On his way to the Street Sense office, Clinton Kilpatrick always passes by the White House, his favorite historical landmark and a monument that inspires admiration and respect.
Kilpatrick’s proudest moment came at a time in his life when he went by the names “Mr. Clinton” and “Mr. Kilpatrick.” During this time, he worked as, in his own words, “an ambulance chaser,” and helped injured clients claim money for accidents. In this position, he made good money; but more importantly, he was treated with respect.
Since that time, Kilpatrick has faced many hardships and spent a number of years on the street. He now works a number of odd jobs around D.C., including home improvement, cleaning and street promotion for a stage theater. Even though he feels he has begun to pick himself up, he still wishes for the respect he once had.
Kilpatrick enjoys working with people and feels his strength is in communications. He dreams of one day being a broadcaster or a voiceover announcer. Sitting just outside the Street Sense office, he demonstrated his skills as his voice instantly took on a smooth lilt while intoning the advent of an upcoming show. He said people know him around town because of his “trademark” voice.
Kilpatrick, who has been a vendor on and off for two years, sees Street Sense as a means to an end. It is “a stepping stone to earning respect.” He hopes that the income earned through selling Street Sense will help catapult him into better-paying positions.
“I want to be a productive citizen and bring positivity by showing love to people,” Kilpatrick said.
