’s order was unconstitutional. “Once again, the Virginia Supreme Court has placed Virginia as an outlier in the struggle for civil and human rights. It is a disgrace that the Republican leadership of Virginia would file a lawsuit to deny more than 200,000 of their own citizens the right to vote,” McAuliffe said [EF3].

On August 22, 2016, McAuliffe announced his office will restore the voting rights to ex-offenders on an individual basis. Virginia law states that a previously convicted person can have their voting rights restored by the Governor's or court’s action.

Over 13,000 convicted people had their voting rights restored in April and taken away again. This was a disappointment to voters and to New Virginia Majority (NVM), a nonprofit community organizing group that helps register people in Virginia to vote. NVM offers help to all people in the state, but focused on groups of people who are disproportionately affected by laws like the ones that prevent people who have been previously convicted from voting. NVM is keeping up with any developments in McAuliffe’s attempt to restore voting rights and contacting the people affected with updates. “We don’t want to have hope be taken away from them again.

So we’re working to let them know when they can register,” Matthew Rodgers, NVM’s Northern Virginia Regional Field Director, said in an interview with Street Sense.

Rodgers said that laws that prevent previously convicted people from voting disproportionately affect people of color and people who are struggling economically. “There needs to be a navigable system for people who are disenfranchised,” Rodgers said.

In order to make voting as easy as possible, NVM’s involvement doesn’t end once a voter is registered. Rodgers says organizers help voters understand their rights at the ballot box, what type of ID (must be a photo ID) they can present when they go to vote, and what district they can vote in. Once a voter is registered, organizers will call voters before election to remind them to exercise their right to vote.

One of the issues NVM faces is many of the people they reach out to have already attempted to register to vote. Some filled out incomplete applications and were never notified that their registration was not finished, according to Rodgers. Others filled out the forms correctly, only to have those forms be lost.

“I think this is a product of a lack of professionalism with the people collecting voter registration information. They ask for a lot of personal information, and sometimes people give false or incomplete information,” Rodgers said. “Sometimes forms are not handled with care by the DMV. The DMV is not just focused specifically on voter registration.”

NVM also does outreach with people who are experiencing homelessness, both visiting shelters and on the street.

“It’s really exciting when we can register someone who is homeless to vote. They were outside the system and are now being brought back in,” Rodgers said.

Since 2013 voters in Virginia have been required to bring a photo ID to the ballot.

Wisconsin Wisconsin's’ voter ID laws have changed over the years, often confusing voters.

The first voter ID requirement was signed into law in 2011 by Governor Scott Walker.

Supporters of the requirement said it was necessary to prevent voter ID fraud, but the law’s opponents say the requirement will affect mostly low income or minority voters, who they say tend to vote Democrat. The opponents see the requirement as a method used by Republican legislators to prevent Democrats from swinging Wisconsin to blue.

In 2012, an ID was required to vote in the primary election. In 2012, a Dane County Circuit judge ruled the ID law violated the state’s constitution, but his ruling was appealed by the Wisconsin Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen. In April 2014, federal Judge Lynn Adelman ruled that the photo ID requirement violated the Voting Rights Act and the Fourteenth amendment of the Constitution. Judge Adelman wrote that the voter ID law would “prevent more legitimate votes from being cast than fraudulent votes.”

He also ruled that Wisconsin's voter ID laws disproportionately affect people of color and those in poverty. “[T]he reason Blacks and Latinos are disproportionately likely to lack an ID [is] they are disproportionately likely to live in poverty, which in turn is traceable to the effects of discrimination in areas such as education, employment, and housing,” Judge Adelman wrote.

Judge Adelman also wrote that voter ID laws create a “false perception that voter-impersonation fraud is widespread,” when, in his findings voter ID fraud is not an issue in Wisconsin.

Despite Judge Adelman’s ruling, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the ID requirement, but the courts could not decide on whether or not to enforce it.

In March 2015, the Supreme Court said it would not hear the case, which meant the Voter ID law would go into effect. In April 2016, the 7th Circuit Court ordered a lower federal court to consider changing the law. In May 2016, Governor Scott Walker allowed voters without IDs to petition for an exception. In July 2016, Judge Adelman ruled that voters without the proper ID could vote in the 2016 general election by signing an affidavit.

On August 10, the 7th Circuit put a hold on the ruling, making the rules for the November election unclear to voters.

If Wisconsin’s voter ID law were to be put into effect by November's election it would be the first time voters would be required to bring their ID to vote in the presidential election.

Later in August, the court ruled that Wisconsin DMVs may mail anyone a free ID, as long as they come to a DMV once and begin the free ID process.

Tennessee In Tennessee, where voter ID requirements are some of the strictest in the country, Democrat leaders recently called for changes to state and federal laws. The Democrats argue that the state’s voter ID laws — which require identification of either a state issued ID, a valid U.S. passport or a handgun carry permit with a photo — have led to a decrease in turnout.

“The key to take away with voter ID is that we have a number of ways to allow as many Tennesseans as possible to exercise their right to vote,” argues Adam Ghassemi, Director of Communications for Tennessee’s Secretary of State. “Regardless of where they are in life, regardless of their economic status,” he added.

Ghassemi says provisions in state voter laws — including provisional ballots and free voter IDs for indigents — are mechanisms in place to help compensate for those who may experience barriers in voter registration.

A voter without valid ID can still show up on Election Day and cast a vote using a provisional ballot, but the voter must then return within two days after the Election Day to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. The state does offer free photo IDs to its residents if they swear under oath that they cannot pay for documents required to obtain the ID. But the requirements — including two proofs of Tennessee residency — can often prohibit those experiencing homelessness from registering. (Obtaining a photo ID also requires proof of citizenship and documentation of any possible name change.) Many people experiencing homelessness in Tennessee said that they were aware of the free ID availability and where they could sign up for it.

Criminal records, more specifically felony convictions, can often act as barriers to homeless persons going to the ballot.

Tennessee lawmakers in 2006 outlined the

U.S. Supreme Court rules that states cannot require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

Federal judge blocked Wisconsin photo ID requirement at polls.

V i r g i n i a g ove r n o r i s s u e d executive order restoring voting rights to many Virginia felons.

Seventh Circuit ordered lower cour ts to reconsider the Wisconsin voter ID requirement.

Judge ruled Ohio’s practices are unconstitutional and violate the Voting Rights Act.

June 2013

April 2014

April 2016

April 2016

June 2016

May 2011

January 2013

August 2013

July 2014

March 2015

Wisconsin voter ID requirement signed into law.

Kansas election officials required to refuse voters who cannot provide proof of citizenship when trying to register.

North Carolina legislators narrowed ID laws, shor tened early voting, eliminated preregistration and eliminated out of precinct voting.

Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld voter ID requirement.

After review in lower courts, the Supreme Court decided not to hear Wisconsin’s voter ID case, which allowed the law to take full effect.

STREET SENSE September 21 - October 4, 2016

5

VOTER ACCESS conditions for restoration of an individual’s voting rights for a felony conviction on or after May 18, 1981. The approved guidelines for applying for restoration include the expiration of a maximum sentence; granted final release from incarceration or parole board supervision; any court order restitution paid; and any court ordered court costs paid. The restoration process includes obtaining a court order restoring the rights and bringing a certified copy of the original order to the proper county election commission. The list of requirements, money involved and forms is lengthy, and under state code, officials are only “urged” to provide information about the restoration process.

A recent opinion editorial published in Nashville’s The Tennessean by election volunteer Amy Kurland sheds light on the barriers often generated by this process: “Four years ago, I decided to help one man through the process. It was expensive: There was a cost for getting records copied. It was terribly time consuming — long lines at the courthouse and a ridiculous wait at the parole office. I had to go downtown for one part of the process and five miles away for the next part, and then back to the election commission. If I didn’t have a car, money and a whole day to work on this, I couldn’t have done it.”

Texas In July 2016, The U.S Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled Texas must accept various forms of identification from voters during the November general election. The Fifth Circuit found that Texas’ Voter ID law is discriminatory to Blacks and Latinos, who frequently do not have the IDs previously required to vote. The IDs that will now be accepted at the ballot box are: a voter registration certificate, a birth certificate, bank statement, a current utility bill, a government check or a government document that lists the voter’s name and address, or an expired driver’s license as long it is less than four years past the expiration date. If a voter presents an alternative form of identification, they must fill out a form listing the reason why they do not have a government issued ID, although poll workers are not permitted to question their reasoning. Voters with a government ID are required to present it when voting.

“The court pretty much established that anyone with an address or utility bill will be eligible. That still let’s out many of the homeless. Many use the Day Resource

Center for an address or one of the other agencies in town,” said Steven Karnes, editor of Ft. Worth’s Journey street newspaper, in an e-mail.

The Fifth Circuit has also asked a lower court judge to investigate if the voting laws were made with the intent to discriminate. That investigation was encouraged to take place after the presidential election in November.

Kansas election officers will now have to sort through thousands of paper records to identify voters who tried to register and were affected by the proof of citizenship requirement that began in 2013, reported The Wichita Eagle.

Kobach told the Eagle he estimated that 200 - 400 voters were affected statewide.

Kansas

In April 2016, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute, and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) sued Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted over the removal of voters’ names from the register if they have not voted for six years. The advocacy groups that sued Husted claimed that the removal of inactive voters removed eligible voters from state records, including homeless people.

Before removing voters’ names, the Ohio government mailed notices to the addresses voters’ listed. The lawsuit says mailing the notices directly affects people experiencing homelessness who have moved or cannot access their mail frequently. Under the law, those who had not cast a vote over a six year period would have to re-register.

"Ohio is a place where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat,” Ohio Secretary of state Jon Husted has said of his state’s voting laws.

In June 2016, a judge ruled that Ohio’s ballet practices were unconstitutional and a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The judge’s decision stated that the laws “disproportionately harm African-American voters.”

The current accepted forms of identification in Ohio are an unexpired Ohio driver’s license or state ID card, a military identification, an unexpired United States government or Ohio State issued photo ID with a current address, a current utility bill (includes cell phone bills) with the voter’s name and current address, a current bank statement with the voter’s name and current address, a current paycheck with the voter’s name and current address, a current government check with the voter’s name and current address, a current government document, excluding a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections, with the voter’s name and current address.

If a voter does not have of the previously mentioned forms of identification, they may cast a provisional ballot if they provide an Ohio driver’s license, state ID number or the last four digits of their

Since 2013 Kansas has required that voters bring proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate when they to register to vote. In 2016, Courts ruled that voters in Kansas can vote in federal elections for congress or the president. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that states could not force people registering to vote using the federal form to show proof of citizenship. The federal form asks people to indicate if they are citizens or not, but does not require proof. Kris Kobach, Kansas’ Secretary of State, decided that voters must show proof of citizenship to vote in Kansas’ local or state elections. In April 2016, Kobach told the Washington Post that obtaining proof of citizenship is a burden “so small as to be virtually nonexistent.”

“The only burden is finding your birth certificate in your desk or wherever you keep it and taking a picture of it with your smartphone or making a copy and sending it into the county or taking it in yourself,” Kobach said in an interview with the Washington Post.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued Kobach and the case was ruled in their favor. In May of 2016, Judge Larry Hendricks ruled that people who can’t prove their citizenship are allowed to vote in local and state elections. Kobach appealed the judge’s ruling on the basis that allowing people who can’t prove their citizenship to vote allows undocumented people to participate in elections.

“The reason we have to do this is there is a significant problem in Kansas and in the rest of the country of aliens getting on our voting rolls. With so many close elections in Kansas, having a handful of votes that are cast by aliens can swing an election,” Kobach said in his interview with the Washington Post.

Kobach’s appeal was temporarily overturned in July, and a September 9 U.S. Court of Appeals ruling struck down the law permanently, along with similar requirements in Georgia and Alabama.

Ohio

Social Security number. Once the provisional ballot is cast, the board of elections will review the information submitted by the voter. If the information is accurate, the ballot will be counted.

If a voter cannot provide any form of identification, they can still cast a vote using a provisional ballot. For their vote to count, they must go to the board of election within seven days of Election Day with proof of identification.

NEOCH provides many services to help register voters, including offering to come to a voter’s location to register them directly. NEOCH encourages homeless voters to vote early at the Board of Elections or by mailing in a ballot, as there is no ID requirement for that method of voting, a voter just needs the last 4 digits of their Social Security number.

On September 13, The U.S Supreme Court chose not to intervene in Ohio’s early voting case. The case looked to restore Ohio’s “Golden Week,” a week designed for Ohio voters to register and cast a ballot at the time.

“African American voters took advantage of Golden Week more than 5 times as often as White voters in 2012. Golden Week is an ideal time for homeless voters to register and vote,” Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless reported on their website.

The decision not to hear the case came after federal judges delivered different opinions on whether Golden Week would be part of Ohio’s voting legislation.■ For more information about voter registration or to start your registration, visit www.usa.gov/register-to-vote.

If you do not have internet access or need additional assistance, you can register in person with your local election office, department of motor vehicles or armed services recruitment centers. You may also fill out and submit a National Mail Voter Registration Form at public assistance offices (SNAP/food stamps, WIC, services for the disabled). The National Voter Registration Day campaign also provides a hotline to answer questions and report problems with registration: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

Amelia Knisely of the Tennessee street paper The Contributor provided content for this report. The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, cited in the report, also publishes the Cleveland Street Chronicle street paper.

Wisconsin voters who are unable to obtain required forms of ID can sign affidavit to vote in presidential elections.

North Carolina voting laws struck down for racial discrimination.

People who cannot prove citizenship can vote in federal, state and local elections.

Virginia governor began issuing restoration orders on an individual basis to previously convicted Virginians who completed their sentences.

Wisconsin voters can be mailed an ID for free if they go to a DMV once and start the ID process.

July 2016

July 2016

July 2016

August 2016

August 2016

May 2016

July 2016

August 2016

September 2016

Kobach attempts to require proof of citizenship from voters in Kansas local and state elections.

Virginia Supreme Court rules McAuliffe’s order to restore 200,000 previously convicted felons is unconstitutional.

Seventh Circuit Court puts a hold on the ruling that Wisconsin voters could sign an affidavit if they lacked required IDs.

Ohio Supreme Court chooses not to intervene in early voting case that disproportionately restricted Black voters.

District of Columbia Expands ID Assistance, Voter Access

By Robyn Di Giacinto robyn.digiacinto@streetsense.org When Wanda Witter’s wallet was stolen in June, she lost her D.C. ID, her senior SmarTrip card and most of her money. But as difficult as it was to lose her ID, getting a new one was even harder.

Without a photo ID, Wanda could not purchase another senior SmarTrip to get to the DMV Service Center after being turned away from the regular DMV. She couldn’t get cash from her bank account to pay the replacement fee for her birth certificate and social security card. And without a photo ID, she was one of many homeless and low-income D.C. residents who might not be able to cast a ballot this November.

Under current law, D.C. residents don’t need to show a photo ID at the polling place if they’re already registered to vote. But first time voters must show a photo ID or proof of residence, like a bank statement or pay stub, when registering to vote.

City officials are now considering measures to help remove barriers to the ballot box. The D.C. Council approved a budget provision this summer that waives the birth certificate fee for homeless people. Now they are considering a bill that would make all IDs and vital records free for low-income D.C. residents. Councilmember David Grosso proposed these measures to make it

easier for homeless individuals to access government services.

“It’s important that homeless folks have access to the ballot, and for me, there’s a lot of areas you have to focus on to make that happen,” said Grosso.

The costs of the immediate birth certificate waiver will be covered by revenues from various licensing and ID fees that were previously absorbed by the District’s general fund at the end of each fiscal year, according to Grosso.

A handful of nonprofit service providers currently subsidize birth certificate fees through drop-in clinics that help homeless individuals navigate the complicated

process of obtaining IDs. Miriam’s Kitchen stopped covering fees in January, leaving Foundry Methodist and Chevy Chase Presbyterian Churches the only providers in the District still offering this service.

Foundry Associate Pastor Ben Roberts says that fees are primarily covered by churchgoer donations and are occasionally supplemented by outside grants. To his knowledge, the city has never previously provided financial support for Foundry’s “walk-in ministry.” Foundry is part of a coalition of service providers that began pushing for policy changes in early 2015. Grosso said he collaborated with advocates to pass the birth certificate

The process to obtain a photo ID in the District of Columbia if you are a single, unemployed, homeless adult with no documents. INFOGRPAHIC BY ROBYN DI GIACINTO

waiver and eliminate the requirement to show a photo ID to enter city buildings like the Wilson Building and Vital Records Office. He listed Miriam’s Kitchen, Bread for the City, The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and DC Fiscal Policy Institute as key partners.

The National Coalition for the Homeless is also organizing walk-in voter registration drives in late September as part of National Homeless and Low-Income Voter Registration Week. Locally this will occur on September 30 at 5pm at Patricia Handy Place for Women. "We need to take it upon ourselves to make our voices heard if we want to get policies enacted that tackle poverty and homelessness in America," said David Pirtle, public education coordinator at the National Coalition for the Homeless.

While Councilmember Grosso is proud of the new waiver, he said there is still much to be done. In addition to the bill to subsidize vital records, driver’s licenses and ID cards for residents making 200 percent or less of the federal poverty line, Grosso has introduced a second bill that would allow non-citizen residents to vote in local elections. Both proposals are currently pending in committee.

“We have an obligation, I think, as a government, to try to expand the number of people that vote in local elections,” said Grosso. “And that engagement of the public is important, because then we do a better job representing the people.”

Boots on the Ground: Through the Eyes of Election Officials

By Colleen Cosgriff Volunteer

On August 28 James Davenport and Maritza Zermeno arrived at Rising Hope Methodist Church in Alexandria, Virginia to spend the afternoon registering voters and spreading information about Virginia’s voter ID laws. Davenport and Zermeno are organizers with New Virginia Majority, a Virginia based group that specializes in creating social change through mass organizing and campaigning. Seven days a week, every week, Davenport and Zermeno transport voter registration forms and informational material to Fairfax County churches and DMVs. This is their first year working with New Virginia Majority specifically to register voters. During their past work with the organization, they have gone into communities and made phone calls to spread information.

Both Davenport and Zermeno have worked at the polls, something they say gives them a unique perspective on the laws that affect voters.

“The number one problem we’ve seen as election officers is the registration

process,” Zermeno said. She added that people also get turned away for incomplete registration forms.

“The part that says ‘are you a citizen of the United States?’ was covered by a clipboard for a lot of people when they registered, so they accidentally left it blank and their form was not accepted.

We make sure to help everyone fill out all the information correctly when we meet them,” Zermeno said.

Multiple states across the country have changed their voter ID laws in the past few years. In 2013, Virginia legislators passed a law requiring the voters bring a photo ID in order to vote. On the registration table, Davenport and Zermeno set up flyers and brochures that instruct voters on Virginia’s required forms of identification.

“I’ve seen a lot of people only vote in the presidential elections, so a lot of people don’t know you need a photo ID this presidential election because the law changed [since the previous one],” Zermeno said.

In Virginia and several states across the country, supporters of strict voter ID laws believe requiring voters to bring a photo ID to the polls prevents fraud, including

undocumented immigrants posing as American citizens in order to vote.

“People that say ‘a lot of undocumented immigrants vote,’ I don’t think they realize the form says if you lie about being a citizen it is a felony,” Zermeno said. “The last thing someone here illegally wants to do is commit a felony through voter fraud. Their name and address is right on the form.”

Zermeno was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States with four children. After eight years, she became a citizen.

“This is someone who takes their citizenship very seriously. When she became a citizen, they had a table after the ceremony for new citizens to register to vote,” Davenport said. “About 2500 people became citizens that same day, and only ten stopped to register. Maritza kept seeing people walk by and she asked why they weren’t registering.

They said ‘I don’t want the government to know anything else about me.’”

It is impossible for fraud to happen at the polls according to Zermeno, who recently became an Officer of Elections in Fairfax County.

“People agree we need a picture ID to vote because they don’t want fraud, but

I think people that worry about fraud haven’t been an Officer of Elections,” she said. “Everyone is trained. We can only issue ballots to people who are registered in that area and there are a limited number of ballots that have to match with the amount of people who walk in. If someone makes a mistake on their ballot, we void the old one. Everything is documented.”

Davenport and Zermeno arrive at the polling place around 5 a.m. and, depending on the election, they won’t leave until 9 or 10 p.m. to ensure every ballot is properly accounted for. They both had to turn voters away that day for not having the correct photo ID. “The people affected by voter ID laws are people who are too old to drive and therefore do not have a license,” Davenport said. “Or it’s people who can’t afford a car so they don’t have a license. From this area, the Fairfax Courthouse is 25 miles away and about four buses from this church. So that’s about two hours in each direction. If you’re someone who has two jobs, you don’t have the time or the money to spend trying to get a photo ID. The legislators making these laws have cars. They have IDs, so it’s easy for them to say it’s easy to get an ID.”

STREET SENSE September 21 - October 4, 2016

7

VOTER ACCESS Voting Rights in USA

Are You Registered?

When it comes to voter’s I.D. I don’t know what the fuss i s . Yo u n e e d I . D . for everything. You couldn’t cash a check without I.D. You can’t get benefits without I.D. So why do people hoot and holler about (having) I.D. cards?

I lost my I.D. card once and hit the lottery. But without I.D., I couldn’t cash my check. It was a pain in the butt. After that I did what I had to do to get my I.D. card.

I can understand how in some places, it’s difficult to get I.D. cards. But in D.C., there are no excuses. There are plenty of places that can help you such as Bread for the City, the Foundry, and Miriam’s Kitchen.

I do think it is ironic that the Democratic Party, the party of voting rights, is the same party that denied people in Brooklyn the right to vote for Bernie Sanders. They were tipping the scales for Clinton, according to emails.

What I found out is that liberals love voting rights until you decide to not vote for their preferred candidates. If voting worked, we wouldn’t have the problems we’ve seen in Baltimore or Milwaukee.

They’ve been voting all their lives and what has it gotten them?

When I worked as an election judge, I found that the voters’ records did not always show those of us who registered to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

There were some of us who registered at homeless shelters who did not appear on the voters’ records either.

It is best to check and see if you are registered to vote before you go to vote.

You can check by computer at Borad of Elections website, (www.dcboee.org/ voter_info/reg_status/). You may also call to check if you are registered (See last paragraph on page 5). Make sure you are registered to vote!

By Jeffrey McNeil, Vendor/Artist

The Election

By Leonard C. Hyater Jr., Vendor/Artist Well what about the election? I think voting is very important, the reason is because it is about who we think is going to do the best job running the Oval office.

However, let's talk about President Obama. I think he was one of the best presidents that we ever had in office.

Now some of you may agree or disagree, but I said this because if it had not been for him heathcare would have never come into existence.

Being president of the United States is a very stressful job. This is because it is about representing the people as a whole, which is why everbody must go out to vote for who you want to get into the Oval Office. Everybody has the right to vote for who they want to be in that office. We may not like the decisions of whomever wins this election, but we’ll need to learn to respect them and we’ll have to live with them. Now I am going to vote on November 8, 2016 and I can ensure you that it won't be for Trump.

By Henrieese Robert, Vendor/Artist

The Banana Barbeque

By Michael Craig, Vendor/Artist

There was a society of monkeys. Some of them were extremely discontent over the circus that came to town and just wouldn't leave. The main attractions were supposedly two-party politics and economic classes. The few monkeys who had appointed themselves ringmasters poured the society's money into taking care of the circus animals: an elephant and a donkey.

Most of the monkeys became very disenchanted with the monkeys running this political-economic circus arena.

Through their psycho-egotism, the so-called ringmasters disrespected the other monkeys intelligence and their ability to survive. They aggrandized themselves while others slept on park benches and in the woods. Children, veterans, people with physical and metal disabilities and the abandoned.

Outside of the circus tents were a lot of invisible monkeys, while the monkey ringmasters -- faker than a toupee and more cosmetic than a clown's makeup -- held ego battles through their wealth and political prestige. This only made the other monkeys feel like they were trying to be made fools of.

All the while, the ringmasters bragged about their millions and billions. They held dinners for $25,000 per monkey?

What in the world was on that plate?

That money could have been spent addressing homelessness.

Despite this outrageous behavior, lobbyists and multinational corporations took keen interest in adverting throughout the circus. So the masquerading went on, with all its repetitious artificial rhetoric.

Until one day, one monkey decided that it had had enough of this aristocracy. It gathered all of the other irate monkeys and they ran into the big top and chewed the donkey’s and the elephant’s a** right off. And with them, they threw a banana barbeque. There were grapes, cherries and all the coconut milk you could ask for. And when they heard about it, the political ringmaster monkeys came running too, embarrassed, and enjoyed themselves with the others.

The society of monkeys had won another battle for everybody. They had taken an evolutionary step toward ending the hypocrisy of their Democracy. Instead of being pessimistic, they began to engage themselves. Unified and courageous, the artificial political pretense were dropped to include every race, gender, sexual preference and age. Everyone danced, laughed and sang together long into the night. There was peace.

It’s Getting Tougher

By Debbie Brantley, Vendor/Artist

People need identification. They need it because if they needed help, say from a government agency or the Federal Government, identification will increase your chances of success in getting your assistance. Identification is a hot commodity.

There are many ways to get an ID and forms to fill out.

I have heard of people getting voter IDs from places like Miriam’s Kitchen.

I have never had one, but I need one.

I need to get more money and salable items. It is getting much harder to do things, find things and go places without identification. So you need to secure the forms to fill out to get an ID card.

Voting Situation

By Ricardo Meriedy, Vendor/Artist Voting is a process. You can’t just go to the polls and vote. First, you have to be eighteen years of age. You’re required to show proof of identity and a lot of American’s don’t have ID Also included in that number are Hispanics, and they don’t have IDs because a lot of them are here in the United States without a Green Card (here illegally). It’s too bad, because I know they want to vote for a candidate they think would help them in the future.

There are many organizations that will help you get identity cards. Bread for the City, SOME, and Miriam’s kitchen are some of the places you can check out to help you get identification.

I wish the government would help every race to have an equal opportunity to vote.

Catch-22

By Michael Craig, Vendor/Artist How does a person get an identification card without having identification? It’s a catch22. How does a person, who is technically disenfranchised, become re-enfranchised without identification?

Now, in the nation’s capital where we already have no real vote on the Hill, the structured bureaucracy continuously keeps many people “invisible” because they don’t have identification. But what if it was you? How would you get an ID so you too can get registered to vote!!!

The Faith, Friendship and Redemption of Weldon Moore

By Jerome Dineen jerome.dineen@streetsense.org A man who lived on the streets for 15 years and knew the Bible like the back of his hand passed away three weeks ago after losing a four month battle with pancreatic cancer. Weldon Moore was 55.

Friends and fellow church members mourned his loss and recounted his story last Sunday at a memorial at Franklin Square park hosted by Worship in the Wilderness, a ministry of the Cross Community Church based in Rockville, Maryland.

Mr. Moore worked as plumber in Washington for about 40 years. In 2001, he lost his job, then his driver’s license, and then his apartment. Moving between foster homes as a child, he had no family he could turn to. When he became unhoused he stayed at parks in the downtown area and at 801 East Men’s Shelter in Southeast Washington, D.C. However, he often felt unsafe in parks and shelters. “People were always trying to hurt him,” said Jenna Carideo, a member of Metro Church in Alexandria, Virginia. The church’s “Street Team” holds sermons every Sunday in McPherson Square and Franklin Square parks. “He felt pretty threatened and said he had to move,” Carideo said.

Occasionally, Moore stayed at his friend John McDermott’s apartment to avoid physical harassment. He would return

there in the last three months of his life when he wasn’t receiving chemotherapy.

“This city is very slow to help people in need,” said McDermott, the co-founder of a local nonprofit, the People’s Coalition for Fairness (PFFC), which is dedicated to reducing housing instability for District residents. “I believe if he had his own apartment he could’ve lived longer.”

Despite the dangers Moore faced, he always remained upbeat. Friends said this cheeriness stemmed from his “steadfast devotion” to Christianity.

“One day I saw him sleeping on the sidewalk next to the bus stop,” Hillary Toa said while pointing to a D6 stop on 14th and K Street. “I bought him some McDonald’s and told him he should come to our Sunday sermon at the park.”

After Toa noticed him, Moore regularly attended sermons and several retreats hosted by Worship in the Wilderness.

Moore also actively helped the staff at Miriam’s Kitchen, a food pantry in Foggy Bottom, by picking up supplies for hot meals served to unhoused locals.

“We really began to see a new Weldon,” said Albert Townsend, an advocacy fellow at Miriam’s Kitchen in Foggy Bottom. “He was very ambitious to help other people.”

For five years, Moore struggled to obtain a state-issued identification card.

Townsend and other staff at Miriam’s Kitchen helped him get one in 2016.

Then, one Sunday in late June, Moore complained about a sharp pain in his lower back.

“I told him to go to the hospital and get it checked out.” said Unchu Na, the pastor for Worship in the Wilderness.

Doctors diagnosed Moore with fourth stage pancreatic cancer. He had about a year to live if he was lucky.

Yet he stayed calm. “He attended one of our retreats with pain medication in his pocket,” Na said. “He wasn’t afraid of anything.”

Although friends acknowledged Moore’s peace and composure in the face of death, Townsend stressed that a solid spiritual support system can’t counteract a deteriorating body.

“He needed that same kind of support, medically,” Townsend said. “As individuals become unhoused, we need to close the gap sooner rather than later so people aren’t dying on the streets.”

This is the first article in an indefinite effort to record the passing of District residents who die while or after experiencing homelessness. Learn more at StreetSense.org/obits

“As individuals become unhoused, we need to close the gap sooner rather than later so people aren’t dying on the streets.”

-Albert Townsend, Advocacy Fellow Miriam’s Kitchen

Albert Townsend, left, and Unchu Na, right, hold a flyer for Weldon Moore’s memorial. | PHOTOS BY JEROME DINEEN

“This city is very slow to help people in need.”

-John McDermott, co-founder People for Fairness Coalition

PHOTOS BY JEROME DINEEN

STREET SENSE September 21 - October 4, 2016

FEATURES

Former Park Resident Spreads Humility and Love

By Elli Bloomberg elli.bloomberg@streetsense.org

9

Meet Don Gardner

PHOTO BY ELLI BLOOMBERG

Hundreds of people gathered in Franklin Square Park on the morning of Saturday, September 10 for prayer, entertainment, food and clothing. Children posed with Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they waited in line to have their faces painted. Adults sifted through stacks of clothing donations including socks, flannel shirts, business-casual blouses, puffy winter jackets, stylish peacoats and patterned children’s pants. Smooth jazz, courtesy of a band from Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, blanketed the crowd. Under an awning, volunteers readied buckets of soapy water for a foot-washing ceremony.

This was the sense of community that Don Gardner, who organized the gathering, set out to create.

Gardner, recent founder of the nonprofit Real Love Ministry and a former Street Sense vendor, wanted to provide entertainment and spiritual fulfillment as well as food and clothing.

“When you spend all day with [people experiencing homelessness], there’s a difference,” Gardner said.

“When you come out here, pass out food and clothes and then leave…they’re used to that. I’ve been out here, I’ve watched it. It helps for a minute; it’s like a Band-Aid. But they need heart surgery. They need brain surgery. People are hurting here.”

Gardner knew this pain from personal experience.

When he was released from prison in 2006, he headed to the Franklin School, a now-shuttered shelter across 13th Street NW on the east side of Franklin Square. Driven out by unsanitary conditions and poor treatment, he spent his nights in the park.

“State troopers used to run us out of this park,” Gardner recalled. He said it was especially hard holding down a job while trying to bathe and get enough sleep.

“The Lord brought me back here. I thank God for using me as a vessel.”

To Gardner, nothing shows humility and love more than his chosen theme: “Washing of the Feet.” In the Bible, he explained, Christ washed his disciples’ feet before he was crucified. This symbolized leadership and service. “When you wash somebody’s feet, they know that you care. That’s why so many people were drawn to that tent,” Gardner said.

Bobbie Roseboro, who came with a friend and both of their daughters, said she was uplifted by the prayer, music and foot-washing. She didn’t come for the food

and clothing, she said, but she was glad they were there.

Clayton Scott volunteered at the event “not just to give [people] a shirt or a meal, but to give them God’s word.” Scott, who became friends with Gardner at Central Union Mission, said he was homeless and struggling with addiction for ten years before he found religion. Eighteen years later, his youngest son is about to start college.

“I’m living proof that if you trust the Lord, he will give you your due,” Scott said.

The gathering was co-hosted by Gardner’s nonprofit and his church, Metropolitan AME. He began making concrete plans six months ago, though he had been thinking about it for over a year. He brought the idea to his pastor at Metropolitan AME, who encouraged him to join forces with Mighty Men of Metropolitan, the church’s men’s ministry. The group obtained money and clothing from Merryl Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, The Tower Companies, and a few K Street law firms. Gardner’s friends and family also donated.

Altogether, he said, they raised over $12,000.

This paid for more than enough clothing, shoes and school supplies for everyone who needed them.

Gardner estimated that between 400 and 500 people came throughout the day. There were even a few bins of children’s undergarments left over, which Gardner passed out at housing projects.

The donations also funded the stage for the jazz band, professional videographers, the costumed characters and the face-painter.

The event coincided with a bi-monthly food and clothing giveaway organized by The Widow’s Pantry, a local nonprofit. They received enough donations for at least 200 people, according to Founder and Executive Director Keena M. Trapps.

Gardner recruited local hip-hop artist Johnaa Flemming to perform in the afternoon. Flemming’s six-year-old daughter, Mia, also performed. Attendees and videographers filmed her as she sang along to Trip Lee’s “Sweet Victory.”

“This is the first time I’ve been to one of these events, and I thank God I came,” Flemming said.

“When you’re at an event like this where you come to help people less fortunate, it just humbles you…

In today’s economy, any one of us could be put here.

The line is this thin…so we’ve gotta help each other.”

The only two constants in Don Gardner’s life have been faith and. By the time he started founding nonprofits and hosting community events, Gardner, 59, had performed across the nations, owned his own business, given tours at the White House, worked for the government and experienced homelessness.

Today his preferred title is “ambassador to the Lord.”

Gardner was born and raised in Washington, D.C. His father left when he was 2 years old, which he said left him with a lot of anger and frustration. Still, his mother and stepfather did everything they could to provide for him, his brother and sister, and his stepbrother.

As a child, Gardner played the drums in a family band called Turn of the Century. With his mother as their manager, they booked shows all around the city. He continued his musical career at Miami Dade Junior College where he and some friends formed the Kool-Dudes, a gospel group which performed in 25 major cities.

Gardner returned to the District in 1997 and experienced homelessness for the first time one year later, after losing his job and struggling with drugs and alcohol. He lived at the Central Union Mission shelter for 18 months and became a speaker for the National Coalition for the Homeless.

At the same time, Gardner put his D.C. knowledge to. He waited in line for free White House tickets in the morning, then led tours through the building and received generous tips. This became impossible after 9/11, so he got a job with the Department of Health distributing information after the 2001 anthrax scare.

The job ended and he was later arrested for bank fraud, which led to three years’ incarceration and a release back into homelessness. He lived in Franklin Square Park for six months, going to the nearby shelter when the weather was especially bad. Sometimes, he slept on buses or Metro cars.

During this time, Gardner became a Street Sense vendor. “The paper was so powerful back then,” Gardner said. “People had never heard of anything [like it]…It took D.C. by storm.” With the money from his paper sales and a job at TGI Friday’s, he was able to rent a bed for $80 a week at the Gospel Rescue Ministry. He then transitioned to a room in NW. Metropolitan AME, the oldest church in the District, has been an important part of Gardner’s life since his release.

He went to a service there the day he got out of prison, and has been an active member of the congregation ever since. The church directed him to the Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation, which provides services to returning citizens. It was there that he met his mentor, the late Clarence Nixon, who helped him break into the shoe shine business. Working under the name Shining Star Footwear, Gardner quickly expanded.

Despite that success, he has maintained close ties with Franklin Square Park. He has celebrated his last seven birthdays there, and brings donated clothes once or twice a month. Gardner recently started Real Love Ministry, a nonprofit, in an effort to do even more for the community. His mother, his best friend, and her children work with him. A September 10 event was the nonprofit’s first undertaking. Once the organization is registered as a 501(c)(3), Gardner hopes to begin raising funds to locate and house homeless veterans and their children.

—Elli Bloomberg

OPINION Misconceptions of Homelessness

By Sol Hicks

One sunny day, I took a walk over to McPherson Square Park from Franklin Square Park, where I usually spend some time with my friends who are also homeless.

On this particular day, I needed some time to myself to make a few phone calls. As I approached McPherson Square, looking for a bench to sit down, I noticed to my left there was a homeless man occupying the first bench I encountered. I continued walking, observing the park for unoccupied benches and noticed the bench next to the homeless man was unoccupied. (I say this because sometimes homeless people will leave personal items on benches and return to fetch them). I pursued the bench that was unoccupied, sat down and began to make my phone calls.

A few minutes had passed by when a young Caucasian lady walked past me. I noticed she went over to the homeless man and spoke to him. After finishing her conversation with him, she began to walk by me again, but this time I spoke

to her: “What was wrong?” I asked. She replied, “I just came back to see if he [the homeless man] was going to eat the food I left him. If not, I was going to give it to someone else.”

During our conversation, I asked where she was from. She replied, “I am from Philadelphia, and I am a psychiatrist.” I thought to myself, she is talking to me and doesn’t even have any inclination that I am homeless, too. I guess that her perception of a homeless man is one that is not dressed well and not too clean, the way the homeless man appeared to her at that time. Myself, I was dressed in casual clothes, well-groomed and had a shoulder bag with me. In conclusion, I only can shake my head (a psychiatrist) because this is only one example of the misconceptions that exist in this country.

A homeless person can be anyone, race, color or creed. Rich or poor. My final word: Let’s educate one another.

Sol Hicks is a vendor at Street Sense.

Incarcerated

By Kanell Washington When I was incarcerated and doing what I loved to do, writing and singing, I loved the sound of harmony, a lot of voices coming together. I wrote a song that fit the mood, the time which stops for no one. But the truth was that someone was and is being missed, mainly our loved ones, children, mothers, friends, wives, girlfriends, everyone – so I wrote “Someone is Missing You Love.”

Yes, we’re missing one ever so tightly. In this song, I spoke about the ones that came in and did not make it out alive and what their loved ones must have felt then and now. I felt the hurt that I put myself and family through during that time in my life.

Because of my long walk within the life I will forever regret, I put stress upon loved ones and their feelings when they

saw me: the emptiness that all felt after their visits were over, the rush of just holding them in my arms never wanting to let go, or let them leave.

But I understood that yes, time moves on, and with time, one does adjust to loving from afar. Holding one’s dear and near in our hearts and minds, we all adapt to this way of life. Just as the homeless of today adapt to being in that life, on life’s terms, doing and taking what jail – or the mean streets if one walks that way – gives us.

Let us live the life within that life.

Because all is a part of life and another day in this life. And yes, even the homeless have those that are missing their loved ones.

Kanell Washington is a vendor with Street Sense.

Addiction

Some Advice

Addiction is a struggle. Sometimes it’s a second at a time, a minute-by-minute or an hour-by-hour struggle. One hour at a time.

My decisions have haunted me up until the present. But my basis is spiritual and you have to be honest with yourself. God sees all you do, so walk slow and be deliberate in your decisions. Other community support alternatives are Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The personal network you build, at home or in one of these gropus of people, will know when you are down and can help.

Stay focused. I’ll pray for you all, and you pray for me. God Bless.

Marcus Green is a vendor with Street Sense.

I have some advice. I found out something about myself. When I need an outlet I just take a chill pill. I have learned it’s very important that you not give up on yourself — no matter what.

And I owe that all to God and the Spirit in Jesus Christ’s name. Never give up.

My therapist said that if I want my daughter to be in my life, I can’t get drunk or drugged up. If she is not in my life, I still can’t get drunk and drugged up. This time I’m doing it for myself. It’s working great. You can talk all day long, but actions don’t lie.

Elizabeth Bryant is a vendor with Street Sense.

By Marcus Green

By Elizabeth Bryant

Republicans Should Have Dumped Trump

By Gwynette Smith

A couple of people who ran for the Republican nomination would have been more helpful than, or at least not as dangerous as, Donald Trump.

He says he is going to “make America great again.” He plans to reduce the taxes for the middle class and make the corporate tax no higher than 15 percent, presumably after deductions. He has said that he will end Obamacare, which has provided medical insurance for many people who would not have been able to afford it otherwise.

His plan to close the border is controversial. What he is proposing in other areas will be devastating for poor people. Without a strong tax base, many present programs will be cut or ended, and there will be no chance for any new

one. Students are dreaming if they believe that college will be free for many of them, unless other colleges will be closed.

Trump says that he will create jobs by bringing many companies home, or, I assume, it will be too expensive for them to return here while he is in office. Job training might be necessary. Would the Federal government help with that expense?

Probably not, if he can have his way.

Trump has been very successful in his own life, but four years of him might erode this country. If his plans are not workable for all citizens, prejudice against the poor could become strong and further widen the gulf between those who are able to survive and those who are not.

Gwynette Smith is a vendor and writer with Street Sense.

Signs on My Mind

By Timothy Farrell

Not only do I hate sidewalk cafes, but I also hate A-frame and other temporary signs on sidewalks. A recent memo from the District’s Department of Transportation sets the record straight on what signs are permissible. Those who live on and walk on the District’s sidewalks should be aware of these rules and be willing to report violators. D.C.’s sidewalks are crowded enough, especially during the summer months, so there is no reason that the public should be deprived of its right to use its space.

Businesses are allowed to use a bit of the public space in front of their place of business. It is not uncommon to see a rack of clothes or other products outside a shop. This is fine, provided that the items are available inside the store.

Retailers are also allowed to temporarily store items on the sidewalk for up to two hours, presumably while stock is being delivered. However, pedestrians must be afforded safe passage around the items.

Signs are a different matter, unless someone is selling signs (arguably).

The District has a regulation requiring businesses to acquire a permit to place signs in public space. The permits cost

$135.00 and are easily obtained through an online application.The same website has a link to the location of all properly permitted signs.

According to the recent DOT memo to business owners, a properly permitted sign should stand directly next to the building and not have a footprint larger than 3 square feet. The sign must allow at least 8 feet of space for pedestrians and cannot in any way encumber foot traffic.

Fines start at $150 and go up to $2,000 for repeat offenders. Violations can be reported to the Department of Transportation at ddot.dc.gov or (202) 442-4670.

The sidewalks belong to the public.

There is no need for the public to be inconvenienced by unlawful sidewalk cafes and temporary signs. Businesses that fail to obey the law unnecessarily slow the flow of pedestrian traffic, potentially endanger walkers, deprive the District of revenue and are being unfairly subsidized.

As such, businesses should all properly permit their signs, and pedestrians should report those who are not following the law and are unlawfully taking what belongs to the people.

Timothy Farrell is a volunteer for Street Sense.

It Doesn’t Let Up

By Joe Jackson

You all think that positive people are in your corner. And, some are really there to help. But half the people look at you as being nothing. But I am something, and I want to get out of this homeless life.

However, if I don't get help with housing soon, I may die like my friend Chris.

When I hear people talk about enjoying their summer vacation and having a good time, I feel frustrated because I am just trying to survive without becoming

depressed. I also feel frustrated a lot because I want to be free from feeling as though I have chains on me, even though I don't.

I really need some rest because the streets are beating me down slowly.

But, Joe Jackson is holding on. I will get my own place and I will get out of this homeless life.

Joe Jackson is a vendor of and occasional contributor to Street Sense.

Have an opinion about how homelessness is being handled in our community? Street Sense maintains an open submission policy and prides itself as a newspaper that elevates community voices and fosters healthy debate. Send your thoughts to opinion@streetsense.org.

A Right to Housing Is Common Sense

By Dominic T. Moulden At ONE DC, we believe that public resources and public finance are part of the commons, and therefore must be used to protect the rights and privileges of the most vulnerable and most in need. Economic and political decisions regarding developments that impact subsidized housing, whether owned privately or publicly, must consider the rights and privileges of the tenants living in those communities. That is why ONE DC has joined our members and the residents of Brookland Manor in filing a fair housing lawsuit against Mid-City Financial, a company that has proposed a redevelopment plan that will eliminate and reduce family-sized housing for nearly 150 families.

Developments led by groups like Mid-City Financial, including those supported by public funds, have led to the mass expulsion of over 40,000 black residents from D.C. over the past decade.

Many of the residents of Brookland Manor have lived in the neighborhood for a long time. Some families have lived there for generations. They have built a community and invested their lives in the neighborhood. They should not be displaced and removed like the families at Valley Green in Southeast D.C., Ellen Wilson on Capitol Hill and Arthur Cappers in Southeast.

It is common knowledge that the impact of such projects on public housing and public subsidized housing residents is a loss of permanent shelter. Thousands across the District of Columbia are plagued by homelessness and housing insecurity as a result of a housing strategy that does not serve the needs of the people, but rather generates untold profits for companies like Mid-City Financial.

ONE DC promotes a “people’s platform” political vision, where everyone has a right to housing because it is common

sense for a civilized society to provide shelter for every human being. This is not a pipe dream. In fact, the public funds are readily available, as evidenced by $150 million of public money allocated to fund a new soccer stadium and $65 million of public money allocated to fund a Washington Wizards practice facility. Instead of spending public money on projects that leave families out in the cold, this money must be spent on renovations and redevelopments to construct state-of-the-art public housing communities. Even the housing itself is readily available – there are a multitude of completely vacant buildings in the city to use as a starting point.

ONE DC supports the work of our legal team, including the attorneys at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and Covington and Burling LLP, who are representing Brookland Manor families and ONE DC’s

What I Learned Selling Street Sense

By Jeffery Mcneil Some people say, Jeff, you changed. I haven’t changed; the facts presented to me have made me re-evaluate what’s true and false.

Before I came to Washington, D.C., I was raised to believe that black failure was because of institutional racism. I was fed the narrative that because of slavery and oppression, whites had a responsibility to look out for AfricanAmericans.

I believed someone was rich because they made someone poor. Although I was a liberal, I never cared for socialism or groupthink. I believed the best way to help someone was to teach them how to help themselves.

But I believe the concept of Street Sense changed my perspective about race and liberalism. I wasn’t against helping others; I believed the way to help was to give people a hand up, not a handout.

Street Sense taught me about entrepreneurship and free enterprise.

What I learned selling newspapers was that people, not governments, create prosperity.

I realized I was a natural-born Republican. I was meant to be a ruler, not be ruled.

I believe in Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand.” Although it may seem cruel and harsh, when people fail, markets will always correct themselves.

Nothing good comes out of human intervention. I saw this firsthand in the black community; progressivism does not improve the lives of the poor but actually keeps them trapped in poverty. What government does is give people a crumb, then treat them as scum when they try to obtain more crumbs.

I’m not saying that there should not be any form of help, but very few people

know what the precise amount of what the government can or cannot do. While soaking the rich sounds good in theory, history shows that raising taxes on property and businesses do more harm than good to the economy. Revenue earners flee to tax-friendly cities and leave municipalities to rely on the poor and oppressed to create revenue.

Liberals love raising the minimum wage despite economists dire warnings that it creates higher unemployment. When you raise the minimum wage, companies reduce its impact by replacing labor with technology or reduce full-time employees to part-time. The company passes the higher wages back to the consumer, which will in effect minimize any wage increase.

Whenever liberals offer you benefits, you have to ask, what freedoms will I give up?

Selling newspapers also taught me about the concept of globalism and nationalism. I learned I’m a born nationalist. I was born in this country, and I will never disgrace this country by speaking ill of it. America should be a melting pot where you leave your culture and adopt the American culture.

Diversity leads to identity politics and political correctness, where everyone is looking out for their tribe instead of what’s best for the nation.

Liberals have driven me to the point where Sean Hannity, Michael Savage and Glenn Beck sound like voices of reason.

When I first came to D.C., I considered myself a bleeding heart liberal. But liberals were different than those that claim to be liberal today.

I think of people such as Ted Hanson, Laura Thompson-Osuri, Mary Otto and

STREET SENSE Sept. 21 - Oct. 4, 2016

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OP-ED

interests in the fair housing lawsuit, as well as the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless which represents the tenants’ association before the zoning commission. Our entire legal team is organizing communities to hold developers accountable to fair housing laws. It is our view that if residents and ONE DC members in communities like Brookland Manor do not stand up for our rights, developers like Mid-City Financial will continue to violate the law at the expense of our livelihoods.

We join the families of Brookland Manor, who are bringing the lawsuit, in demanding that the developer obey the fair housing laws. A right to housing is common sense if the District of Columbia wants to be the human rights city it claims to be.

Dominic T. Moulden is a resource organizer for Organizing Neighborhood Equity DC (ONE DC).

Startling, Starbucks

By Leonard C. Hyater Jr. Michael Stoops. Although they went to the elite schools and received prestigious awards, they were committed to helping others. Their office was always open and accessible to the homeless. Whenever they proposed something, they always included people from the homeless community. Michael Stoops was Jill Stein before Jill Stein; he was a radical but never condescending. You may not have agreed with them, but you knew where they stood, and at the end of the day, you remained friends.

Under President Barack Obama, a new class of people who pose as progressives aren’t progressives at all. I saw the changes not only with Street Sense, but throughout the homeless community. The people that claim to be your champions separated themselves from the homeless community. How can you be effective if you are not engaging, or if you are delegating interns and college kids to do a job for which they have no qualifications?

Everything seems to be about the bottom line instead of what’s best for the community. Transparency became “I’m the boss, and I can do what I please.”

Liberalism no longer became liberalism; it was selling out to do fundraisers and pad salaries.

I saw the city change. I saw millions advocate for social justice, but I noticed they were wearing fancy suits and dining at the fanciest restaurants while the poor stayed poor, day in and day out.

Jeffrey McNeil is a vendor of and regular contributor to Street Sense.

On August 15, I was at the Starbucks on 18th and Columbia Road NW having a cold drink. However, I had a misunderstanding with the manager of the store. We exchanged some words and I told him that I did not like the way he was treating me, as I was a Starbuck’s gold card member.

He called the police as I was getting ready leave. I was stopped by the police and was informed that I had to give identification. The reason for this step was, he told me, because I was being barred for five years and if I came back to this store, I would be arrested for trespassing. When I asked the manager why I was being barred, he told me that he did not have to explain anything to me and told me to call corporate.

As soon as possible, I called corporate and made a formal complaint. They offered me a token gift card, but nothing on my discrimination claim or the bar notice that is still in effect. When Street Sense went to press, I had not received any correspondence directed to my complaint, so it now stands that I am in a position of not having my resolution to my inquiries.

The company claims that they tried to contact me, which is not true, according to my records. To be fair, the company did send me a $25.00 credit. However, they also told me I would be contacted within 3 to business days. So far, I have not received anything, not an email, phone call or letter, informing me of any sort of resolution.

I am writing to inform you of the disquieting feeling of having been discriminated against. I would like to know if I am in a position to sue the company.

Leonard C. Hyater Jr. is a vendor of and occasional contributor to Street Sense.

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

Family: Home Sweet Home

One of My Heroes

By Patty Smith, Vendor/Artist

By Tony Jones Vendor/Artist My family kept yelling at me, “Tony, come home.” But I’m was worried about getting enough money to go down south for our family reunion. I’ve been sending money down to my sister for this. I haven’t seen her for ten years. I had one brother and three sisters. She’s the only one left.

My sister lives in South Carolina, so we were all planning to meet there and drive to Florida to meet up for two days with my aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids. We also found out we have some lost family to meet for the first time.

Florida sounds so nice – palm trees and all that. I haven’t seen my cousins in ten years; most of all it will be so nice to see everyone. I’ll be happy as a dog that hasn’t seen his master all day!

Last of the Urban Jungle?

Photo by Frederic John

Lucy Arnez: The I Love Lucy show came on when I was a teenager. Well, Lucy could do no wrong in my eyes. I wanted to be like her. She was married to a very handsome man! True, she was fickle, but being with him evened her out. Opposites attract, I assumed. And all the quirky things that her and her friend Ethel found themselves getting into were just part of the fun.

These days my life is similar in many ways to theirs, but also different in many ways. Yes, she has been my hero.

Also, my baby’s name was to be Lucy, my late aunt’s name was Lucinda and I love that song Lucy in the Sky with Diamond’s. So really, I Love “Lucy!”

For The Tears He Cries

By Robert Warren, Vendor/Artist

My Goals at Street Sense

By Sheila White, Vendor/Artist

My goals at Street Sense are to have my work read and to read the other articles about what’s happening around the region.

I would like people to understand poverty in this city, because it is so bad.

Street Sense also has activities for us to share with the world. I do arts and crafts and attend classes on writing and photography. Street Sense gave me my self-esteem, hope and pride about myself back. I enjoy Street Sense a lot. It gives me pleasure in learning things and my articles are occasionally published in the paper.

Thank you Street Sense!!!

Like you never saw Jesus cry tears. For the wicked, some say for the people’s souls lost to them. If Jesus cried for what men do. A tear of happiness, the faith of his love to you. Jesus tears of faith for the child’s eyes to see through the old eyes of time was just a minute away from the day of bringing on tears shed only for myself, that I forgot Jesus word to love thy Lord God with all of thy heart. that Jesus cried out loud.

There are many things I must tell God, so I cry for you.

Perception or Reality: Things to Do

By Robert Williams, USMC, Vendor/Artist Well, the first thing I want to do is to say hello to my little angelic Princess LILA! I missed you over the summer. It was really great seeing you this morning.

Thank you again for your gift and your encouraging smile. Now, Good Day, to all my faithful readers. Please continue to follow me in Street Sense, as I don’t have a Twitter, ha ha.

Next, I have some food for thought today. Well, more like food for taste.

Just as I am adamant about the plight of veterans, the eradication of homelessness and the acquisition of affordable housing —I am just as interested in food! I sometimes refer to my diet as a “see food” diet (all I see I eat!). There are a number of places to find me digesting good food. Let’s start at Farragut Park between I St and K St. Both sides of 17th St. N.W. Now, if you like seafood (actual seafood), a must eatis the Boyds’ truck: The Seafood Boss.

Cecil, an awesome chef, and Theresa, would both be overjoyed to have you stop by and stimulate your palate with any of their delightful dishes. Look for

the SEAFOOD BOSS FOOD TRUCK on Fridays at Farragut Park!

L O L Z Wi n g e e z i s a n o t h e r m u s t .

Talk about some good chicken wings!

The(Peruvian) chef, Jose, works very hard and previously owned his own restaurant.

Now has more mobility to tantalize the public stomach with his expertise in preparing chicken alongside his beautiful assistant, Beth. The Greek Trucks are good too - they offer gyros with or without rice.

And having been diagnosed lactose intolerant, yet having also experienced both ice cream trucks, I lack the discipline to avoid them. Try them, you’ll see what I mean.

After you try the trucks at Farragut, head north to Nando’s at Dupont. Ya gotta have dinner there at least once. I assure you, you will visit several times thereafter.

Service to food, food to service. Jeremy, Roy and Megan make up part of one of the best management teams you are bound to find at any restaurant. Add Mike and Lamont on the grill and it’s just simply amazing what they do to that Bird. They make you wanna snatch ‘em up for your

next outside BBQ! On top of that, all of your sides are cooked up by overwhelmingly charming Oscar and Stephanie. They always want to ensure that you want for nothing.

Even upon entering, no greater greeters imaginable than Destiny and Nae. Beauty and Brains rolled up tight like an eggroll into 1 package. Though usually busy, they will have you comfortably seated in record time with minimal waiting.

Say hey to Nae’s niece, also sporting a short haircut like Nae.. And you’ll hardly ever catch Destiny without a glowing smile. Shaunna, Ania and Kierra will be more than glad to help you at the cash register. Though you may need sunglasses for Shauna’s illuminating smile. Or you’ll keep talking to hear the smile in Ania’s voice. So thumbs up for Nando’s chicken.

And tell ‘em Robert sent you.

In concluding with things to do, show love to someone today. Particularly someone you do not know. May I suggest a homeless person, they are people too.

Unfortunately they are a society of people ignored and/or forgotten, made up of too

large a percentage of veterans. You will be amazed at the fulfillment you’ll receive for helping someone. Something you can do is mark your calendars for Street Sense’s Gala Celebration, September 29, 2016 (6-9 pm) @ the Historic Mansion on 15th St. N.W. Josephine Butler Parks Center 2437 15th 15th St. N.W. Washington D.C. 20009. For tickets go to streetsense. org/celebration2016. Join me there and make me know you, and thanks for all your support and allegiance, wanna see your face in the place now, okay.

Learn to listen and listen to learn, do not allow your past to define you, allow it (your past) to prepare you. Your past is a place of reference, not a place of residence. Last but not least, thanks, praise and worship the God of your understanding. Trust Him and lean not to your understanding, He will meet your needs. As for me, that God is the Father of my Lord and resurrected Savior Jesus the Christ, keeper and sender of the Holy Spirit. I say that for me. Love, peace and happiness.

STREET SENSE September 21 - October 4, 2016

A Plea

By Reginald Black Vendor/Artist I just have to say It’s bittersweet when you walk my way The way the sun beams off you face Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Didn’t’ you know What I have is wanted Desired to be used When it was always you It was meant to fuse Combine stand against the age of time Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Why can’t you be mine?

Black woman, Black woman— Black woman of African descent Let me ask you Do you want to end homelessness Can I stand with you As nappy as can be Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Have you disowned me?

Your image with strength How long how long do I have to wait.

Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Physical spirit and soul Black woman, Black woman, Black woman You’re the warmth in the cold Black woman, Black woman, Black woman I see you like is see others Deep in my heart I know One of you is my mother Form shape fashion Her dna live in action Motion the movement ...hon Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Why am I not your #1 Please tell me you see The use of you The insecurity the envy the jealousy they way they portray me Why are we labeled all the same When I am a different unique being with a brain Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Do you respect my parents and grands Mama’s heir to all she gave for me to stay Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Are you throwing me away Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Please tell me you see The use of me The jewels the rides the seemingly good times The way I’m not seen in your eyes The intention of you To stay away from me he this he that Not looking deep down at the facts Black girl , Black girl, Black girl I plead with you Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Do you like advocates, ones that stand up for the poor Black woman, Black woman, Black woman Us as men, we are need you mo Please black girl Black woman, Black girl, Black woman We as men need you to help us grow

Inside of D.C. Jail: Motivating Inmates With my Story

VENDOR WRITING

By Gerald Anderson Vendor/Artist It was a strange feeling when Miss Jean from Martin Luther King Library came to the Metro where I was working and asked me how would I feel if I was to go do an author talk at the DC jail. My eyes got so big with a big smile right behind it.

Why did I smile? Because I never thought I be goin’ into the prison and make a speech without bein’ in cuffs and shackles.

I told her, “Yes!” for my end of the stick but she need to talk to my editor, Susan, to set a date for us to go.

A c o u p l e w e e k s l a t e r, w h i l e standing outside the jail waiting to go in, I told Susan, “I feel a little nervous.” But at the same time, I know I had a lot to talk to these guys about, because I was once a inmate there myself.

And I was right about how good it feel to go inside the jail without handcuffs or shackles, and especially goin’ in to help motivate some inmates!

Susan never experience any of this, but she feel she real comfortable entering the jail. When they take our property to run through the xray, the lady say “Sergeant Clark” when she talk to the man at the machine.

So I say, “Sergeant Clark do you remember me?” This the same place I used to work as a prisoner, wearin’ a orange jumpsuit and handing out toothpaste and soap to new inmates.

I seen the cook that day too. If she’d a seen me, she be so surprised.

She didn’t like me at first, but then she grew to like me a lot.

When me and my editor had to use the bathroom, they took us to the visitor bathroom, where I ain’t never thought I ever be.

That’s when I showed Susan the visiting room where me and my lawyer used to talk with the window between us.

The best part was sharing my story with the inmates. Like I told them, “It’s easy to walk out this jail and say how you gonna do it, how you wanna do, but when you come out to society, it’s changed.”

But then I said, “What really made me change: I got tired of bein’ under lock and key. Not only that—you can’t even see outside. And then goin’ to the big prison system, you gotta play by the other inmate rules.”

The guys was askin’ a lot of questions, like about how I make it.

I told them, “I ain’t got no family here, but I went to Street Sense and

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A Stroll in Holland

By Richard Embden Vendor/Artist

started selling papers and built a new family, and I mean a big family.

A family that— if I want to talk to them—they listen to my problems.

Lawyers, teachers, security guards, all kind of family I can talk to.

I met a rabbi that was in the prison. He told me it was amazing to hear me talk and he got a lot out of it. Some of the things I talk about, he say—if they happen to him—he would have given up on standing strong, like ten years in prison, sixty months in the feds.

He told me he know some places where he can get me to make some speech to. He say, I just looked at the back of your book that sure is some “Still Standing” power.

Bein’ there, sittin’ and talkin’ with these guys made me feel a little bit like I was still inside with them, but I knew I had a way out.

I coulda sit with them all day because I feel like I fit in. I feel the vibe that I’m someone real talking to them. I told them I ate off the same spoon, lived in the same cell and I’m still standing. I know some of them got the message. I hope all of them got the message.

It’s funny how these guys talk to me; it put a tear in my eye, and it caught me a flashback when I was a young guy going to prison and wouldn’t listen. Now, though, I want these guys to really hear me.

One guy told me he has a son, two years old. I told him if you love your son much as you do, when you get outta here and feel like hustle and committing crime, look at your son and ask yourself, If I go back to jail, who gonna look after my kid?

I told the guys straight up, “I still have problems today, but no matter what, I not going back to jail.”

I want to continue to inspire these inmates, and I told them when they get out to come see me where I sell my papers, at 9 th and G, Gallery Place Metro.

I tell you that was a big, big, beautiful day for me. I hope to go to more missions where I can mentor like that.

This week is my birthday month. I hope to see all my customers!

I walk a lot. Partly because I have little money and like to conserve my funds for things like food, such as some Middle Eastern buffet at House of Kabob.

I once walked 120 miles in 4 days while I was in the Army. The first Sargent announced that there was an opportunity to go to Holland for a week administrative leave, for anybody willing to walk 50 kilometers a day (that’s about 30 miles).

Without thinking, I said sign me up! Four days of walking 30 miles a day.

The first day the pain was in my feet.

The second day it was in my ankles. The third day, it was in my calves. By the end of the fourth day, the pain was all the way to my thighs, yet that night we all limped downtown, went to the night club and shook a leg!

To read more of my story, my book, Still Standing: How an Ex-Con Found Salvation in the Floodwaters of Katrina, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle form.

You taught me that this world and life can be a blessing and that the Devil was an angel so our father never left him that the Devil was an angel so our father never left him

Momma, You are a Miracle

By Ronald Dudley, Vendor/Artist Momma you are a miracle!

The reason why I am so spiritual You took me to church to be a better individual You took me to God to keep me from the Devil’s hands You told me to pray Pray to be a better man You gave me the will Power to be strong.

You told me to fight the demon til the devil was gone You gave me the mind and body to be free You gave me your hand and told me ‘son, just follow me’ My momma told me God is realer than the cold You know, when it’s God you can feel it in your soul Momma you the greatest teacher that I had and God is our father We got the same Dad Hey momma I love everything you do like Jesus was to Mary, you are my miracle

I C H A p p rov e s VENDOR PROFILE: Charles Armstrong Upcoming Job Fair Courts 2 0 1 6 W i n t e r By Cassidy Jensen, Editorial Intern Homeless Plan

By Mary Walrath, Washingtonians Editorial Intern

C

The new 2016 - 2017 Winter Plan was reviewed and passed during The District of Columbia Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) quarterly full council meeting on September 13. The Winter Plan, required by the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 (HSRA), is a yearly plan outlining how individuals experiencing homelessness will be protected from cold weather injury and death during the winter season. Reviews of past seasons have found an average death rate of nine individuals per cold season, according to the ICH website, a number which the council intends to eliminate. There was a 45 percent rate of hypothermia alert days during the last season, which is formally considered to be November 1 through March 31. In response to this, the council has implemented a number of changes in an effort to provide better care for the homeless population.

T h i s y e a r ’s p l a n b r o a d e n s t h e qualifications for a hypothermia alert to be called, adding that temperatures 45 degrees and below accompanied by at least a 50 percent chance of precipitation will qualify as grounds for an alert. Likewise, the organization has pre-reserved motel room space to serve as overflow shelter in anticipation of potentially inadequate space in shelters.

Nine new vans have been added to the transportation force as a means to decrease wait times when calling to receive shelter, and 40 transitional units have been added for teens and youth experiencing homelessness.

The ICH also noted that the official phone number for the shelter hotline has been changed to (202)-399-7093, though the prior 800 number will still be in service until next year. A new technology app, HopeOneSource, has also been improved upon to offer a free text tool for those with cell phones to receive important alerts. These were some solutions to common requests from the community to make documents, such as the Winter Plan, easier to access and understand for people it may concern.

Reginald Black, also a vendor at Street Sense, attested that not everyone in shelters has a degree, and another community member insisted that all policy needs to be available in “plain English” that can easily be understood. The Council confirmed plans to work on this public concern, citing the importance of calling the hotline number on a frequent basis to access relevant information.

harles Armstrong would be the kind of minister that churchgoers know they can trust with their secrets and their souls. At 59, he one day hopes to use both his story and his faith to help others. His knowledge gained from his journey overcoming homelessness and finding direction in religion as well as his calm demeanor would make Charles the ideal spiritual advisor.

“I can’t really speak on something that I haven’t experienced myself,” he said.

“Mostly stuff that I would talk about is stuff that I’ve gone through and how I’ve overcome it.” He hopes others can learn from how he persevered through hardship and became closer to God. Originally from St. Mary’s County in Maryland, he moved to the District in 1979. Street Sense gave him confidence and a sense of purpose he needed when he was homeless. “It made me feel better about myself,” Charles said, “It gave me something to do, besides doing drugs and drinking and partying.” Discovering a more positive outlook on life through his work and his faith helped him through the time when he was forced to sleep on the streets, moving him away from doing “crazy stuff” like stealing.

His deep laugh booms in between his musings on righteousness, truths he has learned through difficult and happy moments. Now he finds meaning in gospel music and studying his Bible, attending a Baptist or Catholic church when he can. He also writes in Street Sense’s Wednesday workshop, where he gives voice to his own story, as well as struggles of others who used to live on the street.

Charles became a vendor for Street Sense in 2008. Since then he has worked for the Washington Post Express, and he has worked as a kitchen utility worker at American University for the past four years, where he says one of the benefits of the job is interaction with college students. Before joining Street Sense, Charles worked doing everything from landscaping to fast food service to working on the D.C. cruise ship Odyssey.

To those who are homeless like he was, he says not to give up, but to keep looking for opportunities. “Keep knocking on the door until that door opens up,” he said. Patience and hard work paid off for

By Mary Walrath, Editorial Intern

him. “You don’t have to be homeless, you might have started out that way but you don’t have to continue to go that way.”

Charles loves movies - Western, gangster, and horror – as well as going for walks in the woods or by the water when he is outside the city. He is married and has five sisters and one brother, many who live locally. He enjoys cookouts and names shrimp as one of his many favorite foods.

His philosophy on life is one of hope, patience, and endless gratitude. His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, “Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything be added unto you.” He gives thanks each day for his health, and takes advantage of his current stability to counsel others going through difficulty, like one friend who is struggling to find a job and keep his spirits up.

To d a y, h i s s t r u g g l e s s e e m m o r e manageable; he can derive satisfaction from overcoming obstacles like washing an intimidatingly huge pile of dishes at work.

Most important to him is treating other people well and uplifting them when they need it, like he once did.

He hopes he can help others find the peace that he has achieved by focusing on the truth.

“If I see something wrong, or if I see you doing something wrong, I’m going to definitely let you know,” he said. “If you see me doing something wrong I would want somebody to let me know.”

In short, Charles tells it like it is, with the empathy and dignity that comes from having gone through the worst of life and emerged wiser for it.

Gerald Anderson | Melody Byrd | Damon Smith Franklin Sterling | Kanell Washington | Angie Whitehurst

Back for its eighth year, The Coalition for the Homeless’ annual Jobs, Training Opportunities and Educational Fair expects to see more vendors and attendees than ever before, accounting for over 50 employers from all different industries and hundreds of job-seekers.

Linda Fields, Director of Employment and Training at the Coalition, stated there will be a considerable variety in the types of potential employers, jobs and industries represented at the event, which aims to offer economic and employment opportunity to past, current and potentially homeless individuals. The fair also serves to help organizations fill gaps in employment and improve their workforce and workplace culture.

The conversation around breaking the cycle of homelessness has recently turned toward the availability of employment for people experiencing poverty. The Recent collaborative effort between the D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) and the Workforce Investment Council (WIC) on the implementation of the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA) has resulted in a number of policy changes aimed at making job opportunities more accessible to the homeless. These include efforts to educate and prepare the homeless for the work place and connect them with a number of opportunities and means of seeking employment. Changes to existing policies as well as the creation of new legislation continue to change the intersectional landscapes of employment and poverty in D.C. Final rules on these changes became available to the public on June 30, 2016, and changes will take effect by October 18 of this year.

According to the official WIOA website, these will include improvements to code surrounding the support of the disabled and elderly unemployed, impoverished, and homeless, which will take effect on September 19.

T h i s y e a r ’s j o b f a i r w i l l b e o n September 22 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and takes place in the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, located at 1901 Mississippi Avenue, S.E. The event is free and offers free parking. Metro transportation to the site can be found at Metro-Southern Ave. Station, Congress Heights Station. The W2 and the W3 bus can be boarded at the Anacostia Metro or the Congress Heights Metro Station.

STREET SENSE MONTH DAY - DAY, 2013

15

COMMUNITY SERVICES Housing/Shelter

Food

Clothing

Showers

Outreach

Medical/Healthcare

Transportation

Laundry

Education

Employment Assistance

Legal Assistance

Academy of Hope Public Charter School: 269-6623 | 601 Edgewood St, NE aohdc.org

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

Community of Hope: 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

Jobs Have Priority: 544-9128 425 Snd St, NW jobshavepriority.org

Covenant House Washington: 610-9600 2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE covenanthousedc.org

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

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

Miriam’s Kitchen: 452-8926 2401 Virginia Ave, NW miriamskitchen.org

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

Father McKenna Center: 842-1112 19 Eye St, NW fathermckennacenter.org

My Sister’s Place: 529-5991 (24-hour hotline) mysistersplacedc.org

Food and Friends: 269-2277 219 Riggs Rd, NE foodandfriends.org (home delivery for those suffering from HIV, cancer, etc)

N Street Village: 939-2060 1333 N Street, NW nstreetvillage.org

Central Union Mission: 745-7118 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW missiondc.org

Charlie’s Place: 232-3066 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW charliesplacedc.org

Christ House: 328-1100 1717 Columbia Rd, NW christhouse.org

Church of the Pilgrims: 387-6612 2201 P St, NW churchofthepilgrims.org/outreach food (1 - 1:30 on Sundays only) Community Family Life Services: 347-0511 | 305 E St, NW cflsdc.org

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

Calvary Women’s Services: 678-2341 1217 Good Hope Road, SE calvaryservices.org

Sasha Bruce Youthwork: 675-9340 741 8th St, SE sashabruce.org

Foundry Methodist Church: 332-4010 1500 16th St, NW foundryumc.org/ministry-opportunities ID (FRIDAY 9-12 ONLY)

Friendship Place: 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW friendshipplace.org

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

When I Sell this Paper – Wait(!) I Don’t.

By Ken Martin, Vendor/Artist

I don’t sell, I vend. I come to the organization to increase my humbler nature and serve the community.

That is, after all, why I (and the rest of us) exist…to make Earth a better place.

When I post myself at any of my regular places (that I won’t share with the competition), the members of the community there will be entertained, encouraged and hopefully enlightened. I provide music (at minimum), art (my wireframe assistant Lydia in tights), a melodic pitch and incentive to stop and chat. Every passerby receives a greeting. Example: “Have a mystical, magical, made-to-order Monday;” and a compliment. At times a quip is in order and a select group of “regulars” get verbal and physical hugs.

Everyone gets a prayer before I begin. My ritual includes a prayer for the space wherein I vend and both

St. Luke’s Mission Center: 333-4949 3655 Calvert St. NW stlukesmissioncenter.org

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

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

New York Ave Shelter: 832-2359 1355-57 New York Ave, NE

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

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

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

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

Patricia Handy Place for Women: 810 5th Street, NW, NW | 733-5378

Samaritan Ministry: 1516 Hamilton Street NW | 722-2280 1345 U Street SE | 889-7702 samaritanministry.org

the passerby and those in their charge and left behind. I always anticipate that, even if not financially supportive, people will be open-minded and receptive, or at least civil and empathetic to the suffering of others.

To increase the benefit to my purchaser and to my community of readers, I work long and hard to develop my writing, photography, marketing and even illustration skills.

This makes significant contributions to the community and gives my customers value for value with their purchase.

There are examples to set for the youth in our community. So, I vow that my neighbor’s youth will never see me smoke, drink, act in a vulgar manner.

It’s important to respect all community youth as I do my own precious Ronald and Justce. And of course, my actions reflect my parents and their values.I represent.

When I contribute to any number of Street Sense programs, such as the forum planning committee, it is to inform our citizens of specific debilitating symptoms of the public health hazard from which none of us are immune: homelessness!

I have been very fortunate to receive opportunities to participate and cover events in the Tenleytown area, striving to erase the stereotype of the homeless as selfseeking manipulative, shiftless panhandlers. I portray myself, my work and my rearing as a man of integrity initiative and productivity.

A contributing member of a community is, in my opinion, a considerate, honest, friendly, and constructive “ingredient” to a healthy society. There is a support network that I rely upon heavily in the areas in which I sell. Not just for the dollars that pay my bills, provide for my children and keep me safe. But the babies in strollers, whose eyes watch for me to wave, the children whose ears listen for my pitch, and the elders who like the music of the youth. The dogs that wag their tales and visit for a pet and not a paper, and Folks that may never even buy this fine work but appreciate my ethic , empower me. It’s all these factors that bridge the gaps and gaffs of different cultural and economic community factors.

YOU ARE INVITED! Join us at this historic mansion overlooking Meridian Hill Park for a unique showcase of artistic displays created by our neighbors experiencing homelessness!

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Washington, DC 20005

Mail To:

September 29, 2016 (6-9 pm)

Where?

September 21 - October 4, 2016• Volume 13 • Issue 23

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

When?

Permit #568

Remember, buy only from badged vendors and do not give to those panhandling with one paper.

Interested in a subscription? Visit StreetSense.org/subscribe

Josephine Butler Parks Center 2437 15th St NW Washington, DC 20009

For Tickets go to:

streetsense.org/celebration2016