“I feel like things are moving in a positive direction.”
These are the words of Phillip Black, Street Sense vendor of 17 months. Phil is a licensed plumber who became homeless after an extended illness and hospitalization. Phil saves his remaining money in a bank account, picks up plumbing jobs on the side, and sleeps outside or in a shelter most nights. He gives the bulk of his weekly earnings to his two daughters, one of whom is physically disabled.
For many of us, spring brings about a sense of renewal, of new beginnings. This couldn’t be more true for Phil. The generosity of his regular customers in D.C.’s Tenleytown neighborhood have Phil feeling hopeful about his future.
Joining Phil are more than 100 homeless vendors who are able to earn an immediate income, feel a restored sense of dignity and have hope about their future selling D.C.’s only newspaper covering issues of homelessness and poverty.
This past winter was an extraordinarily difficult time for our homeless vendors, but they persevered with strength and courage. Street Sense supporters stepped up in a big way, making a statement – Street Sense is part of our city’s social fabric, and we are going to do our part to make sure it thrives.
Like Phil, I feel things are moving in a positive direction since joining the organization at the end of 2009. Over the past few months, Street Sense:
- Rebuilt the Board of Directors to include five talented new members with a range of skill sets
- Painted the office “spring green” to give the vendors a more welcoming environment
- Partnered with businesses like the Washington Wizards, Plexus Consulting and Tranquil Space to spread awareness of homeless issues in DC.
- Strengthened ties with local service providers and provided vendors with sales training.
- Engaged vendors, volunteers & supporters in new ways through social media and events.
As we embark on this season of renewal, there is much more to do. Street Sense is focused on building organizational capacity and professionalizing operations to broaden our reach, enhance the vendor experience and improve our newspaper so more homeless men and women can join Phil in moving toward financial self-sufficiency.
We cannot do this without you. Please make a donation at www.streetsense.org today. If you’d prefer to send your donation by mail, please address it to 1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. Together, we can work to address the challenges of homelessness in D.C.
All my best for a happy Spring!
Abby
