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Hate Crimes and Violent Attacks Against Homeless People on the Rise, page 5 $1.00
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Where the Washington area's poor and homeless earn and give their two cents
March 1, 2007 - March 14, 2007 • Volume 4, Issue 6 www.streetsense.org
Redefining “Homeless”
A new bill aims to include couch surfers in the official definition
By Katherine Boyle The bill would change the cur-
rent definition of “homeless” to
Francine Triplett, 57, wishes she specifically include situations
had a place of her own. where people are “couch surfing”
Triplett, a Street Sense vendor, or “doubling up.” Carson said the
first lost her apartment in 1994. Af- expanded definition “will increase
ter completing a substance abuse flexibility for agencies and organi-
program, she briefly had her own zations that serve homeless popu-
VAnderbilT UniVersiTy regisTer
home again, but said she was “right lations.”
in the midst of drugs and alcohol.” How “homeless” is defined is so
Now, she “couch surfs,” staying important because often eligibility
with various friends in order to for certain services and for shelter
avoid temptation and the shelter is tied to whether or not one is con-
system. sidered homeless by HUD.
Yet, according to the Depart- Carson feels very strongly that
Though Francine does not have her own
ment of Housing and Urban Devel- the narrow definition of “homeless”
place, she is not considered homeless.
opment (HUD) definition, Triplett is limiting the resources homeless A student from Vanderbilt University sleeps on a bench and begs for change dur-
is not homeless, because she has HUD’s definition of homelessness. people need and that the new defi- ing her 48 hours experiencing homelessness.
places to stay. In mid-February, they introduced nition would give them more op-
Reps. Julia Carson (D-Ind.) and
Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) hope to address
Triplett’s situation and change
H.R. 840, the Homeless Emergency
Assistance and Rapid Transition to
Housing Act of 2007 (HEARTH).
portunities, said spokesman Chad
Chitwood.
The legal definition of homeless-
The Plunge: Spring
VENDOR VERSES
ness provided by Congress includes
the phrase, “individual who lacks a
fixed, regular, and adequate night-
Break on the Streets
The Upper Echelon
time residence.” However, HUD says By Jennifer Jett exhausting by the icy reception she
the definition includes only those received from passersby.
who literally have no place to stay This month, college students “I’ve never had people not
of the Homeless and are sleeping in shelters, transi-
tional homes or on the street.
“The more narrow interpretation
are skipping the beach to spend
their spring break on the streets of
Washington, D.C., among homeless
smile back at me before,” she said.
“Within 20 minutes my spirits had
completely dampened, and I could
I’m the upper echelon of the homeless of the definition (of homelessness) people. see how hopeless things would feel
I don’t loiter or beg is intended to make sure the target- “I wanted to do something that after months and months of people
If you’ve ever seen me working ed resources get to the people who was different and unique,” said Mat- just ignoring you.”
you may ponder what I said are actually homeless,” said HUD thew Nobles, a University of Florida At night groups meet with home-
I’m a hard working homeless man spokesman Brian Sullivan. senior who first came to Washing- less people who serve as guides,
who doesn’t panhandle for a pence But Laurel Weir, policy direc- ton for an Urban Plunge two years sharing their stories and showing
Cause homeless isn’t helpless tor of the National Law Center on ago. “I didn’t want to do the stereo- students what it’s like to spend a
when you have Street Sense Homelessness and Poverty, said typical college kid thing.” night in the cold. “I would bring
other government agencies, such as The National Coalition for the them downtown and we would
I sell the poetry in Street Sense the Departments of Education and Homeless began the Urban Plunge sleep in the midst of the downtown
some say that “It’s the best” Health and Human Services, use the program in the 1980s and now or- area with all the noise and people
But the interest in the articles same congressional definition as ganizes more than a dozen plung- walking by,” said former guide
could be the secret of its success HUD, yet manage to include couch es each year. After creating cover George Siletti. “Then the next night
surfers in the homeless populations stories for themselves, students I would bring them to a nice, quiet
When I vend in the afternoon they serve, and thus, provide fund- break into pairs or small groups place so they could see the differ-
the papers usually sell ing to support these people. and spend 48 hours experiencing ence.”
“We think the statutory defini- homelessness – sleeping on the John Harrison, a member of
See Echelon, page 12 street, eating at soup kitchens and the Speakers’ Bureau, is return-
See Homeless, page 4 asking for money. ing for his third year as a guide. “It
“ They know after 48 hours wasn’t until after I did it I realized
NATIONAL FEATURES they’re going to go home and take that I enjoyed it, and it was a really
Inside This Issue Scrapped for Cash NEW: Comics a shower, but for 48 hours they get eye-opening experience for young
Washington State proposes a curb A new cartoon commentary on to feel what it’s like,” said Michael people,” he said. “That’s really
on scrap metal sales, page 7 poverty and social issue, page 12 O’Neill, Speakers’ Bureau coordina- what kept me interested in doing
POLITICS tor at NCH. it. I could tell how much it changed
Getting Results from Gov’t REVIEWS VENDOR NOTES Paige Blair, a junior at the Uni- people’s minds about homeless-
What’s the best way for D.C’s Oceanaire Extraordinaire Goodwill Abounds versity of Kansas, found it a full- ness.”
homeless citizens to speak out and Vendor Anthony Crawford tastes Thanks to those who generously time job to travel between shelters
prompt change? page 6 the sea at this eatery, page 10 donated items last month, page 14 for meals – a job made even more See Plunge, page 5
2 ALL AbOUT US Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
Our Mission We are proud members of:
Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and
public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating
1317 G Street, NW economic opportunities for people who are experiencing
Washington, DC 20005 homelessness in our community.
Phone: (202) 347-2006
Fax: (202) 347-2166
info@streetsense.org
Our Editorial Policy
www.streetsense.org Editorials and features in Street Sense reflect the perspectives
of the authors. We invite the submission of news, opinion, north American street
fiction and poetry, hoping to create a means in which a newspaper Association
bOARD OF DIRECTORS multitude of perspectives on poverty and homelessness can
Robert Egger
Ted Henson
find expression.
Barbara Kagan
David Pike
John Snellgrove The Story of Street Sense
Michael Stoops
Street Sense began in August greatly expanded its circulation and
Francine Triplett
2003 after two volunteers, Laura vendor network. international network of
David Walker
Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, For the first year, Street Sense op- street papers
Kathy Whelpley
approached the National Coalition erated as a project of the National
for the Homeless on separate occa- Coalition for the Homeless, but in
sions about starting a street news- October 2004, the organization in-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laura Thompson Osuri
paper in D.C. corporated and moved into its own Street Sense
A street paper is defined as a office space. In March 2005, Street
VENDOR MANAGER
newspaper about poverty, home- Sense received 501(c)3 status, be- Vendor Code of Conduct
lessness and other social issues that coming an independent nonprofit
Jesse Smith Jr.
provides an income to the homeless organization. 1. Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary
individuals who sell it. About 25 In October 2005 Street Sense donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than
SENIOR EDITOR
street papers operate in the United formed a full board of directors, and a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by
Ted Henson
States and Canada in places like Se- in November the organization hired any other means.
attle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, its first employee, a fulltime execu- 2. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
and dozens more exist throughout tive director. staff and will not sell papers to other vendors
David S. Hammond
the world. A year later, in November 2006, (outside of the office volunteers).
After bringing together a core of the organization hired its first ven- 3. I agree to treat all others – customers, staff,
INTERN
dedicated volunteers and vendors, dor coordinator. other vendors – respectfully, and I will not
Rae Boresetti
Street Sense came out with its first In February 2007, the paper start- “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers.
issue in November 2003, printing ed publishing twice a month, and 4. I agree to stay off private property when selling
VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS
5,000 copies. For the next three the network of vendors expanded Street Sense.
Raymond Avrutis, Robert Basler, Katherine
years the paper published con- to more than 50 homeless men and 5. I understand that I am not a legal employee
Boyle, Cliff Carle, Alice Carter, Conrad Cheek
sistently on a monthly basis and women. of Street Sense but a contracted worker
Jr., Rick Dahnke, Carolyn Daley, Eric Doherty,
responsible for my own well-being and
Harvey Droke, Michelle Gaudet, Jake Geiss-
income.
inger, Cassie Good, David Harris, Donna
6. I agree to sell no additional goods or products
Rae Hendricks, Annie Hill, Alex Hiniker, Dan
when selling the paper.
Horner, Jennifer Jett, Mary Lynn Jones, Jo
7. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence
Knight, Karin Lee, Brenda Karyl Lee-Wilson,
of drugs or alcohol.
Jessi LeGarde, Leslie Limmer, August Mallory,
8. There are no territories among vendors. I will
Rita Marjandaro, Mandy McAnally, Jill Merse-
respect the space of other vendors, particularly
lis, Sarah Miller, Mike O’Neill, Amy Orndorff,
the space of vendors who have been at a spot
Swinitha Osuri, Susan Pearce, Jen Pearl, David
longer.
Pike, Nathaniel Reynolds, Chris Sellman, Eric
9. I understand that my badge is the property of
Sheptock, Jennifer Singleton, Patty Smith,
Street Sense and will not deface it. I will present
Isabel Toolan, Robert Trautman, Francine
my badge when purchasing the papers and
Triplett, Adosh Unni, Linda Wang, Marian
display my badge when selling papers.
Wiseman, Corrine Yu
10. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a
paper that covers homelessness and poverty
VENDORS
issues while providing a source of income for
Willie Alexander, Michael Anderson, Jake
the homeless. I will try to help in this effort
Ashford, Tommy Bennett, Corey Bridges,
Bobby Buggs, Cliff Carle, Alice Carter, Conrad February 15-2 Donors and spread the word.
Cheek Jr., James Coleman, Anthony Crawford,
Louise Davenport, Yllama Davenport, Muriel lashawn V. Wynn WANNA HELP?
Dixon, Alvin Dixon El, Michael Douglas, Don
Gardner, David Harris, John Harrison, Donna Maliline Johnson And a special If you are interested in becoming a volunteer,
please contact Laura Thompson Osuri at
Rae Hendricks, Patricia Henry, Michael Higgs, Coralie Farlee thanks to 202-347-2006.
Phillip Howard, Agula Hunter, Patricia Jef-
ferson, Allen Jones, Devon Jones, Mark Jones, elisa Joseph Steve Strauch
If you are interested in becoming a vendor,
Brenda Karyl Lee-Wilson, Lee Mayse, Jen- ebony Map and contact Jesse Smith Jr. at the same number or
nifer McLaughlin, Michelle McCullough, Carl
Morris, Charles Nelson, Larry Olds, Therese ranjeev purohit The Microsoft come to a vendor training session on Tues-
days and Thursdays at 2 p.m. at our office.
Onyemenam, Ricky Pearson, Kevin Robin- sandy and elliot Giving Campaign (1317 G Street, NW - near Metro Center.)
son, Chris Sellman, Patty Smith, Steve Stone,
Matesha Thompson, Francine Triplett, Amia Feinberg
Walker, Martin Walker, Lawless Watson, Wen- OUR NEXT EDITORIAL MEETING:
dell Williams, Ivory Wilson Thank You! Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. at our of-
fice (1317 G Street, NW - near Metro Center.)
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 PROFILE
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Caring for Homeless Kids Between College Classes
dent. She manages to major in psychology, complete her pre- Perhaps the most important thing that Bhatt actually does
med coursework, work at For Love of Children and volunteer on any given week is merely show up. In lives that are rattled
weekly at D.C.’s Bright Beginnings. with uncertainty and change, any source of consistency can
“Regardless of the amount of stress that school and work be a reassuring, calming and confidence-building influence.
may bring, Bright Beginnings is a guaranteed way of bringing “It is precious to see that many of the children remember
a smile to my face,” Bhatt said. me and greet me with smiles of recognition and warm hugs,”
Bright Beginnings is a center committed to assisting home- she said.
less families and children with a nurturing educational envi- Over three years Bhatt has had the opportunity to see these
ronment, preparing children for kindergarten and supporting children learn and grow. “One of my favorites is Demarkus,”
their parents as they strive to stabilize their lives and become she said. “He grew up so much in the month that I was ab-
self-sufficient. sent. It is just nice to see them grow. To see them go from not
Bhatt assists trained teachers for two to three hours per talking, going to opening books and reading books. I see new
week as they attempt to cultivate a nurturing and educational things about them every week.”
environment for toddler age children (two to six years old). Bhatt cites both the teachers and children as a source of
The program is designed to instill the most basic values in inspiration.
these young children such as sharing, saying please and thank “The children and teachers have taught me that love and
you, following directions, throwing away trash and keeping support from other people is more than enough to get you
their hands to themselves. through any circumstance,” she said. “These children face
“Basically they want kids learning, becoming socialized challenges from an extremely early age, and they come to
and experiencing the classroom setting,” said Bhatt, who cites Bright Beginnings every morning with smiles on their faces,
showing love and affection as the most important interaction ready to play and learn. The children at Bright Beginnings
she has with the children. “It is important to show love they are not only charming and lovable, but are inspirational and
may not get at home. Giving three or four hugs in one day may much can be learned from them.”
be the only hugs that child gets all week. You can tell some of When asked about her own influences as a child, Bhatt said
the kids are seeking affection.” “my mom has taught me the best way to make your day is to
And Bright Beginnings is very thankful to have Bhatt as a make someone else’s day.”
dedicated volunteer, giving out hugs and affection. “Bright
sheena bhatt hugs one of the children she teaches and cares
Beginnings would like to return that smile and honor Ms.
for at bright beginnings.
Sheena for her invaluable commitment and dedication to HONORING VOLUNTEERS
By Michelle Gaudet our children,” said Erin Gore-Hills, Development Associate Street Sense is looking to honor dedicated, hardwork-
of Bright Beginnings. ing volunteers who serve the homeless in a new feature
It is noon on some idle Saturday morning. While college Lindsey Molinari, lead teacher at Bright Beginnings, added called “Volunteer of the Month.”
students across the nation are foggily emerging from their that Bhatt has helped foster a loving environment for the chil- If you know of someone who should be recognized,
slumber, Sheena Bhatt, a junior at George Washington Univer- dren to prosper in. “Sheena is very dedicated in working at please e-mail to info@streetsense.org his/her name, con-
sity, has already done more for humanity this morning than Bright Beginnings and in the community. She always comes to tact information, volunteer organization and a sentence
some might during the entire week. volunteer between classes and even though she is really busy, or two explaining what makes this person so special.
Bhatt, nominated by Bright Beginnings as Street Sense’s she is always really good with the children. She is very patient
Volunteer of the Month, is not your average university stu- and the children love when she comes to play.”
Donate to Street Sense
My Information
I will donate:
Name:_______________________________________________________ ___ $50 for two vendor awards each month
Address:_____________________________________________________
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Please make checks payable to Street Sense
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___ Another amount of $_______
Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. ___ Another amount of $_______ for vendor: ________________
You can also donate online at www.streetsense.org
Additional items that Street Sense needs:
* Messenger and tote bags and backpacks for vendors * Shredder for office
* Bottled water to hand out to vendors * Laptop computers with at least Windows 2000
* Hats, gloves and warm socks for vendors and 10 GB of storage space
Please call 202-347-2006 or send an e-mail to info@streetsense.org if you have any of these items to donate.
LOCAL NEWS Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
Homeless, from p.1 programs.
Still, Steve Berg, the vice president for Pro-
tion includes people who are doubled up,” grams and Policy at the
she said. “Many of the families who come National
seeking emergency shelter in the Dis-
trict are doubled up.”
Weir , and
gular
added
ess e d, re
a fix
that dou- Homel lacks
who ce; and ightt
ime
dual ary n
Working
bling up divi iden prim
an in ttime res o has a ed
may be (1) igh wh perat
a te n i dual ely o g ac -
even worse adequ an indiv rivat in
s: or p rary liv
for
then living (2) hat i publicly egate
ce t tempo ls, congr lly
change
in a shelter res iden vi sed ov ide te nt a
super ed to pr elfare ho or the me
because it A) a esign cluding w ing f
er d hous esi-
often causes shelt tions (in sitional ary r
comm oda ran tempor tional-
families to and t es a nstitu
ers, rovid i
split. shelt hat p ed to be
on t , or
“Parents il l); nst ituti ls intend d for
B) an i ndividua esigne dations
give one or
for
i not d ccommo
dence r lace a
m o re k i d s t o
riv ate p sleeping
a relative, the iz ed; o blic or p regular
pu ,
parent stays with C) a y used as t, 19
86
someone else or ordi naril eings. Devel
opmen
b
uman an
in a car or on the for h ng an
d Urb
Housi
streets,” she said. ent o
f Alli-
SStreet Sense and Vanguard
“Not having shelter
forces the break-up
US De
partm
ance to End Home-
lessness, said although doubling
Communications advocate for of homeless fami- up is a “big problem,” changing the definition
lies.” of homelessness is not the solution.
the poor and homeless. Working
Jessica Schuler, a housing policy analyst Berg pointed out that HUD already lacks
together, we are communicating at the National Coalition for the Homeless, the resources to serve the entire homeless
for social change. agreed, noting that people staying with a population, and said that all that changing
friend or living in a motel are “at just as high the definition will do is increase the number
or greater risk” than those at a shelter because of homeless people HUD is not serving.
they may not know how to get help. “The best you can hope for by defining
“People living at shelters go to day centers people as homeless is that they are eligible to
and have a case manager to help them get the go to a homeless shelter,” Berg said. “We think
20 YEARS of COMMUNICATING for SOCIAL CHANGE • www.vancomm.com assistance they need,” she said. “It is a prob- families are better than that.
lem that is drastically overlooked here in our “If you know you really can’t solve the
city and throughout the country.” problem, maybe you should do something
In addition, Schuler said, the HUD defi- symbolic (like changing the definition),” he
nition also needs to be expanded to include said, suggesting that approaching Congress
those exiting jails, prisons and juvenile justice about increasing homelessness prevention
FRESH START CATERING resources would be better. “It’s a better idea
to see if you can really solve this problem.”
Judith Dobbins, executive director of Cov-
What Homeless Means enant House Washington, had a different
take on changing the definition. She said
Celebrating Ten Years of Serving (Literally) Around couch surfers are homeless regardless of how
the World HUD defines their situation. At this service
More Than Just Great Food provider for young adults about one-third of
Spanish: “persona sin hogar” its 330 clients are couch surfers.
“Whether or not the definition is changed,
MENU SELECTIONS (person without a home) the reality is that ‘couch surfers’ in most
cases are sleeping on couches or floors for
French: “sans domicile fixe” SDF lack of a permanent address,” Dobbins said.
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE VEGAN VEGETABLE ROPA VIEJA “They also possess all the other risk factors
(without a fixed domicile)
HORS D’OEUVRES SANDWICHES CURRY that must be addressed with services if they
Maryland Crab Cakes Roast Beef & Watercress Wrap Fresh vegetables with tofu in a Pulled flank steak with spicy
Chicken Satay with spicy Veggie Hummus Wrap rich and spicy curry sauce, sofrito sauce, served with black
are to overcome these barriers that will keep
peanut sauce Thai Basil Chicken Salad served over steamed rice with beans and Spanish rice
German: “obdachlos” them poor and homeless.”
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Basil, Mozzarella and Roasted carrot-daikon slaw (without a roof above) Carson and Davis’ bill, which would make
Artichoke & Olive Crostini Red Pepper Sandwich
couch surfers eligible for such services, cur-
rently has approximately 30 cosponsors, ac-
Italian: “senzatetto” cording to Weir.
(without a roof) These representatives held a briefing
Fresh Start Catering offers professional catering
services while employing graduates from DC Tuesday, Jan. 27, in order to educate other
Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training program, members of the Financial Services Commit-
further preparing them for employment in the
Portuguese: “sem-teto”
tee about the legislation.
food service industry. (without a roof) “The goal is to try and get [the bill] marked
or “pessoa sem abrigo” up in committee and passed by the House,”
(person without a shelter) Weir said. “They are still seeking more con-
gressional cosponsors.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Until then, Triplett has her own advice
Fresh Start Catering Slovene: “brezdomec” for those who are homeless, whether on the
425 2nd ST NW (a person without a home) street or on a couch.
Washington, DC 20001 “If you are homeless just keep praying,”
(202) 234-0707 | freshstart@dccentralkitchen.org Source: Wikipedia.com she said. “Go to the right, don’t go to the left.
www.dccentralkitchen.org Somebody’s there to help you.”
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 LOCAL NEWS 5
Plunge, from p.1
Harrison’s groups have tested how long
Many schools return year after year – the
University of Florida, University of Kansas
and Vanderbilt all have popular alternative
Violent Crimes Against
they could sit in fast-food restaurants before
being kicked out and tried to bring their be-
longings into museums, “things that homeless
spring break programs that fill up quickly. The
program has repeat participants as well. After
his first Urban Plunge, Nobles organized his
the Homeless on the Rise
people need to do but unless you’re homeless school’s spring break trip the following year. Violent Attacks on Homeless People
you may not really think about,” he said. “You Although some people reached out to him 140
have to carry all your stuff everywhere you go, on the street, Nobles said, help and even ac-
and just getting on and off a bus becomes a knowledgement was hard to come by. 120
more elaborate undertaking.” “You start to be dehumanized after awhile
Plungers, as they are w h e n p e o p l e d o n’t 100
called, try panhandling recognize that you’re
all over town, and Blair there,” he said. “By the
found the results sur- “You start to be end of the 48 hours
80 Deaths
Injuries
prising.
“I found that the peo-
dehumanized I had lost all hope in
humanity because
60
ple who were poor gave
more,” she said. “When
after awhile nobody would look at
me.”
40
we were in Georgetown when people It’s not uncommon 20
we were just shunned, for plungers to return
but in the poor areas don’t recognize home committed to 0
I think people under-
stood that they were
that you’re there.” homelessness issues,
O’Neill said. “A lot of
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
pretty much just a pay- them have said how it’s By David Pike groups have been pushing states to add
check away from being changed their lives,” he homelessness to hate crimes laws, and such
where we were.” said. “They’ve gone back and organized food Reported incidents of attacks against bills are pending in California, Florida, Mary-
The rest of the week program participants drives or sleepouts as a result of this experi- homeless men and women reached their land, Massachusetts, Nevada and Texas.
volunteer at organizations that serve home- ence.” highest levels in at least eight years in 2006, Last year, Florida led the nation in attacks
less people and lobby on Capitol Hill. In Gainesville, Fla., Nobles now stocks his according to a report by the D.C.-based Na- on homeless people, with 47 crimes, followed
“I was surprised by how much the expe- car with bags of toiletries, personal items tional Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). by Arizona with 16 and California with 10.
rience made me question American patrio- and resource cards to hand out as he drives Last year recorded 142 violent crimes But, these attacks “know no boundary,”
tism,” Blair said, “and how ironic it was that around. — beatings, stabbings, burnings and rapes the NCH report said. They “are not limited to
we were in the capital of the ‘greatest country “After you see things from the other side,” — against homeless individuals, the highest coast, region or state” and “have permeated
in the world’ and they were allowing the peo- he said, “then you’ve got to do something total since NCH began studying the problem every corner of our society.”
ple that we talked to to just wander around about it.” in 1999. The total included 20 fatalities. Especially disturbing was that of the known
the streets with severe mental illnesses. It was The 2006 attacks represented a 65% in- attackers in last year’s crimes, 62% were
definitely a time that I questioned American For more info about the Urban Plunge pro- crease over 2005 and a 170% increase since youths between age 13 and 19, the report said.
ethics more than usual.” gram, call Michael O’Neill at 202-462-4822. 2002, according to the report, entitled “Hate, “The attackers repeatedly cited their motive
Violence and Death on Main Street USA.” of attack as boredom, committing the crimes
“It is NCH’s position that many of these for the ‘thrill’ or ‘fun,’ because the victim is
acts should be considered hate crimes,” said homeless, or perhaps even more harrowing,
Michael Stoops, NCH acting executive direc- because they simply ‘can’.”
tor. “Crimes against homeless people are mo- Meanwhile, the report concluded, “the vic-
tivated by the same intolerance as hate crimes tims have endured humilities both great and
against people of a certain religious, racial, or small, and the injuries they sustained created
ethnic background.” not only physical pain and scars, but also the
Although federal law does not include crippling effects of wounded self-esteem and
homelessness as a hate-crime motivator, dignity of the human spirit.”
Maine has adopted a law giving judges dis-
cretion to add jail time to attackers’ sentences To download a copy of the report, visit
in such cases, the report said. NCH and other www.nationalhomeless.org.
STREET LAW
NYC Shop Owner Case Dismissed
A prior article in the Feb. 1 issue of Street Sense described a lawsuit brought by an
antiques dealer in New York City’s Madison Avenue shopping district, which sought an
injunction to keep several homeless persons away from that store, and the use of “pub-
lic nuisance” doctrine as a legal basis for the request. The shop owner claimed that the
squatters frightened off business customers. In that case, it was uncertain whether the
plaintiff/dealer would be able to serve papers on the homeless defendants, and whether
city officials would help the homeless people involved.
On February 14, 2007, New York Supreme Court Justice Barbara Kapnick disposed
of the case by removing it from the court calendar for failure of either side to appear at
a court date, and for failure to serve papers on the defendants. That means the case is
inactive and dismissed automatically unless revived by a motion to continue it within
deadlines set by state court rules.
Meanwhile, the notoriety of that same erstwhile million-dollar lawsuit caused a son
of one of the homeless people (defendant Roger Greenlee), to attempt reconciliation
with his long-lost father. As reported by the New York Daily News, Dan Greenlee of South
Carolina, who had not spoken with his father since at least 1984, has sent word to his
father to help him and forgive his abandonment of his family some 30 years prior.
- By Eric Doherty
Eric is a writer and attorney who lives and works in Washington, D.C. and writes on
law and social issues. He can be reached at ericdoherty@justice.com.
6 POLITICS Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
Street
Politics
By ON THE HILL
David S. Hammond
Exceptions for Financial Aid
From Street-Level Worries Title: FAFSA Fix for Homeless Kids Act,
H.R. 601
For students without parents or guard-
ians, this requirement is overly burden-
to Citywide Commitments Purpose:
On Jan. 22, Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) in-
some.
More than 1.5 million children are
homeless, but there are no reliable statis-
Out of the Hearing Room, Into the Conference Room. People who spend their days troduced a bill to amend the Higher Edu- tics currently available on how many stu-
trying to lay low on a park bench or in a coffee shop still have their own opinions about cation Act of 1965 to reclassify homeless dents entering college are homeless. While
what they’re going through. There’s a lot of water behind the dam, so a quick question students for purposes of financial aid. the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
about the shelter or the street can get you an earful of heartfelt perspective – sometimes The bill would allow unaccompanied Act of 1987 mandates transportation, food,
in heart-wrenching detail. That’s why at public meetings many homeless people, their homeless youths to be considered in- counseling and academic services for el-
feelings already stretched to the limit, can hardly contain their eagerness to explain what dependent students as long as a shelter ementary and secondary school students,
they’re going through and their need for home, health, and a feeling of purpose. director, independent living program little has been done to help homeless stu-
That’s what happened last fall at a series of hearings sponsored by D.C.’s new In- director or financial aid administrator, dents seeking higher education.
teragency Council on Homelessness (ICH). Hundreds of people attended, and dozens among others, could verify the child’s
spoke out. Their excitement reflects the feelings of many homeless people who see the homelessness. Sponsor:
ICH as a way to get their concerns out of the hearing rooms where grievances are aired, Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.)
and into the conference rooms where decisions are made. Background:
It is nearly impossible for homeless Co-sponsor:
Being Heard is One Thing – Getting Results is Another. Almost every state now has an students to access higher education with- Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas)
ICH, and so do many cities and counties. They range from groups that meet monthly out financial aid. The Free Application
and play an important role in setting priorities and collecting and sharing information, for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) offers Status:
to groups with limited responsibilities and no regularly scheduled meetings. students a way to obtain funding, but re- Referred to the House Committee on
Like other ICHs, D.C.’s membership is set by law, and includes agency heads, experts, quires financial information about parents Education and Labor.
advocates, and people who are or have been homeless. But its actual role, its meeting and guardians, along with a guardian’s sig-
schedule, and its internal procedures remain up in the air. nature. -Jill Merselis
Some homeless people hope this council will put muscle behind the longstanding
concerns that have been aired so often before. Others see it as just one more way to have
a gripe session that will do little to bring change.
Meanwhile, advocates who wrestle with the many needs of chronically homeless
people hope the ICH can help the District stop playing catch-up, by fostering long-term
thinking on complex topics like housing and mental illness.
To agency heads and service providers, the ICH presents both an opportunity and a
risk. It could be a place for expectations to be clearly defined and broadly accepted, or
it could simply repeat well-known calls for help, becoming a forum where agencies are
asked to do what’s impossible without more money and coordinated resources.
One place to start resolving this is with those ICH tasks that are laid out in the law
that created it. Those include drawing up annual and long-range plans, evaluating per-
formance, and commenting on the city’s budget, contracts, and grants.
This kind of data collection can be more useful than it looks at first glance. Most of
the people involved in human services are already familiar with one another’s opinions,
but they don’t always have a full picture of their clientele, resources, and plans.
Meetings Aren’t Enough ... There is no shortage of hearings and forums in D.C., and Help Bring the Homeless in
from the Cold
summaries of these events have a certain similarity: people want shelters to be cleaner,
more welcoming, open longer; they want mental health counseling and employment
help on-site; and the city is still short on low-cost housing for people who are working
their way out of homelessness.
... It Takes Political Will to Get Things Done. So meetings aren’t enough – the other nec-
essary ingredient for making things happen is political will. The Fenty administration
says it has that, along with openness and a readiness to act quickly. That’s raising hopes
that “going public” with a problem or bringing it to the right people, can get action.
Public Meetings Can Reinforce That Success. The downside of going through a direct
channel is that it might not set a firm precedent for the future. A phone call or an e-mail
can spark action but doesn’t build transparency or accountability the way public meet- CALL THE
ings with public records do. When a decision is made on the public record, it can set a
Shelter Hotline
precedent for the future, by turning a one-time break into an ongoing commitment.
Of course, that permanence can actually discourage government from making com-
mitments on the public record. But when the District does respond to calls for help,
there are plenty of people out there with the street knowledge, the technical expertise
and the drive to help D.C.’s social services establishment do what it should be doing.
This year, they have a chance to set precedents, both within the ICH and in less for-
mal contacts, for turning street-level concerns into city-wide commitments.
1 800 535-7252
What’s on your mind? E-mail StreetPoliticsDC@aol.com.
Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 NATIONAL NEWS 7
IN OTHER NEWS By Mandy McAnally
California: Victory in ‘Homeless Free Zones’ Lawsuit
Scrapped for Cash
San Diego officials are prohibited from ticketing people Wash. State legislators hopes to curb sales of stolen metal
who sleep on the city’s public sidewalks and doorways at
night as part of the settlement of a lawsuit brought by home- By J. Jacob Edel
less advocates. Under a new regulation, people are free to
sleep on city property from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless they are When David Burke and other
committing a crime, such as being drunk or a public nui- homeless men like him made cash
sance. The change does not cover sleeping on private prop- riding the rails 20 years ago by pull-
erty (Steele, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2/21). ing a few pounds of metal from
freights loaded with scrap, the miss-
California: Senate Looks At‘Homeless Dumping’ ing cargo would go unnoticed.
State Sen. Gil Cedillo (D) is expected to introduce legis- Today, however, local govern-
lation that would make it a misdemeanor for any hospital ments and state legislators have
facility or worker to transport patients anywhere other than noticed that highway guard rails,
their residences without their informed consent. Those who thousands of feet of wire, and all
disobey the regulation would face up to two years in jail and kinds of metal pipes from construc-
a fine of up to $1,000. The legislation coincides with investiga- tion sites come up missing every
tions into alleged dumping of homeless patients by hospitals day. On top of that, police agencies
on L.A.’s Skid Row (Blood, AP/Contra Costa Times, 2/22). across the nation are responding to
an increasing number of crimes as-
Connecticut: Providers Join City for HIV Services sociated with scrap metal.
Optimus Health Care, which serves the homeless, poor It’s because scrapping just isn’t
and immigrant populations in Stamford, Conn., is hiring a what it used to be. Today, the price of
Stamford Health Department HIV prevention specialist for copper is around $2.50 a pound and
Metal stolen from construction sites like this one could be more tightly controlled.
its Homeless Outreach Team to provide HIV testing at area aluminum is half that. And recycling
homeless shelters and soup kitchens. The arrangement was yards will pay anywhere between 10 to According to news reports, police claimed the two sus-
funded by a $45,000 Optimus Health grant that will pay for 80 cents a pound, depending on the quality and demand of pects had bludgeoned their victims to death because they
the HIV specialist to work with the outreach team 30 hours the metal. thought the four men had sold them stash of scrap metal left
each week (Pinto, Stamford Times, 2/26). Anyone willing or desperate enough can steal a few hun- in an abandoned warehouse. Days later, the suspects alleg-
dred pounds of metal to make a small fortune — one made so edly dragged the bodies into the manholes to conceal the
Florida: HUD Awards $2M for Support Services quickly that it is also hard to track. According to King County crime.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sheriff spokesman John Urquhart, metal theft in King County David Burke, 50, a former scrapper and current Real
awarded several agencies in Lee County, Fla., $2 million over and western Washington is a growing epidemic. Similar to Change vendor, said such news is hard to believe.
the next year to provide housing and supportive services identity theft, though much easier, more dangerous, and less “I haven’t seen the times where it got so bad that people
to homeless families and individuals. County officials said time consuming, metal theft most often occurs as the result would get killed, or risk getting killed, by pulling on hot wire
the grants will go to help homeless individuals and families of a methamphetamine addiction, authorities said. for a few bucks,” Burke said.
find emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent In an attempt to stop this growing trend of metal theft and Burke acknowledged that the law is a good idea to hold the
homes (Southwest Florida News-Press, 2/21). the exploitation of scrap metal sales from thieves through- shops more accountable.
out the state, leaders in the state capitol have proposed two “To a certain extent, it’s obvious they know the metal is
Louisiana: Feds Renew Job Training, Housing Funds companion bills designed to discourage recyclers from buy- illegal,” Burke said. “If a seller has got 2,000 to 3,000 pounds
The federal government has renewed more than $1.5 mil- ing stolen metals. of aluminum wiring, then they should have to wait for their
lion in funding for 16 programs for the homeless in Acadiana, House Bill 1251 and Senate Bill 5312 both aim to estab- check. But the shops are still taking it and blaming it on
La. The grant recipients said the money will go to fund such lish new requirements for selling metal to scrap yards and scrappers.”
services as job training, health care, substance abuse treat- would require yard owners to maintain diligent records of “Some of these shops are accepting metals through the
ment and housing (KATC3 News, 2/26). all its transactions worth over $100. back door and creating a market for thieves, because you
The proposed legislation prohibits buyers from paying have to go to someone in the business or the metal is worth-
Nevada: Protesters Lobby for More Homeless Funding cash and requires them to record the seller’s driver’s license less,” Urquhart said.
Homeless advocates, who spent the night camped in tents and mailing address to send a check as payment after a 30- According to Burke, cart pushers will continue using the
and cardboard boxes outside the Nevada Legislature, recently day waiting period. same etiquette that’s been in place for years.
testified before a House committee in support of legislation While this may affect shop owners and metal thieves, little “People have their routes and you know not to infringe on
that would dispense $20 million in state funds for homeless will change for the old school junk collectors and the small- their territory,” Burke said.
services. The amount is more than double the $9 million that time recyclers who dig up cans, bottles, and other items from
was appropriated in 2005 (Mullin, AP/Las Vegas Sun, 2/19). the dumpster, according to Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Bellevue), Reprinted from Real Change News
one of the legislation’s primary sponsors. We care. We help. We heal.
New York: City’s Largest Homeless Shelter to Close The legislation is designed to end large-scale thefts and Quality Primary Care Services for D.C. Medically
The 1,001-bed Camp LaGuardia, New York City’s largest the black market forces that encourage them, Tom said. Underserved and homeless Individuals……
homeless shelter, is about to close after 73 years. City officials Urquhart said there is a huge difference between the
said the facility, surrounded by farms and trees on a 300-acre thieves stealing wires and robbing construction sites and the
parcel 70 miles away in Chester, N.Y., is too far from jobs and folks pushing shopping carts full of aluminum cans, which
medical and other services in the city. They also said the city typically earn them far less than $100.
wants to move away from temporary shelters to subsidized “These people are stealing what hasn’t been thrown away
housing with services for the city’s 35,000 homeless men and yet,” Urquhart said. “The only thing in common is that the
women. aluminum makes them money.”
The shelter opened in 1934 on the site of a women’s prison According to Urquhart, metal theft is putting many at risk.
and was expanded greatly in the 1980s with the growth of Though there have not been any assaults or homicides as-
New York’s homeless population (Hill, Redding Record Search- sociated with metal theft in King County, people are putting
light, 2/27). themselves in danger by entering power substations and
cutting live wires with high voltage. And it’s certainly always
Oregon: HUD Awards $5.7M to Homeless Programs a possibility that someone would harm another over scrap For information on medical services in homeless shelters call
202-255-3469. For an appointment at any of our community
The federal government has awarded 23 Portland, Ore.- metal, Urquhart said.
health centers call 1-866-388-6489
area homeless programs nearly $5.7 million in renewal For instance, in an industrial sector of South Bend, Ind.,
funding. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel- police discovered the bodies of four murdered homeless men
opment also has earmarked more than $538,000 for a new in two separate manholes last month. After investigating the We want to help. We want to help you.
Transition Projects program to provide permanent housing crimes, police arrested and prosecutors charged two other
with services for disabled, chronically homeless adults and homeless men, Randy Lee Reeder, 50, and Daniel J. Sharp,
youths (Green, Oregonian, 2/21). 54, with murder.
LOCAL NEWS
PHOTOS & POETRY Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
A Secret Life
My life is very hard,
I always mess around
I really don’t mean to
But all I tell is truth,
I’m always smoking fruit,
I like the life I got
I’m not trying to mess that
Like the direction it’s going,
It takes me time
To find myself,
But once I do
It makes some mad,
It makes some sad,
They think it’s bad,
But I see good,
And I see right,
The right thing to do
But I love all you,
And I’m pretty sure he’s jealous
To tell the truth I know he is,
But I’m with him
With him I’ll win, I like this Yves Saint Laurent hat. Very classy for a baseball cap. Even homeless people can look stylish in the cold. The fu
I feel that in my soul, especially warm and stylish.
For how much God has blessed us,
Ain’t trying to go backwards,
Do something that will not work,
I’ve been down that path before,
It always ends bad for me,
And what I got works
Gonna stick with this
Maybe I’m stuck in one spot
But I believe
It’s what God wants
– Baby Alice
Friendship
Friendship is something between two or more people.
This is where they learn to live, love, laugh and cry together.
For without a friend to share and care for what is there to life.
For no man is an island and no man
Was meant to live off in this world alone.
For we are meant to love our neighbor as ourselves.
So live, love, laugh and cry together.
But most of all care!
– Donna Raye Hendricks
This is my favorite hat. It reminds me of the Cheshire Cat, but she Our new mayor also loves hats. And I love this look; he’s
wore it well. Man in Black.
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 PHOTOS & POETRY
Today
Today
I walk with four companions;
they trail behind me
seeking glimpses
of the wonders of my world.
I lead them to a leafless park
where my brothers wander aimlessly;
cold
hungry
Cliff’s
and desperate,
numbing their despair
with potions from fat brown bottles.
Pics My companions watch them
and listen to my brothers’ shouts and cries
and find wisdom, strength, and perseverance
on every face.
With the cold Looking through their fresh eyes,
I forget
weather still my many lonely hours
ur hood is pressing down This woman was really strutting her stuff out in the cold with her among this ragged crowd.
matching hat and coat.
on D.C., Cliff has I lead my companions
along busy evening streets
decided to pay while surrounded
tribute to the most by their questions,
and as a thousand passersby
notable accessory step around our gang in unison,
during winter I forget
the leaden stares
weather – that hat. that bore through me
every evening.
He has snapped
photos far and At night,
I lead them
wide of the most to a concrete campsite-
interesting and they lie prone in a row
of gaily colored sleeping bags.
stylish hats in the A silver moon
smiles on them and me
D.C. area. and I forget
frigid winds
on nights like this
when I’m curled up in woolen blankets,
frozen
and alone.
– David Harris
s like The A kofi not only makes a statement but is a great way to keep your
head warm..
10 FEATURES Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
mY TURN AT THE TAbLE By Anthony Crawford
Oceanaire Extraordinaire HELPFUL HiNTS FROm THE
HOmELESS By Brenda Karyl Lee-Wilson
I w a s g i ve n utmost attention, checking with us regularly to see if we had
a t r u l y e xc e l - everything we needed. Our waiter, Shadrack, deserves special
lent dining ex-
perience at the
recognition. His attention was both pleasant and welcome. He
was very helpful in explaining and recommending some of the
How do you get from
Oceanaire Sea-
food Room in
menu items and in effect helped save us money. His manner
was superb and he added very much to an extremely enjoyable Point A to Point B?
downtown D.C., dining experience.
where we went We did not order appetizers, but we still got starters, compli-
That is, from where you are at, to where
for lunch. Eat- ments of the restaurant. They were tasty bites that included a you need to go for food, to bathe, for shelter,
ing there could slice of tuna marinated in sweet ginger sauce and garnished medical services, social services, laundry
be quite expen- with cherry tomatoes and celery sticks. They were accompa-
sive — the menu nied by two very large, warm pieces of bread. “I bum transfers from people getting off the bus,
prices are not for The meal I selected from the menu was the Chesapeake ask people for money for the rail, or walk, which
the faint–heart- Bay–style crab cakes. The two crab cakes were delicious, with can take about one-and-a-half hours from one spot
ed. generous amounts of lump meat and no breading. I had never to another.” – Marion
Also, it was tasted such meaty crab cake before, and every bite melted in Marion was born in the District and has a small
quite obvious my mouth. I also had a very refreshing glass of freshly squeezed cardboard sign that says VET NEED HELP and has
that the pre- lemonade. been homeless for seven years.
ferred dress code My companion, vendor manager Jesse Smith, had the Costa
is business casu- Rican Mahi–Mahi. He said that the blackened way it was pre- “I am over 66 years old and get weekly bus pass-
al. But it seems pared gave it a spicy flavor that was enjoyable but overpowered es with my social security check. I sometimes take
Anthony enjoys a decadent crab cake at Ocean- that an allow- the delicate taste of the fish. On the advice of our waiter, we the rail and walk with all my possessions as I do
aire Seafood Room in downtown D.C. ance is made for shared a side dish of perfectly cooked french fries, which were not stay in the shelters because of biblical spiritual
the more informal enough for both of us. reasons.” – Leroy
lunchtime crowd. Although a reservation would have allowed I was very satisfied with the meal, which came to about $60
us to be seated immediately, our Maitre d’ indicated that our (before tip) for the two of us. I would definitely go back if I had “I walk. I do
waiting time would be about five to ten minutes. We were di- the money, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a not ride the bus
rected to comfortable bar seating during our wait, which in truly pleasing dining experience. or take the rail.”
fact was only five minutes. Oceanaire Seafood Room, 1201 F Street, NW, Washington D.C. – Jim
The restaurant setting was quite pleasant and reminiscent (202) 347–BASS, www.theoceanaire.com. Jim is from
of New England establishments. Once seated, we felt as if we Pennsylva-
were dining near the Atlantic Ocean. Anthony has been a vendor for Street Sense since November nia and been
The service itself was very good. The entire staff gave us the 2006, and he loves to collect stamps. homeless in the
District for one
Getting Ahead of Holiday Debt
year.
By Donna V. S. Ortega over $5,000 in interest! “I take the bus. I am in a shelter but have a job.”
Whatever amount you can pay over the total minimum – William
Spending money on others amounts due each month should be put towards your worst William has been homeless off and on for five
during the holidays can make debt, the one with the highest finance charge. This is your “get years and said he ended up on the streets because of
you feel good, but it’s impor- ahead” payment. Make the minimum payments on all your his bad credit rating. He is now working to improve
tant to make sure that your other debts, too, and pay your bills on time so that you don’t this at St. Luke’s Shelter.
good–natured giving doesn’t get hit with additional late fees or other charges. Try not to use
come back to bite you. your credit cards while you’re paying them off, because you “When I first arrived in the District, Rowdy Dawg
The December 2006 Saving for Change cautioned against don’t want to add to your debt. and I walked where we needed to go. Then I dis-
holiday–induced debt, but if you missed that issue or got a Step 4: Redirect as needed covered Rowdy could ride on the bus since he had
little out of control at holiday time, there is still hope! Here’s Keep paying off more than the minimum due each month been classified as a working dog. I had no money
a 5–step plan to help you pay down what you owe and get far and once you’ve completely paid off the debt with the high- but would find rail passes and be creative with
enough ahead that come this time next year, you won’t be est interest rate, pat yourself on the back and take the money them, something I learned from other homeless
under mountains of holiday debt. you were putting towards that debt (the minimum payment people.” – Brenda Karyl Lee-Wilson
Step 1: Get the facts due on that debt, plus your extra “get ahead” payment) and Brenda is a Street Sense vendor and has been
Take out all your credit card statements and give them a put that ENTIRE amount towards the debt with the next high- homeless four years, five months, three weeks and
long look. Circle how much you owe on each and also how est finance charge. You’ve already been able to live with that five days as of the printing of this paper.
much interest you are being charged on any balance you amount of money going towards getting you out of debt. Keep
aren’t able to pay off each month. Your statement will usually checking your debts and interest rates on your statements. It
include a section called “Rate Information” that shows what pays to stay on top of which debts are hitting you hardest.
your finance charges are and any other fees. Step 5: Lather, rinse and don’t repeat!
Step 2: Plan your attack Once you pay off that debt, keep redirecting your pay-
Create a chart with four columns: who you owe (the credit ments (your “get ahead” payment, plus whatever minimum
card issuer), how much you owe (your outstanding balance), payments you were making in addition to that amount) to the
the minimum payment due to that card each month and the debt with the next highest finance charge. It can take time to
finance charge on each account. Start with the credit card pay all your debt down, but once you do, you’ll have set up a
with the highest finance charge (NOT necessarily the one with plan for staying on track and learn to live within a budget.
the highest balance due) and then go down the line listing When your debts are paid, you can keep making payments,
each credit card and the information under each column. but this time you can “pay” yourself by putting that money
Step 3: Start with the worst first into a savings account for a rainy day! William and Brenda rest after their daily travels
Add up the minimum amounts due on each card and figure Send questions or feedback on this article to saving@caab. on a bench in D.C.’s Franklin Square
out how much MORE than that amount you can pay each org. Visit www.caab.org for information on our financial edu- NOTE: Brenda would like to point out that last
month. Your goal should be to pay more than the minimum cation and savings programs. year it was reported that in Houston, people staying
amount on each debt each month. in shelters could ride public transportation for free.
As an example, if you only paid the minimum monthly This regular financial column is presented by Capital Area She strongly suggests that D.C. institute a similar
payment of 2% due on credit card debt of $1,500 with an in- Asset Building Corp. (www.caab.org), which provides financial program to take care of its homeless people..
terest rate of 19.8%, you’d be making payments for 35 years counseling, housing and small business assistance to low-in-
before you were done — in that time, you would have paid come individuals. Send your questions to saving@caab.org.
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 FEATURES & GAmES 11
February Crossword
Marvin 7 Fewer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
8 Single
9 Tedium
Hammerman
14 15 16
10 Tennis player
17 18 19 Andre
11 Indonesian
A mystery novel in parts 20 21 22 23 24 island
12 Eagerness
25 26 13 Zest
BOOK 4, PART 2 22 Bolted
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 24 Sky
By August Mallory 25 Garbed
34 35 36 37 27 Lager
28 Legal
38 39 40 41 proceeding
29 Dwelling
As the day wears on in Seattle, a body lies dead in the middle of an alley. A wit- 42 43 44 30 Ice sheets
ness contacts the police to give a brief description of what he saw from a distance: 31 Oil
two men fighting, and then one man stabbing the other to death. The victim, Mark 45 46 47 48 32 Leaks
Richards, was only trying to get his life in order, only to have it taken by a jealous 33 Sound
49 50 35 Prick
and envious person.
37 Capital of
About the same time, Darlene Richards Johnson is on the phone with Marvin 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 Switzerland
Hammerman. “Mr. Hammerman, my brother’s name is Mark Richards. He is a for- 40 Look at
mer CPA who lost his job, because of a bad temper. A very bad temper.” 58 59 60 61 62 constellations
She paused for a moment before continuing. “In fact, he ended up in prison for 41 Spree
63 64 65
killing someone. When he was released he went through an ex–offenders program 43 Bears
and an anger management program. After his release from prison I spoke with him 46 Volunteer of
66 67 68 the month
a few times, but after that I never heard from him again. He once told me that he
47 Light giver
was staying at a local shelter here in town. www.CrosswordWeaver.com 48 Sedan
I called a couple of times and they told me he left the shelter and has not been ACROSS 45 Leaseholders DOWN 50 Styles
seen for quite awhile. I put out a missing persons report out on him, but the police 48 Rep. proposing to 51 Tints
have not come up with anything. Mr. Hammerman, if you can help me I would 1 Capital of Ghana change homeless def. 1 Organization 52 Every
truly appreciate it.” 6 Blot 49 Agency with concerned with civil 53 Ice sheet
“Ms. Johnson, may I ask you exactly how long was your brother in the ex–of- 10 To incite narrow homeless def. liberties (abbr.) 54 Was
fenders program?” Hammerman asked. 14 Linked ‘rope’ 50 Dead man in 2 Friend 55 Eager
15 Comedian Jay Hammerman 3 _____ LaGuardia, 56 Dreadful
“At least one year that I know of, although it could have been longer,” she re-
16 Festive 51 Champion NYC shelter 57 Sleigh
plied. “Mark would not talk to me much. We never really got along well when we 17 Pieces of sugar 54 Star Trek 4 Rive 60 Computer part
were kids. I guess it’s because mom and dad always favored me as the brain child 18 Consumer Automoton’s 5 Stupid 62 Newsman
and really never gave Mark much credit for anything. Maybe this is why he got in 19 Actor Alda 55 Spots 6 Promotion Rather
so much trouble on his job and ended up in prison. I really am worried, Mr. Ham- 20 Arbiter 58 Harvard’s rival
merman. Would it be at all possible to come to Seattle to investigate my brother’s 21 Goofs 59 Type of tea
disappearance?” 23 Alleviating 61 Tylenol’s P E E P E D C A S K A S H
“I believe so. I will get in touch with your state attorney to inform him of my ar-
25 Anthony’s meal in competitor A R R I V E O G L E L E E
review 63 Economics abrv. L E N T I L R O A N I O N
rival. I will be joined by two assistants.” 26 Hades 64 Fencing sword
She sighed in relief. “Thank you, Mr. Hammerman. I look forward to meeting A L L E N P O S E U R
27 Famous Russian 65 Democratic
T A D T E A O N L Y
January’s Answer Key
with you.” Ruler Republic of the
Mark Richard’s body had already been examined. Several stab wounds to the 30 State leading in Congo E R I C S C A T H E S
lungs and the chest area were ruled as the cause of death. homeless attacks 66 Popular stadium A G A S S I S E A T E R A
The murderer, now on the run, lurks about looking for another victim. He makes 34 ______ plunge 67 Phoenix’s BB M A R T I N U N P L U G
35 Astringent team S L Y Z A N Y L A T V I A
every effort not to look too suspicious, trying to blend in with crowds and keeping
36 Wipe 68 Finished H E I F E R S A I N T
his head down, especially when he sees the police. However, as he moves about, 38 Light emitting __
he does not notice the large blood stain on his right pants leg — the blood of Mark 39 Harness horse
T A C O L A Y S S E
Richards. 40 Slither A D H E R E R E A L M
That is, he doesn’t notice it until he goes to the shelter to get a change of clothes, 42 Blue F O R U P O N L O A N E D
and the staff person points out the stain. “Hey buddy, what happened to you? 43 Biblical “you” F R I S E R E M A R I N O
There’s a blood stain on your pants!” 44 Tropical American Y E S H E E D A N K L E T
mammal
Looking confused and nervous, the murderer answers “Oh, that. I work as a
meat cutter and sometimes when you are cutting up a lot of meat you get a lot of
animal blood on you. That’s all that is.” Patty’s New Typing Service Has is Your Computer
Surprisingly, the staff member falls for it, and issues some clean clothing.
Meanwhile Hammerman and his two assistants, Anna Jackson and Edward J.
Found a Name: Crying Help?
Hoffman, are making preparations to fly to Seattle. Kitten on the Keys
“So tell me, Marvin, what’s the story on this case?” Hoffman asks.
“Well, we are about to embark on a missing brother’s case. Anna and I have
been on these types of cases before. A missing brother, a missing husband, a miss-
ing sister, a missing son. You name it, we’ve handled it. And now you, Mr. Edward
J. Hoffman, are about to learn the ropes on how an Investigative Assistant District
Attorney operates. Prepare yourself to get busy!”
Coming up next month: the DA’s arrive in Seattle expecting to look for a missing
If you need assistance typing
Call Vendor
person only to stumble across a murder.
documents for a reasonable Chris Sellman
price, please contact Patty at pat- for computer repair
tyscoffee@netzero.com or call and upgrades at
August was the first vendor for Street Sense and and was with the organization
202-667-9100.
for three years. He now lives in Seattle, and is on the editorial board of Real Change, (202) 725-0482
the street paper there. His favorite author is Joseph Wambaugh. You can reach Au-
A special thanks to volunteer editor David References available at Street Sense:
gust at carriergroup2009@yahoo.com.
Hammond for thinking of the name. 202-347-2006.
12 FEATURES Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
COmiC RELiEF
Echelon, from p.1 Mike or India I will see
They have diplomatically solved every
The employees and patrons of Starbucks misunderstanding
have always treated me well between store managers or panhandlers
and me
And there’s the hot dog lady I’d heard from several people,
she always greets me with a smile then experienced what I was told
I don’t know how long she’s been there their blond haired boss, Patty,
but she’s been there for a while truly has a heart of gold
I stop to talk to the homeless When I’m vending on the corners
to see what they will say where I spend some of my time
and give them a Street Sense paper I always keep the safety
if it will help them along their way of others in mind
Sometimes I interview the homeless I’ve stopped traffic on Pennsylvania
for political views and where they’re Avenue
coming from so that emergency vehicles can get by
and turn it in to the lovely Lavisa This sort of feat
of Talk Radio News Services for not many others would try
homelesscast.com
I play chess at the Library
I’m the upper echelon of the homeless and teach it to children and adults
I don’t panhandle for a pence it really makes me happy
and homeless isn’t helpless when I see good results
cause I have street sense
I’m the upper echelon of the homeless
Many people smile, take the paper I don’t panhandle for a pence
and hand me a bill and homeless isn’t helpless
including the most beautiful women cause I have street sense
on Capitol Hill
And to the unknowingly homeless
The attractive ladies of Art and Soul I must say this piece
have been especially sweet The government considers you homeless
and the support and advice from Marjorie, if your name is not on a lease
the owner,
has been a special treat As the evening grows cold
and my hands I begin to rub
Sometimes in the afternoon, I can always rely on the warmth and
on the incense and oil vendor, Carlton, I encouragement
will call from my good friends at “Lil Pub”
This courteous and polite man has always
helped me The weekend is coming
when my back was against the wall and at Eastern Market I’ll stand
near my friends Steve of Sweet Nuthouse
Some of you have seen me and the fruit and vegetable guy Dan
when I break for a meal
Some of you may wonder Their friendship and support
What is the deal? have been solid as steel
and it’s Dan to whom I owe
Supporting Street Sense
For a delicious Reuben sandwich,
at Mr. Henry’s, I’ll have a seat
the end of my spiel Is Good For You!
or a tasty roast beef sandwich So the next time you see me
from Cosi’ I will eat. around the way
Don’t hesitate to point your finger Inspired Yoga is contributing 1/2 its
I’m the upper echelon of the homeless
I don’t loiter or beg
smile, and say ...
proceeds from March Community
If you’ve ever heard me working
you may reflect on what I said
“He’s the upper echelon of the homeless
He doesn’t loiter or beg
Classes to Street Sense.
Would you help a hard working homeless If you’ve ever watched him working
man you can consider what he said Come to class, pay what you can, and leave
who doesn’t panhandle for a pence Help a hard working homeless man
Cause homeless isn’t helpless who doesn’t panhandle for a pence
feeling healthy and knowing that taking time for
when you have street cents And remember... ‘Homeless isn’t helpless yourself helped others.
when you have Street Sense.”
The Capitol Hill Ambassadors – Conrad Cheek Jr.
Community Class Schedule
Classes start Sunday, March 4th
Tuesday: 6:30–7:30 am (all levels)
Saturday: 2:30–3:45 pm (all levels)
If you are homeless, formerly homeless or just in tune to poverty issues, your
thoughts and editorials are welcome. Please e-mail content to info@streetsense.org
Sunday: 2:30–3:45 pm (all levels)
or mail it to 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
www.inspiredyoga.com · 1115 U Street NW
Across the street from the U-Street Cardozo Metro
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 EDiTORiALS 13
Understanding Unemployment Checks iN mY OPiNiON
By Raymond Avrutis
Straight Talk
M
any homeless people may not realize that several you may look only for part-time work if your “base period”
benefits programs are available to them — if they earnings were earned only in part-time work. By Eric Sheptock
qualify. Unemployment insurance is an important You may work part–time and collect a partial check. But
I
example, and many people who have had steady work may be you will be disqualified if you lose your part–time (or another am not particu-
eligible. Homeless people, millionaires, and child actors have full–time) job for a bad legal reason, e.g., you showed up late larly known for
all received unemployment insurance (UI) since the program too often. my sensitive
began as part of the 1935 Social Security Act. Homeless people If you’re told you will be fired and have the option to quit ways. (I have a different
may also be eligible for Social Security, SSI, SSKI, and welfare instead, don’t quit! You have to prove you had “good cause” if type of kindness.) I see
(TANF). Being homeless will not disqualify you from benefits you quit. If you’re fired, your employer must prove you com- a need to incorporate
programs, if you meet all the other requirements. mitted misconduct, or gross misconduct such as theft, to dis- a new kind of solution
UI is not welfare. UI payments come from a tax on employ- qualify you from receiving UI. to homelessness called
ers, not from the federal treasury. Every U.S. citizen and green Usually, only about five months of nonconsecutive work STRAIGHT TALK.
card holder has UI rights the government didn’t teach you in (sometimes less) in your year–long, recent “base period” is re- I have mentioned
school. General ignorance about the program undoubtedly is quired to establish UI eligibility. You may combine base period this idea to others in
why the Government Accountability Office said that only 38% wages earned in two or more jobs, and in two or more states. informal settings. It is
of all UI-eligible persons are estimated to have received UI About 97% of all jobs are covered, both full– and part–time, high time that we gave
during their first spell of insurable unemployment. even jobs you knew would end when you started them. But it some serious con-
Even if you leave a job you may still be eligible for UI — that self-employment isn’t covered. sideration. We should make it mandatory for able-
is, if you can prove you had “good cause connected with the You can file a UI claim in D.C. by telephone. Dial 202–724– minded people who are homeless to participate in
work, attributable to the employer” for leaving. For example, if 7000 and follow the prompts (Habla Espanol, too!). Two in- some sort of group session where they have to be
your wages and hours were cut by 10% or more for two weeks person “One Stop” centers are available to file claims as well. straightforward and honest about their issues and
or more, and you leave the job, you might be eligible for UI. They are located at 1500 Franklin St, NE, and at 2626 Naylor their reasons for being homeless. They should be
The length of time you held your last job, and the reason Road, SE. You can call 202–724–7000 for hours and for satellite confronted if they are not making sense and/or their
you left it, generally determines if you will receive your claim. office locations too. story doesn’t pan out.
D.C. accepts three personal reasons to quit a job and still col- If you think you have a valid UI claim, the important thing They should also receive STRAIGHT TALK about
lect UI: sexual or other harassment, domestic violence, or the to remember is to be polite, but persistent. Do not accept a society (what it takes to make it in society and how
worker’s illness. In the case of illness, you will need a note verbal denial of your legal right to file a claim — instead, get people might be willing to help those who are at least
from your doctor. your denial in writing. Any written denial may be appealed. trying to help themselves, as opposed to those who
In any case, you will have to be able to work, available for are just “lazy bums”).
work, and actively seeking suitable work, related to your prior Raymond Avrutis lives in Washington, D.C., and is a free- I think that people can be over–nurtured to the
employment, earnings and training. That’s suitable work, not lance writer. He is also the author of “How to Maximize your detriment of all (the homeless as well as taxpayers
just “any” job. You must be actively seeking full–time work but Unemployment Benefits.” who aren’t homeless). Over-nurturing the homeless
amounts to mismanagement of tax dollars. Over–
Prison Art Part II: The Paintings in Person
nurturing prolongs one’s recovery from homeless-
ness, sometimes to the point that do–gooders lose
sympathy and stop their philanthropy. That in turn
watercolor pastel painting of him in psychedelic fashion. makes it even harder for one to recover from home-
• Some additional watercolor drawings include a draw- lessness.
ing of a lighthouse titled “Lighthouse of Peace,” and ships at The homeless shouldn’t have the rug pulled out
a dock. from under them. They should, however, be con-
• “The Teddy Bear” is a portrait of a teddy bear crocheted stantly told that they need to get on their feet. They
in yarn. This and other crocheted items are also for sale along should be constantly urged to get jobs if they can
with the artwork. work. They should be made to show some concern
If you are an animal fanatic, there are several astonishing for their own issues (as opposed to just waiting for
drawings of animals. Three works done in graphite and char- hand–outs).
coal, “A Pair of Lion Cubs,” “A Lion in Constipation” (which I know that I sound cruel. Life is cruel. I just talk
looks like he is ready to release) and “A Cat Laying in a Tree” about life. There. I’ve justified cruelty. God bless me.
are just a few pieces that are amazing. Let’s begin to do some STRAIGHT TALK. Let’s also
Another animal piece, “Man is Not Always Smart,” depicts demand that others do some STRAIGHT TALK about
a monkey thinking in the wild. A huge painting in acrylic on where their heads are at and what it will take for them
linen, it could interest men and some women, too. to recover from homelessness.
Of the pieces that I came across, I noticed a beautiful ab- The homeless came out in force at the final 2006
stract painting called “I Give Life.” The drawing is an acrylic ICH and the hearing on December 9 at One Judiciary
with glitter and purple accents that enhance the drawing. This Square. Some have begun, on their own, to speak out
painting is the least expensive compared to others in the col- about their issues. It is imperative that these hear-
lection. ings continue, not only to better inform the “pow-
When you visit the gallery, you will find a variety of artwork ers–that–be” as to how to best help people who are
from portraits and paintings of actors, actresses, musicians, homeless, but also to help the homeless get in touch
political figures, landscapes and garden scenes. You can spend with reality (and their government).
Like all of the gallery’s arts and crafts, this teddy bear a day looking and browsing through the abundance of avail- In this way, the negative psychological effects of
was created by someone who is currently incarcerated. able artwork. homelessness will begin to reverse. The homeless will
I
n the last issue of the paper, I wrote an article about an The prisoners draw on their childhood experiences, memo- look back over their shoulders and realize just how far
ex-convict who opened a gallery for prisoners’ artwork ries, and their surroundings to create their artwork. There is a they’ve come. They will see the changes they are able
(the Prison Art Gallery, 1600 K Street, NW, www.pris- good selection of artwork that the gallery collects from pris- to make in the world around them. They will begin
onsfoundation.org). I revisited the gallery and found several oner Larry Walker, who bases most of his work on his child- to feel empowered. And they may want to see what
pieces of artwork that captured my attention. The following hood experiences. else they are capable of, whether it’s getting a job, or
are several pieces that could serve as conversation starters: The work of the artists is so captivating that it will take your housing, or something else. So let’s help people help
• A portrait and likely resemblance of Johnnie Cochran on breath away and it will take hours to decide to purchase a themselves.
canvas, which displays him trying on the famous glove during particular piece of art. Particularly, when you are purchasing
the O.J. Simpson trial. the art for your personal enjoyment and taste. Eric lives at Franklin Shelter and is a vocal home-
• A drawing of talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey in pen- - Patricia Jefferson less rights advocate. He loves to sing and perform and
cil, which is an excellent drawing of her distinctive facial fea- can be reached at ericsheptock@yahoo.com.
tures. Patricia has been a Street Sense vendor for eight months. She
• If you are a Prince fan (the singer), there is a magnificent loves to write and her favorite food is crab cakes.
14 STREET SENSE NEWS Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
VendorNotes By Jesse Smith
FROm THE DiRECTOR’S DESK
New Employment we did gain invaluable information When asked why she would do this,
about the best times for sales, the ef- Ms. Johnson’s reply was, “I don’t need Advertising in Street Sense
A special ac- fect of weather on sales, and so on. I much, and I really wanted to help the
O
knowledgement wish to express my thanks to vendors homeless this season.” ne of the goals for
goes to vendor Anthony Crawford, Brenda Wilson, Cliff Now what does that say about the Street Sense this year
M a r t i n Wa l k e r, Carle, Corey Bridges and Francine Trip- rest of us? Thanks again. is to dramatically in-
who has received plett, who were participants in this the crease our advertising revenue
not one but two first of our Blitz program. They truly Thanks to LaShawn Wynn and so that not only can the organiza-
offers of employ- held their own in the midst of adverse RaShawd Smith for their donation of tion grow, but also so we can help
ment as a driver. conditions. It was very cold. $50 to our organization, which they vendors gain more income and
Both positions of- We will conduct a blitz once a gave in my honor. What’s special about skills by becoming advertising
fer a full–time schedule and benefits. month; next month’s blitz will be an- them is that they are my daughter and sales reps. The plan is that after
We must mention that one of these nounced at our next vendors’ meeting son. Dad says thanks. some very specific ad sales train-
potential employers read Martin’s on March 21. Thanks again to all who ing, a select group of vendors will
vendor profile in Street Sense and was participated. We also just received a donation go out and solicit ads for Street
inspired to call the Street Sense office of some much–needed desktop com- Sense, making a 20% commission on all ads that they sell.
and offer Martin a job. It is very sel- Acts of Kindness and Donations puters, a laser printer and accessories To help make the sales pitch easier for these vendors, I
dom that members of our homeless from Economic Research Associates, created an all–encompassing advertising brochure for them
community get to make choices; this Thanks to Tom Gardner and his which is located in D.C. This will defi- to hand out. After about a week of planning and layout, I
is certainly a good thing. wife Mimi Donnell for the gift of hand nitely be an asset to our vendors and came up with a tri–fold booklet that outlines our advertising
warmers and hats they gave our ven- our paper in terms of business as well rates and ad sizes and provides details on our readership,
Yllama Dav- dors to help them battle the cold while as computer training for our vendors. distribution and reasons businesses should advertise with
enport, a new they were selling papers. And we also are expecting a relative- us. This is a huge improvement from our original 4 x 9 inch
vendor who has ly new laptop computer from Walmart advertising sheet that was cryptic and without an accompa-
been employed Thanks to D.C. Council Member Watch, through Stephanie Triplett. She nying explanation.
by the Golden Kwame Brown, who donated hats and is also organizing a drive in her office Fortunately, last year we gathered all of the information
Tr i a n g l e , h a s gloves to our vendors in consideration to collect donations of bottled water needed for the brochure, and it was just a matter of putting
n ow o b t a i n e d of the recent adverse weather condi- and instant coffee for all the hard- it all together in a slick, appealing package. However, the one
a position with tions. It is not often that a member of working vendors. Thanks to both of aspect that I had to create from scratch was the “Why Adver-
the Downtown Business Improvement our government reaches out to per- these wonderful businesses! tise in Street Sense” page. So I thought long and hard and
District’s Safety and Maintenance unit. sons outside of his or her constituency also consulted with many others, including vendor manager
She serves as a member of a street–lev- to serve the general populace. This is a Hello All From August Mallory Jesse Smith and Street Sense board member David Walker,
el hospitality greeting service group in case in which a council member saw a the advertising director for the City Paper.
her new position, which has given her need and acted. Thanks very much. Vendor #1, August Mallory, contin- After these conversations, what stood out as the most im-
the advantage of employee benefits. ues to keep the Hammerman series portant message to convey was that placing an ad in Street
Congratulations, Yllama. A very special thank you goes out alive for our Street Sense readers. Sense is not just about acquiring new customers and pro-
to Maliline Johnson who is 91 years Though he is working for our sister moting a product, but also about displaying a caring and
Clarendon Blitz young and lives in Northwest. What homeless newspaper, Real Change, compassionate image through supporting an organization
is special about her is that she is on a in Seattle, Wash., he is still a big part like Street Sense. And after much rearranging and rewriting,
We conducted a mini–blitz in the small fixed income and yet she chose of the Street Sense family. He keeps in I came up with the reasons below:
Clarendon area of Virginia, near the to donate $100 to our paper. Our ex- contact with us every chance he gets Your Advertisement Will Be Seen By Readers: Street Sense
Metro stop. We did not have any mea- ecutive director made a special trip to and says hello to everyone. We wish is distributed only through vendors who sell it on the streets
surable success in terms of sales, but receive the donation and to talk to her. him continued success. of the Washington area. Consequently, nearly all of the
papers we print get into the hands of readers. And 58% of
customers read nearly every page of the paper and 30% of
Get Twice as Much Street Sense Each
customers read at least half the pages, based on the 2006
readers’ survey.
Your Advertisement Will Reach a Key Demographic: The
Month Delivered Right to Your Door!
typical Street Sense reader is a 35–year–old woman who
lives in D.C. and works for the government or a nonprofit,
earning about $70,000 a year. Consequently, your advertise-
ment will likely reach individuals who are cosmopolitan,
open–minded and have some extra money to spend — the
Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year?
perfect retail customer.
Order a subscription today. Your Business Will Be Associated With a Good Cause: Street
Not only will you receive 24 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, Sense is known for empowering homeless people while also
you will also contribute to raising awareness about poverty in the Washington area. shedding light on issues not often covered by the mainstream
media. Readers have said that they are more likely to pa-
tronize businesses advertising in Street Sense, because these
businesses are showing support for the paper’s mission.
___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 24 issues. Your Business Will Directly Help a Homeless Person: If you
___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ____________ buy an ad through a homeless vendor, that vendor gets a 20%
commission on the total cost of the ad. This could be any-
where from $14 to $2,880 for one sale. That way, you will be
directly helping hardworking men and women earn enough
Name: __________________________________________________________________________ money to get their own housing and get off the streets.
Address: ________________________________________________________________________ So there they are. Are you convinced?
City: _____________________________________ State:_______________ Zip: ______________ If so, and you are now considering advertising in Street
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ________________________________ Sense, please give me a call at (202) 347–2006 or e-mail me
at laura@streetsense.org, or better yet ask your local vendor
for details. You will receive one of our fancy new brochures
Please make checks payable to Street Sense. and you can see for yourself all the many reasons why Street
Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. Sense is not only a great venue for important news and fea-
Thanks for your support! tures but also a great venue to promote your business.
- Laura Thompson Osuri
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007 FEATURES
SERViCE PROViDERS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNiTiES 15
Community Service Index Hypothermia Hotline: 1-800-535-7252
WASHiNGTON, D.C. Food and Friends
219 Riggs Road, NE
http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc.php
hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
1514 15th Street, NW
Mission of Love
6180 Old Central Avenue
SHELTER (202) 269-2277 mail, clothing, social activities (202) 667-4394 Capitol Heights
www.foodandfriends.org http://stlukesdc.edow.org (301)333-4440
Calvary Women’s Services Sasha Bruce Youthwork
food, counseling www.molinc.org
928 5th Street, NW Miriam’s Kitchen 741 8th Street, SE
life skills classes, clothing, housewares
(202) 783-6651 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 675-9340 St. Matthew’s Cathedral
www.calvaryservices.org (202) 452-8926
www.miriamskitchen.org
www.sashabruce.org
counseling, housing, family services
1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
(202) 347-3215 ext. 552
ViRGiNiA
Central Union Mission (Men)
breakfast, clothing, hygiene SHELTER
1350 R Street, NW The Welcome Table So Others Might Eat (SOME)
(202) 745-7118 Church of the Epiphany 71 “O” Street, NW Travelers Aid, Union Station Alexandria Community Shelter
www.missiondc.org 1317 G Street, NW (202) 797-8806 50 Mass. Avenue, NE 2355 B Mill Road, Alexandria
(202) 347-2635 www.some.org (202) 371-1937 (703) 838-4239
CCNV (Men and Women)
http://www.epiphanydc.org/ministry/ lunch, medical and dental, job and www.travelersaid.org/ta/dc.html
425 2nd Street, NW Carpenter’s Shelter
welcometbl.htm housing counseling national emergency travel assistance
(202) 393-1909 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria
users.erols.com/ccnv/ Virginia Williams Resource Center (703) 548-7500
MEDICAL RESOURCES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
25 M Street, SW www.carpentersshelter.org
Community of Hope (Family)
Christ House Bright Beginnings Inc. (202) 724-3932
1413 Girard Street, NW Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the
1717 Columbia Road, NW 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 www.dccfh.org/VirginiaHse.html
(202) 232-7356 Homeless
(202) 328-1100 Washington DC 20001 family housing
www.communityofhopedc.org 3103 Ninth Road North, Arlington
www.christhouse.org (202) 842-9090
Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless (703) 525-7177
DC Village (Family) www.brightbeginningsinc.org
Unity Health Care, Inc. 1200 U Street, NW www.aachhomeless.org
2-A DC Village Lane, SW Child care, family services
3020 14th Street, NW (202) 328-5500
(202) 561-8090
(202) 745-4300 Catholic Community Services of D.C. www.legalclinic.org FOOD
www.dccfh.org/DCVillage.html
www.unityhealthcare.org 924 G Street, NW legal services
Alive, Inc.
Franklin School (Men) (202) 772-4300
13th and K streets, NW
Whitman-Walker Clinic
1407 S Street, NW
www.ccs-dc.org mARYLAND 2723 King Street, Alexandria
(703) 836-2723
(202) 638-7424 umbrella for a variety of services
(202) 797-3500 SHELTER www.alive-inc.org
Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) www.wwc.org D.C. Coalition for the Homeless
Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. Our Daily Bread
810 5th Street, NW 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville 10777 Main Street, Ste. 320, Fairfax
(202) 842-1731 OUTREACH CENTERS (202) 347-8870
(301) 762-8682 (703) 273-8829
www.grm.org www.dccfh.org
Bread for the City www.communityministrymc.org www.our-daily-bread.org
housing, substance abuse treatment,
John Young Center (Women) 1525 Seventh Street, NW
employment assistance The Samaritan Group
117 D Street, NW (202) 265-2400 AND MEDICAL RESOURCES
.O.
P Box 934, Chestertown
(202) 639-8469 1640 Good Hope Road, SE Community Family Life Services
(443) 480-3564 Arlington Free Clinic
http://www.ccs-dc.org/find/services/ (202) 561-8587 305 E Street, NW
3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington
www.breadforthecity.org (202) 347-0511 Warm Night Shelter
La Casa Bilingual Shelter (Men) (703) 979-1400
food pantry, clothing, legal and social www.cflsdc.org 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant
1436 Irving Street, NW www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org
services, medical clinic housing, job and substance abuse (301) 499-2319
(202) 673-3592
counseling, clothes closet www.cmpgc.org
Comm. Council for the Homeless ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
N Street Village (Women)
at Friendship Place Foundry Methodist Church
1333 N Street, NW FOOD Abundant Life Christian Outreach,
4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW 1500 16th Street, NW
(202) 939-2060 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
(202) 364-1419 (202) 332-4010 Bethesda Cares
www.nstreetvillage.org (703) 823-4100
www.cchfp.org www.foundryumc.org 7728 Woodmont Church, Bethesda
www.anchor-of-hope.net
801 East, St. Elizabeth Hospital (Men) housing, medical and psych care, sub- ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs (301) 907-9244
food, clothing, youth development,
2700 MLK Avenue, SE stance abuse and job counseling www.bethesdacares.com
Hermano Pedro Day Center and medicines
(202) 561-4014
Bethany Women’s Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW Community Place Café
David’s Place Day Shelter
New York Ave Shelter (Men) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 332-2874 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant
930 North Henry Street, Alexandria
1355-57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 939-2060 http://www.ccs-dc.org/find/services/ (301) 499-2319
(703) 548-7500
(202) 832-2359 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing www.cmpgc.org
www.carpentersshelter.org
meals, hygiene, laundry, social activi-
Open Door Shelter (Women) JHP Inc. (Jobs and Housing)
, Manna Food Center laundry, shower, workshops, hypother-
ties, substance abuse treatment
425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 614-618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville mia shelter
(202) 639-8093 Friendship House (202) 544-9126 (301) 424-1130
Legal Services of Northern Virginia
619 D Street, SE www.jobshavepriority.org www.mannafood.org
6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 500
FOOD (202) 675-9050 classes and employment
(703) 778-6800
www.friendshiphouse.net MEDICAL RESOURCES
Charlie’s Place Jubilee Jobs www.lsnv.org
counseling and mentoring, education,
1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW 1640 Columbia Road, NW Community Clinic, Inc. civil legal services
youth services, clothing
(202) 232-3066 (202) 667-8970 8210 Colonial Lane, Silver Spring
Samaritan Ministry
www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Georgetown Ministry Center www.jubileejobs.org (301) 585-1250
2924 Columbia Pike, Arlington
1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW job preparation and placement www.cciweb.org
Church of the Pilgrims (703) 271-0938
(202) 338-8301
2201 P Street, NW National Coalition for the Homeless Mobile Medical Care, Inc. www.samaritanministry.com
www.georgetownministrycenter.org
(202) 387-6612 2201 P Street, NW 9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda social services, employment services,
laundry, counseling, psych care
www.churchofthepilgrims.org (202) 462-4822 (301) 493-8553 HIV/AIDS services
Martha’s Table www.nationalhomeless.org www.mobilemedicalcare.org
Dinner Program for Homeless Women
2114 14th Street, NW activists, speakers bureau available
AND the “9:30 Club” Breakfast
(202) 328-6608 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
309 E Street, NW Samaritan Ministry
www.marthastable.org If you are an area nonprofit
(202) 737-9311 1345 U Street, SE , AND Catholic Charities, Maryland
dinner, education, recreation, clothing, serving the homeless and wish
www.dphw.org 1516 Hamilton Street, NW 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring
child and family services to be included in this index
(202)889-7702 (301) 942-1790
Father McKenna Center please e-mail all the relevant
Rachel’s Women’s Center www.samaritanministry.org www.catholiccharitiesdc.org
19 Eye Street, NW info to info@streetsense.org.
1222 11th Street, NW HIV support, employment, drug/alco- shelter, substance abuse treatment, va-
(202) 842-1112
(202) 682-1005 hol addiction, healthcare riety of other services
Street Sense . March 1-14, 2007
PHOTO FiNiSH VENDOR PROFiLE Willie Alexander
Strike a Pose Willie Alexander was born Novem-
ber 12, 1958, in Enfield, N. C., and lived
a somewhat nomadic life. As a child, he
moved to New York, where he graduat-
ed from Franklin K. Lane High School.
After enlisting in the Army National
Guard, he took a lateral move to the
U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as
an active duty cook until he was clas-
sified as disabled and released with an
honorable discharge.
Willie then moved to San Francisco,
where he earned a diploma in Culinary
Arts; to San Jose, where he worked as a
cook for the Fairmount Hotel; to Rich-
mond, where he worked for Denny’s
restaurant chain; and finally, to Wash-
ington, D.C., where was unable to se-
cure adequate employment due to his
disability. Consequently, he resorted to
living in the CCNV shelter and obtain-
ing other necessities on the D.C. streets.
Currently, Willie is earning money as a Street Sense vendor and is eligible to work 20
hours per week, given his disability. Of Willie’s many talents, one that stands out is his
great skill as a Gospel pianist.
How did you become homeless?
My mother passed away; then I was divorced. I was unable to recover fully from that
experience, and I allowed my credit to suffer as a consequence of depression.
Vendors Martin Walker, Anthony Crawford and Corey Bridges model the new Street Sense T-shirt. Why do you sell Street Sense?
If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, just fill out the form below or go online and click on I get to meet new people, do things on my own time and make some money.
the “Buy a Street Sense T-shirt” link at www.streetsense.org
What advice would you give someone who is homeless?
Put your higher power first, the God of your understanding, and things will work out
for you.
StreetFact Where do you see yourself in five years?
I don’t know what God has planned for me, so I will leave it open.
Favorite Music?
Of the 142 violent crimes against Jazz, R&B, oldies but goodies, and gospel
homeless people reported in Favorite Food?
Fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread
2006, 62% were comitted by Favorite Movie? Willie
Foxy Brown and
youths 13 to 19 years old. Super Fly reminds customers to only buy
from badged vendors and not to
(For more info, see page 5.) Favorite Book?
The Holy Bible, give to those panhandling with
King James version one paper.
Source: NatioNal coalitioN for the homeleSS
march 1-14, 2007 • Volume 4 • issue 6
Get Street Sense Style!
Buy a stylish long sleeve, 100% cotton, chocolate brown
Street Sense Street Sense T-shirt.
1317 G Street, NW Just fill out this form and send it, along with a check for
Washington, DC 20005 $20, to Street Sense: 1317 G Street NW, Wash, DC 20005
Or just visit www.streetsense.org.
Mail To: Name:__________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________
City/State/Zip:__________________________________________
E-mail:_______________________: Size:_____________________
Stock is limited, so send your order in today!
interested in a subscription? Go to page 14 for more information.
