12 24 2008

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December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Where the poor and homeless December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2008

earn and give their two cents

D STE GE ON G S U N AT I DO

Volumbe 6 Issue 4

No Room At The Inn A vigil to keep memories alive, Page 4

funlittle blurb about the story Page 3 First and second graders share their thoughts on homelessness, Page 8

Limited Space and Persistent Demand Keep Homeless Families in Waiting Room Limbo, page 5

Help Street Sense Reach One Million! See page 3 for details.

Street Sense vendors share their New Year’s resolutions , Page 14

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S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Our Mission

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristal DeKleer Ted Henson Mary Lynn Jones Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops David Walker Kathy Whelpley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Thompson Osuri EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Mary Otto VENDOR MANAGER Lindsey Clark ASSOCIATE EDITOR David S. Hammond (volunteer)

VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS Sherry Antoine, Laura Arico, Robert Basler, Robert Blair, Cliff Carle, Jane Cave, Rebecca Curry, RickDahnke, Jessia Gaitan, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Carol Hannaford, Justin Herman, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Kayne Karnbach, Michael Kelly, MauriceKing, Geof Koss, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Gregory Martin, Starlett McNeill, Kim O’Connor, Gabriel Okolski, Robert Orifici, Swinitha Osuri, Michael O’Neill, Jon Pattee, Katinka Podmankzy, Sarah Pope, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Jesse Smith, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Francine Triplett, Eugene Versluysen, Jerry W., Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu VENDORS Willie Alexander, Jake Ashford, Kenneth Belkowskly, Tommy Bennett, Reginald Black, Corey Bridges, Bobby Buggs, Cliff Carle, Conrad Cheek Jr., Louise Davenport, James Davis, Bernard Dean, Muriel Dixon, Patrick Ebitit, Alvin Dixon El, Randy Evans, Tanya Franklin, Barron Hall, David Harris, Patricia Henry, Phillip Howard, Jo Ann Jackson, Michael Jefferson, Patricia Jefferson, Carlton Johnson, Jewell Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, Brenda Karyl LeeWilson, James Lott, Robert McCray, August Mallory, Gregory Martin, Charles Mayfield, Lee Mayse, Jennifer Mclaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, L. Morrow, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Moyo Onibuje, Thomas Queen, Raymond Ragland, Kevin Robinson, Tyrone Rogers,, Franklin Sterling, Sybil Taylor, Eric Thompson, Francine Triplett, Carl Turner, Jerry W., Martin Walker, LawlessWatson, Wendell Williams, Ivory Wison

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

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

After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies.For the next three years the paper published consistently on a monthly basis and greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network.

For the first year, Street Sense operated as a

project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space.

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

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

A year later in November 2006 , the organization hired its first vendor coordinator, and began partnering with several service providers.

In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month and to support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first fulltime editor–in–chief in April.

As of November 2008 the paper has 80 active vendors and prints more than 30,000 issues each month.

Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year?

Order a subscription today!

Not only will you receive 26 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also help raise awareness about poverty in the D.C. area. ___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 26 issues. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ________________________________ Name: _______________________________ Address: ______________________________ _____________________________________ City:__________________________________ State:__________________ Zip: __________ Phone: _______________________________ E-mail: _______________________________ Please make checks payable to Street Sense.

Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Thanks for your support!

We are proud members of: North American Street Newspaper Association

International Network of Street Papers

Vendor Code of Conduct 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I agree to stay a block away from each another vendor and respect the space of all vendors.

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

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

WISHING ALL OUR 2008 DONORS HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR! Thank You!

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

In Other News

By Carol Cummings

Settlement to Make District Homeless Shelters More Accessible A settlement agreement between the District of Columbia and the United States Department of Justice calls for a multimillion dollar comprehensive plan to ensure that all District homeless shelters are accessible to the disabled within five years.

The settlement, announced Dec. 12 by the District’s Attorney General Peter J. Nickles, has been designed to resolve the department’s review of the accessibility of the District’s Homeless Shelter Program under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to a January 2008 survey conducted by a contractor who administers the District’s Shelter Program, 23 % of the District’s homeless residents have a physical disability, 19% have a severe mental illness, and 2% have HIV or AIDS. “This settlement represents the District’s commitment to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities

The District looks forward to input from the community to creating a comprehensive plan.

Act and sends a strong message to the disabled community that the District of Columbia will make every effort to ensure that the District’s Homeless Shelter Program is equally accessible for disabled consumers,” Nickles said.

“The District looks forward to input from the community in creating a comprehensive plan for our Homeless Shelter Program to address all the concerns identified in the settlement agreement with the Department.”

District Parking Rate Increase to Support Poverty Programs Rates at D.C. parking meters will go up beginning in early 2009, with an increase from $1 to $2 per hour downtown and an increase of 25 cents for 50 cent-per-hour meters elsewhere. The money raised will be targeted for housing programs like the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), and rental subsidies.

The emergency legislation, approved by the D.C. City Council on Dec. 16, is targeted at raising new revenue to help replace funds for several housing programs for the poor and homeless that were frozen last month to close a budget gap.

New York City Amps Up Housing Search for Homeless Veterans With an estimated 1,200 homeless veterans on the streets of New York nightly, the city is taking steps to prevent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, returning in the midst of a recession, from ending up on the streets.

So far, the city has spent $2.3 million to remodel a veterans’ shelter in Queens with cubicle style housing, and given $14.8 million to build two new apartment buildings within a mile of James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx that will break ground next month. The city is currently seeking approval to transform empty annex buildings at a veterans’ medical center in the suburb of Montrose into 96 units of two-year transitional housing. “There is a lot to suggest that what New York is doing is really setting the standard,” said Rosanne Haggerty whose group Common Ground, which launched supportive housing, is working on the Montrose project.

New York has also taken steps, not done by any other city, by integrating the city’s Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out Project Torch, where veterans pursue short-and long-term housing as well as other services such as medical care, food, and hygiene.

Washington is paying attention to the steps that New York is taking in hopes to copy the successful projects nationwide.

Afghanis t an Defeats Russia in Homeless World Cup Amongst a crowd of thousands at Melbourne’s Federation Square, the Afghan team defeated the Russian team, 5-4, in the final game of the sixth annual Homeless World Cup. The cup, held on Dec. 6 in Melbourne, Australia, brought together homeless soccer players from

You have shown that working together we can create real, lasting change.

56 countries. The first Homeless World Cup hosted teams from 18 nations in Graz, Austria and since has been played in Sweden, Scotland, South Africa, and Denmark. The 2009 tournament will be held in Milan, Italy.

“Thank you Melbourne, thank you Australia,” Mel Young, the tournament’s founder, said as he presented the championship trophy to the Afghan players.

“You have shown that working together we can create real, lasting change. Together we can end homelessness. It is everyone’s game. And are you watching world? This is the way that sport and football can be played. This is the spirit of fair play.”

According to research conducted during the tournament, 94% of players claim to have a renewed motivation for life, while 7% report ridding themselves of drug and alcohol addictions, moving into homes, obtaining jobs, education and training, or repairing relationships since becoming involved in homeless soccer tournaments. On the same day, Zambia won 7-1 over Liberia in the first homeless women’s final, also held at Federation Square.

Help Us Reach 1,000,000 After five years, 84 issues, hundreds of vendors, and thousands of eye opening news stories and thoughtful editorials, Street Sense is just a few short months away from publishing its one millionth newspaper. One million newspapers - this also means at least $1 million in the pockets of homeless vendors!

This is an exciting milestone, indeed. But we aren’t there yet. Right now we have printed about 900,000 newspapers, but to print the next 100,000 we need the support of very reader. To help Street Sense continue being the place where “the Washington area’s poor and homeless give and earn their two cents” we are looking to raise 1,000,000 cents for each year of Street Sense.

I will donate:

My Information:

___ $10 - The minimum regular reader donations.

Name:__________________________________________________

___ $50 - $10 for each year of Street Sense.

Address:________________________________________________

___ $84 - $1 for each issue of Street Sense.

City/State/Zip:__________________________________________

___ $221 - $1 for each mile that every copy of Street

Phone:___________________E–mail:_______________________

Sense would cover.

Please make checks payable to Street Sense.

Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

___ $480 - $1 for every vendor ever with Street Sense. ___ $1500 - For printing one issue (15,000 newspapers) ___ Another amount of $____________ ___ Another amount of $_______ for vendor: _________

Street Sense is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization.

All donations are tax deductible.

You can also donate via credit card and set up reoccurring donations at www.streetsense.org

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S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

By Mary Otto The candles for the vigil would not light in the bitter wind.

So it was in the darkness that a crowd of friends and strangers gathered outside Union Station to read the names of 52 local residents who died while homeless over the past year.

Among those remembered was Orin Andrus, a former Street Sense vendor who left the paper last summer and was later found dead on 11th and G Streets NW. No further details were available about the cause of his death.

Andrus was remembered as a “gentle giant” who stood six feet five inches tall.

His friends recalled his love of gardening and flowers, and his deep faith.

For the past 19 years, National Homeless Persons’ Memorial events, have been observed on Dec. 21, the first night of winter and the longest night of the year.

This local observance was one of 95 vigils held in 42 states and the District of Columbia, according to organizer Michael O’Neill of the National Coalition for the Homeless, a sponsor of the event.

The memorials, organized by community shelters, healthcare providers and advocacy groups. typically include candlelight vigils, the reading of names of people who have died, proclamations by local public officials, marches, public discussions and prayer services. In the District, this year’s vigil was marked by testimonials, reminiscences, poems and songs.

The frigid night seemed a fitting reminder of the pain of living without shelter, said one speaker, City Council Member Tommy Wells. He made reference to the city’s looming budget gap, and its possible impact on poverty pro-

It’s truly only due to the grace of God you won’t be hearing my name.

-- Steven Thomas, homeless advocate

grams. The city council has already frozen some funds intended for housing and homeless programs for the coming year.

“We are facing major budget cuts and losses of funding,” Wells said. “It’s good that it is cold to remind us what people feel when they are homeless.”

Some in the crowd offered personal reflections upon their own lives in homelessness.

“It’s truly only due to the grace of God you won’t be hearing my name,” said homeless advocate Steven Thomas, who said his own life was saved by a doctor who reached out to him when he was sleeping on the street more than a year ago.

“He asked if I would allow him to help me,” Thomas remembered. The doctor was from Unity Health Care, a federally qualified health center that provides care to the city’s homeless through clinics in shelters, health center and an outreach van.

Serious health problems and flaws in the health care system contribute to bankruptcy, job loss and homelessness, experts say. And chronic mental and physical illnesses, which often go untreated or unmanaged amid homelessness, can deepen the suffering of indigent people. The life expectancy of a homeless person is less than 50 years, according to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

In spite of work by local health care organizations including Unity, disabling conditions remain highly prevalent among the more than 4,000 adults included in the 2008 enumeration of the District’s homeless. In the annual survey, 22% reported a severe mental illness, 23% a chronic health problem and nearly 17% said they had a disability.

The annual reading of the names of the homeless people who have died during the year is an annual reminder not only of the fragility of lives on the streets, but also in the shelters, said Mary Ann Luby, of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.

“This is the darkest night and it points to the darkest thing in our society. The darkest thing in the society is homelessness.”

Looking for a past story or poem?

Check out the Street Sense online archives!

Visit www.streetsense.org/archives.jsp to read past issues or use our internal search engine at www.streetsense.org

Mary Otto/Street sense

Vigil Memorializes Homeless Lives Lost

Street Sense vendor Francine Triplett and the National Coalition for the Homeless’ Michael O’Neill read the names of those homeless people that died in the D.C. area in 2008.

Homeless Deaths in 2008

Orin Andrus, former Street Sense Vendor

Washington, DC Luis Admore Darnell Alston Orin Andrus Eric Barber Larry Barnes James Lee Carter Charles Cole Ms. Costello Karen Ann Crawford Michael Defonzo Margarita Figueroa Charles Ford Miles Frazier Patrice Gbengoue Howard Hall Eugene Hampton Glen Harding

Malcolm Hatchett Freddie Hilton Robert Holly Eddie Hopkins Charles Jackson Ms. Kenley Kevin Madison Antonia Parker Larry Perkins Stephen Prue James Raines Curtis Reed Helen Richardson Eric Robinson Gregory Shea Kenneth Lee Simmons Walter Smith Wilbur Smith Lavona Turner Isaac Umoh George Ward Harold J. Washington Lawrence Watson Robert Wylie Alexandria, VA Sedric Barnes Lawrence Bates David Castle Alfreida Cordero Frank Hubert Lincoln Nguyen James Rector Jackie Rivers Steve Turner

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December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

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Homeless Families Caught in the Crunch

Kesha Hardy, dressed in her uniform for her movie theater job, put a brave face on her panic as she gathered her three small girls around her. She settled into a chair in the crowded waiting room at the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center on Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast Washington.

Just the day before, Hardy and her grandmother had lost their rental home when their landlord was foreclosed upon. After a tearful and unsettled night at the District’s emergency family shelter in the crumbling D.C. General Hospital, Hardy was sent to the resource center to speak with a caseworker. Around her, other parents and children, bags piled at their feet, waited. A Christmas movie on the television could not dispel the downcast mood.

Hardy’s youngest, nine months old, studied her mother’s face with searching eyes. “My little kids don’t know what’s going wrong,” Hardy said.

“All the indicators we now have point to increased family homelessness in many areas of our country,” he said.

Here in the District, officials say, the full impact of the economic downturn still has not been felt. But local advocates are bracing themselves.

“Due to the current economic crisis, the demand for shelter is likely to be the highest we have seen in decades,” Marta Beresin, an attorney with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, told city officials this fall. “Recently, a family we were working with was sleeping in their car.”

For Hardy, even a night’s sanctuary at the emergency family shelter was a triumph of sorts. Vacant rooms are given to families with absolutely nowhere else to go. Others must wait.

“I need a paper that says I am homeless,” said LaDawn Garris. She said she has been staying with her sister for two years, and her children “are having trouble in school. They are sleeping on the floor.”

Foreclosures + Lost Jobs = Homeless Families The housing crisis and the loss of nearly two million jobs this year have compounded the usual troubles that contribute to homelessness – the lack of affordable housing, low-wage jobs, poverty, addiction, disability and domestic violence.

And family homelessness is on the rise across the nation this holiday season, a new report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors has found. Cities including Boston, Charleston, S.C., Charlotte, Denver, Miami, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Portland, Providence, Salt Lake City, and St. Paul have all reported increases, according to the study.

“We would be naïve to believe that the ‘double trouble’ – the mortgage/ foreclosure crisis and job losses – afflicting families across the nation would not result in families losing their housing,” said Phillip Mangano, executive director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, commenting on the findings.

S h e l t e r f o r H o m e l e s s Fa m i l i e s : In Limited Supply Doubling and even tripling up with friends or relatives is common among families awaiting emergency shelter.

In the District, on one recent day, 226 families were on the waiting list, said Jean Hunter, who runs the family resource center.

“I have 35 vacancies,” said Hunter.

“That’s not enough.”

Nearly a third of the 6,000 people in the District’s January 2008 homeless count – a total of 1,836 men, women and children – were members of families. Yet only a small fraction of the emergency beds in D.C.’s Winter Plan – 75 rooms at D.C. General – were allocated for families. And many of them were already occupied when the cold weather began.

By contrast, the plan provided single men with 1,390 emergency beds and single women with 595 emergency beds.

And on the night of Dec. 21, the city’s homeless shelters had more than 120

By Mary Otto

She bundled the three girls into their coats, loaded her bags and her two younger ones back into her stroller, and wordlessly headed back out into the cold. She was one of the lucky ones. She had a room at the shelter.

Mary Otto/Street sense

Limited Space and Persistent Demand Keep DC’s Homeless Families in Waiting-Room Limbo

Allegra Smith, right, and her son, Jabari, 16, haven’t been able to find an affordable apartment.

vacant emergency shelter beds each for single men and single women, according to city statistics. For families there were no vacant rooms.

When asked about the city’s apportionment of shelter beds for families, Laura Zeilinger, deputy director for program operations for the Department of Human Services offered the following statement: “There is a high demand for shelter for families and the District is committed to continuing to assess the need and meet the demand.”

Zeilinger said additional beds are found for families in emergencies even when city statistics report no vacancies.

Beyond the 75 rooms at D.C. General, the city currently has space for roughly 100 families in four other temporary shelter programs.

DC Village, a blighted 115 family shelter, closed last year. Those families were relocated. A new 28-unit emergency family shelter is scheduled to open in January, and a city plan to place 80 homeless families into apartments through a permanent supportive housing program is underway, Zeilinger said.

Additional families are due to be placed in housing through a D.C. Housing Authority rent-supplement program.

The Waiting Room Meanwhile, families continue to turn to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center. The waiting room, with its television, white walls and 23 black chairs, is always full of stories of lives on the edge.

Allegra Smith, mother of two, said she

left her $500-a-month basement apartment due to “unsanitary conditions,” and that she has been unable to find anything else she could afford. Dana, a woman walking with a cane who would not give her last name, said her mother had put her out of the house with her newborn child. She found temporary shelter with a neighbor.

“The neighbor didn’t want me to have the baby outside in the rain.”

Then there was Hardy, her infant on her lap, and her four-year-old daughter entertaining her two-year old.

“We’re gonna be here all day,” sighed Hardy, “I better call my job.”

She quietly dialed the movie theater where she worked to say she might not be able to make her shift.

“I have an emergency,” she said.

Since her grandmother was now staying with another relative, Hardy was not sure what she would do about childcare for her evening shifts.

Then the baby cried hungrily. Hardy attemped to discreetly breastfeed the child. Dana handed her a crocheted baby blanket for privacy. Then Hardy’s caseworker called her in for her interview. The mother gathered up her children and headed down the hall.

When she emerged she had more forms to complete. Finally she tucked her children’s birth certificates into her purse. She bundled the three girls into their coats, loaded her bags and her two younger ones back into her stroller, and wordlessly headed back out into the cold. She was one of the lucky ones. She had a room at the shelter.

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December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Street Politics

By David S. Hammond

Hard times come into focus Remember when the cost of gasoline was the worst headline around? It looks different in the rear-view mirror.

A lot of things have come into focus this fall, and the kind of stories that just look quirky, or that usually hit only the poorest or unluckiest Americans, have become front-page news for everyone.

The household economy Some months back Wal-Mart launched radio ads saying that while families may not be able to control their rising gasoline costs, they can still control their budgets by shopping at Wal-Mart.

It sounded like simply a clever, counterintuitive pitch, but it was a sign of things to come. Consumer spending has declined tremendously, as more and more households cut back and spend more carefully.

And places offering emergency help like food pantries and shelters are reporting increased demand (see cover story, this issue, on family shelter). That means that more people can’t make ends meet.

Stimulus spending – for paychecks, now?

The neediest Americans have always called for both immediate aid and opportunities – a safety net, and chances to climb back up quickly. Now the whole country is talking about providing the same things for major industries and the middle class.

Last winter Congress passed the Economic Stimulus Act, which sent tax rebate checks out to be spent in the consumer economy (or, it was hoped, to pay down debt). And in the presidential campaign, both candidates talked about the potential for “green” technologies to create jobs.

Now public works that could have both a more immediate and a more lasting impact have moved to the center of the national discussion. The idea of “shovel ready” projects is getting around too – meaning projects like roads, energy infrastructure and housing that can immediately produce paychecks and benefit communities, as soon as they receive funding.

I’ve heard more than one Street Sense vendor over the years talk about public works programs, like the ones that put money in people’s pockets during the Depression, and the hope for present-day opportunities to earn a paycheck working on publicly funded projects.

Now the renewed national discussion has cities and states lining up for federal dollars too, lists of “shovel ready” local proposals in hand. That shows the attraction of creating jobs and paychecks right now, instead of in a little while. And that’s something I’ve always heard from homeless people.

And larger trends are at work here, too. The August 2007 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, although laid to design flaws, focused public attention on public infrastructure. And rising unemployment has also pointed to public works spending as a solution.

The entire topic is getting new attention. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been promoting a “Let’s Rebuild America” agenda, expanded from traditional infrastructure concerns to include transportation, energy, water and telecommunications. It calls for public and private infrastructure investment at every level of government, tax policy, new technologies and other strategies.

Public officials, facing budget shortfalls and rising unemployment, are adding their voices to the calls this season for public spending, now, on public works.

The “shovel ready” list would be expensive, and it would not fix everything. But the call for ready work, always heard among unemployed and underemployed people, is spreading.

Word on the street – from Katrina, to today The day the levees broke in New Orleans three years ago, a Street Sense vendor told me the city would be abandoned to its fate. I didn’t disbelieve her, but neither did I know how right she was.

Sometimes, though, the word on the street, even at its worst, turns out to be right.

And sometimes, stories that seem to matter only to a few of us turn out to matter to all of us.

on the hill

Obama Appoints Daschle to Top Health Care Post Over the past few weeks, Presidentelect Barack Obama has begun assembling his cabinet and appointing other senior advisors. The President’s cabinet includes the secretaries, or heads, of different branches of the administration, for example the State Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor, who advise the president and carry out his policies.

Despite these announcements, none of the appointments are official until the nominees are confirmed by a vote in the Senate. A majority of Senators must vote in favor of each candidate before they can be sworn in to their post.

One of President-elect Obama’s recent appointments was Tom Daschle, a former Democratic senator from South Dakota, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as director of a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Throughout his campaign and since being elected, Obama has made clear that one of his administration’s first and most important goals will be to overhaul our nation’s health care system. And according to a Dec. 13 New

York Times article, with his nomination of Daschle, “Mr. Obama made explicit that the reeling economy had not softened his commitment” to providing “affordable, accessible health care for every single American.”

When his appointment was announced, Daschle said, “There is no question that fixing health care is and has been for many years our largest domestic policy challenge. We have the most expensive health care system in the world, but are not the healthiest nation in the world. Our growing costs are unsustainable, and the plight of the uninsured is unconscionable.”

In 2007, there were 45.7 million Americans without health care according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Daschle brings years of Washington experience and knowledge to the Obama team. In 1978, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and became a member of the Senate in 1986, where he served until 2004. He was both Majority and Minority leader of the Senate and since leaving Congress has written a book on health care coverage in the United States called “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.”

FOUNDRY A Reconciling Congregation Invites you to join us in worship on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 AM Homeless Outreach Hospitality: Fridays 9:00 AM

Foundry United Methodist Church

1500 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 332-4010

www.foundryumc.org

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

7

Saving for Change

How to Claim and Keep the Tax Refund You’ve Earned

By Colleen Dailey Do you think of the Internal Revenue Service as your friend?

It’s more likely that the thought of filing your income tax return fills you with anxiety or dread. But would you be surprised to learn that each year, U.S. taxpayers fail to claim about $2 billion dollars income tax refunds they’ve earned? Some taxpayers simply don’t file a tax return, and others who do file make mistakes and don’t claim all the money that they are owed.

Could you or someone you know be missing out on a valuable income tax refund that can help you cover critical expenses during these tough economic times? If so, you should know that free tax assistance is available for incomeeligible workers at convenient locations throughout the D.C. metro area.

You can avoid costly tax preparation fees and take advantage of fast, free electronic tax filing, from late January through April 15, 2009.

How can filing my taxes help me?

The tax code is filled with provisions that exclude certain types of income and activities from taxation, which basically means a bigger paycheck for you. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) rewards work by giving low-wage workers refunds based on their annual income and household size. More than 46,000 D.C. workers claimed the credit in 2005, returning nearly $120 million to their households — with an average refund

of more than $2,400! Yet one of every five or six people who qualifies for the EITC doesn’t claim it — either because they don’t know about it or don’t file their tax returns — potentially losing out on thousands of dollars that they may be owed.

Even if you do not qualify for the EITC, you might still be eligible for a refund if you qualify for other credits or deductions, or because you had too much money taken out of your paychecks during the year. Many people who aren’t required to file should file to get a refund. The only way to know for sure if you are one of these people is to complete your tax forms.

Where can I get free tax help?

The D.C. Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign operates sites throughout the metro area that offer free tax preparation and e-filing services. Individuals with incomes below $22,000 and households with total incomes below $42,000 can get free help completing and filing their tax forms at more than ten locations. Tax forms are prepared quickly and are filed electronically to ensure a quick turnaround time on refunds. Most tax sites are open from late January through April 15. A list of free tax site locations with hours of operation is available at www.dceitc.org or 1-877-SAVE-515.

What’s the catch? How do you offer this great service for free?

The Campaign receives financial support from the District of Columbia

government and several private foundations; operational support is provided by dozens of community partners and more than 600 volunteers who are trained annually to provide this service to the public. Our tax preparers are supervised by experienced tax professionals, and every return is reviewed for accuracy.

If a taxpayer has a complicated return or a dispute with the IRS that needs to be resolved, we can connect them with other resources in the community. And, in addition to providing free tax services, we also connect filers to other valuable services, like free financial education classes, one-on-one budget and credit counseling, and special savings products and programs.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with the Campaign to provide this valuable public service, learn more and sign up today at www.dceitc.org.

What do I need to bring with me to the tax site?

It’s important that you bring complete documentation to the tax site.

This includes a Social Security card for yourself and anyone else who is listed as a taxpayer or dependent on your return; a list of birth dates for everyone listed on the return; all W2s and official taxpayer documents that you received in the mail; and any receipts or other records to verify charitable contributions or expenses that qualify you for tax credits or deductions. Additionally, bring your checkbook or your bank

One in every five or six people who qualifies for the Earned Income Ta x C r e d i t d o e s n ’ t claim it. routing number and account numbers to ensure a fast and secure refund.

I usually file the first week of January so I can get my refund fast. Why should I wait?

If you have all of your income documents for 2008 and have a service that you trust, there is no disadvantage to filing your returns with them, other than the additional cost.

But no matter how you file your returns, be sure to steer clear of Refund Anticipation Loans, or RALs, which are a pricey and risky way to get money quickly. These loans are made against an anticipated tax refund.

If the refund doesn’t come through as expected, then the taxpayer must repay the difference, plus the hefty interest rate (last year these rates ranged from 58% to 125%). Don’t get caught in this trap! Filing your taxes electronically and using direct deposit can get your refund back to you within 7 to 10 days of filing — and you will also avoid extra check-cashing fees by direct depositing your refund.

Capital News Service

No End in Sight as Maryland’s Job Picture Worsens

By David Hill For the past two years, Frank Tennessee has been able to get by working a few part-time jobs. But lately, even those opportunities have dried up.

Twice a week, he goes to the MontgomeryWorks One-Stop Job Center in Wheaton to look for work.

“Right now, I need a steady job,” said Tennessee, a 35-year-old Rockville resident. “They’re sending us places, giving us leads and stuff, but nobody will hire us.”

Tennessee is one of the growing number of jobless Marylanders. The state’s unemployment rate hit 5 percent in October — its highest rate in 12 years — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with the country mired in a recession, it could be a while before things get better.

“This is going to probably be the longest recession we’ve had in the

post-war,” said Peter Morici, an economist and professor at the University of Maryland. “It’s going to be very difficult to re-emerge from because the things that caused it were structural breakdowns in the economy that have not been repaired.”

The major issues that caused the recession — foreign oil dependence and a crippled banking industry — remain unresolved, Morici said. Until corrections are made, he said, the nation will continue to suffer.

Maryland has not suffered quite as much as other states. While its unemployment rate has risen nearly 40 % since April, the October rate of 5% was the 15th-lowest in the nation. It also sits well below the national rate, 6.7 %.

The low rate is largely due to the many government jobs in the state. But with a potential billion-dollar budget shortfall for state government on the way next year, the once-reliable gov-

ernment sector is now facing potential layoffs, furloughs and hiring freezes.

“We’ve been in discussion with (the Department of Budget and Management) regarding that,” said Andy Moser, assistant secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor. “We’re basically waiting to see what their final approach is going to be.”

While government jobs may not be as plentiful, the state is trying to help the unemployed in other ways.

The job center in Wheaton is one of more than 30 publicly run career centers throughout the state. They provide job-seekers with free resources like printers, copiers and fax machines, and they host workshops and career fairs.

“We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of people utilizing our services,” said Barbara Rodriguez, director of the Wheaton One-Stop Career Center.

In past months, the center in

They’re sending us places, giving us leads and stuff, but nobody will hire us.

Wheaton used to see 70 to 80 job-seekers each day, Rodriguez said. She estimates that they now see 200 to 250.

State officials aren’t entirely sure when the situation will get better and they are even less sure how bad it will get before then.

“It depends on what economist you listen to, but the projection is that by next summer the situation should start to level off,” Moser said. “How high the unemployment rate’s going to go? I don’t know the answer to that question.”

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S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. is teaching their 1st/2nd grade students about homes and homelessness through their expedition. In our expeditions, we thoroughly study a theme or topic for a semester incorporating all content areas within that theme. Through reading books about different kinds of homes, taking neighborhood walks, going on fieldwork to community organizations, we have learned about homes and homelessness. Through their many services, the students met a writer and vendor of Street Sense newspaper. As a service to Street Sense and the D.C. community, the students were interviewed to share what they have learned through their expedition. Here are the students’ responses:

Why is a home important?

“A home is important because there can be dangerous weather. So be happy that you have a home because you have shelter to stay safe.”

– Ella “If it is snowing and you are left outside with no coat you will be very very very cold. And you are left outside when there is a thunderstorm you’ll have to find a place where you won’t get wet.”

– Isabella “If you don’t have a home I feel bad because you will be homeless.”

– Margaret

Who can be homeless?

“You can be homeless if you have white hair or if you have a wheelchair or if your house got on fire and if you lost your job.”

– Maggie “You can become homeless by losing your job or being sick and going to the hospital and pay tons of money. Then they are poorer, very poor. Or if your house catches a fire. Maybe if you break rules or if you don’t not have enough money to buy a house.”

– Sarah “You can be homeless because you don’t have a home. You can have no money.”

– Sabrina “Anyone can be homeless. You can be homeless by not doing a good job at work. Also when you don’t have any money. If you are homeless you can sell newspapers.”

– Ella “People who don’t have money can be homeless like moms, dads, kids, grandparents, people who lost their jobs and whose house burnt down, people who don’t have enough money to pay bills, some people live with others and get kicked out. People who are rich can be homeless if their house burnt down!”

– Margaret

How can we help the homeless?

“We can help them by doing a book drive or by doing a toy drive and game drive and we can donate books and toys and for the books from baby to five years old.”

– Isabella “We are doing a clothing drive, a game drive. We can educate.”

– Ella “You can give them food and water so they can be able to eat and drink and you can also find them a home to live in and be cozy in and comfy.“

– Myra “No matter how old you are you can still come together when you help the homeless. You can donate your time to help the homeless and please give them a voice!”

– Maggie “We can donate our time.”

– Sabrina

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

T

was the night before Christmas (Street Sense Style)

By Michelle Cappuccio Twas the night before Christmas And the paper was not done The editor couldn’t take it And the vendors had to run The Street Sense vests were hung by the window with care In hopes that a miracle might take place there.

While Jerry was hunched over the computer with care Carlton and Reggie were tugging on his hair.

And David in his beanie, and I in my peach sweater Have just gotten used to the change in the weat’er When out on the street came a unspeakable sight A man dressed like Santa walking the streets late at night He knocked on the door, just as gentle as air In hopes that he could deliver some holiday cheer there He descended the staircase and walked into the room And no longer did we feel that great sense of doom He saw the panic on all of our eyes He knew that even a smile wouldn’t be able to disguise He knew what was needed, a present for all How could he let such a great paper endure such a huge fall So Santa decided he would have to save the day And make a miracle on this pre-Christmas day.

He thought and thought of a unstoppable plan And began to smile like a crazed-madman Then he made a strange noise and whistled a strange tune that sounded like something by Johnny and June At that very moment, right before my own eyes Eight reindeer appeared which was a very odd surprise They finished the paper! In less than a jiff There stories were brilliant and their style wasn’t stiff How they did it with hooves, we never will know But it didn’t matter, especially when it began to snow It was perfect, a perfect Christmas delight And they were off with a quick Merry Christmas, And to all a good night.

Cliff’s Clicks:

So the paper was saved and the vendors rejoiced There miracle had come, so their two cents could be voiced.

Holiday Lights Street Sense vendor Cliff “the Moose” Carles took these photos of the holiday lights on the streets of Washington. In these images he grabs a different angle on the season.

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December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

gREGORY’S gREAT gAME Street Sense vendor Gregory Martin loves creating puzzles.

Simply find the following words in the grid below.

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DECEMBER CHRISTMAS KWANZAA NEW YEARS EVE HANUKKAH GIFTS TREE DECORATIONS LIGHTS ANGEL

SANTA CLAUS WINTER SNOW COAT CLOVES BOOTS TOYS BIKE KITES LOVE

DECEMBER ANSWERS

street sudoko

5 7

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

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The Scope

By Carlton Johnson

We are now coming to the end of a historical year. Moving into new beginnings, remember to keep your Street Sense of humor - today is your special day. Spoiling yourself is a must today.

Puzzle by websudoku.com

LAST ISSUES ANSWERES

3 8 2 1 6 4 5 7 9

5 1 6 9 8 7 2 4 3

4 9 7 2 3 5 8 1 6

1 2 8 3 7 6 9 5 4

6 3 4 5 9 8 7 2 1

7 5 9 4 2 1 6 3 8

2 7 3 6 4 9 1 8 5

8 6 5 7 1 3 4 9 2

9 4 1 8 5 2 3 6 7

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Now may be the time to take care of all old business to close out the year, leaving no stone unturned. Look to learn something new. Avoid anything that’s not useful. Look to read something new. Buy a new or used book once a month – don’t linger. Pursue your intellectual space.

It may be difficult but with hope there is still the need for growth, and for striving for the best in any and all that you do.

Remember: If you are not on top of your game, the game will be on top of you.

Adjust your thinking and your expectation to a higher level, but have a good time empowering yourself and others. Something bigger in life awaits you.

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Will write for food: Writer’s Group

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Writer’s Group meets Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office. A new poetry after party is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday writing Describe a holiday tree decorated any way you want. Be very clear about what it looks like. Also “Tis the Night Before Christmas”: write a poem that ryhmes a b a b like the original (see page 9 for Michelle’s poem).

Home Mas Tree

By Reginald Black

Tall as the highest mountain small as a mouse color all over the place I’m wishing for it to be warm like a big huge house but the deep green leaves don’t seem promising. The white strings could be a security system.

How do those boxes underneath stay so toasty? I ponder this as I scan the middle full of ornaments nothing jolly about them.

The figures dance around in a demented zombie state running around looking for more cash to make. seeing locked candy canes even the ginger bread houses look like i don’t belong so i climb alone the last elf carrying a lot of bags on my back.

I got to make it to that shining bright.

Is that a star? it just might be.

All i know is that it is the place for me.

I see gold and four points. once i reach where that star is I’ll finally be home.

Reggie’s Reflections: Extreme Actions

by Reginald Black

The dawging complex was still plaguing my mind. The interest

i had was still around, but i was more into coming off with benefits.

The entire time she was kinda making me a cheater. This was no one’s fault but i looked for more of what i could get. I had a huge argumentwith a female friend (another from the chatline). I acted this way because i thought she cheated on me. Fact of the matter there was no conversation. It was more like yeah and OK. Not very appealing. I guess age did play a factor. Truth is all I wanted is what I could get. So you would say from the outside, I was being the dog. There were times I said to myself “no more.” But each time I did the doggish things. How right is that? I suppose being a guy, what’s in your pants determines whose couch you can sleep on. I knew acting that way was wrong,but each time I did it benefited me in various ways. I began to indulge inside how I got what I wanted. How could i stray away from what my heart wanted and how could I prove that I was a one-woman type of guy, Would I have to choose someone that I really didn’t want to be involved with to prove it?

Send in your questions to RoninWorrior@yahoo.com for the spin on Sara Jessica Parker this side of the Anacostia.

Night Before DC

By Joseph Sherrock

DC has been so pretty, I enjoy being in this city, The streets are all lit at night.

Don’t be afraid, they are so bright, Walk along the sidewalk, Listen to all the people talk, The trees are so nice in the fall, They’re okay since the buildings aren’t too tall, Travel the world, do what you do, But DC is the city where they all come to you.

Joey is a Corcoran photojournalism student visiting Writer’s Group.

“Peter Pan in the Ghetto”

by Patty Smith

Whoever heard of a green man with a suit on Wonderdust flying all around Tinkerbell mad and angry At the new girl who came into town Here come the lost boys in their gang Loud and disorderly conduct Captain Hook’s men are too much Lost boys will be out of luck

Tree Cemeteries

By Jerry W.

The White House Christmas tree was special this year. With Obama, finally a multicultural focus on diversity, a huge Menorah, Kwanzaa, pagan rituals, Winter Solstice, and more adorned the lawn and Mall.

Republicans were happy, those especially with stock in the power companies. Lights were rainbow colors instead of just white, red and green, but yellow, brown, pink, violet and the full spectrum.

Obama’s new limo was being prepared as a sled with reverse spinning hubcaps and our short-timer, Bush, played Santa, giving pardons to those who were bad last year, but getting better.

Saint Nicholas Negraponte started giving out One Laptop Per Child in the 1st and 2nd world as well as the 3rd and 4th world’s Least Developed Countries.

Bush was moving out, so gave away things that would not fit in his cramped ranch.

The Christmas Past showed 9/11 and the problems with Monotheism, Imperialism and foreign oil policy. Christmas Present determined we’re in the here and now only 2+ weeks before a new administration. Christmas Future painted a rosy financial recovery, little elves creating energy efficient hybrid SmartCars, less greed, and a community focus.

Racism subsided and we all lived happily ever after ... .

Jerry volunteers with Street Sense, and rants about MH issues throughout the region on NoVAPeers.PBWiki.com. He has developed an allergy to the traditional system. Jerry took the lighted tree photos on this page.

Patty, a longtime vendor, is a member of Street Sense’s Writer’s Group.

Joey’s Christmas Tree

by Joseph Sherrock A large tree is what I want this season. From its branches I would hang dozens of pictures. Pictures of my friends and more from my family. I would hang pictures from home and vacations. It would be decorated with memorabilia and other souvenirs from the past. This tree will be the host of a celebration. Everyone will be able to celebrate how for we have come from and the abundance we enjoy now.

In January 2009 the WG page will feature “Inaugural Addresses” by Street Sense vendors.

Here’s how it works: You’ve just been elected President of the United States! Now you have to write your Inaugural Address. So come to a Writer’s Group meeting Wednesdays at 2:30 and write out your Inaugural Address of 250 words or less (or send it in if you cannot make the meetings). Tell the world about your plans and priorities as President, and we’ll run the best of it in January 2009.

PRODUCTION HOSTING LAYOUT AND SUPPORT: Cara Schmidt, Carlton Johnson, David Hammond, Jerry W., Patty Smith, Reginald Black

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S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Stop the Madness

By Jeffery McNeil

A

s someone who has been battling homelessness, unemployment and poverty, I frequently encounter the question, “How did you become homeless?” Truth is, it wasn’t a single event, rather it was a deterioration of factors I could control and couldn’t control. I don’t make many excuses or complain about my situation.

I’ve had to sleep in a few shelters and I’ve also had to spend a few cold nights in a bus terminal. I’ve even slept in a tunnel when I needed shelter. During this time, I noticed the many homeless people at Union Station and the other parks around D.C. As this was going on, I also n o t i c e d h ow some people were paying as high as $1,000 per day in some h o t e l s. I s a w the gentrification near the n e w Na t i o n a l s’ s t a d i u m in Southwest Washington, as the poor were being pushed into Southeast and Trinidad. I guess I had the front row seat to witness the warfare between the rich and the poor.

Based on what I’ve noticed, I’d like to say to our new president-elect, Barack Obama that my situation is not unique.

It is not unusual to see disabled people begging for a meal, people sleeping outside on the streets, and the homeless shelters overwhelmed because they don’t have enough beds. I developed Attention Deficit Disorder and Dyslexia while I was in the military, and because I couldn’t afford proper treatment and was wrongly diagnosed, I self medicated myself through alcohol and other addictions. I had a hard time getting care and because of my low priority in society, so I gave up trying to get treatment. Because of not getting adequate healthcare treatment and also being wrongly diagnosed by doctors, I eventually wasn’t capable of taking care of myself. This is how I eventually became homeless and sick.

I always was a “pull myself up by your bootstraps” type of guy. I always wanted to pull my own weight. I don’t like to borrow or have someone give to charity for me. I had pride and didn’t want someone to feel sorry for me. But now I am seeing a new type of charity: the government bailout of Wall Street bankers and financial institutions that literally looted, lied and deceived the public with phony accounting, bonuses and other excesses. Listening to them

moan and groan to eagerly listening politicians about a world without credit cards while watching the government come to their rescue has made me wonder why anyone doesn’t care about those who are sick and poor.

This year alone unemployment has increased to a 15-year high of 6.7%, and in November, U.S. jobs saw their largest decline since 1974.. This is particularly disturbing to those who are working and trying to do the right thing, but still need relief and assistance. These people have certainly suffered from Washington policies such as NAFTA and unfair trade agreements, by which corporations ship American jobs overseas to take advantage of cheap labor and receive cozy tax breaks and other perks in return. What is more nauseating is that these companies say they can’t compete in the global marketplace because of the high salaries of American workers and their pensions.

What is going on in industries such as the automotive sector in Detroit isn’t about Detroit. It is about how our country treats the poor and working classes.

The big question to consider is whether Obama is going to be a president of the status quo or a leader who gives relief to those who work and have no power to affect policies on Capitol Hill or in the White House.

Now that Wall Street has gotten relief, “Main Street” is telling politicians that they need help, but government has stalled and has its own interests in mind. This posturing is what our newly elected officials are supposed to change: the gridlock of not helping Americans because of political calculations and selfish interests. Americans are tired of not having affordable healthcare, an alternative energy policy and a living wage, so no one has to sleep out in the cold.

I see lines outside the shelters, I see soup lines out the door and I wonder why there are so many homeless people. Are we all lazy, stupid, drugaddicted Americans, or is there something fundamentally going on with our country? If we can build a free-market system where we pay executives like rock stars, we can be fair to those who are not included in this prosperity and left out in the cold. I don’t understand why there isn’t a system in place that helps those who fall on hard times get relief like our Wall Street buddies.

I hope in my lifetime, there will be someone in power who puts all people first instead of only those who are big donors.

Jeffery McNeil has been a vendor for 18 months and he is now in the market for an apartment. You can reach him at jeffery_mcneil2000@yahoo.com.

Common Courtesy

By L. Morrow

A

t Street Sense, we have a Vendor Code of Conduct. I know for a fact 99% of the Street Sense vendors follow the code to the letter. A code called common courtesy also exists, which 99% of the Street Sense vendors honor. They respectfully honor each other’s locations even when they come to sell the paper at the same spot.

Most vendors will let the other vendor know how long she/he will be at that particular location. Most Street Sense vendors can always work something out to help each other out – that is called common courtesy among vendors.

The Street Sense vendors are about the common good. On this Street Sense ship we are all sailing together on, I have encountered one deck hand who is not acting as a part of our ship. He thinks he is on his own ship, but he should remember we are all on the same ship. We work together for the common good. I have encountered this deck hand many times.

The first time I met him selling papers on the street, I gave him respect and went to another part of the ship. I have encountered this person several times since then. One day I asked him, “Didn’t I give you respect and common courtesy?” He gave me backtalk and did not leave. He did not have the common courtesy to go to another part of the ship.

I bumped into him again, but this time, I got the police involved. ( Yes, I did do it!) I saw this officer and showed him the Vendor Code of Conduct, Rule No. 8, listed in the Street Sense newspaper issue November 26 to December 8.

The vendor tried to give the officer some backtalk. The officer made him leave, but he came right back as soon as the officer left. That vendor is about 20 feet away from me every time I come across his path.

I asked some of the other Street Sense vendors, “What would you have done?” I have a weekend spot and all my customers know me. My customers know for a fact I will be out on the streets, at that exact spot, selling the newspaper on the weekends. This vendor has been 20 feet away from me for five weekends now, and he refuses to go across the street or to another corner. I ask you again, “What would you do?”

On this Street Sense ship we are all sailing together on, I have encountered one deck hand who is not acting as a part of our ship.

Mr. Morrow has been a vendor for 14 months and loves to wear ties when selling Street Sense. You can find him selling in Southwest and in Friendship Heights.

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Reconnecting with Rachael’s

Holiday Reflections

By Francine Triplett

By Patricia Henry

W

hen I was homeless, I started out at Rachael’s Women’s Center when I was homeless. It was a nice place to go to during the day. After leaving the shelter in the morning, some ladies went up to Rachael’s or somewhere else. But for me, I went up to Rachael’s every morning because I didn’t want to be hanging in the street or the parks that I had to sleep in at one time, I didn’t want to hang there all day. When I got in to a shelter I thought I was going to get some things done.

I went to Rachael’s every day for NA/AA meetings, life skills class, and the main thing was I got work from going to Rachael’s. I began working in a law firm and then I got a place to stay. In the law firm I learned a lot, sometimes I used to shred paper all day and I learned to use the copy machine and work in the mail room; it was very challenging.

So why am I bringing all this up now, well the Women’s Day Committee Vermont Avenue Baptist Church asked me for help to suggest a shelter to adopt. So I checked around and saw what was needed. I went back to the committee and explained how Rachael’s worked, so they decided to adopt Rachael’s.

And on Saturday the 29th of November we all went up to Rachael’s to pass out things that were donated by many people. I was so glad that I was apart of the shelter adoption. When I speak about homelessness, I tell my story about how people are so mean, but that day we went up to Rachael’s there were a lot of ladies up there; some of the women got to see first hand what homeless people go through. Their hearts were out there, they shed tears, and one of the ladies was just was so emotional I felt what they were going through. I guess they never saw homelessness first hand. I bless them all.

When the pastor’s wife asked me to help her find a shelter to adopt, I called around, but since Rachael’s helped me and other ladies, Rachael’s was the idea I had. One thing I like about Rachael’s is, if you do not live in a shelter you can come and shower and they wash your clothes. Rachael’s is a very good place for you to get on your feet. I had a good case manager and I did what I had to do; you do what you have to do to get help.

If you want to get off the street go find something that you want and bring up with a case manager and work together, things get done that way.

Francine has been a vendor for Street Sense since the first issue, and she is very active with her church.

My Homeless Condition

By Elexia Arbuckle

M

y homeless situation began three to four years ago, and since then I’ve been living here and there, sometimes renting.

It has nonetheless been a very awakening and abusive circumstance. I remember being in Los Angeles and a man telling me he was homeless for 10 years and staying in emergency shelters. I think 10 years is too long. I think someone waiting for housing for six to seven years in a well-developed country like the United States is ridiculous.

Being homeless, I feel really cut off from life in a major way– I don’t even have my own space to practice my solitude exercises, arts, and other humanities

Being homeless, I feel really cut off from life in a major way. I don’t even have my own space to practice my solitude exercises, arts, and other humanities.

I participate in.

I think being homeless in Reno, Nev., was about the worst experience I had, sometimes staying outside in extremely hypothermic conditions. There needs to be more awareness about some of these poor peoples’ conditions and experiences, like mine, for instance.

There are some women’s programs open during the day, but a sense of independent living still is missing.

I am currently enrolled in online schooling, looking for part-time work and housing, and working with a nonprofit organization that aims for better, more compassionate conditions for all.

Also, I am looking to shoot a documentary film on homelessness and the services available to those on the streets, including artistic services that involve foreign language training and other creative qualities.

Some other things I would like to work on are fundraising events and better business outreach for the poor and under-represented. I am also trying to promote veganism and create my own sanctuaries away from the butchering of animals while promoting life and improved humane conditions.

You can reach Elexia at theelexi@yahoo.com.

Walkathon Sales Attempt t happened again. Even though I had tried to get organized and prepared ahead of time to successfully sell Street Sense at the annual Help the Homeless Walkathon, I went to the shelter, which is open as a warming center on hypothermia days, having sold not one!

As often, I hadn’t been ready to leave out of the overnight shelter at 7:00 AM, but when I got to the vendors’ station on the Mall, the coffee and doughnuts were not yet out anyway.

So I went up to the Starbucks on 7th and E which had been my starting place for the Walkathon. I had five papers which I hoped to sell to make the money to buy my papers for the day. (I didn’t have the money because I was “rained out” the first time.My display copy was blowing too hard.)

A new vendor on her way to the Walkathon had enough to buy a cup of coffee—she asked for two cups and shared half with me.

Since other vendors would be selling around the starting area as the walk got going around 9:00 a.m.

I planned to walk to my second area which is outside the Museum at 14th Street, near the Mall, where walkers finishing the walk and others would buy.

Previous years I had tried other spots in the area near the Washington Monument, but found this spot better. It’s just like you might find the corner across the street from a Metro station, better than the spot in front of the Metro.

However, my fingers and toes started freezing and since my hands once curled up during hypothermia weather, and since I had read that the museum was having a re-opening day after its renovations and probably wouldn’t let me stand there, I decided to sell the papers on Monday and write an article instead as my contribution to Street Sense and their homeless persons’ day!

~ Christmas As Usual?

I was just at the post office on North Capitol Street near Union Station, at noon, two weeks before Christmas, and there was no line, just one or two people ahead of me.

There was a table and chair decorated for the holidays, possibly for sending Christmas greetings to friends.

According to the media, many people are still hoping for the economy and going ahead with Christmas plans. Hopefully they can help out the homeless charities and nonprofits, too.

We have to wait until the end of January for the income-tax rebates!

I

Street Sense vendor and writer Patricia Henry is looking for a few days work raking yards or sweeping sidewalks. You can reach her through the Street Sense office at (202) 347-2006.

Your thoughts and editorials are welcome.

Please send e–mail to editor@streetsense.org or mail to 1317 G Street, NW, WDC 20005.

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S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

In 2009 I strive to...

Hopefully, get housing.

—Tyrone Rogers

Get into business, do volunteer work, strengthen my family ties, and live better.

— Moyo Onibuje

If it’s God’s will, get my act together and love, honor and obey my new wife, whom I love very much.

— Robert McCray

Find employment in security or furniture moving.

— Gerald E. Smith

Keep moving in a positive direction and finally be in my own home.

— James Davis

Do better than last year.

—Tina Wright

Get closer to God. Heal, spiritually, physically, and mentally.

— Muriel Dixon

Sell more Street Sense.

— Harry Powell Never be homeless again.

— Bernard “Chino” Dean

End my own homelessness and spearhead the end to homelessness all over the world.

— Reginald E. Black

Find a good woman to love.

— Lawrence Autry III

Do the right thing — Willie G. Alexander

Operate a few small businesses, if everything goes according to plan.

— Allen Jones

Sybil Taylor anxiously awaits opening her present at the Street Sense holiday party.

Change my old ways to new ways by being positive instead of negative; going for my goals and career of making it happen. Believe I can be an achiever and be on top of the game.

— Sybil Loleta Taylor

Work on self, peace for the world, a business empire, and a job with the president.

— Melania A. Scott

Keep working and go back to school.

— Carl Turner

Stop smoking and get my own apartment.

— Melody Bird

Increase my income and stay in good health.

— Charlie Mayfield

Make my life better and more productive.

— Donald Johnson

Get a place to live with my lady and then adopt us a dog.

And continue to sell Street Sense.

— James Lott

Get a regular job and a place of my own!!!

— Franklin Sterling

Start my own photography business.

— Cliff Carle

Be blessed and bless others and have a longer life.

— Carlton Johnson

Have a place to lay my head, with the help of the Lord!

— Glen Bannister

Start a Virginia page or half page in Street Sense.

— Jerry W. Dennis Rutledge happily gathers his gifts at the Street Sense holiday party.

Pray every day for world peace and love for all.

— Dennis W. Rutledge

Advance my skills as a master plumber and be the best Street Sense vendor of all time.

— Phillip Black

Be a better person than I am now and have another job/career.

— Corey Bridges Walk with the Lord more.

— Francine Triplett

Sell over 1,000 papers and be able to settle in my own room.

— Sammy Ngatiri

Live a better life and move into an apartment.

—Margaret Jenkins

Phillip Howard shows off his santa hat at the Street Sense holiday party.

Be a better person.

— Martin Walker Move out of my group h o m e a n d i n t o m y ow n apartment.

— Ken Belkosky

Enter menopause, adopt a dog from a shelter, go on a field trip with two gals who have been clients at the Dinner Program for homeless Women for over 10 years and, as best I can, stay connected to God. — Brenda K. Lee-Wilson

Try to carry out last year’s resolution—to get more readers for Street Sense.

— Patricia Henry

Sell more papers.

— Thomas Queen

Cliff Carle ponders what’s in his gift box at the Street Sense holiday party.

Land a DC government job, driving a truck, van, or bus for the city; get an apartment and have my daughter and grandkids live with me; stay drug-free.

— Richard Gerald

Do better than last year and find an apartment.

— James Carmichael

Strive in new and different directions to enhance my horizons.

— Patricia Jefferson

Keep working and go back to school.

— Carl Turner

Patty Smith pauses for a picture during her tasty meal at the Street Sense holiday party.

Become very instrumental in taking part to get the homeless off the streets.

- Patty Smith Continue selling Street Sense.

— Larry W. Olds

Start school.

— Garrett Acker

Start a nonprofit organization to combat homelessness.

— Stephen Thomas

Stay clean and sober.

— Tommy Bennett

Just believe in the Lord and be kind and humble day to day.

— Phillip A. Howard

Stay positive, help the poor and homeless. Keep on studying the word of God. — Daniel Ball

Complete a course on cooking and catering and write my own cookbook.

— Jennifer McLaughlin

Get a house.

— Barron Hall

Find suitable employment as a writer and start a homeless newspaper in Philadelphia.

— Jeffery McNeil

S treetS ense.org WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW (202) 783–6651 www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job development Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org John Young Center (Women) 117 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org My Sister’s Place

PO Box 29596 Washington, DC 20017 office (202) 529-5261 24-hour hotline (202)-529-5991 shelter and other services for domestic violence victims N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 www.nstreetvillage.org 801 East, St. Elizabeths Hospital (Men) 2700 MLK Avenue, SE (202) 561–4014 New York Ave Shelter (Men) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359 Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093

FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Dinner Program for Homeless Women AND the “9:30 Club” Breakfast 309 E Street, NW (202) 737–9311 www.dphw.org Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009 (202) 842–1112

child and family services

Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org

Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social activities

Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8926 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ministry/ welcometbl.htm

MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

OUTREACH CENTERS Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment Green Door (202) 464–9200 1221 Taylor Street NW www.greendoor.org housing, job training, supportive mental health services Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050 www.friendshiphouse.net counseling, mentoring, education, youth services, clothing Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter.org laundry, counseling, psych care Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608 www.marthastable.org dinner, education, recreation, clothing,

Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC 20001 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services of D.C. 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost food resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511 www.cflsdc.org housing, job and substance abuse counseling, clothes closet Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/services/ meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing JHP, Inc. 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (202) 544–9126 www.jobshavepriority.org training and employment Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW (202) 667–8970 www.jubileejobs.org job preparation and placement National Coalition for the Homeless

2201 P Street, NW (202) 462–4822 www.nationalhomeless.org activists, speakers bureau available National Student Partnerships (NSP) 128 M Street NW, Suite 320 (202) 289–2525 washingtondc@nspnet.org Job resource and referral agency Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE , AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202)889–7702 www.samaritanministry.org HIV support, employment, drug/alcohol addiction, healthcare St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1514 15th Street, NW (202) 667–4394 http://stlukesdc.edow.org food, counseling St. Matthew’s Cathedral 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW (202) 347–3215 ext. 552 breakfast, clothing, hygiene Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html national emergency travel assistance Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org

MARYLAND SHELTER Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc.org The Samaritan Group P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

FOOD Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Church, Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org Manna Food Center 614–618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville (301) 424–1130 www.mannafood.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Community Clinic, Inc. 8210 Colonial Lane, Silver Spring (301) 585–1250 www.cciweb.org Mobile Medical Care, Inc.

15

9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301) 493–8553 www.mobilemedicalcare.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Catholic Charities, Maryland 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 942–1790 www.catholiccharitiesdc.org shelter, substance abuse treatment, variety of other services Mission of Love 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights (301)333–4440 www.molinc.org life skills classes, clothing, housewares Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Drive, Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportiveservices

VIRGINIA SHELTER Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239 Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 Ninth Road North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org

FOOD Alive, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723; www.alive–inc.org Our Daily Bread 10777 Main Street, Ste. 320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Abundant Life Christian Outreach, 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (703) 823–4100 www.anchor–of–hope.net food, clothing, youth development, and medicines David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 500 (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services

Shelter Hotline: 1–800–535–7252

S treetS ense.org

December 24, 2008 - January 6, 2009

Vendor Profile THe Last Word

By Carol Cummings

An Eye-Opening Experience

G

oing into my internship at Street Sense, I felt ready to leave an impact on the lives of the homeless vendors. I also wanted to show that I was a determined worker, make some necessary professional contacts, sharpen my journalism skills, and get a taste of D.C. Going in, I didn’t expect that I would get more then I could ever give. I didn’t expect that my internship would reward me with more than a couple stories in a great nonprofit newspaper.

Interning at Street Sense two days a week for three months has been the most rewarding experience an 18-year-old moving D.C. would hope to have. Street Sense has provided me with the opportunity to mature, meet amazing people, and understand what homelessness is.

Before working at Street Sense I didn’t understand the complexity of homelessness. Coming from a suburb in central New Jersey, I always looked at poverty and homelessness as if they were some far away problem that I would never experience directly. Working at Street Sense has taught me that the effects of poverty and homelessness can be felt all around, and can easily and suddenly touch anyone’s life.

While interning at Street Sense, I have became familiar with the real world, a world away from the shelter of my family. I discovered aspects of life that I came to college in hopes of discovering.

What I have learned about homelessness comes in the form of intellectual gifts and kind gestures felt around the office daily. The more vendors started treating me like a friend, the more I was able to understand that homeless people are no different than I am.

I have also perfected my ability to work under extreme conditions. I don’t know what I would have done if I had an internship with no distractions. The Street Sense office isn’t exactly the most serene place to put together a paper, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t look forward the times that Jeffrey McNeil came in and put together his political slogan signs or when I got to walk to the post office with Lisa, or Mary.

Street Sense has given me the perspective needed to value every second of life and to push through the stressful or difficult times because they are always a little something in the world that will make you smile.

At Street Sense, there was always something to do; there was always something that I wanted to do. As took on more tasks, sometimes all at once, and as I became acquainted with more vendors, I felt like I was digging to the center of the thousand unanswered questions about poverty and the politics of poverty in Washington, D.C. Learning about homelessness is learning about an important D.C. subculture necessary to understanding our nation’s capital.

The most rewarding lesson I can take away from interning at Street Sense is to value people for their personality and not whether they have a home or not. I have accepted the idea that you can learn something from anyone and I am glad that I allowed myself to learn an important life lesson from our vendors: the lesson of struggle and perseverance.

Shawn Herring

Shawn Herring was born and reared in rural North Carolina. He arrived in Washington D.C. in 1980 at the age of 14.

He briefly attended Woodrow Wilson Senior High School but dropped out due to feeling slighted about being set back one grade.

Shortly after that he served 2 ½ years as a juvenile offender. During that time he earned his GED and received food service training.

Upon his release he took to street life and began to sell drugs and deal in other aspects of illicit activity. This lifestyle existed from 1985-2008.

In 2007, Shawn appeared on the cover of Street Sense with a poster protesting poverty. In mid-November 2008 Shawn decided to try selling Street Sense.

Favorite foods?

El Salvadoran and soul food.

Favorite movie?

The Usual Suspects.

Favorite color?

Blue.

Why do you sell Street Sense?

I have a sense of pride that I no longer have to ask for handouts and am actually giving a positive service to the community by selling Street Sense. I believe that self-empowerment is the greatest empowerment, next to that given by God.

Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop | Eat | Explore | miDCity | Shop Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Self-employed; hopefully,| in an area| involving computers, music, and video.

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