I started working at Street Sense Media as an independent contractor in June 2018. At that time, I was not fully aware of what Street Sense had to offer. I was aware of Street Sense when I had a steady job. I said to myself at that time that I should try to get a job at the organization, but I was busy doing other things. I also thought it was harder to get with the nonprofit than it actually was. It was 2017 when my boss out of nowhere handed everyone a letter pretty much saying she couldn’t do it any more. But prior to letting us all go and closing the business she still hired people. Every now and then our paychecks would bounce (red flag), but it would be rectified. I was not prepared for what followed. I simply trusted that my job would be there.
I did not budget. Well, let’s just say more money was going out than coming in. Homelessness began. And that’s when I became discouraged with the workforce. My passion is writing. That’s what I went to school for. But I’m also great at customer service and sales and reception. But I also find those things to be very draining. I started panhandling to make ends meet. I had a service dog at the time and had to make sure I had money for our survival. Panhandling to me is another form of sales. It is also draining, but I wanted to provide a service. I felt I was off my path, then I saw someone selling Street Sense and asked myself why I was not working for that paper.
I mean, it was a no brainer for me at the time. So I asked the vendor how to join and he gave me a paper. I was a little turned off because I always thought like I think most people do, that they just give you a paper for free and you sell it. But I soon found out that yes, you have to pay to sell. But you also get to tell your story and share your views and opinions and be a part of making Street Sense happen. The paper covers politics, art and the human condition. I mean, damn, it’s a good read. And on top of that, it gives a person a chance to be a part of something bigger, to make a difference and earn money with dignity. Street Sense, as of now, has been providing this service for the past 20 years and giving homeless men and women a voice. With that being said, I did not really know who ruled the roost at Street Sense Media. I did not know there was a CEO. I heard there used to be homeless people on the board, someone to speak up for the little guy. I just wish that the situation we’re facing now was noticed a year ago or talked about before it happened. I see people buying and selling all the time.
Who is over the CEO? Just like my old job, I don’t see the checks and balances. They don’t tell us anything. I really have no say. So the CEO can tell me if I’m wrong. I’m just a homeless chick. I’m not in charge of the money. You can do what you want and go home to a full fridge, lights, water and no worries. And I will do what I can at Street Sense. I just want to know where that fire that made Street Sense last for 20 years is now.
