12 02 2015

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Volume 13: Issue 2 December 2 - 15, 2015

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Under Wraps & Out of Tents pgs 8-9

Airport Essays:

Reflections from 3 people that sought refuge in Reagan National before you could be arrested for doing so, pgs 6 - 7

Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness or poverty in our community.

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Thanksgiving isn’t over for Charles Davis. Read his what he’s grateful for in this online exclusive! StreetSense.org Two theater performances December 2 and 3 featuring original content crafted

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COVER ART

A tent city grew quickly over s e v e ra l m o n t h s i n F o g g y Bottom. On Friday November, 20 the tents came down and a fence went up.

PHOTOS BY ERIC FALQUERO

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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.

Today, Street Sense is published every two weeks through the efforts of four salaried employees, more than 100 active vendors, and dozens of volunteers.

Nearly 30,000 copies are in circulation each month.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Brian Carome EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Falquero SALES & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Jeffrey Gray VENDOR MANAGER Josh Maxey COORDINATOR OF EVENTS & AUDIENCE ENGATEMENT Shira Hereld INTERNS Olivia Aldridge, Nolan Casey, Victoria Jones, Alexandra Pamias, Jonas Schau VENDORS Shuhratjon Ahamadjonov, Gerald Anderson, Charles Armstrong, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Aida Basnight, Roberta Bear, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Melanie Black, Phillip Black Jr., Maryann Blackmon, Viktor Blokhine, Debora Brantley, Andre Brinson, Donald Brown, Joan Bryant, Elizabeth Bryant, Brianna Butler, Melody Byrd, Conrad Cheek, Aaron Colbert, Anthony Crawford, Walter Crawley, Kwayera Dakari, James Davis, Clifton Davis, Charles Davis, David Denny, James DeVaughn, Ricardo Dickerson, Dennis Diggs, Alvin Dixon-El, Ronald Dudley, Charles Eatmon, Deana Elder, Julie Ellis, Jemel Fleming, Chon Gotti, Marcus Green, Barron Hall, Tyrone Hall, Richard Hart Lorrie Hayes, Patricia Henry, Jerry Hickerson, Ray Hicks, Rachel Higdon, Ibn Hipps, Phillip Howard, Leonard Hyater, Joseph Jackson, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Harold Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Morgan Jones, Linda Jones, Darlesha Joyner, Juliene Kengnie, Kathlene Kilpatrick, Hope Lassiter, John Littlejohn, James Lott, Scott Lovell, Michael Lyons, Jimmy M. Ken Martin, Joseph Martin, Kina Mathis, Michael Lee Matthew, Authertimer Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Jermale McKnight, Jeffery McNeil, Ricardo Meriedy, Cynthia Mewborn, Kenneth Middleton, Cecil More, L. Morrow, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Earl Parkin, Lucifer Potter, Ash-Shaheed Rabil, Henrieese Roberts, Anthony Robinson, Doris Robinson, Raquel Rodriquez, Lawrence Rogers, Joseph Sam, Chris Shaw, Patty Smith, Smith Smith, Gwynette Smith, Ronald Smoot, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens James Stewart, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Archie Thomas, Shernell Thomas, Craig Thompson, Eric Thompson-Bey, Sarah TurleyColin, Carl Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Leon Valentine, Grayla Vereen, Ron Verquer, Martin Walker, Michael Warner, Robert Warren, Angelyn Whitehurst, William Whitsett, Wendell Williams, Sasha Williams, Judson Williams III, Ivory Wilson, Denise Wilson, Charles Woods

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STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Organizers Prepare to Mourn Death in the Street

By Nolan Casey Editorial Intern Fifty-three men and women died without a home in the nation's capital last year, on record. At least 2300 people across the country.

With 2015 winding to an end, the question resurfaces: how many have died without what the People For Fairness Coalition (PFFC) terms "the dignity and right" of a home this year?

PFFC, along with the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), are organizing a vigil on the night of Thursday, December 17 to precede Homeless Persons' Memorial Day for the third year in a row. It's main goal, according to PFFC co-founder Robert Warren, is t people know "there's folks out there who are always in danger of dying while they're without housing, and for a lot of those folks housing is healthcare."

According to PFFC organizers, the event will kick off 5 p.m. Thursday at Luther Place Church with clergy, advocates, local politicians and people who've experienced homelessness invited to speak.

Shortly afterwards, a candlelight procession will begin. Those in attendance will be asked to carry the name of someone who has died. Two names are return every year: Jane and John Doe. They represent the

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Vigil 2014 participants gather at Luther Place Memorial Church, holding signs bearing the names of men and women who died while homeless that year. | PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN people who's death didn't make the count.

The procession will end at Freedom Plaza, in close proximity to the Wilson Building and the White House. There, an open mic, caroling, film screenings and Street Sense's own art bus will keep the plaza busy well into the night.

Afterwards, participants plan to settle down to sleep for eight cold hours under a large heated tent. This is a sheltered look at the conditions which people experienc-

ing street-level homelessness endure daily.

Organizers are still lining up speakers to discuss homelessness at the national level Friday morning. At 11 a.m. lunch will be held blocks away at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church ahead of the National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day service at noon. This service has been held annually since 1990. Vigil participants will arrive by way of “funeral procession” from Freedom Plaza with a symbolic empty casket.

The 2014 vigil and memorial service cost $5,135 dollars, it's far from cheap.

Some of these funds were obtained through grants. Over 50 percent came from donations, according to PFFC records. Warren and other PFFC members are campaigning for monetary and inkind donations again, an intrinsic part of what makes the event possible. This year they've taken a new approach by exploring online crowdfunding. When Street Sense went to press, PFFC had received over half of the $2000 goal posted on GoFundMe. com/pffc2015.

Warren hopes that those who can't donate or volunteer will still help by taking civic action. He recommended signing Mayor Bowser's pledge to end homelessness in the District, as well as contacting your councilmember to ask for their support in helping end the housing crisis.

"The biggest hope [is] that folks will be able to have housing they can afford," Warren said. "They won't have to live on the streets and die on the streets."

If you have names you'd like to add to the list of losses for 2015, send them to Jesse Rabinowitz, jesse.rabinowitz@ miriamskitchen.org.

HUD Releases Snapshot of U.S. Homelessness: Over Half a Million People Nationwide

By Alexandra Pamias Editorial Intern On November 19, the U.S. Department of Housing and Development released the results of the January 2015 point-in-time national homeless estimate. The agency determined that since 2010, there has been an 11 percent reduction since the release of the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors plan to end homelessness.

The agency estimated that on a single night in January 2015, there were about 564,708 people experiencing homelessness. Sixty-nine percent of that number were in residential programs while 31 percent were living unsheltered.

In the five years between 2010 and 2015, the study determined that there has been a huge decrease in veteran homelessness, falling 36 percent. Individual homelessness fell 22 percent and family homelessness fell 19 percent, according to the study.

This progress slowed down between 2014 and 2015, HUD noted.

While progress is being made, there is still a long way to go, according to HUD Secretary Julian Castro.

“Achieving our mission won’t be easy,” Castro said. “If we can accomplish our

mission, we can provide Americans with the hope for a future.”

These numbers come from a volunteer force that every January conducts a count of the local homeless population all over the nation. While these numbers are helpful for HUD to determine the scope of homelessness, a lot of people go uncounted.

This data provides ICH, HUD, and partnering agencies a very important benchmark. But it is important to note that this is not the only data that there is out there; this is only a snapshot, according to Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Matthew Doherty.

He urged people to consider other data sets, such as the data gathered by schools and the Department of Education.

There are several problems with the numbers gathered by HUD, according to Director Megan Hustings of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

“People who are experiencing homelessness, just by nature of the situation, are sort of hard to track,” Hustings said.

“We can’t find everybody; we don’t know where everybody is.”

Hustings said that HUD’s definition of homelessness may leave out individuals who are doubled-up, staying with friends or family, or sleeping in their cars or motels.

The National Coalition for the Homeless worries that the issue will be simplified.

According to studies by the Department of Education, there are around 1 to 2 million children that are experiencing homelessness, said Hustings.

“And HUD says around 500,000 children and adults,” said Hustings. “There is something that is not complete here.”

She also said that there are more and more people in encampments across the country, which shows there is not enough viable shelter for everyone who needs it.

“There are some communities where you can’t bring your animal indoors with you. And anyone who has ever owned a pet knows that pets are often times part of our family,” Hustings said. “You don’t just give them up because you lost your home. That is not an option.”

There are also some restrictions on who is allowed into shelters.

“Some family shelters only allow moth-

ers, not fathers. Some shelters that allow couples, you have to be married,” Hustings said. “There are time restrictions. Folks who have work can’t get into the shelter at 5 and may need to stay later than 7 in the morning to get ready for work.”

There are bottom-line issues that the nation needs to face before it can reasonably make homelessness uncommon and as short-lived of an experience as possible.

According to Hustings, the minimum wage is one of them.

People need a 15 dollars-an-hour minimum wage to survive and provide for their family. The highest minimum wage in the country is the District's: 10.50 per hour.

According to Hustings, the average age of a minimum wage worker is 35.

“These are people trying to take care of their families,” said Hustings. “Nowhere in the country where you can work 40 hours at minimum wage and be able to afford housing for family.”

Hustings believes that as a nation we have to deal with these issues before we can realistically believe homelessness will end.

H y a c i n t h ' s Pl a c e D e f i n e s Supportive Housing for Women

By Victoria Jones Editorial Intern Second chances abound at the Hyacinth's Place women's program. Hyacinth's Place is a 15-unit supportive housing program in Northeast, D.C. that is for women who are homeless, at risk for homelessness, and who have mental health diagnoses. They offer a wealth of services, such as individual service plans, case management, medication administration, education, and more to help the women rebuild their lives.

Dynise Coogler, a resident and employee, found Hyacinth's Place while looking for somewhere to move out of the group home she'd been living in.

"The longest you can stay there is a year, and I had stayed there a year and I needed some place to go. My case manager had heard about Hyacinth's Place and told me to come and visit and see how I'd like it," Coogler said.

She thinks that Hyacinth's Place is better than group homes due to the fact that it helps you save a lot more money and that there isn't a time limit on how long you can stay. Coogler believes she's in a much better and stable environment now.

"You have to have help from the state and [group homes] take all your money," Coogler said. "Here at Hyacinth's, I am handling my own money. I am able to shop and get my own toiletries, my own paper products, which gives you a feeling of--not say so much power--but gives you a feeling of being able to suffice for yourself."

Overall, being able to live and work at Hyacinth's Place has been a very rewarding and positive experience for Coogler.

"You can stay here as long as you like, as long as you follow the rules, pay your rent, that type of thing. Hyacinth's has given me a job because I work here and I'm a resident, and it's very stabilizing to be able to help the ladies, I'm also to help myself, and it's a win-win for me."

Hyacinth's Place was an idea that was in

development for six years. After a fight to get in the space they now occupy on Bladensburg Road, Hyacinth's Place has become a welcoming part of the community. The facility, which is mostly run by volunteers and interns, presents itself as a place to start working toward long term solutions.

Staff members work with each individual to identify the factors that rendered the residents homeless. Residents receive clinical attention and the education needed to address their mental health conditions. Life goals are also scrutinized for practicality, support and achievement.

Life skill training is also provided to help the women succeed in after leaving Hyacinth's. Due to their mental or physical conditions, some of the women may have to brush up on money management, personal hygiene, housekeeping, shopping, etc.

To simulate living in an actual apartment, the women pay 30 percent of their income for rent. This comes with a sense of independence and privacy because the women have their own rooms with personal bathrooms and kitchenettes. There is a laundry facility in-building and the option to shop for personal items nearby.

Hyacinth's Place also hosts events such as a Valentine's Day dance and a volunteer barbecue to entertain residents and celebrate the hard work of volunteers and interns.

"I was able to sing for the Woman's Empowerment Day. I was able to sing for the Volunteer's Barbecue we had for our volunteers and interns," Coogler said.

"I've been able to write for the newsletter and website. Along with working, I've been able to have my talents, my creative talents, used for the betterment of Hyacinth's and the betterment of myself."

Another resident, Jamiah Gray, has lived at Hyacinth's Place since April. She most appreciates the programming.

"They provide the meals and they have

Dynise Coogler next to her favorite piece of art at Hyacinth’s Place. Coogler is employed by the housing program and in the middle of giving Street Sense an official tour.

PHOTO BY VICTORIA JONES

special occasions, like special barbeques, so it really helps you get comfortable," Gray said.

One of the programs that she has been active in is counseling. Gray thinks that it really helps to organize her thoughts and figure out what's going on.

"I talk to a counselor one-on-one, and we discussed even bringing in members of my family to the counseling. It helps

to keep me grounded ‌ My counselor has been telling me to journal lately, so that's helped," Gray said.

Hyacinth's Place provides the time and attention necessary to invest in each woman's future.

"It's a good start in life because a lot of people that's here come from hard times, and it's a good way to get on your feet and have support," Gray said.

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

With Benefit Cutoffs Looming, Council Members Seek to Put a Face on Welfare

By Alexandra Pamias Editorial Intern More than 60,000 families face losing financial assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF). The welfare program's benefits expire after 60 months: October 1, 2016 for the families in question.

Councilmember Yvette Alexander, Chairperson of the Committee on Health and Human Services, hosted a public oversight roundtable on November 17 to hear from families on TANF. Councilmember Elissa Silverman, also attended the meeting.

Kate Coventry, a policy analyst with the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, argued that the barriers that each family faces needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“D.C.’s time limit fails to recognize the complex lives of many poor families,” Coventry said. “Forty-four states recognize that some families need more time after they reach 60 months to move to self-sufficiency. But D.C.’s rigid time limit has no exceptions.”

Families have not been receiving adequate services for years, according to Coventry, who questions the fairness of including those years in the 60-month time limit.

A group of mothers who are currently on TANF, or were at some point, offered their insight on job preparation, placement, retention services, and supports provided by the program.

“We need to put a face on TANF because I can tell that there are probably a lot of misconceptions out there of who actually is receiving these benefits,” Alexander said. “So we do need to hear your stories and we do need to see faces.”

TANF is a District financial aid program that provides assistance to families with dependent children. In order to receive these benefits, adults must be D.C. residents and must participate in work activities.

Alexis Young, the single mother of a 3-year-old, testified at the roundtable.

She is a current recipient of TANF and has been on and off it for 2 years. Young also has a blood disorder that makes her very dependent on the assistance.

“TANF has been the top source of my sanity, alone,” Young said as she broke down in tears. “$300 is not a lot of money, but it stabilizes me and my baby girl.”

Two of the biggest issues that these mothers had with TANF were poor case manage-

ment and bad job placement programs.

A majority of the women who testified claimed that they were not receiving the one-on-one care they expected from their case managers. Many felt ignored and even snubbed during these interactions.

Maya Perkins' experience with TANF was far from good. She said that her caseworker provided by the MAXIMUS Corporation made no eye contact and was rude to her.

Alexis Young said she felt like a number, not a person, and that she was ignored Wby her caseworker. She changed caseworkers so often that retelling her story to every new person became very upsetting.

“TANF has been the top source of my sanity, alone.” - Alexis Young Sabrina Lancaster, a former TANF recipient, was cut off because the program considered her husband’s $8.35 per hour wage as too much household income to receive benefits. He was supporting their four children and her. She was also attending college full-time when this happened.

“Since being off TANF, it has been very difficult for me and my husband to meet our families basic needs,” Lancaster said.

“We struggle with rent on a monthly basis, which wasn’t a huge problem when we received TANF.” Lancaster also commented on the work placement program, which in her opinion doesn’t place people in jobs where their skillset is useful or valued.

“I didn’t want to be offered a position that doesn’t match my skillset. This is what most TANF vendors are guilty of,” she said. “Even if an assessment is filled out showing what my skills are, what strengths I have and what my interests are, there are still employees trying their best to place me in fast food entry-level positions.”

As a currently unemployed mother with a college degree and a little boy, Andrea Swanson is very frustrated with TANF and her unemployment.

Swanson used to be a schoolteacher and lived comfortably. That all changed when her school lost their charter and she lost her job. Swanson went on to lose her home and car. She lived in a shelter for some time.

Swanson knows she is qualified and wants a job. But she can’t get one and doesn’t think the job placement program at TANF is helping enough.

“So you’re saying ‘go to college, get your education, you’re going to be able to get a good job,’ and I did that, so now what?” Swanson said.

Not every person who testified related a bad experience. Chiquita Foster said that she had a great experience with her caseworker, who was at the roundtable accompanying her.

Foster said that she heard about other people having bad experiences with their casework vendors, but she has personally seen the opposite..

“I can relate to them but at the same time I really don’t know,” Foster said.

Myesha Inman, who will receive her college degree in 2017, said that she too had a great experience with her vendor, Grant Associates. The caseworkers were there for her when she lost her son.

Councilmember Silverman took over and began asking questions to the mothers testifying.

“Let me ask a general question: Does anyone not want to work? Is staying on TANF a livable salary for people,” she said. There was an overwhelming exclamation of "no!" and head-shaking from the mothers.

“What I am hearing from the five people sitting in front of me is that you don’t want just a job, you want a career,” Silverman said.

“Sometimes, because we need to show results, there is an incentive to get people into any job - which might not be a sustainable job. And they you cycle back on to TANF,” Silverman said.

“The wages are so low, that you have to make a rational decision as a mom: does it make sense for me to go back to work, given the cost of childcare? Is it worth it for me to go back to work?” she added.

“We have to make it worthwhile so that the answer is yes every time.”

Councilmember Alexander thanked the TANF recipients for their testimonies: “The face of all of us could be in the same situation. And I think sometimes stereotypes get out there and you are put into a bubble," she said. "…we need to hear this directly from you. I appreciate the advocates, and I appreciate [The Department of Human Services], but you are the voice.”

5

NEWS

LEGAL BEAT:

Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

By Timothy M.B. Farrell Volunteer After perusing the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) website, all I could say was, “wow.” Actually, “Wow!” The WLC provides pro-bono legal services to address discrimination and other civil rights issues in the District.

It does this by coordinating its staff with members of the private bar to litigate matters related to employment discrimination, fair housing and lending, public accommodations, immigrant & refugee rights, disability rights, and D.C. prisoners’ rights.

Its active litigation docket has more than 100 matters that include individual cases, class actions, as well as other larger law reform cases and public policy advocacy. The Committee's litigation efforts have become nationally known for landmark court victories, record judgements, and precedent-setting consent decrees.

In writing this column, I am constantly surprised by the number and quality of legal services in the District. For those with legal issues related to civil rights, the WLC is an excellent resource. For attorneys wanting to get involved, this is an excellent organization that will provide world class support and experience to help make a difference and to give back to the community.

In order to get assistance from the WLC, go to WashLaw.org/request-assistance and fill out the online form.

Or print it out and mail it in. The form is available in both English and Spanish. You can also call (202) 319-1000 or email them at WLC@washlaw.org.

For attorneys wanting to get involved, the WLC is an incredible organization. Like many pro-bono organizations in the District, those associated with the group come from impressive backgrounds and give new attorneys a chance to work with some of the best attorneys in the country.

Those interested in a particular subject are encouraged to contact the appropriate staff member through the website at WashLaw.org/about-us/staff.

Tim Farrell is a member of the D.C. Bar Association along with the bars of Ohio, Oregon, Washington, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. When not reviewing documents, his practice focuses on litigation. You can contact him through Avvo.com by searching “Timothy M.B. Farrell.”

o N

m o o R

As of Monday, November 2, Reagan National airport is “closed” from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Travelers may still occupy the space if waiting on a flight, but airport staff will check to make sure everyone present has a boarding pass and is indeed traveling.

Those who do not may be charged with trespassing.

For years prior, the airport had been open 24-hours and many people experiencing homelessness had found it a safer place to sleep or otherwise pass the night than a shelter or staying out in the elements. Recent increases in the number of people seaking refuge in this manner became chalenging for the limited overnight staff, which led to the new hours.

Three of our vendors reflect on their own experiences:

Constant Motion

By The Anti-apathetic Vendor/Artist

PHOTO BY THE ANTI-APATHETIC.

My Second Home

By Anonymous Vendor/Artist

Sleeping at the airport was peaceful, quiet and heartwarming. You didn’t have to worry about people stealing your stuff or robbing you (because people were afraid to be locked up in Virginia.) Also you didn't have to worry about bed bugs. And if you decided to act up there, they would permanently or temporarily ban you.

The authorities were always checking you for warrants.

They'd mess with the homeless people there. They figured you had no business being there. Especially if you were black. They woke me up one time because someone was stealing cars in the garage. They said I "fit the description."

They ran my ID to check for warrants and found that I was much older than their suspect. I didn't steal any cars, but my bike was stolen while parked there.

At least most criminals stayed away from the airport because of these random checks.

Most could not afford to travel back and forth to get to the airport either, so it was a really relaxing time for me to be free and quietly engage with my spirituality, bringing out the best of me for the following day of travel. (Back to the city via Metro and to work, not flying.) The airport reminded me of being home and free, it was my second home. And I enjoyed it to the fullest.

One officer said he could bar me from the space and I countered that it was public space and I had the right to be there. I guess they worked on that.

It’s getting cold. Fortunately for me, I have a safe place to rest after a freezing night of selling Street Sense. Tonight there is a place to put my stuff. A door to lock. Serenity.

It wasn’t always that way.

Following my heart surgery, when there was no place to go at night but a chair outside of Starbucks, I visited a caseworker. He suggested a place that had all the comforts of home: hot and cold running water; security (of sorts); access to food; free Wi-Fi, charging stations, even free blankets… Reagan National Airport!

It saved his life, he told me. It has since saved mine.

This was not the “land of milk and honey.” Being homeless in an airport was made public knowledge through the blockbuster films “The Terminal” and “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

There were at least 100 people from the homeless community at Reagan National every night, some more conspicuous than others. With that, you’d get the occasional thief or panhandler. At times, a loud mouth: something to avoid at all costs.

On any given night there would be 15 or more Street Sense vendors out there.

My second night there, I was awakened by a Virginia policeman who needed to see my ID. Evidently my sleeping—snoring or not—required proof of residency.

He harped on the fact that I was a D.C. resident. I harped likewise on Reagan being a National airport.

Then I showed him where I just had heart surgery and was needing rest. He informed me that Reagan was not an infirmary, and by being there I was establishing a pattern. That was my first real lesson on airport accommodation: don’t get caught in the same place twice. (aka: “Keep it moving, bub!”)

There are three terminals, three floors and three terraces. I slept in different places in/on each, in ever-changing intervals and patterns. The biggest problem I had was the familiarity of Street Sense vendors.

The key to avoiding notoriety is remaining under the radar. This cannot be done if you are gathering socially in the terminals, which Street Sense vendors tended to do.

To avoid this, I went to Crystal City for meals, snacks, rest stops and charging my gadgets. This enabled me to take the last possible train and go anywhere in Reagan to work, rest and even recreate with Netflix.

While there, I made friends and allies with several employees of varying status: cleaners, attendants, merchants, TSA workers, Metro station managers and even a Virginia cop.

Of course, the cop was easy. He approached me asleep outside the chapel and asked if I was traveling or going in.

“No sir,” I answered politely. “I’m with a local paper on a story.”

I showed him my vendor badge and papers. Then I beat him to the punch and asked for his name and badge number. From that point on, whenever he saw me, he’d smile and wave. He must have seen me snap a picture, because he never came close.

It saddens me that 100 plus people are forced to the unsafe streets when that humongous facility sits virtually empty.

An open-all-hours National Airport could save the lives of many people who, like me, don’t trust shelter policy or staff for security and safety. It saved the life of at least one caseworker… and me!

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

7

FEATURE

at the Airp

My Best Kept Secret

By Shernell Thomas Vendor/Artist

Reagan National Airport has an incredibly dynamic architectural design. It resembles a multitude of airplane turbine engines one would see when you look up at the roof from the inside of the airport. Bringing the light from the outside in is beautiful. The alluring sounds of the wellselected music that is pipped into its system nightly added a vivacious feeling of enjoyment, peace and contentment.

This is the reason I had decided to stay overnight, on a continual basis, at Reagan National Airport. It was by farthe best decision for me to live there. My personal appearance is important to me, and I felt I was sophisticated enough to blend in with some of the sophisticated travelers, who visited the airport.

Reagan National Airport is a "beautiful" Airport and I felt privileged to have been able to stay there as long as I did, without being asked to vacate the premises on any given night. It was my best kept secret and I didn't dare to tell anyone that was homeless to come to my secret dwelling. I could always count on being warm during the winter months. Air-conditioning during the summer months was an added bonus. Also, the bathrooms on the 3rd floor were extremely clean. That was high-up on my list when deciding on a place to live. Having a clean bathroom to wash up in, on a daily basis, provided an excellent place to look my best.

I was so content with my living environment, and wasn't aware that this would come to an ending when it did. But I am glad that Reagan National Airport has taken back its business for travelers, and eliminated the homeless people that were residing there.

I can imagine what many may think about the airport’s new policy that was implemented back in October, prohibiting individuals from being in the airport overnight unless they possess a boarding pass. Homeless or vagrant individuals can be arrested for trespassing if found in any area of the terminal between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

We are all born equal.Some travelers weren't any different from the homeless people that come into the airport. Why? Because some travelers would cover the toilet seats with all the toilet covers and if any of the paper fell, it remained on the floor. Some would fill up the toilet with a lot of toilet paper. You would conclude that many of the travelers were disorderly because the Information booth made announcements that items like cell phones, tablets, laptops, hats, coats, diamond rings and false teeth were left at TSA and/or "ticket" counters.

I feel the airport should take back its business of traveling because there were too many homeless people and too many incidents within the airport. These problems were getting out of control.

For example: when you came into the airport, there were visible signs that homeless individuals present.

ort

Some of the homeless people behaved as though they could shout out profanities or talk loudly. These people weren’t concerned if they disturbed or offended others.

Another example: a few weeks ago, a drugged woman who entered the airport jumped over Delta Airline’s ticket desk. The ticket attendants at the desk called the police.

When the police arrived, the woman was slinging her arms and kicking the police until they were able to subdue and remove her from the airport.

Many of the homeless people that come into the airport are very dirty and some don’t smell pleasant. I met a young woman whose mother had put her out of their home. She was living in the airport. She put her bed in the middle of the Airport and displayed her white sheets and blankets so that it was quite visible from a distance.

The airport police allowed many things to occur, but this young person wanted to occupy most of the seat and a traveler reported her. She was put out of the airport that evening, but returned another evening.

Approximately a month later, this same woman was washing a coat in the bathroom, creating an overflow of water all over the floor after the cleaning woman had just finished cleaning that bathroom. I couldn’t believe she was

PHOTO BY THE ANTI-APATHETIC.

so senseless to have turned the airport into a laundromat.

Before we knew it, she was put out of the airport carrying quite a lot of stuff. This during the cold season of the year. I felt sorry for her.

Many of the homeless people slept on the floor with blankets on them, like it was a homeless shelter.

Another incident involved two men that traveled to the airport each night. They were in dirty wheelchairs filled with junk, bottles and rags. One had a dog sitting on his lap. I always feel like if you can’t afford to take care of yourself, then why have a dog? The airport police didn’t put anyone out of the airport, unless it was blatant bad behavior, or fighting.

The number of poeple staying at Reagan National Airport was truly becoming a problem.

It’s not a homeless shelter, and the airport needed to take back the airport and carry out the business it was designed to do.

I was fortunate to have been invited to move into a house just two days before Reagan National Airport implemented it's new policy.

It was the perfect arrangement. My housemate wanted someone to share the house with her because she was feeling nervous and cunomfortable about being in the house at night by herself. I refused her for one week, because I didn’t know her.

Remember, I wrote about "some of my customers being special, those that resemble precious jewels because the inner beauty of their life force, shines from within.” She is that kind of individual.

She was a new customer for my Street Sense newspaper. I am always cautious and safe when I make most of my decisions. Little did I know that I had made the right decision when I accepted her offer. Just two days later, Reagan National Airport had begun enforcing its new policy.

I cannot tell you how appreciative and happy I am to this option of a new home when I did.

If not, I would have been subjected to the new policy of the airport and would not have planned in advance for an alternate place to go. To my new housemate: many thanks again and again for being so kind and for being the special person that you are!

Intensive Outreach, Minimal Commnicaiton Leaves Homeless Encampment in the Dark

By Eric Falquero and Olivia Aldridge Street Sense Staff On the morning of Friday, November 20, an ultimatum loomed over residents of the Foggy Bottom tent encampment just down Rock Creek Parkway from the Kennedy Center, across from the Watergate complex at 27th Street N.W. Two days earlier, waterproof notices had been posted around Camp Watergate, which included several satellite tent-clusters. The notices were attached to many tents individually, as well as tacked on top of the metal “general clean-up” signs that had been installed at the beginning of the month by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Homeless people have been sleeping under the freeway overpass for years.

But only in the past several months has there been a ready supply of tent donations from a local charity to keep them safe and make them visible. Two to three tents could be seen on-site via Google Streetview’s capture of the area in July.

More than twenty tents now made-up the robust community.

The Department of Public Works (DPW)

would be disposing of personal belongings still in public space at 2 p.m. that afternoon, tents and all. Only IDs, photographs and other items of obvious value would be stored temporarily for pickup.

If this warning proved true, campers would have to find a new place to sleep. If. That uncertainty had been part of the problem all week. After cleanup notices were posted at the end of October, campers believed only trash and debris would be cleaned up after the notice period: a semi-regular occurrence. They were informed otherwise recently. But after much confusion on Monday November 16, the an announced eviction never came to pass. Rumors flew through the Camp Watergate community all week: everyone was getting apartments before anyone was evicted; this was federal land and D.C. didn’t have jurisdiction; if anyone’s tent was touched against their will, they could file assault charges. All three those statements are false.

But there was no timeline, memo or speech given to residents regarding the

camp’s fate. And city workers were expressly forbidden from speaking to the press, including the supervisor on site.

The rumor mill was the only consistent source of information "It's like trying to sleep next to a wrecking ball, and you don't know when it's going to drop," described John, a camp resident.

Final 2-day eviction notices appeared Wednesday November 18. And no visible progress on anyone’s housing placement was seen until the next morning, with the exception of a couple that had left with promise of transport to Georgia Monday evening. Understandably, it took some convincing to get 11 of the campers into a shelter transport van to leave their tents unaccompanied and go look at potential housing placements.

When Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Brenda Donald arrived shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, she held a brief private discussion with DPW staff before addressing the media. The cleanup and eviction would proceed as planned. She also announced that construction on a

fence surrounding the area would begin by the day’s end, this was the first step in a larger construction project.

DPW staff began posting white eviction notices on campers’ tents and belongings.

Some defiantly tore the notices into pieces and refused to move.

Tents, mattresses, camp chairs and bags. The sanitation swallowed most everything whole.

“At one point the guys from DPW took two grocery carts that… well I guess they didn’t belong to at least one of the latino guys. They took them and put them in the back of the truck and crushed them,” described Marina Streznewski, Foggy Bottom Association President. “First of all, those things start at $250 a piece - what a waste. … There’s a mechanism to keep them and give them back. But also, grocery carts are for some of these people so vitally important. I never thought that I would grieve for grocery carts.”

While the carts were being crushed, Streznewski watched one of the guys yell “you are devils, you are devils, you are

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

9

COVER STORY

devils!” to the DPW workers.

“Maybe one of the most heartbreaking things about today was all the government workers who told me they didn't want to do it, they were under orders,” tweeted activist Diana Pillsbury.

DPW loaded the belongings of those who did not resist into blue storage bins, promising they could retrieve them when ready.

These campers were left staring at yellow grass where their tents had been, wondering where they would go that night.

A fence was constructed the next day in the field where the camp had stood.

Several tents and campers still held out under the freeway.

The fenced-off area will be used to facilitate cleanup and inspection for a portion of the Upper Potomac Interceptor Relief Sewer adjacent to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This maintenance has been needed since February and must occur before March 31, 2016., according to John Lisle, a spokesman for DC Water. Permitting for the project began before initial cleanup notices were posted in October. It is linked to a

backup in May 2014 that caused sewage overflow on the National Crescent Trail.

No construction or digging will occur at the Camp Watergate site. It will be used as a staging area for physical work and equipment storage in relation to the Kennedy Center maintenance.

“I did ask the Deputy Mayor to not do a blanket closure of these encampments across the city. As Miriam’s Kitchen explained to me: why is she spending all these resources doing that when she could be spending the same time and money and effort into giving people the services they need to get on their feet again?” Councilmember David Grosso told Street Sense.

Grosso was the only council member to stop by Camp Watergate during the week of the eviction. “They say that it’s pretty well proven that if you want to help someone when hypothermia season’s coming - don’t kick em out of those encampments. Those encampments are actually a safer place for them than wandering the streets and being unable to find them.” At least with the encampment you know where to target every single day with the vans and the better

clothing and blankets that they need. You can actually care for them. If you kick em out of the encampment, they’re scattered Outreach work with camp residents continues. According to Department of Human Services spokeswoman Dora Taylor, there are 25 individuals targeted for homeless services. As of Tuesday December 1, 9 have selected and been matched with an apartment unit that is awaiting inspection.

Nine others were scheduled to view units that day. Three had refused housing and four had signed leases and been placed into permanent housing already.

For confidentiality reasons, DHS could not comment on specific camp residents.

All media inquiries regarding the camp are being coordinated through Deputy Mayor Brenda Donald’s Office. Aside from housing placement data, questions regarding shelter conditions, whether or not tents should be confiscated during hypothermia season, if/when other city encampments would be handled similarly went unanswered.

“He’s tellin us about the continental breakfast and how you can take food up

to your room from there. And ya know, I’m glad for him. I really am. I’m really glad for him, I’m glad he has a place to stay,” former camp resident Stefanie Abbott said when she learned about several campers that were being housed in motel rooms while they awaited inspection. “But [DHS] knows our situation. We’re still out here and [my husband] is have problems walking.”

Part of the city’s 5-year plan to end homelessness and FY2016 funds include revamping the city’s emergency shelter system and expanding permanent supportive housing.

“They’ve got to be able to transform the system while you’re providing services,” Grosso said.

As Street Sense went to press, it was discovered notices had been posted declaring that another cleanup would occur at the Watergate encampment site at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2.

This report was also contributed to by Jonas Schau, Alex Zielinski and JC Diaz. An on-going log of the camp cleanup is being kept at StreetSense. org/CampWatergate.

OPINION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

I Hear You, And Others Should Too Dear Mr. Williams, I am writing in response to your article "Perception or Reality: Are You Hearing Me?" as posted in the Nov. 4 edition of Street Sense. You ask if you are being heard.

I can only speak for myself, but the answer is a resounding yes! I read the paper cover to cover on a regular basis and often buy multiple copies of the same issue from different vendors as I encounter them around the city.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the writers and for the valuable first-hand perspectives that they provide on the issue of living without permanent housing in the District. This is a valuable service of educating the public about a critical human rights issue.

In terms of my own action, I am a parishioner at the Church of the Epiphany, where Street Sense is housed, and a volunteer at the church's Sunday morning Welcome Table program (arts, music, narcotics anonymous group, Bible study, church service and hot sit-down breakfast for 200 individuals living on the streets of downtown Washington). This work keeps me connected with the community and again provides first-hand narratives of those experiencing homelessness. While not a long-term solution for homelessness, this program does provide hope and respect, as well as create social networks that would not happen otherwise, and I hope the program will lead to ideas for longer-term programs that truly teach others to fish instead of providing fish. I also listen in on D.C.'s Interagency Council on Homelessness meetings when I can.

I use the knowledge that I glean from all of these sources to educate friends, family and neighbors about the issue and to advocate for not only more spending, but more strategic spending to address this issue. However, I also cannot overemphasize the value of one-onone conversations and truly listening to someone who is coming from an entirely different background. This is something that money cannot buy, and legislation cannot mandate, but which can both inform and improve spending and legislation. I would recommend that each and every resident of the District find someone asking for money or visibly down on his or her luck, and instead of giving money, respond by inviting him or her to a shared meal and a conversation. With just one hour, you could both be fed, physically and mentally, and most likely spiritually, as well.

In the end, homelessness is not an issue for nonprofits alone to solve or the government to solve or the private sector to solve. We will need to leverage all three sectors to tap their collective resources, intelligence and, above all, customer service skills to look at this as a customer service issue. For as many people as we have living on the streets and in the shelters of D.C., we have as many opportunities to provide true quality customer service that will enable each person to reach his or her yet untapped potential.

Please continue the good work. Thank you for your articles, and even more importantly thank you for your service to our nation through the U.S. Marine Corps.

Kathy Haines Ward 2 resident, Church of the Epiphany parishioner.

Displacing the Displaced

By Ann Marie Staudenmaier On a rainy morning a week before Thanksgiving, with often happens, the person can’t afford to pay the fine, a a cold front moving in, dozens of homeless people who bench warrant can be issued, and the homeless person will stayed in an encampment located across from the Wabe arrested. The mayor has tried, so far unsuccessfully, to tergate building and around the corner from the Kennedy enlist Maryland Police Department officers to ticket evCenter, were panicked and confused. This was not due to eryone at these encampments for violating the temporary the imminent freezing temperatures, but because Mayor abode regulation, and she is using this threat to coerce Muriel Bowser had instructed the police, public works and people into leaving the sites “voluntarily”. her human services agencies to displace all of them and The federal government has recently come out strongly their belongings from the small and supportive community against cities reacting to encampments in this punitive they had formed over the past several months on that site. and inhumane way. The U.S. Interagency Council on This was just the tip of the iceberg; the mayor has Homelessness, in its recent report “Ending Homelessness resolved to shut down every encampment in D.C., just for People Living in Encampments,” expressly cautions as hypothermia season is beginning. However, despite that “forced dispersal of people from encampment sether pledge to end tings is not an apchronic homelesspropriate solution ness in D.C. in the or strategy” and next few years, strongly recomBowser has not mends intensive committed to makoutreach, along ing sure each of the with low barrier residents of these pathways to perencampments has manent housing somewhere safe (not shelter). to go upon their The U.S. Jusforced displacetice Department ment from the only recently submitviable place they ted a statement have found to stay of interest on in the city.

Homeless individuals heating food at Camp Watergate in November soon behalf of people Many people who after the city started trying to clear the camp. | PHOTO COURTESY BY MARIAM BAKSH experiencing stay outside, in enhomelessness in campments or other locations, do so because they are eiBoise, Idaho, who were convicted of violating an antither unable or afraid to sleep in emergency shelters. They camping ordinance, stating, “Criminally prosecuting often can’t access shelter because D.C. shelters don’t althose individuals for something as innocent as sleeping, low couples or people with pets, or the shelters are full to when they have no safe, legal place to go, violates their capacity, which was the case almost every night in for the constitutional rights … [and is] poor public policy. Needpast few months in the women’s shelters in D.C. lessly pushing homeless individuals into the criminal jusBut many of them are also too afraid to stay in the tice system does nothing to break the cycle of poverty city-run shelters because they are chaotic, crime-ridden or prevent homelessness in the future … and it can have and often dangerous. The vast majority of those who are long-lasting and devastating effects on individuals’ lives.” staying in these encampments tell horror stories about And the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develtheir experiences in emergency shelter and far prefer the opment has made anti-criminalization efforts a factor in sense of peace, safety and community they have found in its process for awarding homeless prevention grants this encampments like the one described above. year. D.C. may also face legal liability due to the proximThe mayor has tried to ensure that some of the people ity of the action to hypothermic weather and the lack of in the Watergate encampment will be placed in housing, assurances that each person will have a safe place to go. but this is not the case for everyone staying there – or When no less than the nation’s top prosecutors and for those in the other encampments Bowser has pledged other federal agencies are arguing against criminalizing to shut down. Some aren’t ready to go into housing yet sleeping in public, it would be wise for the District to sit because they need some time to trust the person offering up and take notice. If Bowser truly wants her legacy to the housing. Some haven’t been offered anything except include ending chronic homelessness, then forcing people a bed in one of the shelters that caused them to flee to leave the only safe place they’ve found to stay without to the streets in the first place. If they won’t or can’t offering them housing options, and destroying all of their go into shelter, these people will remain on the street. belongings in the process, is not the way to go about it.

But once the encampments are dismantled, they will not We strongly recommend that the mayor place a moratoonly be without their lifesaving tent, blankets and other rium on the razing of homeless encampments until each personal possessions to protect them from the freezing homeless resident is assessed for and offered appropriate temperatures; they will be without the supportive comhousing or shelter in which they are willing to reside. To munity they’ve built. that end, the mayor must ensure that the conditions and Some former encampment residents might also be staysafety of emergency shelters are improved significantly so ing on the street with a new barrier to housing in their that the street is never a safer option than a D.C.-funded pocket – a criminal record. D.C. regulations forbid people and -operated homeless shelter. from setting up a “camp or temporary place of abode” without the permission of the mayor, which she clearly is Ann Marie Staudenmaier is a staff attorney at the withholding. The offense is punishable by a fine, but if, as Washington Legal Clinic.

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.

The Limousine Liberal

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

11

OPINION

By Jeffery Mcneil Vendor/Artist There is a huge disconnect between Beltway elites and the working class, when it comes to asylum for refugees and illegal immigration. Many outside D.C. view left-wing elites as out of touch and clueless. While they clamor for taking in Syrian refugees and loosening immigration regulations, they’re not sacrificing anything to welcome these refugees. They are quick to chastise anyone with concerns about illegal immigrants and refugees, but there are no refugees or illegal immigrants living in their gated communities. It's easy to be self-righteous about immigration reform and taking in refugees when your job isn't being undercut by cheap illegal labor, and your schools, hospitals and communities aren't being flooded with illegal immigrants. While liberals accuse others of being xenophobic, I wonder what sacrifices they made to be welcoming to poor immigrants. Americans are not anti-

immigrant, they are pissed off because we have ineffective leaders who for 30 years have been reluctant to resolve this issue because of the political implications.

Wanting to have a safe secure border does not make you a racist.

We are endlessly told by politicians and elites that our debt is crippling our sovereignty. We can't continue spending for the poor here in America. Then you see these same politicians that won't spend a dime to build a road or bridge in America, send billions of dollars building infrastructure to Middle Eastern countries, who smile in our face but stab us in the backs, harboring radical jihadists who want to destroy us. Then these elites have the arrogance to wonder why the middle class is in revolt and rallying behind Donald Trump.

I’ve never been critical of humanitarians and activists that are on the front lines putting their lives and bodies on the line to help others. I know a real liberal when I see one, but today they no longer exist. When I think of real liberals, I think of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy, who not only talked of a benevo-

lent society but were men of the people.

They tried to build coalitions and bring people together, not divide people by demonizing those who disagreed with them.

Today, liberalism has lost its core.

There are no Dr. Kings, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.s, or Marion Barrys, people that knew how to persuade rather than demonize others who didn’t share their point of view. What you have today is limousine liberals, people more concerned about their social status than humanity. These people are quick to tell you how hateful, racist, and selfish you are, while never sacrificing anything themselves.

I have more respect for real conservatives such as the Koch brothers and Rand Paul, who put their money where their mouths are, helping black colleges, as well as donating to hospitals and funding cancer patients. In comparison to media blowhards like Mika Brzezinski, Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow, who constantly whine about how good they are while everyone else is cold and callous about humanity. I have had enough of limousine liberals. These people are the most hate-

filled, hypocritical people on earth. They act like they are the only people that care about clean air, clean water and humanity. But you’ll discover they use situations such as Syrian refugees as a prop to push their one-world multiculturalist agenda.

The next time you see one of these limousine liberals demand that others welcome Syrian refugees and illegal immigrants, the networks should have a disclaimer, to see if these revolutionaries of privilege are putting any personal capital behind the rhetoric. I’m curious if moralists such as if Maddow and Brzezinski who love to tell others what they ought to do are opening their homes to make room for Syrian refugees in their neighborhoods and communities.

It's easy to be liberal with other people's lives and money. However, what capital are they risking to help others? People sacrifice when they see those who can afford to help, take the lead.

Jeffery Mcneil is a frequent writer and columnist for Street Sense.

Bridging D.C.’s Digital Divide Is About More Than Internet Access

By Kushaan Shah “The Internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity.” These were the words of Pr e s i d e n t B a r a c k Obama during his announcement in Oklahoma of a new government initiative called ConnectHome. Building partnerships with private sector organizations like Google and leveraging the existing programs of non-profits, ConnectHome is a revolutionary government initiative to help low-income citizens get affordable Internet access for little to no cost.

As a society transformed by online information, on-call applications and social media, the Internet is now slowly becoming a new means of survival. Giving Internet access to a greater part of our population can help more individuals integrate into a society, address some of the greater challenges that come with accessing jobs and current events and reduce the digital divide, or the opportunity gaps that exist between those that do and do not have access to the Internet. Many internet applications, specifically on social media, can be psychologically beneficial:

They can help build our self-esteem, help us become more comfortable with selfexpression and help us build and sustain more relationships.

So why does a digital divide still exist?

Why are there so many people still not using the Internet when the government is giving more funding and opportunities to do so? If programs like Connect DC can give people six months of free internet, what is the barrier?

According to a recent study by Pew Research, availability and expense accounted for less than 25 percent of people who didn’t use the Internet. More than two-thirds of non-users reported digital discomfort, or a frustration with navigating the Internet. With the complexity of something like an e-mail or Twitter, many choose to remain offline and miss out on the complementary opportunities.

We can’t stop at access and possession when it comes to getting our community members online – bridging the digital divide means understanding how the disconnected perceive the usability and relevance of the Internet.

So what can we do to help reduce the digital divide in DC? For one, we can volunteer. Many li-

braries and nonprofits look to bring in volunteers and teach classes for those experiencing frustration with computer literacy. The Arlington Central Library, Anacostia Library and other D.C. Public Library branches have many open slots for classes that aren’t currently offered; for example, if you have a skill in a social media application or want to teach individuals rudimentary email skills, the libraries offer a wide variety of options to get involved. In addition, organizations like LIFT enable you to be a community advocate to help low-income individuals find jobs online. Many traditional nonprofits also open up options to create new volunteer opportunities – ask them how you can help teach computer skills!

Second, we can create awareness.

Something as simple as sharing Internet use success stories or tweeting about solutions for the “#digitaldivide” can be instrumental in helping get more individuals educated about the digital divide – and more disconnected individuals interested in learning more. While awareness leads to more advocacy and higher demand for new programs, awareness can also have a psychological impact on motivation.

Seeing a success story, especially from

someone with a similar background or situation, can help increase motivation for those who feel the Internet may be a waste of time or has no relevance to their personal challenges.

Finally, we can donate. There are many ways your dollar can help more and more D.C. residents get online. Donating to an organization like Byte Back or Uplift DC, which both provide computer training for lower-income residents, can be effective in turning computer literacy into economic opportunity. For people who don’t have time to volunteer and care deeply about reducing the digital divide, donations are a valuable way to channel our ambitions into impact.

At the end of the day, we need to not only give others access, but to give them a reason and an opportunity. It won’t always be convenient. It won’t always be easy.

But we don’t need to reduce the digital divide as a society because it’s convenient or easy. We need to because it’s right.

Kushaan Shah is founder of a nonprofit Social Rise, focused on improving digital literacy and teaching social media to empower disadvantaged community members.

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.

AFTER KATRINA: A Ten-Year Rollercoaster, Part 9

By Gerald Anderson, Vendor/Artist

PREVIOUSLY: By washin’ cars, I reach out, talkin’ with people. Ifind out who run the hood with the drugs.. I say to myself, Man, this car look like a doughboy (rich drug dealer) car. I get acquainted with him and ask him, “Who be selling crack?” After tryin’ out a sample of the guy’s product, I tell him, I give it a 7 out of 10. And I tell him, “Most dealers product don’t like yours do. With yours, when I drop it on a plate, dust come from it, like powder.” I go to share it with my homegirl and tell her, “I just met one of the DC supposedto-be kingpin. His product ain’t really all that but I’m willin’ to share with you.” We got high and I told her I wanna go out and make some money. She told me be careful, don’t go gettin’ in trouble...

I was movin’ around, meetin’ more people, good and bad. There a certain direction I always went, and I see a lot of addicts, lookin’ like heroin, crack, alcohol users.

I was really curious. So I stopped one day and a guy asked me, “Can I help you.

You need something?”

I say “Nah, I just stopped to see if there’s a hose so I can get some water in my carwash bucket.” I couldn’t tell him why I really stopped, which was to find out did they have crack in that area so I could get high. I didn’t know who he was.

It looked like a real rough area. For me bein’ the person I am and how I come up I wasn’t scared, I was just scared of my money getting taken.

If I tell him what I’m lookin’ for and I give him my money and he don’t come back, I’d be really mad. I overheard him tell another guy, “The dude might be an informer.” He didn’t know I overheard him—I got mad because I don’t like anyone callin’ me a law enforcement.

I told him, “Excuse me Home, can I talk to you for a minute?”

He said, “Sure. What’s up?”

I said, “Don’t think I’m police. I heard what you told your friend and that really low-graded me.”

He said, “Man I wasn’t talkin’ about you.”

PERCEPTION OR REALITY: People Too

By Robert Williams, USMC Vendor/Artist

Lila! First of all, hello to you my little miniature princess who scoots excellently past Starbucks at 18th and N Streets every day. It’s always a pleasure to see you. I try to wait and watch as you scoot across to daycare or school. Perhaps, one day, do you think you can teach me to ride a scooter as well as you?

You­­—and your parents—are very smart and intelligent. I know your parents are very proud of you. You al-ready attend events and participate in advocacy with them. Keep your eyes open through life, be obedient to your parents and always continue to listen and learn.

Shout out to you little princess! I have to thank you. The first time I met you, my spirits were down and you and your authentic smile lifted them and made me smile too.

Hello to my big little guys and other little princesses who pass by, smile, and have conversations or just wave to me too. I’ll keep making dollar bills amazingly come from behind your ears or pigtails if you all keep doing well in school! Great job to my miniature buddies who in the evenings have accepted the job of ensuring that the grownups make it home.

It is uplifting to have your smile returned. Though smiles and yawns are generally known to be contagious, persons thought to be unstably housed or homeless often don’t experience this.

At least not from most adults, who should be setting the example for all these young people. Fortunately, I have a lot of

faithful readers who break that stereotype.

Thank you for treating us as people.

Daily, I frequent that Starbucks. The staff has changed in the last six months, yet they remain the most profes-sional, courteous, customer-conscious and generally caring people. Unlike most institutions, they realize that homeless are people too. I encourage you to stop in and say hello to Eden, Mariah and the rest of the wonderful crew there.

Nando’s is another must-stop at 18th in the middle of M and N Streets NW. Another service institution with re-al people, and good management. You’re greeted at the door by some of the best greeters in the city, Destiny and Nae. The cashiers, the cooks and the guys on the grill are awesome too. Say hello to Rasheeda, Kierra, Ja-elynn and Steven when you stop in to enjoy some great food.

And if you ever need a seat, just look for me. Everyone usually leaves a few seats between them and housing-insecure people.

Street Sense vendors are people too.

And we are not panhandlers, we are working. That being said, panhan-dlers are people too. Panhandling is not illegal, and they are deserving of the same respect you receive and give. They have the same entitlement to the Bill of Rights and Constitution, don’t you think?

If so, begin to lift your voice in their defense. Greet a homeless person today. Greet a Street Sense vendor. Have you wished Shernell Thomas Happy Birthday yet?

I said, “C’mon I heard you say the dude with the bucket.”

He say, “Where you from?”

I say, “I’m from the Dirty South.”

He say, “What’s the Dirty South?”

I say, “I’m from New Orleans, man.”

While I’m talking to him, I see a lot of transactions goin’ on. Cars pullin’ up. Look like the type of womens I’m lookin’ for.

He say, “You like her? I can hook you up if you wanna.”

I say, “No, I got a old lady.”

He say, “Where you stayin’ at?”

I say, “Over by the flagpole in the projects.”

He said, “How long you been around here?”

I say, “Man, you askin’ too many questions. That’s the thing the police be askin’.”

He say, “Big Easy, you don’t need to be that hard on me. I been locked up in the Fed with some of your homeboys.”

So that’s when I knew he was trying to persuade me to open up to him.

I told him, “If you think you know me, you know what I’m lookin’ for.”

He say, “No, you may be lookin’ for that girl with the shorts on.”

I say, “No I’m tryin to get a good connect.”

He say, “A good connect on what?”

I tell him, “Dope, heroin, or crack cocaine; it doesn’t matter.”

He say, “It look like you tryin’ to buy the city.”

I say, “No, I got a lot homeboys and girls tryin’ to get medicine. I’m tryin’ to be the man that get it for them.”

He say, “You got the man right here.

I’m gonna call my man. He be here in 10 or 15 minutes.”

So I called my homeboys and girls told them, “I think I struck gold!”

But I didn’t stop to think where all this gold goin’ to lead me. (to be continued) My book, “Still Standing: How an ExCon Found Salvation in the Floodwaters of Katrina,” is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle form.

Something With a Future Do You Hear that Black

By Patty Smith, Vendor/Artist Snake Moan, Like I do?

The year I went to the army, I had made it through business school and was doing some temporary assignments. Since I had gone to school to be a legal or medical secretary, my Aunt Ruth wanted more for me.

Ruth and my mom had worked at a steel mill. They were union workers. Ever since the age of 16, I had been doing some kind of afterschool work - even after I had graduated from high school to Bradford Business School and Blue Cross.

When it came time to do temp work, I was satisfied. But Ruth thought I could do better than that. One early morning she said “look for something with a future to it.” It was winter. I ended up going to the Army reserves’ office. Even though I had really wanted to join the Air Force, because their uniforms were nice and blue.

Today blue is still my favorite color. The recruiter talked me into joining the Army.

“You will have to lose 10 pounds,” he said.

So I started jogging. When test time came, I scored high. Next thing I knew, I was saying goodbye to my family and in the army.

By Chris Shaw “The Cowboy Poet” When my eyes squeeze shut That swanny moon blazes In my brain pan My ears ring with the buzzin’ Guitars of Ikey ren–rutAnd the black snake moans.

When the oily mud splashed And the heavy rain drops Went plash–plash–plash At that time I was completely free Then I listened for the screech of hounds The leg irons clamped on me And the black snake moaned.

Now released, but no longer at liberty, I roam your trash-strewn byways, Yearning for the sixty-one hic-cup But afraid of the law love Shaw The lawless crown knows the game I’m a pawn, who cannot evoke the Mighty name of the Black snake who moans For me.

Homelessness in a Democracy

By Michael Craig, Vendor/Artist

Is it a democracy or a dollar-ocracy? Are the principles of democracy compatible with the principles of capitalism?

If not, could the gap be a factor in the inequality of the distribution of wealth?

Within our politico-economic structure lies the capacity and availability for the eradication of homelessness. So to all who say they care: what’s the hold up?

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

13

VENDOR WRITING

Rain

On Rain

By Ken Martin, Vendor/Artist I can’t stand the rain Outside my window.

And no, I don’t wish it would rain.

I am not gonna lay back, And groove on this rainy day.

Because right now there are, Torrential storms in my life.

My shelter of loving arms is leaking buckets, Of rain. My pockets are hemorrhaging dollars.

My heart bleeds from memories of “happy days,” ILLUSTRATION BY CYNTHIA MEWBORN

Trouble Storms of Life

Susies Always Come in the Rain

In the rain.

When it rains, sometimes it makes the day go very slowly. Even though we’re out there trying to make the day a blessing.

I would think some of my customers over at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill know of me. I have been troubled with drugs for many years, since the age of 13.

God has saved and blessed me in the days to come! I have been clean for 13 years.

I always tell my friends to keep me in their prayers every day.

PS - Every day is a blessed day!

A variety of wise people with purposes come to me in the rain. The rain is full of Susies. Susies are women with bad intentions. They come straight at me, lots of times with news.

“Good news?" asked Susie. “Is that what you like?” They always ask what you like. They always have many things to give me—“since you’ve had a hard time,” as Susies say.

Susies always come in the rain. One, since it is raining pretty hard today, had something to give me. I asked, “What is it that you have to give that is worth money, Susie?” She said, “I have a whole bunch of wise sayings, which are combinations of truth and sad news.”

“Are the truths put together with the sad news to eliminate the sadness?” I asked.

“No, said Susie. "A girl is leaving

The drops are falling down,

By Leon Valentine, Vendor/Artist

Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away

By Shernell Thomas, Vendor/Artist

Living in America, many people take water for granted. One example is they run water from hydrants for kids to play in during the summer months.

In Bermuda, rain is the main source of water for consumption, bathing, and cooking. Without rain, we have to purchase water from a water company.

America is fortunate to have an abundance of clean water. Many countries have impurities in their water; those citizens have to buy drinking water.

In Bermuda, homes are built with limestone, which is cut precisely in equal sizes. The roofs are made of slender pieces of stone covered with limestone.

Limestone is designed to purify the rain water so that impurities are eliminated as the rainwater travels along the gutters, down into a huge tank under each house.

Without rain in Bermuda, life would be devastating, because rain is so vital a requirement for sustaining a healthy life on my island of Bermuda.

By Debbie Brantley, Vendor/Artist

camp, and it is sad.”

“So she won’t be back to talk to me?"

I asked. 'Is what you are saying, blackeyed Susan?” Another Susie with bad hopes and grievous temperaments that are solid cubes.

In the rain, men also come to bear news. “No news today,” said one of the Thomases. They are called Thomases because they doubt everything “in a red ring of sadness.” I guess this is the famous ring of fire.

Three things or people have come on my way today. The red ring of sadness (also known as the ring of fire), the Susies, and the Thomases. Together these equal good times beyond measure. And I am in a good mood today, as long as the day is long, to quote a proverb. I can write about proverbs. It is wise.

Rain

By Ronald Turner, Vendor/Artist Rain is water that comes from the clouds and feeds the grass and the birds of the sky.

People need rain. The body is made up from 95 percent water. People need water to take a bath and to cook food.

I like to sleep in the rain—but only when I’m inside—where I can look at the TV, listen to the raindrops on the roof, and watch my TV shows, like “Let’s Make a Deal.”

The rhythm of rain gives me blues,

Likewise run my tears, With my spirit close behind.

ILLUSTRATION BY LARRY KELLY

I Will Never Leave or Forsake You

By Leonard C. Hyater Jr. Vendor/Artist When you’re sick and feeling down, I am with you.

When you’re in need of help, I am with you.

Rain

By Clarence Williams, Vendor When it rains outise, I feel like relaxing, listening to music, and watching all of my favorite Food Network shows. I also feel like doing some heavy cooking to practice my recipes, when it is raining outside. I want to keep my cooking skills up to par while doing something productive with my day.

See my Rainy Day Recipe on StreetSense.org!

When you’re in troubles and there’s no hope, I am with you.

When your family and friends turn their backs on you, I am with you.

When you feel that the whole world is against you, I will never leave you or forsake you.

No matter what, I will be always with you.

Has

s his eye

!

e z i r p e on th be (to

con

t

d) inue

Thank You Catholic University

By Scott Lovell Vendor/Artist

I am very thankful as a Street Sense vendor to meet all types of people.

This is one of my favorite groups I am thankful for this year: The Catholic University College Ministries. They are a group of students that go on food runs once a week to feed the homeless. The university's dinning services donates 60 hot meals and water to the homeless each week.

Dan Pezzola is one of the students that comes out each week. He started going out on food runs his first semester at CUA, and has been doing it every since. He says he fell in love with it, even though he did it to get some time off campus. Last year, he became a student leader . He said that was an honor to him. He said one of his friends was me. He met me at the Farragut North Metro stop. He said I was one of those people that could hold a conversation for hours to talk about sports, politics, news, life, and homelessness. We have begun an amazing relationship. He says I am one of the reasons he keeps coming back. He sees me there rain or shine. I always have a smile on my face.

He says I am like a celebrity at the Metro, since many people who pass by grab a paper.

He says I have an impact on everyone he talks to. And that I make sure to speak to all the students on the food run. He said he is truly blessed that his school gave him the opportunity to meet people like me on the streets. He said he thanks God every day for the opportunity to meet people like me and people on the street. It has definitely made an impact on the way he lives.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to meet people like Dan and the other students on the food run.

15

STREET SENSE December 2 - 15, 2015

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

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

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

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

Catholic Charities: 772-4300 catholiccharitiesdc.org/gethelp

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

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

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

CELEBRATING SUCCESS! Welcome to Street Sense

By Sybrette Jenkins, Vendor/Artist

Becoming a Street Sense vendor has been a great experience, learning a new job and understanding more about service providers in the city. It really opens my eyes being a homeless D.C. resident.

My mother didn’t live to see me make a change, but I did! R.I.P mother.

I will always remember where I come from, like I learned coming up in D.C. and growing up in D.C. public schools. We fight here against poverty, against being houseless. So please care and help provide. I am homeless. I’m counting on you!

Samaritan Ministry: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What A Year

By Evelyn Nnam, Vendor/Artist What a year it has been.

It’s coming to that time where we close out 2015 with a bang and kick. So many memories and times we have shared with ourselves, families, co-workers, peers, friends, and even strangers.

It’s time to think about all the good, bad, and the ugly. Our mistakes and the right that we’ve done.

What a year it has been.

From snowy days in January, Valentine’s Day and

President’s Day... To days where spring bloomed with beautiful flowers and a lot of rainy days in March through May. Scorching summer sun stayed with us all the way until October. We’ve had a couple of cold and freezing days since then. But for the most part we have had enough warmth where we can just wear sweaters and call it a day.

November passed by fast and December has it.

Hopefully it will be filled with snowy days, moments with children, friends, family and co-workers. Christmas will be jolly and New Year’s will be incredible.

Finish this year out strong with your head held high!

Consider Contributing to Street Sense!

# 28233

United Way NCA Designation Code

United Way of the National Capital Area

# 8871

PHOTOS BY HENRIEESE ROBERTS

LAST WORD: HEAL OUR DREAMS!

By Henrieese Roberts, Vendor/Artist

VENDOR MEMORIAL: MURIEL DIXON

By Michael Jackson, Vendor/Artist

Muriel, you surely will be missed by an array of people. Especially your friend Michael Jackson, whom you helped through the good and the bad. Even though we did not agree on everything, you did get to see me sober and clean. I recall the times when we were both homeless, you would let me stay in the comfort of those twenty blankets you had stashed. Even though you had a nice home to go to, you would sleep outside. One thing for sure, when you did get your own apartment you would invite the homeless over for a weekend to be fed, wash their clothes,

shower, and just be in a comfortable environment. You had a passion to cook Sunday meals and take them to various parks and feed the homeless.

Before passing, Muriel was a student at UDC to become a social worker because of the needs of the homeless in this city. Muriel also was a Street Sense vendor for about a year and an advocate for the homeless.

Your memories will always be in my heart, Muriel. May you rest in peace, my friend. May God comfort you in His everlasting love.

December 2 - 15, 2015 • Volume 13 • Issue 2

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.

On Sunday, November 22 I attended a rally for Tamir Rice, one of the hundreds of children killed by police. The rally was at the Baltimore City Hall.

On Friday, November 27 I attended a Soul Luncheon at St. Mark’s Church in “Bmore” with a group of homeless advocates. After enjoying the lunch and fellowship, I was easily able to go to 1700 Mount Street where the Freddy Gray Mural is located. The mural was painted by artist Justin Nethercut. Nethercut was assisted by activist J.C. Faulk. I met J.C. and heard him speak at Tamir’s rally last Sunday.

A young man who carried my suitcase down all the subway stairs as I traveled

to Mount Street was asked by me what he thought the outcome of the Freddy Gray trial would be. He said we will wait and see.

“We know how they are; they just look out for themselves.”

The trial of Officer William G. Porter, one of the six officers responsible for the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, began jury selection on Monday November 30, according to the New York Times.

After arriving at Mount Street, and taking the mural pictures, I especially admired the “Heal Our Dreams” mural where I met Terrance Rhodes, who helped me see the mural more clearly!