StreetSense_forWeb_5.26.10

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Where Your Dollar Goes:

Where the poor and homeless May 26 - June 8, 2010

earn and give their two cents

D STE GE ON G I S U N AT DO

Volume 7 Issue 15

The New Youth of the Nation

65 cents for the Vendor

35 cents for production of the paper

The Night Ministry outreach bus serves in Illinois Page 7

See Page 4

Latino students fall in and out of stereotypes

Interview with the author of “American Delinquents” Page 6

Why Jeff McNeil doesn’t watch Fox News Page 12

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Our Mission

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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.

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.

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

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 28 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 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 a nonprofit organization.

In October 2005 Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November the organization hired its first employee, a full-time 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 brought on its first full-time editor– in–chief in April.

As of January 2010 the paper had 72 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.

Vendor Code of Conduct 1. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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 and wear my vest when selling papers.

10. 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.

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 Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Manas Mohaptra Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Jeff McNeil Robin Heller Jordan Runnel Dameon Philpotts EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Abby Strunk EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Lisa Gillespie VENDOR MANAGER Gregory Martin INTERNS Mary Yost FOUNDERS Ted Henson & Laura Thompson Osuri

We are proud members of:

North American Street Newspaper Association

International Network of Street Papers

VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS

Robert Blair, Jane Cave, Robert Fulton, Jane Goforth, Roberta Haber, Jesse Smith, Ellen Gilmer, Ben Edwards, David Shere, Timothy Young, Steve Gilberg, Kathleen MacDonald, Sara Kruger, Ben Sweezy, Meredith Wilson Chang, Jessica Neal, Matt Gormick, Lawrence Howard, Patricia Henry, Lee McAuliffe Rambo, Adam Kampe, Sarah Ficenec, Mandy Toomey, Pete Petrich, Carla Renee, Bill Sutcliffe, Tracie Ching, Hannah Guedenet, Christina Kent, Mike Plunkett, Chris Bassett, Naa Abia Ofosu-Amaah, Alexis Gabriel, Rachael Petterson, Joy Hopkins, Brett Topping, Lawless Watson, Joanne Goodwin, Frances Symes, Diana Cosgrove, Amanda Fulton, Bernadette McFadden

VENDORS

Charles Armstrong, Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Daniel Ball, Donna Barber, Cyril Belk, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Emily Bowe, Andre Brinson, Melody Byrd, Cliff Carle, Percy Carter, Peggy Cash, Conrad Cheek, Virginia Clegg, Aaron Conner, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, Charles Davis, James Davis, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon-El, Roger Dove, Charles Eatmon, Deanna Elder, Richard Embden, James Featherson, Craig Fleming, Samuel Fullwood, Roger Garner, David Ger, Barron Hall, Dwight Harris, John Harrison, Patricia Henry, Shakaye Henry, Phillip Howard, James Hughes, Richard Hutson, Margaret Jenkins, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Alicia Jones, Mark Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Hope Lasister, Brenda Lee-Wilson, Michael Lyons, Jonnie Malloy, Kina Mathis, John Matthews, John C. Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Herman Mayse, Robert McCray, Marvin McFadden, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Kenneth Middleton, L. Morrow, Tyrone Murray, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Moyo Onibuje, Franklin Payne, Edward Perry, Gregory Phillips, Tracey Powell, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Ed Ross, Melania Scott, Chris Shaw, Ronald Simms, Veda Simpson, Patty Smith, Gwynette Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, James Stewart, Garland Stroman, Leroy Studevant, Beverly Sutton, Sybil Taylor, Paul Taylor, Steve Thomas, Larissa Thompson, Deborah Tibbs, Carl Turner, Christopher Walker, Jeanette Walker, Joseph Walker, Martin Walker, Robert Warren, Lawless Watson, Paul Watson, Gregory Wells, Michael Welsh, Edna Williams, Wendell Williams, Susan Wilshusen, Ivory Wilson, and Charles Woods, and Tina Wright.

S treetS ense.org

May 26 - June 8, 2010

Meters Installed to Help Springfield, Ore., Homeless New, red parking meters are being installed in Springfield, Ore., but they aren’t to charge residents for parking, the Associated Press reports. The new meters are an effort from the city to help raise money for the homeless.

The project mirrors itself after a successful, similar operation in Denver. According to City Councilor Terri Leezer, a 50-cent donation to the meters buys a homeless individual a shower, $1 buys a meal, $3 gets a bus pass and $5 will get a sleeping bag.

In Denver, the first 18 months of the meter project amounted to a 92 percent drop in panhandling, the AP reports.

Florida Man Makes Toys for Homeless, Abused Ray Kendrick works yearround in his Orlando workshop to produce more than 3,000 toys, such as milk trucks, crayon boxes and wooden cars. But his toys aren’t being sent to a store for sale. Kendrick, 74, produces the toys for children who are experiencing homelessness, abuse or are sick, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

“You wouldn’t believe the need out there,” said Kendrick, who is retired. “Some of those kids don’t get anything but a hard time.”

During the past 16 years, Kendrick has produced more than 10,000 toys. He sets a deadline of Christmas for himself and then donates the toys sometime in No-

vember to programs such as Toys for Tots, Give Kids the World and the Coalition for the Homeless.

This year, Kendrick is on track to beat his previous record of 3,100 toys, with more than 2,400 toys already boxed up and ready to go. Kendrick said he’s preparing to donate more toys than before in order to meet the growing need caused by the recession.

“It’s going to be worse with people out of jobs,” Kendrick told the Sentinel. “The last thing they’ll do is spend money on toys.”

County officials also said that there was a double-digit drop in the annual homeless numbers in the area. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsored a program that has provided assistance to 247 families since the program began in July 2009. A majority of the money came from rental subsidies for those families facing eviction, the Post reports.

UK Homeless Man Killed for Refusing to Hand Over Cigarettes

Marcia Jenkins, 56, of Dana Point, Calif., lost her apartment after being out of work for nearly a year.

When unemployment ran out, she was left without a home. Jenkins was hired in April to help count households for the U.S. Census Bureau, the Orange County Register reports.

Jenkins now earns $17 an hour, working roughly 25 to 30 hours per week. She’s part of an estimated 653,000 people who have received jobs to help with the 2010 census.

Jenkins, who has accepted assistance from the government, local homeless advocates and nonprofits, said that she is grateful for the work and enjoys finding “stragglers” – those who have not yet filled out their census form. She says part of her pitch is explaining to those whose door she stops at that the census is important in ensuring each state receives proper representation and aid that it needs for the number of people.

In Bournemouth, England, Ralph Millward, 41, was attacked and killed for not handing over his cigarettes to three teenage gang members, the Mirror.co.uk reports.

The gang members, who range from age 15 to 17, allegedly ran out of tobacco and asked Millward for his.

When he refused, they allegedly beat him, breaking 10 ribs, rupturing his spleen and causing bleeding on his brain, the Mirror reports.

The teenagers were cleared of murder charges but were convicted of manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court. They will face sentencing later.

Fairfax, Va., Homeless Numbers Drop Thanks to a $2.4 million federal stimulus grant, more than 600 people in Fairfax County, Va., avoided being homeless, the Washington Post reports.

Homeless Woman Counts Households for Census

Compiled by Dianna Heitz, from previously published reports.

Every homeless person has a name, a story and a hope for something better.

David came to Street Sense in March 2009 to work, write and support the homeless.

David

writes poems regularly in Street Sense about love and his experiences being homeless. He hopes to one day get a job that pays a living wage so he can afford his own apartment.

I want to donate:

Help Street Sense help people like David get back to work and improve their lives.

My information:

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With a $60 donation, we can provide food for six Writer’s Group meetings.

Name: __________________________________

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With a $100 donation, we can provide office supplies for one month.

Address: ________________________________

____ $300

With a $300 donation, we can buy vendor badges for six months.

City, State, Zip: ___________________________

____ $500

With a $500 donation, we can make significant improvements to the paper.

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____ $1,000

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Donate online at www.streetsense.org

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S treetS ense.org

May 26 - June 8, 2010

Latino Students Face Complex Fight

By Ben Edwards & Mary Yost Washington, D.C., native Sofia León, 23, grew up in a household where straight A’s were the norm and a “B” stood for “below what’s expected.” Her father, 60, emigrated from Cuba in the 1960s and brought with him a blend of pressure and encouragement to ensure that Sofia earned a good education.

León’s experience represents a growing consensus among sociologists and developmental psychologists that Latino children enter school with skills comparable to, albeit different from, those of their white counterparts and other minorities.

The Pew Hispanic Center reports that Latinos are the nation’s largest minority ethnic group and account for half the U.S. population growth between 2000 and 2008.

D.C.’s Latino population grew almost 14 percent over that same period, making it the fastest-growing ethnic minority group, according to the District’s Office of Latino Affairs.

“Demography is destiny,” said Eugene Garcia, professor at Arizona State University who is familiar with these studies. His comment evokes a quotation from Auguste Comte, a French sociologist. “Anytime a population is growing, we should pay attention.”

Latino children, even those from poor households, tend to enter school with good social skills and an enthusiasm to learn, which a group of recent studies attribute to no-nonsense parenting and strong family

bonds. These findings, published in a special section of the journal Developmental Psychology, shed new light on the Latino population living in the United States.

“Academics and liberals assume that lowincome Latino parents raise children with problems,” said Bruce Fuller, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and the co-editor of the studies. “But Latino parents socialize their children to be cooperative. In school, they deploy these skills.

Latino children in the Washington area display the same robust social skills that we see nationwide as they enter school.”

Latino students offer other advantages to students in the District’s schools.

“Latino students bring a lot of diversity to the table in the educational system,” said Sara Shuman, educational programs manager of the Latino Student Fund in D.C., a community-based center that offers afterschool, ESL classes and sum-

mer programs.

“Many Latino students are bilingual, an excellent skill to have both in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and beyond,” Shuman said. “These students also often have an understanding of multiple cultures, making them more prepared to be the global citizens that our world demands.”

Ethnicity, U.S.

Less than 9th Grade 9th-12th Grade

High School Graduate

Hispanic

6,005,343

4,006,088

6,636,807

White alone, not Hispanic

4,447,343

9,377,752

40,848,554

Black alone, not Hispanic

1,253,404

3,000,015

7,018,591

Asian alone, not Hispanic

793,199

555,972

1,429,973

Other, not Hispanic

213,886

396,789

1,082,367

Total

12,713,175

17,336,616

57,016,292

Chuukwu said that this language barrier can be addressed by involving the parents in the education process. “The language challenge can be addressed by assisting low-income families in programs that encourage the use of the English language at home and in school,” he said.

Another common challenge that Latino students face is the economic responsibility that numerous students have to their household.

“Many high school students are also responsible for contributing financially to their families,” Shuman said. “This means that they often work after school or on the weekends, limiting their time to participate in after-school activities or dedicate to homework. Families often depend on the contributions of these students.”

The studies conducted on Latino students’ success in school reveal that Latino’s strong family bonds loosen during adol e s c e n c e. T h e reduction in family structure causes enthusiasm for school to fade and performance to wane. “By middle school, many [Latino] kids disengage from school,” Fuller said.

Other hurdles diminish Latino performance further. “Cultural differences make teachers negatively misjudge Latino’s enthusiasm for learning,” Fuller said. “These kids sense this and say, ‘forget it.’”

Latino education levels lag behind the The language barrier is challenging to rest of the District’s population. The U.S. combat because it begins at home with the Census Bureau reports that one in three family. More than two-thirds of D.C.’s Latinos speak Spanish at home, according to Latino adults have less education than a typical 9th grade student. the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Similar to the statistics for Latino stu“When parents are unable to commudents in the United States, Latino prenicate in English, this also can limit the amount of interaction that parents can have kindergarten through 12th grade students with schools,” Shuman said. “We know that in Washington, D.C. lag behind their peers parent interaction with schools has a posi- in standardized test scores and high school graduation rates,” Shuman said. tive impact on a child’s education.”

Garcia said Latino youth need policies designed to overcome the Some College College Graduate Total challenges. Fuller places much 25,550,793 5,600,794 3,301,761 of the responsibility on schools.

He recommends hiring more bi139,244,693 41,798,317 42,772,727 lingual teachers and training ex22,214,548 3,886,476 7,056,062 isting teachers to increase their bicultural skills.

9,069,117 1,756,317 4,533,656 Chuukwu agrees that action is 3,938,539 861,575 1,383,922 necessary and that a commitment to developing a solution must be 200,017,690 57,595,412 55,356,195 Despite these advantages, other challenges, such as the language barrier, may harm Latino student’s ability to perform well in school, Shuman said. Cultural and linguistic differences distinguish Latinos from Caucasians and African Americans.

These differences lead people to think that Latinos begin school with more disadvantages than advantages, Fuller said.

“Language is one barrier to Latino students in the District. Latino students come from a background where English is a second language, so most of them don’t speak English at home. This lack of practice makes it challenging for the students to understand the full extent of their curriculum,” said Anthony Chuukwu, founder and executive director of Citiwide Computer Training Center, which uses information technology to decrease the digital divide and improve the educational and socio-economic conditions of D.C.’s low-income residents.

Source: Pew Hispanic Center

Studies examine school experience and expose everyday trials

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May 26 - June 8, 2010 Latino Population Groups

U.S.

accepted by policy makers, teachers, parents and students.

1.) Mexicans

30,746,000

2.) Puerto Ricans

4,151,000

“I don’t think any new research will find a solution to the problems that Latino students face,” he said. “Whatever research that has already been found needs to be implemented and used in addressing this issue so that something can be done.”

Researchers tend to shy away from making claims about specific populations, especially ethnic minorities, because it brews controversy. Some researchers fear that critics will label their findings stereotypes.

However, many experts, including Garcia, praise attempts to understand the idiosyncrasies of Latinos. He said it helps to avoid stereotypes.

Garcia hopes the band of researchers who produced the special report will continue to learn about Latino youths. “These studies give us a snapshot of what’s happening in Latino communities at this moment,” he said.

He went on to say that studies that follow individual Latinos over long periods of time would help researchers and concerned citizens identify where to look for the cause of

3.) Cubans

1,631,000

4.) Salvadorans

1,560 ,000

5.) Dominicans

1,334,000

6.) Guatemalans

986,000

7.) Colombians

882,000

8.) Hondurans

608,000

9.) Ecuadorians

591,000

10.) Peruvians

519,000

Total

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YOU ARE INVITED TO THE

Third Annual David Pike Excellence in Journalism Awards HONORING JOURNALISM THAT CHALLENGES PERCEPTIONS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS DATE: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 TIME: 7-9 pm PLACE: The George Washington University Media & Public Affairs Building 805 21st Street, NW (Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro)

46,822,000

Source: Pew Hispanic Center

negative trends in the Latino population.

“I think that the more we understand about the problem, the more prepared we will be to help solve the educational gap,” Shuman said. “The Pew Hispanic Center has some great research available. I also think that socio-economic status and race or ethnicity both need to be considered when conducting research.”

GUEST SPEAKERS JOHN DRISCOLL

President & CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

SAM FORD

ABC7/WJLA-TV Reporter Dessert Reception to follow RSVP: Email awards@streetsense.org or call 202.347.2006 by Monday, June 14 These awards are in memory of Street Sense Board Member and Journalist David Pike, who devoted his career to justice and transparency through journalism, working for such notable publications as U.S. News & World Report.

This event is free, but donations in memory of David Pike are welcome.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, please visit www.streetsense.org or mail a check payable to “Street Sense” to 1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Contact abby@streetsense.org for more information. www.listentothebody.com

Looking for a past story or poem?

Check out the Street Sense online archives!

Visit www.streetsense. org/archives

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S treetS ense.org

May 26 - June 8, 2010

Choosing the “Write” Path Homeless author pens novel seeking independence

Review

American Delinquents: An Edurtainment Novel

By Robert Fulton, volunteer If Kehinde Garrison passed you on the streets of D.C., riding his bike or walking with a cigarette in his hand, you would probably never guess he's a published author and that he's homeless.

"The impetus of the book basically came out of the economic downturn and being unemployed and trying to create an opportunity for myself," Garrison, 37, said over breakfast last month at a cafe in the District.

He spoke briskly but with authority, frequently glancing through the rain-slicked window on a dreary April morning. "It was basically 'What can I do that's not dependent on anyone else?’ This is my thinking going into writing the book."

The novel Garrison speaks of is “American Delinquents,” recently published through lulu.com, a Web self-publishing service that seeks to eliminate traditional publishing barriers. It is the story of a young Wall Street executive whose life gets turned upsidedown. The executive ultimately crosses paths with a felon in a D.C.-area shelter.

Garrison stresses that “American Delinquents” is a work of fiction but was inspired by situations he's witnessed and experienced. "My father used to always say that you should talk about what you know. That way you won't look stupid," Garrison said, smiling.

"What have I known in the past 10 years other than being on the street, moving from shelter to shelter and doing day labor and stuff like that? I thought it would make for an interesting fiction novel to weave those elements into some sort of story format."

He added, "Anybody who writes anything, whether it's fiction or nonfiction ­— it comes from a place where you've heard stories about or you've experienced to a certain extent."

Garrison is the child of military parents, born in England. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio and lived in Anderson, S.C. Garrison said his family moved a lot, and he recently returned to the D.C. area last summer and resides at a local shelter. His time at the shelters played a role in the inspiration for the work.

"I thought the shelter held so many interesting characters because there were so many people who are homeless," says Garrison. "A lot of America has the potential to be homeless — maybe two paychecks away from being homeless. You miss two paychecks, you miss the car note, the mortgage and that stuff starts to pile up -- you're right in [the shelter] with me."

Garrison began writing “American Delinquents” while incarcerated in an attempt to prepare for the future. "What can I do when I get out of here so I can support myself and not be dependent on looking for a handout from somebody else? If it doesn't get done, it's on me."

By Jessica Neal, volunteer

Garrison relives his experiences through his new book, “American Delinquents.”

The author won't discuss why he was in jail, but he took a lot away from the experience. "Once you become incarcerated, what happens is, whatever you had on the outside world, you lose," he said. "There's no way you can sustain it. It's impossible for you to sustain any kind of house payment or whatever, so you lose everything."

Garrison has always had a love for writing. He wanted to study English in college but instead chose economics as a compromise with his mother, who wanted him to study science. He never finished his degree. Garrison works day-labor jobs when he's not writing.

"I'm just trying to get enough money so I can sustain myself and do some more writing," he said. "I'm not trying to be a millionaire or any of that. I don't even want to be famous."

Garrison isn't looking for any accolades and wasn't seeking to convey an overarching message through the novel. "I hope [readers are]entertained, first of all," he said. "Secondly, I hope they learn something about people. I try to tell a lot about why the homeless situation exists in America and how it came about. I didn't really offer any kind of solutions. I don't know what the solutions are. If I knew what the solutions were, I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in."

Now that he's done with his first novel, he's contemplating ideas for his next. "Even if it doesn't go anywhere, I want to continue writing," he said. "I think it's a good way to keep my mind on stuff and it's something positive."

For more information on Kehinde Garrison or to order a copy of American Delinquents, visit www.lulu. com.

Kehinde Garrison is not afraid to mix literary genres while addressing societal concerns in this hip-hop novel.

Nonfiction, fantasy, mystery and fate are united to analyze American society and the victims of capitalism in his debut novel, "American Delinquents: An Edurtainment Novel." With whirlwind subplots and numerous underlying themes, Garrison is in a race to develop characters, a plot and his own ideological agenda.

In the form of intertwining vignettes, four main characters’ personal battles and journeys bring the tale to life, culminating in the District of Columbia’s Community for Creative Non-Violence shelter. Joseph Harrison, jilted by capitalism, attempts to evade its core principles by robbing a bank in his South Carolina town. However, he fails to overcome some of capitalism's downsides of sex, drugs, irrational spending and its burden— the overwhelming desire to accomplish the “American Dream”with a family in a home of his own. Solomon, in New York by way of Frederick, Md., is the archetype of the highs and lows of "keeping up with the Joneses" in the corporate world. Regina Dierhorn, from a Native American reservation in New Mexico, struggles with gender, race and upward mobility in the male-dominated FBI. Under the mask of charity, good nature and community advocacy, Albert Wojciechowski operates an unethical nonprofit — exploiting the residents he used to dine among — and leads an immoral private life. In the end, these four completely different characters climatically collide together with a suicide, police raid, several homicides and one promising act of kindness.

Unfortunately, the novel's strengths in imagery and detail are also its weaknesses. The hip-hop genre allows for the social and verbal vulgarities that contribute to the underbelly of Garrison's southern, western and eastern urban and rural settings. Outside of excessive hip-hop lyrics, mixed-urban dialects and a few stereotypes, the novel is not necessarily of the hip-hop genre. It fails to explain the angst and sometimes self-destructive mindset that plagues the individuality and anarchy normally associated with that literary genre. Despite the novel's imagery and symbolism, which resemble the meticulous nature of realism, the novel fails to create fluidity among the details.

The characters have symmetry with regard to the human struggle to attain stability within their respective ideologies, but at times Garrison's wildly overstated attempt to write an exposé of the capitalist nature of humanity loses structure. There are so many themes and subplots in the novel that a reader can easily become overwhelmed and fail to understand the author's message. In Garrison's well-intended eagerness to "edutain," the plot can be patronizing and overbearing.

S treetS ense.org

May 26 - June 8, 2010

7

Illinois Night Ministry Outreach Program Rolls On

By Mary Faith Hilboldt The Night Ministry health outreach bus operates according to a motto not of scarcity but of abundance.

“Everybody gets something or no one does,” said Mark Bradley, director of outreach and health ministry at the nonprofit organization. “Scarcity induces more competitiveness and fear," This motto made for extremely congenial men and women lined up at three stops on a recent evening in Uptown, Woodlawn and South Shore, all towns in Illinois.

"Hospitality is key for us," Bradley said.

Coffee, hot chocolate, food, hygiene kits, warm clothes and condoms are given out at the 38-foot bus. The back of the bus provides an examination space for the nurse practitioner. And the front of the bus is for confidential HIV and STD testing and counseling.

The Night Ministry calls its bus "mobile relationship building."

Around 7 p.m. at the first stop, which is in Wilson, a long line of people waited outside in the cold for the food offered by St. Anne's Catholic Church of Barrington, Ill., as well as the medical services offered inside the bus.

The Night Ministry was founded in 1976 to help underserved people: the homeless, working poor, uninsured and mentally ill.

It served 5,750 people this year and was assisted by over 400 volunteers. In addition to its health outreach bus, it provides drop-in services and shelter for homeless youth.

The Night Ministry is completely funded by donations. It's the recent winner of the "Fueling Good" award and received $2,500 in fuel from Citgo Petroleum Corp., which will tide the bus through the winter. The award was the result of feel-good stories the Night Ministry submitted to the corporation, followed by an online vote.

Additional help comes from churches like St. Anne's. On that recent chilly evening, seven teenage girls distributed hot, homemade soup, oranges, potato chips and a choice of homemade banana bread or a packaged, store-bought sweet roll. Once the lines dissipated, there was very little food left, and no more homemade banana bread.

Annie, one of the teenagers passing out the food, said she loves to volunteer at least once a month. She organizes her friends, some of who are returning volunteers and some of who are new, to help out.

The Night Ministry attracts an wide array of volunteers, from nurse practitioner Barbara Sexton, who's been volunteering since 1992, to Faith Miller, a recently returned soldier from Iraq with a master's degree in divinity.

Two students from Northwestern Medical School, which requires two or three volunteer experiences for completion of a degree, also volunteered that night.

The Night Ministry healthy outreach bus makes a stop in Illinois.

The Night Ministry is one of Northwestern's approved programs. “You see all ages, a good mix of ethnicity and backgrounds, including Mexican, Irish and African American.

It doesn't discriminate," said Charles Chaney, a second-year medical student. "We need service organizations that want to help people in all walks of life."

Chaney and Luke Laing, another Northwestern med student. assisted Sexton in checking patients' vital signs, initially assessing medical problems, and then organizing the patients into a line.

E.S., a counselor volunteer who asked that her name not be used in this article because of concerns over patient confidentiality, said she tells the people that she tests and counsels for HIV that "it's not about me, it's about you. I love you and care about you."

Bradley described one woman as a "survival sex worker," saying she normally eats out of garbage cans and supplements her income with sex acts. She has children to support.

The Night Ministry volunteers remind those they counsel to use condoms in all sexual encounters. E.S. even advises married women and tells them that, "Yes, you are married, but you do not know where he's been."

She said patients often tell her they don't like to carry condoms because it makes them feel like a "cheat bug, or a prostitute." But she tells them to "remind themselves they are worth it. Keep it in your wallet like an American Express card or a lucky dollar. It's there

when you need it."

The front of the bus can receive results from HIV testing in 20 minutes. One volunteer counselor has seen only three HIV-positive results in seven months.

Sexton, the nurse practitioner who isat the back of the bus, treated four people with colds at the Uptown stop. She diagnoses anything from asthma to diabetes, to pneumonia to foot care, which is important to people who spend a lot of time outside.

Sexton doesn't prescribe medicine, but she does dispense it to those in need. She then refers patients to clinics for follow-up medical care. She's careful to tell the patients that she's not a primary-care doctor and that they must find one at a clinic.

Outreach professional Carlos McFarlane organized the food and necessities that were distributed from the bus. He's the one who, at the last stop at 11:30 p.m., has to tell people still waiting in line in the pouring rain that there are no more sandwiches and the hot chocolate is gone, but there's still some coffee left if anyone wants it.

Many of the people at the bus know each other and there's a strong sense of community among the Night Ministry's volunteers.

"This is like a Band-Aid between making it and not making it," said Maria Tampico at the Uptown stop.

Tampico is a street musician who plays a 12-string guitar and violin simultaneously while tap dancing and whistling at a CTA Red

Line stop downtown. She's planning to have dental work in the new year so she can continue to whistle and earn a living. She received pain pills and antibiotics from the Night Ministry so her teeth don't get infected.

A friend of hers, E.J., accompanied her to the bus that night. He said he's not homeless and doesn't need the food, but he comes about once a month for the medical care because he has no medical insurance.

"Barbara lets me know my blood pressure is elevated and gives me recommendations to see a physician for an appointment," he said.

"It's a big help and it's nice to see someone who cares."

Another man at the bus's Uptown stop said that the condoms, socks and skullcaps he gets save him money and keep him from "having to buy it." A woman with him added, "Or steal it."

A 44-year-old homeless man at the bus's South Shore stop who fights a "day-to-day battle with drugs" said the same thing about his sandwich and coffee: "The thought of doing something wrong didn't happen because people knew this bus was going to be here. I kept the faith, kept myself positive. It's a load off me. Now I'll crawl into a little hole and rest easy." The man said his wife had kicked him out and he was now living in abandoned buildings.

— Courtesy of Street News Service

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Photos by Lawrence Howard

Legend

By Andrew Grey

In the time of defeat,

I rose to my feet.

I was an untold story,

But know I am bound

for glory. Tonight they

will know my name because

I will achieve fame. Tonight

I will be a legend; my

world will never end.

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My Dream

By Andrew Grey

My dream last night was a beautiful sight. I dreamed of my last love, but it was only a dream. In my dream I saw her wearing that beautiful red dress. I dreamed of the times I used to hold and gently caress her and how we made sweet love. My dream was only a dream, a thing of

the past like the love we

once had that couldn’t last.

Andrew’s book "The Last Coming" is coming soon on Amazon.com.

You can contact Andrew at www.andrewbgrey.com.

May 26 - June 8, 2010

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Street Suduko

Spinning stories

Feathers, The Evil Parrot?

By Patrick Azarius

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By David Rubin

Match your favorite independent thinker with what he/ she created!

1. One of the first mainstream successful country singers 2. Nicknamed “Yardbird” 3. Considered one of the greatest jazz clarinetists 4. Nicknamed the “King of Swing” 5. Wrote the novel The Young Lions A. Artie Shaw B. Benny Goodman C. Irwin Shaw D.Vernon Dalhart E. Charlie Parker

Feathers is a parrot who has learned to speak and repeat what he hears. He lives on the 15th floor of a high-rise condo on a busy corner of 7th Street, NW It's a beautiful and bountiful section of the city, with a Starbucks coffee shop, Tangysweet Yogurt and Red Velvet Cupcake, as well as Jaleo and Chophouse restaurants.

Feathers flies over them every day, looking at the people who walk and talk as they go in and out of these eateries. His owner, Joyce, is a news reporter for Channel 4, and sometimes forgets to close her balcony, not knowing that Feathers takes the opportunity to explore the neighborhood by flying to other condos and landing on their balconies. And if the sliding glass door is left open, Feathers invites himself in to take a look around. If he sees something shiny and small, he takes it back to his cage. Sometimes Feathers sits on other people's balconies and peeks in on them without them noticing.

One day, Joyce leaves for work and says, “Bye, Feathers.” Feathers repeats her. After Joyce closes the door, Feathers hops out of his cage and starts his day. The sliding glass door is not open wide enough so he takes his beak and pushes it open. He sits on the balcony and looks out at other balconies.

Across the street, there is loud noise coming from a balcony.

Feathers flies over and lands there.

He looks inside the condo and sees a man and a woman arguing.

The man is shouting, “I’ll kill you first! I’ll kill you!” The man pushes the woman. She falls and hits her head at the end of the table. There is blood everywhere. The man panics and runs to the bathroom to get towels to try and clean up the blood. He doesn't see Feathers sitting there looking in.

Feathers sees something gold shining by the lady’s head lying on the floor. It's a gold ink pen from her law firm and it has her initials, “K.B.” on it with blood all over it.

The man doesn’t notice that the pen is missing when he comes back in the room. Just when he starts cleaning up the blood, Feathers says, "I'll kill you first! I'll kill you!" The man looks around and sees Feathers on the balcony with the woman's gold pen in his claws.

The man tries to ease up to Feathers with his hands open and is only inches from grabbing him when Feathers flies away with the pen in his claws.

photo Courtesy of Flickr/photomike07

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Feathers sees something gold shining by the lady’s head lying on the floor. It’s a gold ink pen from her law firm and it has her initials “K.B.” on it, with blood all over.

To be continued...

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Will Write For Food Writers’ Group

May 26 - June 8, 2010

meeting every Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office.

Reggie’s Reflections- Stardom???

Because there are many soliders, all of us have someone that we can memorialize. We hope you will think of that person while reading our memorials.

He Showed Interest

by Patty Smith

In 2004 I was going to U.P. O. Mr. Mummin gave me a computer that had clip art. I used to experiment with the different arts that interested me. While I was passing out flyers, I saw August Mallory. He was passing out Street Sense logos. He gave me one and told me about a meeting. I went to the meeting.

After getting hired, Laura asked me to return the next day. After meeting some of the vendors, August then took it upon himself to take me to Farragut North Metro Station to sell the newspaper. August was my hero. He was the one that showed intrest in me. If it wasn’t for his dilligent efforts, I wouldn’t be here now.

Patty loves creative writing. Contact: Pattyscoffee@netzero.net

People

by Reginald Black People, just great people.

They are large and small.

They do their part for all.

No matter how large, no matter how small.

By Reginald Black I met our new manager. She was lovely but I couldn’t bring myself to break my professional attitude. I guess it was a defense mechanism. This also proved true on an outing. The first stop was a all-girls dorm on George Washington University's campus. When I learned that I would be preforming in front of mostly women, I became very nervous. '' How can I preform in front of a room full of girls? '' I asked myself. After the first performance and running late for the second, I was forced to leave. The second stop was a local Catholic university. Again, a lot of people mainly the female kind. This time after the performance, they asked for autographs. I was blown over and couldn’t believe I had become a star overnight. The question was will my new stardom bring my crush around, or would she even matter after awhile? I didn’t know but I was eager to see it through.

Reggie hosts the Writer's Goup Meetings.

Contact: Rblackstreetreporter@gmail.com

De Saxe Civility

by David Rubin First Battle of the Bullrun, Injured soldiers left in sun.

Barton breaks all war barrier, health care delivered by her.

Forms the American Red Cross, Inspires medical van for homeless.

War and money bureaucracy gone, Maurice DeSaxe civility sets tone.

David volunteers and is writing his own novel.

Contact: stonepotts2000@yahoo.com.

Memorial Day End Of May

by Robert Warren

Memorial Day, End Of May. Each job or service helps us to stand tall.

I know of a person who isn't very tall, but that person's mission is nothing small.

It involves communitcation, so those outsiders they work with can rejoin civilization.

There are folks like this in every nation.

A congregation of people, and they truly are people, great people.

Summer days will begin again.

We remember those lost to soon.

Soon war will come again, we remember as we barbecue the foods of Memorial Day, End of May. Life in full bloom as kids play and we remember those who went away to soon Memorial Day, end of May, End of life’s June’s Vacation. No more worry of Mothers, Father, Sisters and Brothers who will visit the graves this memorial day.

End of may for those who went away to soon.

Loving thoughts of you this memorial day end of May.

Learn good writing from Lee McAuliffe Rambo, who spent 35 years as a print and broadcast journalist working for media outlets in Paris, New York, Los Angeles and the District.

Until, another day end, may of life and bloom memorial day.

May we remember you always with thoughts of love for life with peace no more war.

The Writer's Group needs laptops.

E-mail info@streetsense.org if you can help.

Heavenly home not to soon.

Production, Hosting, Layout and Support:

Robert is a member of The People for Fairness Coalition.

Contact: Robertwarren47@yahoo.com.

Patty Smith, Reginald Black

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Street Vending: Oh! The People You’ll Meet!

By Jeffery McNeil, vendor I might not have a home but I do have a sense of humor.

Selling papers can be challenging. There are times when you appear to be the life of the party, while at other times people walk by you like you have a disease.

Learning how to sell Street Sense has taught me techniques in human relations. I’ve learned how to deal with the angry, the obnoxious and the miserable. I learned the art of persuasion and can turn the objection into a “Yes”.

But most of all, I have collected amusing, colorful stories that I can share.

A leg up

him $20. I walked away muttering, “Only in America.”

The Wicked Witch of Farragut North

Tight on money supply I decided to try out a new location on Connecticut and M, when someone said that Allen Greenspan was coming down the street. As he was walking past me, I said, “Good morning sir, have you read a Street Sense?”

For an old man he does have quick feet, and he hurried by me. He seemed in no mood for stopping. When he came back I told a little joke and he snubbed me again. I took the snub personally. I guess trickle down really doesn’t trickle down to a Street Sense vendor.

Sir Cheesy While on my way to sell newspapers at the corner of 17th and L, I stumbled upon an elderly man with a cup, crying, “Can you spare change? I am hungry and have no food to eat.” I went into a CVS and bought him a couple of sandwiches and a twoliter soda.

I was feeling good for helping someone when they were down. I took the sandwiches to him and he asked where the receipt was. I did a double take because I couldn’t understand the ungratefulness of this homeless person. I decided that I would grab the bag and have lunch. As I walked away from this panhandler he told the same sad story to another person, and they reached in their pocket and gave

Why I don’t watch Fox News I was selling newspapers at Union Station when I spotted Greta Van Susteren, the host of “On the Record.” I had a Street Sense and she gave me a look of curiosity and asked, “What do you have?”

I did my greatest sales pitch, but I didn’t ask for

If you are a federal or state employee, please consider supporting Street Sense through the Combined Federal Campaign today.

One of my favorite corners is the park on the corner of Farragut North, known as “Corner Alley.” It has everyone from hotdog vendors to panhandlers, lined up like grizzly bears for a salmon run. I like this area because there is breathing space where people have to stop.

One day I was on a stroll when I noticed an old lady standing behind me screaming some gibberish. She was old, wearing a lewd outfit, and must have been in her early 70s. She had a stroller with a Frank Sinatra sign. As I was paying attention to her, I saw her get up and begin pushing her stroller toward me. I tried to give her the right of way when I realized she was headed right for me. She tried to run me over, then went into her cart, picked up her bag and started trying to hit me with it.

It was embarrassing to get beaten up by an old lady.

What was even worse was that she tried to put a hex on me.

I wasn’t right for a couple of days and now when I see her I move in fear.

Off-key

photo courtesy of flickr/pyza

When I first sold papers, I didn’t know about panhandlers’ territories. I began selling papers on L Street when I heard this fellow with a cane and a limp screaming, “Get the !$#!$#!# out of here!” He was a crusty, ill-mannered chap who resembled Oscar the Grouch, calling me names not suitable for print. So I ignored him and continued selling Street Sense.

I had a lot of people buying from me while he was being ignored. When one customer gave me a large donation, the guy lost it and tried to get me to fight. I ducked and danced as if I were Muhammad Ali. He was enraged because he couldn’t land a blow, so he reached in his pants and threw his leg at me and almost connected.

I couldn’t stop laughing. When I see him on 19th and L by the Corner Baker y, I always yell, “How’s the leg?”

her autograph. She did my classic, favorite tactic, “I will see you on the way back.” She came back and smiled, but said she wasn’t interested.

I was at Eastern Market where there are usually lots of vendors, so it can be cut-throat. I found a vacant area and started selling; I was doing very well when an old man set up right behind me and started playing the sax. I was irked that he had to be right behind me to play. What was more nauseating was that he played horribly.

Sometimes, where there’s a lot of competition, you have to use Bill Gates-style tactics to clear out corners. I offered the guy $20 to never, ever play again.

CFC# 28233

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

Sorrows of Life Written by Shirley M. Young

The Activist

Living in a place with four walls and a roof With a shower and sink as well as toilet fixtures.

But listen, ladies and gentlemen, I'm talking to you.

You may have a job and a home with a family to call your own.

There are people out there starving and there are some who have nowhere to go.

What do we tell the people who are homeless and not from here?

Some are lucky to have a shelter while millions are still out in the streets Trying to make a living.

A struggle to end all poverty.

It takes a very strong person to survive out in the streets in all elements of the weather.

Rain, sleet, snow, hail, thunder and lightning storms, hurricanes, tornadoes – They have been through them all.

So it is only respectful that we don't forget about these homeless people.

They are survivors of unfortunate events in their lives.

Tears in your eyes, wondering when it will end.

Homeless people are targeted by ignorance.

I ask you a question: would you treat your loved ones like you treat homeless people? · Turn a blind eye and pretend it never happened. · Stand there and laugh at their misfortune. · Throw things at them because they are not entertaining to your cruelty. · Call them names because you think this is funny. · Spit or step on them because of your disgust at them.

Ask yourself this: how many of the homeless are children you have turned your back on?

Could it be that someone you know is homeless like a friend or family member?

Just remember it can happen to you.

After all, you are one paycheck away from being homeless yourself?

Written by James Davis, a former Street Sense board member (to e-mail or not to e-mail) I googled, I gaggled, I gargled and I giggled.

I tweeted, I twattered, I twittered and I twiggled.

I e-mailed, g-mailed and blogged.

I facebooked, I friended and I walled.

I wanted to say how unfair the laws in some cities Are against people experiencing homelessness.

I just wanted a better way to get the message to Congress.

I could have testified again on Capitol Hill, But for what? Another ineffective housing bill?

I could have just made a sign and picketed And once again got caught by the police and ticketed.

Could I just call the Man myself Or put the letter back on the shelf?

I decided against my frustrations to make the world better, So instead, I just mailed the darn letter.

YOO-HOO, SUPERMAN, EVEN YOU CAN’T SAVE THE LOWLY PAYPHONE!

By Chris “Sky” Earnshaw, vendor April Fool’s Day 2010 was a sad holiday for the Cleveland Park Shopping Center.

That morning, five familiar and clunky payphones were unceremoniously yanked from their shells at the Giant market and pharmacy.

We think Verizon did the hijack, but who knows for sure.

PHOTO courtesy of Flickr/Backyard Woods Explorer

No more can I tell the spouse I’ve got full grocery bags and here comes the bus.

Why is this a problem?

Well, I’m a twenty-first century Luddite.

I carry no IPod, apps or even the most basic of cell phones.

With even the last payphones gone, no more coins shall jangle down the slot, no more hollow robotic “Thankyew,” from the chrome wrapped receiver cord.

That satisfaction is gone.

For good.

And what if Superman, not able to change his cape and tights in private (booths have been largely absent for two decades), has a sudden bout of chest pain, and has no cell?

Without the trusty coin phone, his goose is cooked.

See what I mean? Of course one would have to care about all the analog stuff that has just up and shuffled off.

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May 26 - June 8, 2010

things to Know Donald Johnson, 1963

Richard Embden, 1961

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Access to Free Food, Shelter, Clothing and Medical Facilities

By Ray Avrutus, volunteer

Phillip Black, 1958

Franklin Payne, 1986

I Say “Happy,” You Say, “Birthday!”

Percy Carter, 1958

Mary Lisenko, 1948

Jeff McNeil, 1967 Michael Welsh, 1953

The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFCMW) has a website (www.ifcmw.org ) one can visit to obtain free food from soup kitchens and pantries, as well as shelter, clothing, hotlines and medical services. These services are available in D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia.

Some of the services provided by the IFCMW apply to anyone in need, while others are available only to certain populations.

How to Access the Directory 1. Visit ww.ifcmw.org.

2. On the left side of the screen, below the “Donate to IFC” button, click on Emergency Directory.

3. A sub-menu will appear. Click on Search It Online.

4. Six labeled folders will appear. Click on any folder and you will see a listing of all the service providers in this category for the D.C. Metropolitan area, such as day shelters, emergency food, medical services, shelters, soup kitchens and additional resources.

5. Click on any entry and you will see a summary of contact information for the organization, its name, website address, a phone number, e-mail and street address.

6. Just below the summary information is an icon for more details. Click on the “More Details” icon and you will see services, contact person, hours, population served, specialized services and restrictions.

7. If this resource is helpful, to the right of the add/hide button you will see the icon titled, “Add to My Brochure”. Click on this icon and you can continue to add or subtract resources until you are ready to build your brochure and print the listings you have selected for the person or family that you are assisting.

8. If a resource requires a referral before you may receive services, call or e-mail the resource and ask for the name of the place(s) that provide the referral, along with the referral’s address, e-mail and phone number.

9. Contact the referral. Ask what you should bring with you to obtain a referral(s) to the service(s) you need. Also ask for an appointment to present your documents to a caseworker.

10. Call Metro at 202-637-7000 to determine which subway(s) or bus(s) you should take to and from the referral point and the service provider(s). If you will receive food or clothing, you may bring a small, folding wheeled cart.

11. If you don’t need these services now, clip this article and keep it in a safe place in case you, a friend or relative ever need these services in the future.

A new issue comes out every two weeks, but you can stay connected to Street Sense every day:

Follow us on

acebook : www.facebook.com/streetsense : www.youtube.com/streetsensedc and witter : streetsensedc ...and, as always, find us online at www.streetsense.org.

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The District SHELTER

Calvary Women’s Services 110 Maryland Ave, NE (202) 289-0596 (office) (202) 289-2111 (shelter) 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 prep

May 26 - June 8, 2010 9:30-11, all welcome/dinner for women and children, Mon-Fri, 3-6 pm) St. Stephens Parish Church 1525 Newton St, NW (202) 737–9311 www.thrivedc.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089 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

John Young Center (Women) 119 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org

Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.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

Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

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 18+) 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 (Sundays only) 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Thrive DC (breakfast Mon-Fri,

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 Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112 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, child/family services 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 events 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 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services 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 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 Gospel Rescue Ministries drug, alcohol program (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731; www.grm.org 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 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 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html emergency travel assistance Washington Legal Clinic for the

Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org

WVSA Literacy for Life 1100 16th Street, NW (202) 296-9100 www.wvsarts.org GED preparation and work force education

MARYLAND SHELTER Interfaith Works 114 W. Montgomery Avenue Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.iworksmc.org The Samaritan Group Inc. 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 Avenue 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. 9309 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda (301) 493–2400 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

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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 supportive services

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 The Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 9th 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 #320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES Arlington Free Clinic 2921 11th Street South 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

Shelter Hotline: 1–800– 535–7252

May 26 - June 8, 2010

tHe LaSt Word

Don’t Be Fooled By The Name “Safety net” cuts threaten the means to achieve stability

By Timothy Young, volunteer I never liked the name “Save Our Safety Net.” The “safety net” is commonly understood as District funding for social programs that help less fortunate families who are becoming even more impoverished during the economic downturn. The term makes us think of someone falling whose last hope is a net to catch them -which is why it’s a misnomer.

A last-resort safety net in this scenario would necessitate handouts, but District social programs currently threatened by proposed funding cuts are not handout programs. Job counseling, recreation centers and healthy meal vouchers for school children are not handouts or a safety net. They are the “hand up” and provide a ladder to success and stability.

Politicians who want to bias voters against social programs portray those programs as handout services. Why? Because the idea that someone else gets something for free angers uninformed voters who work hard for what they have. The people I know who have publicly spoken at SOS rallies about using safety net programs are some of the hardest-working people I have ever met. Their paths in life led to more challenging predicaments than others have faced, and the District’s social programs have helped them get back on track.

These people are not turning to social programs for a last-resort handout; they do not need to be caught by a net because all else has failed; they are successfully using good programs designed to help them climb back up the ladder to independence and life success. As much as “Save Our Safety Net” or “SOS” is a catchy title, it ultimately fails to accurately describe the true mission of the District’s social programs.

Given the importance of these programs during the economic crisis, I have to wonder what genius in the Mayor’s office ran the numbers on social programs and poverty and decided it would be a good idea to cut roughly $100 million where it is needed the most. Programs that afford residents a hand up out of poverty will help the city grow financially in the long run by creating a larger workforce (which can be taxed) composed of people who can make independent purchases (which also can be taxed).

Cutting social programs increases not only the needs of the impoverished but the number of people in need. It does not take a doctorate in economics or sociology to see that saving a little now by cutting social programs fuels a long-term drain on the government by reducing jobs and deepening the needs of District residents.

Sure, “Saving Our Ladder to a Better Future, Which in Turn Saves Billions of Dollars We Will Need to Eventually Spend to Curb What Could Be the Largest Impoverished Population in D.C.’s History” (“SOLBFWTSBDWWNESCWCBLIPDCH”) doesn’t have the same ring to it as “SOS,” but that is truly what is at stake. We can talk about budget solutions until we run out of breath, but first things first: We must realize that cutting social programs now will save the District $100 million today, but it will cost the city hundreds of millions more in the long term.

S ense.org CharlesS treet Woods

Vendor proFiLe

By Mary Yost, intern Charles Woods was born in Columbia, S.C., and was raised in Washington, D.C. He attended high school at H.D. Woodson High School in Southeast D.C. where he played basketball for three years, which he still enjoys doing on the weekends.

Woods held a few jobs in the area, including working as an office mover at the World Bank for five years. He was then employed at Fort Wagner in Southwest D.C. for 12 years.

One of the best experiences of Woods’ life was meeting his wife. The two met in Maryland and have been married for seven years, Woods said. After they got married, they moved to Pittsburgh. While in Pittsburgh, Woods became homeless after he lost his job, which caused him and his wife to subsequently lose their home. They have been living in a shelter for the past two years. The two returned to D.C. from Pittsburgh one year ago and have been living in a shelter since then.

For right now, Woods says he enjoys working at Street Sense, which he discovered when he returned to D.C. “Street Sense helps me keep money in my pocket and afford the bare necessities,” Woods said. He typically sells copies of the newspaper at the Union Station Metro sta-

tion.

Woods dreams of returning to Columbia, S.C. “I want to build a house there because my family has some land there,” Woods said.

While in the D.C. area, Woods takes advantage of the abundance of seafood offerings. He loves eating all types of seafood, including shrimp and Maryland’s famous blue crabs. He also watches football and cheers on D.C.’s home team: the Washington Redskins.

In his free time, Woods said he enjoys watching Tyler Perry’s movies, especially Perry’s performances as Madea.

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