I’m Veda Simpson, vendor at 13th and G Street, Northwest. My day starts at 6 a.m., rain, snow, sleet or hail. I’ve been waiting 13 years for disability benefits under Section 8, and I want to thank my Creator, Street Sense and my new friends at 13th and G for changing my life. I used to live in abandoned buildings and houses with no heat, water or TV, and the constant threat of losing electricity, but I never lost faith.
God brought a kitten into my life three years ago, and she had seven babies. I spent $700 to get them spayed and neutered, never leaving them nor they me because He wanted me to take care of them. Wherever I went, they went, sleeping in a twin bed. They have insurance and food. It’s hard to feed them all, but I do.
Where I work, I have lots of new caring friends. I’m thankful for that. They have helped me in many ways: talking, praying and buying papers. I have a very good lawyer friend who helped me move, and folks gave me many things for my apartment. I know that with the help of God and my friends, I’m going to make it.
To all my new friends: Don’t change. You have helped me in many ways to make it, and I’m going to hold on to all of you. My cats are thankful for you, too. I used to have associates; now I know what it means to have friends. They call me by name. May God bless and keep you for understanding to help people like me.
Everyone needs a chance. I used to say, “Lord, help me to hold out until my chance comes.” Now I say, “Thank you, Lord. I just want to thank you, Lord.”
