10 09 2013

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Sukkot holiday offers local Jews insights into homelessness.

The Masonic Ring has returned! Check out the latest installment.

is the Cowboy 16 Who Poet?

COVER ART Some youth cast out for their sexuality.

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

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STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

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NEWS IN BRIEF District’s Health Benefit Exchange Opens for Business Mayor Vincent C. Gray encouraged District residents to purchase health insurance through DCHealthLink.com, in his weekly radio address on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Health-benefit exchanges like DC Health Link are a crucial for implementing the Affordable Care Act, according to Gray.

“They are places where individuals, families and small-business owners can shop for and purchase health-insurance plans that offer rates and benefits comparable to the plans that large employers provide to their workers. In addition, people can use these exchanges to find

out if they qualify for subsidies to help them purchase insurance,” said Gray.

All Americans are required under the Affordable Care Act to purchase individual insurance if they are not covered by their employers and do not qualify for federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Exchanges such as DC Health Link make this process easier, Gray said. The D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority manages DC Health Link and is offering free tutorials to learn how to apply for insurance coverage in the next several weeks at libraries and recreation centers.

DC Health Link has the variety of more than 30 insurance plans for families and individuals as well as 267 insurance plans for small-business owners and competitive prices for comprehensive benefits.

“Visitors to DCHealthLink.com can use their rate calculator,” Gray said. “You simply enter the ages of all members of your household and your annual household income. The calculator will tell you how much you would pay for different levels of insurance plans with different benefits -- so-called ‘bronze,’ ‘silver’ and ‘gold’level plans. Then you can purchase the coverage you want.”

District residents must apply and pay for insurance by Dec. 15 to be covered beginning Jan. 1.

-Claire Sloan

Hundreds of Job-Seekers Lured to Walmart Hiring Centers Barely a week after the DC Council failed to override the veto of the “Large Retailer Accountability Act” (LRAA), WalMart moved forward with plans to open six stores in the District.

The Washington Post’s Petula Dvorak reported that on Monday, Sept 23, the opening of hiring centers near Union Station and on Georgia Avenue NW attracted hundreds of job-seekers, applications in hand, hoping to land more than 300 jobs promised with a new store.

“If they pay $8.25, $8.75, whatever. A job is a job and I need a job,” applicant Ronald Knight, 52, was quoted as saying.

“All I want is to work, and I’ll take anything.”

The LRAA, which would have forced so-called big-box stores to pay at least $12.50 an hour in wages and benefits, was fiercely opposed by Wal-Mart.

Officials from the giant retailer called the legislation “discriminatory” and threatened to abandon plans to open stores in District neighborhoods where residents generally lack affordable shopping options and employment opportunities.

Mayor Gray’s veto was largely seen as a reaction to such threats. He called the living wage bill a “job killer” that “does nothing to help underserved parts of the District.” The masses at the hiring centers seemed to validate his claim that the jobs were badly needed.

But without living wage legislation in effect, anti-poverty advocates predict the city’s Wal-Mart workers are destined to struggle to make ends meet.

- Dennis Forster

Miriam’s Kitchen Celebrates 30 Years of Helping Miriam’s Kitchen served its first breakfast to the homeless on Oct. 6, 1983.

It has been thirty years since that first

simple meal of eggs, grits, toast and juice was offered. And over those same years, the Foggy Bottom program, which was founded as an interfaith collaboration between members of Western Presbyterian Church, George Washington University Bnai Brith, and the United Church, has continued to grow.

So has its mission. As Miriam’s Kitchen begins another decade, the organization’s leaders say they hope to help end chronic homelessness in D.C. by creating meaningful connections with displaced individuals, connecting them with permanent housing, and ensuring they have the necessary support to remain in housing.

Throughout the month of October, Miriam’s Kitchen will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of events.

An exhibit of art works, created by participants in the Miriam’s Kitchen’s open studio art therapy program will be on display at Gallery 102, a student-run art space located at George Washington University’s Smith Hall of Art, 801 22nd Street NW. The exhibition, which features work in a variety of media, including painting, jewelry, photography and sculpture will remain on display until Oct. 25.

In addition, on Oct. 10, Miriam’s Kitchen will be honored with the Street Sense Founder’s Award at the Street Sense 10th Anniversary Gala—in recognition of its advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals experiencing homelessness.

And on Oct. 23, chef John Murphy, Miriam’s director of kitchen operations, will moderate a Food Day public forum at the Foggy Bottom Farmer’s Market. Murphy will be joined by local food experts to discuss the connection between food, community and culture.

-Ramanda Lazaris

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SHUTDOWN:

A Reminder of the Federal City’s Lack of Autonomy

By Dennis Forster Editorial Intern While national monuments, museums and federal offices remained shuttered due to the budget stalemate in Congress, officials in Washington D.C.’s not-so-autonomous city government struck a defiant tone.

Even though the District’s budget is ultimately passed by Congress, Mayor Vincent Gray and the DC Council made clear that the city government would remain open during the federal shutdown.

“Unless somebody takes me out in handcuffs, I’m not shutting anything down,” Gray told the Washington Post.

Meanwhile Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s non-voting U.S. Representative, urged lawmakers on the Hill to pass a bill allowing the city to tap its own tax dollars during the federal shutdown. A temporary funding measure was passed Oct. 3 and is now waiting for approval by the Senate and the President.

“Congress has no right to leave our local budget sticking up like a sore thumb among federal appropriations,” she said on the House floor Oct. 1, reminding federal lawmakers the dollars are “our money, not yours.”

Norton was actually supposed to be cutting the ribbon at her new NoMa office’s opening ceremony that day, but her day-job on Capitol Hill caught up with

her. Robin Eve Jasper, President of NoMa BID and co-host of the event, excused the congresswoman’s absence nicely when she told the party guests “Ms. Norton is doing what she does best,” which is trying to defend District rights as a non-voting member of Congress.

In spite of the proud defiance of city officials, the federal shutdown is having a local impact.

At D.C. Safe, an independent nonprofit that helps domestic violence victims, a sudden lack of federal funding is threatening the program’s emergency shelter and counseling services.

Executive Director Natalia Otero said Oct 7 that the organization needed to raise $19,000 by the end of the week to keep its doors open. She said that 17 families are currently being served in the organization’s shelter and that others are being helped by caseworkers operating in the D.C. Superior Court House and in other locations around the city.

“The food cards for victims have also been suspended,” she added, noting that the cards were paid for through a national crime victim compensation program established to assist victims of violent crimes.

At the same time, potential homebuyers braced for delays in getting approvals for their mortgages, due to the lack

of paperwork from federal agencies, the Washington Post reported.

Meanwhile, District residents went on struggling quietly with the general uncertainty the shutdown has created. Some work for small businesses that depend on

the steady flow of federal workers for their revenues. Others live near federal properties that are becoming unkempt. (Mayor Gray ordered District workers to step in and clean up refuse around the national Mall to prevent the spread of vermin.)

City residents with federal jobs have been either forced to remain home, unncertain when or if they will next be paid or - if they are regarded as “essential” forced go to work but with pay suspended.

At the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, some furloughed workers found a refuge

from the uncertainty and stress. Employees of all stripes gathered on one recent afternoon in the synagogue’s fourth-floor community room to chat, watch “The West Wing” on a large screen, snack on “GOP Chips” and “RIP Panda-Cam crackers” play ping pong using paddles decorated with the faces of Congressional leaders, and distract themselves from the fact that their fate rested with those same lawmakers.

“I heard from a friend that the place makes itself open for people that have been furloughed,” said Ken Lemberg, a furloughed worker from the Department of Labor who has become a regular at the Sixth & I “Shutdown Central. “It was really convenient.”

And even more than usual, the tourists are left to puzzle over the strangeness they find in Washington, D.C. .

A physician from India, Dr. Ramji Rao said he could not understand how a debate over healthcare reform could bring the government of the United States to a standstill.

The tourist would have loved to see the Smithsonian museums, but the shutdown forced him to change plans.

“It’s a huge disappointment. I did not expect this in America,” he said, adding: “There has to be consensus.”

Kids, Advocates Stage Head Start Rally

PHOTO BY NKONGHO BETECK

By Nkongho Beteck Editorial Intern Teachers, lawmakers and children rallied on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Oct. 2 to protest the closing of Head Start programs they credited with promoting motivation, leadership, and early-learning skills.

The government shutdown on Oct. 1 po-

tentially left 19,000 vulnerable children without Head Start services, said advocates. They contended that 23 programs across 11 states were left without grant money due to the Congressional impasse.

The loss of programming funds came on top of cuts made to the program due to the federal budget sequester, which resulted in the loss of Head Start slots for over 57,000 at-risk children, according to the National Head Start Association (NHSA.) The protest entitled “Stop the Cuts: Stand Up for Head Start” brought together government leaders, as well as program alumni from state programs, who hoped to help persuade Congress of the numerous benefits the program has to offer.

“Head Start equalizes the playing field by giving every child a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from or live,” said Joel Ryan, Executive Director for the Washington Head Start Association.

Founded in 1965, Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness for children up to age five from low-income families. The program serves to enhance cognitive, social and emotional

development while also including health, nutrition and other social services, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Wall Street Journal reported that as of Friday Oct. 4, 15 Head Start programs in the local area had already closed. Protesters said they feared such closings could have a negative impact upon children’s development.

“This is an outrage to me because education is important,” said Tyrone Wilson, father of two children currently enrolled in the program.

“We always say we want change and we want our kids to do better than us… but how can they be positive if we’re cutting back funding for education? It’s almost like you’re forcing them out into the streets or out into the negative environment.” Wilson says if his daughters’ program is cut, he will have problems finding day care for them. Along with free meals, Head Start provided a childcare environment for the children, so that their parents can maintain full-time jobs.

For single mother Victoria Hunt, the

program provided temporary housing when she was left homeless while pregnant with her now 2-year-old daughter.

“Without this program, my daughter and I may still be living in a parking lot or worse,” she said. “I urge Congress to get rid of this sequester so more children and families don’t lose this important lifeline.” Hunt said that the program helped advance her daughter’s cognitive and motor skills, who now has the vocabulary of a 3-year-old. Head Start also allotted Hunt the time to go back to school and pursue her dreams of higher education.

Don Owens, a Head Start alumnus, said he hoped not only to keep the program running for the homeless and those in need, but to extend it to all children. “We need to expand Head Start, not just for the low income,” he said. The tools the program provided helped keep Owens out of trouble and gave him a love of learning early on.

He said the friendships he made from the program are still thriving today because he learned about the importance of community. “Everyone should have access to high quality early care and education,” he said.

STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

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COVER STORY

Many LGBT Youth Face Life on the Streets

By Ramanda Lazaris Ediorial Intern Across America, there is a growing awareness of the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. These vulnerable young people are telling their stories. New programs are now targeting their needs.

Still, LGBT youth are disproportionately represented among the nation’s homeless young people. And their lives continue to be haunted by violence, discrimination, illness and unmet needs.

Those are among the key findings contained in “Seeking Shelter- The Experiences and Unmet Needs of LGBT Homeless Youth” a new report released by the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based think tank dedicated to progressive causes.

At a Sept 26 forum lawmakers and advocates gathered to discuss the findings and chart out a course of action that they said might help address the unique problems of these teens and young adults.

LGBT youth have been estimated to comprise as many as 40 percent of homeless young people nationwide, according to U.S, Rep Gwen Moore, a Wisconsin Democrat who offered opening remarks at the event. She said the estimate was based upon the results of a recent nationwide survey of more than 350 programs that serve LGBT youth. The size of the population helped convince Moore of the importance of working for laws and funding to help the young people.

“It was clear that someone in Congress needed to take action,” said Moore.

National leadership could make a difference, she and others said. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 2003, which has been the primary source of federal support to community- based organizations that help young people is up for reauthorization.

The law currently fails to provide specific funding or guidance to organizations to meet the needs of LGBT homeless youth.

Now, Moore, together with colleagues including fellow Wisconsin Democrat Rep Mark Pocan, is working to get LGBT-specific provisions included in the bill.

The provisions would prohibit discrimination against LGBT youth at homeless shelters that receive federal grant money and require grant recipients to have the cultural competency to serve these youth. In addition, the bill would provide resources to support services for families struggling with the sexual orientation or gender identity of their children.

Such measures could have an impact because in many cases, according to the Seeking Shelter report, LGBT youth become homeless because parents and friends reject them and juvenile justice and child welfare programs fail to meet their needs.

“We often try to simplify the dialogue around complex issues in our country,” Jama Shelton, a project director at the Forty to None, an initiative of the nonprofit True Colors Fund, co-founded by singer Cyndi Lauper to help end LGBT homelessness.

“We need to focus on BOTH family rejection as one cause of homelessness, AND also other factors such as poverty and the failure of systems to prepare young people for independence.”

According to the report, the term “homeless youth” commonly refers to unaccompanied young people between the ages of 12 and 24 who find it impossible to safely live with a relative or to safely live in an alternative living arrangement. The report said the larger population could be divided into two parts: “Runaway” youth feel they need to leave without their family’s knowledge.

“Throwaway” youth have left home at the insistence of their guardians.

Once estranged from their families, young people often continue to drift without stable homes. They are much harder to place into adoptive families than infants and small children, said panelist Joe Yeun Chang, associate commissioner for the Children’s Bureau. Child service agencies and the foster care system need to do more to help and support them, he said.

“We don’t want foster care to be a gateway for homelessness,” said Chang.

Adding to the challenge, youth are coming out to their families at younger ages.

Research cited by the report suggested that the average age of a person identifying him or herself as lesbian, gay, or bisexual was around 13 years old.

In addition to needing to seek places to sleep at night, the youth often must cope with unemployment, criminalization, and

victimization, including exploitation by sex traffickers.

In addition to gaining federal funding and support for LGBT-specific programs, participants spoke of the importance of protecting LGBT youth and offering help to their families.

Though the challenges can be complex, some measures that could go a long way toward helping individual young people are not complicated said Shelton.

Some youth programs get caught up in concerns about how to assign bathrooms for transgender youth, for example. One practical solution could be simply extending bath and shower hours, she noted.

Shelton speaks all around the country and makes sure to visit a new city every month, specifically to observe the youth population struggling with homelessness.

She seeks them out in the libraries and coffee shops that often serve as their havens. She looks to local programs to find out if there are resources available for LGBT youth.

Everywhere she has gone, she has found people willing to help.

“Every place I have visited wants to be doing their work really well,” Shelton said.

The key is to keep working and to keep talking, she added.

“Continuing and deepening the dialogue is important,” she insisted. ”Talking can’t solve the problem, however NOT talking about it will certainly perpetuate the problem.”

National Cathedral Hosts Weekend of Reflection on LGBT Youth

By Ramanda Lazaris Editorial Intern When Matthew Shepard died fifteen years ago, LGBT people were not as widely understood or accepted as they are today. The brutal 1998 murder of the gay college student helped inspire changes.

And there is still much to be learned from his story, filmmaker Michele Josue told an audience gathered for the world premier of her documentary “Matthew Shepard was a Friend of Mine.”

“I am here to stand up for Matt since he can’t be here to stand up for himself,” Josue said Nov 4 as she opened a weekend of events at the Washington National Cathedral dedicated to reflections on the lives and stories of Shepard and other LGBT youth.

The film described Matthew Shepard’s life as he traveled with his parents, Judy and Dennis, and his younger brother. He at-

tended schools all over the world, where he built many strong friendships. It was those friends who Josue sought out, retracing his journey to piece together his portrait.

“All of his friends are scattered all over the world, so I think this film was a long overdue conversation between us,” Josue said.

The movie concluded with members of the audience on their feet, clapping, and many crying.

“When everyone stood up, it was really heartwarming, so thank you,” Josue said.

Also in attendance were Matthew Shepard’s parents. Judy Shepard reminded the crowd that although her son is gone, his memory will live on in major civil rights legislation designed to pro-

tect others. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal hate crime law to include violence based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.

Judy Shepard, who has authored a book entitled “The Meaning of Matthew,” and - Michelle Josue who with her husband Dennis has established a foundation to work for social change, told the audience that the sharing of personal stories has made a huge difference in helping others understand the reality of the lives of young LGBT people.

Attendees of the event left in a murmur, offering thoughts on the evening and condolences to the Shepard family. Some acknowledged though progress has been

“I am here to stand up for Matt since he can’t be here to stand up for himself.”

made, more work needs to be done to ensure the civil rights of people regardless of sexual orientation.

“I think that often times as a gay man I take things for granted, particularly a gay man living in the District of Columbia where I have almost all the civil rights offered to me that I could want,” said attendee David Duxbury. “I feel very comfortable and then you realize there are a whole bunch of other people who are still continuing to fight for various civil rights and recognitions.”

Another attendee, Umberto Campia agreed.

“I think that we really need to continue our strong fight to help transgender and LGB people, and many people that still have no recognition within our society,” said Campia. “ I think they are the most vulnerable. “

Cooking as easy as 1,2,3...

By Ramanda Lazaris Editorial Intern Many of us remember the days of hiding our vegetables under the table or feeding them to a pet. We can still hear the echo of our parents’ admonition: ‘no dessert until your vegetables are gone.’

Well, those days are over. And a new program is helping women make friends with their veggies while they rebuild their lives.

“Cooking our Way Through the Year One Vegetable at a Time” is a collaboration between Juliette Tahar, the founder of Healthy Living Inc., and N Street Village, a community of empowerment and recovery for homeless and low-income women in Washington, D.C. One Thursday a month, the women of N Street gather for a cooking class focused primarily on one vegetable, one skillet and minimal ingredients.

Tahar has been in the natural food business since 1992 as a teacher, a private chef and working for a private catering business. But it wasn’t until after Tahar began volunteering at shelters, in 2004, after a family member passed away, that she found a new and unexpected way of using her talents. She decided to bring a message of well-being to people who were overcoming homelessness. .

“Helping these women was a way for me to help the cause,” Tahar said.

Tahar admitted times have changed, but in 2004, food was more limited in the shelters a decade ago.

“Nutrition information and cooking skills were severely lacking, so I stopped my private businesses and created Healthy Living Inc. We started out servicing other shelters, then servicing the youth, and

now we have programs all around the city servicing everybody of all ages,” Tahar said with a laugh.

While teaching a class at Calvary Women’s Shelter, a participant asked Tahar to bring her program to N Street Village.

After approval and communication with the directors of N Street Village, she began her class there about three and a half years ago.

“From my e xp e rie n c e , e ve ryon e knows how to cook meat, it’s not complicated,” Tahar said. “But, when it comes to vegetables and whole grains, it is like a whole new training because with vegetables you have to prepare them and a lot of people I have come to realize just don’t know how.”

Tahar emphasizes that access to fresh food is crucial. She hopes her classes serve as a chance for women to learn about fresh food, the benefits of fresh food and learn easy inexpensive ways to make it.

Her program works through the seasons with an emphasis on seasonal vegetables, since they are known to always be cheaper whether at the super market or farmers markets.

For a class on Sept. 19, potatoes were the focus. Using them, together with celery, onions and a few other ingredients, the class of 14 women were taught how to make a healthy (and mayo-free) potato salad.

In each class, the women can look forward to an exchange of knowledge about food, nutrition and practical cooking tips. They leave with a new trick to cook a meal with the featured vegetable in a way that will be adaptable to their needs.

Tahar keeps her lessons very broad and just shows some techniques, leaving the

women able to take what they learned and use it any way they want.

Throughout the cooking lesson, Tahar opens the conversation up to any questions or comments. One participant commented that she might be able to ‘eat healthier if she had the appropriate chopping machines.’

“You don’t need anything to eat healthy except yourself,” Tahar said in response.

After the hour long class came to a close, the women were all given a chance to test the dish they had prepared. After just a few bites, everyone’s face lit up.

“Absolutely marvelous,” Jackie, a participant from the class said.

Eating healthy is not something that should be difficult. And healthy ingredients

are within reach, thanks to a growing number ofl farmers markets and grocery stores.

Besides this program, there are many other classes, programs and opportunities offered at N Street Village that promote health education, physical fitness, and holistic well-being.

“Through the Wellness Center program we offer over 20 classes each week (4 or 5 classes a day) that range from artistic expression (poetry, art, open studio, autobiography) to physical fitness (yoga, dance, fitness), to mental health (anger management, let’s talk mental health, grief and loss), to educational (vegetable of the month, ask the doctor, diabetes, etc.), Kate Akalonu, Communications and Engagement Manager, said.

Juliette Tahar and two students enjoy their potato salad.

PHOTOS BY RAMANDA LAZARIS

STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

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NEWS

A modern sukkah, a temporary shelter constructed in rememberance of the 40 years ancient Israelites spent in homelessness. (Left) Honey and apples are traditional Sukkot fare. (Above) PHOTOS BY CLAIRE SLOAN

Ancient Lessons for Modern Problems

By Claire Sloan Editorial Intern All over the world, Jews observe the feast of Sukkot by setting up fragile huts and reflecting upon the ancient Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and 40 years they spent homeless in the wilderness before settling in the land of Canaan.

But this year, some members of the local Jewish community managed to find new meaning in Sukkot. They used the holiday as a chance to address homelessness as it is experienced today, right here in Washington, D.C. Housing For All and Jews United for Justice partnered with the Washington DC Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Sept. 29 to host “A Temporary Experience: Homelessness through the eyes of Sukkot,” its first open forum discussion of religious charity and the housing issues in D.C. “It’s really a special opportunity anytime a religious community can use a holiday that reflects upon yesterday or yesteryear to use the challenges of today as a teachable moment. A teachable moment is a way that we can think about and try to identify ways in which we can improve the lives of not just people nationally, or internationally, but specifically

in our own neighborhoods,” said Adam Rosenberg, a District resident who attended the event.

The sukkah, a temporary structure that is open to the elements, is not unlike the tents that many homeless individuals sleep in, participants observed. During the week-long holiday of Sukkot, many Jewish families ate and slept in sukkahs set up in their backyards. Sukkot ran from Sept. 18 to Sept. 25 this year.

“We take for granted living in a house,” said Tzvi Darling, the program coordinator of Behrend Builders, addressing discussion participants in the sukkah constructed in the parking lot of the Washington DC Jewish Community Center.

Forsaking the safety of a home for a few evenings or nights, to eat or sleep in a sukkah can be seen as a chance for Jewish people to see the homeless people around them with new eyes, participants said.

Elizabeth Falcon of Housing For All led the discussion on the need for more affordable housing in the District. The District of Columbia Housing Authority has a waiting list of 70,000 households in need of affordable housing, Falcon said.

“I’m really passionate about social justice issues,” said discussion participant Sarah Schneider, an Avodah fellow from Cincinnati, who worked in a homeless shelter last summer.

And for Schneider and other participants that feeling translated into action, as they wrote postcards to mayoral candidates in the upcoming election, requesting that they speak about affordable housing during their campaigns.

Jewish texts indicate that religious duties are fulfilled not only by giving food or temporary housing to the poor, but also by providing stable housing in which a person can live a full and dignified life, according to Rabbi Jill Jacobs in her article, “Judaism and Homelessness,” which was read at the event.

“In the contemporary context, we might consider whether a homeless shelter or transitional housing would meet these criteria of being a place in which people can live with dignity for an indefinite period of time,” Jacobs said.

Sukkot received worldwide attention this year as Vice President Joe Biden had a sukkah assembled in his own backyard.

This was the first time a U.S. president or vice president has ever had a sukkah at his residence, as reported by the Times of Israel.

A detailed Pew Forum survey called, “A Portrait of Jewish Americans” indicates that more than half of the Jewish population in the United States, even among the non-religious, consider social justice work to be an essential part of Jewish identity. Avodah, Jews United For Justice, Mazon, and Repair the World are just a few Jewish organizations working for social justice causes.

“Most of the work we do is within the homeless community,” said Erica Steen, the director of community engagement at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center.

And through the center, volunteers will remain involved in helping the homeless, preparing meals at DC Central Kitchen, knitting and crocheting warm winter items as a part of the D25 day of service and repairing buildings in low-income neighborhoods in a project sponsored by Behrend Builders.

Local Groups Unite to Help the Homeless “We definitely don’t do this everyday Sunday, so I’m sure some people saw us and wondered [what we’re doing]. It’s a great way to help those in need.”

-- Reverend Reverend Lane Lane Davenport, Davenport, rector rector of of Church Church of of the the Ascension Ascension and and Saint Saint Agnes Agnes

By Johnathan Comer, Volunteer In the fall of 1988, mortgage giant Fannie Mae held its first Help the Homeless walk in the District’s Rock Creek Park.

Concerned employees turned out to raise funds for local homeless programs.

And the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon evolved into an annual rite of autumn. At its peak, it drew large crowds of spirited marchers to the National Mall.

The event was credited with raising public awareness about homelessness, and over $90 million for local shelters and other homeless programs.

The era of the big march on the Mall came to an end in 2012, after Fannie Mae was placed in government receivership, as a result of the nation’s real estate crisis.

Since then, Fannie Mae has shifted its focus to helping organize much smaller, community-based walks in cities around the country.

So far this fall, in the Washington area, nearly two dozen events have occurred, and over 100 more are planned – all of which will be hosted by local organizations.

Jaime Andrews Fitness hosted a 5K run on the morning of September 29 near Logan Circle, with proceeds benefiting N Street Village,a Northwest Washington program that helps women rebuild their lives.

Andrews, whose fitness studio is also located on N Street, regularly partners with N Street Village, and volunteers her time

PHOTOS BY JOHNATHAN COMER

“I’ve “I’ve been been aa volunteer volunteer with with by offering a workout class called “Fit and Fabulous” to women receiving services at the program. While Andrews and other friends of N Street Village were staging their fundraising walk, another Help the Homeless event was taking place nearby.

Following 10 a.m. Mass on September 29, Reverend Lane Davenport of Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes invited his congregation on a short walk to benefit the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. Participants briefly circled the 1200 block of Massachusetts Ave NW, holding a vibrant purple sign which stated “Walk for the Homeless.”

Community Family Life Services also hosted a mini-walk at Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill on October 5th at 10 a.m. Approximately 35 participants met near the statue of Abraham Lincoln, and made a short loop around the park . Participants also brought boots, blankets, and coats to be donated to clients of CFLS. Though a majority of the Help the Homeless events are walks, there are a few unique offerings. Saint Mark’s in Capitol Hill will be hosting a bake-off to benefit the Samaritan Ministry on October 19th.

Also, the Georgetown Community Center will be hosting a 5K run on October 20th.

Events will run through the first week of November. To find one near you, visit: www.hthwalks.org.

N N Street Street Village Village for for aa couple couple of of years, years, and and I’m I’m dedicating dedicating my my [first [first 5K] 5K] run run to to aa womwoman an II tutored tutored there, there, named named Loretta Loretta .. II helped helped Loretta Loretta get get her her GED.” GED.”

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We We need need to to raise raise awareness awareness about about homelessness homelessness and and povpoverty, erty, and and educate educate the the youth.” youth.”

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9

STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

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FEATURE

» Tony Anderson & Kevin Lorei » Douglas

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Armstrong & Steve Dobberowsky Andrew Barnett Daniel Berler Dennis Black & R. Scott Wallis Anthony Cotton & John Breast Susan & Dixon Butler Cheryl Clarke Billy Fettweis Matt Gillette

table captains

» Chuck Goldfarb » Jeff & Trevor & Bo Hong Blake Krehely » Rich Gottwald » Jack Krumholtz & Jim Harden & Kevin DiLallo » Anthony » Eric Lamar » Jason Laney & Green & Riche Hudson Young Sorensen » Donna » Danielle & » » » »

Greenfield & Burkey Belser James & Jason Hafferman Peter Hill & Murat Sor Ken Kadlec & Richard Russo Heather Kaye

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Aisha MoodieMills Jeffrey Nelson & Rob Cogorno Edward Palmieri & Christopher Schriever Todd Peterson

» Betsy Pursell » » » » » » »

& Schroeder Stribling Mark Seifert & Jeff Dygert Jeff Reamy Elizabeth Rose & Richard Jerome Mike Schwartz & Carl Menninger Brian Scott Christopher Suranna & Andrew Love Caroline Willis

COMICS & GAMES

BIG DOGS

The Dog is Mind Speaks H

By Terron Solomon, Vendor Street Big Dogs

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STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

Do Republicans Fear Obama?

Offering Help that is Flexible

Albert Einstein said “Insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different results.“ Tea Party insanity is running amok in Washington.

Republicans realize they cannot win fair elections anymore, so they are trying to scrap the whole democratic process. However, their temper tantrums are starting to affect the world economy and it’s time for President Obama to stop playing with these people and instill fear.

As someone that considers himself more conservative than liberal, I encourage the President to go rogue. This is not the Republican Party of my childhood. Being from New Jersey, I’m used to moderate Republicans like Christine Todd Whitman and Tom Kean. They believed in free markets but made an attempt to understand working people. They also had respect for the institution of government and for those who disagreed with them.

Our current president, a man concerned w i t h h i s l e g a c y, should learn how the great presidents handled the opposition of their day.

One has to ask, how would Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton handle light weights like Ted Cruz and the Tea Party?

History has shown great presidents didn’t sit around and negotiate with contentious groups. They seized power and let scholars debate the fine points later. Opposition parties, often contentious, have always been part of American History.

When South Carolina threatened to secede from the union over a tariff increase, President Andrew Jackson didn’t ask for a Grand Bargain; he threatened to hang his former Vice President, John C Calhoun. Abraham Lincoln defied the Supreme Court and suspended habeas corpus. Franklin Roosevelt did what he could to stack the Supreme Court.

In the summer of 1981, when 11,000 air traffic controllers went on strike, resulting in an estimated 7,000 flights being canceled, Ronald Reagan put liberals on notice. The president took control of the situation and declared the strike illegal.

He threatened to fire any controller who did not return to work within 48 hours.

Soon confusion set in among the strikers and within a few days those remaining on

If homelessness is to end in Washington, D.C. then the people who are designing programs to help the poor must all keep in mind that low-income means just that!

Then there are the folks with no income at all.

Assistance programs and services for people who have low incomes or no incomes need to take those realities into account. I hope the city keeps this in mind as it launches two new pilot programs to help homeless singles get into housing.

The two pilot programs, Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) and the Rapid ReHousing Program for singles, piggyback on programs that have helped homeless families for several years. The D.C. City Council approved the programs as part of the city’s FY2014 budget and on July 31, 2013 more then thirty five organizations and government officials had an in depth round table conversation on how they would implement the new pilot programs for singles.

These programs hold much hope but it will be impossible for them to succeed unless there is flexibility built into them.

It will take time for participants without income to find employment and even then, no employer will guarantee that

By Jeffery McNeil, Vendor

History has shown great presidents didn’t sit around and negotiate with contentious groups.

They seized power and let scholars debate the fine points later.

OPINION

By Cynthia Mewborn ,C=MB2 Vendor

they will always have jobs.

The housing assistance that is offered must be adjustable so the participant will always have a home. If I am not mistaken that’s what these services were created for in the first place!

If the local government and federal government took the approach of offering adjustable housing vouchers homelessness would end swiftly, instead of years or decades from now.

Short-term assistance that runs out before people are able to stand on their own can easily leave the poor right back on the doorstep where they started out.

These programs need to offer people stability, but that cannot be achieved without the proper mix of supports and services. To work, the programs need to meet individuals where they are. Programs intended to house people with no income or minimal income need to work with participating landlords and offer some flexibility in terms of the level of rental assistance available.

This city will never reach the finish line in terms of ending homelessness if formerly homeless people are finally housed, only to lose their housing and have to start all over again.

Let’s all work in getting it right from start to finish so that at the end of the day we can all meet at the finishing line together!

Paying Student Loans

By Tamika Station, Vendor

Stay Strong.

I have been trying to pay back a student loan for between 10 and 15 years now and it has been hectic.

Nobody told me that it would be this hard. When I signed my name on the dotted line to get a loan for college tuition it never even crossed my mind that I would regret it. I have tried everything to get a job and even asked my family to help me pay it back. But I tell you one thing I will never take another one. It has ruined my

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credit and my social life. I wake up every day trying to pay a bill or figure out some kind of way to make some money. In today’s world nearly everyone has a student loan now so I know I am not by myself.

What I have been through is a lot: trying to juggle two jobs and making sure everyone gets paid has been made even harder due to the fact that the interest and penalty charges on these things are so high.

So wish me luck America because it ain’t easy on the bottom.

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strike were replaced by military personnel and non-striking workers. Eighty percent of flights were operating and air travel resumed. Reagan then blacklisted the strikers and in October, 1981, their union, PATCO, was decertified.

That is how you handle the opposition John F Kennedy started with the same cautious approach to power as our current president. However, this changed when the Ted Cruz of Kennedy’s day, George Wallace, defied the president’s authority regarding integration of the Alabama school system.

The defiant governor emphatically vowed to block the doorway of any Alabama schoolhouse that was ordered by the federal courts to admit black students.

Like President Obama, President Kennedy tried to negotiate with rigid ideologues, sending his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, to Alabama.

However, eventually President Kennedy realized he was dealing with a madman.

He tried appealing to Alabama businessmen and influential politicians, asking them to reason with Wallace. On June 5, 1963, the U.S. District Court ordered the state of Alabama to allow the students to register, Wallace refused, hoping this would set up a states’ rights crisis and paint the President as a tyrant.

Although reluctant to use his power, John F Kennedy instructed Robert Kennedy to federalize the Alabama National Guard.

On the morning of June 11, as students began registering at the University of Alabama, Governor Wallace stood in front of the doorway flanked

by Alabama state troopers. Kennedy issued a Presidential Proclamation that ordered the governor to comply with the court-ordered desegregation of Alabama schools. He then authorized the secretary of defense to call up the Alabama National Guard.

That afternoon, federal troops came to the campus and asked the governor to step aside. Wallace, defeated, finally relented and the University of Alabama campus in Huntsville became integrated.

One must ask the question: if government is broken, is the president justified in seizing power? Raising the debt ceiling is crucial. The world economy could collapse because of a contentious minority in Congress determined to have its way.

One should ask if the president is exploring all possibilities.

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

A Simple Request

By Reginald Black Vendor When DC City Council member Jim Graham set June 27, 2013, as the date for a hearing to discuss the Federal City Shelter, Eric Sheptock, chairman of SHARC (Shelter Housing and Respectful Change) and a resident of the CCNV shelter said, “It’s the beginning of the conversation.” It is now October; a bill creating the task force on Federal City Shelter has been passed and the first meeting, originally slated for September 24, will take place this month.

Despite the positivity of having the city talk about what it wants to do with a facility that houses some of our city’s most vulnerable residents, a cloud remains overhead: of all of the voting members of the task force, none has experienced homelessness. Advocates across the city have requested numerous times that members of the affected community be allowed to participate fully in the decision-making process. At a recent town hall meeting, Sheptock made the point that before anything is done regarding development of the site, the city has to do something with 1,350 people who depended on it. A few days ago, SHARC decided to try a new strategy, an open letter addressed to the mayor and city council. The letter states that the shelter residents wish to form a partnership

between themselves and government to develop a model of housing that will allow them to leave homelessness behind and become more productive citizens.

A cloud remains overhead: of all of the voting members of the task force, none has experienced homelessness. decision-making process.

The letter also says that the DC government’s Task Force on the Federal City Shelter has its focus on the redevelopment of the property. To Sheptock’s dismay, the mayor and council have decided to form a task force that does not give a voice to members of the homeless community. Affected residents want to know if the city government has created other task forces that do not include the interested citizens who seek membership. For example, shelter residents are asking if the mayor or council would keep members of the Greater Washington Board of Trade off a task force created to deal with the business climate in DC. The simple request from the residents of Federal City Shelter is that the local government pay attention to the voices of the real stakeholders in the Federal City Shelter, not simply the developers.

A Modern Love Story, Pt 3

By Jacqueline Turner, Vendor

As time went on Sophie had a little girl. She had to tell her parents as well as Mike’s parents that he was the father of the child. Mike was released from prison after five years for good behavior. It was really hard but he had avoided getting in trouble while he was serving time. He prayed day and night. When he got out of jail, he decided to go to seminary so he could become a minister and rebuild his life, spreading God’s word and telling the story of how God had helped him.

Mike and Sophie got married. Sophie’s mother got sick and died of breast cancer. This is the story of the two families: four friends who fell in love and had children, grew old and lived happy by the Grace of God. The End.

BEFORE THE RAIN PT 32: TAKE YOUR TICKET AND RIDE

By Chris Shaw, “The Cowboy Poet”

"Oh Loo-ooh-miss..."

Loomis Reader was in absolive'ly, desiteeve-ly NO mood for pranks or jokes.

Here he lies, sweating in this cheesy little cell of Fayetteville Trooper Compound, near-What? Fort Bragg, is it?

Yuh could just hear the groans of drunken Jarheads languishing elsewhere in this boho-villeof a lockup. But wait, this here siren sound is vaguely familiar--"Huh! 'Dat You, Lyndsey, How th'--f---?"

"Psst! Shh, Loomie. Believe in the power of pneumatic tubing and plain old pipes__" "Lyndsey," he snarled. "Hold that thought, 'cos I've been communicating thru our local "Gomer," here, that the Lieutenant

Governor is comin' this way, and he's a sucker fer'a certain song--" "You mean I don't have to pass the sugar in my girdle to the truck-drivin' girl guardwho's sweet on me and--" Loomis screwed up nearly all his features into a rictus of disgust, peering into an imaginary wide-angle lens.

"Certainly NOT, lady. Don't even begin to think. Jist look at whut's left of yer Akash' hand tattoo and PRAY yuh tail off!

Thus, Loomis sang "STAND BY ME,"(in full part harmony with the Guards' Chorus of Fayetteville)for the beaming, crewcut Lieut. Gov and thirty-six hours thence the pair were off in a Lincoln Town Car limo with police and DHS escort to the edge of New Orleans, USA! (To be Concluded!)

Dazzling Treasures

Dreams

By Carlton “Inkflow” Johnson, Vendor

By Robert Warren, Vendor

Timeless, miraculous renewals Unexplainable transformations, The totality intertwined simplicity Within prosperity perfection, Life’s mysterious, ageless, dazzling treasures.

There are dreams and there are dreams.

It being said, hold fast to dreams.

98 percent thought of your dreams, As quickly passing away.

All the dreams I used to dream yesterday, I find myself less and less Saying this must be day one.

Something I dream, to, old dreams die young.

Middle age nightmares do come, Oh but that is not a dream of mine.

I could never remember the time when I was living my dreams.

I like the one where I fly.

Height is the best player I see in my dreams.

It seems I don’t dream anymore.

I have to find the right time to sleep And dream my dreams.

Illuminating Compassions

By Carlton “Inkflow” Johnson, Vendor

Illuminating, comprehensive, and Amazing compassion, Life’s mysteries, freedom, justice, Equality, self-preservation, The understanding of intellectual faculties.

STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

13

VENDOR WRITING

The Mysterious Masonic Ring

By John Mathews Vendor

This day was just getting worse by the minute. First I followed a riddle to a place that’s closed down for the next couple years. Then Kittie got all weird on me and bailed for no apparent reason, appointment with her aunt my ass. Well, I could drown my sorrows in meatloaf and mashed potatoes from the over-priced restaurant designed like an upscale turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor located in the American History Museum. And at least I managed to get what brought me to the Washington Monument in the first place: namely an envelope I hadn’t had time to open yet.

Ordinarily there’d be no time like the present, but I was anxious. I needed to get back to 18th to pick up today’s “per diem” from my Masonic friends.

The mood I was in dictated that I hike my way over instead of taking a cab. Exhaustion has a way of calming me down and a good long walk usually does the trick. As I talked myself down, my plastic Au Bon Pain cup in my hand, I started wondering what the hell was going through Kittie’s mind, ditching me in the middle

Chapter 6: Solo Mission

of our greatest adventure to date. It was funny. Though we’d only parted ways a couple hours ago, I missed her more in that moment than I ever missed my own mother since the day she died.

My reverie was broken by a sudden weight in my cup. I looked up expecting to see another Mason leaving me today’s “allowance”. Instead, I saw the old, well dressed man from before, bowler hat and all.

“You should know, Mr. Dickerson, that your friend Francis didn’t die of natural causes,” he began. His voice was pure, polished BBC. Overall, I’d expect a guy like him to be a member of the British House of Lords, not walking around the District following a still legally homeless guy like me.

“Of course he didn’t,” I replied, “Frank had been boozing and pill popping his way his way to death for decades.”

“I’m sure that’s what your friends the Masons would want you to think, young man,” he continued, “but those of us who are male, shall we say enlightened, would

say otherwise. By all means wait for your Masonic contact, and enjoy my present.

We’ll be talking again soon.”

In my surprise, I had forgotten that he left something in my cup. I looked down and saw an envelope, with one of those old-fashioned wax seals, like they used to use before pre-gummed lickable envelopes were invented. I carefully slipped it into my pocket next to the Masonic envelope I got that morning.

It wasn’t too long before the same Mason that blessed me before walked up and placed a wad of bills into my cup.

“You’ve taken the first step of an infinite journey today,” he said smiling, “and already you’ve gone further than your predecessor. Frank’s faith in you was well-placed indeed. Tomorrow take your next step. I hope to see you on the square soon.”

“And may we always meet on the level,” I said in reply, hoping I remembered the proper countersign to his reference to the square.

Masonic references to the square and level have a double meaning. They came

from two tools used to make sure that a ceiling is perfectly flat and perpendicular to the floor beneath it. They also ensure that the joists supporting them are aligned perfectly straight, in a 90 degree angle to the floor and ceiling. The Masonic references indicate equity, truth and fairness. I’ve always thought that the Masonic meanings were the orgins of the phrases “fair and square”, meaning without guile and “on the level”, meaning true.

My Masonic acquaintance flashed me a toothy smile and said, “Mr. Dickerson, you are definitely an interesting person to know. I hope to get to know you better.”

And with that he walked away.

I looked down into my cup and saw about a dozen images of Ulysses S. Grant looking back at me. That’s about twice what he had left me the day before. At this rate, I’d have a year’s rent in the hood by the end of next week. How the hell did Frank blow this opportunity? Blowing this much cash on booze and drugs should have killed the poor guy years ago. (to be continued)

Hello Customers!

A Sadistic Conception

By Betty Everett, Vendor

By Tammy Karuza, Volunteer Last issue we continued reading about Jamie Rich, leader of the Aaron Lake Baptist Church Celebrate Recovery Program (CR), as he continued telling his story of hitting rock bottom. After receiving advice from his wife, she told him that although she can not help him, she knows someone who can. Jesus Christ. After discovering he needed to get help, he utilized Step Study class. In a matter of time, Jamie and his wife decided this concent of CR was something they wanted to bring to their home church.

She [Amy] struggles with co-dependency, and has had to learn to limit the carrying of other peoples problems on her own shoulders. “I still mess up, but I have a better understanding of how I would weigh down my own life by trying to fix everybody else.

I have found a lot of freedom in focusing on my own issues.” CR has helped Amy realize when the struggle is happen-

ing, and that she needs to get back on track rather than allow her struggles to take over.

The program offers her an emotional connection she could not find in other self- help groups. Amy utilized Stepstudy class, where participants are guided through the twelve steps by two leaders who have already worked through them.

“It opens up a lot of internal closets that you have stuff shoved into. It reveals where things in your past can still be hurting you, causing you to go through what your’re going through now.”

Though many other twelve-step programs specialize in specific struggles, such as AA or NA, the scope of Celebrate Recovery is more transverse.

According to Amy, they see everything from time management problems, to eating disorders, to people struggling with sexual addictions, or even medical problems. “Our largest group is A-Z, both men’s and women’s.” (to be continued)

Hello to all my loyal and future customers. I was raised in DC and born in North Carolina. I lived in New Jersey for a long time and was employed in the medical field. I came back to DC in 1997, on and off, because my mother was in a nursing home. My two brothers and my father are deceased. My only family is my aunt. She lived in White Plains, New York but retired this year to Charlotte, North Carolina.

My childhood was not a pleasant one.

Both my brothers and I, including my stepfather, all suffered great physical, emotional and verbal abuse at the hand of my mother. After high school, I moved to New York with my brother, who to my surprise, was an alcoholic and eventually died at an early age. My other brother died from drugs, both were in their late 20’s. My father died from lung cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Even though he was my stepfather, he treated me and my brothers as though we were his.

By Harold Bomar, Vendor

What is it when we have nothing, nothing but a sadistic conception of a super concentrated blunder … whose main goal is not as evident as one might think it is … out weather empty. Void of any consistently that has real value vacuums that will suck the life out of anything it views or touches !!! Leaving its victims dismayed and hungry for retread.

Rainbow Breakfast

By Phillip A. Howard, Vendor

I will continue in a future article.

God Bless, Be safe out there.

Your beautiful vendor, Ms. B.

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Eggs (soft or hard) Pieces of whiteing fish Slice of toast (honey or butter) Cup of joe (coffee) Peach (sliced)

When I Get to Heaven Veda Simpson, Vendor

As the leaves fall from the tree, deep in my heart I truly believe.

That I am going to walk up that street paved in gold, It is going to be a sight to behold.

At the end a crown made of gold is going to be placed on my head, and from the book of life my story will be read.

God will smile and say, “You have been faithful but For over a few things…”, The Heavens will light up and the bells will loudly ring.

“Rest my child from now and everyday will be Sunday and Sabbath will have no end.”

This I will without a doubt God is truly my Best friend!

To all of you get yourself a higher power before it is too late. Peace and Love!

1 ode s i p e pg 1

Don’t Look Away

By Lindsey Clark, Volunteer

As you pass him by You divert your eyes The ones you hide behind For fear your worlds collide Close proximity Thru my peripheral I surmise That ignorance and entitlement Dance behind your blinds Dare you divert your eyes Ostracize and cast him aside For this is someone’s child Once a gleam in his mother’s eyes Why divert your eyes At this man who’s clearly alive For his broken down soul Still strongly thrives The travels of this journeyman Wear crudely on each side The torment of life’s elements Layer on his skin, live and die inside his mind This man is clearly destitute Or a bum if you vilify But who are you to judge Someone you haven’t sat beside When I saw you pass behind him

And toss a meager dime I lowered my head and sighed So sad for you, he and even I This man isn’t institutionalized He doesn’t terrorize All the laws he abides Yet still it is he you stigmatize So next time you slither by Stop and look him in both eyes Try a smile on for size It’s for the grace of God go you, go I.

Not Right Now

By Angie Whitehurst Vendor Sometimes it crosses my mind What I don’t know I want to know right this minute.

Is it really worth the effort and time?

The bigger, greater, most awesome question Do I really need to know?

Is it going to help me?

Every day in any little way Make me happier Give me the answers Any ole Way My anxiety says, “Now!” A tense, deep breath later With a pause and a woeful murmur sung I will think about that decision to be made.

Sometime later; not right now.

Service Spotlight: October Announcements

COMMUNITY SERVICES

By Tamika Staten, Vendor E-Care Bike Donation Assistant Saturday, October 12, 2013 125 Sold Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204

Boo at the Zoo October 25-27 Childrens Fair 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20008 (Woodley Park Cleveland Park)

The Ride and Run to Remember Sunday, October 13, 2013 901 E Street NW Suite 100 Washington, DC 20004-2025 (202) 737-7134 info@rideandruntoremember.org National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit Thursday, October 24, 2013 8:00am- 4:00pm DC Fall Conference Embassy Suites Washington DC Convention Center 900 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Academy of Hope: 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

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

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

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 Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place: 364-1419 4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW cchfp.org

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel Rescue Ministries: 842-1731 810 5th St, NW grm.org

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

Clothing

Outreach

Transportation

Education

Legal Assistance

Food

Showers

Medical/Healthcare

Laundry

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

SHELTER HOTLINE: 1–800–535–7252

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Door Shelter: 639-8093 425 2nd St, NW newhopeministriesdc.org/id3.html

Rachel’s Women’s Center: 682-1005 1222 11th St, NW rachaels.org

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to Street Sense 1 Year: $40 2 Years: $80 3 Years: $120 I want half of my purchase to benefit a vendor directly Vendor Name Vendor Badge # Name

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

John Young Center: 639-8569 119 D Street, NW

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

Housing/Shelter

Employment Assistance

2013 Fall Federal Contracting Summit Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 & 30, 2013 Offers a comprehensive Understanding of the Unique Business of Federal Contracting Crystal City Hilton 2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy Arlington, VA 22202

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

Community of Hope: 232-7356 communityofhopedc.org

27th Annual AIDS Walk Washington Saturday October 26, 2013 7:00am Freedom Plaza 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington DC 20004

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

15

STREET SENSE October 9 - 22, 2013

Address Phone

Consider Contributing to Street Sense!

# 28233

WHAT:

United Way of the National Capital Area

Bringing the Story Home is the gala event of the decade, celebrating Street Sense’s 10 years of service and supporting our mission to elevate voices and create economic opportunities.

Silent Auction & Gala Event Heavy hors d’oeuvres / Open Bar Business/Cocktail Attire Buy Tickets Now @ StreetSense.org/gala

United Way NCA Designation Code

# 8871

StreetSense.org/gala

WHEN:

Thursday, October 10 6pm

WHERE:

Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square 801 K Street NW Washington, DC 20001

We are honoring:

Founder’s

Good Neighbor

Award

Award

AUTHOR PROFILE: CHRIS SHAW

By Ashley Trick, Editorial Intern

Our life is what our thoughts make it.

For Street Sense author Chris “The Cowboy Poet” Shaw, life hasn’t always been easy. Despite this, his optimism and love for life have kept him continually inspired for change. His story embodies a fight for his personal beliefs, his pursuit of the

things he loves, and his faith in himself.

Shortly after his parents passed away, Shaw became homeless. Finding himself in a city where he was free from any affiliation from his former life, no one was there to help him back on his feet. During this period of emotional isolation, the

October 9 - 22, 2013 • Volume 10 • Issue 24

Street Sense 1317 G Street, NW

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Washington, DC

Washington, DC 20005

Mail To:

Permit #568

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

Interested in a subscription? Go to page 15 for more information.

Cowboy Poet stayed true to his name and kept journals to help him sort out how his feelings and maintain his writing skills.

Shaw said that whenever he was feeling down, his “bones began to fill with rhetoric.”

He credits writing and music with helping him keep his head during the hardest times. Eventually, Shaw sought the support from Twelve-Step programs that steered him away from the dead-end feeling of having nothing. Thanks to the help he received through those programs, combined with prayer, he managed to move on with his life.

After five years at Street Sense, Shaw is no longer homeless and has big dreams for the future. In addition writing for the newspaper he has been heavily involved with the Street Sense Writer’s Group. He says he has found working with the group and with the larger Street Sense community extremely rewarding. Shaw says he loves giving feedback to new vendors and hopes to be a mentor to many. As Shaw explains it , he not only wants to divert people from

making poor decisions, but also wants to inspire them to become the best people they can be.

Making this point, Shaw beams with happiness. He reflects upon the positive changes he has managed to make in his life during his time in DC. He speaks about his band ETUFE and how he is inspired by music from New Orleans and artists like Louis Armstrong.

Shaw says he embraces new challenges each day. .

“No matter what you’re doing you should always persevere. Don’t give up. Always keep trying”. When asked what he does to maintain his happy-go-lucky personality, he said that he’d encourage everyone to eat sushi and to listen to lots of James Brown for a healthy mind—he’s done both for 30 years and it has worked for him!

Despite having a successful internship, a stable income, and a loving partner, Chris has never forgotten his roots at Street Sense and continues to inspire readers and volunteers everyday. Stay tuned for his poetry each week and who knows—you might be seeing him playing in his band around DC.