What first comes to mind when you think of a vendor for Street Sense?
Since you are holding this newspaper in your hand, you have probably seen past the stereotypes. But not everyone does. Some people even use cruel words when they see a Street Sense vendor, even though he or she is working hard, just trying to get by.
This brings me to the story of Morgan A. Jones, a vendor and a friend.
Since Jones has been a Street Sense vendor, he has encountered his share of judgmental people who simply assume that when a person is homeless or poor, it is because he or she is lazy.
Yet Jones is a very hard worker. He has been working his way through the stages of transitional housing for 17 years. When he is not selling Street Sense, he is studying at the the University of the District of Columbia where he is double majoring in engineering and management.
His studies come in addition to his mechanical skills. He can fix a small appliance and can operate and maintain a large building’s boiler.
He might have a higher paying job by now, he says. Instead, he always put his family first.
Above all, he chose to help his mother and sick brother in their times of need. Sadly, his brother passed two years ago.
Jones has pushed on and now hopes to help out his fellow Street Sense vendors.
If you are ever having a hard day and consider saying something harsh to someone, remember, he or she may also be facing difficulties.
Jones ended our interview with these words. .
“When you treat people with kindness, dignity and respect, you will get it in return.”
