1 10 11 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f9eaa62069b0a940f1bfbfc1e7d69c87.pdf ce2408affbd69a41e444520af48d68b4 PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBEd Your Progressive News Source BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY NOVEMBER 2 01 Cover Story•••• 5 YEARS SINCE THE SHOOTING DEA TH OF Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the· Homeless �... NOVE.M BEll 2001 FIVE YEARS AFTER HIS ·DEATH ­ THE DAY WE LOST buddy gray by Jimmy Heath On the morning of Friday November 15th, Cincinnati police officers ru shed to the Drop Inn Center Shelter House after receiving an emergency call to 911. At the Drop Inn Center in Over-the-Rhine they found Wilbur Worthen sitting next to the bleeding body of Buddy Gray, the smell of gunpowder still in the air. The gun was on a table nearby. Worthen had fired six shots from. hi s .351 magnum revolver, three of them striking and killing Buddy. According to arriving officer Keith Fangman, Worthen told him that Buddy was " pumping nerve gas into my apartment. If you go there it will kilJ you, too." Drop Inn Center staff later testified that Worthen came into the ce nter shortly after 9 a.m. , and pushed his way into a rear office while Buddy a nd other staff members were conducting a job interview. Worthen was charged with aggravated murder for the killing of Buddy Gray, but was later found not guilty by reason of insani ty. " Something c licked or disconnected in (Worthen 's) mind," said Wilbur Wo1then's attorney Peter Pandilidis. "He got his gun." Prosecutors had sought a murder convicti o n, but co urt appointed psychiatrists testified that Worthen suffered fr om a severe ·mental disease when he walked into the Drop Inn Center and shot Buddy that day in November of 1996. "He believed he had been betrayed," said Dr. James Hawkins, one of the psychia tr_ists who examined Worthen. "As a result of his delusional thought, he believed he needed to correct that betrayal." Te n month s late r, Judge Richard Niehaus found Worthen not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him held in a state mental health facility. Worthen, -57, lived in the same apartme nt building on Race Street as Buddy. They had worked side-by-side for many years at the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, and on many other O ver-th e-Rhine community issues. Buddy had befrie nded and helped the mentally ill and formerly homeless man over the years. Since his death, the work of Buddy Gray has continued without him. The shooting stopped a man who fought for 25 years to restore and protect the dignity of the down and out in Cincinnati. " It was a devastating blow to our efforts to lose Buddy, but this was never a one­ person movement," said Bonnie Neumeier, after Buddy Gray was killed. Buddy Gray, ReSTOC and scores of volunteers struggled for years to save and restore vacant buildings in Over-the-Rhine for low­ income housing. Buddy founded the Drop Inn Center nea rly three decad es ago in a Vine Street storefront. He also was a founding member of the National Coalition for the Homeless and was known around the country for his efforts to serve the underse rved. He understood that in order to address th e need s of the poor and th e homeless there needed to be systemic changes in society. Detractors of Buddy and his efforts described him as uncompromising and difficult to work with, but they all respected hi s determination. Budd y battled city officials and urb an · planners that he and his supporters saw as oppo1tunists intent on pushing poor people out of Over-the-Rhine. This in fact is a reality of the street life in wh ic h many p eo ple afterwords find themselves again in the same situation (tragically homeless or living the life of the b_y Riccardo M. Taylor street person). Getting incarcerated can never solve the problem of the Every view fro m the street street person and can only add to must have time of change such as an already dire situation. The status Riccardo an ending or a pause in events that of the street person is forever In the case of possible changed. governs the street person's life. There comes a time when a host of incarceration; the street person Tragedy can come in many often finds himself or herself taking things can and will happen, such as forms; the worst case would be loss incarceration, tragedy, or change in chances by breaking the law for of one's life. A person can be killed stat us with ho us in g, or crimes that carry prison time as or otherwise die do to their actions programming, as may be the case opposed to misdemeanors. In the in the life of the street. A drug for tho se who have addiction event this happens the street person overdose, loss of a limb, or one of problems. Of course, we have to will find themse1 ves .off the street, the senses such as sight, being lost hope for ~he most for any of those in j ail, caught in another scenaiio due to some act or mishap from who are in the life. With this in which is both without benefit nor being into too many different things mind , let's take a rev iew of all conducive to a successful future. on a constant basjs, such as using possibilities and outcomes. Street-View For several weeks before Buddy's death , stickers appeared around Over-the-Rhine with the words "No Way Buddy Gray" along with a telephone number to call for a recorded tirade agains t him. Buddy's friend s and co-workers wonder what role the stickers might have played in driving Wilbur Worthen over the edge. Some of Buddy 's supporters beli eve they know who was behind the hate campaign and remain bitter about it. Whe n peo pl e ask a bout Buddy some remember him as the man who was shot to death by a mentally ill, formerly homeless man. Butfive years after his death the work of the Drop Inn Center and the other organizations that he helped strut continue to serve the less fortunate of the city's residents. Ironically, Buddy Gray felt that the work he was doing was to help troubled men like his friend Wilbur Worthen. Sticker that was posted around the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood drugs, drinking alcohol, or getting into confrontations with others. Violence for the street person is a way of life and can often end up View.... cont. on page 3 Inside StreeNibes Local News Civil Rights i\ilental Health Prisoners News National News Nov. Feature EditoriaJ Art& Poetry Veoo-je Vibes ' he NCH Calendar · Page3 Page6 Page7 Page8 Page9 Page 10 Page12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 19 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �/ STREETVIBES November 2001 STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvi.bes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and p0verty-related issues. It is published one~ a month by tbe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great wa~ for liome­ less and other low-ineome·people to get back on (or &tay on) thefr feet. Streetvibes Vendors ilre given an orientat~on and sign a code of conduct before being given a Stree_tvibes :Ve»dor Badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of she1ters, ~g,encjes and · individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHStaff Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor John Halpin Molly Lyons Executive Director Administrative Coordinator Receptionist Americorps* Vista Americorps* Vista Streetvibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor Writers ......... _ Alicia Beck Beojamfn Btitt<>n Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Gei;anios John Halpin Jimmy Heath Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr.Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Mon:ls Bonnie Neumeier Rottita Smjth Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anmony Watkins Todd ZwiHich Special thanks to folks who shared their thoughts and memo­ ries of buddy gray.... Photographers John Halpin, Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan sn;eetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. -- c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati,.OH 45210 ~5l3) 421-7803 fax ~513) 421-7813;: e-mail: streetvities@juno.com welJ page: http://cinci.com/gcch Page 2 The Loss of buddy gray Re01e01bered by Jimmy Heath November 15th is the fifth anniversary of the loss of our friend buddy gray. We remember him in small caps because he always signed his name that way -.buddy gray. I first met buddy while I was a resident of the Drop Inn Center. buddy was an elusive figure around the DIC - rushjng through the building on his way to his basepl~nt office or some meeting or ·rask. And you could find him there at all hours of the day or night. Staff people were kept op.their toes by · buddy 's odd hours. You never · knew whe!l bqddy would show up. doorof~:~u;r~;~~~·~=n~:~nt that are faced by .folks in mainstream society, only the nroblems are magnified by poverty. Money:dO{'.SQ.' t make you .immune from these problems, but money, if you hav~ it, at least gives you options. Job . , Joss, disaster, abuse, and addiction can be insurmountable obstacles and can destroy a persons life.if you are liv41g p~ycheck to paycheck, or less. ·Add 't o that witches brew a pi nch offeai- and self~loathing, depression ~nd mental illness. · buddy was a chahipion for addressing the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness. He do what be did for money - there was none. He didn' t Hke being in the limelight - he always pushed bis friends and co-workers to step up and be a voice. He was known for his cqntroversy, because his anger and frustration drove him to it. Most of bis adversaries at City Hall will say that they respected and admired him even though he could be infuriating in his convictions. So all of this has come nearly fu ll circle for me in my life five years after buddy 's death. I've had to pick through all of these ideas and this history and find a meaning and a place for myself in THE -CIN-CIN TI ENQUIRER one day, homeless and ill, . · half-dead from alcoholism. I -:-.;:;-:--7"';~-;oo;;;::;;:-::-;r.:::-------:-:-~ • " • ;o1.11io R"r11 ,,_. 1>1nY signed up for the Men 's LiveIn Recovery Prooram and was Ii:c•bias .i.<'ttl<'~ b SUl l given a mat in the men 's dorm .,:~$!'.!!.ct until I detoxified - until I · ~··~ ·-:i..tk~ ,m convinced staff (and maybe 1$ W.:11 • nir4· myseJf?) that I really was Id. n.S,.. serious about getting sober. .,.,,..,,.o:lll SJ; Thanks to the Drop Inn Center, buddy gray and many d others. I've been sober for over six years. Without the en Y Drop Inn Center I certain! y home would have been dead long , .,,.., """"'T"'•* ago. ~~~~ In ear1ler days, before the Drop Inn Center moved to ­ 11 • West 12th Street, buddy, Bonnie and other volunteers knew that simply getting sober, or rescued homeless people from the having a job or a roof over your streets of Cincinnati. They literally head was not always enough. picked up and carried the alcoholics Some.of the real challenges are in in off the street, fed them and gave the way society and government them a safe place to crash. does business and how these Recovery, not just rescue, institutions treat the less fortunate has always been the foundation of of our citizens - how some folks are the work of the Drop Inn Center. valued more than others. buddy and others working with him Everything buddy and others did viewed homelessness not just as a was guided by the unwavering symptom of addiction. Low­ conviction that all human life was income people, the disenfranchised valuable. citizen, and the homeless are buddy was smart and he challenged by the same struggles worked hard. He certainly didn' t ·­ ~l"~c:: .. Pl't $.) rm; '41b;J~ l('l.1rt lmtf ~Ml 'tfl\WU-,;e)~• ~ '-JJ :t~dt;. n;ins Buddy Gra~ shot dea ; client held Tlle Dtop-lnn Center '®=-c all of it. The true power of what I learned from buddy and others who continue this work is how this place has tou.ched my spirit. The things I've learned; the people I've met. I remember buddy for his leadership and his compassion. His work and commitment to the homeless continues to this day. The tragic loss of buddy was a watershed for work in the Over-the-Rhine community and the People's Movement. Yet people continue to find their spirit through buddy 's work. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not tO ask for donations of more honest in stating that all die profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. 1 will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from die 9. There are no territories. 1 agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with ·o ther discributors. I will papers, or from oilier vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. l 0. I understand mat Streetvibes strives to be a self­ 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 4. 1 agree to treat ocliers with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories if possible. 5. 1will not selJ Streetvibes while under the influel).ce. 11. I understand mac failure to comply wicli any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Streervibes vendor program. GCCH reserves die right to terminate a vendor at any time as 7. 1 agree not to deceive the public by saying mat I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or mat I am deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES November 2001 View... from page 1 tragically for the street person. It is only after such tragedy that the s treet person decides to make changes in their lives. Tragedy is so metime s unforeseeable, yet it can be avoided in a lot of cases. Where the street person is concerned, simply by not putting oneself in certain situations or pre dicame nts there is a far greater chance of avoiding some instances of tragedy. Housing, the ultimate goal for the street person is what most strive for and although it can be a diffi c ult and sometimes overwhelming task, there is always the possibility for success. When the decision is made by the street person to make change in their life status the possibility for such change becomes real. First one must make th e co mmitment in mind _a nd then they mu st pu sh forward w ith energy and all the resources at their disposal. When a street person puts forth all of his or her effort and confronts the difficulties with aU their energy, they can overcome the obstacles which hamper, or otherwise keep them from their goal of obtaining housing. Of course, this is easier said than done. The reality that it can be accomplished has to be must be met with all of one's fortitude and drive. Some of the essentials, which can help the street person to realize their obtaining of their goal, are sacrifice, e mployment, and chan gi ng some of their habits. Sacrifices must be made in some areas s uc h as associations, or. hanging-out places. Sometimes the street person associates with the wrong crowd. Spending time with others who do not wish for change or who have no desire for such, can only go against the street person. It's almost like the old birds-of-a­ feather-fl oc king- together syndrome: It is very important that one keeps the right people around them if they intend to make and keep c ha nge in t he ir li fe. In conj unction with that reality, one would most likely find in time that Corrections.... Jerome Manigan provided the photo for October's • Nast Trinity Church story, page 17• We also failed to list him as a writer in the credits on page 2. what new friends and associates they replace for the old will be better for relationships. Often the places one hangs out in goes against their growth. Hanging with the wrong c rowd usually means that you are banging out in the wrong places as well. Often the area one spends time in is conducive to their situation. If you hang out in bars you are likely to drink alcohol, if you hang out in the street, you are likely to .stay in the street (literally). So those are two areas that one must be mindful of when making the sort of sacrifices that are needed to reach a goal. Still , there are more sacrifices that one mu st make during the transition that often d epends on the p artic ular circumstances or situations which that individual may ·have. The mo st important essential for life style chan ges, which w ill effect the street person in their status change (obtaining housing1 is the employment phases. One must become a permanent member of the work force if they expect to obtain and keep housing. First, in order to get into a place of res idence o ne has to have that income from employment - it is as . important for the maintenance of such housing that the employment is of a permanent type. Temporary j obs will not in most cases s uffice in the maintenance of hous ing . Employment has to be lasting in most cases, again simply because temporary e mployment does not guarantee that one will be employed over the long haul, which can be the stumbling block for keeping housing. The employment of the street person can often be the most difficult aspect of their transition so it must be done with a great amount of commitment as well as fortitude. One must seek out and hold on to a job that will be both lasting and satisfying. Often as hard as it is for the street person to find a job, the job must be one in which the street person is both willing to do, as well as one which they CAN do. The other area, which the street person must place a lot of emphasis on in changing their status, is the change of habits. Perhaps the thinking process which most street people have is the most significant area where change is needed. Along with the other ideas of c hange mentioned above for the sacrifices and housing that one must endure will only be e nhance d by th e changing of ones thinking. Habits are based more on ones thinking patterns than anything else. There~ore, the ultimate goal Page 3 o( the str eet person who wants change in their lives is to make the simple choices that may prove to be the real test of their fortitude and determination. Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson's Community Health Care Crystal Awar4 Cincinnati, OH (Oct. 11 , 2001 ) - Lighthouse Youth Services, Inc., has joined the ranks of distinguished healthcare organizations that have been presented the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Crystal Award and a two-year, $100,000 grant. The award is one of the highest honors in community healthcare, recognizing organizations for the ir ongoing commitment to providing care to the medically underserved. Lighthouse Youth Services will use the grant money to develop a Community Health Transition Coordination project for the Cincinnati region. The project proposes to improve access to quality healthcare for minority youth with special healthcare needs. "Lighthouse seeks to reduce our clients' institutional dependency, encourage self­ sufficiency, provide services to enhance the child and the family's strengths, and provide support for their needs," said Stanford Williams, president of the board of trustees for Lighthouse Youth Services. Through the Community Health Care Program, Johnson & Johnson has turned the public spotlight on the resourcefulness that enables community healthcare organizations to address the problems of people in need. Approximately $5 million in grant money has been awarded to 78 nonprofit organizations since the program's inception in 1987. The program represents a partnership between the National Council of La Raza, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , the Morehouse School of Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson. "President Bush has called upon the nation to engage in a ' war against terrorism,' a war that ~ust be pursued until final 'victory' is achieved. But, more importantly, we have to understand these people if we are to protect ourselves and the world from this type of slaughter."-Professor Michael Klare, Hampshire College Write. Us.... We'd like to hear from IJOU. ·::..,. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvil~es Let ters, I 506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 OISC jQCl'-EY :SEl =tVl CE C l i£.ford J o n es 0 ( 5 13) 7 61-3464 Office ( 5 13) 230-6353 ~ • ~o\.ne ~-~aiJ: jonesa~ ""WW Voicemail · C~ c-~4 :t>°'ticxch a n ge- cP . �STREETVIBES November 2001 buddy.. ~ ... an anchor -""' by Bonnie Neumeier November 15th marks five years wi thout buddy. buddy gray. His name slides from our tongues in talk and in tales here at the shelter, on the streets and in p laces where both the powerful and powerless assemble. buddy still li ves. I can't walk down the streets in without O ve r- th e-Rhine someone callin g o ut to me wanting to connect ·w ith the memory of buddy. buddy 's presence in our lives was potent ( and intense. It is hard to accept that with this much time gone .. by there a re now many wo rkers, reside nts and volunteers at Drop Inn , ReSTOC, and Homeless Coalition who nev er met buddy. buddy's life, leadership and tireless work is evolving int9 chapters of history that deserve to be recorded and shared, so that generations to come can be inspired by the struggles for human rights that people, poor and homeless, organized and labored for here in Over-the-Rhine. buddy 's courage and confidence provided an anchor that we needed to lay the foundation for a peoples movement. He was an organizer if there ever was one. buddy took many of us by the hand and we journeyed the rough terrain of activism by his side; that's how we learned. The seeds he planted are still growing. I know he would be so proud of so many who have carried on despite the g rowing obstacles. Let yourself feel his buddy hug. He was always·giving them out. I miss having buddy by my side to share the joy that comes from .witnessing the fruits of our lo n g years of labo r together. There's nothing sweeter than having a friend to share "Remember back whens" with. Local News Page 4 people to stop. He wants racism to stop and economic justice met. He knows that military might does not bring world peace. buddy wants low-income people in O ver-the­ Rhine protected and not shoved out of our neighborhood. What buddy stood for, stands in us. What buddy lived for, lives in us. buddy's our cheerleader now. I can j ust see him gathe ring up all his friends who have been here and now gone, they are organizing to find a way to breathe spirit energy our way. They know we can use it.in these difficult times. I found this scribbled in one of buddy's legal pads that I want to pass on tb you. He titled it " · -.cc.c """" A Simple Goal'''. " I miss his laughter. buddy of handy tools waiting for a "fix it" would laugh so hard that tears would mome nt. On minutes notice he roll down his cheeks. Once he drew wanted to be able to grab that cartoon characters for each City bucket. No one could miss it. He Council person and predicted what marked it "buddy" or "bg" with bold they would say on a vote about magic markers. I miss buddy on money for our shelter. Guess what? his bike. Sometimes he' d forget, His predictions were right on target. and leave it overnight parked out i have always been a simple man living a simple life having simple needs food and shelter having simple desires for love-friendship for growing comradeship He knew that without humor we'd never make it through the hard times. When I was in City Council Chambers yesterday opposing "The Housing Impaction Ordinance", I could see buddy walking up to the table, and very deliberately ploppi~g down a stack of manila file folders carrying an incredible amount of paperwork documenting every angle on an issue. He then would take the mike and deliver a speech that was so full of facts and passionate at the same time. That's a skillful art. He was a walking historian on any issue we were lobbying for. We often went to the stationary store together, buddy would stack up on legal pads. He bought more legal pads than any lawyer in town. He was that meticulous in taking notes. But his most favorite store was the hardware store. He loved w<?rking with his hands and handling tool s . He dreamed of having more time to be a carpenter. buddy never carried around an official looking toolbox. He had a big bucket with a variety Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law front of City Hall. He joked about having a permanent parking place ­ there. It' s these s imple little memories that are so precious, that somehow defines a person after they are gone. . buddy made it his,.business . to remember the faces and names of people who visited the Drop Inn Center. He always had his arm around a resident. Stopping to talk and pulling them in on what was going on around the Center. buddy befriended his sisters and brothers homeless on the streets. He would genuinely be upset with himself if he forgot someone's name, especially if that person called out his name first. He knew knowing a name was important to build a relationship and a connection. He knew so many people and so many people knew buddy. How does one pass through a fifth anniversary of buddy's death? By cherishing the memories that are etched in our hearts and bones. Our relationship with buddy lives. We can talk with him. I know I do. I know be shares our anger about all the violence that is happening in our neighborhood and in the .world . He wants the killing of young black 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION That each of us could wake up and greet the morning, knowing that the decisions crucial to our lives, were in the hands ofa people's democratic process, that we were involved in...•. Well buddy, I'm happy that you are not going to bed late and tired now. We still are facing the man y e mperors, but your life strengthens our resolve to work for justice. I miss you. We all miss you. MORE PERSONAL TRIBUTES TO THE LIFE AND WORK OF butJ.dy gray PAGES 10& 11 The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 i long for and struggle for a simple goal: Not going to bed late, tired, worried and tense Facing tomorrow's announcements from the EMPERORS, about our lives, land, homes and fates. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park �,. - STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 5 Terrorism represents freedom, opportunity In a West Virginia college Southeast Asia, it came from and fairness. We use our strength classroom last week, a friend of wealthy people from the Mideast, The following is an excerpt ofa to help people around the world. for religious reasons. " mine had something different to speech given by 91 year-old Doris We oppose brntal regimes and say. The class soon remembered "Granny D" Haddock, who work toward world health and "Look at it like this," he that the US had supported the walked across the U.S. in 1999­ said to a classroom filled with brutal regime of the Shah of Iran justice and democratic 2000 for campaign finance reform, participation of all people. The honor students who couldn't . so to better protect the supply of in Unity, Maine on September 22, imagine why America was under oil to the US , and that the brutality Statue of Liberty is our beacon to 2001. attack, except for reasons of the world." of the Shah led to the rise of the It is hard to think clearly as Ayatollah Khomeini and the camp religious e_xtremism. "Imagine The common American we yet rock in the wake of the wants the American government to that West Virginia was a third of violent Islamic fundamentalists, recent terrorist attacks on our cities be that - to be that every day, in world country," he said. "We have of which Bin Laden was a product. and our people. But !hink clearly every comer of the world. all this valuable coal, but there is The class was silent again. Then we must. Politics is a serious The common American one country, far away, that buys it they began to discuss our problem, business. Not everyone cares to and they were in a position to would never answer: "America is all. They are the richest nation in listen when people argue about the this: We use oµr powerful military the world, and they stay that way come up with real answers. policies and practices of our forces, intelligence forces, and our by getting our resources cheaply. So must all Americans see political leaders. Americans huge financial power to extract They use their wealth to buy-off America as the world see us, so would rather be painting.their from weaker countries what we our government officials, and to that we can strive for justice and house or going to a good ball game need for our own, affordable kill or torture any worker here who the peace that comes with justice. than listening to a speech, and that lifestyle in the US. We will tries to organize a union or clean The politics that killed six is not a bad thing. We wouldn't thousand people in New support any brutal get much done if we just argued regime so.long as liiii1iiiiiiiiii-:•~iiil~n•ii~~~~=--i York is the politics of politics all the time. Mideast oil, the politics of they provide us But there is a time for it, the Shah of Iran and our with the cheap and this is that time. Our support for him and his labor and materials neighbors and children are being we need, and so torture police ­ killed in great numbers because long as they keep supported so that we Americans are not in control of the a_n y competing might secure cheap oil American government, and haven't political systems and an anti-Communist been for some time. And now we puppet at any price to the out of the region. are being killed by our own locat people and at any We will finance the airplanes, just as we were killed in price· to their democracy. massacre of our African embassies in 1998 by The Shah did riot deliver peasants and our own explosives, which we workers, the torture peace or safety, but gave to the Islamic of journalist and instead he delivered into fundamentalists so that mey~wp.u:ld..• clel'i~s., .and 1the , t the world the Ayatollab please kill ounhen euemies, the Khomeini and the present rape of nature and Russians. the sky itself so wave of violent Islamic And four months ago the fundamentalists - ·who that we may live cunent Bush administration gave pleasantly today in are no more Islamic in $43 million to the current Taliban America." their practices than Regime so that it would please kill The America's radical right our enemies, the heroi n dealers of common American are Christian in their Afghanistan. Or was it to protect feels ill at such practices. Both radical an oil pipeline? That's what we words. And yet, fringes are beating the are now learning. that is the vision of war drums dnd accusing Our subcontracting of America that many everyone is not death has never done us much people in the world exactly like rem of good, with Vietnam still the carry in their angry causing last week's shining example, and with many hearts. They see horror. George Bush, has photo by Jimmy Heath declared war on evil. other examples still bleeding in their miserable Central and South America, lives and their That is a holy war as . Africa, and in Southeast Asia. precious children and land being up the government. How mad chilling as the Taliban's call for The Coca-Cola company sacrificed for our luxury. They see would we be toward that distant war on evil. has been accused of financing the country, and just how innocent our US-made helicopters and jets This is not a time for all death squads in Columbia that kill and guns and rockets suppressing would we think its citizens are, good Americans to forget their union activists among the and kiWng them. Naturally, they political differences and rally who drive around in luxury cars plantation workers. This so that celebrate when we are made to and live in elegant homes and buy behind the man in the White our Coca-Cola is affordable to us. suffer. the best medicines for their House. The man in the White Wherever our large mining The disconnection between ch ildren, and otherwise live a life House should apologize for the companies extract the value from their perception and ours is in sparkling skyscrapers - a life most serious breach of internal foreign lands, we have a CIA and a profound: Our people are stunned made affordable by the way they security in the nation 's history, not military working to keep any at the idea that we are not get resources from us? They disguise his failure in calls for war. leaders in power who will universally loved. admire their own democracy, Can he hope that the fiery guarantee us a cheap labor s upply turning a blind eye to what their In classrooms all over explosions in New York and and cheap mining products, at the America this week and last, government and their corporations Washington and Pennsylvania will expense of local people and their be more acceptable to us if they teachers and professors asked their do abroad." efforts toward ·democracy. students, "why do you suppose that The classroom was silent. are placed in a larger context of This is not who we want to some people around the world are "Well," he said, "that's pretty explosions of our own making? I be. so angry at us?" Many students no much what we do all over the do not rally around that idea. It is If you ask the common doubt suggested that differences .i n world." "wag the dog" taken to an extreme American to describe the America religion make some people Someone at the back of the level, for he is not covering up his he or she wants us to be, you will intolerant and fanatically room said, "Well, we may not be failure with a fake war, but with a here this: "We are the country that homicidal. What other reason perfect, but this attack didn' t come real one. could they have? from Central Ame1ica or Africa or w?? �STREETVIBES November 2001 An example is· HUD 's Hope VI for the deve lopment of ne w project, which has demolished affordable units within the city. The By John Halpin and Molly Lyons thousands of units of public housing proposal does nothi ng, though, to Whether we like to admit it and is replacing them with mixed- ensure that areas outsi~e the city or not, the United States does not income communities. When the would begin to develop low-cost provide equal protection under the communities are rebuilt, only a · housing. Thus, all low-cost housing law for all people, as it often claims. fraction of the ne w units are development would virtually come Everyday, people across our nation subsidized, resulting in the net loss to a s tands till. This would are subject to discrimination, which, of affordable housing. Cincinnati's · exacerbate an already serious if not sanctioned by the law, is often Hope VI project has resulted in the shortage of affordable hou sing, overlooked by the law. From the loss of over one thousand of units. causing more individuals and racial profiling of African Mixed-income hous ing families to end up on the streets. While many doubt that Americans and-the new profiling of development has become a very Arab Americans and Muslims to the popular concept across the country Cranley's ordinance could withstand continued discrimination towards . .l!!!!l!lllll!!l!!!lll!l'.l!!!l!l!~ll!l!l!!!!lllllllll!l!llllll!l~.............--.1egal challenge, such women, gays, and lesbians, among proposals could perhaps be prevented in the first place others, the United States is a land of if Congress were to enact contradictions. On one hand, it endorses democracy and equal legislation that would give protected status to rights, claiming to be.an example to nations all over the world; on the homeless and low-income· other hand, many U.S. citizens suffer people. Currently, people are given protected status from pervasive discrimination at for such things as race, home. religion, .national origin, One of the groups for whom etc. A Protected Class the law offers little protection from discrimination is people with low resolution has been drafted by the National Coalition incomes. Low-income people face :§. "' discrimination everyday. As has ~ for the Homeless and often been discussed in this column,~>. through the National people experiencing homelessness 8 Homeless Civi l Rights often find themselves stripped of .g, ............ .................._...iiliiiliiliiiliiil.I Organizing Project, NCH their rights to due process, their intends to start a national rights to equal protection, and other and here in Cincinnati, as lawmakers campaign in the furore to introduce civil rights to which all Americans dream of revitalizing urban the resolution as civil rights are entitled. People who have homes neighborhoods by d eve loping legislation in the US Congress. but who live near or below the market-rate housing. The problem The resolution, if made into poverty line face discrimination, as with this approac h is that no law, would extend protection to low­ well, and are the subj ect of attention is given to creating an income people in laws such as the economic mix in wealthy Fair Housing Act that is designed to numerous stereotypes. These stereotypes of low- neighborhoods. If mixed-income prevent discrimination in housing. income people often result in their. development is good for Suc h legi slation would prevent bein g di scriminated against in neighborhoods, then why do we only measures like Cranlefs from being matters of housing. There is an promote it in areas like Over-the- passed or introduced in the first affordable housi ng crunch in the Rhine and not Hyde Park? Basically, place. To see a draft the National United States right now, caused in the ideal of mixed-income Coalition's Protected Class part by a reluctance to commit the neighborhoods (which is not a bad Resolution, go to their website at necessary r esou rces to th e idea) is used to justify gentrification www.nationalhomeless.org. development of affordable housing. and the halt of affordable housing People worry that the presence of development. If policymakers truly affordable or subsidized housing in wanted mixed-income development, Know Your Rights their neighborhood will result in they would focus on all By Molly Lyons and John Halpin crime, blight and declining property neighborhoods, not just lower­ valu es. As a result, many inco me neighborh oods. Every month we will be communities do everything they can Developmen t sho uld be done to highlighting a law or ordinance that to keep low-income housing out of assist the poor, not on the backs of affects homeless people in their areas. the poor. Cincinnati. This column does La ndl ords can legally C ity Cou nc ilm a n Jo hn nothing to replace sound legal advice discriminate against people with Cranley is currently proposing an from an accredited lawyer, but seeks Section 8 vouchers. These vouchers ordi na nce which many view as to empower and educate people in are, in theory, supposed to give low- govern ment-sponso red hou s ing dealing with the criminal justice income people the choice to Jive discrimination against low-income system and their lawyers. anywhere. A person presents the people. Cranley believes that the too voucher to their landlord, and it much low-income housing is Cincinnati Municipal code §723-76: allows them to pay 0 0 more than concentrated in Cincinnati, and that Sitting and lying on public sidewalks 30% of their income for rent. The suburbs should take on their fair prohibited government pays the remaining share of subsidized housing. While No person shall sit or lie down upon portion of the rent. Landlords are many homeless and low-income a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, not required by law to accept these advocates agree that low -income chair, stool or any other object Section 8 vouchers, however, and people should have the choice to live placed upon a public sidewalk, in ma ny may not, based on their anywhere, including the suburbs, any area designated for commerce stereotypes of low-income people. Cranley's proposal does nothing to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and In terms of government e nsure trus would happen. As it 9:30 p.m. policy, low-income people again fall stands, the proposal would prohibit A 1995 lawsuit (Clark v. victim to housing discrimination. the use of CDBG and HOME funds Cincinnati, No. 1-95-448) was filed (both from the federal government) against this ordinance before the date Housing Discrimination Page 6. it was supposed to go into effect (July 1, 1995). In 1998, U.S. District court magistrate Judge Jack Sherman found the sidewalk ordinance, as well as an anti­ panhandling ordinan ce, unconstitutional on the grounds that they limited a person 's First Amendment rights to free speech. Several arguments focusing on the humanity and dignity of homeless people were used to affirm the finding of this court. Both the sidewalk and anti­ panhandling ordinances restricted the times that a person could either solicit donations of food or money or could sit or lie on the sidewalk. The court fou.nd that putting time restrictions ori the laws effectively "served to deny plaintiffs the opportunity to communicate their message- that of poverty and hunger - during those hours that the public is most likely to see or bear that message, or be receptive to it." The court in looking at the sidewalk ordinance stated that "the act of sitting, in ·and of itself, is a legally recog ni zed means of expression by which the poor·can co mmunicate that th ey are ' in serious need' or are too weak, ill or defeated by circumstances to stand." By upholding these ordinances the court recognized that not a11 speech is popular, but that if we are to have a truly free society we must protect even the speech that most upsets or inconveniences us. There is a trend in Cincinnati to try to push the homeless out of view. Some people feel like it brings down the image of the city, some people feel annoyed or threatened by the presence of homeless people sitting or panhandling on city streets. The Main Street business district puts out a pamphlet that refers to the homeless as a problem and tells people not to give money to panhandlers because it will only encourage them. Attempts are made to make other laws that c1iminalize things that homeless people have no other choice but to do in public, such as sitting or lying on the sidewalks. When we are maki ng policies and laws around homelessness it is a good idea to remember what the district court in Blair v. Shanahan said: c;ry streets are a public forum, one of the few remaining democratic spaces where the conventioneer, the gawking tourist, the eager consumer, the city resident, and the needy may mingle freely. Under these ordinances, city authorities claim the power to removefrom this public forum those that through the exercise of their First Amendment rights .. . make the' rest of us uncomfortable. The speech of the needy around us may well be subjectively felt as an unwelcome intrusion by some, but �r STREETVIBES November 2001 the expressive freedom guaranteed by the Constitution has never been costless. That speech may not be barred by ordinances such as this. The sidewalk ordinance is not legally enforceable. Unfortunately because of poor communication, and because the city solicitors office has not taken the law out of the municipal code, it is being used by Cincinnati Police officers to warn people and have them move along when they are sitting on the sidewalk. If you are warned against sitting on the sidewalk, or told to move along because you are sitting on the sidewalk, please contact us at421-7803, we can give you a copy of the lawsuit so that you have the ability to challenge when your rights are being violated. Facts About Homelessness from the Center for Mental Health Services A recent HUD report found that 3 million poor Americans paid more than 50% of their income on rent, while HUD estimates that this figure should be no more than 30%. The homeless population is diverse: 25-40% work; 37% are families with children; 2§'% are children; 25-30% are mentally disabled; 30% are veterans; and 40% are drug or alcohol dependent. According to the most recent Census Bureau data, 36.4 million people lived at or 'below the poverty line in 1995 and are at serious risk of homelessness. About one in ten of the extremely poor become homeless. With the national unemployment rate currently at 4.1 %, previously-working Americans find themselves at risk of homelessness. Additionally, minimum wage earnings no longer lift families above the poverty line. Although 23-30% of homeless people suffer from mental'illness, fewer than 3% of homeless men and 14% of homeless women receive their entitled disability benefits. Polls consistently reveal that the majority of the American public supports aid to the homeless. According to these polls, the majority of the public understands the underlying causes of homelessness, and 81% would pay additional taxes to fund increased aid. CMHS is charged with leading the national system that delivers mental health services. For·more information go to the web site: www.mentalhealth.org Mental Health Crisis In Alllerica? by Mister Lee Is there a mental health crisis in America? Of course there is. How could there not be given the events of September 11th. Trauma experts estimate that millions of Americans will need treatment for. "psychological wot,Inds'\ Wounds that come from a medical condition kno~n as post traumatic stre.ss disorder (PSTD). "There is an epidemic of PTSD about to unfold in America. No one is talking about the manpower that will be required to treat literally millions of victims," psychiatrist Mark I. Levy, MD, tells WebMd. "It is not clear how these people are going to be screened, i9entified, and treated­ and by whom. This issue needs the immediate attention of senior public-health and mental-health planners." PTSD begins as an acute stress reaction from living through or witnessing a life-threatening event. This trauma obvioµsly was worse for those who survived the September 11th attacks, for the families of those who lost their lives, and for rescue workers. Even so, those who watched the horrifying events unfold on television went through a real trauma- particularly those who watched them replayed ove:r and over again. Women seem to be twice as vulnerable to PTSD as men. A recent traumatic event--or a past trauma that remains unhealed- Page 7 increases vulnerability. People in a psyche ward. who are depres·sed or who suffer Let's sum it up. People are severely affected by experiencing other untreated psychiatric the trauma of "life threatening conditions also are at increased risk. Common symptoms of acute events". This trauma often results in depression, increased drug use, stress: terouble sleeping. and other forms of unhealthy, self­ Nightmares and/or destructive behavior. intrusive images of the tragic People who live in inner­ events-or of prior catastrophes a city communities are at greater risk person may have experienced ­ of being exposed to "life frequent qying - trouble threatening events." Even more so concentrating - numbing of they experience a quality of life feelings and a strong desire to that in and of itself is depressing avoid any mention of the event. and unhealthy. Street crime, "It takes-30.days for an • acute stress reaction to evolve into prostitution, drugs boys posted up .on corners, etc. It is clearly frank PTSD," Levy says. "At this obvious that they suffer a form of point, these are symptoms of trauma that is just as debilitating illness. It is time to treat it like and traumatic as that experienced any illness that has symptoms. It's like you were running a fever for a ·by those who simply watch it on couple of weeks-·you should see a TV. They live it on a daily basis. doctor. Going to a family doctor is Where do they get help and relief for·a problem that is neither not a bad idea, because most diagnosed.nor treated? people resist going to a We are a city within a psychologist or psychiatrist." country that is still di'yided by It :is estimated that two­ thirds of the 44 million Americans issues of race, culture, economics and religion. We have experienced who have diagnosable mental our on ·destruction of our fantasy of disorders do not seek treatment. safety and peace within our Stigma and an unwarranted sense communities. This is real life of hopelessness about the trauma. While, many drape opportunities for recovery often themselves in the flag with strong discourage people with mental feelings of patriotism, for many illness from getting help. others the American dream is still Frequently, among the poor, the American fantasy. They don't depression is self-medicated with get it _because·they can't get it. drugs, afconol, gambling and other We will never solve or form~ of temporary escapism. If establish control over the problem you walk down the streets of Over­ of homelessness until we as a the-Rhine, West End, Avondale, community; white, black, brown, Evanston, Walnut Hills, red, yellow recognize the need to Cumminsville or any of the other treat the whole person. low income communities within Homelessness is a mental, Greater Cincinnati, you can see it physical, emotional and spiritual on the faces of the people. The condition. A homeless man with a flat affectation or lack of home but poor mental health is a expression, symptomatic of person who is probably destined to Depression, frustration and just be homeless again. plain disaffection. What they We need to be good to each experience on a day to day basis other, and ourselves. would put the average suburbanite ---#-~111--__j "Sure we can afford it... after somebody puts about 100,000 miles on it." �STREETVIBES November 2001 - Page 8 Prisoners' News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. Please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 The Separatis01 That Prevents A01erica Fro01 Being ''United'' Everyone who plants seeds, from the novice gardener, to the agricultural farmer, expect to reap from the seeds they have sewn and nurtured. Why is the American public surprised to reap the seeds we have sewn? Start with the · dysfunctional family that the American government has perpetuated upon the people. The number one rule to and for family is to take care of family first. Tlie same as one must take care and be responsible for ones self, before one can take care of anyone else. Some people even attempt to talce care of someone else's family before taking care of their own. The Seed of Racism The U. S, Government along with every other state in the U. S. constantly racially profiles Blacks. Blacks, whose forefathers were kidnapped and forced to build the superpower that is American today. Blacks; who have fought in every war in defense of America. Blacks have in no way been a threat to American democracy, to national security, and most definitely not to freedom. Yet, we are still treated like foreigners. We embrace foreigners, some of whom have damaged the American way of life. Why then do we become surprised by events such as the World Trade Center tragedy? The blood of everyone who died in these attacks is on the hands of every American who embraces racism. America's horrific treatment of blacks during the slave trade far exceeded Hitler's treatment of the Jews. The black American holocaust yielded at least ten times the loss of Life. To whom it may concern, Dr. Streetvibes Editor My name is Billy Joe I wish to thank you for Harper and I had the opportunity to publishing my article, "Modem read one of your magazines Day Slaves - Modern Day [STREETVIBES] and it really did Masters" in the October The means, the tactics, and help capture my attention. Streetvibes. With the current they may have received from See, I too used to be a financial crisis in Ohio and the other blacks .is irrelevant to the homeless man, before I got state government's lack of bottom line massacre of blacks incarcerated, and I know what a concrete action a disaster is in the during the American slave trade. struggle it is. The truth of the making. A disaster that will affect The Jews have received financial matter is that it was truly a blessing services to the poorest of the poor payment and Hitler and his reign for me to get incarcerated, but I because of a severe lack of moral have long died. Yet, American wouldn ' t wish this on anyone else. courage on the part of our elected plantation owners still live in But it has given me an representatives. those plantations that blacks opportunity to get a better As the elected leader of our worked. The power of the slave education so that I may be able to state, Bob Taft has proven himself trade still lives and flourishes in find some employment once I'm too much politician and too little the American economy; blacks released. But this one thing I leader. That is why I wrote the still ha-ven't received financial know, that I would l ike to share enclosed article. It is blunt, compensation. America's neglect with other homeless men and blatantly disrespectful, and the to one of its children, the black women and children and that is, truth. I hope you see fit to print it people, shall continue. America, always keep your faith in God, and and just maybe someone, or please don' t be surprised by the he will keep you protected, hopefully a bunch of someones, damage and devastating effects sheltered and fed. He will make a will start rallying the voters and that eventually will be reaped by way for you to be delivered from shout, "DO YOUR JOB !" not taking care of our own all of that! If Taft doesn" t soon [do his American born and bred family. Also I was wondering by job] who is going to pay for all the We, as Americans, have chance that I may be able to red ink in our government? It sure become our worst enemy. We receive one or two of your won' t be he and his rich friends!!! have ilJusion ourselves about magazines and could you put me in Kenneth D. Smith attacks from other countries. to find a pen pal? P. 0. Box 511-305504 I thank you and pray to God Columbus, Ohio 43216 Thus crippling us in our readiness that you al1 continue to grow and to prevent and defend ourselves provide for the homeless people ­ against attacks. We must (Ed. Note: We feel it is don't give up on them. remember that Go<:l created all important to provide a voice for Billy Joe Harper including good and evil, heaven those persons in jail, and the FM980 and hell. Everything that exists Prisoners News page is devoted to Huntsville, TX 77343 serves a purpose and people serve doing just that. Because of the to choose a cause. People will volume of mail we receive f rom (Ed. Note: Regretfully, it prisoners, we are not always able adhere and follow a cause over would be economically impossible truth. The truth doesn ' t serve to publish all ofthe prisoners for us to provide free subscriptions writings. Also, we will try to their purpose but the cause does. rotate writers on this page so that We as Americans must pursue the to all the persons who are incarcerated in our nations jails. there is always a different truth behind the cause or the There are over two million perspective. cause behind the truth. individuals locked up in our If readers would like a If you would like to write prisons. copy of Mr. Smith '.s latest article me concerning the things I have We encourage our readers submission please contact the written here, you can contact me to sponsor a person "on the Streetvibes office.) at; inside" by purchasing a Streetvibes Leonard Walker subscription for them.) Ohio State Prison 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Road While we make every effort to provide a forum for those Youngstown, Ohio 44505 without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the prisoners who's writings are represented here. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 9 meeting ground for his followers. He Jost a civil rights lawsuit last year, which resulted in a declaration of bankruptcy and the sale of the compound. Butler has since been living in a home­ paid for by a supporter - in nearby Hayden. "The headquarter~ will stay here," Butler said by telephone Wednesday. By Nich1oas K. Geranios The Pennsylvanfa property will be a branch of the group, Butler said. SPOKANE, Wash Ray Redfeairn of Dayton, The white supremacist Aryan Nations want to establish a Ohio, was recently named the branch in Pennsylvania where group's new national director and supporters can gather after the loss will succeed Butler upon the latter's death. Redfeairn has said of the white supremacist group's he will move to the Pennsylvania Idaho compound. property soon. The The Aryan Nations is part new location in of the so-called Christian Identity movement, whose followers Ulysses, believe white people are the lost Pa., will tribe of Israel. Members of the allow members to movement are anti-Semitic and "gather and anti-minority. worship without Copyright (c) 2001, The interference Associated Press of the "South Asia is a region of extreme media and so-called authorities," contrasts. While Taliban restricts August B. Kreis III, the group's director of information, wrote in an · women's rights, almost all other South Asia countries had women e-mail to The Associated Press. as head of state, and Sri Lanka Aryan Nations founder Richard Butler, 83, long maintained elected the world's first female head of state in 1960."- T. Kumar, a 20,..acre compound near Hayden Amnesty International USA Lake, Idaho, that was a home and Can the New York Times Aryan Count- or ·Quote- Peace Nations to Open Pa. Activists? Outpost Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York Times has downplayed and distorted peace rallies and demonstrations against a military response. After thousands of anti­ war activists gathered in Washington, DC on September 29, the Times responded with ·a I 0­ sentence story, under the headline "Protesters in Washington Urge Peace with Terrorists." Given that a call for bringing terrorists to justice through non-military means was central to the rallies, the headline is a gross mischaracterization of the protesters' message. The Times also misreported other basic facts, like the size of the crowd in Washington. The Times estimated that a "few hundred protesters" were on hand, while the official police estimate was 7 ,000 (Washington Post, 9/30/01). One only had to watch the live coverage on C-SPAN to know the Times was way off. The next day, the Times ran a slightly longer story about the second day of protests on page B7. A sign held by one of the counter-demonstrators, however, dominated the photo that accompanied the story, "Osama thanks fellow cowards for your support." The rallies held in Washington were not the first time the paper downplayed peace activism. On September 21, the paper reported on the protests that were held on about 150 campuses across the country. But the perspectives of the thousands of students who participated in the day of action were almost entirely absent. Of the 11 students quoted in the article, only one voiced an anti-war opinion. Instead, the article was dominated by students who supported going to war, or those who could not recall seeing any anti-war sentiment on campus. Camping" ordjnance when he wrote, " ... the petitioners have shown on behalf of their class of homeless that the portion of the City of Austin, TX ordinance which relates to Passes No Sitting/ No sleeping in public or making preparations to sleep is a violation Lying Down of due process." We believe that Ordinance "making preparations to sleep includes first sitting down and by Richard R. Troxell then lying down. We know that one of the major reasons we are Members of House the sleeping (sitting and lying down) . Homeless in Austin, Texas vow to on the streets is because there are fight back against all repressive no adequate alternatives and laws targeting homeless citizens! because the business community Following a 4-3 City uses our labor but won't pay us a Council vote, five months of fair wage .for our work that would debate and numerous protests, · afford us alternatives. They hide House the Homeless has armed its behind the federa] minimum wage members in the next level of fight of $5.15 per hour and everyone in the on-going street wars of the knows you can't get basic housing "haves" and "have nots." House in Austin or any other city in the Homeless contends that the America at that pay level. "No Sitting/ No Lyin.g Down" Everyone knows that $5.15 per Ordinance i.s a thinly veiled hour is slave wages and a theft of attempt to make an end run around our labor. Magistrate Jim Coronado's and Jim, one of the protesters other judges rulings that sleeping said, " if they just pay a fair wage, and making preparations to sleep we could get our own housing and are constitutionally protected life get off these streets." Its clear to sustaining acts. Magistrate Jim the homeless arid advocates that Coronado had deflated the "No this is just one more mean spirited Fight On! effort to rid the streets of Austin of the visibly homeless. But House the Ho meless observes that the ordinance excludes anyone involved in a "Demonstration." So activists have launched a petition drive, a national campaign and an o n-going "Demonstration" to protest these low wages not just in Austin but nationwide. House the Homeless is arming all homeless citizens with a plastic card that reads: "This is a constitutionally protected 1st Amendment, free speech demonstration whereby I am preparing to sleep. I will continue in this expression of free speech/demonstration until all employers pay all minimum wage employees a Universal Living Wage which will allow me to afford basic living faci lities of my own choosing." ' When confronted by a police officer about sitting or lying down, homeless citizens will have the opportunity to express their l.st Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution and explain that they are "demonstrating" for a Universal Living Wage. The University of Texas Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to defend these tickets on constitutional grounds. The UT Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to waive the $30.00 defense clinic fee for all members of House the Homeless (all homeless and formerly homeless persons are automatically members of the HTH). House the Homeless meets @ the ARCH on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 PM. The Universal Living Wage formula can be seen at www.UniversalLivingWage.org. Job Opening; Child Care Staff Peaslee Child Care Center 2 15 East 14•• Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peaslee's brand new child care center is looking for staff persons who want to build a quality child care program serving the children of Over-the­ Rhine. Full and part-time .positions available. For more information, call Laura Goodell at Peaslee, 621-5514 �STREETV lBE S November 2001 FEATURES buddy gray REMEMBERED Friends and co-workers of buddy (from an article written for The share their memories .... Ci ncinnati Enquirer) buddy had always been a friendly and inclusive person to me - always seeking to invo.lve people from the neighborhood with the goings on, and how we needed to know what tactics were being used to change the neighborhood. Re challenged me to become the Secretary of the Over-the-Rhine Community Council and I did the best I could through his encouragement. But the thing that struck me the most was how he took the time out of his busy schedule to come to my mothers funeral - now mind you, he didn't know my mother from Adam. I think that I was hurt when I couldn't go to his funeral as I was in South. Carolina at that time. I found myself in tears not being there! I appreciate the opportunity of saying just a little of the impact he had on me. Pam McBride I never had the opportunity to meet buddy gray face to face. Buddy's untimely death had ruri ved before I came to the Queen City. I never had the chance to shake his hand, or swing a hammer next to him, but I encounter his enduring spirit all around me. I see buddy in the beautiful urban gardens that burst with color each spring and that beru· life sustaining fruit in the summer. I meet buddy each time I'm i.n one of the many housing units he rehabbed with his sweat, blood, and tears. And I see buddy every time I walk the halls of the Drop Inn Center, where so much of his time was spent tendjng to the needs of others. As we take pause to celebrate buddy's life, take a look around ....buddy's still here. Alicia Beck As a product of the sixties, I found Buddy Gray a quantity that I could identify with. He looked like many white, socially conscious activists of that time. The problem for many is that he still looked and talked like them in the eighties and nineties. He was a throwback to another time and place. Buddy was unique in that he had the unique talent and ability to put his foot up the City's butt, and his hand in their pocket (for his causes) at the same time. Buddy believed in something in the sixties when it was cool, and in the nineties when it was passe. He was an agent for change. He was the consc~ence that many politicians needed. The tireless uncorruptable advocate. I didn't like him, but I always respected him. Mister Lee by Krista Ramsey Steve Elliot was visiting as a_class assignment for a course at Miami University. He boldly knocked at the door [of the Drop Inn Center]. Buddy Gray, the . founder, opened it with, "What do you want?" 'Tm here to observe," Steve told him. "What do you think this is, the Cincinnati zoo?" Buddy barked, and shut the door. In that moment, the door to Steve's second life opened. "My teaching changed ! Buddy was right," Steve says in little more than a whisper. "He knew something abou~ those people that I didn't. I couldn't get his question out of my mind." So Steve went back to knock at Buddy Gray 's door again and again. He wanted to know about those other lives, so unlike bis own. He started volunteering. And then he started inviting rus students. They talked about what they saw. "My teaching changed," he says. "I started teaching American history from a social justice angle. It made me a better teacher." So .good, in fact, that he developed a class devoted to communjty service. Soon the small high school was offe1ing five sections of it. Eventually, Steve was released from some teaching duties to coordinate the high school's service program. Whatever reputation he had earned as a coach - the winner of five sectional tournaments and four league championships - he was ·a bout to top as a service-learning teacher. Page 10 I guess the greatest gift I received from buddy was his wiUingness to let others share a "hug". Before buddy, I was extremely uncomfortable with people I didn' t know well giving me a hug. I was always trying to avoid buddy when meeting him because he always wanted a hug. I stopped trying to avoid the "hug" because you couldn 't avoid buddy. Even now, there's not a day that goes by that he's not in my thoughts. A hug from buddy was like a gift of joy, and I can still feel the j oy and I try to pass it on. Fannie Johnson Sometimes when I'm in my office and I feel a little overwhelmed I turn around in my chair and 1 look at the picture on my wall of me and buddy. It's almost as if it was yesterday when buddy walked up to me and engaged me in a conversation which he ended with four simple words ''I'm glad you' re here". Those four words made me bel ieve that maybe, just maybe, I was still a part of society. Nothing good had happened for me for a long time and I didn 't stand out in any way - I was just another homeless guy, but buddy was glad I was there. We would spend a lot of time together after that and I realized that buddy had a gift that is very rare, a gift that very few have - the ability to make people believe in your vision. Many people have vision, but few have the ability to convince others to share that vision; buddy was one of those people. I remember the many Saturday's at ReSTOC or the nights at the Recovery Hotel where buddy worked side by side with the "live-ins", displaying the true qualities of a leader. I have many fond memories of buddy. What I most remember about buddy was his ability to see the good in everyone he met. Regardless of how a person was dressed, suit and tie or raggedy jeans, buddy was still glad they were there. Donald Whitehead �STREETVIBES November 2001 I worked with buddy at the Drop Inn Center from 1990-1995. During that time, I saw many different sides to his life. Many are familiar with the public voice at City Hall anq other places. However, the bulk of buddy's time was spent on more day-to-day matters: taking care of the area's largest shelter he helped create, acting as volunteer construction manager on some of the area's most neglected buildings, as well as being a personal friend and counselor to many who came into the Shelter and our treatment programs. I was struck right after buddy's death how many people, now liv ing clean and sober lives, said that the ~fast helping hand offered to them was buddy 's. Whether it was wor]\ing late at the Drop Inn Center or working side by side with them on a ReSTOC volunteer crew, he knew how to see the potential in people who didn't see it in themselves. Whether you agreed with buddy or not, you could not say that he was not consistent. He would have the same passion for change whether talking to an individual about his or her own recovery or arguing with a city bureaucrat to save an abandoned building from the wrecking ball. I remember a time when buddy and I were coming back from City Hall in the early '90s. We had just been in a moderately confrontational meeting about something to do with homelessness, I forget exactly what. But, it was one of those meetings that you talk about for some time afterward-processing your feelings and thoughts. We came back into the main office of the shelter. Right away, a different chain of events started to happen. A resident, in front of our eyes, downed a whole bottle of his medication, trying to commit suicide. Immediately, buddy transferred his full energy and passion to saving this person's life, urging him strongly to cooperate with us in helping him, holding him steady until the ambulance arTived. I was still somewhat in shock, being a newer worker in a somewhat deer-in-the-headlights situation. But, buddy didn't miss a beat. He told the man that if he "did himself in" that it would be letting the negative forces win, let them have the last say. He said that he could get through this and beat thi s thing. Then I real ized something. He was using the same passionate voice I had hear·d in the meeting not 30 minutes before, but in a different context. It was all the same to him. FEATURES director. Donald often tells the Buddy has frequently been story of buddy's first words to him seen as what he was opposed to: when he was still homeless. gentrification, displacement, Buddy ended their first injustice, war, greed. However, conversation together with the buddy was buddy because h.e was words: "We're glad you're here." more than that. He had a The board and staff of contagious sense of hope that spread to all around him. Hope for NCH are glad to have Donald here · in DC heading up the movement to our neighborhood, homeless individuals and our entire end hqmelessness in America. And to buddy, "we're glad you community. were once with us." I regret that buddy is gone, especially i n a situation like the Michael Stoops unrest in April. Buddy was at his best duri ng events and crises like In the early l 970's, when that. I know that, if he was here, some of us began our work in Over­ his strong leadership might have the-Rhine, we were emerging from made a big difference in how the various chrysalides of school or events unfolded. Buddy would borne, with little or no disposable never hesitate putting himself income. We survived personally on personally in any situation. as little as possible to have as much However, when I talk every day to the people still worki ng for justice time to Spend On OUT efforts in Over-the-Rhine, I know that the attempting to address the .injustices of poverty and racism. We shared a hope he offered is still there. lot of th ings; our homes, our food, Pat Clifford OUT vehicles, our gardens, and ideas about anything and everything. A small example from sharing ideas on survival that I learned from Buddy, was egg cups. One day, while walking through the neighborhood together, we entered one of the smaller stores on the fringe of Findlay Mar·ket. In those days you could buy eggs by the egg, as well as by the dozen. I discovered that Buddy would buy his eggs by the cup! Many of the small markets in Over-The-Rhine would rescue broken eggs by emptying them into cups and As I continue to meet with selling a cupful for just pennies. local homeless advocates/providers My usual contribution to our in all regions of the country, I'm regularly scheduled Sunday amazed at to the number of lives brunches on Peet~ Street was to that buddy gray touched, and the make a skillet full of scrambled impact buddy had on these people, eggs laden with sausage. from college students, service Thanks to Buddy, I was able providers, homeless advocates to to provide more, for less, to feed homeless/formerly homeless our hungry bodies as we fed our people. While buddy probably hungry hearts and souls with our never wanted to be a role model to camaraderie. anyone, he ended up being just that Michael Flood as he fought so long, hard and passionately for the rights of low buddy and Rev. Maurice McCrackin income people in Cincinnati and nationwide. He really did pass the torch of activism on to countless people. Even for folks who never knew buddy personally or professi0nally, his long activism for homeless people in Ohio and the nation continues to inspire people to action when they hear· about the life and times of buddy. buddy gray would be extremely pleased about Donald Whitehead being the new executive director of NCH. As a homeless person, Donald was welcomed and mentored by buddy. Donald is now the first homeless/ fom1erly homeless and African­ American to serve as NCH 's Page 11 I had the great honor of spendi ng quite a few Saturdays working with buddy rehabbing apartments. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, when I was working with junior high school kids, he would always welcome us to work on-site and really let the kids know he appreciated them coming to work. He was the consummate teacher, always trying to educate the kids and adults about the issues in Over-the-Rhine and how our work with ReSTOC and the Drop Inn Center was helping people. I remember one morning buddy and I were walking down Elm Street past Music Hall towards the Drop Inn Center. He was looking at the street in disgust, noting that the city had paid nearly $1 million to strip the perfectly good pavement off of the street to expose the old brick underneath. He was so disappointed knowing how much good that money cou ld have done to help develop affordable housing in OTR for the people who needed help ... buddy played an important role in my life and has helped shape the person I am today. He taught me how to love and value people, and his fire and passion live in many people today. He will never be forgotten. Todd Forman As I walk in Over-the­ Rhine, I know I walk on holy ground because of buddy gray's compassion for the less forunate of our brothers and sisters in our community. buddy's greeting, "Hi, Mary Grafe" had certain inflections in its tone that was special. It is amazing at times someone will say "Hi" with the same inflecti0n and I feel buddy's presense. I continue to keep feeling the challenge to continue the struggle for Justice and Peace. Sister Mary Grafe �STREETVIBES November 2001 What's Going ·On? by Ronita Smith Following the days of civil unrest in Cincinnati last April, I began to question the rioting that occurred after Timothy Thomas was killed by a Cincinnati Police officer. I wondered "what's the purpose?" Just because a white policeman shoots and kills a black man many people decide to riot and tear up their city. That's not the answer. Black men kill each other. Do we riot? If we are concerned about the killing of Black men, let's stop Black on Black crime. Many people get killed everyday. Too many of those killed are black men and they are killed at the hands of other black men. I'm tired of turning on the television and hearing of another black man getting killed. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it by myself. We need to work together to stop the violence. Not only the violence against black men, but against children, women and al1 people regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. Violence haunts our world and tortures our souls. There are many people who are afraid to go outside. They fear that they will be the victims of a violent crime. God have mercy on those who live on the streets. They, probably more than others, have a right to be fearful. Anyone can potentially be a victim of crime. Let' s start working together to find solutions to issues of violence against the young, the old, women, children, men , ·the poor, the homeless, the innocent. Let's work together to free ourselves from violence. A01ericans uninfor01ed about the uninsured by Todd Zwillich WASHINGTON Popular myths are clouding the public's Page 12 understanding of the problem of community hospitals in caring for Americans who lack health people without coverage. insurance, according to an Committee member Institute of Medicine (IOM) Shoshanna Sofaer said that until a report. Americans remain largely fix is found, academic and private disengaged from the issue, despite hospitals, community health the fact that 14% of the centers, charities, and taxpayers population currently lacks will continue to bear the cost of coverage, according to the IOM. health care for uninsured Most analysts expect the ranks of individuals. "That is, however, a the uninsured-which current patchwork quilt that can easily number about 38.7 million .fall apart at the seams," said people-to grow as the economy Sofaer, a professor of healthcare slows and fewer employers can policy at Baruch College in New afford to subsidize coverage for York City. their workers. The problem is expected "Much of what Americans to worsen as a faltering economy think they know about the raises unemployment rates and uninsured is wrong," said Dr. dwindling profit margins strain Arthur Kellerman, a professor of employers' ability to subsidize emergency medicine who co­ coverage for workers. Even chaired the expert panel behind employer-sponsored coverage the document. may be out of reach for many full­ Many Americans believe time workers, Dr. Kellerman said. that uninsured individuals get "Does your job offer adequate health care through health insurance? If it does, can emergency rooms or charity care you afford 25% of the premium as at hospitals. The report cites a copay? I've got to pay rent. I've several studies to the contrary, got to buy groceries to feed my including one showing that kids," he said. uninsured people are less than The panel is expected to half as likely as insured make policy recommendations, individuals to get needed care for but not before its final report in summer 2003. IOM president Dr. serious medical condi~ions. Studies also show that the Kenneth Shine said lawmakers public perceives that most were unlikely to finish their long uninsured people are young and , struggle with the problem before healthy and lack coverage by then. choice. But only 3 million people "If the Congress will solve between the ages of 18 and 44 fit the problem of the uninsured that description, while 11 million within the next two years, we'll more go without insurance send up hosannas," he said. because their employers don't offer coverage or offer coverage that is too expensive to purchase on an individual basis, according to the report. Dr. Kellerman·stressed that recent immigrants comprise only a fraction of the uninsured population, and that 80% of uninsured people are employed or live in a house with someone who has a full-time job. · The reports will come as Congress continues to grapple with solutions to the problem. Some proposals involve tax credits to help uninsured workers by Carol Cunningham purchase coverage, while others give credits to employers to help Let us go back in time to them buy policies for their the Month of September, On .Qay employees. Many Democrats Eleven, The Year Of Two favor expanding access to Thousand and One ... government insurance programs While I watched the such as Medicaid and the State television screen Horrified!! as Children's Health Insurance the World Trade Center Twin Program. Towers were bombed and more Meanwhile, President than six thousand were dead. The Bush bas moved to expand the executive offices, more than one role of federally funded hundred stories tall; high up in In My Opinion... the sky toppled. Next, I observed the scene of people running, and running very quickly, as fast as they could, fleeing, with fear in their eyes and on their faces. There were people actually burning on fire!! Their clothes were all aflame as well as their flesh. People were jumping off ledges of the World Trade . Center to bring about a quickened or hastily death. Did the World Trade Center Twin Towers trade away our wealth from finance needed to support the population of the employed? Iri my opinion, America the beautiful is not so beautiful anymore. The American dream has turned into a nightmare. There are wars and rumors of war all across the world. The war against poverty The war against racism The war against drugs The war against terrorism. We have won none of the above of those listed. Neither the battles nor the war. Let us go back to the think-tank and think again. We the people, everyday people, within the United States need to reclaim our children; guide them to a greater understanding, knowledge and truth. Invest in our future. Education as well as gai nful employment, which should reflect what we benefit. Financial resources so that we too can enjoy and support om families above poverty level through occupation, however humble the employment, no matter what the task. The issue - "what is the cost" of quality of life? In my opinion, not everyone can become the CEO of a company, not everyone can become President of a corporation, and not everyone can become a physician or an attorney. I question again "what is the cost" for quality of life? Not for greed nor power. Write Us! We'd like to hear from iyou- .. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 Streetvibes exists as a forum f or the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supp·orters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �' , ,- r . STREETVIBES November 2001 Suitable for Framing.... "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) " Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a · chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill ( 1874-1965) ~ • • Memorial Service at Fountain Square I,; • ' • - - • , • - -.. l ' Page 1J . and djsplays of support for America took place. In Cincinnati, Fountain Square - our c ity's "living room" was the site of a show of support for America while remembering those who loss their lives when planes flew into the World Trade Center Towers. More than six thousand people died in the horrendous attack. Streetvibes reporter/ photographer Jerome Manigan captured on celluloid images of persons attending the Fountain Square Memorial Service. Following the September 11 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City, all across the nation demonstrations Above - Raise.High Old Glory (Crowd gathered at Fountai n Square.) ' 'I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo"their use." - Galileo Galilei Left - Roger Bacon Marching Band stands attentively during memorial prayers. (Stage on Fountain Square.) "The a1·tist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (1840-1902) Photo's by Jerome Manigan "The full use of your powers along lines of excellence." ­ definition of "happiness" by John F. Kennedy ( 1917-1963) Wish List Call for Young Writers and Artists Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwm of many volunteers and donors. Can you help us with some of the following items? · Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), who would like to do creative writing or re.p orting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness, peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514. o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes Archives o Advertisers - Classified and unclassified o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Gleaning Supplies o Computers/components for. Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you ·can help!, contact us at: Stteetvibes, elo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 452 10 (5 13) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Are you a dedicated · indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesf We need .writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more infonnaHon., I buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless . individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Mattina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES November 2001 The poetry of Mike Henson honors the life and remembers the death ofbuddy gray.... A Teaching by Mike Henson I have been so often mute when I wanted most to have you hear me. · But I have studied speech with the mole and the crow and the unsilent dead who speak to us daily ,. with their mouths of clay and their tongues of grass, as they drill us in the old and necessary lessons. And wh~t do they teach? '· I have no ti;ick for telling you all of what I thin~ they say, but I believe it comes to this: There is no law but that of love. That takes courage and we often fail. Because we fai l forgiveness is basic as bread. We fail there too. And so the world is sad. If I could have the voice I wanted once, I would be your bard. I would bind you to me with firelight tales ofstruggle and discovery that would drive back yo\lr darkness for an hour. But I have only this small voice with which my father voiced me a voice with the reed and rasp of the crow. And I fear it is much too small. Even so, I tell you There is no law but the law of love. Take courage. Take courage. Song of the Bullet A Story of Ash by Mike Henson All that was left was a box of gray crumbs. A little box such as one might use for pencils or to save old letter. Such a small box to hold the remains of a man. On the day of the funeral, they strapped the box to his bicycle and it marched right with us through the streets Then, after the speeches, prayers, and song, . there was a quiet time · when those who loved him most closely took the box of ash and spooned the granules of cinder into the places he most favored, the park, the alley, the garden, and the yard of the homeless shelter. And I imagine that, among those who most closely loved him, one had a thought to place a pinch of cinder on her tongue. What a power that might give! But ash is bitter. I do not think she did so. They scattered the ash into the grass of each place, and it drifted down to the hardened earth to rest among the broken glass dried blood bones of moles lost buttons fragments of torn letters the roots of the grass and the hidden bones of the uncasketed poor. by Mike Henson The Fear of Death Such a small thing! to be so common and so deadly Such a small thing to take so large a thing as my friend 1s life. The little leaden egg in its nest of brass. It hatches so quickly and learns so much in only one lesson! It is born with a click and a thunder. It fluffs out its smoky wings and takes its only flight, and spins so straight and true (no straighter thing do we know) straight into the heart and muscle and lung of our brother by Mike Henson My friend who seemed so fearless did fear death. This is no surprise. Death rode shotgun in his pickup truck. Death passed with him down streets and alleys. Death knocked-how many times?- at his office door. He would not alter by an inch his course But he made no secret of his fear. And who would not fear death? It is the country of no map. Dimensionless, vast, all­ swallowing Amazon ­ We know nothing of its contours not how the people live there. ART & POETRY It may be the place of dark Fundamentalist threat, a theme park designed by Falwell. It may be empty as a galaxy. Or it may be what was promised that we all embrace there as when we had each other1s love. But ~hat is just one story. And there are many others. We enter Death with no Vigil, no sure guide. Refugees, we carry no provisions, not even the clothing on our backs. Death is where we are most naked. The Work of the Dead by Mike Hen~ttn In every life cut short, so many things are left undone. The dishes stacked and crusting in the sink. The dogs unfed. Three new strings on the guitar, the others still in their wrappers. The bedroom half-painted, one side fresh and glossy, the other a map of patchinK plaster islands. ­ And the oil that really ought to be changed. And the letter unsent: it only needs a stamp and someone to walk it to the mailbox. And all the work of love: words and gestures still bundled in their little proud houses and the keys lay right on the table where we left them. And even the nation, this sprawling, addled nation: Such a tangle of dropped threads, interrupted projects, failed promises. Who will beat down the hammers of greed? Who will untangle the knots of deceit? Those whose lives have been cut short are crowded into their darkened theater where they watch us bawling ·and arguing like actors in an ancient drama. They watch us closely, for they want to know who will take on the unfinished work of the dead. P age 14 Elegy by Mike Henson And so, the winter rains have done. In the park, and on the hillside, buds force out their chalice­ light leaves. The grass, flag and parable of the dead, crowds up and into every marble chink. The mole humps and groans; he thrusts up his sod chapels. And in the tabernacle of an empty building men stretch, grasp. their heads, and think of bread and wine. This is the season of sacrifice and resurrection. I cannot help but think of you ·my friend. Your death, at the thunder of nine in the morning, closed on my heart like a stone on a tomb. I lay beneath it, blind and mute, for three days and three days and three days and many three days more. Still nothing lifted. But now, the winter rains have done; ., so is this season of despair. The rain of dollars falls steadily, for it knows no season. And the liar is at home with his lie. T he earth is paved with asphalt and cluttered with subdivisions. The armies of children march with their god-sized guns. And a man - he is driven by madness ­ mutters and stalks in a room he will never leave. The world is wrong beyond reason. But I think you knew that is not the only story we can tell. The world shudders with a great work of redemption and I am done with this season of despair. The knife of Abraham cuts the boy away from the stone and the ram of sacrifice struggles in the brush. We are in the gears of something great and fine and there is no reason for despair. You know and I know, there is much to do but we labor by Lazarus-light with a blind, improbable j oy. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Song of a Cold White Room by Mike Henson He lies beneath a sheet of snow, covered to the shoulders so we cannot see the wounds. He is clean and composed, his face is placid as the face of Jesus, his mouth is twined into half a smile, and his hair spreads across the head of the gurney, and he could be sleeping. But . there is no rise and fall at the chest, no flare at the nostrils. And what are these blue rings, pale as moon, about the eyes? His body, under the snowy sheet is like a line of distant mountains. And I want to leave him in that distance. But Wf; are crowded close, several of us, in a small white room, and he is the center of all this attention. I have never touched the dead and I am not so brave as the friend who pats his hair and leaves her kiss upon his cheek. But when it is my tum, I stand close by and listen, as if he might yet breathe. A Few of the Things that God is Not; Reflections on "God Bless America" "first writing since" ART & POETRY Maybe Tomorrow Page 15 My Sweet Queen by suheir hammad there have been no words. i have not written one word. no poetry in the ashes south of canal street. no prose in the refrigerated . trucks driving debris and dna. not one word. today is a week, and seven is of heavens, gods, science. evident out my kitchen window is an abstract reality. sky where once was steel. smoke where once was flesh. fire in the city air and i feared for my sister's life in a way never before. and then, and now, i fear for the rest of us. fust, please god, let it be a mistake, the pilot's heart failed, . the · .. -~ plane's engine died. then please god, let it be a ni~tmare, wake me now. please god, after the second plane, please, don't let it be anyone who looks like my brothers. i do not know how bad a life has to break in order to kill. i have never been so hungry that i willed hunger i have never been so angry as to want to control a gun over a pen. not really. even as a woman, as a palestinian, as a broken human being. never this broken. more than ever, i believe there is no difference. the most privileged nation, most americans do not know the difference between indians, afghanis, syrians, muslims, sikbs, bindus. more than ever, there is no difference. The gentle caress of someone who loves me, ...but I don't feel it. A lovely song being sung to a listening audience, ... but I can't hear it. A cool summer breeze blowing through the trees, ... but I can't feel it. The sweet refreshing taste of a glass of cold lemonade, ... but I can't taste it. A continuous thought within the world of my mind, ...but I can't think it. A feeling that I need to express, ...but I can't say it. A message that I need to give, ...but I can't give it. A beautiful dream lost in a sea of despair~ ... but I can't find it. Hope for a better life, ...but I can't hope it. Feelings, hopes, thoughts, dreams ... Not today, maybe tomorrow. by Mister Lee Black as Steel by Anthony Watkins My sweet queen, the woman of my dreams We'll go far, guided by the glistening star So I will always know where you are Sweet queen, come with me trust in me, feel me, believe in me. We' ll stick together through all types of bad weather! I love you girl, yqu shine like a pearl That's why I say, You go girl That's why you forever will be My sweet baby girl, sweet woman· of my world W4ether Winter, Spring or Fall We'll make I through it all That's why our game is so tight like glue I thought you knew, boo How much I love and adore you You' re my Asian Queen, my Nubian Black Dream, My American Dream That's why you will always be my sweet queen by Anthony Watkins Black as steel, I know what it means to keep it real. Fake not when entering my gate. See, like a piece of the rock, you cannot shake me, nor can you break me. You may even hate me, but you will never take me alive without a fight. Like a burning star burning bright in this dark night. So I will continue to right the fire, fight even if I die tonight. Black as steel, that's what i~ means to keep it real. Standing Tall by Anthony Watkins Stand tall, wall to wall, never bend or fall. Face it everyday you can, male it in your own best way, even if you cry, always knowing that will get by, so when the wall gets thick an~ makes you sick, stand tall, don' t fall, face it wall to wall. by Jimmy Heath God is not a boy's name Nor a stern but loving parent nor the firm foundation of our national pride nor the infinite source of our national pride George is a boy's name . my mother was a stern but loving parent greed is the firm foun dation of our national pride arrogance is the infinite source of our national pride Steve Daugherty October 13, 2001 buddy gray and Bonnie Neumeier .... �STREETV I BES Novemb er 2001 VEGGIE VIBES TALKING 'BOUT A Foon- flavor" is, s/he is often given the standard excuse of "trade secrets". So it is very difficult, or sometimes virtually impossible to find out the ingredients used in a product. McDonald's can hide beef fat in their French fries because the term "natural flavor" in their ingredient list is in full compliance with, and permitted by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When Monsanto injects cows with rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), the same • FDA tells us that the milk and milk products are "substantially equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods and therefore need not be labeled. These governmental regulations are pandering to corporate interests, with consumer health, safety and the basic right to know what we are eating being taken away from us. The lawsuit against McDonald's will hopefully spark "Consumer Right to Know" laws, that will protect consumers from hidden ingredients in our food supply. These corporate deceptions not only apply to the hiding of the actual ingredients in the food but to the way in which the food is grown, how animals are raised and killed and the many dangers existing in the meat ptotessing industry. The ultimate deception is that our government actually promotes animal foods and assists REVOumON by Susan Hueskin Two McDonald's French fry eating, Hindu vegetarians recently brought a McDonald's . Beef Fries lawsuit, to court. They did this because of their outrage when they found out that McDonald's fries contained beef fat and that the company had claimed for years that their fries were not cooked in animal fats. On investigation they found that the animal ingredient was hidden in the "natural flavor" listed on the package. The code of Federal Regulations, required for all packaged goods, allows food companies not to disclose flavor additives that are consider~ by the agency to be "generally recognize.d as safe"; unfortunately they . , consider extracts from meat products " safe';. Even when a consumer calls up and questions a company as to what exactly the " natural Veggie Vibes the animal based industries into brainwashing the nation into believe that these foods are healthy and necessary. These animal industries have also maintained that the animals are treated well, and the meat and foods produced are safe and wholesome. But through a recent series of TV and newspaper exposes, the American people are finally being told the actual realities. The Washington Post has published at least three lengthy front-page stories on the downside of the meat industry in the last few months, one of which was in a co­ production with, and aired on Dateline NBC. I believe that many Americans are becoming very alarmed at what has been happening with our food supply because of this mainstream media coverage and with information presented in books like Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation, and in a new book just released by John Robins, called The Food Revolution. Hopefully, with this information they will become inspired to shift toward a plant based diet. The Food Revolution is John Robbins' sequel to his 1987 classic, Diet for a New America. This bppk. ~s}.~p~k Qf . i i • begiqn~ng to this food revolution that 'is starting to occur. Rohbins said that lie wrote his new book "to provide so1id and reliable Page 16 information for the struggle to achieve a world where the health of people and the earth community is more important than the profit margins of any industry, where basic human needs take precedence over corporate greed". His book is a well-researched counter to the misinformation that the animal industries have leveled toward vegetarianism since Diet for a New America was released. The Food Revolution is a call for a deeper understanding of the links between what we eat and many of the problems of our world ­ hunger, global warming, animal and human rights, deforestation, rampant violence, cancer and heart disease, corporate control of our food supply, limitation of resources, pollution and more. If you would like to be a part of this new "food revolution", you can start by coming to a monthly EarthSave Cincinnati vegetarian Potluck and Program. This is an organization that was started by John Robbins. Its goal is to educate people on bow our food choices affect the health of the planet and its people. You can also get Robbins' new book "The Food Revolution" and "Diet for a New America" for a discount from them. If interested caJ I 5 13-929­ 2500 oi: email fueJll at ' t • ,, t;i .. .. cincin nati@earthsave.org or visit their web site at http:// cincinnati.earthsave.org Annual Dinner Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless December 8, 2001, 6:00 - 9:00PM Mt. Auburn Presbyteria.n Church Come join us f~r a night of Hope. a.n d Unity. Please bring the family! If you cannot attend, please sponsor a homeless person. Tickets are $15-$30 (sliding scale) proceeds benefit the GCCH. Call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to RSVP or for more information: GCCH, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421 -7803 ~ �STREETVIBES November 2001 A letter to Mister Crack Mr. Crack, I must say you is a bad mister, mister. See, I put a handle to your name for one reason - 'you do not give a damn about nobody and how you treat people. You rujned many people's lives young and old to the fullest. T~ey are weak to let it get that far out of hand. You make them run the streets alJ light long; you make them steaJ to keep that high going. Mr. Crack, you said you do not need a passport - how true. But, deep down inside my heart I am glad I never tried you. And I hope and pray that day will never come that I would try you. Mr. Crack, you know something? I watch you work each and every. day. And it's a shame how people run to get you. They even remove the things from their homes for you. The sleepless nights to get you. Yes, Mr. Crack, you is a bad mister, mister. I had a child who was runling after you for seven years. Mr. Crack, you blow's some peoples minds. I hate you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my head. The ones who buys you on a daily basis, they have gone to jail for you, but you do not care, so long as they buy you. Who are whom ever discovered you and brought you here you have destroyed many people lives. And you are still going strong. You still have people coming for you each and every day; so many young people are dying because of you. Mr. Crack, you have no shame in your game, and that's for real. Mr. Crack, I hope and pray that one day they will open their eyes and see the monster that you really is. Mr. Crack, you know I have a problem of my own. I am a ·alcoholic, and you and I don't mix. Mr. Crack, I watch people roam up and down the streets searching for you. Mr. Crack and Ms. Alcohol, you have ruined many people's lives, you and alcohol have shattered lots of dreams. Me as an alcoholic I try to sit down and count how much money I spent on it (I cannot). You have lots of friends when you and alcohol are a,roµnd. I}ut .. once it's ~11 gone, there goes your so-called friends. The crackheads gets the big head always thinking they I . can rule somebody, beating. up on the alcoholics. The same goes for them - they steal from each other, there's no real big difference. The difference between an alcoholic and crack is that alcohol is legal and you are not. I can go to the store and buy you; they have to sneak around comers to get you. I can keep food, keep some clothes. If I have to lie, it's to save my own ass. Maybe during that day or light, I may get drunk and have a hangover, but I do wake up with a few dollars. But ~· Crack, the ones who smoke you always be broke and some are too damn lazy to get a job. Always looking for handouts, looking or plotting to hurt someone to buy you. See, Mr. Crack, that's ·some of the difference between you and alcohol. I had friends who used to hold conversation, now they just hold up one finger and say I will be back. See, they are in a rush to smoke you. Yes, Mister, Mister - you is a bad mother - - ­ Life is so precious, but since you came everything is so damn different. You is a Gig Monster, White Ghost, Pretty Lady - you have so many names. Crackhead crawling on the floor looking for crumbs, anything looks like you they pick up. The End. by Clara Morris Page 17 claiming a wrong digit was entered as the target's coordinates, killing at least four civilians, injuring dozens others and razing at least six houses to the ground, forcing their inhabitants to join the scores of already homeless people in a city where hundreds of thousands already rely on foreign aid just to eat. Thus far, U.S. bombs have killed a reported 400 civilians. Tne such report confirmed that at least 160 people, mainly Islam Online women and children, were killed , in a village earlier this week when Only,the poorest of the a U.S. missile fell on a poor in the desperately neighborhood destroying impoverished Afghan capital • everything in sight, including a remain in the city as constant U.S. thousand head of livestock in the air raids spread fe~ and palic farming community. · among a normally stoic people. Instead of hiqirlg a military "Believe me, whenever helicopter at Kabul airport, about a there's a raid my children start mile (1.6 kilometers) from the. crying. Last night, even I cried residential area, it landed in an with them," Mohammad Nabi, 41, an auto spare parts salesman in the area of traditional Afghan mud Qwaee Markaz area of Kabul, was houses. "I do not know whether quoted by Agence France~Presse they are going to eliminate the (AFP) as saying. terrorists or create them. We are "When women and not terrorists, they have been children scream in the middle of forcing us to become terrorists," the night, that is terrifying enough said auto parts salesman Nabi, who in itself." used to be a schoolteacher. As U.S. jets buzzed ''There could be other overhead night and day, whether alternatives. Bombardments won't on bombing runs or surveillance be the sole solution. They should· missions to identify fresh targets, those who could not afford to leave view other options." The U.S.-led strikes are were trying to find shelter designed to force the Taliban to wherever they could. Shopkeepers hand over their "guest", Saudi have moved their stocks to the dissident Osama bin Laden, countryside or boarded up their blamed for the September 11th windows. terrorist attacks in New York and "We fear our goods could Washington which killed more be footed if there is anarchy," said than 6,000 people. But the Taliban one merchant who did not want to leadership says it will never be named. Taxi drivers said the deliver him to his enemies unless city was becoming a ghost town. s~lid evidence linking him to the "No one remains in the attacks is prpvided. whole of Kabul to hire a taxi. I After another light of have been m.oving around the city heavy bombardment, residents of all day to find a client but it has Kabul were seen moving from one become very difficult," said 38­ comer of the city to another with year-old Mushtaba as he sat in his their belongings stacked in lorries, rusty cab. "Only those people who get trucks or wheelbarrows. "Our relatives live in Shari Naw. So we around on foot or bicycle remain will also join them just to be close in the city. After a month you to our relatives," said won't see anybody in the city. Hekmatullab, 22, who was pushing They may die or leave." a barrow full of his belongings. The Pentagon recently "We used to live in Bi Bi confirmed that a 2,000-pound Mabro area ... This is the fifth time (900-kiJogram) bomb struck a I have moved between our home residential area near Kabul, and our cousins' home." As he spoke, Taliban anti­ aircraft gunners opened fire on a U.S. jet circling the city in the bright afternoon sunshine. Clearly visible, it made two or three runs before disappearing over the ne~spapers surrounding mountains. By late afternoon, there was a sense of urgency among those still on the streets, as they rushed to find a place to settle before nightfall and the next round of bombings. Kabul's Poorest Have No Escape froDI U.S. BoDibs '5treefvibes: A pro.ud member of the North AmeriGan ·45treet Ne~spaper. AssoGiation '4presentin9 over ?o street throughout the United '&tates and t:anada ~~~.spea\(eas1.or9/nasna �STREETVIBES November 2001 Freedom by Benjamin Britton " If a man harbored in his house a fugitive slave or bondmaid belonging to the state or to a private citizen, and has not brought him out at the summons of the public crier, the master of that house shall be slain." - The Law Code of Hammurabi, 1750 BCE Since the days of Hammurabi, people have been struggling with how to treat human being~ fai.rly. Even in those early days of civilization though, people made slaves of one another and treated other people as less human than themselves. Morality, the treatment of people by others, has remained central to civilized life and has directed the development of human culture; it is the center of human existence, the essential nature of being human, living with other people. . Morality has a dark and a light side. Self-righteousness walks hand in hand with self­ sacrifice, each action driven by a moral decision, each step a semblance of destiny by the choices each h uman being makes. As we grow, we l~am that we do affect others for our sake and for the sake of others. We become enmeshed in the play of morality on the stage of life called Planet Earth. We decide every day in practically every moment what we will do and how it will affect others. Being human in a world of humans, we discover that we are connected b)I abstractions in a metaphysical way to each other. Our society is based on shared perceptions and shared beliefs about how to treat each other, and on this small planet with its burgeoning population, straining to burst its bounds and explode into the infinitude of outer space, we seek ways to codify right and wrong, we struggle to understand how we should treat each other ­ we refine human moral standards. Since agriculture first forced large groups of people to live in close proximity, we have struggled to balance respect and ' consideration with the need to control access to resources. Better to kill the stranger who would eat our grai n, rather than to chain him and force him to work to make more? Slavery is a product of people crowding each other for resources, and our life on Earth makes this issue every year more pressing. Contemporary morality holds that slavery is wrong; it is illegal in almost every country in the world. We sense that life should be lived without shackles, that happiness is attained by making one's own choices. We appreciate respectful and considerate treatment by others, and we sense it is appreciated in return. We live in awareness that others are a lot like ourselves, Oo you find yourself on the outside of the job market, looking in? Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure job? Sell Streetvibesl . The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buv the pafH!r for ZO cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new vendors! Come In today to sign upl The Greater Onclnnatl Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Qn~1n11•1, Olfto 4.5210 (5l3) 4Zl-7ll03 Page 18 seeking happiness, chained to each other by existence on Earth. Yet, we are the children of slaves and of slave-owners, living with a legacy of cruel oppression for gain, saddled with traditions of business, self-interest and exclusive rights of citizenship. We learn to maniR_ulate others for our sake and for other's sake. Pursuing happiness, we affect and interact with each other. Observing the effects of our actions on others, we learn more. In the field of art, post scientific civilization's remaining bastion of the human spirit, the realm where the public finds expression of pure sou\to understand the nature of their community, we swim in a sea of morality. All art is about morality; even when artists ignore this, the public interprets their art in moral terms. Contemporary audiences seek to understand their world by exploring representations of life in the forms of new media, and artists using these tools reach audiences with ideas about life. My work in art is about people and our shared existence. In 1990, I created "je sius (un readymade)", a touchscreen installation, to explore the relationship of individuals to mass­ media. In 1995, I created "LASCAUX'', a virtual reality recreation of the ancient, painted French cave, designed to connect contemporary audiences to human culture from the prehistoric past to our most distant future. In 1999, I created ''The MOON Project", a multimedia Web-DVD project that explored how people worked together to accomplish the 1969 lan9ing on the moon. Now, I am working to create ''The Underground Railroad", a multi­ user virtual reality experience in which viewers any experience the affects of their actions on others. "The Underground Railroad" is a fine art project exploring human morality by using interactive multi-user vrrtual reality to immerse audiences in a dramatic narrative about slavery in 1850's America. Viewers choose to be a white person or a black person, a man or woman, and then they become immersed in a networked virtual reality interpretation of a real historical event - one whose outcome they can, now as participants, virtually determine, change, affect and decide - the tragic escape attempt of a black woman with her children across the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ohio. In real life she was surrounded by police in a cabin, and in the subsequent capture she killed one of her children, so that the child would not have to live as a slave. In this virtual reality reconstruction, based on the audience's decision, she may escape. At the finish, viewers learn that this drama actually took place in the 1850's, and they learn how the vents actually unfolded in real life, giving them as opportunity to reflect on how it may have felt to have been the people actually involved, hoe their decisions, values and beliefs affected events in the real world, and how all of our actions affect the lives of each other in reality. My hope for this work, as an artist, is that it may bring viewers to consider their relationship with each other as individuals, their human rights and responsibilities. I hope it will connect viewers meaningfully to their community. The author is interested in comments about this project from STREETVIBES readers. Write the STREETVTBES office. Food is a Huntan Right, Not a Charity Anuradha Mittal President Bush, in a commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, renewed his call for a war.on poverty. Once again, he linked this call to his tax cut initiative. The idea is that tax benefits for the rich will stimulate charitable giving and create a type of altruistic market dynamic that will eventually trickle down to the poor. Of course, the historical record flatly defeats this logic, and policies such as these have proven to be the fertile soil in which poverty and hunger flourish. Feeding each American must certainly be considered a necessity, one more pressing than enriching the top l 0 percent of the population with nearly three fifths of the tax cut benefits. For a nation endowed with the world's greatest acreage of arable land, the United States is plagued by hunger and poverty. According to USDA estimates, 10.5 mi llion American households (one o ut of ten) did not have adequate access to food in 1998. A survey of 25 cities. conducted in December 2000 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed an increase of 17 percent in.requests �f Calendar STREETVIBES November 2001 · Page 19 National Coalition for the Homeless News and Calendar December 21, 2001: for emergency food assistance, the highest increase since 1992. To respond to this crisis, President Bush said in his acceptance speech at the National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St. NW, Washington DC Republican National Convention, 20005-3406 Tel: 2021737-6444 •Fax: 737-6445 Email: "In the next bold step of welfare info @nationalhomeless.org •Website: http://www.nationalhomeless.org reform, we will support the heroic work of homeless shelters and October 18-21, 2001: The November 14, 200~: Day of food pantries. Government cannot 14th Annual Conference of Action for the National do this work. My administration the national Student Housing Trust Fund will give taxpayers new incentives Campaign Against Hunger to donate to charity." December 3-5, 20Ql: The Fall and Homelessness will be held But relying on charity is at Rhodes College in Memphis, Community Action Agency simply not enough. The growth of TN. The students at Rhodes Executive Trai~g Seminar private sector food programs is a . College are prepared to show you will be held in Orlando, Florida. sign not of success, but of political a GREAT TIME and an amazing NACAA offers this three-day fai lure - the failure of American Conference! For more seminar annually to help policy makers to join other nations onformation, go to http:// Community Action Agency that long ago adopted the human www.nscahh.org/, e-mail professionals hone their leadership right to feed oneself. nscah@aol.com, or caII (800) NO­ and management skills and Implicit in the idea of HUNGR. enhance their agencies' capacity. human rig~ts is that these rights Topics, presented by prominent are guaranteed to all, not November 8-11, 2001: Women trainers, include advocacy charitably bestowed on some by strategies and resource as Catalysts for Social the patronage of others. Human development. Opportunities for Change, McAuley Institutt:'s rights belong to the realm of sharing best practices and success government, not the discretion of 7th.National Women and stories are also featurnd. This the wealthiest citizens. With the Housing Conference, will be event is sponsored by the National United States losing seat at the held in Washington, DC at the Association of Community Action United Nations Human Rights Washington Marriott. The Commission, it's time to conference offers people dedicated Agencies. For more information, strengthen our human rights record to the economic security of women call 202-265-7546, visit NACAA's Web site, www.nacaa.org, .or email at home and implement every and their families a forum to Avril Weisman, American 's right to feed oneself. develop skills, share ideas, and aweisman@nacaa.org Seeking sol.u tions thrqugh celebrate women who are charitable handouts fa ils to address rebuilding and revitalizing December 5-8, 2001: "We can the loss of human dignity communities throughout the do this! Ending homelessness associated with the inability to country. Breakout sessions are house, feed, and clothe oneself and clustered in five program areas: for people with mental one's family. Of the thitty-six illnesses and/or substance Women's Leadership, Asset million food-insecure individuals Development, Housing abuse disorders: A National living in America in 1998 (40 Development, Policy, and Training Conference" will be percent of which were children Technology. In addition, a held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel under the age of 18), half belong to reception to celebrate the creation in Washington, DC. The households with at least one full­ of a new network for women conference will feature whole and time worker. The leading cause of leaders will include a keynote half-day training institutes and growi ng food insecurity is not address by Representative Marcy workshops focusing on the simply joblessness, it is poverty, Kaptur (D-OH). housing, treatment and support low-paying jobs, high housing needs of people with mental costs, food stamp cuts, and welfare November 11-17, 2001: Each illnesses and/or substance abuse reform. disorders who are experiencing year, one week before Leaving responsibility for homelessness. For more Thanksgiving, the Nfltional human rights to the private sector information, contact the National Coalition for the Homeless is unacceptable. Private sector Resource Center on Homelessness and the National Student programs cannot displace the and Mental Illnesses at 800-444­ responsibility of government to the Campaign Against Hunger 74l5 or check out the website at and Homelessness co-sponsor basic social and economic human http://www.prainc.com/nrc. National Hunger and rights for its people. In the age of Homelessness Awareness "personal responsibility," does it not follow that we each have a Week. During this week, a responsibility to hold our elected number of schools, communities government accountable to the and cjties take part in the universal standards it holds other nationwide effort to bring greater nations to? Which of the awareness to the problems of following best stands for the hunger and homelessness. It may values espoused by Americans ­ be that your community has a broad and sturdy safety net for all already joined this effort. In that members of our society, or one of case, this guide may prove to be an five children hungry and poor in evaluator for past efforts, as well the richest nation on earth? as possibly offering some fresh Anuradha Mittal is the co-director ideas for the future. If this is your of Oakland-based Food First, visit first time participating, this guide www. foodfirst. o rg. will explain how your community can get involved! Call the NCH@ (202) 737-6444. Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring· . attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember. our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to address this issue. In an effort to maximize the impact of the day, NCH encourages local and statewide groups, to join the effort Last year, over 100 cities across the nation, from Detroit to Seattle, sponsored memorial events to honor those who have died and to recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness. An organizing manual for this year's Memorial Day can be found on the website. A hard copy can also be sent to organizations. Faces of Homelessness Video NCH's highly regarded "Faces of Homelessness" multi-media slide show (seen last year by at least 12,000 people nationwide) featurfog images of America's homeless people is now available on VHS video. This 13­ minute video is a great resource to begin a group.discussion about homelessness in America. This video features images taken by award-winning photographers from around the country. These photographs are accompanied with powerful music that enables the viewer to see the many men, women and children of America who experience homelessness everyday. Cost: $25 + $3 shipping & handling. Pre-pay by check or call/email Nick at NCH (202)737­ 6444 x 11 , to bill to your credit card. Email: nphillips@ nationalhomeless.org. We accept VISA , Master Card, and American Express. ~WTh L.fFT YoJIRSfJ..F UP 6'/ '/oWR.OWN 6001 SlAAPS. Make sure your parents can afford Guccis. ' • .. .. • .. " • ~ , - • .. .. • _. _,,. • • # JI • ... ._ ......... .L ~ -- ~ - _. ... • _. lo. .. ... .. • ... • .. • • • ..... - - • .. _ -' �Need Help or Want to Help? SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House . (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661 -4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 821-5650 Chabad House 381-5432 Friars g1ub Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651 -6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Net. 721 -4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 °TREATMENT: Both N .A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: Al OS Volunteers of 421-2437 Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231 -6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network I 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 ROHS HARDWARE Help is Just ' flround the Corner ~ ~ '$)0 0~~~~ ~ ~O)~ ~rr.q j Fleece-Lined Suede Leather Gloves 0 -v :;S & 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 2.99 2 Pc. Knife Set 7.88 Adjustable Workbench $19.99 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 M$lry Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621 -0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood 621 -5514 Center Project Connect ­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491 -3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Five Years After His Death the Day We Lost Buddy Gray Pg 2: The Loss of Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 3: Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson’s Community Health Care Crystal Award Pg 4: Buddy… An Anchor Pg 5: Terrorism Pg 6: Housing Discrimination Pg 7: Mental Health Crisis in America? Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National News Pg 10: Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 11: Buddy Gray Remembered Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Memorial Service at Fountain Square Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Talking ‘Bout a Food Revolution Pg 17: A Letter to Mister Crack Pg 18: Freedom Pg 19: National Coalition for News and Calendar Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Benjamin Britton Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Geranios Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr. Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Morris Bonnie Neumeier Ronita Smith Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anthony Watkins Todd Zwillich Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activists Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Anuradha Mittal Arts & Poetry Benjamin Britton Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Carol Cunningham Clara Morris Editorials Human Rights Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin Mary Taylor mental health Mike Henson Molly Lyons Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News New York Times Nichloas K. Geranios prisoners news Remember Buddy Gray Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Ronita Smith Steve Daugherty Street Views Susan Heusken Susan Knight Todd Zwillich https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d48037f8665c0c0e3841267c40b39b06.pdf 673f3deefd4577e57e40291edc2aa52f PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST ,-s·.tEET IBE5 HE TR T ~~s OMELESS GRA BW FROM BAD6£D \1ENDORS ONLl' OCTOBER 2001 6.REATE.R ClNClNNATl COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �££T OCT0BER 2001 1 GOD BLESS THE U .S.A by Susan Knight "God Bless the USA" takes on a much greater meaning in times of crisis. The statement speaks of unity and of a hope for something better. "God Bless the USA" seems also, to allude to previous blessings. God has .blessed the USA with wealth, power and security;· and we pray God will continue to bestow such rewards upon us. Such desires to secure our lifestyles, l would argue, are not isolated to those who tum to God for answers, but instead sweep across humanity. These earnest statements of hope, however, have since been paired with "Osama bin Laden, Wanted: Dead or Alive" or"America Prepares for War.'' Like "God Bless America," these angry sentiments seem natural in the wake of the most deadly attack in the history of the United States. So, we are faced wjth impending war. And if the polls are correct, many of us are willing to die, or more specifically, "face heavy casualties" in order to achieve our ends of comfort, security and a sense of retaliation. Killing Osama bin Laden and all other terrorists certainly seems like the simple answer. Such thoughts of victory in the "war on terrorism" are the only thing that assuages our grief as the death· toll mounts and the stories of heroism stream in. That, and of course, exclaiming appropriately, God Bless the USA! But what do our dreams of America the Beautiful really mean? What do our statements both of God and of death reaJly say? How will God's "blessing" manifest? Most importantly, what does our response of violent retaliation mean for that blessing? These questions are important in a time of unabashed patriotism and the potent:ial for a great loss of life. Understanding what it is te be a patriot, understanding nationalism, is important when·death and suffering may result. I, like most Americans, have said the Pledge of Allegiance many times in my lifetime. I have pledged my allegiance to our flag, AND to the Republic for which it stands. I am not normally in the habit of pledging my allegiance to inanimate objects, in this particular instance, t-0 a flag, but somehow the Pledge of Allegi.ance strikes a different chord.with most of us. We are moved by our k~owledge of history, however limited, and by our belief that we are indebted to this symbol for our comfort and for our way of life. Consequently, when someone not only challenges thflt way of life, but also actively destroys it, it inspires us to speak louder and to use whatever means necessary to protect our culture and our means of e),S:istence. For most of us, such mandates require a sense ofsecurity. Of c~urse, such a statement speaks in large part to white America, ~ut our freedom ofspeech, our comforts, our privilege speaks to all Americans in some capacity, and it is what moves us to pledge allegiance to a piece of fabric, in addition to our republic. And when we say, "God Street View by Riccardo M. Taylor So we have been through the summer with all its ups and downs, wins and losses. Perhaps some will say it was a good summer, some may say it was a hard summer; the fact that it's over leaves us all with the oppo1tunity. idea of having to prepare for the As the summer winds into coming of winter. For those who are win.ter there are a few steps one can in the streets the summer shou ld take to improve his chances of have been used as a head start for survival if he finds himself still in this preparation. If so, many of the the same position of homelessness. street people will find life a bit easier First they must be mindful of the unless they failed to take advantage hardship that is the street life. The of the few months, which proceeded ability lo do with little or none. How the coming of fall. We can only hope to use the resources which carries that some have taken that advantage ·them from day to day in the life of and will find relief from this the streets. When the cold wind Bless America," we are saying we want -0ur way of life to continue and to prosper. For that to happen, it seems we must strike back at any and all that are a threat to our safety. Our rhetoric appears to be an extension of the natural human condition. From the pledge of allegiance, to our colliding statements of God and death, we are connected by a common desire for security and stability. So it should not be a surprist} tha~ other cultures/ agendas may ass·ume similar language. Howevei:, for some nations thi$ allegiance and desire for security and stability has manifested itself in anti-American rhetoric. Similar to aspects of the Cold War, this is a war of differing lifestyles and culture, but is very different in many ways to previously officially sanctioned US wars. The war against terrorism will not be a question of sheer power. It is a question of commitment. Winning the war on terrorism means killing those who consider the United States a threat, as many terrorists are willing to die to achieve their target. And, the target has shifted. Armies and nuclear weapon sites are no longer the point of impact. The target in this new war is US. A strategically intelligent move, considering that our armed forces coi:nple tely annihilated Iraq's armed forces, the fourth largest in the world at the time of the Persian Gulf Crisis. But, the question remains, how many men/ women are willing to strap bombs to their bodies and step onto a bus? How many more are willing to die in an airplane transformed into a missile? For these numbers, we can look inward and ask ourselves how many Americans would have to die before we are no longer willing to pledge allegiance to our flag? How many would have to die before our cries to our God cease, and we accept our fate? When we know the answer to that, we will know how many innocent people must die in Afghanistan in the war on terrorism. Because, as long as a commitment to a way of life remains, as long as people feel their way of life is .threatened by our existence, as long as there is allegiance to a flag, we are not safe. This mentality is not isolated to the Middle East. Like many people throughout the world, USA ... cont. on pg. 3 blows one has to meet its bitterness stre;et then to CO.Qle to his pJhce of with resolve as well as the proper refuge to find his personal effects attire. So shall we take a look at what might need to be done to survive the winter? Before the cold sets in one must secure a place of refuge. Find a spot where there will be at least the comfort of heat as well as asense of security. If you take up refuge in vehicles then you need to gather as many blankets or other articles of clothing for which you can cover up with to keep the cold out. Of course for the street person there is the understanding that you have to safe guard your materials from theft by other people (in other words finding a good hiding place for your materials). Nothing could be more devastating for the person in the st t ree v·1ew... cont. on pg. 4 Inside Streetvibes LoeatNens Pag~::3-, Civil Rights Prisoners News National News Feature Section Editmial Art & Poetry En1ngelist Veg.gie Vibes Puget> Pao(' S ~ Pagc9 Page 10 ' Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 18 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR 'l'HE HOMELESS �- - • ' r ~ :·- ~...... - - • '• ,i..,..:;, f- ' • STREETVIBES October 2001 STREETV IB E S The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Page 2 She Holds Our Tears Precious by Bonnie Neumeier, Over-the-Rhine Resident & Activist Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by,, for, and about I made peace cranes and a homelessness, social justice, and star last night trying to understand poverty-related issues. It is . the terrorist attacks, desiring peace. published once a month by the Desiring for us to be Greater Cincinnati Coalition for compassionate, not revengeful. the Homeless. The words of revenge over the Becoming a Stree_tJtibes radio waves are frightening. So Vendor is a great way for home­ many tears are falling. Their less and other low-income people volume filis more than the oc~an to get back on (or stay on) their, deep, for the loss will be forever feet. Streetvibes Vendors aie felt. My given an orientation and sign :a fingers code of conduct before being gently fold given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. the The Greater CincinnaJi colorful Coalition for the Homeless is a origami group of shelters, agenci~'s and into the individuals committed to ending birds of homelessness in Cincinnati peace. I through coordinating services, am educating the public and reminded grass.roots organizing. at this moment of GCCHStaff rustory of Alicia Beck Executive Director all the Susan Knight Administrative wars too Coordinator many to Mary Taylor Receptionist name­ John Halpin Americorps* Vista Hiroshima, Molly Lyons Americorp&* Vista Apartheid, Stre-etvioes Staff Vietnam, Jimmy Heath Editor Gulf War, El Salvador, Over-the­ H. Lee Bowen Recovery, Mental Rhine. Something big has hit on Health Bdjtor our soil. (My tongue does not want Wtiters to speak war. Does not war beget Alicia Beclc war?) In the aftermath, there will Tom Billman be big gaping holes in the earth, in Lisa Bridges Jofiii HalPi!l · people's lives, in people's work, in Jimmy~ ' people's cities, in people's Sus.anli#~n neighborhoods and nations, and JobnsblT most of all in people's hearts. I picked up Proverbs Susan Knijht yesterday, not knowing yet about Mi.Lee the disaster of four plane~ carrying Molly Lyons out the evil destruction. I write Bonnie Neumeier ill ~'~- · Kenneth D•.Smith Rodney Sutton :Riccardo Ta)'lor Photolrapher Jimmy Heath Streetvibes accepts letters, poems,. stories, essays, original graphics, pputos.... We will give prefer­ enee lo th&e who are homeless or vendors. · down this verse from Proverbs into my journal: "Like a moth in clotrung, or a maggot in wood, son-ow gnaws at the human heart." I asked myself: How deep is the human heart? Can sorrow gnaw it completely away? I wr9te down: NO.. Today upon .reflecting on the weight of grief that is so heavy, heavier than the th'o usarids and · thousands of tons of concrete that .. once were the towers 0.f The World Trade Cen"ter ~nd }he ·J?er:nagon, I struggle with my answer.. today it does not feel as decisive, knowing the magnitude of angry and hurting hearts. But with faith, I reach somewhere else. Those who have gone before me in the walk for justice and peace taught us that we have to draw on a source deeper than what meets the human eye. We have to believe there can be justice, peace and love ev_e n through the sorrow of the heart. DEEP-PURPLE-WILD­ IRONWEED is crying with us. She bolds our tears precious and teaches us that goodness and beauty is stronger than evil and ugliness anywhere we stand .. .in Over-the-Rhine, New York City, Palestine, Belfast and in Soweto. We have to draw qn th,e power within us to act With goodness and beauty in relationship with all our brothers and sisters, no matter what race, creed OF olass. The towers that fell , cannot .they be a warning that our way of being in the world demands that we change? Dominance, arrogance, greed and militarism have to go. Violence can never serve jus t1ce. Let us respond with peace, not revenge. This loss and devastation ~ intimately connects us with all the suffering peoples of the world. t this make our hearts grow in wisdom and love, and deepen our justi9e-resolve to use our hands and feet to save this planet and each other from destruction. Let us dare to hope in our goodness and beauty. THE-ONE-WHO-LETS-ME Reflections while on retreat at St. Catherine's on Jonquil SEE-HER-YELLOW­ BUITERFLIES-KJSSING-THERi.dge, Kentucky Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $I voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating chat all the profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times H;omeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with other distributors. I will papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. I 0. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are . to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 4. I agree to treat others with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories ifpossible. 5. l will not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves 7. I agree not to deceive the public ~y saying that I am the right to terminate a vendor at any time as collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES October 2001 The .p eople of Afghanistan have nothing to do with Osama and his accomplices On September 11, 2001 the world was stunned with the horrific terrorist attacks on the United States. RAWA stands with the rest of the world in expressing our sorrow and condemnation for this barbaric act of violence and terror. In order to gain and maintain their power, these barbaric criminals are ready to turn easily to any criminal force. The US government should c onsider the root c a use of thi s terrible event which has not been the first and will not be the last one too. The US sho uld stop supportin g Afgha n terroris ts a nd th e ir supporters once and for all. · Now that the Taliban and Osama are the prime suspects by the U S officials after the c rimin al a t tacks, w ill the US su bj ec t Afghan is tan to a military attack similar to the one in 1998 and kill thousands of innocent Afghans for the crimes committed by the Taliban and Osama? Does the US th.i nk that through such attacks, with thousands of deprived , poor a nd innocent people of Afghanistan as its victims, will be able to wipe out the rootcause of terrorism, or will it spread terrorism even to~ ~arger ~cale? . .Fro~ ?urpo1~t.ofv1ewa·vast and mdiscnmmate mtlitary attac~ on a cou ntry that has been fa c m g permanent disasters for more than tw.o decades ~ill ~ot be a matter of pndc. We don t thmk such an atta~k would be the statement of the will of the American people. T he US governme nt and people should know that there is a vast difference between the poor and devastated people of Afghanistan and the terrorist Jehadi and T-aliban c1i minals. Whi le we o nce again announce our solidarity and deep sorrow with the people of the US, we ai so be l ieve that a ttacki ng Afghanistan and killing its most ruined and destitute people will not in any way decrease the grief of the American people. . We sincerely hope that the great American people cou ld DIFFER ENTIATE between the people of Afghanistan and a handful of fundamentalist terrorists. Our hearts go o ut to the people of the US. Down with terrorism! September 14th, 2001 Revolutionar y Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) USA P age 3 commitment already made. T he statement "God Bless the USA", if it is to honor its spiritual and cultural commitment, must for its own sake transcend violence. History has shown the power of the human will and our love of freedom will not make our liberty any less vulnerable in this moment in history. There a.:_re many human elements to nationalism . But it is important to remember, nationalism played a role in t he deaths of tho se in Pennsylvania, in the Pentagon, and in the World Trade Center. And certainly the perpetrators' violent resolution has not resulted in their way of life becoming more secure. Let us not make the same mistake . May God Bless the USA. UPDATE: ---------1---­ Landlord's cont. from pag. American citizens are willing to die o r risk their lives to protect a way Bankruptcy of life. Safety comes when we are Continues willing to ask why. Why does our existe nce threaten a way of life? Why are so many people willing to Threat to dieto killinnocent civilians? These are not difficult questions to answer Low-incoine as they are grounded in an aspect of human nature that has surfaced in days fo llowing the attack, across Housing this country. The answer is in what ••• In an effort to reorganize under a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Tom De nh art a nd h is H a rt Reality Corporation may be selling some of his property; most of it located in the Over-the-Rhi ne neig hborhood of C incinnati. Hart Reality and 25 affil iate partnerships filed for bankruptcy in August citing changes in the way the government reimburses low-income housing and changes in the Section 8 housing program. Den.hart also blames the April m:1rest for vacancies and cash flow problems. The bankruptcy fi ling covers 201 buildin gs with 1,089 apartment units. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy calls for reorganiz ation, not for - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , liquidation of the properties. However, Hart Reality has received unsolicited offers on some Call of the properties, according to one of Denhart's attorneys. Jane Ander son , a D e mocra tic c and idat e in th e Attorney at Law we mean when we say God Bless America. It is a hope that our way of life continues. Peace then, for this country, is not a matter of religion, is not a product of dissidence, but a tool of practicality. Our way of life was · attacked Se pte mber 11th. That evenincr on the vround where t he World Trade Ce~er once stood an Americ a fl ag was h ung and ' we began our declaration of war. Over six thousand dead and counting could not stop the American spirit that day. And yet, we are hoping to kill people already committed to dying for their cause. Their flag was a lready ra ised a nd th e ir Social Security/SS! Denied? John M. Keegan upcoming Cinc innati City Council race suggests that the City form a task force to examine the possibility of studying the viability of acquiring some of the properties in an effort to break the concentration of poverty in Over-the-Rhine. "We need to come up with a plan that may include city, nonprofit and private money," says Anderson. "We have to make sure the city can come out ahead on this one." Ms. Anderson worries that more city inaction could result in rising vacancies and deteriorating properties, possibly adding to Over­ t he-Rhine ' s g lut of abandoned buildings. O ver- the-Rhine business activists have long viewed the sale and redeve lopme nt of Denhart's properties as a key to revitalizing the neighborhood. · But low-income advocates are concerned that the sale of these p rope rties wo uld le ad t o gentrifi cation , forcing O ver-the­ Rhine's poore~t and most vulnerable residents out of their homes. "A smart plan would be to maintain those affordable housing units," says Bonnie Neumeier, Over­ the-Rhine community activist and Community Council member. "I DO think breaki ng up Denhart's property so that it is not owned by one developer is good. But no one seems concerned about how many units we are losing. We can' t afford to lose those 1089 units of affordable housing" Not all Cincinnati leaders agree th e city should seek the however. ·" M y p rope rti es, inclination at this point is for the city to just sta y o ut," said c ounci l m e mber Phil He imlich , a Republican. Reader Mail Dear Mr. Taylor, I just read your column (Street View) on the first page of the A ug ust e d i tio n of S TREETVIBES, and I want to cong ratu late yo u o n a ve ry sensitive and thoughtful essay. Anyone reading it could not help but be touched by the despair of the homeless as portrayed in your writing. I hope you will continue to write because you have the gift of expression. Sincerely yours, S. Arthur Spiegel Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law OISC JOCKEY SEl,VI CE Cli.f.ford Jones .N O FEE UNLESS WE W IN lfiJ (513) 651-9222 41 . ­ FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION (513) 761 - 3464 0 £.fice e-_'7lail: et • :\:)0\-~ jonesa~ ( 5 1 3 ) 2 30-63 5 3 """" Voicemail ~c-.1411 "'·C'. ~ticxchange· cP �- STREETVIBES ·O ctober 2001 - The Life By Riccardo M. Taylor Misery without mercy! What a wonderful feeling. Living miserably without a care in the world. Drunk, accepting the di scomforts of alcohol and the misery of the withdraw. The feelings of nausea, the reeling of the headache. OH! A drink will fix it all. Yeah, see the same dog th at bit you! OH, but misery is not at its end with just a drink. We have to get more displeasure then that. Why not the feeling of silliness from a toke of smoke? A joint will get you there. Giggles of foolishness. Drifting on a cloud of .imagination, seei ng pleasurable things that exist only in the mind. Taking a minute off from reality. Yeah, what a wonderful way to live. Yet, this is only misery in these minutes we have, to go a bit deeper for the most in the way of misery. Lets get down raw. A syringe ful1 of dope! Heroine or coke, what's your pleastire? Just get as high as you can, reeling in the fast lane. Street View·.. ~ cont. from page 1 gone! On the other hand if one takes up refuge in an abandoned building then it's a little easier to hold ·o n to your belongings. Partly because when you live in buildings there will be more then one person residing there. Then, your articles are not as eas ily stumbled upon. Still there is the possibility that you may lose what you have gathered. Unlike .animals that gather to prepare for the winter the . street person must keep an outlet for gathering more material if need So you have to have that be. place of resource. Often the street person finds himself or herself barred from certain resource centers. Many are barred from places like the shower house or the Drop Inn Center for various reasons. This can be very hard during the winter months as might be imagined. However, this can be resolved by having a variety of places to gather the materials needed for ones survival. During the winter the feeding is practically the same as during the summer with the exception that _o ne can harbor food during this season. Food can be stored outside without the worry of it becomin g spoiled etc. This Local News Curtis Norvell finds healing at Drop Inn Center Progrant Go up or down, just get somewhere, go fast or slow. Nod or fly to the height that pleases you, mostly scarring your body from.head' to toe. Leaving tracks that no race can be performed on. Its great to have to hide the marks, having to lie about your every activity just so the ones who care the most won't know. The lies and the deceit are the most important aspect of the charade. You have to practice lying and scheming in order to stay ahead of the truth. Like lying, do you? Well grab a pipe, glass or metal, and you will become your best. Never having money, yet you work each day! You can make up a million and one excuses for why you are broke! My rent was due, I needed new shoes, had a doctor 's bill, I was robbed - any old lie will do. Well, no one will know. I can't be discovered! Just because I look haggard , eyes beaming like headlights, can't seem to focus, doesn't mean that I have had a blast! Yeah, no one knows - behind the lines of "I'm.OK" is the reality of all my life's misery. Then again what a pleasure to be miserable! Without my misery where would I be? •• • • .J ...... ; I. • - .._ , • ,. • Page 4 by Lisa Bridges • j ,.Jl #­ "Life bas taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us, and a bit of bad in the best of us, but we are all children of God, and we all have a right to be here (Big Book pg. 449). I invite who ever reads this little article ·and is not satisfied with the way you' re living. I need you to know, we no longer have ta remain stuck. Onelhing this ·addict/alcoholic do know 'is ·r had to be ready! Aiiaonly rlffie~ when Trey was ready. Me, myse1f have lived my life on a wire without a net. Funny thing aborit fear, it kept me from the rooms of recovery and today fear k eeps me from returning to the horrors of active addiction. Like Martin Luther King Jr. today, Trey has a dream. Thank You God!" - Curtis "Trey " Norvell on life in the past, the present, and what I want to accomplish in the future." Where do you see yourself in the future ? "In one of two places: either in broadcastin,g [which Trey has ali:eady completed some schooling for] or starting a program for young men ages 18-25. Trey got really ' excited about a program for young m~n.. Offering them a strong sense of encourage"m ent ' . . and . e!'lpowerment. "It i~ a difficult age for a sense of belonging, and I want to be able to be there for these.men. I have noticed since I have been living here, I have been approached by many young people who have questions, and need support and encouragement.". allows the street person to be a little more self-sufficient if they so chose too. Perhaps what is the most important aspect of ones winter survival is the ability for them to stay out of so much exposure. One has to stay warm even though they have to constantly move from place to place. The life What has been your biggest of the street person is one of Learning experience? continual movement. So one has " I know what other people What is the biggest change in your to know where to fi nd refuge meant at all the other treatment life since you ha ve started the through the day, during waking centers that I went to. You have to program at the Drop Inn Center? hours. "I've s topped REALLY, REALLY want it and Of course seasoned street fighting ....meaning: compl etely today I really do. I don't want to people know most of the winter surrendering to the simple program drink or drug anymore. And today, haunts. A visit to the public library (of NA and AA.) And it has taken I fee l and und erstand this will find many of the street people me so long to do this." surrender." there browsing through books or Trey concluded with, "It reading the newspaper or trying to Wha t has your experience offered feels really good to be right where I catch a nap. Then there are places you at the Drop inn Center? am today." like labor hall s where one can Trey will be graduating "It has offered me a sense spend most of the day just sitting of freedom from active addiction from the Drop Inn Center men's around, or visiting a friend at their and alcoholism. Also, the recovery program November 1, and home. Malls, soup kitchens, or opportunity to sit back and reflect will move into the Recovery Hotel other public indoor places act as a on Vine Street. refuge from the weather during the The GCCH would like to thank winter, only this can be stressful due to limited time one is allowed this Starbucks location for their to remain in some of these places. generous donation of coffee and Yet, for the most part one can find some relief when sought. pastries. All in all the winter presents more problems then the warmer seasons, but survival is the art of the street 3366 Erie Avenue person and most will prevail. East Hyde Park �STREETVIBES October 2001 Reflections on Mother by Bill Johnson, Streetvibes Vendor I don ' t know how many people would like to heai about my mother. But I feel since this was the month she came into the world, I would tell you a little about her: I know there will be someone out there who will read this month 's Streetvibes and would like to hear about a person that was born in October. As you know, most of us have good feelings inside about the month we were born in. My mother's name at birth was Annie Trivitt. She was born October 19, 1918, in the south. When she first came to Cincinnati, she had a job sewing in a factory. She was very good at sewing even when she got older. I'm very sure this factory is now gone. After leaving the factory, she began cleaning people's homes in Hyde Park and Roselawn. That's how my mother kept food in 'my riloutµ and' a roof over my hekd: the one thing as }png as I can ree2!ll, whet~v~r we lived, was'a clean house. My mother was a church going1aay that tried to keep me in church'all my life. But,I did not stay. N6w'I am.looking for help with my life: I do know one thing though - I have to find my way back to the Lord. It has almost been three years since I have seen my friend [the Lord] and it hurts me a lot. But the thing I can be thankful for is that I had a mother. The things I see and hear in the world of today - there are not a lot of fathers and mothers - only you ng boys and girls having children. It is hard for the child to have a chance in life. The values we leave in our children are more important than the valuables we leave them. In ending, I would like to say thanks very much to Annie, my mother, for giving me a chance l New Blows A·g ainst Santa Barbara's Sleeping Ban ­ Supervisors Approve Vehicular Sleeping, New Actions in Courts by Robert Norse Both the County Board of Supervisors and the City Council are considering ch anges in Santa Barbara's long-standing anti­ homeless Camping Ban. The Santa Barbara City codes prohibit camping outside and sleeping in a recreational vehicle (MC 15.16.070). In late July, Santa Barbara City Council's ordinance committee supported in concept a law that would provide legal parking places for some people living in vehicles. The measure would affect a number of the estimated 170 cars, 20 trucks, and RV,'s (recreational vehicles) .currently parking in the downtown c9rridor, 1;1ear highway IO1, and jn the city.park parking lots. The.·propose<;l ordin~ce change is modeled after practiGes used in Eugene; Qregon, and Santa Cruz, California. · · SoJµe members of Santa Barb.<:J.ra's vehicularly housed community (out of a larger 2000+ in the larger homeless community) would be able to park, no more than three vehicles to a parking Jot, in church, business, and government parking lots. Eugene actually set up a summer "carcamp" for three years running, then opened an industrial area to vehicular s leeping, and finally settled on dispersed · city­ designated parking spaces for groups of three vehicles in various places throughout the City. Instead of police knocking at vehicles if there's a problem, a Eugene social service worker mediates problems between Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers ! P age 5 housed neighbors and vehicular residents. Oregon homeless activists giv e th e pl an mixed re views. Writers from Street Roots , th e Portland homeless ne wspaper, compared the Eugene program unfavorably with the technically illegal but very-much-alive Dignity Village. tent city, which is run by homeless people and moves from place to place. Poet and Dignity Village spokesperson Jack Tafari reported at a recent NASNA (North American Street Newspaper Association) conference in San Francisco that Eugene's dispersal of homeless people bad weakened the homeless community there for the convenience of city officials. Police sweeps of vehicular homeless have become less vigorous in the wake of Camp Paradise's fight for survival, a camp formed in .late August. Before it moved on its own, Santa Barbara's City Council wanted buy-in from the County. Council delayed action .on its Ordinance Committee's "legal spots for vehicular sleeping" proposal until early September awaiting County Board ofSupervisors action. . The County, with around 400,000 people and 5-6,000 homeless, in a rare show of cooperation w.ith the City took on the controversial homelessness/housing issue. Earlier in the summer, the County's Human Relations Commission [HRC] voted 14-0 to endorse a similar ordinance, plus a pilot plan that would open up a "gone by dawn" parking area on government property. The diverse group included representatives of the conservative North Cou nty, where the cu stom of vehicular sleeping, at least for undocumented His panics, who do much of the agricultural lahor, was well established. On August 21 st, the full Board of Supervisors (split between three liberals and two conservatives) unanimously approved the concept and directed the HRC to set up a committee made up of homeless advocates, Sheriff Jim Thomas, officials from the county counsel's office, the county's social service agency and the city ofSanta Barbara, to iron out some of the issues related Supervis or to car camping. Urbansky reportedly wanted there to be a large "counseling" element. Supervisor Schwartz said drafting the ordinance should not be rushed, while Supervisor Rose suggested that something needed to be passed before winter. The concerns sent back to the HRC include how many vehicles would be allowed at any one location and neighbors' concerns about such things as noise and trash. The decision came after appeals of support by the Santa Barbara Homeless Coalition, the local Catholic Charities office and members of the Committee for Social Justice. Catholic Charities would be the non-profit overseeing the project. The Board directed the HRC to report back within 60 days. Quotes of Hope... Each ofus faces circumstances in life which compel us to carry heavy burdens ofsorrow. Adversity assails us with hurricane force. Glowing sunrises are transformed into darkest"nights. .Our highest hopes are blasted and our noblest dreams are shattered. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Why should we love our enemies? The first reason is fairly obvious. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid ofstars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate: only love can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr. The worst sin towards ourfellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That is the essence ofinhumanity. ­ George Bernard Shaw Bargain Box Rummage Sale Sponsored by the Junior League of Cincinnati Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Carthage Sat., October 13, 9 - 4 PM Sun., October 14, 10 - 2PM Clothing, ·childrens Items, Household Items, Furniture. For more information: Call 871-9339 �- Page 6 STREETVI B BS October 2001 HatP Crillles Against the Know Your Justice and states that most hate Hollleless ofc rimes are not com mitted by Rights by John Halpin In recent months, we have discussed the criminalization of the ho meless, an attempt by cities across the country to rid their streets of homeless people. Often, cities cite safety concerns as a reason to remove the homeless. Recent reports, however, show that rather than being the perpetrators of violent crimes, homeless people are often the victims of such acts. During the 1990's, reports of homeless persons being brutally beaten and killed surfaced across the countr¥. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) decided in 1999 to produce a paper documenting these reports. That year, they reported 29 homeless people were killed and 6 suffered non- lethal attacks. A more extensive effort in 2000 reported 43 homeless people killed and 23 victims of non-lethal violence. While these numbers might appear small considering they are national figures, they do not represent the total number of crimes that occur. Many of these crimes . go unreported to the police, service providers, or newspapers, and hence did not find their way to NCH's reports. And what these reports may lack in numbers, they make up in the gruesome nature of some of the attacks. In one Las Vegas case, a seventy-six year-old homeless man was beaten to death by a group of ten teenagers. Ron Travis, another homeless man camped in the area witnessed the attacks and scared the teens off approaching them with a large rock. "He didn't say anything to them," Travis said of the victim. " He had his blankets over his head. That's the way he sleeps. I didn't hear them say anything before they started. I just heard Arthur grunting when he was being kicked." A s eries of attacks in Colorado Springs, Colorado, left homeless people in the city fearing fo r their safety. John Mic hael Jones of Lexington, Kentucky, was found dead in his sleeping bag, apparently of a blow to the head. He was found under a bridge, in the same area where two other homeless men were badly beaten. These two men could not identify their assailants because they were attacked at night, but police believe that a band of tee ns were responsible for both attacks. The 2000 Hate Crimes Report cites the U.S. Department organized bate groups but rather by individuals who ha rbor strong resentments against certain groups of people. The report divides hate crimes p e rpetrators into three groups. "Mission offenders" act in an attempt to cleanse society of a group they consider ev il. "Scapegoat offenders" attack as a way to express their resentment toward the growing economi c power of a minority group. The third group, which are the most likely to attack the homeless, are "thrill seekers," Thrill seekers target vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to satisfy their thrills. One can scarce imagine a target as vulnerable as the women and men who live mus t their entire live s in public. The National Coalition for the Homeless intends to continue documenting bate crimes again st the homeless. It intends to use the reports it produces to educate lawmakers about thi s phenomenon and to recommend that proactive measures be taken. The National Coalition for the Homeless made five specific recommendations for action in their 2000 report: 1) That the U.S. Department of Justice acknowledge · hate crimes and/or violence against the homeless as a serious national trend, 2) That the Justice Department track hate crimes and violence against the homeless, 3) That any new federal bate crimes legislation include homelessness, 4) That police departments across the country include training on how to effectively and humanely work with the hom e less people in th eir communiti es, a nd 5) That th e Department of Justice sponsor or fund a research study to interview perpetrators of hate crimes against the homeless in order to determine the motivation behind such attacks. For more information on bate crimes against the homeless, visit the National Coalition for the Homeless' website: www.nationalhomeless.org. by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice syste m and their lawyers. Disorderly Conduct (§2917.11 of the Municipal Code) basically states the following: No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another .......,,..,..,.,.~- by doing, among other things, any ofthe following: rt"'l~-"l • making c unreasonable course utterance, gesture or display or corrununicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person •Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, highway or right-of-way, or hindering their access upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights ofothers, engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent turbulent behavior. • Being voluntarily intoxicated is not a defense. The violation is usually punishable by n.o more than a $100.00 fine. If the offender persists in conduct after a reasonable warning or request to desist, or unless committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, rescuer, medical person or any authorized person who is engaged in the persons duties at the scene of a fire, accident, disaster, riot or emergency of any kind, it can be punished by up to 30 days in jail and a $250.00 fine. Homeless people in Cincinnati are arrested and cited for disorderl y conduct very frequently. An analysis of the citations given to people who report the Drop Inn Center or the Justice Center as their address (both are commonly given by the homeless when cited) show that among the citations given to the people who list these addresses, the second highest number of citations are for disorderly conduct. Homeless people cite the main reason for their getting stopped, cited, or arrested for disorderly conduct is when they speak up to police officers when they feel their rights are being violated. lo one incident people were arrested for making complaints when the poHce told them they were not allowed to be in Garfield Park. One woman recalled an incident when she and her partner were fighting. Police officers arrived as he was choking her, but they sent him back into Frisch's. While she remained outside with the officers, she began to question why they were not arresting him. They told her to quit talking. When they then asked her a question, she said she would not answer because they had told her to quit speaking. They then arrested her for disorderly conduct. Many cases dealing with disorderly conduct and First Amendment rights have gone through the courts. The findings of these courts in cases such as State v. Robinson and Warren v. Patrone have upheld the First Amendment rights of free speech. In State v. Richardson, the court found that " The First Amendment forbids conviction for disorderly conduct based on abusive speech if speech would not have been provoked average person to breach of the peace." Citations for disorderly conduct that are wrongly given are often not challenged in court. Many homeless people plea " no contest" to charges against them at the urging of public defenders. A public defender may encourage a person to make this plea to get released rather than risk staying in jail. Being unable to pay bail, many homeless people accept this option. Pleading no contest will usually result in a criminal record. Because of this, homeless people are treated unjustly and the justice system is not held accountable for violating their rights. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Page 7 Victim of Abuse Finds Freedom by FJ Today my ex-husband was set free. I will never understand why assault and battery on a spouse is called domestic violence - how can such brutality be called domestic? I called Women Helping Women. They said they did not think I could get a TPO [Temporary Protection Order] because he has been out of prison on parole for a year and hasn't made contact. Serving his parole time in the state of Mississippi may have had a little to do with that. His parole is up - he's coming back to Cincinnati. They suggested I call Domestic Relations. They said the same thing. I have to wait until there's a physical or verbal threat made. They wanted to know how I know he will try something after all this time. My answer to them was because he said he would. Ju st because it's been a long time, should I forget the threat and not take precaution? I hope that the physical threat that I'm supposed to be waiting for is not deadly. I knowa piece ofpaper can't stop this man from harming me if be wants to. It never did in the past, but it will give t~e police the right to arrest him if he comes near me, or near a place that he's to stay away from, so I c~n have a little peace of mind. Again, the attacker is protected by law, while the innocents are left to protect themselves. I guess I could hav.e used the word victim instead of innocent. Even though I have been harmed by this man, I still intend to be the victor. I will do whatever it takes not to become the victim. I understand I will have to be cautious. There are so many things we take for granted; grocery shopping, driving into the driveway, getting out of the car and going into the house, going into my empty house, going to my car in the drive way, driving, hoping he hasn' t tampered with the car, using a window fan in the window, walking down the street, getting out of my car at work, chatting with a friend, sitting in the yard, taking my grandson for a walk, sitting with my back to a door, peaceful sleep, and the thing I like best - having some time to myself. I know that during some of these activities everyone has to be cautious. Being cautious and being terrified is very different. Being the victim of a random act of violence is terrifying, but just imagine knowing that there's someone out there wanting to torture and kill you just because. And knowing they are capable of such violence because they have done it before, and that someone is the person ~ou married, had six children with and planned to spend your life with. I lived with this man for seventeen years. I refused to take the verbal abuse - I moved out. That's when my hell started. I spent six. years tryiiig to survive around this man before he was finally put in prison. I won't go into detail about the things this man did to me. Maybe another time, but for now I'm not ready to do that much sharing. Besides, that is not my point, what I'm trying to say is why can't I get a TPO. What's the worst thing that could happen with a TPO ? He's restricted from a few places - my work place, my kids school, my home, calling my home or work place, a few places that I shop, and a few places that's work related. What's the worst thing that can happen if I don't get a TPO? HOSPITALIZATION OR DEATH. . BUT FOR NOW LIFE GOES ON and I have to live in that reality. When I first heard the news that my husband was corning back, I was extremely angry. I'm still upset, but rational. He's out there and there is nothing I can do to change that. I'll do what it takes to survive. My hope and prayer is that this man makes a decision about his life and let me live mine. I will not let my guard down. I will be extremely careful. But I will not live like a fugitive. I will not become a prisoner. I will not stop my life. I will co~tinue to do all the things I do. I decided I will not give this man my life. If he wants it, he will have to take it. Ohio Bicenteflnial River Note Cards <I( • , ,. \1 • The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, in conjunction with the Ohio Natural Heritage River System designees, independent river/ watershed protection organizations and historical societies throughout Ohio, and Rivers Unlimited proudly presents a special bicentennial project highlighting the significance of rivers and streams in our state's history. By ordering through the Coalition for the Homeless, 50% of your contribution will go to assist our work! For more information on the Cards or where to purchase them locally, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803 or Rivers Unlimited at (513) 891-4592. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Prisoners' News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our JS nation,s jails and prisons. We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. Please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes @juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Parole Eligibility and Maximum Security by Kenta Kenyatta The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ORC) currently has · a policy of denying parole eligibility to prisoners based on their classification as maximum security. The ORC did not always have•this policy. The policy was adopted by the ORC in 1994 and it began to have a major effe~t on prisoners who began to be classified in 1995. What prisoners and their supporters must keep in mind is that this is an ORC policy and not a law. In fact, because of the way security reviews are handled within Ohio's prison system, this policy is in violation of the law. The United States Con stitution (s uppo sedly) guarantees that no person shall have his or her liberty interest infringed upon without due process of law. The law then goes on to explain what constitutes due process. Every prisoner in Ohio knows that due process is not even a claim of the ORC when it comes to secu ri ty reviews and classifications withfo Ohio's prisons. So the only question is, is leaving prison on parole a li berty interest? T he United States Constitution also (again supposedly) g uarantees equa l protection of the law. But the ORC and the Adult Parole Authority has a policy that discriminates against pri sone rs in . maximum security when it comes to parole eligibility, and prisoners under the new law go home on their out date no matter what their security. A pri so ner sec urity classification is absolutely no indication that that person is a risk to society, their crime against society or their conduct while incarcerated. Any prisoner who is well liked by the prison officials who is conducting the status review can get his/her security statu s rai se d. Furthermore, one conduct report ( l i k e establi ~bing a relationship with an officer) can send a pri soner f r o m mrn1mum security to supermax. Some outside supporters of prisoners have taken it upon themselves to campaign (or paroles to prisoners who have a clean prison record, based on their security status. But by doing so they are lending legitimacy to a policy and practice that the law (if legally challenged) will not uphold. It must be fought at all costs in order to have any meaningful prison reforms. Modern Day· Slaves­ Modern Day Masters Slavery is Alive and Profitable in Ohio! by Kenneth D. Smith Page 8 we call it "involuntary servitude", is still authorized under the U.S. Constitutions Thirteenth Amendment. [Whether slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or a ny place subj ect to their jurisdiction. Congress shall have the power to enforce this artide by appropriate legislation.] Your fi rst reaction is going to be that this sec tion of ·our Constitution refers to the imprisonment of convicted felons. "So what's wrong with that?" you say, "We have to find a way to punish criminals, don't we?" And I will agree, yes, we do have to have method s to punish those who tra nsgress the law. Presently imprisonment is the method of c h o i c e though it ____ has been repeatedl y proven to m a k e peop le worse, not better. Imprisonment for the punishment of crimes is authorized under the U.S. Constitution. Holding people in prison purely for the purpose of profit IS NOT! That 'is where the step is made from the provision s of the Thirteenth . Amendment to the Constitution of SLAVERY! But what trul y constitutes slavery? According to Webster 's: Slave: 1. One bound in servitude to a person or household as an instrument of labor. Slavery: 1. The state of servitude as the property of a slaveholder or household. 2. A mode ofproduction in which slaves constitute the principal workforce. Involuntary: 1. Not done willingly or on purpose. Not involving or based on conscious choice. Servitude: 1. Submission to a master: BONDAGE. 2. Forced labor imposed as a punishment for crimes. While the new "flat-time truth in sentencing" law was being debated, the D epartment of Rehabilitation & Correction and their cronJ.es in the guard's unions reali zed that this law wou ld jeopardize many things. If the new flat-time law were made retroactive thousands of men and women would return to their families, thousands of state employees would have to go find real jobs, and the Depaitment of Rehabilitation and Corrections would have to cancel a large number ofvery lucrative newprisonbuilding projects and close at least one third of their existing prisons! The taxpayers would have seen as immediate budget savings of 500,000,000 hard earned tax dollars desperately needed by the school systems! With that realization the Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections and the guard's unions started a fear campaign. Legislators were told their careers would be ruined ifthousandsofp1isonerswere to be released. Grandstanders in the legislator saw an opportunity to score voter points and started harping about " Getting tough on crime." This new law was the answer with its mandatory flat-time sentences, although those flat-time sentences were 60 to 80 percent shorter than indefin ite sentences for the same offense! No one bothered to mention that getting tough on crime had nothing to do with people who weren'tcommittingcrimes, the men and women already locked up in Ohio's prisons! State jobs would be destroyed or lost protecting those eight thousand lousy j obs. But by the time Ohio passed its new Truth-in-Sentencing law our infamous President·Bill Clinton had pushed through the U.S. Congress a piece of legislation which gave the D. 0 . R. C., the guards unions, and the legislators as added incentive to ignore the old law prisoner's rights. Itauthorized the Federal government to PAY states to keep prisoners locked up longer. So, when the Truth-in-Sentencing law was passed without the "transition" clause it was with a cash incentive in mind. The Feds were going to pay Ohio to protect guard lobs, and on top of that pay Ohio to build new unneeded prisons! It was not a very good deal for the taxpayers. Ohio got a Uttle over $86,000,000 and spent $750,000,000 on new prisons. The D. 0. R. C. budget jumped from $900,000,000 to $1.6 billion annually. Don't let the legislation near your checkbook! The U.S. Constitution's Fourteenth Amendment states in part: No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due If you ask most anyone in this cou ntry when slavery ended, they will tell you it ended with the Civil War. There are those in our society who will tell you that it still exists in an economic sense. But you Cont. on pg. 16 would be hard pressed to find anyone who would tell you that slavery was, in fact, never abolished, that it still While we make every effort to provide a forum for those ex ists in the United States and is without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER alive and wel1 in the State of Ohio! CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ "No way! " you might say, but you sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the would be wrong! Slavery, or shall . prisoners who's writings are represented here. Modern .... �STREETVIBES October 2001 National/International News Former STREETVIBES and is a good companion editor in Chile food when she's in the house. She is from Dan Marshner, via email.... Arica, Chile has given me a very interesting couple of weeks. I have been staying with my family, learning Spanish like crazy and trying to get a feel for the town all at once: I am blessed with a wonderful living situation, a beautiful and scenic home, and valuable work for the next couple of years. Arica is a beautiful mix of scenery. The city is encircled by dusty mountains, and the closest city in Chile is three hours away. Arica has a strategic location, as it is the closest point to enter Chile from both Peru and Bolivia. Historically, it was passed from Peru and Chile many times. Arica is called the city of eternal spring because it never gets any colder than about 50 degrees. Also, the city is in the middle of the driest desert in the world, which means that rain comes about once or twice a century. My host family is a great group of people. My host father, Estelin, is a military officer who works just outside of the city limits. He has a missing molar and a goofy grin that he flashes constantly. My mothers name is Veronica. She's a wonderfully caring woman who cooks great News from the ·National Coalition for the Ho01eless National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St., NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20005-3471 Phone: (202) 737-6444, Fax: (202) 737-6445 Email: info@nationalhomeless.org Website: www.nationalhomeless.org McKinney - Vento The National Coalition for the Homeless is asking U.S. Senators to offer an amendment supporting the inclusion of families without disabilities as part of the HUD McKinney - Vento permanent housing set aside when the VNHUD appropriation bill is debated on the floor later this week. currently working at the same Hogar de Cristo location where . Lisa will, with girls from troubled families. Veronica is also studying to be a religion teacher. Roberto, their oldest son, is 17. He has braces, dresses like Ricky Martin, and speaks English very well. . He's decided to teach me guitar in exchange for some lessons in English. My talents thus far consist of playing four cords, changing them occasionally. Christian is the middle son and the family athlete. He.. s taller than Roberto (about my height) and plays soccer and basketball for his school. Verito, their daughter, is 10. I visited my work for the first time yesterday. CATAM, the center for older adults, is a wonderful place. Older adults live throughout Arica and come to CATAM for lunch. The center also provides activities for them during the afternoon, which I will plan. The center also provides a few beds for sick v.isitors, which means that some older adults have lived in CATAM for years. Most of them receive a small pension or none at all and have little or no ,relationship with their families. Part of my work will be to apply for pensions for Last week's VA/HUD/IA committee passed legislation containing a provision requiring communities to obligate 30 percent of HUD McKinney - Vento dollars to permanent housing. NCH supports the designatiqn of limited non-ESG HUD·McKinney - Vento funds for permanent and permanent supportive housing pFoviding the eligible population for such projects is expanded to include families without disabled members. NCH also supports the removal of Senate report language prioritizing renewals so as to respect local communities priorities established in the Continuum of Care. National Housing Trust Fund The National Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 1248) was introduced in the Senate July 25, 2001. This bill has 17 co-sponsors. In the House of Representatives a trust fund bill, HR 2349, was introduced on Wednesday, June 27. As of July 25, HR 2349 has 61 co-sponsors. For more information contact Brad · Page 9 Reflection , them. They 'c an get medical attention at the hospital next door, but only for cases of sickness . The hospital staff do~s not look very favorably on the GATAM visitors either because-many of them have drug and ,alcohol problems. The older adults I met ye~terday were excited to meet me, and I was very encouraged by the response I received. I think that parts of my job will be overwhelming, such as planning funerals for visitors who have died, and I hope than have the ability to focus on the positive aspects of m:y work. · Thanks so much for all the correspondence via email I have received in the last couple weeks. Internet here is fairly cheap, about one dollar an hour, but I won't have much spending·money soon. Also, I would love to add 500 more email addresses to my email, but Hotmail limits me to fifty. I hope the best for those of you beginning school again. A part of me thinks that I'll be returning home soon so that I can begin classes as well. May your efforts be guided by wisdom and patience, and I'm sure there will be days where I wisb I was back in school again. Hasta luego, Daniel Marschner (email) marschnerd@hotmail.com Casilla 392 Arica, Chile ,,.~ Paul, (202) 737-6444 ext. 16 www.nhtf.org/shtf/default.asp October 10-14 , 2001 : United for a Fair Ec_onomy presents the second of two popular Economics Education Institutes in Loveland, Ohio. For more information, an admission application form, or a scholars~p application form, contact Steve Schnapp (617-423­ 2148 x15; sschnapp@ufenet.org) or Joanna Vessella (617-:423-2148 x32; jvessella@ufenet.org) or go to www.ufenet.org. The application deadline is September 7. October 13-16, 2001: National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth's 13th Annual Conference, "Building Assets: Keys to Strengthening Homeless · Education." Cobo Hall Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan. For more informatton, please contact Cecilia·Santa Ana, Michigan Department of Education, at (517) 373-4581 or Wayne/RESA Event Services, at (734) 334-1624. http:// www.resa.net/beat/conf200 l .htm. ~ by A'aliya Myles, Roger Bacon High School Student During my week of volunteering, I learned that Over­ the-Rhine had so much more to offer than what the media portrays. in with me spending one week in this community, I easily fell in love with the people and different organizations. There were so many people among this community who dedicate their life to others and poverty. · After completing the week, I truly understood the meaning of the word stereotype. I believe that Over-the-Rhine is stereotyped in every aspect and way. Now I look at Over-the-Rhine and its people or community as working the hardest in Cincinnati. They serve God by serving the poor people in our city. Within my week of volunteer~ng, I also discovered what poor people were and what they actually like. In fact, I never thought a poor person had anything to offer me. But I was wrong. I met a man who made me look at life completely different. He was just happy with himself today and that satisfied him. That made me realize that I should never waste a day being upset and unsatisfied with life. From every day now on that I am down because of my minor materialistic problems, I will think of my special angel from Over-the-Rhine and just smile. October 18-21, 2001: The 14th Annual Conference of the national Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness will be held at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. For more information, go to http:// www.nscahh.org/, e-mail nscah@aol.com, or call (800) NO­ HUNGR. November 11-17, 2001: National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Co-sponsored by NCH and the National Student · Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. Organizing manuals are now available. For information, please contact Michael Stoops, (202) 737-6444 ext. 19 or email: info@nationalhomeless.org December 21, 2001: Natidnal Homeless Persons' Memorial Day: Commemorating those members of our community who died homeless in 2001. Organizing manuals are now available. For information, please contact Michael Stoops, (202) 737-6444 ext. 19 or email: info@nationalhomeless.org �. .. . ... --------~,....---..-- STREETV IB E". s-~ Oetober.2001 . Page _10 l~EAfL! J~ES 4 Tom PaxtQn Pe·rforms:at . GCCH .Benefit Conce~rt by Alicia Beck photos by Jimmy Heath The search for justice ·has historically been marked by three important components: a group of dedicated souls, a passion that drives what they believe is right, and the music that expresses their thirst for justice. Every good social justice movement has been marked by the rhythmic sounds of instruments a.nd voices. This peaceful expression of P.Olitical views has inspired many to push forward in their march toward civil rights, the end of war, the right to. decent working conditions, and equal opportunity. On September 6-; the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited joined together to bring singing legend Tom Paxton to Cincinnati for a crowd of aging ex­ hippies and Gen-X'ers at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. Local singer and performer Tracy Walker opened the show at the forf!Ier movie house turned performance venue. Paxton didn't disappoint the crowd as he strummed and shared his talents to not only inspire, but to tickle the crowd·~ funny bone. Audience members sang along with Paxton's Bottle of Wine and Ramblin' Boy as echoes Tom Paxton during a rehearsal session at Oakleys 20th Century Theater of past quests for justice filled their ears. Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends and community. Paxton began his singing career in the 60's• as part-:.t of the early movement of folk music in Greenwich Village of New York City. His early acclaim m Green~ich Village coffeehouses, such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End led to an ever­ increasing circle of work. Then in 1965, he made his first tour of the United Kingdom - the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years. His music has inspired generations of activists and hi s writings for chi ldren continue to shape generations to come. · Local artist Tracy Walker entertains crowd at benefit The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited, thanks those who attended the. event for their support. Our deepest gratitude to Tom Paxton and Tracy Walker for sharing thier songs and talents with .our audience. Tom Paxton with GCCH Executive Director, Alicia Beck �STREETVIBE.S. Octobe.~ 200· < Page 11 • 2001-Standdown proYides.for local. Homeless Veterans saying, "as our nations milit.ary mobilizes, we must take pause .to ...... remember that many casualties of foreign wars walk the streets in our own country. They are the forgotten heroes that still struggle with the tragedi~s they witnessed." On September 20th in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless hosted hundreds of our city 's homeless in the Annual Standdown event. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for. the Homeless is a unified social action -5 group, fully · committed to its ~ultimate goal: the eradication of ~ homelessness . with respe<;:J _!or the ~dignity and diversity~ of its .l:> ­ 'B membership, the homeless, and the 0 • . _ "~~ ~pmmunity., Th~~C~alltj9Ji pe!tonns. •,P·;-~;:~ · · -three areas· of work: Cp~rcfinating everiit~~~~e:·o~ homeless, wifu •.services, educating the public, and a priority to homeless veterans, grassroots organizing/advocacy. As part of its service providing them with a day where they can connect with the services and opportunities that will help them to leave their life on the streets beliind, and to find housing and much needed services. Each year, Standdown serves hundreds ofmen and women in need. "Standdown provides a beacon of hope for so many who have sacrificed so much for ourcountry. ·Staoddowrl a <fay of unity and a time for the community to come together to support those who fought for American ideals. As our nation's colors adorn the City, we must reflect on the power of unity in our community and ·on the wounded soldiers we have left behind", says Alicia Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Beck continues by l·­ by Alicia Beck Standdown, an annual even.t sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, recently provided services and food to our local homeless veterans. In past years, Standdown has happened relatively autonomously of the larger community. However, as the nation mourns, as clean-up continues in New York and Washington D.C. , and as our military mobilizes, the annual Standdown event is part of something qmctilarger. Standdown is yet another example of how our community comes together, declaring that we will not leave our wounded behind. So, as the nation mourns together and unifies, we also experience Standdown, together. Standdown means, ~'a time of regrouping". It is a ti.rile when a battalion, after suffering losses, cares for its wounded and regroups to advance. Standdown is an annual coordination effort,s~ the Coalition brings together homeless service providers from across the community to reach out to the homeless population on the streets of Cincinnati. This year 's Standdown brought over 30 service p~oviders together, giving homeless individuals the opportunity to connect with services suc h as housing, jobs and job training , medieal care, shelters, dental care, legal advice, haircuts, and voter registration all at one time. The all day event included lunch, provided by Goodwill Industries ·and was attended by hundreds of homeless veterans and other homeless men and women. To inquire ·about how you· can help with next year's Standdown event, please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803. is Forum convened to discuss h·o melessnes-s and housing issues On September 14th, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless in conjunction with Hebrew Union College's Ethics Center, convened a forum to discuss issues surround.ing homelessness and hou sing. The Forum was designed to offer those in attendance a background on the major issues affecting our homeless population. The afternoon portion became a chance to address poHticians whose policies affect the lives of our homeless population, especially with reference to ethical decisions Panelists at the Forum (L to R) included County Commissioners Tom in housing policy. Neyer and Todd Portune; City Councilmembers John Cranley and Andrew Stallworth, Director Pat DeWine of Jus tice Watch , tran sitional housing for men out of prison, facts behind homeless men: 64.1 % of homeless men have a opened the morning forum on Almost 60% of Homeless Men high school diploma or GED. homeless men by introducing the Work at least a Part-Time Job. Over25% of homeless men SELF­ REPORT suffering from addiction. 22 % of homeless men report loss of housing as the primary r~son for homelessness. Rodney Sutton then began to speak. Relating his story of leaving home at 14, getting caught up in a life of drugs, alcohol and then, crime, Rodney, became a face to the numbers. His story is extraordinary, but not unique. His struggle to find ..::: housing and job opportunities with ~ a criminal background is key to E' Rodney's. Story, as it applies to so ~many homeless that are facing a ~ similar situation. The panelists ~ proceeding Rodney, outlined some of the major obstacles to independent living faced by our homeless men. Forum cont. on page 18 �STREETVIBES October 2001 Page 12 An Eyewitness Account of the New York Tragedy With love and rage, James Things are very difficult here in New York City, and I am just trying to keep on top of things. I thought I would share a bit about what happened to me on September 11th, 2001-to answer questions, and let you know a little bit more about the events here...I woke up Tuesday morning to the radio, and heard that a building had been struck by an airplane. I honestly thought it was a historical piece about the B-52 bomber that hit the Empire State Building back in the l940's... Once I knew the real deal, that two planes had struck, I put my uniform on and headed off to my station. We were on "recall," and were required to be in duty. As I drove to work, I was diverted into the Battery Tunnel, and found myself about four blocks south of World Trade Cent~r. I parked my car, and walked up to the front staging area to find my lieutenant. Once I found him, he set me up with a helmet and some medical gear. He set off to help coordinate triage, and I wentto make contact with another unit. From where I was standing, it was about half a block to WTC 1 (North Tower). I could see flames and smoke billowing out of the building, and debris was landing all ar<?und me. There were body parts scattered on the ground, and it was pretty clear how bad things were. Moments later, I heard an enormous roar and felt the ground shaking. I looked up to the tower, and saw what looked like an umbrella being opened up-like a starburst at the fireworks. I was directly underneath it, ar:id I could see girders shooting out from the building. I immediately began to run southwest, towards a building that had some sort of opening. I already felt rocks landing on my back and helmet, and there were girders falling right near me. I made it perhaps thirty feet before being knocked off my feet. I went about ten feet through the air, and landed rolling on a s~t of steps. My helmet was gone, my phone, my stethoscope. This was the scariest moment of my life. The air was black with ash and debris, and I litera lly couldn 't see a .thing. People were screamfog, and some were clearly seriously injm:ed. We couldn't breathe, and our mouths eyes and noses wate~ed and burned. I stayed crouching on the ground, covering my head, and breathed through my shirt. A few minutes later, the smoke began to clear and I was able to make out a few other figures. We held on to each other, and were able to make it to a restaurant where we started gathering water for eye flushes. Ambulances and fire trucks were overturned, walkways were collapsed, and people were running and screaming. After a half-hour Wtsh List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunte-ers and donors. Some of the more pertin:ent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertlseq -Classitied and unclassified Ifyou can help!, contact us at: Strenvibes, clo Great~r Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeles~ 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 pJl: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail': stteetvibes@juno.com of giving out water, I started to help out with moving other people to the waterfront where we were loading them onto boats and ferries. But soon we had to clear out from there also because the second tower was coming down. I was holding a 3­ year-old girl at the time, and we lost sight of her mother. We all ran as hard as we coul~, while we tried to carry as many people as possible. There were many · injuries, and many more people .with smoke inhalation or blindness. EventuaJly, we regrouped on a pier farther southeast, and got more people loaded up to bring them to New Je.rsey. I helped here for a while, and ended up taking one of the last boats to NJ to help with triage and treatment there, by order of my supervisor. An hour or two later, I was redeployed to Manhattan, but I was then taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. Luckily, I got off .well. I have a sprained ankle, twisted knee, miscellaneous burns and abrasions, and had to have glass and gravel removed from my arms and back. That night I stayed in the hospital on semi­ active duty, and this morning (Wednesday) I worked a 911 shift uptown and then went down to Ground Zero to assist with rescue efforts. Overall, I feel very lucky. Many of us thought there would be chemical/biological agents in the explosion, but thus far, we are in the clear. I have made it out in one piece, but the same cannot be said for many others. Especially sad and difficult to me is the loss of two members of my own team. They were killed in collapse of WTC 2(South Tower), along with hundreds of other rescuers. I want to thank all of you for your calls and emails. I feel honored to have been in your thoughts and prayers, and am unspeakably grateful for each friendship that has revealed itself. But more importantly, I ask that you keep the in your thoughts the lives and sacrifices of the many rescue workers. I have lost friends, and I can honestly say that they were some of the most caring, deeply committed, and selfless people I have ever met. Finally, I want to urge all of us to remember the complexities of the world we live in. This is a tragic act, one that has destroyed or forever altered the lives of countless people. It is also an act that occurs in particular context, one in which the United States is guilty of this exact same kind of crime, only on a greater and more gruesome scale. Let us take from this the inspiration to create a . world free from imperialism in all its manifestations, one that moves us from the civil war that is capitalism to a higher form of society. Violence begets violence begets violence. "If you want to blame somebody, look in the mirror"... Maharaji by Tom Billman The bombing of the World Trade Center and the thousands of speeches following in its wake were a sobering reminder that this world is like quicksand; as my guide says, Doesn't matter if you are sitting on a sheet of plastic, you are still sinking. And time is a wasting; and no one really knows when his or her last moment will be. All this flag waving by politicians and news media is so nauseating that I don't know whether to scream or laugh. With this earth-shattering event, people are given a chance to break out of their complacency and begin to question the illusions on which they have built their plastic lives. But it is so much easier to paint the mirror over with an American flag and point the finger at the most convenient scapegoat. Don't we remember the stories of Nagasaki and Hiroshima - thousands of innocents ~laughtered? The genocide of Native Americans? The "collateral damage" in the Pe.rsian Gulf War, which drags on even today? The delusion that is America is the greatest delusion in the history of the Human race. Will we ever awaken from this dream to realize that all these boundaries man has created do not really exist, that we are all brothers and sisters livi.ng on Planet Earth, tied together only by the breath that is given to us, moment to moment? Streetvibes exists as ·a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour reatJ,ers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition _for the Homeless. �STREETVIB E S October 2001 Page 13 Special report: TerrorisDl racism and hypocrisy. A s in the US Mahatma Gandhi famously by Seumas Milne The Guardian (London) Nearly two days after the horrific suicide attacks on civilian workers in New York and Washington, it has become painfully clear that most Americans s imply don't get it. From th e pres id ent to passersby on the streets, the message seems to be the same: this is an inexplicable assault on freedom and democracy, which answered with mu s t be overwhelming force - just as soon as someone can construct a credible account of who was ac tu ally responsible. Shock, rage and grief there has been aplenty. But any gli mmer of recognition of why people might have been driven to carry out such atrocities, sacrificing their own lives in the process - or why the United States is hated with such bitterness, not only in Arab and Muslim countries, but across the developing world - seems almost entirely absent. Perhaps it is too much to hope that , as ·rescue workers struggle to puU firefighters from the rubble, any but a- smaJJ minority mi ght make the connection between what has been visited upon them and what their government has visited upon large But make parts of the world. that connection they must, if such tragedies are not to be repeated, potentialJy with even more devastating consequences. US political leaders are doing their people no favors by reinforcing popular igno rance with self­ refere nti.al rh etoric. And the echoin g chorus of Tony Blair, whose determination to bind Britain ever .closer to US forei gn policy ratchets up the threat to our own cities, will only fuel anti-western sentiment. So will calls for the defense of "civilization", with its overtones of Samuel Huntington's poisonous theories of post-cold war confrontation between the west and Islam, heightening perceptions of remarked when asked his opinion of western civilization, it would be a good idea. Since George Bush's father inaugurated his new world order a decade ago, the US , s upported by its British ally, bestrides the world like a colossus. Unconstrained by any superpower rival or sys tem of global governance, the US giant has rewritten the global financial and trading system in its own interest; ripped up a string of treaties it finds inconvenient; sent troops to every co rner of the globe·; bombed Afghanistan, Sudan, Yugoslavia and Iraq without troubling the United Nations; maintained a string Qf murderous embargos agai nst recalcitrant regimes; and recklessly thrown its weight behind Israel's 34-year illegal military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza as the Palestinian intifada rages. I f , as yesterday's Wall Street Journal insisted, the east coast carnage was the fruit of the Clinton administration's Munich-like appeasement of the Palestinians the mind boggles as to what Republican s imagine to be a Churchillian response . . ft is this record of m;iabashed national egotism and arrogance that driv es anti­ Arnericanism among swaths of the world's population, for whom there is little democracy in the current distribution of global wealth and power. If it turn~ out that Tuesday 's attacks were the work of Osama bin Laden's supporters, the sense that the Americans are once again reaping a dragons' teeth harvest they themselves sowed will be overwhelming. It was the Americans, after an, who poured resources into the 1980s war against the Soviet-backed regime in Kabul, at a time when girls could go to school and women to work. Bin Laden and his mojahedin were armed and trained by the CIA and MI6, as Afghanistan was turned into a wasteland and its communist leader Najibullah left hanging from US a Kabul lamp post with his genitals stuffed in his mouth. But by then Bin Laden had turned against his American sponsors, while US­ sponsored Pakistani intelligence had spawned the grotesque Taliban now protecting him. To punish its wayward Afghan offspring, the US subsequently forced throu-gh a sanctions regime which has helped push 4m to the brink of starvation according to the latest UN fio-ures' ~ ' while Afghan refu gees fan out All this across the world. must doubtl ess seem remote to Americans desperately searching the debris of what is expected to b"e the largest-ever massacre on US soil - as must the kil1ings of yet more Palestinians in th e Wes t Bank yesterday, or even the 2m estimated to have died in Congo's wars since the overthrow of the US-backed Mobutu regime. "What could some po litical thing have to do with blo~in g up office buildings during working hours?" one bewildered New Yorker asked yesterday. AJ,ready, the Bush administration is as se mbling an international coalition for an Israeli-style war against terrorism, as if such counter-productive acts of outrage had an existence separate from the social conditions out of which they .aris~. But for every " terror network" that is rooted out, another will emerge - until the injustices and inequalities that produce them are addressed. RECOVERY AND MENTAL HEALTH NEWS: THEY COULDN'T LEA VE ME ALONE In the words of that famous­ p hi l oso pher/ advertisement executive, whose name escapes me r-~;---e--u-o-U--a--d.:-e---:dl.-ca--.._ed---------- at the present time, "Sometimes you indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer a t Streetvibesf We need writers, photograpers editors, webpage updatOrs, any help you can p rovide. J · feel like a nu t, sometimes ·you don' t". Today, I feel like a nut. My relationship with Streetvibes has come full circle. I came in the door as a vendor and became a writer. I was hired as Assistant Editor/writer began to "lose my mind", resigned as Assistant Editor, but continued as a writer. Early in on in my relationship with the Homeless Coalition and Streetvibes I detennined that I really only wanted to write. One of the things I d isco vered was th at I have a significant emotional investment in what I write. I am registered as a vendor but I've never sold many papers. have never come close to the time commitment as a vendor (to earn money) that my writing (to grow) required. Today, I know that I need to be a vendor. I need the money. My ego's need to be published is exceeded by my recovery/mental health advocate's need to be read which is superceded by my need to write. I write because I want to be read. I write because I believe that I have something to say. I write because it makes me feel that I am an artist. I write because I believe that I give a voice to a segment of the community (middle age men in recovery from mental illness and th at are addiction) underrepresented, di scriminated against, sometimes victimized (see Jus t Us Center) and not very sympathetic. As a formerly homeless person, I know that depression and chemical dependency are too often the companions of the homeless person. (See Streetvibe vendors-do you read Ricardo '.s articles? I do!) Particularly men. When I walk into the offices of the Coalition, I have to walk pas t the drug dealers, addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, mentally ill and abject poverty of my people. Why deny me the opportunity to write what I Ii ve, or try to "edit" my work. Edit Veggie Vibes. They don' t incarcerate you or demonize you for eating chicken, but they do for smoking crack. I i Recovery cont. on pg. 17 l.! 1 ean 4 21- 7eo5 for mor e infonnatJon. .buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES October 2001 The Spiritual Ocean by Yismaru Kaddis I peep evil through the world like its core was cracked open I've cried so much tears my body wrinkled from soaking I am floating Swam a long way and still stroking freestyle to butterfly, dive in to deep emotion approaching quietly the oceans anxiety I take on love and truth received excitedly and if hated it might be they see the right in me I challenge all to observe and see the right in me Though we was spiritually and not of the flesh and those nearest me my prayers protect and erect foundation for souls to stand on for we die not knowing what evil plans on I pray God hands on As I live and stay strong love endures. all and truth can't go wrong Cincinnati Riot of 2001 by Anna McCree Peaceful existence Results from strict non-violent resistance From both points of view Each examined Justice given as demanded A murdered unjustified Shall be tried, a witness untestified A just cause That now should be come resolved D.estruction of property The situation may not have been handled properly No one to listen, no other way to deal They were taught to express how they feel A lack of guidance and consideration The children felt it was their liberation To take action and make themselves heard As far as Capitol Hill our local problem was referred State Troopers and citywide curfew Shows exactly what our mayor knew A problem deeper than discrimination A problem that can only be solved with the book that contains Revelations Without a home...All alone ART & POETRY Art by Mark Estese by E. Joan Rohrer Fragile was she ... . . .depending upon .. .skills of physician ... to cure he_r depression. Her marriage was long Eight children had she. Last one leaving the nest soon . . .for college. To have children leave then heave up her life ... by selling her home ... was to great. Her home was her castle She descri~ed every room. And,.as she teld· that.it would be sold She became the . . .essence of doom. Day after Day Sharing our room I sensed the gloom. She'd tum away, I think it w.as May. Positive sharing and caring ... seemed not enough to sway her .. .negative thoughts. . When I was at home Days of hospital forgotten a call came from the nurse. "Did I know where she'd gone?" No, I did not. To cure her i Us She turned to the pills .. . wanting magic solution .. .in pharmacy 's potion. Too soon she was found ... drowned in a sea of solutions. Too many pills ... Too many ills ... . Thoughts of loss. Someone probably bought Her house. Now, she's home. Her family's alone. I shared but a piece of her life Yet our stories compare ... Mentally ill everywhere. We strive to be alive Through others and things. It/they cause us to feel . . .make us THINK we are real... Ay...Theresa's the rub! Dedicated to Dr. Faye Allen Live and Let Live Her life had been of devotion to children and home. thoughts of being alone :..without them needing her care ... or to need her. .. to heed her ... was more than this woman could bear. On top of it all Husband had his career. Suggested selling her house . . .to travel afar. This further jar ... a disgrace. The ultimate loss. Page 14 I'll Tell You This by William Bowie This is a nice place to live. But it could be better! The mentality of many people has to change. I often walk through many different communities; There ,, . seems to me to be a strongness in the air around me in some. A feeling of helplessness. in some. And a nice sense of good, decent living in others. Yet, the city is in confusion. There is no respect for each other black or white, or. Hispanic or any other race that might dwell in the city. It has to change in order for anything to get better. When you have no communication, you o!tly have confusion, misunderstanding and chaos. Prayer is an answer. I want people to like me. Especially if they belong to my family tree! Yet, families are so hard. Making me o~ so tard. People can be very cruel. Yet, somehow I must keep my cool! Hoping to be lilced is normal. Being close and not a. bit formal. Jealousy can lead to hatred. Turning a person's face bright red. Life is too sh~rt to fight. So, do not let expectations get out.of sight. Remember the sun is always there arid P,h S<? bright! Bad apples are few and far in between. However, some people are just plain mean! That ~an breed prejudices too! Towards ·m ack; White, Oriental, or Jewish to name a few! • i "' Love and peace are what people need. Beginning with the planting of a seed. There will always be disagreements. Yet, hardly ever making sense. So live and let live. Cause humans have so much to give!!! ~ Copyright 2001 by Sandy Weber @ Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking _.y oung people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), ·w ho would like to do creative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness; peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514• ~ �STREETVIBES October 2001 It's hard not to cry by Derrick Johnson It's hard not to cry when your world is falbng out around you and everything is crumbling underneath your feet. It's hard not to cry when principles you stand for have fallen for everything because thelr morals and principles have been taken away. It's hard not to cry when you don' t got no heat, can't go to sleep, can' t go to eat, and don' t know if your life is yours to keep. We don't know that anyway. Or do we? It's hard not to cry when questions of life go unanswered. But if we look they are answered every day. It's hard not to cry when you don't know who you . are anymore. Or maybe y0u do and you are not sure who's who. Who is anybody? What is anything? Where is everything? I'll answer these things with one answer - "They're all what you make of them.'' It's hard not to cry when you see,it's hard for a person not to cry, because they' re all cried out. , Out of Jove; out of hope, out of rage, out of time, out of it a11. Out there in the cold, out there in the rain, the sleet, the snow. Um, um, um - It's hard not to cry. When life ain' t going your way, when it ain't your day, and it doesn't count what you say. It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to cry when everything you have is nothing and what you don' t have is everything. It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to cry when your house is falling apart. When your ground is breaking underneath you which bolds your standard strong. And your ceiling is your dreams and being ripped away shingle by shingle and the woodworks that are your troubles are falling in on you. And your window of opportunity which was in front of you is shattered. How it's all around you in broken fragments therefore the rain and wind of pain can weather you. The rain can beat you and the pain can eat you up on the inside. And your door is closed shut because of the tremendous weight bearing down on it. It's bard not to cry when momma is gone and you become daddy. It's hard when momma passes away and can't see the next day. But we all gotta go. It's hard not to cry. Life is hard. It's hard not to cry about everything. But you gotta be strong. You gotta realize you ain't dead yet so it's something you're still living here for. So go out and do it. Because it's easy to live and it's easy for life to happen. It's happening right now. Black Tears by Anthony Wat~ins These are the tears of ancestors that cry out to me from their African tomb stone, word, saying this is for my people black fears stripped from identity, meaning, dignity of their roo~s. this is black tears that speak the truth, ta1cing from the motherland, across, over to this dying land, to swallowed up like quick sand were poor people wjth mind of gold, are upon like fool, but GOQ shout out•.. you rule this for proud stallion black knight the blood of ancestors cry in one love saying survival is vital, be not to shine in the form self­ made, take you to your grave human idol, soon this beast will be at peace meaning deceased black tears Another by Christopher Moore Another night living on the street Struggling to eat Look.in' for heat It's the middle of January That's an incredible feat Page 15 AAA by Anna McCree Lost liberties, Gained generations, Restricted rights, Consuming confrontations, Segregated selections, Integrated intelligence, Mass mutilation, Dedication deprived, Liberating leaders, Celebrated successes, of our African American Ancestors A few weeks ago I received the chance to spend an entire week doing service work in Over-the-Rhine. The week before I left, I began to have second thoughts, I could not ·believe what I had gotten myself into. My friends thought I was crazy and I was beginning to believe them. Little did I know all of my fears were based on false stereotypes that I had grown up with for years due to the media. Over-the-Rhine was such a loving community. People not only help other people, they go over and beyond the call of duty. It angers me that we never hear about that. It upsets me that such a wonderful community has such an awful reputation. Don ' t bad things happen in other communities? Why aren ' t those on the front page of the paper? I have to admit that before spe nding a week in the inner-city, whenever I heard anything about it the first thing that came across my mind was " Oh, that's in the ghetto." But I will no longer have that stereotypical perception. After one week in the Over-the-Rhine community I really believe in the saying "the eyes are the window to the soul." These volunteer projects forced me to take a second look at-everything that was around me. B y the end of the week I no longer was seeing abandoned buildings and poverty, let alone believing anything the media says about this misunderstood and ignored neighborhood. I was seeing past my first impressions and into the eyes of the people who often get forgotten. I could see their determination and I could understand their everyday battles. I was seeing beautiful places like Peaslee [Neighborhood C{'(nter] and Buddyts Place, to name a few. So from now on I will tell e veryone who thinks the way I used to about the inner­ city to take that second look around when they are there. I know that I will never forget the beauty I saw when I opened mine and took that second look. Sar(lh Ewing, Roger Bacon High Katie Holthaus, Roger Bacon High Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath Another night livin' in pain Robbin' somebody, that's lame Getting' in da game Will things ever change? Nope. They still the same Another week and it still ain't easy Clothes worn out, dirty and greasy Money ain' t comin', Dinner still measly But I'm gon make it through Another day, believe me. Watching the crowd at the Hispanic Festival. ... �ST.REETVIBES October 2001 Page 16 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST... 47 Year Old M an On September 11, 2001, proceeded up Green Street toward This evening was no Cincinnati and the world was full of Vine Street continuing to give water different than any other. Th e worry, sorrow, anxiety, and fear as a and the invitation to come to worship minister of music had the mu sic resu lt of the terrorist attacks on the that evening. On Vine we found going as I entered the sanctuary and World Trade Center and the ourselves in the midst of the evening saw about 30 souls present..Within by WJ.J. Pentagon. drug trade and street life, but we the next 20 minutes the number was What is it like for a 47­ Nevertheless, when I arrived were on a mission from God so we well over 100 souls and the minister year-old man in Over-the-Rhine? at New Prospect Baptist Church at continued the distribution of water of music directed all in songs of 9:00pm that Tuesday evening there and extended the invitation to come praise. Soon the message was given, Not much changes with his day to were still preparations underway for and worship. and 11 souls came forward to be day living. Let me tell you a little I saw many men, women, saved or to rededicate their lives to about him. His childhood was the " New Wineskin Ministry. The events of the day had not paralyzed and children whom I personally have God. The meal was barbecue good, and not good. I think the God's work. It was going forward. had some contact with through my chicken wings, potatoes, vegetables, worst part of his life as a child was This ministry began about 9 weeks ministry in Over-the-Rhine, and I salad, and dessert. Afterwards more when he was sexually molested for ago in response to the unrest in our made it a pointto stop and share with than 40 souls required a place to about two years. This happened city. Pastor Damon Lynch saw the them what was happening at New sleep for the night. outside of his home for those need for the Christian community to Prospect Baptist Church. This ministry is an example years. He did not know how to reach out to the people of Over-the We proceeded down Vine to of what the church is called to do tell anyone about what was going Rhine, thus the birth of this ministry Liberty, and then over to Walnut and for those who are downtrodden. We on with him. Things like this were which comes from Matthew 9: 17 up McMicken. Soon our water was are not to consider ourselyes above ("Nor do they put new wine into old gone, and it was nearing 11 :OOpm. those who are homeless, hungry, goiRg on while he was in grade wineskins, or else the wineskins Time to return to the church for dirty, addicted, or unemployed. The school. For a long time, he had a break, the wine is spilled, and the worship. As we made our way back members of my church who came lot of guilt about what happened wineskins are ruined. But they put I talked with the minister who had along were impressed and shall and what he had done as a child. new wine into new wineskins, and accompanied us and received his encourage our denomination to get As he got older, he turned to drugs both are preserved.") The key idea perceptions of this ministry, because involved. Whether it be joining in for help. The onJy help he got out here is to share the gospel of Christ I could see he was troubled by much the prayer walk, helping in the of that was the hurt and the shame with those who are lost, so they may of what he saw. He was troubled in kitchen, or providing goods there is of what he did and what he was . • 1 be saved. particular by the number of youth on room for everyope.~o do something.. doing. Therefore, the people' of the streets at that hour, and the The tra~ic ev~n~~ of His life was.Jl ' t always New Prospect Baptist Church began fatalistic view of life in light of the September 11 should be a wake-up about living in pain. During the to hit the streets with bottles of cold: day's terrorist acts. ~any others in call to us alL God is calling this 70's, and part of the ·80's, he had water (re~re~en~ing the Spirit of the group express~ previous f~ars counli?' to repent~m.c~ an~ servic~. some good ladies in ·his life. He Gdd); and mv1tat10n~ to come 'SilRre . of tile ~er-the~Rhine. comm~~tY! ·-. We cannot'go on livmg·as if.there ts ·1 w~s· li-vh:lg in Bndgetdwrl, ariviftgl a meal, hear the word of God, and fears which had been dispelled smce no _God or consequences for our a new car and felt he was on top have fello~ship. . they have walked, shared the gospel, actions. Churches Mound the world of the wo~ld. There ·were people On this particular mght I and come to know that these are will record growing numbers in . hi ii.ti th t Id . him all .th l f be . . 1 h . 1 h d th d 1 f th m s e a wou came over w1 a coup e o mem rs s1mp y urtmg peop e w o nee e atten ance as a resu to ese events. h h h give ld d from Washington United Church of grace and love which God offers. The New Wineskin Ministry t e m:.ne~ t a_t t er c~u ' ~n Christ, because having heard of this Arriving back at the church is happening every evening, so stop kept 1 ~ 1.n mce c ot ~s an a ministry we wished to see how our I talked with the minister who would in and be or receive a blessing. I hope pl?ce to live. But even with all of church and denomination could bring the message, and the ladies to see you there. this, the more he got, the more he become involved in this vital who had prepared the food for the AWOL Ministries is wanted. And the more cocaine he ministry. There were about 12 evening. seeking volunteers to mentor youth did. People who loved him started I learned this ministry was and assist with goal setting for leaving his life. He became a man others in attendance on this evening. We began with prayer at the church, truly begun with a leap of faith, and families comjng off of welfare. If with four prison numbers. He had and then began to proceed up Elm it is faith that has sustained it. For interested in this or you would like turned into a person who did not Street. We met many along the way on any given night 100 plus souls to make a contribution write: P.O. know who he was. He had no idea who had previously received an come to hear God's word, worship, Box 36065, Cincinna~, Ohio45236, where he was going in life . .. .life in Over-the-Rhine for a 47 year­ invitation to come fel lowship and and to fellowship. The members of or call 349-5119. worsbip, so we offered water and New Prospect Baptis.t Church have old man.... told them we would look forward to not grown weary in their service or Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. seeing them that evening. We then their contributions of food. The Evangelist under this law. The very law that receive equal protection under the legislators touted as a "get tough law, and there are not supposed to on crime" bill! Why would these be any exceptions. Yet we currently cont. from 8 prisoners do that? Because they all have around 20,000 political knew that if they couldn't get the prisoners in Ohio's prisons who process of law, nor deny to any courts to protect them they were are, in effect, economic slaves. The person within its jurisdiction the doomed, left to the wiles of the purpose of a slave is to provide equal protection of the laws. "protect state jobs" Parole Board. economic benefit for his or her Pay close attention to the The politicians in the Ohio mas ter. Ohio's slaves provide wording of this amendment. "Nor Supreme Court finally rules that secure jobs for 8,000 state labor deny to ANY PERSON within its having two separate sentences for union members at taxpayer jurisdiction the equal protection of the same crime was perfectly legal. expense! They also provide the the laws." During the first two What they didn't add was, "as long reason for the receipt of millions week s the new "truth-in­ as it protects state jobs and gamers of dollars in federal cash, also sentencing" law was in effect over federal funds." taxpayer money! The Ohio 7 ,000 prisoners filed suit to be put All citizens are supposed to Legislature is the slaveholder. The Modern .... pg. department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is the taskmaster. The old law political prisoners are the slaves, providing economic benefit at the expense of their lives, their family, and every taxpayer's bank account. Slavery was supposed to be abolished and all citizens given equal protection of the law. This doesn 't apply in Ohio where it has been ruled by our own Supreme Court that it is legal to destroy lives for political and financial gain. Think about it. �STREETVIBES October 2001 - Nast Trinity Chu~ch offers prograins for Connnunity and the Hoineless ~-- : { I I \.., Nast Trinity Group members include: (Lto R.) Jack Walker, piano, flute: David Odem, percussion, and Richard Williams,. lead guitar. Not pictured, Daviyd Williams, Tina Best, and Al Rogers. · . by,Jerome J. Manjgan .. Hinkley, pastor of Nast Trinity,·the It is early mo111ing, still SAM service is .a n opportunity for d~~ a_n~ ~~·~.9Jt; ~~ ~~~pet?PY , not only phurch members,, -friends· and neighbor;s to -attend services, it ro·tonn. Inside, rug urns of c,offee are brewing. Gallons of juice are also provides Fellowship. waiting to be poured. Soon, the opportunities for breakfast guests. fust of hundreds of dozens of eggs Nast Trinity also has a 10:30AM will be _scrambled. They wiU be a "preaching service" and a 5:30PM part of the breakfast served to Celebration Service each Sunday. The spirited SAM-breakfast several hundred homeless persons as part of the Nast Trinity service is a music-centered service. community-feeding program. Through scripture readings, prayer, The homeless people who and testimonies, the word of God is come to the feeding program are a delivered to the congregation. But mixture of ages: young and old, it is the music which really speaks males and females. Children are words of comfort, hope, and joy to among those who wait in line. those in attendance. Caucasians, AfricanPastor Bruce Hinkley usually Americans, Hispanics and others leads popular so ngs suc h as patiently wait for the doors to open "Amazi ng Grace" and "I' 11 F ly allowing them en try to the Away." "WeAre KingSand Queens" undercroft of Nast Trinity Church, sung by the Nast Trinity Group lead a nd refuge from park benches, vocalist David Williams is a real crowd pleaser. alley-ways, abandoned buildings The other musicians for the and cars. Before the morning is over, Nast Trinity Group are Jack Walker, hundreds of Cincinnati's piano, flute ; David Odem, dispossessed will find at Nast percuss ion; Tina Best, organ; Tri_nity Church rest for their weary percuss ion , vocal s ; Richard bodies and minds, food for their Wiiliams, lead guitar; Al Rogers, bodies and nourishment for their bass guitar. souls. They will leave knowing that The Nast Trinity Group has they are valued and seen as an been performing for five years. important part of God's Kingdom. Collectively and individually, they Nast Trinity, Cincinnati's say it is "their love of God and only downtown United Methodist people" that inspires them to be in Church, continues its Urban place each Sunday in the sanctuary of Nast Trinity Church. Ministries outreach activities each Nast Trinity Church is Sunday morning with a devotion/ worship/fol lowship for located at 1310 Race Street in Overneighborhood residents , the the-Rhine. Contact Bruce Hinkley, congregation and the homeless. pastor, at (513) 721-7339 for more According to Bruce information about services and programs offered by the church. I Page 17 Recovery from pg. 13 hate the social ills that underlay the crime and violence that we all find so repugnant. I hate being poor and powerless. It is no more fun for me, than .for the thou sands that live within the inner city communities who suffer the most. By writing for Streetvibes I simply have exercised access to a forum from which I can express my feelings. It is my way of saying enough is enough. As I earlie r stated , my relati onship with the newspaper has co me full c ircl e . Effecti ve immediately I wi ll , fo r th e foreseeable future, no longer write for Streetvibes. I am charged by a higher authority to carry the vision of God's will for me into every area of my life. Hopefully, others will fill the void and take the Recovery News and the Mental Health news to a new level. I challenge the Editor and the Coalition Director to work to fill the void. I hopefully will be published in other publications specific to Mental Health and to Recovery. Regardless I will continue to write. Obviously not in Streetvibes, but , nonetheless I will continue to write, a~d ~hink and .hope. My two "children'\ .tbe Mental Heal~h News and the Recovery News were born out of my desire to remain mentally healthy and to remain sober. They were de signed to help and to educate. Where someone .else's words could express my thoughts, I used them. Ego took a back seat for quality and impact. I will continue to speak my mind and heart. I will continue to try my best to do God's will in every area of my life, for the balance of my life. If no one reaqs it or publishes it, so be it. I will have read it and done my best. I challenge the board, administration and membership to "re-diversify" the agency. I was not the answer, but maybe there are others more talented, less hardheaded and younger. Find him/ her. Hire him/her. Give them the resources and support they need. A ll ow them to bring a different perspective to the effort. Elevate some formerly homeless person to a pa id position . Maybe a m ental health consumer. Allow us to look at the offi ce and see it reflect the constituency you serve in something other than a clerical supp01t position. You owe it to us. I believe they call that empowerment. Help us to help ourselves. Teach us to fish. Let us decide what our priority concerns are. Don't decide for us. If nothing changes, nothing changes. As another "drunk nut" once said, "you don't know, what you don ' t know, what you don ' t know". If anybody has a desire to communicate with me, offer support, comment, advice, buy a Streetvibes with my articles, make a donation to a struggling writer or have a ·forum where I can say wh.at needs to be said, contact me at my e-mail address: olschool57@hotmail.com. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. ~roverbs 19:21,NIV They call me Mister Lee Call for Artists, Activists... Local artists, activists and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Ho~eless are puttinJ t~gether a puppet show that will be performed in late October. The puppet show will be a love story that deals with how homelessness relates to corporate globalization, racism, police brutality and the criminal justice system. It will feature live actors interacting with the puppets and will be a family and kid friendly eveni. Ideas, people, energy and money are all needed. Homeless people are invited to write stories to be included in the puppet show. Also needed are actors, puppeteers, and writers. No experience necessary! Questions? Contact Molly or John at 421-7803 or homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com. �STREETVIBES October 2001 Frankenstein Chickens and Factory Farms Another aspect you may want to consider in your purchase of poultry is in the way current agricultural practices have manipulated it to hardly resemble the creatures they had evolved into less than 100 years ago. Chickens (and also turkeys) are now being raised by methods that are far removed from the ways in which our ancestors traditionally cared for them. Modern ch ickens are behemoths, and grow twice as big and twice as fast as traclitional birds. In the 1950's they were slaughtered at 16 weeks of age; then, it decreased to 14 weeks and they weighed approximately 2 pounds; in 1970 at 12 weeks old, and today 's chickens are only 7 weeks of age and weigh an incredible 4 - 6 pounds. The breast is the most valuable part of the chicken and geneticists have learned to concentrate most of the growth in the breast mu scle. Today 's 8-week-old chickens carry 7 times more breast muscle than nine-w.e ek old chickens of 25 ye~rs ago. Such fast growth talces a heavy toll on the animals' health. In many cases, this accelerated growth causes crippling. A Poultry Science article asserts: "The changes in growth and carcass development have no doubt contributed to th e increased incidence of"leg weakness". About 90% of broiler chickens have trouble walking. Six percent are so badly disabled that if the cattle laws applied to chickens, their meat could not be sold as human food. Farmers refuse to switch back to slower-growing, healthier strains of chickens. Instead, many farmers deprive their young birds of food in an effort to reduce crippling. This food deprivation helps to slow the runaway growth that would cripple, or kill, an even larger percentage of birds. One poultry study even in forms farme rs tha t feeding c hicken s every other day will significantly reduce leg deformities At around six weeks of age, chicken mortal ity rates begin to surge. These birds start dying of heart att~cks , infections and other diseases brought about by their rapid growth; because of this farmers now slaughter chickens when they are only 6 or 7 weeks old. Transportation to slaughter can also inflict fatal trauma to chickens, espec ially on hot days. In postmortem exams of 1324 chickens that died in transport, 47% of them died of congestive heart failure from the stress. It is easy to understand why these chickens are dying at such an early age when you consider their stressful living conditions. Broiler chickens live in huge shed.s with up to 20,000 other birds on the floor; they are incredibly crowded with an average Do you find yourself on the outside of the job marhe_t# loohing in? Page 18 stocking den~ i ty of 16 birds per square meter. There is incredible commotion and hysteria, air quality that borders on unbreathable, and excretory ammonia that causes painful erosion to the corneas of many of the bi rds' eyes. These stressful and crowded condi tions provide a perfect environment for diseases to develop and spread. - The slaughterhouse procedure that chickens will experience is something I w ill not describe to you in detail, but I will tell you that according to Karen Davis of Poultry Concerns, 30,000 - 60,000 chickens enter the scalding tank still alive and breathing every day, after being improperly stunned. This happens because of the incredible speed of the slaughterhouse assembly line. 1 recommend that the next time you reach for that buffalo wing, turkey sandwich, or fried chicken, that you consider whkh drugs were fed, or what i nfections and/or diseases that chicken or turkey could have suffered before being killed. Also, be aware that the chicken or turkey may have become contaminated with harmful bacteria at the processing plant. Hopefully, after reading this, you will also think about the un natural and miserable conditions that the animal lived during his, or her, brief life, and you will then choose a healthful and humane vegetarian diet to feed and sustain your body. Forum from page 11 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Often times service providers do not tackle, publicly, the is sues of drugs a nd alcohol. Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure Sympathy tend s to run low for individuals addicted to alcohol or job? drugs. However, as Dave Logan, Director of Prospect House, a drug treatment facility put it, "Addiction is a disease, it is not a lapse in morality." Dave spoke eloquently of his struggle with alcoholism, of the The monthly newspaj,er with news real success of treatment and of the from the street: realities of a disease that can take homelessness, poor people's issues, control of your body. Addiction he poetry, prose, and articles noted, pervades every aspect of our lives. It affects us all. It is a piece with their feet on the.sround. of the human conclition. Dismissing those suffering from addiction, is Vendors buy the paper for ZO cents dismi,.ssing a life and disregarding and sell It for a $1 donation. the real possibility of treatment. J OBS First 10 copies free to new venilorsl Politicians like to speak to job development. You will hear from both parties, t~e need for more Come In today to sign upl jobs and the need for job training. Beth Smith from Cincinnati Works The Greater anclnnatl says, "without stable housing you Coalltlon for the Homeless cannot make a good employee." 1506 Elm Street Additionally, Beth commented on the importance of a livable wage. Onclnnatl, Ohio 45Zl0 Due to the cost of housing, a livable (513) 421-7803 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ wage is absolutely imperative in Sell Street"ibesl order to maintai n a n apartment. Support systems must be in place, as they are in the at large community in order for a person to be successful. SE R V I CE - EN R ICHE D HOUSING Housing is always the key, when speaking to issues surrounding h o.meless ne~s. However, it is believed th at putting people in housing without addressing other issues of mental illness, addiction and j obs is setting up an individual for fai lure. William F lauherty, Director, The C orporati on for National Service, works to dispell that myth . Service-e nriched housing, he says, can be successful, and in fact is successful for the most difficult to serve populations. He notes a proj ect in New York that served c hroni c alco holics a nd mentally ill homeless people, with a l % eviction rate. The second panel focused on housing and segregation. Moderated by Donald Whitehead, Director of the National Coalition fo r the Homeless, he cited the following facts: 61 % of homeelss men are African American 77 % of h omeless women a r e African American 43% of the City of Cincinnati is African American Wbat he and other panelists noted was that the issue of race can no longer be ignored or swept under the table. Racism in Cincinnati, it seems, manifests itse lf in our housing policies: HOUSING DISCRIMINATION In speaking to ho usi ng discrimj nation, Dot Christianson, Direc tor, Th e Better Hous ing League, cited issues surrounding discriminatory practices by landlords as well as l ending agencies. In addition, she noted that policies such as the Impaction Ordinance, introduced by Councilmember John Cranley were detrimental to creating affordable housing choices for all, because they d id not addre ss the issues of djscrimination so prevalent in our community. A REGIONAL LOOK AT H OUSING AND SEGREGATION Ed Burdell, Director, Applied Informat ion Resources, using the Byron Orfie ld Study, recently completed, pointed out the need for a regional housing strategy. Elaborating, Ed, brought forth information regarding concentrations of African and Americans and concentrations of Caucasions in Cincinnati. What was discovered is that race and poverty correlate in· almost all areas in Hamilton County. Consequently, in order to bring about the benefits of living in a mixed income community, it is necessary to address �ST R EETVIBES October 2001 Page 19 Forum participants at Hebrew Union College the concentrations of wealth as well as the concentrations of poverty. The third pane l was a discussion of homeless women and children. The audjeqce was visibly mo ved by th e s tory of Angela Larviera, as she and her siblings were moved from place to place and eventually split apart by the state beca use they were a hom e less family. A ngela, who is now the direc tor of YEP, Yo uth Empowerment Program, works with homeless children from across the state to teach them how to advocate for themselves as wen as educate the at large public in order to bring about more sweeping reforms the address the needs of our homeless children. Alicia Beck, Djrector, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, introduced the audience to information regarding homeless women and children in Cincinnati: I • Portland gives land for tent city by Sam Howe Verhovek THE NEW YORK TIMES PORTLAND - As one who calls himself both homeless and a resident of the tent city known as Dignity ViJlage, Ibrahim Mubarak has gotten used to moving along. Six times in the last 10 months, M ubarak and hi s fe llow urban campers have been ordered to pack up their dirt-streaked tents and tarpaulins, shopping carts, portable stoves and ramshackle furniture and move off the public land in Portland where they had set up quarters One third of Cincinnati's illegally. Homeless population is children Each time, they moved to a The average age of a homeless child in Cincinnati is 81/2 years old new spot and broke the law again. It was a risk Mubarak and 70 or so 22 % of homeless women report other campers were willing to take Welfare as the primary source of to avoid what he called the income "oppressive, depressive, repressive Over 1/3 of homeless women report suffering from Depression environment',. of public shelters. But now, as they erect their camp with its large yellow Dignity Village flag yet again, they do so with official sanction. In an un usual move that has s tretc hed the definition of public services for the homeless, Portland has provided a patch of land for the tent city and put in a water hookup and portable toilets. The site is no paradise. The new Dignity Village is a fenced-in block of asphalt in a comer of the city's leaf composting operation, just a few hundred yards from a runway at Portland International Airport. On the other side of the tents is a state prison. It is almost two miles to the nearest convenience store and a 40­ minute bu s ride to downtown Portland. While some homeless men and women have refused to move to the new site, which one called a "concentration camp ," about 40 hav~ taken the city up on the offer. Some said they much prefer it to where they last called borne, under an interstate highway bridge in northwest P ortland . Th ey were ordered off that spot by the state Transportation Department, which owns the land. Abram Atwood, 31, an unemployed construction worker who lived under the bridge before moving to the current tent city, said the traffic noise there was worse than the sound of jets. " It's actually quieter out here," he yelled , as a United jet roared overhead. "It w·a s so quiet after the planes stopped for the night last night, I could hardly get to sleep." The ~ew site is temporary, and the campers may well not find it soappealing in a few weeks, when the city's leaf collection resumes. Officially, tent village residents will be allowed to stay 60 days, while the city explores a more permanent site. In some cities, the idea of accommodating settlements of the hom eless would seem counterproductive. Public sympathy might be scant. The more welcoming acity is, particularly if it is a desirable place to live, the more homeless people migrate there. In Seattle, various churches have played host to a homeless encampment since April 2000. The tent city has run afo ul of neighb.ors and of city officials, who once threatened fines agains t a h ost ov er codes and sanitation ordinances. In Portland, the tent city has attracted a fair amount of support, and with few officials wishing to appear unsympathetic or unwilling to co mpromise, there ha s been reluctance to shut down the tent city entirely. Last week, the City Council voted 4·-1 to negotiate with the homeless on a one-year project that would allow tbe tent ci ty to continue at a still-undetermined site as long as the encampment could "meet the needs .of homeless people and help them move to more appropriate housing." . That move could pave the way for a resident-run tent city to remain in place. While other cities have even s·anctioned temporary tent cities, Portland could be setting the stage for sanctioning a permanent arrangement. "We begin something very different in Portland today," Mayor Vera Katz said. "It's a risk that all of us ~re taking." 46.9 % of homeless women have a high school diploma or GED Several panelists spoke to the issues of homeless women and children. Those issues include9 hous ing and job training. The so lution: to successfully end homelessness for local families, services must be all encompassing. Raisjng a family is so trying without a support base, it becomes virtually impossible when faced with other obstacles. To keep a family together is of an utmost importance. Families remain together and are effective, only when they can meet each other's needs. Bev Merrill, Director of Welcome House family shelter and Kyle Wade, Director of the New Hope job training program, both conduct program's that show inclusive care is not only important, but it works. Ball... ... and chain �ed or Want to Help? e SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 241 -0490 Garden St. House Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. . 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality. 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teena) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: AlbS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 OHS HARDWARE Help is Just Rround the Corner 8' x 10' Poly Tarp $1.99 6-Volt Lantern with Battery 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 $3.99 2-pkFamily Guard Smoke Alarms $1.99 Contact Center 381-4242 . Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Canter 621-6364 Project Connect ­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 A Burning Question .. In the wake of the terrible tragedy that has befallen our nation, my friend Andy at work asked, "What should we do now?" This was my answer: We should humble ourselves as we people before all that is loving and good in the hope that we might still be forgiven. Steve Daugherty Sept~mber 13, 2001 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: God Bless the U.S.A. Pg 2: She Holds Our Tears Precious Pg 3: Update: Landlord’s Bankruptcy Continues Threat to Low-Income Housing Pg 4: The Life Pg 5: Reflections on Mother Pg 6: Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Pg 7: Victim of Abuse Finds Freedom Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National/International News Pg 10: Tom Paxton Performs at GCCH Benefit Concert Pg 11: 2001 Standdown Provides for Local Homeless Veterans Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Special Report: Terrorism in the US Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Words from the Evangelist Pg 17: Nast Trinity church Offers Programs for Community and the Homeless Pg 18: Frankenstein Chickens and Factory Farms Pg 19: Portland Gives Land for Tent City Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Tom Billman Lisa Bridges Susan Heusken Bill Johnson Kenta Kenyatta Bonnie Neumeier Kenneth D. Smith Mr. Lee Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Afghanistan Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Bankruptcy Bill Johnson Bonnie Neumeier Chile Curtis Norvell Drop Inn Center Editorials Evangelist GCCH H. Lee Bowen Hate Crimes International news Jimmy Heath John Halpin Kenneth D. Smith Kenta Kenyatta Lisa Bridges Mary Taylor mental health Molly Lyons Mr. Lee Nast Trinity Church National Coalition for the Homeless National News New York Osama Bin Laden Portland prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Rodney Sutton Street Views Susan Heusken Susan Knight Tom Billman Tom Paxton Violence https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/6bc3a42f09098833486526f219d7bb26.pdf 08b07de29acda3ca477e6d5015eed2e9 PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBES THE TRI-STATE'S HOMELESS 6RAP£\fINE BuY FROM BAD6£D VENDORS ONL~ SEPTEMBER 2001 Inside: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller GREATER CINClNNATI COALITION FOR TH£ HOMELESS �EE SEPTEMBER 2001 Street View Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller by Riccardo M. Taylor photos by Jimmy Heath By Riccardo M. Taylor Street view, the perception of the street person. A unique yet curious look at how life appears to the person who lives the lifestyle of hardship. In a definitive way the essence of the view is without connotation. There is no single description of the street life. An idea can be offered, yet it can sometimes be biased when it is relayed from just one source. In writing my piece on the life of the street per~on, I try to be as honest as possible while being as candid as truth will allow. What is most important for me is that I have the opportunity to give to our readers some feel of what it' s like to be a street person, in a sense giving our readers a tour through the "life." Perhaps this is an introduction, and I'd like to believe that it has already been established through my past writing of this column, but I find it appropriate at this time because I'd like to take a moment in writing to establish what my intent is for our readers. That would be both entertainment and exposure to one reality of life as otherwise might not be known or understood by our readers. Often I cannot be as open in personal encounters as I can be in writing, therefore I will use this arena of the written word as my passageway to the minds of those who may be interested in knowing something about the way the street person lives. It gives me immense pleasure to have you come into our world, although it's only temporary. So shaU we take a look at what's up? Lets start by taking a look at what motivates most of the street people. The idea, that things which effect their lives will somehow miraculously change is always at the forefront of the street person's hopes. However the mindset of the street person helps to keep them from ever realizing Street View Cont. on page 3 On August 15, 2001 I had both the honor and pleasure to interview Mr. Courtis Fuller the Charter Rights Committee candidate for the Mayor of the City of Cincinnati. Upon . entering Mr. Fuller's headquarters we were greeted with appreciation and I was impressed by what I thought was a well organized campaign office - the staff was very courteous and willing to make us comfortable and welcomed. I interviewed Mr. Fuller with the hopes of obtaining some of his views which I thought may be of interest to our readers. I intended to ask questions concerning the state of our city and what I felt was most important to the future of our city. Our interview lasted approximately 30 minutes and during the time I was with him I asked several questions concerning campaign strategy and refo1m.. In relaying what I learned - I find that the most effective way to relay the information to you the reader - 1s to summarize what was said in response to my questioning. Mr. Fuller informed me that he was originally from Pittsburgh and has lived in Cincinnati for the past 13 years. He is a journalist by profession and has worked as a .news anchor for over a decade with Channel 5 TV. Mr. Fuller told me that be chose the Charter Rights Committee ticket in part because the Democratic Party has already endorsed their choice for candidate. He went on to explain that since this is a nonpartisan elec6on, the process of election and its end resu lt fitted perfectly with the Charter Rights Committee ideas - the idea that all political parties are in essence responsible for good government. The Charter Rights Committee stands foremost in the inclusion of bipartisanship. He believes that in order for us to have good government and good services it can be best served through the commitment of the Charter Rights pllllosophy of gover.ning. Over the past 76 years there bas been no direct election of the mayor in our city which now requires a changing of the dynamics of our political system. Mr. Fuller impressed on me that he felt it was pertinent for the future success of politics in this city that we take advantage of this chance to reform the system for the sake of future government and the city. Mr. Fuller acknowledged the fact that our city is in a crisis. Emphashing that race relations in Cincinnati are in shambles and needs immediate attention. I asked Mr. Fuller what he thought was the immediate solution? He stated that he believes that if we start to focus more on the things we have in common as a city rather than our differences then that would be the first step to bring about change. We need the creation of an atmosphere of inclusion, which does not take a lot of money or a lot of programs, just committed quality in the steps taken to get us where we want to be. What is Mr. Fuller's view on the present make-up of city council? When the people feel they are not represented at City Hall then there is a problem and that has to change - the first step to correct this is to make sure that the citizens are represented at City Hall, this according to the diversity of the ci6zens. What is most impor tant for the revitalization of our city? By breathing back the spirit of diversity our city will experience growth and improvement. Wh at was his opinion, su ggestions on investment for the city? We have to reinvest in our neighborhoods. We are supportive of downtown development and expansion as well as, our residential neighborhoods. When we take areas such as Over the Rhine we have to revitalize those areas. Ownership is the key to development in our residential neighborhoods. One program, which we have been looking at, we have termed "Mayor's turf war." Our objective would be to clean up the blight, reclaim abandoned buildings, rehab those buildings and then in an affordable way allow people to invest in them. Creating neighborhood organizations, whi~h can work towards the goal of investing in and using those buildings for the benefit of the neighborhoods. Such objectives as making rent affordable, having clean and safe neighborhoods for the people who live in those areas. Giving people a reason to have pride in their neighborhoods, reason w want to stay there and be a part of what is theirs. We would like to make Cincinnati a shining star. Give back its glamour. Bring back the attraction which our city is so renowned for. Mayor... cont. on page 7 Inside Streetvibes Cover Story GCCH Nev.,.s Civil Rights Prisoners News National News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry Veggie Vibes Homeless Kids Page3 Page4 Page6 Page8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �. ST REETVIBES Sep~ember STREETVIBES 2001 -. - ~-,. . .. . ~:-:--~ . .,....__ ...._-;_..." ~"' GCCH NEWS . . . ~ ·' Page 2 The Demeaning Marketing of Main Street The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine policy was City Council's well­ prime example, we need look no by Jimmy Heath and Randy Katz farther than a slick, full-color publicized attempt a few years ago What really caused the to criminalize panhandling·. It took brochure published recently by the . community of Over-the-Rhine-a Over-the-Rhine Chamber of a federal court to remind our neighborhood that, both Streetvibes, the Tt;i-State's council members that Commerce as part of its effort to geographically and historically, Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ help the Main Street Entertainment constitutionally guaranteed · represents Cincinnati's heart and per written by, for, and about District recover from the effects of freedoms of speech, association soul- to explode in a firestorm of homelessness, social justice, and and movement cannot be denied to the April rioting. Ironjcally, the hatred and destruction following poverty-related issues. It is text of this promotional effort to persons in these United States the police shooting this past April published once a month by the merely because they happen to be lure discretionary dollars back to of one of its Greater Cincinnati Coalition for Main Street is residents? There the Homeless. 140£ . infected with the are some who Becoming a Streetvibes 513 very same " us" ­ believe that, Vendor is a great way for home­ Jord; versus-"them" less and other low-income people notwithstanding 1200 mentality that the palpable to get back on (or stay on) their 513-1 helped to provoke horror of the feet. Streetvibes Vendois are the April bullets that given an orientation and sign a uprisings in the pierced the body code of conduct before being first place. given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. of that unarmed, The brochure non-violent young The Greater Cincinnati prominently man named Coalition for the Homeless ·is a features a bloc of Timothy Thomas, group of shelters, agencies ancl text that strongly we must look to individuals committed to ending --: · ·~ ·. discourages certain attitudes homelessness in Cincinnati " From the Main Street Entertainment District brochure patrons from that reside in the through COO{di)mting services, giving any money · minds and hearts educating tile pultli'c and to panhandlers, based on the theory homeless or impoverished. The of Cincinnati's citizenry to find the grassroots oi:ga.Jtizing, damage, though, had been done. that "this social problem is real cause of the rioting that took fi€ ( '.H Staff Rather than fostering initiatives common to urban areas" and "their place. Alicia Beck Executive Director that are procreative and presence need not prevent people Susan 'Knight 'Administra~ve What we are talking about Coordinator productive, our politicians have from enjoying the Main Street here is the kind of mind-set that Mary Gaffney Receptionist squandered public resources to Entertainment District". The text attributes the blame for urban Receptionist Mary Taxlor support agendas that are punitive, goes on to encourage people who poverty to the very low-income John Halpin Americo~s~ Yista want to help to give to community shortsighted and very, very people who are most directly Molly Lyons Americorp8* Vista charity_gtQY~. dangerous. What we learned in affected by .it. Tragically, this Streetvibes Staff Once agaffi, tfien, the April- or should have learned- is wildly illogical point of view, Jimmy Heath Editor unseemly urge to blame low­ that when municipal government along with the corrosive and Sonny WiWamsPrison News Editor income people for Cincinnati's incorporates economic prejudice dangerously dehumanizing biases H. Lee Bowen Recovery, Mental economic stagnation has taken into its penal code, it breeds the that acc0mpany it, have tended to Health Editor precedence over any useful or kind of desperation and contempt characterize much of the public Writers · creative efforts to get things certain that can, under policy shaped by Cincinnati's Alicia Beck moving in the right direction. Can political and business leaders over circumstances, tum an inner city James Blackmon the members of the OTR Chamber neighborhood into a war zone, the past several years. Instead of Linda L. Berger of Commerce really be so However, while City Dants L, Carr shouldering the responsibility for insensitive as not to understand Council's effort to criminalize Carol Cuningham their own glaring failure to re­ John Halpin how arrogant and demeaning and panhandHng was struck down by vitalize the downtown area, the Susan Heusken the courts, the attitude that regards leaders of this city have instead Dr, Paul Kali poverty as a crime remains firmly sought to shift the blame to those MF. Lee entrenched in the minds of many who least deserve it- the urban Christi Keavne-y­ of those who wield the most power cont. page 5 poor. Molly Lyons and influence in our city. For a One example of such a Aaron P.iichford Edna Smith Steve Sunderland Rodney Sutton Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. Riccardo Taylor 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be Photographers donation. I ;igree not to ask for donations of more honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times stories, essays, original graphics, Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. photos.... We will give prefer­ 2. Streervibes may only be purchased from the 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not ence to those who are homeless or GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with other distributors. I will vendors. papers, or from other vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program . 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ Subscr\ptions to Streetvibes can 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are be"Rmchased for $15 per year. to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition 4. I agree to treat others with respect other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the wqrd and write for the Homeless (GCCH) customers, and GCCH personnel. stories ifpossibl.e. 1506 Elm Street 5. I will not sell Screervibes .while under the influence. 11. I understand that failure to com ply with any of the Cincinnati, OH 45210 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from (513) 421-7803 threatened. the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves fax (513) 421-7813; 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am the right to terminate a vendor at any time as e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com collecting for a nor-for-profit charity or that I am deemed appropriate. web page: http;ltcinci.coni/gccb Main Street. ... ·Streetvibes Vendor Code �ST REETVIBE S September 2001 Page 3 Cover Story: Outdoor Living Poses Challenges for the Homeless by John Halpin Throughout the year, but particularly in the summer, homeless people make their residences in outdoor places throughout the Greater Cincinpati area, including in camps and cars. Most people have no idea where these homeless camps are, although they can be found in a wide variety of places, both in and out of the city. These camps are well hidden and thus serve as a somewhat private place that people can call their own. Streetvibes reporter and vendor Riccardo Taylor says that it's hard to say how many people are Jiving outside, but he estimates that 35-40% of homeless men live in camps or vehicles. People have several 1·easons for choosing this option over staying in a shelter, he says, but the main reason is that people can have more privacy when they are living outside. Many homeless people also prefer to care for themselves instead of taking the help of a shelter. They' d rather be self-suffic ient, cook thejr own food, and have the freedom to come and go as they please, which they lose when staying in a shelter. Mr. Taylor says that although the perception of people living on the street is that they are lazy, the opposite is true. Living outdoors is a lot of work. Mr. Taylor says that staying in a shelter may be safer than living outdoors, but most people have a few friends with whom they' lJ stay, and they'll watch out for each other. More exposure leads to more victimization and a greacer chance to be cited Ol' picked up by the pol ice. While a lot of homeless camps across the country have undergone police sweeps, many homeless people in Cincinnati have said that the police leave their camps alone. Mr. Taylor says that the cops won't say much unless there's a complaint. Edna Smith, also a Streetvibes vendor, talked about being vulnerable when living outdoors, as well. She thought people would realize that a person living in a car doesn't have much, yet she still was robbed of her few possessions when living in her car. A few years ago, a brick­ wielding gang of youth attacked a homeless camp in Northern Kentucky and several men were injured badly. A few years before that, in another Northem Kentucky homeless camp, several homeless people were murdered. Many similar cases, both here and across the country, are probably not reported. The National Coalition for the Homeless issued a report on hate crimes against the homeless in 2000 and documented 43 deaths and 23 victims of non­ lethal violence. This number,only represents the cases that service providers or newspapers reported and is likely much lower than the actual number of crimes that occurred. The report details cases of homeless people being beaten, killed, set on fire, and urinated upon. the street person that they have the power to change their life? I always insist that those who can Cont. from page 1 help be supportive in relaying this those hopes. The fact that the idea. As I often say, it takes initiative from the general public hopes and dreams of the street person are limited to what they to create the atmosphere for such feel is their height of achievement ideology to take form. is discouraging to say the least. As much as I insist on the To believe that one can only be as idea that society in general has to successful or that one can only be apart of the social investment reach a certain limit hampers which will make the difference in growth, as well as the possibility the life of the street person, the of changing things for the street input from these entities can only person for as long as they believe be limited. This is very important that their plight in life is set. because whether it's an individual Complacency is the order of the or a social organization, the day. To believe that this is the assistance that is given will be the way things are suppose to be is springboard for the person very hard to get past. It is so easy receiving it. In other words, if the to get into this sort of thinking for street person is given everything the street person simply because without having to p ut forward any it is a reality of their lives. effort on their own then they Things always seem to come become complacent and will not back to where they began for the do for themselves or learn the street person. In other words one take on the responsibility that one feels that nothing is to ever be must adapt in order to maintain a different. It is hard for those who successful lifestyle. are on the outside to understand There are no guarantees how this works yet for the street on the total or lasting success of person it's a reality. Of course it the transition of the street person is not absolute, but getting things into the main stream of society. to look differentl y through the However, given the oppo1t unity, -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ eyes~ thorewhoare i n the life i s there has to be some who can quite a different story. One has to reach that goal and in reali ty the Call believe that things can and will entire transformation is beneficial be different if they are to in fact to all. So as an invitation I ask that each of us give what he can change. Nowwe have to find how this can be accomplished. to help alleviate the problem and Attorney at Law H ow can the idea be relayed to keep hope alive. • Street View Social Security/SSI Denied? ' John M. Keegan Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS W E WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION C li£.ford J on.es ( 5 13) 7 6 1 - 3 4 64 Office t (61<.'f>O\ .~C ~-n,ail: joncsaCV ( 51 3 ) 2 30- 6353 • W'\V 'W. c~ Voi cemail C.1~ c:P °'tiexchan ge­ �STREETVIBES September Z001 Local News Denhart bankruptcy will affect neighborhhood's PSC along with Nehmeier and poorest other community stakeholders since November of 2000. "We have been discussing these issues for almost a year and never once Hart Realty announced in did he say that he was having August that it and several financ ial troubles. Residents have companies and separate related paid for tbese buildjngs through limited partnersh ips that provide the years because of the deep affordable housing have filed fo r subsidies. He got rich off of poor protection under Chapter 11 of the people's housing and poor people U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Most of deserve to have these units stay the units owned by Hart Realty are affordable. Even better; own the located in the Cincinnati housing themselves," said neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. Neumeier. "It is hard to believe Hart Realty, along with its that he was doing it for people - it affiliates, is the city's largest was for profit. If he really cared Section 8 landlord. The company for the neighborhood he would represents the largest single owner have tried to negotiate or discuss of affordable HUD subsidized this with us [in the PSC] in order units in the neighborhood of to avoid this crisis. The city Over-the-Rhine. The general should work with the community partner of the limited partnerships, to make sure this housing is not and the sole shareholder of three lost to market rate developers. of the filing corporations, Tom We've always counted Denhart's Denbart, stated that, "Our goal, as units as affordable. We can't stand it has been for the past 30 years, is to lose that many," Neumeier said. to continue to provide affordable. "Years ago, Denhart wanted to sell housing for those who need it." his buildings but he came to the But Denhart has been criticized table asking too much. He got rich for using government policies and off of our poverty. He's made his programs to amass ~ low-income money - how much is enough.? empire of over 1000 units in Denhart chose to opt out of Section Over-the-Rhine, the West End and 8 when HUD decided to lower his other Cincinnati neighborhoods. subsidy to match what landlords In the year 2000, Hart Realty were getting for market rate units companies reportedly made over in our region. Now when his $7 million dollars in gross profits aren't as deep Denhart pulls income, most of it through the rug out from under us. That's government subsidized Section 8 not fair. These low income units housing programs. are now in jeopardy," says Tom Denbart, his attorneys, Neumeier. Many community and the U.S. Department of members, along with Neumeier, Housing and Urban Development contend that Denhart has some (HUD) reached an agreement serious ethical questions to face. where Denhart will be allowed to Residents say that Denbart has continue to operate his apartments until the end of August. Rental --..income will allow the company to ' - survive for the first few weeks of September. A motion was also filed by Denhart lawyers to allow Denhart to sell one of his vacant buildings, owned by a Hart Realty subsidiary. "I feel that Denbart has betrayed the people of Over-the­ Rhine," said Bonnie Neumeier, long-time community advocate and a member of the Over-theRhi ne Planning Steering Committee (PSC). The PSC, working with the City Planning Department, has been given the task of developing a Comprehensive Plan for Over-the­ Rhi ne. Long time neighborhood residents are demanding that this plan not displace them. Denhart has been attending the Housing Subcommittee meetings of the by Jimmy Heath Page 4 and finely ground glass, cloths, garbage, hazardous materials, and debris of many sorts. This would be a good beginning - provide the unskilled laborer with full time employment and benefits and wages that supports families living above poverty level. · The Amelican Dream has turned into a nightmare. More than a year ago I met with William Jacoby, Elwood Cromwell, and Janet Spitzrniller to discuss the possibility of hiring a "clean up crew". r was told there are no funds for thi s project! How could this be?? The Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health Services, Litter Control Division receives monetary funds My name is Carol from city government. Mister Charles Luken, you Cunningham and I am preparing can make it happen, if you will. for Success. In the aftermath of the The time has come to solve most recent riots within our city of the problems of the poor, Cincinnati, we the people cry out especially minorities, many who in a loud voice! Anger and are living in slum apartments and dwelling places. We the people violence, cursing, fighting and wailing; killing and dying much will continue to experience the too soon. snowball effect of crime and The violence will end and violence that began with the killing of an unarmed youth, nineteen our voices shall be heard. I am a years of age. spokesperson for the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio and I rally with Mayor Luken, I agree with them and their plight, for mine is you that the Boston Plan has some theirs also. great.goals, howev5!r let us create -­ , ..-;' . jobs - good paying jobs, so that we The city of Ci ncinnati, prosper in this Great State of Ohio. Ohio reeks of litter, trash, broken made millions off the backs of poor citizens and now when faced with HUD budget cuts, he's looking for ways to get out of the business. Vacancy rates in Denha11 properties continue to rise as some tenants take advantage of the portability of the new Section 8 Vouchers. The Department of Housing and Urban Development started giving tenants vouchers for housing allowing them to find their own housing rather than subsidize property owners directly. • Dear Mr. Charles Luken The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of .coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park - OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV'T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON•T EXPKT US TO WASTE GOV'T ON THE POOR, DO YOU? �- . Local News STREETVIBES September 2001 Wild Oats Market donates to the Greater Cincinnai Coalition for the Homeless 1t1e 1i0Yr1e(ess Co~fitior Susan Knight, Molly Lyons and Alicia Beck of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless talk to a customer at Wild Oats Market in Rockwood Commons. On August 8th, Wild Oats Market donated 5% of their net proceeds to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Wild Oats Market is an organic food market that strives to include community throughout its business mission. Thank you Wild Oats, for your generous contribution! Call for Artists, Activists .... Loe~ artists, activists and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless are putting together a puppet show that will be petformed in late October. The puppet show wiJI be a love story that deals with how homelessness relates to corporate globalization, racism, police brutality and the criminal j ustice system. It will feature live actors interacting with the puppets and will be a family and kid friendly event. Ideas, people, energy and money are all needed. Homeless people are invited to write stories to be included in the puppet show. Also needed are actors, puppeteers, and writers. No experience necessary ! Questions? Contact Molly or John at 421-7803 or homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com. Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers ! Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Low Rates Custom Sizes Available! - ~ Page 5 Main Street the social order that seemed more like the political chaos of some embattled third-world country than debilitating .is the message that an inner city neighborhood in poor folks, merely by "their southwestern Ohio? presence" on the streets of their Donald Whitehead, own neighborhood, constitute some ugly blight that can best be executi ve director of the National eliminated by being ignored? Can Coalition for the Homeless, had they really fail to comprehend the this reaction after seeing the Main Street promotional flyer: "This is consequences of their the ki nd of attitude that has insensitivity? allowed homelessness to grow The whirlwind of civil unabated ... the attitude that unrest that raged through our homelessness is acceptable. streets this past April took a grim Rather than acknowledging the toll on the City of Cincinnati, problem, or better still, assuming a producing widespread suffering, share of the responsibility for it anxiety and rage among its [groups such as the OTR Chamber citizenry, greatly injuring local of Commerce] encourage people to property and business interests, ignore it. [Charitable] giving to and causing what may have been irreparable harm to qncy's public social service agencies may help in the short term, but in order to bring image. The corporate media, of systemic change we must address course, were only too delighted to batten on tl)e images of destruction the root causes [of homelessness] such as gentrification and the and despair taking place here in unequal distribution of resources." Over-the-Rhine, and people in Whitehead ·thinks that the issue other communities around the ultimately comes down to a matter world gazed with fascination and of simple fairness and common horror on the hell's fury that emanated from the heart of our respect. "The presence of the Main Street Entertainment city. District," says Whitehead, "should But the interest in events not prevent long-term residents of here was motivated by something Over-the-Rhine from enjoying a more than just morbid fascination quality life." of the sort that compels The many Over-the-Rhine rubbernecking at the scene of an residents who are working hard to auto crash on the interstate. How could it be, people wondered, with support their families, to be good neighbors- and to survive- hope the U.S. at peace and amid it will not will not take another unprecedented general prosperity, series of riots to make Cincinnati's that the calm, conservative city of movers and shakers realize that Cincinnati suddenly looked like it had fallen through a time-warp and there is no problem that more seriously threatens our city's returned to the most turbulent stability and well-being than the times of the 1960s? Where had it absurd yet widely held perception come from, everyone wanted to know, this savage back.lash against that poor people are the problem. cont. from page 2 McMicken Dent al Center Formerly at Ambrose Clement Health Center Providing Free Dental Care to the HOMELESS 40 East McMicken PH: (513) 352-6363 Come in or call for .an appointment! Openjng on April 2, 2001 Services ind ude emergencies, extractions, cleaning, root canals" x-rays and fillings �STREETVIBES September 2001 Dead End Tickets Know Your Rights By Molly Lyons and John Halpin Many of you know the feeling. Driving down the street, you hear police sirens and see flashing lights behind you. You glance at your speedometer and are going fifteen miles over the speed limit. Ideally, all that happens is you get a ticket, grudgingly pay it, and go on with your life. For homeless peopie, though, getting a citation is not so cut and dry. As racial profiling hits the headlines of newspapers across the country, another kind of profiling - targeting homeless people - takes place everyday, unknown to most. Dreams of developing high-cost housing and of attracting tourist dollars have cities attempting to push the homeless out of sight by rigorously enforcing laws against actions that the homeless must commit in public for lack of any other place to go. In many cases, new legislation is drafted that specifically targets the homeless. What city governments don't know is that their policies may actually prevent people from escaping homelessness. The profiling of the homeless results in thousands of citations being issued each year. Most of the things homeless people are cited for are what we in Ohio call minor misdemeanors. The fines are relatively small, less than $100 in Ohio, but for someone who is struggling to find bask necessities from day to day, a $100 fine is impossible to pay. If a person doesn't pay a citation, they're supposed to go to court, but this proves difficult for many people on the streets. Like housed citizens, the homeless are often uninformed of their rights with.in the justice system and have limited, if any, access to legal advice. Coupled with distrust of a system that is working against them , many feel going to court is useless. Even those individuals who want to go to court face challenges in dping this. When living on the streets, being in court on the right day can be a challenge. Without a calendar, clean Page 6 By Molly Lyons and John Halpin Molly Lyons & John Halpin, Civil Rights Organizers Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cinci nnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. clothes, transportation, and other conveniences that the housed take for granted , the possibility of making it to court on the right day and time becomes dim. Because the person neither paid the fine nor showed up in court, a warrant will be Laws pertaining to Fountain issued for their arrest. Square: § 713-5. Definition of Fountain Outstanding warrants then prevent a homeless person from Square. accessing services and housing, Fountain Square is the area between Fifth Street, Walnut thus. trapping them in Street, Sixth Street and Vine homelessness. A city's attempt street that we usually think of as to get rid of the homeless Fountain Square but also . through criminalization comes includes any second level full circle. and actually skywalk in downtown (between exacerbates the problem. Central Avenue on the west, Some cities have Central Parkway on the north, responded positively to this Eggleston Avenue on the east problem and created special and the Ohio River on the homeless courts which have south). This applies whether or allowed many homeless people not the property is public or to get back on the path to private with the exception of housing. In San Diego, completely enclosed private homeless people, shelters, property, q,nd the sidewalk areas judges, the public defender, and surrounding Fountain Square on city attorney have developed the Walnut, Sixth and Vine Streets. Homeless Court Program, which meets once a month. § 713-3. Prohibited Uses of Recognizing that most of the Fountain Square. crimes committed by homeless It shall be unlawful for any people are public nuisance person, group of persons, or crimes and that sentencing the organization, without a valid homeless to jail time would permit to: simply disrupt their (a)Endanger, obstruct or participation in programs aimed unreasonably interfere with the at getting them back in housing, use of Fountain Square, any facility or part thereof, or access the court finds other solutions. to, from or through any part of In fact, the involved parties said square, including but not have agreed that no homeless person will go t0 jail against hj s limited to escalators, stairways, passageways, overhead or her wi11. Most of the walkways, elevators, exits and sentences they receive are to simply continue participating in entrances. Endanger, obstruct or unreasonably interfere with shall the programs in which they are apply to but shall not be limited already enrolled, such as to: substance abuse programs, job (I )The purposeful throwing, training, or continuing slinging, shooting or propelling education programs. of any object on Fountain Criminalizing Square; homelessness has done nothing (2)The taking of any animal onto to reduce the number of people Fountain Square, unless such on the streets. Programs like animal is being or will be used San Diego's, relying on positive by law enforcement officials means to empower homeless engaged in the performance of people in the legal system, can their duties, or unless such lead to real possibility for animal is a blind person's guide change - and can lead us one dog; or step closer to a society without homelessness. (3)The lying down on the floor surface or any walking or standing area on Fountain Square; (b )It is also illegal to operate or drive any vehicle, including bicycles, on Fountain Square, except city employees while engaged in their official duties; (c)Display, offer for sale or barter, or sell or barter or sell any merchandise on Fountain Square or any public stairway, escalator, passageway or elevator connecting to the Square; (d) Use any sound-amplifying equipment on Fountain Square; (e)Play any radio, tape recorder or other electronic sound producing equipment, other than with earphones so that no sound is audible to others. If you are convicted of violating this section of the code the maximum penalty is as follows: first offense, no more than a $100.00 fine, second offense, no more than $250.00 fine and 30 days in jail. If this is your second offense, you have the right to request a jury trial because you face jail time. § 713-2. Prohibitions on Fountain Square. (b) No person may communicate on Fountain Square any obscenity, defamation, or ''fighting words" including, but not limited to, a symbol, object, appellation, characterization, oral communication, or graffiti which injures a person or group ofperSOf!:S or is li~ely to cause an immediate act of violence by the listener or observer. A violation of this is a minor misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum fine of $ 100.00 *Cursing in a way that will not induce a reasonable person to fight with you is considered protected speech under the first amendment and is not included in this law. Remember if you are cited or arrested under any of these laws you have the right to go to court and plea not guilty. It is the job of the state to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so make them do their job! If you have any questions or have been cited or arrested, please contact John or Molly at the Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, 421-7803. �Page 7 STREETVIBES September 2001 Mayor... cont. from page 1 What is bis idea's for ch~nge in the city's police department? He informed me that the policy of arbitration, which is currently in place in the . police department's collective bargaining agreement, needed reform. He suggest that negotiations for rewriting the policies which are now in place be a first step toward ~orrecting what's wrong. Further, policies by which the Chief and the assistant Chief of Police are selected need to be revamped so that our police departments fits the dynamics of the city better. As most citizens would likely agree, Mr. Fuller believes closer relations between the police and the citizenry has to be established. One suggestion he had was that we go back to the cop on the block program,'where the police officer can have an up fron't personal relationship with the citizens. Other ideas would be to establish tnore police citizen connection as police and youth clubs or neighborhood meetings for discussions about police practices and policies. From my own perspective I believe that Mr. Fuller is sincere about his position and is willing to take the necessary steps to help improve our beloved city. Although I was impressed by some of what Mr. Fuller had to say I am only one potential vote and can only hope that some of what I have to share from this interview would help others to make their decision as to who they want as mayor. Perhaps he may be the candidate of choice? • "Your legal problems are caused by your extteme poverty. That will be $10, 000." Ohio Bicentennial River Note Cards The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, in conjunction with the Ohio Natural Heritage River System designees, independent river/ watershed protection organizations and historical societies throughout Ohio, and Rivers Unlimited proudly presents a special bicentennial project highlighting the significance of rivers and streams in our state's history. By ordering through the Coalition for the Homeless, 50% of your contribution will go to assist our work! For more information on the Cards or where to purchase them locally, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803 or Rivers Unlimited at (513) 891-4592. �STREETVIBES September 2001 Page 8 corporations whose bottom line is in Mr. Lee's article, the Cleveland court rejected "racism" as mental not our well-being,.but that of illness. All the psychiatric experts making more money and contains news about the justice system and the appointed by the court to examine acquiring more power in order to writings of persons incarcerated that defendant at State expense enforce its rule over others . were almost unanimous in in our nation's jails and prisons. However, as long as we conti nue agreeing he suffered from no Subscribers withi n the walls receive Streetvibes free. to believe in and buy into this mental disease or defect (and was If you would like to support us in this effort, please farce we've been handed down ... therefore untreatable and could sponso·r someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. as long as we continue to allow never be rehabilitated!). I dispute ourselves to be dominated and those so-called ..expert'" ·opinions. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com manipulate into dividing and present the following common ourselves along the artificiality of mail : STREETV/BES, 1506 Elm Street <;ense position. using ea<;i)y skin color. class, and other acts of Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 verified sources as evidence (all separation, we will continue to available at any good library) to bemoan our existence to a non­ impeach the credibility of those ·'humanitarian" country and goes hearing entity and thus live a sad doctors. In league with an about the world telling others and pathetic half-life. We have oppressive police state that serves about prisons; people living on the power to change the only the rich, those doctors violate the streets and a strategically conditions in which we live. We human rights and deprive one of devised permane nt employed have the power to enforce our civil rights under color of law class. w ill s and have what we want if when they deny a mentally ill As long as the people we are willing to stand firmly homeless person in need of By Ali Khalid Abdullah continue to together treatment access to treatment in a believe in; and not hospitarby refusal to recognize the In the United States of buy into; allow person's NEED for treatment! America, the working class are an support ourselves Newsweek, August 22, exploited class. They are and 1983 (p. 22) revealed that the to be exploited for their labor; exploited advocate "Nazi" paraded around tricked by with their vote; exploited by Cleveland's East Side in female for this the racism, sexism and homophobia current illusionary clothes, hoping one day to have a (which are systemic instruments "sex-change operation ." system we fa<;ade used to keep the working class will thrown to Cleveland's Plain Dealer Magazine, Sunday, November 27, divided and at odds with one continue to us, or sell out one another for 1983, noted in a long feature another). have people living in poverty and some momentary relief, which article entitled "Hate Without This exploitation is squalor. won'tlast. • Reason" that he not only wore a directly linked to capitaljsm. All of the homeless are dress and high-heels, but also Capitalism can only thrive on the workers. They belong to the ever­ walked down city streets in the basis of overproduction and growing army of the unemployed company of a black man and loved restriction of wealth distribution, and dispossessed. Thus black women. He attempted to i.e., all material things needed to capitalism presents itself as a pure land jobs (as a woman) by provide a substantial life, and contradiction and fosters the falsifying job applications and domination of the worker. degeneration of the worker to an used women's restrooms and It is important for the appendage of a machine ... a tool lounges. He frequently wore a by Miss Frances Anne Spisak people to realize that this system to be used. They have been "Star of David" during the months is not conductive for the people. thrown into the trash bin as before arrest. Frail and effeminate Mr. Lee's article ("Mental It is only conductive' for those expendable and unwanted which since childhood, he was tormented Health News," Streetvibes, July who have control over the has caused massive poverty and as a male. He wished to become 2001, "Extreme Racism: Mental resources of the world and uses that poverty has resulted in many Illness?") posits an enjgma: "Is it female and took Estradiol, a the people to extract those not being able to have a decent female hormone. He was arrested possible that someone's racism resources with their labor. In fact, place to lay their heads. We also and released once or twice for could rise or sink to the level that the worker has been reduced to a must look at and discuss the soliciting; earned money as a meets the definition of mental mere "thing" as the machine has whole issue of "propert)' prostitute on the streets illness?" This conundrum was taken over the worth of the ownership" and the greed of (impersonating females); worked presented to a Cleveland, Ohio working class. This exploitation landowner's who exploit the poor court 18 years ago this summer in in a gay bar; and even labored in a and worker manipulation have left with outrageous prices to live in local factory for Kelly Girls a much publicized high-proftle a gulf between the 'haves' and the buildings. ' What greater display Temporary Services as a "Kelly capital murder case where the ' have-nots' which is why we have of injustice can there be than to Gi1-J" for months until fired for defendant, an indigent homeless found more and more people using the wrong restroom at work have a countries citizenry living person, and accused "American one day. ·A boss is quoted as living in poverty and unable to in the streets; eating out of Nazi" was· defended by court saying; " .. .I knew he was a little have an affordable place to live. garbage bins to find food while at appointed lawyers who failed miserably to raise a defense of not off, so I tried to help him. ..he had The greed syndrome, which the same time, government bad judgment.. .". In Ohio, guilty by reason of insanity. The capitalism produces, have created officials point their plastic fingers verdict of that court was, although "mental illness" means a a surplus of homeless people, at other countries for alleged some racists might be mentally ill, substantial disorder of thought, une mployed people, "human rights violations". disenfranchised people and Every citizen of the United the particular individual on trial was just plain evil, and he was incarcerated people. This greed States . .. every worker (whether sentenced to death. Like the monster has caused the elderly to employed or not) should stand up be unable to purchase prescription and storm the Pimp House known American Psychiatric Association drugs needed to sustain the as the White House and all state While we make every effort to provide a forum for those quality of their lives because the capital buildings and throw out without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER pharmaceutical compani es are the political trash and retake; CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ more concerned with profit than reclaim and reshape our lives sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the they are about human life. Yet, according to OUR WILL and not prisoners who's writings are represented here. the United States claim to be the that of the political and Prisoners News Exploitation and Homelessness A View From Death Row DEATH ROW cont. page 18 �STREETVIBES September 2001 Page 9 STREETVIBES attends National Street Newspaper Conference On July 26th, as the Bay sparkled in ~he distance and trolley cars hauled tourists looking for entertainment with which to numb their minds, representatives from street newspapers from across North America convened at New College in San Francisco. At the end of July, representatives from over 50 street newspapers nationally came together for the Annual North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) Conference to share their struggles, strategize, and to continue the alternative news media revolution. NASN A began in 1996 with a small group of dedicated Homeless, and Jimmy Heath, Editor of Streetvibes. Beck and Heath had an opportunity to participate in workshops organized by three papers serving the San Francisco Bay area, Street Sheet, Poor Magazine, and Street Spirit. Topics ranged from ''Training homeless people in journalism, and desktop and web publishing" to workshops about the "Universal Living Wage" and "Justice Journalism: Journalism as a Tool for Social Change". When asked about her trip to what many consider the epicenter of today's social justice movement, Beck reflected on the opportunities at the Conference to learn from so homeless advocates with a grand vision to produce an Association that would allow Street Newspapers to share resources, stories, and, most importantly, a common vision to end homelessness. Today, NASNA's membership includes over 50 street newspapers from Canada and the United States, and weaves the common thread of providing homeless people and those in poverty with a voice in an alternative media source. Representing Streetvibes, Cincinnati's 5 year-old street newspaper, were Alicia Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the NASNA Conference attendees challenge corporate media coverage of homelessness and poverty many homeless and formerly homeless activists that continue·to produce quality news sources across of country. "Not only did the workshops provide good information, but the spirit of the event provided the energy to forge ahead in our own goals for Alicia Beck addresses audience at NASNA conference and accurate portrayals of the homeless situation across the continent. STREET SHEET is published by the Coalition on According to the editor of Homelessness ( www.sf-homeless­ POOR magazine, Lisa Gray­ coalition.org). COH was organized Garcia, "The newest trend in the in 1987 to garner the active mainstream corporate media - as participation of poor people on witnessed in the One Hearst town both the design and critique of of San Francisco, as well as the rest of the corporate national press public policy and non-profit services that result in permanent - is to act as public relations ~ campaigns for economic and racial solutions to poverty. It is a unique organization in that the driving cleansing in cities across force is low-income and homeless ~ America." Citing recent press people, working in every aspect of ~ abuses, Gray-Garcia noted: 0 the organization, from the _g "Examples of this are evident in .=--~~--!~~~~----~--~~,;,;i;,j ~ volunteers to the staff and Protestors gather at the offices ofthe San Fransisco Chronicle the 'S.F. Chronicle,' KRON TV, leadership body. and the new ' S. F. Examiner' - all (San Francisco, July 28).... censors the voices of those most POOR Magazine Io response to es'Calating police affected," Messman added. of which acted as cheerleaders for sweeps and media vilification of "Currently, for example, Mayor Brown's bench removal and (www.poornewsnetwork.org) is a non-profit community based arts homeless people, protesters rallied the San Francisco Chronicle bas the MidMarket B.I.D. at Powell aDd Market Streets at the several reporters and columnists (Business downtown offices of the San who consistently give negative Fransisco Chronicle on Saturday, press to homeless people,'; he said. Improvement District)." July 28 to demand that San "The truth deserves a full airing Accordjng to Frapcisco's major news outlets and a more balanced approach." Bep stop inciting hate and begin to tell In addition to prejudicial Bagdikian, the truth about homelessness in the depictions of the poorest of the former Dean United States and the Bay Area. poor, organizers accuse the news of the U.C. Organized by Media Alliance, media of·championing the Berkeley " Poor Magazine," "STREET criminalization of homeless Graduate SHEET" and "Street Spiljt," this people and ignoring newsworthy School of demonstration coincided with the issues and events within the Journalism and homeless community. annual conference of the North S. F. Police guard entrance ro the Chronicle offices keynote speaker "Almost every homeless American Street Newspaper at the NASNA conference, in their organization providing media organization in the Bay Area has Association (NASNA). current coverage of homelessness access, arts and education to very had the experience of seeing Cincinnati's STREETVIBES staff the mainstream media have low and no income adults and undeniably significant, were also on hand to participate in become "party to a cruel and children. newsworthy events utterly blacked the conference and protest. unnecessary fl.aw in our society." Street Spirit out by the mainstream media," "When the mainstream (spirit@afsc.org) is a monthly "That 32 million of our said Chance Martin, editor of media stereotype and demean population have their housing, advocacy journal published by the homeless people, they incite public STREET SHEET, a newspaper food, and clothing 'index' drop American Friends Service intolerance and give tacit approval published by the San Fransisco for more than 30 years is Committee, and features hardsteadily Coalition on Homelessness. "A to the scapegoating of an already worth only an occasional feature hitting reporting on the issues of new baseball park is given persecuted group," said Terry homelessness, economic justice, story about an individual or extensive front-page coverage for Messman, editor of "Street Spirit" in back pages poverty, human rights and welfare statistical fragments days on end, but the same newspaper. of our most influential news issues. More than 100 homeless newspapers virtually ignore it "Running a major story on organizations," Bagdikian vendors sell "Street Spirit" widely when many of San Francisco's homeless issues that relies largely, on the streets of Oakland, Berkeley, observed. leading clergy and members of the if not exclusively, on the anti­ NASNA (http://ww.speakeasy.org/ and Santa Cruz. Vendors keep all Board of Supervisors gather at homeless views of merchants, city nasn~ is an association of proceeds from sales, making the City Hall to protest the staggering officials and the police is not only newspapers sold by homeless paper a positive alternative to 1,767 deaths of homeless people unfair and distorted reporting, it people, providing survival income panhandling. • in the City." i �I I I I STREETVIBES September 2001 FEATURES Page 10 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST... Great Dylans My pen has been silent for several months now, and I want to apologize for the absence of my voice. My absence was in part due to the ten­ { 10) week Bible Boot Camp at Washington United Church of Christ where I am presently ministering on a full-time basis. We registered almost 100 Caucasian and African-American youth, ages four to sixteen. Our largest attendance was sixty-five (65). · The program began at 8:00am with breakfast. Then we had worship and began our training for the day - not ending the day until 2:00pm. Monday through Thursday - this was our life, and on Friday there would be a fun trip. Just as recruits in the army perseveres or return home, those in God's army did the same. At the program's conclusion we had twenty-four (24) take and pass the four-part test which required scripture memorization and knowledge of Bible characters. The graduates then went on missions which consisted of praying for the sick and elderly in the community, praying at each child's home, sharing the gospel at a nursing home, a daycare, Washington Park, and Fountain Square. Bible Boot Camp is a program, which we shall continue during the school year, but on a smaller scale. While the rest of the city has been askino 0 what is the solution to the violence and unrest which has plagued us since April; We have relied on prayer and the Christian principle: "love thy neighbor as thyself', and we have found it to be very effective. Our youth have grown to respect one another and their differences, therefore, as a member of MARCC and other organizations, which are working for a united Cincinnati; I Ghost by Aaron Pitchford Youth minister to homeless man at Fountain Square con,tinually exhort our leaders to preach and live the doctrine of love. The present unrest is part of a spiritual warfare, which we can only be victoriou~ in by relying on God's guidance. I speak from personal experience and the recent spiritual attack upon myself. Only God could have given me the victory, and thus He receives the glory. Our Cincinnati leaders (Church and otherwise) need to lay aside their own agendas and adopt God's in order that we may get past this present time. The youth in Camp Washington are leading the way .. . Won't you follow? If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, or would like to volunteer; A.W.O.L. (A Way of Life) Ministries can stiJJ be reached by calling 210-4181 or writing P.O. Box 36065, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. Or you can find me at Washington United Church of Christ, 2950 Sidney Avenue, 541-7757. His Humble Servant, Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist Tom Paxton to perform benefit for the Greater Cincin­ nati Coalition for the Homeless -- On September 6, 2001, Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. The concert is a joint fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Rivers Unlimited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and loved around the world and have b een recorded by hundreds of artists as diverse as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo. "Ramblin' Boy," "The Last Thing on my Mind," "Bottle of Wine," "Goin' to the Zoo," and "Marvelous Boy" are just a few of his songs to have been absorbed into the oral tradition. Nanci Griffith has said, "I think we are all born singing Tom Paxton songs." For young listeners, Tom has recorded several albums of his own songs and sold his sixteenth book to Morrow Junior Books: "The Story of the Sandman". As part of the event, the Greater Cincinnati Coaliti on for the Homeless will showcase art produced by homeless and formerly homeless individuals in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton's performance is part of a three­ city concert tour planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmental and social programs. Performance dates are: Cincinnati, September 6; Columb us, September 7; and Cleveland, September 8. The Cleveland concert will be held at Kiva Auditorium at the Kent State Uni versity Center (WKSU). The concert is cosponsored by Earth Shares of Ohio, the Earth Day Coalition, Rivers Unlimited and WK.SU - Public Radio. For information about tickets call Rivers Unlimited at (5 13) 761 -4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803. It was on March 26, when Dylan Jones - who lived in Chicago's Old Town - came home to his apartment over a bar. He had been at his apartment for over a month. He came home one day with another resident of the apartment building who lived on the third floor. He opened the door with his twisters and his strobe light was on in the daytime but it wasn't plugged in. So he kind of signaled to the dude who walked past his opened door and said, "Man, what this?" He said, "I don't know. I think you should move!" He answered, "I can't because I'm laid off and on unemployment compensation from my past job as a j anitor working at my uncle's job." So he went in his apartment the next weekend early on Sunday morning prior to the Super Bowl game and he saw a cylindrical flat object with one dimension. It revolved in a circle by the kitchen . As it revolved its color would lighten up from light black to dark black. "Eh," he said, "I don't pay that no attention," and he looked and he kind of laughed. So a few minutes later he looked up in front of himself and saw the object that looked Aaron Pitchford like film thread on a old movie sitting between the crease of the wall and the ceiling. Then a few minutes later it was on the threshold on the closet door. T hen he said, "Maybe 1 should go to the store. Man, you couldn't tell Eddie Murphy nothing." Theri he looked up from the floor again in his stupor and it was in his face between his eyes. So he went to sleep and a couple weeks later it spoke. It was a little girl who was four years old when it died and it was standing up in between his eyes in darkness behind his face. It was suppose to jump out after spinning around in his head and jump out and jump off the bed and sit back in the comer by the sink. But it was a cloudy day and it misjudged the time. So two weeks after the Super BowJ game it told who it was. She died from pneumonia in the hospital and she stayed about five months after being buried. She rose from her grave and ascended about two and a half stories in the air and let out a shriek. Scared to death, in fear of tombstones, she felt naked and she noticed a force that enabled her to move. She landed somewhere by her home and in a few months she moved again but farther from her house. Another few months she moved again and finally found ·her house. When she went into Dylan Jones's house she never moved. Now after ten years she was still there. • �STREETVIBES September 2001 FEATURES Page 11 MAYERSON SUMMER SERVICE PROJECT Some of the volunteers who worked at the Peace Camp at W£1. nut Hills Christian Church The Manu el D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation supported two one-week Summer Service Pm jects that brought students and teachers together for a better understanding of their diverrr> communities, as well as, the impact of agencies serving the needs of others. The week ill July included students from Aiken, Bishop Brossart, Fairfield and Hughes. The August group included students from Finneytown, Roger Bacon, and Withrow. Some ofthe agencies served by the students and teachers included: ReSTOC, the Drop-Inn Cente1; Our Daily Bread, and Bethany House. For more information about Mayerson High School Service Programs call Steve Elliott at 621-7500 Reflective Essay by Daniesha Briggs While at Hebrew Union College I have grown a lot more from the whole week that I was there. During ~s experience I saw how some of the people in parts of the downtown area live so differently, like some people have nice houses and nice cars while others are homeless and don 't have anything. To help some of the less fortunate, there were organizations located in the area to help these people get back on their feet. For e~ample, there was a non-profit organization called Our Daily Bread that fed anybody who walked through the door with a nice hot meal. To name some other organizations that help the less fortunate are the Mary Magdalene House, the Freestore Foodbank, the Wilson Downtown center, the Contact Center, and the CRC camps. I noticed that every organization was filled with people who were dedicated to helping others in need of serious help. By being involved in the program it let me see part of what the homeless go through and made me want to volunteer more. Untitled By Latosha Chappell Joining a different world not knowing what to expect, happy, nervous, something you haven't experienced yet, not realizing that you are one color, one color to finish the rainbow, mixing with other colors leading to the pot of gold, the pot of gold is a treasure, the treasure is one's personality, getting to know a color of the rainbow is nothing but pure reality, experiencing different situations as one, leaves you questioning if your life's work is done, you want to help in every way, but things get harder from day to day, you may not have known that you've helped a lot, but helped to warm someone else's heart, each day the rainbow is coming together, by the time you leave the pot of gold will be found, only leaving behind the help you gave to this t?wn. Jennie Walker Over-The-Rhine was a good thing for me. I did not know there were so many people that cared. I thought that was wonderful! The people I saw who were homeless and the children I saw - I was about to cry because I wanted to help but couldn't. But I know that I was doing something by being there and I hope that I could do this again next year. God Bless! Sister Anita Marie We began the OTR experience as four high schools each thinking we were so different from the other. We ended the week celebrating in our similarities and having made many new friends. It is significant that with all the tension in the city, these 16 young high school students of very diverse backgrounds opened themselves to understanding the problems, struggles and culture of those living in inner-city Cincinnati. We visited many agencies and talked with people. We began to see the difficulties of supporting a family on a very limited income and we became fami liar with the host of Kourtney Y Robbins agencies making a substantial difference to During my week at Hebrew Union alleviate the problems faced by low-income College, I learned so much about myself such as It was a week that we will always families. what career I would like to pursue and how remember because we met very strong people grateful I should be for the things that I have filled with faith and hope for a better life.and because there are so many people in the city without anything. The students and teachers from we left with a greater personal responsibility to make a difference. other schools were very kind and I feel that I really connected wit them but I connected most with the people in my group. When I arrived at Jessica Schalk HUC I didn't think that I would even talk to the What causes poverty? Why is it so other students involved but we all talked to each hard to recover from it? Wbat ki nds of places other like we bad known each other before are available to the homeless? These were coming to the camp. We talked to each other just a few of the many questions that were most during the story circle that took place on going though my head July 8th through July Tuesday night. 13t11. My favorite volunteer sites were Peace When I arrived at Hebrew Union Camp in Walnut Hills and the recreation center in College to stay for a week, I had no clue as to Mt. Auburn. At Peace Camp we assisted the what was ahead of me. Each day I went out teachers in running their classes every morning with a group to do service for the community for the whole week. While at the recreation center we helped the staff with disabled children. and each day, I had a new and exciting In the beginning I didn't think that the recreation experience. I have been to adult day care center would be one of my favorite sites but I had centers and clubs for little kids, but I had so much fun with the kids there. Working with never served at a soup kitchen or sorted the kids at Peace Camp and the recreation center canned goods at the free store. It was a real gave me so much insight on what I want to pursue eye opener to see people so anxious just to get as a career in the future. I now want to become a a plate of food. It made me appreciate all that teacher. I take for granted. Rosie Ware This week of intensive community service Jaime Tave! The week at the Mayerson Foundation through the Mayerson Foundation Service camp was amazing, and it opened my eyes to Program changed my life in many perspectives. Brandon Weinel many things. I met interesting people who Coming from a sheltered community in Northern The experience of the Mayerson taught me a lot. We worked and experienced Kentucky, I felt extre1~ely unaware of poverty Foundation retreat is something that I will issues and domestic violence right here in the Over-The-Rhine area together. We remember forever. One of the things that stick Cincinnati, only 20 minutes from my school learned about different places people can out the most to me was the Drop-Inn Center. At Bishop Brossai1 in Alexandria. Sooner than I had volunteer. The volunteers at these places were the Drop-Inn Center, I was able to see how jn hoped, I was exposed to the darker side 9f devoted to helping people. They taught us need the community was for low-income Cincinnati, the poor and suffering. I learned some about homelessness. The homeless are often housing. It was amazing to see all the people of the current problems the city is faced with stereotyped badly which I learned the majority who didn't have a home they could call their today such as gentrification and lack of financial of the poor do not fall under those stereotypes. own. Another thing that that I learned is to not support and land ai·ea for shelters. The.se Being able to speak to the people makes me be stereotypical. Most people that that the problems we just don't have in rural suburban aware of how grateful and truly hard working homeless are lazy. They also think that if they Alexandria, Kentucky. I was also exposed to the would get a job, they could get a house. At the many of them are. 1 saw a lot of good in the different and diverse ethnic groups and races in Drop-Inn Center, I learned that almost all people I met. They made me feel completely Cincinnati through this program. I will never homeless have a job or two. This is just some of forget the new friends I made and the places I safe and welcomed while I was working. I the things that I learned while on this wonderful went. Now I know they exist and hopefully in the felt good while helping people and the camp retreat. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Mayerson. sparked something inside of me to continue to future I will take action in volunteering and do work in Over-The-Rhine. exposing others to these places. �STREETVIBES September 2001 What's happened to our children? by Edna Smith Those of you who are not familiar with streetlife would wonder, when a 10 or 12 year old child walks up to you and says, "I got that!" "Got what? A snake, a frog, a book or a flower?" Yet in our inner city, nine out of ten times, it's drugs. Sometimes stolen goods, even weapons. They are following bad examples. They see 19 and 20 year old men on the street, with the gold chains, fancy car, and pocketful of money. They feel this is a way out of poverty and misery. When in truth it is a fast road to prison or death. They live with the constant sounds of gunfire, fighting, drinking gnd using in or around their home. The children are our future, and should be taught respect, morals, values, with emphasis on the things that have real meaning in life. There is a big difference between a "beating" and a "spanking". There is discipline and there is abuse! The government has stepped over the line. Parents should be given free reign in raising their offspring. (Not involving abuse!) Children have an excuse not to behave today. Too many agencies are quick to believe abuse stories, even false ones. It goes back to education starts at home. Teaching children not to worship or glorify the wrong things. This includes hero worship, sports figures, etc. What about good old fashion elbow grease? A paper route? Instead of building arenas for adults and their entertainment, build roller rinks, skating rinks, and an amusement park on the waterfront. Society as a whole, individuals, groups, agencies, parents and friends need to stand up and take responsibility. We need to stop trying to be their friends and take back over being the adult. Make them believe that NO means NO! Guidelines, curfew, supervision needs to be resurrected back into our children's lives. Maybe then we can answer the question, "What's happened to our children?" • Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of man:y volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertin~nt needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help - film (400, 80Q, L'<SO<f), dev~loping help, digital and/or film camera(s~. o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving Ifyou can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, cle Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45:210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-maH: streetvibes@juno.com Page 12 Reflections On the Adrianne Piper Exhibit more violence, and wishes to say that "not all police are bad." Who is speaking from this mountain top with her? No one, including our mayor and the council members, who were absent at the preview opening of the exhibit. Sad but this is Cincinnati, that wants to push this exhibit to the closet room, in the basement of the museum, below by Steve Sunderland the other exhibits and the movies about "caves." I wish everyone reading Well, we are deep in a this were there to see a very cave of ignorance, confusion, and interesting and imp~)ftant exhibit. ·rusrespect...and I don't think the Culturally, museums do not want museum gets it yet. · What they to remind the elite that rioting don't realize is the center of the happens when the unwashed Adrianne Piper exhibit at the masses just have had enough. Contemporary Arts Center: What explodes is the status quo namely, that racism feeds, breeds, and the assumptions that act as a and explodes based on thousands glue in the structure of the city. of cuts and insults and This glue has melted many times confrontations that are unnoticed in the history of Cincinnati, as the in the everyday life of the elite. exhibit makes so clear. But what The poor, the homeless, and is not clear is that the museum minorities know that the insults and other cultural institutions will not stop, or be apologized for, have had a part in keeping the or be the subject bf an exhibit masses out of the stories and holding up the elite mentality as pictures, especially the stories and the pathology of our century: pictures of pain, discomfort, sadly, the elites play the same horror•. as well as joy and tune over and over again, and it achievement. demeans them and minorities and all of us who feel that the elite have really missed the boat. Piper says it over and over in her art: "Don't assume you know anything about me as a woman, as a black woman, as a woman of · black and white parents, and as an artist!" "Shut up and keep your ignorant questions." Oh, we think as we stare at her work, she doesn't want to communicate. Wrong. She is pleading to get beyond the amazing elementary steps we take in the elite cultme 'to try and have the "race" problems explained to us, as if we Adrian Piper, Self-Portrait Ex?ggerating My Negroid Features,, 1981 really cared. Being in the elite means Are museums for black you don' t have to care~ that is the and poor people? Decidedly no. job for the police. And the masses This exhibit stands out-just know this, and Piper is saying: "If because it says we want the masses to see some "home movies you are scared, if you are aware that you and your family are " of the last 4 months and back to targets now for being pulled out 1967. "Hey, there's my brother, of a car somewhere in some city, my friends, and there I am," the and if you want to understand, pictures and stories say. But are then take a deep breath and shut we there, seeing the larger picture up and look, listen and find out as well as the ongoing and why you are having a hard time heartwarming and revolutionary loving people who are different spirit of Ms. Angela Leisure, the from you." mother of the killed Timothy Thomas? Her courage and Note: Dr. Sunderland is a maturity continue to feed my professor in the School ofSocial heart. She states that she Work at the University of "forgives" the officer that killed Cincinnati her son, has no desire for any I ­ ( Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition .for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES September 2001 · Welfare to What? August 22nd marks the five year Anniversary of "Welfare Reform." Low wage working families are being asked to leave our nation's last housing safety net and step broadly into the world of 1nadequage wages. The last two Conference of Mayors reports showed that in no city in the United State~ can a family afford a one bedroom apartment at the federal minimum wage. These arc the people who serve us food, reed ou r children in cafeteria lines, and clean our office minals. At best, wel.fare reform has had mixed results. But overall, the economjc instability of low income families has occurred during the longest economic expans ion in our nation's history. It has occurred during our lowest unemployment rate in over three decades. Who can guess the effect on our nation's poorest families during a period of slowing economic growth or even recession. According to the Urban Institute, families exiting welfare earn $ 1,093 per month. Additionally, over half of these families received wages below the federal poverty line. Over a year Jong period, forty -six percent of these families were unable to pay their rent, mortgage, or utility bills. Is it not time to assert the moral premise that anyone working a 40 hour week should receive a basic living wage? Perhaps this should occur before people are invited to exit our last housing safety net and enter the dark abyss of America's streets. Call (202) 456-1111 , press 0. Ask your Congressional Leaders and President Bush to reauthorize the law to focus on poverty reduction. Support a Universal Living Wage. Richard R. Troxell Universal Living Wage Campaign, National Chairman National Coalition for the Homeless, Board Member The Quiet Queen Dragon Standoff by Danie L. Carr Remember the riots? I' 111 willing co call Las Vegas and ask for lhe odds. when comparing those \\horn are still being seduced b)- the riots. to those" who feel me." when asked Lhat question. I must admit, as a writer of characters. when conducting self-investigations on a specific topic including people, I tend to find comfort in the effort of reviewing '·all angles." Who was right? Who was wrong? What events led to such destructive measures? Was this simply a kindled fire gone ablaze? I can come from Page 13 thi s angle and answer yes to the question above. Many events Jed to the riots. Yet as a young black man Jiving through all this karma, I ask why wasn 't there a riot in Bond Hill or at University Hospital right down the street from high crime areas where thugs failed to respond? Honestly 1 admit there has been sparks-from the kindled fire that went ablaLe - numerous mur<lers in the same general areas based on black on black crime. In Over-the-Rhine. my opinion is social living effects docsn "l allow the human Lo sustain a comfort level where one would reach for a hose instead of using the fire to ignite a bomb. You know. I' ve read articles about these 1iots, yet I refuse to form a format and offer too much open discussion. Most people can form their opinion yet they fail to realize these types of events have taken place Free Trade in Misery imports of goods produced in countries which have lower ethkal standards. Unfortunately, WTO rules make this impossible. In Dr Paul Kail some circumstances, it can even The aim of the World be illegal to inform consumers Trade Organization (WTO) is to bow the different products were force countries to remove trade produced, as this is regarded as a barriers, regardless of the form of discrimination. environmental, social or moral Nor is it possible for consequences. Membership is countries to simply ignore the voluntary; however, following a WTO rules. When th.is happens, 1996 agreement, the WTO has the country "injured" by the worked closely with the IMF and supposedly unfair trade barriers the World Bank. These can demand an amount of money organizations have the power to · equivalent to the losses caused by give or withhold financial the barrier. In addition, the country assistance to a country, based on is labeled as a renegade member the extent to which it has of the WTO, with serious deregulated its economy and consequences. complied with WTO rules. For example, in 1995 the Because the WTO operates EU banned the use of steel-jaw in a moral vacuum, it does not leg-hold traps, and announced that recognize a trade restriction based the following year it would ban the on ethical grounds as legitimate. import of fur from thirteen speci~s Countless laws to reduce sufferi ng unless these traps bad been and preserve endangered species replaced by more humane have been abandoned as a direct alternatives. In the US and result of the WTO. Canada, the fur lobbies lobbied It is inevitably the case that their governments to challenge the animal welfare legislation develops ban through the WTO. Knowing piecemeal. Some countries, such that it would inevitably lose, the as Sweden, are typically at the EU effectively backed down. forefront, wrule others, such as Leg-hold ttaps are cruel Japan and Mexico, are still a few and indiscri minate. When an decades behind. Thus it is critical animal is caught, he or she is in that countries which have high constant pain for hours or days. In welfare standards be able to limit some cases, animals have been so - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . desperate to escape that they have Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesf We need writers, photograpers: editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. since the beginning of time. Yahweh will see each and every one of us threw all these events. At Yahweh, given time, all things will happen and only Yahweh will judge these events. Who wants to be submissive? Who is will ing to investigate with prayer? I studied with a Muslim in Germany back in 1992. He used to say that 85% of the world is deaL dumb, or blind. They don't hear. don't want co hear. Jon· 1 care ro hear, fai 1 Lo hear. or maybe even heard ii from someone else. believing it without inwsligaLing. or. are lazy. easily accepting. etc. All these negatives have an effect {on the question oO the riots. ·'Cincinnati, there·s a riot going on'" aml it just didn' t start in 2001. 1' 11 leave you with a verse or two to show you who I am submissive to; Isaiah, 42:8-9, and Jer. 16:10-21. • chewed off their own limbs. This cruelty is unnecessary: the EU was not asking the fur industry to quit completely, merely to replace steel-jaw traps with more humane alternatives. The ban received widespread support.in EU countries, and was clearly the wiU of the people. Another example _concerns dolphins. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific tuna fish are typically found underneath shoals of dolphins. Fishermen therefore developed a technique for catching tuna in which speedboats are used to chase the dolphins and the fish are caught in purse seine nets. However, the dolphins are also caught up in this, and either drown or are crushed by winches on the ship. Five to seven million dolphins have died because of this method. In the 1980s the US introduced laws which regulated the way in which dolphins were killed by American fl eets, and banned the import of tuna caught using methods which kill dolphins. However, Mexico filed a complaint to GATI, the precursor of the WTO, saying that US regulations were an " unfair trade barrier". Although the US challenged these rulings, wberi Trade... cont. page 18 ·buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBE S September. 2001 " Uhuru in Swahili" By Kunta Kenyatta Freedom (or Uhuru in Swahili) that's what matters most to me, life's number one necessity, making my mark on history. Freedom, in this life, in this world, in this time, I' m gone get mine, Freedom, a free man, take a stand, straighten your hand free the land that's the master plan. Freedom (or Uhurl! in Swahili) a chance to fulfill my destiny. f\frika you shall be free! In my Course of Life by Anthony Watkins · In my course of life I have found something worth Dying for, fiighting for Not to shine for self or to build Some financial decreasing wealth For that will be demolished Loosing its life giving spark • In my course of life . I reject, denounce man of flesh eating Sanken those hepatitis Prick who rob like Robin Hood rob from Poor to give to salvage rich the risk Ya' ll take is a fault mistake You die without horror pride and grace I can't embrace your online lie or Sink my teeth in your blood sucking Pies my people need to open there Eye in my observance of life. Game of Life By DeAndre Feagin, age 14 On the street, as I pray that I get to see another D~y, cause my life seems like it is fading away. Wondering where I'm going to sleep or how I'm going to Eat. It's not fair that people stare and they don't care That I don't have any clean clothes to wear. I can't believe people would act a fool and treat me So cruel, but I refuse to lose this game I didn 't choose. I refuse to lose even if people don' t play by the rules. Homeless By Amberlyn Poole, Age 12 How would it feel to live on the streets, With no place to sleep and no food to eat? Nothing to call her own, feeling all alone. Some people take life for granted, with their Social affairs, big cars, houses, and no real cares, While others have nothing to take for granted. Days go by. What to eat? Snow comes, rain falls What to wear on their feet? Asking themselves How they got there. People can be so cruel. Not understanding what Homeless means, and how they feel let Down, wondering where to go and now. God has a · Purpose for everything in life, and He will make a Way through life's strive. How would fr feel to live On the streets with no one to lend a helping Hand ? You. must be homeless to understand! ART & POETRY Twice as Nice as I could knock on wood everything that People say is not all good Wait! A minute lets flip the script on this senseless event bloods and crips getting -their ass whipped over the Color of their gothic life left stankin in the dirt, Parents riding in a hearse vividly this is being seen young Beam a satin tragedy choosing death without honor they Can't graduate and be a college scholar they can't even Holler in this hollow corpse shell in this institution of death They dwell livening their own hell young youth Untitled by Derrick Johnson Young ,Youth by Anthony Watki~s Young youth turn the volume down The drama down everybody knows That we are in charge of our own fate So why do we fall into Satan baits Young youth there is no limit to what You can achieve if you are a part of god Blessed seed baJ?y, haven babies ain't it crazy Young laid vibrant young thing Why go out to the wild of the wolf to Devour your minds, this is informative Action more than Jackson Act now if you can if you don't want to Cross over to this dying land Beware if you dare if you care why don't You share like the Kings and Queens beware of False witness people playing Russian roulette with Your life. Is it your life or theirs I ask you When I cry it rains ' ! and I create rhyrnes through the confines of my mind's landscape as my soul scrapes the inner core of the earth. l am worth more dead than alive still I strive and thrive with undwindling drive to keep my head to the skys still I rise like high waters in flood season where doors are cracked l ease in finding a place to rest before the day's end and then what will I eat my treat your treat then starts my questioning trend will ends meet Like lost siblings on jenny jones or will I be found somewhere beaten to blood and bones be called off by citizens with cell phones when I have none while l am dying inside your dying to have fun and what about life we only have one but when it comes to everything I have none. We all h~ve a right to hurt and grieve. and in dreams I do believe. I perceive things only. And as I live each soul lives lonely. I guess I am the !onliest cause all I have is my hope and only this. The second very !onliest, !onliest. feel ing ever and I swore I'd never get to this point but we all here together like I said we here • • 4 • ' ~ Page 14 and that's forever. Thunder strikes as I walk through the street. All I have is what I am wearing nothing seems complete. I delete my wants deal with all ~unts . I still cry as my past life haunts my soul 1 close my eyes touch my nose. I stay in my concrete jungle wiggle my toes and things change It seems quite strange. and life is so untamed. up even when I had my shelter it still rained what's gained. My life I thought l owned This but here I am homeless Hook: (when it's cold outside) where do I go, do I go, do I go when I need someone to comfort me (when it's cold outside) who's gonna wipe away my tears who's gonna hear me when 1 cry (when it'·s cold ouL<>ide) lord I am so lonely. Cold Nights By Dash Mealing, Age 13 Cold nights as I walk down the street. <::old Nights' I notice everyone is asleep. One night I wish I could go back ·· home: One night I Think of the little ones dreaming on. Cold Nights and cold days seem like winter Days. Lost Souls by David M. Meyer They roam the land by day and by night In no certain direction until it's j ust right. Very cautiou.s and scared most always confused, In search of a friend or some­ where to be used. A home is in need but not all will be blessed, Some find shelter to the streets with the rest. Their bellies are empty in search of some food, Bodies get kicked and hopelessly abused. Age plays no favor nor does the sex, Your world too could end up in this mess. Most won;t face up to it because it's not them, But sometimes I wish we were all thrown in. Then most would realize what the whole pictures' about, And open their hearts to the homeless no doubt. People don' t realize their bless­ ings in disguise, If you don' t help the homeless you ' 11 find yourself wise. �STREETVIBE S September 2001 Geeze, It's Us In you would sink, and oh how your body would smel l. You'll burn forever and God won't be there. That's not very clever because God is everywhere. "Jesus died for all sinner's You might not be where you confusion, believe it or you're want, but it's really not your dead." choice. I die for my sins .everyday, as Please let me do another stunt, love still pushes me on. for the never-e nding voice. My soul still knows the.way, as I'm delighted to live, and to my ego's motives are wrong. touch this lovely earth. Jesus was closer to his Father Your heart to Jesus give, or than I have ever been. your life will have no worth. For it's said he didn 't bother, to Jesus has me, and I will always play around with sin. have Him. I have no idol, besides an No one can see what you keep, invisible ghost. The light I hold inside will never because he's only within. I can't say I know, for that's a brag or boast. great lie. Jesus spoke the truth and never It's only God's show, so why judged a soul. even try? Perfect since his youth, To figure out life's mysteries therefore he never stole. and explain why we're here. People saw God in Jesus, and Through pages of our history, love through action shone humans still hold onto fear. bright. Just live graciously for the He will always please us. If you Mak.er, until you are dead. don't believe, you're not right. Which in eternity is never, and I'm sorry I don't understand, you will always be fed. could somebody please explain? Learning never ends, and Everyone says they can, but they dreams never die. all feel the same pain. A new life begins, as our souls Jesus died for the One, and it still they cry. was just in the plan. Sitting through life patiently, as Just like the rising of the sun, experience is attained. and the shifting of the sand. Our egos deny b latantly, as To my Creator I only owe, knowledge of love is gained. everything that's anything. Peace is with you, for I will Without him I can't glow, or never leave. learn to truly sing. Love is all that's true, so why I make up my own lyrics, as I not just believe? help to create my song. Without the aid of God's music, Copyright 6101101 Josh Miller words of life just wouldn't All Rights Reserved belong. Jesus isn't my God for he was here in form. On this earth he once trod, keeping humanity warm. He was the son of the Creator, but then so am I . I'll meet up with him later; I'm not yet past this sky. · Everything I say has already been spoken. Heaven 's in this day, I don ' t need a token. I will find my path, for it's already been paved. People still ask me, "Son have you been saved?" Save me from what? My world made up of dreams? My life's never cut, held on by the strongest seams. The Quilt of Eternity 's Love can never be scarred. Through this trip of Uncertainty, my soul 's never marred. I used to think of Heaven and the terrible wrath of hell. Yesterday I talked to my biggest illusion and here is what she said. Shutter Speed ART & POETRY Page 15 Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the C incinnati area, fi~st grade t hrough young adults (under age 25), who would like to do creative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness, peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda 2echmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514. The Street By Britney M, Age 14 On the street as I lay, praying to stay for Another day, my clothes are very brown as I lay on The dirty ground. When people walk pass, I ask for their Trash. I have a little change for a little meal, but yeah, I'm just a person on the street trying to keep it real. OK? by Mister Lee I am OK, then ... I'm not OK. You' re not OK. We're not OK. The City is not OK. The State is not OK. The Country is not OK. With God in my life, The Country is OK The State is OK We' re OK You' re OK I'm OK Thank God. OK? by J immy Heath �STREETVIBES September 2001 State Law for Homeless Education by Christi Keaveny Ohio becomes the second state to pass a law protecting the educational rights of its 35,000 homeless children and youth. The COHHIO Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) led the way in advocating for the passage of Ohio House Bill 94. Current and formerly homeless youth united together to protect every childs' right to attend school. The Columbus area YEP council has been supporting the idea of creating a state law, strengthening the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's homeless childs' right to education, for over two years now. This began when YEP staff members heard many stories of youth being kicked out of school based on their lack of address while experiencing homelessness. While a homeless childs' right to a free, appropiate, public education is clearly stated in the Federal McKinney-Vento law, many local school districts that lacked "McKinney Coordinators" were unintentionally breaking the Jaw by denying access to education to these students. Paul McDole Jr. , Assistant Coordinator of Project Connect (Cincinnati's regional program administering educational support to homeless children) states that he " ...feels the new state law will make it easaier for school dostricts to stay informed of the rights of homeless children to attend their school." He continued to say that, "Cincinnati Public Schools have been cooperative and understanding of the special needs of homeless children. They make the enrollment process for children experiencing homelessness easier, so fewer days are missed while the are in transition." The Columbus YEP council members ranging in age from 12-23, have been great advocates for HB 94. They have written letters of support to Senators, on numerous occasions and encouraged their families, priests and teachers to do the same. While the bill Was being passed, they kept a close eye on the changing language and made sure that it was appropriately inclusive of all homeless children and youth. For more information on RB 94, you can view the legislature at http:// members.tripod.com/yep2001 and by scrolling down to "Ohio becomes second state to ..." See section 17532. Any questions for YEP or Project Connect can be directed to Christi at 357-5720. What is YEP ? The Ohio Youth Empowerment Program is a state wide program sponsored by COHHIO designed to alert people about the on­ going struggles of today's youth. Problems such as homelessness, poor education, and poverty are issues discussed by this committee. The program is run in conjunction with Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center. s Who in YEP? This program consists of young people ages 11-24 who want to inform the public about the pro blems affecting today's youth. They come from many different backgrounds and many have had experience with the Lighthouse. What are YEP 'S goals? The goal of the program is to alert the public and get feedback on what should be done to solve these problems. Also to get the community involved as much as possible. What does YEP do? We are striving to do a lot of things for the community. Some of our . aspired activities include the following volunteer jobs: Recreational Centers, The Drop Inn Center, Animal Shelters, and Kings Island. We will also be looking into doing car washes and other fund raisers to benefit the productivity of the council. The program is entirely voluntary. The group will meet at least twice a month to introduce new members and to set and track our goals. To increase the effectiveness of the p rogram, 5-10 youth will be selected to participate with youth from other cities in the Statewide Leadership Council. The Government can assist the needy in more cre­ ative ways by Linda L. Berger, Victim Advocate As a lifetime member of the Cincinnati community and free-lance victim advocate/ paralegal for the homeless in Over the Rhine for the last 8 years, I have been immersed in the day-to-day issues of the homeless population. I have personally witnessed their daily battles dealing with a basic lack of respect for them as human beings and the lack of concern or assistance from the local community in general. During the recent riots, a local homeless man from Over the Rhine was attacked and beaten and many of the local homeless felt helpless and afraid, in an already dangerous situation. In Baltimore recently, a group of young teens were arrested for "stomping" several homeless victims to death. The homeless situation has reached epidemic proportions in recent years, with no concerted effort to resolve this problem. The homeless status in Cincinnati ·has become even more dangerous, in a community that has not yet united to address this issue since homeless advocate, Buddy Gray, who started the Drop­ Inn Center, was killed in 1996 by one of the men he was trying to help. Recently, Donald Whitehead was appointed as the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless and is the first African American and formerly homeless person to hold this post. While this is a step in the right direction, so much more needs to be accomplished within our inner city community. I have personally witnessed the daily struggles by the homeless with drug and alcohol addictions and last year, a small group of Page 16 advocates who are members of the Vineyard Community Church started an outreach program, called the "Good Samaritan Run" in May, 2000. Our outreach has 12 regulars and other weekly volunteers who, with the support of the Vineyard Church, have been prov iding over 100 box lunches and drinks for the homeless people in Washington Park every Saturday, rain, snow or shine. Our group also provides clothes and assistance into housing and other programs, by providing them with direct information we have placed into what we call our "referral binder" . This binder has been compiled by a member of our group and has every kind of program available that we have tested with former homeless people who are li ving proof that it works. The contacts within these agencies are now working with the "Good Sam" team to cut through the red tape and assist the homeless population. We also ask the people that now have housing and other assistance, to come back to the park and help others to show them that there are success stories. Our Good Sam Ministry believes that follow-up with each person is essential to his or her recovery and we keep in touch with our homeless family. The Good Sam Run is not a weekly ministry but a daily one, with our volunteers assisting the homeless and low income with their needs on our lunch hours, after work hours and on our weekends. We view this as a full-time ministry and are also working with the Mt. Airy Shelter and the City Gospel Mission, since these two groups work with the SAME population as we do and this allows us to pull together our resources to help even more people. Our Good Sam team has visited the homeless living under the bridges, taking blankets and food to those in need, taken them to hospital and doctor visits, cut their hair, helped with their children and any other needs that they have on a regular basis. Our outreach group has a strong relationship with the homeless community and we have won their trust. However, this is still not enough. Recently, a young man, who works as a leader with the Vineyard Youth Ministry Program and is a regular of our Good Sam Run, brought an established progran1 to my attention, called the International Dream Center Network. After reviewing this program, I found it to be what could possibly be the answer to the many of the problems in Over the Rhine. This "Dream Center", also known as the Los Angeles International Church, is located in the heart of the inner city in L.A. There bas been a steep decline in crime in recent years, due to this program, which is part of a ministry of the Los Angeles International Church. This center is a religious anti-poverty program that the Bush Administration wishes to s upport with federal funding to address the basic need s of poverty and the addictions, homelessness and crime that partner with these issues. The local community, churches and tbe police force have come together with this Dream Center in a concerted effort to help the needy and hurting in L.A. The L.A. International Church is now starting a Dream Center Affiliation Program, whereby the Dream Center assists other churches around the world to pattern a program after theirs. The Los Angeles International Church �STREETVIBES September 2001 (Dream Center) offers Biblical training, housing, clothing, food, job training and education to the needy in L. A. and works with organizations, churches of every denominati on all around the world and individuals who share their dream. T his Dream Center has an open door policy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This Dream Center is doing what our Vineyard Community Church and other churches are doing now, but on a much bigger, more organized scale . I have contacted this organization in the hope that with the help of other church organizations in Cincinnati, we can start a Dream Center here very soon, in Over the Rhine. This Dream Center is time ly, in that the federal assistance may be available soon and we could address the multitude of issues in our inner city community by implementing this program. Additionally, this could solve the problem of having just another short term "fix" for the crime and poverty in our inner city, and actuaJJy give hope and a hand up to those in need on a permanent basis. • To all who wish for justice and peace in Cincinnati by James Blackmon I am 21 years old, and have been a resident of Cincinnati my entire life. I have lived in several 'n eighborhoods, including Delhi, Westwood, Clifton, Price Hill, Mt.Washington, North Fairmount, and others. I currently reside in Over-The-Rhine, and have lived there for three years. I don 't have much of a formal education, and I don 't come from a prestigious family, so don't expect me to have an amazing background. For the last ten years, I've been subjected to experiencing and seeing a multitude of prejudices and injustices against all people, not just any one race or class. For this reason, I believe that we as human beings must focus on more than one aspect of achieving peace and unity. I believe that a big part of this is rai sing the awareness and education of the community as a whole, which is not being applied in the amounts needed for change in thi s ci ty. Lately, there has been. a decline of groups active in the fight. From my experiences, I've found that these groups have essentially talked themselves out of existence. I admit, a lot of planning has to go into organizing a movement of this scale, but there is too much plan ning, and not enough actions. As I said, this is a movement. Lets start moving with a little more force. Don't get me wrong, there have been small bursts of activity, the biggest of which so far has been the successful boycott against the Coors Light Festival, but it is only the beginning. There are many ways to approach the situation at hand. I believe we must unite, if not on all fronts, at least with our similarities in mind, to be effective. Ignorance is too high a price to pay for peace. Open up your mind and hearts to what everyone is saying in Cincinnati. You' ll fi nd that most of what you hear is righteously said, and desperately needs to be heard. To those who sit in our city council, grow up. You are not in high school popularity contests anymore. Remember that you are there serving all of the residents of Cincinnati, not just those who have large amounts of political and social influence. Your decisions affect hundreds of thousands of lives. It is time to become a little more serious as to what you hear during public and private council meetings. The reasons vary from member to member as to why you guys aren't doing your jobs correctly, but it has become quite clear to me that the council has become a royal court, complete with a political jester of sorts. To the mayor of our city, I don't understand why you can't unplug your ego from in-between your ears and remove the government blindfold from your eyes. See that we are suffering and hear the cries for change. You took the job that you have believing that you could help create a better city for us, yet HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE Page 17 - you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith and you couldn' t miss the Holy Ghost, for it was every place. I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me. By then my basket overflowed, but I still needed grace. I didn 't forget salvation for salvation - that was free. So, I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill for I thought I had bought enough to do my masters will. Prayer was further down the aisle and I just had to put it in, for 1 knew that when I stepped outside I would rnn right into sin. Peace and joy were plentiful; they were on the last shelf. Song and praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel, "How much do I owe?" He just smiled and said to me, "Take it everywhere you go." Again I smiled at him and said, "How much do I really owe?" He smiled again and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill a long, long time ago." Author Unknown Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 621-5514 As I was walking down life's highway a · long time ago, I saw a sign that simply read "Heaven's Grocery Store". As I got a ]jttle closer, the door swung open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing just inside. I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My child shop with care." Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store, and if you could not carry it all , you could come back for more. First I got some patience - love was in the same row. Further down was understanding Berta's Art Corner Wall Sculpture, One-Stop Employment and Training Center, Over-the-Rhine �STREETVIBES September 2001 DEATH ROW - ---from page 8... mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. See Ohio Revised code 5 122.0 l(A). Transsexualism is a severe mental disorder and legally it constitutes a "serious medical condition ." Phi ll ips. op.c.it. The Sixth , Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth C ircuits, as well as the District of Columbia, have determined that transsexual ism is a serious medical condition. No c ircuit has determined that transsexualism is not a serious medical condition. A transsexual should get professional medical and psychiatric treatment and help. Without treatment or help, worse mental problems could develop. Difficulties encountered attempting to obtain treatment and help include financial, for example. Treatment of transsexualism can be prohjbjtively expensive, especially for a street person without medical coverage. Plain Dealer Magazine noted this indi vidual was not receiving treatment at the time the crimes were committed: he was unemployed at the time of arrest and dined on instant mashed potatoes prepared on a hot plate. Op. Cit., p. 26. It notes, "He bathed every day but refused to wash his clothes." Ibid. It is a well-established medical fact that hormones affect mood and thinking. Hormonal deficiencies can result in psychiatric symptoms. Me ntal abnormalities vary infinite ly in their nature and intensity and in their effects on the character and conduct of those who suffer from them. Where a person sufferi ng from a mental abnormality commits a crime, there must always be some likelihood that the abnormality has played some part in the causation of the crime. The science of psycruatry now recognizes that man is an integrated personality, and that "reason", which is only one element in that personality, is not the sole determinant of one's conduct. One starts with the indisputable medical fact that no significant activity in the brain occurs in isolation without correlated activity in other parts of the brain. As the level of complexity of human behavior increases, so does the degree of interaction and integration. The human personality is viewed as fully integrated system; a defect in one aspect of the personality could spill over and affect other areas. In so far as the view is accepted that the personality is an integrated organism affected in its tota lity by any mental disease or defect it seems to follow that if a mental disease or defect exists at all , it necessarily affects, to some degree, the criminal act in question. Mental disability can impair the Do you find yourself on the outside of the job marhet, looking in? Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure j ob? Sell Streetvibes! . The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's Issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for ZO cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new "endorsl Come in today to sign up! The Greater Oncinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 4SZ10 (Sl3) 421-7803 Page 18 mjnd's functioni ng in numerous ways. Once a disability has been established, it would ordinarily be impossible to prove that it had some likelihood that mental illness played a part in the causation of this person's "racism" and subsequent violent acts. Long before his arrest in 1982, his mental illness manifested itself by a preponderance of evidence in multitude ways. Legally, it would be impossible to prove that mental disorder had no relationship to "racism" and all the rest. Consequently, the Cleveland court should have been informed in 1982-83 that thjs person suffered from " mental illness" and that appropriate treatments were avai lable. (Transsexuals can be successfully treated with hormonal therapy and rehabilitated in a cross gender role. Doe,op.cit., Pinneke vs. Preisser, 623 F.2d 546 (1980)). Unfortunately, court-appointed lawyers and psychiatric experts did not so inform the court! This information was withheld and never presented. As a result, an ill-informed court sentenced this homeless person to DEATH! (lneffecti ve assistance of counsel is being raised on appeal.) The constitution's prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment draw their meaning from "the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society," (Trop v. Dulles, 356 U .S. 86 at 101 , 78 S.Ct. 590 at 598 (1958)). One of the standards of decency that marks the progress of a maturing society is the recognitio n of an indi vidual's NEED for medical and/or psychiatric treatment. And therein 1ies the crux of this enigma! Many of the so-called "best educated" elements in society - doctors and lawyers ­ are still not educated or mature enough to RECOGNIZE when everyone in need of treatment NEEDS it! Billions might be authorized to spend on military budgets to weaponize outer space and provide programs for the people had low priority, especiall y when the needs of the impoverished and homeless are involved. This is a reality we all face today. NO ONE CARES ABOUT US. Oho Revised Code 5 J 22.0 I , et.seq., was codified 50 years ago to protect the civil rights of the mentally ill and to help prevent their punishment in prisons and execution as common criminals should they commit ho micides or other violent behavior. Its purpose was to provide medical treatment (such as hormonal therapy and/or castration, for example) to deal with the mental illnesses underlying some violent behavior and/or homicidal acts. And yet in the case no one recognized that the " racist" involved was actually a severely mentally ill transsexual street person in need of treatment of a mental disorder! The best interests of all are not served by judicial failure to recognize symptoms of mental illness in an accused when well­ respected doctors abdicate their traditio nal role as compassionate healers of those afflicted in body and mind, becoming instead accomplices of executioners. Psychiatrists and lawyers can bamboozle the public and courts while aiding each other to railroad homeless souls to a lonely death in prison by lethal injection: The best interest of everyone would be better served by placing us in hospitals. A more decent, educated_, and mature course of action would be to treat "racism" as a mental illness, especially in this case. The facts cry out for utilization of a more surgical approach to cure what ails some human beings, especially this o ne. Trade from page 13 GAIT developed into the WTO the right to block rulings was lost. Following lobbying from the Mexican tuna industry, and under threat of an appeal to the WTO, the US changed its legislation to allow tuna ki lled usi ng methods that kill dolphi ns to be sold in the US . A further example concerns battery farming of chickens. Although EU regulations on the welfare of farm animals are inadequate, laws in the US are even worse. The present EU minimum standard for chickens since 1995 has been 450 sq cm (70 sq inches) per bird. This is pitiful. Yet, in the US, many birds are kept in half this space. In 2012 the EU will ban battery cages entirely. However, unless the EU has the power to veto the dictates of the WTO, this will have little overall effect on animal welfare. Because of the WTO, it is inevitable that countries with relatively high welfare standards will have their markets swamped with animals kept under more brutal conditions overseas. Many people have argued that the underlying purpose of the WTO and IMF is simply to make the world more comfortable for international corporations. Whether this is true or not, it is clear that they regard protection of the environment and a desire to treat our fellow creatures humanely as an impediment to development, rather than an essential part of it. • �Page 19 STREETVIBES September 2001 . VEGGIE VIBES CHICKEN OUT! By Susan Huesken Chicken and turkey have now become regarded as an inexpensive and convenient low­ fat protein source. Many people now forego red meat and mistakenly believe that they are making a healthier choice when they substitute it with chicken and turkey. Although poultry may not be as much of an artery-clogging health problem as steak (unless you eat it with the skin fried), there are several other serious health concerns and issues. One of the problems comes from the antibiotics that these birds are fed. These drugs are primarily used to make the chickens and turkeys more productive, rather than to cure sickness. Feeding the animals sub­ therapeutic dosages of antibiotics can help make doctor-prescribed antibiotics less effective -and in the most dire cases, completely ineffective agai nst disease in the humans eating the meat. Add this to a processing procedure that critics say is a health hazard in itself, plus the extremely crowded and stressful conditions in which these birds are raised, and we have a health crisis in the making. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria The health community is becoming increasingly worried about the increase in antibiotic­ resistant bacteria. Along with the major culprits: doctors who over­ prescribe antibiotics and people not finishing their prescriptions, scientists are turning to animal agriculture as a part of this problem. The animal agriculture industry disagrees and feels that they are being blamed for problems being created by human misuse. But Dr. Deborah Huang, a science policy fellow at the Center for Science in the Public Interest said, "We feel there's enough science out there to support the conclusion that antibiotic use in animals can contribute to resistance in humans" The Union of Concerned scientists (UCS) estimates, in its 2001 report that livestock producers in the U.S. used 24.6 million pounds of antimicrobials for non-therapeutic use every year. Of this, about 3.5 million pounds is given to cattle, 10.3 million pounds to hogs, and 10.5 million pounds to poultry (since 1985 there has been a 307 % increase use on a per-bird basis). That tonnage would be even higher if therapeutic use was included: a staggering amount compared to the 3 million pounds that humans receive annually. Governmental agencies are now creating task forces and programs to better monitor how ·much of these drugs are really being used, and scientists from WHO, CDC, CSPI and others are demanding that the government issue "Usage guidelines and restrictions". According to a Newsweek article entitled "The End of Antibiotics": "F~ animals receive 30 times more antibiotics (mostly penicillins and tetracyclines) than people do. The drugs treat and prevent infections, but the main reasons farmers like them is that they also make cows, hogs, chickens grow faster from each pound of feed. Resistant strains emerge, just as they do in humans taking antibiotics - and remain in the animal's flesh even after it winds up in the meat case." Salmonella and Camphylobactor Each year, an estimated 1.4 million human salmonella infections occur in the U.S., causing an estimated 80,000 to 160,000 people to seek medical attention, resulting in 16,000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths. According to the CDC, in 1999, salmonella and camphylobactor comprised almost 82% of the total food-born illness cases. Both of these diseases are increasingly associated with poultry. Chickens can even harbor campylobacter bacteria without becoming ill. More than half of the raw chicken in the U.S. has campylobacter in it according to factoryfarming.com. According to the CDC, most human salmonella infections come from the ingestion of contaminated food, especially those of animal origin and an estimated 20 % of retail poultry is contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of c:ampylobacteriosis are diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and a fever, with nausea and vomiting within 2-5 days of exposure. The dianhea may be bloody and accompanred by nausea and vomiting, with symptoms typically lasting one week. Salmonella is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness and exhaustion. These food-borne infections can become potentially life threatening in the young, whose immune systems are typically less developed and in the elderly or immune-suppressed. It is these people who typically seek medical attention and are more likely to die if the antibiotics don't work. Poultry Drugs Banned from Use The scientific and public health communities have been noting more occurrences of fluoroquinolone (a drug class effective against food-borne infections often resistant to other microbials )- resistant campylobacter infections. No resistant strains had been recorded prior to the use of this class of antibiotics in poultry. As a result of this disturbing development, the FDNs Center for Veterinary Medjcine proposed to withdraw enrofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) from poultry use; but after Bayer, the company that manufacturers it complained, the FDA held off. The proposal is still under review. Meanwhile, sarafloxacin, another fluoroquinolone used in poultry since 1995, has been taken off the market. The human drug synercid's (which is used as a last resort for vancomycin-resistant infections) effectiveness is at risk because of the use of virginiamycin, a closely related drug used as a growth promoter in chickens and pigs; virginiamycin is found in as much as 50% of the supermarket chicken, turkey and pork. In Europe, virginiamyci n, as well as three other growth-promoting antibiotics, have already been banned, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Diseased Poultry Aside from the problems associated with antibiotic use, another major concern is that many of the chickens being slaughtered and sold for human consumption are sick and diseased. Many of them are contaminated by harmful bacteria and pus, or are marred by lung and heart infections, cancerous tumors or skin conditions, and because of the inadequacies of the U.S. government's meat inspection system are not condemned. The Government Accountability Project, in conjunction with Public Citizen, revealed some of these meat inspection problems in a damning report called "The Jungle 2000", based on a survey that was sent to 2,340 meat inspectors. Apparently, many of these inspect.ors told of many instances, when they had not taken direct action against contamination (feces, vomit, metal shards, etc.) they had seen, and many had been instructed not to document violations that they had observed. NEXTMONTH­ FRANKENSTEIN CHICKENS! OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV1T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO WASTE Gov·r ON THE POORJ VO YOO? �ZS c Need Help or Want to Help? SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1 ~888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 899-431-8717 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph .House 381 -4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 · Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teen s) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Dev~lopment Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 . Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ROHS HARDWA.RE Helo is Just ' 16-ozBonus Rround the Cornel I ....-1-.4---,4 $2 Size Foam ~ '$)0 9.:> S·~ ~ t ~ § 00 ~-J ~ L'>' ~ "V ~~ 0 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 Sealant . 24" Poly Lawn & Leaf Rake • 13.991 19 l/4"X 29 112" Astroturf Door 14.991 Mat Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241 -1064 Goodwill Industries 771 -4800 G.C. Coalition . for the Homeless 421 -7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-6364 Project Connect ­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis 859-491-3335 Center Women Helping 872-9259 Women Quotations from Women About Women ... A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car. -Carrie Snow Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends. -La.urie Kuslansky A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't. -Rhonda Hansome Behind.every successful man is a surprised woman. -Maryon Pearson � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Courtis Fuller Pg 2: The Demeaning Marketing of Main Street Pg 3: Cover Story: Outdoor Living Poses Challenges for the Homeless Pg 4: Denhart Bankruptcy will Affect Neighborhood’s Poorest Pg 5: Wild Oats Market Donates to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Pg 6: Dead End Tickets Pg 7: Mayor Continued Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National News Pg 10: Words from the Evangelist Great Dylans Ghost Pg 11: Mayerson Summer Service Project Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: The Quiet Queen Dragon Standoff Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: State Law for Homeless Education The Government Can Assist the Needy in More Creative Ways Pg 17: The Government Can Assist the Needy in More Creative Ways Continued Pg 18: Death Row Continued Pg 19: Veggie Vibes Chicken Out! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Susan Heusken Dr. Paul Kali Mr. Lee Christi Keavney Molly Lyons Aaron Pitchford Edna Smith Steve Sunderland Rodney Sutton Riccardo Taylor Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Activists Alicia Beck Artists Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Christi Keavney Cincinnati Courtis Fuller Death Row Dr. Paul Kali Editorials Edna Smith education Evangelist H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath John Halpin Main Street Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Mayerson Mayor Molly Lyons Mr. Lee NASNA National News National Street Newspaper Conference prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Rodney Sutton Sonny Williams Steve Sunderland Street View Susan Heusken Susan Knight welfare Wild Oats Market https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/ae268c9a14166a885a49f160b2d82104.pdf 5f571e25dd48e53bf6695f2f3efea0fc PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBE5 THE -S ATE'S HO £L£SS 6RAP£VINE BuY FROM BAD6£D \fENDORS ONLl' AUGUST 2001 , f ~ GREATER CINCINNATl COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �E'l JGji L ~. . . };L . -----------------~--R· AU6UST2001 --------.....----------­ Street View STANDDQWN, An Urban Oasis By Riccardo M. Taylor By. Alicia Beck Taking a walk down the lanes of "the life" we encounter the usual scenario. People, sleeping on the streets, shouting obscenities, wearing angry faces, looking hopeless. Not seeming to have any place to go or to be. Wasting away the day in the grips of some type of suppressant or other escape valve which allows them to get past the misery which is their own lives. Counting the time in amounts of how much one can consume in a session of drinking. Waiting for the next round of confusion, giving one's all to be counted in the chaos. Help comes in many forms. For the homeless, help may be a new blanket, a warm coat, or help may be the case manager or the chance to move into a new apartment. Providers discuss service options with clients at Standdown Often times, however, to receive these many different services, homeless men and women must travel to a dozen different locations across our city. The prospect of spending one's day forgiqg the way through the urban l{lldsc~pe to make an appointment, -0nly to be required to come back at a later time, c~n be tiring, costly, This is the way of the and time consuming. Frustration everyday life, in which most of the can set in as you are told that you street people fin.d themselves. l)ay do not have the correct in day out the same scenario, never documentation, the correct seeming to change or to get better. appointment time, or you don' t So common that one believes that qualify for services. this is how it's supposed to be. A life without hopes for change, living from day to day, days without hope or dreams. Ah, so this is the view from the street, one which is instilled in the sight of If you turned on your radfo the street person. A seemingly never ending catch all of confusion or your television during the month of July, you probably heard and problems. Where every facet advertisers chattering about of life brings back the misery Christmas in July. Smooth voices which repeats itself at every turn. booming from the speakers, Watching the days begin as they promising no payments until 2002 end. Living a sense of hopeless on a new washer and dryer. Or despair. Longing for yesteryear perhaps they enticed you with a when things were normal. These guarantee of Christmas time interactions are a constant happiness jf you purchased a new reminder of where one wants to vacuum cleaner at a drastically be. Trying to find the way back to reduced price. a sense of the normal world. A As echoes of Christmas in world in which everyday events July bounce through the airwaves, lead to a sense of tranquillity, or at our city's homeless continues to least comfort. In order to wonder- Where's our Christmas in understand the effect of these July? Alicia Beck, Director of the things one must first understand Greater Cincinnati Coalition for what it is like to live on the street when all you have is your wits and the Homeless, says that agencies serving the homeless experience a drastic decrease in the numbers of volunteers and donations during Continued on page 3 Free haircuts are provided to clients at Stand.down On September 20, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is sponsoring the 2001 Standdown, an annual event connecting the homeless of our community with medical services, housing providers, social services, job services, and veteran's services. Homeless individuals will have the opportunity to access dozens of needed services in Washington Park during the one­ day event. Standdown has taken on different shapes over its long history, from a one-day event in Washington Park to multiple day events in other regional parks, but the integrity of the event has remained the same. Standdown continues to provide a fertile opportunity for the homeless to make appointments, c0mplete applications, and receive referrals without the frustrations of running all across the city. Cover Story - Shelters face lean Standdown started over 10 years ago as an event aimed at engaging homeless veterans and connecting them with services of all kinds. Standdown comes from a military term used to indicate a time of regrouping. Over the years, it has grown to address the needs of all of our city's homeless, but maintains its roots in service to veterans with special access to veteran's services. This year's Standdown will be a one-day event that includes both services to veterans, as well as the rest of the homeless population. If you would like to donate to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to help with the costs of Standdown, including supplies, lunch, and equipment, please mail your check made out to GCCH to 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Medical services at Standdown and the holidays, most people really have the giving spirit. But during the spr~ng we have to ration out supplies just to get through the summer." During the summer, schools and churches that normally provide volunteers and food drives are on breaks. "If groups could come together during the summer months, especially while school is out, we could really use the assistance to run our programs," says Hutzel. times during summer months Street View... the summer months. Beck states, "People are very generous during winter months and for this agencies are extremely grateful. But unfortunately, homelessness doesn't retreat with the winter winds. Cincinnatians experience homelessness all year long." Many shelters and feeding programs in Cincinnati worry about the summer months because donations and food drives drop dramatically. The same agencies that experienced overwhelming generosity during the holidays, may look forward to meager summer months, Beck explained. Andy Hutzel of the Drop Inn Center in Over-the-Rhine states that "90% of our monetary and non-monetary donations occur between the fall and winter months. With the cold weather Inside Streetvibes NCH News Reader 1\·1ail Local News Civil Rights Recovery Ne·ws Prisoners News iV1ental Health Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetrv " Page 2 Page4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page9 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �F~·:::l'~•r·.:r.,.·, STREE T VIB ES Aug ust 2001 . The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendar is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a cooe of conduq before being given a Streetvibes :Vendor badge. The Greater Cinciiiliati · Coalitionfor the Honi~iess is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed lo ·ending • homelessness Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. · in GCCHStaft' Alida Beck Executive Director Susan Knight '· Administrative Goordinator Mary Gaffney Receptionist M~ Taylor Receptionist Molly Lyons Americorps* Vista JMD-~ ..._._ ~_ . ...;::::--·..-~-~ ...- · -. --·. ~ Keeping the best as new Editor community as a place for real alternative news reporting. Even the technology for producing the paper has changed and improved. The vendor base bas grown considerably with many people using the program to assist them in finding their way out of desperate situations. Much of the mainstream local media now recognizes Streetvibes as a force of its own. I never would have thought that Streetvjbes would rise to this level after its very After a lengthy absence, humble beg~nnings five years ago. August will mark my return as Streetvibes Editor. I left the It is amazing to see this growth, in Greater Cincinnati Coalition for Streetvibes and the Greater the Hom'efess nearly two'years · Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. I have some big shoes ago to pursue oilier projects and I have found on my retu~· a lot of to fill as the new editor. new faces 'atid lot of changes'. There -is an inclination for including the look and quality of · s0meone just starting.to have grand ideas of what a·thing should Streetvibes. It's exciting to come be and what should be changed or back to all of these positive changes and new challenge~. made "better." .I bri'ng my own personal experience and ideas into Streetvibes has grown in size and this mix but I hope to k:eep intact · circulation. More eolor pages all of the good things that · have been added. There is more diversity and the quality of.the Streetvibes has·become. I don' t ' writing is much better. In have big plans for major changes. addition, the paper has taken on Many people have worked hard an identity all its own, recogillzed over the years to bring.Streetvibes to where it is today and I will . by many in the activist a ~Visfa · Senny Williams Prison News Editor H. Lee Bowen Recovery Editor . _Mental Realth Editor . ~-,,,,.- Streehibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor TBA Vendor Support Solll)y Williams Ptison News Editor H. \,ee Bowen Recovery, Mental Health Editor. Writers Alicia Beck Riccardo ·T aylor Kim Renay Dumas Mr. Lee Jinm)y Heath Molly Lyons John Halpin Pbotomtpheis Jill'lllly Heath • HenryBryant Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer~ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web page: http://cinci.comlgcc;h News From the National Coali.tio~ __ .,. P age 2 respect their hard work. I realize too that I'll never be able to do this work alone. I'll continue to depend on all kinds of input to guide Streetvibes towards excellence. I hope that under my watchful eye, and with the help of our many contributors and volunteers, we will continue to develop and improve the paper for our vendors and readers. This could mean a lot of things; encouraging stories that are compelling for our readership, creating more access to writing opportunities for our vendors and just keeping Streetvibes clean and honest. I hope to bring more photographs and other art into the paper, including work by local youth. The next few months will determine how I will measure up to all of these tasks and how well I can carry on this tradition. Let me know ,h o.w you think we are doing. Write ·or call me and tell me what you would like to see or made improved. Streetvibes will continue to offer.news that you won' t find 'i n the mainstream m~ia. )~the meai;itime I'll contiriue"i9 carcy on the tradition of those who have worked so hard to make Streetvibes what it is today. ~';it~ for t~e Homeless, Wash. DC Section 8 Downpayment Assistance Regulation Proposed See Federal Register, 6-13-01, pp. 32197-202, or www.hudclips.org. Contact Gerald J. Benoit, HUD, 202-708-0477. HUD hopes to implement a Downpayment Assistance program in FY 2002, allowing public housing agencies .to provide one-time downpayment grants. Monthly homeownership · assistance is already permitted. Comments on the proposed rule are-due August 13, 2001. New HAC Report Examines Links Between Rural Housing and Welfare.Refonn . -~~·.,._..,..,.. GCCH- NEWS - f_ ~ STREETVIBES ......;o-.... Case Studies on Rural Housing and Welfare Reform·are available for $7.00 (including postage and handling) from Luz Rosas, RAC, 202-842-8600, luz@ruralhome.org. The HAC News will announce when it is posted on HAC's website; www.ruralhome.org For more information about the National CoaJition for the Homeless and NCH Projects visit t.tie website: http:nationalhomeless.org ' Streetvibes .Vendo r. Code Each vendor has.to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be dis~ributed for a$ I voluntary 6. donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $I. I also understand that I ~l be", able to k~ep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes 7. while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 8. midnight. 4. I agree to treat ochers with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give ,a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 9. I 5. agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distributors. I agree not to de~eive the pu~li~~y'saying that I am collecting for a not-~oi;-profic charicy- or that I am collecting for the '~homeless" iri general. I will be honest in stating that all the profi~ from the .sale ef Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. ·. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless,. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if P,Ossible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distri~ute Streetvibes. �Page 3 STREETVIBES August 2001 Donald Whitehead joins the National Coalition for the Homeless as Executive Direct Reported by Jimmy Heath Donald Whitehead has joined the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) as the newly appointed Execu­ tive·Director. Formerly, Mr. White­ head has served as a program supervi­ sor at Goodwill Industries and as Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home!ess. Mr. Whitehead will step down from his position as Board President of the National Coalition for the Homeless to assume his new role as NCH Executive Director. A Cincinnati native, Whitehead is breakinK new ground by becoming the first African­ American and first formerly homeless Board President, and now Executive Director of the NCH. The National Coalition for the Homeless is the oldest homeless advooacy group in the nation. NCH coordinates a network of over ·3 00 state and local homeless organizations. Its governing board represents 35 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. ~'NCH has a strong record in advocacy for the homeless, from the McKinney . Act to the Community Investment Housing Trust Fund. NCH has continuously steered America towards real solutions to this necess itates. Often the street person just continues not caring or even attempti ng to make change feeling that their plight is set. A life of hardship, seemingly with no way out, only with hopes that tomorrow will bring some relief. There is no remedy, or immediate solution that I can offer that would change the fate of many, however there is the possibility that things can change or be different, so there is hope. Perhaps not for all who are in the throes of the street world, but as I have said time and time again there are those who can be reached. Of course I can 't put enough emphasis on the fact that each individual has to put some effort forward on their behalf. Still I am a firm believer that society as a whole must and has to be a part of the effort if there is to be any lasting and effective result in changing the lives of so many. The responsibility lies with us all and we as a community can make a difference if we pull together and do our part. Lets just hope that we can make some difference in the lives of some of the less fortunate by giving of ourselves what we can. Perhaps that will be just what's needed to create a better community for us all. Street View... from front page nerve to survive. Eating when you can, sleeping where you can, not knowing if tomorrow is coming or even if it's worth the effort. Often using others or being used. Doing what one has to do to survive. Shopping at the Freestore in piles of donated clothing for attire In order to accommodate the need for clean clothes or replacement for worn articles. Sometimes I feel the need to just take a break from the routine and actions which sustain me. Often I take a late night walk, and as I walk down the streets that I usually travel in my waking hours I know where to look for the spots that those who country's biggest failure," live the life bed down for the Whitehead said. Whitehead will night. Every park bench is filled. direct four focus areas; housing, Taking a walk down Central income, health and civil rights for Parkway I find every doorway the homeless. Whitehead hopes to from Plum to Findlay occupied by lead a real grassroots effort to end some street person huddled up homelessness. "I'll bring empathy under whatever they have for to my work at NCH," says warmth or comfort as it might be. Whitehead. "I know what it took Moving along in the night I come to end my own homelessness." across others hanging out trying to Whitehead will begin his new catch a lick or waiting for daylight position August 1, and pledges to so that they can begin the routine work to continue NCH's that their daily survival impressive track record. . • For t4e last 6 years Whitehead has worked in the SUPPORT TH£ GR£AT£R community as an activist and an . CINCINNATI COALITION FOR TH£ advocate for homeless persons. When asked how he felt about HOM£1£ SS AT WILD OATS leaving Cincinnati to work in MARKET 5% DAYI Washington, Whitehead said, "I' ve received so much support from so TH£ WILD OATS MARKET AT ROOKWOOD many people and groups here, from the Drop Inn Center, COMMONS Will DONAT£ 5% OF TH£ ReSTOC, and many others. I have DAY' S N£T PROC£ £DS TO TH£ GCCH ON a great deal of gratitude and I have AUGUST 8, 10011 mixed feelings abo-ut leaving too. It's going to be tough. I've had a real healing relationship with all of SHOP AT WILD OATS MARKET AND DO­ my family here in Cincinnati. I NAT£ TO TH£ GCCHI hope to develop a more inclusive environment for homeless people to get involved in their own WILD OATS MARk£T advocacy." ROOkWOOD COMMONS 1693 EDMONDSON RD CINCINNATI, OHIO 45109 Social Security/SSI Denied? Call John M. Keegan FOR MOR£ INFORMATION, CONTACT TH£ GCCH AT (513) 411-7803. Attor ney at Law P ractice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law D I SC JOCKEY C l i££o rd J o n.es NO FEE UNLESS WE WI N ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ (5 1 3) .230-6353 (S 1 3) 761-3464 e-_'nail: F REE INITIAL C O NSULT ATION SEl~VICE Office :uo\.n e jonesac~ t. • ~-c· Voicem ail ~<-.14 _ c:F ~"'ticxchange- �STREETVIBES August 2001 Readers Respond .... David Mitchell 's article (Cincinnati's Conspiracy, page 3, July) suggests, incorrectly a con­ versation about local officials maintaining lists of political activists. As I recall our conversa­ tion outside of the Justice Center it centered on wether lists were maintained of those who had been arrested during the riots and the related curfew enforcement and of individuals who remained incarcer­ ated. The questioning nature of my comment was due to surprise that citizens had to engage in painstak­ ing record review to piece together a list of those who had been ar­ rested and who remained behind bars, and that such information was neither readily available or imme­ diately obtainable. Make no mistake about it, there is much about the unequal enforce­ ment of the laws and unequal administration of justice in Hamilton County that I oppose and believe both personally and profes­ sionally must be addressed. I just don' t think my comments could be viewed, much less reported, as official "confirmation" that lists of political activists are maintained. Sincerely, Todd Portune (Hamilton County Commissioner) Streetvibes prides itself in being an open forum for the disenfranchised, to voice their opinions, concerns, and stories of struggle. Due to the nature ofthe open forum process, editing articles appropriately is often a difficult-task. Streetvibes makes every attempt to provide guidance and input to the authors ofthe articles in our monthly issues. We maintain a nuetral stance on the articles printed in our forum and articles do not necessary reflect the opinions and official stance of the organizati(Jn. However, we do not wish to misrepresent the statements made by individuals quoted within the paper. We apologize to Mr. Todd Portune for any confusion that may have occurred as a result ofthe misrepresentation ofhis responses, as written by David Mitchell, in MAIL the article entitled Cincinnati Conspiracy in the July 2001 issue ofStreetvibes. Sincerely, Alicia M. Beck Executive Director Temp Services and the Homeless: The Real Deal I read with much interest the article Work Force Blues: Examining Temporary Labor and Homelessness, (June 2001) a well written piece by Riccardo Taylor, a regular contributor to Streetvibes and a frequent vendor. Reading Riccardo's article motivated me to reread A Field Guide to Temping in North America-Urban Edition, a well written article by Bill Policy. Two very different articles, approaching the same subject from entirely different perspectives. As one who has done the temp service thing, I carefully reflected upon my experience in comparison to the perspective offered by my . fellow amateur writers. Not to Page 4 contradict my fellow writers, but I have different thoughts ~t seem most important from my experience. Temporary Services as a rule are not bad business. They fill a niche in the business world. Their are many, thousands who got their permanent benefited positions through a temp job and for them it worked. The question is what is the experience for the homeless worker who goes to the temp service. I believe it is an entirely different experience for most. His primary reason for using this temp service is he/she needs the money today, not next Friday. It is not about career opportunities, benefits or permanent placement. It's about the check. The temp service is just getting a ''body" out to the site. It is unskilled , frequently demanding labor. Usua11y j obs that no one else wants. The service is just about the placement. They don 't care about the worker. They (the Response .... Cont. Page 18 OHIO BICENTENNIAL RIVER NOTE CARDS THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OHIO NATURAL HERITAGE RIVER SYSTEM DESIGNEES, INDEPENDENT RIVER/ WATERSHED PROTECTION ORGANIZATIONS AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT OHIO, AND RIVERS UNLIMITED PROUDLY PRESENTS A SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL PROJECT H IGHLIGHTING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN OUR STATE~ HIST ORY. BY ORDERING THROUGH THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, SO% O J? YOUR CONT RIBUTION WILL GO TO ASSIST OUR WORK! r I . FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CARDS OR WHERE TO PURCHASE THFM LOCALLY, CALL THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AT (S13) 421-7803 OR RIVERS UNLIM1TED AT (SI3) .891-4592. �STREETVIBES August 2001 Page 5 Mary Ann Lederer is serious about making the world a better·place for bad guys to blame when V{e should be giving hugs. Police brutality, racism, the death penalty, they all have to go and be replaced with hugs:" Ms. Lederer practices what she preaches. She's a vegetarian of long standing and an avid organic gardener who relies on friends to help out. She donates paintings to any group with a cause she likes. She's a member of several human rights organizations, and though she can't man the picket line, she still helps. Recently, she photo by Jimmy Heath painted 40 picket signs 1 On July 8 \ dozens of for a protest march. people gathered at Mary Ann Mary Ann Lederer feels lucky. Never mind that she has Lederer's recent showing of her used a wheelchair 24 years, ever paintings at Mullane's Cafe in since an intruder shot her in the Downtown Cincinnati. Displayed were about 25 stylized paintings by spine. Never mind that she has the artist depicting folksy scenes of "absolutely horrid health problems" and almost died twice. brightly colored gardens and people and places. She's also serious about "I paint the world as I want making the world a better place, it to be - sustainable," she says. "I and for her, that begins with kids: want it kind. I see the world as a Every Christmas, she collects upwards of 700 books for the vegetable garden with people neighbor kids in her low-income, holding hands around the earth. I'm for kindness. We too often look predominately African-American The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (5 13) 5 3 3-3402 apartment complex - ~'becau se · they should read," she says. "They need~ to read; but they don 't always have the opportunity. Our complex (Fay Apartments), usually you only hear about it when there's a police run. "I hire the kids, too. Small jobs like taking out the garbage or running to the store or picking up garbage from my garden. Sometimes, just to reach something on a top shelf. And they love it. Don't let anyone tell you kids don ' t want to work." The kids return the favor: "I did three Big Pig Gig pigs. Can you see them in this tiny apartment and me maneuvering a wheelchair around? But the kids helped. They came in and moved them around when I needed to change their positions." Sometimes the kids return the favor iri a bigger way. "The reason I don' t go out alone anymore is because I'm too brittle. Not long ago, I was alone getting out of my car and into my chair. I fell and wedged myself between the chair and the car. If the kids hadn't come along and lifted me into my chair, I'd have been there a long time." She says it again: "I was lucky. See what I mean?" Lederer's pai nti ngs will be on display through August 4m_ For more information contact Mullane's Cafe at 38 1-133 1. Portions ofthis report were excerpted from a Cincinnati Enquirer feature article. Tom Paxton to perform benefit concert for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless.... On September 6, 2001, Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Century The­ ater in Oakley. The concert is a joint fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Riv­ ers U nlirnited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and lov ed aro und th e world and have been recorded by hun­ dreds of artists as di­ verse as Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson and Placido Domingo. "Ramblin ' Boy," "The Last Thing on my Mind," "Bottle of Wine," "Goin' to the Zoo," and "Mar­ velous Boy" are just a few of his planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmen­ ;:::.========================~ songs to have been absorbed into the oral tradition. Nanci Griffith has tal and social programs. Perfor­ said, "I think we are all born sing­ mance dates are: Cincinnati, Sep­ ing Tom Paxton songs." For young tember 6; Columbus, September 7; listeners, Tom has recorded several and Cleveland, September 8. Advertise to Socially The Cleveland concert will be albums of his own songs and sold held at Kiva Auditorium at the Kent his sixteenth book to Morrow Jun­ Conscious Readers! ior Books: "The Story of the Sand­ State University Center (WKSU). man". The concert is cosponsored by Earth Call 421-7803 for more As part of the event, the Greater Shares of Ohio, the Earth Day Coa­ Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ lition, Rivers Unlimited and WKSU information about how less will showcase art produced by - Public Radio. advertising in Streetvibes will work For information about tickets homeless and formerly homeless in­ for your business call Rivers Unlimited at (513) 761­ dividuals in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton ' s performance is 4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coa­ part of a three-city concert tour lition for the Homeless at Custom Sizes Available! (513) 421-7803. �STRE ETV I BES Augu st 2001 Civil Rights in Cincinnati by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Throughout the country there bas been an increase in the systematic violations of the basic civil rights of homeless people. As homelessness becomes more visible, cities have attempted to push the homeless out of sight rather than deal with the root causes of the problem. This phenomenon of criminalizing the homeless has resulted in the arrest, discrimination and brutalization of homeless people throughout the country. As a result many advocacy groups have joined the National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP), coordinated by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). Around the nation some of the ways that homeless are discriminated against include a list of life sustaining conduct crimes. These include such things as being in a park after hours, public nudity when necessary to bathe or use the bathroom, obstructing sidewalks, or any other act that people would prefer to do in their home if they had one. In different cities many of these laws, when enforced against the homeless, are being overturned because they violate the eighth amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment. Other ways that cities attempt to criminalize homelessness are to enact legislation that specifically targets homeless people. For example, a 1995 law was passed in Cincinnati that restricted when and where homeless people could ask for money. The courts struck down this law in 1998 because it placed "undue restrictions on a homeless person's right to free speech." Our goals with this project are to identify ways that homeless people are discriminated against in Cincinnati, to educate homeless people on their Civil Rights, and to implement a system to help homeless people successfully advocate for their rights within the criminal justice system. Our first task toward these goals is to publish a "know your rights" brochure. This brochure, created with the input of homeless people and service providers, should be available by October. Nationally, the goal of this project is to collect data from around the country showing that discrimination against homeless people and low-income people is systemic and widespread. Thus there is need to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide protected class status to homeless and low income Americans. If you or anyone you know has been discriminated against or brutalized because they are homeless please contact John Halpin or Molly Lyons at The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 421-7803. John and Molly would also be happy to conduct presentations on homelessness and Civil Rights for school and community groups. Call for Young Writers and Artists Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), who would like to do c r eative writing or reporting for STREETVIBES on issues such as hom elessne ss, peac e and justice, school, programs for youth, etc . A.page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621·5514. P age 6 Know Your Rights by Molly Lyons and John Halpin Every month we will be highlighting a law or ordinance that affects homeless people in Cincinnati. This column does not replace sound legal advice from an accredited lawyer, but seeks to empower and educate people in dealing with the criminal justice system and their lawyers. Aggressive Panhandling No person shall recklessly interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic in a public place. "Interfere with pedestrian or vehicular" as used in this section means to do any of the following: a) Walk, stand) sit, lie, or grab, touch or approach another person, in a public place, so as to block, inte1fere with, or impede the passage ofany person or any vehicle, or to cause any person or any driver of any vehicle to alter his or her intended direction of travel; or b) Make a request, solicitation or demand for money or other thing of value, in a manner which would alarm, intimidate, threaten, menace, harass, or coerce a reasonable person; or c) Force oneself upon the company ofanother by continuing to communicate a request, solicitation, or demand for money or other thing of value, to another person after the person gives notice or demonstrates by word or action that such communication is offensive, unwelcome, or should cease. "Public place" as used in this section includes streets, sidewalks, parks, plazas, parking lots, driveways, public or private buildings open to the public and doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings. Whoever violates this section is guilty ofa misdemeanor ofthe fourth degree. (Cincinnati Municipal Code,§ 910-13) The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, when upholding a challenge to this law, stated "the ordinance, however, is written and enforced so as to discourage only reckless interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic in public places, not begging or soliciting in general." In other words, panhandling is legal as long as it does not violate any of the above code. Should one be convicted of violating this law, the maximum sentence (because it is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree) is thirty days injail and $1000 fine. Because this sentence carries jail time, one charged has the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Remember that anyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are arrested for panhandling, contact Molly or John at the Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803. �STREETVIBES August 2001 "We are all angels with but one wing, all we need to do to fly is simply to embrace." relaxing bubble bath, a walk in the woods, a quiet moment listening to music you enjoy. These are the luxuries survivors of incest frequently deny themselves, while being open to caring for others needs. Take time for yourself-you deserve it and can enjoy it if you allow yourself to do so. 8. TA.KE A COURSE ON "ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING." Too many survivors are afraid or don' t know how to state their needs appropriately. These classes can help you learn to do so. 9. INVOLVE YOURSELF IN OCCASIONAL CHILDISH ACTIVITIES. Survivors are forced into adult roles at early ages and miss out on a lot of enjoyable activities in their childhood. This involvement in childish activities can make it easier to go back to your necessary daily responsibilities with a fresh outlook. Note from one survivor, "I learned to play 'jacks' and find it a great distraction from every day stress. It is some- thing I was never allowed to do as a child." Recovering from Abuse During the last week I had conversations with two women who are incest survivors. One who had been through therapy and one who had not. Both were alcoholic/addicts and both probably have mental health problems whether they are diagnosed or not. Over the years I have met a few women who have shared about this very painful, and often difficult to discuss experience. It is obviously one of the "recovery necessary" issues that this column is designed to discuss and highlight. 12 Tips From Survivors Who Have Learned What Helps 1. READ all you can get your hands on regarding incest. This will help to stop the feelings of isolation when you see that others have experienced the same. 2. A SURVIVORS GROUP EXPERIENCE. This helps you to see you are not alone, and give you support, understanding and acceptance from other survivors. 3. INDIVDUAL THERAPY. This helps you to be able to identify specific issues you have which is the result of incest. 4. TALKING TO FRIENDS you can trust about the incest. This helps you see how others care for you and encourage you to further trust others. S. Take the time to REVIEW YOUR CHILDHOOD now, through the eyes of the adult you are. With the help of a therapist or group, you'll be able to see that your situation was sick, not you! 6. LEARN TO DO SOMETHING you've always wanted to do. This helps build your self-confide nce, which has been destroyed or never allowed to develop as a result of the .incest. Examples: Learning to play a musical instrument, learning a particular sport, or taking a class in something that interests you. 7. ALLOW YOURSELF TO ENJOY A LUXURY you never seem to get around to: a warm, I 10. HAVE A GOOD CRY! There's lots of hurt and anger in all survivors. A good cry can really clear the air. Note from one survivor: "About once a month, I run the shower hot and full force, then cry my eyes out while showering. I feel like the weight of the world is lifted from my shoulders afterwards." 11. DONT BLAME YOURSELF. Don't blame yourself for the event of the abuse; but take responsibility to heal. 12.CHAOTIC FEELINGS ARE PART OF THE HEALING PROCESS. Find a bal ance between expressing your fe~ling and discovering healthy forms of self-soothing. Responses and Suggestions on What Helps contributed by the members of S.I.G.H., a therapy group sponsored by Karen Lison, M.A., Park Ridge, Illinois, and the Board of Directors for Voices in Action, Inc. Voices in Action, Inc., P.O. Box 148309, Chicago, IL. 60614-8309. �STREETVIBES August 2001 Page 8 that anyone who can read and understand can see how the Dear Streetvibes Staff, judge was helping the prosecution every step of the contains news about the justice system and the I am incarcerated at a prison here way. writings of persons incarcerated Can you explain to me how in the State of Texas. I am a 37 year old homeless male with no to start a Justice for Samuel in our nation's ja~ls and prisons. children or a Samuel and never married. I Fields organization Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. Fields Freedom Ministry Inc., suffer from two mental disorders: If you would like to support us in this effort, please program? I have a substantial Manic Depression and Post Trau­ sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. amount of fund s to start this matic Stress Disorder with Anxi­ program, and if a civil lawsuit ety. I am interested in learning follows my release from prison I Send your comments and questions to streetvibes @juno.com will donate 90% to the homeless more about the Streetvibes news­ mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street organization Streetvibes to paper and how I can qualify for further the cause. Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 shelter arid treatment upon my My mother passed away release, 1119/2004. Please mail me recently and I have no brothers a subscription of the paper every or sisters to speak out for me on Dear Streetvibes, the streets. How much would it month if possible. I would like a I just finished reading the cost me to get enough space in 2002 calendar if available. Thank June issue of STREETVIBES and your newspaper to put my story so you for caring for people like me. was very impressed. I have never that I can get some help from the seen or heard of this newspaper Also , I want to become a distribu­ outside world? before, and I am from Cincinnati tor of the Streetvibes paper be­ I be),jeve that once the What really caught my evidence is public, that I have, cause I meet all code requirements. attention was the article in then they will have no choice but I will distribute upon my release to Prisoners' News about William to give me justice. I will even people who want to know how it Whenever a parent fails to chastise Jonathan Mayo. My situation is settle for a new trial because I kind of feels to be lonely and homeless. its child for wrong acts, the child know they similar to My parents are in heaven and my will continue with those acts. It won 't be his sees the action or acts as able to get brothers and sisters don't write or because pennissible. In this case, the away with send me money at alJ/ But with parents are the wrongdoers, not the ID my the same you all and God I'm not alone. So case the child. When a chi ld is hurt, jn i1lega1 police please mail me the Streetvibes need of medical attention, the --~..... tactics. were paper. It is very helpful to my parents make sure the child AJso, other looking receives the proper care and people will disorder and wish to learn more on for a treatment. If the parent fails to do know what how I can get help when released. male so, it's guilty of neglect. The tq look for Thank you and may god bless all white parent's behavior must be when they of you, and reformed in the pursuit of the go to court black team. My co­ male Ronnie. betterment of the child. so that they are not railroaded. defendant and myself are both Cincinnati's city Council and Thank you for your time black and were never identified by and consideration in this matter, if judicial courts are parents of the Editors Note: We will be sending any witness. Cincinnati Police Department. more info is needed please contact Ronnie a subscription for The police falsely arrested The courts fine and convict blacks me at once. us and to avoid a lawsuit they Streetvibes courtesy ofan at an alarming rate in Cincinnati. Samuel Fields planted and falsified evidence and annonymous donation. Blacks receive higher fines and PO Box 1436 paid a witness $24 1. I have proof longer sentences. Their White Youngstown, Ohio 44501 of all the illegal things that counterparts receive lessor­ happened during my trial, with the imposed fines, sentences and prosecutor and judge collaborating convictions for the very same or with the police to make sure of a more offensive violations of the I also have sworn conviction. law. The CPD is acting in from people who affidavits response to the Courts and City John Perotti Caroll Pless witnessed these illegal acts, but no Council. We only have to look at one will take the time to review last years Jazz Festival. Some my paperwork. businesses are closed and others OSP I need to find a way to raised their prices. City Council how the Courts in publicize and the Courts allowed s uch 878 Coitsville­ P.O. Cincinnati collaborate with the uncivil business practices. police to get convictions in order In order to solve any problem one Hubbard Road Lucasville, Ohio to hide their wrongdoing. must have the complete equation. My situation is this; I have In calling the US Justice Youngstown, Ohio the evidence to prove ALL the Department to investigate the CPD illegal things they did during my they will be handicapped to solve trial, which is the only way I was or form a formula to solve the found guilty. But, since I was problem, without the whole convicted nobody cares. Nobody equation, which includes; the why C incinnati has one questions While we make e.very effort to provide a forum for those Courts, which allows the vicious of the highest conviction rates in without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER and malicious prosecution of the country. Blacks. The Courts of Cincinnati CI NCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ Society doesn' t know that continuously allows the sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the once you are arrested the police prosecution to misconduct prisoners who's writings are represented here. charge you with crimes they know themselves in trials; which is a you did not commit so that you constitutional violation. You can will plead guilty to just one not blame the hand alone for the Then they will tell you charge. theft. The hand is a part of the ·they will dismiss the other body that's controlled by the mind. charges; this way you get a The City Council which simply you plead conviction because takes the Three Monkeys stance; guilty and they get a conviction hear no evil, speak no evil , see no guilty and they because you plead evil. Such "stand still" neglect get to write the other charges off always leads to erosion of an as crimes solved. individual, a group, a city and a I was fortunate to get all nation. concerning my trial the transcripts Leonard Walker, 276-103 go over them myself. The and Ohio State Penitentiary tactics used against my Co­ 878Coitsville-Hubbard Road defendant and me were so blatant Youngstown, Ohio 44505 Prisoners News The City as an Errant Child PRISON PENPAL WANTED #A 167712 .#252-991 SOCF Box 45699 45699 44505 Best Wishes, Denise Gill-Roflow, RN, FNP Thanks for your years of service to those who have been homeless in Cincinnati! �STREETVIBES Au ust 2001 The Mental Health Crisis In Black America chronically ill homeless people­ can often return to productive lives and relationships with the right course of treatment. According to Satcher one availability in minority of the most important things he by Lee Bowen, Mental Health communities, leaving a greater hopes will come out of this report, News Editor percentage of Black individuals "is that number one, we will feelings trapped in the pain and provide parity of access for mental There is a general suffering of their conditions. illness, we will develop programs agreement among many The effects of untreated that eliminate stigma. And we will professionals that there is a real mental illness in the Black get people who need treatment the crisis in the African-American community are obvious. Many, for treatment as early as possible (fat community. The phenomena of example, believe that a large chance under George W. 's excessive stigma and lack of percentage of the homeless people administration). awareness about mental illness is a walking the streets in urban long-standing problem among communities are mentally ill Many, for example, people of color. Fortunately, there individuals who have fallen believe that a large is a growing grassroots national through the social service cracks. movement to heighten awareness percentage of IJ,omeless There is a correlation between the and eradicate stigma. The degree of homelessness we see in people walking the challenge is to get the problem of many communities and the lack of mental illness out of the closet in streets in urban mental health services, says the black community. Gregory John, executive director communities are mentally of the greater Milwaukee chapter ill individuals who have The phenomena of of the National Alliance for the fallen through the social Mentally Ill. excessive stigma and Similarly, the rise in lack ofawareness about suicide among Black teenagers-the service cracks. bulk of them urban males-is linked Several barriers stand in mental illness is a long­ not only to the rise of violence in the way of efforts to address Black standing problem among the culture, but also to a lack of America's mental health needs. people of color. awareness about the nature of First, there is the general suspicion depression and the absence of that Black Americans have for the counselors who are culturally field of psychiatry. It is a That effort has gained sensitive enough to recognize momentum and exposure of late, suspicion rooted in the "legacy of depression in young Black men. racism" in the field of medicine in thanks to the release of two Let's move from the broad national general and in the psychiatry in important reports on mental health released by U.S. Surgeon General perspective ofthis article, particular, says Dr. Carl Bell, originally in Ebony, July 2000, David Satcher. The focus of both president and CEO of the reports was the mental health of and narrow the focus for a moment Community Mental Health to Cincinnati, April 2001. It is the general population. Each Council in Chicago, and a clinical obvious to many the potential for contained key passages addressing professor of psychiatry at the the unrest, riot if I may, that major mental health concerns of University of Illinois School of occurred in many communities, specific interest to Black America Medicine. has existedfor many yeqrs. The and other minority communities. That racism had taken the potential has existed for The first report noted that form of research projects-most generations. What was needed suicide rates for African­ infamously, the Tuskeegee syphilis and provided by the accidental Americans 10-19 years of age had study in which African Americans death ofTimothy Thomas was the more than doubled fro m 2.1 per were unwittingly subjects of 100,000 in 1980 to 4.5 per 100,000 spark. There probably is a rise medical experiments. Compound andfall ofthe level ofanger, in 1995. those incidents with the racist frustration and yes depression, to In a second, equally utterings and writings of many of provide the fuel for the type of lengthy report on the nation's psychiatry's towering sense of mental health released in public unrest that occurred two distrust that you can't chalk to months ago. This phenomenon December 1999, the Surgeon mere paranoia. General's team of experts noted occurs in other cities in many Furthermore, Dr. Bell says, nations across the world. Keep that 1 in 5 Americans-roughly 50 the fact that psychiatric treatment abusing or mishandling any group and psychiatric training is based million people-suffers from some ofpeople with sufficient frequency on Euro-American models form of mental illness, ranging and intensity and you will create from dementia to depression. exacerbates the disconnection an angry volatile group ofpeople. While the incidence of mental between mental health Satcher says that what illness in Black communities is no professionals and the African­ greater than it is in the general makes these phenomena so American patients "And so when alarming is the fact that the causes, population (a fact that I personally African-American people go for like 80-90 percent of all mental disagree with) a tremendous gap treatment, they don't have a sense exists between the need for mental disorders, are treatable, meaning of welcoming," Dr. Bell says. health services and their the sufferers-including the Cultural factors within the community can thwart even the most sincere efforts to extend mental health services to African­ American communities. First and foremost among them is the stigma attached to mental illness. "Were still gathering data about this," says Dr. Steven Hyman, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, "but one of the things we seem to find in African-American communities is that the spirit of self-reliance, which is good, is sometimes combined with a sense of shame about mental symptoms and a belief that you should be able to shake off these symptoms by . · yourself. That kind of thinking leads to people getting into treatment too late." ''There is a lot of shame associated with having a family member who is mentally ill. It's considered a weakness, not an illness. So instead of going to a professional who can help, people tum inward or they tum to faith to help them through." Improving access to mental health professionals and facilities will help. With too few psychiatrists and psychologists serving Black communities, delivering treatment even to those who want it is difficult. "We have to close a fa irly significant gap between the institutions and leadership in mental health and the underserved communities that need those services," says Dr. Bell, who is serving on a task force established by the surgeon general that will issue a report on the mental health needs of minority communities. " It's a matter of connecting the dots between these entities and creating an infrastructure to support them. When we do that, we will have better mental health treatment for Black America." As time allows, I intend to read that study. The information covered in this article only substantiates a lifetime of experience. The mentally ill, were locked away. Kept out of sight, only allowed out for minimum medical and dental treatment, holidays and funerals. I am not an expert on mental illness, but clearly, most of us don't understand enough about mental illness, and need to know more. It's, painful, too often ignored and is having a profound affect upon much, maybe all of our community. �P age 10 STRE ETVIB E S Augus t 2001 In their Own Words .... Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids write about the uprising Through the Peace Project at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over­ the-Rhine, children share their thoughts about the April uprising in Cincinnati. Many of the kids were glad to talk about the situation when given the opportunity. Peaslee prides itself in providing a peaceful place for neighborhood residents, especially children, and continues this philosophy in all of its programming. Peace symbols made by the kids will be used on a peace banner and a t-shirt design. PEOPLE WITH R U BBER BULLETS. l, f �Page 11 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 452lO (513) 621-5514 �EDITORIAL SECTION STREETVIBES August 2001 The Global Costs of Police Brutality in the US May 3 conference on racial profiling in Washington, D.C. It was the advent of the war on drugs that exacerbated the tradi­ conclusions that also will be by Salim Muwak.kil tionally tense relationship be­ As a nation, we've become ignored-until another explosion, tween African-Americans and the that is. rather casual about the issue of police and resulted in historic The beat goes on until police brutality. Unless the numbers of African-Americans America is beaten down. incident triggers an explosion, as becoming entangled in the crimi­ it did last month in Cincinnati, or Charges of police brutality nal justice system. involves extremes, like the 41­ echo from virtually every Ameri­ Study after study has con­ bullet slaying of Am_adou Diallo can city with a significant black firmed the disparate treatment population, yet official America in New York City, Americans are African-Americans receive in the seems deaf to the din. Many not likely to spend much time criminal justice system. The most African-American activists, on pondering the racial profile of recent, released April 19 by police brutality. That's a major the other hand, are expressing Building Block For Youth, re:­ mistake. Reactions to abusive fears that Cincinnati may be a vealed African-Americans are police have provoked major distressing portent. 85.5 percent of youth automati­ urban riots. "We have to remember that cally transferred to ~dult court for almost every [racial] uprising in Commis~ions foqned to drug crimes in IDinois though this country since 1965 has been investigate the causes of these they are just 15.5-percent of the caused by police misconduct," disturbances have often found state's youth population. This said the Rev. Paul Jakes Jr. Jakes that police brutality, or perceived disparity is true, the study notes, . brutality, was a trigger. is president of the Chicago-based despite the fact "white y~uth seli Most of these commissions Christian Council for Urban and use drugs at t,he same; or Affairs, and a consistent critic of were announced with great higher rates than youth of color." · fanfare and promise. They abusive police. He is worried These kinds of racial dispari­ about the explosive potential of recommended we make a bold ties have debilitating effeets on the increasingly rancorous rela­ commitment to eliminate the the African-American community. tionship between cops and black racial disparities bequeathed to As soldiers in the' drug war, police us by our racist past, and that we youth. And he's not alone. departments are in the front line take serious steps to reform The National Organization of of this biased treatment.. Some rogue police practices. Ulti­ Black Law Enforcement Execu­ officers see black youth as the mately, of course, their recom­ tives recently released a report enemy, and in any war, the enemy warning that many American mendations were ignored. eventually fights back. cities are in danger of exploding Cincinnati Mayor Charles Despite the serious dangers Luken announced that he, too, into violence. "There are numer­ involved in this issue, few in ous cities throughout the nation in will form a commission to national leadership seem con­ investigate the unrest that shook crisis-powder kegs waiting to be cerned. There is a growing his city in April, following the ignited by a single incident," concern elsewhere, however. police killing of an unarmed noted the 33-page report, which The international human­ was widely distributed to federal black man. It's likely that rights groups Amnesty Interna­ agencies and lawmakers during a Luken 's commission will reach tional and Human Rights Watch Wish have authored studies that se­ verely condemn some police Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly: on a shoe-string practices in the U.S., particularly budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for as they pertain to the treatment of the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwili of many racial minorities. The European volunteers and C:Lonors. Some of the more pertinent needs of Union also has become increas­ ingly vocal in its condemnation of the GCCH include: racial biases in death-penalty o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified cases. This growing global interest o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, also is prompting African-Ameri­ snacks, etc.) can activists to look outside the o Office and eleaning Supplies country for assistance in their struggle against biased policing. o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), developing Several U.S. advocacy groups are help, digital and/or film camera(s). preparing to present their case against police brutality at the o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, upcoming UN World Conference editing, resear:ch. Against Racism to be held Aug. o Free standi~g metal or wooden shelving 31 to Sept.7 in Durban, South Africa. Unfortunately, we need all If you can help!~ contact us at: , the help we can get. S~e'tVibes, do Greater Cin.c innati Coalition for the Homeless, Salim Muwakkil is a senior editor 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 at In These Times. Published on ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 Monday, May 28, 2001 in the Chicago Tribune e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com List Page 12 The War Against Women Madhu, the government of Afghanistan, is waging a war upon women. Since the Taliban took power in 1996, women have had to wear burqua and have been beaten and stoned in public for not having the proper attire, even if this means simply not having the mesh covering in front of their eyes. One woman was beaten to death by an angry mob of funda­ mentalists for accidentally exposing her arm(!) while she was driving. Another was stoned to death for trying to leave the country with a man that was not a relative. Women are not allowed to work or even go out in public without a male .relative; professional women such as professors, translators, doctors, lawyers, artists and writers have been forced from their jobs and restricted to their homes. One woman was beaten to death by an angry mob of fundamentalists for acci­ dentally exposing her arm.... Homes where a woman is present must have their win­ dows painted so that she can never be seen by outsiders. They must wear silent shoes so that they are never heard. Women live in fear of their lives for the slightest misbehavior. Because they cannot work, those without male relatives or husbands are either starving to death or begging in the street, even if they hold Ph.D. 's. Depression is becoming so widespread that it has reached emergency levels. There is no way in such an extreme Islamic society to know the suicide rate with certainty, but relief work­ ers are estimating that the suicide rate among women must be extraordinarily high: those War.... Cont. on page 19 • Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of'the .views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition .for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES August 2001 What's in a name? A people's dignity.... by Allan Lichtman The Indians are comil).g. The Indians are coming. No, this isn' t some trite line from a Grade B western. It's the new reality in the United States today. Native Americans, once out of sight and mind for us later -immigrants - except for wildly inaccurate movies and TV shows - are on the rise in the United States today. Native Americans are expanding their presence in this country demographically, economically, politically and culturally. And there are some things that they' re just not going to take anymore. Native Americans are expanding their presence in this country demographically, economically, politically and culturally. All of us who believe in the American promise of equal treatment ought to sit up and take notice of what native Americans are saying. In Maryland and elsewhere, native Americans are demanding the elimination from our schools of names of sports teams and mascots that are demeaning to Indians - names like Redskins, Braves, Indians, etc. It's a small matter with large implications. Native Americans are asking that we accord to their traditions and culture the same respect achieved by other groups in this pluralist society. I am not suggesting that people who admire and love their team's Indian name or mascot are in any way racist. But I am saying that we have a large cultural blind spot when it comes to native Americans. Imagine the outrage if an all-white baseball team from an area with a history of racial conflict called themselves the "Fighting Zulus," and its fans cheered them on by thrusting their arms forward in the motion of throwing a spear. Yet Americans long tolerated a team from Atlanta calling themselves the "Braves," which was applauded by fans doing the " tomahawk chop." l s calling a team the Redskins - a profoundly derogatory name that referred not to skin color but to the bloody Indian scalps taken in for bounty - different than calling a team anyone of numerous unmentionable slurs on other ethnic groups? Native Americans are asking that we accord to their traditions and culture the same respect achieved by other groups in this pluralist society. As demonstrated in a recent New York Times special report, beyond team names and mascots, racial stereotypes are also a barrier to the participation . by native Americans in college athletic programs. The report also notes that Native American's communal culture and distrust of white culture can be a barrier to the emergence of Indian athletes in an athletic world dominated by white coaches and managers. We tend not even to notice the debasing of Indian culture: as expressed by the double-dealing FBI agent in the movie "Thunderheart," "Indians are a conquered people," culturally and militarily. From the bloody colonial wars, through the Indian removal policies of Presidents Jefferson and Jackson, and the Indian wars of the post-Civil W'?f era, white settlers mainly viewed Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streeb/ibesf We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. Page 13 Indians as obstacles to progress, to be removed by any means necessary. By the early 20th century, America's· so-cal led "Indian problem" was solved. With native Americans populations reduced, their war-making capacity destroyed, their status as independent nations eliminated, native Americans could be shunted aside on land disdained by the most desperate of white settlers. We tend not even to notice the debasing ofIndian culture: as expressed by the double-dealing FBI agent in the movie "Thunderheart..." Even sympathetic whites often viewed native Americans as from a strictly European perspective. Indians become foils for Wild West shows and movies, the subjects of paternalistic photography and painting. Even Indian bones were routinely shipped off to Washington to be studied and displayed like the remains of some extinct species. Since the rise of the Indian rights movement some 30 years ago, native Americans have sought to reclaim their cultural integrity in the United States. They are now developing the power - and that's what it takes in this country - to make their voices heard. Even Indian bones were routinely shipped offto Washington to be studied and displayed like the remains ofsome extinct species. The American Indian population, down to less than one million in 1970, has since soared to about 2.4 million, making native Americans the fastest growing racial group in the United States. Indians are even beginnii:ig to r~populate their former homelands in the Great Plains, especially in counties losing white population. In the years following the formation of the Nati ve American Rights Fund in 1970, Indians have won important battles in the courts and in Congress. These victories have expanded greatly the ability of native Americans to control their own desti ny and to improve the.ir health, education and personal well being. The federal courts have even required the Interior Department to reform the notoriously mismanaged trust funa it maintains for some 300,000 native Americans. In 1988, federal law confirmed the right of Indian tribes to own and operate casinos on their own lands. Gaming and spin off businesses have vastly expanded the income and wealth of native Americans, greatly improving the quality of life on many tribal lands. Money and votes have also given native Americans the political clout they've lacked in the past. In 1988, federal law confirmed the right of Indian tribes to own and operate casinos on their own lands. Gaming and spin off businesses have vastly expanded the income and wealth ofnative Americans... As demonstrated by Dartmouth College, which changed its nickname from the Fighting Indians to the Fighting Green, schools can eliminate offensive names without losing school tradition or fan support. Maryland bas long been a model for the nation in respecting human rights and dignity. State officials should now do whatever it takes to work with local communities to eliminate names and mascots offensive to native Americans. Think, too, of how this process would offer school children the opportunity to understand Indian culture from the Indian's perspective. Allan J. Lichtman is a Gazette columnist and chairman of the History Department at American University buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (51~) 784~0800 �STREETVIBES August 2001 · Right to fly Walk with your head up, don't look down, the paths that you must travel are no longer forbidden, you have the right to fly-make a sound, Open you eyes see who you are, a work of rut, firmly structured with a strong mind and heart and the abilities to achieve, if something becomes a challenge, don't turn away­ believe in yourself and all that you can do, stand your ground, you have the right to fly-make a sound, reach for new heights, don't allow obstacles to bind you down, spread your wings and fly­ make a sound, if you have something on your mind, one step forward is all it takes, say what you want to say-for the darkness of you shall prosper some day, learn and earn, build yourself a future, plant some seeds and nurture them well and a healthy garden will prevail, no one can hinder what's meant to be, right to fly-right to be free, no matter where you're from or who you are-courage and hard work will bring you far, let the pride of you shine, "because you already have the best weapon to fight with, your mind-no one can take what's truly yours or hold you down, let your talents glow-for the power that you possess comes from within you, it's your right to fly-make a sound. None of us asked f,or or purchased the handicaps that we bare, so the refore we shall not be held back. by Kim Renay Dumas Street Life by Tyrus Humphrey, age 14 Homeless man walking down the street, I hope you find something good to.eat. I don't know what you're going through, but I wish I only knew. You are so courageous and brave. I hope you find a home some bright sunny day. Life is ... by Earl Peeples Life is like a race. . If you're determined, you'll wm. Life is like an obstacle course. In order to finish, you have challenges to overcome, barriers to cross, hurdles to jump over. Life is like a swim. In order to reach land, you have to cross the river. Life is like a jail. Locked up in life with no way out but to succeed in it. Life is like a game, Play like the rules, and you' ll end up on top. BUTT PRINTS IN THE SAND One night I had a wondrous dream, One set of footprints there were seen, The footprints of my · " precious Lord, But mine were not along the shore . . But then some stranger prints appeared, And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?" Those prints are large and round and neat, ''But Lord, they are too big for feet." "My child," He said in somber tones, "For miles I carried you alone. I challenged you to walk in faith, But you refused and made me wait." "You disobeyed, you would not grow, The walk of faith, you would not know, So I got tired, I got fed up, And there I dropped you on your butt." "Because in life, there comes a time, When one must fight, and one must climb, When one must rise and take a stand, Or leave their butt prints in the sand." Author Unknown Submitted by Mr. Lee ART & POETRY P age 14 Senior Moment (Dedicated to Unnie and Sis) Having a senior moment is good. If only we all could! Cause it is so hard for the young to do. Especially if they live in a world that is blue. I guess it just comes with age. Finally being set free from that awful cage. Loving' again is not so bad. Thinking' I'd give all the love I had. Occasionally the young at heart can experience a senior moment. Cause from the good Lord it was sent. Having a senior moment feels so good. If only all the young could! Since life is so tough. And for most it is very rough. So a true senior moment reasons. That real love grows with all the seasons. In a senior moment we realize the world can be cruel and hard. Machines so very tired. Thus taken for granted true love could be. That's awful as far as I can see. Coming to grips with the past. Knowing our present and future is good and will last! Caring for each other is the main thing. And him being as regal as a king.t Yes, it is a good life. For both husband and wife. For us it al worked out for the best. Finally putting all the old feelings to rest. So, to call a spade a spade. It seems as if our destiny has been made. And it is such a good destiny. At long last being happy and forever free! To call a spade a spade means right to .the point in context. Copyright@2001 by Sandy Weber Then, one can imagine Life is so much Bigger than one can 1magme Even though I see, taste, smell, hear, feel and travel while thinking what's happening Am I one who still imagines? And does one who imagines have the a?ility of will, to consume In the confinement of decision making Slip second judgments, one must be fine tuned walking paths that are narrow keeping my eyes on the sparrow The eyes behind my back is Yahweh's Angels Keeping me from the arrows Got love like cupid Information, I group it Don't do nothing stupid then excuse it, like you know I had to do it Fluent. I'm President and CEO of my mental establishment transcend information like the life of a fossil my time will cost you. Air space in ya' mind or wages from your work give you something different you'd think it was a perk Nothing new, News Life is so much bigger than one can imagine Dante L. Carr I Survive by Shavonda Washington, age 14 How can you survive with no food? How can you survive with no water? How can you survive with no place to sleep? That's what people say to me, but I look up in their faces and say I'm surviving. �STREETVIBES August 2001 ART & POETRY NOT OUT LOUD Holy Mercy Not out loud no one can know the anger within you that causes you to lose control, nobody knows of the wrongs you've done, a man is dead-shot by you with a gun, hidden evidence, guilty on the run. But out loud, no one knows the money you collect for your car, shoes and clothes comes from intravenously robbing desperate people of their souls, you thrive on the fact that they' re addicted to the venomous drugs you sell, the light of luxury, as you walk blindly towards hell, "Not out loud quiet and quick never mind who you've just hit, Careless behind the wheel, and alcoholic is too numb to feel ' Wake up! We're Madd! Drunk driving kills ! Not out loud he's so dedicated and she's so helpful and sweet, but are these the ones that you should be warned about before you meet, or did you hear "that sometimes the people that you've been taught to trust are the ones that you should be warned about before you meet," or did you hear "that sometimes the people that you've been taught to trust are the ones you should fear, Not out loud" a child is abducted­ nowhere to be found, In the news and on the radio broadcasters announce ' pictures posted state to state, town to town-soon forgotten, blank visions on a milk carton tossed on the ground. "Not out loud." No! One will believe you when you say I told him no! But he did it anyway, violated in the bright of day, not out loud crimes are committed time after time, out of sight, out of mind, when you stand accused of these senseless acts, guilty as charged. Not this time, temporary insanity is the plea, "It wasn't me" a mis-education ofjustice for all, together we stand­ divided we fall. by Kim R. Dumas The Life By Riccardo Taylor Ah! Now this is the life. Headaches, heartaches, high without worries, life on the edge, no sanity. No problem. Keeping up with the game, waiting for the next hit! Yeah, well today I think I'll take a break. I'll just take a stroll down to the bar and see what's up. Sit around, shoot the breeze. Yeah, think I'll have just one beer. That won't hurt. Ah! That was good! Think I'll have another. Catch a little buzz. Guess I'll take a walk down to the spot, see who's out. Yeah, I got half on it. Let's get a little hit. Um! Man, that was OK. I could use another, can't hurt anything. Day slipping away, what can I say? Did you get your break today? Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I'll take a break then, needed a break from taking a break today, so what can I say? Yeah, this is the life, never have to think twice, just do what you can do. Ah, this is the life, this is what you can call sanity. by Ronald Leroy English Blessed creation of miracles of heaven, on earth Christ thy son OfGod in the Holy Name Though I pray in the world of salvation Of sin and temptation Of doing evil things Salvation I renew your faith Of one feeling Happiness and Peace of Page 15 mostly all their hope. Being poor to some people may be nationality, but most people don't realize that personality is reality. Just because a person may not look like you or wear the same clothes as you do, doesn't mean that they don't have feelings and emotions too. Until you realize that to some people, being poor is a nationality, y0u won't realize that every personality is a reality. mind To find respect I say, repent From alcohol and drugs Of thy blood of Jesus Christ Our redeemer Out of the gates of heaven That we all came from the creation Of love and peace and joy Personality is Reality by Ciara Lindsey, age 12 Some people these days don't understand what it's like to be a homeless man or woman. They taunt and tease these people so that sometimes they lose their faith, and Old Sweater by Lorenzo Massey, age 13 I wear you like an old sweater, arms around me ' warmth and comfort, the worn places I overlook, the tears I hold together. Threads broken at the seams, we hang on, still able to keep the cold from seeping through. The color has faded, but I expect nothing more than the familiar feel, the smell of you. You need not be more than that, I can't expect you to be more. You've always been there as you are, as you always will be, nothing more, but that's enough for me. �STREETVIBES August 2001 · Page 16 One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas. ) by Stephen of Dayton, OH It was an unusual night in Vegas. I'm an architect and I had flown in from Ohio to see this city and was staying at the Stratosphere casino. But, now it was getting late and I was hanging out at the Stardust listening to a band. But, it was time to think about getting back to the hotel. I walked out in front of the Stardust and I started wondering where a couple of other tourist attractions were. I stopped and asked a young man for directions. He asked if I was visiting the city and if I was staying on the Strip. I said "yes" and then he asked if he could come over to my hotel room and take a shower. He said that he was living at the bus stop in front of the Stardust. He said that he could wash his clothes at a laundry but he usually had to find someone to let him take a shower at their place. He looked like a nice kid. Even though he was 33 years old, he seemed like a kid and looked something like a young version of myself. I told him that he could take a shower at my hotel room. I had flown in to Las Vegas a couple of nights earlier during a strong wind storm that took the heat away. And here it was 65 degrees and still very windy. And Pat acted like he was going to freeze to death. Pat...looked like a nice kid. Even though he was 33 years old, he seemed like a kid and looked some­ thing like a young version ofmyself. Being from Las Vegas he wasn't prepared for such a wind chill in the middle of June. So, back he came to the hotel with me and he went in to the bathroom and took a long hot bath. While he was in the bathroom, I locked my valuables in the room safe and decided that I might just as well let Pat sleep in the other bed for the night. I couldn't see myself throwing him back out onto the street in the middle of the night. Pat told me on the way back to the hotel that he was a compulsive gambler. He said that usually every cent that he got he gambled away. When be could find an odd job or bum some money from someone on the street or pawn something he would go straight to a casino and bet it until it was gone. He seemed to remember every time that he ever won or lost any amount of money. He went over and over the circumstances of the winning and losing in his head. He was consumed by it. He said that if someone gave him enough money for a hamburger, he would bet the money and lose it before he could get to a restaurant. So, he was used to going without food. Sometimes when he lost close to $100 he would get mad and a casino manager would photo by Henry Bryant give him a free pass to the buffet. But he had grown to hate buffets and the thought of all that food just sitting out. He told me everything about his life and even insisted on going with me to the place where he usually lived. Pat grew up with alcoholic parents. He said that there was rarely mot-e than a can ofbeans in the house.... .Jt was a bus stop on Charleston near Decateur. I just couldn't understand at the time why he wanted me to visit that bus stop. But, he had spent a lot of time there. He said that living at a bus stop on the Strip was risky because the police patrolled that area too much and he could have gotten into trouble. He didn't know why he was living there the night that I met him. I have my own compulsions and understand the prob­ lem of addiction. I have a problem with food also. I eat too much. Almost always. And I can be a compulsive shopper. I probably own about 500 shirts and dozens of pairs of pants. The trouble is that with the compulsive eating, ' most of the clothes don't fit me. But, I wasn't always a compulsive eater. At one time I was a compulsive dieter. I stopped dieting when I looked at myself in the mirror one time and could see every rib. I didn 't starve myself. I just watched every bite that I ate and never ate any sugar or fat. So, I had studied up on compulsions and the cycle of addiction. And, I had even lectured on addictions to church and civic groups. So, I knew more about Pat than he could tell me. Pat grew up with alcoholic parents. He said that there was rarely more than a can of beans in the house. I asked him if anyone had ever asked him to try drugs and he said "yes, his mother." It was a real dysfunctional family. He was raped at five years of age by his cousin. And he had been seduced as a teenager by his mother's sister and they had a sexual relationship until his mother found out about it. Pat wanted to talk on and on about gam­ bling. I was quite bored by the ~ubj ect. I thought that he would never shut up and go to sleep. He was quite amazed that a stranger who didn't w~nt to have sex with him would actually help him out. He told me that he liked girls but sometimes he did have sex with men for money. Anyway, I sent him on his way in the morning and he said that he was going to the convention center to pick up a check for two days work. I told him that I was spending the day with another architect that I knew in town sight-seeing. But that he could show me around some of the Strip after dinner. Besides gambling, he seemed to know just about everything about the history of each casino. And he sounded like a great tour guide. He was quite amazed that a stranger who didn't want to have sex with him would actually help him out. Well, he went and picked up his check for $65 at the convention center and cashed it and went for a ride on the roller coaster at the Sahara and went gambling and by the time that I caught up with him in the lobby of the Stratosphere after dinner, he was broke again and had nothing to show for it. I think that he might have had the money long enough to get himself something at McDonalds. So, I let him stay at my hotel room again that night and I told him that he needed to get the hell out of Nevada. But he had nowhere to go and no money to get there with. He told me that he went to gambler's anonymous fairly regularly and he understood his problem and was eager to make a change. I told him that he could come back to Ohio and get a job and rent a room from me. That would get him into a world where there wasn't a gam­ bling temptation everywhere you turned. I was getting ready to fly back and I bought him a ticket and took him back with me. In a way he was kind of a project of mine. I wondered if a geographic change in this case would really work. Usually addicts �STREETVIBES August 2001 think that they can run away from their problems but the problem comes right along with them. But, in this case, there were no casinos in Ohio and the Ohio lottery just doesn't seem to interest him since you usu­ ally have to wait hours or days for the results. But, back he came to my house and at first I thought that I was going to go crazy with his constant chatter about the value of Beanie-Babies and football cards. And if it wasn't that, it was girls and sex or food, especially his passion for candy. Well, his work history in Nevada was just awful. He' d been fired or quit from so many places that it was ridiculous. But, Ohio didn' t really need to know much about what went on in Ne­ vada. I had been going to an Italian restaurant every week with about ten friends for almost fifteen years. I had a little bit of influence in that restaurant and knew most of the people that worked there. They needed a busser and I told them that they needed to hire Pat. They did. That was in July of 2000 and he is still working there and one of their best employees. I live close to the downtown and Pat walks to work and out to clubs after work. And he walks around downtown and goes to the adult movies too much. But, all of the walking keeps the weight off which is good because he still eats too much and loves candy and ice cream. Well, his,.,work history in Nevada was just awful. He'd been}ired or quit from so many places that it was ridiculous. And he paid me back for his ticket to Ohio. And he has paid me rent every two weeks when he gets paid. And with working almost forty hours per week and making about $10 per hour with tips, Pat is doing pretty good. He paid me back for the two winter coats that I bought him Last fall. And he paid me back for ta.king him to the doctor to take care of his atbelete's foot and his ear wax problem. And, I took him to the dentist and started him on proper tooth care. Which was a new concept for him, as was going to the doctor for health problems. But, he doesn' t want anything to do with his family in Las Vegas. I think that he is afraid that they will try to get him to move back there. And he knows that he doesn't want that. He's been a great help for me. He goes out and mows the lawn and shovels the snow and cleans the cat boxes and never asks me for a cent in return. And be keeps real good track of any money that he has bor­ rowed from me for anything and he pays me back as soon as he can. He needed some shirts and he would get real happy when I would get him one. Well , in the last year I have bought him around one hundred shirts. Does that prove my compulsive shopping? Hey, they were all on sale! I told him that he will have to buy his own pants and under­ wear. But I used to lend him the money to get those. I did get rather upset at the restau­ Page 17 rant where he works. They told him that be a little homesick. I had dinner with my could wear black pants and a black t-shirt to friend and he told me that his firm needed to bus the tables. So, we got him a couple of hire experienced architects. pairs of black jeans and three black t-shirts. Not small money for someone earning $10 Pat thinks that I am one ofthe smart­ per hour minus taxes. Then the restaurant est people that he has ever met and he' decided that he should wear black dres·s worships the ground that I walk on. · pants and black shirts that button. i got rather upset and took him to fjnd the dress pants and the kind of shirts that they wanted. I took my eyes off of Pat for a couple· of hours and he went to Caesars Palace and And, finding the right type of black shirts was a problem. And, I thought what would a quickly lost every cent that he had and person making minimum wage do without a emptied all of the money out of his bank friend for help. He would have had to take account with his teller machine card. He the bus all over town and just happen to have told me the next day that he didn't deserve about $100 in his pocket to meet the boss's to eat because he didn' t have any money. I immediate requirements. told him that even people without money deserve to eat. So, off we went to the restau­ Usually addicts think that they can run rant. Pat thinks that I am one of the smartest away from their problems but the prob­ people that he has ever met and he worships the ground that I walk on. He is like another lem comes right along with them. brother to me or a son. And, almost every time that we talk on the phone he tells me Well, I took an incentive to leave the Air that he doesn't know where he would be if it Force and Pat took care of the house and cats weren't for me. And I think that I really while I went to California for the Democratic don't know why I stopped and asked him Convention and while I went on a two week directions so late that night or why I let him tour of Europe. I happened to talk to a hotel come back to my hotel room to clean up. clerk in Amsterdam and he had managed to For some reason he kind of scared me. But, get out of Bosnia. I told him about bringing he turned out to be one of the most harmless Pat back from Las Vegas. He said that Pat and interesting people that I have ever met. was probably back in Ohio selling every­ Well, I got the job working for the archi­ thing that I owned while I was in Europe. I tecture firm in Las Vegas and Pat is working told him that Pat was so happy to have a in Ohio and doing just fine. And with him house to live in and a good bed to sleep in taking care of my house on Ohio and paying and regular meals and a job and a washing me rent I was able to move to Las Vegas in a machine and dryer to use and his own bath­ heartbeat to take this new job. He is flying room that he could hardly stand it. out to Las Vegas to spend a week on the 1st Also, Pat is consumed by watching of July. It's his second Las Vegas vacation videos, especially ones about Las Vegas and this year. Pat is a jetsetter. Not bad for when he's not doing that he is usually chas­ someone living at a bus stop a year ago. ing women on the internet. So, Pat has it too And, when he gets here, we are going to go good to risk being homeless again. And out to dinner at the Venetian just like I back in January of this year, I brought him promised him. back to Vegas for a vacation since be seemed �STREETVIBES August 2001 . World News Page 18 Indigenous Leaders Lambast World Bank, IMF By Kintto Lucas, PANAMA CITY communities, and it has proven to be the most controversial matter The policies of the World Bank since the meeting began on Mon­ and the International Monetary day. Fund (IMF) harm indigenous "These organizations lack communities around the world and methods that draw on the indig­ enous world view," with its essen­ are -a new form of colonization, charge native leaders meeting this tial aspects of respect for nature week in the Panamanian capital. and all forms of coexistence, The social programs targeting "which turns them into agents that indigenous communities that are undermine our cultures," stated sponsored by the IMF, the World Biadilla Lino, a delegate of the Bank and by certain non-govern­ Nicaraguan Association of mental organizations (NGOs) are Mayangnas Women. implemented without taking into Louis Macas, representing account the cultural reality of these Ecuador's Scientific Institute of societies, said delegates to the First Indigenous Cultures, said the Millennium Conference of Indig­ World Bank has adapted its dis­ course to the new global reality, enous Peoples, Wednesday. The conference, organized by with a rhetoric that highlights the Panama's Napguana ("core of the leadership of new social actors, earth", in the Kuna language) especially native peoples. "The Association, and sponsored by the World Bank, faced with the criti­ Netherlands Centre for Indigenous cisms of environmental activists and indigenous communities, has Peoples (NCIV-Nederlands Cen­ trum Voor Inheemse Volken), is to added the notion of sustainable conclude Friday with the signing · development to its liberalization strategy and generated a new of the " Panama Declaration" . Approximately 200 indigenous 'ethno-development' discourse," representatives, as well as United he explained. Macas, who is also rector of the Quito-based Interna­ Nations experts and representa­ tives from several international aid tional University of Indigenous Peoples, pointed to the wording of originations and agencies, have spent this week in Panama debat­ the World Bank's policies in ing issues related to native rights setting up a development project that focuses on Ecuador's native and culture. communities. The indigenous leaders have In addition, a study presented dedicated long hours of discussion to the Conference by the UK-based to the impact of the multilateral . Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), institutions' policies on their emphasized the need to pressure the World Bank to improve com­ pliance with its own social and environmental protection policies. "It is crucial that the World Bank include new mechanisms · that facilitate indigenous participa­ tion in the follow-up and evalua­ tion of projects and programs," says the report. The PPP also asks that native peoples, NGOs and the World Bank itself study ways to modify the development param­ eters established by the multilat­ eral financial institution. Stan­ dards must be set in accordance with international law and, if they are violated, the World Bank must be held responsible, states the FPP document. Represented at the Panama conference are indigenous groups from Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Bhutan, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Ecua­ dor, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Mexico, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Rwanda, Russia, Sudan and the United States, among others: The proposals that native presenters and delegates have made this week will be included in the conference's final document known as the "Panama Declaration." Gilberto Arias, chief of Panama's Kuna Yala indigenous region, said the Mireya Moscoso government did not provide sup­ ...... port for the Conference of Indig­ enous Peoples underway here, and Do you find yourself on the outside of the that it had even imposed imrnigra­ tion hurdles for many of the job market, looking In? delegates arriving in the country for the meeting, and prevented Do you want a self-motl"ated, low-pressure some from participating. "Panama's national government Job? often speaks of its Indians at ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~~~ Sell Streetvibesl Tiie monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's Issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the sround. international forums, but has shown little interest in supporting the Panamanian indigenous move­ ment," he said, "and we have now seen how many of our brothers and sisters had problems entering the country." Arias also stressed that an important legacy of this native leaders summit is the recognition of the common characteristics that have kept them strong in the face of external pressures: their ances­ tral sense of solidarity and unity. "If we look at the resolutions of the different indigenous confer­ ences held at the global level and compare them, we will surely find that the governments have never really taken the needs of our peoples into account," stated the Kuna chief. Response from pg. 4 service counselor) talk to them (po' unemployed worker) any kind of way they want. They herd them into unpleasant waiting areas like cattle. Yet, it is about the dependable ones. Usually preference is given to the dependable, regulars. The ones who are for whatever reason locked into this temp work, pay daily, cycle. Men and women who for what ever reason can somewhat manage their lives enough, to be fairly dependable. It ain't enough money. That's a fact. The reality is the situation sucks. Most people don't have a clue as to what this sweatshop industry is really like. It works well for the temp service, adequately for the employer and is like a drug for far to many of the workers. This ain't living, its existing. Working for these temp services is as bad as it gets. That's for real. Quotations from women about women . . . . Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. The hardest years in life are those -Lily Tomlin between ten and seven.ty. I refuse to think ofthem as chin -Helen Hayes (at 73) hairs. I think ofthem as stray Old age ain't no p lace for sissies. eyebrows. -Janette Barber -Bette Davis Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell It for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new vendors/ Come In today to sign upl The Great er Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1.506 Elm Street Clnclnnatl, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 "Georgie-e-e... ifyou want that cool new missile defense system, you 're going 10 have 10 make some room on your toy shelf:" �t STREETVIBES August 2001 War... from page 12 who cannot find proper medica­ tion and treatment for severe depression would rather take their lives than live in such conditions. At one of the rare hospitals for women, a reporter found still , nearly lifeless bodies lying motionless on top of beds, wrapped in their burqua, un­ willing to speak, eat, or do anything, but slowly wasting away. Others have gone mad and were seen crouched in comers, perpetually rocking or crying, most of them in fear. It is at the point where the term "human rights violations" has become an understatement. Husbands have the power Of life and death over their women relatives, especially their wives, but an angry mob has just as much right' to stone or beat a woman, often to death, for exposing an inch of flesh or offending them in the slightest way. Women enjoyed relative freedom to work, to dress generally as they wanted, and to drive and 'aj:>~ar in public alone until 1996. The rapidity of this transition is the main reason for the depression and suicide; Women who were.once educators or doctors, or simply used to basic human freedoms are now severely restricted and treated as subhuman in the name of right-wing fundamen­ talist Islam. It is not their tradition or 'culture', but it is alien to them, and it is extreme even for those cultures where fundamentalism is the rule. Everyone has a right to a tolerable human existence, even if they are women in a Muslim country. If we can threaten military force in Kosovo in the name of human rights for the '/ '.\)\\\• ;": sake of ethnic Albanians, citizens of the world can cer­ tainly express peaceful outrage at the oppression, murder and injustice committed against women by the Taliban. Women's Rights is not a small issue anywhere, and it is UNACCEPTABLE for women in 2001 to be treated as subhu­ man and as so much property. Equality and human decency is a fundamental RIGHT, not a freedom to be granted, whether one lives in Afghanistan or elsewhere. ~ .- .. ~ ><-. -·. ' • ~. ~ •• • - - ­ World News Page 19 Denver Grand Jury Targets and Jails Anti­ Sweatshop Solidarity Activists During the year 2000, there were several hundred leafleting actions at Kohl 's department stores in support of Nicaragua.a sweatshop workers. As a part of this series of actions, in December 2000, the Denver Justice and Peace Committee organized a peaceful leafleting action at a local Kohl 's outlet. During the action, four people dressed as Santa Claus entered the store and spray painted some of the merchandise. Despite their eye-catching costumes, the Santas were not apprehended by security guards or police. On December 15, police entered the DJPC office ·with a searGh ;w.~al)t.. They seized the organization's comput~r disks, donor and membership records, and thoroughly body-searched the only person-of-color present at the time. In the attempt to find the four Santas by disrupting Denver's local activist community, investigators intervit::wed at least 50 financial and activist supporters of PJPC-.sowing fear and discord among activists and virtually destroying the local committee. Now, in what may be part of a national strategy to target anti­ corporate globalization activists, or the action of an overzealous local prosecutor, a grand jury has been convened to determine criminal charges in this case. One activist, Doug ~ohm, was jailed on May 17 for refusing to cooperate with the grand jury, meaning that be has refused to testify in this case. Former DJPC Executive Director David Martin, i~ also expecting that he will be imprisoned for his stance of non-cooperation. The grand jury next meets on Thursday, May 31. The grand jury system is a fundamentally undemocratic tool of the government used to persecute minorities and adherents of unpopular ideologie$. Only the government can present evidence to a grand jury. And witnesses. who invoke their Fifth Amendment right not to testify, as in the Denver case, can have that right taken away by a grand jury by being ordered to testify anyway. Failure to obey the court order to testify .can result in up to a six-month sentence, even though the grand jury may ultimately bring no charges in the case. If the DJPC activists are prosecuted in this case, the implications will be far reaching and may affect the ability and willingness of activists across the country to be in solidarity with sweatshop workers as they attempt to organize unions. The possible international impacts of this case are simply too important to ignore. Denver activists have asked for our solidarity and action-just as Chentex workers did last year. We must show the Denver authorities that we are aware of the tactics they are using against activists who demonstrated, simultaneous to many of you,, at Kohl's. If the repressive actions of the Colorado authorities deter communities from supporting the organizing efforts of workers around the world, then those actions can be seen as an indirect assault on union organizing efforts. A group called the Free Speech Defense Committee has been set up to coordinate support for the Denver activists targete~ in the case. Contact Luis Espinosa­ Organista at 303-864-9303 or lespinos@ouray.cudenver.edu for further information on the case and on ways to support the Denver­ bastfd labor rights activists. ...HAS KEPT HIS PROMISE OF ~I PARTISANSHIP. Streefvibefl'. A proud member of the North Amerit.an 'i>trut Ne\tlspaper Assot.iation tz..ep,resenting over 50 strut ne~spaper& throughout the United 45tates and t:-anada "'"'"'.speakeas~. orglnasna �Need Help or Want to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Hous.ing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 OTA Housing Network 369-0004 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 9?1-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 421-2437 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 Community Action Agency 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women 221-6937 961-4663 O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ROHS HARDWARE . Helo is Just Around the Corner 0-' 73 Qt. Storage Tote with SnaP:On Lid 9.:> ~ ·~ ~ $4 ~ ~<f$~ Q:;qj §' ~~ 0 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 Gal. Bug Stop Home Pest Repellent $6 Digital Alarm Clock/Radio $7 . . • . , .. . . . . . ... • ·•!T• ­ 569-1840 381-4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 421-7803 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Project Connect -­ 357-5720 Homeless Kids 562-8841 St. Vincent De Paul 471-4357 The Emergency Food Center Travelers Aid 721 -7660 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 Thank you for your support• � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Standdown, An Aurban Oasis Shelters Face Lean Times During Summer Months Pg 2: Keeping the Best as New Editor Pg 3: Donald Whitehead Joins the National Coalition for the Homeless as Executive Director Pg 4: Readers Respond Pg 5: Mary Ann Lederer is Serious About Making the World as Better Place Pg 6: Civil Rights in Cincinnati Pg 7: Recovering from Abuse Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: The Mental Health Crisis in Black America Pg 10: In Their Own Words… Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids Write About the Uprising Pg 11: In Their Own Words… Peaslee Neighborhood Center Kids Write About the Uprising Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: What’s in a Name? A People’s Dignity… Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas Pg 17: One Less Homeless Person in Las Vegas Continued Pg 18: Indigenous Leaders Lambast World Bank, IMF Pg 19: Denver Grand Jury Targets and Jails Anti-Sweatshop Solidarity Activists Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen Jimmy Heath Riccardo Taylor Kim Renay Dumas Mr. Lee Molly Lyons Henry Bryant Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Abuse Activists Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Black America Cincinnati civil rights Denver Donald Whitehead Editorials GCCH H. Lee Bowen Henry Bryant IMF Indigenous Leaders Jimmy Heath John Halpin Kim Renay Dumas Las Vegas Mary A. Gaffney Mary Ann Lederer Mary Taylor mental health Molly Lyons Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News police brutality prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Sonny Williams Street Views Susan Knight Women World Bank https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f14f41947c0cc9b6380afaced96efe37.pdf 310fb467ea1eaf62c37d9ae946efbbfb PDF Text Text T E TRI-STATE'S HO)M£ LESS tiRA.PE\flNE BU~ FROM BAD6£D '\fENDORS ONLY' JU TER ~INCINNATI r Y 2001 $1 DONATION �( . JULY 2001 STREET VIEW MT. AIRY By Riccardo M. Taylor SHELTER TO REMAIN OPEN by Alicia Beck Th e cons.tantly changin g perception of the street person' s world is in and of itself a fascinating aspect of the reality of the street world. The detailed changes that occur on a constant basis are both unique in their own right, as well as unpredictable their m occurrence. The idea that • one's whol.e world can change in just a day or even a matter of Riccardo M. Taylor hours is a rea lity that only experience can prepare one for. To give an idea of what I am talking about you will have to bare the narrative I am about to te11. I would appreciate if our readers will keep an open mind realizing tha~ most of those who are subjected to the street life are without the strength or know how to change things. The recent change of season has brought about a new facet of the year round transitions that the street person sees. Although each season has its own needs in the way of survival techniques, the day to day reality ofsurvival is as pertinent. For those who live the life of the street there is no sense of pattern, in that the same thing always works out the same way. For instance, one day may be all right to panhandle whereas the next day may require a different approach (to obtaining money's, or what ever else may be need for the day's survival). The street person has to learn all the games and schemes of the iife'. One has to be able to lie, steal, cheat, or otherwise deceive or outwit his mark, if he is to succeed in obtaining what it is he has set out to get. The most prevalent tool of the street perso ns' cache is deception. Even so, the deception is not always practiced with malice or with intent of hurting anyone, but it · is perceived as a necessary option for the gainful survival of the street person. Trapped in a reality which can only be understood by those live in the street life, all seems right. It is often by any means necessary that the street person believes they can survive. Talcing an up front and personal look at a day in the life of the street person, let us share a day in the street. (Now here we are talking about those who are in the street and 1ive the fast life). After taking care of the preliminaries ie. Bathing, feeding, See View, continued page 19 porary assistance to over 700 men a year. Angered by the County's appar­ ent disregard for the needs of single men struggling out of poverty, home­ less advocates rallied support for the shelter. Advocates efforts paid off in the end when HCDHS recom­ mended to the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners that the shelter remain in county control. In a memo dated June 14th to the Board of Co11nty Commissioners, the HCDHS acknowledged that "Hamilton County has a commi_t­ ment to other local partners in this program (Mt. Airy)". The memo, as drafted by D~vid Krings and Don Thomas, also pointed out that "Tem­ porary housing helps homeless men take advantage of rehabilitative sub­ slance abuse and· mental health counseling. Mt. Airy is a unique component of the local Continuwn of Care Plan, which attracts outside funding for the homeless." However, despite these acknowlSee Mt. Airy, continued page 18 Recent budget cuts at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS) placed the future of Mt. Airy ~helter Cen­ ter for men in jeopardy. However, after considering the importance of Mt. Airy in the continuum of ser­ vices for homeless individuals and with protesters kno.cking on their door, HCDHS has decided to keep Mt. Airy open. On June lst, as administrators at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services continued to dis­ . cuss the impending cuts in their bud­ get, protesters led by the Greater Cincinnati CoaUtion for the Home­ less rallied outside HCDHS offices to garner support for the only county run shelter for homeless men. A few weeks earlier, homeless advocates had been stunned to find out that the long standing shelter had been slated for closure by Don Thomas, Direc­ tor of HCDHS. Mt. Airy Shelter Center has been quietly providing a sanctuary of rehabilitation for . Cincinnati's homeless since the late 1930's. Being virtually the only ser­ vice the Hamilton County Dep~­ ment of Human Services provides Protesters outside the Hamilton County Department of Human Services for men, the shelter provides tern- demand that.Mt. Airy Shelter remain county-run. photo by Jimmy Heath 1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------­ No walls, H OME AWAY FROM HOME Faces scarred bis future Home Dark Blue Clouds quickly overcast a sunny day His last unemploym~nt check Came knocking on his door an eviction notice followed like a hitchhiker Home Away from Hoine Called his brother made arrangements Stood for awhile Nothing felt his ·the water felt borrowed Like lint infringement settled in It was kind of his brother but he had to go and fine another way Home in a Shelter Unknown, crowded strangers sharing the same conditions a place to sleep to come in before curfew. depicted, there's no way out. Property up for grabs thieves' blades scarred jean pockets stole minimal street wages Couldn' t sleep Unfamiliar sounds haunted his ears Street lights reflected restless shadows roaming on ceilings and walls, seeking rest. Circles under his eyes, from guarding the night, one late night he left. Home in a Welfare Hotel Private rooms. Lobby secured. People needed a pass to pass a reason to visit. No stoves, no hot meals, that's the hotel's deal. Elevators skipped stops. Lead-poisoned walls next to children's beds. No neighborhood no neighbors ­ only skyscrapers shield his status. Home on the Streets Too hot, too cold. Memories of yesterday started to efface, his dignity begins to evaporate Hope has been adopted Living quarters: the streets Sleeping arrangements: the trains Bathroom: out of order Kitchen: at the comer He lies down to rest on a dead-end street. VICTOR M. VELEZ REPRINTED FROM " A QUEST FOR ANSWERS" Inside Streetvibes GCCH News Local Ne\vs National News Recovery Ne\\-'S Prisoners News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry l\:lental Health Veggie Vibes Page2 Page3 _, Page6 Page7 Page 8 Pag.e 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �.' STREETVIBES JULY 2001 .. GCCH NEWS Page 2 would appreciate all the help he can get, so if anyone would like to sup­ T he Tri-State's port Streetvibes in any way, please by Dan Marschner tremely important, and Susan let him know at (513) 421-7803. Homeless Grapevine Knight's fiery activism fqrces this Jimmy, I know that you'll take this I hate farewe11s. I always forget pap~r. to consider who and what we paper to a whole new level of excel­ Streetvibes, the Tri-State's someone, and I never can express represent. Miss Mary Taylor and lence: Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ exactly what someone has meant to Miss Mary Gaffney are wonderful pei;: written by, for, and about To Mr. Lee, David Mitchell, me. However, on the occasion of my sources of support and encourage­ Booger Love, and all the other vi­ homelessness, social justice, and last issue as Streetvibes editor, I have ment, and without them the GCCH sionaries: keep dreaming about how poverty-related issues. It is the perfect opportunity. I can't ig­ would_crumble. These people in­ great a paper Streetvibes can be­ published once a month by the Greater Cin£{nnati Coalition for nore it. Here goes... come. You inspired me I am leavjng the Homeless. to search for ways to Streetvibes after an in­ Becoming a Streetvibes make Streetvibes better. credible year to live Vendor is a great way for home­ Your energy for the pa­ and work in Arica, less and other l9w-income people perh~lped maintain my Chile, for two years. I to get back o~ (or stay on) their enthusiasm. will be part of the Je­ feet. Streetvil:ies Vendors are To the vendors: keep suit\ToJunteers Interna­ given an orientation and sign a up the good work. My tional, a group of 80 code of conduct before being friendships with many volull:teers worldwide given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. of you are something who commit them­ The Greater Cincinnati rn always remember. selves to living in soli­ Coalition for the Homeless is a You are a very talented darity with impover­ group of shelters, agencies and group of people, and ished people. Al­ individuals committed to ending you never let things get though I know that my dull around the office. homelessness in Cincinnati experience with JVI is I hope that many of you through coordinating services, an amazing new cha1­ educating the public and ' - - - - - ­ use Streetvibes as a lenge, I leave with a Thanks to my mentor, Tom Billman 1 -and all the other people stepping stone to a betgrassroots organizing. heavy heru1. I wish that that made Streetvibes such a great experien~e. ter position in life. I didn't have to leave photo by Susan Knight Streetvibes' readers ap­ GCCHStaff an the people that made this year me to put my heart and soul preciate all your dedication, and I spired Alicia Beck Executive Director such a wonderful one. Rest assured into Streetvibes, and I can' t thank thank you for expanding my under­ Susan Knight Administrative that I will always hold your memory them enough. standing of homeless people. Coordinator dear. To Mr. Tom Billman, my men­ Finally, to my friends and fam­ Dan Marschner Editor First and foremost, to the read­ tor: thanks for teachiog me what this ily: thanks for believi ng in me. Mary Gaffney Receptionist ers. Without you, Streetvibes would paper believes. Tom was trye first Working at this paper is quite a Mary Taylor Receptionist th'an a pipe -dream. be little more GCCH staff member to'Concentrate rollercoaster ride, yet you encour­ Molly Lyons Americorps * Vista Your support of the. vendors has been exclusi vely on Streetvibes, and the aged me throughout the year. I was Sonny Williams Prison News Editor vital to the health of this paper. Also, newspaper significantly improved able to share my joy and frustration H. Lee Bowen Recovery EdHor Mental Health Editor your thoughts and suggestions about under his direction. Tom provided with you, and you let me rant about the paper have made Streetvibes into the flexibility to keep the paper all the insanity that surrounds home­ Writers a stronger and more relevant publi­ growing and expanding our reader­ Iessness in the United States. I Alicia Beck Riccardo Taylor cation. Thank you for supporting our ship base. Without Tom, Streetvibes would have collapsed in a matter of Dan Marschner Mr. Lee efforts to be the voice of homeless would never have become "one of hours without you. · David Mitchell Brian Garry and impoverished people in Greater the top ten street newspapers in the I will miss Streetvibes and every­ Dana Tetrell John Perotti Cincinnati. You chalJenged me to country" (Michael Stoops, North thing it represents tremendously. Pam Johnson Victor M. Velez improve Streetvibes, and the paper's American Street Newspaper Asso­ Streetvibes is just scratching the sur­ Sonny Williams Lemuel Israel continued success has resulted. ciation.) face of its potential. I hate to go, James Blackmon lyndigoh To the staff of the Greater Cin­ To Jimmy Heath, the former and but I am leaving convinced that the Edna Smith Ben Gilbert cinnati Coalition for the Homeless: future edjtor of Streitvibes: take paper is in good hands. I expect that Susan Hueskcn Steve Sunderland your patience with me has been cru­ good care of my baby. I am confi­ homelessness in Greater Cincinnati Anne Anderson cial to Streetvibes' success. Alicia dent that you will continue to im­ will be only a distant memory when Ronald Leroy English Beck's visionary leadership is ex- prove the paper. I know that Jimmy I return. Kim Ren~y Dumas Tuqman Bahir Taqwt1im STREETVIBES Time to Say Goodbye Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. Photographers Berta Lambert Susan Knight Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Streetvibes accepts letters, poems; stories, essays, original graphics, photos .... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com ~eb page: hUR:ll~incf.comtgccb .. distributors. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary 6. I agree not co deceive the public by saying that donation. I agree not to ask for donations I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or more than $1 . I also understand that I will be that I all?- collecting for rhe "homeless" in able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. general. I will be honest in stating that all the Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. individual vendor. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with while undet the ipfluence of drugs or alcohol. other distributors. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ midnight. supporcing paper created by people who are 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this use abusive language or force someone to give a effort, I will try to spread the word and write donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make stories if possible. someone feel threatened. 9. I understand that failure to comply with any of 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of the above statements will result in me no Streetvibes to persons who are not registered longer being able to distribute Str~etvibes. �' . : : I LOCAL NEWS STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 3 Cincinnati's Conspiracy Speech Read at City Hall by David Mitchell The powers that be are lying and concealing the truth because of their own illegal and unethical acts that they do not want to be made pub­ lic. Using the media to fulfill their own political agenda, placing the spotlight anywhere they can as long as it is not pointing directly at them. Diversionary tactics, misinforming the public, distorting our under­ standing with complete, fabricated versions of what has taken place during the last few months, and for that matter, this entire nation's his­ tory. Now I am a man caught directly in the middle of politics, only be­ cause of using my First Amendment right of ~reedom of Speech to al­ low the public to have access to the truth, rather than to a clever decep­ tion. They're holding a veil over the people's eyes. And, of course, there are always those things that even they do not record in written form because it is evidence that could later be used to incriminate them. Fabricated police reports and ly­ ing testimonies - these were proven in Cheryl Grant's courtroom when one of the protesters was found in­ nocent ofhis charges.· She said that there was no evidence of any crime being comrp.i tted. And so has been the case in a great number of the innocent people who have been ha­ rassed, beaten, and incarcerated. It is amazing how far the city's officials go to conceal the truth. In­ timidation and military tactics are some of their best weapons. Here are some facts about the supervi­ sion of the Police Department: Chief Striker, in 1980, while acting as an undercover drug en­ forcement officer, murdered an un­ armed man simply because he had his hands in his pocket. He was later exonerated and eventually pro­ moted to Chief in the footsteps of his father. Keith Fangman, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, by David Mitchell threatened one individual (during my rights as an American citizen. the TABD protests), "Give me a My name is David Mitchell. I We were maced and denied proper reason to break your legs." The am a reporter for Streetvibes news­ medical treatment. Dehumanized person responded, "Is. exerdsing paper, and I have some facts to speak and demoralized, I was beaten by my right to freedom of assembly a about here today. My story is simi- corrections officers in the injustice reason to break my legs?" Officer Iar to the story ofmany young black center; shocked with tasers, and vili­ Perkins, who was standin_g next to men in this city. I recognize that pro­ fied in the media. We were given Fangman, st~ted, " You do not have tecting fias its risks, but that is no extremely high bonds, subjected to any rights." excuse for Police Brutality. The con­ cruel and unusual punishment. Our Lieutenant Colonel Jankie, dur­ tinued use of excessive force by this constitutional rights cannot be ig­ ing April's protests, threatened me city's police force cannot go unpun­ nored. They will be acknowledged. ished. . I will not and this city will not live many times, saying he was going The harassment, murders, bru­ in fear of any police officers, cor­ to throw me in jail. Not to mention talization and incarceration of inno­ rections officers, or any federal, state the Mt. Adams protests, the day of cent people must be recognized. We or local authorities who are servants the March for Justice when he said the people are outraged at this hy­ themselves of the laws of this land. he was going to have me whacked pocrisy. I will not stand by and be They are here to protect and serve ­ and arrested. silent. The threats made by police, it is the very oath they have taken. Why are our rights being. ig­ · one of whom Lt. Colonel Janke, who They must act as officers of the nored? There are no public offi­ said he would have me "whacked people and not as Gestapos. Give cials who are above the law. These and arrested", to quote bis exact me freedom or give me death in the men are abusing their power, which words, and their intimidation and words written on the back of this was given to them by the people; in military tactics must stop. I was ar­ country's currency; that's all I feel turn it is the people they suppos­ rested along with another protester · the majority of those of you in power edly protect and serve. But not ev­ Saturday afternoon for exercising in this city are concerned with. eryone is receiving an equal administration of the law. The 550 cor­ ings from business to residential to porations that pay taxes directly the homeless, I have made personal back to themselves have been pro­ bylyndigoh contact. I feel like I am searching tected while innocent men, women for a few lost sheep in the midst of and children of all ethnic back­ The voices I hear in Cincinnati herds of goats. These things were grounds have suffered at the hands and the things I've seen. Just a por­ possible to experience because my of the police, acting as a modern tion of one servant's journey. My time has completely been God's day Gestapo. mind goes back to March 30, 2001 time. I have learned that there is no In an unjust system, complete about seven days before the death of such thing as time, just timing, and with an Injustice Center, the rich are two small children and one teenager. God is the Timer. The real war in being protected because of their That's three souls and soon after life is that people are scared to love wealth and the poor are left vulner­ there were the riots, something that each other because they don't know has caused this city and the people each other. Therefore there is no able because of their poverty. in it to take a very close look at them­ understanding and without these we This smoke screen of a FBI in­ vestigation just buys them more selves. We have many groups ac­ won't know how to love each other. time to ignore the ever growing tively living in the city, such as the It is time to throw away religion and number of problems between the angry, terrified, ready_to kill, thieves, pick up God. If tomorrow is not community and the police. They God fearing and of course the chil­ promised to any man then we don 't are discrediting anyone who they dren. From March 30 to present I have time to judge for all shall be believe is a political threat to them, have been blessed to see much. I judged. So that means you really . keeping lists of political activists. have walked all the streets from 3rd control your own destiny by the street to the city of Avondale, from choices you make. 50150 baby! The police have taken Polaroids; Reading Road to Linn St. Every Just a thought for the Fruit of the one of me was taken after I had been street, alley way, abandoned. build­ Mind! maced in Mt. Adams. I received confirmation of the 11sts from Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune who personally told me, "They do have their lists, don' t Cli££ord Jones they?" 1--------------------------­ Soul Searching (513) 761 - 3464 Social Security/SS! Denied? t. • @"C.'oO\.~C C>-~ail: jonesacV Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 Office Voicernail ""·c~ c,~11 <1ticxchange· cF Are you a dedicated indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer ·at Streetvibesi We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION (5 13) .230-635 3 ww- Call 421-7803 for more infonnation. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 4 The first man (a Republican) The black man's face held his back, Bespoke revenge, Six humans trapped For on the faces around the fire As the fo·e passed from sight; by happenstance For all he saw in his stick of wood He notice one was black. in black and bitter cold. Was a chance to spite the white. Each one possessed The next man (a Christian-muslim­ a stick of wood , The last man of this forlorn group jewish-fundamental­ nondennominatinalist) , Or so the story's told. Did naught except for gain, looking across the way, Givi ng on ly to those who gave Saw one not of his Their dying fire in need of logs, Was how he played the game. The fi rst man held his back, . church/temple/mosque/hall For on the faces around the fire And couldn 't bring himself to give Their logs held tight He noticed one was black. The fire his stick of birch. In death 's still hands Was proof of human sin. The next man, The third man sat in tattered They didn't die looking across the way, clothes (from 12th and Republic) from the cold without; Saw one not of his church, He gave his coat a hitch. They died from the cold within. And couldn 't bring himself to give Why should he put his log to use To warm the idle rich. The fire his stick of birch. ZOE RANKIN l THE COLD WITH IN For all he saw in his stick of wood Was a chance to spite the white (police). The last man (Mr. small businessman/politician) in this forlorn group Did naught except for gain , Giving only to those (his customers/supporters) who gave Was bow he played the gan1e. Their logs held tight In death's still hands Was proof of human sin. They didn ' t die from the cold without; They died from the cold within. LETTER ' S FROM ANNA . The third man sat in tattered clothes He gave his coat a hitch. Why should he put his log to use To warm the idle rich. The rich man just sat back And thought Of the wealth he had in store, And how to keep what he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor. TH E COLD WITHIN ...C INCINNATI Six Cincinnatians trapped by happenstance in black and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story's told. Their dying fire in need of logs, The rich man (East Side Executive) just sat back And thought Of the wealth he had in store, anc;l how to keep what he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor. The black man's (George Abdul Anybrother) face Bespoke revenge, As the fire passed from sight; Are you listening Cincinnati? Do you feel me? Does Anyone know what time it is? Do you feel the love in the City? Well, I don' t know about you, but I'm having a little difficulty in feeli ng it. CREAT IVE LIBERTIES TAKEN AND POSSIBLY ABUSED BY MR. LEE OHIO BICENTENNIAL RMRNOTE CARDS THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELI;SS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE · O H IO NATURAL HERITAGE RIVER SYST EM D ESIGNEES, INDEPEND ENT RNERI WATERSHED PROTECTION ORGANI ZATIONS AND HISTORICAL SO CIETIES . T HROUGHOUT OHIO, AND '"·) .. RIVERS UNLIMIT ED PROUDLY PRESENTS A SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTING T HE SIGNIFICANCE OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY. _.., __ ...,. ___ _ BY ORDERING T HRO UGH THE COALITION FOR T H E HOMELESS , 50% OF YOUR CONTRIBUT ION WILL GO TO ASSIST OUR WORK! "'~~1if'... ... GO. ..._ _ _ FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CARDS OR WHERE TO PURCHASE THEM LOCALLY, CALL THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AT (513) 421-7803 OR RIVERS UNLIMITED AT (513) 891-4592 . �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Paxton Sings for the Environment and Cincinnati's Homeless On September 6, 2001 , Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th Cen­ tury Theater in Oakley. The concert is a jojnt fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less and Rivers Unlimited. Mr. Paxton's songs are known and loved around the world and have been re­ corded by hundreds of artists as di­ verse as Pete Seege r , W i I I i e Nelson an d Pl ac ido Domi n go. " Ramblin ' Boy,;' "The Las t Th ing on my Mind ," " Bottle of Wine ," "Goin' to the Zoo," a nd " Marvelous Boy" are just a few of his songs to have Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less will showcase art produced by homeless and formerly homeless in­ dividual s in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Paxton's performance is part of a three-city concert tour planned for Ohio this September to benefit state and local environmental and social pro­ grams. Per­ formance dates are: Ci.nc i n nati , September 6; Co lumbu s, September 7; and C leve­ land, Sep­ te mber.· 8: The Cleve­ land concert wi ll be held at J(jva Audi­ torium at the Kent State Univer s i ty Center ( WKSU). The concert is cospo n­ by sored been ab. Earth Shares ·b d . Tom Paxton will perform at the 20th sor e rnto of Ohio, the th 0 1 t Century Theat~r on September 6, 2001 to Earth Day ~ t ~a ra- benefit the GCCH and Rivers Unlimited. d I l 0 fl . Coa lition, Nanci Griffith has said, " I think we Rivers Unlimited and WKSU -Pub­ are all born singing Tom Paxton lie Radio. songs." For young listeners, Tom has For information about tickets recorded several albums of his own call Rivers Unlimited at (513) 761­ songs and sold his sixteenth book to 4003 or the Greater Cincinnati Coa­ Morrow Junior Books: "The Story lition for the Homeless at (5 13) 421­ of the Sandman". 7803. As part of the event, the Greater The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee ru;id pastries. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Custom Sizes Available! LOCAL NEWS RIGHT TO FLY Walk with your head held up, don't look down, the paths th at you must travel are no longer for­ bidden, you have the right to fly­ make a sound, Open your.eyes see who your are, a work of art, fimuy structured with a strong mind and heart and the abilities to achieve, if something becomes a challenge, don't tum away-believe in your­ self and al that you can do, stand your ground, you hav~ the right to fly-make a sound, reach for new heights, don't a11ow obstacles to bind you down, spread your wings and fly-make a sound, if you have something on your mind, one step forward is an it takes s ay what you want to say-for the darkness of you sh al I prosper Some day, learn and earn, build yourself a future, plant some seeds and nurture th em well and a healthy garden will prevail, no one can bender what's meant to be, right to fly-right to be free, no matter where you ' re from or who you are-courage and hard work will bring you far, let the pride of you shine, because you already have the best weapon to fight with, your mind-no one can t~ke what's truly yours or hold you down, let your talents glow-for the power that you possess comes from within you, it's your right to fly-make a sound. None of us asked for or pur­ chased the handicaps that we bare, so therefore we shall not be held back. Page 5 Soul of my heart In dreams of my mind I pray to God Singing my song Pri ce of hope Loving thy self Glory Hallelujah Blessed in the name of Jesus Christ 0 Lord, King of Kings To come down from Heaven In thy name, 0 Lord I call upon you To save me Aod in the world of sin Of damnation Though I pray Repent Of peace in my Father's house Blessed are thy children Generations Of thy father and mother I stand before you Dare I sit On the throne of judgement RONALD LEROY ENGLISH Emotional hatred of sati sfaction from dealing with people's lies hatred made up of unpleased torment a man's personality of a woman's satisfaction of being alone Connected in heart, mind and soul From dealing with One another's life ln a world of people's life By helping them overcome their mishatred of belief in honor righteousness of trust their feelings of being involved of themselves to do the impossible and that is to go where some has gone before. KIM RENAY DUMAS RONALD LEROY ENGLISH STREETVIBES TELEVISION Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati' Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. July $chedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Friday, July 13, at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, at 9 ·p.m . Friday, July 27, at 5 p.m. Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 6 Scarcity of Resources Often Sends Woinen Back to Abuser by Angela Joyce reprinted from the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine A few weeks ago, I did a presentation on homelessness at a local high school. I always begin my presentations by asking students to tell me what type of person they think of whe n th ey think of homelessness; the response is always the same - male, African-American, older, mentally ill or addicted to drugs and alcohol. Women and children never enter the average person's mind when they think of the homeless; however, women and children are among th e fastest growing populations that are becoming homeless. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, si ngle women make up 14% of the homeless populatio~ and a 1998 U.S. Conference of Mayors survey of 30 American cities found that fam ili es compris~ 38% of th e homeless population. Women become homeless for the same variety of reasons that men do: drugs and alcohol, mental illness, low income jobs, failing health, lack of affordable housing, etc. There is never any one reason why people become homeless. However, one of the unique causes of homelessness fo r women is domestic violence. When a woman decides to leave an abusive relationship, she usually has nowhere to go. Lack of ·affordable housing and constantly full shelters often force women and their children to choose between living with an abuser or on the streets. Twenty-one percen t of -Cleveland's homeless population are fleei ng a domestic violence situatfon. I wanted to hear fir'st hand what it was like to be a homeless woman in Cleveland, so I spoke with three formerly homeless women about their experiences in trying to find shelter and housing. All three women who I spoke with became ho meless because they fled a domestic violence situation. Each of the three women, June, Marie, and Crystal, told me why she became homeless and what she went through to get housing. June's problem began with her husband's drinking and drug use. She f i n a 11 y decided that she could no longer live with hi s addictions and left. She was not prepared to leave, she had nowhere to go, but she' d had enough. June has a family, but she didn't want to be a burden on them, so she tried her luck on her own. June has horror stories of trying to find shelter: "Every place will tell you they ' re currently full and you need to try calling back in a couple of days." You have to be persistent and patient to get into a shelter. The shelters are always full, and even when you can get in you can only stay there for a limited till?e. June spent many nights sleeping in ho spital waiting rooms or bus stations. She commented: "As long as you don' t look homeless you can get away with it, but the moment yo ur appearance begins to slip, they'll kick you out." June finally got into the Displaced Homemakers program and later into a housing program. She is currently enrolled Poverty and Police Violence in Canada by Pam Johnson Toronto, Canada is the largest and richest city in Canada. It is also becoming the meanest city. The rate of homeless and poverty has been steadily increasing for the last J5 years. During what was called an economic boom in the 1990's the social safety net which includes a universal health care system has been steadily eroded. At the same time, corporations and banks posted record profits and the salaries of CEO's increased. Current estimates are that 6000 people are homeless in Toronto and that the number wilJ be 10,000 very soo n. Hous ing is the biggest problem facing the poor, the mentally ill, immigrants and anyone on a fi xed income. Since 1985 federal and local governments have gotten out of social housing. Welfare has been cut, programs for single mothers, day care and educational programs have been eroded. Hand in band with increased poverty and cuts to social services has been a rise in police brutality. Police increasingly harasses people thrown onto the streets. People are routinely swept from parks and other public spaces. Hostels and shelters are not able to deal with the demand- their funding is being cut. Police have kilJed a doze n unarmed people in the last 10 years, most were young men of color. Not a single cop has been indicted even when evidence indicates they did not need to draw their gun. The effect is that the poor are being criminalized and victimized because of their disenfranchisement by a system that rewards the rich. in college, continues with therapy, and is involved with numerous volunteer programs that help the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Marie also became homeless when she decided to leave h er abusive husband. She first spent two days on the telephone talkin~ with counselors and fi guring out her options. Fortunately, they were able to get her a bed at Angeline Christian Home within three days . . At that time, she was not o n 1 Y distraught from her h o m e situation but s he was also very ill and was in desperate need ofsurgery. She stayed a week and a half at the shelter and luckily the staff pulled some strings and was able to get her into transitional housing. "There would have been nowhere for me to go had they not pulled stri ngs for me. I hate to say it, but had I not got into tran sition al housing, I would have gone back to my husband." It was still a hard struggle after Marie was placed into transiti onal housing. She stayed there for fourteen months and she suffered from severe depression and was also recovering from surgery. "It was a hard struggle, b ut I gradually got better. Now I live in public housing, I'm attending bible college and I have a job." June and Marie were both lucky to find a spot in transitional housing, but the majority of women do not make it in. Crystal is ao example. Crystal also fled a domestic violence situation and had no place to go. She wasn' t able to find shelter, so she began working at the temporary labor agencies. Crystal was only qualified for the minimum wage jobs, so by the time taxes were taken out and fees accrued she would make about $30 per day. She would have to eat at a restaurant and get a cheap motel for the night. After this she had five dollars left each day, which was just enough to buy her bus fare for the next day so she could get up and do it all over again. "I would have to be at the temp agency at 5:00 a.m., otherwise you would risk not being sent out that day. It was this endless cycle and I was never even ten dollars ahead." Crystal eventually caught pneumonia and was hospitalized. She was released from the hospital after only two days. After being sick she tried living with friends and even other men, but it never worked out. She is currently living with her family and slowly getting back on her feet. It is not uncommon for women (especially women with children) to have difficulty finding shelter no matter what their reasons for bei ng homeless. The lack of shelter space for women and their children is a nationwide problem. The U.S. Conference on Mayors estimated that 32 percent of requests for shelter by homeless families were denied in 1998 due to lack of resources. In Cleveland there are 50 spaces for overflow/drop-in shelter, 288 spaces available for emergency shelter (the length ofstay is 30-90 days, an~ 252 units. of transitional shelter (length of stay four months to two years). This makes a total of 590 shelter spaces for over 2000 people per night. This reality is increasing being challenged in Toronto. One group, th e Ontario Coalition Against P<;>verty (OCAP), has been regul arly rallying to support the poor and pointing the finger at police brutality. They have been joined by young activists in the anti-globalization moveme nt and by trade unio n activists to keep police violence and poverty in the public eye through militant protests and unified campaigns. When a man was killed by 4 cops after a minor disturbance in a store, a coalition formed to push to bring the killer cops to justice. This coalition, which includes many different groups, has been very effective in bringing the injustice to people's attentio.n and keeping pressure on the police. When Torontonians heard that there was a rebellion on the streets of Cincinnati because police shot a black man, we understood. Many people were in sympathy with people on the streets who want to see real justice done- not the justice of a greedy system. In Toronto, people are increasingly taking to the streets to try to get what they cannot achieve through voting. Even though we are in different countries, out problems and issue are the same. Hundreds of Americans came to Canada in April, 2 weeks after the Cincinnati rebellion, to fight against free trade that's condemning people to poverty around the world. Hundreds of Canadians will be in Washington DC in September to challenge the World Bank/IMF. We need to build our solidarity across the border and continue to fight for a world for human need , not corporate greed. Submitted by Grady Cook. is �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 All I Want For Christmas is.. . tio n inn life~ To feel whole, loved and needed? To know what o ne's Wh at do people in *recovery purpose "in life, and to be fulfilled in want? No, not their two fro nt teeth. being you? To have enough joy and It was a cute sohg but people who love in your.life, that you sometimes are trying to recovery from life have some to share? To re'!Jlze, that_ threatening, chronic, deDilitating ill­ eveh in your w()rst state, som~one . nesses are seeking any number of "loves you, not in...spite of, but because personalized wants and.needs. Good · of? To "recognize th,at the whole of health; •a1j'~b ov.better job, a healthy creation would be incomple te-with­ relationship, a home; the list could out you? Whatever your infirmity go o n forever. I once read a book, or problem, joy and serenity are still the name of which escapes me, that achievable . suggested that most people in recov­ Maybe serenity is being reason­ ery really want serenity or peace. ably comfortable in your own skin. That thou ght immediately sent to I'm certain that it requires a little visit Webster. Serenity is defined as humility, a quality that I have fail ed the quality of state of being serene. miserably to maintai n most of my Serene is defined as 2. not disturbed _ life. or troubled; calm, peaceful , tranquil. I remember a line from the mini­ Sounds .... good doesn' t it? Unless series "Roots," spoken by Cicely you' re so me kind of exc ite ment Tyson where she remarked some­ freak, given the world that we live thing like, "they squat down behind in, who could not want peace? If two beiots, just like me ." Maybe you live long enough, you learn a humiljty is recognizing that we all few things. One, stress kills and two, got to "squ at down behind ·iwo money does not buy you happiness. boots," no matter our color, age, so­ (ls two enough to qualify as a few, cial status or education. I read that humility is not trying to be better well just in case here's another. Ev­ erybody beyond the age of 15 sec­ than or being less than, but just be­ o nds is recovering from something, ing equal to, a worker among work­ whether they realize it or not.) ers. When you boil it down, don 't we *Recovery is, in this sense, a re­ all want to be at peace with ourselves turn to health by the adoption of a and the world ? To be reasonably lifestyle based upon 12 step prin­ healthy and happy? To love and be ci ples. Abstinence from whatever loved? To be content with one's sta­ is causing dysfunction in the life of by Mr. Lee thP. The Life nPr~nn aiies. Wasting time, time which is a waste from the point of view of the By Riccardo M. Taylor smoker! Ah, the smoker! Do you want a glass or metal? Pop, crackle, Welcome to the glorious life of snap is on the scene. I want a blast.· abuse. AH, lets take a look at the Don't crumb me, I want a decent hit! great life of the abuser, what a plea­ Catch that wake up. Get your motor sure to live a life of misery. How running back and forth back and great it is to be one of the miserable. forth. Chasing the whole day. Can't Wine in hand waiting for the stupor sleep won' t eat. of intoxication. How great it feels Ah, what a pleasure. Broke, ev­ to have hangover, stomach reeling ery dolJar going to the dope boy! head throbbing spells of dizziness. Now this is the life! What a wonderful feeling ! To sm ell This is an addiction of a lifetime, like a distillery! Yeah, this is the life. following the cycle of nothingness. Day after day of stumbling, falls, Rushing to get nowhere. What can brufaes. blackouts; maintaining de­ be more pleasing? There is no rea­ nial. Sickness, heartache, yeah its soning, no sanity, no script, just a all a part of the life. wasting away of life . Yet this is the A j oint! How much pleasure life, the life of choice, or is there any to just sit around and giggle at noth­ choice? Can the only breakingpoint ing. Hallucinating. rejecting any be tragedy? Is there hope for the sense of reason or responsibility, lost lifers? T he only answer is "to be in a paranoid zone without bound- continued....". . ARE YOU AN ALCOHOLIC? To answer this question ask yourself the foll owing questions and answer them as honestly a~ you can. Yes No 1 Do you lose time from work due to drinking? 2 I~driaking making your home life unhappy? 3 Do you· dI"i~k because you are shy with other people? 4 Is drinking affecting your reputation? , 5 ·Ha.ve you ever felt remorse after drinking? 6 Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of drinking? 7 Do you turn to lower compariions and an inferior environment when drinking? 8 Does you drinking make you careless of your family 's welfare? 9 Has your ambition decreased since drinking? 10 Do you ~rave a drink at a defini te time daily? 1l Do you want a drink the next morning? 12 Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping? 13 Has your efficien cy decreased since drinking? 14 Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business? 15 Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles? 16 Do you drink alone? 17 Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking? 18 Has your physician ever treated you for drinking? 19 Do you drink to build up your self-confidence? 20 Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on accoun t of drink­ ing? If you have answered YES to any one of the q uestions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are that you are an alcoholic. If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely alcoholic. NOT OUT LOUD should be warned about before you meet, or did you hear that some­ times the people that you 've been taught to trust are the ones you should fear, you ' ve been taught to trust are the ones you sho uld fear, Not out loud a child is ab­ ducted-nowhere to be found , In the news and on the rad io broad­ casters announce, pictures posted state to state, town to town-soon forgotten , blank visions on a milk carton tossed on the ground. Not o ut loud. No! One will be­ lieve you when you say I told him no! But he did it anyway, violated in the bright of d ay, not out loud crimes are committed time after time, o ut of si ght, out of mind, when you stand accused of these senseless acts, guilty as charged Not this time, temporary insanity is the plea, "It wasn 't me" a mis­ educatio n of j ustice fo · all, to­ gether we stand-di vided we fall . Not out loud no one can know of the anger within you that causes you to lose_· control, no­ body knows of the wrongs you've . done, a man is dead-shot by you with a gun, hidden evidence, guilty on the run. Not out loud, no one knows the money you collect for your car, shoes and clothes comes from intravenously robbing desperate people of their souls, you thrive on the fact that they' re addicted to the venomous drugs you sell, the lig ht of luxury, as you walk blindly towards hell, Not out loud quie t and quick never mind who you ' ve just hit, careless behind the wheel , and al­ coholic is too numb to feel, Wake up! Were M add! D runk driving kills.1 Not out loud he's so dedicated and she'~ so he lpful and sweet, but are these the ones that you KIM R. DUMAS �STREETV IB E S JULY 2001 Letting the Fox Guard the Henhouse by John W. Perotti - Ohio's General Assembly, in an effort to use Ohio's $45.l Billion State B udget to advance their agenda, ordered the elimination of all staff from the state's Corrections Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC). The CUC is the pri son watchdog committee, consisting of a Bipartisan Panel of 12 eq ually divided, Republican and Democrat State Representatives and Senators, and a 6 person staff. The CIIC was created in 1977 by the persuasions of the late Senator C.J. McLin, a powerful Democrat from Dayton. His daughter, Senator Rhine McLin, is one of the 6 Bi-Partisa n Democratic Senators assigned to the committee. The committee was formed in the aftermath of a long seri es of guard on prisone r and prisoner on prisoner murders and assaults. Also marked for cutbacks are many administrators assigned to psychological treatment, educational programming and halfway houses that benefit prisoners and lead toward rehabilitation. This, after talk of guards being laid off which drew protests by their union representatives. What ' s ironic is the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is getting a $60 million dollar budget increase, which is only 5% less than what they normally get. These cutbacks of rehabilitative programs, halfway houses, and staff for the CnC is a slap in the face to rehabilitative efforts and political efforts of the Democratic party. Having been in prison for over 21 years,lpersonallyhavewitnessed murders, assaults, human rights violations, and all the things I never dreamed of seeing inside a prison or in my own lifetime. The enc was formed in the wake of a series of incidents of pris oner corruption in Ohio, such as attempts at murder for hire by staff agains t c ertain prisoners, misappropriation of funds by prison officials, and even 'cattle rustling at Lebanon Prison by a Guard Captain. Thus, the DRC was held accountable by the CUC now, compared to their previous unfettered reign of corruption due to the investigations and reports issued by the Ohio General Assembly. As a result, the DRC has always complained of the activities of the CIIC and called them advocates of, or coddlers of prisoners, as well as a "thomintheirsides." Of course they would express this outlook!!! The CIIC's job was to expose corruption by DRC officials as well as make sure they follow the rules and regulations- by all their employees. So this would be a committee the DRC would . defi nite ly want dissolved, and through their political manipulations, probably did so! But as a convict, I have seen the efforts and intervention of the enc save lives and make conditions more tolerable for prisoners and p1ison officials alike . Even former Ohio Supreme Court Ju s tice Paul Pfeifer, who voted against the creation of the c ommittee, now serves as its chairman due to the good works of the committee. So now Ohio has no CJIC staff to research the operations of tbe DRC, akin to leav ing the fox to guard the henhouse, answering to no one. I'm no model prisoner, and the efforts of the CIIC literally saved my life on a couple of occasions, once when guards beat me severely, and once after a major heart attack a p1ison doctor refused to treat me for. So I, for one, will sorely miss this watchdog committee, as well as hundreds of illiterate and mentally ill disenfranchised prisoners victimized by the system. Too bad Republicans won't dismantle the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, who has been releasing repeat offenders and others who they know will return to prison, rather than deserving prisoners, as a result of the politics of prison that gives them job security. But that would be too much like Right. They wilJ probably enact legislation to have the APA oversee the DRC - the perfect bedfellows. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - -- ----------1 Jus' Curious?! How many more times are we to be buried before our time? Framed up. & chained up & placed behind enemy lines. How many more Stokelys to be snatched, Malcolms to be murdered & Khalids to be killed? How many martyrs to go unremembered? & How many more monuments won ' t be built? How many more Mumias, H. Raps, Sundiatas & Peltiers? How many more poli6cal prisoners? How many more fuckin ' years? How many more frame ups on Fred? And Merle Africas coming up dead? How many more revolutionaries in the cemetaries? How many more blood stained beds? How many more February 2ls, August 7ths and December 4tbs? How many more fallen comrades? How many more of us have got to go? ! How long before the Cinque Magees, Angola 3 's are to be finally unleashed? How many more Geronimos, COINTELPRO's & Shaka Sankofas To be drugged & body bagged on deathrow? How many more SET-UPS & WET UPS & FBI files? How many more Assara Shakurs to be forced into exile? How many more Khalfani Khalduns to be beat by prison goons? , And bad Nefroes named Goode will you let drop bombs on MOVE? By the way, should the Minnesota 8 simply sit back and wait, For you to muster up the courage to say that they'"e been framed by the state? How many more Sekous, Mutulus & Ojure Nurus'? Lucasv illes & Statevilles & Attica 32's How much injustice can you stomach? How much more can you take? How many more Bashir Hameeds, N.Y. 3's? Robert Hayes & Eddie Conways? How many more Zolo Agonas and Sister Ramonas? Will you sit back & let us be attacked for Fighting While Black? How many more Hugo Pinells to be beat down in jail? How many more resistors will you relinquish? How many more Herman Bells? How many more Maroon Shoats & Move 9's will you allow to be confined? How many FALN's, Deathrow IO's? How long will justice be denied? ,..-------------------------' buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 SOFT SPOKEN (AFTER SPEAKING TO joE) Other voices muffled his whisper My ears got closer to become acquainted, to catch wounded words that formed a collage of his life. Had to block out other wandering voices seeking an attentive ear. " ... in jail twice," he continued " once for convenience." His mother, a teacher died younger than expected. Hiding in hi s father's shadow, he heard " you're no good for nothing" like a useo teabag. He believed him. The streets adopted him, cultivated his youth. They became intimate like body and shadow, both merging at night. With no street" signs to give directions, no moral to end the fable. Society could not tolerate the sins of his youth incarcerated at 19. His father died but he was not allowed to say his final farewell. His cell echoed his father 's gospel "you're no good for nothing." VICTOR M. VELEZ This selection from "A Quest for Answers, " a book ofpoetry by Victor Velez. To purchase a copy, visit www.xlibris.com or write to AnjeLisse Arts, P. 0. Box 137 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 . A Modern Day Slave by Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim In the Name of Allah: I am incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary and am in need of some assistance. I have an out-date to be released on 5/4/01 and I remain still in a prison cell denied transportation by the staff. Furthermore, my own sis­ ter came to get me and she was de­ nied the right to take me home. 0 .S.P. is running a whore house with the accountant clerk. This woman is 35 years old, Black and very influential. She owns a co mpa ny th a t ma nufac tures bombs. She's a rich girl pushing her weight around. The lady is also a professional prostitute/criminal" record. This woman and I established a relationship with the help of a male Lt. and written permission from the Warden. For over 2 1/2 years this lady, not knowing her position or status in life, explained my life and case for be­ ing in prison. I asked her for some help, and one day after I had done all that I could without success! The lady interceded and legally assisted and actually set me free, and l was granted an out-date of 5/4/01. The staff took it personal that a staff member, a female of her stat­ ure and wealth had actually set me free. She stated that she wanted to retire as a prostitute, get married and have another son! This staff told her that she was the personal whore of OSP and unti l she satisfied the de­ sires of this entire staff on all three shifts that I would not be released from this mal aise that threatens to blight all coming years. She has arranged that no one can provide transportation nor can ·I be released to anyone other than her­ self. So they throw sex parties for 6-7 hours at a time each shift and I can 't be released until tomorrow, which never comes ... l am very short on family and have been bereft of my liberty for over 26 years. I have become a slave and held as bait in some sort of per­ verted sex parties in OSP. Every staff member at OSP has ber phone number and she's called several times on one shift stating that she's coming to get me, then one she arrives she's back in their sex cham­ bers until the next shift. On the other side of the coin, the lady has taken control of tnis entire prison stati ng that 1 belong to her, no one can re~ease me and I will re­ main here until she decides to let me out! It's a two-way street on being afoul! The lady is the only one who can take me out of this prison, but instead of fulfilling these duties she'll come in demanding sex. Then she goes off into some so rt of unsatiable craving and she loses fo­ cus of any and all responsibilities that are outside the sphere of her sexual imperfections. She comes to work from 8:00 to 4:00 pm if you wish to believe what's on the schedule; or, if ana­ lytical reasoning is your compass, I will give a clear depiction of her schedule. · She's here at 11:30 on 3rd shift. The walls aren't solid and their sex chamber is within the immediate sound of my ears. She' ll have sex until 4:00 am which is the time I am up for prayer. If she's informed, which is frequently, that I can hear her asLhe sliding door is opened, then she' ll break and run driving away only to crawl back within a half hour or when she is telephoned to return. This then continues until 7:00 am upon the changing of the shift. She will go on for some time before breaking to go home, shower and return for her workin g schedule. At this time she may throw a sex party for several hours and no one takes the responsibility (or can't take it) to make her pick me up. She's rich and powerful. This will go on until 2:30 p.m. when second shift begins to come in and then they contin_ue to continue this distorted fun game to hold my life in a prison cell. This woman has slept with the entire staff so frequently that they' re trying to push her away to set me free but she can' t get enough sex. Due to these imperfections she holds me in a state of modem day slavery Prisoners News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. If you would like to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street PRISONERS' NEWS in a prison cell. The lady is beyond imagination as the staff depicts her actions. For hours on end I hear the sounds of C.O.'s cheering her on, cursing her out for running out - or trying to encourage her to set me free. This e ntire staff from the Warden's office down is involved in a coi:ispiracy to bold me in OSP by either denying me appropriate trans­ portation or indulging in these sex parties. This woman has used her influ- . ence and sex to humble this entire staff to break the laws and hold me in prison while they have sex par­ ties. My concern is when will it come to an end, when will I be set free? The lady is not mentally or emo­ tionally stable as this activity has gone non stop for over 30 days. The staff at OSP are not responsible enough to care about the laws, their careers or their fami lies. They have no loyalties except to their own per­ sonal desires as I hear them encour­ aging her "Keep him until we're fin­ ished'', "lie can wait" and I still re­ main in a prison cell. It is clear that no one wants to properly initiate steps to open the doors to my freedom as the entire staff face the loss of their sex par­ ties and I am the victim of gross mis­ conduct. Every day this staff calls the woman for the sole purpose of sex, after she fills her desires and they fill theirs they agree she' ll come back tomorrow to pick me up, and again she lies ... This woman is also having sex with the inmates at the camp of OSP. Thus all these matters prevent her from filling her obligations. She has stated that if I don' t let her have her way she will keep me in this prison, and due to her posi­ tion nothing will happen to he r. She' ll just quit and I won't be re­ leased. She was given a responsibility to release me under her care. She is neglecting that duty and using her power threatening to deny me my freedom if I expose her ac­ tions. She's a professional whore and I can't be relea8ed and get over their lust for sex! Page 9 N EGATIVE THOUGHTS ANO ATTITUDES Negative thoughts and attitudes That's all I hear and see That's all I'm faced with day by day What's wrong with positivity Fancy clothes and a styled hairdo That's still alI for outward show It's what's on the inside that really counts Oh! How little people know So come off your "egotrippin" Thinking you're everything Come get high off life See what joy it can bring Oh dear Lord Please help me I pray To live life free Free day to day Not caring what people think or say As I walk with you on life's sweet/sorrow waY. Sha-lorn Shal-om L EMUEL ISRAEL I try to be brave But cannot stand the fever Malaria. Death Drops Low and Fast A misdirected bomb of phantom wings Daisy-cutters Stabbing earth-pipes protruding Five hundred pounds of molten plastic Peter looks: he sees; hears it crump; beside him, is showered with dirt will live forever, in this second of impact I was only bitten by a mosquito he was unaware the bomb was a dud the nurses, he says, are angels Though he can 't see them turns face to to the wall SONNY WILLIAMS VI ETNAM VETERAN 1967-68 FRO M DA NANG EVAC. , H OSPITAL 1968 PENPAL WANTED John Perotti #A 167712 OSP 878 Coitsville­ Hubbard Road Youngstown, . Ohio 44505 Caroll Pless #252-991 SOCF P.O. Box 45699 Lucasville, Ohio 45699 • �Page 10 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 A Thing of Beauty thanking go_d for no violence and praying that the violence gods were asleep. We entered the West End and found stunned people looking out of their apartments, then speakers just God. Here, in Cincinnati, the raggedy army of the people, last seen at Valley Forge, in Atlanta, on the way to Washington, and embracing the liberators of Berlin, marched in themselves, "Hi Dr. Sunderland, I'm Amy. I was in your grief class." The march was a thing of beauty, "Great march, Amy," I said. definitely a sacred experience for Amy replied with the truth of the those who attended. The day started day: "Yes!"; old friends clasping out with heavy rain falling and by themselves in hugs of joy, and the time Stef (my wife) and I got to stopping, one black friend Fountain Square, 11 o 'clock, a sight saying to Stef and me: "This hug mist was falling on a crowd of about of a white person by a black I 000 people. An Over the Rhine person will not be on evening Drum and cheerleader group, kids t. v.", and we laughed at the truth from 6-16, were performing as the of that insight. We wondered rain fell more heavily. The crowd who was so co mmitted to thickened as the rain increased and making violence the only story we heard the many speakers saying of the day; marching for a few the same important message, over minutes in utter siJence, as Ms. and over again: "Thank you for Leisure laid a wreath at the site turning out. Keep the faith, keep on of her son's death. Who can say marching, don't be scared off; don' t enough about this woman, this be afraid to confront the police and eloquent peace advocate, still the mayor, and don't be afraid of the standing but bowed a bit, under police." The mos t impressive the great pressure of the city, her Angela Leisure, mother of Timothy Thomas, was one of the speakers at the photo by Jerome Manigan speaker was Ms. Leisure, mother of new "friends" who have taken March for Justice on June 2, 2001. the deceased Timothy Thomas. In a her grief as the battle cry for saying their "truths," and then, like the only formation that made sense, driving rain, she lit up the crowd justice. They have added yet another the form of happy justice: the blue an exhale, it was over. with her faith in justice, her prayers burden, clearly superhuman, to a jean, the black shirt, the flag waving, I realized today that I have been of the city, and her hope that no one person, who shows every reason to marching for justice since and the flag of multicolored hope. Sadly, the politicians had fled; 1959, as an undergraduate, and this was one of the best only citizens were there, initially, as marches because I had strangers, but, w~th the cleansing learned so much about how power of the rain, the dissipation of little and how much marches the fear of violence, and the great can mean. Is there ·a better numbers of black and white heroes, community experienc~? Is it the citizens.became a One, a Force, not a form of prayer that a step in the parade of Gratitude. We touches the deepest element had teachers, now long gone, and we ·of the heart, that connects were teachers, here and now, and we with some old, perhaps will be guides, tomorrow. The city ancient rite, of striding, became a city of citizens and the together, arm in arm, hand in possibHities of connection became alive with hope. 1 hand , against the brutes, The Center for Community whomever and whatever they at Peaslee are, and irrespective of their Photography real power. The marching Neighborhood Center will exhibit an "of the people," Sandburg eclectic mix of color and bl~ck and always reminded us, Lincoln white photography by Jerome The Bucket Boys led the procession from Fountain Square to Laurel Park. . photo by Jerome Manigan knew, and every de spot Manigan , Stre~tvibes reporter/ knows as well, is a march in photographer. The exhibit opens _with a reception oli July 9 at 6 p.m. else ever has to experience what she believe the old cliche that we all memory of the elders, for the For more info contact Manigan at children of today, for the race has gone through these post two know is false, but she claims: "God unborn, and for a fading hope in a jmancoh@aol.com. doesn't give you a heavier burden to months. Following the speeches, the sun carry that you can carry." God, emerged, and a line formed with Ms. can anyone say with justice and Leisure at the center, and off we clarity how much this woman's D~ll!rr;;;r" marched in brightening sun, down ccy for peace has meant to this Vine Street to Liberty. Then in full city, how much th~s woman, sunlight, we marched to Laurel Park more than any one person, has in the West End where the "Rev. "saved" this city for another Maurice McCracken Celebration" day. A day when a step of took place amidst drums, smiles, and justice will be seen and felt in ~ the good cheer of a march that was city in a way that only those ~who knew how close to a blood · safely endured. . Stef and I were in a good place, bath we were, can come to her feeling the building ~pirit of the side and say, with some sense march, being in front with Ms. of the miracle of talking to her Leisure, and, looking back, at the in peace, in the reality of peace, thousands of black and white, old the simple words ''Thank you." and young, families and singles, and And then, with full drums, whomever wanted to join the police sirens, police bandwagon, marching in respect, helicopters blades whirlings, l chanting the traditional, "No Justice, we proceeded, arm in arm, Organizers estimate that 3,000 people of all ages and races filled Fountain No Peace," with memories of MLK. shaking hands with strangers, Square to support the March for Justice. photo by Jerome M,anigan Students corning up and identifying feeling the joy of the moment, by Steve Sunderland �. .. ' ~ STREETVIBES JULY 2001 We Called Him Mac by Brian Garry si.de. He would ALWAYS listen. He never questioned my motives or me. He had the utmost confidence in me, Deform, he and buddy gray and in my ability to discern and self­ some others went -up to Columbus examine. He always thought the best and slapped an eviction notice on of me and even if! knew my motives Gov. Voinivich's office door. They weren't on the highest level, he started carrying out the furniture. believed that they were. His Love They did this to show the effects of for me challenged me more that any cutting people off welfare. Cutting words ever could. His love for me people off welfare in the challenged me to love more deeply, government's cold and cal1ous way more sincerely, more caringly. His Page 11 orange, blue, green and red hair and wore the most "interesting" clothing. I don't think that he or Vivian l(jnebrew or Alice Lefker or Pol1y Brokaw ever even noticed. They saw the person inside me. Viv.ian introduced me to every one at the church, took me to her house, fed me, joked with me, took me under her wing, loved me. I am forever grateful for these aforementioned Living Saints. I once sat him down after church to confess that I had gotten a girl pregnant that I didn't love. All he said to me was, "Now that you've told me I don'tknow what to say." That was the only time that I saw him speechless. He knew he could not judge me even though he had the highest expectations for me on this path of living for others. I'm not perfect - far from it. But in his eyes I am perfect, complete. Created by God, and God don't make no Junk. He was the most LOVING During the night of December 30 h, 1997 Rev. Maurice Findlay Mccrackin passed peacefully into the nearer Presence of God. That next morning he had plans to protest the Death Penalty at the Federal building. The night before, a sign was made especially for ­ him that read " Killing by the State is also murder". He was 92 years old. We called him Mac. People flocked around Mac, not because he tried to have them do so but because they were drawn to him from near and far. When his eyesight was failing, I would read his mail to him. He received hundreds of letters from over the country and all over tbe world from people who felt about him the exact same way that I did. man I've ever experienced. For Mac, Love was no effort at all. They all felt that he \Vas It was his life. As a matter of their best friend. Some of ~hem were dignitaries, Brian GaITy, one of the organizers of the 2001 Mac Day Celebration in Laurel Park. fact he said that there is no way · so me were political photobyDanMarschnertoLove,LovelStheWay. There activists, many of them were caused many people to be evicted. is no way to be kind, being kind prisoners. Anyway, while he was in the jail up love and always thinking the best of is the way. He was the .HUMBLEST. there he said that of all the places meconvictedmetoalwaysdobetter. Mac 's political views were When you met.him and called.him that he.bad bee_n locked up behind }I~ wasn' t into that tough love shit. perfect. That means I agree with Rev. Mccrackin, he would say "Call bars that those cops in Columbus That's why I always felt that I could them. As he said, he came home one me Mac." He would never take the hurt him the worst. I was incensed, go to him and talk to him about Sunday and told his brother "the Preacher gave a great sermon honored seat. He said that today", and his brother replied ifhe had it to do over again, "Oh, you agreed with him did he would not become a ya?" I'm telling you about the Reverend. He thought that Mac I knew. I follow to this it separated people from people . When some day his outlook on the world ­ preferred to call him the government, the evil Reverend, he would oblige system, the wrong system of rich and poor, civil without comment. He was disobedience. Mac was in the the most humble. I never saw him personally public eye. . He put his "body offended if someone was on the line" and was arrested for ·putting his beliefs into rude or nasty. I don't think practice. There are many he even noticed at all, much people with the same political less become angry with them. I'd see people who beliefs. The difference between him or her and Mac were paid to take care of him treating him roughly was that his personal LOVE for and I'd mention it to him each individual was so strong. _ _ and say that I wanted to He was incredibly caring, he 11 report ~ soc1·al J.ust1ce, · one of the many information . . booths at Mac Day 2001 made you ~eel that you were . it. He said he hadn't The Quakers ior the most important person in noticed and that he was glad · photo by Dan Marschner ·d ' · , . . that I di n t report it. He d be rn the seized by rage. I seethed and had the world. His political stances ho spital, and you know h<;>w visions of creeping up there doing ANITHING. I talked to him about were deeply important but his ideals hospitals don't always pay the best something to those cops that hurt ALL my problems, not just the would mean nothing without his attention. to people who don't have him. I said, "Mac, I want to kill problems you think a preaclier would deep underlying outgoing love for an ~dvocate? I'd go·to the nurses them". Without the batting of an feel appropriate. He nev.er once .everyone. station to check on some information eyelash, without a millisecond of judged me. Concarning judging, he ,_....__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ for ~nt that h~ was supposed to get or ask thought, Mac said, "Kill what they quoted George Bernard Shaw: "We 'This for this or that, but he told me do." So I've been trying to do that have been judging and punishing "please don't do that, it has to be a ever since. ever since Jesus told us not to and I persona~ relationship~ -that between He was the KINDEST. Lo, he defy anyone to make out a me and the people at the hospital". and John Henry "Be l(jnd" Simmons convincing case for believing that He didn't want me getting in even started a group called BE the world has been better than it between him and his relationship to KIND: Boosting Everyon e's would haye been if there had never ~te: $15 business c.ard siz.e them. Knowledge, Integrity, Nobility and been a judge, a prison, or a gallows C.a\\ 41--l -1S0'3 to spea" wit.h Once he was arrested in Dignity. Hewasalwaysonyourside. inallthattime."Whenlfirststarted our Advertising Manager I Columbus. During the Welfare He never even looked at the other going to his church, I had pink, 1 '5paGe Advertise in 5freefvibef).. �' I I I I . " (' ; ,/ ; " ~ • • * STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Page 12 ~* NASNA Appeal by David Mtichell My name is David Mitchell and I am a reporter for Streetvibes Newspaper which is a monthly publication put out by The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. I became inter­ ested in writing at an early age. As I got older, I realized the power of not only the spoken word but the written word as well, and that ·it is my calling. To work with my hands this thing which is good to give to those who are in need. What better thing couild I give ,them than the truth. life has really been a I • . · ' f..:_' .• .t . • • , ~ struggle but what I believe is in ~~~~~~~~·~-:s~·,:~~~:~ ~.~l:~:~~ ~ the end it will all be worth it. I .A...~·--:.... ~~·...,_ '• truly ~an t t omakea d.ffi . ~.:,!;;. ·*·~·~~~~:~t.~ 1 erence m w~.:_~~--.L.~~::;_~~::.:;';!.::i.;;..:.:..:..:._:.----------------~.....-.~;..=. people's lives. I want them to be "Georgie-e-e .. . you wani that cool !Jew missile defense system, aware of whats really going on, you 're going to have to make some room on your toy shelf." instead of them being brain­ washed by the propaganda that Mx .... · . ,. ,_.. .. if To all who wish for justice and peace in Cincinnati most of which I have been very active in, but it is not enough. . - Hello. My name is James There are many ways to Blackmon. I am 21 years old, and approach the situation at hand, but have been a resident of Cincinnati eventually I believe we must unite, if not on all fronts, at least wii:h our my entire life. I have lived in several neighborhoods, including , similarities in mind. Ignorance is too high a price to pay for peace. Delhi, Westwood , Clifton, Price Hill, Mt.Washington, North Open up your minds and hearts to Fairmount, and others. I currently what everyone els~ is saying in Cincinnati, you'll find that most of reside in Over-The-Rhine, and have what you hear is tjghteously said. lived there for three years now. I To those who sit in our city don ' t have much of a formal council,·grow up and remember that education, and I don' t come from a prestigious family, so don't expect you are there servi ng all of the residents of Cincinnati;. not just Wish List those who have large amounts of political and social influence. The Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string reasons vary from councilmember budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for to councilmember as to why you the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many guys aren't doin g your jobs volunteer~ and.donors. Sorne of the more pertinent needs of correctly, but it has become quite the GCCH include: clear .to me that the council has become a royal court, complete o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified with a political jester of sorts. I o Supplies fot vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, don't understand why you can't snacks, etc.) unplug your egos from your ears and remove the government o Office and Cleaning Supplies blindfold from your eyes and see o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), developing that we are suffering and hear the . cries for change. You took the jobs help, digital and/or film camera(s). that you have believing that you o Computers/components for Streewibes story-writing, could help create a better city for ' editing, research. us, yet now you are looked upon as the epitome of what is wrong with o Free standing metal or wooden shelving the city. I believe you should see that something is eerily wrong with If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, that picture. I read last week's edition (June 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 21, 2001) of CityBeat. It essentially ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 states that mayor Luken promises e-mail~ streetvibeS@juq.o.com See Justice , continued page 19 ' by James Blackmon me to have an amazing background. for the last ten years, I've been subjected to experie ncing and seeing a multitude ofprejudices and injustices against all people, not just any one race or class. For this reason, I believe that we as human beings must focus on more than one aspectofachievingpeaceandunity. I believe that a big part of this is awareness and education, neither of which is being applied in the amounts needed for change in this city. Don' t get me wrong, there have been small bursts of activity, most of the corporate based me­ dia are pu~hing. That's why the independent media means so much to me, because it's one of the last channels that they don't control. The reason that I have written this lett~r is to.request you( help. N.A.S.N.A., the North American Street Newspaper Association, is holding its annual meeting this year in San Fransisco. I have been invited to go. The only thing that is standing in my way is my cur­ rent financial situation. You see I'm a homeless man, but I like to consider myself a sojourner. Try­ ing to make it to the promised land one step at a time. I'm fo­ e used now more than ever on ac­ complishing goals that are impor­ tant to me, like establishing my­ self. I've really been working hard to do this even with these amazing obstacles that have arisen in my path. That's why going there is so important to me, because it's where I want to be and where I should be. I've been informed that my room and board will be taken care of when I get there; all I need is a plane ticket. I really feel that this could be a positive learning experierence for me, and I could benefit a great deal. Thank You for your time and for taking this into consider­ ation. Sincerely, David Mitchell Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 EDITORIAL SECTION People and Morality by Jole Alfassa . Reprinted from Massachusetts' Spare Change When was the last time you caught yourself thinking something weird? I mean, all of the sudden you find yourself thinking the op­ posite of the way you used to think about a particular subject. The suc­ cess of street papers has proven that a lot of people think differently than they used to about homeless mat­ ters. For instance, a lot of people would drop change into a cup or send off a few bucks to one organi­ zation to deal with the matter. Now hundreds of thousands buy street papers from coast to coast. Shel­ ters all -over are trying to get people jobs. This is in contrast with an at­ titude that previously ex.isted for decades. As it turns out, it's for the better. Another issue is kids and mur­ der at its most macabre. Children killing each other for personal rea­ sons and inflicting terror on the people of this country. A child of how to communicate knows little I rage, and this can lead to violence or crime. That's why we try to in­ still principles and offer alternatives to our young as they grow older. Oftentimes, however, there isn't quality communication going on. Then the child has no knowledge of how to vent frustration and an­ ger. When children become excom­ municated from the support system they need, things can be dangerous. They need to unload and they need someone to blame. Too often they blame their peers, leaders and teachers. We then end up with a bloody aftermath ·that has repeated itself several times in recent history. Then come the morals of how to deal with these misguided kids. We have to decide. whether to treat them as adults or kids. What would be your choice as to how to treat a teenager? The kid might have killed a few class­ mates and a couple of teachers. Do you give the kid a few years in a kiddy prison or life in an adult prison? After all, if the chi Id was a few years older he or she might have gotten the death penalty in states that have one. Would yo~ be able to push the button on a fifteen­ year-old kid? Morality is quite the animal of personal feelings and how we em­ ploy them and work them into .our lives. The old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure," is played out through morals, for one's morals may disgust others or scare them. While some make the art of war a profession, others would say that those people enjoy killing. And so the struggle goes on to better our society and appeal to ourselves and the world. We do it en masse and as individuals. We help as well as heal each other with our morals. Let me ask you this: Where is the morality in letting our fellow Americans die on the streets, home­ less? I have experienced this di­ lemma from both sides of the coin and it still perplexes me. Some people believe that a person who is homeless is that way because he/ she wants to be. In some cases, they may be right in that type of think­ .m g. In. most cases, ' though , do people really enjoy homelessness? There are dozens ofreasons for end­ ing up homeless. I have yet to bump into a person that grew up aspiring to be a professional homeless per­ son. Our society has tried to roman­ ticize homeless people by such methods as "Clem Kidd1ebopper" on the old Red Skelton shows. For those of you too yol!.ng to know what I'm talking about, Clem was a "hobo". He was clumsy and funny and wore a top hat and possessed a stick with a scarf on it, which was supposed to hold all his worldly possessions. ~ere was the· mo­ rality in that? I believe it was pre­ sented this way to make us feel bet­ ter about homelessness. How do you feel when you see a person dig­ ging through garbage cans for food or panhandling? Where does your morality take your mind? Homelessness should not be an American tradition; it's a tragedy! Only our morals will be able to change this situation. If you don' t like what you see, then do some­ thing about it. See you on the streets. Page 13 Parents Say the Darndest Things By Dana Terrell purpose? Then on Friday June 3rd, 2001, during a peaceful march , On Thursday May 3P1, 2001, I was reading a front-page article of there were some flyers being handed out. One had on the front the Ci!Jcinnati Enquirer: "Teens cover ''We Demand Amnesty For Had Role in a Hate Crime, All Prisoners of the Cincinnati Prosecutor Says" by Marie McCain. "A 15-year old boy whose Rebellion". (Written by a group in Columbus and Chicago). That's mother says he was 'caught up' in pure crap; those people are the moment... He (the victim) was criminals no matter how you look in the wrong place at the wrong at it. It's true, the police have been time," Ms. Montgomery said of wrong for killing the very citizens Robert Stearns, the 34 year old they swore to protect and to serve, Louisville man who was attacked, but what about those who choose dragged from his truck and beaten. to kill police officers or to support Where is Mr. Stearns' justice? How such actions in the songs they sing. fair would it be to say that Timothy They are all just as gul.lty of murder Thomas was just in the wrong place as the cops who have killed our at the wrong time, or that Officer young men . The people that Roach was "just caught up in the participated in the rioting are also moment" when he pulled the trigger criminals for breaking in and and killed Mr. Thomas? Two stealing from stores and shops that wrongs don't make a right, no had nothing to do with the shooting matter how you look at it. on April 7th . Furthermore, it is a The boy's mother, Valerie direct attack on the civilization as Montgomery of Over-The-Rhine, a whole; the killing of the police pleaded for leniency and then officers who are there to protect us apologized for her sons actions all, both black and white, Hispanic saying, "I send my apologies to him and Asian, in short , our and to his family." "I can appreciate communities. The police who did Ms. Montgomery's love for her the shootings deserve to be held children; I am a father of seven accountable for their actions, and children aQd a granddad of a 7 year so should those who chose to loot old, but she is teUing violators of and steal and assault innocent the law that it's OK to break the law, people. it's OK to pull people from their There are both good and bad vehicles and beat them up. Buffalo in life, no matter the race or Chips!" sa id Mike Smith after occupation. Once again I say that reading the article. This is appalling!" the laws are there to protect ALL its citizens and we cannot s.it idly Our laws are there to protect by and let some suffer while others the citizens of this United States of benefit from these laws. We as a America, ALL citizens ... people MUST put an end to the civilization in general. What is the hatred and the bigotry and make all purpose of it all if we allow some those take re·sponsibility for their to benefit from the laws and others are penalized by it? What's the See Parents, continued page 19 "Your herd is due for another downsizing. Should we f<O by seniority or earlv retirement?" �·Page 14 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 MAC Mac is my father, like no other man can be. He's also my mother, he touches me so gently. He speaks to me kindest words, with the most H igh Love, And often reminds me, That there are higher laws above. He treats me higher than a prince, President or king W hen I take him my problems, The TRUTH he does bring. Now, we sat down to donuts and milk, One fine s ummer 's day, Next to a church that was all painted Grey. We sat under the tree, In a cool sutnmer's breeze. Funny, that tree's name was called, heaven And as I had finished, the last drop in my cup, What do you think Mac did? He jumped up With hurting leg and all, He jumped up and did ask :. ' Let me get you some more, How 'bout another glass?' The impression of this day will always last. In my heart, His hospitaJity is so very RARE, Like a fine gem or crystal The love, in his H eart, His Empathy and Care They wrote about Mac and others I guess, When in the scriptures Jesus confessed, That the Children of God, called PeaceMakers, are BlessED. He didn't mention ' til later that we'd all be arrested. I actually hate being tortured by cops But follow ing in Mac' s steps, I got a tiny taste of what he got, Like stun-guns, broken fingers , I should ' ve expected To be beaten and kicked, Thrown down and rejected, By the World, as the WORD brings If we were of the world, we'd be treated like Kings (and Queens)., He teaches that religion means "Let Freedom Ring". And that if we don' t stand for something, we' ll fall fur anylhing. One thing I've noticed , when Mac disagrees, Is he can change one's mind, Without making enemies. How H e does this is, completely astounding ­ When I try to do this, people just get confounding. Sometimes I feel I must speak quite strongly Even if later, I find I'm wrongly. Then, I promptly admit my Error Say I'm sorry and leave myself in God's Care. Better to say something, And appear to be brash Than it is to say nothing, And let the moment pass. Mac bas a friend named Vivian They both taught me to speak, M y heart freely, to everyone, Not to be like a sheep. For, aIJ the time, I must speak my feeling, Tho' it may offend For Jes us offended many, So the Bible it contends. Mac always said, before every action, I should ask myself, What would Jesus D o? before taking the task. And tho' my words mus t sometimes cut to the quick, l should try to speak them with love. For Jesus said, be cunn ing as a snake, And gui1e1ess, as a dove. Mac, you are my strength, my guidance to the goal, Whenever I am with you, I feel, so very whole. To make a better world, leave it better than when I came M ac has always shown me, That helpin g people, should be my aim. Speak my truth with love and strength , Tho' it may hurt a few. ·1 In the end, I will be happier, And I know, you will be, too. To be honest with myself, And the people all around It's an inside job, and serving God better, That is where I'm bound. There's no other Mac. There's no doubt about that! But, truly, I'm with him even tho' we're apart. For truly, I carry him, here in my heart. He's left some indelible impressions So deep in my soul Impressions that tell me giving, and sharing, that's life's true goal. With kindness, true meekness, H un)ility and things, He speaks truth to power, Be it to presidents or kings. Whenever I have a problem, it's him I go to Seeking solace and peace Like so many others do. Only a quarter to use his rest room, Is a very cheap price. Whenever I'm over there, with Him, Eating red beans and rice. When I'm with him, he acts Like there's no one else in the U niverse. I ' most never see him get curt, angry or terse. As if no one else has troubles or cares, He is my best friend, he is always there. UN11Y The more I try to be something else The less I begin to be If I would just learn how to be myself Then life I would truly see Although people want me to be; Juse what they want me to be The bottom line is they must seek For truly I have come to learn To learn that the righteous Live and the wicked bw·n Everlasting life for you; Everlasting life for me The key to finishing thi s race · Is simple unity In the Lord we are free... lyndigoh Write to: Dear Iyndigoh at Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45.210 with your thoughts, teelihgs/ '6riv6ttie8 and we 'll take a ride on the Streetvibe to bring i'i · to Light WALKING FOR PEACE IN CINCINNATI Ok! My people lets tie our shoes up Get ready to walk for peace We are walking for our justice Things are about to change around here That's why we all gokon our walking gear Walking for peace in Cincinnati Every color can join we believe in equal opportunity This is going to be a peaceful demonstration Issues that the black community are facing Cincinnati we are not just talking the talk We are here to walk the walk. ANNE ANDERSON SUBMITTED BY GRADY COOK And when, perhaps maybe, there's some­ thing I need to hear, Then the truth he so gently speaks into my ear. Some think Mac's a Prophet, a Saint, a Holy Man, He is all that and more to me, and if he can do it, then we all can. BRIAN GARRY "Sanctuary - A Safe Place for All Beings" Paintings·by M ary Ann Lederer of Cincinnati Opening Reception Sunday, July 8, 2001 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Exhibit and sale through August 3 Mullane's Cafe 723 Race Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 381-1331 591- 3003 Join me in celebrating my 601h Birthday �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 The startled sight of looted chaos tear gassed into my friend's eyes hopeful before, now broken windows to the soul hang hollow, darkened and full of tarnished silver sad sorrow buckshot metal pellet blasted and imprinted with violent onlooker surprise bloody mace tears dripping from newly aged faces sagging and tom with a city reeling in an outburst of paranoid fear and undiluted anger: jaded and callous glass break rebellion against oppressive heat of city's streets paved with tears of die suffer aimless wonder grieving loss our sirens and cries of faithless prayer a mayor's call to restraint this city bums beneath the light of full moon beneath stars' light born before the ancient ruins even built like our american ancient clock towers and church spires that hang hazily in broken shattered testament to beating hatred pouring and boiling in unfocused mob rage against perceived oppressors in beamers and volks with cell phones and blonde hair now bloodied now broken and calm spoken voices Page 15 instead stayed on his feet was kissed with the lead muzzle shot of scared officers misdeed I am torn in half disgusted and relieved I don't understand but I see beat white man like me who hears in middle class corridors the burden of "if only they would behave" everything would be okay in sickened shame disgust I eye white jacketed doctor educated in ignorance asshole for his eyes and suburban pesticides in his brain with contempt while my friend bleeds from behind his ear I don't know you don' t know why these kids are fighting in the street and I don't know why some poor kid who didn' t drop Venturing the streets for answers to satisfy, justify an urge, to rest with the understanding about oblivious questions walking the streets. Questions ride the trains, with no maps Living in makeshift homes . made from natural resources of city dump, live in once-upon-a-time glamorous hotels which care for people's well fare, sleep on steam of subway grates like a Sunday barbecue BEN GILBERT SUBMITTED BY GRADY COOK DOWN AND OUT Look a man pushing his Kroger cart Another carrying a cardboard box Clothes all tom and dirty They own no keys for apartment locks This man a clean white shirt Pants with razor sharp creases Holds his head high with pride This is where the differences cease For both walk the streets at night Having no place to call their own Circumstances have befallen them That left both without a home One chooses a path to follow To write his own destiny Using resources as stepping stones Showing the spirit can be free Streetvibes helps us upward This is truly without a doubt Just because we are homeless We need not be down and out Questions roamed the piers, harboring their souls to rest gathering belongings in abandoned buildings amid recyclable material in huts, with no picture of the Last Supper. Questions hitchhike toward hope, fill gymnasiums wall-to-wall mattresses replace gym mats · live out of portable pantries groceries in brown paper bags, shelved in shopping carts. Questions find refuge, under boardwalks and parking lots tinder highways and subway tunnels Walking through the winter tunnels and die of frostbite. VIC TOR M . VELEZ This selection from "A Quest for Answers," poetry by Victor M. Velez. To purchase a copy, visit www.xlibris.com or write to AnjeLisse Arts, PO. Box 137 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 EDNA SMITH TH E BI BLE IN and good intentions are trampled by no good revelations and hated slang sentences and the world that refuses to bow down sit down for liberal guilty white man thi s rage testifying to the lieing cheating promises of yesterday and long ago we deserve this and more A QUEST F OR A NSWERS 50 WORDS God made Adam bit Noah arked Abraham split Joseph ruled Jacob fooled Bush talked Moses balked Pharaoh plagued People walked Sea divided · Tablets guided Promise landed Saul freaked David peeked Prophets warned Jesus born God walked Love talked Anger crucified Hope died Love rose Spirit flamed Word spread God remained. AUTHOR UNKNOWN SUBMITTED BY MR. LEE Graffiti art in Over the Rhine, the NE comer of Race and 15th Street �f 'I • I I STREETVI BES J ULY 2001 Depression: The Storm Within by Mr. Lee Signs and Symptoms of Depression Is it possible MENTAL HEALTH NEWS Page 16 Extreme Racism: Mental Illness? Nearly everyone suffering from depression has pervasive feelings of sadness. In addition, depressed people may feel helpless, hopeless, and irritable. You should seek professional help if you or someone you know has had four or more of the follow in g sy mp tom s continually for more than two weeks: Noticeable change of appetite. with either significa nt weight gain or weight loss not attributable to dieting. Noticeable change in sleeping pa tte rns . s uc h as .fi tfu l sleep, inability to sleep earl y morni ng awakening, or sleeping too much. Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed. Loss of energy.fatigue. Peeli ngs of inappropriate guilt. Inability to concentra te or think, indecisiveness. Recurring thoughts ofdeath or suicide, wi shin g to die, or attempti ng suicide. M elancholia (define d as overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief), accompanied by waking at least two hours Earlier than normal in the morning,feeling more depressed in the morning, a nd movin g significantly more slowly. Disturbed thinking, a symptom deve loped by some severe l y depressed persons. For example, severely de pressed pe o pl e sometimes have beliefs not based in reality about physical disease, sinfulness, or poverty. Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches. Source: "Let's Talk Facts About M e ntal Illness : Depress ion." Was hing ton , DC: Ame ric an Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1989. · that someone's racism could rise or sink to the level that meets the definition of mental illness? Thi s was the q uestion posed by the reporter on ABC's Nig htli ne, Wednesday, May 30, 200 l. Are racists seriously ill or just plain ev il ? D uring the civ il rights era of the 1960s, a group of black psychiatrists was so disturbed by racially motivated killings and other acts of violence that they sought to have extreme racism cJas­ sified as a diagnosabl e mental ill­ ness. The Ameri c.a n Psychi atric Association turned them down. Dr. Al vin Poussaint, a H arvard profes­ sor ·and one of those psychia~rjsts, says it is time to reconsider that decision. "We' ve had a seh es of racially motivated killings now - Buford FwTow in Los Angeles, Benj amin Nathaniel Smith in the Midwest, th e dragg ing de a th in Te xas ," .Poussaint says. "All these men suf­ fered from severe delusions about minorities." Poussaint argues that because these delusions were rac­ ist delusions, the men didn' t get the psychiatric help they needed, even tho ugh delusional disorder is a clearly identifiable mental illness. Instead of being viewed as ill, the attackers were seen as e vil-and untreatable. Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention Poussaint says, " if we want to do any kind of prevention, psychia­ trists have to know an believe them­ selves that this is a serious mental disorder." To that end, he says, extreme racism should be listed as an offi­ cial type of delusional disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistic al M anual of Mental Disorders, the index that mental health profession­ als use in diagnosi'ng patients. Poussaint set forth bis argument inn a recent editorial inn The New York Recovery Initiative by Mr. Lee of the Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc., a non-profit organi­ · The neat thing about writing zation fund ed by the Hamilton this article (did ( say neat?) is that I County Community Mental Health am composing this article in the Re­ Board in Cincinnati. The RI is op­ covery I nitiative (RI) Resource erated and staffed entirely by con­ Center, o n one of their five com­ sumers. RI is a sister program to puters. Located in their basement the Wannline, a program that was offi ce at 2601 Me lrose Aven ue, highlighted in the June issue of # 100. T he office is open from Streetv ibes . Incide ntally , the l 0: 30-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. . Warrnline number is (513) 931­ T he office number is (513) 221­ WARM (9276). The writer failed 8660. The program is consumer to mention that in lastmonths Men­ staffed. P eople who have experi­ tal Health News . Anyone who enced and are Jiving, recovering and needs this service can contact the working with mental illness. Warrh.lin~ 24 hours a day 365 days The Recovery Initiative is pait a year! Times. Treatment would be. the same as other types of delusional disor­ ders-intensive talk therapy to help the patient understand that all Af­ rican Americans (or Jews or Hi s­ panics) aren ' t out to get them, and possiJ:>ly anti-psychotic medication. No one argues with the goal of preventi ng racism. Whether to ap­ proach it as a mental health prob­ lem, is the question. T he Opposing View Someone may be alarmingl y racist and m~9,ta ll y ill, but racism alone doesn't. make a.person men­ tall y ill, says Dr. Daniel Borenstein, psesident-elect of the American psychiatric Association and a pro-·' fessor at the University, of Califor­ nia-Los Angeles. "Racism' per se is, I think, an extreme of a very common thing in humans, and that is prejudice ," Borenstein says. If someone has a delusional dis­ order that makes it more likely that they'll act out those racist feelings in a violent way, he says, that dis­ order should be easy enough io di­ agnose as a separate problem. Pou ss aint s ay s that .mental health professionals should be on the lookout for patients whose rac­ ist thoughts include threats of vio­ lence or fantasies of vast conspira­ cies. "People argue that it's just hatred, but the hatred is part of a delusion," he says. "It's a circul~ argument." Poussaint says it also crucial to recognize delusional racism early on. If you do, and you can help the person overcome it, you may just prevent the next day-care shooting, deadly rampage or .... ? The Cincinnati View Dr. Poussaint also argues that racism - like other human behav­ iors - exists on a continuum, and that rac ism 's extreme .forms, in which a person has racist delusions ru The offers a resource center, peer support and community edu­ cation. The resource center offers basic compute r ins truction and other technological (you know I l ove those big words) services. Consumer e-mail, internet connec­ tion, fax services, electronic hous­ ing referrals (Sophia), computer­ ized job referral system (Career In­ formation System), keyboarding skills and word processing ai·e some of the offerings of the Recovery 1ni­ tiative. These services have been provided because consumers have requested them. They assist con­ sumers in developing the skills need to function in many vocational ar­ eas (you know, jobs). Other groups such as Vulcan that can lead to violence, should be considered a seriou s mental ill­ ness . .. if you live and or work in an atmosphere that promotes or is permeated with an atmosphere of racist view. Fuel by fear ignorance and negati ve contact, i.e. if you are constantly in adversa.rial relation­ ship with people of another race, what can be the long term maybe permanent affect of that contact? What is particularly disturbing about this topic is that it is obvious to many observers that m uch is wrong and there are probably many who meet the test of being highly prejudice or mentally ·m. , At the Rally for Peace held on Fountain Square Saturday, June 2nd, a J;lJG!O haqdyd gie a f\yer_that sa id: Wa nted: COP Sl'EP;!f~N ROACH. With a picture of a man, swastika on his cap, vampire teeth with blood(?) dripping from his mo uth . The captio n below the drawing: FOR RACIST MURDER DO NOT TRY TO APPREHEND ALONE, ORGANIZE MILLIONS FOR COMMUNIST REVOLUTION Are we talking about a scared cop, in a dangerous situation, prob­ ably infl uenced by racial prejudice .and legiti!TI.ate fear, acquire while working in a racist institution. An officer who spends most of his time chasing people of color for mostly ininor crimes OR the encourage­ ment of our most awful fears for po­ litical purposes? Stephen Roach was by most accounts a good po­ lice officer. A man who obviously made a deadly mistake. At the least we know that racism is alive and well in Cincinnati. The perfor­ mance and of the Cincinnati CAN committee and the current and fu­ ture events that gi ve cause to con­ sider rac ial factors need to · be closely monitored. Cincinnati, the whole world is watching. Forge (Art's Group) operate under the umbrella of the Recovery Ini­ tiative. *Sophia (Social Service Online Personal Helper and Information Assistant) is also available through the Recovery Initiative.,This service is a computerized listing of social service providers in the greater Cin­ cinnati .area with 590 providers listed. This service can be used to locate agencies that provide ser­ vices in the areas of advocacy. case management; counseling, crisis in­ tervention, food , meals, shelters, health ca.re, home care, housing, mental health, clothing, substance abuse, support groups, etc. See Initiative, continued page I 9 �Page 17 STREETVI BES J U LY.2001 How Now, Mad Cow By Susan Huesken You may be thinking that since there have been no known cases of Mad Cow disease confirmed in the United States that this problem is of no real concern to you . Think again! Many peopl e in European cou ntries thought the same thing when the Mad Cow epidemic struck in E ngland. They were very smug and thought that their beef was also "safe '', but now a total o f 14 countries has confirmed cases of Mad Cow Disease.. Mad Cow and Related Diseases Mad Cow Disease, also know as Bovine Spongiform Encephalapathy (BSE) , affects cattle and is one of several types of Tran smis sible Spongiform ~ncephalapathies (TSEs). These TSEs caus~ a disease that attack and destroy the central nervous system and cause holes, or vacuoles, in the brain. No one knows precisely how the TSE agent infects an orgarusm, but on ce it takes h old it is unstoppable. All of the TSEs are fatal and believed to be caused by "prions," normal protein molecules that become infectious when folded into abnormal shapes. The TSE disease affecting sheep is called "scrapie"; in deer and elk it is calJed " Chronic Wasting Di sease" (CWD ) . In humans it is called "Kuru - caused by cannibalism of the human brain and spinal area, "Creutzfeld-Jakob disease" (CJD) - when it arises in the population sporadicall y and variant (vCJD) - when a human is infected from a cow with BSE. In humans, the vCJD symptoms start with iU-te mpered behav ior (l ike my husband), hallucinations, eve~tual less of balance, motor control, and speech; it also causes incontinence and inability to eat, uncontrolled j erking movements, with eventual paralysi$, coma and ultimately death . Eatin g ti ssue from the brain, spinal cord and possi bly oth er organs of an infected animal has been identified as a definite source of infection of TSE; also children who were injected with Human Growth Hormone from the pituitary glands harvested from dead humans have also contracted it. Gardeners have contracted it by possible exposure to bone meal powder. It can also be passed from mother to fetus an.d can pass from a bull to cow through sperm. It has been contracted through contaminated surgical instruments. Other possibl e mode s of transmission of TSE are through blood. The incubation period for TSE is 4-7 years in cows, and it can be 10-30 years before .symptoms appear in humans. These prions are very, very difficult to destroy! The human immune system is unable to target them as foreign invaders since they chemically match the brain's own proteins. They are unaffected by radiation; you can freeze, boil, or soa k · them in formaldehyde, carbolic acid, or chloroform, and many prions will emerge no less deadly than they were. _ The English government has killed around 4.5 million cattle thus fa r, a nd in cin e rated th e m at te mpe ra tu res of 1100 degrees centigrade. The resulting ash is still considered infectious. BSE and Mad Cow Appears in Britain In 1986, a pathologist di scov ered tha t 9 cows on an English dairy farm died from a disease variation of scrapie. It was then realized that the practice of grinding up sheep and cows and then using this as feed fo r other sheep and cows was causing this disease. When the number of infected cows continued to rise, the British government, in 1988, mandated the destruction of the stiicken cows and halted the use of co w, sheep and other ruminant animals in its cattle feed. But beef by-products continued to be used in pig and chicken feed, which proved impossible to segregate fro m·cattle feed on farms and in factories. Meanwhile, the British people continued to eat as much beef as ever and the British government dismissed concerns from scientists abou t the food supply; but, there were soon clear signs th at BSE could spread beyond cattle. The disease started cropping up in zoo animals and domestic cats, which were receiving beef by-products in th eir feed. Then every thin g changed in 1995, when the firs t human victims appeared. In 1996 Britain 's H ealth Secretary went before Congress to announce that BSE had spawned a new human disease a variant of CJD called vCJD. The oldest victim was 39. Five were in there 20's; three were teenagers and they w e re from areas scatt.e red throughout Britain. The British newspaper, the Guardian, lamented in an editorial " The Roast Beef of Old England is a fetish, a household god, which has suddenly been revealed as a Trojan horse for our destruction." After dithering for a decade, gove rnments in the United Kingdom and E urope have 1.ately unknown reasons become too 1ame taken bold steps to control BSE. or too ill to stand on their feet, and On ly when England banned the they coll a pse; they a re ca ll ed " downed" cows . Dr. Ri c hard feedin g of all a nim als to fa rm animals did they slow down Mad Marsh, a veterinari an and TSE researcher beLieved that there is a Cow disease. All brain, spinal cord, form of BSE in the United States and organ material is also excluded ' from consumers, and no meat is that manifests itself as a "downed served on the bone any longer. cow" disease instead of as "mad Unfortunately, however, for 11 cow" disease. He based this years ·after the first cows died of conclusion on several outbreaks of BSE, British exporters continued to mink TSE, in which the minks were ship the remains of ESE-infected fed a diet of mainly "downed cow". cows all ov.er the world . Cattle Downer cows, by law, are not feed, potentially tainted, reached allowed in the food supply without m ore tha n 80 countries. And first being cleared by a veterinarian, millions of people, not only in but most e nter th e fo od c hain Europe but also throughout Russia through the rendering process. If and South~ as t Asia, have eaten ~ e ven a tiny percentage of these cattle that were raised on it. From cows are fallin g vi ctim to an 1988 to 1996, Asian nations alone undiscovered American version of bought nearly a million tons. BSE, this could have implications on a grand scale. So far the human variant of Scientists beli e ve that all Mad Cow disease bas claimed 94 lives worldwide. Newsweek reports mammal s that acquire TSE, that while it's possible that the includin g human s , can do so worst is behind us, sporadically, from no apparent it 's also cause. If animals acquire TSE at the human rate of 1 per mi11ion, concei vable that approximately 100 US cows could tens of thousand of Britons and poss ibly develop BSE millions of people spontaneously each year. If those worldwide - are cattle are mixed in the food supply, still sile ntly it could infect a large amount of inc uba ting th e people. But detecting these isolated disease. cases in cattle is extt·eniely hard Another risk for BSE to the U.S. Mad Cow Risk meat suppl y can occur when a F a ctors, In the pneumatic stun gun is used to make U.S. the cow unconscious, before her In 1997, the U.S. Food and throat is cut. This stun gun injects Drug Administ.ratjon passed a law air, under high pressure to the cow's prohib iting the feeding of cattle skull, its use can contaminate other parts back to beef and dairy cattle; parts of the carcass with brain and however, the FD A legislation can also crack the cow's skull, allowed the feeding of rendered causing the brain to leak out. And (the process by which animal-by­ the force of the gun is such that it products, such as meat, bone and can blow the pieces of brain into fat are melted down and separated) the bloodstream where it can be pigs, horses and chickens back to carried to the lun g and li ver. cattle. The rendered products of Vete rin ari an Ta m G arl a nd , a sheep and cows' carcasses are still research associate at Texas A & M, being used as fee d for hogs, has recovered chunks of brain as chickens and other farm animals. large as 6 inches across in the lungs This practice has been forbidden in of slaughtered cows. Canadian Europe since 1996, when it became researchers have spotted pieces of clear that pig and chicken feed was brain about 2 Y2inches wide, lodged finding its way into cows and sheep. in cow livers. Heart, liver, and other The scientific journal Nature "variety meats" are added to hot fo und that TSE from one species dogs, sausages, and canned or could be carried by another species bottled meat products such as chili without making the carrier sick, and and spaghetti. concluded that th ese res ults strongly favored a decision to stop High Risk Tissue feeding ruminant-derived protefo to The U.S. still allows the sale all species, in particular, domestic of high-risk tissue, which could animal s rai sed for meat carry disease. There is also no consumption. Many scientists regulation that mandates that the believe that as long as any rendered spinal cor~ be removed before animal prot,eins are fed to food carcasses are processed. Unless animals, there will be the possibility spinal cords are removed, that a new prion epidemic will "mechanically separated meat," endanger humans. which the government describes as There is another food safety "a paste and batte r like meat issue in the U.S. that is not being product produced by forcing bones addressed. It is estimated that every with attached edible meat, under year, l 00,000 dairy cows , for See Cow, continued page 18 �STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Cow, from page 17 high pressure, through a sieve", can be contaminated with bits of central nervous system tissue. An American hot dog can co n ~ain up to 20% mechanically separated meat, and lunch meats and hamburger can also contain meat that is mechanically separated. The March 12, 2001 Newsweek reports studies showing that prions are more likely to show up in meat torn from a cow's spinal column than say a rump roast. European health agencies beli_eve the greatest risk comes from burgers, sausages and meat still attached to the bone, such as T-bone steaks. Confirmed TSE in the U.S. U.S. agencies have confirmed cases of TSE infecting and killing animals in this country. Thus far, Mt. Airy, from page 1 edgments, the Hamilton County De­ partment ofHuman Services is con­ tinuing to look for a third party to take over the administration of the program. Homeless advocates are working to insure that Mt. Airy will A TASTE OF...CINCINNATI Come on down everyone! Bring the wife and son! Have some fun in the sun Get a taste of ... Cincinnati! Over-the-Rhine, still run down 01' West End being torn down Not your worry, have some fun Get a taste of ... Cincinnati! Page 18 deer, elk, mink and sheep have been reported as affected. Thirty-nine states have co nfirme d cases of scrapie . Many state wi ldlife agencies are requesting hunters to remove the heads of the large game and send it to the state for testing. In Colorado in 1998, five percent of the animals tested had TSE. In 1999, Wyoming found 15% of its deer had TSE. Montana has destroyed a herd of elk because of the disease. In a CBS evening news special on Mad Cow disease, it was reported that a hun ter con tracted a nd eventually died from eating a deer infected with TSE; another hunter was notified, after a long period of time, that the animal that he sent for testing, had tested positive (but he and his family had already eaten the meat). For hunters, and others who eat wild game, ·this TSE issue should be a real concern! As long as livestock-to-livestock feeding continues, the possibility of spongiform epide mic will remain. Eating meat will always carry health risks. Livestock producers can do little to reduce meat's link to heart disease, cancer and obesity but they can reduce and possibly eliminate the risk of a spongiform disease epidemic. But even jf a blanket livestock­ to-livestock feed ban is never passed in the U. S. like it has in Europe, Ameri cans can sti ll protect themselves from the possibility of contraction a BSE-related disease. While it may never be possible to know the prio.n status of meat, it is definitely possible to abstain from eati ng m e at in the first place. Cincinnati WLW talk show host, Bill be preserved as a county-run shel­ ter. Pat Clifford, Co-Chair of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Coordinator of the Drop Inn Center, explained during a recent meeting with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners the importance of retaining Mt. Airy as mains open to all, Hamilton County a county run facility. The Greater needs to continue to run the shelter. Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ Additionally, Mr. Clifford stressed less believes that in order to insure the importance of providing services that services provided by the shelter for all of Hamilton County's resi­ are preserved, and that access re­ dents - including homeless men. A White justice to save the day, Not our worry, come on down Get a taste of ...Cincinnati. Fangeman acting Like he's the One. James Brown here Mayor Luken definitely on some kind of lark Just a soulful taste of.... Cincinnati. not having fun, Still just a taste of ...Cincinnati. Thirteen year olds Anger, confusion and hurt about to be slammed rule the day By a justice system Community leaders(?), many have damned. no loss for words to say, Lives lost, others' ruined The Negro Tour Guide Just a tastes of... Cincinnati. in CityBeat is okay I know I want my taste of...Cincinnati. Equal justice for some, not all , Security following you in the mall. Cincinnati police. standing tall, Just a taste of...Cincinnati. Black and Brown with White Rose in Washington Park Whites from out of town/ brown beer/ drunk before dark, Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure job? Singleton f1!ing words like a loose gun, Boshers, has become a vegetarian because of Mad Cow disease. You may think this reaction a little extreme, but he feels that we are at risk in this country and this is a way to cut down his risk. In the last month I have seen TV specials and have listened to many radio talk show~ devoted to this 'Mad Cow" issue. People are really concerned, as they should be. Becoming a vegetarian will definitely reduce your "Mad Cow " risk. I would prefer that people become a vegetarian for the numerous benefits it has for o ur health, environment and the animals. But if Mad Cow disease is what it takes for them to change their diet, I am sure they will eventually discover all the other wonderful benefits that a vegetarian diet can bring! 'bye Timmy, You don't have to run anymore. It's going to be okay. We miss you. Not because of who you were, but because of who and what you could have been. MR. Sell Streetvibes! · The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies fr,e to new vendors! Come in today to sign up! The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (Sll) 421-7803 L EE SUPPORT TH£ GR£AT£R CINCINNATI COALITION FOR TH£ HOM£L£SS AT WILD OATS MARKET 5% DAYI .. --,~!", ­- -. ·- . ' TH£ -WILD OATS MARKET AT ROOKWOOD COMMONS Will DONAT£ 5% OF TH£ DAY'S N£T PROC££DS TO TH£ GCCH ON · AUGUST 8, 10011 SHOP AT WILD OATS MARKET AND DO­ NAT£ TO TH£ GCCHI WILD OATS MARKET ROOKWOOD COMMONS 1693 £DM9NDSON RD CINCINNATI, OHIO 45109 FOR MOR£ INFORMATION, CONTACT TH£ GCCH AT C,13) 411-7803. �'' Page 19 STREETVIBES JULY 2001 Calendar of Events Streetvibes has a monthly calendar of events to keep you informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Pl ease contact us if you have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice forums, protests, community festivals, art shows, etc. Pleasy call 421-7803, fax to 42 1-7813 or email streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. July 1 EarthSave Dining Out, 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant to be determined. Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann ,.Lederer at 591-3003 for more information. 7 Community Activist "Blea Market" 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road.. Shop, swap or sel1 information and merchandise from local social service agencies. All or welcome. Cost is $10 for an organizati0n to have a table at the event. Contact Georgine at 28 J -1104 or email Getty-fu nkrat@att.net. 12- 13 Bill Schultz Lunebeon at the World Affajrs Council, 432 Walnut Street. For more information, contact Shannon Radford, Program Coordinator, at 621-2320. 16 Over the Rhine Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, 12: 15 p.m. at the Contact Center. Call 381­ 4242 for more information. 18 Greater Cjncinnati Alliance for Democracy meeting, 7:30 pm, 01d St. George Church, 42 Calhoun Street. For more information, call 542-0958 or 662-3712. 19 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1:30 p.m. in the McCtackin Room at the Drop Inn Center. CaII 421-7803 for more inforrnat ion. 21 EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more infor mation, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or call Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. . View, from page 1 etc. we began the day by heading for the "spot". Generally on the walk to the spot you will run into something. "You see one who walks will always walk upon somethi ng." In the search for the first lick of the day some small article usually comes along, such as, you run into someone you know who has a start. Usually it's alcohol, the first drink of the day. Every street person has to have that fuel to give them that start. So you come across your first beer in the morning and it tends to expand your view, gets your wheels turning. By the time you arrive at the spot where you expect to find your "cats" you have thought of sevei:_al different ways to come up with some money. So you start to effect moves. For most of the street people the first move is usually shady. Something illegal, or at best sly. An. easy theft is generally the first move. Find something to sell or barter for. You may net ten to fifteen dolJars. Since most street people are addicted or dependent on some sort of drug this first money is used to cope. That first hit in the morning (the wake up c·a n)setsthetempofortheday. Most of the day is spent Just sitting around kicking the breeze with your cats, constantly scheming on the next move - keeping that keen eye for the next lick or a possible mark. A lot of this time is spent indulging in alcohol. "Got to get my drink on". Throughout the day licks come in spurts. You pick up a few dollars here, a few dollars there. Each dollar made is usually spent before.you get it. On an average day the street person will spend fifty to seventy dollars on drug s and alcohol, unmindful of the waste. During this run you come across every conceivable scenario that the street presents: sexual acts, violence, the whole nine. In the life of the street every thing is as possibl e as the imagination can conjure. Every conceivable act is a reality and can be indulged in. A life that ~s always on the verge of insanity believing that this whole thing is sane, a Jife so real yet so unreal. Still we have to separate the street people into certain types. There are those who are in the street who are in a different world then the street person I generally I talk about. Although practically all people of the street are homeless, not all street people are in the )jfe. We need to distinguish between the two. There are those who are in the street, who cannot help themselves, usually they have some mental deficiency or are homeless due to some financial problem. These street people are not counted amongst the characters that grace the fast lane. Most often this g ro up is honest and only need someone who cares. Yet, all street people are in need of the society as a whole. There are those who need just some financial stability and · those who need some social training. They are all a . part of our great society and need to be included into the social endeavors, whkh effect all of us. See Justice , from page 12 some reason? You won ' t through several communities and that drastic change is corning to acknowledge anyone in council organizations, with one united. Cincinnati, just not now. To me, it meetings anymore. Maybe you're mission to achieve equality, seems that now is the perfect time scared of the power that we would freedom, and justice for all. I feel for it. What are we supposed to do, possess if we combine as one. that without this very fundamental wait until the election so that you can We cannot and will not stand for ideal, whatever advancements we hype our h eads up with more anymore ignorance from our 1ocal, have made will eventually degrade propaganda fi lled with e mpty state, or national government. Tlie into nothing. I don't think any of us promises and more u n'fi n ishe d t. changes musts tart now. We all must can afford to not use this oppof!unity. projects? Are you guys scared for .. come together as one race linked Parents, from page 13 actions. Point blank, if you can't do the time then don't do the crime. When is this senseless abuse of our neighbors and neighborhoods going to stop? We shDuld ALL quit concentrating on race and begin concentrating on class. After all, Jesus Christ died for everyone, not just for one or two groups of people. Even he dealt with ~nd spoke to a Samaritan woman, the "lower" people by the Jews standards. Can we not do the same ourselves, or are we all too caught up in ourselves to care.? That's my 2 cents worth. Initiative, from page 16 A most popular feature of this service is the Rapid Housing Search. This feature provides a listing oflow cost housing in the greater Cincin­ nati area. This search can be quali­ fied by area or location desired, type of housing, maximum amount of rent, number of bedrooms ahd bath­ rooms, section 8, pets, buslines, etc. prior to producing a customized list­ ing of vacancies under this criteria. Thfa report can then be printed and mailed. Consumers (mental health services) can request this informa­ tion over the. telephone without the need for a visit to the Recovery Ini­ tiative. This service like all other Recov­ ery Initiative services are provided at no cost to the consumer. *SOPHIA is a software product created by Caracole, a local group serving the housing needs of persons with AJDS. Carocole is a member of the Coalition for the Homeless. Information on this system can be obtained by contacting Carocole at 761-1480. The Recovery Ini tiative Re­ source Center is a well-kept secret. The variety of services available and the quiet, intim~te atmosphere, sup­ ported by courteous and friendly staff creates the quality of atmo­ sphere and the ambiance (don't you just bate me) that is critical for the needs of the diverse dientele they serve and the special needs and is­ sues they bring in the door. The staff has the unique ability to meet the difficult client with grace and pa­ tience, where 1 might be tempted to use baseball bat therapy. Often, the service needed is just a few minutes of time with a sym­ pathetic listener who has been there. I think they call it peer support. What ever they call it, the staff at the Re­ covery Initiative does it well. Anyone wishin g to volunteer resources to the Recovery Initiative may contact Fred Zimmerman, Ex­ ecutive Director of the M en tal Health Consumer Network, Inc. at (513) 221-7755 or the staff at the Resource Center at (513) 221 -8660. ·Streefvibes: A proud member of the North Americ.an "btrut Ne\t.lspape.r Assoc.iation ~presenting So st~ut ne\tl&papers throughout the United ·'f>tates and t:anada "'"'"'. spea~eas1.or.gln~sna �Need Help.-or Want to·Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless. contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Se.-vices. U you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. "iOUSIN(i: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 OTR Housing Network 369-0004 IBEATMENI: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861 -9966 381-6660 ' 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-5011 421-2437 591-2246 961-0600 Community Action Agency ~Hl;~TER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Ceoter(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471 -1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT:_Wgmen O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 221-6937 961-4663 ROHS HARDWARE Aeros ol Insect Killers • .38 •tRM .. --~.-.~ -.\.. )\)~~~ 16" Oscillating White Stand Fan >..~+o ·~ *7" Bronze Citronella lantern Wtth Hook 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed, & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721 -:.4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 621-6364 Our Daily Bread Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621 -5514 Project Connect -­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 859-572-6226 VA Homeless Program 859-491-3335 Women's Crisis Center 872-9259 Women Helping Women Thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Mt. Airy Shelter to Remain open Pg 2: Time to Say Goodbye Pg 3: Cincinnati’s Conspiracy Speech Read at City Hall Pg 4: The Cold Within Pg 5: Paxton Sings for the Environment and Cincinnati’s Homeless Pg 6: National News Pg 7: All I Want for Christmas is… Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: A Modern Day Slave Pg 10: A Thing of Beauty Pg 11: We Called Him Mac Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: People and Morality Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Extreme Racism: Mental Illness? Pg 17: How Now, Mad Cow? Pg 18: Cow Continued Mt. Airy Continued Pg 19: View Continued Justice Continued Parents Continued Initiative Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Dan Marschner Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Molly Lyons Sonny Williams H. Lee Bowen David Mitchell Dana Terrell Pam Johnson James Blackmon Iyndigoh Edna Smith Susan Hucsken Anne Anderson Ronald Leroy English Kim Renay Dumas Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim Riccardo Taylor Mr. Lee Brian Garry John Perotti Victor M. Velez Lemuel Israel Ben Gilbert Steve Sunderland Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Anne Anderson Arts & Poetry Ben Gilbert Brian Garry Christmas Cincinnati City Hall Dan Marschner Dana Terrell David Mitchell Editorials Edna Smith H. Lee Bowen James Blackmon Iyndigoh John Perotti Kim Renay Dumas Lemuel Israel Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor mental illness Molly Lyons Mr. Lee Mt. Airy Mt. Airy Shelter NASNA National News Pam Johnson prisoners news Racism Riccardo Taylor Ronald Leroy English Sonny Williams Steve Sunderland Susan Hucsken Susan Knight Tuqman Bahir Taqwuim Victor M. Velez Women https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d61b9b48f434fa8293abba38f71bf244.pdf 6c2844345c38ea0a45772a327e2686a8 PDF Text Text £ET THE TRI- TATE'S HOMELESS 6RAPE\!IN£ BW FROM B.t\D6£D \1£NDORS ONLY JU £ 2001 $1 DONATION \ "·'-It'·•--~ .... · STREETVIBES ._..... ,~- The fri 1:r0re'$ Homeless Gr.lpevine rHl:TR -ST \ TE S 1101\l llU~ 6;'tAP£'1fl~t llllll.'IA 11•Jll MARCH 2001 tll-l•• • K•~ IM' flt<™ O~tlluUJ V LHUO~S llHl.Y - STREETVIBES I HOMl1 • WAIHh, J' ,.., I, .,.,, 1RwL 1 'ON r tlK I ·I I ' • a, .4T STREETVIBES .., ·~. :1. 1·1 1 '1 1 ''"""',"'''ti l,,,,,,t,\,.'lf11• �r r~ I\ : J ~~~~\. ·JUNE 2001 Street View By Riccardo Taylor T he changing season brings about some sen se of renewal in nature and in the hopes of the street person. As the trees blossom so does some of the hopes of the street person. The changing of seasons allows the street person to have more access to resources and services in the respect that it is easier to move around or to otherwise visit Riccardo M. Taylor tho se plac e s which ca n provide them with some of the help that they need. Of course there is more to the dilemma of the street person 's plight then just the provision of resources that come from community ba sed organizations. These needs which vary from person to person can only be satisfi e d by the particular individual's problems. So in sayi1!g there is that possibility that the newness of the season can be the stepping stone of resolve for some. of the problems the street person h~s if they as individuals partake in tlie steps needed for such change. Still, with all the support or other types of help that the street person receives there is that over shadowing reality that the situation cannot be resolved withjusta whim. There has to be that willingness to change as well as incentive for such change. The mindset of the street person has to be adjusted to accommodate change. They have to experience some sense of renewal of hopes. This I feel is the responsibility of the rest of the society. In so saying I would suggest that the community at large has to participate in the resolve of homelessness and other social iJls that are at the heart of the street person's world. Of course I don't believe that society as a whole has to be responsible for the keep of the street person, yet there has to be input from othe r sections of the society if the social problems which effect so m an y of us can be eradicated. It goes without saying that eac h individual has to take responsibility for himself. However the re are those who need more support for whatever reason. ·This is where the rest of the society has to become avail able, as far as incentive is concerned. Where there See View , continued page 18 Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Annivers~ry! shape the vision By Dan Marschner Welcome to the Fifth .Anniversary issue of Streetvibes! An immeasurable amount of blood, sweat and tears have pushed this paper to become the voice of homeless and impoverished people in Greater Cincinnati . Thi s partiCu1ar issue has several features to commemorate the history of the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine: • A timeline of major stories covered by Streetvibes in the past five years as well as developments in the production and distribution of the paper. • Feature articles by several promine nt figures in Streetvibes history, including Pat Clifford , Bonnie Neumeier, and Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr., exploring the paper's past, present and futur<?. • A photo essay by Jimmy Heath about the experience of a typical Streetvibes vendor (see centerfold). • Powerful articles reprinted from past issues. Working on this particular issue has been a wonderful experience. I must thank the staff members at Cincinnati's Citybeat who helped for this issue: Greg Flannery, Jymi Bolden., Doug Trapp , Robert Young , and J im Mcintosh. Rodney Sutton, Jimmy Heath , H. L ee Bowen and Alicia Beck were also instrumental in the life of this edition. These people gave t remendo u s s upport and encouragement to the process. If you have nver seen the paper before, I hope that this edition sparks your interest in the future. For regular supporters, enjoy . the chance to remember where . the paper has been and dream where Streetvibes: the Trili-£tlre!s,Hom eless Grapevine : the future will take celebrates five years a' pubficarion this 1nontlt~ photo by fitrmw fl'eatli· ·Streetvibes. as Executive Summary of Homeless Study ~eleas~d portion of the study was entirely dependent on the cooperation and This is the third major study of ·participation of homeless men and homelessness in Cincinnati since .women. There a re four major 1986. A consistent, increasingly refined data gathering and analysis ·components to the study design: 1) methodology has been supported by Key informant interviews with the growing sophistication of the service providers; 2) Other research service providers. Additionally, the : studies and data sources; 3) A point "Continuum of Care" work provides in time count intended to parallel : and evaluate the Census effort; and increasing detail on the subject. The purpose of the study is 4) Two separate survey instruments provide an in depth view of the ·of homeless persons. One general homeless, the factors which impact ·survey incorporated questions for their lives, the burdens.they carry studies conducted in 1986 and 1993 and the challenges which service . and the other survey targeted health providers and the community face if matters w hi ch incorporated there is to be a change. standardized questjons previously The study was made possible by administered to general populations the resource in vestments of the in local and national studies. Each Heal th Foundation of Greater su rvey was administered to Cincin~ati a nd the Greater approx imately 200 respondents, Cincinnati Foundation. The Greater which incorporated almost o ne Cincinnati Coalition for the thousand persons. Homeless served as the primary The principal contribution of the client for the work and the staff as study to the knowledge base rests ill well as the member agencies of the two major survey questionnaires coalition made ·essential that were admi.nistered by service contributions to. the management provider staff to homeless persons. and data gathenng o~ the work. The data has been archived and is Applied Information Resources available to other researchers. It can (AIR,Inc.), a non-profit.community · -be found through this web site : information and publi c policy www.ihphsr.uc.edu/hfgc/main.cfm. organization, prepared the study. The material can be found under the Howe¥er, the primary data gathering "Browse Archive Holdings" link. By Ed Burdell ~RIATER CINCINNATI The 2000 stud y revealed a number of changes in the homeless population. Between the 1986 study al ost th 1993 d th stu y, ere was m and e a 100% increase in the estimated number of persons homeless during the course of a year. However between 1993 and 2000, there has been a distinct leveling off, and although an increase in that number is estimated to be slightly more than 20% of the 1993 number, much of this can be attributed to variations in the factors used in the calculations of the number. What is important are the changes in the characteristics of those who are homeless and the compo sitio n of the ho meless population. See Study, continued page 19 Inside Streetvibes Vendor News Local News Recovery News Prisoners News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry l\lental Health Page 2 Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �STREETVIBES JU~E· 2001 STREETVIBES The Tr i-State ' s Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tii-Sfate's Homeless Grapevihe, is ra newspa­ per written by, for, au,d about home1essness, social justice, and povetcy-related issues. It is pJ;Jtilished once a month by the _ Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get bac'k on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. The Greatet Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to eniling homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services,. educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHSmf( Alicia Beck Executive Director Susan Knight Administrative Coordinator Dan Marschner Editor Mary Gaffney Receptionist Mary Taylor Receptionist Sonny Williams Prison News Editor Writers -... Alicia Beck Riccardo Taylor Dan Marschner Mr. Lee Ed Burdell Anthony Watkins Pat Clifford Bonnie Neumeier Aaron Pitchford Jimmy Heath David Mitchell Annie Garrett Michael Stoops Dana Terrell Abiyah Curtis L. Fox Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print every­ thing we,have roo.rµ for; giving preference to those w~o are homeJess or vendors. SubscriptiOns to Stteetvibes can be purchased for $15 per, year. clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421 -78J 3; e-mail: streeJvibes@juno.com web page: http:l/cinci.com/gcch VEN DOR NEWS Page 2 Streetvibes: A Good Idea With Humble .Roots ­ of By Pat'Cliffotd . ' issue ~hich Brian and a Grapevine ~ffo~s. The r~st issue Streetvibes ·. ' vendor brought Clown personally. was published iri February of 1997 For the Fifth Anniversary The Ci~cinnati 'page grew and and dedicated to buddy. Donald Streetvibes issue I was asked to devel~ped_ over the next year. It came up with the name write a little on the beginnings of included stories about the "Streetvibes," and we received the paper. proliferation of temporary . labor startup assistance from Marianto The paper was initially jobs, cuts from the City directed at Pettus; a dedicated vendor at that the Drop Inn Center. in 1996 and time. Donald and I were the only founded as a positive respon.~e to anti-panhandling legislation being poefry from a variety of people. Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the propqsed by Cincinnati City In the summer of 1996, we grew Homeless staff and learned desktop to.. the point where we had enough publishing on-the-job. Counc;il in 1995. We wanted to content to fill four pages, which were find a way that people who were · The production and distribution homeless could still make a living placed as an insert in the Cleveland Streetvibes has come a long way on the streets, but notbave to resort paper. The masthead read: "The since then, Back then, we were to begging. Selling a printing 500 copies a home less newspaper The paper was initially founded as a month, and selling with a 1 of definiteJy offered more than panhandling. Vendors could also have the dignity of being a small entrepreneur. And, to top it· off, they could express their feelings and issues.by writing for the paper as well. It was a positive response to anti-panhandling l l b egis ation eing proposed by Cincinnati City Council in 1995. We wanted to find a way that people who were homeless could still make a living on the streets, b ha ut not ve to resort to begging. Selling a homeless newspaper definitely offered good idea on many levels. The idea of having a more homeles s paper came from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless in Cleveland. At that time, they had published their Homeless Grapevine for a few years already. lfit weren ' t forthe vision and_flexibjlity of Brian Davis, the director of NEOCH, we would not have gotte n off the ground. At first he· allowed us to write articles to be placed in the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine. The first time this happened was the August issue of 1995. The first stories were about the passing of HB167,which eventually ledtothe 3-year cu toffs from welfare last year (and ongoing). I think we startedwith500copiesofthatfirst handful vendors. Now we have many vendors and di s tribute 8,000 per month. Also, in 1997 we had to lay out the paper by cutting out stories and gluing them to a master . sheet, which had to be transported by car to the printer (usually a couple hours past the deadline). than panhandling. Now the paper is laid out electronically and eHomeless Grapevine Cincinnati."· In mailed to the printer. Cincinnati, our vendors would take The reason Streetvibes is a the insert and wrap it around the continued success is because it is a front of the paper. The top story of good and needed idea. It is a winthe first issue was a first hand win situation all around. The account of the displacement of vendors w in by making s ome dozens of people from the El Rancho income and having a chance to Rankin that year. express themselves. The customer After D o nald Whitehead, wins by having access to a voice that Lemuel Israel and I attended the first is seldom heard in a convenient way. meeting of the North American Thanks to everyone ~ho has h elped Street Newspaper Association in with the effort over the years! Chicago in September of 1996, we Pat Clifford is currently the were inspired to start planning for General Coordinator ofthe Drop Inn printi ng our own paper. The CenterSheltet: HewasCoordinator shooting death of buddy gray, long- ofthe GCCH when Streetvibes was time homeless advocate and founded. visionary, shook our planning Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others w ith resp~ct. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies ·o f Streetvibes to persons who are not registered Streetv.ibes Timeline August/September 1995 Cincinnati vendors begin to distribute Cleveland Homeless Grapevine; the paper eventually incorporates a four page section about Cincinnati news. 6. 7. 8. 9. distributors. I agree not .to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. I agree that I will not contest territories with ocher distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this . effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories .if possible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. November 1996 buddy gi:ay, Over tn~ Rhine community activist, is shot and killed. �Page 3 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 ~~m~mbering buddy gray Editors Note: This article was the cover story for the first Streetvibes, published in February 1997. buddy gray made the commitment when he was very young to dedicate his life to energies to the cause of freedom, justice and peace for all humanity. He never wavered on that commitment. To buddy every person had a face, a name. He was a man with great passion and soul. A man who was motivated by his conclusive love and just anger so that we could all live free, with basic human rights. buddy used all that he was in the service of his vision. He gave endless hours of determination because he believed we mu~ t b~ about building a healthi er neighborhood and vyorld community for a ll of us. buddy 's life as a revolutionary, a. public servant, a poet, a carpenter, a friend , an organizer, an advocate, a prophet, a brother, a keen strategist, a preserver of life, a justice-seeker, a consistent challenger, a planter of trees and flowers, a lover of people, and an enthusiastic for the simpl e joys of life challenged many to take an active part in something so much greater - to be part of the historic movement for FREEDOM. He knew that this serious task was not without its difficulty and pain, but he helped many feel the joy of being part of the freedom train. buddy's strong, life-giving spirit impacted many people and places, . but his soul lived especially deep in the people and soil of the Over the Rhine neighborhood . He walked side by side with us, his neighbors, with little or no resources, using all we had in us to claim the right to stay in this land. IT IS OUR HOME that deserves and needs to be respected by the power forces grabbing our land for their profit interests. He had a deep care and compassion for people that are homeless and with little or no income. He believed in people's abilitx to overcome addictions and homelessness. He was an advocate of the people to whom he gave hope. buddy worked hard ar developing an~ . sharing leadership for he believed in the power 9f the people. What he thought was just and ri ght, he took action with others to carry out. He knew seeds h&d to be planted wc11, planted deep, for our hope lies in the coming together of all of us creating a new world with compassion for all earth's creatures. Some of the ways in which he carried out his commitment: * Refused to participate in the Vietnam War and actively organized against it. * Consistently did individual service work: tutoring children, organizing recreation trips for children to area parks; individual advocacy agarnst welfare bureaucracy and absentee landlords; assisted with many moving jobs when folks suffered evictions; offered help in fixing space heaters, apartment repairs; advocated for people getting public assistance; advocated in court for people gettin g treatment rather than prison. * Active in tenant organizing work; advocate for individua l tenants ' rights; organized tenant strikes; active ii in creating Tenant/ Landlord legislation ~ both in the state of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati·. * One of the three original tenants that found ed ReSTOC (Race Street Tenant Orga nizafron Cooperative), formed as a non-profit, racially­ integrated, low income housi ng cooperative in order to fix up old buildings long negl ected by absentee landlords so that housing for low income people could be preserved and maintained. * Helped found the Over-the­ Rhine hou sin g network , coali tion of non-profit l ow income housing development corporations in Over-the-Rhine, united to save hou sing under community control. * Helped develop and pass the Housing Rete ntion Ordinance in Over-the-Rhine, model legislation that requires public hearings before an apartment building can be demolished . * Worked as one of 13 members to develop the Over-the-Rhine comprehensive plan which fought to establish a minimum base of 5,520 low-income housing units in Over-the-Rhine. * Trustee since 1978 of Over­ the-Rhine community council; chair of its housing task force. *Board member of the National Coalition for Hous ing and Homelessness in Ohio; one of the founders in Columbus, Ohio, in March 1984. * Board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless; one of the original founders at the founding convention in Chicago in. 1983. * One of the founders of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, May 1984. Active in the pobtical action for the rights of.homeless people. On January 20, l 977, buddy received the Martin Luther King Jr. lifetime achievement award in Cincinnati. Budd y had many accomplishments to his credit, just as Martin Luther King did. But neither man is remembered most for the things they accompUshed, but rather their vis ion, hope and DREAM they shared with others. Both dreamed of a world where all women a nd men could li ve and respect each other as equals. Our greatest tribute to buddy gray and Mattin Luther King is to continue the vision they worked so hai·d to carry out. One Man's View: An Islamic Perspective on Homelessness by Abdul Karriem Muhammad I, Abdul Karriem Muhammad, a muslim, who, having experienced what is considered " homelessness," afte r ha vi ng been involved in organi zations to "solve" the problem, realizes that homelessness is not the problem, but is a symptom of a deep rooted problem that America, and others s uffer from. That problem is "D isbelief in the Truth of Allah." The National a nd loc al governments, and organ izations, public and private, mislead the general public into believing they're working to solve the problem which they're instru mental in perpetuating for the ir own selfish purposes. ·Government officials are interested in fund raising, job creation, maintenance, pos1t1oning, politicking, campaigning and getting elected, and maintenance of the they became "Mas ters of their organizations, among other Destiny 's" underhanded activities, ai·e some of To elaborate, I , Abdul K. the purposes. And I might add the Muhammad, 53, lunai· years old, was general public accepts and finances born in 1949, in Jackson Mississippi, what they know is not happening. and first experienced homelessness Allah (swt) States in the Holy in 1983 in Chicago Illinoi s, where I Qur' an in various Ayat that He is the became aware of the fact that there Creator, Owner, and Sustainer of are organizations designed to solve Heaven, Earth, and all that is in hom e less ness. One s uch between, therefore if there was any organization, the Salvation Army, belief in this Trnth of the Creator, reported to the Mayor's Task force Allah (swt) there could be no issue for the Homeless , which is a such as " h omelessness" ever coalition of serv ice providing manif~sted. Why do I say this? organizations in Chicago during the Consider 1422 years ago, when Harold Washington Admi11ist.ration. AJlah (swt) revealed the Holy The Salvation Army reported that Qur 'an to his prophet Muhammad among other violations, that there (saaw), the people were nomad s had been a study done 20 years prior (homeless), in what is now Saudi to 1986, to find the real cause of Arabia, but s impl y because they homelessness. What they found was realized , believed in and that the real problem - is that implemented what Allah(swt) homeless people exhibit a "Sense of revealed to an unlettered prophet, Powerlessness", but to this date no organized body or any other body has, or even can address this crucial element of this so-called problem ­ homelessness. So that being said, what are the organizations doing in the name of solutions? I have also witnessed se ll outs, political footballs, usage of the organizations for personal gain, out-right theft etc. People who were prev iou sly unemployable ro se to heights unimaginable. These and other covert age nd as' where the "homeless" are just the Investment Capital, and colla tera l used to sustain the organizations involved in these mailipuJations of the taxpayers, at taxpayer's expense, are just a few examples of the point I'm try ing to get across. r first met Mr. Donald Whitehead , who at that time was serving as the Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coa lition of the See Perspective, page l 6 Streetvibes TimeJine February 1997 First edition of Streetvibes May 1997 Social service providers oppose the Broadway Commons published; Pat Clifford, director 0f the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the proposal for the new Cincinnati Reds stadium, fearing its impact'. on Over Homeless, re membered the legacy of buddy gray on the first cover. The the Rhine residents. initial orintin£?: is 300 cooies. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 4 Work Force Blues: By Riccardo Taylor get on the list to go out and make anywhere from thirty to forty dollars for the day. Many times this can be the difference from one being able to feed himself, as opposed to having to beg in the street. The homeless person can at least sustain himself in his si tu ation through working through th e temporary servi ce. However, it would be very difficult for the homeless to change their circumstance just working through work or work during thei r time off from their regular job. It can be a great help in allowing a person to get ahead, or caught up on some owed bill. All in all the temp assignment can be the crutch for stepping that needed or extra step in ones financial world. On the other hand the temporary e mpl oy me nt business can be a n exploitative entity if viewed from the working s hort hours when the employer has a slow-down or other reason for not needing workers. This can keep a worker off balance or in the dark as to how to plan for the future. The idea that one can be fired or DNRed (do not returned) from an assignment is also an obstacle in which hampers the possible growth for the temp worker. The pay scale for the temp worker is another thing which can be a problem for the The homeless person can benefit in the sense of financial outlook of the temp worker. immediate needs, but doesn't have much hope for The pay usualJy is at minimum wage or less. The temp agency often has the future th~y expect to change their situation. so many different fees or cost which con s ide of th e argument of the the worker has to pay for such as the temp service. The homeless te mporary employment issue. One equipment renting or ride cost that person can benefit in the sense of essential thing from the workers after these cost are extracted from immediate needs, but doesn' t have point of view that the temporary job the pay the worker is getting less much hope for the future if they does not offer is benefits, benefits tben the minimum wage. These expect to change their situation. The which every worker needs or should things and others are perhaps the temporary j ob ass ignment can have if they are to be able to prosper biggest reason for not depending on benefit some personal needs or in their Ii ves outside of the work th e temp assignme nt for ones esteem for the homeless person as it arena. The temporary employer does livelihood. These can be the reasons allows one to feel a sense of self not offer suc h th ings as health for not choosing the temporary work worth , being able to earn a few insurance, sick time, vacation, or a<;signment and instead searching for dollars through a legitimate means. other benefits which help to even out a permanent job if one expects to be Also the temp assignment can be the work schedules or protect the able to get ahead in the work world. extra dollar needed for the employee employee in times of need or So it can be said although the who bas the full time job. It can be misfortune. The temporary temporary work idea can be the the change that one may need to buy assignment is not, as is indicated in difference in the work force it has a special gift or the dollar to buy that its very name, permanent or long its pros and cons and the difference extra staple good. The full time termed. Often the temp worker can lies in where the worker wants to be emoloved can benefit from weekend in the future. Streetvibes Timeline July 1997 U.S. Congress finalizes Welfare September 1997 AU local homeless shelters fill in the city; Streetvibes Reform, imposing time limits up to five years for continued welfare benefits becomes part of the North American Street Newspaper Association and and granting states greater freedom to impose their own standards for representatjves attend the second annual conference. Today in the work world, jobs are relatively hard to come by in the sense of out right hiring. The job market has changed from the hiring of employees by a company, to temp to hire, through temporary agencies. The new wave of employment practices has become the way of the future. Temporary agencies offer a variety ofjobs, ski lled and unskilled, everything from clerical to labor. They cover practically every aspect and phase of the employment industry. The agencies spring up everywhere, like new grass, with a list of names straight from the book of list. Of course like anything e lse the temporary employment business has its good side and its bad side. In speaki ng about the pros and cons of the temporary employment services one has to keep an open mind, giving the benefit of any doubts to the temp agencies. From the pro side the list of positives range form the momentary assistance for the homeless person, to the prospect of additional cash from weekend moonlighting. Often the temporary assignment is the only hope or at least the best bet for a day 's pay for the homeless person or the person in transit. You can just go down and welfare recioients. if �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 5 Your mind so sharp, taking every Mac: Thanks for Your Friendship opportunity in .circles you by Bonnie Neumeier Editors Note: This article first appeared in the January 1998 edition of Streetvibes. Dear Mac: On the celebration of your 901h birthday we knew that each day you were here with us it was a gift we treasured. Over the years we slowly watched your body, legs, eyes and heart giving you troubles. But you would not let those troubles trouble you. Your determined will reached out even to befriend the pain so that it would not control your life. It was not going to stop you. The energy you mustered up to put your ailing body at places your spirit wanted to be amazed us. We won't forget the day you shocked us at buddy's funeral. We were not expecting you as you were so sick and flat on your back on the night before, letting us know your regrets that you could not make it. When you wheeled into the park in your chair, covered with a blanket, with face pail and thin, your presence was a healing, soothing salve with moved us deeply. I remember the night just after Easter in ' 93 we carried you up the dark staircase, to keep watch through the chilly night, getting a few winks of sleep, to be awakened by the so und of the bulldo zer, already spraying forceful water hoses up to the second floor where we were holding our to make our Last attempt to save the housing owned by Phillipus Church from being turned into a parking lot. Mac, you so much understood our fight to save low income housing. You believed what happened in Over the Rhine was a thermometer of what could happen in other low income communities. You held up our effort as a lightening rod, wanting it to spark the hearts a nd mind s of c itywide peop le, preservationists and politicians to do on December 21 , 1997 in Washington Park for the annual remembering of those persons dying homeless on the street, we were not thinking that you, Mac, so soon would be joining your sisters and brothers whose names we called out that day. Thank you for being with us·around the fire barren. I shall not forget that hug. And I know that when you went from this world to the spirit world on December 30, 1997, our Over the Rhine effort embraced you with welcoming arms with a hug from buddy. We trust you are resting in peace but be assured your spirit is in our hearts. And we know our lives and our neighborhood of Over the Rhine benefited a hundredfold from having you sojourn with us. We shall not the right thing for the poor and encountered to put the challenge out oppressed. In the midst of sound there that we need to work for a principled actions we would risk kinder, gentler nation where all together, there were always those people could live free and with moments of sweet support. On that dignity. You humbly accepted the day when we were carried off to jail, St. Francis Xavier medal on the sexes were held in separate December 7, 1997 at Xavier holding cells, four men and one University and spoke so eloquently woman. I won't forget how I called and challengingly on so many of the out to you. buddy, Wilbur, Berta and issues that were dear to your heart you responded in kind with singing and life. We from Over the Rhine voices. That sweet support' lifted were so happy to cel'ebrate with you that day. We felt proud of you, but me. Mac, you gave our effort such somehow you made us feel proud of consistent support over the years. ourselves, too. For when you speak Your friendship felt very special. We you call up the long history of knew you held us in a special place struggle and freedom which in your heart. You were ~ith us at connects us to a spiritual source that City Hall time and time again. Your deepens our conviction that someday voice for the homeless and ill- justice will roll down like the rivers. See Mac , page 16 When many of us last saw you, housed was relentless. You fasted so that we might :.:...~~~~~~~-=-~~~~~~~~;..._~~~~~~~~~~~~---, win negotiation s with the City in rega rd s to replacement housing when we l ost the Milner. You helped us evict the Governor 's furniture from his office in Columbus so that we mig ht make a point about the mean spirited cut off of general assistance. You always stood with us when Drop Inn Center and ReSTOC were under politi c al attacks. The list is -!" Six local activists are arrested protesting at the Cincinnati Police Memorial, a propolice rally featuring F.O.P. President Keith Fang man - Friday, May 18, 2001 photo by Berta Lambert lon g. You were L..~~~~~..,...............................................~ always there for us. Your presence was powerful. You Organizing Workshop possessed a gentle strength. We listened to your stories and learned from your long life. We marveled Thursday, June 28, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. at your memory and how you could Peaslee Neighborhood Center pull up so many quotable quotes. 215 E. Fourteenth Street Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Custom Sizes Available! Let our Ad Manager Design Your Advertisement - Free! Acquire Proven OrganizinQ Skills That Will Help You Achieve Your Organization's Goals! Free to Coalition Members, $1 O for non-members RSVP with Susan at (513) 421-7803 Sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Timeline October 1997 Opposition to the plan to move the foreshadows Prisoners is News Section. location of the Cincinnati School for the Performing Arts befogs with an article by Berta Lambert, longtime community activist and Streetvibes December 1997 ReSTOC breaks ground on buddy's place; Reverend Maurice Mccrackin dies. vend r. e t st". of ohnn William B rd Jr. from death r �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 6 the first time since the second grade. roll into the parking lot in their new I realized that unless I relocated I BMWs. While many of our peers was going to be too tired to function face), or similar comments. Lovely. the next day in class. I imagine that gawked at the willpower of the Shantytowners, we all admitted that For the first time, I realized what finding a new box was as tough as it we led a luxurious homeless life. hunger can do to your personality. is to find a homeless shelter at the With a hiding place for belongings, It made me selfi sh. Part of our l ast minute. The housing was guardians, quiet time for homework, experience was begging for lunch. alread y overcrowded, let a lone a break from the street at a top-notch One afternoon when I was vacant. So I finished off the night school, and a soft pi11ow and warm particularly starving, a friend asked on the grass beneath a tarp that was spring weather, each of us was a Bill me for a piece of gum. It was my draped over a tree. Gates of a ho meless person. Yet the last one, and reluctantly I gave it to So in the end all of the little little things were unforgettable. Susan Knight from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition from the home less educated us on why America has a lack of affordable housing, and Angela Cariviere of CoOhio shared her personal story; I left with a feeling that the line between a comfortable living and : just getting by is frighteningly thin. Eve n in a cap italist ·society, the events that determine my economic status are not so much a sign of my intelligen-ce, the co nte nt of. my character, or my determination, but rather a res ult of luck. Out of complete luck I was born into a fa mily that neve r needed for anything, and because of that I have Ursuline junior Anne Garrett describes her experiences with her high been given the best education that school 's Shantytown, a week long event to educate people about money can buy. Out of luck, my homelessness. photo by Todd Forman parent's companies have not folded her, but I was resentful that she things taught me that being homeless or had to lay people off. The most would ask me - a homeless, hangry is practically a full time job. I frightening thing of all, however, is that once you fall to the other side person, for a piece of gum. The thought I knew what hard work was, of the line, the ease of digging your nerve of her! That gum had eight but I never knew ~at survival in ' full .calories of e~ergy in it,'anct'liere itself was s uch a ta sk for the way out is ~ ..did I say ease? There's I am running on empty! I was one thousands of people e~ch day. Our no such thing. It is truly a cycle. In of the lucky people because my goal was not to directly serve others the film Bless the Child, a woman shoes did not get stolen. Other girls but to raise awareness of the issue who has just become homeless for had to walk around all day in their in hopes of inspiring people to .give the first time in her Jife laments: .bare feet. I never even would have to take action. In s uburban "Since I don "t have an address, I can't get a job: Since I don 't have a thought to hide my things if we communities, people often have so hadri' t been given warning. When I much to g ive but homelessness job, 1.can't get an address." The sad truth - the truth that woke up at three a.m. the first ni ght, seems as far away as Never-Never millions of Americans find it too my face smashed against the smelly land. While it is true that poverty easy to deny! - is this: a homeless cardboard bo(<. and the covers stolen exists only ten minutes away from Se·e Shanty, continued pa!re l 7 by my boxmate, I felt homesick for us, it is easy to forget when students ~ . . Surviving Shantytown By An.ne Garrett , Ursuline Academy 0 2 .., My mom thought I was crazy when I asked her. But it was my ambition, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. I asked her if I could live in a cardboard box for three days. My persistence paid ·off, and I became homeless at age seventeen. I bid goodbye to my four televisions, four telephones, a stocked pantry, two showers, air conditioning, and twin bed. I said hello to my half of a dingy refrigerator box that reeked of vomit. It owed its stabil,ity to a few strips of duct tape; a strong wind could have sent it flying. My shanty was one of many that lined the front lawn of Ursuline Academy high. school in Blue Ash. This effort to simulate homelessness at UA began three years ago an?..'Ya~ .il).~ir~d by the Xavier University Shantytowners. Thi s May, forty-three hi g h school teenagers at Urs uline Academy grabbed a garbage bag full of minimal belongings, a pillow, and a sleeping bag, and committed to braving the wilderness of pove1ty. I was in for a surprise. Several months 1 ago, I thought had understood the basics of homelessness. After all, I'd met with it face to f~ce at the DropInn Center, on the s treets of downtown, and the Chabad House, a homeless sl)c;Jted n Roselawn. But it's the little things in life th~t make all the difference. For instance, one 1 of those little things tJ:iat had never anticipated was ,h.O\.\;' bad my alJergies - and lack of medic ine would make me feel and look. Each d~y at school, I heard,. Do you have pink eye? or You look like you're dyj.na' 0 or oa...a... look how 00 ross that · · uJJ · ' crirl is (this wasn ' t usually, to my Protecting the Ri'ghts of the Homeless by Alicia Beck Street news , like Cincinnati's own Streetvibes, has always been part of the tradition of change in our cou nt ry. From revolutionary pamphlets to public proclamations, from the Catholic Worker to the Broadside Magazine, the written word continues to influence public perceptions and opiniops. . Over its fiv e-year hi story, Streetvibes has been providing the voice for change in our community, exposing the injustices that the homeless and poor of Cincinnati experience. In January 2000, Cincinnati was chosen by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) to be one of the regional sites for the National Civil Ricrhts Orgamzmg ProJeCl. Because ofits strong connections with NCH and its past history of protecting the rights of the homeless, the Greater Cincinnati Coa 1ition for the Homeless (GCCH) serves as the organi zing entity here in. Ohio as ~ell as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. GCCH works in conjunction with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, gathering information about ~he daily acts of discrimination against homeless people. By definition, people who are homeless live in public. A lack of housing forces them to do in public what everyone prefers to do in private. Reported discrimination is found in many forms: homeless are Streetvibes Timeline January ·1998 Donald Wliitehead becomes director of the GCCH; he raises Streetvibes circulation to 2,000 copies per month. asked to leave es ta bl 1shments, arrested for using 'public areas to sleep or rest; and in many areas are forbidden to panhandle. There are no laws protecting the homeless from police sweeps or harassment, and homel ess indi vidual s are experie nc in g hate crimes a t an alarming rate. During the last t wo years, Streetvibes, a project of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, has continued to provide a constant reminder of the reasons we have taken up this important organizing project. Streetvibes has not been afraid to uncover the wrongful acts of those in our community and throughout the Unned States. Monthly 1t has provided us with updates about the many crimes committed against the home less, crimes that wo uld otherwise have been unreported. It has.continued to expose localissues, such as an attack on a Northern Kentucky .homeless encampme nt, which left the residents severely injured. · Watch for more information in Streetvibes in the future about this important topic. Streetvibes will soon be publishing ipfonnation from the 2000 National Civil Rights Organizing Report. And of course, it will continue to provide a voice for those who continue to suffer the daily injustices of our society. AprU 1998 Over the ~e community activists rally against changin Vine Street intQ two-way; major campaign results uniting OTR resident as well as city service providers; council ultimately rules in favor c;i '-' business community to make Vine Street two-way. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship To Christian Faith Could You Just Listen? by Mr. Lee It is a well known fact that the twelve step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous has become the model for many other popular lay-managed programs of treatment targeted at people with addictions, compulsions, or dependencies. Including nicotine abuse, narcotics and cocaine abuse, compulsive eating and gambling. Alcoholics Anonymous estimates their are now more than-87,000 A.A. groups in 136 countries world-wide, representing 1.8 million members. Including memberships in other twelve step programs, millions of individuals around the world attend twelve-step meetings each week. Alcoholics Anonymous began on June 10,1935, co-founded by William Griffith Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith(Dr. Bob). Wilson conceived the idea of Alcoholics Anonymous while he was hospitalized for excessive drinking in December, 1934. During his hospital stay Wilson had a spiritual experience that removed his desire to drink. In the following months, he tried to persuade other alcoholics to stop drinking just as he had. Wilson found his first "convert" in Smith, who was willing to follow Wilson's method to find freedom from alcoholism. Four years later, Wilson and Smith published the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which contains the Twelve Steps and a sp iritually based program of recovery from alcoholism. The Oxford Group · Various sources influenced the formation of AA's program, as developed and recorded by Wilson. Of these, the British-born Oxford Group movement and it's American leader, Episcopal clergyman Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr., contributed most significantly to the Christian basis of Alcoholics Anonymou s. Both Wilson and Smith attended Oxford Group meetings and based much of the A.A. program on this framework. In the 1920's and l930's, the Oxford Group movement became a revolutionary to anti-religiou s reaction following World War I. Aiming to rekindle living faith in a church gone stale with institutionalism, the Oxford Group declared itself an "organism" rather than an organization. Group members met in homes and hotels, mingling religion with meals. Despite its freedom from institutional ties, the movement was distinctly ecclesiastical and looked to the church as its authority. Dr. Frank N.D. Buchman, a Lutheran pastor, is most often cited as leader of the Oxford movement. Yet, if one were to ask an Oxford Group follower, "Who is your leader?" the reply might well be, "the Holy Spirit" So confidently did the group believe inn the guidance of the Spirit that it had no organized board of officers, but relied instead on "God control" through men and women who had fully "surrendered" to God's will. The Oxford Groups teach.~ngs rested on the following six basic assumption.s: Human beings are sinners. Human beings can be changed. Confession is a prerequisite to change. the changed soul has direct access to God. The age of miracles has returned. those who have been changed are to change others. Ernest Kurtz, in his history of A.A. entitled Not-God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous listed the following characteristics of the Oxford Group that were adapted to meet the specific needs of the A.A. program: informal home-like settings for meetings, intended to highlight the pleasures of spiritual fellowship; an expectation that members would remain in their own churches, turning to A.A. not for theological interpretations, but for support in living a moral life; a focus o'n gradually realizing a "changed life" by passing through "stages," a concept that presented sobriety as something positive rather than merely the absence of alcohol or drunkenness; the policy that AA's workers, . especially the founders, sh<?uld never be paid; an emphasis on helping others in order to change one's own life. In addition, Wilson incorporate into A.A. 's philosophy the Oxford Group's five procedures, which were: Giving to God. Listening to God's directions. Checking guidance. Restitution. Sharing, both confession and witness. The Evolution of the Twelve Steps While trying to attract more followers to sobriety from 1935­ 1937, smith and Wilson attended Oxford Group meetings in New York led by Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr. "It was from Sam Shoemaker that we absorbed most of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, steps that express the heart of A.A. way of life," Wilson later recalled. "The early A.A. got its ideas ofself­ examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Group and directly from Sam Shoemaker, their former leader in America, and from nowhere else." In his 1937 book, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wilson set forth six steps of aspiritual recovery program, based on what he and other A.A. members agreed they had learned from Sam Shoemaker and the Oxford Group. The six steps were: 1. We admitted that we were licked, that we were powerless over alcohol. 2. We made an inventory of our defects or sins. 3. We confessed or shared our shortcomings with another person in confidence. 4. We made restitution to all those we had harmed by our drinking. See 12 Steps, continued page 17 When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn 't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings. When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, you have failed me, strange as that may seem. Listen! All I asked was that you listen, not talk to or do ­ just listen to me. Advice is cheap; 35 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same paper. I can do for myself; I'm not helpless­ maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy. But when you accept as a simple fact that 1 do· feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about this business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling. When that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice. Irrational feeli~gs make more sense when we understand what's behind them. Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people-because God is mute, an He doesn't give advice or try to fix things. "They" just listen and let you work it out for yourself. So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your tum ­ and I'll listen to you. Author Anonymous buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina ~r Agnes Maclc at (513) 784-0800 Streetvibes Timeline May 1998 National Coalition for the Homeless June 1998 City of Cincinnati's panhandling ordinance ruled an launches the National Civil Rights Organizing Project to document human unconstitutional limitation of free speech; Jimmy Heath becomes rights abuses of homeless people. Streetvibes editor in addition to bis other duties with the GCCH. · �ST R EE T V IB ES J UNE 2001 I Was About to Be Put to Death By Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Editor 's Note: This testimony first appeared in the October 1997 edition of Streetvibes. Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. still awaits his execution by the state of Ohio on death row. On Sunday March 13, 1994 at 12:53 P.M. exactly thirty-five hours and twenty six minutes before my scheduled state sanctioned murder the "death Row escort" arrived at my cell. "It's time Byrd Dog," one said. "Strip," said another. A number of men stood in front of my cell, nervousJy watching as I shed my clothing, perhaps for the for the last strip search of my life. After going through the usual routine of Lift ' um and spread ' um I got dressed, backed up to the cell door and was handcuffed. While this was going on, an eerie silence had settled over the entire block. There was none of the usual boisterous laughter, loud radio or TV p laying . There was nothing but complete silence. As I backed out of my cell and started the on the long walk , the b lock erupted into a cacophonous uproar. "Stay Strong!" "Good Luck" the voices yelled out. As I bid them fareweli, I vowed, "I'll represent us all well , and no matter what happens, stay strong," meaning that I would not grovel and whine as some involve d in thi s process would like to see. As I walked down the long main corridor and passed each cellblock, there were loud voices raised in solidarity and encouragement. The shouts from the eel lblock caused my escorts and the numerous guards that lined the corridor to become alarmed with fea r and terror of the last riot fresh in their memories. Jn an effort to make me speed up my leisurely pace as I met each and every eye along Lhe away, they started walking faster. I maintained my stride, and soon they slowed down, resigned to my pace I had set Upon arriv ing at the J-1 supermax, I was once again stripped and searc he d and my regular deathrow cloth ing was exchanged for death house clothing. PENPAL WANTED Kaman Wa Ngengi Hill #568787 P.O. Box 16 Lovelady, TX 75851 " Odd," I thought to myself. with drugs to make me "What differenee does one's clothes less re sis tant and have on the fact of one's impending responsive. This refusal death?" was not based on some The atmosphere of the death unreasonable paranoia house was smothering, suffocating but thro ugh years of as if there was no oxygen. Everyone incarceration. I know moved as if in slow motion. Their first hand j ust how devious prison every move seemed to be thoroughly officials can be, and I wasn' t about learned robot-like professionalism. to take chances. Now for the first time in over thirty The whirlwind of ac tivity years, they, the elite death squad, had continued around me, and as night been called upon to commit murder approached, there was no thought of in the name of the state of Ohio. In sleep in my mind. Throughout the some of their eyes I saw fear concern night, I was on the phone talking to and revulsion. In others, I saw people that I hadn't heard from in sadistic glee. Looking at each one years. Everyone expressed their of them in the eye with a steady support, love, concern and pledged unblinking eye, I sized them up their assistance. individually. Monday morning, March 14, issue a ruling at approximately 3 p.m., nine hours before my scheduled execution! He made this ruling with full knowledge that it was legally wrong, but in keeping with his own personal feeling about the length of time my appeal was taking. He stated on one occasion, ''There comes a time when all of this must come to an end"; now he had appointed the supreme litigator and unsurpassed the power of the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as-that of his own district court. Had it not been /Jeing on death row, in and of itself, is a form of for the tireless efforts of my attorney fought gallantly, he may have death. The environment sucks the life out. The who very well succeeded. Through their passing of single day at times can be but the blink efforts an emergency panel of the Circuit Court convened and ofan eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Sixth issued a stay of execution at 6:30 Then theres drudgery, the soul wrenching p.m. to be outdone, Ohio monotony of staring at the same steel, concrete goveNot rnor Geor.ge V. Voinovich and people, ad nauseam. pe rso nally contacted his friend, Attorney General Lee Fisher, and Soon after entering the death cell was indeed a blue Monday for us all. went directly to the U.S. Supreme proper, my attorney arrived to.inform We learned of the apparent Court and asked them to dissolve the me as to the current status of my unprecedented and mean spirited stay of execution so that my murder situation. We discussed this at great tactics being employed by the judge could take place as scheduled. This length, and I felt confident that assigned to my case, the "honorable" move was purely political. Both everything possible was in fact being Carl Rubin. It see ms th at even men have political aspirations, and done to halt the in sidious plot to though he had my writ of habeas with elections coming this year, they murder me th at bad been set in corpus and motion for a stay of knew how profitable jumping on the motion by Ohio. execution before him since March "kill them quick" bandwagon would After enjoying the time I spent . 7, he decided to wa it until th e be. After the U.S. Supreme in it's with my lawyer, I immediate ly eleventh hour before making any contacted my woman and then other ruling, knowing fu ll well that the entirety had been convened, they fami ly members on the phone, which situation was critical and that time declined to lift the stay of execution had been provided. I attempted at was of the essence. at approximately l l :30 p.m. best I could assuage their worries An example of the insidious plot Monday. Everyone breathed a deep and fears. With each one, I tried to he'd hatched in his muddled mind sigh of relief, including I might add, explain the situation, based on my began when he instructed two of my the con-ections officer that had been knowledge and information attorneys to meet in his chambers at there the entire ordeal. Around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, provided by my lawyer; This was noon. At the conclusion of the very difficult. given the fact that they meeting, he informed my attorneys I was again escorted by guards. This were a ll aware of the appeals that he would deny my motion for a lime, however, I was goi ng back to process. They all knew this latest stay of execution and that he wou ld See Death , continued page ·18 attempt by che state of Ohio to murder me was simpl y a political move and not based on the law. I had to agree, but nonetheless, I still wanted to calm their fears give contains news about the justice system and the them strength and assure the m all writings of persons incarcerated that everyth ing was under control in our nation's jails and prisons. and that my lawyers were on top of every move the state was trying to Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. make. If you would like to support us in this effort, please At times, there were periods that sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. seemed to stand still. Then suddenly, Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com everything would speed up. I was mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street offered food , but I refused to eat, Cincinnati, Ohio 4521 O feari ng it may have been doctored Prisoners News August 1998 National shortage of affordable housing documented; locally, income housing advocates, Lincoln Court adopts Hope VT federal housing 48% of Cinci nnati's low income renters spend more than half of ·their income on housing. program; Streetvibes debuts Prisoners' News section. Streetvibes TimeJine July 1998 Despite concerns expressed by low­ �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 9 The Jus~ice f~r W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc We the family and fr~ends of William Jonathan Mayo erlcourage to you to lend an ear and: perhaps even your hearts to this tragic yet true account of an attempt to destroy this young, aspiring man's life. William Jonathan Mayo is a native Cincinnatian. He attended Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, graduating in 1984. Very determined to make his life bet!;er, he decided to further his education a nd atte nd ed Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After receiving an Academic, Military Scholarship, he transferred to the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. He worked to put himself through college as a plain-clothed store detective and as a cover model for magazines in. Detroit and Chicago. William appeared as a cover model on the April/May issue of Applause Magazine; a local magazine in Cincinnati, Ohio for "Cincinnnati's Black Lifestyle". He also appeared inDetroit'sHotBlackMenCalendar as Mr. July 1990. While at Morehouse, William had several dreams. The most important to him was being part of the Mentoring Program. This was a program designed by college students to help less fortunate children and teens get into college and improve their lives. In 1990, while living in Chicago, William met two underprivileged teenage young men . It was William's belief at heart that he could help make a difference in their lives by becoming their mentor. In November 1991 , Wi 11 iam drove· the two young men from Chicago to Atlanta for the Morehouse College Homecoming Weekend. ItwasWilliam's hopethat the visit would demonstrate to the . young men what college life was like and to encourage them to s.e ek a better life than what they were living in Chicago. They arrived in Atlanta · on November 3, 1991, making several stops on campus and around the city. That evening, around 7: 15­ 7: 30, William made a stop that would forever change his life. William stopped to retrieve some clothing and personal items from an associate who had stored them for him until he could return from Chicago and pick them up. The two young men accompanying William remain~d in the car while William picked up his belongings. During the time William was at his associate's house these young men committed a despicable crime. They burglarized and robbed a home that was two doors away from the house where William was. They terrorized a bi-racial couple for what had to seem like hours to the m, but in actuality it was about I0-20 minutes. They stole small items from the couple and tied them up with a telephone cord. They were able to come back to the car just before William returned with his belongings. William drove away witboutanyknowledgethatacrime had taken place. Policemen with theirgunsdrawnpulledoverthecar upon entry into the interstate. William and t~e two young men werearrested,takenintocustodyand charged with burglary, armed robbery and aggravated assault. SPECIAL NOTE: It was at this point that the police told the victims they and ministers attesting to his good character. Tliere was not a death as a result of th~,crime nor any serious injuries. William had no previous police record or prior contact with authorities. The type of sentence William received is clearly outrageous. This type of sentence was not meant to punish but to destroy William's life! New counsel was hired and appeals were filed. In September 1993, in a hearing for an extraordinary motion for a new trail, thetwoyoungrnencameforwardof their own accord a nd admitted "William had nothing to do with the cri me,norwasheawareofwbatthey had done until their arrest. William Mayo is innocent!" Much to everyone's surprise in the courtroom, the same judge in Cobb If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conviction would have peen overturned, and today William would be afree man. had arrested three black men and found their property in the car; thus convincing the victims that all three men were involved, instead of only two. William was granted bond which enabled him to return home to Cincinnati to await his triaf date. William was never placed in a line­ up or identified prior to trial by the victims. Evenafterthevictimswere shown William's arrest photograph, just hours after the crime had occurred, they could not identify him. On April 3, 1992, after a week long trial, and being represented by a state appointed attorney, William Jonathan Mayo was found guilty on five cou nts: ONE BURGLARY CHARGE, TWO ARMED ROBBERY CHARGES and TWO AGGRAVATED , ASSULT CHARGES. Earlier in the trial the two )'Oung men pled guilty for a lesser sentence and testified as state witnesses against William Mayo. Both received a twenty year sentence · after implicating William Mayo as part of the crime. William J. Mayo was sentenced to two life sentences for armed robbery, two twenty year sentences for the aggravated assault charges, and twenty years probation for the burglary charge: all to run conc urre ntly with each other. William maintained his innocence and does so today. During William's trial letters were submitted from college administrators, employers County, Georgia who had previously sentenced William denied his motion for a new trial. If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men- who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conv ic tion would have been overturned, and today William would be a free man. In D ecember 1995 , a State Habeas Corpus Evidentiary Hearing was conducted and several witnesses testified again. The two young men testified again under oath in court for a second time. They swore that they lied about William's involvement in thecrimethattheycommitted. They made a public apology to William a nd his family for the pain and suffering they had caused. In spite of all the evidence clearing William's name.the judge refused to release William or even grant him a new trial. William is now 35 years old and has been incarcerated in maximum security prisons in Georgia for over nine years. He as been in ten different prisons and is currently in Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia. He as waited patiently for justice to prevail; however, the Georgia courts have tried to hide the facts in this case. It is revealed that four of William's prior attorneys rendered ineffective representation by their own admission. At leasttwo ofattorneys admitted openly in court that they put Mayos issues on the back burner (which is documented on transcript). William, his family, and friends have finally obtained counsel and private investigators who realize the injustices William has suffered and they are presently working very hard to ?verturn his conviction. An appeal was made to the Federal Court, U.S. Northern District of Alabama, in 1998. On July21, 1999theMagistrate Judge gave his report and recommendation to ~eny WiUiam's Habeas CJrpus action. On August 9, 1999, the appeal went before the Federal Judge for final review and disposition. The _Federal Judge denied th e FederalHabeasCorpus inMay2000, and would not grant aq application for Certificate of Appealability. William , though his attorneys, appealed to the 11th Circuit Court for a Certificate of Appealability, which refused to hear the case. We have submitted documentation thatoneofthestate's key witnesses (William's would be alibi witness) not only testified falsely, but also under a false name which the prosecutor knew or should have known at that time. In fact, these state witnesses had outstanding warrants i'n Cobb County, and perhaps elsewhere~ Georgia; under hi.s real name and the alias name under which he testified. Through the dili gent work of a private investigator we obtained proof (fingerprints in both alias and birth name of this state's key witness.) These warrants were issued in Cobb County, the same co unty where Mayo's trial was held. The warrant · was dead docketed. We have now received a written affidavit from one of the teenage young me n who co mmitted the -crime th at the g un used in the robbery belonged to him and to get it out of his possession. He put it under the driver's seat once the police stopped the car. During trial the Stat~ used the gun as evidence against Mayo even though the gun was not processed for fingerprints or linked to him in any way. We also discovered that another s tate's witness, the second accomplice who committed the crime, co-defendant Dale Santee Thomas, who is serving twenty years as a g uilty pl ea, is actu~lly incarcerated under a false name. His real nam~is Odell Santee Thornton. . A John Marsha ll Hig h School (Chicago) student record verifies this fact. He further states in .his affidavit that the Prosecutor and See Mayo , continued page 18 Streetvibes Timeline November 1998 The third annual Standdown December 1998 Advocates have a candlelight procession from the Dt:o occurs; organized by the GCCH and the Veterans Administration, the Inn Center to Washington Park to commemorate homeless people ·wh two day event provides opportunities for homeless people to get medical died in 1998. �STREETVIBES. JUNE 2001 Page 10 Alternative Media Jimmie Gipson is typical Empire of many of the Streetvibes There are nearly 50 street vendors. He's clean cut, well newspaper~ published in the spoke n, and challenges the US , written or sold by stereotype many people may ~~r:JWil homeless a nd form e rly have of a homeless person. He homeless people . Some of is a man who has been down the papers vary widely in on his luck and has struggled c ontent, philo soph y and to find his way. But Gipson format. And they come in all finds enjoyment in his work as sizes from simple two page a Streetvibes vendor. He plies newsletters reproduced on a the side walks of downtown photocopier all the way up to Cincinnati looking for a good mainstream, stylish full color pl ace to sell hi s stack of magazines with runs of over Streetvibes papers. A good 100,000 per month. The spot for selling has to meet Streetwise ne ws pape r in several criteria; it need s to Chicago is one of those high­ have a ste ady stream of l -_ _..;:,,,o:_...a end street papers. It has slick passersby (lunchtime hours are best) and the folk walking Jimmie Gipson begins his attempts to selJ Stree1vib~ newspa,per. Jile .s earcbes for just full color pri nting , major · adverti sers, · ce lebrity by need to be somewhat the ri_ght spot to find potential cus.tcmiers. interviews and a full -time sympathetic . "I like the professional staff. There are challen g e of getting . th e ov er 200 homeless· and atten tion of people who are formerly homeless vendo rs tryi ng to ig no re m e-, " say s hawkin g the Streetwise Gipson. " Once I get them to newspaper at any given time. listen to me, and I show them One thing all of these papers what I have, they will almost ha ve in co mmo n is th a t always buy a paper." Gipson homeless vendors not unlike has al so d evelo pe d Jimmie Gipso n Cincinnati's rel ationships, no t o nly with sell them and keep the profits. customers on the street, but They write the stories and are business ow ners. "I have a ---""­ invol ved in the e ditoria l couple of businesses that will process. There are many let me sell on their property," ways to measure success in Gipson says. "As long as I ask th e. street n ~ w s pap e r and I don 't create a nuisance, business. Streetvibes, and the people will let me sell the paper street paper movement, has at their bus iness." When become the alternative voice Gipson g oes out with hi s for people whose voice has Srreetvibes, he makes good gone unheard for so long. money. Sometimes $10 to $20 When the mainstream media dollars an hour. He says he has Creating a relationship with customers is key to good saless. Here. Tnnmie takes .a fail s, the street news paper sold over 600 of the papers in moment to chat with someone who may eventually buy the paper on a regu.tat basis. succeeds. Street newspapers just over a month. A lot of tell it like it is without the people just give him money, or c onfine s of adv e rti ser let him keep the change. But politics. That is one of the Gipson states that most people real successes of street papers don ' t c arry c ash a ny more; like Streetvibes. Homeless everyone is using credit cards people can especially speak for everythin g so there isn' t their mind where before, they' cash for buying papers from the would be i g nored b y the street comer vendor. Jimmie main stre am media . Gipson says that some of the Advocates for the poor also vendors have disputes o ver find a voice in the street paper territories and street corners, move me nt and use tbe but it doesn 't bother hi111 - there ne twork e xte nsive ly for are ple nty of good spots for getting the word out about sellin g Streetv ibes in local community and national Cincinnati. "Can I interest you issues. in a Streetvibes newspaper to help the home less ?" say s Legal Alternative . Gipson to a bu s ines sman walking by his post at 5th and For many cities, including Vine Street. Cincinnati, the street Jimmie g ets the tecl:m:igue ready: di~lay ithe ip~er prominently,, make:sm.e to & splay newspaper movement grew hi:s badge, ask politetily jf passer.b y woulcll like to read ;abnm homelessness. out of the need for creating . . Streetvibes Timeline February 1999 Laurel Homes joins Lincoln May 1999 GCCH forms Speaker's Bureau: homeless people share their Court as a Hope VI project; redesign plans indicate a less of 1300 units of stories with groups throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. low income housing. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 11 an a lternati ve to panhandl in g. reach their personal goals," says staff bas worked with vendors to their needs," says Beck. "Our goal Although the First Amendment right Alicia Beck, Director of the Greater help thein meet their goals. "We. are is to develop vendor suppo1t groups to free speech protects people who . Cincinnati Coaliti o n for the in the process of hiring a full-time that will identify issues for th e are peacefully e ngaged rn Homeless. Traditionally,.the GCCH staff person to help the vendors with vend o rs, provide e du cational panhandling, th e City of ,_ ,,..._.,...,,....,,,,..,....,,_..,,....,. opportunities a nd h·e alth Cincinnati took measures to services. We will be able to strengthen a 1992 aggressive help vendors with referrals panhandling law. Jimmie for housing and other types Gipson says that he used to of assistance." The be a panhandler himself. Streetvibes newspaper is an "Some of those guys make empowerment program for good money," says Gipson, homeless fo lk who are pointing to a nearby looking for a way to get their panhandler. While homeless lives back. "I really enjoy advocates and the ACLU selling Streetvibes," says were disputing the anti­ Jimmie Gipson. "It makes pa nh a ndling- iss ue in the me feel good, like I'm doing something that matters." courts, the idea for a street newspaper for Cincinnati was developed as an alternative. The Challenge For several month s The most difficult Cincinnati 's Streetvibes aspect for Streetvibes was a one~page supplement to vendors is consiste ncy. the Homeless Grapevine, a Many of them Live on the Cleveland, Ohio street Dealing with rejc.ction is one of the most difficult aspects of Streervibes sales. Jimmie streets because they suffer newspape r. Using encoanrers many people like these who are not intereste<t in buying the paper. from c irc um stances that Cleveland's Grapevine prevent them from following newspap er as a model, a regular schedule. Lack of Streetvibes published its first hou sing affects many full issue in February of 1997. different areas of somone's In the spring of 1998 the life: no place to store their proposed anti -panhandling things, nowhere to take a was rul ed o rdinance shower, few safe places to unconstitutional by the US rest. Selling Streetvibes is a Dis trict Court, the reby gr ea t alternative for lega lizi ng peaceful homeless people because pa nhandling. These days, they make their own hours. Jimmie Gipson competes for The best vendors come as a share of the street with close to consistent sales as panhandlers, but he doesn't they can; they sell in the mind. Selling Streetvibes same general area to repeat gives Jimmy Gibson a sense c ustomers m onth after of worth and value. month . · Jimmi e Gipson hopes to use the money he The New Success earns from Streetvibes to B eca use of th e improve his situation: "Ilike panhandling legal dispute, this job. My dream is to making profits as a business Ah. ~weet success: Jimmie finds a customer who wantc; lo buy a Streetvibes. He gladly make enough money to get was . not the impetu s for supplies the paper to his customer and hopes that he looks for him in the future. a place of my own. In the publishing Streetvibes. The meantime, though, I'll just paper was also developed as keep meeting people a nd a prog ram to help people letting them know about life getbackontbeirfeet. In the o n the s treets." Jimmie publishing office of The continues, "I want to thank Greater Ci nc inn ati the people for encouraging and inspiring me by wanting Coalition for the Homeless, vendors gather to socialize, to help and fee ling that they drink coffee, and discuss the are doing their part. I keep j ss ues of the day. The tellingthemthattheirsupport vendors purc hase the ir is very necessary for papers and head out to the improvement of the homeless streets. There are countless problem. " success stories surro unding Editor's Note: the history of the Streetvibes Special thanks to vendor newspaper. Many vendors J immie Gipson, whose have sold the paper for years generous donation ofhis time ·and have come to rely on it made this article possible. To · for their livelihood. Others Learn more about vendors or use the program to find a way for more information, contact out of a temporary situation . . . . . . the Greater Cincinnati «nr k .th J1mmte rejoices after his sale - :another opportunity to educate people about homelessness C z· . fi h H · l d an move on. vve wor w1 h. . tf tb . . Thank S ib 1 · . oa mon or t e ome ess at the vendors to help them and help unse at esame tm1e. . you treetv es. (513) 421-7803. Streetvibes Time.lineSeptember 1999 Demolition Of Laurel Holmes November 1999 Stop' the Clook campajgn to fight Ohio's welfare cu begins; Tom Billman becomes:editor. Tomis tire first 0068 staffmember begins. Protestors demand that Ohio adopt the federal option of cutoff: to work exclusively on Streetvibes. after five years instead of Ohio's current three years. �Page 12 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 NASNA Congratulations On behalf of both the North American Street Newspaper Association and th e National Coalition for the Homeless, I am writing to congratulate Streetvibes on its 51h Anniversary. As someone who has been involved for some time in both the homeless advocacy and street newspaper movements, I can state unequivocally that Streetvibes does an outstanding job in educating the overall community about homeless/ poverty issues. I never mi ss reading an ' issue of Streetvibes. . Streetvibes also provides an aveJl ue for the creati ve literary talents of h omeless/ formerly homeless people. It also provides meaningful employment opportunities to homeless people who sell the paper in the Tri-State area. Streetvibes is one of the top ten street newspapers in the U.S. and Canada. We wish you the best during the next five years. Sincerely, ~~ Michael Stoops Executive Committee Member • North American Street Newspaper Association National Coalition for the Homeless TAX COT FEVER "Don't stov now ...! can still move mv arms." Dreaming About the End of Homelessness by Dan Marschner the future, dreams of a perspective of the homeless and This issue has celebrated the bittersweet past of Streetvibes and the issues it considers. Major points in the past five years include highlights such as the opening of buddy 's place and the creation of the National Civil Rights Organizing Project, and lowlights such as the demolition of Laurel Homes and the loss of the One Way Vine campaign. In looking toward Wish List Streetpibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertinent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help ­ film (400, 800, 1600), developing help, digital and/or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you can heJp!, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes better community that supports all people, regardless of their financial resources. Streetvibes hopes to incorporate some new aspects in the next few years. The mos t significant advancement will be the hiring of a Vendor Support person. This position will help Streetvibes become a better job training program. This. Streetvibes staff member will help vendors transition from selling the paper into other work. The Vendor Support person will also assist vendors with finding drug and alcohol treatment when necessary as well as aiding their financial management. A Writer's Group for Streetvibes vendors wiU materialize soon. These vendors will have the opportunity to hone their writing skills in the hopes of raising the quality of written submissions to the paper as well as training future reporters for Streetvibes. Streetvibes distribution will also increase in the next five years. Customers will seek out vendors because they are interes ted in hearing about the perspective of homeless people. Monthly sales will rise to a level high enough to sustain a biweekly publication. Streetyibes will become an authority in local news. Civic leaders will respect Streetvibes for its honesty and ability to tell the impoverished in Greater Cincinnati. Contributors to the paper will have readers who cannot wait to hear their opinion on the next topic in question. Streetvibes will continue to emphasize the many facets of homelessness. Prisoners' News, Recovery News, Mental Health News, and Welfare News will be sections full of information vital to the survival of homeless and impoverished people. Advertisers will recognize Streetvibes readers as an important audience to target. Advertising revenues will never corrupt the independence of the opinions of Streetvibes contributors. These revenues will become large enough to allow Streetvibes to be a self­ s u pporting publication with minimal reliance on grants. Streetvibes will be at the forefront' in the movement to guarantee affordable housing to all people in Greater Cincinnati. The paper will continue to be the conscience of Greater Cincinnati, demanding that the rights of homeless and impoverished people be respected. Ultimately, Streetvibes will become obsolete because its existence will no longer be necessary: the voice of homeless and impoverished people will be respected and incorporated into all aspects of the civic life of Greater Cincinnati. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Streetvibes Timeline January 2000 GCCH becom~s a regio~~ civil rights site for the National Civil Rights Organizing Project. ,, February 2000 Artists for the Drop Inn Center have a concert in supgort of the shelter's efforts to oppose retocation as part of the Kunzel SCPA plan. �EDITORIAL SECTION STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 P age 13 The Fix Was In System Fails All Citizens by David Mitchell By Dana E. Terrell On April 7 1h, in the early morning hours, young Timothy Thomas died as a result of a gunshot from Officer Stephen Roach. Unless you have been in a cave for the last couple of months, this is not news to you, but those events inspired me to look at the way things are done by our police department and what I found is upsettin g . I contacted the Cincinnati Police Department and spoke to one of the Public Outreach agents named Fran. What she told me along with the Youth Services agents, Nancy and Officer Greg Meadows, shows a repeated level of erroneous thoughts and practices instituted by the entire department. As of April 15'h, when the department last updated the statistics, there were 147 officers stationed at district 1 and 138 officers at district 4. There are no official statistics on how many officers actually live in the district where they ar~ stationed, however the unofficial g uesses b y the officers I spoke with put the figure at only 5% to 10%. At this point let me identify the areas each of these districts serve. District 1 Riverfront Cincinna6 Business District Queens gate Wes tend Ovel" The Rhine Mt. Adams Pend leton ~ District 4 Mt. Auburn Corryvme Avondale North '.Avondale Paddock Hills ~ Hartwell Carthiage Roselawn Bond Hill Walnut Hills These areas make up a vast majority of the black communities in the city, yet there is very little representation in these districts of officers that either currently live in or grew up in these communities. Had Stephen Roach grew up in or lived in the area he was supposed to serve and protect, he would have had a better chance to know that Mr. Thomas was not known for carrying weapons. Was this the only error made by the police? NOT HARDLY! Dispatch failed to broadcast all of the facts when it alerted the patrol units that Mr. Thomas was running. The dispatch fai led to announce that the warrants he was wanted on were mi sde meanor traffic violations. They also failed to g ive a complete description, including that the pants Mr. Thomas was wearing were loose fitting and that he had to hold them up while he ran. Did their actions contribute to the shooting? This reporter says ABSOLUTELY! Does the training of the police need to be reworked? Lets look at the statistics for one unit of our police force for the an s wer. Cincinnati's S.W.A.T. team ranks as IMin the nation for resolving all the encounters without firing a single shot. At the same time as the S.W.A.T. has such a perfect record, the regular police have 15 kills of bla~k males, a couple of which involve such overkill as firing 26 rounds .into the alleged offender. This reporter finds these statistics abhorrent. I am not one to say that anyone is a saint; but whe n do traffic violatio ns, whi ch Mr. Thomas could have taken care of in a more appropriate manner, warrant death at the hands of the police? l!ntil last year, the English cop, called a bobbie, didn't carry a gun at all, so why is it necessary for our police to carry 9 mm pistol s and 357 magnums? Is England a utopia? I TlllNKNOT! The police have only recently started a program in the districts called Explorers that are designed to let the youth of our communities learn what being a police officer is all about,. Yet I have not seen any information about this in the community I live in, Over The Rhine. How can the youth of our communities show an interest in something they are not aware even exists? Is it just me or are the people in charge c<;m~nµing to sqqw bias and prejudice with regards to . our neighborhood yquth? I may be wrong but if you reach out to the Jcids in their preteens, they are less likely to fall into the wrong crowds because they will know that ,there is a right crowd to be with. Lets start where the problem starts and not try to correct it after irs too late. That is my 2 cents worth . --.-. ­ -- ­ OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV'T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO WASTE GOV1T ON THE POOR, DO YOU? Streetvibes TimelioeMarch 2000 U.S. Census attempts to count omeless people in Greater Cincinnati; the census ends in failure as an xtremely small number are found. "The fix was in" - the words of an independent legal source. He realized as soon as a specia·l prosecutor was appointed to head up the grand jury case investigating the shooting of Timothy Thomas by policeman Steven Roach. The 11 members of the grand jury heard from 20 witnesses including Ms. Thomas; police on the scene; police who investigated the case; the coroner who performed the autopsy; civilians who witnessed part of the confrontation; and a firearms expert. However, the special prosecutor acted as a one man steering committee. The powers that be , understanding that the public may reject their decision in <iillowing Mike Allen to head up the grand jury because of his fatemal Order of Police membe rship, are the victors. We're stiU outraged. Mike Allen said himself that "they made the right decision." That is a bold face lie. There are very few states who even have Negligent Homicide on the books; Involuntary Manslaughter is the minimum in most states. This new prosecutor c hoose the least co mmon denominator that officer Roach could have possibly been charged with. Which mean s literall y an Innocent Homicide. The charge of obstruction of official po1ice business only means that officer Roach lied about the events that took place during the night of the s hooting . Me rl y n Shiverdecker, Mr. Roach 's attorney, said he's relieved his client will not face felony charges. Misdemeanors are still a serious all egation ; however, we're d isapointed there was an indictment for any criminal charge. This is our criminal Justice system for you. The corruption continues as the Justice department headed up by the attorney general of the United States of America, Mr. As hcroft, s poke of an investigation into police brutality. Yet, the same police officers who committed the shooting the day of the funeral who th ey were supposedly looking into are now back on duty - that proves their involv e d in a cover- up and a conspiracy. There were officers laughing at · t.he hos pital when Mary Ann Merideth was receiving stitches after being shot in Washington Park. They were bragging about confiscating cameras and videos which would · incriminate them. See Fix, continued page 17 April 2000 Bonnie Neumeier removed from the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center Board after continued opposition to the Kunzel SCPA plan. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 · Page 14 BLACK TEARS: POETRY OF ANTHONY WATKINS " Hell o," Young Ladies, I' ve written something just for you , I hear you' re confused, And destroying your minds, Why wou.ld you do that? After God has been so kind. He has blessed you so much That others dream and wish for, Young Ladies, you' re knocking At the wrong door! But, I'm sure Satan Will make room for one more! And if you don ' t fall to Satan, You're still playing with fire! Smoking blunts or getting high Turning into a habitual liar; You think you're smart, Keeping secrets from your parents And doing things behind their backs, I know many, " use to be," beautiful young ladies Started out just like that, Most of them end up with, "Daddy's unwanted baby"! Or walking the streets, spaced out, looking crazy! And some of you may slip through the cracks, Get a good job, and a husband, but; That "monkey" is still on your back, After that it won't be long before you lose your job, Husband, home, and your precious stones! Then that's when you ' ll begin to wonder, "Where did I go wrong?" I hope I'm on time, because, for some, it's over due, Check out your life right now, and if this is; Don't Let It Continue to be You! THOMAS N. PAYNE Now AVAILABLE FROM THE AUTHOR These are the tears of ancestors that cry out for me from their African tomb stone word saying this is fo r my people black tears stripe from identity meaning dignity of their roots thi s is black tears that speak the truth taking from the motherland across over to this dieting land to swallowed up like quick sand were poor people with mind of gold are upon like fool but GOD shout out you rule this for proud stallion black knight the blood of ancestor cry in one love saying survival is vital be not to shine in the form selfmade ta1ce you to your grave human idol soon this beast wm be at peace meaning deceased black tears. I don't know it happened ... many events Witnesses, years .. But more important-it h a~ ... As long as business lunches still happen in Glass condos looking out over The homeless and-hungry on the Cold street l 0 stories below I don't desire to be happy unless happiness Is a universal right As long as City Fathers can work 8 Hours a week for 35,000 and do Little to learn of the peoples How DID IT HAPPEN I don't care to be at peace when teenagers Of the third world must learn to Shoot anti-aircraft guns at American Invading planes . I don't intend to be calm, pleasant and Likable if the stink of injustice must be made I don ' t want to be at acceptable as long as Rape, racism/sexism multinational Profit, CJ.A. destabilization of Governments, joblessness, Homelessness is acceptable I don't think about being respectful Hunger exists in the land of plenty Poverty exists in this nation of wealth Uneducation and ill health run Rampant in this place of advanced Technology, toxic waste ravages this Once beautiful country I don' t plan to be non disruptive · of the "order" around us I don 't yet choose to be a carpenter, if Nuclear bombs production still steals The housing construction budget As long as Churches and Synagogues and Temples to reverent, rituals for Rights and speak in pious platitudes Of peace and take no angry action That stops American Business as Usual to end Homelessness, Imperialism I fully intend to dream of happiness-and Peace when I sleepfood, clothing, Shelter, medical care, education, Equality, green space and peace for All And meanwhile awake to live as Unacceptability, Non-calmly, Unpleasantly, Dislikable, Impatiently, Loudly, Disrespectfully, And disruptively, And as contagiously, Collectively as I am able, As Jong as is necessary TRYING TO FIND PEACE Peace is a pleasure without lines of fear, ­ In search for words to speak with thought, Crying whispers of profound tears While I search for my domain, I stand beside a stream of stress, My cup has run out of water, My pride and dignity has left BUDDY GRAY MORAL MAN I stand as a shadow, Roaming the earth, But I still have motivation, I'm stronger than a tree, I think I've passed judgment, This is not how its supposed to be I am not yet free I am less than nothing from dust moral man so GOD deliver me from the eye of heart of evil man, sat it apart like you did the red sea, lead me in foot print foot step of your son light. Moral man why does death come like a quiet storm; where the warmness of true heart Why is it weakness defilement in solve your earthly should everything be devoured is hard to life our heads and voices to the King. When we see not a soul lean disgusted with lust not exist of the trust the choice of the mother is you have to cut out to keep life hope in you. Moral man, hat off to our father for dealmg, molding, shaping our tool. Streetvibes Timeline May 2000 Streetvibes begins extensive coverage of opposition to globalization, examining the effects of free trade on homeless and impoverished people. I have captured myself, swiftly confiding my mind, Moving about in circles, Trying to move backward By persuading the hands of time I'm lost into the future, I must return back to myself, Would I ever have the opportunity To greet peace in the eyes, Or is this a feeling that only I felt. ANTHONY WATKINS CURTIS L. Fox June 2000 Alicia Beck becomes executive director of the GCCfl; Berta's Art Comer debuts; Streetvibes commemorates the six th year anniversary of the Milner Hotel demolition and the subsequent loss of 115 units of low income housing. ' .. �Page 15 ST R EETVIB ES JUNE 2001 MARTYR Floetry Comes To Cincinnati: He had an inner strength in his reserve One that couldn ' t be worn, chiseled, or curved A quiet man, some would say Yet to some a heart of a child at play He wandered from continent, to island, and then, home (where) Naught anywhere his feet did seldom roam A man of great vision, of dreams, was he Lo! The innermost part of him was Free! A poet, an artist, a writer, to date And nothing nor no one, he thought, Would decide his fate Verdant he appeared to the untrained eye (To others) versimilitude of character Of days gone by An Urgistio in his own mind, others perused with thought But like a contagion, in their mind; it caught! To beholden him, just once in time Would forever imprint a presence in mind · Of a restless nature, but with reign was held Freedom the Charioteer, and quest compelled His eyes beheld a peculiar gaze An enigma, a labyrinth, blind density, haze? Still in their depths, one could sense Tons of wisdom, Although ends were not spend An Inarbitrator Of some long lost time (or perhaps) When nobili ty was pinnacle, and honor sublime Uneasiness seemed felt, in the company of peers As if a mask of intrigue was behind their veneer And at times like these~ as'd find reftige in silence (For) It was here,, and here along, he was granted no defiance TH E WANDERER CREATION OF LOVE God of our salvation Chri st of hope Our restoration Of dyfunctional feeli ngs Peace and love are friends of joy Gathering fee U,ngs A motivational spirit All in one form together as one Peace and friendshi p are rnarried,to understanding of o.ne another's joy Poetry Moves Out of the Coffeehouse and Into the Jeep by Abiyah well as include interviews, global event listings, People' s Top Ten, and album release date The rise in popularity of spoken word poetry, information. F lo bo ni cs will also be poetry that is performed in a public venue and accompanied by Li ve, Floetry open rnic sessions held twice a month beginning July 11 , at The incorporates various elements of theatre, bas ferti lized the soil of the next plateau in this Pyramid in Manhattan. genre: Floetry. Floetry is defined - - - - - - - - -....... I hav e had the bl ess ing of working with N8tive Sun closely simply as rec itin g poetry over to help furth er the Floetry cause, music, whether that music consists of stuclio-produced beats or Ji ve as well as recording with him. musicians. Floetry transcends all Since poetry and spoken word is genres. of music, and may include largely regional in its flavor, it was impe rative to establish a hip-hop , rock, alternati ve, electronica, jazz, and experimental. Midwest Floetry presence. As the In a political and social context, N8tive Son Cincinnati-area representative for Floetry merges diverse cultural and musical the F loetry movement, I have backgrounds into a landscape in which words established two avenues of exposure for poets can comfortably reside. Floetry gives artists the who fuse their· words with music. The first is a radio show entitled "Flow Tectonics", which opportunity to inhale the breath of life and will be broadcast on WAIF 88.3 FM on Friday exhale voices rarely heard. To the audience, it mornings from 8 :00 a.m. until 9:00 a. m. provides a sensory experience not permitted by beginning June 1 and continuing throughout the the one-dimensional aspect of the page. Floe.try remainder of the summer schedule. The second is a work in progress and will expand and is via showcases featuring established floetry blossom as new floetry artists emerge and as arti sts , as well as p oets the music to which they perform accustomed to the a cappella evolves. open mic setting. For these poets, At the forefront of the Floetry music for the showcases will be movement is N8tive Sun, a Detroit prov ided from a pool of native now living in New York City, producers and/or live musicians, who conceived and produced the depending on the artists' needs critically-acclaimed spoken word/ and wants. hip-hop compilation, Eargasms: Please join N8tive Sun and I CrucialPoetics, Vol. l. N8tive Sun on Saturday, June 3Q~ 400 1.. a~ we has worked with some of today 's Abiyah co-host "Floetry 101 ", a hottest poets, including Jessica Care Moore, Saul Williams, Sarah Jones, and Rha showcase fea turing the reg ion 's top poets kicking it to music, at Top Cat's, located at 2820 Goddess. It is hi s contention that " moving poetry out of the coffeehouses and into the Jeep" Vine Street in Corryville. Doors will open at 1 will further exp and the creati.ve ave nues 9:00, and the show will begin promptly at 10:00 p.m. Arti sts sched uled to appear inclu available to poets and spoken word artists. He Abiyah, Cammy Awa rd winne rs IsWh . !, ha s estab lish ed an Intern et rad io show, Dawn from the 144,000, Jibri , Sister Tar ;,; r of "Flobonics", which will debut this summer, and will feature floetry and spoken word artists, as See Floetry, continued page 17 I R O N ALD LEROY ENGLI S H K INDNESS As I roamed the street, T'was late one summer night I came upon a bag lady She was standing in an alley. I saw that she was digging; Into a garbage dumpster Then pulling out trash bags; And tearing them apart. She was picking o~t the aluminum scraps, And tossing them, Into her grocery cart. She said; She was homeless. I gave the lady five dollars, And said; " I hope this will help you." Art at feel level - covering space with a peronshold cover DOUGLAS JAY LIAN Streetvibes Timeline July 2000 Laurel Holmes demolition suspended due to its historic designation as one of the first public housing projects in the U.S.; Cincinnati City Council lifts the designation shortly thereafter. treetvibes rintin reaches 8 000 co ies monthl . August 2000 Streetvibes gets full.color on the front page; ReSTOC rehab project on Vine Street comes under fire from Cincinnati City Council; Hart Realty, largest property owner in Over the Rhine, opts out ofSection 8 housin ; Streetvibes debuts Ve ie Vibes. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 16 Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many 1 ·I I by Mr. Lee Most people do not make the immediate connection to a Hotline. Warm vs. hot. Get it? The Warmline is a form of soc ial support and a compliment to a Hotline. Social isolation is a major issue and everyday reality to many in these times. Particularly, among the mentally ill community, or "consumers" as they prefer to be called. The phone is proving itself a lifeline for people with mental illness who are either too afraid or alone to connect with family or friend. A survey in New Hampshire showed that warm lines reduced the use of crisis teams by 60%. People in recovery from mental illness run warm lines. As such they hold a special appeal for callers who suffer from the same disease. Many people with mental illness refuse to calJ a crisis line because they are afraid they will again be committed or will be faci ng the police. A survey of previously hospital ized consumers by the Well Being Project in 1987 found that 4 7 % of the m refu sed to even contact a clinic due to the trauma of hospitalization. Cincinnati is fortunate to have a Warm lin e that has been in operation since July 1994. Joan Cluxton is the Warm Line Director. The Warm Line operates 24 hours a day, with two Peer Supporters (PS) as they are called during peak calling hours. Currently, for 12 hours each day there are two Peer Supporters on the line. Peer supporters go through a 5­ 6 week training program that involves education on mental health issues, medications, mental health services, dual diagnosis as well as a multitude of other topi cs. Probably the most important element in the training is role playing, where the peer supporters simulate calls covering various situations or call scenarios. This is where the peer supporter learns how to handle cailers. Some callers who prese nt some fairly pronounced sy mptoms of their mental illness. A fair number of con sumers call just to hav e someone to talk to. People will ac tu all y I is ten with o ut be ing judgmental. Many have serious real di le mmas. or pe rce ived Occasionally, callers are actuall y suicidal. Peer Supporters are taught how to assess and handle crisis but callers are encouraged to call the l~cal Hotline, 281-CARE. What do people call about? Everything. From real crises to just small talk. Often, they call because they are lonely and can ' t sleep. Many want to jus t vent their frustrations. Few call expecting solutions to their problems, they just want someone to listen and sound as if they care. Sometimes what the peer supporter hears is not what most would consider rational. But being a consumer, they know that if it appears to be real to the caller, then they have to listen without a tone or attitude of disbelief and disdain . Far too frequently the consumer gets that response from families, fri ends, frustrated spouses and children. It's not easy to deal with a disease that so many don't understand and that none can see. In the mental health system it i s near ifl?,possibl e for case managers, therapi sts and psychiatrists to give intensive attention to a client, with a caseload that is frequently too large. CuITent funding limitations challenge all service providers and practitioners to stretch the budget dollar, and man y clien ts receive only maintenance level services. No one is happy about thi s situation but reality forces all to deal with it as best they can. Frequently, a caller is encouraged to call back during the next four hour shift. Some develop phone friendships, as the PS becomes familiar with their issues and can keep an ongoing dialoquemn going. The caller gets comfortable with the PS. Sometimes the PS shares something from bis/her own experience that helps the caller. Frequently the caller gets relief, feels better and shares that with the PS before the call ends. Sometimes they followup with callers, and it helps them put what they ' re going through in perspective. In Cincinnati, Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc operates the Warm Line. The Consumer Network is a non-profit, tax exempt organization. Fred Zimmerman is the Executive Directo r of the Consumer Network. Funding is provided by tax dollars from the Mental Health Levy and a grant from Health Foundation. Anyone wanti ng to make a donation can send it to 2601 Melrose Avenue. Suite L05 , Cincinnati, Oh.io 45206. --~~~~~~~~...,-~-:-~~-;:-~~~ Black On Black Crime Mac, from page 5 forget you. Many of us are graced with poems that you wrote on be tomorrow 's front page of the by Aaron Pitchfold occasions of our birthdays or Cincinnati Enquirer, the rifles and County Sheriff Department who special anniversaries. We enjoyed Editors Note: Aaron is a singing and partying with you. And usually are turnkeys in the new longtime vendor and contributor thanks, too, for all the phone calls county jail system or delivering for Streetvibes. inmates to the other new jail made and visits you made to check in I was walking out of offices of about our health or our families' 1ike a dormitory. the Greater ,___......... Li ves. Most of all, Mac, thanks for The officers patrol Cinci nn at i • four years of friendship, personally the first fl oo r Coalitj on fo r th e and communally. You were always outside with a high Homeless, one of there for us. fe nce with many agencies basketball courts, located in the Over With love, Depu ty Sheriffs Rhin e the Bonnie Neumeier were ·out there Neighborhood. I fo r the Over the Rhine People's with guns. The watched a few Movement next day they had people walk to the poo l room. I a press conference and went out the followed them and neighborhood and returned in forty I went to work and minutes to the I laug hed in GCCH office. In Aaron Pitchford between time and that time factor, I saw about 10 Little Ne~spaper the rest of the city. So all the Bloods protesters in undershirts and shorts at the pool hall went out town on a with a few banners about the size of a piece of loose leaf paper. There fishing trip. were a couple of bike police and a So my personal opinion of this ne~spapers couple of police cars at first then is fifty/fifty. So I thought of how I road blocks on corners between the fought when I went to Columbus to gaps of police cars, trash cans, a subcommittee meeting to fout the broken glass and fl ying garbage OWF and TANF and I won. The cans on the street. Then the riot community received their money ~~~. squad that showed up which would for the neighborhood. .-~~----~~--:"':.'II Perspective , from page 3 Homeless, during my brief stay at Mt. Airy Homeless Shelter early in 1998. He had just written a front page article for this paper, e ntitl ed "H ypocracy Run s Rampant at all levels of Government" that broadcasted his frustration. This frustrat;ion was somehow assuaged, for Mr. Whitehead, who came from the streets of Cincinn ati, is now President of the board of the Nat ion a l Coa li tio n of the Homeless in Washington, DC. Just one example of what I'm stating to you the reader of this humble effort to get the "Truth" out, as is my duty to Allah to do. Streetvibes: A. proud member of the North A.meric,an '5treet A.ssoc,iation \4presentin9 ?o street throu9hout the United '5tates and ~anada speal'eas'f .or9/nasna Streetvibes Timeline September 2000 Ohio welfare cutoffs begin; Kunzel plan for relocation of the School for Creative and Performing Arts approved by Cincinnati Public Schools Board. October 2000 Black United Front protests·foreshadow racial unrest after Timothy Thomas shooting in April 2001; Streetvibes adopts magazine format. �P age 17 ST R E E TVI B ES J UNE 2001 Mayo , from page 9 Detect ives offered him several favorab le p lea bargain deals in excha nge for testimo ny against Mayo. Detectives told him to "stkk to his story a11d the name he had given for hi s best benefit." This co­ defendanl had a criminal record under his real name. The state of Georgia concealed his true identity as part of a plea bargain and in an effort to use him as a state witness against Willi am Mayo. Any of the above know ledge or information would have made it very difficult to deem their testimony credible. It seems that in spite of the truth that has been revealed, the State of Georgia has bidden the truth from the citizens and the Federal Courts, and will continue to if you don't help us ! Wi lliam 's family, friends and supporte rs have organized the Ju s tic e for William Mayo Campai gn. Most of the supporters are in Cincinnati, with some also in Fix, from page 13 Not to mention how the F.B.I. is trying to silence the Ohio Valley Inde pe ndent Me dia Center for so meone usi ng hi s freedom of speech to talk about his feel ings about Officer Roach. Cointelpro­ like activities are still go in g on today just under a differe nt name. In every city and every country where people are protesting the powers that be they are always met by s te rn oppos iti o n by the ir o ppressors. The corporate based medi a a re using di sinformation tactics while the police are using military tactics and the intelligence Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Oklahoma, New Orleans and Canada. We the W.J.M. Campaign need your prayers and s incere support. Wjlliam wants his tragedy to be heard all over the United States so that not one else has to suffer the injustice he has. We are seek in g s up po rte rs wherever they may be found. If you believe in justice you are the person we need. We need your true support! For more information, contact: Justice for W.J .M. Campaign I The W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc. Clo Kimberly A. Todd, Chairperson - Atlanta Region 1100 J Riverwood Lane Roswell, GA 30075 678-795-1 088 katoccasions@aol.com You can also make donations to the Justice for W.J.M. campaign by m ail to any 5/3 Bank locati on , account number 371-17843. community are using cove rt operations . Mea nwh ile the politi c i ans a re rec 1trng manipulating speeches. Charlie Luken's rude statements about Rev. Damon Lynch UI in the media are hi s a tte m P.t to s to newall and discredit him in publ ic. The only reason he is doing it is because of this city's g reed and becaus e Damon is considering running for mayor. During the protests if it wasn' t fo r him and his presence along with other ministers there is no telling how many more innocent people would have suffered. ...... ~~~~~~~------~~--~~~~~--~~---------- Floetry, from page 15 WAJF's Z ion Daughters with Roots Vibrations reggae program, Heru Lasana, Simply Red from Ohio Un iversity's P.U.R.E. poetry group, Logic, Street vibes' own D av id Mi tchell , Julene Yancey, Anthony Adverse Jones, Maisha, Cynic76 of the hip-hop group Drown, Troy L ambert, and S ha ti qu e M alik Shabazz. Admission is $7 for those J 8 and older, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tywon, the son of Timothy Thomas. Artists are encouraged to bring their CDs, tapes, and/or vinyl to the show to submit to Abiyah and N8tive Sun fo r the Fl ow Tectonics a nd Flobonics rad io shows , respectively. Graphic design for the showcase's promotional materials has bee n provided by Sleepi ng Giant Media in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, please e-mail Abiyah at flowtectonics@ yaboo.com 12 Steps, from page 7 5. We tried to help other a lcoholics, with no thought of reward in money or prestige. 6. We prayed to whatever God we thought there was fo r power to practice these precepts. In 1938, Wilson revised and expanded these six steps, making them _more e xp li ci t in order to e liminate any possible loopholes perceived by the rationali zing alcoholic. After review and fin e­ tuning by other A .A. members, Wilson's revisions resulted in the Twelve Steps as we know them today. In the process, a preface was added to emphasize that the steps were intended as suggestions only. Also, in what Wil son called "concessions to those of little or no faith ," God was described as a "power greater than o urselves" and "God as we understood him." As the early members of A.A. es tabli shed th e ir program's principl es, the y s low ly began moving away from the Oxford Group. In doing so, however, they we re no t impl y in g th a t th e teachings of Jesus Christ were not appropriate for helping alcoholics achi eve sob riet y. T hey were, instead, attempting to make t heir program "available" to the largest audience possible. In establishing the principles of A.A., Wilson borrowed material from man sources, including Christianity, and translate them into language easier for th e a lco holi c to a ccept. Consequently, A.A. members talk abou t spiritu ality, no t re lig io n; sobriety, not salvation; wrongdoi ng, not sin: admittin not confessi ncr Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. June Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. Friday, June 8, at 5 PM Saturday, June 16, at 9 PM Friday, June 22, at 5 PM Tuesday, June 26 at 9 PM 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Streetvibes Timeline November 2000 Mt. Airy Shelter series begins; three month series on ]ife in a shelter written by former resi.dent. strength and hope, not resurrection; carrying the message, not sharing the faith. However, the absence of direct Christian references within AA does not take away the program 's Christian basis. Charles knippel, Phd., a noted scholar on Christianity's influence on A.A., has this to say about the Twelve Steps and Christianity: "In maki ng use of the twelve-step programs and in encouraging others to use them, the Cluistian will view the Steps within the Christian context and give the Steps Christian meaning. In addTessing himself to non­ Christian members of twelve step groups, the Christian will seek, by way of caring and sharing relationships, to bring such twelve step practiti.o ners to a Christian understanding of the Steps that will provide rich spiritual benefits and a more abundant experience of recovery." Shanty, from page 6 person can work just as hard or harder than my parents and I bu t see no gain. As I stomped my home into a pancake and loaded it in to my car (I never thought I woul d say th at !) I vowed that I would never again turn my head away from the ho meless, but lend a hand ... and my heart. If you are interested in having a Shan ty town at yo ur school, c hurc h , uni versi ty o r o th e r institution and wo uld like ad vice pl e ase call Todd Forman , Community Service Director at Ursuline Academy (51 3) 791-579 1 extension 11 6. Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. January 2001 Preliminary reports of Greater Cincinnati homeless stud released. �Page 18 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Death, from page 8 ..; I • death row. Again the corridors were filled with loud cheers and good wishes, but it was when I arrived back on the "row" that I received the most thunderous ovation. Everyone had been following the events closely as they unfolded over the TV and radio, so the men were all aware that I was coming back. In the aftermath of Judge ·Carl Rubin's machinations with my case, he was removed from further involvement. This validates my suspicions that he was so overly prejudiced towards me, my case and deathrow prisoners and that he was losing judicial temperament. To him, the bench from which he supposed to make decisions based on law had instead became a soapbox upon which he had climbed to orate his personal convictions! For those that are chomping at the bit for my death and complain about the length of time it is taking for my appeal , it doesn" t matter whether I'm innocent or not. All they want is to have their blood Just sated. Nothing else matters, damn justice. "Give us the ·body!" they cry. Many people have written and View , from page 1 hope that things can change. I believe that most would agree that given the opportunity the individual has to act on the opportunity in a way which enhances the outcome. With this established the individual (street person) has to utilize the available resources that can carry them to where they would like to be. This means putting forth the effort and using all the resources to their fullest extent. One of the major reasons why this is often not carried out is because many of the street people have reluctance due to their inability to commumcate or that lack of educational exposure, which allows them to commu ni cate without feeling inadequate. Inadequacies run high amongst the street people. asked what it is like on death row, being sent to tbe death house and coming within 30 minutes of being murdered by tbe state. They ask why I refused to eat my last meal and why I chose tbe electric chair instead of the lethal injection. I will try and answer these questions based on my own experience, as I'm sure it differs from others who hav e been as fortunate as myself and who have walked out again. Sadly, this has not been case for many throughout this country. Being on death row, in and of itself, is a form of death. The environment sucks the life out. The passing of single day at times can be but the blink of an eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Then there's drudgery, the sou l wrenching monotony of staring at the same steel, co ncrete and people, ad nauseam. Being ta,k~n to the death house is, in a way, a relief. Finally one is afforded the opportunity confront one's killers who cowardly hide behind the mask of shamelessness, to look into their eyes, to smell their raw fear and to feel one's own strength being pitted against the ultimate sanction - death. As for the so called "last meal" and my refusal to eat it and other meals, as I ·s aid earlier, years of conditioned paranoia, coupled with the exigencies of events going on around me, made eating the farthest thing on my mind. I chose the electric chair because I refuse to give any credence to the state's attempt to contrive a rationale for its murders by offering lethal injection as a more humane form of murder. If they were going to kill me, I was intent on upon making it as g]Jastly as possible for all that bore witness to it. What went through my mind during those 36 hours were thoughts of my woman, of people that I care about and love and what my death would do to them. I was hoping for the best and expecting the worse. I devoted those 36 hours to the ones I love and care about. I had to keep my wits about myself.because Lsaw it was on me to give the ones 1 love and care about strength. I had to maintain courage in the face of adversity, so that the·burden on them would not become overbearing. Their love and support had sustained me all that time. Now it was my turn to show and give them strength. There is a Plague in this country that is being controlled and manipulated by politicians, judges, prosecutors, police, professionals, victims and victims' rights groups. Until society faces what is really g'oing on in this country and starts wanting real answers for what is going on in our streets, a number of innocent people are going to be put to death or placed in prison for the rest of their lives. Locking them up and killing them is not the answer. Who do you think is going to be on death row, in prisons and in jails? Open your eyes before it is too late. The future of this society is at stake until you people take off your bli:ldfolds and look at the real problems and not sweep them under the rug with a quick fix that has never worked. Crime is nothing new. The reflection I see is a holocaust against the poor and less fortunate. To all the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who are on death row and in jails and prisons throughout this country and who are struggling· to get through the day to put food on the table, stay strong and don't give up. Stop turning on each other and stand together against the oppressors. Raise your voice! These inadequacies often promote violence or avoidance of social programs, which could benefit the street person. However given some incentive, p ~ rhaps through encouragement, or some sort of guarantee ofjob placement, or other future security need, it will become easier for the street person to accept the help available. It is so important in my opinion that the general population gets an understanding of what causes the street person to remain in their situation. Many times it is something which can easily be overcome with just a little support or encouragement from someone who cares or at ]east has an attitude that they would like to help. In a social world there has to be awareness and concern for those who fall a bit short of the norm. This awareness can and should be the staging point for which individuals come forward to help with the plight of the most unfortunate in the society. I am not sure that emphasis can actually portray the importance of this idea, yet it has a reality that cannot be denied. No civilization can survive without the input of its citizens. This is a two way street, both the fortunate and the unfortunate have to participate in this process of change if it is to be realized. We as a people have to come to this conclusion in order start the process of change, or if we expect things to be different in the future. Again, I do not suggest that it is solely the responsibility of the community at large, without even saying it is the property of those who hold the deed to the street life who have to put forth the most effort. Still, there has to be the outside force (members of the general community), the support systems that allow those who are caught up in the street life a chance at getting out. Hope has to be a~compani ed by action if things are to change. Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan DISC .JOCKEY SEl~VlCE Cli.f.ford Jones (513) ·230-6353 (513) 761-3464 ' Office t ~"o\.ne ~-lnail: jonesac.V • w-w V oicemail . q,c-~· We· c:P °llr>.,ticxchange· Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ F REE INITIAL CONSULTATION Are you a dedicated individual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibes! We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage upda t o r s , any h elp you c a n provide. Call 421-7803 for more informatio n. Streetvibes Timeline February 2001 Greater Cincinnati. Continuum March 2001 Covington city government battles against proposed Lif( of Care asks homeless people provide feedback on services; Dan Leaming Center, multipurpose complex for homeless people. Marschner becomes editor. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Study, from page L Calendar of Events The percentage of me n in the population has declined, and the Streetvibes h~s a monthly percentages and c hildren hav e calendar ofevents to keep you increased. informed of hap_P,enings around In reviewing the ages of children the Greater Cincinnati area. in shelters, it appears that teenage Please contact us if you have boys are di sappearing from the an item to li~t. Any submission shelter population. There are a is welcome: local community number of e xplanations for this council meetings, social justice trend, among them is the likelihood forums, protests, community that boys are being push ed or festivals, art shows, etc. Please runaway from their homes and a call 421-7803,fax to,421-7813 certain number of them are ending or email streetvibes@juno.com up incarcerated. to list an event. The racial compositio.n of the homeless is becoming increasingly June African-American. Further, this trend shows its greatest impact in 2 March for Justice, 11 single parent females where the am on Fountain Square. population is approaching 75 % Marchers ·will proceed African-American. The age of homeless persons to Laurel Holmes in an continues to become younger. effort to create a united The primary reasons for front for justice. homelessness for women are housing problems compounded by 3 EartliS.ave Dining Out, domestic abuse and welfare 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant problems/loss of income. to be determined. Call For men, the principal reason is EarthSave at 929-2500 loss ofjob and income compounded or Mary Ann Lederer at by loss of housing and substance 591-3003 for more information. abu se. The loss of income is particularly critical since almost 7 Amnesty International 60% of the men are actively engaged Cincinnati Group 86 in work. meeting, 1:00 p.m. at Another striking change is the Joseph Beth Booksellers in dimini shed le vel of edu cational Rookwood Pavilion. For attainme nt for women compared more information, contact both to men and to previous studies. Amnesty International at This is the first study to have a 22 1-7659 major componen t d e a~i n g with health status and the related issues. 16 Ea:ithSave Vegeta1ian Pot It has provided new insights into the Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at chall e nges faced by homeless St John's Unitarian persons. One part of the survey Church, 320 Resor. For contains questions drawn from the more infonnation, call SF-12, an intemationall y used set of E arthSave at 929-2500 or validated ques tions designed to call Mary Ann Lederer assess a person's health status. We 591-3003. were fortunate to be able to make comparisons to national numbers 19 Over the Rhine Parks and and those gathered in a separate Recreation Committee piece of work locally. . Further, for Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the some of the items, we had a Contact Center. Call 381­ breakdown of persons who were 4242 for more information. below poverty. This latter group was drawn from across a 20-county 20 Greater Cincinnati Allianc region surrounding Cincinnati. The for Democracy meeting, following are a few of the many 7:30 pm, Old St. George interesting findings: Church, 42 Calhou·n Street. the As expec ted , For more information, call homeless population vie wed 542-0958 or 662-3712. their health as being not a~ good as either national or community 21 Greater Cincinnati This patte rn s tandards . Coalition for the Homeless continued throughout a series of General Body Meeting, questions dealin g with daily 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn activity, physical functioning and Center. GCCH staff will the deg ree to whi c h pain provide updates on recent impacted day-to-day activities. actions. Call 421-7803 for A similar relationship more information. existed in areas of mental health. Page 19 The response to some questions were particularly striking where homeless p e rs ons wh e n compa red to the community were four times as apt to describe the mse lves as "downhearted" and "blue" at least a good bit of the time. In examining the · pr~valence of a selected set of health conditions compared to community and national levels, it was determined that the homeless population was more than three times likely to evidence depression. When the subject is drug addiction, the homeless population is thirteen more times likely to identify this problem and two and a half times as likely concerning alcoholism. Homeles_s people demonstrate serious levels of asthma particularly among children in shelter settings. The Study Committee of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless has reviewed this report, and identified the following primary issues which need consideration and action by the community and, where appropriate, the service providers. The health data reveal s significant physical a nd me ntal health probl e ms fac in g th e homeless. In particular, depression and asthma require an immediate, coordinated response. The surveys reveal an increasing prevalence of substance abuse and addicti ve be hav ior a mon g the homeless. A part icular consequence of thi.s action is the devastating effect on·the children of homeless persons suffering from·addictions. The fact that almos t 60 % of homeless men are employed in one fo rm or anothe r rai ses seriou s questions concerning living wages. . The edu cational lev els of women, particulady single parents, have been declining to a point where significant remedial response i s required. Identifyin g persons who are doubled -up re main s a serious dilemma as well as a possible opportunity for intercepting people prior to their entering homelessness. The growing numbers and proportion of African-Americans who are homeless represents a tragic and serious challe nge to the community. The stage prior to homelessness is poverty. The concentration of wealth in particular neighborhoods, while dis allowing any sort of affordable (or subs idi zed) development partic ularly outside Cincinnati city limits where new development is occurring, insures the concentration of poverty.in older communities. This trend is the largest de terminant of the continuation of poverty. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and service providers intend to utilize this information to advocate for greater community response and to provide more targeted services. It is hoped that the increasing sophistication of service providers in the day-to-day data collection will eliminate the need for any future massive studies such as this. The entire study will soon be pos ted o n a numbe r of s ites including the Coalition ' s . In addition, the Coalition is preparing to take the full report to the printer. Finally the report is available via e­ m ail from AIR , Inc . at airinc@juno.com. Persons seeking addi tional in fo rma tion sh ould contact Susan Knight, GCCH (513­ 4 2 1-27 01 ), Shiloh Turner, The Health Foundation (513-241- 1400) and Edward Burdell AIR,Inc. (5 13­ 381 -4994). ~N~~ Yoti a~~ INvl.J.~D .J.o a 5.J.J.J ANNlv~~sa~y C~L~e~a.J.loN ro~ S-lf(~~lvtc~d F~;DaY, JtiN~ 15, 2001 3:00-5:00 ~.M. G~a.J.~~ CINclNNa.J.I CoaLl.J.loN ro~ .J,J.j~ ~OM~L~SS 1506 ELM s.J.~~~.J. 'PoN'.J. Miss .J.J-t~ 'P~awlNa ro~ .J.J.J~ WINN~~ or Oti~ S~Ll.J. .J.H~ Po.J. ~arrL~! Streetvibes Timeline April 2001 Civic unrest leads to the imposition May 2001 Mt. Afry Shelter fights for survival as Ohio budget cuts may of a cµrfew by Mayor Charlie Luke!l; homeless people are arrested if they do not enter a shelter during curfew hours. lead to loss of services for 700 homeless men a year. �a Need Help or W~nt to Help? rr rot ~bml! fMsoit yuu find yulli"self bonieh!ss, cbiitad a tffiiiltion MtltnBer Agency for Shelt@r; "ireiilni~nt, Hnusing o.r Services1 rt you lilM! finy questions, feel free to caii the Gl"eawr tlneihnitti Cbillilliln tor llitl Hotfttlll!Ss. Ho~iNG: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 . 241-0504 OTA Housing Network 369-0004 TREAtMENtt Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-5011 421-2437 St. Francis/St.Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. \ "i\ 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 § HELTER: Bgth Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles ) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4980 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 591-2246 961-0600 Community Actiori Agency ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Woli\gt\ O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ROHS HARDWARE HtllftJulf Atot11tj Mt Comtt 32-Function Multi-Tool Knife Set Folding ' Sports Armchair 381 -1171 639-7056 961-4555 221-6937 961-4663 569-1840 Contact Center 381 -4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G .C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 . Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Ha.milton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 . Homeless Mobjle Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 'Legal Aid $ociety 241 -9400 Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood qenter 621-5514 Project Connect -· 357-5720 Homeless Kids St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721 ~7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 859-491-3335 Women's Crisis Center Women Helping Women 872-9259 thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Anniversary! Executive Summary of homeless Study Released Pg 2: Streetvibes: A Good Idea with Humble Roots Pg 3: Remembering Buddy Gray Pg 4: The Center for Community Photography Opens in Over-the-Rhine Work Force Blues Pg 5: Mac: thanks for Your Friendship Pg 6: Surviving Shantytown Protecting the Rights of the Homeless Pg 7: The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship to Christian Faith Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: The Justice for W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc Pg 10: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Pg 11: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: System Fails All Citizens Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many Pg 17: Mayo Continued Fix Continued 12 Steps Continued Pg 18: Death Continued View Continued Pg 19: Study Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Dan Marschner Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Ed Burdell Pat Clifford Aaron Pitchford David Mitchell Michael Stoops Abiyah Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Riccardo Taylor Mr. Lee Anthony Watkins Bonnie Neumeier Jimmy Heath Annie Garrett Dana Terrell Curtis L. Fox Aaron Pitchford Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Abdul Karriem Muhammad Abiyah Alicia Beck Annie Garrett anniversary Anthony Watkins Arts & Poetry Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Crime Curtis L. Fox Dan Marschner Dana Terrell David Mitchell Douglas Jay Lian Ed Burdell Editorials Homeless Study Islamic Jimmy Heath Johnny Wm. Byrd Jr. Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Michael Stoops Mr. Lee National News Over-the-Rhine Pat Clifford prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Ronald Leroy English Sonny Williams Susan Knight Thomas N. Payne William J. Mayo https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/4707efe5945c4ecf59b6a4e6be6a090d.pdf d9936e9140a13d69d48dcdf114dbb5db PDF Text Text .... • • ;:-- .. .. -. Righteous i Rebe\\\on I· ot" R\ot1 . . 6REA.T £R CINCIN.N ATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �··Street View ~~~~1¥.~20!11 Cinci~aP.:Rllz££~!t~;h ?ef. ~!2J.g!ft~~lfn~~~' The streets, a world of its own incorporated into the bigger scheme of things. A world that is shaded from those who have never had the opportuni ty, or p erhaps th e misfortune to be subjected to that sort of life. In a sense it is something that everyone should· have some knowledge of, or at least so me experience with. However, from a strict sense of practicality it is only Riccardo M. Taylor for some ie., those who have that strike against them which helps to keep them from ever realizing their potential. It is from this standpoint that the view is perceived. Looking from the perceptions of the street person this can signify one's total existence. A reality which seems changeless or without the possibility of relief. The so urce of thi s uncertainty is based on a two- prong principle. 1. Education, both, formal and practical. 2. External support. Often it is the factor of moderate or no educational background, which hampers the street person from obtaining the tools that can make tl:!e t~ansition form the street life to productivity easier. In an age of technical know how many of the street peop le have little or no training. This, alone can be the basis of employment opportunity. Without the educational know how many jobs are not available to the person of the street. Causing them to seek other means of surv ival ie., begging, theft, or other unorthodox methods. In the practical sense, street people often have not had the opportunity or the available information to gain the experience necessary for this transition. Often we are thrust into the world of the street without preparation. Either we have not been exposed to the street life, or our situation came without warning. Which is to say, that our Ii ves took some type of change which caused us· to move from View , continued page 19 Miami University professor The April 7th early morning shooting death of black teenager Timothy Thomas by white police officer, Stephen Roach, has triggered outrage in Cincinnati. Once again it is a time of urban rebellion . And once again Ci ncinnatians are shocked: How could this happen to the Queen City? On the April 13th edition of ABC's "Nightline," Mayor Charlie Luken lamented the "violence" as "unthinkable." He and many others seem unable to grasp the public expressions of outrage ­ in the confrontations at qty Hall, in formal protests, and in the streets. At a press conference earlier that day he pleaded for the "violence" to cease. "Knock it off," he said. '~Knock it off now. It's just that simple." No question, the violence should stop. But, as a white professor active in Over-the-Rhine for twenty years, I consider the matter is far fr om s impl e . At times like these it is vital to thi nk clearly about how soc ial problems, including violence, are defined. In this case, newspapers and telev is io n coverage have identified the core problem as "police/communi ty relations," the "cop culture," and "race relations." As is now well known, fifteen African Americans have been killed by police o(ficers since 1995, four since last November. They have been the only people killed in this leader and organizer of the Black United Front, remarked on the same "Nightline," some of these shootings may be "justified," but too many happened under suspicious causes, such as the asphyxiation of Roger Ownensby Jr. after he was already handcuffed . This is absolu tely tragic, and as the Rev. Mr. Ly nch urged, changes must occur quickly within the cop culture. But the problem of race relations has other dimensions that need attention too, dimensions that may escape notice if the problem is defined mainly as " police/ community relations." In fact, there is somethi ng superficial about bemoaning "Cincinnati's Racial " Cincinnati in Cris is." To be sure, race relations in Cincinnati are not good. The tone of much media coverage about race tensions and segregation in Cincinnati , as well as the Mayor 's comments at Timoth y Thomas' fu nera l, are abo ut the need fo r healing and reconciliation - as if the problem is merely a lack of communication that can be cleared up by a good counseling session. While police/community relations are very much a part of race relations, to equate the latter to the former is a reduction. Reducing our view about the myriad and seemingly intractable problems of Rebellion, see page 18 In the aftermath of the civil unrest in Over the Rhine, UC students provided one response. The students marched from UC to City Hall, catTying a banner that read "Students and Yo'uth Organize for Justice-Equality." Photo by Berta Lambert Mt. Airy Shelter Fights for Survival By Abcia Beck At a recen t meeti ng of the Human Services Advisory Board, Don Thomas, Di recto r of the Hamilton County Department of Human Services, an nounced that due to recent budget constraints, the closure of Mt. Airy Shelter Center may be imminent. Tucked away in the Mt. Airy Forest, the Mt. Airy Shelter Center has been quietly providing a sanctu ary of rehabilitation for Cincinnati's homeless for the last 64 years. Started in J 937 as a Civilian Conservation Corp camp, a program started to employ wage earners during the Great Depression, it has been adm ini stered by Hamilton County for the majority of its existence. In the mid l 940's, it began to function as a place for men with no home, to provide temporary shelter. Over the years, Mt. Airy Shelter has seen changes in services providers, i~cluding detox, mental and the faces it serves, but it h as health, dental assistance, job training constantly remained as a peaceful and placement, veterans services, setting away from the downtow n housing, and services for those with Ci ncin nati area, helpi ng men to ph ys ical, sensory, and cognitive rebuild their lives. disabilities. The entire staff of Mt. This program is virtually the Airy works together to provide only service the Hamilton Cou nty support and encouragement to men Department of Human Services in achieving their goals to selfprovides for single men. The Mt. Airy, see page 18 termination of these services would mean the end of the primary source of support that Hamilton County provides to single men try ing to escape homelessness. Among the many on-site services it provides to the over 700 men a year it temporarily shelters are a cJient­ centered servi ce plan and assessment, laundry facility, clothing, transportation, meals , medical services, and chemical dependency programs. It has also formed valuable collaborations with a wide variety of community service GRIATERCI Cl NAT COALITIO FOR THI HOMELESS �J', STRE ET V IB E S MAY 2001 STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine • -·~ VENDOR NEWS Page 2 Vendor Pr2k~J~:m.§£f!ger Love By Dan Marschner Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, -is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness,. social justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cover printing costs) and then sell the paper for a dollar donation. The vendor keeps the profits. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. \ G CCHStaff Alicia Beck Executive Director Susan Knight ~d ministrative Coordinator Dan Marschner Editor H. L. Bowen Assistant Editor Pat M itchell Outreach Volunteer Mary Gaffney Receptionist Mary Taylor Receptionist Writers Alicia Beck Ric~ardo Taylor Dan Marschner Mr. Lee Brian Garry Linda L. Berger Maleshia R. Neugebauer Aaron Pitchford Iah Isreal Rodney Sutton. Kenneth D . Smith David Mitchell Tyrone Smith Susan Hueskin Kanta Kenyatta Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Streetvibes accepts. letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print every­ thing we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $ 15 per, year. c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH ) 1506 E lm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421 -7813; ' e-mail: street vibes@juno.com or homecoaJ @primax.net web page: http ://cinci.com/gcch changes in the lives of the homeless. Booger has been involved with Then, the program came into some Streetvib~s since he cam e to Booger Love is a well-known unfortunate circumstances: "one of Cinc innati. H is opinio n of th e man on the streets of Cincinnati. He the partners fell of the wagon, and it publication: " It's a good thing. It's is one of the mos t fri e ndl y killed Dreamweavers ." Booger a goo~ paper t? have. It gives you Streetvibes vendors, and he has a states that the addiction of one of the some mformation about how it is on fraternity of Boogerettes the streets, how people and Booger Junio rs - · live on the streets. You a round town . He need to keep reading constantly moves fro m it." Booger also has worked wi t h th e the Greater Cinci nna ti fo r the GCCH onits Homeless C oalition Civi l Ri g hts Homeless office to City Organizing Project. Hall and throughout the c ity; B ooger 's got a In regard to his mission . Booger took unusua l m o ni ker, tim e o ut of h is bus y Booger was given his nickname from his schedule to share his story. Boeger h a s been mo t her seven years homeless for six years. He ago. He kept the name o r.i gi nally li ved i n because he wanted to Shelbyville , Tennessee. be unique: " It was a Booger explains why he name no one else had." began to l ive o n th e B r::: Bo.o ger asks people he streets : " I became ooger ove _strikes his cliaractenstlc·pose. meets to become part ho m eless because I photo b y D a n M arschne r of the Boogerette and wanted to. I wanted to li ve like the rest of thestreetpeople, tryingtoget a program started to help get more affordable housing and get better jobs through a nonprofi t organi zation so that they can get back into the mainstream of society." Booger a.l)d four frie nds sat underneath a bridge one night in 1994 and came up with the name for their program: Dreamweavers. Dreamweavers wanted to start two housing shelters through HUD: on e for men and one for women and children. An executive board for Dreamweavers was created, and it consisted of the five homeless men, a corporate lawyer, a Vanderbilt professor, a corporat~ advisor, and a Catholi c p ries t. Mem bers of Dreamweavers also traveled to youth groups and churches to discuss life on the streets. The program was founding.partners ofDreamwea~ers co st the progr'a m its fi nanc i a l stability:- Dreamweavers collapsed. Afte r Dreamweaver's demise, Booger remained on the streets in Tennessee until 7 months ago. He decided t·O· come to Ci ncinn ati because he had a friend here. He lived on the streets for a month before fin di ng hou sing through Tender Mercies. Currently he lives in an apartment complex. Booger dreams of starting a simi lar program here in Cincinnati. He searches for people who m ay want to he lp establ ish a prog ram to provide afford able housing and jobs that pay be tter th an mi nim um wage . Whether Dreamweavers' Cincinnati incarnation becomes reality will depend on Booger's ability to subsist o n his stead y diet of candy and cigarettes. Booger Jr. families; they repeat an oath. He has oo ideahow large the extended Booger clan may be, and he has no plans to reduce its size. Boeger clai ms that he has never encountered a stranger; he just meets friends he hasn't met yet. Booger's contact information: "You can reach me at ·u~ci~ Booger's Babysitting Service. I babysi t wo me n 18 to 80, blind, crippled or crazy. Or they could reach me at Uncle Booger's Bonding Company. The number is BR5-49. Call after 5:00." Booger can also be reached at hi s e m a il address : boogerlove57@ hotmail.com. He welcomes anyone's comments about how homeless people can help other ho me l ess peopl e . We here at Streetvibesaregratefulfor Booger's presence, and hopeful that his vision will become reality. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 volun­ tary donation. I agree not to ask for dona­ tions more than $1 . I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected: Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition fo r 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alco­ hol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I wi ll not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened-. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not regis­ 6. 7. 8. 9. tered distributors. I agree not to deceive the pubiic by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" ·in general. I will be honest in stating that all ~h e profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self-supporting paper created by people .who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer. being able to distribute Streetvibes. �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 I &'.:• Page 3 Through the Eyes of a Health Care for Homeless Veterans/ Social Work Intern By: Maleshia R. Neugebauer Itistbefirstdayofmyintemship and I feel anxious about starting my new job. I cannot quite put my finger on it but I .know that I am uncomfortable about something. Yes, I have experience working at the VA hospital. I worked in the outpatient clinic as a social work intern and as a c~erk in many administrative positions throughout the hospital. But there is something about this job that has my palms sweating, my feet tapping and my mouth dry. What could it be? I walked in the HCHV office with a smile on my face and the posture of a person with confidence to try to hide the uneasy feelings I was experiencing. Mrs. Iola Green, Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coord inator, greeted me with a healthy s mile and an uplifting "Hello!" The energy she gave off was amazing! Right away, she handed me a schedule that included the dates and times I would be spending with some community agencies that served homeless veterans. While she was telling me about these agencies and the services they provided, I was preoccupied House and Mt. Airy Shelter. Each with the thought of having to go out veteran gave his or her Life story into the community. The hospital about how he or she became was my comfort zone. 1 was homeless. A majority of their stories comfortable with the building and were filled with mishaps such as alcohol/drug the staff. I knew what abuse, mental to expect. I i l l n e s s , f i na nc ia1 thought to m Ys e l f , difficulties and/ maybe this or child abuse/ is why I am neglect. Each veteran shared so anxious a different story about m Y new job and but they all then the ended up with butterflies same the ending, which rn my w a s s to ma ch "homelessness." said, "No, · all Maleshia R. Neugebauer tells her story. that is not r thought to myself, maybe I am anxious because of it." Duringthenextfourweeks,Igot I am afraid of being personally acquainted with the ·staff members touched by these stories. But once at these community agencies and again, I felt there was a little bit more developed a better understanding of to the story. As ti me went on I began the differenttypes ofservices offered to homeless veterans. I participated developing rapport with some of the in some individual and group veterans. Ibegan to understand each counseling sess ions at some person's psychosocial history and wonderful community agencies such personality. They shared their as the Joseph House, the Prospect dreams, hopes and fears with the each other and the staff. There was one special veteran that set off a sparkinmyheart! Hehadaheartof gold and a co ntagious smile. I worked closely with him throughout my internship to assist him with hou sing and other psychosocial needs. Through this experience, I learned that it is not all about finding shelter for these individuals, but an ongoing social connection between a cJient and a social worker that can improve a person's overall quality of life. After spending time with these amazing veterans, I finally understood my uneasy feelings. It was the inner person in me fighting to make a connection with homeless veterans and striving to touch their h · earts in a special way. I have made some of these connections through my encounters as an intern but my mission to be an advocate and a voice for homeless veterans has just begun. So, as I pursue my professional career as a social worker, I will never forget my experiences as a health care for homeless veterans-intern and I hope veterans will never forget that they can count on us for sure! Celebrating Rev. Mccrackin "Mac" Day 2001 By Brian Garry Rev. Maurice Mccrackin (Mac) was perhaps Cincinnati's mo st prominent civil disobedient for nearly a half century. He followed his own conscience in causes rang­ ing from anti-war demonstrations, civil rights and homelessness to the death penalty, nuclear waste and · prisoners' rights. On Saturday, June 2nd from 12:00' pm-6:00 pm, we are hosting our fourth annual Rev. Mccrackin Day in the West End, at the Laurel park on the corner of Ezzard Charles Dr. and Linn Streets, across from St. Joseph Catholic Church. We will have speakers, children's games, music, free wholesome food, religious organizations, and political action organizations. There will be an open mic Sharing of Mac Memories at 3:30 pm. "Mac Day" is dedicated to the principJes he lived by. Our theme for this year will be "Preserving Low-Income Housing in the West End." On Sunday, June 3rd at4:00 pm, we will be holding an Inter-Faith Service for Youth and Non-Violence at St. Joseph. A fund-ra iser entitled, "An evening of Rev. McCrackin videos" will be held 7:00 pm Friday, May, ll lh, at St. Joseph Catholic Church I) The similarities between Rev. McCrackin and Mahatma Gandhi. 2) How Rev. Mccrackin sought P.eace and how I can seek Peace. 3) Maurice McCrackin's life for Peace and Civil Rights. 4 ) Who was Rev. Maurice _McCrack.in? The length of the essays are as follows: Sr. High: 500-r,500.words Jr. High: 300-750 words EJementary_: l00-250 words. Prizes are as follows: Sr. Hi gh - 1st place $200 g ift certificate for Lazarus, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Jr. High - l st place $200 gift certificate from Pete's Photo World, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Elementary_ 1st $200 gift certificate for Kings Island, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Research is available at: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, using ProQuest (available only at the Library), DialogCarl (http://pkh.lib.oh.us/ resources/dialog.html); Ebscohost (http://plch.lib.oh.us/reso urces/ ebsco.html), NewsDecks & info­ in the cafeteria. A love offering donation of $IO or more will be trak. Rev. McCrackin's biography, gratefully receiv ed. All are entitled ' Building the Beloved welcome. Refreshments will be Community," by Judy Bechtel is available at the Public Library (Main provided. In conjunction with Mac Day, we Branch) and online at http:// www.nku.edu/-Bechtel. All of Rev. are sponsoring an essay contest McCrackin's sermons and papers are about the life of Rev. Mccrackin. available at the Cincinnati Historical Students have the following topics Society, located at the Museum from which to choose: Center in the Union Terminal. Charlie Schott is available for tutoring on this project. He can be reached at 481-3770. The deadline for submissions is May 25 ,h, 2001 . Please mail submissions to: St. Joseph Catholic Church C/O Mac Day 745 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti. OH 45203 Winners announced June 2"d at Mac Day. For more info.: Brian Garry 221­ 5537- bcrum@fuse.net - Fax - 281­ 8425 Preserving Low-Income Housing in the West End 7 :00 Monday, May 7th West End YMCA on Ezzard Charles Dr. Sponsored by the Rev. McCrackin Day Committee Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Page 4 Provider of the Month: Kevin Finn Health Resource Centers Director ofSocial Services By Dan Marschner As a junior at St. Xavier high school, Kevin Finn started as an offensive tackle fo r the football team. He planned on playing college foo tball, maj oring in business and making a good sa lar y once he graduated. D uri ng the s ummer before hi s seni or year, F in n pa1ticipated in a six week mission trip to Peru . He had such a profound experience that he decided to make some changes in his lifestyle. When he dec ided to forego his seni or season to concentrate on community service activities, the coach told him that Ohi o Sta te Uni vers ity h ad expressed interest. ''I' m not sure that I could have played for OSU, but I knew that I could play football somewhere , and I figured that I could have a great time majoring in business," he explains. He considers hi s Peru experience the single biggest factor why he currently works at the Health Resource Center today. The HRC provides medical and psychological services free of charge to visitors four days a week. Finn's that a Cincinnati anti-dru g law work emphasizes homeless youth actuall y enco urages sharin g of under age 26. "I spend about 80% needles. "If a youth has a syringe, of my time with the youth. Mainly I with or without· drugs, they can be bang out by Short Vine to establish charged with possess-ion of drug relationships with them." Working paraphernalia. Thus, many youth with homeless s h a r e youth presents needles to several unique reduce the challenges; Finn ri sk of cites one of the b e i n g major obstacles: ca u g ht. " "Youth under 18 M o s t can ' t enter an y 0 u t h adult shelter. If cont ac t they go to the Finn infre­ .Lighthou se quently; if youth shelter, th ey do their parents are t n 0 contact i m mediately i n f o r. med . him , he a ss um es Thus, many Kevin Finn takes the that either youth decide to opportunity to relax from his work. stay on the they are street." The lack of services for not in immediate need or their youth under 18 is a constant situation has become worse (incarceration, hospitalization, etc.) challenge foi: Finn's work. Another obstacle for working Clear cut successes in Finn's work with homeless youth is their use of are rare; small victories are the most drugs, especially heroin. Finn argues significant. WorQs From the Evangelist I) The killmg of young Timothy is a tragic affair which has tragically affected our Over-the-Rhine and surrounding communities. 2) The eagerness with which African-American leaders came forth to champion the cause of justice is commendable. 3) The initial response of the people during the peaceful protest was a demonstration of the strength we hold when we come together as a people laying aside economic and racial differences. 4) The unparented youth (who remained afloat in Over-the-Rhine after the peaceful protest was over) found themselves left energized by the days' events. They continued their taunting of the police and it turned tragic. It turned tragic because the leaders were gone, and some of our young and less patient police officers could contain themselves no longer. 5) Then on Tuesday, our city leaders, had no words of reconciliation. These events are what many would like to say were the catalyst for the riotous behavior, however, I would challenge you, the reader, to look far deeper at the root cause of what will now beremembered as the "Riots of 200 I". This fight seemingly began as one between the police and the people. Then our focus became the police versus African-American men. And then, sadly, it became; black against white. However, when the last bell sounded it is obvious the opponents in this fight are those who have not versus these who have. If you have been listening to these "peace talks" and following the many editorials you have seen the focus go from jobs for youth to re-thinking how we manage our police force. None of these things get to the root of the p~oblem. Until we deal with the economic disparity in this city there shall be no reconciliation: between black and white, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian. Mayor Luken sent out a letter requesting the assistance of the religious community, as has so many leaders throughout the history of mankind; because all come to realize that it is only with the infinite wisdom and power of God that true change can be attained. On Maundy Thursday (Apri l 1 12 h), while our city was under curfew, Washington United Church of Christ in Camp Washington went on with our evening worship service. We had over sixty people in attendance, and thirty of them were African-American youth. I affirmed .. everyone's right to be angry at the "betrayer" in our midst. I delivered my message from John 13:1-17, 3lb­ 35. I identified the betrayer by name: hatred , prejud ice, racial and economic inequality, violence, envy, Evangelist, see page 19 Finn dreams of starting a shelter for youth in Cinci nnati. The HRC has contacted Covenant House, a national network of youth shelters, in order to gauge their interest. Finn believes that Covenant House would be a valuable service to homeless youth. He hopes that the HRC will be at the forefront of the programs developed in Cincinnati. Alth o ugh Finn deals with difficult circumstances every day at his work, he has learned to enjoy his work. His inspiration remains a pr.ayer that "was drilled into our heads every day at St. X", the prayer of St. Francis Xavier: Lord, teach me to be .generous, To serve you as you deserve To give and not to count the cost To fi ght and not to. heed the wounds To toil and not to seek for rest To labor and not to ask for any reward Save that of knowing that I am doing Your will. Streetvibes salutes the efforts of Kevin Finn toward ending homelessness in Cincinnati. For more information about the programs offered at the Health Resource Center, call 357-4602 or visit their offices in the Freestore/ Foodbank. ~ .':1.1.1'.l'~~.l,f~,,-,-~,,,.,,;r~ The 2"d Annual Camp Washington .Health Fair Saturday, May 12, 2001 . 9a.m. -lp.m. Washington United Church of Christ At Th~ Corner of Rachel & S~dney Aves. Free Gift Bags, Refreshments '& Entertainment . Screenings Provided: Blood Pressure Blood sugar Osteoporosis Cholesterol v~~n ~aocoma Hearing Dental Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment **Mammograms **Call 241-9990_to pre-register (financ:ial assistanc:e available for those who qualify) Other services and educational booths will be provided. �• STREETVIBES MAY 2001 1181• Page 5 Agency Profile:_Corryville Family Resource Center By Mr. Lee history, it's services have focused on benefiting yo un g people. The Family Resource Center is designed Generally, Streetvibes likes to "spotlight" one of our member to assist the neighborhood residents agencies each month. This month of CorryviUe in forming programs we have decided to focu s on the and services that strengthen families Corryville Family Resource Center and the community as a whole. This (CFRC), a community based agency partnership is a family centered, that is a satellite program of the community based effort to solicit the FliarsClub. The Friars Club, Inc. is active suppo rt of the Corryville a Greater Cincinnati non -profit, residents. The community helps to social service agency dedicated to determine and implement strategies providing quality programs and to empower families in a culturally services that assist lower income and sensitive manner. The needs that at risk youth, their families and have been recognized are addressed community develop s tre ngth, collaboratively by the residents, stability and self-sufficiency. Friars business council, churches, police hosts an athl etic c lub and nine and other co1illllunity resources. Programs and services include: differe nt s ocial se rvice and community service programs. The Youth Activities & Alternatives Family Support & Development agency programs are: Community Organization Low Cost Residency for Men The CFRC also has recently Children's Residential Center started an Adult Employment and Full Athletic & Fitness Center Training Program funded by the Homeless Shelter for Families Department of Hwnan Services to First Step Residential Program help indi viduals obtain and retain Basketball Program Corryville Family Resource Center stable employment by P.roviding Evans Family Caring and Sharing career development opportunities to increase their earning power. Program The CFRC also coordinates the Friars Club Center for Learning (Fifth) Annual Corryville Family Satellite After School Program Friars Club was founded in 1860 Festival and Slam Dunk scheduled by a Catholic priest. Throughout its for August 26 from l2:00 noon to 8:00 pm. The ·day will include a Talent Competition, African Dance Group, Singing Group, Drill Team, and many booths of interest to the community. All of the festivities will be located on the site of the Corry ville Recreation C e nter g round s . The festiv a l i s a colla boration between the CFRC staff, Ad_v isory board, Community Council , a nd the Co rryvi ll e Recreation Commission (CRC). The CFRC is unique in that it has a homey feel. When you enter the agency you don ' t ge t that institutional feel that many agencies out of necessity have. The agency's size allows it to have a community­ based atmosphere, a luxury in these cost-efficiency times. That fact is emphasized by it monthly family dinner, held for the community the last Friday of each month. As w ith a ll of our me mber agencies, the Ftiars Club/Corryville Family Resource Center exists for charitable purposes and is supported throu gh gra nts, donations and contracts. We encourage anyone desiring to support this agency in its mi ss ion to contact CFRC at 281­ 2?06 or the Friars Club at 381-5432 to identify their needs. As with alJ charities all unrestricted monetary donation are welcome and taxdeductible. Vibin' on the Moon: Wesak Celebration e soteric science kn'ow and understand the hidden energy at It becomes increasingly clear work upon our planet. These from year to year that the more one energies are cyclic by nature ,. stucties the problems of humanity, corresponding to the astrological the more one sees that there are position of the sun and planets of our causal energies at work behind the solar system as we pass through the sce nes. These energies are made twelve constellations of the zodiac,:. available to he lp solve these These seven cosmic radiations affect probl e ms . Tho se with and mobilize all life forms on earth .. understa nding know there are Each one of these cosmic radiations · formulas that allow humanity to (or rays) have certain and differing util ize these energies to evolve to qualities that influence the hi g he r states of awareness and conciousness aspect of all living develop the virtues needed to entities including the mineral, plant, overcome the difficulties of the animal and human kingdoms of human state of existence. What we nature. This is so from the smallest call the seven deadly sins (lust, atom all the way up to and including laziness, gluttony, pride, anger, envy, the living entity we calJ mother earth and greed) are the primary vices (some refer to this being as the which bring about the negative planetary logos). At the time of the reactions called the seven sources of full moon each month, certain of pain (arrogance, addiction, these cosmic radiations are prejudice, hatred, violence, transmitted via the sun according to victimhood, and shame). These are the constellation of the zodiac it is the source ofevery problem on earth. in. Various radiant energies are One of the things groups all over the world are doing to lessen these transmitted according to the sun sign negative reactions is the observance bringing with it opportunities for of the fuJI moon festivals. These raising our awareness, according to causal energies (seven in number) our ability to be receptive. Those are cosmic in nature, reaching our found in meditation and purposeful planet via the sun and planets of our prayer can take advantage at these solar system. According to the full moon times to be of service to position of the sun in the various humanity. Group meditation during constellations certain energies are the full moon is especially potent and capable of evoking a response stronger at times than others. Those who are students of the that can cause world changes for the by: lah isreal better. For tliose who want to do something to serve humanity and don't know where to start, or want to do more effective service than which they are presently engaged in, I suggest startin g or j oining a meditation group whose purpose is to focus on humanities problems. Cincinnatians will be gathering for a full moon meditation on May 6th at 2:30p in Mount Storm Park. This is one of the most special full moons of the year according to legend. The legend has it that the Budda and the Christ meet at a secret place in the Hima laya Mountains called the Wesak Valley. At the exact time of the Taurus full moon of May, they send out their blessings over the whole earth. This is an annual event of mag nanimou s proportions! Many of the spiritual masters of all faiths and practices appear with them to receive these benedictions and pass them on to a world .hungry for peace, love and understanding. There is no price to high to pay in order to be a part of this once-a-year celebration. Join us here in Cincinnati and partake of the greatest spiritual moment of the year. The Wesak is an international event that has been celebrated annually for over 2000 years. This Wesak celebration is to promote unity in the pr~sence of cultural, racial , religious and political diversity through love, tolerance and sharing. Keep vibin' on the moon ya'll! Peace, Love and JAH guidance. Festival �- STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Page 6 Police-Community Relations: The Double-Edged Sword By Linda L. Berger As a person who works in the Criminal Justice Field, and a lifetime member of th e Cincinnati community, I have experienced both sides of this ongoin g police­ community relation's issue. As a free-lance paralegal for the last seven years, I have worked with many African American women, assisting them with domes ti c violence, custody anq child support issues. Additionally, I _hav.e worked with the homeless for the same period of time , a ddr es~ ing the homeless proble ms encountered with many African f\merican men. I have seen the effect of the court system and police on the lives of these men and wome n and their families. Many of the women are thankful for the police intervention and protection becau se of their violent experiences with husbands, boyfriends and others. However, in the same vein, the African American men who stay at the Drop-Inn Center or li ve in Washington Park are sometimes tom betwee n being thankful for the Civility By Riccardo M. Taylor The idea that we live· in a civil society has been challenged by the recent events of civil unrest. As every problem occurs there is the reality that they have two sides: a reason and resolution. Our recent problems are a result of misunderstanding and suspicion between the Ci ncinnati Poli ce Department and the Black Community. In assigning blame, I have to suggest that both parties play a part in the disparities which are at the root of the recent unrest. A large part of the blame has to be directed toward the Cincinnati Poli ce Department; however the Black community as a whole has to stand up as well. The Cincinnati Police Department has in recent years been at odds with the Black community in our city, perhaps due to a lack of communication with the Black population, or at least due to their suspicion of certain entities of the Black community. Whatever the particulars of this relationship the fact remains that there exists a huge gap between the two groups. The Black community has responsibility in its relating with those officers that patrol the ir particu lar neighborhood. The citizens of those ne ighborhoods are responsible for initiating .or at least engag ing in rapport with these officers in times of encounter. Though suspicions run deep on both sides, the black community has the with our Good Samaritan Homeless Outreach in Washington Park on Saturdays and the Street Dreams Tea m, dealing with inner city citizens, led by one of our pastors, Bob Clark. We s upport ALL of the community, police and citi zens alike, and hope that with God 's touch, we will resolve this difficult issue. However, with both sides refusing to give even an inch, we are at a standstill as to what can be accomplished. , All of our community leaders need to stop the politicizing and playin g to the public's whims and look within themselves to realize the right direction to take, whether or not it is the popular view. If one leader from each community would stand up for the fair and jus t v iew, emotions aside, and logica ll y approach these problem~ ~d issues, it would knock down these.,self­ made walls within our community. Our leaders need to stop being afraid of what their community thinks of their stance, and try to realistically resolve these issues together. police protection under t hese circumstances but remain wary of how they could be treated by the police BECAUSE of their current situation. Consequentially, the police face a double-edged sword when dealing with the inner city community 's experience with the police. When the police take a proactive stance within the community, as requested by n:iany responsible citizens·in the inner-city who are tired of the drug dealing, stealing and assaults, they are many times condemned by these same citizens when the situation becomes violent during apprehension and arrest of .the perpetrator. I have discussed each police experience with these m~n and women, and I try to be the devil's advocate, so to speak, to give them a better understanding of the justice system, with the stress and problems that the police community experiences in their own lives on a daily basis. At times,.! have become frustrated with some of the police c'omplacency I myself ·have experienced when assisting these men and women. However, I find that this attitude is in the minority within the police community, and many police officers, when asked, . are very happy to assist .the homeless and other victims of crime, and have gone above and beyond "the call of duty" to he lp them with the ir problems. During the recent riots, the police took a reactive stance, allowing protestors to vent and express their anger, without being aggressive with them. Again, playing the devil's advocate, how many of these same prot~stors would have srood their ground, while being cursed, assaulted with flying objects ·and other aggressive measures? As a member of the Vineyard Community Church, I spent the Saturday morning of the funeral for Timothy Thomas at my church with about 60 or so other members, making 3,000 sandwiches to be handed out to the people attending the funeral. Our church also sent fruit baskets· to the five police districts to also support them. The Vineyard Community Church is active in the inner city community responsibility of protecting its own interests in the community. Again, since the Police are an integral part of the overall community, they have to be included in day lo day activities and other workings in the community. It is essential that the police be respected as a part of the community and given the due of their duties. By allowing the police to feel more comfortable, while doing what is expected of them, suspicions can be alleviated. How simple a solution! All we need to do is just come together and things can be civil, jus t c ome together and fix what's wrong in our community. Things would be so great if we cou ld just turn the m around at a moment's notice. Forget all the resentment and embark on a new relationship between the different factions of our community. homeless is better than it used to be. The UC Hospital That is because you can apply for By Aaron Pitchford medical assistance in the outpatient clinic to get your medicines as opposed to doing it at th"e welfare office. The current system allows a homeless person to save bus fare oocause he doesn't have to go to the welfare office whenever he needs medicine. Before the new system, you had to apply for a medical card at the welfare office, but now you can go to the hospital to apply for a medical card. The system now is that you can go to the emergency room one time and they will give you a five day s upply of whatever medication you need. And so, after that, you have to go to the outpatient clinic. You are given the application to apply for medical insurance or e lse you w ill not receive any medicine except at the free clinic. The UC Hospital is a part of the Health Alliance that inc1udes Jewish Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital1 St. E lizabeth Hospital East, Christ Hospital, and the Alliance of Primary Care. U.C. Hospital is one of the top one hundred hospitals in the nation. The fir st re sidency trauma training was provided at the hospital. This training is within the Cardiac Transplant/Conges tive Heart Failure Clinic that does heart, lung, liver, and pancreas transplants. In 1999 a cuttin g edge X-ray machine, the Lex R, a cardiac tumor weapon was fir st used in U.C. Hospital and it .was the first radio­ therapy machine made in the world. The hospital system to help the Althooghlwo~doothefir~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ admit that there is no ready made solution for the problem, it is my conclusion that the gap can be shortened if we as a community were to come together and work on it. It takes us all to bring some sense of closure. It will take some effort on the part of a11 of us. We will need to put all of our resources into effect if we expec t some change in community relations. Of course, it will not happen overnight, however, it can be accomplished. The healing starts the moment we as ·a community admit that there is a problem and began to look for ways to correct it. We are all accountable for the past and the future of our community, so let us come together and make a difference. I ~ One hundred (100) protestors, including former U.S. Congressman Tom Luken, petition Governor Bob Taft at the Ohio Governor 's Mansion to end capital punishment and give clemency to J. D . Scott. hoto b B e rta La.mbert �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Recovery Barriers More Common . ~ong African Americans b Mr. Lee y Being a Negro in America is not a comfortable existence. Jt means being part ofthe company of the bruised, the battered, the scarred and the defeated. Being a Negro in American means trying to smile when you want to cry. It means trying to hold on to physical life . amid psychological death. It means the pain ofwatching your children grow up with clouds of inferi.ority in their mental skies. It means having your legs cut off, and then being condemned for being a cripple. It means seeing your mother andfather spiritually murdered by the slings and arrows ofdaily exploitation, and then' being hated for being an orphan: Being a Negro in America ...means being harried by day and haunted by night by a nagging sense of nobodiness and constantly fighting to be saved . from the poison of bitterness. It means the ache and anguish of living in so many situations where hopes unborn have died. MARTIN LUTHER KTNQ, .TR.. 1967 Though lacking the eloquence of Dr. King, the following list/article simply documents in one specific focus area what Dr. King and almost all negroes, afro-americans, blacks and african americans have know for over 400 years. It has always been (and aJways will be?) harder and continues to be harder to be black in America. Dr. King uses descriptive words such as bruised, battered scarred and defeated. He gives examples of the victimization that most African Ame1icans experience in a more subtle manner than in times past when lynching, rape and maiming was in vogue. He speaks of being subjected to a restrictive and/or debilitating experience and then being criticized or penalized for that condition. This list is by no means com­ plete. Nor js it offered as" The gos­ pel". There will probably be much disagreement on the validity, rank or importance of the factors listed. It is a list created. from ts.sues tdentl­ fied in my own hfe, the bves of other African-Americans and from the ob­ servations shared by many AfricanAmericans in recovery. The factors listed have been grnuped in some general categories. Those categories are l) Cultural, 2) Environmental, 3) Health, 4) Lifestyles, 5) Rec:;overy and 6) other. Emphasis upon ~xternal versus internal restorauon different value systems Employment (fewer and less recov­ ery friendly opportunities) last hired, first fired Preoccupation with financial recov­ ery, financial vs. spiritual Work-Type, physical, stressful Role-models-Male, we can't teach what we don't know Homelessness, higher levels My hair, my nails, my money, my dope Hair, sick thinking in our youth Acceptance is the answer to all my problems. When I am distu~ it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation - some fact of my life unacceptable to me. I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situa­ tion as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment Nothing, absolutely nothing, Environmental happens in God's world by mis­ Black neighborhoods take; unless I accept life com­ in general, with pletely on life's terms, I cannot be Dope boys posted up happy. I need to concentrate not so on most str.eet comers. And much on what needs· to be changed Females openly soliciting Reli&ious in the world as on what needs to be male's johns. Religious experiences, lack of changed in me and in my attitudes. Neighborhood stores selling drug knowledge about chemical paraphernalia. near- too many. author unknown - based upon dependency among our clergy N~ighborhood bars and Church support services, absence of p.449 AA Big Book After hour spots ~ recovery friendly environments that everyone knows about. 29. Who has woe? in our churches Alcohol and cigarette advertising Who has sorrow? Pastoral counseling, counseling con­ everywhere Who has strife? flicting with 12 step recovery pro­ Storeibusiness owners Who has complaints? grams, ins{ead ofChristian based 12 that purchase and resell Who has needless bruises? step treq,,tment stolen merchandise (that 's right!) Who has bloodshot eyes? 30. Those who linger over wine, Recovery Styles Cultural/Family who go to sample bowls of Sponsors-use of, Smaller/weaker support system, we don't askfor help mixed wine. daddy's gone, and_momma can 't. Do not gaze at wine 31. Alanon ourfamilies don't get Fewer resources, they can't give1 the help they need when it's red, what they ain't got. when it sparkles in the cup Alateen, our kids don't get Parenting styles/issues and related the help they need when it goes down smoothly! stresses,fathers without fathers try­ 32. In the end it bites like a snake! Older coming into recovery, ing to teach sons And poisons like an viper out there longer what they don't know. 33. Your eyes will see strange Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, sights, land your mind living in a war zane affects you Health imagine confusing things. Codependency, they ain't got a clue Lifespan - African American males 34. You will be like one sleeping on average live less than whites (10 Other on the high seas · years less off the back end) lying on top of the riggi ng. Computer networking, Less heath-care 35. They hit me you will say" communication (can you say no insurance?) but I' rn not hmt! They beat E-mail, another resource We drink more alcohol and me but I don' t feel it! Criminal history/incarceration, an­ Smoke more cigarettes. When wilJ I wake up so... other barrier to overcome to restore It~<; a fact, jack. I can find another drink. our lives and rebuild our futures Hlgh blood pressure, daddy had it Diabetes, momma got it Proverbs 23:29-35 The topic djscussion and Mental Health the research regarding recovery for New International Version(NIV) Use of professional services, The Bible on alcoholism. don't use enr Barriers, see page 19 Psychiatrists, don't trust em. Therapists, ain't got one Stress management, get real AIDS damn! 1--------------------------­ buddy's place Lifestyles Single parent households, guaranteed poverty Different value systems unmanageable in clifferent ways than whites, misunderstood, not worse just different Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at .. (513) 784-0800 �ST R EETV lBES MAY 2001 Race is not the Issue: Respect IS By Kenneth D. Smith - ,. being inflicted upon us as a people? To answer that question we must hit a few spots in history. Over the last 140 years two great men have risen and their words were recorded. The firs t sp oke of a na tion and its government. President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysberg Address, called this n ati on's government a government "of the people, by the peopl e, for the peopl e"! He understood that for the American dream to be fulfilled the "people" bad to be the bedrock, the foundation upon which alldecisions were made. The government, under our Constitution, IS "We the people". The second man spoke of a people, an American people consisting of All races, nationalities, or ethnic origins. This man, Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lowes t of OUR SERVANTS. You have all noticed it, THE LOOK. They give it to all of us when "We the People" ask them, OUR SERVANTS, to do their jobs.- It is but a short step from the RESPECT our neighbors. His or her bureaucratic distain of the citizens views, likes, drea ms, ways, of this country to open lies and a ambitions may be different to ours bullet in the back! We now see the but he or she has a right to them as Director of the Ohio Depaitment of WE have a .right ours. As long as Rehabilitation and Corrections lying we respect each other 's rights we can to the people about why HIS budget work together to be "We the people" We h ave that forms our government. But we sho uldn 't be c ut. politicians in our legislature leaving allow the politi cians, the an unconstitutional property tax in bureaucra ts, and so-call ed ci vi l place to burden the poor and elderly rights leaders to stir up trouble where while they try various "schemes" to there is none and in the process cause con the Ohio Supreme Court into the division that allows THEM to allowing them to con more money stay in power! out of the workers of this state. We So what is the answer? First, WE must realize that THEY have been Whether you realize it or not we ALL should feel working to divide US for decades and this MUST stop. Second, WE the same fear and outrage as those who are must start talki ng to each other directly in the drama being played out. Why ? honestly, openJy, and stop feeling that we are the ONLY ones being Because WE could be the next victims. targeted by the "authorities". Third, we m ust sta rt tak i ng O UR had a dream. Both the wisdom of have bureaucrats, whose jobs are GOVERNMENT responsibilities the President and the dream of the based upon the destruction of lives se riousl y. WE ARE THE Civil Rights Leader died under the a nd fam ilies, telling us that the GOVERNMENT! If we continue to weapons of assasins . Were the 19,000 political prisoners in OUR allow OUR S ERVANTS to lie, vision and wisdom of the President prison system are a more serious cheat, s teal and destroy OUR or the dream of the Civil Rights threat to "society" than current RIGHTS, then we will get what we Leader carried on? NO ! Too much offenders. All lies, which the media .deserve: slavery ! WE must ALL money can be made through division parrots without question, and "We become active, not only in voting but and control! the people" do nothing to stop it! aski ng serious qu es ti ons a nd At one time in our country's past But how did the p oliticians, demanding serious answers. Only the " politicians" were less bold, they bureaucrats, and other "authorities" when "WE THE PEOPLE" stand feared the wrath of the people. But become so bold? They discovered shoulder to s houlder across th is the development of the welfa re one simple fact: "We the people" DO country and de mand total system and its ability to control the NOT RESPECT EACH OTHER! accountability fr om OU R votes of whole segments of our Whe n they d iscovered th is they SERVANTS, total truth from OUR society the politicians changed. found the tool of division, the tool SERVANTS, and a cleansing of the They started thinking that President necessary to control us. The rule fat from our current bureaucracy will Lincoln had been misquoted. "D.ivide and Conquer" was applied we see change. Suddenly a lot of Certainly he meant "a government with great diligence. A community the politicians favorite mantras ­ of the politicians, by the politicians, whose residents get along suddenJy racism, get tough on crime, gun for the politicians"! With this find a politician harping on the control, run away taxation , pork thought came a ch·a nge. Soon seriousness of "racism" in their barrel projects, etc. will diminish citizens, any citizen, were looked community. Th e residents look and, if we work hard on it, eventually upon as inconveniences, necessary around, see none, but know it ml,Jst disappear. evils, to be avoided at all cost. Over exist because the media reported that Only then will we see justice in the years the politicians started lying the politician said it was there? Then our criminal justice system, honest to "We the People" and the lies the suspicion begins. It may amaze taxation, and efficient government. became more bold. Political cronies people but WE DO NOT have to like Only then will the "Look" disappear. bought up or already owned the news our neighbors. That is everyone's BUT, freedom is not free; it must be media so their lies were published right. What we DO have to do is Respect, see page 19 or broadcas t as fac ts . Ou r Once again a yQung m an falls before the guns of the "authorittes" and a city erupts in violence. This scene has been played out in this country for nearly forty years. Each year the number of "official" killings increases. Each year the rights of an ever increasing number of United States citizens are violated, lives snuffed out, fami lies destroyed . When all these incidents are added up they cou nt i n the thousands nationwide ye t the number of "officials" punis hed fo r th ese v io la tions, these officially perpetrated murders or other equally heinous acts, is so small as to amount to virtually nothing! We have all witnessed acco unts of the "violations" rela ted to the news media by family or friends of the victims. We have also witnessed the sanitized and carefully orchestrated explanatio ns or " official" justifications used to shi eld the "officials" from prosecution. Most of these "violations" NEVER are publicized or if they art we only receive the "official" media blessed version. Whether you realize it or not we ALL should feel the same fear and outrage as those who are directly jn the drama being played out. Why? Because WE could be the next victims. The events unfolding in this nation have little to do with race, religion, or ethruc origin. These offi ciall y sa nctioned acts of violence, deceit, deception, and manipulation are directed toward each and every group, section, or segment of this society and each feels that they are the ones being targeted the most. This is natural yet deceptive. What is happening here to Blacks is also happening to Hispanics in Los Angeles and other heavily Hispanic areas. Those of Oriental descent receive this special attention in San Francisco, while White s are targeted in the Appalachians and upper Western states. Native Americans receive this "special attention" an over the Western states. The question we should all ask is "Why?" The answer is RESPECT, or more importantly, a total lack of! Respect? How could respect or constitutionally guaranteed "free the lack of it cause all the misery press" became nothing more than a propaganda machine for the various political parties, bureaucrats, and PENPAL WANTED would be national fi gures. Truth died and with it the last vestige of David Hawkins respect the politicians held for "We the People". They quickly forgot #383940 that THEY were the Servants of the NNCTF People, instead vie wing us, th e 2000 Avon Belden people, as THEIR servants. When this happened the change, which Road Grasten, Ohio 44044 came from the top, filtered down through the bureaucratic ranks to the Prisoners News contains news about the justice system andthe writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers with inthe walls receive Streetvibes free. If you would like to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. .Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 �~- STREETVIBES MAY 2001 ~ a'1• Page 9 --- Supreme Court: Welfare Reform Challenges Ban Unconstitutiorial Reprinted from Welfare News In a tremendous victory for the First Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Congress' attempt to prohibit federa ll y-funded legal services lawyers from challenging the legality or constitutionality of welfare laws. Th e Court said that the government could not fund a lawyer for a poor person and then prohibit that lawyer from making certain arguments. The so-called "welfare reform" restriction was added in 1996, a year after the elimination of funding for the Welfare Law Center and other national and state support centers. The case is Legal Services Corporation v. Velazquez, decided February 28, 2001. On the day the decision came down , the Legal Services Corporation said it will revise its regulation on the welfare reform restriction. The Welfare Law Center is pleased that many more lawyers will be able to represent clients being denied aid as the result of unlawful or unconstitutional policies. LSC also said: "It is important to note that the Court did not strike down any other Congressional restriction imposed by the Congress in 1996, which LSC successfull y defended, and this decision will have no impact on the vast majority of work do ne by LSC fund ed programs." Among restrictio ns that the Supreme Comthas not addressed are those that bar federally-fu nded programs from invol vement in class action lawsuits or from seeking attorneys' fees in successful cases, as provided for in federal law. These drastic decisions make it diffic ult for legal services programs to bring cases affecting wrongful treatment of thousands of poor people, and w~ look forward to the day when those restrictions can be lifted. On March 4, 2001 the Court declined to review the low er court's denial of a preliminary injunction in Velazquez against the other restrictions. Challenges to these restrictions may be pursued in the ongoing Velazquez case or in other cases, and the Supreme Court's reasoni ng in striking down the bar on welfaTe reform challenges will help in attacking those other limits. Velazquez was decided by a 5-4 vote. The majority opinion, written by Justice Kennedy, distinguished the issue in this case from the "gag rule" upheld in Rust v. Sullivan ( 1991). In that case, doctors working in a private clinic receiving public fund s c ould not -~,......,...,.~-=""-· even di scuss referral for abortio n counseling or treatment. The doctor was being paid by th e gov ernment to deliver th e gover nm ent's message. The legal services attorney, how ever, is being paid by th e government to deliver the client's message. The government bad its own attorney in c·ourt to deliver the government 's message. T he government may not use its spencli ng power to interfere with free speech - especially when the speech concerns alleged invalidity of government policies. Justice Scalia, writing for the four dissenters, was scathing, saying that th e majority had used an interpretation that was "novel and un suppo rtable" and that the "decision ts qu.i te s impl y inexplicable on the basis of our prior law." He suggested that if the restriction is unconstitutional, the appropriate remedy is to prohibit legal ser vices lawyers from involvement in any welfare case, no matter what arguments they might be making. When the decisio n was announced, Burt Neuborne, Legal Director of the NYU Law School Brennan Center, who argued the case, said " B y reaffirming First Am e ndme nt principles in thi s co ntext , the Supreme Court is reminding us that lawyers for the poor are real lawyers, possessing the same rig hts, responsibilities and opportunities for advocacy as any other lawyer. Today's ruling ensures that lawyers for the poor can do their j obs right, and clients can expect quality legal representation." The Welfare Law Center congratulates the Brennan Center on this wonderful victory. For further in~ormati on about the implications of the Supreme Court 's decision contact the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law, 161 Avenue of the Americas, 12m Floor, New York, NY 10013-1205, tel. (212) 998-6363, or www.brennancenter.org. Are you IQoking for the opportunity to have a positive impact in the lives of homeless people with mental illness? CR! and Tender Mercies are teaniing up to provide outreach and referral services to the homeless, mentally ill population in Hamilton County. This is a progra1n funded by a PATH grant that seeks to break new ground in servicing this population. OUTREACH . WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES . Seek out and assist persons who are homeless and mentally ill by providing community outreach, assessment, and linkage to appropriate services. Position involves making one on one contacts with homeless persons as well as maintaini ng communication and coUaboratioo with other service agencies in order to identify potential PATH Project patticipants and coordi nate service provision . Connect individuals to services aimed at addressing mental health issues as well as basic needs. Submit reports and service-documentation. Minimum of 2· years education/ experience required: M ust possess good written and oral communication skills and commitment to aiding an at risk population. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Must be a licensed, insurable driver and provide own vehicle for transportation within two months of employment. Excellent salary and benefit package. Send resume to: Tender.Mercies Attn: HR-PATH Outreach 27 W. 12th Cinti, OH 45210 FAX (513) 977-5328 equal opportuniry employer --- �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Page 10 Police Brutality: Who are the Real Crifninals? By David Mitchell were looted and their windows were shot 4 times. Hi s children were broken that th ey addressed the crying, worried about their father's Editor's Note : Streetvibes problem. As soon as they began to safety. His wife was also threatened. repo rter Da vid Mitchell has lo se money captured scenes f rom the police then they put shooting after the funeral ofTimothy on a mask of Thomas on Saturday, April 14. A compassion. lawsuit against the Cincinnati During the Police has been f iled as a last weeks consequence of these events. I've been W HO ARE THE REAL right in the CRIMINALS? This is the question center of this we as a community must ask. So let storm. I've the truth be told. Our oppressors spoken to have no one to blame but hundreds of themselves. John Hiedegger said, the peop le "The increase in problems is due to who were the failure of our institutions int im ately themselves." This conuption starts involved in from the very top of America's this conflict. pyramid and works its way down to I wrote this the lowest levels of our society. artic le so Andy McGrath said, "Make it.clear that people that the prime oppressor of people could see in this world is not ethnicity. Money through the sits at the top of a pyramid and we eyes of the all sit on the steps below. Those on real victims David Mitchell records the experiences of several youths. the highest step, dictate the life of of the those on each step beneath them." inju s tice , Th e wolf 's in sheep's clothing: not through the eyes of the real Jeffrey Quinton James, 11 years Ame rica's politicians and criminals or their agents, many of old, looking out his window on the lawmakers, the current slave masters whom are media correspondents. second floor apartment on Elm St. of our United States. Founded by These people twisted the truth and heard shooting. He spoke about the deceitful practices and still who have done so in our country for fact that he was "angry and afraid." maintained by them. I for one no a very long time. So listen to the Jermaine Freeman, 8 years old, just longer believe in the American voices of these people and decide for "wanted everything to stop. I am dream. It's a lie. The only reason yourself who's side your on. tired of being scared." Alfonzo our country has prospered is on the said Enya Kirksey was told by the Cholk, 13 years old, backs of the builders of tbe pyramid. police she could not enter her own "Everybody should be treated fair and th e police have no right to s h 0 0 t p eople." K e nn et h Burton , 13, and his broth er , Jerry, 14, saw aman shot in the back with a rubber bullet and a woman who was ma ce d . They said " peopl e needed to Pete Shriner is covered in blood after being shot in the head with a rubber bullet. photo by Berta Lambert lis ten to the voices This class system where the rich home - she was shot at arid hit. Then in our community. When people run become rich and the poor become someone pushed her out of the line from the cops it gives them a reason poorer; giving us scraps while they of fire and she saw a rubber bullet to shoot. It is not a crime to run... eat their feasts; speaking of freedom hit a 5 year old boy who was right It's no racist thing, just the police when they enslave us. The root of next to her. Her .leg bled with all have no right to shoot people." all evil is the only reason why they these holes left by the so called The po li ce continued the acted concerned with what has taken harmless beanbag bullets. Her face shooting. Mary Ann Meridith was place in our community. Economics told a different story. standing on the sidewalk in the is what is important to them, not the Leroy Pearson was commanded middle of 131h Street between Elm ever growing number ofpeople who by the police to move from his own and Race Streets. She stated to a they've murdered or incarcerated. residence. Of course, he refused .. policeman, "What are you gonna do, It wasn't until their businesses Then they began shooting; he was shoot me?" and that exactly what they did, right in her head with a beanbag slug. She fell to the ground bleeding very badly. She was taken photo by Katie Terrell to University Hospital where she was given 20 stitches. She and 4 others also written about here are involved in a federal lawsuit against the city of Cincinnati. Courtney Simpson was parked in his car next to Merryweather's with his brother and his cousin. Three police rolled up on bikes. They thrust a can of mace into the car and maced everyone . One of the policemen opened the door and threw Courtney on the ground hitting him with a hard object in his head. Police were yelling at him: "You mothaf****r, you wanna play?" Pete Shriner commented about his experience with a friend: "Aaron and I were walking north up Race Street to see what was going on, to protest the shooting of Timothy Thomas, an d to observe police behavior. As we approached Findlay Market cops were firing rubber bullets from west to east across Race Street. We hung back at the corner on tbe east side of Race and the side street that is south ofFindlay Market. The police line turned the corner and stayed in formation all the way aqoss Race from sidewalk to sidewalk. After a few minutes they started marching so uth on Race towards us while hitting their shields in unison. There were no verbal warnings or commands given to the crowd on the corner and the crowd was peaceful. "As the police advanced, I heard a young man beside me .yell to everyone 'Put your hands up' so that the police would not shoot. As we put our hands up, the rubber bullets started flyin g without warnin g . Everyone started to scatter. I turned to run east and was at that point hit �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 in the head right above the left eye with o ne of these supposed non­ lethal rubber bullets. It felt like I had been hit in the head with a bit. The guy then said, ' oh there it is.' I had to get thirteen stitches to m ake sure the fl ap of skin that peeled of my forehead and eyebrow Page 11 because our rights were violated. We Our city has experienced a great were protesting police brutabty and injustice. Police Brutality did take abuses, then we were subjected to place. In the words of police officer those very things. It must end. This S. Johnson: "In some cases excessive Gity be longs to the force was used." Just listen to the people. We should words of Lt. Colonel R. Janke during not be afraid to live in the protests when the people were it and we we'll no trying to go to Fou ntain Square. He longer be afraid. We stated "Thi s crowd must disperse wi ll take ou r City immediately. They wil1 move if we have to move them." An back." independent source saw Police Chief Mercedes Harris was tear gased and shot in Striecher elbow a officer standing the back by police. next to him, pointed at the source After the funeral of and fired hitting the man standing Timothy Thoma s next to him. And in the words of the people while people were dispe rsing calmly, there's "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE. police began It's sad that it took all this violence shooting. They hit a for our voices in this city to be heard, small 7 year old girl, but there still not listen ing. Police an 11 year o ld girl, Brutality goes beyond any racial two adults one of issues, but when the powers that be whom was a teacher. continue to treat the minorities in Police jumped back this country unfairly, this can onl y in the ir cars and continue . Hate goes beyond the A woman grimaces in pain after being shot. Her two companions look for answers. color of a man 's skin. It resides in photo by Berta Lambert drov e off only to the heart of a man, and until the day return again. when we will unite and fi ght sledgehammer. It knocked me down would heal correctly. I guess I comes These are just a few of the many to one knee but I recovered, as my consider myself lucky because if tragedies that took place. The against our true enemy we will only main priority at that point was to get that bullet had com e an ~ inch away from the police who were closer I would without a doubt be obviously trying to hurt people . As blind in my left eye right now. " I kept running with my hand on my Jana Doug l ass and Tristan head, I realized that there was blood Everson and fri ends were standing covering my whole forearm, my in the middle of 13th street between shirt, and my pants. Blood was E lm and Race participating in a flowing onto the sidewalk; all this protes t agains t the killing of was coming from my bead. People Timothy Thomas. On their way to started gathering around to help me a peace rally, p olice approached and at this point I heard somebody them with their guns drawn and say that my eye was gone. After half illegally searched them. They ran a second of panic at this thought, 1 their ID cards, stole a total of 86.00 attempted to open my eye. To my in cash and continued to harass relief, I could see out of it just a little them for an hour. It took twenty minutes jus t for them to fig ure out how to get t h e . handcuffs off · of Tristan. By ' that time hi s hands had turned blue. He still has. a visible scar. Jana and Tristan filed a suit Cincinnati Police patrol Over the Rhine during the civil unrest. against the photo by Tristan Everson police as a res pon se . amount of evidence that proves the continue to fi ght against ourselves. In th eir Cinc innati Police D~partment is The media has only played on the words, "We guilty of the use of excessive force fears of society, and turned it into a did not file is ove rwhelming. Photographs, race riot. When in all actuality it was this lawsuit videos, along with the Hospital a joining of white and blacks along for money records and testimony of individuals with other nationalities protesting o r who were involved only solidify and again st the police a nd th eir retaliation verify that this city's Police Force continued use of force. While some against the committed a great deal of crimes used it for a reason to commit crime, police or against our community. There are the majority of people used it so that The wounds from a "bean bag" used by police in crowd the city. lawsuits be ing fil e d in Federal we as a community may have Just!ce control measures. Photo by Tristan Everson We filed it Courts, and more are being added. and Peace. II �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 EDITORIAL SECTION Page 12 The Failure of the Justice System Righteous Rebellion or Riot? By Tyrone Smith prerequisites of any c rime) are abandoned in light of a conviction. A great deal of attention has The courts have taken the stance of been focused on the irrationality of "So what if we make a sli ght the American justice system lately. . infringement on the law, we got a Most of the attention has centered conv iction. " In Cincinna ti, around biased police behavior and convictions for the most part are in vas tly disproportionate priso n conflict with the statutes that define populations. However, little a particular crime. Ultimately, if attention is given to the deplorable you are poor and Black, you' re act of racial profiling by guilty of whatever you' re judges. Black .males tend charged with. How many to have a 100% gu ilty Black men in Cincinnati verdict on no-contest pleas. are given the same quality The constitutionall y and quantity trials as OJ. mandated " Innocent until Simpson or Puffy Combs? proven guilty" has virtually No rational person would been di sregarded in the dare to say that any poor pursuit of higher conviction rates Black man has been given such a and the deep-rooted belief that if trial. Yet allegedly O.J. is no greater you're Black and in court, you're in the eyes of the law than a guilty. Critics may think that the homeless vagrant. We all know this previous statement defers from fact, is not the reality of court, so how but the truth is, even under the long will we cast a blind eye to the lightest standard of proof, there is denial of true justice, the expanding a callous disregard for the finding economics of incarceration, and the ofinnocence. The unmerited panjc proliferation of two societies in over capturing "smal1-time" drug Cincinnati? dealers has led to a generalized Currentl y in Cincinnati antipathy of how a conviction is (whether the judge is White or obtained in any case. Issues such ·token Black) we have a White as lack of "probable cause" and justice system and a Black Just-Us "intent" ( both necessary Center! In The Name of Allah: The Real Solution By Abdul Kan·iem Muhammad so-called minorities are treated more like property, rath.er than citizens are under siege. Peopl e c rying, fires blazing, policefiring, hitting people, people Thi s was or is an outward running, hurting, rebelling, all expression of what has been going reacting to the way they are being on prior to this expe ri ence. treated S.YStematicaJly. Where they Ineffective, insufficient, reactive act as though they are free citizens organizations purposefull y even though they know they aren ' t. operating at the expense of those it's Prior to this people go to city hall suppose to help. Reactive media, and cry out, realizing that they are paid to smooth things out, and sonot being heard. UnlawfuJ called leaders talking of curfews in fact marshal solutions which they know law being enforced, blacks are unrealistic. They, as be in g c all e d "Nigger". well as the present writer Homeless peopl e being know that you can't solve a arrested, being unable to ,._ problem on the level on get into the Drop Inn #A which you find it, you must Center where they live rise above it. because they 're bar~ed. Bus service The only real solution is to completely stopped, people being "Submit to Allah". Why do I say arrested for breaking curfew, who this? It 's impossible to obtain in fact were waiting for the bus justice from a rrian's law, especially without knowing what was up. This a man whose intent was th e is in some small way my experience oppression of others with the in Over the Rhine this past week. creation of hi s laws. A law by As a matter of fact, the so-called which you had nothing to do with minorities are repeatedly slapped in being formu lated, all you do is the face, and told "Shut up bitch and / " Abide " by it, and caU ypurself pay the bill," and they do just that. free, and know that you' re not. This This is the condition of the sois the criterion of the most called minorities in the City of fundamental issue in which we are Cincinnati, and hundreds of other presently engaged. cities across this country, where the By Mr. Lee Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? -Chicago Transit Authority Today, I am convinced that someone does, and there are people who care, many who care more today than before April 71h, 2001, the day that the life of Timothy Thomas was ended with one shot from the gun of Cincinnati Police Officer, Steve Roach. '.fhere is a widespread misconception that the focal issue is the taking of African American male lives by Police officers in Cincinnati. Actual1y, what happened to young Timothy and the fatal contact experience of 15 other African American males, while deplorable, is not the real problem. It is a most saddening symptom of the problem. The most amazing part of this sad and shocking chapter in the history of Cincinnati is that for those who are in the 50+ age range it is hauntingly familiar. We did this in 1968. Remember? We bad the rioting, and destruction of property. We had the angry disenfranchised youth, the fru stration and anger. We had the arrests, the beatings, the racial separation and community tension. The angry words, harried public officials, riot gear, public demonstrations and fear. While many are trying to figure outwby it happened and what can be done to prevent it from reoccurring, most are trying to move on and get on with their lives. The events of the ten days (4/7- J7/01 ) caught almost all by surpri se. Most Americans do not have a true senses of the quality of life, experienced by the majority of people who were involve in the public demonstrations and 1.o oting that occurred. Most could not have handled the day to day pressure and despair that goes with being poor and black in America. The mayor is forming a blue ribbon commission. The Hamilton county prosecutor is investigating, the FBI is making an inquiry. "The President of the Un ited States is concerned... but will not use the immediate situation" ... to do squat! Will anything change? What will be the fate of Officer Roach? Will reaJ justice be served, or will it be the absence of justice that the African American co mmunity be li eves is standard operating procedme? Only time will tell. The difference is, the whole world is watching Cincinnati. History has proven that you cannot leg islate love and compassion in the hearts of men. It is no longer an issue of ci vil rights . The laws are on the books. It is the enforcement and adherence to the law that we as a community struggle with consistently. I wtote this article not because we believe that Streetvibes has something to say that hasn't been said, but because we recognize that the problems that beset our society and the homeless population made many homeless, mental1y ill, and poor people the real living victims of this tragedy. Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertinent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), developing. help, digital and/or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o A new vehicle (van?) If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, cl o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition or the Homeless. �STREE TVIB E S MAY 2001 Page 13 Homelessness: A Telling Symptom By Rufus Goodwin Reprinted from Spare Change Homeless ness is ofte n a symptom not of what is wrong with the homeless, but what is wrong with society. People bec ome homeless for economic, social, psychological and cultural reasons. They may lack money or work, come from dysfunctional families or s urroundings, and/or be psychologically maladjusted. They In fac t, may be refugees. homelessness is sometimes even a conscientious protest against the way things are. · Homelessness is sometimes the only solution, the strange or sad c ho ice that a p e rson takes consciousl y or un consc io usl y again s t a world of troubl es . Homelessness is a way, sometimes the only way, that a person has of solving life's problems - be it a war vet unable to return to civil society, a person escaping a dysfunctional and abusive home, an unemployed person trying to make ends meet, a man or woman thrown out of their house by a wife or husband, or a lo ne r who ca n ' t cope with insurance, credi t cards, welfare regulatio ns, lawyers, doctors, banking and credit rules, deadlines, licen ses, taxes, comp uters, regulations or just plain·hypocrisy and unfairness. There have been nomads since the start of time. There have been gypsies, vagabonds, hobos, and beggars throughout history. Poets and minstrels have wandered the world in the Medieval Ages. These people were all human. In some ways they were protesting against hi story - against wars, money, usury, and religious intolerance. They wandered and became homeless because they were against injustice, unfairness, persecutions and intolerance. Many Jews became homeless throu ghout hi story because Christians, or Arabs or Nazis drove them f~om their ho mes; many Palestinians are homeless today because they have been driven from their homes. Refugees are often homeless because society drove them from their homes, not because they were at fau lt. Slaves in the Uni ted States became homeless because they rejected slavery. In Charlie Chaplin's time, the burn was seen as a human hero who overcame the inhumani ty of the machin e, of the indu strial technology, and the brutality of the police. The aud ience laughed. Now, if you act like Charlie Chaplin in our streets or in our society - and believe me, I have tried it - they put you away. Homeless people often yearn for a simpler, fairer, more under standable lifestyle than modernity offers them. Often they are refugees from the injustices of the world. They cannot keep up with the Joneses - and often they don't want to. The hobos who rode the rails didn ' t want to , the vagabonds didn't want to, and the gypsies didn' t want to. Homelessness was sometimes their way of trying to so lve a problem, not creating one. They were getting away from it all. There is something even poetic, brave, valiant, and sad about homeless people. Beggars in the East used to be considered holy people in a way, messengers of God. Jesus too associated wi th the poor, meek and homeless. We need to understand these things to come in terms with the tragedy ofhomelessness -we need to understand ourselves and the failings sometimes of our society to give hum ane basics: affordable housing, dignified and meaningful work, ~ccessible medical care, justice, fraternity, and yes, cultural meaning. Nor can we expect that everyone will kowtow or march lockstep to obtain these things. You have employees who qualify for foodstamps. Loss of home, of shelter, of place, of identity, of health, of work is a tragedy that has d ire consequences for all involved. We have to remember that it is often a symptom of much greater issues. These are complicated issues, more complicated than the hackneyed opinion that the homeless simply don't want ~o work. These issues, and the homeless people who embody them, deserve our respect and our sympathy -not just our pity or scorn. Homelessness is often the last gasp of people who are suffering ­ suffering the outrages of imperfect society. It is a zero sum industry, as they say, becau se although homelessness may legitimately protest or express what is wrong with society, we do not want to promote a moveme nt that encourages or finances it. We want homes for ourselves and for the homeless - be tter meaningful homes in a better, more meaningful society. We should res pect homelessness for what it is - a symptom of th e wrongs in our society. We can all learn from the poor, the refugees, the homeless something about life, values, and even beauty. But only with respect for the people and the issues, no matter what th e ir p roblems ­ economic, social, psychological, or cultural - can we hope to solve the Basically, you're asking taxpayers to subsidize your low wage operation. The gov't should eliminate food stamps. �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Page 14 IT'S (PAST) TIME HAPPY M OTHAZ D AY You kn.ow, I know. Why wait It's late. Matha May I express to thee, How much a motha like you has meant to me? You were there first At the time of my birth And you are still here now, To show me how. T RADEWINDS You know I saw some kids the other day Reminded me of us when we were young Then I saw some other children And it really broke my heart because The values an the things we care Brotha could you explain to us, about as kids Why you cause our Motha to fu ss? They don' t even know She gave you life Tell you how I see it Through her sacrifice, Tell you how we can make it better Plus she gave you a home To call your own Here I stand looking It's time my time your time our time. Life's short we need to abort this deed. Looking around me White all around me What do I see Unhappy faces call? Behind.the painted smile She raised you up the right way, Heartaches and loneliness Watching over your work and play. Dressed up in modem style Plus she taught you most that you Unhappy people · know They're living in sin and.shame And now you have some thanks to Reflections of the past show Life is no easy game Ohno The whole world could use a They're caught in the tradewiods Mothazlove Tradewinds of time Then there would not be a problem Hey to think of. So let's take this day to celebrate, Here I stand looking For the one who suffers through all Looking ·a round me our fates. While all around me Sista would you excuse your friends and all, In order to answer our Mothaz Why waste yo' time my time who's time? His time? You tried I failed we cried 'been hell? It's time to move doocha got a 'new groove? 'Got a New Hope better than dope movio' on movin' ... on. KUNTA KENYATTA DON'T QUIT It's time. Almost a crime To waste· Any more time. It is time. Way... past time. MR. LEE MIRACLES OF BROTHERS KEEPERS I had a dream Of poor man's honor A man I respect P raying for Salvation Honor of hope Where legends are made Where dreams are born Saying I am a man amongst men Standing tall in a man 's world Peace be with you Let freedom ring Arn I my brother 's keeper For his love and respect Because I believe in miracles For his mother 's salvation For his father 's wisdom Peace be with yo u Let freedom ring Wishing you all the happiness for you in this world And your loved ones And may you go Where rio man has gone before RONALD LEROY ENGLISH When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low, and the debts are high, And you want to s mile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turqs, As everyone of us so metimes learns, And many a fai lure turns about, When he might have won had be stuck it out. D on't give up though the pace seems slow, You m ay s ucceed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside o ut, The silver lint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you 're hardest hit, It's when things seem worse, That you must not quit. AUTHOR UNKNOWN What do I see Young ~ifls wh,o. so~~ pec,oq;ie Streetwalkers in'the night Young boys with re~tless dreams Looking for a fight · Ch ildren both rich and poor They're searching for the truth If they don' t find it God help tomorrow's youth They' re caught in the tradew inds Tradewinds of our time Ooh, they' re caught in the tradewinds Oh my Tradewinds are blowing They just blow away Blowing around me While all around me What do I see I see so much hatred (hatred and jealousy) Brotherhood is dying (Brotherhood is dying) Love is what we really need But, nobody:'s buying Good people turning bad (If you look out on us) Some don't b.ut are few (Smile a lot) The winds are blowing The choice is up to you Were caught in the tradewinds Tradewinds of (our) time Caught in the tradewinds The tradewinds of our time When the wind's gonna blow, let your love start flowing Don't get caught, don't get caught in the tradewinds,,tradew~ds .... Tradewinds of our time. SUBMITTED BY MR. .L EE Shadows, Iron and Brick Charles Street side of the Central Parkway YMCA in Over the Rhine �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 INSPIRATION I a m jus t a sojourn e r here and spre ading th e mess age is my motivation I went to the wilderness for a time of rec.uperation I will not be silenced by syn~ication and I Am not looking for man 's admiration. So feel the rhythm and the flocculation. Of energy, which became thought, which becomes my pronunciation. Using m y to ng ue like divine instrumentation. To speak words of truth that flow with no hesitation. A Record of what.is really going on and it's verbalization. Take for instance the power structure summarization of the new world and westernization. The land of immigratioQ. Colonization. Stole the land from the Indians and gave them a reservation. The independence and its declaration. The bill of rights and the articles of confederation. Where all the tribes and tongue's received this nationalization. The time allotted for us to come together because in Babel we alreadY. had the separa,tion. The statue of liberty in the so-called land of freedom and Americanization. Politi cians a nd democratization. Their deceiving public reputations. Fund raising organized crime and their association . The presidential nomination. Corrupt administrations. The constitution and congressional legislation. Our rights and their violation. Wall street our economy unemployment and inflation. Government taxation. The powers and prin c ipalities and the ir collaboration. N.A.T.O. the U.N. ahd over seas relations. A New World Order the one world government and its formation. Demonetizations. One global c urrency c redit c ard verification . The mark of the beast the new ide ntification . Will they insert in us like dog's microchips by microm ini aturi zat io n? The re is already a company called A.D.S. with digital angel ready for microchip transplantation. The anti-Christ and world domination. The conquerors of the world and their coronation. The link between them oracles astrology and divination. Psychic consultations Parapsyc hology the intelligence agencies and their secret operations. CJ .A. STARGATE remote viewing a nd object ifi catio n. Project MKULTR A and be hav io ral modification. Hypnos is and sleep depravation. World Trade Organi zation. Monopolization of powerful corporations. Bureaucratic Big Brother dictation. The Uncle Sam best friend impersonation. Like COINTELPRO were always under their observation. They' re the puppet masters and using the strings is their· specialization. Knowledge is power and our lack of it no exaggeration. Were led astray by manipulation. By brainwashing and mfod control they gain our cooperation. Poisonous seeds being planted in our minds by penetration. Influe nced by the supplemental messages played by the radio and television stations. And Hollywood's feature presentatation. Violent dramatizations. The way they turn the truth into fairy tale s fictionalization. Popular perceptions and their assimilation. Were fed fabrication. An example is Project MOCKINGBIRD and CHAOS of the lies and their publication Propaganda in the media and their falsification. If the truth were air we' d be suffering from suffocation . Lack of real education like the public schools and indoctrination. Falsified historical documentation. The big bang theory evolution and its populari zation. Scientific ra ti ona li zation. Psychological s peculation Philosophical idealization . A rcheological excavation. Mathematical calculations. Went out into the world to multiply and our multiplication. Mastered the art of navigation Man and his inventions and innovations. Industrialization. T r a n s p o r t a t i o n . Commercialization.Aviation.Artificial Intelligence and its app li cation. N.A.S.A Hubble, Atlantis and space exploration. Of the planets stars and constellations. Computerized communications. Cyber space the Internet and the hi ghway of information. www.Computerization. D .V.D 's C.D's and Virtual reality simulations. Digital graph ics and animation. Technological globalization. Satellite tracking devices that can pinpoint our exact location. Just rent a new Cadillac OT­ S on your next vacation. There's ECHELON surveillance systems and triangulation. There 's laboratory experimentation. Cryogenics and human body refrigeratio~. Sperm donation. Artificial insemi nation. lnvitro fertilization. D.N.A genetic analysis a nd pre-implantation. Genetically engineering food animals and man is no hallucination. Were trying to be God and with the forbidden our fascina tion. Arms proliferation. The soldiers and their preparation. Military forces and their mobilization. Laser guided missiles Chemical, Biological and nuc lear warhead accumu lat ion. Killing machin es war a nd devastation. Population co ntrol vers us se lfpreservation. Suicide a nd selfmutilation. Abortion and genoc ide systematic extermination. Evi l our co ntamin atio n. In the executive legislative and judi c ial branc h configuration. Law and regulation. Police investigations. Interrogations Lawyers an ~ liti gatio~. Prosecutors and. accu s~t1ons. The Jury and their dehberat10n. The ir method of criminalization. Incarceration. The aggravation of no rehabilitation. Strict regimentation. Treated like an animal de human izati on. M a n' s Page 15 domestication. The fru stration of be in g just anothe r numbe r institutionalization. Then the so­ called emancipation, but not without parole or probation. The system and its sophi stic ation. To gain more wealth to consolidate controls the rich man's expectation. Back to the inner cities and it 's polarization and magnetization. Segregation. Integ rati on. Racism a nd discrimination. Crime a nd victimization. In the salad bowl melting pot culturization. Mode rn day slavery in the new plantation, but didn ' t Abraham already make the proclamation. Now they're confining their subjects by urbanization. The drug infestation. Doctor's and their recommendation's. The F.D.A. their miracle piUs and medication. They speak of a war against it but like Iran contra all I see is its continuation. Intoxication. Many are under these spell s and incantations a nd the sorcery behind the pharmaceutical phenomenon bas got us believing we can do it all in moderation. Fights and altercations. Murder and assassination. Endangered species and wildlife conservation Pollution and deforestation Diseases and pl agues and their ramifications. Gentrification. The Holy Land Peace Treaties and Negotiations. Natural disasters tornados, floods, earthquakes and emergency evacuations in this climatic situation. Our destruction and to it our desensitization and nullification A land of desolation. Thirst and dehydration. Homelessness hunger and starvation. Poverty and Desperation. From protests to riots to people's vilification. The sick and the dying and the hospitalization. Burials and cremations Prophesies being fulfilled unde~ closer examination to kill steal and destroy evil's only occupation the real .e ne my 's stratagem and its orchestration. The deceiver's dissimulation. The serpent and his solicitation. Sin and its . sensation. Sexual immorality likes homosex uality bestiality a nd masturbation. Unholy procreation. LikeEveandJezebelmansweakness and his infatuation. Women and their exploitation. Our moral deterioration. And al l thi s material saturation. Products from around the world and their importation. Were eati ng the fruit in the modem day garden of temptation. A lost generation. The Crookedness of an entire civilization . Babylon the great in revelation. The great city and her glorification. Filled with the filth of her abominations. Mothe r of Harl ots and her fornication. Living in the times of tribulations. Like Jeremiah in the book of lamentations. A world in need of salvation. The woman riding the beast and the euro dollar can you see the relation? Idols a nd their exaltation. Idolization. Demons beinoI:> worshiped under different name and shape variations. They're the cause of U.F.O's sightings apparitions ~nd t eir materialization. Notice the way they change form throughout history and our lives duration. False religions Guru's and reincarnation. The occult demonic possession voodoo and zombification. The false teacher false prophe t c ombin ation. Wolf 's in sheep 's clothing and their ordination. Deceiving the congregations. The tares among the wheat and their infiltration. Speaking of religious dogmatic universalization. The broad a nd wide road that leads to condemnation. The Harvest and its cultivation. The battle between good and evi l the final consummation. Our future and to it our fami liarization. Apocalypse and Armageddon and its anticipation. No one knows when the worlds going to end but they all have their estimations. Aren ' t the signs and wonders of the times a good enough indication? Of the coming judgment day wrath and indignation. Instead were living after our own imagination we choose the easy way for our lack of determination. For momentary pleasures of sin and instant self-gratification. We've gone from innocence to insubordination. Even though our decisions determine our final destination . Our potential and our underesti mation. Bad choices and their justification. The spirit and its vexation. The question in need of an explanation is our originat ion. Take this into consideration. The Creator created creation. God and his manifestation. The conception of emaculation. The Messiah's incarnation. The miracles and the mountain of transfiguration. The betrayal and crucifixion death by asphyxiation. By his blood the purification. The atonement of reconciliation. Witnesses and written which led to the bible and its translations. Merged with idolatry by Roman Catholic capitalistic christianization. The pope and his consecration. The church and the Different refo rmation. denominations. From this liberation. Found the answers by prayer and supplication. The tru th and its realization. The path of righteousness and it's illumination . The light that shines through the dark and it's visual ization. The facts and their Bring about me mori zation . co nfirma tio n. A stamp of authentication. The mind and its fortificat io n. Stud ying and re sea rch ing in a state of contemplation. To a higher level of co nsciousness we all need a graduation. What is written here shou ld be th ought about in meditation. So you may find en lighte nment and revitalization. From the problems in this life and their escalation. Knowledge, wisdom and und e rstandi ng Of Drea ms, visions, conspiracies, prophecies and their true interpretation True no man knows all things we all have our limitations. But you shouldn't deny or argue against true INSPIRATION. DAVID STEVEN M ITCHELL �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Page 16 Make The Veggie Transition Easy With Meat Substitutes By Susan Huesken If you ru:e thinking abou t becoming a vegetarian for health, environmental or ethical reasons, and are hesitant in doing so because you will be giving up many foods that you baye come to enjoy or crave, think again. There is a vegetarian alternative out there for almost every animal product available. Many are read ily available in your local grocery store, or can be mail ordered to aiTive at your door. The demand for meat protein substitutes has been growing.every year and food producers have been respondi ng with many am?zing products that taste almost like the real thing, but are much better because no anjmal had to suffer and die to make them. When you choose these products, you also reduce your risk of exposure to the many microbes that are found in raw meat and milk , that cause millions of iJlnesses and thousands of deaths annually. One of the most familiar and popular foods in the United States is the hamburger, and not surprising th is was one of the first meat alternatives developed to supply the demand for. those who wanted a burger but not one made from an animal. Now most Americans have had so me expos ure to veggie burgers. They are sold at your local s upermarket, and at famiJiar restaurant chains such as Friday's, Johnny Rockets, Hard Rock Cafe and many others throughout the U.S. and Europe. McDonald's and Burger King also sell veggie burgers in Europe, and with the threat of Life and Gardenburger's Flame Gtilled Style are made from soy and /or wheat gluten, and mimic the taste of traditional ground beef burgers. Others, such as the original Gardenburgerthat is sold at Friday's are made from combinations of grains, beans and vegetables, and create a new and delicious type of burger experience. With so many types to choose from you will surely be able to find several brands that you enjoy. Another popular American food is the hot dog, which is available in a veggie version in many grocery stores, and in most health food stores across the U.S. There are many brands to choose from, some contain very little fat; I personally prefer the ones with higher fat content. With these veggie dogs you do not have to worry about what parts of the animals are thrown in the mixture , or be concerned about nitrites that are used in processing. They are definitely much healthier for you! Believe it or n9t there are even meat sub stitutes available for seafood products. Worthington Foods make veggie sea scallops and aproductcalled"Tuno"thattastes so much like tuna, that you could make a faux tuna salad from it and fool all your meat-eating friends. You can purchase these produc~s at Kroger's and Saigon Market (located in the Findley Market area); they are also ayailable by mail order. Fish and seafood are among the most highly contaminated animal foods because said fishes and sea animals spend their lives living in polluted waters and concentrate toxic substances, STREETVIBES TELEVISION Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, · 7 - 8 PM , at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. Mad Cow disease and the latest outbreak of Hoof and Mouth Disease, I am sure they are as popular as ever! There are many brands and types of veggie burgers available to choose from: Boca Burger, Light come in ham or turkey style, phoney baloney, veggie bacon and many more. You can also buy veggie bacon bits for your salads, veggie pepperoni for your pizza, and jerky for a snack. You can start your day with "fakin bacon" or vegg ie sausage links or patties, that can be served with " tofu scrambler'', a scrambled egg alternative that is really good. You do not need to deprive y"ourself of other trad iti onal American favorites; easy to prepare veggie mixes are available that let you make 'meaty ' BBQ, Tacos, chili, sloppy joes, meatballs, beef stew, and burgers. Faux turkey, chicken, roast beef and tenderloin tips ' n mushrooms are also available in mixes and each'comes with a savory gravy. For those of you who do not want to consume dairy, there are many delicious ~ltei;nati ves. There are now so ·many companies making soy, rice, and almond milks that it is h~d to choose one; you can ev.en buy s~y milk in l/2 gallon cartons in the dairy case. You can choose from, chocolate, vanilla and plain. ·Soy yogurt by White Wave is very good and can be use as you would dairy yogurt. No need to pine away for Graters ice cream when you can by pints or quarts of "Soy Delicious'', which is so good and comes in so many flavors that, you will never miss dairy ice cream again. Non~dairy creamers for your coffee are sold at grocery stores. Soy cheeses are also available at health food stores. Don 't forget good old tofu that has been around for centuries as an alternative for meat. No doubt you have been hearing or reading about its health benefits. If you have tried it once and were not impressed, it is because you did not taste one of the recipes from Tofu Cookery by Louise Hagler. It is so versatile and economical. There are many types available from soft to extra firm, and also the silken varieties that can be u sed for puddings, sauces, desserts and more. When you try a veggie product, (for example a soy hot dog) that you don ' t like, try another brand. The same goes for all the other products en the market. These meat and dairy substitutes are rapidly appearing in the marketplace because there is such a demand, and they are improving all the time, but as with other products at the grocery store you are not go.ing to like alJ of them. But I am sure you willfmd many products that you like and hopefully realize that with food this good there is realJy no reason to eat meat. These meat alternatives might be just the foods to get you committed to a vegetarian diet and helpyoutornaketbetransitionvery easily. But if you are like me, after being meat free for a while, you will soon discover how good just fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes can be, and how good you will feel eating them. If you are interested in ordering some of th e ·meat analogues that I mentioned above here is how: For a copy ofThe Mail Order Catalog for Healthy Eating call toll free at 1-800-695-2241 and they will send you a COP)'.· Check out their web site at www.healthy­ eating.com or for a copy of the Dixie Diners Club mail order book call toll free 1-800-233-3668 (1­ 800-BEEF-NOT). DISC J OCKEY SE l~Vl CE Cli££ord Jones (5 13) ·230-635 3 May Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Friday, May 11, at 5 PM Saturday, May 19, at 9 PM Tuesday, May 22 at 9 PM Friday, May 25, at 5 PM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. ''""''"""· c:. Voicemail ~c-~ l>~ticx change· # The GCCH would like to tha nk.this Starbucks loca tion for the ir g e n e rous -dona tion of coff e e a nd p astries . 3 366 Erie Avenue E ast Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 �STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Qiy~rting Reprinted from Real Change SEATTLE (ANS) - Three years ago, Stanley Stevenson, a much loved local firefighter, was murdered by a mentally ill man who bas been shunted back and forth between Washington state's social service and justice sys tems for years. Stevenson's death prompted a hard look at the qual i~y of communication between the state courts and human service agencies, and many concluded that the firefighter would still be alive today if the system had been designed to deal with the mentally ill, who run a fow l from the law. Today Stevenson's legacy is the King County Mental Health Court in Seattle. After studying possible approaches to dealing with the growing number of mentally ill defendants, and including the Stevenson family in the process, King County officials opened the court in 1999. By offering those defendants who commit misdemeanors treatment instead of jail, a judicial team hopes to reduce recidivism, keep the public safer by thwarting more heinous crimes, and to give these mentally ill men and women a chance to live relatively stable lives. "When I heard abo ut the concept, I had a high expectation that a different way of doing business should be successful," said Judge Jim Cayce, who presided over the Seattle court last August. Dealing with the mentally ill defendants in a traditional court system had left him feeling frustrated without a grasp of how Page 17 the Mentally ID from Jail to get them the treatment they so obviously needed, Cayce said. But once the court was up a running he saw almost immediate benefits. Recidivism , while hard to quantify, was lower than in regular court. Access to treatment facilities and compliance with the treatment orders rose. The new system wasn 't perfect - the shelter beds and ce nters for drug and alcoho l treatments were scarce - but it was working. "I saw a tremendous number of people [who] came through in ctire c ircum s tances whose life circumstances improved from when we first saw them to when they left the court after s uccessfu l compliance," said Cayce. Cases before the court vary. One defendant , for example, was charged with assaulting his mother, with whom he lived. An honor student until his first psychotic episode, he needed treatment, not jail, his mother argued. Another woman, whose mental illness was well documented, was in court for stalking her former husband. A Ph.D. candidate, former school teacher, and mother of two, she finally agreed to an evaJµation at the mental hospital, accepted that she had an illness, and agreed to strictly comply with the requirements of the treatment program. The growi ng number of mentally i1J prisoners has caused · concern across the country. According to the federal government, up to 16 percent of all inmates - 283,000 of those behind bars - have a severe mental illness such as p syc hosis or manic depression. Up to 90 percent also suffer from substance abuse. Indeed, experts say, most of the illegal acts of the mentally ill are directly related to the chronic shortage of programs that integrate mental health a nd subs tance abuse treatments. " Clearly a jail or prison is absolutely the worst environment that you can put someone with severe mental illnesses," said Ron Honberg legal defender for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ul. Most of these offenders are not h~rdened criminals, he pointed out, but people who have not received the focused and complex array of treatment services they need. Whi le mental health courts exist, they have, to varied degrees, served as catalysts for services in their committee, advocates say. Having a court mandated treatment plan and accountability to a judge gives the defendant a lot more confidence to access those services and "often plays a dynamic role in brining the provider to the client," said Judge Stephanie Rhoades, who runs the mental health court in Anchorage. Teamwork makes these courts tick. Rather than the numerous attorneys, judges, and health care workers that a defendant might see in regular court, in Seattle's mental health court there is just one judge, one prosecutor, one defense attorney, one treatment contact, and one parole officer with vastl y reduced caseloads to better serve their clients. Participation in the court is voluntary: But most of the people who are eligible agree to enroll. Of the 199 referrals to Seattle court last year, just 17 refused to participate last year. Generally those who do participate successfully avoid j ail time. Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren presides over Florida's mental health court in Fort Lauderdale. A p ioneer of the concept, she explained that the essence of her court is the decriminalization of mental illness. Committing a minor c rim e while in the throes of a psychotic episode is far different from committing a similar action with one 's mental fac ilities al l intact, she said. "The objective of the cou1t was not to panacea f? r the deficits in the community mental hea lth" said Lerner-Wren. "It was designed to improve the ad mini stratio n of j ustice for these citizens and in the spirit of the ADA (American Disabilities Act), to level the playing file so they don't languish in j ail for up to 210 days on simple types of misdemeanors simply because of their mental illnesses." The hope that Mental Health courts offer drew the attention of Congress last year and resulted in the legislation that would establish more than 100 similar courts across the country. Keeping these co urts' effective ness and role in the perspective is important, said Judge Mark Chow, who now heads the Seattle team. "This just happen_s to be a small piece of a big picture," be said "if there's going to be (real) support for the mentally ill it needs to be done before they are committing crimes." New Study Examines Homeless Healthcare By Blaise Maccaronne Reprm · ted from spare Ch ange The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has recently pub li shed a study examining the varying degrees of healthcare available to, and used by, the homeless population of America. The authors of this study, Margot B. Kushel, MD, Eric Vittinghoff, PhD, and Jenpifer S. Hass MD , examined interviews conducted by homeless assistance programs with a total of 2,974 homeless people around the country. From these interviews they have concluded that a homeless person's health coverage, or lack of coverage, has a lo~ to do with the kind of medical care they are able to receive for thetr dlnes~es, which are often more frequent and severe than those . of the non-homeless population. In fact ~he study observed that "In the Uruted States' on1Ypersons older than 65 years of age ha_d a rate of hospitalization as those ID our study, whose median age ~~s 37 y~ars." The study_..group exhibited high rates of mental illness, chronic health problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. . M~re than ?alf of the people mterviewed said that they were uninsured and over one fourth said that they had not had contact with any type of medical care in the past year or more. One fourth said that they needed medical care in the past year and they had not been able to receive it. Just under half of those studied said that · they were supposed to be taking a prescription medication, but most of these peop 1e were not able to get the · that they needed. med"1cation The conclusion of all of this is someth"mg that homeless people, and those who work with them, have known for a while: If you are unable to get health insurance often your only option is to wait until your illness gets serious enough for you to go to the emergency room for treatment. While the mainstream American can afford at least doctor's visits, if not rehabilitation clinks and mental health care, the homeless have the more immediate concerns o f obtaining food and housing before they get the luxury of thinking about their illness. Though this study may not have contained many revelations for tbe homeless community about the state of their healthcare, the fact that it was published in the JAMA . may be a great step toward nat10n­ · · · · wide recognition of this problem. The study concludes with these thoughts, "These data suggest that improving insurance rates amongst homeless persons will require not only expansion of eligibility, but also improvement in identifying and enrolling those who qualify. The provision of medical insurance may... decrease the tendency am·ong homeless persons to delay d d Th. · is, m turn , may nee e care. contribute to decreasing high rates of emergency department use and inpatient hospitalizations and may (have a favorable impact on 1 · ) b ·d · essenmg mor 1 ity among homeless persons." Maybe now that the doctors have completed this study more people will take notice of homeless health care issues. �Page 18 STREETVIBES MAY 2001 Mt. Airy , from page 1 sufficiency. Amidst claims that there are no funds to run the only county shelter for the homeless, county officials claim that the shelter buildings are falling apart, and that there is no ma ndate to help homeless men, unlike other populations the county serves. In fact, advocates from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Rebellion, from pa:ge I the inne r city to that of police/ community relations may miss an opportunity to unde rsta nd suc h p robl e ms in a deeper and more syste mic se nse. · Worse, constructing Over-the­ Rhine issues ideologically around police/community relations may re inforce a · rathe r truncated discourse about c rime, where behaviors of outrage are isolated from the social context that produces them: "If you do the crime, you do the time ," period . Crime here simply becomes an individual matter, its origin in social life neatly dismissed. As the ironically named Mr. Fangman, the aggressive president of the Fraternal Order of Police, notes, "We can't help it that these suspects committed violent acts. We_ don' t create these situations, folks, we just react to " t h e m The mass media and some political leaders have already exercised this punitive discourse, evoking references to the Gaza Strip, Beirut, and LA, and denigrating enraged black youth as looters, rioters, knuckleheads, lawbreakers, and ro ving· mobs, de void of humanity, just "dogs" in the street. This kind of discourse will never r~veal how people of color have been systematically disenfranchised and brutalized in thi s co untry. While everyone focuses on the "viole nce" currently raging in the s treets, we need to come to understand how violence has been waged against African Am~ricans and other people of color for a very long time. These trends cripple the Uvelihood and reveal the sham of Homeless say that the con1bined operating and capital budget of the shelter is only about $750,000 per year and Hamilton County DHS pay approximately half of this amount. Remaining funding comes from outside the Department of Human Services with a combination of Federal, State, and private grants making·up the balance. And as far as building maintenance, advocates point to the county's recent use of Plan, County Commissioners and federal Emergency Shelter Grant City Councilman adopted a plan that doll ars to replace old windows and would maintain the number of beds renovate the heating system for the provided by homeless shelters in our shelter. communi ty, with no pl ans to As this issue presses forward, the eliminate the 65 beds at Mt. Airy Hamilton County Commissioners Shelter. Will they now leave the will de termine the final decision thou sands of home less me n of regarding the fate of Mt. Airy Shelter Cincinnati wondering wh~ther they Center. In the last Consolidated will be able to find help? "equal opportunity" for communities of color- and African­ American communities in our inner cities in particular. The "hyper­ segregation" of blacks in the inner cities is now a structural reality. As sociologists Massey and Denton say in their book American Apartheid, "One-third of all Aftican Americans in the United States live under conditions .of in te n s~ rac ial segregation ... No other group in the contemporary United States comes close to this level of isolation within urban socie ty." Recent census data now states that Cincinnati is the eighth-most segregated city in the US. This extreme social and spatial isolation exacerbates the pathological effects of poverty, making it difficult to sustain neighborhood institutions and social organization . Revitalization efforts in Over­ the-Rhine are selling an image that has no place for the poor who actually live there. "Development" means attracting people of higher incomes to live and play and work. Certainly development is a complex process entailing change, and I am not suggesting that the neighborhood keep out newcomers, including people of higher mean s . My point is that the city fights to deny resources to community-based organi zation s while promoting renovation that expressly caters to whiter, wealthier residents. And in this process, the buildings and urban ambiance are sold like a stage-set to folks who want to consume an urban night out. OTR is being Disney-fied, and this requires pushing people who don' t look nice on the postcard out of the way. No wonder Over-the­ Rhine residents feel resentful of such a development strategy. No wonder Main Stree t sy mboli zes the inc ursion of foreign investment. Will such conditions propel new thinking within the city's elite about how to vie w urba n i ssues a nd propose solutions? I am doubtful. Hardly any version of co~unity developme nt today is conce ptuali zed outside of the ideology of corporatism, with its lingo of public/private partnerships, enterprise and empowerment zones, tax abatements, tax incentives, and deregulatory legislation, all of which are ploys to advance privatization, to reduce environmental standards, and generally to subordinate social movements to the interests of business and the profit system. Community development has been reduced to a kind of plea­ bargaining with the powers that be, such that utopian vi sion (full employment? housing as a right? free healthcare? transportation as a right?) cannot even make it to the table, and thus what ends up construc ted as hope within the community is the desire to have a little more money funneled in its 'd i r e c t i o n Trying to meet social need within a systemic distribution of resources that is badly skewed and maladjusted is the domina nt ideology-in community development today. Make no mistake; I am not dis paragin g community-based ac ti vists. But I do ins ist that Cincinnatians understand the larger forces at work over the last 50 years and to see how they circumscribe and conditio n wha t is conceptualized as possibility on the part of community leaders . That community in stitutions Streetvibes Classified Social Security/SS! Denied? Call -John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN continue to persist at all within this context is an amazing testament, consider the 30-plus year history of th e O ver-th e-Rhine People's Movement. We should be thankful for their unending and tireless work to mee t desper a te need. Urban disruption indicts the institutional rules that structure police/community relations, race relation s, .and community development in the US , and Cincinnati. It is the clarion call that such rules are not working, and that the new theoretical ground already embodied by such groups as the Over-the-Rhine People's Movement and the Black United Front needs to take root. The concept of"violence" needs expansion. Ge ntrification that produces displacement is an act of · violence. Ignoring the 1985 Over­ the:.Rhine Comprehensive Plan wi th its clear call to preserve a minimum base of low-income housing is an act of violence. Economic development that neglects to provide jobs for the people in OTR is an act of violence. Building stadia and supportin g corporations at public expense while closing inner city schools are acts of violence. These violences are not separate fr om the i ssues we normally associate with police/community relations, or race relations. They are integ~al. And as long as all these issues are theorized on the same ground, within the same institutional rules, in favor of the same powerful groups who make those rules, poor communities of color will only lose. We should not be surpri sed when such communities erupt in righteous anger against the bonds of their oppression. Americorps VISTA Positions Available! GCCH Position Available The NortheastOhio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) bas positions available in Canton, Akron, Cleve­ land, Columbus, and Cincinnati with the Homeless Children and Youth Project. Contact the NEOCH for more information. Outreach Coordinator will direct the Speaker 's Bureau. The Outreach Coordinator will recruit cites and speakers for the GCCH Speaker 's Bureau. This coordina­ tor will also assess the speakers in the Speaker's Bureau. ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ NEOCH 201 2 West 25th Street $717 Cleveland, Ohio 4411 3 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION email: neoch @bbs2.rmrc.net www.neoch.org (216) 241-1104 Interested applicants should contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elrri. Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45210 or call (513) 421-7803. �Page 19 STREETVIBES MAY 2001 View, from page 1 Calendar of Events Sireetvibe.s bas a monthly calendar of events to keep you informed. Please contact us if you have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings. social justice fora-ms, protests, · community festivals, art shows, etc. Please call :421-7803, fax to 421-7813 or email streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. May 3 6 .15 16 17 19 19 Amnesty International Cincinnati Group 86 meeting, l:OOp.m. at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Pavilion. For more information, ·contact Amnesty International at 221-7 659 EartbSave Dining Out, 6:00 p.m. ata restaurant to be determined, Call EarthSave at 929~ 2500 or. Macy Ann Lederer at 591­ 3003 for more information. Over the Rhine Park.s and Recreation Committee Meeting; 12 :15 p.m. at the Contact Center. Call 381-4242 for more infor~ ma ti on. Greater Cincinnati Allia.nce fo r Democracy meeting, 7:30 pm, Old St. George Church, 42 Calhoun Street. For more information, call 542­ 0958 or 662-3712. Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn Center. Call 421-7803 for more i,nfonnation. EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more information, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or call Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. The Catholic Social Action Office presents Toward a Region in Balance: A Catholic Perspective, a forum about human, ecological and economic dimensions of regional stability f rom 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the First United Church of Chris t, 5808 Glenway Avenue, College Hill. Cost including lunch is $35. For more informa­ tion, contact Catholic Social Action at (513) 421 -3131 x239. stability to uncertainty. Of course this can be varied to the degree that there is no uni versal cause. However, the effects are the same. Education plays such an important role in the determination of failure or success in our society that it cannot be ov.e rlooked or under rated in its importance. The formal aspect of education is a necessity to a degree, but the practical aspect of education is as important. It takes a combination of the two to create a working program. The saying that everyone needs someone is even more vital to the street person the n one might imagine. It is an essential that those who live this life have some degree of support, if there is to be any sense redefining in their lives. The support that one gets from those who Ii ve the same life, is one thing , it allows one a sense of belonging, however, if there is no outside influence or effect Barrier, from page 7 us as African Americans will form the basis for an article or series to be written on the subject. The question is not really whether there are barriers to recovery unique to African Americans. To most knowledgable professionals in the field, such as Roger Zellars, the n there is not much hope for change or relief from the same old same old. It is absolutely pertinent that som e other supports be included, if there is to be any change in the l ives of those who live the street life. The street person often finds themselves in need of those influences, even if no more than a word of encouragement. Services, wh1ch can make a difference, are often not available to the street person. Then when they are, it is often .just as hard for the street person to utilize those services. There may be various reasons why the street person cannot make the most of these serv ices, anything from not being able to get to the particular service that can help them in a given situation, too not having the time to attend. Often the street person has necessities that hamper them from attending: such things as showering times to feeding times at the local kitchens. What this means is that if the service is available at a certain time the street person may have more pressing issues like the above mentioned, ie., bathing or eating which may be available at those times only. Also, there may be the instance in whlch the street person may feel intimidated by such a service, causing them to forgo the help simply because of ego, or some other self induced expression. The idea that these factors can be detrimental to the survival of the street person is susceptible towards the possibility, for change in the Iives of the street person. It is with this reality that the problem of homelessness and the idea of the street wisdom must be confronted. The entire situation of street life, as viewed by me is based upon these precepts . I t is with th is understanding that we as a society must confront the situation, if there is to be a difference in the future. Assistant Director of the Prospect House; Inc., a long term residential chemical dependency treatment program of national repute, the answer to this question has long been known. This topic was placed on the "floor" for discus­ sion at a Black Support Meeting,. held at the Prospect House every Monday, Wednesday (in house), and the last Saturday of every month for social recovery (sober booty shakin' ) added to the two hour discussion of various recov­ ery, but surprisingly not necessarily culturally specific topics. The question is how and to what extent treatment and when. Respect, fro m page 8 between "WE THE PEOPLE" will every one of us has to make: political earned, fought for, and guarded get the job done. And we must sta11 and ' economic freedom or political jealously. If we do not do this then NOW, tomorrow just may be way or econo mic slavery. P ol itical "We the people" will continue to too late! Each of us CAN make a pa1ties are not the answer, they are slide into the bonds of political difference. Education is the key that the havens of our oppressors. Men s lavery, eco nom ic sl avery, a nd opens the door, work is the oil that and w ome n of in tegri ty are the eventually plain old slavery. Feeling makes the process move, and open answer. People of the people, by the sorry for ourselves will not change communica ti on is the forc e that people, and for the people. Nothing a thing. Only open communication holds the door open! It's a choice else will do! I . , . Evangelist, from page 4 etc . I concluded w ith the sole solution to conquering the betrayer: love one another (v.34). This is the message of Christ, a nd sho uld be the mes sage of Christians everywhere.· Otherwise we shall find our city in a state of decline. A lready prospective business to the city has been scared off. I say this with the knowledge that seven churches from other states have cancelled youth mission trips to our c hurc h a nd c ommunity, because the media picture is not an inviting one. We are talking about almost 200 volunteers and thousands of work hours the Camp Washington community will lose. In what manner has this state of affairs affected other communities, c hurche s, bu sines se s and organizations? Mayor Luken has asked for our assistance, and I in turn, as a citizen; ask for his. Give us a new charter and policies which will address the economic and racial disparities in our city. Do not allow big business or politics, in whatever form they may come disguised, change from a course which will give the country confidence in our ability to li ve peaceably and equally. There is much to do, and I shall be doing as you the reader very well know. Come visit u ~ at Washington United Church of Christ, 2950 Sidney Ave. We have Sunday Worship at 1Oam, Tuesday and Thursday evening meals at6:15pm. Our freestore is open Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm to 2pm and Saturday 2p to 4pm. There is always something going on at Washington. Come and share in the love and fellowship. May 12 from 9am to 1pm is our Health Fair. Doctors, Dentist, nurses (free health screenings), barbers (free haircuts), etc. will be on hand. For additional information call 54 I -7757. His Humble Servant, The Evangelist Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. Are you a dedicated individual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesl We need writers, photog:rapers, editors, webpage updators:' any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. • �mMfMEttt;_Mfn 721-4580 Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 241-0504 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 421-2437 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center !or Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in North side 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-494 1 661 -4620 Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 §HE!.MM 761-1480 Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House 821-5100 381 -5432 Friars Club Drop Inn Center (Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-11 oo Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651 -6446 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 f8UfitlljfiW!Hlm O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 221-6937 961-4663 569-1840 Community Land Cooperative of Cincinnati 721-2522 Contact Center 381-4242 241 -2563 Emanuel Comm. Center Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 421-7803 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van House of Refuge Mission 22 1-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-551 4 Project Connect •• Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Rebellion in Cincinnati: Violence by Any Other Name Mt. Airy Shelter Fights for Survival Pg 2: Vendor Profile Pg 3: Through the Eyes of a Health Care for Homeless Veterans/Social Work Intern Celebrating Rev. McCrackin “Mac” Day 2001 Pg 4: Provider of the Month: Kevin Finn Words from the Evangelist Pg 5: Agency Profile: Corryville Family Resource Center Vibin’ on the Moon: Wesak Celebration Pg 6: Police-Community Relations: The Double-Edge Sword Pg 7: Recovery Barrier More Common among African Americans Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: Welfare News Pg 10: Police Brutality: Who are the Real Criminals Pg 11: Police Brutality Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Homelessness: A Telling Symptom Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Make the Veggie Transition Easy with Meat Substitutes Pg 17: Diverting the Mentally Ill from Jail New Study Examines Homeless Healthcare Pg 18: Mt. Airy Continued Rebellion Continued Pg 19: View Continued Barrier Continued Respect Continued Evangelist Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman Dan Marschner H.L. Bowen Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Mr. Lee Brian Garry Maleshia R. Neugerbauer Aaron Pitchford Rodney Sutton David Mitchell Susan Hueshin Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Linda L. Berger Iah Isreal Kenneth D. Smith Tyrone Smith Kunta Kenyatta Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Abdul Karriem Muhammad Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Brian Garry Corryville Family Resource Center Dan Marschner David Mitchell Editorials Evangelist H.L. Bowen Healthcare Iah Isreal jail Justice System Kenneth D. Smith Kunta Kenyatta Linda L. Berger MAC Maleshia R. Neugerbauer Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor mental illness Mr. Lee National News Pat Mitchell police brutality prisoners news Race Rodney Sutton Ronald Leroy English Social Work Supreme Court Susan Hueshin Susan Knight Tom Billman Tyrone Smith UC Hospital veterans welfare reform https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9dd3f1dce55fa97639f35d11c12a40e1.pdf 2e7e2e9c235a432877dd630d6521f221 PDF Text Text STREET THE TE.'S $1 DONATION A R $1 DONATION BUY FROM B.A D6£D VENDORS ONLY ~vier Ch~rlhf Festiv.:ll i111porls PrDjectC,., 11 pa5~1 0 GREATER CINCINNATI COALJTION F R THE HOMELESS �- - - - - - - - - - - - - APRIL 2001 Ohio Housing Trust Fund Cut Proposed Homeless Think Tank: Continuum of Care Homeless Could Lose Millions in Assistance Homeless and Service Providers Share Insights By Mr. Lee Submitted by COHHIO The Taft Administration is proposing to reduce the overall appropriation for the Housing Trust Fund by $7 .2 mil Hon over the next two years. COHHIO (the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio) is recommending an additional $5 million per year of funding for the Housing Trust Fund. COHHIO believes that several reasons indicate the necessity of this increase. Housing Development A~istance Shut Down: Prior to the beginning of this fiscal year, Ohio's Affordable Housing Development Assistance Program was shut down due to the fact that all funds available for the year had already been committed. The extra appropriation of $9 million to the Trust Fund was needed to be able to fund just a portion of the backJog of housing development projects needing assistance. Sharp Increase in Housing Demand: With the tax credit increase, demand will sharply rise in the next two years. Ohio has a real opportunity to expand the supply of affordable housing because Congress approved the first major increase in the Low­ income Housing Tax Credit Program. The 40% increase will be phased in during 2001 and 2002. Investor equity from the Housing Credit' is combined with convenft<5na1 private4financing and 1 funding from the Housing Trust Fund and other sources to construct or preserve affordable rental and lease-purchasing housing opportunities. Affordable Housing Need Outpaces Supply: There is no county in the state where a full time min imu m wage job pays enough to 'afford ahaverage'two­ bedroom apartment. ln fact. Ohio workers must earn al least twice the federal minimum wage, or $I 0.30 per hour, if they are to afford the rent for this same apartment. Housing needs for young potential homeowners, elderly Ohioans, those with special needs and homeless people could also be better addressed with increased funding. Trust Fund, continued page 19 The pizza was good. The dialogue was better. The process was best. Michelle Budzek, coordinator of the Continuum of Care, facilitated this dialogue involving service providers, clients, advocates, homeless and formerly homeless men and women. Mjchelle explained the Continuum of Care and how and by whom services were provided and funded. A continuum of care was defined as a single, coordinat(1d, inclusive homeless assistance system designed by the community to support homeless persons in their movement from h_omelessness to permanent housing and. self-sufficiency. This system looks at the path and processes and asks whether everything is in place so that all homeless persons within a community can move from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Are · there enough shelter, transitional housing and service enriched permanent housing? Is there enough support sE'.rvices for all people - children, families, men, women, the mentally ill, chemical dependent. veterans, persons with AIDS - everyone who is homeless? The Continuum of Care for the Homeless Assistance Program is reaJly three separate governmentfunding programs under the coordination of the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The three programs are: Supportive Housing Program (SHP) Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program for Single Room Occupancy Dwellings for Homeless Individuals (SRO) The purpose of the Continuum of Care is to fund projects that will FILL IN THE GAPS in a locally developed Continuum of Care system to assist homeless persons move to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. A good Continuum of Care system consists of four basic components: Outreach & Assessment: Work which determines the needs and conditions of individuals and fami lies who are homeless. Emergency Think , continu ed page 18 Mexican Workers Confront KY Company by Dan La Botz Two women workers from the Duro Bag plant in Rio Bravo, Mexico, Margarita Rincon Jimenez and Maria Francisca Orozco, came to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky on Feb. 26 to confront their employer, demand their rights, and tell their story. The two women, together with scores of other workers at Duro Bag in Rio Bravo had been fired, threatened, and beaten because they attempted to orgaqize a union that. would represent workers in the pJant. p~ro.l3ag, ow~ep ~y tl1e Shqr f~l]'lily,.is based ii} Ludlow, Kentucky. Hosted by Local Union 5-0832 of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers (PACE) in Ludlow, spe;aking at a press conference in Ludlow on Feb. 26 the women told of their long fight for the right to organize a union. "We want to put pressure on Duro Bag Co. so they will let us have a free and fairelection," said Rinc~m Jimenez. The workers' tnp to Cincinnati was sponsored by the Coalition for Justice in th.e Maquiladoras (CJM), a 12-year old coalit!on of religious, environmental, and labor organizations fonn Canada, Mexico and the United States ~pich st1pports the right for Margarita Rincon Jimenez, Maria Francisca Orozco ' and Anacela 0 Cassanova march toward the Duro Bag company to protest for the right to orgaillze a union of their own choosing. Photo submitted by Dan La Bot:. workers' right in the maquiladoras which are manufacturing plants · located along the U.S. Mexico bqrder. After explaining at the press conference that Duro Bag had fired workers and threatened to close the plant, and that the company had cooperated with gangsters and the police in having workers beaten and jai!ed, the two, Mexican women led a delegation of some 60. tp 80 Cincinnati labor unioni s,ts, church members, and environmental activists to the Duro B ~g h~adquarter.s in Ludlow. They attempted to speak to management. Duro Bag locked the front door, and employees filed out the back door attempting to avoid both the Mexican women and the press. When the women and their supporters confront Duro Bag executives, requesting a meeting with the women, Workers , continued page 16 �Vendor Profile: Deborah Anderson By Mr. Lee Deborah Renee' Anderson is a vendor who almost always seems to be in a good spirit. She has a positive word and an expression of blessing for ~veryone. Deborah has a sj.111ple lifestyle and dai~y . routine. ·she usually has her hair neatly braided, and her appearance reflects the time spent in carefully applying her make-up as she prepares for her day. Deborah has been a vendor since September 2000. Deborah was born in Cincinnati and grew up in the Walnut Hills area. She has four younger siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Deborah speaks freely about her happy childhood, and her attendance of Withrow High School. She shares her experience of being a happy carefree and popular student She also speaks about hanging around the wrong crowd. This led to unhealthy childhood diversion of drinking, smoking, "skip parties" and experimenting with drugs. Deborah Anderson flashes a grin for her vendor badge photo. from the Streetvibc s archives She shares that as a teenager she had acid slipped into a drink, which had a long lasting and negative affect upon her life. She honestly states that she has had mental and physical health · problems that have cause her to be hospitalized more than once beginning at the age of 16. Deborah regularly attends and enjoys the services at City Gospel Mission. Deborah shares that she is "getting her act together" and is happy to have God in her life. She expresses a de,sire to learn to operate the computer and to maybe return to work some day. She exudes and attitude of gratitude for the people who support her in her life and says she loves to seIJ Streetvibes ! Deborah may not have much materially, but she is grateful for what God has blessed her with and finds joy in her life in spite of her hardships. Deborah is a real person. Her life has at times been a "rough stretch of road". Some days are better than others but she remains ·grateful for her blessings. Many might not see the courage and heart this woman possesses. God bless you Deborah Renee Anderson! Vendor Profile: Earlene Moreland and Grady Cook Writers Dan Marschner Ron Carter Dan La Botz Susan K:nigh Mr. Lee Deborah Locke Blaine Reynolds Don Allen, JR. Staughton Lynd Warren Perkins Dawyna femandsen Paul Lawrence.Dunbar Antliony Watkins _Streetvib-es accepts letters1 poems, -storieS", e~says, original graphics, j>hot9s.... We will,:ptint evpcy­ tbing we tlave room for. giVing preference to those wbQ ~ homeless,or vendo~. &d>scriptions to Streetvibes can bt purQhased for $15 per~ year. 'i/o (!rea~r Cindnnati Coalition - for the H~ (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cindnaati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 faX! (5J3) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com or homeci>al@primax.net web page: http://cinci.com/gcch by Ron Carter Two of our best Streetvibes vendors, Earlene and Grady, are celebrating their fourth anniversary. They are very dedicated to the paper and have contributed a lot of their time getting the word out about homelessness. We have received a lot of very positive comments from our readers about Grady and Earlene. I call them Bonnie & Clyde because they are always busy passing the word to the fo1tunate to help the unfortunate. Grady and Earlene contribute great ideas for the paper, and their dedication is wonderful. They want to thank all those who have supported them and the paper over the past four years. ~ Earlene Moreland, Grady Cook a n d one of Cincinnati 's mounted police outside of M u sic Hall. from the Streetvibes archi ves Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 volun­ tary donation. I agree not to ask for dona­ tions more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar . collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alco­ hol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not regis­ 6. 7. 8. 9. tered distributors. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self-supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. �LOCAL NEWS STREETVIBES Page 3 Grant Helps Obtain Medical Coverage Provider of the Month: Andy Hutzel Submitted by Legal Aid Laura Salter spoke publicly· last November about leaving the welfare system in 1995 for several temporary jobs. For more than · two years, she lived without health insurance, despite lifelong problems from childhood rheumatic fever. After a heart attack required open-heart surgery, she was unable to work. With $10,000 in medical debt, she had to file for personal bankruptcy. "I was uninsured for two years," Salter stated. "It ruined my health, and it ruined my credit record. I was one of the 44 million Americans who do not have health insurance. I hope you figure out a way to bridge the gap for the uninsured." The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati is responding to Salter 's plea. Thanks to a $235,000 grant from _the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, Legal Aid has launched a threeyear Health Access Ad\'.ocacy Project. According to Senior Attorney Trey Daly, the Health Access Advocacy Project win offer community education, advocacy and individual reP,resentation .. "We...wilJ give healthcare providers and social service providers ' general training," he says. "'We will also work directly with particular providers (such as hospitals) to train their staff." In the new year, Daly says, "We're off and running. We've always done a lot of training in the community on Medicaid issues. Now we'll .do more directly with the provider community." The Stat~ of Ohio is restoring Medicaid, coverage to thousands of people who lost it when they stopped receiving welfare payments. "The idea was that, when they stopped getfing cash, they were still supposed to be able to get medical coverage, but that didn't happen," Daly explains. After lengthy negotiations, an agreement has been reached to send out a three-month Medicaid card for immediate needs. "People will also be allowed to re-apply for (ongoing) Medicaid in a streamlined fashion," Daly adds. The Health Access Advocacy Project will reinforce this process by working with the Ohio Hospital Association to let healthcare providers know about the reinstatement and explain processes for obtaining payment of unpaid bills incurred by people who sh~uld have been eligible for Medicaid. Tens of thousands of G;.incinnati residen.ts will 'be affected by this initiative. "We're delivering' services in a new way, focusing on community ~ducation." Legal Aid's website will_give people more information . at>o.utacce$s tO'.'pealthcare'. _ - . , ... "There's a crisis in access to healthcare," Daly says. "Thi.s is Legal Aid's effort to respond to that crisis. Working collaboratively with the healthcare provider community and public medical problems, we think we can make a real impact." Drop Inn Center's Administrative Coordinator By Dan Marschner on a broader community level. He thinks that the DIC has reached a relative limit on new programs and facilities, and fundi~g for .P.rojects should be more difficult to obtain with the Bush administration. Andy says, "The problem doesn't seem to change, but the government solutions seem to change rapidly. Everyone seems Andy Hutzel has never been homelessness personally, but he has spent the last seven years helping to hold the Drop Inn Center together. He started as a bookkeeper after his graduation from Xavier University in May 1994, and began to assume more . . Bonnie Neumeier, Andy H utzel a nd Ginny Frazier take a mom.e nt to rel ax. photo submitted by Andy Hutzel responsibilities after Pat Clifford left the Drop Inn Center to direct the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for' ilie'Hdme less in 1995. He' became an official employee after being a ReSTOC intern and volunteering at the DIC. Andy says that the best part of working at the Drop Inn Center is the "diverse community working together toward a common goal." He says the most rewarding aspect --------------------------~ ~~wmkisfucli~li~be~ IMPACT Over-the-Rhine Family Freedom Gardens This community service project provides compact, raised bed gardens to inner city families. This opportunity encourages sustainability and independence for families to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables in their own yard. IMPACT Over-the-Rhine provides design consultation, all materials (timber, soil, seeds and bedding plants), installation.and follow-up support Over-the-Rhine Families provide yard space, a desire for fresh, "'sty vcg~bla, and nurturing care. This is a community enrichm.en~ program available at no cost. Only Over-the-~hine residents ar- eligible to .apply. making an impact. Andy greatly enjoys the leadership structure of the DIC: "As big as we are, I think that we do a good job to maintain our grassroots support." He says the greatest challenge of the DIC is weighing the need for institutional structure with their desire to have input from all levels. Out of more than 40 employees, only four have college degrees. Andy finds the diversity of the staff to be a major asset. He says that his biggest personal challenge is to know people at·the DIC without losing himself in the details of his work. Andy also believes that it is difficult to see long term changes to have a new solution." Andy feels th~t his greatest str.e!.1gtq~~F.~tRitl~~~c~:,p~.JiMf,,111?~ skills, and his persistence. He believes that "the white middle class need to understand how to leaq1 within other cultures. Most people are afraid to 4o that or don't have the desire." Andy believes that the greatest accomplishment that has occurred at the DIC during his tenure is "buddy's place." The leadershi.p of the DIC worked incredibly hard to overcome long odds to raise the tremendous amounts of money. In the process, they earned the credibility needed after Buddy Gray's tragic demise. Andy believes that Buddy lives through the staff at the DIC. "He empowered people to come out of homelessness, and many of those people continue to be staff . members after 15 or 20 years." Andy provides an inspirational example to those who choose to follow their hearts and work for change. To nominate someone for provider ofthe month, contact Streetvibes at 421-7803. For an application please contact: , Eco-d•r.~en ~oordinator Impact_Over the RMllc I t 1718 Pleasan~ Str~;;~. Cincinnati, Ohio 45!1' (513) 141-8924 ,, (513) 141..5564 Fu ,.I ~ • DISC .JOCKEY SE l~VlCE Cli.f.ford Jones ::::;!• (513) 761-3464 Office (5 13) .230- 635 3 t f1tt.'o0 \ .ne e-_r?>ail: jonesaC:V • w""'w Voicemail ·C'~ ~~I) ~ticxchange· cP �- ' STREETVIBES LOCAL NEWS : Page 4 . Xavier Raises Awareness About Homelessness By Dan Marschner - Shantytown 2001 was a week­ long program to educate Xavier University students and the general public about homelessness. Shantytown involved speakers and opportunities for community service, and perhaps its most enduring symbol is the cardboard houses constructed by Xavier student groups. Unlike in years past, the shantys did not house students braving the elements while sleeping outside. Rather, the dwelbngs became billboards for infonnation about homelessness. The statistics indicated on the shanties provided a grim reality about the pervasiveness of homelessness. Their flimsy construction helped depict the pathetic living conditions of many homeless people. The speakers in Shantytown addressed several different issues including domestic violence, homeless children, international homelessness, and affordable housing. The speakers ranged from Cincinnati City Council members to residents of the Drop Inn Shelter. Students who attended also had the opportunity to eat in a simulated soup kitchen. The week ended with an opportunity for community service through Community Action Day Xavier students went to sites throughout the city to work with an. agency for a few hours. Community Action Day allowed students to put the knowledge gleaned from Shantytown into practice. Shantytown was an important educational tool to make Xavier students and the Sllt"fOunding community more aware of the reality of homelessness in Cincinnati and worldwide. Streetvibes salutes their efforts in the battle against homelessness. Rachael Napolitano, one of Sha ntytown' s student coordin ators, next to a shanty. photo by D an M arsch ne r Are you looking for the opportunity to have a positive impact in the lives of homeless people with mental illness? CR! and Tender Mercies are teaming up to provide outreach and referral services to the homeless, mentally ill population in.Hamilton County. This is a program funded by a PATH grant that seeks to break new ground in servicing this population. OUTREACH WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES ..,._ Seek out and assist persons who are homeless and mentally ill by providing community outreach, assessment. and linkage to appropriate services. Position involves making one on one contacts with homeless persons as well as maintaining communication and collaboration with other service agencies 1n order to identify potential PATH Project participants and coordinate service provision. Connect individuals to services aimed at addressing mental health issues as well as basic needs. Submit reports and service documentation. Minimum of 2 years education/ experience required. Must possess good written and oral communication skills and commitment to aiding an at risk population. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Must be a licensed, insurable driver and provide own vehicle for transp01tation within two months of employment. Excellent salary and benefit package. Send resume to: Tender Mercies Attn: HR-PATH Outrea0h 21 w~ 12th Cinti, OH 45210 · FAX (513) 977-5328 equal opportunity employer �STREETVIBES Reprinted from the Family Services Report Congress should renew supplemental grants to 17 states deemed worthy of additional help under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, says Wendell Primus, director of Income Security at the Center on Budget & Polity Priorities. Those grants expire this year, even though TANF itself is not due for reauthorization until 2002. Even with such help, poorer states receive $733 in TANF funds per poor child, compared to $1,773 received by the other states, Primus tells the House Budget Committee. Not really supplemental The term "supplemental" is a WELFARE NEWS Page 5 Grants to be Renewed misnomer, Primus says. In reality, the I:>errants are an attempt to correct reauthorization rather than treated as new spending, Primus says. In his testimony, Primus criticizes the 1996 welfare-reform law. _ Even though the proportion of single mothers in the workforce has jumped from one-third to one­ half since 1992, he notes, the poorest fifth of this group had 4% less to spend after meeting basic needs in 1999, compared to 1995, even though their earnings increased. In addition, 700,000 families have significantly less income in 1999 than their counterparts in 1995, he says. Figures for young black males in the labor force between are another source of concern, Primus says. Between 1993 and 1999, their rate of participation dropped by 6 percentage points, he says. For more information, contact: Primus, Center for Budget & Policy Priorities, (202) 408­ 1080,www.cbpp.org the historical disparities between the states in welfare spending, beyond any difference in the cost of living. As such, the additional sums should be folded into the baseline fundin g for the purpose of TANF States Using Welfare Funds For Unrelated Fiscal Burdens Reprinted from the Family Services Report To get their block grants under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, there are two ways states can try to dodge a requirement they spend 75% of what they spent on welfare in fiscal 1994. One involves counting money spent on programs not in the 1994 baseline toward the "maintenance­ of-effort" requirement. The other involves using TANF dollars for unapproved purposes. The Health & Human Services Dept. does its best to prevent such cost-shifting, but the problem remains, says the National Campaign for Jobs & Income Support. In Virginia, for example, Gov. Gilmore sought to use TANF funds for make up for a cut in the car tax, the campaign says. Other states flouting the rules include Connecticut, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin, the campaign says, while a Michigan plan to use TANF to offset a property-tax cut for low-income families led HHS to prohibit such uses unless people got back more than they paid in taxes. States have failed to spend $8 biJiion in TANF dollars as of Sept. 30,2000, the campaign says. For more information, consult www.nationalcampaign.org. LEGAL SUPPORT NEEDED!! During the TABD protests, November 17-19, 2000, 53 arrests were made, hundreds more were searched illegally, and still others were beaten or gassed by the Cincinnati police force. CONCERNS REGARDING: ILLEGAL SEARCHES IN ORDERTOSETFOOTONFOUNTAINSQUARE­ PUBLIC PROPERTY, ILLEGAL ARRESTS AND POLICE BRUTALITY, ALL MUST BE ADDRESSED! $15,000 FOR LEGAL EXPENSES Expenses include all legal fees/counsel Checks can be made payable to: N16 Legal, c/o Molly Mail to: P.O. BOX 3415, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-3415 Updates can be found at CHE-2000.org Or please call 513-929-4102 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees speak out against sanctions against Iraq. Kathy Kelley of Chicago, cofounder of Voices in the Wilderness, was nominated in 2000. Ms. Kelley spoke as part of a panel at the Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship (1301 E. McMillan). Berta Lambert walked across the United States in 1986 as a member of the ?reat . Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament that was nommated m 1987. For nearly a decade he has been a regular protestor at the Cincinnati Federal Building, opposing U.S. policy toward Iraq. photo submitted by Berta Lambert STREETVIBES TELEVISION Streetvibes TV 1s produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. April Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for April's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Tuesday, April 2, at 9 AM Friday, April 13, at 5. PM Saturday, April 21, at 9 PM Tuesday, April 24 at 9 PM Friday, April 27, at 5 PM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. �School: Homeless Kids Bridge to Survival By Deborah Locke From Pioneer Planet What is it 1ike to be a homeless child? Two sisters - Tina, 8, and Marcie, 9 (not their real names) ­ sat on the lap of or near their mother as I asked them questions and strived to get to know them. Neither girl was shy, not in the least. It wasn't hard to detect signs of sibling rivalry. Each wore cotton pants and an olive-colored t-shirt. You could imagine them wearing .those clothes outside the State Fair in August, but not on a cold December day. Tina is in the third grade; Marcie, in the fourth. When they were serious and tried to honestly answer questions, they sometimes soullded wise beyond their years. The two homeless sisters transferred to a Minneapolis elementary school from the suburb where the family was evicted from an apartment. Before eviction, they lived in a hotel. They've been in a homeless shelter for two mo nths. That's where we talked . Marcie and Tina are undergoing adjustments in their new surroundings. Other kids J o, (1 1 f, 1f' I'• make fun of them, because tney are new·at school, said Marcie, "They tell jokes about me all the time. They kinda made fun of me when .I lived in the hotel. They made fun of my clothes." To children who are homeless, school provides the greatest stability in their lives. For some of the luckier homeless kids, adults go to great lengths to ensure that a child can stay in his or her school after a family moves. For example, one child whose fam ily moved to a Minnetoka ho meless shelter still attends his Minneapolis Phillips ne ighborhood school. He begged to stay there . His bus fare is p aid from a private donation fu nd the school principal set up. In St. Paul, an I l-year-old homeless girl sobbed after several teachers quizzed her about waiting outside her school before it opened. The van from the suburban shelter drops her off almost an hour before the school doors open. She has nowhere to wait but at the front door, but she's adamant about wanting to stay in that school. As of September 2000, 361 children ages 5 to 10 received services for homeless children throughout the St. Paul School District, according to Ellie Seifert, coordinator of the Title One program for homeless children. The program has served 391 children in, the 11 to 18 age range. T he tot~i is ~n\be con~ervative side because homeless families are not always identified and because the total excludes the older children. In Minneapolis, from June 1999 to May 2000, some 3,076 children in grades kindergarten through 12 were horn~less. The number has hovered around 3,000 for the past three years, according to Bill Price, director of the homeless/ Title I program in that city. More than 1,700 of the Minneapolis children are in grades ki ndergarten through grade 4, or age 5 through 9. The 1i ght mix of teachers, social workers, principal, peers, pol icies and tutors can and do form a foundation of stability that permits a child to whether homelessness. In the lives of these children, the only setting that remains constant in their lives is the school. The only people who remain constant are the faculty and staff at the school. That's why the St. Paul School District's Tit le I Program paid $ 17 ,000 in bus tokens this year so homeless children can stay in their own schools. Transportation consistently provides the greatest challenges to people who are homeless, Seifert said. Getting to schoql is just the start of serving these kids well, however. Smaller gestures count, said Ann Masten, a University of Minnesota professor who has studied homelessness and resiliency in children for more than a decade. A school nurse could discretely provide a homeless child with hygiene products including a toothbrush. Quietly, metropolitan teachers continually pay for these products from their own salaries. They ask for school supplies and clothing donations from fa mily and friends because it's critical that a homeless child look like the other children. "I've been a principal, and know that if a child is ho meless, you guard that information," Bill Price said. "When kids get hold of that information, they will be mean to the ho meless kids." Some teachers never learn that the child is homeless, partly because the stay in a shelter is brief. Many, however, know that their students live in a car or a shelter, that the children's dads are in j ail , that their moms are in drug rehab most of the time and that kids get shuffled around. Younger children, especially, will confide in a teache1; when h e me life is exchanged for shelter survival. The obvious solution is stable housing. But even with that, one working parent known to Price works two jobs to pay the steep Bridge , c ontinue d page 19 High Court Kills Ban on Legal-Aid Welfare Cases From the Family Services Report The Supreme Court struck down a rule preventing attorneys at agencies funded by the Legal Services Corporation from challenging welfare laws, but supporters of the LSC say the action may reopen debate on whether tbe corporation deserves continued funding. "The fight will shift over to Congress," said Donald Saunders, director of civil legal services at the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. In his budget outline, President Bush requests $329 million for the LSC. Current funding is $220 million minus a multi-agency 0.22 percent across-the-board cut. Although the LSC has fought off attempts to kill it, the price of survival has been a host of ADYIRTISI IM STlllTVlllS restnct1ons, the rest of which the Supr~me Court let stand b~ refusmg to hear an appeal m a related case. . . . Th.e restnc~1ons, adopted m . 1~96, mclude ba~s on representmg pnsoners or certam classes of immi~rants, on filing cl~ss-action ~awsmts and o~ ~tte~ptmg to mfluence admm1strat1ve rules. In addition, the LSC-funded agencies may not lobby or participate in abortion-related cases. In practice, the rule struck down by tbe court prevented attorneys at LSC-funded agencies from arguing state welfare laws violated federal law or that a welfare law, state or federal, violated the U.S. Constitution. Attorneys for the LSC and the Justice Department said the ban was no more restrictive than a law prohibiting doctors at federally funded family-planning clinics from discussing abortion with their patients, which the Supreme Court upheld in Rust v. Sullivan. Writing for the majority, Justice Kennedy says the LSC ban is different. "An LSC attorney speaks on behalf of a private, indigent client in a welfare-benefits claim while the government,s message '.is delivered by the attorney defending the benefits division," he writes. Of little practical impact The decision is a victory for welfare recipients, but don' t expect a lot of new lawsuits on their behalf, says Alan Houseman, director of the Center for Law & Social Policy. '1 don' t think it has any Business Card.Size s1gmf1cant impact on welfare refo.rm,," he says. "The practical reality 1s most c~allenge~ are .not ~ade on th~ basis of an mvalid . . higher l~w. David Udell, drrector of the poverty program at the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law, which brought the case on behalf of a woman named Carmen Velazquez, says the decision is significant even if it doesn't lead to more lawsuits. Lawyers at LSC-funded agenci~s can now "have conversations with judges and colleagues without fear of running afoul of the problem," he says. "In the long run, Jess injustice will result." Henry Freedman, director of the Welfare Law Center in New York, agrees, calling tbe decision a "major victory." Two Business Card Size 4 x 3 1/2 2 3 1/2 ~~ $15 per montf:I . ~ $30 per month Send your add copy to Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street,Cinti, 45210 , homecoal@primax.net , or call 421 -7803. 11 11 11 ){ (Larger Adds Also Available) 11 �STREETVIBES RECOVERY NEWS Page 7 Recovery News Mission The Recovery News page will focus primarily on recovery issues that most impact the homeless: recovery from chemical dependency. mental illness. all forms of spiritual illness and of course recovery from homelessness. It is the editorial staffs' hope that the Recovery page will appeal to a broad based constituency and will attract contributions from those who are in recovery as \veil as those whose lives have been affected by their own as well as others struggles with these issues. The recovery news will be about the good and bad: faith and faithlessness: hope and hopelessness: problems and solutions. It is our vision that contributions to the recovery page will come from many walls of life. Submissions from the secular and non-secular recovery community are welcome. Announcements. meetings. programs. etc. related to recovery or the issues that the homeless are struggling with in the identified areas are welcome. Recovery: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly By Blaine Reynolds the religious life and the spiritual life advocated in any l 2 step program. They are convinced by In the addiction community, their own experience and that of there are basically three classes or thousands who came before them, types of alcoholic/addicts. I sort that using any kind of mood of classify them as the recovering(good), struggling(bad), altering chemicals will result in devastation to their lives and and suffering(ugly). eventually lead to jails, institutions The recovering (good) addict and death. The recovering works a 12 step program of alcoholic and/or addict has found recovery and/or is involved in church and as best he can, lives his that only by working a daily program of spiritual maintenance life on spiritual princip1es. These can they begin and continue to men and women follow a daily lead a productive and reasonably plan of spiritual maintenance to happy life. Only by total stay clean and sober and to abstinence from drugs and alcohol progress in recovery. Failure to follow this plan of action will lead is this possible. They have them back to drinking and/or using admitted defeat .a nd surrendered drugs. Most learn this simple plan their life and will to a Higher Power to help keep them sober. If in a treatment program or in a 12 they don't stay focused on step recovery program, and they execute the plan. Thjs simple plan themselves and their problem, it will only lead back tp drinking or is ( l) don' t pick-up any drink or ' ' using drugs. · ' · ' ' drug, (2) read the Big Book/Basic The struggling (bad) alcohoiic/ Text, (3) go to support meetings on addict is successful for a some a regular basis and (4) obtain and period of time in his or her work with a sponsor (who will recovery. Then for some reason, guide him/her through the "steps"). usually unknown ~o them, chooses Many get into a formal on to drink, or drug. They may stay informal relationship with some sober for a period of time, but church body. For the person truly repeat this cycle of relapse, trying to live his life on a spiritual institutions, and jails until basis, there is no conflict between ultimately they either get into long term recovery or they die. While permanent or long term sobriety eludes them, there their life is extended by the fact that for whatever period of time he/she is no longer killing themselves. They know how to stay clean and sober but are reach some stuck point that requires a different level of working the 12-step program. Possibly they are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. For various reasons they stop practicing the simple program of recovery. They stop living by spiritual principles or stop growing. They give nothing back. They continue to be selfish and self-centered. They fail to enlarge upon their spiritual lives. They fall. If they are fortunate, they make it back. They forget to talk to others in the program whkh is wnere they get tfieir experience, strength and_hope. They are not willing to work with others and willing do the things that kept them from using drugs. When you don't keep practicing the things you know are a solution to your problems you go b41ck to that destructive behavior. Now there is the suffering (ugly) addict. They are in complete denial of their problem · of addiction, regardless of their circumstances. They believe something is wrong with others, but js not the drugs or alcohol; they believe that a better job or break in life and everything will be better. Until they admit that they have a problem they will not change and they will continue to use drugs. They are the hopeless and helpless types: they live in a world of shame, g uilt and remorse; their only relief is to use drugs and alcohol. They rely on their own self-will and self-knowl ~dge to stay clean and sober. They live in the problem instead of the solution. They live in a world of self-delusion not knowing the truth from the lie. The only thing in their future is jail, institution and inevi ~bly ...death. , 'frie"oilly thing that sephrates . them all is a drink or drug. Every one has the chance if they have the desire, willingness and are honest with themselves. Only God knows who will succeed and who will fail. You stay clean and sober if you follow the plan of action. It's not complicated, but for most it is hard. The Power of Recovery of the individuals who are currently using alcohol and drugs would lead us to believe. It is designed to help individuals develop the tools and skills they need to remain sober. The desire of every family member of an alcoholic, drug addict, and even addicted individuals themselves is that they would JUST NOT USE. That is a tall order when an individual has become consumed by the behaviors, feelings and lifestyle of the alcohol and drugs · that have taken control of their life. By Don Allen, Jr. . Counselor, Center for Chemical. Addictions Treatment I sat in my office today and talked with a volunteer that had just completed teaching a morning lecture on the "Effects of Alcoholism/Drugs, and the Benefits of Remaining Sobq.,','_ IJ~ shared with me. again his wonderful story of completing treatment at the Center for Chemical Addiction Treatment <;::enter (CCAT) in Cincinnati, Ohio where he now volunteers when not attending classes at a local college working on his Bachelor of Social Wo rk. He has given me the privilege of being his mentor as he works toward credentials and a career in the substance abuse counseli ng field. Kevin 's story is not unique: there have been hundreds of li ves that have come through our treatment program and many other programs like it that have found recovery and not looked back. We shared about the excitement of staying sober, and the wonders of what the future holds. There is no doubt in Kevin's mind tl1at he can make it in this lifetime challenge called recovery if he will keep his focu s on God,' the twel~e s~eps·> and the valuable principles that he has learnqd while in treatment. Kevin believes that the hardest pa.rt of recovery is helpi,ng the non­ addict or individual that has never used alcohol or drugs to understand what is important. To help them understand what must be happening in the life of the i ndividu ~l in recovery·from a life­ controlling problem, and how we who have never used can help them in this challenge. Treatment is not designed as punishment as some of the professional community and some Kevin stated three very important truths that are cri tical for recovery. "The focus on God is a foundation for recovery ; r was taught in Bible College where I received my education as a counselor that.there is a difference between religion and a relationship. Religion is man's attempt to get to God; relationship is loving and personal relationship with God," The twelve steps . encourage an individual to find 8: Recovery, continued page 19 ' . . buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina orAgnes Mack at (513) 784,0800 �PRISONERS' NEWS STREETVIBES Page a . Death R9w Case Raises Re~sonable DoubtS'fi By Staughton Lynd On March 14, 1994, John Byrd Jr. came within hours of'execution before federal court issued a stay. Byrd ha'J1b'~~~ ~n Death Row in Ohio f~r e,ighteen years. Now he faces execution in Spring 2001. Unlike a number of highly publicized death row cases involving new DNA evidence, /• DNA evidence isn't relevant in Byrd's cak~. But tlie absence of DNA material in death row cases, including this one, doesn '.t . necessarily mean that the~e aren't prisoners being wrongly convicted and sentenced to deatti. Sometimes guilt or innocence depends on the testimony of a single prisoner informant, who may be rewarded by the prosecution for his testimony with a reduced charge or a letter to the parole board._ These are the essential facts: Byrd was arrested with two co­ defendants for the robbery of a convenience store near Cincinnati and the stabbing of store clerk Monte Tewksbury on April 17, 1983. Byrd was the only one of the three to receive the death penalty. T,he victim, , .before his death, , was able to tell his wife that only two masked men had come into the store. Bloodstains on Byrd's clothing were inconclusive. A footprint on . the counter of the store was conceded to be th~t of John Brewer, a co-defendant. The murd~r weapon could not be found. When arrested, Byrd had very little money in his possession, whereas Brewer and the third accomplice had large quantities of cash . . The state obtained Byrd's ,. conviction on the basis of r ,. · testimony by prisoner Ronald ,,. Armstead µiat, three weeks after ·the crime, Byrd supposedly confess~d the murder to Armstead while the two of them watched a TV program about the Tewksbury family. Byrd's case dramatizes the problem of the jailhouse "snitch". Armstead .was presented to the jury as a man who had nothing to gain by testifying; he was merely moved by conscience. However, at the time of Byrd's trial Armstead had a pending parole violation and faced the possibility of three to fifteen years in prison. Neither the prosecutor nor Armstead disclosed this fact to the jury. The jury had no way of knowing that after Byrd's trial and conviction, the Cincinnati prosecutor's office would reverse its previous opposition to Armstead's parole, and Armstead would be set free. The record contains affidavits from men who were in the County s Writing is a prison,e r best means ofcommuni<;ation to the outside world. The typewriter is a forceful weapon against the injustices ofthe prison system. One prison has severely limited the number oftypewriter ribbons available to prisoners each month. This action effectively acts to quiet the voice of inmates. For people who want the prison at SCI-Dallas to reverse the very restrictive rules on typewriters and ribbons, petition: Deput~ Superint~ndent Thomas Lavan SCI-Dallas 1000' Follies Road Dallas, PA 18612­ Workhouse with By.u:l.iit and Armsted. , One . . ,i 11 states that "it was ·., · ;· , known by everyone in. A-block that Armstead ... and others were out to get Byrd to get themselves some play on their cases." A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circ,uit·Court of Appeals affirmed Byrd's conviction and sentence. Judge Nathaniel J©nes pa$sionately dissented, citing wh~t he tem1ed " unpardonable constitutional improprieties present in this record." Byrd asked the entire Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the panel's 2-1 decision. Six judges voted to hear the case, five not to hear it. Because two judges abstained, the motion was denied. In January 2001, Byrd's final appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States was denied also. Nothing remained but for the Supreme Court of Ohio to set an execution date. Then, the Public Defender filed a motion for new trial with the Ohio Supreme Court. Attached to the motion were two affidavits by co-defendant John Brewer, one · dated May 1989, the second dated January 200 l. In both affidavits, Brewer states under oath that it was he, not Byrd, who stabbed and killed Monte Tewksbury. Byrd was notin the store, Brewer says, but SO' intoxicated that he could barely stand. Brewer makes it clear what it may' cbst him to come forward: "I afu'ellgible for parole ifr1015 and realize that I have a lot to lose by signing this affidavit." The prospect of executing people for crimes they did not commit has prompted state legislatures across the country to introduce bills to halt executions. The governor of Illinois declared a moratorium on executions, and a bill to prohibit state executions was passed by the Nebraska legislature last year. To stay the execution of John Byrd does not require a belief in his innocence. Tliat is not the test. The test is whether he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If John Byrd is executed, it will be because of the testimony of one witness who had a lot to gain (Armstead) is credited over that of another (Brewer) who bas a lot to lose. Knowing this - as the jury at John Byrd's trial did not - how can the Ohio Supreme Court, or Governor Taft, or you and I, not have a reasonable doubt? Attention Prisoners Those who want to join the class action law­ suit against the supermax prison, Youngstown, ~onta~t: Staughton & Alice Lind 1694Timbers Court Niles, Ohio 44446 or for more information call (513) 241-8014 collect Prisoners News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. If you want to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $15 for a year's subscription Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 �STREETVIBES PRISONERS' NEWS Page g Selective Security Results in Second Successful Suicide By Dawnya Ferdinandsen. were left loc~ed in with no the light at the end of this dark tunnel I am lost in!" Her heart answers and no one to talk to us or broken, her pride crushed by the calm the women crying because continuol!S humiliation endured they knew someone had just died. everyday for the last 10 years of :&s we went to get our food we her life, dignity stripped away like heard bits of what was going on leaves falling from a tree preparing from other inmates already at itself for a cruel winter. In her C.F.S. Upon returning back to our mind I am sure she asked "Why? cottage we were also told "Ladies, Why should I keep going?" The you need to think about what you system again failed to help another are going to do next year, not lost soul. worry about what's going on out here." At this same time none of us We were the only cottage where aware that Monica had left placed on lock down for the several letters in her cell and was about to end her life here in our remainder of the night. By 8:00 cottage. After we came back from a.m. of 1-1-01, the women of JG lunch, around 1:20 p.m., we were hysterical! We were angry simply paid no attention ·to and confused. We asked why no . whether or not Monica had left our one came to our rooms to check on cottage. While we were watching any of us except for count time? This type of unprofessional T. V., playing cards, ironing, and treatment is very common here. just talking, Monica was 10 feet away all alone in a walk in closet Locking down is the answer to ending her life! At 4:00 p.m., the everything! Around 12:30 p.m., phone rang. It was H-1 's second 24 hours after Monica entered our shift officer; be informed our cottage, the institution decided to On December 31, 2000, approximately six months after the sad and successful suicide of 20­ year~old Carol Ann Bell, yet another successful suicidal death of a 41-year-old lady named Mary (Monica) Acree happened. Monica was a lifer here at the Ohio Reformatory for Women who had served approximately to years of her 15 to life sentence and had only 2 years left until her first board. Monica was said to have made the comment that she could not bear the thought of the board issuing her a cold-hearted, flat, 10­ year flop, after,she would have given them more than 14 years. This left her feeling helpless, as it did Carol Ann Bell, and all w.omen facing the same. Monica was a small woman but had so rriuch to give! Even though Monica was meek and slightly withdrawn, she would always step right up to help others! In prison, we are constantly reminded we made a She tutored those ladies less fortunate to be as educationally mistake somewhere in our lives and I 'm sure that inclined as she was. She was the very people reminding us have some willing to help anyone who may have needed her, single-handedly skeletons in their closet. doing what the system could have send a psych to JG to see if anyone second shift officer that he was cared less about! was upset. At this time we were missing Monica Acree. He said Monica was best remembered told no one else's cottage was she signed out at 12:25 p.m. and by most of us here as the "Card locked down and the psych was was not signed back in. Our Lady". She volunteered her time under the impression that Monica officer informed him no one was in to sell cards to population for her lived in our cottage. The psych hjs cottage; everyone was locked lifer group. She would pull her also informed us that H-1 inmates in their rooms for count, but he cart from her living area in H-1 to promised to look. He then went in were consoled that night; however, our living area (JG). It was not she took her life in our cottage. So the old Literacy room to check a unusual to see her in our cottage. I guess O.R.W. must have felt that door that leads outside. When he So on 12-31-00, while we all the suicide would not affect us waiteq in our rec room to be called went to tum from the door he because she did not live here! noticed the closet door cracked. for lunch, we thought nothing of At this time we learned that He went to shut it, noticed it was Monica coming into our cottage. Monjca arrived in our cottage (JG) heavy, and then he looked and saw Monica had hung for at least 2 hours before she was found. We around 12:30 that day. She signed Monica. He immediately pressed learned of the suicide notes. We his man down button. The next in and went straight to the room thing we knew, yard patrol came, also learned that no one learned a formerly used as the Literacy damn thing from the senseless office, but had been changed to our then the squad, then the coroner, State Highway Patrol, Chaplain death of Carol Ann Bell! ice machine room and where Bing and several others. At It was said Monica's body was lifer 's put their puzzles and games still warm when they found her. around 6:00 p.m. we watched the for population in a walk-in closet This was not true! Instantly the coroner bring Monica's lifeless that sits in an alcove off the actual attempt to cover up the real started. room. She must have then opened body out our front in a body bag The staff seemed to be saying, and placed her in the coroner's the combination lock to open the "Let's just lie, it is only an inmate, squad. door to the walk-in closet and 2 down, 1,800 to go. After all, At the time we were informed walked in, looked around thinking who will care? No one hears their we were on lock-down. Not one "I can't go on like this, where is cries for help, so we can say of the staff would talk to us. All whatever we want to say - no one we knew was a body had been taken from will challenge it!" First shift said our cottage. We did PENPAL WANTED second shift was negligent and not know if it was a dear friend or Siddique Abdullah staff and we never imagined it was vice versa. The bottom line was a woman from an entirely different that entire system failed again, not Hasan # R130-559 cottage! just a shift. But as usual the buck OSP must be passed; blame the family, Needless to say we were 878 Coitsville­ escorted to eat, yelled at, told to friends, girlfriend, however never blame the system. Don't blame a shut up, and just to get our food Hubbard Road and get back in our rooms NOW!!! system that constantly allows Youngstown, Ohio human life to fall through the After we got our food we were 44505 bottomless cracks that swallow our immediately locked back in. We souls. No, instead we will blame anyone that gives them hope, that gave them love, that cared. . We are all God's precious children regardless of our mistakes and no one has the right to judge us! We will all have a judgment day! It is said that once we walk through these gates we are expected to stop feeling, caring, living and needing! Unfortunately for us our numbers are not just attached to a name, but also to a human being! . Society is quick to judge others and overlook their own faults and sins because they have not yet been confronted with them, but one day they will and I pray God shows them all a little more mercy than they show their fellow being! In prison we are constantly reminded we made a mistake somewhere in our lives and I'm sure that the very people reminding us have some skeletons in their closet. Carol Ann B ell and Mary (Monica) Acree succeeded in their suicides because no one who could have helped cared to hear their constant cries for help! Society must try to remember those of us locked away are still huntan beings and ~e need to be heard to. We hurt and feel ju.st like those on the other side of the fence. When Carol Ann passed away, the women begged for the institution to start paying attention to us, that it could happen again. You can see bow much attention they paid us! I personally have requested several meetings with our warden to just reason all this out. To date this request bas not been recognized. We need help! The huge sentences issued, like giving lottery tickets out, has to stop. It is not all the prisons' fault; the courts are at fault too. The entire money making system is at fault. Incarcerating people until they are too old to be of use to society has got to stop! When a judge says, "I sentence you to life," he is actually sentencing society to life with them. Life in prison is not the answer, it is just the easiest and quickest way for the system to keep moving forward at reckless speed and never take the time to stop and look at their hand built road of destruction. Please hear our cries now so that there won't be any more Carol Ann Bell's or Mary (Monica) Acree's in prison! Feel free to contact me: Dawnya Ferdiandsen #27006 at 1479 Collins Avenue, Marysville, Ohio 43040. �STREETVIBES FEATURE SECTION Project Connect and S Page 10 KA: Charity Festival Raises Funds and Awareness By Dan Marschner Project Connect is their after school tutoring program. Volunteers work with children to address their remedial knowledge needs. The tutors and the children can get fru strated easily, however, with the sheer amount of need there. Reinhart hopes to create a comprehensive support network for homeless children: "O ur dream is to create a central location Project Connect, Greater Cincinnati 's o nly education program for homeless children, has been the principal advocates of homeless children in Cincinnati for five years. Their record of helping homeless children in Cincinnati is unparalleled. Project Connect was created due to the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act, legislation that mandated that ho mele s children and youth have access to appropriate public education. Debbie Reinhart, d irector of Project Connect, started as an administrator with the Cincinnati Public Schools. She was asked to create a program that wou ld serve the CPS' growing numbers of home less chi ldren. The goal of the program was to address an alarmi ng statistic: homeless children on average are two to three years behind in school. The number of homeless children also increased drastically due to Welfare Reform. Once she began to where homeless kids can come in comprehend the amount of need, the morning, and we could then Reinhart realized that Project . work directly with a few schools to Connect had quite a large transport the kids and provide for challenge ahead. The primary purpose of Project their needs." The program of Project Connect is to inform homeless Connect that the children like the fa milies about their rights. "If a most is the S ummer Fun Camp. fami ly goes to a shelter outside of the school district, the children still For eight weeks every summer, the program incorporates have a right to attend the same Americorps*VISTA volunteers, school," she says. "We work with local university students and school districts to ensure that certified teachers to work with a transportation can be arranged." She advocates that children remain smaJI number of kids to provide individualized attention. The in the same school; statistics is open to children who are camp indicate that homeless children homeless or are formerly change schools seven to eight homeless. Children are picked up times per year. "Lack of each day from shelters and g iven continuity in schools hurts the individualized attentio n, leaving child's ability to learn," says their parents the opportunity to rest Reinhart. and address the needs of the family Project Connect also helps to without having to bring their assimilate children into the public school system. If a parent contacts children everywhere they go. The kids also have a field trip once a Project Connect, the staff act as week, often to destinations they intermediaries between the CPS probably would never have gone. and the parents. The staff at These field trips include visits to Project Connect ensure that the Sunlight Pool at Coney Island, a particular school understands the trip to the Cincinnati zoo, a dude circumstances surrounding a ranch, and a trip to the Forest Fair particular student. "We ensure that Mall. Kate Yo ung, a Xavier the school understands the child's University senior, worked in the particular needs, especially camp last summer. "The kids were because homeless children crazy sometimes, and keeping typically need extra attention," track of them was exhausting, but according to Reinhart. the camp was really rewarding for Another major component of all involved." She especially enjoyed working with Reinhart: "Debbie is amazing because of how much dedication she has for the kids." One child recently expressed how much the Summer Fun Camp meant to him: "He said he was so glad that he was homeless, because if he wasn' t be would not have been able to go to camp," says Reinhart. friends who were part of the program . When Keeshin took over STYUKA, he realized that the charity festival had not been as successful as it could have been in past years. After discussions with the staff at Project Connect, he decided that ST YUKA's goal for the 2000-200 l school year would be to fu nd the transportation costs of Project Connect's S ummer Fun Camp. Previously, STYUKA had been primarily a festival at the end of the school year that generated minimal revenue for charity. He believed that the best way to raise the money needed was not to produce a si ngle event; rather, he dec ided to stage a series of smal1er events. These events included the Near Naked M ile (where students paid to run through the snow in their underwear), a performance by Don't Tell Anna (a Xavier improv comedy group), and the Peanut Butter and Jelly Lecture Series. The speakers in the series included Streetvibes ·' own evangelist Rodney Sutton, Through its highly successful representatives from Project programming, Project Connect has Connect, Xavier president Fr. served over 6,000 children during Mike Graham and local activist Sr. its existence. Funding is the Alice Gerdiman. STYUKA will largest chal1enge to tbe program 's conclude with the festival at the success, says Reinhart. "The end of April. McKinney-Vento Homeless Act Keeshin felt that previous bas never been fully funded, and in festivals did not take advantage of the last year our funds dropped their potential. "Rather than about $20,000 to $ 108,000." bringing performers with a minor Project Connect is supported by connection to the university, I felt the Project Connect Children 's that STYUKA would be better Foundation, yet fin an.cial needs are served as a celebration of student always significant. Like many achievements. Student groups will other agencies, the staff at Project have the opportunity to showcase Connect have a wealth of their achievements throughout the dedication and a lack of resources. year, and the performers all will be Xavier Uni versity's Xavier groups. Even our relationship with Project Connect headliner, local band Over the stems primarily from its Summer . Rhine, has a long-standing Service Internship program. relationship with Xavier." The Xavier students are placed at festival will have several booths several sites throughout the showcasing student groups. Greater Cincinnati area, and Performers will be students, Project Connect has been one of faculty and staff of Xavier before the program's best and most Over the Rhine captivates the challenging sites since the crowd. inception of the program, STYUKA is already well on its according to the program's way to completing its goal. director, Dr. Gene Beaupre. In Keeshin couldn' t be more pleased addition to service work program s with the results: "I am so pleased sponsored through Xavier 's to work with Project Connect. Dorothy Day House, Xavier We've been able to raise money sponsors a charity festival each for a great cause. I hope that we year called STYUKA. Brooks can exceed our goal and provide Keeshin, director of STYUKA, Project Connect with some means learned of Project Connect through to continue their excellent work." Did You t.:now? �FEATURE SECTION STREETVIBES Page 11 XAVIER UNIVERSITY INVITES You To THE 7thAnnual , Ct-lAQirv MU5iC f £SriVAL SATURDAY, APRIL 28 1 :00 PM TO 10:00 PM SUPPORT PROJECT CONNECT AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME! GREAT FAMILY ­ ENTERTAINMENT: CARNIVAL GAMES, ~ FOOD, INFLATABLE FUN ALL DAY LONG! 6:20 7 :20 CHEAP SUITS DON'T TELL ANNA a:oo MUSIC . . BY ' OVER THE RHINE A -L L STYUKA PROCEEDS DONATED TO PROJECT CONNECT �. '. '· EDITORIAL PAGE STREETVIBES Page 12 Welfare Budget Cuts ~oming By Mr. Lee Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? Chicago "Hamilton County's poor are about to get poorer." That was the first line in a recent article (3/ 19/0l) written by Dan Klepal of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The article gave the details on an expected budget cut of $25 million dollars from the Department of Human Services (DHS) - the county operated agency that provides welfare, food stamps, job training and counseling to "the poor". That equates to 3.4 percent of DHS's $725 million budget, which covers administration and direct payments to cUents for welfare, foodstamps and Medicaid, according to Mindy Good, DHS spokeswoman . · Here' s how it works. The Federal government gives the money to the states. The states give the money to the counties. 1 The counties spend or contract for services with the money. According to county officials they have been encouraged to spend by the state. So, they spent. Now the available funding is drying up, and the pressure is on to reduce spending. The kicker is that the state has a $300 million rainy day fund and is under pressure from welfare rights advocates and Hamilton and Butler county officials to release more of those funds. Thus the struggle is on, and will probably not end until the budget is set in June. Katy Heins, director of the Contact Center in Over-theRhine, said the surplus money needs to be spent. The Contact Center is an organization that lobbies for changes in the welfare system. "It's irresponsible on the state level because money could be lost this coming year when they reauthorize (welfare) dollars," Ms. Heins said. "I do understand the budget problems, but there is federal money there and it should be spent." Strangely enough, in reading the article, my thoughts did not go to the programs that would b~ cut. I wondered, what happens to the people who will not receive the benefit of the services the dollars would fund? Aren't the people who would be served by this program Just a step or ~wo away , from being homeless? Look at it this way. You're struggling to survive on public assistance. Your hope to rise above or improve your quality of living is based upon the assistance that one or more of the program services that are ended due to the budget cut. Your way out appears lost. From hope to hopeless. What happens far to often is we think about the dollars or the programs. It's not about the dollars, or the programs. It's about the people. Faces, names and lives. Hopes, dreams and hurts. · There was a time that I thought that the old style of community organizing was dead. That the peopJe had become too broken to rally around issues. That marching, protesting and rallies were passe. That swaying public opinion was useless, because ~o one really cared. Have we become so jaded, that our demonstrations of compassion and charity are only ingrained reactions rather than heartfelt compassion? Do we really care about our fellow man, or just about how others perceive us? At times it seems that the problems of hunger, homelessness and poverty.are insurmountable. Maybe they are in our lifetimes. What we do about them as and how we do it may be more important. If we don' t demonstrate love and compassion in our treatment of our neighbor who is less fortunate, what do we expect if our lives or the lives of our loved ones take a turn that puts us in a position of requiring help? What does it say about our character? It's more than how much we give. It's more than how many we individually help. It has a lot more to do with what were really about. Do we really care? If we do, then maybe we need to find out what's really going on and what time it is. Homelessness: The Multi-Headed Beast By Dan Marschner Homelessness would be so much easier to solve if it was a simple problem. The solution may even sound easy. If all homeless people need is a decent place to live, then build dwelling places. Once people had homes, then homelessness would no longer be an issue and other problems could be attacked. Unfortunately, the answer to ending homelessness is much more complicated. Homelessness is not an isolated problem. The complexities involved in homelessness dictate that addressing one aspect is not enough. Simply building more homes will not have impact if the right mix of services does not support the development. Providing housing for someone is inconsequential if he or she cannot find a job that will provide the resources to support the housing. Therefore, any solution to homelessness must address the lack of living wage jobs. AGcording to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nowhere in the United States can someone afford an appropriate level of housing payment on a minimum wage job. Most people who are homeless cannot find work outside of minimum wage jobs or temporary services that pay no benefits for the workers. Any homeless person with a criminal record faces an even tougher fight to find a living wage job. The rehabilitation, educatior{ and job training needs of prisoners are often ignored, making an inadequate return to society probable. Former prisoners who cannot reintegrate themselves into society often become homeless. Mental illness' impact upon a homeless person must also be considered. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that 20-25% of homeless people have some form of mental illness. Someone with significant counseling needs probably will be unable to keep their home if these needs are not addressed. Alcohol and drug usage must also be considered in the solution to homelessness. People with addiction needs but inadequate support most likely will be unable to keep their homes. Recovery for homeless people must be a major part of their attempt to leave their life on the street. In addition to these immediate needs, the more global aspects of homelessness must be addressed. U.S. overconsumption of resources, for instance, directly affects international homelessness. Economic policies that promote the exploitation of cheap labor lead to lost domestic jobs, and the lack of livable wage does not allow foreign workers to escape their own poverty. Homelessness is clearly quite an imposing monster to slay. For this reason, Streetvibes will continue to address all the aspects of homelessness, not just those connections immediate) y clear. Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how adv~rtising in Streetvibes will work .for your business Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opi,nions ofour readers antJ, supporters.- The opinions expressed herein are not ne_cessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staffi , or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �t STREETVIBES EDITORIAL PAGE Page 13 The West End .Uncler Siege · By Heather Cincinnati Refuse and Resist The gentrification issue in the West End is not an issue to be ·taken lightly. The low income housing of Lincoln ., Court and Laurel Homes is under attack. This project housing was founded in l 932, and is the oldest project housing in our community. Generations have built lives there for the past seventy years. Now the neighborhood built by the people is being destroyed by the city. Lincoln Court, now a pile of rubble, was once the home of about 7,000 occupants. This misplacement of these families and children is ludicrous. The city has not funded or helped keep track of these families, even though they promised them better homes. Laurel Homes is next. Approximately 2,500 people still live there, and all these people wilJ also lose· their homes to the city. The city has already begun to build new homes. The people forced to move were told they would receive new and improved housing for the same amount of rent or a Section 8 voucher. These new houses range from $150,000 to $240,000,'and only a minimum of housing i~ left for low-income fami'Jies. Lincoln Court had 885 units for lowincome families to occupy. . Recent reports show· that where Lincoln Court once stood, 250 houses, 400 apartments and 86 units for low-iricdme'fahiili'eS will stand. That takes away 90% of the housing that _once was there. When tenants were asked to leave, they were given only two weeks notice arid $50 to move ­ by far, not enough time or financial support. These homes are not being prepared for enough low income families to move back in. They are being prepared for middle and upper class white people. It is pure racism and classism. The Section 8 housing in the West End is not the only part of the community under attack. The West End Community Council (WECC), schools, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and more are being destroyed. The city has cut off all funds to the WECC. They no longer have heat or electricity in their office. This lack of support also prevents them from working hands on in the community with other organizations. City Council member Phil Heimlich is the main creator of all this destruction. He has a~cused the WECC o~ mishanaling funds. The City Council meeting on Febru~ 6, 200 I proved that the accusation was untrue. The FBI and the city both conducted investigations and nothing was found. Even though the city manager accepted the report, he is still not • recommending finan_cial' support. Council member Heimlich still insists that investigations should continue. The money used to support these investigations could be used to help the families and children get new homes. Five schools in the West End have been shut down. Grocery stores and pharmacies have been closed. Most of the residents a.re elderly and must walk to the nearby stores to get their groceries and fill their prescriptions. Fami}jes relied on these stores for their basic supplies, and closing the stores creates a large difficulty for tbose who do not drive. These families now must use public transportation just to get groceries. The closing of these stores is another example of the city trying to make people leave their homesi making it too difficult for them to live there. Helicopters are constantly hovering over the West End to cause an under siege atmosphere. The city has also added cameras to the·neighborhoods. These cameras are another example of the city trying to scare residents out of their homes. · The city h~s used millions of•-·:. dollars towards the drug war in ;_, ' the West End. The resulting discoveries have been Vf?ry, minimal. The city ha&put $15 million in addition to the federal oovernment's $ 130 million to tear I:> . • down the community that belongs to the pe0ple. With all the money available, why couldn ' t the families in the West End been helped more? Cincinnati's Refuse and Resist is working with the people of the West End to help keep the rights of the people. We will not stand for this disgusting treatment of people in the West End. If you would like more information about the efforts of Cincinnati's · Refuse and Resist on behalf of the people of the West End, please contact us at cincyrnr@hotmail.com. Also, meetings are held at St. Joseph's Church at the comer of Linn St. and Ezzard Charles every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Refuse and Resist can also provide contacts to other organizations in the West End. Please join us in the struggle. We will not stand alone; we will refuse and resist. . Remember, dear...we never pickup strangers. u. CONOMY '· �ART & POETRY STREETVIBES WE WEAR THE M ASK TOMORROW HOMELESS Homeless can I find my way back home in this crazy storm Feet (tired) of walking to this beat in the street Misery and grief when will it decease Blood, sweat, tear, eye fuU with p~in and a soul black as night Why should the world Is this the end of my life? be otherwise, In counting all our tears and sigh? No nuts no glory, is this the end of my story Nay, let them only see us, whjle Ball till I fall We wear the mask. you know I'm down with that, y'all, but I'm homeJess, We smile, but, tirnd of telling lies to get by 0 great Christ, our cries, Tired of talking to people To thee from tortured souls arise. that's fake We sing, but oh, the clay is vile, Wishing that they blow away Beneath our feet, like sands on the beach and long the mile; But let the world dream otherwise; or be buried six feet deep for I can never hear them We wear the mask! speak or weep sometimes my anger burns with PAUL LAWRENCE DUNBAR passion and fi re like earth, wind and fire, with warm hot desire POOR STRANGE BOY a house is not home when a soul's become so cold Poor Strange Being sometimes I feel like I'm living in Set apart Set aside, and out of a cardboard box. Different by choice or Is thls what life is all about? circumstance? Sometime~ ,I feel like . Poor strange 'boy, I'm driven off into space ~ ·. ever incteasing uncertai·nty If you follow my words, Poor strange fellow, you can relate. . searcher in mirrors Tired of sitting on my ass. Honest child of liars. I'm ready to go, Poetic soul in a house of filth toe to toe Torture self-imposed. no less real I thought you know, No less inescapable I wish I knew what I know now Entreat to your God for Maybe if I cJ ick my heels two forgi veness times, just just maybe I will be Have courage to forgive yourself back home for all time Until tomorrow But this is not the wizard of OZ I dream only of today and ain't funn y to be cold and Reconciled to each other alone and see people die with ties that bind day by day Bound for grievance sake While people at home, Unwilling participant in madness sit warm and C?ZY, Along for the tide never having no feelings. the tlip turns for the worst I wonder, if the Lord took Fall away little man, fa ll away everything from them in the Find solid truth in a liquid world? twinkling·of an eye, I don ' t think so. how would they get by, We all have to surf our dreams would they live or die. Solid things are meant for rest We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes, This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile, And mouth myriad subtleties. I I WARREN PERKINS 'f ..,, ' Page 14 Don' t look at me that way! It wasn't that bad. I said I was sorry. It won't happen again ... Why? Because. Don 't think bad about me! It was just bad luck. It could happen to anyone. I was in a lot of pain. It's behind me now ...What? If. Don't talk bad about me! I didn't do it. It wasn't my fault. It was just one of those things. I'll do better. . ..How? Work. Don't look at me that way! Don ' t talk to me Like that! Don ' t think bad about me ! I'll do better! .. . When? Tomorrow. MR. LEE RE'SUME' Razors pain you, Rivers are damp; Acids stain you; And drugs cause cramp. Guns aren' t"lawful; ,J Nooses give; Gas smells awful; You might as well live. . l \ • ' - ANTHdNY WATKINS <dluf]bLu~ 3722 €amden Avenue Cincinn'ati, Ohio 45202 573-708-2228 bgeaster@fuse.net www.theglasscharmer.com Economy and deluxe wedding invitations, birth announcements, parties and custom work. The-Pipe Fitters Union VA. Local 392 (1228 Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine). �T - STREETVIBES Page 15 Homelessness and Free Trade By Susan Knight Understanding the link belween global economics (free trade) and lo~al economics is difficult. Related issues that revolve around Lhe di scussion of homelessness, such as health care and hunger, are entering into the "Free Trade" discuss ion. AJthough these policies and regulations are impacting the poorest nations first, they have begun to affect the Uni ted States. The affects of globalization ar e fe lt most profoundly in our impoverished, minority communities. In order to understand this process, it is necessary to dissect the institution known as free trade. The forces behind its implementation are the same forces that promote the tragedy of homelessness. The United States is at the forefront of the "free trade" agenda. President Clinton spearheaded the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFfA), an agreement with Mexico, Canada and the US that opens up borders to the free flow of goods. lt_a!so ~lows for corporations to sue governments directly (Chapter 11), in a NAFfA tribunaJ , instead of a corporation needing governmental representation. Now, the US is taking a lead role in developing the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FfAA), expanding NAFfA to the entire Western Hemisphere, except Cuba. It is easy to talk about free trade with reference to the U.S. in academic terms, but real-life application seems difficult. When talking about homelessness, however, there are some very concrete connections. premise, denied employment because of a past record , the obstacles to housing people become enormous. In addition, inmates very often leave prison with their mental illness exacerbated. Homelessness and crime very often seem the most viable alternative for individuals with such difficulties. The p1ison industry is lobbying for the passage of the FTAA What does the prison industry have to do with free trade? The prison industry is now a profit making industry. The more beds filled, the more money the corporation running the faci lity receives. It is profitable to keep people in prison and to ensure their return. Private prison companies received approximately $35 billion of tax dollars in 1998. Moreover, Corporation profited from forci ng their in mates to do unpaid labor in Kentucky. Moreover, the stake holders in the prison industry are the same stake holders in the global economy. In Texas, pri vate prison investors ranged from Allstate Insurance and Merrill Lynch to American Express. There is profit to be made in this industry, but there are ramifications, and we see that in our shelters and under bridges every day. Labor Probably the biggest connection between free trade and homelessness is found within the labor movement. If the FfAA is adopted, jobs will move througout the entire hemisphere and job security and wages lessen. According to the Department of When corporations have an interest in maintaining two ofthe biggest obstacles to ending homelessness, a livable wage and a means ofaccessing housing, the struggle is elevated further. rehabilitation is expensive. Sixty to eighty percent of the American inmate population has a history of substance abuse, yet drug treatment opportunities have declined. Drug treatment is now available to just 1 in ten inmates. FfAA would open up the markets even further to the private prison industry (to the entire Western Hemisphere). Moreover, under NAFfA rules, if a state contracts out for one private prison, they have to open the bidding process for all inmate populations. A state may not comply, but the minute a Prisons corporation wishes to pursue One of the biggest obstacles to business in an area, they can use that regulation and take the US to housing for the homeless is a the NAFfA Tribunal and force the criminaJ record. Moreover, the state to comply. US' largest mentaJ institutions are In addition, private state now our prisons, with almost Y:z of prisons have little regulation. If our 1.8 million prisoners abuse happens, there is no diagnosed as mentally ill. We regulatory body to oversee imprison more people than any changes. When abuse happens, the other nation in the world, even affect on individuals, especially China, whose population is enormously larger than the US. In the mentaJ ly ill, is profound. A few cases of horrific treatment the I 990's, our prison population have been brought to the media's doubled and continues to increase attention, specifically in Texas, but 50,000 to 80,000 a year. Finding affordable housing is a the daily issues such as food and cleanliness are not often addressed. major challenge itself. However, Labor abuse among private when a person is denied the ability to receive subsidized housing (as is prisons has aJso been documented, but is still considered a source of the case with most fe lony convictions with our local housing cheap non-union labor. For instance, the US Corrections authority), and on the same Housing and Urban Development, there is no city in this country where minimum wage is a livable wage, in other words that afford an individual their basic needs. And yet, as the borders become less and less clear, companies are leveraging fear of job loss for lower wages and benefits. The Temporary Labor industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Temporary labor provides no benefits and often offers workers less than minimum wage (subtracting transportation costs, equipment rental, etc.). Locally, according to a 2000 study by the Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of Greater Cincinnati's homeless population work temporary labor. As this happens, local policy making bodies are promoting displacement of the poor, claiming a rapidly disintegrating tax base is to blame. Fundamentally we are looking at the consolidation of a cheap, exploitable labor force, here in the United States. As in Mexico, individual ownership of the land and food is being turned over to corporations, unions are losing ground (in the private prison industry, much of dollar savings occurs by using non-union labor), lacking the leverage to maintain li vable wages and benefits that keep people healthy and housed. The private market benefits those with the comparative advantage. Primari ly, mi norities and the poor lack that comparative advantage and arc forced into a race to the bottom. The global market forces are multinational corporations, who also engage themselves in domestic issues such as prisons, health care and labor. These domestic forces reflect in the myriad of issue that each homeles person carries with them. The homeless population is growing. Poor people are remaining poor. The prison population continues to grow (despite drops in crime). In a period of unprecedented prosperity, poverty continues to consolidate itself. The issues of hunger and disease are a reality for developing countries. But the forces at iplay there are the same forces, with the same interests, at play here in the United States. And, under the WTO, NAFfA, and potentially the FfAA the rules protect corporate interests. Power continues to be consolida\ed, wages continu~ t<;t drop relatively to the cost of living, prisons continue to expand and profit, health care becomes further out of reach for more people, and our ability to raise environmental standards continues to be hindered. Homelessness did not begin with free trade. But the issues we see manifesting themselves on the streets of Cincinnati are not the same issues that existed in 1920. Homelessness is growing just like the prison industry. As free trade continues to expand, developing viable solutions becomes increasingly difficult. When corporations have an interest in maintaining two of the biggest obstacles to ending homelessness, a livable wage and a means of accessing housing, the struggle is elevated further. Free trade hurts everyone but the shareholders in our largest corporations and politicians depending on corporate financing .. It not only about, what is for many a faceless but struggling third world nation, it is about our neighbors and community here in the US. There are people challenging the free trade concept throughout the world and especially in developing countries as it hurts people everywhere in every nation. The homeless in the United States are not aJone. �STREETVIBES Page 16 Workers, from page 1 arrested several on trumped up union officials told workers that charges (later dropped), and one the Duro Bag plant would close worker leader's house and move if they voted for the mysteriously caught fire and independent union, and the would burned. In the Duro Bag plant, lose their jobs. Individual manageµlent threatened and Duro Bag, the Maquiladoras, workers were threatened with . being fired if they supported the intimidated workers who the CTM independent union. Just before continued to support the the election the CROC brought in indep~ndent union. Rincon Jimenz and Orozco scores of gangsters and put them · With support from the explained that workers first AFL-CIO, from Canadian unions, up at the local. hotel. The attempted to organize an and from independent Mexican gangsters, armed with brass independent union back in April unions such as the Authentic knuckles, clubs, and guns, 2000. Workers were unhappy ~~~~--------------- including automatic weapons, with the National began to follow independent Paperworkers Union affiliated union supporters from work to with the Confederation of their homes. Mexican Workers (CTM), a A couple of days before notoriously corrupt labor the election, the gangsters and federation. Orozco and their automatic weapons were Rincon Jimenez explained that brought into the plant, and the union would not fight for walked through the workplace higher wages, would not deal threatening workers. Finally, with safety issues, and did not on the day of the election, improve conditions in the workers who still wanted to plant. Workers wanted such vote for the independent union amenities as bathroom breaks, ' had to nm a gauntlet of CROC basic safety equipment, and hooligans, and then vote out sanitary food service to loud before union and eliminate the insects and company officials. While the rodents found in food. They independent union bad also wanted a raise from their requested a secret ballot approximately $4.00 per day. election, the company, the The CTM union, they Wish List company officials ran off hollering that they had "no comment." complained, collaborated with Maria Francisca Orozco and Margarita other unions involved, and the Duro Bag, rather than Rincon Jimenez are turned away at the government refused to support that demand. representing the workers, and Duro Bag company in Ludlow, Kentucky noth ing in the plant improved. where they had come to seek justice in Not surprisingly, the Such low ages are typical their fight for an independent union. union lost the election by a photo submitted by Dan La Botz vote of 494 to 4. The very of the conditions of some 1.3 million workers who work in - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' lopsided nature of the vote testifies to the unfair character approximately 4,000 of the election. For the moment, Labor Front (FAT), the workers maquiladoras located along.the workers at the Duro Bag plant finally succeeded in forcing the U.S.-Mexico border. Owned have been defeated, but the fight State of Tamaulipas Mexico to mostly by U.S. multinational for independent unions along the recognize their independent corporations, and also by Korean, union. But the Duro Bag Workers U.S.-Mexico border continues. Japanese and European capital, Independent Union still had to the plants typically p·ay machine compete in a union operators and other unskilled representation election workers about $4.00 per day. against the CTM union Since the negotiation of the North and against an even American Free Trade Agreement more corrupt and (NAFTA) the number of plants violent paperworkers has grown, while Mexican union affiliated with the · workers' wages have fallen. Revolutionary Many of the plants were formerly Confederation of based in the United States where Workers and Peasants with union representation they (CROC). The typically paid wages between $7 representation election and $ 15 per day, plus benefits. was scheduled for March 2 at the plant in Workers Fired, Beaten, Rio Bravo. Burned O ut When the Duro Bag workers sought first to democratize their CTM union, and then to create an independent union beginning in April of last year, Duro Bag fired union leaders and activists. Consequently, on June 12 workers struck the plant to demand recognition of their independent union. But Duro Bag and the CTM union called in the Rio Bravo police who beat workers, o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, "cream an(il sugar,etc.) o 0ffice and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help - film (400, 800, 1600), devel­ oping help, digital and/or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story­ writing, editing, research. o A new vehicle (van?) If you can help!, contact us (1,t: ~treetvibes, clo (;rearer Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, .Cincinnati, OH 45210 pli: (513}421-7803, fax (§t3) 421-78l3 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Captive Audience Meetings The Duro Bag company then began to work closely with the CROC paperworkers union to intimidate supporters of the independent union. At captive audience meetings, company and Get your G re ater Cincinnati Coa\ition for the Home\ess Year JOO I CA LE ND AR Now! Examining Home\ess ness from a kid 's point ·of v iew Featuring photos by Jimmy Heath . �MENTAL HEALTH NEWS STREETVIBES Page 17 Homelessness and Mental Illness A Fact Sheet ofthe National Coalition for the l;!<?.e'!lf.!.~~s Approximately 20-25% of the single adult homeless population suffers from some form of severe and persistent mental illness (Koegel et al., 1996). However, only 5% of the estimated 4 million people who have seriou? mental illness are hom~less at any given point in time (Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness, 1992). Despite the disproportionate number of mentally ill people amono the homeless population, the in homelessness is not attributable to the release of seriously mentally ill people from institutions. Most occurred in the 50's and 60 's. The vast increase in homelessness did not occur until the 1980's, when incomes and housing options for those living on the margins began to diminish rapidly. However, a new wave of deinstitutionalization and the denial of services or premature and unplanned discharge brought about by managed care arrangements may be contributing to the continued presence of seriql!.sIY mentally i}l p~J~qn_s withlii the home1ess population. Mental disorders prevent people from carrying out esse ntial aspects of ·dally life, such as self- : care,__household management and · interpersonal relationships. gr~wth Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and have le~s contact with !amily ~nd fne~ds. They encounter more bar~ers to empl~~men~,· ten? ~o be m P9,0rer phys~cal fiealth, and have more contact with·the 1egal system than homeless people who do not suffer from mental disorders. All people with mental disorders, including those who are homeless, require ongoing access to a full range of treatment and rehabilitation to lessen the impairment and disruption produced by their condition. According to the Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness, only 5-7% of homeless persons with mental illness need to be institutionalized; mo·st can live in the community with the appropriase supportive options. Unfortunately there are not enough community-based treatment services, nor enough appropriate, affordable housing, to accom,modate the number of people disabl~q l?Y mental disorders in the ·u.s. Findings also reveal that persons with mental disorders and persons w~th addictive disorders share rp.apy ot the sam~ treatm!'.'.n t needs, inc;la~ihg careful designed ~ervices Do you find your self oh t he outside·of ·the job · market, looking in? ,' Do you want a self-motivated, low-pr~ssure job? Sell Streetvibes! The monthly newspaper with news from the str eet: · homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. cbent engagement ~nd ca~e management, housing options, an~ long-term follow-~p and support _service_s. Studies also emp~as~ze the i~portance of service mteg,:-at1on, outreach and engag<?ment; the use o~ case management to negotiate care systems; the need for a range of supportive housing and treatment options that are responsive to consumer prefe1·ences; and the importance of meaningful daily activity. When combined with supportive services, meaningful dai ly activity in the community (including work), and access to therapy, appropriate housing can provide the framework necessary to end homelessness for many individuals. Policy Issues Low-income people with mental disorders are at increased risk of homelessness. A variety of approaches must be employed to help them obtain and retain stable housing to prevent homelessness. In addition, programs that assure access ,to mainstream and targeted , community...based services for homeless people with serious mental illness should be · expanded. Streetvibes Classified Amer icorps VISTA P ositions Available! The NortheastOhio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) has positions available in Canton, Akron, Cleve­ land, Columbus, and Cinci nnati with the Homeless Children and Youth Project. Contact the NEOCH for more inforniation. NEOCH 2012 West 25th Street $717 Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (2 16) 241-1104 email: neoch@bbs2.rmrc.net www.neoch,org GCCH Position Available Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies f ree to new vendors! Come in todqy ~o si~~ !:fp! Outreach Coordinator will direct the Speaker's Bureau. The Outreach Coordinator will recruit cites and speakers for the GCCH Speaker's Bureau. This coordina­ tor will also assess the speakers .in ' .the Speaker's Bureau. The Greater. cir.lt innati Coatitibn 'for ·the E!Gmetess 1506 Elm Str eet Cincir.matJ-, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 Income (SSI) benefit levels must be increased so that disabled Americans are not forced to live in poverty. In 14 states and 69 metropolitan areas, ~he entire maximum SSI grant does not cover the Fair Market Rent for one-bedroom apartment (Kaufman, l997). In most states, even if the SSI grant does cover the rent, only a few dollars remain for other expenses. Benefit levels have not kept up with increases in the cost of rent and therefore do not provide disabled individuals with adequate allowances for housing. Finally, the commitment to making deinstitutionalization work as it was intended must be renewed. People with mental illness must be able to live as independently as possible with the help of expanded comprehensive, community-based mental health services and other supports. It is crucial that policies be proactive rather than reactive. Services such as crisis intervention, landlord-tenant lnterv;ntion, continuou~ · ­ treatment teams and appropriate discharge planning in jails and inpatient facilities must be made available in all communtties . Interested applicants should cont.act the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the HOmeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45210 or call (513) 421-7803. AVOC Position Available Social Work Case Manager For Homeless/HIV+ Responsibilities incl ude: F.T. Case manager for caseload of homeless, HIV affected individuals and fa milies, and participation in related agency and community activities in busy AIDS Service Organization. Requirements: Minimum LSW; Experjence with HIVI AIDS, case management, the homeless and/or substance abuse preferred. Send resume by '315101 to: Case Management Position AVOC 2183 Central Parkway Cincinnati, Oh 45214 AVOC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all minorities to apply. �STREETVIBES Page 18 Think, from page I Supportive services may be provided to help residents maintain the housing and provide them with the support they need for maximum .self-sufficiency. The Think Tank is part of the community wide process involving all the people who are important to the Continuum. Representatives from nonprofit organizations, government agencies, homeless providers, housing developers, service providers, banks, private foundations and neighborh<?od groups were present. Most important to the process is the inclusion of homeless or formerly homeless persons to ensure that the process is grounded in reality, that all gaps are identified, and that proposed solutions make sense to those people who will use them. The Continuum must address the needs of all the homeless within a community. It must address the specific needs of the various sub-: populations including: the jobless, veterans, homeless persons with · · serious ment(}l illnesses, substance Emergency Shelter: A temporary place to stay with appropriate support services to ensure that homeless individuals and faffiilles receive adequate shelter and referrals to needed services and h'ousing assistance. Transitional Housing: A housing program, with a maximum stay of 24 months which assists homeless individuals or families to move froin shelter to permanent housing. A transitional housing program must have a full range of appropriate support services avai lable to it's residents to help prepare a person making the transition to permanent housing and independent Jiving. Permanent Housing: Permanent housing is just that ­ housing you li ve in as your own for an extended period of time. Service Enriched Supportive Housing is designed to help meet the long term needs of t9e disabled homeless individuals and.families. .. . . abusers, persons with IDVI AIDS , persons with m1,1ltiple diagnoses, victims of dorirest1c·violen.ce\':·.. runaway youth and others·/' .. :;.. ·.~· Key to unders~anding the proc.e.ss is the knowledge that.the ~UD's definition of homelessness ·is · different than one we In.i.ght use. That is .. . those persons living on the streets, iii shelters, in transitional 6r homeless housing, or are being ev1cted within one week and tiaye no place to go and no resources· to house them: HUD does not allow this assistance to help what they call "at risk" persons, including those living doubled up with family or friends­ but still have no place to call home. The specifiGobjectives of the planning process will be to: l. Identify the existing housing and service capacity. 2. Identify gaps in housing _ and services. 3. Place a " relative priority" on each item of housing anti serv ices that is within the Continuum. 4. Create new housing and/or service programs for the homeless~ which meet the HIGH priority needs. 5. Rank all programs proposed for funding this year in·priority order (e.g. numbered one through twenty). Wfiat was most important about the process was not that every recommendation.or observation was profound or unique, but that the process was dynamic. People really gave freely from their own real life experiences. There were pearls of wisdom in the solutions offered. Their feelings and thoughts were received, processed, recorded and respected. The homeless in attendance felt that they were really a part of something and that the profess ionals really cared what they felt and said. Hey, maybe it really does work.. . New ·study Examines·Honieless Healthcare · By Blaise Maccaronne reprinted from Spare Change Ihe.J.auma.J ;ofithf!'.Am:rfr:iii:IJn. ::; Medieal Association (JAMA:.). has ' recently published a study examining the varying degrees of healthcare available to, and used by, the homeless population of America. The authors of this study, Margot B. Kushel, MD, Eric Vittinghoff, PhD, and Jennifer S. Hass MD, has examined interviews conducted by homeless assistance programs with a total of 2,974 homeless people around the country, in both rural and urban areas. From these interviews they have concluded that a homeless person's health coverage, or lack of coverage, has a lot to do with the kind of medical care they are that they had not had contact with able to receive for their illnesses, which are often more frequent antl any type of.medical care in the past year .br more. Qne fou.r~ said severe thari those of the non · t}l~t they need~\d 'm<?Clic~l. ~~e..in : ~ homeless·p6p\itatitin'. fn facrthe .. · the past year and ~hey had not be~n study observed that ·•··r~ theUn ited able .to receive it. Just under half States, only persoi:is older than 65 of those studied said that they were . years of age had a rate of supposed to be talcing a hospitalization as those in our prescription medication, but most study, whose median age was 37 If you are unable to get or afford health insurance often your only option is to wait until your illness gets se~ious enough for you to go to the emergency room for treatment. years." The study group exhibited high rates of mental illness~ chronic health problems, and drug and alcohol abuse. , More than half of the people interviewed said that they were uninsured and over one fourth said of these people were not able to get the medication that they needed. The conclusion of all of this is something that homeless people, and those who work with them, have known for a while: if you are unable tc5 get or afford health insurance often your only option is to wait until your illness gets serious enough for you to go to the emergency room for treatment. While the mainsti:eam Amer'ican can afford at least doctdr's visits, if not rehabilitation climes, and mental heal£!1 care, the homeless have th-e moi;e ilmoediate.concerns -Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan · · Attorney at Law Practice ~oncentrated in Social Security/SSI · · Disability La~ NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 65.1 -9222 ' . 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION of obtaining food and housing before they get the luxury of thinking ·about their illness. .Though this study: ma~ not ~ave contained many revelations for the homeless community about the state of their health-care, the fact that it was published in JAMA, a widely read and highly respected journal, may be a great step toward nation-wide recognition of this problem. The study concludes with these thoughts, "These data suggest that improving insurance rates amongst homeless persons will require not - only expansion of eligibility, but also improvement in identifying and enrolling those who qualify. The provision of medical insurance may ... decrease the tendency among homeless persons to delay needed care. This, in turn, may contribute to decreasing high rates of emergency department use and inpatient hospitalizations and may (have a favorable impact on lessening) morbi.dity among homeless persons." Maybe now that the doctors have completed this study more people will take notice of homeless heal th care issues. Are; ,you a dedicated individual with a desir~ "to edu~at~ ~he public about · I · tionieles~ness? · Votunt~er at Str.eetvibe.9. "" We need writers, photograpers, editors, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more information. �STREETVIBES Page 19 Trust Fund, from page 1 Fundin~ for Key Housing Programs Thansi~ional and Supportive Housing~ April 1 EarthSave Dining Our, 6:00 p.m. at a restauran.r co be determined. . Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann Le~erer at 591­ .3003 for mare ·5 17 Over the Rhine Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, 12 :15 p.m. at the Contact Center. CalJ 381-4242 for more information. 19 Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn Center. Call 421-7803 for more information. 21 EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner~ 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For wore infonnation, call EarthSave at929-2500 or call Mary Arin Lederer •591-3003. The Health Foun(hfti9n of G.reattr Oincj.nnati presen "/lchie\thig Heafth Cate Access t-ot ~;n· a health ·• care acce~ jQrum. The forum will go from 8:00 am. Uu:Qqgb 1:30 p.m. at the Best~WememllJlue Ash Hotel and'Conference Center. • Funded with General Reveµue Funds, th.ese resources . . are used to. help provide critical matching grants for operating and ser\'.ice .co.sts in supportive ho.using for ho~eless people and.others with spe~ial ne~ds. This .pr9gram coulQ .be suppleJ.llented\~ith · suq)Ius 'TA.NF funcis to as.sist families. An increase would help cover a portion of the service costs currently funded by the Housing Trust Fund. An increase to the Recovery, from page 7 personal and caring relationship with God. Becoming involved in a local group of believers of like faith is a very important step to help keep the sanity of recovery intact. What are the steps? I remember as a non-using individual the first time I heard about an individual ''working thy steps." I started to look to see what steps he was working on and I didn' t see any. Then as I spent time working with individuals in recovery like Kevin and my patients I have.found the step to be along with ihe relationship with God the most valuable tool in their recovery. The steps help the individuals along with the help of Bridge , from page 6 $1,100 monthly rent for a two bedroom apartment. S hift work at odd hours keeps parents from school conferences and fro m overseeing their children 's homework, he added. Still, even as they cope with the stress and fear that homelessness brings, many parents are staunchly supportive of their child's academic progress. They walk their kids to the school bus every morning and meet them at the bus in the afternoon. They schedule regular homework time no matter how hectic the temporary shelter environment. They return calls from the child 's teacher. "Parents don't have to be Governor's budget of $2.4 million over the next two years in GRF is needed to assure that supportive housing projects serving single adults continue to receive ·support. Emergency Shelter Grants: . · the Governor's budget of $1 .5 million over the next two years is needed to keep pace with current demand. Community Development Corporations Grant Program: Funded with GRF, these resources Funded with GRF, these resou.rces are used to help provide matching are l!Sed to provide funds for 'pie­ grants to·operate basic Emergency development assistance and linked Shelters for homeless families and · deposits for affordable housil)g adults. This program has not seen : projects, grants for micro­ increases for many years. The Taft enterprise and economic Administration is proposing a cut dev~lopment projects and trairiing of $428,000 in appropriations for .. and technical assistance for · the Emergency Shelters despite nonprofit housing developers. An rising demand and costs. This increase to the Governor's budget program could be supplemented of $2.8 million over the next two with surplus TANF funds to assist years is needed due to the demand homeless families. An increase to for these resources. a sponsor (an individual that has been in the process of recovery for a long period of time) to start the process of developing an understanding of their addiction and behaviors that have led them down the path of destruction. The behaviors that have not just destroyed their lives, but lives of their spouses, children, parents, and countless other people.' The prineiples that each in9ividual who is involved in treatment and recovery is encouraged to learn is that addiction is a destructive force in their lives, but there is hope for recovery. We have a lot of wonderful churches in our community and throughout the country that believes that with prayer and power everyone can recover. Besides serving as a substance abuse counselor, I also serve as associate pastor of a local congregation, and no one would love to see individuals prayed for and never use again more than I do. ls recovery within reach? Kevin is a prime example of an unequivocal yes. What can we do as non-using friends and family? The best thing is to become · informed about what addiction is and how it effects their life. Prepare to help in whatever matter is appropriate for the individual, including tough love if need be. Develop a plan to stay.healthy.at ·,. any cost for yourself. Finally, keep the faith that it can get better, with God '-s help and the right help for the addict. wealthy to provide high quality parenting," M asten said . ."I' ve seen many children in shelters who do fine in school." Ray Aponte, principal .of Andersen Elementary School in the Phrnips Neighborhood of Minneapolis, said that it's hard for most of the school's homeless families to get aro und. He set up a special fond from private donors so children who must move frequently but want to stay in that school can do so through public transportation. The boy who arrives from Minnetonka is 45 minutes to an hour late to school every day. "But he' ll be here, and that's the most important thing," Aponte said. "I'm not spending thousands of dollars for extra transportation costs. It 's rare that a parent will ask for bus tokens. Maybe $200 buys 10 monthly passes, so figure that's the cost to keep a child in school." Families learn soon that absenteeism isn' t tolerated , and that their children's education is critically important. "The parents may get runarounds and forked tongue answers on shelters and on jobs, but when they deal with us, they know we' re honest and come from a power base of love because that is all we can do," Aponte said. "Some have been burned and hurt. Over time, they see things our way." Streetvibes is a proud member of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA), a coalition of street papers throughout the U.S. and Canada. www.speakeasy.org/nasna . �Need Help or Want to Help? IBEATMENI: Men If for some reawn you find yourself homele.~. contact a Coalition Member .\JtMCY for Shelter. Treatment, Housing or Senices. If you have any questions, feel r1-ee h> call tile Gttllter Cincinnati Coalition for tl1t- Horuel~ ~1-IERS: ~ CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921 -1613 751-3260 OTR Housing Network 369-0004 Women and tbllclt~JJ YWCA Battered 421-2437 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 ~J,.IER: 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 821-5100 Chabad House Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House {Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Womftll O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 5.5..0.z. WD.-40 Lubricant 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 32-0al. True Value Trash Can 221-6937 961-4663 569-1840 381 -4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 421-7803 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 632-7186 Ha!Tiilton Co. TB Control Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House Oral Health Council 621-0248 621-6364 Our Daily Bread Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect -­ 357-5720 Homeless Kids St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 859-572-6226 VA Homeless Program Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 872-9259 Women Helping Women Thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Homeless Think Tank Mexican Workers Confront KY Company Pg 2: Vendor Profile Pg 3: Grant Helps Obtain Medical Coverage Pg 4: Xavier Raises Awareness About Homelessness Pg 5: Welfare News Pg 6: National News Pg 7: Recovery: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Pg 8: Prisoners’’ News Pg 9: Selective Security Results in Second Successful Suicide Pg 10: Project Connect and STYUKA Pg 11: Xavier University STYUKA Pg 12: Welfare Budget Cuts Looming Homelessness: The Multi-Headed Beast Pg 13: Editorials Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Homelessness and Free Trade Pg 16: Workers Continued Pg 17: Homelessness and Mental Illness Pg 18: New Study Examines Homeless Healthcare Pg 19: Trust Fund Continued Recovery Continued Bridge Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman Dan Marschner H.L. Bowen Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Mr. Lee Blaine Reynolds Staughton Lynd Warren Perkins Paul Lawrence Dunbar Dawyna Fernandsen Anthony Watkins Deborah Locke Don Allen, Jr. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Arts & Poetry Blaine Reynolds Budget Dan Marschner Dawyna Fernandsen Death Row Deborah Locke Don Allen Editorials Free Trade Gaffney Grant H.L. Bowen Healthcare Jr. Legal-Aid Mary A. Mary Taylor Medical Coverage mental illness Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News Pat Mitchell Paul Lawrence Dunbar prisoners news recovery Sonny Williams Staughton Lynd Suicide Susan Knight Tom Billman Warren Perkins welfare Xavier University https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/eda93f92c27c0d98e82b369fbe8e76b1.pdf f07c92419224e3f0140262eeda1e4ea1 PDF Text Text STREET ' 1 THE TRI-STA TE S HOME.LESS 6RAPE\fIN£ $1 DONATION MARCH 2001 $1 DONATION BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY I The Battle of Pike Street: Co'vinton 's Opposition to a new Homelss Resource Center Page 1 6R£AT£R CINCINNATI COALITION FOR. THE HOMELESS �I' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MARCH 2001 THE STRUGGLE OF THE LIFE LEARNING·CENTER: s Covington Opposition to a n~-W Homeless Resource Center By Alicia Beck In May of 2000, homeless advocates of Northern Kentucky were looking forward to a world of possibilities and increased avenues for those they setve, .to end the nightmare of homelessness. But like service providers across the country, social services in Covington have experienced the ever growing trend of anti­ homeless attitudes and actions by municipal government. Services for the homeless were taking a step fon.~ard in Covington in the Spdng of 2000. Service providers had worked endless hours organizing a multi-phased project to provide homeless individuals and families with needed servic~s. The Life Learning Center had its beginnings with the "Homeless Services Project". This grant funded program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban , Development, addresses a variety of barriers to ending homelessness, including mental illness, untreated substance abuse, chronic problems with physical health, lack of good paying employment, and a dwindling supply of affordable housing. This parking lot is the proposed location of the Life Learning Center, an ambitious project that Serving as the lead would combine several different resources for homeless people into one building. Ph.oto by Alicia Beck See LLC, page 10 Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks A compelling portrait ofan African-American artist director. Yet, he may be best known for his portrayal of clime, poverty and racial intolerance A major exhibition of the art revealed by the dispassionate eye of Gordon Parks, now .being hosted by the Cincinnati Art of his camera. Museum, began in 1998 at the Gordon Parks was born in Fort Corcoran Gallery fo Washington, Scott, !(ansas in 1912, the DC. But the history of Gordon youngest of fifteen children. He Parks' art spans decades of traveled and worked at a variety of curiosity, and his love of beautiful jobs - playing a piano in a broth.el, things. Parks, now 88, is a washing dishes in a restaurant, and composer, poet, novelist and film busing dishes in a hotel - before taking up photojournalism. In 1 9~8 Parks bought a camera at a pawnshop in Seattle for $7 .50 after becoming inspired by the work of the photographers of the Farm Security Adillinistration. Roy Stryker assembled the FSA photographers under the direction of President Roosevelt to document the unimaginable struggles of migrant farm Gordon Parks at the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the workers during the opening of bis exibition at the Cincinnati Art Museum Great Depression. by Jimmy Heath · Photo by Jimmy Heath The sweeping images created by those photographers haunted Parks, and he realized that he had found a tool he "hoped to use against a warped past and an uncertain future." Parks writes; "Finall y, after a long search for weapons to fight off the oppressions of my adolescence, I found two powerful ones - the camera and the pen." Parks began his career by convincing a department store owner to allow him to photograph their fashions, a job that introduced him to a frequent visitor of the store, Marva Louis, the wife of Joe Louis, a world champion boxer. Marva Louis convinced Parks to travel to Chicago where she promised to help him find work. "A few of Chicago's fashionable ladies sat before my camera. But I began focusing on the city's south side; where poverty ensnared the huge black population," says Parks. "Within a year, the body of work I had accumulated there brought me the first Julius Rosenwald Fellowship awarded to a photographer." In 1942, the Rosenwald Fellowship helped him land a job working for Roy Stryker at the Farm Security Administration in Washi ngton, DC. But 1940's Washington was not ready for an African-American photojournalist. In DC, Parks found racism that rivaled the bigotry he experienced in the Deep South . Stryker, Parks' new boss at the FSA told him, "It's bad - very bad. That's why I was hesitant to take you on here. You 're not going to have an easy time of it. You' ll have to prove yo\lrselfto them with superior work." While exploring the streets and the halls of government, Parks went on to prove himself through the images he created with his camera. The oppression he saw and experienced first hand in our nation 's capitol was the beginning of a journey that See Parks, continued page 18 Inside Streetvibes GCCH News Local News National News Recovery News Prisoner's News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry Veao-ie Vibes ;::;-;:: Economic News Page l Page .... 2-5 Page 6 Paae 7 b Page 8-9 Page 10 Page 12 Paoe 14 0 Page 16 Page 17 CiREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THI HOMELESS �Diversity Defines Streetvibes' new Editorial Team By Susan Knight Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is anewspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cover pri,nting costs) and then sell the paper for a dollar ,donation. The vendor keeps the profits. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. The Greater Cillcitinati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHStaff Alicia B eel< ExeCuti'Ve Uiiector Susan Knight Administrative Coordinator Dan Marschner Editor H. L. Bowen Assistant Editor Pat Mitche ll Outreach Volunteer Mary Gaffney Receptionist Mary Taylor Receptionist Sonny Williams Prison News Editor Writers Alicia Beck Rodney Sutton Ji mmy Heath Sean McDonald Susan Knight Tom Billman Mr. Lee Susan Huesken Riccardo Taylor Steve Gibbs Pat Mitchell Juliette Beck Mary McCoy Casey Trupin Micael Stoops L auren Byrne Streetvibes a<>cepts letters, poems, stories, -essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print everY­ thing we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $ 15 per, year. clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless {GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (5 13) 42 1-7803 fax (5 13) 42 1 -7 813~ e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com or homecoal@primax.net web page: http://cinci.com/gcch acquired enough of Tom's the poor. Lee feels that the knowlege of paper production to opportunity to write appeals most keep up the quality of the paper." Streetvibes has always to him about the j ob, beyond the represented diversity. From As Editor, Dan hopes to continue "plush offices, high pay and stock options." to increase the visibility of homeless thoughts and artistry, to the Free Tibet Movement to Lee has been there and done Streetvibes: "I hope to make the that, and offers a viewpoint Central American issues, to stories public much more familiar with Streetvibes; its mission, its from prison, Streetvibes works to fa miliar with the pain, struggles present and participate in the and issues of homelessness. He vendors; the issues it addresses, struggle for social justice etc." He also hopes to increase believes that through the paper and worldwide. our·emphasis is sales and advertising. Dan feels his own writing efforts, other may ' his commitment to the paper and homelessness, and our member gain the ability to see beyond their agencies struggles are at the the energy he offers to the humble and broken state. forefront, but Lee has a our commitment well defiried to being a vision for collecti ve voice Streetvibes: " I for the want to see the oppressed readership remains real . base broaden. And so with We need to this in mind, know whq. our our new editor, ··audience is ... Dan Marschner, 1 want people and ournew to buy tfi.e. Assistant paper to read Editor, Lee it, not just to Bowen, make a endeavor to donation." maintain the His previous integrity of the experience paper while helps bis bringing their relationship visions and with vendors: energy to 'Tve been elevating there, I know Streetvibes to their story. new levels. They help me Lee Bowen and Dan Ma.rschner are thrilled to be the new editorial team at · With diversity Streetvibes. They pledge to continue the high quality of the paper. remember as a key where I came production process are his greatest from, and I believe I can offer component to the paper, o~ . assesfs. lJpon his graCluation in editors could not more adequate1y them some hope that my daily May, he hopes to enter the represent varying perspectives in strnggles can allow them to see international portion of the Jesuit Cincinnati. beyond their current situation ... Volunteer Co1-ps. As a participant Dan, our new Editor, sees the Most days, you don't get to hit a in the program, he would live position as a challenge, and is home i·un, you're just lucky to overseas and work in an excited about the possibility of make contact with the ball." combining talents and collectively impoverished area for two years. GCCH is proud to have Lee on Lee, our new Assistant Editor, facing the issues that Streetvibes board and anticipates that Lee will initially can1e to the paper as a addresses. Dan is a senior not only challenge himself, but us vendor. In short order, his interests. in terms of perspective and Psychology major at Xavier in writing surfaced and he began to Streetvibes development. Unversity. Dan is sw-prisingly well-equipped for the position; his contribute articles, poems and Between Dan and Lee, ability to focus amidst the chaos is st01ies to the newspaper. Lee's Streetvibes lo.o ks to maintain the extensive experience as an phenomenal. His laid back hard work and dedication of organizer, community developer demeanor has allowed him to editors' past as production and fu nction effectively as Streetvibes' and activist coupled with his real quality continue to increase and l ife experience of being "on both Assistant Editor this past year: our voice for the homeless and the sides of the desk" have prepared "Working with Tom BUiman was oppressed grows ever louder. him well to comment on quite an experience, one that I The new editors have more than homelessness and the struggles of enj oyed immensely. I hope that I enough ability to continue Streetvibes excellent tradition. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each_vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 volun­ tary donation. I agree not to ask for dona­ tions more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alco­ hol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not regis- tered distributors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I· agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self-supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. �LOCAL NEWS STREETVIBES Page 3 Street View Chabad House Homeless Shelter: Helping Families in Need By Pat Mitchell by Riccardo Taylor The view which clouds the eyes of the street person is one in which only a person who is a part of the life can f ully understand or appreciate. It takes a great deal of patience and ingenuity to survive in the street. One has to have the knowledge of the many different aspects which are so important to street survival in order to succeed. Its like being a jack of all trades, while being able to hold on to some sense of . Riccardo M. Taylor principle and self respect. It is so easy to slip i nto indolence and self ruin. You have to be guarded about allowing yourself to become a part of the riff raff. So many of us who live this life style have succumbed to hopelessness: a life of crime or subj ec~vity, allowing ourselves to feel that we have to do whatever is neccessary for survival. Anything from begging in the street to stealing from the local businesses. A loss of self worth, hopelessnes toward the future, living from day to day. A life which only a few can appreciate. Often there is a glimmer of hope only to be dashed by the reality of our street status. Living life on the edge, never seeming to get ahead. A never ending battle for some sense of sanity, or relief. Believing that the only way out is through drugs or alcohol. Numbing the senses gives some sense of relief, but this is always short Jived. We come right back to reality! You question yourself so often, is there a way out? What do I have to do, or how can I change my status, my lifestyle? These questions plague our minds constantly, forming elaborate plans on just what to do. Most often these plans are disgarded when o n our first try we .find failure. Failure is a constant companion of the street person. It seems to go with the territory. Even the small victories seem a failure in the scheme of our lifestyles. Still we go on. Looking for tomorrow convincing ourselves that it wiU be different once we get through our immediate ciisis. Yeah, there is always tomorrow. With the new day there is some sense of renewal. A glimmer of the elusive. Perhaps See Street View , continued page 19 Chabad House is ano.ther program of structure: a non-profit emergency shelter able to house eleven families (38-46 occupancy, depending on the size of the families). Chabad House is the largest shelter in the Greater Cincinnati area serving entire fami lies. What I find so unique ~ about this program is that is one of few that will house a single father with children. When the program first started, it housed only single men. Chabad House expanded its mission because the need became so great to house families. The Chabad House is one of the first shelters that became part of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and it promotes a friendly family atmosphere. Residents can receive two hot daily meals. Individual families prepare breakfast; Dorothy Liggert (staff member) prepares lunch and dinner. The length of stay depends on family circumstances and their motivation to move on to a more productive life. Services include shelter, food, clothing, transportation, case management, child tutoring, health and dental care, parenting classes, career counseling, and stress workshops. Assistance in state and federal benefits, financial assistance for housing, and a Rapid Exit program (helping with deposits or rent) are also available. Transportation is provided for homeless families from designated shelters. Free services and referrals to individuals and famil ies are also provided. If you are in risk of losing permanent housing, having your utilities shut off, jf you are in the process of eviction, or need emergency food or clothing, call the Chabad House. The program advantages provided to you and your family will enhance your family's living standards. Chabad Shelter may not provide the services, but may know who, where and how. I find since working with homeless people, one of the barriers is not to be able to be informed where resources are available. Whether you are in a shelter, on the street, or doubled up, you need to be A YEP Sucess Story By Kevin L. Blackledge I was 19 when I ended up homeless. I aged out of foster care. I had the perfect plan, so my social worker thought. I was to leave my foster home and the people that I love and go to college like most young people my age and stay in a dorm. They even put money aside so that they could pay my foster parents when I came home on vacation. At first the plan was perfect; but then I was raped and I could no longer function as a normal cbllege student. I had to leave college. To make a long story short I ended up on the street. I went downtown to the welfare office to ask for help and no one could help me and so they sent me some where else. Basically they told me that because I was not a drug addict or fresh out of jail there was not a . whole lot that they could do for me and they gave me a bus ticket and told me to try some where else. The thing that got me about the situation was that everyone kept asking me why I didn't just go home and I had to kept telling them that I had no home to go to. In the end , I ended up going to my mother who at the time was homeless but she didn 't call it that because she had a roof over her head. The place had no hot water or lights and it was a crack infested roorrung house. She showed me how to go to the different places to get a meal and how to go to the Ameri-Temps to make money so that [could fine some place to live for real. So I would go to work at night so that I would not have to be around the crack addicts and sleep during the day, because crack addicts sleep during the day and they are up all night. My mother . informed of the resources that are available to you. If I look back on my situation of being homeless, this was a one of my greatest barriers. Cbabad House welcomes volunteers for answering telephones1 office work, working with the children's program, record keeping, yard work, and maintenance. Some of the volunteers that render their services include Finneytown H.S. , Ursula Academy, CCY, Human Services, and churches. I, Pat Mitchell, am a new staff member to the Chabad House and case manager. My job involves personal responsibility plan through welfare reform, working with residents moving from emergency shelter to permanent housing. I am excited about this new opportunity! If you would like to make a donation of food, clothing, or money, make donations to Chabad Shelter House, 1636 Summjt Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 or call (513) 821-5100 and speak to the director, Kathy Whalen. stayed arou!1d long enough to show me the ropes of being homeless. She even told me about another rooming house that was a hundred fifty dollars a month with light and gas, all I had to do was get the money and she would talk to the land lord and I could have the room right next to hers. She left me in that house by myself and I had to stay there till I got the money working through AmeriSee YEP, continued page 18 IMPACT Over-the-Rhine Family Freedom Gardens This community service project provides compact, raised bed gardens to inner city families. This opportunity encourages sustainability and independence for families to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables in their own yard. IMPACT Over..the-Rhine provides design consultation all material~ (timber, soil, seeds and bedding plants): installation and follow-up support Over-the-Rhine Families provide yard space, a desire for fresh, tasty vegetables and nurturing care. This is a community enrichment program available at no cost. Only Over-the-Rhine residents are eligible to apply. For an application please contact: Eco-Garden Coordinator Impact Over the Rhine 1718 Pleasant Street Cincinnati, Ohio 4521 O (513) 141-8934 (513) 141-5564 Fax �ST REE TV I BES LQCA L NEWS Page 4 Wish List Preserving Ohio's Affordable Housing Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe­ string bQdget from the offices o the Greater Cincinnati, Coalition for the Homeless. 'W4 depend heavily on the g<><ldwill of many volunteers and donors. If yo,u can·help out with some o the items 9n our wish list, please give.us a call.~. have a right the right to organize. information about the status of the building a nd the subsidy contract; HUD regulations (4381.5 REV-2) , require owners and agents must The Coalition on Homelessness comment on the needs of the recognize l~g itimate resid~nt and Housing in Ohio (CORRIO) is property as a part of a review by the PAE; and build alliances with organizations which r;neet an association of housing activists regularly, operate democratically, across Ohio who came together in community leaders to identify solutions for p otential "opt-outs'' are representative of all residents J984 to end homelessness and or enforcement properties. in the development. an9 aie promote decent safe, fair and Tenants have some protections: independe;nt of·non-resident afforidable housing in Ohio. even if an owner's subsidy is ' owners and management a.gents. CORRIO is working with the reduced, the owner is not O wn ers or. managers way not Greater Cincinnati Coalition for o Advertisers -Classified and ' i permitted to raise the tenant's mpede the r~asoh<!ble efforts of the Homeless, the Alliance of portion of the rent rugher than 30% residents. to organize qi:, reas,onably Cleveland HUD Tenants, unclassifred of income; and if an owner "opts represent resid~nt interests (24 Organize! Ohio and other groups o Supplies for vendor's lounge out" of the subsidy program, HUD CF R, Part 245.105). to spread the word about (coffee, tea, paper towels, Owners/agents are expected to · preserving HUD subsidized homes. will provide tenants with Section 8 provide an accessible meeting vouchers that can be used "iil cream and sugar,etc.) p lace" for up to one year. space within the premises of the H UD policies are reshaping o Office and Cleaning Sup­ development for legitimate Public officials and subsidized housing programs. plies neighborhood activists need to resident associations to hold Tenants, owners, public officials meetings. and local development groups now have a clear picture of the impact o Photography Help - film of these policies on the housing Owners/agents may not have a role jn preserving (400, 800, 1600), develop­ unreasGnably withhold the use of needs of their communities. What subsidized units for future ing help, digital and/or film housing will be lost? When wil l community rooms or other generations. available space within the project low income people have to go? COHHIO is working to create camera(s). when requested by a resident Communities need to form and strengthen tenants' organization in connection with the o Computers/components for affordable housing councils to organizations in HUD subsidized Streetvibes story-writing, identify the threats and representational functions of the buildings and local community opportunities in these new policies. organization, or residents seeking organizations so that they can get editing, research. to organize Some owners will decide that or to collectively involved in the Mark-to-Market o A new vehicle (van?) they want to sell their buildings to consider any matter pertaining to program to help save subsidized non-profit organizations. In that the operation of the project (24 hous ing. If you can help!, contact us at: case, COHHIO will work with . CFR, Part Z45. 110). COHHIO will be mobilizing Streetvibes, ·clO' Greater local non-profits to deve!Qp the F at; more info Gn tenants rights technical assistance for owners,• Cincinn~ti Coalition for the to organize in HUD housing, call expertise they need to become developers and public officials Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, owners. HUD at l-8-00,§8:}"847.0 or visit who want to devise ways to Cincinnati, OH 45210 HUD is also taking a tougher • the HUD website at www.hud.g0v/ preserve subsidized developments. stand towards subsidized housing Subsidized housing is low omhar. ·' ph: _(5132 421-7803, fax (513) providers who do not provide safe income housing that is owned by a 421-7813 and decent housing that meets private individual. partnership or e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Housing Quality Standards (HQS). corporation which receives money Where from HUD to provide affordable HUD finds housing to low income people. substandard Over the nex~ three years, the conditions and subsidy contracts on thousands of the landlord units are coming up for renewal. fails to correct Congress has told HUD to renew the problem, s ubsidy contracts at a level that is HUD will take no more than the "market rent" for possession of the neighborhood. the property Owners have six choices: through renew at the current level if lower foreclosure. than the "market rent"; accept a Tenants reduced subsidy after a review of operations by HUD's Participating may be displaced as a Administrative Entity (PAE); apply for a subsidy increase (if the result of an enforcement property is in a high rental action, market); restructure the mortgage although HUD to lower operating costs and make wil1 make a long term commitment to decisions about keeping the property affordable: enforcement "Opt Out" of the subsidy program actions on a and to "market rate"; or transfer case by case the property to a non-profit that basis. will preserve the property as Get your BEING subsidized housing. Greater Cincinnati Coa\ition for the Home\ess COHHIO js assisting tenants in ORGANIZED HELPS Mark-to-Market eligible buildings Now! preserve the to form tenants organizations and Examining Home\essness from a kid's point of view housing for participate in the restructuring Featuring photos by Jirnrny Heath. your family. process. Through COHHIO, Tenants tenants can: get accurate 5end .S5 to GCCH, 1506 E\rn 5t ., Cint i, Oh Ll5.2 IO Submitted by COHHIO Year~OOl CALENDAR . �LOCAL NEWS Page 5 Vineyard Community Church: Community Shares Soars Past Goal STREETVIBES Small Things Done with Great Love Change the World By Mr. Lee the-Good Samaritan Run. They distribute clothes and food in Recently, Mark Engler and Washington Park; a ministry Bob Clark stopped into the initiated by Pam Wells, a Vineyard Streetvibes office. As is usually member. Vineyard was recently the case, they were seeking to find recognized as one of the five most out how they could help the effective churches in the Greater Coalition in its work on homeless Cincinnati area. Vineyard has issues. Neither their dress or several other ministries targeted at demeanor would reveal to the casual observer that they were both the low-income community. They ministers. Mark shared that he was have an Adopt-a-Block Program, where a group of church members a minister in " honorable location", adopt a family in a targeted not assigned to any particular building or neighborhood block. church, but attending and working through The Vineyard. Bob Clark They will visit the family on a weekly basis, bringing fellowship is Pastor of Community Outreach. sometimes a small gift, and Our brief conversation, a visit to praying with and for the family. the Vineyard's website and the Currently, such a ministry is being writer's recollection of a recent canied out in buildings on Vine article about local churches Street, Court Srreet, and Walnut provide the substance of this Street. Additionally, the Vineyard article. has a monthly ministry at Mt. Airy The Vineyard Church began in Shelter. Once a month they Men's 1983 with a handful of people bring snacks, games and meeting in various homes around fellowshi p to the shelter. The the city. Today, the Vineyard is Church is located at 11340 home to over 5,000 regular Century Circle East, Cincinnati, attendees. Vineyard 's Mission: Ohio 45246. " Loving tbe people of Ci_nc innati Through the MercyWorks Co­ into a relationship with Jesus The Vineyard provides food, op, Christ", is-most effectively clothing and prayer. The church demonstrated in its outreach works with those attending to ministries, bringing God 's love in develop an action plan to help practical ways to all kinds of them overcome the problems people. The Vineyard tries to their need. On Mercy causing demonstrate God's love in Runs, members take a bus packed practical ways to people all over with bags of groceries and clothing the city by doing simple acts of to the needy. They also host "The service free because God's love is Party" in needy neighborhoods free. throughout the city with food, Vineyard Community Church, music and games for everyone to a non-denominational church, e nJOy. committed to what they call The Vineyard truly servanthood evangelism, a phrase demonstrates that "small things­ coi n and phi losophy preached by done with great love can change its founder the Reverend Steve the world." For information abo.ut Sjogren. VCC continues to reach the Vineyard call (5 13) 671-0422 out to the poor and homeless or check the internet at through a variety of ministries. www.cincyvineyard.com or Since Apri l, 2000, as many as 20 volunteers meet every Saturday for www.Servant Evangelism.com. LEGAL SUPPORT NEEDED!! During the TABD protests, November 17-19, 2000, 53 arrests wer~ made, hundreds more were searched illegally, and still others were beaten or gassed by the Cincinnati police force. CONCERNS REGARDING: ILLEGAL SEARCHES IN ORDERTOSETFOOTONFOUNTAINSQUARE­ PUBLIC PROPERTY, ILLEGAL ARRESTS AND POLICE BRUTALITY, ALL MUST BE ADDRESSED! $15,000 FOR LEGAL EXPENSES Expenses include all legal fees/counsel Checks can be made payable to: N16 Legal, do Molly Mail to: P.O. BOX 3415, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-3415 Updates can be found at CHE-2000.org Or please call 513-929-4102 By Mary McCoy Financial support is increasing for organizations working on issues of importance to the homeless, thanks to Greater Cincinnati Community Snares. Last autumn, the federation of 21 local nonprofit organizations asked people in 50 workplaces to give through payroll deduction to its member organizations, which include the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, Justice Watch and the Northern Kentucky Housing and Homeless Coalition. With campaign results in from all workplaces, Community Shares has announced receipt of pledges totaling $230,000, exceeding its goal for the year by 7 percent, with contributions up 18 percent over the previous year. Established in 1996, Community Shares has raised a total of $698,000 in its first five years. The organizations that comprise the federation also address issues such as health care, job training, environmental renewal, human rights, and chemical dependency. The Community Shares' organizations not only provide direct services but also work for systemic change. The newest member, just added in January, is the Northern Kentucky Housing and Homeless Coalition. According Joan Weingartner, director of that organization, "This is a great opportunity for us to work collaboratively with similar organizations to provide real answers for some of the toughest problems faced in the region." Currently, Community Shares is expanding its workplace . partnerships. Among the new workplace campaigns last year were the Metro Bus System, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the Museum Center. Other workplaces with Community Shares campaigns are the City of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Public Schools, and the federal government. Community Shares' strongest campaign is with the University of Cincinnati where it raised over $76,000 last year. According to Kevin Ronnie, field director of the National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, who provided start• Shares, up support for Community "Of all the new federations in the nation that conduct workplace campaigns, Cincinnati 's Community Shares is one of the fastest growing." Community Shares moved into new offices in November, located in the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church. Funds to renovate the space were provided by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Mayerson Foundation, and others. An expanded volunteer program was also launched to provide support for the federation's various committees. Community Shares is committed to diversity and welcomes all offers of support. To contact community shares or to give a donation, w1ite, call, or email to: Greater Cinc.innati Community Shares 103 William Howard Taft Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45219 513.475.0475 fax 513.487.4262 email: rnccoy @cintishares.com www.ci ntishares.com STREETVIBES TELEVISION Streetv1bes TV 1s produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. March Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for March's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Tuesday, March 6, at 9 AM Friday, March 9, at 5 PM Saturday, March 17, at 9 PM Friday, March 23, at 5 PM Tuesday, March 27, at 9 AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. �- STREETVIBES NCH NEWS Page 6 · Seattle Resident Sues Postal Service: Demands Better Access for Homeless People By Casey Trupin, Real Change Three homeless residents of Seattle seeking adequate mail service today filed a statewide class action in federal court challenging policies of the United States Postal Service that operate to discriminate against and deny basic postal services to individuals who have no pe1manent place to receive mail. The homeless Postal Service customers are joined in this lawsuit by the Seattle-based homeless advocacy group Seattle Housing and Resource Effort (SHARE), whose attempts to keep in contact with and share essential information with its board, members and other homeless persons have been hindered by the Postal Service policies and practices challenged in the suit. At issue in the case is the Postal Service's refusal to provide its homeless customers with indefinite general delivery service at neighborhood post offices. Instead, the Postal Service will only provide general delivery service to homeless customers at a limited number of post offices throughout the state. This practice operates to force homeless persons to travel substantial distances to pick up their mail during limited hours on weekdays, and has a disproportionate impact on disabled homeless persons who can only travel with extreme difficulty. In an unconstitutional and discriminatory twist of irony, the Postal Service provides free Nominati~n post office boxes at neighborhood locations to all customers who are ineligible to receive carrier delivery service except those who need it the most - its homeless customers who are disproportionately reliant on regular mail delivery service for essential support. Throughout Washington State, thousands of homeless people rely solely on the United States mail to maintain contact with their families and friends and to receive the bare necessities of life such as Social Security disability and veterans benefits checks, notices of eligibility for food stamps and other benefits, and notice of appointments for medical and other treatment. Yet homeless people are denied access by the Postal Service to the same mail services that other citizens receive. "My mail is very important to me," explains plaintiff Willard Johnson, recently unemployed and homeless due to a physical disability. "It's very difficult to do what I need to do to find a home and disability benefits without mail. But the Postal Service wants me to pay to get mail or to travel eight or nine miles to get it, when other people don ' t have to do either." "While most Americans take it for granted that a mail carrier will bring mail to their home six days week without charge, the homeless are apparent] y entitled to no such expectation," said Casey Trupin, an attorney representing the a plaintiffs. "Because the homeless, by definition, do not have homes the receive no such service. As a consequence, the only reliable way they can receive mail is by deli very to a post office box or general delivery. Unfortunately, the Postal Service refuses to provide either in an adequate or affordable manner." The federal court lawsuit filed today (February 1, 2001) asserts that the Postal Service's refusal to provide homeless citizens with adequate access to mail violates the Service's own statutes and regulations and operates as an unconstitutional infringement of the rights of homeless individuals to receive and send mail. The plaintiffs have asked the federal district court to enjoin the Postal Service from continuing its discriminatory practices and to direct the Service to allow homeless patrons to secure a free post office box or, if no box is available, secure general delivery service at their local postal station. The Plaintiffs are represented in this action by Columbia Legal Services, a statewide non-profit organization that provides legal representation to eligible low income citizens on civil matters. Ed. Note: In Ohio, the Postal Service charges homeless people to rent a P. 0 . Box for their mail. Sought for Buddy Gray Award for Homeless Activism by Michael Stoops This annual award is given to an individual or group who has been most effective in advocating on be­ half of people who are homeless or living in poverty. The individual or group must have been involved in advocacy work for at least five years. The award is named after Buddy Gray who from the early 1970's until his untimely death in 1996 worked with low income and homeless people in the Over-the­ Rbine area in Cincinnati. He de­ veloped a number of non-profit or­ ganizations focusing on emergency shelter, supportive services and per­ manent housing. Buddy was al­ ways th e one person you could count on to stand up for the rights of low income people in conserva­ tive Ci ncinnati. He also served as a mentor to a host of homeless/for­ merly homeless people, as well as high school and college students . Many of the people. he once mentored are now carrying on his legacy in Cincinnati and elsewhere. He was a founding board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless and his influence on the organization continues to be felt. We will give out this national award at our spring 2001 board meeting in Washington, DC. Please take the time to nomi­ nate an individual or group you believe meets the criteria for the Buddy Gray Award for Homeless Activism. Self-nominations are allowed. Deadline: March 15, 2001 (postmarked) The recipient will receive a plaque, $100 honorarium, and travel expenses to attend the award ceremony in DC. Send a cover letter along with supporting documentation (e.g. news clippings) to: National Coalition for the Homeless Attn: Michael Stoops 1012 14th St., NW; #600 Washington , DC 20005-3471 Fax: 202-737-6445 Email: micstoops@aol.com Please address the following in your cover letter: 1. Why is this individual or group being nominated for the Buddy Gray Award? 2. How does this individual or group exemplify the work and legacy of Buddy Gray? Business Card Size Two Business Card Size ~~ 2"x31/2" ~ 4"x31/2" $15 per month $30 per month IM Send your add copy to Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street,Cinti, 45210 > (Larger Adds Also Available) homecoal@primax.net,or call 421-7803. ADVERTISE STRllTYlllS Radio Marathon on Homelessness By Lauren Byrne The following are statements niade by participants in the Third Annual Radio Marathon on Homelessness in Janua1y 2001. We are going to talk to people all night. It's a very cold night tonight, and let's remember that on this very night there may be one or more homeless people who are actually freezing to death somewhere in this land. And that's a disgrace and we must do something about it. - Nobody (host of Radio Marathon on Homelessness) I'm able to work, but I am so far away from everything and without transportation. That's an issue too. If they really want to solve the problem why c~'t they give me $127 a month for transportation instead of food stamps? I would love to work. 1 would love to feel useful for a change. - Brian There are some of us (in Los Angeles) that are housed, but are not housed well. I live in a facility that qrres for people with mental disabilities, and some people come here from mental hospitals. It's substandard housing and you lose your dignity when you walk in the door. If you want to stay here and get food and shelter you have to give up your dignity. I never hear people talking about the board and care. The most significant thing for the poor is that we should not be forgotten. -Anonymous I am not homeless ... I have always had a home and I appreciate that. .. (but) I can remember a time when I was in Denver and there was a snowstorm that hit and it was probably 15 below zero. I was driving a diesel car and I didn't have any anti­ freeze in that car and I had to drive around for hours just to make sure that my fuel wouldn ' t freeze up. I can't tell you how many people I saw that night that were just like walking ghosts and all the shelters were just stuffed full. And it was · See Radio, continued page 19 �STREETVIBES RECOVERY NEWS the products of dysfunctional families and broken homes that were significantly impacted by by Mr. Lee addiction. Recovery, the act or power of Besides not having a home to regaining or getting again; call their own, most of the 500,000 restoration from sickness or to 3 million people identified as faintness; restoration from low homeless have something else in condition or misfortune; to regain; common - addiction and mental to get or obtain after being lost; to illness. According to one study, up get back; to restore from sickness, to two-thirds of homeless adults fa intness, or the like; to revive; to cure; to heal; to retrieve. T hese are suffer from alcoholism and at least half suffer from drug disorders. In probably the most common and generally accepted meanings of the their book, A Nation In Denial, Alice Baum and Donald Burnes word. Today, most people shatter many of the myths recognize that they are or should surrounding the root causes of be recovering from something. homelessness, which have little to Recovery is not the sole province do with the economy, of the street drunk or suburban governmental social policies, lack matron. Recovery can be sought of affordable housing, and so forth. for dozens perhaps hundreds of According to their research at least illnesses, physical, mental and 65-85% of all homeless adults spiritual. What ever it is, it is about suffer from chronic alcoholism, getting better, by whatever means drug addiction, mental illness, or necessary. some combination of the three, What does the overall issue of often complicated by serious recovery have to do with medical problems. At least 1/3 of homelessness? If you accept the premise that most people today are the homeless suffers from severe and persistent chronic psych iatric recovering from something, or disorders. Forty to fifty percent of should be, whether they realize it these individuals are "dually or not, then it logically follows diagnosed" - suffering from that homeless need to recover from usually multiple problems in order addiction to alcohol and/or clrugs, as well. These are root problems to rectify the condition that cause or constrain .them in this condition. and unless they are adequately addressed, any other help we Who are the homeless? What are provide will not be effective. they suffering fro m, other than a While millions of dollars may t»e "state of disaffiliation from spent on education, housing, and meaningful human relationships employment for the homeless, and the social support systems these efforts do little to improve most people have working for their lots I they are unable to stay them"? Most homeless people are sober by working through the same either addicts themselves, or are Recovery The Serenity P rayer If If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and To accept the things blaming it on you; I cannot change, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, . Courage to change But make allowance for their the things I can, doubting too; And the wisdom to know the If you can wait and difference. not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, Living One Day At A Time; don't deal in lies; Or, being hated, Enjoying one moment at a time; don't give way to hating, Accepting hardship as the And yet don't look too good, Pathway to peace. nor talk too wise; GOD, gra nt me the serenity Taking, as He did, this Sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. lf you can dream-and not make dreams your master; lf you can think-and not make thoughts your aim; Trusting that He will make If you can meet with triumph and disaster AU things right if I And treat those two Surrender to his Will; impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth That I may be reasonably happy you've spoken In this life, and supremely Twisted by knaves to Happy with forever in make a trap for fools, The next. Amen. Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, Page 7 recovery issues that many of us a.re dealing with in our own lives. In addition their efforts at recovery may be undermined by failure to effectively treat diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness and/or physical illnesses. The above information was found in an article titled ''Homelessness & Addiction Recovery: A Lasting Solution" by the Association of Gospel Missions. The article was about Christian based recovery and the resultant movement. The article further stated that according to recent congressional figures, only 12.5% of the nation 's 6.5 million drug users have access to publicly funded treatment. It would appear that things are getting worse rather than better. Most people, particularly tpose for whom the term homelessness has no personal impact, homelessness does not seem to be something that one recovers fro m. You simply get a place to stay, and you are no longer homeless. Wrong! The article quoted from an SRI Gallup study of recovery from homelessness conducted by a rescue mission in Knoxville, Tn. This study conducted by a secular research had no thought of "Christian recovery" principles factored into it. They identified six c1itical "life themes" that were strongly present in the lives of people who were able to recover from homelessness. Interestingly enough, these "life themes" clearly reverberate through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tool; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn .of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your peginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart an nerve and sinew To serv.e your turn long after they are gone. And so hold on when there is nothing.in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on"; broadly copied by many other twelve step programs across the world. The following are listed according to their degree of importance: Spirituality - as a source of personal strength and as the basis for rebuilding relationships with other people. Self-Insight - by overcoming denial, acceptance leads to a new and accurate knowledge of oneself. Security - feeling safe both physically and emotionally Self-awareness - being in touch with one's own emotions People Support - having others who care enough to be truly involved with one's life(the total opposite of "disaffiliation") Suppression - being reconciled with one's past and able rej ect negative thoughts, worries, and a poor self-concept. The intent for the Recovery Page is to provide a forum where information that pertains to the many illnesses that the homeless fi nd themselves recovering from, most with the exception of homelessness itself are share with the millions in the community at large can be shared. Position papers, historical documents, prayers, stories, bow-to information, agency profiles, book reviews, poems and anecdotes are welcome. If it can help, education or illuminate and it deals with the problems and the possible solutions, we want to print it. No one has the only answer. There js no single path. Much is known, much is to be learned. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virture, Or walk with kirigs-nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance runYours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And-which is moreyou '11 be a Man my son! RUDYARD KIPING buddy's place Permarient Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES PRISONERS' NEWS The School Of The American Empire By Mumia Abu-Jamal Women in Prison and HIV By Sheila J. M adhani National Minority AIDS Council " A society that becomes accustomed to using violence to solve its problems, both large and small , is a society in which the roots of human relations are di seased." - Ignacio Martin-Baro, O.J. It is virtually impossible for anyone to consider the horrific violence that has taken place in Central and Latin America, without accounting for the hideous roots of that violence, that grow and thrive in America. For decades, the bloody fl ood from murders, massacres, rapes, torture and carnage, created a trail that could be traced to the doorsteps of a U.S. military training institution known as the School of the Americas, in Fort Bennin g, Georgia. Human rights activists have held increasing ly swelli ng demonstrations at the SOA, and have dubbed it the "School of Assassins." For years the Pentagon dismissed such criticism, and defended the SOA as an elite international training academy for "counter-insurgency," or, more obliquely, for "teaching democracy." The graduates of SOA, however, constituted a kind of rogue's gallery of military despots and dictators, like Boli via's Ge n. Hugo Banzer Suarez, who brutally suppressed progressive church workers and striking ti n miners; like Guatemalan dictator Gen. Romeo Lucas Garcia ( l 978-82), whose rule saw over 5,000 political killings and about 25,000 civilians murdered by the Guatemalan army; and Gen. Juan Rafael Bustillo, of El Salvador, former airforce chief, who, according to a U .N. report of 1993, both planned and then covered up the massacre of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her daughter, fo r s tarters. If you mention a massacre, the chances are great that the men who either ordered or committed the deed were SOA grads. The El Mozote, El Junquillo, Las Rojas, and San Sebastian Massacres were all the work of SOA-trained "death squads." Wh en four U .S. churchwomen were raped and murdered, when Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated, when union members were killed , it was SOA grads who led in the carnage. U.S.-trained and armed SOA people have been involved in so many military coups that in Latin America the school is known as the escuela de golpes: coup school. Recently, the Defense Deptartment, stung by decades of negative publicity, officially "closed" SOA, only to immediately reopen it under the name Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Co-operation (WHISC). Although not as catchy as SOA, WHISC promises to play the same game, by another name. Shortly after the Jesuit murders, U.S .-trained Salvadoran troops surrounded the office of the Catholic archdiocese, and shouted, "Ignacio EJlacurfa and Ignacio Martin-Baro have already fa llen and we will continue murdering communists!" Ellacurfa and Martin-Baro were two Jesuit priests in volved in Christian base communities, where the poor learned literacy, history and how to organize for human rights in the midst of monstrous repression. Martin-Baro was a brilliant liberation theologist and psychologist, who , like the revolutionary Frantz Fanon, chose the side of the oppressed rather than the rich and powerful oppressors. For this he was targeted by the U.S.-trained terrorists of the SOA, and it is for men and women like him , who seek an end to economic and social oppression, that imperial training camps, like SO A/ WHISC exist. Its name has changed, but the game remains the same. Page a . Support John Perotti John has spent nearly twenty years in prison; he has spent fifteen of those years in control units. These are u~ts designed to break people through a combination of isolation and behavior modification techniques. John originally entered the prison system because of petty crimes associated with his wild days as a young man. He has spent so long in prison because he has fought against injustice tooth and nail wherever he has found it in the Ohio prison system. Extra time and loss of the chance of parole has resulted in his stay in prison being much longer than be or anyone e lse ever thought it would be. John has fo ught back through the court system, he educated himself, and has filed many w rits and c ivil suits against guards and officials in the prison and state legislature. These battles have been fought on his behalf as well as for felJow prisoners. John has fought cases concerning living and working conditions, brutality by guards as well as challenges to court ruling and prison rules and regulations. The reward for fighti ng back (and worst still, succeeding) has been beatings that have ]anded him in the hospital and additional charges and court cases. Some of the beatings have led to John fi ling suit and getting guards into court. John received an extra I0- 15 years for a stabbing that took place in a block he was in . At a travesty of a trial in which he was held in fuJJ restraints and flanked by g uards, the prisoner who did it confessed but John still got the time. John was at Lucasvi lie, the scene of his most bitter battles. He had a long history there at Luke. and received harsh treatment. John is now at Supermax Prison at Youngstown. Isolation is the strongest weapon of the prisoncrats; it is the real mind killer. We can break that hold by maintruning contact. Short messages of s upport can make all the difference. John will reply to While women account for only 6% of the nation's prisoners, their numbers increased by 172% between 1986 and 1994. By any s tandard women in prisons are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Incarcerated women have a HIV prevalence rate that is two times hjgher than incarcerated men and thirty-five times higher than non-incarcerated women. Another troubling trend within this population is that while infection rates for men have stabilized, the number of HIV-infected female inmates is continuing to 1ise. The high prevalence rates for incarcerated women and HIV are inextricably linked to the crimes women commi t: drug use and drug related crimes. Drug use is linked to HIV risk. According to U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, nearly one in three women in state prisons were serving time for doing offenses in 1991, compared to one in five men. Often sex work contributes to HIV risk. Many incarcerated women have traded sex for drugs or money, regard less if they were arrested or charged with prostitution. Researchers have found that incarcerated women have a higher rate of sexual abuse than non­ incarcerated women. Because it has been found that women who have a history of childhood sexual abuse are statisticall y more likely to participate in high risk HIV behavior such as non-condom use, sex work or drug use, incarcerated ~==========================dall le~~.althoo~~~~e~ stamps may cause a bit of delay. women are therefore at an His address now is John Perotti increased ris k of HIV infection. # 1677 12, Ohio State Penitentiary, Black and Latina women make Youngstown, O hio, 44505. Some contains news about the justice system up a disproportionate 60% of words from John: "After serving and the writings of persons incarcerated female inmates and 92% of women seventeen years, I was scheduled in our nation's jails and prisons. prisoners are under age 45. to see the parole board in According to the Centers for Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. November 1997. Due to the fact Disease Control, Black and Latina If you want to support us in this effort, please that I was on a hunger strike to women of childbearing age are sponsor someone on the inside by sending us support a work stoppage, the disproportionately at risk for $15 for a year's subscription parole board continued me sixty AIDS/HIV, accounting for 75% of days without seeing me. They Send your comments female AIDS cases in the United used the excuse that they wanted and questions to streetvibes@juno.com States, al though they represent more information on the 10-15 mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street on ly 2 1% of all women. Prisoners News Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 \.:::::==========================::::V See Perotti, continued page 19 �. . \ ' STREETVIBES PRISONERS' NEWS Page 9 ., Peltier: Disappointment and Renewed Commitment by Leonard Peltier reprinted from Indian Country Today Jan. 20, 2001, was a sad day for all of us. I know that this denial of clemency has affected many of you as much as it has affected both my family and myself. It is a terrible feeling and disappointment knowing that this nightmare has not ended and will continue for many months to come. When I received the news, I felt my stomach curl and a feeling of nausea rolled over me. It took a whjle for me to refocus. For some reason I bad thought I might be having dinner with my family that night. It was an especially disappointing day for all of us. What Bill Clinton did to us was cruel. For eight years he ignored my clemency petition despite .the maj or campaign that was waged. Then, just months before leaving office he publicly promised to make a decision on my case, one way or the other. He said he was aware of its importance. The White House gave my attorneys indications there was a good chance for my clemency to be granted. I had to prepare myself for being released because there was no sign my petition would be denied. The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee bought me clothes, my grandson prepared his bedroom for me to sleep in and other preparations were made for my homeqoming. My friends on Pine Ridge began plans to build me a house. We were literally forced to get our hopes up because we did not want to be unprepared if I was suddenly set free. Jan. 19, came and still, they kept us in nervous anticipation saying the more difficult clemencies are still being worked on and would be announced the next morning. Then Jan. 20 came and went! The White House never even told us what the decision was. We had to fin d out through the press that my name was not on the PENPAL WANTED Roger Hall # 161405 OSP 878 Coitsville­ Hubbard Road Youngstown, Ohio 44505 list of clemencies. To leave a person's life and so many peoples' hopes hanging in the balance like that is truly hardhearted . Since that dark Saturday, I have managed to get up and dust myself off, and begin to lift my spirits once more. I am j ust as determined now to fight for my freedom as I was on Feb. 6, 1976 when I was first arrested. I will not give up. This is the second time in the span of my incarceration that I made it to the top of the hill and saw that freedom was in view, only to be kicked right back down to the bottom again. The first time was in 1985, when the evidence used to convict me was impeached and I was denied a new trial, despite Judge Heaney's finding that I might have been acquitted had the jury been presented this evidence. To be denied a new trial after such a finding shocked our network and me just as much as this denial of clemency has. However, we never lose a battle without making some major gains in the overall struggle. you to remain with us while we regroup and develop a thorough plan. We must 'c arefully consider every option and make sure the strategies compliment each other in order to have the best effect. The LPDC will release strategies as th~y are developed. Some will be released this week. I also have my own personal plans. I will continue doing artwork and will be looking at ways to make it more available to the public. I will also be working with my friends, Fedelia and Bob Cross, to build a grade school in Oglala. Before my clemency was decided, I began to drean1 of the different projects I would like to work on in Pine Ridge if I were free. Now that I have been denied, Fedelia and Bob have said they will take the initiative to begin the projects themselves, with my input. Soon, we will be establishing a board and non-profit status. Bob and Fedelia are schoolteachers and lifetime Oglala residents, and they have the land on which to build the school. This is the second time in.the span ofmy incarceration that I made it to the top ofthe hill and saw that freedom was in view, only to be kicked right back down to the bottom again. I want to compliment and thank my staff at the LPDC and all of you grass-roots supporters who stood beside me and fought so tirelessly for my freedom. You put on one of the strongest and most memorable campaigns I have experienced. Years from now people will read about the accomplishments you made. People from every walk of life worked on this campaign. People from every denomination and belief prayed from every corner of the earth. Although it feels like our sentiments were shooed away like an irritating fl y by a president who did not want to face the consequences of his own mistakes, I believe we put up a serious challenge. We can see who was granted clemency and why. The big donors to the president's campaign were able to buy justice, something we just couldn't afford. Meanwhile, many political prisoners continue to languish unjustly, proof that this nation's talk about reconciliation is nothing but empty rhetoric. We now have a number of strategies to continue this struggle for my freedom. These ideas are in the early planning stages. I ask They have told me of the desperate need for an improved school in Oglala. The existing school is severely under funded and inadequate and does not provide the kids with the quality education they need and deserve. We have the highest drop out rate of all ethnic groups in the country and part of the reason is the lack of stimu lating and challenging programs for the youth. Another idea I would like to develop is building a small recreation center for Oglala. As most of you know Native health conditions are also probably the worst in the country. We want to change that, beginning with this center. We want the center to have modern exercise equipment, a kitchenette and card tables. As everyone gathers here to socialize, have coffee, gossip and play cards, we can encourage them to try the equipment and to begin getting in the habit of exercisi ng and eating healthy foods. I believe it would be a nice place for people to spend time and a good incentive for them to get into better phys~cal condition and stop the trend of diabetes on the reservation. The reservation currently has no facility like this. If we are successful in establishing these two services, I believe that the community of Oglala will truly benefit. We will then be able to move on to other projects that will bring people together and raise the quality of life. For example, one day I would like to rebuild Jumping Bull Hall so that there will be a drug and alcohol free place where people, especially youth, can gather. We could set it up for a movie theatre and bring in video games. People can watch movies, hold meetings, have bi11hday celebrations, community meals and dances here. Right now, our youth have no place to go to socialize and I believe this facility could help prevent the hopelessness and despair too many of our young people feel. I would hope that word of these projects would spread to other reservations and others like Fedelia and Bob Cross will be inspired to take on similar i.deas which we could help support. Your ideas, input, and support are welcomed. If you know people who would donate supplies (books, wood, cement, hardware, etc), make financial contributions or donate their skills and labor, please get in touch with the Leonard.Peltier Defense Committee. In closing, I want to thank you again for your support and ask that you stand with us in this struggle. I believe that one day in the near future we will succeed. But it can' t be done without your support. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Leonard Peltier A1tention Prisoners Tliose who want to join the class action lawsuit against the supermax pnson, Youngstown, contact: Staughton & Alice Lind 1694Timbers Court Niles, Ohio 44446 or for more informa­ tion call (513) 241­ 8014 collect ' , �STREETVIBES FEATURE SECTION Page 10 · The Struggle of the Life Learning Center, continued from page 1 location for homeless families and helping to provide a more adequate individuals of Covington to access space for their services. A much­ needed men's shelter is planned for needed services. the third phase. Currently, there The initial phase of the Life are very few beds serving single Learning Center includes a Day men in Covington. In the final Center to house the multi-faceted services that are available to the phase of the project, a center for homeless, in addition to women and children will be transitional apartments for the completed and a Montessori day homeless. The second phase of the care will provide a bridge in the gap of services to families. project would incorporate the Homeless individuals and already existent Pike Street Clinic, families will have the opportunity to go from a life on the street through an assessment, services, training, and educational curriculum that can result in self­ sufflciency. Despite pressure from HUD, the funding agency, the City of Covington bas been trying to stop these services to city occupants. Developers of the Life Learning Center have peen meeting with the City of Covington since submitting the plans for zoning approval last Spring. Each time the City requested a change in the plan or consideration of an alternate site, the development committee complied. For example, dormitories were changed to apartments and the committee Grassroots support of the project has been strong, including this window. looked at alternative sights, most Photo by Alicia Beck or all or which were either agency on the project, Transitions, Inc. has partnered with four other service providers, NorthKey Community Care, Catholic Social Services, the Recovery Network of the Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, and Welcome House, to provide a continuum of services. This grant falls on the heels of a prior HUD grant, for the construction of a Life Learning Center that will provide a central inappropriate or not for sale. Although the Covington Board of Adjustment approved the Life Learning Center plan, the City of Covington has not issued a zoning permit. Moreover, after a vote by the City Commissioners of 4-1, they have begun the process of taking the property by eminent domain to use as a parking lot, a move that the City of Covington views as supporting economic development. The law firm of Adams, Stepner, et al. has also stepped in as an opponent to the services proposed for the corner of 81h and Washington, and is suing the Covington Board of Adjustment to overturn its approval of the plan requested by the developer of the Life Learning Center. The fate of the Life Learning Center is yet to be determined. However, advocates for the Center are working hard to raise public awareness about the need for th.e se valuable services for all of Covington's residents. For those interested in learning more about this situation and the impact on the homeless population of Covington, caJJ the Northern Kentucky Housing and Homeless Coalition at (859) 431-8003. More than Bread: Christians Debate Charity "Beyond the Band-Aid" By David Bloom Reprinted from Real Change ... 4 While America enjoys the longest peacetime economic expansion in history, 44 million of us lack health insµrance. One in five children grows up poor. Millions live in substandard housing. As many as 3.5 million have been homeless at some time in the past year. While the Seattle area has an estimated 50,000 millionaires and, at nearly $130,000, the highest average salary in the high-tech industry in the nation, there are 6,000 people on our streets every night, with shelter available for less than half. It is a time of both growing prosperity and despair in our nation and our community. Many say it is the church's responsibility to meet the needs of those left out of the great American boom. According to Rev. Tom Quigley, director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, churches in our community have responded " with great determination and significant resources" to local poverty - by sponsoring emergency shelters, providing housing, doing casework for homeless f arnilies, and distributing food, rent subsidies, and vouchers to families · and individuals in crisis. Last year, the Church Council alone spent well over $1 million to respond to direct human needs. Just one charitable project, the council's Emergency Feeding Program, provided 450,000 meals through 35 church and agency sites to over 75,000 different people. But how much charity is enough? Is it the church's responsibility to step into the role once provided by government to assure the fe~ding and sheltering of Amerka's poor? Or should people of fai th cultivate a sense of outrage? During September and October, the Church Council sponsored six dinners at diverse church locations throughout the greater Seattle area under the theme, "Beyond the Band-Aid: Healing the Wounds of Poverty." About 350 people from churches representing 10 different denominations attended. The Church Council is an umbrella organization for the cooperative social ministry work of 500 mainline Protestant and Catholic congregations in King and south Snohomish counties. Combined, these churches represent an estimated 10,000 Christians. "We are using these fall dinners to start a community conversation on the need to move beyond band-aids to work at the goal of eliminating poverty," said Quigley. "The conversation we need to have is about the kind of community we are building. Compassion for many and great wealth for a few does not equal justice for al l. We need to be about guaranteeing justice for all." Sister Linda Haydock of the lntercommunity Peace and Justice Center recalled the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: '"Any" religion concerned about the souls of men and women and unconcerned with the slums that doom them, the economic conditions that strangle them, and the social conditions that cripple them is a dry-as-dust religion. ' People who are poor reflect a combination of powerlessness, poverty, and systemic exclusion from full membership in the community. That is what Dr. King was talking about." . Bill Grace of the Center for Ethical Leadership raised a troubling dilemma for church people to consider in their purported concern about poverty. According to Habitat for Humanity, 80 percent of the world's resources are in the hands of Christians. "If that's true," Grace asks, "then why is there so much poverty? Hasn't the church arrived? Where is the disconnect? If we have most of the world 's power and money and influence and resources, and if our faith clearly calls us to work for justice for all, then why does poverty persist? Compassionate Contentment Grace's answer indicts the very behavior for which churches receive so much credit, the work that President George W. Bush wants to codify through government's reliance on so-called "faith-based communities" to provide a major share of the social service support in communities across America. "We are much more content with charity than justice," Grace contended. "We make ourselves feel comfortable while giving out food and providing shelter and offering child care and other basic human services. Bu t we are unwilling to discomfort ourselves with the work of systemic change that wo~ld be necessary to implement true structural justice." See Band-Aid, continued page 18 �STREETVIBES FEATURE SECTION Page 11 WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST.. ••• I recently spolce to a group of youth who are a part of IMPACT Over-The Rhine. I shared with them my experience as a homeless youth, juvenile delinquent, convicted felon, homeless adult, college graduate, and minister. When I had finished it was a certainty that I had given them something to think about. However, of all their questions the one which stood out most was the request for someone to write in Streetvibes the plight of Cincinnati's youth who will be effected by the CCY audlt and cancelled contracts of $5.2 million. Prior to speaking with these youth I had just read in the Post articles written on the 15111, 16th, and 17th which eluded to mismanagement of funds by the We Are The Future training program, a program which claims to have taught 100 "unemployable" young men construction skills. The cutting of these funds will affect 1,000 young people in Hamilton County. Having just read these articles, I was prepared to discuss the matter with these youth. Yet as I reflected on what I had read it dawned on me that the concern of Clarence Williams, CCY President, and our council members was not for the youth who will be effected by these cancelled contracts. I am not saying that the mismanagement of government funds is something to take lightly, but if we fail these youth they will not be off the streets this summer obtaining employable skills. This is a classic case of the sins of the fathers effecting the youth. While the county commissioners and city council members are conducting their audit and making plans to revise CCY programs our youth will be without jobs as early as March 1. The youth of IMPACT Over-The-Rhine who were employed by CCY will have self-esteem issues to workout as a result of tl;leir sudden unemployment. Programs such as IMPACT who have worked in collaboration with CCY will find some of their goals impeded. Goals to uplift youth, build pride in community, and family life will be effected according to Kenneth Toney, Director of IMPACT. Toney believes some youth will be lost as a result of the city's abrupt dismissal of our youth back to the streets. What are we goi ng to do about it? We concern ourselves with the lack of livable wage jobs for our homeless and poverty stricken, however, if we do not address the issue of unemployment among our youth then we are preparing them and our society for'failure. The purpose of such programs like CCY is to prepare our youth for the~r future role as productive members of society. Therefore, it is in our best interest to insure that the $5.2 million is granted to some other program such as Cincinnati Recreation ':"ho can provide employment for these youth. I encourage all who have 5-l\!tJ?.f Sight, Out of Mind Civil Rights Americorp VISTA Civil rights violations are increasingly being carried out by individuals, public institutions and governmental entities against persons who are homeless. Local advocates believe that such actions, policies and ordinances are responses to homelessness driven by anger and frustration, and are fueled by·the powerlessness of persons who are homeless in this society. They are discriminatory because they target persons ba~ed on their home1ess status. NEOCH, Americorp VISTA, and local agencies nationwide are working with the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) on "Out ofSight, Out of Mind," a report on the criminalization of homelessness. Educating the public about the demographic makeup of the homeless population, causes, solutions and what individuals/groups can do is essential to the goal of ending homelessness. The NCH is providing substantive information on issues related to homelessness and poverty to the public. Local governments continue to turn to the criminal justice system to address problems associated with homelessness in their communities. "Out of Sight, Out of Mind," due to be released in March, 2001 , is an update of the National Law Center 's 1998 report which documents a rise in anti.­ homeless activities across the country. The report also examines the progress of this trend in the same 50 United States cities surveyed for past reports. It is the sixth such report published since 1991. In "criminalizing" homelessness, cities generally pursue one of four primary types of action: (1) enacting and/or enforcing restrictions on homeless people's use of pubLic spaces for necessary activities such as sleeping or sitting, (2) enacting and/or enforcina restrictions on begging, (3) co;ducting police "sweeps" designed to remove homeless people from specific areas, and (4) targeting homeless people for selective enforcement of generally applicable laws. Accordina to local advocates Clevel~d ha~ repeatedly ' attempted to use its police force to enforce a policy of "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". In 1999, the mayor of Cleveland adopted a policy to threaten the arrest of anyone sleeping, sitting or even wa\king on the street. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NEOCH together sued the city to stop this policy. After two months of court battles, the city settled the lawsuit pledging not to engage in this activity. In 2000, there has been a rise in the number of homeless people arrested for criminal trespassing for sleeping underneath public bridges. "In the ten years that the mayor has been in office, his administration has used a liammer to deal with the rising homeless population" stated in an interview with Brian Davis, Executive Director of NEOCH. "The City Council of Cleveland is at war with the Mayor's administration which has made it impossible for the Mayor to get any anti-homeless laws passed. He has traditionally used Executive order to accomplish what he cannot accomplish through legislation," said Davis. In an interview with Angelo Ander~on, Dire~tor of ~he Salvauon Army s Mens Emergency Shelter, he stated that "Sweeps see~ to be d~·ectly connected with the holiday season i~ th~ city'~ central business distnct which steps up en~o~cei:ient of a~gressive sohcitatl?~ laws. NEOCH and other ~ctiv1st~ w~rked to stop the sweeprng policy m February, ~000. They have also sett~p a Ca~e ~m e for_the Central Bt~smess D1stnct, which allows busrnesses to call , ~nd social_ service agencies _to mterve~e rnstead ?f t,~e pohce. According to Da:'1s, Alt~o~gh we have onl~ he.ard isolated i_n c1dence of sweepmg connected with events, we have seen limited and will employ youth to contact Clarence Williams at CCY and learn how you can help our youth. Also you should contact the city council, county commissioners, and Don Thomas at the Hamilton County Department of Huma11 Services. As Assistant Pastor of Evangelism & Housing at Washington United Church of Christ, I have been very busy getting settled into my job. However, AWOL Ministries and its volunteers are still very much involved in changing the way of life of individuals and families; so please continue your support of this ntinistry. Contributions can be sent to: P.O. Box 36065, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. Call 2 10­ 4181 or e-mail me at awol@goodnews. net for assistance. In His Service, Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist attempts to prevent homeless people from going into surrounding suburban communities." Public institutions are creating exclusionary policies that target persons who are homeless, such as restrictions on the size or number of bags patrons can take into a library. Local communities are selectively reinforcing existing laws, or writing new ones that . make the performance of life­ sustaining behaviors in public settings such as sleeping, standing, or sitting criminal acts. Over the past five years in Cleveland, the ACLU and NEOCH have challenged anti-homeless policies three times. The first in 1995 was the kidnapping and dumping of homeless people. The second was the registration of See Out of Sight, page 18 Berta's Art Corner Berta Lambert took this photograph in Over-the-Rhine in August. �STREETVIBES EDITORIAL PAGE . Page 12 . The Wire Curtain and Legislative Deception: Political Prisoners and a Shrinking Budget in Ohio By Kenneth D. Smith We have all seen the headlines: "Aid Agencies, Prisons Brace for Cuts in State Budget", or " Unheated Cells Delay Move to New Prison". Interesting headlines, but what do they really say about what is going on within our state government? Actually, very little, unless you read between the lines. For weeks the news has canied stories about dwindling state tax revenues, an increasingly desperate school funding crisis, and Bob Taft's proposals to fix the problems. • But what were these fixes? They were cuts in Veterans Services, Employment Services, etc. Did we see any real meaningful proposals? No! Years after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Property Taxes were unconstitutional as a school funding tool the tax is still there. People are still paying an unconstitutional tax for an unconstitutional purpose! Has our legislature passed legislation to repeal this tax? No! And they don't intend to, either! If the state is really interested in budget cutting and reallocating the funds to education and other needed serv.ices they could start with an area they are all afraid to touch: PRISONS! But we can't cut prison budgets! What about all those nasty prisoners? They might be released! What would we do then? Well, you could start by paying less taxes ! Ohio has 34 prisons. Why? They don't even need them. They have never needed them! The only reason they exist is because of deceit and corruption. Period. When the new sentencing code was being formulated it was intended to be made retroactive and applied to everyone. Why wasn' t it? Simple. If applied to everyone the prison population would have dropped, new prison construction would have stopped, there could have been four or five prisons closed, and then governor, now senator, Voinovich could not have fulfilled his behind the scenes promises. The retroactivity clause was forced out of the new code and in doing so our legislators raped the tax payers for purely political gain. They sold what little honor they might have had to special interests and threw our state Constitution out the window! At the same time they increased the prison budget by FIFTY PERCENT, authorized hundreds of millions for new prisons, and allowed the radical increase of Department of Rehabilitation and Con-ections personnel! Yet the new code was reported to have been intended to REDUCE prisons, prisoners, and prison related costs. Once again they lied! What was said publicly and what took place behind closed doors were totally different. And the taxpayer, as always, loses. As soon as the new sentencing code was adopted a "Wire Curtain" went up around the prison issue and tens of thousands of men and women became POLITICAL PRISONERS. As with the unconstitutional property tax, politicians have buried the school and prison issue under what George Orwell called "double speak." Our so called "elected representatives" have clouded the issues, danced around the problem, and tried every trick in the book to avoid facing the messes they have made. Their deals behind closed doors are costing the taxpayers hundreds of millions while our school system company owners should join forces to eliminate this oppressive tax forever. Then we must demand bureaucratic fiscal responsibility checked at random by independent accounting teams. But part of this "Fiscal Responsibility" should be the elimination of all politically motivated "fat" in the overall state budget. And the biggest hunk of "fat" lies within the state's largest bureaucracy, the Department of Rehabilitation and CoITections ! Since the new sentencing code was NOT made retroactive in order to protect political promises to Youngstown, the prison labor unions, and the politically connected prison builders we must start there. Establish a "Resentencing Commission" staffed by RETIRED judges. Give them the new sentencing guidelines, the power to make decisions, and have them review EVERY old law prisoner's case who is not doing a life sentence. Within ONE year release ALL prisoners who have achieved or exceeded the sentence they could have received for their offense The only reason they (prisons) exist is because ofdeceit and corruption. is the laughing stock of the nation ! With tax dollars shrinking, Bob Taft and those in our legislature are scrambling to save their political promises by trampling on other more worthy budgets! But what should be done? Well, we as citizens need to tum on the fan of truth and blow all of that political smoke out of the way. First, recognize that the oppressing property owners with an unconstitutional tax is wrong, AND there ARE equitable alternatives! Second, we must recognize that we have been lied to about the "prison problem" for years while our pockets were plundered to pay off political debts, debts WE did not make. Then we must take a rational look at what the truth really is. Let's start with property taxes. Who suffers from property taxes? The old, the retired, and those new families who are struggling to make ends meet! Property owners, home builders, and under the new law. Not parole ­ final release. Immediately impose a moratoriumon building ANY new prisons and IMMEDIATELY eliminate all prison jobs caused by closing and destroying the eight oldest prisons. Give each released prisoner $1,000 start up money from the D.R.& C. budget and shift the other $15,000 per prisoner permanently to school equipment, buildings and texts. For every prisoner released back into the work market the tax payer will save $15,000 in new taxes. By closing and destroying the old prisons hundreds of millions in operati ng costs will be saved, permanently. Next let's look at other high costs forced upon us by our "politicians" through deceit. The first item we should look at is the "Felony 5" which was nothing more than misdemeanors raised to felonies to increase prison populations. Thls should be repealed and the lower categories reassigned to local county court control where they should have stayed. Next let's look at "post release control" which is under the new law and is only a propagandized method of increasing the D.R.& C. budget. It guar·anteed that the no longer needed Adult Parole Authority and their parole officers would keep their jobs. Eliminate "post release control" AND the A.PA. completely. Put probation back where it belongs, under the control of local courts. All jobs eli minated by the "belt tightenings" should be permanent. No one whose position is eliminated should be allowed to enter ANY other department for any reason. You don 't save by moving an expense from one spot to another! And regardless of "contracts" you cannot say that a do-nothing in the D.R.& C. is qualified to "bump" anyone from another agency out of their job. There is only one problem. How do we improve our schools without allowing the politicians to keep robbing us blind. The solution is a broad realigning of priorities within our government and a return to government for the people, not the special interests! We can save $800,000,000 a year by eliminating the "pork" from our prison system and return justice at the same time. We can eliminate laws that are deliberately designed to increase prison populations and destroy lives. We can even repeal the new "get tough on drunks" law that increased the felony drunk driving penalty to five years to fill two unneeded "drunk tank" prisons. Reggie Wilkinson was quoted recently in the Columbus Dispatch as saying, "The first thing we're going to try and do is prevent a prison from closing. You, as a tax payer, can believe he will succeed unless there is a concerted push by property owners and other tax payers who have been raped and robbed by our politicians to bring a stop to the waste and corruption within our state government. The citizen IS the government. If you allow YOUR hired servants to rob you than you deserve what is coming, higher taxes, more waste, and more corruption. It's YOUR CHOICE! Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staffor the Greater'Cincinnati Coalition/or the Homeless. �EDITORIAL PAGE STREETVIBES Page 13 Access Denied: Grocery Store Harrassment Arrogant business owners with little respect for their customers have no right to ask you to prov~ you are not a t)lief, especially if no evidence exists to suggest that you've done something wrong. But they have no legal right to demand that you comply with such insulting requests, because to do so is to demand hat you surrender basic protections guaranteed as a citizen. They have no right to detain a customer, much less confiscate personal belongings or search them, unless some specific evidence exists that a crime has been committed, i.e. they have witnessed a theft first-hand. The reasons for this are fairly obvious, among them that store owners, police officers, etc. could and would otherwise subject people to searches and invasions of privacy based solely on what they look like, how they 're dressed, and even what race they are. So I was appalled the other day when, after having made a purchase, I was asked by management at downtown Covington's Economy Market­ the only grocery store accessible to people who live downtown without a car - if they could search my backpack before banding me my groceries. Taken aback, I said no. Then after thinking about it for a moment, I said, "Absolutely not." I had been disturbed by an incident that had happened moments earlier when store management aggressively questioned another customer, a man in his fifties or sixties, whose groceries were being carried to his car by a store employee. Even after producing receipts for the groceries he had just bought, he remained the object of management's suspicions until finally he blurted out in indignant expression, "Look, nobody's trying to put anything over on you!" In my own case, I was detained several moments while the woman in charge debated whether or not to hand me the groceries I had paid for, until finally I demanded that she either give me my groceries or give me my money back. But first the owner was summoned from the. back of the store and 1,:>0inted to a sign that be reserved the "right" to search customer's bags. I did my best to explain to him that such a sign didn't preempt the laws that govern searches and customer privacy, and his response was telling. He said, " I am the law." Luckily for the people who Iive in downtown Covington and need to buy groceries at its only market, he is not the law, though you wouldn ' t know it from the local police, who show little interest in dissuading his behavior. The market exists to serve the needs of the multitudes of people who live downtown, many of them of very modest means and without private transportation. To tell them that, for the privilege of buying groceries, they must surrender ordinary legal rights that other Americans take for granted is not only insulting, demeaning and arrogant, it's illegal. Customers ready to risk management's ire should make it known that they do not intend to tolerate such treatment, and city government should bring the necessary pressure to bear to see that customer's rights are protected and that no one is denied access to the store for refusing to be searched. Access to the basic necessities of Jjfe is too important to be left to the whims and prejudices of one private business owner. Sincerely, Sean McDonald Compassionate Conservatism "Truely, an Anierican tragedy... a faniily too ilnpoverish.ed to con.tribute to 1n_y presidential canipai~n." .·-.. ... �STREETVIBES ART & POETRY . Page 14 Don't Cast Him Aside Soft as a Petal Poor Strange Boy He boiled in angry and hungry beside, Others who knew him shuffled aside. He glared at the servers and scowled at the food, Many among us knew of his moods. Black Woman Soft as a petal Beautiful as a rose Majestic as a star Majestic as a diamond She's Clothed with The garments of salvation Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit Anointed with the Holy Ghost Transformed by God's Holy Word Poor Strange Being Set apart Set aside, Different by choice or circumstance? Poor strange boy, ever increasing uncertainty Poor strange fellow, searcher in mirrors Honest child of liars. Poetic soul in a house of filth Torture self-imposed no less real No less inescapable Entreat to your God for forgiveness Have courage to forgive yourself Until tomorrow I dream only of today Reconciled to each other with ties that bind Bound for grievance sake Unwilling participant in madness Along for the ride the trip turns for the worst Fall away little man, fall away Find solid truth in a liquid world? I don' t think so. We all have to surf our dreams Solid-things are meant for rest Demanding "more meat" and "I want two trays!" We acquiesced meekly just so he' d go away. "Hey you! Don' t serve me none of that crap." My reddened face burned from his verbal slap. Bud calmly asked me to "help him, yes help him, Act as his guide, Work with him gently, very gently, Don' t cast him aside." He was tough, he was homeless and as mean as a snake I wanted to scream out, "Hey, just cut me a break!" A master manipulator, he played with my mind, And easily deflected surface attempts to be kind. Black Woman She's planted by the Living Waters And her fruit shall never wither She's respected in our congregation Because of her love and devotion, She's a multiplicity of unpredictions Her complexities confuse the geniuses Yet, she's so simple her children understand And call her blessed In the nights of sickness and pain She's there to hug, to kiss the tears away And even when man's fears perplex, She's there too to caress She's a black, soft petal - Everybody 's Rose. WARREN PERKINS MARJORIE BOOKER He pushed and he prodded, and crammed bis bags full And said only of my entreaties, "That's just a Jot of bull" His clothing was dirty, he smelled like the streets, His nose it was broken, and he wore sandals on his feet. He locked on my face with dark piercing eyes, Snapping with anger, and wide with a high. Without a kind word he turned for the door, And stepped out quickJy into the blizzard's roar. Still trying to know him, I asked for his name, His response, a slow turn, was the end of our game. Snow coated his cloak, and covered his back, Yet, the carpet of snow showed not his track. The snow swirled between us and in the clearest of words, He stunned me with, "I' m Jesus Christ, or haven ' t you heard." Time froze around us. I felt heavy with sin. He was the least of my brothers. It may have been Hi'm. (Written for and dedicated to Bud McDennott ­ January 13, 1996) DAN GIBBONS SUBMllTED BY GLADYS Dooo Extra! Extra! Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Rate: $2 per square inch �STREETVIBES ART & POETRY Page 15 '"J:ti!!-·«···~ In the faces of the poor I see the (ace of Christ. In the life of the poor I see reflected the life of Christ. In turn, the poor and those discriminated against identify more easily with Christ, for in him they discover one of their own. Jesus said that in the final analysis he will identify himself with the disinherited, the sick, the imprisoned, the hungry, the lonely - who have been given a helping hand. From The Prophet Parable A man was imprisoned for years in China. One day in the shop where he worked in prison, his eye caught small bits of bright wire amidst the shavings on the floor. He began gathering them and saving them in a bottle in his room to brighten things a bit in his cell. After years of confinement, he was finally released from prison and brought the bottle full of wires with him to remind him of his years there. Now an old man and unable to work, he spent days "Speak for all those who cannot speak, for the wakino- at the exact hour the warden had rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge decreed that prisoners should awake and going righteously, defend the rights of the ppor and to sleep at the usual prison lights-out time. He the needy." paced back and forth in his room in the same Proverbs 31: 8-9 SUBMITTED BY GLADYS DOOD pattern he had while confined in his cell, four steps forward and four steps back. After some City birds flying, time of this, he grew frustrated and one day their day is complete smashed the bottle. He found the mass of By a little old lady rusted wires stuck together in the shape of a that throws bread at their feet, bottle. The winos are calling, they need change for wine. DANIEL J. MCCLAIN Despite their sad faces, these people are mine. Natural Highs The men talk of working, the women old times; Falling in love. I talk of California, Laughing so hard your face hurts. and read them my rhymes. A hot shower. Just another Monday No iines at the Super Walmart. at 12th and Vine. A speciaf glance. It may not be pretty, Getting mail. but it's home and it's mine. Taking a drive on a pretty road. KATHY HEWLICK MCGUIRE SUBMITTED BY GLADYS DOOD Verbal Abuse When he was A grinning boy of four, Breaches of protocol Brought him forty lashes In the fear-ruled land of Punishment, The land of pride and prejudice. Now he sleeps through breakfast, Through lunch Waiting for the bitch to tum and busy herself In some engaging meaningless protocol of her own. Then, he can slip away Onto the highway of self-expression, Be it only to scream spinning out of the driveway To the Quickee mart for a pack of Marlboros and a coke. Long since her quick-to-criticise hand has stepped aside, to allow A much sharper weapon, her tongue, to work its dulling beatings on his tired brain. Dulling, 1 say, because, After a few stabs, One begins to fall into a daze, Lose consciousness, begin to dream And Sleep To hide away To escape The pain. TOM BILLMAN Hearing your favorite song on the radio. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside. Hot towels out of the dryer. Walking out of your last final. Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half pdce. Chocolate milkshake. A long distance phone call. Getting invited to a dance. A bubble bath. Giggling. A good conversation. A care package. The beach. Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter. Laughing at yourself. Midnight phone calls that last for hours. Runnning through sprinklers. Laughing fo~ absolutely no reason at all. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful. Laughing at an inside joke. Friends. Fa11ing in love for the first time. Slumber parties. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep. Your first kiss. Being a part of a team. Making new friends or spending time with old ones. Playing with a new puppy. Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping. Having someone play with your hair. Sweet dreams. Road trips with friends. Swinging on swings. Writing for Streetvibes! ANONYMOUS Then said Almitra, "Speak to Us of Love" And he raised his bead and looked upon the people, And there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said: When love beckons you to follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep And when wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among bis pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the ea11h. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds yo~ to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, That you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. All these things love shall do unto you so that you may know The secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge Become a fragment of Life's heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness And pass out of love's threshing floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, But not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Loves possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love, U it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of Jove; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn wi.th a winged heart And give thanks for another day of loving To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart And a song of praise upon your lips KAHLIL GIBRAN �VEGGIEVIBES 3'.·~~~·v STREETVIBES ~s?.~~~)'.our . Page 16 · Cancer Risk by Eating A Plant-Based Diet "Your food shall be your remedy". These words, written by Hippocrates more than 2,000 years ago, hold true today as researchers continue to reinforce the connection between good nutrition and good health. Diet is now believed to be a leading factor in 35% of cancer deaths accordina to noted epidemiologists Richard Peto, M.D. and Richard Doll , M.D. Walter C. Willett, of Harvard University's Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology, says, " .. .in the nonsmokers, diet is likely to account for a substantially larger percentage of cancers, probably more than 50%". Professor Willet cites over two hundred studies suggesting reduced cancer rates by people who eat more vegetables and fruits in his book Diet and Health: What Should We Eat. In 1996 The American Cancer Society issued nutritional guidelines; they note that: "The introduction of healthful diet and exercise practices at any time from childhood to old age can promote health and reduce cancer risk". From there, the guidelines get explicit about which foods to eat and which to avoid. The guidelines advise people to "limit consumption of meats, especially high-fat meats." And they go even further - sounding al most as if they were written by a vegetarian group, in stating: "Emphasize beans, grains, and vegetables in meals to help shift the dietary patterns to include more foods from plant rather than from animal sources." The following are the guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society. ~ 1. Choose most of the foods you eat from plant sources. Eat five or more serving of fruits and vegetables each day. Eat other foods from plant sources, such as breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta or beans several times each day. 2. L imit your intake of high-fat foods, particularly from animal sources. Choose foods low in fat. Limit consumption of meats, especia1ly high-fat meats. 3. Be physically active. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Be at least moderately active for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. 4. Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages, if you drink at all. While these guidelines don't explicitly recommend a vegetarian diet they certainly lean that way. When the chair of th.e panel that drafted the ACS guidelines, Marion Nestle, Ph.D., M.P.H., w~s asked to compare the cancer risk of vegetarians to that of the general population, her response was: "Vegetarians and vegans have one-third to one-half the cancer risk of omnivores." In 1982 the NationaJ Research Council released a technical report: Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, showing that diet was probably the greatest single risk factor in the epidemic of cancer, particularly for cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate. Since then, evidence for the effects of certain foods on the incidence of other types of cancer has also steadily accumulated. Of all the cancers, colon cancer is the most directly related to food choices according to the Dietitians Mark Messina and Virginia Messina. Seventh day Adventists in the U.S. have 40% less colorectal cancer than the general population. Since about approximated that of Caucasian women living around them. Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men. In a 1995 study, published in the Journal ofthe National Cancer Institute, they fou nd a significantly positive association between total fat intake and prostate cancer for all ethnic groups studied. Detailed analysis attributed most of the cancers to saturated fat. A study published by Dr. Charles Meyers M.D., from the University of Virginia, showed that without fatty acids prostate cancer won't grow, but adding arachidonic acid, which is in meat fat, will double or triple the growth rate. The number one cancer killer is lung cancer. But many studies have consistently shown that the higher the blood cholesterol count of a smoker, the greater the risk of lu.ng cancer and that vegetarian smokers have di stinctly lower rates of lung cancer than do meat­ eating smokers. Please note: I am Vegetarians and vegans have one-third to one-half the cancer risk ofomnivores half of them do not eat meat ' scientists believe that diet may be the primary reason for their lower cancer rates. Back as far as the 1970's, the Journal ofthe National Cancer Institute reported that the incidence of colon cancer was high in precisely those regions where meat consumption was high, and low where meat consumption was low. It was found that there is not a single population in the world with a high meat cohsumption that does not have a high rate of colon cancer. Further research has also discovered that fat and fiber played a role in colon cancer. Typically, diet's that are high in meat are also low in fiber and high in fat. In the U.S., one 'in every eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. U.S. breast cancer rates are three times Mexico's rates, four times Japan's rates, and five times the rate of China. These rates correspond closely to the amount of animal products in each country's diet. It is interesting to note that studies have shown that when Japanese women migrate to the U.S. and shift their diet toward a more Western, higher-fat diet, their breast cancer rates steadily climbed. Within one generation it not recommending that you smoke! The China Project, which the New York Times called the "Grand Prix' of epidemiology," and "the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease," found that the Chinese who eat the least fat and animal products have su bstantially lower rates of cancer, heart attack, and several other chronic degenerative diseases." The study collected data in 1983 and in 1989 from each of the 10,200 people. ln the 1989 survey, over 1,000 pieces· of information were recorded over a period of days for each person surveyed. The China Project found that less affluent, poorer rural residents often have dramatically lower rates of what are sometimes called the "diseases of affluence." These include diabetes, heart disease, and colon, breast, and lung cancers . .The higher incidence of common cancers and other "affluent" disease, the researchers found tend to occur in richer, more urban areas of China where incomes and lifestyles allow for meat, oil, and animal protein consumption. Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a professor of nutrition and biomedical sciences at Cornell University and director of the China Project, S~fllldS by bis · findings, and his subsequent recommendations for eliminating animal products from one's diet, because the China study has looked at diet and lifestyle in a very comprehensive way. "Most contemporary research focuses narrowly on relationships between single nutrients, single foods, single diseases, and - if possible - single molecules !" Campbell observes. The China Project is different, he contends, because it focused on the relationship of whole diet and lifestyle patterns to whole health. "We found that a high level of blood cholesterol was consistently associated with many cancers - including leukemia, liver, colon, rectum, lung, and brain," reports Campbell. High cholesterol levels can be attributed to eatina b fats, animal proteins, and meat. The China data shows that as both cholesterol and urea levels rise, so do the incidence of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The project results suggest that even small amounts of animal products in the diet produce significant increases in disease. However, the more plant foods a diet contains, the lower the disease rates. Why do plant foods protect against cancer? The nature between dietary ingredients and cancer is elusive and many questions remain, but fruits and vegetables are chemically very complex and contain many biochemicals that contribute in the reduction of cancer. Several of the most promising are the anti-oxidant lycopene found in tomatoes, which may help prevent prostate cancer, resveratrol in grapes may block cancer development, indole­ carbinol found in plants in the broccoli family may halt the growth of breast cancer cells. Especially promising are the isoflavones or plant estrogens found in soy and flax seeds that have a role in breast cancer prevention. There is also a great deal of interest in the antioxidant vitamins - beta carotene, C, E and many others that are only found in plants. These chemicals interfere with oxidation by free radicals, a process that can result in the formation of carcinogens. As Professor T. Colin Campbell says: "Every bit of vegetables and fruits supplies the body with numerous powerful anticancer See Veggie Vibes , continued page 19 �ECONOMIC NEWS STREETVIBES Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? By Steve Gibbs, President and CEO, Freest6re­ .... Foodbank (excerpts) America's Second Harvest, the national food bank network ... issued an analysis of the dwindling Food Stamp program entitk.d The Red Tape Di vide. It notes that "Over the past four years Food Stamp participation has declined by more than 33% ­ to a participation level of 17 million during the first quarter of 2000. Yet the number of Americans who are at risk of hunger has remained constant at approximately 31 million over the same period of time." Whatever one's politics, the increasing size of the "divide" has many direct effects .. . Why is this happening? Without getting real technical, let me touch on a few of the reasons: Welfare isn't a lot of fun, so when folks get jobs, they leave welfare rolls by just walking away. When they fail to turn up for an appointment with a welfare worker ... because they' re working .. . the casewo(ker closes the case. This means that after they take a job (which may not pay a liVing wage), they fail to get the Food Stamps, health insurance, and childcare help that were intended to help them surv ive. This fact alone has changed the face of whom food pantries feed. Of working-age Do you fi n~ folks, 40% of them are unemployed. As states struggle to reduce their Food Stamp error rates, the forms they use have ballooned. Ohio 's is eight pages long, while Indiana's is only two pages long. Yet Ohio's and Indiana's error rates are virtually identical to West Virginia's, whose fortn is 33 pages long. · · Clearly thj~ process isn't working. The New York Times notes that these forms pursue "Bu'r ial Plot's,' Bingo, and Blood" in trying to exclude families needing help. Sixteen states have either adopted "finger imaging" for applicants or are exploring doing so - Ohio is one of them. Texas spent sixteen million dollars installing the "Lone Star" system to fingerprint Food Stamp applicants. At the end of its first year in operation, it had detected fraudulent multiple applicants that saved the state $10,000. Other problems arising out of The Red Tape Divide spread like ripples through our nation 's life. Hungry children don't learn well, affecting everything from mjlitary preparedness to workforce development. When folks Jose their Food Sta·Q1ps, they · also lose lheir health insurance. Costs to care for the uninsured have skyrocketed in the past 18 months, and those with insurance pay for those without it. rt's j ust part of the cost of doing business. yourself on the outside of the job market, looking in? Do you want a ~elf-motivated, low-pressure job? Sell Streetvibes! The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Economic Boom for Whom? by Juliette Beck (excerpts) First 10 copies free to new vendors! Come in today to sign up! The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street ' Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 rejecting corporate control over all aspects of life, from Monsanto's monopoly patents on seeds to the conglomeration of media to the privatization of water. Just as past revolutions have fought for political democracy, this movement aims to 1 democratize economic decision making at all levels so that the people who are most affected by economic polic\es.have a voice in designing them. Decisions made by Washington and Wall Street will never eliminate poverty. The question is not whether to have a closed or open trading system, but rather whose values are being enshrined in the global rulemaking. Is the goal to maximize corporate profits for the few or to meet all basic human needs and protect the earth? As citizens of a global society, we recognize that our freedom comes with responsibility. The time to act is now. When 43 million people in the United States lack health care insurance, 250 million children worldwide go to work rather than school each day and 24,000 people die daily of hunger, it is easy to recognize that this boom is only skin deep ... The widespread social, ecological and spiritual crises we' ve inherited are caused by li ving in a capitalist society that teaches us to buy without thinking and consume without caring. Our overconsumption is fueling this economic boom, but at a heavy cost to the environment. Every major ecosystem is in decline. Fisher stocks, fertile topsoil, biodiversity, virgi n forests and a stable atmosphere are disappearing and cannot sustain the more than 6 billion people on this planet (at this level of consumption.) Rather than shy away from these global problems, young people are tackling the root causes with myriad strategies and a groundswell of optimism. Mote than Cliffo rd Jone s ever. people are (513) 761- 3464 (5 13) .230 - 6 353 think ing syste mically Office t • WWw Voicemail "o\.1\C •('J°q and acting strategicall y. C',-<'J(Jfl. • <:-; /) s lllail: joneSa~< '>"b'exchange-~ You ng people are ' Streetvibes Classified Americorps VIST~ Positions Availa ble! The NortheastOhio Coalition fo r the Homeless (NEOCH) has positions avai lable in Canton, Akron, Cleve­ land, Columbus, and Cincinnati with the Homeless Children and Youth Project. Contact the NEOCH for more information. NEOCH 2012 West 25th Street $717 Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (216) 241-1104 email: neoch @bbs2.rmrc.net www.neoch.org GCCH Position Available Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell it for a $1 donation. Page 17 Outreach Coordinator will direct the Speaker's Bureau. The Outreach Coordj nator will recruit cites and speakers for the GCCH Speaker 's Bureau. This coordina­ tor will also assess the speakers in the Speaker's Bureau. Interested applicants should contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the HOmeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45210 or call (5 13) 421-7803. AVOC P osition Available Social Work Case Manager , For Homeless/HIV+ Responsibilities include: F.T. Case manager for case load of homeless, HIV affected indi viduals and fam ilies, and pru1icipation in related agency and community activities in busy AIDS Service Organization. Requ irements: Minimum LSW; Experience with HIV/AIDS , case management, the homeless and/or substance abuse preferred. Send resume by 31510 I to: Case Management Position AVOC 2183 Central Parkway Cincinnati , Oh 452J 4 AVOC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all minorities to apply. �STREETVIBES . Page 18 YEP, continued from page 3 Temps. I only made thirty dollars a night, out of that I had to eat at least once a day and catch the bus to and from work. It took me a while to get the money to move and when I did that house was not much better then where I was. In some ways it was worse: it had ton of roaches and a whole lot of mice. I stayed there for three years until my low income housing came through. The really sad part about the story is that it took a crack addict to teach me how to find food and shelter instead of the people who get paid to do it. Now I try to give back by helping others in the same situation by helping them, just like my mother the crack addict did. ­ DelMeda Presently DelMeda is giving back to the community as an AmeriCorps Volunteer for the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Complex. DelMeda, with the help of another AmeriCorps Volunteer, is in charge of reconstructing the complex's housing and referral center. Now that DelMeda is sitting on the other side of the table she vows to make sure that every person who walks threw her doors will be properly directed to the services they need to get off the streets and turn their life around. So how does the church move beyond the band-aid in order to heal the wounds of poverty? By looking for the root causes rather than just meeting needs, said the Rev. Anne Hall of Ulliversity Baptist Church. "We need to work for structural change so that food banks and shelters are no longer needed ," she said. "The church needs to talk about poverty. Its voice needs to be heard loud and clear within the domain of community decision-making. It needs to speak about our collective responsibility - not just the church's responsibility - to provide low-income housing, child care, health care, job training, and a livable wage." "The churches can't take care of everything," declared longtime social welfare activist Nancy Amidei in her fall dinner speech. What they can do, she said, is "to take action to create a different culture in our society, a culture of justice." They should start at home, she said, by making sure that all church employees receive at least a poverty level wage, not a minimttm wage that is less than poverty. They should deal only with businesses that do the same and place thefr accounts in banks that invest in low-income housing. Then they should act as piatforms for the discussion of poverty, telling elected candidates to make ending it a top priority in their political careers. The Church Council's board president, Ed Choe, summarized the concerns of many at the fall · of Churches, recently called upon dinners: "Real change will come the nation's religious institutions to about when enough of us think this unite in a 10-year Mobilization to situation is morally End Poverty. Jim Wallis of the unconscionable. The issue of Sojourners Community in poverty is finall y not about the Washington, D.C. has launched a lack of money, but about power. It national Covenant to End Poverty isn't so much our willingness as that brings church people from "faith communities" to sponsor diverse perspectives together programs, but our willingness to around the one thing they agree stand publicly for the God who on: Jesus' very clear concern for loves the poor. Addressing the poor. There are efforts poverty fundamentally involves underway to promote Wallis' our willingness to act on our faith, covenant in the greater Seattle see ourselves in the poor, and church community. understand that poverty degrades The challenge for the all of us." churches, both locally and The sense of urgency for an nationally, will be to move out of · ecumenical effort is growing both their comfort zones of service locally and nationally. The Rev. provision and bring their moral Robert Edgar, the new general passion into the rough-and-tumble secretary of the National Council p ublic realm. Sight, continued form page 1l homeless vendors of The Grapevine . The third was the sweeping of homeless people from the sidewalk. Criminalization is an ineffective response to homelessness and its manifestations. Efforts to rid public places of ho meless people through such polic ies are likely to be fu ti le; in the absence of adequate housing, jobs a nd treatment, penalizing people for sleeping in public spaces or begging on the streets is unJikeJy to deler them. Homeless people who are chased out of one public area will simply move to another area. Further, broad bans on panbandling, and - when challenged by homeless people with no alternative place to sleep - · broad bans on sleeping in public are especially vulnerable to legal challenges; indeed, several courts have struck down such laws as unconstitutional. According to the "O ut of Sight, Out of Mind" report, anti-homeless actions also constitute poor public policy. "They ar~ counterproductive because they often undermine homeless people's effort to escape poverty. An-ests, citatio ns, fines, ' moving-alone' orders or other harassment by police only serve as barriers to self-sufficiency." The report continues to say that anti homeless actions "impose improper and unnecessary burdens on the criminal justice system. Reliance on police officers, who are not properl y trained to deal with homelessness and attendant problems such as mental illness or alcoholism, and on j ails, wruch are frequently overcrowded and usually cannot provide adequate s upervision or treatment opportunities, often causes difficul ties and widesp read frustration within the criminal justice system." The Nati.onal Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty recommends that cities pursue constructive policies, including: 1) adopting Jaws that are designed to assist rather than harass homeless people; 2) ensuri ng that law enforcement officials protect homeless people, who are disproportionately victimized by crime, rather than single them oul for Jaw enforcement action ; 3) encouraging, rather than limiting or harassing, pri vate service providers; 4) addressing legitimate concem s,.such as san itation, through constructive rather than punitive responses, such as providing a sufficient number of restrooms, and ; 5) fostering dialogue and outreach among city agencies, homeless people, advocates for homeless people, and members of the business community to find long-term so lutions that address the underlying ca1,1ses of homelessness." NEOCH and other agencies Parks, continued from page 1 led him to his most compelling photographs. Parks work has led him all over the world, including stints as a war correspondent, photojournalist with Life magazine and fashion photographer for Vogue magazine. But Parks will always be remembered for his images documenting the black experience. Though Gordon Parks considers himself to be in the autumn of his life, he continues to compose his music, paint and write . "I never allowed the fact that I have experienced bigotry and discrimination to step in the way of doing what I have to do ... " The Gordon Parks retrospective ofphotographs, .films, poetry and music is on exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, until May 6th. For more information call 638-2954, or visit the CAM website: www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org Band-Aid, continued form page 10 As a COHHIO YEP Youth Advisory Council Member I had the pleasure to see DelMeda blossom from a temp worker to full-filling her dream of helping others who are in the same position as she once was. Thank you DelMeda, I'll miss you. Social Security/SSI Denied? Call -John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SS! Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ml (513) 651-9222 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION have been instrumental in designing const.ructi ve altem ati ves. "We have done one police sensitivity training at the police academy," said Davis. This resulted in the 1999 sweeping policy being opposed by the police force who refused to arrest people . Dav is said, "They were very sympathetic to our arguments, and quietly helped the Coalition behind the scenes." Advocates have also been effective with the state of Ohio, which has agreed not to conduct sweeps under bridges without providing warning to local outreach workers. The "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" report is a tool to rid society of the criminalizing "quick fix" attitude. It is designed to help communities begin to create adequate alternative solutions which address the problem of alleviating homelessness and discontinue the practice of focusing on the symptoms of the problem. �STREETVIBES Calendar of Events Streetvibes bas a monthly calendar of events to keep yott informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Please contact us if you have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice fonJms, protests, community festivals, art shows, etc. Please call 421 -7803, fax to 421-7813 or email streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. Page 19 Street View , from page 3 you seek employment if only for the day. Up early to catch the temp job, if your are lucky you get a days work in, if not you seek another way to earn a few dollars. If nothing else, you find your "cats, " hang out with them until you find something to do. No matter, it always seems to come out the same way. Street l ife, for those on the outside there is no understanding. For those on the inside there is even less understanding ! We .all believe there is a way out, but getting there is another thing. For street people there is no how or why, only do or dje. A sad reality, but none the less, a reality indeed. Time is so important to the street person, yet time is the enemy of change in "the life". The need is immediate, almost as if now or never. A day is too short, a week too long. The street person lives by the moment, giving your all for right now. "Ob well", there will be Radio, from page 6 truck. He had not way of getting the health care he needed; he was -so distraught and so desperate and .he understood that the onl y way that he could get the health care that he needed was to get into the health system through the are out there - you know, cavemen emergency room. So he was working very hard to create an would have had logical ways of keeping warm in 15 below weather. emergency even at the risk of But it becomes illegal to save your loosing his life. Rather than only talking own life. You know, you can't set about the health problems that up a tent; you can' t set up a l ittle homeless people face, I think we shelter; you can't build a fi re. It need to step back and also becomes illegal to save your own understand that the health care life. - Dave ( J) system is a contributing factor to In terms of national ~tati stics it homelessness and economic is impor:tant for people to hardship. For example, one understand that less than half of serious injury or health problem, homeless folks are actually such as a disease, can wipe out an enroJJed in Medicaid. A nd so entire fami ly in terms of their when they need health care and a economic stability. And, in fact, lot of times the only way they are the lack of health care is the going to get any health care is number one reason that families through the Emergency Room and who have left the welfare system possibly through some p ublic go back on welfare. - Claudia health services. In Champagne/ A couple of years ago Urbana, IL, there isn't any safety homeless people were sleeping net. If you don't have money, you around the county building here can't get health care .. . I was and under shrubs. And the police driving home on a major street here came through under orders of the w hen a man threw himself at my March 3-4 The First Annual Athens amazing that any normal city, any Do-It-Yourself Festival to · city that would call itself a part of be held at Ohio University the civilization, wouldn ' t have in Athens, OH, for the done something to open up any purposeof helping people kind of facility. But the idea that educate themselves and gain hundreds of thousands of people valuable and fun skills. 4 Welfare Rights Coalition Potluck lunch and meeting. J2 noon at the Contact Center. A new co-chair will be elected at this meeting. Call 381-4242 for more information 4 EarthSave Dining Out, 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant to be determined. Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann Lederer at 59 \-3003 for more information. 5 The Just Earth Campaign will present a program about human rights abuse. the global environment, and multinational corpora­ tions at 7:30 PM in Muntz Hall Auditorium, Raymond Walters College, 9555 Planfield Road in Bl ue Asb. Sponsored by Amnesty International and the Sierra Club. Call the local Al number for more informa­ tion: 221-7659. 8 Amnesty InternationaJ Cincinnati Group 86 meeting, J :00 at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Pavilion. For more information, contact Amnesty International at 221-7659 15 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1 :30 p.m. at the Drop Inn Center. Call 421-7803 for mere informc;ition. 17 EarthSav:e Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more information, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or call Mary A nn Lederer 591 -3003. Veggie Vibes, from page 16 substances. Scientists may have a tough time isolating these agents, and they may not work individually as supplements, but it's now indisputable that fruits and vegetables exert tremendous anti­ cancer activity." Although identifying the anti­ cancer agents in plants has been more difficult than expected, researchers have identified numerous compounds in animal Perotti, from page 8 they added to my sentence. In January 1998, the parole board continued me 10 more years, allegedly due to the vio lence of this case. I retained counsel and an investigator and obtained an affidavit from the victim saying I was not the one who stabbed him, and that I should be released from prison. Thjs was submitted to the parole board, who still refused to change their decision. This means products that can trigger cancer tumors or hasten their development. R_e searchers are especially concerned about a highly carcinogenic and mutogenic free rarucal called heterocylic amines, a class of molecules often found in cooked meat but not in cooked vegetables. Utilizing accumulated knowledge about cancer and diet, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) another chance. (This is the only real hope that a street person has ... convincing ourselves that there is a chance comi ng later). Even in the realms of hopelessness there is always the possibility that things will change if we just keep p utting fort~ the effort there is a chance. B elieving that this is the beginning of change, counting the events' of the now, with hopes that they will enhance the next series of events. Stay strong, keep your wits ... it has to change! city council and they threw away sleeping bags and other personal items. Among those items was insulin belonging to a homeless woman with diabetes. They just scooped it up and tossed it into the dumpster. - Billy I've been homeless off and on since 1992. I went through three or four shelter programs before I figured out that they weren 't the answer. The problem is that we are living in a country with a political system that supports poverty and homelessness. As a homeless person, I don 't want charity. I don't want a shelter. I want poUtical power. l want my human rights ... As crazy as it may sound; (being homeless) I learned bow beautiful people really can be. When you are sitti ng on the street asking for change, a Jot of people ignore you, but a lot of people come up and talk to you and they are really kind ... One day I was really, really hungry and someone came along and said, "Oh, you're hungry. Well, come with us; we are just going to this restaurant right here." - Dave actively promotes a plant-based vegan diet as the most effective way to reduce cancer risk. The advice from the m ain stream cancer community is to "limit" animal products rather than to eliminate them. PCRM feels that since ani mal products cause risk (and even the most traditionally oriented nutritionist must now admit they do), people should be advised to cut them out of their diet entirely. I must go back through the court freedom. I thank all of you who system to try and obtain justice. I h ave assisted and written with am in desperate need of funds to words of support." pay for counsel. Any and all donations would <;J'hef}ku.i ~ ~ be greatly appreciated, 3722 Came/en Avenue ~-~/".> and can be sent to J Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Perotti 1142 Hall Ave, 513-708-2228 Lakewood, Ohio 44107. bgeasfer'@fuse,net Twenty years i n prison is www.tfieg lasscharmer. c o m totally disproportionate Econom v and d eluxe wedding to my offense. Yet I will Invitations, birth a nnouncements, parties continue to fight for my !!, �Need Help or Want to Help? lf for some reason you fi nd yourself · homeless. contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. HOUSING : CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Network 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 369-0004 784-1853 921-1613 75.1-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 SHELTERS: Women and Qbildren YWCA Battered 421-2437 621-5991 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in 591-2246 Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 . 381-4242 Contact Center St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 661-4620 Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. 381 -1 954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Friars Club 761-1480 821-5100 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center 961-4080 (Teens) St. John's Temp Housing ReSTOC Tender Mercies 381-1171 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women 0.D.A.A.T First Step Home 221-6937 961-4663 651-6446 18" Palmyra Push _____r oom - Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 771-4800 Goodwill Industries G .C. Coalition for the Homeless 421 -7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 . 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect -­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 859-572-6226 VA Homeless Program Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 Than~ you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: The Struggle of the Life Learning Center Half Past Autumn Pg 2: Diversity Defines Streetvibes’ New Editorial Team Pg 3: Chabad House Homeless Shelter: Helping Families in Need Pg 4: Preserving Ohio’s Affordable Housing Pg 5: Vineyard Community Church Pg 6: National News Pg 7: Recovery Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: Peltier: Disappointment and Renewed Commitment Pg 10: The Struggle of the Life Learning Center Continued More Than Bread Pg 11: Words from the Evangelist Out of Sight, Out of Mind Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Editorials Continued Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Lower Your Cancer Risk by Eating A Plant-Based Diet Pg 17: Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? Economic Boom for Whom? Pg 18: Parks Continued YEP Continued Band-Aid Continue Sight Continued Pg 19: Street view Continued Radio Continued Veggie Vibes Continued Perotti Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman Dan Marschner H.L. Bowen Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Mr. Lee Riccardo Taylor Mary McCoy Micael Stoops Rodney Sutton Sean McDonald Susan Huesken Steve Gibbs Juliette Beck Casey Trupin Lauren Byrne Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF African American Artists Alicia Beck Artists Arts & Poetry Berta’s Art Corner Casey Trupin Charity Church Covington Dan Marschner Diversity Editorials Evangelist Gordon Parks H.L. Bowen HIV Homeless Resource Center Jimmy Heath Juliette Beck Lauren Byrne Life Learning Center Mary A. Gaffney Mary McCoy Mary Taylor Micael Stoops Mr. Lee National News Pat Mitchell Peltier Prison prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Rodney Sutton Sean McDonald Seattle Sonny Williams Steve Gibbs Street View Susan Huesken Susan Knight Tom Billman https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/1d2ca42ef3fc3ab71cce8fe69410a3ba.pdf 8b0532b94837eea5e8c4935d56e55de7 PDF Text Text D IB -r r I~ TH£ TRI-STATE'S HOMELESS 6RAP£V'INE FEBRUARY 2001 $1 DONATION BU\' FRON BAD6ED VENDORS ONL'/ $ DONATlON . R£AT£R. CINCINNATI COA.LITlON FOR TH£. HOMELESS �THOUSANDS MARCH TO.REMEMBER DR. MARTIN For anyone interested in learning more under President Clinton) and LUTHER KINQ ' JR • Department about African-American history, the William Bowen (Ohio State Senator) are all by Dan Marschner The January 15, 2001 Martin Luther King Day rally was the largest march in the history of Cincinnati's marches. Thousands walked from Fountain Square to Music Hall in a show of solidarity for the civil rights of all citizens. After the march, Music Hall hosted a concert to commemorate the ideals of Dr. King. After a year of significant racial problems in Cincinnati (restaurant protests, police­ communi ty relations, etc.), the show of racial unity indicates hope for the future. The staff here at Streetvibes encomages all of our readers to celebtate Black History Month. Take some time to learn more about influential African-Americans this month. African-Americans have made important impact on all our lives, and their legacy should be better appreciated. Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, Stokley Carmichael (founder of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), Mayor Theodore M. Barry, William Mallory (Ohio State Representative), Mary Ann and Donald Spencer (integrators of Coney Island and other prominent Cincinnati landmarks), Jacquelyn - -w.aJliams,.{jm ctor General for the U.S. State influential Cincinnatians and African­ Americans whose contributions should be better known. Cincinnati Public Library has thousands of resources available. Visit the library today to learn more about people whose lives continue to be very influential. Members of the Dr. Martin Luther K~ng, Jr. Coalition lead the march to Music Hall on Martin Luther King Day. The march was the largest in the history of the Martin Luther King Day celebrations that have b'een celebratedfor almost thrity years. Keeper of the Keys:.Jailer ·(!pens Door to the Homeless By Mark Allen Teegarden It began with someone knocking at the sally-port, looking for something to eat. Then there was the case of a person found sleeping in the stairwell of the building. Though it doesn' t sound like much to you or I, it took on a whole new meaning to the keeper of the keys, Jailer T.W. Carl. The sally-port and the stairwell happen to be in the Kenton Co. Jail and Mr. Carl was getting his first look at homelessness. At fi rst glance, one would probably mistake Mr. Carl as a local businessman. Soft spoken and reserved, but with great conviction, he has had quite a full plate in his fifty-th ree years. Father of 2 girls, decorated Vietnam Veteran with 25 years of service to his country (both active and in the National Guard), this retired Cinergy employee decided that he hadn 't done enough, so he ran for public office. Thus, he became the Kenton Co. Jailer. Now with 2 years in office, his education on homelessness has increased dramatically. Through his association with local veterans groups and Moses house in Cincinnati, Jailer Carl learned about veterans walking the streets without a place to call home. And as Jailer of Kenton Co., he found out through officers on the street about homeless people living down on the riverbank and sleeping in the alleys of the tri-state. RC As he talks of these things, there is a catch in his voice, and then an anger towards a government that he served without reservation. Appalled that the country has turned a blind eye towards homelessness, he decided to do something about it. Jailer T. W Carl discusses his efforts to help the homeless in. Northern Kentuck With the help of his second in command, Col. Ballard, and a staff of nearly 100, Mr. Carl decided to open his empty cells to those who needed a warm place to rest and stay during inclement weather. Surrounding police departments in the area were made aware of this new program and it has gone well thus far. This is how it works: lndi viduals who need shelter can come to the jail during inclement weather and ask to stay. Meanwhile, officers comb the alleys and riverbanks and offer to take those who wish to the j ailhouse for warmth, a bite to eat, and a shower. · This is done voluntarily and those who enter may leave at any time. The only drawback is that those who enter may be checked for warrants, and the jail staff officers supervise them for safety and security reasons. The ones who do use the shelter are not put in the population nor are they in any danger of being housed with felons. Mr. Carl began the program because he noticed an increase of older men being incarcerated with charges such as trespassing or destruction of private property. He found that a lot of homeless men did these things in order to g'et arrested just so that they would have shelter during extremely cold weather. With the conception of this new program, Mr. Carl felt now homeless people would have an option. Instead of getting arrested to stay warm or to get something to eat, all they would have to do is ask. This program also helps the surrounding police departments by keeping the officers where they are needed: on the stre-et, instead of at the jailhouse writing slap-on-the-wrist citations. Jailer Carl has great praise for the Covington Police Department and surrrounding departments for their involvement. Without their help and the help of his staff, none of this program could have happened. Mr. Carl's future plans include more ----ATI COALITIO FOR �GCCH Director's Challenge By Alicia Beck Streetvil>es, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, for, and about h..omelessnes!, social justice, lUld po¥ercy-rebited issues. I t is pubJished once a month by the Greater eincinnati Coalition· l or ibe Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cove:r printing costs) and then sell the paper for a dollar donation,. The vendor keeps the proijts. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (Qr stay on) their feet~ Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign. a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. The G,-eater Ci11cimiati Coalitio11 for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending home­ lessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the publfo and grassi:oots organizing. GCCHStaff Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman Dan Marschner Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Macy Taylor Sonny Williams Mark Teegarden Director Administrative Coordinator Editor Assistant Editor Outreach Coordinator Tenant Organizing Oureach Volunteer Recept~onist Receptionist Prison News Editor Volunteer Advocate Writers Mr. Lee Doug Lawrence Pat Mitchell Dan Mar-schner Chris Moss Davjd Clark Cecelia Buuicci Lamell Harris Bill Tinker Rick Taylor Alicia Beck Susan Huesken Mada Poblel Riccardo Taylor John Perotti Berta Lambert Tony Hall Raman Victor M. Velez John Canig)ja . Coalition for the Homeless has provided a voice , for the homeless and has led many successful As we plunge headlo ng into the New Year, efforts to make positive change for those living the staff of the Qrea~er, Cj.~~ innati Coalition for without a home while empowering the homeless the Homeless would lik~ to thank ou ~ valued readers for their generous support during 2000. Because of you, we experienced a sqccessfuJ year in 2000, boosting o~r circµlation to 8000 during peak m onths. The ~i;eat~r .Cincinnati Coalition for the Hpi:neless ha~ work-eq hard during the past year to improvy. ~tree.tyibes and to provide a solid alternative news source. We made many changes during 2000, adding new .. sections to our paper, including \\'.eb Vibes, Veggie Vibes, and new.columnists- we even changed our cover! W,e hope that you. have enjoyed these changes, and we.invite you to provide any feedback that you migh t have for us regarding the content, presentation , or Alicia Beck, the director of the GCCH format of our newspaper. Countless individuals have benefited from to make change for themse lves. Sadly, the many efforts of the Greater Cincinnati homelessness is still a harsh reality for many Coalition for the Homeless through our families, women, and men. With your help, we program coordination, advocacy/grassroots can continue to. change this injustice, and work organizing, and public education programs. to house all children. Essential to the end of homelessness is We have nearly reached our fundraising,goal, systemic change, and the Coalition has but we stiII need help from you, our valued reader, spearheaded many efforts 'to insure that all to continue producing Streetvibes. So that we children, men, and women have access to safe, may continue to publish this important news affordable, and decent housing. source and provide jobs to our many vendors, An important part of our efforts include folks like please consider helping us to meet our financial our Streetvibes readers, who help to support our needs by making a donation to the Greater newspaper vendors on the streets, as well as Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. If you through yeatly subscriptions to Streetvibes. have any further questions regarding our needs, " Jeffery", a former vendor of our Streetvibes please call us (513) 421-7803, or mail your new spaper, credi ts the newspaper and its donation to GCCH, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, facilitation of self-empowerment for spuITing bim OH45210. on his climb from homelessness and addiction to And again, thank you for your continued support a college student well on his way to successfully of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the completing his degree. But with each success, we Homeless and Streetvibes, without the important are reminded that there are many more men and dollars that you give, we cannot cont inue to women like "Jeffery" who need our assistance. provide Streetvibes to the Greater Cincinnati Over the past 16 years, th~ Greater Cincinnati community. Streetvibes Editor Steps Down By Dan Marschner Photos/Graphics Photographs by Berta Lambert, Sonny Will­ iams, and Jimmy Heath. Streetvibes accepts letters, poems. stories, essays, original graphics, photos .... We will print everything we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subsc:riptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per, year. (Please make checks payable to GCCH) Please send all material to the following address: Streetvibes do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421 -7803 fax (513) 42 1-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@jun o.com or homecoal @primax.net web page: h ttp://cinci.com/gcch In a tragic accident, Tom's house was Tom Billman has decided to step down as editor of Streetvibes after 18 great months. The paper developed tremendously during Ton:i's tenure: circulation reached 8,000 copies, the layout became much more appealing to readers, and the content standards of the paper improved dramatically. Streetvibes has also added color photography during Tom's stint as editor. Tom used his position as the first Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless staff member exclusively dedicated to Streetvibes to make the paper more comprehensive and successful. Tom's greatest asset is his relationship with the vendors. Tom taught several of them basic computer skrns. and he plans to continue to assist the GCCH in that role in the future. Tom advocates strongly for an increased role for vendors in the paper, leading to increased involvement in the paper's development. Tom's passion for social justice led to an expanded vision for the content of the paper, and his desire for social change expanded the paper's focu s. His zany sense of humor provided a fresh perspective to the paper. Tom has great rapport with the vendors. burned on January 25, 200 l. The fire burned several of his possessions and left him temporarily homeless. Showing Totn 's dedjcation lo the paper, he still offered to help with the production of this edition the very next day. Tom's dedication and love for Streetvibes cJeru:ly shows through his generocity. Photo by Sonny Williams Thanks for all .the great memories, Tom. Tom has decided to take a consultant role with the paper, primarily helping with technology. He will continue to volunteer his time to assist the vendors and the GCCH. All of us at the GCCH wish Tom the best irt the future, and thank him for Streetvibes tremendous growth during the last 18 months. �STREETVIBES Street View The view from the eyes of the street person it is very unique. It's a view that remains the same yet is always different. The sights from the concrete jungle vary from moment to moment: always on the border of reality while straddling the realm of uncertainty. A View that is shared by all who live in the grips of the street life. A life of expectancy, knowing but not knowing, each day beginning like it ends. Often not knowing when or where one will sleep, catching a nap whenever possible. Living without hopes or dreams, standing on one's wit, using the know how of the street teachings. Happiness and its glamour is eluding while chasing the next meal, or that place of refu ge from the weather, or that spot of solace for a night. A day Riccardo M. Taylor in the life of the street person usually is routine. You awake with the attitude that today will be different, yet knowing that it will be a repeat of the day before. Betting against the odds you start your journey of the day heading for the nearest place to eat in the arena of soup kitchens and sandwich windows that are located in your haunt. LQC AL NEWS Page 3 ReSTOC: Hand in Hand witfl the Drop Inn Center by Pat Mitchell they still need additional work. Recovery Hotel offers transitional living fo alcohol and drug addicts that have completed a treatment program at the Drop Inn Center and maintain 90 days of continuous sobriety. This program is subsidized by metropolitan Housing Section 8 criteria. Residents continue counseling, case managing and aftercare support during a six month stay. The goal of the program is to assist each resident in finding and maintaining permanent housing and growth in a new lifestyle. Buddy's Place provides permanent housing for formerly homeless individuals. Rent is income-based, and applicants must have an income less than $12, 150 a year. With supportive service programs available, it is ReSTOC: lets tip our hats to a program founded in 1977, a project of the Drop Inn Center committed to saving, reconstructing and providing low income housing for people of Over the Rhine. With a vision for the Vine Street Community Project, affordable housing for workina families,. preparing to rehab 33 I:> units. The buildings included are vacant and need an abundance of resources to renovate. Five commercial storefronts are also being worked on right now, 33 buildings are currently occupied, and 2/3 of the residents are either staff or board members. Sixty percent of their residents were homeless, in shelters, or doubled up (meaning living with someone else). What a great idea having residents as board m embers! Who better can know the needs of Photo submitted by ReSTOC the community but the people who actually Ii ve in the community? What most impressed me about this project is that 3,000 volunteers a year made up mostly of coUege students and church "Ah, let me walk down to the spot and see who's out. See what type of lick I can catch members give up their Saturdays today." from 9 am to l pm, Street people have to walk continuously, there's no rest in leisure, you have to move on. Back rain or shine, aided and forth, from one comer to the next. by crew leaders ReSTOC volunteers display their enthusiasm for the work. . Looking, scheming, figuring out the next move. that train and Meandering amongst the walkways of the city, direct these volunteers to do most of the work located at 1300 Vine Street. I feel that this needed to make these buildings livable. knowing the landmarks of abandoned article is of importance because I find that one ReSTOC has received only a few government buildings, which ailey gets you to the 'spot', of the tools needed for the homeless person is grants. Without government funding, housing watching and listening to the sounds that tell to be informed. They need to be in the know, progress is slow. So accomplishments and you what might be awaiting around the next . especially working people because they are the credits go to a small paid staff of 6 along with corner. Never~ rest for your mind as that last to know the resources. might cause a setback in what is needed for the their volunteers who all make things happen . If you would like to render your services in In addition, two of their most completed units days survival. any way, through donations or as a volunteer, need to be mentioned: Recovery Hotel and feel free to contact Robert Freking, 114 W 14th Buddy's Place. Though both are habitated, "Oh I know that I am going to come up". Street, 38 1-1 3 I 4. A few dollars a day. In reality this can support a street person for a day, if they just use the necessities of survival only. So you make your hustle to gain a few dollars. Collect some Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. scrap, panhandle a bit, sell some merchandise. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 registered distributors. Twenty, thirty dollars, that will get you voluntary donation. I agree not to ask 6. I agree not to deceive the public by through. The thing that makes it so hard is that for donations more than $1 . I also saying that I am collecting for a not­ once you get a few dollars you still have time understand that I will be able to keep for~profit charity or that I am collecting to waste. Idle time with o nly those who live 80 cents of each dollar collected. for the "homeless" in general. I will be like you to hang with. In the life there is Future issues of Streetvibes will be honest in stating that all the profits nothing really constructive to do, so, we spend purchased from the Homeless Coali­ from the sale of Streetvibes will go to our time kicking the breeze, sipping on a forty tion for 20 cents. the individual vendor. or chasing that elusive high through narcotics. 2. I agree that I will never distribute 7. I agree that I will not C0'1test territories Soon the few dollars are gone and we find Streetvibes while under the influence with other distributors. ourselves back in need of funds. So we start of drugs or alcohol. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives the process all over, hustling for·a few doUars. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations to be a self-supporting paper created It's a never ending cycle day in day out after 12 midnight. by people who are homeless or for­ survival in the street. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I merly homeless. To help in this effort, will not use abusive language or force I will try to spread the word and write "Sick and tired of being sick and tired." someone to give a donation. I will not stories if possible. We feel the hurt, the disgust with our li ves, the give a "hard sell" or make someone 9. I understand that failure to comply feeli ng of failure. We believe that there is feel threatened. with any of the above statements will something that we can do to enhance our lives 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of result in me no longer being able to yet, what? Often we search for help, Streetvibes to persons who are not distribute Streetvibes. Streetvibes Vendor Code See Street View , continued page 18 �.cp,- ~ · STREETVIBES . · l.10(~Al.1 NEl\TS f •1 ·~ , Page 4 · · How Predatory Lenders Are Different From Other Lenders By Rick Taylor - If you ' ve been reading the COHIDO newsletters or checking out the COHHIO web page over the past few months, you have probably noticed an increase in the amount of information pertaining to predatory lending. As part of our ongoing effort to educate and inform our partners about predatory lending and the devastating impact it is having on families and communities throughout the state, we are giving this issue a lot of air time. In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of mortgage loans made by lenders specializing in lending to borrowers with sub-par credit histories. These lenders, known as subprime lenders, are often times independent mortgage or finance companies, but they can also be thrifts or even banks. Some larger banks have affiliate mortgage companies that are subprime lenders. Subprime lenders typically charge borrowers higher fees and interest rates than prime lenders, based upon the risk of the loan. By providing Joans to borrowers who do not meet the credit standards in the prime market, subprime lenders can and do play a critical role in this economy. These borrowers may have what is often referred to as bruised credit histories, ·they may have insufficient credit histories, or non-traditional credit sources. Thr6ugh the subprime market, these borrowers can buy a new home, improve their existing home, or refinance their existing mortgage to increase their cash on hand. According to The Woodstock Institute in "Two Steps Back: The Dual Mortgage Market, Predatory Lending, and the Undoing of Community Development", from 1993 to 1998, loans made by prime lenders rose substantially slower than those by subprime lenders, with a 38 percent increase in home purchase loans and a 2.5 percent increase in refinance loans. Corresponding increases among subprime lenders were 760 percent and 890 percent respectively. One possible reason for this dramatic increase in loans made by subprime lenders pertains to the increasingly segmented system of consumer finan ce, with higher­ income communities as the main target of more highl y regulated banks, thrifts, and their affiliates who seek to cross-sell account and investment products. At the same time, lending to lower-income and minority communities is often viewed as an isolated line of business, in which the focus is on the short-term transaction and associated fees. Lenders active in these communities tend to be mortgage and finance companies subject to substantially less regulation than banks and thrifts. · The overall growth of the subprime market as evidenced by the explosion of loans made between 1993 and t998, combined with the almost hyper-segmentation of mortgage lending markets by race and neighborhood, has created opportunities for abuse. This dual finance system has fueled the rise of subprime fi rms and has increased the room for abuse within the market, especially for less sophisticated homeowners. Abusive mortgage lending, or what has been dubbed predatory lending, often leaves homeowners with substantial debt that they cannot afford or are unwi se to take on. What makes a sub-prime.lender .differeflt from a predatory lender? While mosJ sub-prime lenders serve a need by t~rg~ling borrowers with sub-par credit histories, so.me.go too far. Those that go too far ar~ knoyv as predatory lenders. Lending practices become predatory when lenders target specific p0pulations (usually low-income, minority, and/or.eJderly homeowners) with high pressure marketing· techniques, charge excessive fees 1 fr.equ~ntly refinance or flip the Joan, and often times mislead the borrower. Ohio is not immune to this practice. In low-and moderate-income and minority communities throughout the state, one or two predatory lenders often dominate the market, while prime lenders are nowhere to be found. These predatory lenders are literally harvesting the equity that homeowners have built up over the years. By loading the loan with excessive fees, high interest rates, and pricey insurance premiums on the front end, predatory lenders are all but ensuring themselves a pay-off. In many ways, it's a win­ win situation for the lender and a lose-Jose situation for the borrower. If the borrower makes the monthly loan payments, whkh are often times inflated (excessive fees, high interest rates, and pricey insurance premiums), the lender is making a profit. If the borrower is unable to make the monthly payments, the lender forecloses and sells the house for a profit. Predatory lenders go beyond risk-based pricing, and instead set loan terms high above what they need to offset costs and earn a return that compensates for the increased risk. This is typically done through high interest rates, high points, high origination fees, unnecessary credit life insurance, and other additions to the loan. While many of the loan terms described below may not be predatory on their own, the failure of the lender to fully disclose to the botTower the risk or cost associated with each individual term can make the loan package more problematic, especially if the borrower is unaware that better terms may be available. Many of these terms, in and of themselves, may not be fraudulent, unethical, or prohibited by law, but thrive because there is a lack of competition in the marketplace and a lack of information for consumers. By'structuring the debt with excessive fees and interest rates (beyond those needed to cover costs and reasonable, risk-adjusted returns), by packing and financing these excessive fees, and by flipping or frequently refin ancing with fees being rolled back into the loan, some lenders are able to exploit low-income, minority, and elderly homeowners. These practices raise serious community reinvestment, fair housing and fair lending concerns, largely because banks and their mortgage and/or finance company subsidiaiies appear to be representing the market and targeting minority communities for hi gher priced, lower quality products. As reported in The Subprime Market Share in Ohio, the share of the mortgage market held by subprime lenders in minority neighborhoods is significantly higher than the share of the mortgage market held by subprirne lenders in non-minority neighborhoods. The State of Ohio is third in the country with respect to the number, and fifth in the country with respect to the percentage of refinancing loans originated by subprirne lenders. According to 1998 Horne Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, more than 52,000 refinancing loans were made by subprime lenders within the state. The vast majority of these loans were made in substantially minority census tracts. In some of these census tracts, as many as 80 percent of all refinancing-.loans were made by subprime lenders. While this information in and of itself is specific only to subprirne lending, it does offer some insight on what has come to be known as predatory lending. While not all subprime lenders are predatory lenders, all predatory lenders are in fact subprime lenders. That being said, an increase in subprime lending activity throughout the State of Ohio correlates directly with an increase in predatory lending practices. It is estimated that in other states, approximately 25 percent of all subprime loans contain one or more terms that can be classified as predatory. If you apply that rationale, an estimated 13,000 of the 52,000 refinance loans originated by subprime lenders in Ohio in 1998 were in fact predatory loans. Unfortunately, the situation in Ohio is representative of a larger epidemic. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Unequal Burden: Income & Rac ial Disparities in Subprime Lending in America, subprime loans are five times more likely in minority neighborhoods than in white neighborhoods, and three times more likely in low-income neighborhoods than in high-income neighborhoods. Clearly there is a problem. These factors combined with the literal explosion in the predatory lendi ng market over the past few years have created a situation within the State of Ohio that must be addressed. The most vulnerable or traditionally underserved populations (low-income, minority, or elderly homeowners) are being singled out and taken advantage of by predatory lenders. This is a practice that must stop. As long as predatory lenders go largely unregulated, as long as they are allowed to take advantage of often times low-income, minority, and elderly homeowners, and as long as we continue to sit idly by, they will continue to destroy entire communities one block at a time. If you would like additional information on what is being done to put an end to predatory lending practices within the State of Ohio, or would like to be placed on the mailing list for the state-wide anti-predatory lending task force, check out the COHHIO web page at www.cohhio.org, or contact Rick Taylor at (614) 280- 1984 or via e-mail at ricktaylor@cohhio.org. Advertise Extra! Extra! Support Streetvibes by Advertising to Socially Conscious Readers! Rate: $2 per square inch �STREETVIBES l~()(~i\I~ NJ~l\7 S Page 5 ODAAT (ONE DAY AT A TIME) House Closes: house, with one of the four still undecided as to 17 Beds Lost where she is going. Speaking by phone with by Mr. Lee It is hard for the average citizen to imagine mourning the loss of a bed. In this case it is the loss of seventeen beds. Seventeen beds that provided safe, clean housing in a recovery friendly environment for women in r.ecovery. On January 3 Pt, 2001, The ODAAT (One Day At A Time) House will officially close. The ODAAT House was also a safe haven facility for battered and abused women. There are a limited number of beds available to women in recovery. This loss is especially devastating because of that fact. Transitional housing is a very valuable resource in assisting homeless alcoholics and addicts in early recovery. Statistics have proven that alcoholics and addicts that stay in transitional housing stay clean and sober longer, and enjoy quality recovery more often. They have a better shot when living in an environment in close relationship to other alcoholic/addicts. The loss of these beds affects everyone: the families and children of these women, current and future employers. the court and criminal justice. system, the taxpayers - Ever.yone. Reccwery has a cost. Adqiction has a higher cost. Initially scheduled to close December 3P1, a thirty day extension was g iven to the residents, as several had no housing plan. As of the January 22°d, four wor:nen still reside at the one of the residents, it was impossible to miss the sadness and bitterness in her voice. She loved ODAAT and was angry and disappointed at its closure and the manner in which it was handled. She spoke about several successful fund-raisers, one that raised two thousand and another that raised 1200 dollars. She wondered what good those efforts had done. By phone I spoke with Fred Buckley, the Board Chairman of Charlie's Three Quarter House. He stated that the board bad tried for years to make ODAAT House self-sufficient but could never attract enough women to meet the cost of operation. In November, the Charlie's board had voted to separate from ODAAT and to sell the building that house the women's shelter. It is the board's wish to sell the property to some organization or individual that would use it for a recovery or treatment facility. The resurrection of ODAAT has been discussed. The Charlie's board out of necessity decided to focus on its Vine Street faci lity and it's mission of providing housing for recovering alcoholics and addicts. Next month I will begin a series on treatment programs and recovery facilities. I will also do a follow-up to find out what happens now and what is available in the area of recovery housing and alcohol and drug treatment. For now, let us all reflect on the issue of homelessness as it relates to recovery. Wish List Streetvlbes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget fron:i the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of maQY ~. volunteers and donors. If you .can help out wtth some of the items oo our wish list, please give us a can... o Advertisers -Classified and u~lassi­ fied o Supplies for vendor's lounge (cof­ fee, tea, paper towels, cream and sugar,etc. o Offi&e and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help - film (400,800, 1600), developing help, digital and/ or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o A new vehicle (van?) If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes @juno.com Medicaid Reinstated for 133,000 Parents Legal Aid Starts Health Access Legal Aid's HAAP is hoping to and Children maximize the number of low-income people The Ohio Department of Job and who benefit from Medicaid Reinstate ment. If Advocacy Project Family Services (ODJFS) has restored individuals need help with the application Medicaid coverage to 133,000 patients and children who lost Medicaid between November 1997 and April 2000, during the implementation of welfare reform in Ohio. Legal Aid and other advocates have been urging ODJFS to take the step for the last year. The reinstatement was accelerated when the Health Care Financing Administration mandated action in April 2000. HCFA determined that many families had incorrectly lost Medicaid as states were implementing new welfare policies. Eligible families should have received a notice in early November telling them about the Reinstatement. Special 3 month medical cards were mailed in late December. FarniJies, whether or not they are currently eligible, will have full Medicaid coverage from January thru March 2001. Fammes will be able to apply for ongoing Medicaid, using a streamlined application process and based on more liberal eligibility rules implemented this year. These individuals and another 50,000 people m ay be able to have ODJFS pay them back for medical bills they paid when they were eligible for Medicaid in the last three years or pay providers fo r unpaid bill s. Legal Aid 's HAAP, together with the Ohio HospitaJ Association and the Children's Defense Fund wil l be sponsoring a free training on Medicaid Reinstatement from 9:00 - 11:00 am on January 19, 2001 at Mere Auditorium at Bethesda Oak Hospital in Cincinnati. process or seeking payment of past medical expenses, they should contact HAAP at 362­ 2870 ext. 240. .. STREETCJIBES TElECllSION Studio IJudience Wanted!!! Streetvibes TU is produced /.ive, the Second Tuesday ot each month, l · 8 PM, at Media Bridges , 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to be a part of our studio audience, or have ideas for shows, please call us at 421-7803 February Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for February's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 9 AM Friday, Feb. 9, at 5 PM Saturday, Feb. 17, at 9 PM Friday, Feb. 23, at 5 PM Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 9 AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. The Legal Aid Soc iety of Greater Cincinnati initiated the Health Access Advocacy Project (HAAP) in November 2000. HAAP was formed in response to the gro wing number of low-income people without health insurance and without access to appropriate, affordable and quality health care. HAAP was made possible, in part, by a three year grant from the Heath Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. HAAP will tackle the issue of the uninsured in three ways: 1) Individual representation of low income people who have been denied Medicaid or who qualify for other free care programs; 2) Community education geared to medical providers and other social service providers and consumers on health care coverage options for low-income people; and 3) Community collaborative advocacy to improve access to health care for low-income people. HAAP will be managed by Trey Daly, a senior attorney at Legal Aid. Legal Aid has added a new Health Advocate, Holly Mechley, formerly director of Mercy Franciscan Health Partnership Program. HAAP will be announcing community events throughout the next year. If your agency is interested in training on some health access issues like Medicaid, Spenddown, Health Care for Working Disabled People, or the Hospital Care Assurance Program contact HAAP at 362­ 2870 ext. 240. �- STREETVIBES INTERNATIONAL NEWS Page 6 Problem-Solving Specialty Courts: Jail Diversion By Doug Lawrence - Editor '.s' Note: Lawrence is the Program Director ofthe Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program, which began in Cleveland in August 2001. He oversees seven clinics in Northeast Ohio serving homeless people and those in danger of becoming homeless. A new "Mental Health Court" started in Akron in January of 2001. The last ten years has seen the growth of many types of diversion courts. These are court-based initiatives that attempt to deal with the root causes of involvement in the criminal justice system. These courts practice a therapeutically-oriented judicial approach. This means the courts attempt to resolve problems that face the defendant first and use punishment second. The best known fonn of diversion court is the drug court. Other examples include domestic violence courts and reentry courts for those returning to society after serving out their prison terms. A new form of diversion court that is gaining popularity is the mental health court. These courts are developing because of mental heal th institutions closing, pervasive jail overcrowding and increases in the homeless population. The United States Department of Justice reported in 1999 that 16% of all inmates in state and federal jails had a severe mental illness (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are examples). 283,000 people with serious mental illnesses were in jail or prison, more than four times the number in state mental hospitals. The average daily number of patients in state and county psychiatric hospital has steadily dropped from 592,853 in 1950 to 71,619 in 1994. Mentally ill offenders frequently spend unnecessary time in jail and without access to mental to mental health treatment services on release, regularly become repeat offenders and go through the criminal justice system again. The goals of mental health comt are to identify these persons as early as possible through screenings and referral of defendants . They also ensure effective legal advocacy for the mentally ill defendant. Other goals include, establishing the most effective and least restrictive treatment options avai lable; supervising the delivery and receipt of mental health services and treatment; and to divert mentally il1 defendants with non-criminal or minor criminal charges to community. based mental health programs. All of these goals call for effective cooperation between the mental health treatment system and the criminal justice system. Mental health courts do bring to light some of the problems for the mentally ill defendant. Screening procedures face the problems of accuracy and confidentiality. The requirement to identify and assess the defendants quickly can be incompatible with the need to conduct comprehensive assessments required for a reliable diagnosis. Confidentiality of the defendant would be breached without the consent to view their mental health records. This procedure would mean that participation in any mental health court would have to be voluntary. However, the degree to which participation is voluntary is difficult to determine when dealing with defendants who suffer severe mental illness. Without first gaining the consent of the defendant, mental health courts can run the risk of coerced treatment. In San Diego and Los Angeles, municipal courts and public defender offices have come together to create Homeless Court. The San Diego homeless court began in 1988 and evolved from a "Stand Down" to provide services for homeless veterans. The San Diego homeless court has shown that homeless people did not attend court until the court came to them at the "Stand Down". This was not out of contempt for the justice system, but rather the daily fight for clothing, food and shelter made it impossible. The fear of receiving fines that they can not pay also keeps homeless people away. Often, homeless persons lack the proper documentation and resources to put on a proper defense. Th is coupled with the fight for survival on the streets puts them in a poor position to deal with the substanti ve and procedural issues that a legal case presents. Homeless court allows the defend ant to have their cases heard and disposed of at the same time. Just as mental health courts put defendants in treatment programs, homeless court senten.c es are not jail time or fines, but assistance. Defendants will be sent to shelters, receive drug counseling, job placement assistance or other services that will enable them to break the cycle of homelessness and prevent entry into the criminal justice system. Homeless court also has to be voluntary, because the defendant must get involved with shelters and service providers. This puts the defendant in a posture that will allow compliance with the court orders, and to put them on .track to beat the things that resulted in their homelessness. Between 1989 and 1992 San Diego court records show that 942 homeless veterans who went to court through the Stand Down, resolved 4,895 outstanding court cases. In a one year span the San Diego homeless court helped 200 people clear over 500 cases. The Coalition on Housing and Homeless in Ohio released -s tatistics that on average in 1999 there were 3,080 homeless people in Cleveland. A homeless court could help to lower that number considerably as it removes the legal barriers that keep people homeless. The desired results of diversion courts are to relieve stress on both the justice and prison systems, as well as rehabilitate persons rather than warehouse them. This creates a stronger sense of justice, becau s~ it reintegrates the mentally ill and homeless person rather than shoving them farther away from society. Reprinted with permission f rom Cleveland's Homeless Grapevine. ADVERTISE IM STRllTYlllS Radical Export By Chris Moss, New Internationalist The first attempt to introduce a non­ religious, non-charity street paper sold by homeless people into South America has been made with the launch of Hecho en Buenos Aires ("Made in Buenos Aires") on the streets of Argentina's capital. Patricia Merkin, who spent much of 1999 at the British headquarters of street paper The Big Issue in London, sees the Argentine version as "a combination of the tried and tested strengths of The Big Issue and a realistic approach to local idiosyncrasies." These include massive slum population, unemployment that rises to 30 percent in some suburbs of the capital and no widespread public idea of what being homeless (sin techo) really means. "CuITently, most social programs are run by official government departments or international organizations," says Merkin. " It is time to create a more participative society and leave behind the 'aid' model which only perpetuates the problems of the socially excluded and their state of mind." Merkin is positive about the prospects of Hecho en Buenos Aires, pointing to the success of homeless street papers in other countries: "It's a proven experience in countries with diverse social and political conditions and different levels of exclusion. It is perhaps an experience th.a t can show the other side of globalization. If McDonald 's and Coca-cola can be international, why not The Big Issue?" Referring to Buenos Aires' burgeoning informal economy - a response to unemployment and underemployment - she adds: "The street model itself is a standard formula in Third World countries to solve economic problems, as street selling is a very common source of income for excluded people." Meanwhile in Brazil, Luciano Rocco and a small team of volunteers are worki ng to launch their own equivalent, Mutiriio, early in 2001. "We are following The Big Issue as a modeJ for Brazil, but I'd like to see as much balance as possible between pages edited by vendors and non-vendors," says Rocco. "Actually, I'd like to see the vendors runni ng the whole business in the long run. Our concern is to give them control over their image and voice. Besides a "street lights" section, for instance, we see them editing letters from the readers to be published in the magazine, from the very beginning, like an open dialogue. Our Advertisers help a good cause while promoting themselves to over 8,000 concerned peop'.e each month_. Business Card Size ~ Two Busmess Card Size 2" x 3 1/2" ~ 4" x 3 1/2" $15 per month $30 per month Send your add copy to Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street,Cinti, 45210 , . ( Larger Adds homecoal@primax.net , or call 421-7803. Also Available) ~ �STREETVIBES Page 1 Life After Mt. Airy: Return of the Prodigal Sons by Mr. Lee This is the fifth and last installment of my series on Mt. Airy Men's Shelter. It has been a lengthy study of a unique and valuable institution in the network of agencies that serve the homeless ..Just a quick review: . September-shelter overview October-The Pick-up Point November-Mt. Airy December-Love It Or Leave It-Part I January-Love It Or Leave It-Part II The focus of this piece is the departure from the shelter and the far too frequent return of the "prodigal sons". For those who are not familiar with the biblical story of the prodigal son, a quick synopsis is advisable. Before getting into life after Mt. Airy, a few details about the shelter experience that I missed in previous articles. Every new client has an interview with the Administrator or the social worker. This gives the man an opportu nity to tell how he got there and more importantly, what is the plan for getting out. There is a formal service plan that i.s written and there is a real effort to update it weekly. There is a greater emphasis than in years past on preventing a resident from just free-floating. in the shelter communi ty. Identify the barriers to housing, resolve them and get the man into Jong term treatment, transitional housing, independent living, nursing home, etc. To discuss what his are important to understanding what the experience is really like. Moving forward. Our friend has been there six weeks, two months, or four months. He has resolved his barriers to employment and housing. He is clean and sober. He has received financial assistance to get an apartment. He moves into his own apartment. He has a telephone. He has food, clothing an AA or NA sponsor. Heaven forbid he might even be in a relationship (usually not a good thing). Life is better if not good. Hell! Life is· good! All of his basic needs are being met. Food, shelter. clothing and sex(?). He relapses. Sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly, his li fe falls apart. With near frightening speed, he soon is once again homeless and winds up back at Mt. Airy. What happened? He was doing so well. A lot or work and time was spent helping him get his shit together. He and those working with him had high hopes. There is no ~imple or universal answer. It usually is a combination offacrors that resulls in this man and many like him, rolling back down the hill. Our man set himself up to fail without realizing it. He fai led to enlarge upon his spiritual li fe sufficiently to meet the increased and difficult challenges of life away from the shelter. He probably sees his principal challenges as being re-acqu iring the material and worldly possessions lost as a result of a life of chaos. Too much, too soon. Too much freedom, too much money, too little structure, too little focus on recovery. There are some practical and easily identifiable barriers that this man inevitably encounters. Work readiness-The man has not had consistent five days eight hours a day for possibly years. It takes time to develop the consistency and to get into condition to work 40 hours a week. This involves getting the life problems into a reasonably manageable state. Court problems, health problems, mental health problems, clothing problems, family problems, etc. These all have an impact on the quality of life enjoyed by the recently housed man. Recovery Program-Has the individual in question made sufficient progress in his recovery? Has he made the daily commitment to keeping recovery first? Or has recovery moved behind his j ob, his women, his kids, his car, his friends or other things in importance? Does he have a sponsor, does he continue to regularly attend meetings? Does he have a sober support system in place? Family members, friends, employer, sponsor, sober friends, professional counseling? Usually the stories are similar. There are some tangible, easily ide ntifiable actions that have either not been taken or not consistently performed. Has he kept focus upon his primary purpose (to stay sober and to help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety)? Has he extended a helping hand to anyone, or does he still act as if the world revolves around him? Has he fai led to enlarge upon his spiritual life? Does he turn to God only in times of need? The reality is that if he is so fortunate he may wind up back at the shelter, bumbled, broken and contrite. This could be the beginning of a productive sober life, or it might be the second time around. If you don't know the story of the prodigal son, here's a brie{synopsis. In the Bible he was the son of a fairly well off man. who went to his father and requested his inheritance · while his father was still alive. His father gave it to him and he promptly left, and spent it all on "riotous" living. Broken and broke, he . returned to his country and to his father's land hoping to get some table scraps. His father greeted him with open arms, gave him a new coat, rings and killed a fatted calf for the fea5t in honor of his return. The men who return are like the prodigal son in that they have wasted the grace of another opportunity to straighten out their lives, but also like the prodigal son they are accepted back and given another opportunity. Mt. Airy Shelter is a good place to be when you have no place to go. Lives can and do change. By the way did I mention the stadiums' cost and the absence of shelter and facilities at the "Pick Up Point? 1 did? Well, never mind. Live long and prosper. Get your Greater Cincinnati Coa\ition for the Home\ess Year :2001 CA LE ND AR Now! Examining Home\essness from a kid's point of view Featuring photos by Jimmy Heath. 5end i to to GCCH, 1506 E\m 5t ., Cinti, Oh l.f5J 10 �UPDATE ON MOVE 9! keep intact its racist vicious aim to keep "The Move 9" despite it knowing that we are innocent! We must still use the courts as a means of exposing its foul racist corruption for all to see and are in the process of putting together an appeal petition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concerning the denial of our "PCRA" appeal by Judge Glazer. Next step after that will be to Federal Court, with much the same results expected! We have no faith in this system on any level, local or federal! Like with Mumia and all other political pris.o ners, it is going to take folks in unity to put massive constant pressure on this rotten system on all levels of struggle, to pressure it to release us. It should be c!ear to everyone that this system will not do what is right on its own. It should be clear that this system must be made to do what is right, that it must be forced to do what is fair, it needs to be pressured to do what is just. In knowing these things y' all , we know "What" is to be expected of all who proclaim to be about Revolution/ Change/Righteousness/justiceffrutb. Our work is truly cut out for us all. It is fulfilling, rewarding work, work that will make us strong, close, as United, Together, as One in the Unity needed to defeat this monster called "The System"! I will leave you with this quote from our revered founder John Africa. "When an evil person attempts to interpret a righteous person, the interpretation will be as evil as the person that is giving it; for when a wicked person judges a godly person, the judgment will be wicked, but it won' t tell you a thing about the person being judged ...." As always, take care and stay strong by staying revolutionary and keeping On The Move! Ona Move! My very best to all who are active in the work of true revolution that is needed to bring about a righteous change for the Good of All Life! I am glad to report that two recent events our folks attended went very well, and the vibration of revolutionary, truth, love, strength & Unity was felt by all who attended. One event was held in Philadelphia on Dec 2nd and was a program designed to teach folk about The Move organization and John Afdca, and the Dec 7 1h program was held . in New York and covered a wide base of issues concerning Political Prisoners, POWs and other revolutionary related issues. I bear this event went very well also, with representatives of our family speaking on Mumia & The Move 9!. Beautiful and needed! Think of having events where groups representing a multitude of issues & concerns can sit together and work in Unity toward the solution needed to solve, correct and eliminate the problems we face as oppressed peoples the world over. Also, on Nov. 17, Philadelphia Judge Gary Glazer turned down our "Post conviction relief Appeal" petitions we bad filed. It was a chance for Judge Glazer to END the persecution that this system has been heaping on us that bas held us unjustly in prison for over 22 years! This sham of a "Black man" took less than 2 weeks to deny an appeal that took us over two years to put together all the evidence, facts, witnesses, etc. contained in our appeal petition. There is no way he could have reviewed, investigated, researched all the information we presented in such a short period. Clearly, the decision to deny our appeals was made long before we ever even filed it! Despite our presenting "New evidence" that prosecutors ONA MOVE! withheld vital evidence, including a Feb 1977 Your bro in revolution, Secret Memo outlinjng plans for a po]jce attack to "eradicate MOVE". Once again this rotten Phil Africa system has used its "Courts of Injustice" to Free the Move 9 ! Free Mumia Abu Jamal! Legal Assistance: Unfortunately, Free All Political Prisoners! Streetvibes cannot help prisoners with Never Forget May 13lh, 1985 !!! !!! any type of Legal Work, other than indirectly inspiring our readers. For help For more information on The Move 9, or proving innocence by .DNA testing, the Move organization, contact. ... contact: The Innocence Project at MOV'E PO Box 19709 Cardozo Law School, 55 5th Av­ Phila., PA 19143 enue, New York, NY 10003. Email: movel li ja@aol.com (212) 790-0354 Fax: (215) 476-7551 Ph: (215) 387-9955 STREHVIBES P1isone1sNews contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. If you want to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $15 for a year's subscription Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 For Prisoners who want to join the class action lawsuit against the supermax prison, Youngstown, contact: Staughton & Alice Lind 1694Timbers Court Niles, Ohio 44446 or for more information call (513) 241-8014 collect Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace By John Perotti OSP#l67712 In the March/ April 1999 issue of "Against All Odds" are numerous articles about the ineffectiveness of Ohio's grievar,ce system. One of my peeves with CURE has been the fact that often they talk more than they act. Well, now is the time to voice your opinion, and better yet, send obvious blatant abuses of che grievance system to Anthony Vincent Nathan, 1822 Cherry St., Toledo, Ohio 43608-2801. Due to a letter I sent to Judge S. Arthur Spiegel about the ineffectiveness and deliberate interference of Ohio's grievance system, he asked the Senior U.S. Attorney to order the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Ohio's grievance system. This interference is designed to delay exhaustion necessary to file lawsuits. So the DRC rured gunslinger Vincent Nathan to evaluate Ohio 's grievance system. No disrespect to Mr. Nathan, but every time the DRC has hired him to evaluate their conditions, he has always ruled for the DRC. It is up to us to show him, the U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Nyktas (220 Porter Stewart, U.S. Courthouse, 100 East 7 1h Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202) and the Civil Rights Division, DOJ, P.O. Box 66400, Washington, D.C., 20035-6400. Oruo's grievance system has intentionally withheld forms and established roadblocks in order to not only interfere with the resolution of legitimate grievances by those na·ive enough to think they can get assistance. In an attempt to completely hinder and stop lawsuits that now require the grievances, from informal complaints to chief inspectors decision, to be attached to the complaint before they can even by filed. So let's see all you hard core activists rally to put forth hard evidence to Mr. Nathan and the U.S. Department of Justice, who can file suit on our behalf if they feel our rights have been violated. John W. Perotti OSP #167712 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Road Youngstown, Ohio 44505 PENPAL WANTED Richard Frye #205231 OCI P.O. Box 511 Columbus, Ohio 43216 �STREETVIBES PRISONERS' NEWS A Prisoner's Testimony by Dave Clark · My name is David Clark. I am currently 25 years old. I have been incarcerated in the adult penal system here in Ohio since I was 15 for a crime that.I did not commit. That crime, I believe, would never have been what the local authorities in Dayton call "solved" if not for the people who really committed the crime. They called the police the morning after the incident indicating that I was the one who had done it. So it being the case that the police had no suspects, and the news was screaming for what they terrn "justice," so they were happy to have a scapegoat dumped into their lap. So in prison I have sat for approximately the last ten years now. I am writing to you honestly because of the seriousness of my situation and also because I don't have many options. It is unfortunate, but a very real fact that tq escape the grasp of our out of control criminal justice system takes more money, connections, and/or access to the news media than I possess. All I ask is that you read my story. You may not find me the most articulate person you have met, but I think I can best convey my predicament to you by giving you a blow-by-blow account of what happened. These events happened on April 28, 1991. They involve, aside from myself (15), my friends (I'm speaking in the past tense now so l'U use the teri:n "frien~" loosely) Robert (15), Scott (16), and John ( l 6). Scott's little brother Chris (13) and his friends Justin (12), Elizabeth (12) and Cynthia (12) were also present. I had never met any of these four until that night. On this particular evening, I was at Robert's house. He and I were talking and playing Nintendo wh~n Scott came over with Chris and his friends around 9 p.m. We continued to talk and play games until around midnight when Cynthia asked Robert if h·e wanted to go "running around". (This practice was pretty common for kids in our neighborhood because we d idn 't have the money to do anything else.) As Robert said "Sure," Cynthia said, "Ask David if he wants to go." So I said, " Yeah, why don't we go down to John's house (which wasn't far) and get some more Nintendo tapes" because I was tired of play ing the same games. So we left and as we were walking to John's, we saw a lot of smoke in the air. We saw that the smoke was coming from the house of some people we sort of knew, you know, just people who everyone in the area knew. So we ran to the house and there was a lady already there trying to get someone to call for help. I was trying to look in the . windows to see if anyone was in there, but there was too much smoke. So I knocked in a couple of small windows to let the smoke out, but it didn't help any. I then kicked the front door in and I was hollering in to see if anyone was there. The lady who lived there answered. I tried to get her to come to the door, but all she just­ kept saying was "My kid, my kid!" .I tried to walk through the living room to get her; but when I was halfway through the room something in the kitchen exploded. I lost my nerve and ran out into the porch. Just as I made it to the pore}), the lady reached the door. She fell against in from the inside and ·pushed it closed. Almost immediately the firemen arrived and pulled her from out of the house. A minute or so later they brought her 12 year­ old daughter out of a window. The lady survived but her daughter died 7 days later. While the fire was still being extinguished, John showed up. He lived just around the corner. He said he had heard the fire trucks. He and I went around the back to see how much damage the fire had caused. We noticed that the woman had a couple of little dogs so we told the fire department that we would take care of them until the woman and her daughter returned from the hospital. So we took the animals around the com er to John 's house and put them in the backyard. Then his grandmother made him come in the house because it was late. I went back around to where the rest of my friends were. They told me that they had written statements for the fire department stating what had happened. Since everything was over, I went home, told everyone what had happened, and went to sleep. What follows I relate in light of what I have learned since the fire. Early the next morning, John's uncle by marriage called the police to his house early and told them that he had heard that I set the fire. He had been in prison and was always in and out of trouble with the law. When the police asked him how he had heard this, be said his nephew told him. When they asked him where they could find John, he had the police wait at his house while he got in his van, went and picked John up and told him what to say to the police. (John later admitted this on the witness stand that he had told the police what his uncle had told him to say.) Shortly after speaking to John and his uncle, the police began picking up my friends who had given written statements about the events surrounding the fire to the fire department. T he police coerced and threatened these kids and the kids changed thefr sto1ies. They said that I set the fire and that they were the lookouts. Each of my friends eventually wrote revised statements along these' lines; but the stories differed from each other in many substantial details. The original written statements, however, all of which had been made right after the fire and outside of each other's presence were exactly the same in every detail. Another lady who was at the scene of the fire before we were reported having seen three people who set the fire carrying a microwave oven out of the alley behind the house. She clearly described these figures as adults who could not possibly have been children. This lady would not change her story. A year after the investigation started, however, the prosecution persuaded three of my co­ defendants to testify against me. The prosecutors had them confess to a new story in which the three adults and all of the young people committed the burglary together. The story recounted a grand conspiracy that resulted in 11 people collaborati ng in stealing a illlcrowave. At trial , I was convicted on the testimony Page 9 ., of these three witnesses alone. Everyone else testified for me, including the eyew it~ess who saw the people who actually did it. The police, moreover, tried to manufacture evidence. When I was arrested, they took my clothes for evidence, saying they were going to test them for gasoline or other accelerants. So they sent the clothes to Miami Valley crime lab right next to Dayton. The lab found neither gasoline nor any accelerants. The detectives insisted upon taking the clothing to the Department of Commerce in Columbus to conduct more sophisticated tests. There the tests found gas on one of my shoes. My lawyer questioned the scientist who performed the test. He said that while he did find gasoline on one of my shoes, the amount was so great that there was no doubt in bis mind that the Miami Valley crime lab in Dayton should have detected it without any problem if it was there when they tested it. Apparently, on the way to Columbus from Dayton, the detectives pulled over at a gas station and doctored my shoe up. Strangely, the prosecution chose not to use this evidence at triaIThe chief fire investigator testified that someone pouring some type of accelerant on the floor of the house and lighting it caused the fire. A lab reported that the defendant was arrested with gasoline on one of his shoes; but the prosecutor chose not to use this incriminating evidence. Why not? As a 15 year-old boy, I was falsely convicted and sent to an adult prison to serve 4 l years to life. I have now served almost 9 for a crime I did not commit. The first time I can even see the board is in 2020. I will be 44 by then and will have served 2/3 of my life in prison. My mother passed away in 1996. Falsely convicted and imprisoned, I missed her final few years during which she suffered severely knowing that I was in here. Since her death, I have no other means of financial support. The state provides the minimum and nothing else. When I first entered prison, I was still a kid. I had to learn quickly to think like a man, like an adult inmate, to survive the realities of prison life. Though I have obtained my G.E.D. since I've been locked up, I have never been to high school. Nor have I had the chance to go to a prom, to get a driver's license, to do so many of the simple things people on the outside take for granted. I am told that I am a fairly intelligent guy. I have many interests, and I study just about anything that comes my way. My dreams and aspirations have become much simpler than when I was a free 15 year-old. I only want to be free, to become educated, to marry, to raise a family, to do the ordinary things a person my age does. Basically, I just want a chance to live my life in freedom. I know that people will say that I must not forget the 12 year-old girl and her mother. I have not forgotten them and I will not forget them. I had nothing to do with the fire, with their tragic injuries, with the death of the girl. Keeping me in prison compounds the injustice done to them and does the mother no good. I was not, am not, and have never been a threat or danger to society. I have no violent crime in my past. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now I am in the wrong place all of the time. See Testimony, continued page 18 �STREETVIBES Page 10 Prisoners want 'supermax' barred: ACLU says penitentiarys aim is to break 'will, human spirit' By John Caniglia, Plain Dealer Reporter In a room the size of a parking space, John Perotti makes his home. He stays there 23 hours a day. His view to the outside world is a 4-inch horizontal slit in a steel door. The lights are on all the time, and he has little, if any, contact with his neighbors. He and 423 others share simi lar accommodations in the Ohio State Penitentiary, the state's only "supermax", or super-maximum security, prison. In a federal lawsuit fil ed yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union seeks sweeping changes in the way the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction runs the prison in Youngstown, claiming indefinite solitary confinement and a lack of medical treatment are cruel and unusual punishments. ''This is a hellhole by design," said Raymond Vasvari, legal director of the ACLU of Hoio. "This is a brand-span.king new prison that was created to break the will and human spirit of men." Among the changes, the ACLU and a team of attorneys want the penitentiary relaxed to a maximum-security prison. The move would keep inmates in tight security but would allow them to leave their. cells, speak with one another, go outside, work and take classes. The suit, brought by 21 inmates, also proposes placing the state's worst prisoners there, not those in need of psychiatric care. Terry Gilbert, an attorney from Cleveland, and Jules Lobel, a civil rights attorney from Pittsburgh, said a good deal of the men in the prison suffer mental problems. "How can you not?" Gilbert said, citing conditions at the prison. "The place creates zombies." The prison was built in 1998 at a cost of $65 million to house Ohio's worst felons, including some on death row. The prison is not affiliated with the privately run Northeast Ohio Correction Center, which houses inmates from Washington, D.C. Three inmates have committed suicide, including Mark DeMarco, a Cleveland man convicted of killing suburban mo.ther and housewife Mary Jo Psho. Guards are watching at least 40 inmates closely to prevent them from hurting themselves, Vasvari said. Joseph Andrews, a spokesman for the state prison system, said the agency would fight the suit. He said the prison houses "very, very dangerous people." He declined further comment. Last year, Andrews spoke about the prison after a team of human rights advocates toured it: "None of our inmates are here because they didn ' t sing in the choir. They all did something, but the people at the supermax prison are the predators of the system, the guys who have attacked inmates or guards, the people who need to be separated form the rest of the system." But the ACLU claims that many of the inmates do no belong there because they are not dangerous and because they suffer pychological disorders. For instance, Gilbert said, Perotti, 45, of Cleveland, is in the Youngstown penitentiary because he has been an outspoken critic of the prison system for years. He was sentenced to 22 to 66 years in prison in 1982 for a variety of crimes, including felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and aggravated assault. "He's a political prisoner," Gilbert said. Some of the inmates who are part of the suit have abused corpses, ki11ed, raped and robbed and started the riot that killed 10 people at Lucasville in 1993. But the ACLU says that all the inmates deserve to be treated like human beings. For instance, the group said, when inmates receive psychological care, they should not be chained to a pole during the visit. Peggy Vallandingham insists the inmates are treated well. Her husband, Robert, a guard at Lucasville, was kilJed in that siege. "If they're living, that's more than what I have. My husband isn't," she said. "If they' re locked in their cells 23 hours a day, that's wrong. They should be there 24." Reprinted with permission from the Cleveland Plairi Dealer. STREETvihEs ENCOURAGES All iTS REAdERS TO suppoRT B'4ck HisToRy MoNTlt. TAkE • SOME TIME TO lEARN AbOUT i N.­ flUENTiAl AfRi~ CAN.-AMERiCANS Tkis f EbRtJARy. Protesters demonstrate outside of the Hamilton County Courthouse in Downtown Cininnati to demand the release of Leonard Peltier. Protesters marched to Peaslee Neighborhood Center and sent faxes to President Clinton asking for Pe/tier's pardon. Peltier was not one of the people pardoned by President Clinton as one of his last acts in office. HOUSING ADVOCATE NEEDED Friars Club Shelter has a part-time position available working with residents of its' Homeless Shelter For Families and Low Cost Residency for Men. 1O hours/week, evenings and weekends. Salary commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should mail resume to Friars Club, 65 McMillan St., Cinti., OH 45219, ATIN: Housing Coordinator or fax to 241-0356 �STREETVIBES Page 11 Vendor Visits D.C. to Protest By Riccardo M. Taylor My D.C. adventure began when Sonny Williams asked if I would like to go to Washington D.C. for the rally against George W. Bush. Given the opportunity to take a trip away from the day to day activities that I have been used to, I jumped at the chance to go. Of course I had some idea of what it might be like to visit D.C., and that along with the high anticipation of what a protest rally might be like, I set off on what l expected to be an adventure. The ten hour trip with a van full of other protesters was very lively. My fellow travelers kept up an interesting array of subject matter for conversation. The topics ranged from politics to classical music. I found the subjects to be both informative and open so the trip to D.C. was enjoyable. After arriving in D.C. we broke up into two major groups and set off for different protest sites. I choose to go to the civil rights site, hoping to have a chance to hear the Reverend Al Sharpton speak. The site was at Staton Park a few blocks from the Supreme Court. The atmosphere at the park was very festive and exciting to say the least. There was music, speeches, slogans, and invitations for other events on the protest circuit. I was awed at the massiveness of the crowd. There were some several thousand people at our particular site, with an estimated seven to eight thousand people marching in the overall protest. About an half hour into the gala I found myself being caught up in the rapture of the moment. The chanting filled the air, slogans for a stronger power base for the people: ''No Justice, No peace" (my favorite), along with the many other chants. It didn 't take long for me to find myself chanting along with the rest of the crowd. All individuality was lost as we became one body, all caught up in the spirit of protest. After about three hours in the rain Ustening to speeches, singing along with the addressers, it was time to march on the Supreme Comt house. The march was just a few blocks, but with the shear bulk of the crowd it took sometime to make our way to the courthouse. Once getting to the courthouse we started to link hand in hand as a human chain was formed around the courthouse. The chanting voices were audible enough to be heard for several blocks! Bush campaign. The speeches at the church were very lively and the responses were tremendous. Again I felt apart of something that was larger than life. My overall trip was the experience of a lifetime and I was very pleased that I had the opportunity to be apart of the whole thing. The return trip home was as exciting as the trip there. The big difference was the weather. to see the many signs and Ricardo Taylor prepares to march through the snow in Washington, D. C. protest sites. I was impressed by the ingeniousness of Returning we ran into what I would describe as the many different expressions of the people's a snow storm. Our van driver was very will, portrayed by the signs and costumes. The cautious, driving at speeds which insured the crowds were very welJ mannered , and I safety all of the passengers. The return trip took personally did not see an incident that could be about eleven hours, but we all returned safely. called negative or adverse to the situation. In So for me the trip was an overall success. I had fact, I did not even see a police officer until I the chance to meet many interesting people, as stood before the Supreme Courthouse (though well as, to make some new friendships. Given it was rumored that some sixty people were the chance to go on another such trip I would aITested). go without hesitation. I would like to conclude The last site of our trip was at The First with a thanks for those who helped to make it Congregational Church on 11th and G Streets possible for me to take the trip, and I hope that where the ISO and JAM concluded the my effort at relaying my experience here will demonstrations with speakers for the fight back be enjoyed by our readers. The Anti-Inauguration Protest By Berta Lambert Over 80 Cincinnatians protested George W. Bush's inauguration. 7 PM Friday, Jan. 191\ fifty (50) rallied at Over-the Rhine's Peaslee Center. Following speeches, singing and Ed Ritchie's burning his voter registration card, the group departed for Washington, D.C. Arriving at the Metro's Red Line Shady Grove Station at 8:00 AM, we proceeded via transit to the central Metro Station, then walked to Stanton Park for the Shadow Inauguration. One of three (3) venues of the anti­ inauguration activities ;the others: the International Action Center's Protest/Parade Route and the Votermarch Rally at Du Pont Circle. The weather was cold with interchanging rain and snow. The 'counter-inaug uration' at the park featured many African-American singers and speakers, including former Washington Mayor Barry and Al Sharpton. Following a formal pledge to continue the struggle for human rights, the rally proceeded to walk to the Supreme Court. Here the crowd eventually joined by blacks and whites, snowing. At our brief stop at Breeqewood, surrounded three or four abreast the entire there were three or four inches of beautifu l Supreme Court property. (The other 30 white flakes. 8:00 AM Sunday, January 21, Cincinnatians [total of 80] had joined the many we arrived back iin O ver-the-Rhine and each other thousands at the Parade Route). person left for home. At4:00 PM, many protesters gathered at the First Congregational Church (101h and 'G' ST. N/W) near Gallery Way Metro Stop, for the International Socialist Organization "We Won't Go Back" labor rally, which emphasized organizing against capital punishment. Following this meeting, we returned to the Shady Grove station , where we eagerly sought our Berta Lambert boards the bus to Washington, D. C. bus, asit was seriously �STREETVIBES EDITORIAL PAGE The.lMver 'R at Cynic ff1.may, I would like to start my artide with the openjng lines of one of the best news reporters that l can remember as a child1 Al Schoettetkotte. Here in Cincinnati, Al cared about this great river: community of ours, and if he was arounq t<Xlay, he'd be as]Q,11g ~ome serious questions on why we.have over.tthµty thousand homeless with twenty-two perce,nt of them being children under the· age of eight. So here goes. IMAY BE WRONG, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME that its wrong for 0ur homeless who are hungry to be submitted to bible banging, preacher screaming, you're-going-to-hell-if­ you-don't-believe, style preaching. All this just to get a plate of hot foOd. Our Constitution guarantees &aoh and every one of ·u s the right to worship as we wish. Yet here in ow: area, in order to get a bite to eat, you must submit :yourself to an hour-long sermon, thatbasically sa¥,S\ithat ¥0D are homeless because you ha¥e11~faith .:in God. So therefore you are being purifsH~. 6~ God and that is why you are bemeles~J. Bull Hockey! I find itJf.onie that just the other night, I had to attend a sennon at a lgcal sheJter just to have a warm meal. I didn't have any money that day, so I worked all day without a llleal. So there I was sitting in church listening to a minister, who I hope didn't realize that I had been on my feet since four­ thirty in the morning. Here it was going on seven-thirty in the evening, and he felt that we should all rise and stand fo.r twenty minutes, singfog the praises of Jesus. Aod it's not just food my dear reader; in Page 12 As one large body, we need to be united to end this disease that is sweeping our .cC:>~nqy. United, as one, w.ake UR our gove,rnin,g officials and demand that someiliing be done. And if they don't respona ot get off their dead asses, remind them; remind them that ~ey are in their warm, high dollar job by the grace of the people. Isn't it time that we remind them that they workfor us and not the other way around? lust imagine what could .be achieved if out, 6ffi.eials would enact legislation on homelessness as quickly as they vote in their pal' raises. The word homeless would be obsolete.:. The voiee of one may not be heard by the cries of thousands. of potential votes would be. Come on people; WAKE UP... If you really want to gain our trust and respect, try surviving our way. On speaking of the' homeless a friend of mine s aid that she cared enough to go to jail for each person. To me, that is one of the greatest compliments a homeless person could receive. fn closing, if you really want to preach, how about going down to your local temp agency and preach to them on the sins o,f makjng a living by expll'>iting the v;ecy sarne people you aretryin&,to save. BUT PLEASE, DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THAT! I must tell you that I may not be right, or fail:, but I damn sure will not be impartial: HOMELESSNESS ISNOT A SIN; IT'S AN AMERICAN DISASTER. LATER GATORS, THE RIVER-RAT CYNIC River-ratl 1@juno.com Foster Care System Growing at a Rapid Rate By Cecelia Butticci Six thousand children currently are in county custody. Only 2,000 of those children are in permanent custody and available for adoption. Of the available homes in Cuyahoga County, only 971 are licensed foster homes. If a prospective parent receives licensure to foster a child/children in their home or they have been approved as an adoptive placement it means they have passed the test. They have gone through 8 weeks of classes (24 hours), had a criminal background check (city, state and federal), filled out a very extensive application, been assigned a caseworker, been interviewed, completed a 6 month home­ study/evaluation (including but, not limited to: personal, physical, psychological, financial and living space). The county holds classes. monthly trying to recruit more people who are willing to open their hearts and homes to a child/ children who are not biologically their own but, are in need of a loving, nurturing and safe environment. Hundreds of people fitting this description come out to these classes each month and wait sometim es a year or more for the joy of a child/children to fill their homes. If there are 6,000 children and only 971 potential placements, why the wait? The requirements to have your home licensed to be a home day-care provider are very sirniJar and there is no year and half wait for children to enter your home. If these same people would choose to go through a private agency they would probably cut their requirements and waiting time to adopt by more than 50%. This can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $13,800 and this does not include medical expenses and other possible related adoption fees. Children who are considered African ­ American, multi-racial, part of a multiple birth or children with a pliysical, mental, or emotional handicap are at the lower end of the fee scale. This is because they are considered hard to place. Hard to place for who? Are you teUing me that if I'm African -American or part of another minority group and I want a baby that looks like me I can get my baby at a discount? But, my White counterpart neighbors next door have to pay full price and they have to · wait longer for a child?! And what about my White counterpart neighbors across the street who made a conscious choice to love and care for a child with special needs, they too get the discount rate? What are you saying to me and my neighbors? Why aren't our children valued the same as the " healthy, normal white" children next door? This is just another example of the disparities that exist in our country along racial and physical ability lines. This is institutional racism at work. But the powers that be would add insult to injury by trying to Jell us that they are doing "them" a favor by reducing the price and thereby ·eliminating any barriers to their placement into a loving home. After all loving "their.kind" is a challenge. It just doesn't make sense that we have no laws and put no requirements on reproduc­ tion to the general public but, when sincere honest-hearted people step up to the plate and say, "here l am I'll be of service," they liter­ ally get put through the ringer! Now don't get me wrong there obviously needs to be some kind of screening process for prospective foster/adoptive parents but, if you have a larcenous heart and are doing it for the cash subsidy or just have plain ill intent you can make it through the process. Hence some of the horror stories we hear. Our current system needs to be reevaluated so that the process is more expedient and gentle to the prospective foster/ adoptive parent(s). This will encourage more people to step up to the plate and fewer children no matter what their racial /ethinic background or their capabilities/limitations will ever have to wait to be placed in a loving home. Reprinted by permission from the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine. expression of the views and opinions of our read­ ers and supporters. The :lo'~~;.;Jg ~~gressed herein are not necessarily those-Of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the B.orneless. �EDITORIAL PAGE STREETVIBES Page 13 Indigenous Peoples and the Free Trade Area of the Americas By Tony Hall The propo.sal to create the FfAA extends a process of imperial globalization that began in 1492 and continues yet. Once again the geopolitical map of the Americas is about to be redrawn in ways that violate the titles, treaties and basic human rights of the hemisphere's First Nations. The FfAA continues the genocidal tradition which began with the founding of New Spain, New England, New France, New Netherlands, etc. as j urisdictions based on the absorption of Indian lands, usually without Indian consent. Again and again the map of America has been redrawn in Europe on the assumption that the hemisphere's Indigenous peoples are inferior and subordinate and have no fundamental right to a say in deciding what happens on First Nations lands and territories. This process began when the Pope apportioned the Americas for Spain and Portugal. It continued with the founding of the USA as an engine of genocidal western expansion. The Treaty of Paris which granted the USA its original land base in 1783, the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the absorption of the northern part of Mexico into the USA in 1848, the USA's purchase of Alaska in 1867, the transfer of the land titles of the Hudson's Bay Company to the Dominion of Canada in 1869, and the creation of the Noth America Free Trade Area in 1993, all were negotiated as if the hemisphere's Indigenous peoples ctidn't exist. Now the ministerial gathering in Quebec City points to the prospect of yet another redrawing of the map of the hemisphere with the creation of what is being called the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Such an illegal imposition on all the hemisphere's citizens projects into new jurisdictional frontiers the Columbian Conquests which began in 1492. The USA's notorious violations of its 400 or so treaties with Indigenous peoples shows that the world's only remaining Superpower has no respect for the sanctity of treaties and for the requirements of living within the framework of international law. The USA added to its notorious reputation in 1871, when the American Congress passed a law excluding the American government from the international juridical principles as they then existed. From that time forward the USA has been an outlaw state in terms of its failure to respect even the limited requirements of international law mandating the purchase through treaty of Ab01iginal title before non­ Aboriginal settlement can proceed. The events leading up to the Trail of Tears c:ts well as the country 's hon-ific genocides make the USA one of the world's most grievous perpetrators of that genre of international crime which has recently been labelled "ethnic cleansing." The founding of the state of California as the result of a particularly violent gold rush make that jurisdiction the site of especially horrific crimes against humanity. The tradition of the Indian wars continued into recent times with particu lar severity in the US backed reign of terror directed against Mayan peoples in Guatemala. As Nobel Peace Prize Rigobertu Menchu has clarified, this ruthless genocide against her own peoples was aimed at . destroying the Indian way of life. Until those violations are addressed in appropriate venues for the arbitration of international crimes against humanity, there is no reason for Indigenous peoples, or, for that matter, any other people throughout the Americas to have trust in a new treaty creating a FfAA. Such a treaty would violate hundreds of earlier treaties made with First Nations peoples throughout the Americas. Such a treaty which would formalize the USA's hegemonic dominance in a hemisphere bathed with Indian blood in the ongoing Columbian Conquests. From April 19-21 , the Huron Reserve in Quebec City, the current capital of Wendake, will be the site of an alternative summit to highlight the many issues in and around the relationships of Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas to the proposed FTAA. The meetings will take place at Salle Kondiaronk on the Huron reserve at Loretteville. This community is situated about eight miles from downtown Quebec City. This announcement includes a request for proposals for presentations, presenters and panel discussions of relevance to the idea of the FfAA as a violation of the basic human rights of all the hemisphere's citizens, but most especially of the First Nations. This alternative summit can be the site of a wide array of discussions, including those pertaining to environmental, labour and women 1s issues. The gathering will be in the tradition of the freedom fighters in the Zapatista movement in Mexico. In 1994 the Zapatistas announced their resistance to the North American Free Trade Agreement by asserting Indian jurisdiction over parts of Chiapas. Basta! Contact: Tony Hall, Department of Native American Studies, University of Lethbridge, Alberta.Canada hall@uleth.ca Great White S·hark Pardon me while I take a bite out of your paycheck. The World's Most Dan~erous Predators �STREETVIBES I CAN BEGIN AGAIN Larnell Harris/ Dave Clark Alone again in a crowded room Cornered by the questions in my mind It's so bard to understand, How the life that I had planned Stole my joy and left me far behind. Though all I have, is lost it seems In the shadow of dream that used to be I can look beyond the skies, Deep into the fathers eyes And see that there is Hope for one like me a I can begin again With the passion of a child My heart has caught a vision Of a life that's still worthwhile. I can reach out again Far beyond what I have done Like a dreamers who 's awakened To a life that's yet to come For new beginnings are not just for the young. I face the dawn· of each brand new day Free from all the doubt that gripped my past For I've found in trusting him Thal everyday life starts again As I look toward the things Of Hfe that last. I can begi n again With the passion of a child My heart has caught a vision Of a life that's still worthwhile. I can reach out again Far beyGmd what I have done Like a dreamer who's awakened To a life that's yet to come For new beginnings are not just for the young. ~ .___/ loV£ ~Ye. 4 ""uM. f~o~tl' ,~nlen tl-.':°\1ieJ 4}\l. ~TO~ in our he.-r'tl· ART & POETRY A Thumb and a Prayer Page 14 A Man for all Seasons Raman Bill Tinker Survival for me didn ' t come in one dramatic act, like rolling off a track just before the roaring whoosh of a train. It was three years out there in the capitalist crunch without my lunch basket. When I left New York City, I still had a couple of the $5,000 speculators gave m~ to turn my apartment over to them. The rest of the wad went to a motel in Santa Monica. And one day, I arri ved there - the land of the broke. That same day, I found little book of Vedic teachings. One of these teachings seemed to be for me: "When you run out of money, tum to God." I prayed. Back in NYC, I'd studied palmistry, and the business school students I taught often put their palms on my desk for comment. Now this hobby was going to become my mainstay. The motel was replaced by a youth hostel on Venice Beach. I donned a bathing suit and began to walk the beach - reading palms. This survival tactic went on for six months, and also paid for jaunts up to San Francisco and down to San Diego. But when I wanted to return East, I found l had to improvise further, as no savings had accrued. Ride sharers from France and Canada dropped me off at a campground on Lake Mead, Nevada. Sans a tent and sleeping bag, I made a little windbreaker out of a cloth and slept on the ground. l must have seemed fair game to the huge Mexican on the neighboring lot. To escape his lurid gaze and un-gentlemanly suggestions I moved closer to the lake and shared a lot with two Israelis­ brother and sister. They were going my way the next morning- The Grand Canyon. I asked to get out before the canyon entrance and l spent the night, in a drizzling rain, behind a truck left in a field. At dawn I hitched into the canyon and began to give readings outside a gift shop. One of my clients offered me room and I stayed near the south rim for four days. Thumb out again, I got a ride to Flagstaff, where I bpoked into a hostel, gave a peiformance in an adjoining bar and got a ride to Chicago - I thought. The Australian glass factory worker let me drive part of the way and shared a book on the theme "We create our own reality." Just as we rolled into Oklahoma, he told me he was schizophrenic. Once we were on the freeway, which bore signs saying "no hitch ing'', he pulled over and told me to hop out. "I'd rather go to Chicago alone," he said. I dropped some of my baggage in a ditch for some other hapless soul and surveyed my situation. Just ahead to the East, a big semi door opened and there appeared a guy wearing jeans and a toothy grin. He was my next chauffeur. Well, I got back to NYC where I survived a police riot, eviction by a drug dealing boyfriend and residence in a chilly squat. What can we do but survive; we do it to live and to give. Here is to the man all tattered and worn Could have been PREZ instead he is dehomed a Free as as a bird to fly this ol'coop, remembering the War and how he was seen. ... Makes for this Vet to feel rather mean, its not who you are but what you can dream. Living thru flash backs of death all around, thi s man deserves better than a park bench called home . So if you as americans really g ive a damn reach out and g ive this brother,or sister who is home less a hand. And never for get just how close we.-a11 have drifted to seeing the holy ghost Yes its quite clear to me, homelessness is near to thee. l ask not your pity Nor handouts of pain, I only ask that you consider me a homeless man, Not a being from beyond! • For today I work for my meal,as is the deal tomorrow [ move on to places unknown,but if possible I too might find a place I can call Home! buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREE.IVIBES ART & POETRY l A Quest for Answers I venture the streets for answers, to satisfy, justify, to rest, to understand oblivious questions walking the streets. Questions ride the trains, without answers, live in makeshift city-dumped homes, once glamorous hotels, sleep through steam of subway grates like a Sunday barbecue. Questions roamed the piers, anchor their bodies to rest, gather belongings in abandoned buildings, amid recyclable material, in huts, with no picture of the Last Supper. Questions hitchhike toward hope, fill gymnasiums wall-to-wall, mattresses replaced mats. They carry portable pantries, groceries in brown paper bags, shelved in shopping carts. Questions find comfort, under boardwalks and parking lots, under highways and subway tunnels. They walk through winter nights, die of frostbite. Victor M. Velez Vzc777@hotmail. com Page 15 • Being Black GREAT STRESS BUSTERS MAKE LISTS. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Being a Negro in America is not a EXERCISE. comfortable existence. SING A SONG. EAT RIGHT. It means being part of the company CALL A FRIEND LAUGH AT YOURSELF. Of the bruised, the battered, the ASK OTHERS TO HELP scarred, and the defeated. SMILE. SET REALISTIC GOALS. TAKE Being a Negro in America BREAKS Means trying to smile when you want PRIORITIZE TASKS. to cry. DELEGATE WORK It means trying to hold on to physical AVOID CLUTTER. USE PROPER life LIGHTING. HAVE A HOBBY. KEEP NOISE DOWN. Amid psychological deatl~. TALK THINGS OUT It means the pain of watching your VISUALIZE A PEACEFUL SCENE. children grow up LEARN TO RELAX. With clouds of inferiority in their BUDGET TIME & MONEY. TAKE A mental skies. DEEP BREATH. It means having your legs cut off, MESSAGE TENSE MUSCLES And then being condemned for being REWARD YOURSELF. HAVE LUNCH MEDITATE SET LIMITS. a cripple. THI~K POSITIVELY It means seeing your mother and COUNT TO 10. father CONFRONT YOUR FEELINGS Spiritually murdered TAKE A DEEP BREATH. AVOID JUNK By the slings and arrows of daily FOODS. DO NECK ROLLS. PRACTICE exploitation, TEAMWORK. BELIEVE And then being hated for being an IN OTHERS. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. orphan. ENJOY Being a Negro in America ... SMALL PLEASURES. BE KIND. CRY Means being harried by day and IF NECESSARY haunted by night TAKE A DEEP BREATH. REMEMBER: . By a nagging sense of nobodiness TIME HEALS HAVE YOUR CHECKUPS.TAKE A And constantly fighting to be saved WALK.GET from the poison of bitterness. ORGANIZED.AVOID BAD DRUGS. BE It means the ache and anguish of FLEXIBLE. living in so many situations STRETCH OFrEN. CONTROL Where hopes unborn have died. YOUR WEIGHT. AVOID Martin Luther King, Jr. I Asked For Author Unknown ~ 1 asked for strength and God _gave me difficu lties to make me strong. I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve I asked for prossperity and god gave me dangers to overcome I asked for patience And god placed me in siturations where I was forced to wait. I asked for love and god gave me troubled people to help. I asked for favors And god gave me opportuniites I received nothing I asked for, but I received everything I needed. My prayers has been answered. DISTRACTIONS SET REASONABLE DEADLINES. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. LEARN TO SAY "NO". FOREGIVE AND FORGET. USE THE RIGHT TOOLS DON'T PROCRASTINATE. REFLECT ON YOUR JOYS ENCOURAGE OTHERS. GET UP EARLIER. BREAK UP MONONTONY. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. SEE PROBLEMS AS CHALLENGES. LOVE OTHERS LOVE YOURSELF. STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES. NEVER DRINK & DRIVE. SCREEN YOUR CALLS AVOID UNECESSARY MEETINGS. GIVE HUGS ACCEPT HUGS. SEEK OUT POSITIVE PEOPLE BE FAITHFUL. READ GOOD BOOKS. REMEMBER YOUR TRIUMPHS LAUGHOFrEN TAKE A DEEP BREATH �VEGGIEVIBES Page 16 A Biblical Perspective on Factory Farming And Vegetarianism STREETVIBES By Susan Huesken During the past 40 years, farmers have been under increasing pressure to tailor traditional farming methods to the needs of cost-effective production. Factory farming, where thousands of animals are warehoused together, often unable to move, has become the norm. But fro m a biblical and religious perspective, close confinement systems of animal agriculture should be opposed because these syste ms take away the natural life of the farm animal. Si nce an animal' s natural life is a g ift from God, it fo llows that God's right is violated when we deny animals such rud_imentary require ments as freedom of movement, fresh air, and sunshine. When we take over the life of an animal to the extent that we do now, and d isto rt its natural life for no other purpose th ~ n our own gain, we fall into sin and are simply not follow ing the direction given in many passages in the Bible. In Proverbs 12: 10 it says, "The righteous one is caring for the soul of hi s dofoestic animals." The Reverend Billy Graham has referenced the bible fo r how to treat animals. He said that accord ing to biblical teaching, all the animals of the earth were created good and pure (Gen. I :25) . .. man was given responsibili ty for the animal kingdom. However, God never intended their abuse. Graham also goes on to say; "On occasion, rve alluded to kind ness to animals, I believe it's a characteristic of the mature mind. The Bible teaches that we are not to abu e or punish animals in a cruel way. God bas created them, and whi le mankind is g iven dominion over the ani mals, we are not to treat them cruelly." There are so 'many procedures done to farm animals on today 's facto ry farms that I feel most people with any compassio n at all would thi nk them cruel and abusive. Here are some examples of what goes on in chicken factory farms: Male chickens born on egg farms are ki lled by suffocation in plastic bags, decapitation, gassing, or crushing. Because chickens are kept in overcrowded, stressful conditions that lead to aggression and pecking, the chicken industry cuts off up to 2/3 of their beaks without anesthesia. Cutting these delicate tissues with a hot knife causes pain that persists for weeks. Some bi rds cannot eat or drink after debeaking and starve to death. Egg laying hens are so tightl y packed that typicall y 4 or 5 live in a cage with a wire floor area about the size of a fo lded newspaper. These conditions lead to lameness, wing atrophy, bone-bri ttleness, osteoporosis, and feet and leg deformities. Cages are stacked one on top of another, allowing excrement to drop onto the birds below. This manure can CUFFOAD JONES (513) 761 -3464 (513) 230-63 53 e-ma il: jonesacp@tbol .net cause ammonia burn to the chickens' eyes and sometimes leads to blindness. To increase the laying hens' production they are often "force­ molted" . This involves removing food and water for several days in order to shock their bodies into another egg-laying cycle. It is common for 5% to !0% to die. From the Reverend Billy Graham's words above, you can infer that he would be opposed to all of the practices that are mentioned previously. Those are by no means all of the cruel procedures involved in the factory style version of chicken raising. I will spare you for now the abuses that are perpetrated on cattle, pigs, sheep, turkey, ducks, geese, and recently on other animals that were not typically raised for food such as ostriches, buffalo, and emu. These abu es do ex ist, and are j ust as bad. lt seems the majori ty of the Christian religions thi nk that it is not right to abuse animal s, but they do think that it is ok to eat EGGLESS'EGG' SALAD 'h lb. Firm tofu, mashed 1 green onion, finely chopped 2 T eggless mayonnaise (can find in health food stores) 1 T pickle relish J tsp. mustard 1A tsp. each: ground cumin, turmeric, and garlic and onion powder salt to taste: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Serve on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. vegetarian diet is the diet that God intended for his people, and they actively pro mote it. There is also a biblically based Christian movement that promotes a vegetarian diet. · Many religious scholars also believe that Jesus lived among the Jewish Essene sect, of which John the Baptist belonged, whose members followed a vegetarian diet. It is apparent from the biblical scriptures quoted above, that God wanted his ~animals treated kindly. It is also clear that modern methods used on factory farms do not treat them kindly or even like animals at all, more like inanimate objects. Hopefully you will become a vegetarian, which I believe is the diet we were created to eat. But if you still choose to consume animals, please try to purchase products that contribute less to this cruelty. Buy your animal products from farms that do not raise their animals in confi nement, so they are free to enj oy their natural insti ncts. Make sure that they feed them proper food, preferably o rganic, and that their food does not contain growth hormo nes, or antibiotics. You can find free-range eggs and organicaUy raised chi ckens and beef at most of your health food stores. This js the very least we can do for the an imals and for ourselves, but rea lize that humane slaughte r methods do not exi st in large-scale slaughter operations in the United States, so better yet don' t eat them at all! them, as long as they were g iven proper care. Most of these re lig ions have not yet given their attentio n to the changes that have taken place in the farmin g industry over the years. If they di d, they wou ld surely agree that the cuITent methods of raising farm animals do not abide by God's intentions of man's proper care of them. I really cannot envision Jesus debeaking a chicken or throwing a newly born baby male chi cken into a plastic bag to suffocate. Recently in the December 7th Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, an article entitled "For a More Just Relationship With Animals" stated that human dominion over the natural world must not be taken as an unqualified license to kill or inflict suffering on animals. The cramped and cruel methods used in the modern food industry, for example, may cross the line of morally acceptable treatment of animals. I fee l that the questioni ng of the conditions on the factory fa rms by the Vatican newspaper is a wonderful step in the right direction, and it may lead to better co nd iti ons for the farm animals, but it is not enough. Given the demand for animal fl esh in the U.S. and the world today, it would be impossible to meet that demand using humane farming methods. To humanely rise farm animals would require so much land and people to take care of them that it would not be practical. A vegetarian diet is really the only logical and economically feasible solution to this problem. There are a few re ligions that feel that a man's original diet was vegetarian, when he was in the "Garden of Eden". The Seventh Day Ad ventists' interpret the bible such that, a n e 1ru h is. a little of your t 1me can make a liietime ot ct1~erence. Beca.ise kids with some hing to do a~c less I ke11 tJ do drugs. You can help. Foy more nformarion or orug prevention programs n your c1JmmJm;:y. call or visit 1877 KIDS 313 www.youcanhelpkids.org �·1 STREETVIBES . . . . . WEB VIBES . .... : :. .• - .·· ·~ .,.~~~---=- ·Page'. 17:·. .. ,,. ·: . . .. The National Coalition for the Homeless Compiled by Dan Marschner Source: www.nch.ari.net Their mission is to end homelessness. Toward this end, the National Coaljtion for the Homeless (NCH) engages in public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organi zing. NCH staff provide information to thousands of people each year, including practitioners, community groups, researchers, government staff, the general public, and the media. They publish reports and fact sheets, field many calls, and speak at conferences and workshops around the country. NCH maintains an extensive and constantly growing database on research, and responds to numerous inquiries. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) serves as a national clearinghouse for information about homelessness and public policy. Their library houses a comprehensive collection of research on homelessness and poverty, including national, state, and local studies, program and training manuals, policy analyses, curriculum guides, evaluations, conference reports, literature reviews, government reports, advocacy manuals, and case studies. NCH's library is the largest holding of its kind, offering access to research otherwise unavailable through public and uni versity libraries. Abstracts and ordering information for each library report are entered in to a searchable database, enabling users to H conduct research and answer public inquiries. NCH publishes fact sheets on various aspects of homelessness, as well as an annotated bibliography, The Essential Reference on Homelessness: An Annotated Bibliography. We highlight new reports and research on homelessness in every issue of Safety Network, the newsletter of the National Coalition for the ~· Homeless. Other public education projects include the Art and Literature Proj ect, The Educational Rights Project, and the Homeless Voices Project. Since NCH provided leadership in the successful effort to pass the Stewart B. McKinney Homelessness Assistance Act in 1987, we have continued to monitor the reauthorization and appropriations process. Over the years, we've helped ensure that billions of dollars have been made available for McKinney programs such as emergency shelter grants, health care for the homeless, and education for homeless children. NCH has worked for services and legislation in many areas, as information in every issue of our newsletter, Safety Network shows. NCH supports legislation to provide an adequate supply of affordable housing, jobs whlch pay a living wage, and universal access to health care. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was the first - and remams the on ly - major federal legislative response to homelessness. This fact sheet provides a brief history of the McKinney Act, describes its content and evolution, and summarizes recent trends in McKinney Act legislation and funding. The National Coalition for the Homeless sponsors many educational and organizing projects, special campaigns, and annual events. They work to empower homeless people, whose voices are essential to the public policy debate. In response to increasing civil rights abuses, NCH is coordinating a locally-based national movement to protect the civil rights of people who are homeless. The Greater Cincinnati Coal ition for the Homeless is leading this project regionally. F ind out what you can do to help prevent and combat the violation of homeless people's civil rights by contacting 42 1-7803. The National Coalition for the Homeless welcomes your contributions to continue its efforts towards ending homeless in the United States. Their webpage is a clear and informative resource to anyone seeking more knowledge about homelessness. The National Coalition is approaching twenty years of advocacy fo r homeless people - hopefull y, the National Coalition will not need twenty more years to end homelessness. Do you find yourself on the outside of the job market, looking in? Do you want a self-moti­ vated, low-pressure job? Sell Streetvibesl The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and sell it for a $1 donation. · First 10 copies free to new vendorsl Come in today to sign upl The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-7803 At Jobs Plus you 'll get the tools to get and keep the full-time, permanent job you're qualified for. If you are serious about your-future, ca ll us. Jobs 1625 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 513/241-1 800, fax 513/24 1- 1633 email: jobsplus@core.com Your Community Employment Network �STREETVIBES Page 1s Would you like to become a member of the GCCH? Just complete and return the order form below! ~r~~r C:::1inc:1nncrlt Cc:>c::dlfle>n FC>f'" . Th~ t-k:>~l~ss a.m.e: ( ) Zip: _ _ _ __ ddress: S-a:at:e: -mail: tease mail check t:o 1506 Elm St:. Cin. OH 45210 · Keeper, continued from page 1 awareness issues about homelessness to his present officers and programs on homelessness for his new officers in the future. Jailer Carl should be. commended for this program that he has quietly enacted without any fanfare to the public. It is his hope th~t other county departments throughout the state will follow suit. But that will only come to be with more awareness and education to those who serve the public. I hope that this program catches on like wildfire; it's not the answer to our homeless problem, but it is a start towards its ending thanks to a public servant who cares. Testimony, continued from page 9 $50 "M:embership, includes 1 year subscript:ion t:o St:reet:vibes., a 200 i Faces wit:hout: Places Calendar., Ceat:uring local shelt:ers 1 appreciate your taking the time to read this. I would be even more appreciative if you could find a way to help me. I need financial assistance, of course, but I could also use sound advice. I need public attention to be focused on my case. I would be grateful if you would pass my letter on to another who might be willing to belp me. Anything you can do would be most appreciated. Thank you. $100 "M:embership includes 1 year subscript:ion t:o St:reet:vibes., a 2001 Faces without: Places Calendar., and our undying grat:it:ude Dave Clark #254-389 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44505-4635 $10 Basic :M:embership $35 :M:embership, includes 1 year subscript:ion t:o St:ree-t:vibes '----...;...----------------------=:::-=::-=~~======~=-----==== <dll£ .{jlau @Jw.Fmnc 3722 Camden Avenue Cincinnati, Ohi0 45202 ~~ ~:~) 513-708-2228 bgeaster@(use.net www.theglasscharmer.com Economy and deluxe wedding invitations, birth announcements, parNes and custom work. Street View, continued from page 3 sometimes we make up our minds to just go at it alone. Seeking out employment, changing our haunts, decisions which we hope will forever change our lives. Success however is varied, most often it is short lived, in those cases we find ourselves back in the same old rut. However, when success is lasting then we can bring some hope to those who are still caught in the grips of the street life. "Oh, so even those who live the life have some hope." Yeah, there is both hope and the opportunity to enhance one's life given the fortitude that one needs to overcome the situation. With a little faith and a lot of hard work the obstacles which help to keep us on the road to destruction in the Life of the street person can be eradicated, and a sense of " normalcy" can be obtained. However, the first step in this enhancement endeavor is the willingness to change one's lifestyle. Those who I ive on the streets need both a sense of incentive and encouragement that life can be different and more reward ing than what the street offers. There is no single solution to the problem of the street life, but with support from the community and support groups this sort of problem can be better tackled and more easily overcome. �STREETVIBES Calendar of Events Streetvibes has a monthly calendar of events · to keep you informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Please contact us if you have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice forums, protests, community festivals, art shows, etc. Please call 421­ 7803, fax to 421-7813 or email streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. February Welfare Rights Coalition Potluck lunch and meeting, 12 noon at the . Contact Center. Call 381-4242 for more infonnation EarthSave Dining Out, 6 :00 p.m. at a restaurant to be determined. Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann Lederer at 59 1-3003 for more information. 5 Amnesty International Cincinnati Group 86 meeting, I :00 at Joseph Beth Bookscl lers in Rookw ood Pavilion. For more information, contact Am nesty International at 22 1-7659 7 Ohio Empowerment Coalition rally in Columbus. Buses w iJI be leaving from the Contact Center at 8:00 am. Can 38 l-4242 for more infom1ation. 15 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, l :30 p.m. at the D_rop Inn Center. Call 421-7803 for more info1mation. 21 EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more information, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or call Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. 21 Over the Rhine Parks and Recre­ ation Committee Meeting. 12: 15 p.m. at the Contact Center. CaJl 381-4242 for more infonnation. . Page 19 City of Cincinnati/Hamilton County recieves a "Continuum of Care" Grant to Fund Area Agencies Addressing Homelessness During his last holiday address to the nation, President Clinto n announced on D ecember 23, 2000 that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban D evelopment will award more than $ 1 billion in grants to help homeless individuals and fa milies obtain housing and receive the support services they need to get off the streets and become self-suffic ient. The grants represent the largest amount of homeless ~ssistance jn U.S. history, and wi11 go to state and local govern ments and non-profi t organizations in 50 states (HUD Press Release). The FY 2000 COC grants brought $6,022,900 to Cincinnati/Hamilton County. The following s ixteen projects ( 11 renewals and 5 new projects). housing program to provide a new s ubsidized housing program to the homeless in our community. Tender Mercies renewed both their Permanent and Transitional Hous ing Proj ects for the homeless mentally ill in our community. The Sal vation Anny renewed its tran sitional hous ing program for 6 homeless families. H ealth Resource Center renewed its Street Outreach p rogram for homeless youth. Additionally, they received a new grant to expand thei r efforts and be able to prov ide outreach and medical services to even more street kids. When combined, the projects propose to ser ve 240 kids over the next 3 years. The Freestore/Foodbank wi ll bring a new permanent housing program to Central Parkway Towers. Us ing the ex isting renovation the project will provide ongoing rent subsidies and supportive services to 70 disabled homeless persons to support their movement to independent living. Bethany House renewed both their transitional housing program for single women at Bethany Place and their transitional housing programs for families. Additionally, Bethany served as the lead agency for six family shelters as they applied to continue their partnership with DHS to "reform access to welfare in the shelters" with the Family Shelter Partnership Program. The Drop Inn Center will create a Transitional Employment Program - designed as ~job training program for the re idents of DIC at DIC. This program will give people the opportunity to work in a supportive environment while gaining job skills and addi tional training designed to supp01t their move to independent living and self­ sufficiency. Ohio Valley Goodwill renewed its program to provide job training for the homeless, offering a range of services for the unemployed and underemployed which will support their effort to access and retain employment. In a complimentary new program they will create a scattered site permanent Vol unteers of America wi ll create new service-enriched permanent housing for the disabled homeless. Thi s project uses previously inaccessible, permanent housing units to be rented to homeless ind ividuals and provide the case management and support necessary to enable independent living. Lighthouse Youth Services renewed both its men's and wo men's transitional housing program for homeless teens at their Josephine, Bramble, and Reading R oad locations. To m Geiger G uest House renewed its transitional housing program for homeless families, which is a partnership proj ect with Bethany House and the YWCA, allowing fami lies from both of those agencies to move to the trans itional housing fac ility at Geiger while they continue their efforts toward self­ sufficiency. Streetvibes Classified PLACE your help wanted, for rem, for sale items in Streetvibes Classified. Only $1 per line, free for 6 months.for homeless/ low-income people Americorps VISTA Positions Available! The NortheastOhio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) has positions available in Canton, Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati with the Homeless Children and Youth Project. Contact the NEOCH for more infom1ation. NEOCH 20 12 West 25th Street $7 17 Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (216) 241-1 104 email: neoch@bbs2.rmrc.net www.neoch.org New councilmember John Cranley toured Over the Rhine on Saturday, January 27, 2001. He was accom­ panied by (from left to right) Jennifer Summers, Coordinator of ReSTOC, Susan Knight, Administrative Coordinator of the GCCH, and Alicia Beck, Director ofthe GCCH. �Ne d Help or Want to He~p? lf fl}r ~ruu ~oo. ~" floo y®~lt brn"cl~ Ct)l\t~et Ii\ MtAuhw coonuoo \~m~t tar Slwllt't·, Tt~tnwnt. llow.h~ m· Su\l~. U ~mt lm\~ ~· qutstloos. ft\'l fr«' to ~au th~ Grta1tr Clm'.ln1.mtl -~11uoo f(}.I' too l:toowtm. s~RSL-~\t ~hlldmo ~$.lt;!G.;. CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 OTA Housing Network.. _. , 0 369-0004 _.r Doi YWCA Battered At. Women's Shelter 872-9259 I.,~ (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 _..., Salvation ~rmy 762-5660 ~ Welcome House 859-431-8717 . f> City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Jose'ph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 alb Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5100 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Slng les) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) ..863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk ..471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 l.l.Ul~t.m!.'~mtHl O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ..... 221-6937 961-4663 H HARDWA 2-Pk. 10.1-0:t. Silicone U M~~~ Kitchen & Bath Sealant 8·Pk. Bounty Paper Towels --­ - - ..- - - ~ ™LNJ· M~n Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 8 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TR!A.TMkNT· Qtt\ N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 491-4435 VA Domiciliary ..859-559-5011 OTittR lMil..t!.fk.Mm SHEl.lilR.· TB SVICE. : AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati ....... 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center .... 621-5991 Beech Acres ....... 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options . .. 241-2600 Churches Active in North side .... .... .. ... 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center ... .. 381-4242 Emanuel Comm. Center... 241-2563 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank .. ..... . ... Goodwill Industries ...... .... 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless .... 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control Health Resource Center ... ....... 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van........ 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission ......... 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-481 1 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect -­ Homeless Kids ......... . 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 .. .......... . Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 572-6226 Women's Crisis Center ..... 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 Th nk you for your aupport. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Thousands March to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keeper of Keys: Jailer Opens Door to the Homeless Pg 2: GCCH Director’s Challenge Streetvibes Editor Steps Down Pg 3: Restock: Hand in Hand with the Drop Inn Center Pg 4: How Predatory Lenders Are Different from Other Lenders Pg 5: ODAAT (One Day at a Time) House Closes: 17 Beds Lost Medicaid Reinstated for 133,000 Parents and Children Pg 6: International News Pg 7: Life After Mt. Airy: Return of the Prodigal sons Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: A Prisoner’s News Pg 10: Prisoners want ‘Supermax’ Barred Pg 11: Vendor Visits D.C. to Protest The Anti-Inauguration Protest Pg 12: The River Rat Cynic Foster Care System Growing at a Rapid Rate Pg 13: Editorials Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: A Biblical Perspective on Factory Farming and Vegetarianism Pg 17: The National Coalition for the homeless Pg 18: Keeper Continued Testimony Continued Street View Continued Pg 19: City of Cincinnati/Hamilton County Receives a “Continuum of Care” Grant to Fund Area Agencies Addressing Homelessness Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman Dan Marschner Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Mark Teegarden Mr. Lee Doug Lawrence Chris Moss David Clark Cecelia Butticci Larnell Harris Bill Tinker Rick Taylor Maria Poblet Riccardo Taylor Carol Ann Bell Susan Huesken John Perotti Tony Hall Raman Victor M. Velez John Caniglia Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF ACLU Aid Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Bill Tinker Carol Ann Bell Cecelia Butticci Chris Moss D.C. Dan Marschner David Clark Doug Lawrence Drop Inn Center Editorials Farming Foster Care GCCH Inauguration Indigenous People International news Jimmy Heath John Caniglia John Perotti Larnell Harris Maria Poblet Mark Teegarden Martin Luther King Jr. Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Medicaid MLK Mr. Lee Mt. Airy National Coalition for Homeless Pat Mitchell Peltier Prisoners prisoners news protest Raman Riccardo Taylor Rick Taylor Ron Carter Sonny Williams Street View Susan Huesken Susan Knight Tom Billman Tony Hall Victor M. Velez Warren Perkins Washington welfare news