2 10 12 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/ccc087ef26276b33608cb746928059c4.pdf 9fd71dea49106fc1108b47d1fe7afa72 PDF Text Text @ ..u Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �April 2003 Cover Story ReSTOC celebrates 25 years of Over-the-Rhine Neighbor­ hood Development Grassroots agency leads Vine Street development improving the cond.itions on Vine Street? Maybe there is .s ome hope after alt Continuiµg my walk, I cross Thirteenth Street to find the by Michael Flood same sign on another building. The Walking north along the scaffolding on the front of the west side of Vine Street I pause to building holds workers above the street fixing the facade of another listen to the sounds ofbanging and bashing and knocking. Is someone vacant building. Before I reach the corner of working inside this building? As I listen closer, I hear the sounds of Fourteenth Street I find another building with the same sign, but saws ripping and zipping through this time, instead of watching out wood. I am suddenly·startled by the thump of something thrown from above, I have to be careful to into the bed of a truck, another avoid walking beyond a barricade load of demolition debris ready to and into a trench where workers have just finished up connecting a be hauled away for reclamation. I look up to see a sign on the shiny new copper pipe to the water building, "Coming Soon : H istoric main for service to a building Building Reha bilitation: A which is well beyond the demolition phase and very much Com munity Rehabilitation under construction. This building P roject by ReSTO C" as well as another sign that says the City of is being sheetrocked, after the plumbers, .electricians and HVAC -----~i~cinnati is he~pin?. ~building is ~-*b..,. 1'"'m""g-"rrm1gP"fba'.'"""cti-k--'"""1Tu'!11a<:fme""Cls--+Jr.oia,.,.ve-r+dnnone their first steps. housing to the City's " most I can't help but wonder, important street" - Vine Street. Is "who, or what, is ReSTOC?'1 someone listening to the Mayor I walk west on Fourteenth and dQing something about Street, then continue north on Republic Street. As I approach Fifteenth Street, I see for the fourth time an identical sign to the earlier ones_ proclaiming that this building, on the northwest corner ofFifteenth and Republic, is a project of ReSTOC. This building is the furthest progr.essed of all. It is being painted inside, a sure sign of the last stages of rehabilitation. Now I know for sure, I have to find out about ReSTOC. ReSTOC, short for Race Street Tenant Organization Co­ Operative was chartered in 1978, having begun with one property on Race Street in 1977. 2003 marks the 25th anniversary of the neighborhood housing co­ operative. It now owns forty­ seven properties in Over-the-Rhine. Most ofthe properties ReSTOC owns are in the Washington Park area. Its buildings and lots are o Vine, Republic, Race, Pleasant, Elni, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets. The mission ofReSTOC to provide decent, safe, racially integrated, sanitary housing at th most reasonable cost possible in tenant-cooperative manner that i financially sustainable. ReSTOC works on the principle of a co-operative. Afte member/tenant has been with ReSTOC for one year, they are allowed to join ReSTOC's board owners and have a vote on how ' ReSTOC .... Cont. on page 10 Hate Against the Homeless National Coalition for the Homeless Ranks Ohio as the 4th Most Dangerous State for Homeless Citizens by Andy Erickson Kenny Segrest lived on the Ohio River just outside of Huntington, West Virginia. One evening in July, three teenagers walked through his campsite. One threw a beer bottle on the ground. Mr. Segrest asked them not to litter, because this was his home. The three teenagers responded by beating Mr. Segrest with their hands, feet, and sticks until he was dead. Unfortunately, this isn't an uncommon occurrence. According to a report soon to be released by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), in the past four years there were a total of 125 reported acts of violence against homeless men and women that resulted in death. There were 161 reported acts ofp.on-lethal violence against homeless men and women. Many more ofthese violent crimes probably went unpublicized and unreported. Often, homeless people do not report crimes committed against them because ofmental health issues, substance abuse, fear of retaliation, past incidents, or frustration with police. These hate crimes against the homeless occurred all over the Ricky White, 45, was followed down an alley by a group ofteens in country - in 286 different US Galveston, Texas and hit in the back ofthe head with a hard object. Photo cities - over the past 4 years. Many occurred here in Ohio. In courtesy of The Daily News, Galveston County. fact, you might be surprised to surpassed by California (3 2 that occurred in our state happer know that NCH so far has ranked separate incidents in 1.8 cities in Springfield. Ther~, inAugust, ­ Ohio as the 4th most dangerous resulting in 20. deaths and 15 non­ Denni~ R. Wade, a homeless mai state for homeless people to live. lethal acts), Colorado (13 separate was sleeping on the porch of an Over the past four years in incidents in 2 cities resulting in 11 abandoned house when he was s Ohio, according to NCH's deaths and 4 non-lethal acts), and on fire. He suffered burns on ov forthcoming report, there were 11 Washington State (13 separate 80% ofhis body. T hough initiali separate incidents in 5 cities . incidents in 5 cities resulting in 10 resulting in 8 deaths and 4 non­ Hate deaths and 3 non-lethal acts). lethal acts ofviolence against The most recent act ofviolence homeless pe~p le. Ohio was only cont. on page 3.... C NI A I ·I T �STREETVIBES Local News April, 2003 Exploring Change Since April, 2001 by Jimmy Heath Almost two years ago, the summer after Cincinnati's civil unrest, my friend Reggie and I were hosting a display of some of our art during the Over-the-Rhine Community Festival in Washington Park. Organized by the Ov~r-the­ Rhine Community Council, the Contact Center and many other grassroots organizations in the neighborhood, the festival is held each year during August to celebrate the community and bring neighborhood people together. Because ofthe civil unrest a couple months earlier, this particular neighborhood Festival gathering was especially important. It was still a hot time in Over-the-Rhine. The memories ofthe unrest had not begun to fade. City Hall was still reeling from the consequences of that disturbing weekend, (and still is to this day) the news media was still watching, and community residents were trying to figure out how to ease the tensions so that normal everyday life in the neighborhood could resume. The Over-the-Rhine Community Festival was like a temporary oasis, a retreat, in a troubled inner­ city community. I ran into Reggie recently and we talked about our .shared experience in the p~k on that summer day two years ago. On that hot afternoon in August of2001 , Reggie and I were standing near our art. displays, talking and watching the children and adult crnwds moving about the various festival booths. The civil·unrest and it's implications was the main subject of our conversation. There were a lot of folks from the news media wandering around the festival booths to witness the gathering, looking for a story. It wasn't long until a newspaper reporter, photographer in tow, approached us and began a conversation with Reggie. "What do you think is the current state ofOver-the-Rhine?" asked the eager reporter, note pad ready in hand. "Well, I'm not sure I'm qualified to talk about that. I live in Hyde Park," was Reggie's reply. Pointing to me Reggie continued, "But Jimmy here lives in Over-the-Rhine, maybe you should talk to him." "Oh," replied the newspaper reporter, after glancing at me. Reggie and I both immediately sensed that something was wrong with this meeting. It was unspoken, but we both sensed it. It didn't take .us long to figure out what the problem was. You see, Reggie is black, and I'm white. The newspaper reporter; with a story possibly half written in her head, saw her ideas and her stereotypes challenged by Reggie, Page 2 the black dude from Hyde Park, a neighborhood that is perceived as white and '.'upscale", and Jimmy, the white dude from the predominately poor and African­ American neighborhood ofOver­ the-Rhine. "We need to find someone else," the reporter said to the photographer, and they both walked away. Reggie and I share an indignant laugh over the memory of this encounter every time we run into each other. Maybe I was too white, or Reggie wasn't "black" enough. We still haven't got it completely figured out. Eventually, the reporter found a suitable person for the interview because I saw the piece in the newspaper the following day, along with a photograph. It wasn't a bad report - it told the story of an Over-the-Rhine resident and the frustration of living in the neighborhood surrounded by so much turmoil. But what Reggie and I found through this experience too was a (Continued next page...) . Childrens booth at the Over-the-Rhine Community Festival ·Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor must sign and agree to abide by the following code of conduct... the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. Falsely stating intent or otherwise mis­ donation. I agree not to ask for donations of representing is a violation of a city ordinance and more than $1. I also understand that I will be may be cause for arrest. able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless while vending. Replacement badges are $5 each. (GCCH). Purchasing or selling unauthorized 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not papers, or from other vendors, will result in contest territories with other distributors. I will termination from the program. not sell on private property without permission. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ to vend after 12 midnight. supporting paper created by people who are 4. I agree to treat others with respect - other ven­ homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this dors, customers, and GCCH personnel. effort, I will try to spread the word and write 5. I will not sell Streetvibes while under the influence stories ifpossible. of drugs or alcohol. ·6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in termination threatened. from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I reserves the right to terminate a vendor at any am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I time as deemed appropriate. am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits froin 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Page 3 sense of how many stereotypes " mission offenders," who believe Hate there are about who lives in what they are on a mission to cleanse the cont. from page 1 ... neighborhoods here in Cincinnati. ~orld of a particular evil. Others Segregation lives even in the are " scapegoat offenders," who Mr. Wade was in stable condition, subconscious mind ofCincinnati project their resentment toward the his brother reported, "He has no giowing economic power of a citizens. We assume and expect skin. The damage is done. He is particular racial or ethnic group black people and white people to not going to Qiake it." His brother through violent actions. Still come from certain communities in was correct. Wade eventually others are "thfill seekers" - those this city. On the surface this may succumbed to his injuries. who take advantage of a vulnerable not seem like much, but it reveals In October of 2001, a homeless and disadvantaged group in order the inherent and subtle racism that Cincinnati man was sitting in Piatt to satisfy their own pleasures. lingers in the white community of Park when a group ofyouths came Thrill seekers, primarily in their · Cincinnati. I think these up behind him, hit him with bricks teens, are the most common assumptions are at the core of the on the back of the head and then perpetrators of violence against the city's problems with race relations, ran off Two days later, a police homeless population. the quiet and unspoken racism that officer saw the back of the man's Donald Whitehead, director resides in the minds of the head and took him to the hospital of the National Coalition for the uneducated or uniformed. In our where he was given stitches. The Homeless, said in a press relea.se, minds, the miricfs'ofwhite folks man later had a series of strokes "Our country is in its darkest hour. especially, these minute notions and died as a result of the injury to As more and more men, women grow. We become guilty of covert his brain. and children are forced into segregation and racism. For some Because of stories like these, NCH poverty by worsening economic it may only be subconscious is calling on Congress to add conditions and the widening and racism. For others we know, housing status to pending hate growing gap between the rich and racism does not linger below the crimes legislation. In 1968, the the poor, their cries for help are not surface. U.S . Congress defined a hate crime being gre:eted with kindness or So much of what I read and as a crime in which the defendant benevolence, but are instead being hear about Over-the-Rhine makes intentionally selects a victim, or in greeted with apathy and hate. It is reference to my neighbors as the case of a property crime, the time that we expose these "those people." And it isn't only property that is the object of the cowardice acts against people about poverty, or the politics of crime, because of their race, color without homes. It is time we bring downtown Cincinnati; it's about or national origin. . this darkness to light." race. Hate crimes are commonly called At the time ofthis issue's As long as we refuse to bias-motivated crimes, referring to publication, NCH's hate crimes examine our relationships with the prejudice or partiality of the report had not been officially ~ple ofdifferent cultures, and perpetraJo_r against the victim's real released . For more information learn to understand how we or perceived grouping or about hate crimes and other issues subconsciously harbor certain circumstance. According to NCH, surrounding homelessness, please notions and prejudices, we will most hate crimes are committed visit NCH's web site at never learn to appreciate and love not by organized hate groups, but www.nationalhomeless.org. our neighbors. We will always be by individual citizens who harbor a separate, and we will certainly strong resentment against a certain never heal a community. group of people. Some are I'm sure that the next time I see Reggie this conversation will continue! Courage is,what it takes to stand up anH speak. Courage is aJso what it takes to sit , down ·and listen. fflnstomChurchill The cause of viol~nce is not ignorance~ It is self-interest.•• Only reverence can restrain violence - reverence for human life and the environment • Rev. William Slo@ Co/ji1f., Jr. ReST(!)C is now ee/ebrating 25 years of ·b11iltling a strong, community in ·o ver- Write Us! · ~. . . the-Rhine! Join us for ReSTOC's 25th Anniversary Dinner & Fund raiser We'd lihe to hear ~· frOm IJOU- jill~I' Send letters ol'. comments (o: ' Streetvibes@Juno~om, or Write the Coardion office attn: Streetvibes Letten, I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio,45202 * Blank € D - RW Disks - For Streetvibes. Sunday, April 27 at Elder High School Reserve your seat todayl * Supplies for Vendor's Lo'Unge (paper towels, cream and sugar~ snacks, etc.) * Cleaning Supplies * Office Supplies - floppies, copier paper and other supplies ·email: inffJ(#)Jiationalhomeless.org. http:!! www. nationalhome1ess.or.g If you can help, c01!tact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-1803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.co1J! Call 513-381-1171. . and James Barber Race Street Tenant Organization Co-Operative 114 West 14th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 381-1171 (voice), (513) 381-1314 (fax) �STREETVIBES April, 2003 by Molly Rhodes something else." A new exhibit in San President George W. Francisco's city hall celebrates Bush's 2004 budget request still the skills of the panhandlers fails to meet the needs of . Americans most in need, according to a statement issued by the National Coalition for the Homeless. While Bush claims·his budget provides the federal department ofHousing and Urban Development with the resources to help low-income families to buy homes, it does little for people who cannot even afford any kind of home, rented, bought, or otherwise. "The budget fails to include any significant resources for large scale housing production and is marked by level funding of programs serving homeless, disabled, and elderly populations," reads the statement. "President Bush's proposal thus continues the tragic historical trend that created modern homelessness and remains at its root. In a sad illustration of this fact, the Administration's proposed FY2004 HUD budget represents a 63% reduction since the last year of the Ford Administration; over the same period of time: requests for new Section 8 vouchers alone dropped from over 400,000 to a meager 5, 500 this year. " . Bush's budget also fads to help people meet their basic healthcare needs and provide for their children. As the statement concludes, "We call on the President to translate the "courage and enter.prise" ofhis rhetoric into meaningful, measurable actions to end the unnecessary disgrace ofthe most severe form of poverty in the richest nation in the world." Helping the homeless could become as easier as feeding a parking meter­ ..._ literally - in a new plan proposed by the Athens, Georgia, Downtown Development Authority, in which four refurbished parkipg meters would collect money for the homeless. The idea is supposed to be an alternative to giving money directly to panhandlers on. downtown streets, and instead put it in the meters which would then have their wares distributed to local service organizations, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. A similar program in Nashville, Tenn., has garnered the city $200 a month in homeless services donations. "I think it's worth a try," Athens­ Clarke Mayor Heidi Davison told the Baner-Herald. "We' ll see if it works, and if not we' ll try most people go out of their way to avoid. Local artist Dianne Platner paid homeless people for more than 1po homemade cardboard signs- the kind of signs homeless people are often seen holding up by the side ofthe road - and used them to erect a miniature makeshift tent city next to the elections department in city hall, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Platner is not trying to make a political statement about how homeless people should be helped; as she told the Chronicle, " I just hope [this exhibit] exposes the depth of the problem in another way and raises awareness about the complications involved in caring for people who are disenfranchised." Page 4 Asian poverty rates are as high or sometimes even higher than other ethnic groups, they manage to find ways to care for or find help from people from their local communities and families. "I don't know what we would have done without family," one Chinese immigrant told the Mercury News. "It allowed us to survive." Dwight Henson is poised to make Denver history as the first homeless person to run for mayor in the city. The 41­ year-old former rancher and cab driver has been introducing himself to as many Mile High City residents as possible, including a get-out-the-vote event for area high school stUdents. He surprised some students by announcing that, ifelected, he would actually reduce money for homeless programs because these programs contribute to homelessness rather than help end it. Yet most students were thrilled to open the debate to someone who had experienced a different side oflife. "He may not win, but he'll open a lot of people's eyes to the homelessness in Denver," said Michael Schaus, a Santa Monica is quickly senior at Denver School of the learning that just because you Arts, told the Denve~ Post ban sleeping on the streets (www.denverpost.com).. "He doesn't mean you've solved the, shows anyone who is willing can run for mayor. " problem of homelessness. A To look on the bright neighborhood in the eastern part of side, it's encouraging that th~ city has gotten together to figure out what to do about people wanted to give money homeless people who continue to to help the homeless. Ofcourse, sleep in their business doorways no homeless people will ever and alleys, according to the Santa benefit from the money collected Monica Mirror. However, rather by two women who instead than consider the fact that the high pocketed it all for themselves. No­ cost of housing the area means one at the Northeast Ohio people have no where to live, Coalition for the Homeless in residents are instead convinced that Cleveland is sure just how much liquor sal~s and the high quality of money the two managed to trick garbage put in alleys by locaL out ofpeople, though it's believed restaurants are the true source of they've been soliciting false their problem. With such a donations for the past six years, perspective, there's litt!e odds of according to the Cleveland Plain them solving their problem any Dealer (www.cleveland.com). time soon.. . Most recently, the two are believed While homelessness continues to be a problem in Northern California's Santa Clara County surrounding San Jose, it appears some ethnic groups have found ways to minimize the suffering. Although Asians make up 25 percent ofthe county's population, they make up just 4 percent of people who sought emergency shelter last year; nationally, they make up 3 percent ofthat group. In a report from the San Jose Mercury News, (actors such as the shame offailure and access to housing with relatives, even in tight living situations, appeared to be the main reasons Asian communities are shielded from experiencing as much homelessness. Even though to have duped people mere blocks from the Coalition's headquarters. The two women used to sell the Coalition's homeless street newspaper, the Homeless Grapevine, but switched to asking for charity donations - and kept those donations - when they realized how much more money they could make for themselves. "People who donate to these women will be hesitant to donate again," the Coalition's executive director Brian Davis told the Plain Dealer. "Certainly, this harms all homeless organizations." After three years of federal funds reforming and supporting hundreds of homeless shelters and related projects across the country, the Canadian government has now placed its focus - and $405 million Candian dollars - on the next layer of the struggle to get out of homelessness: transitional housing. What's more, provinces like British Columbia have decided to match the money from the national homelessness initiative with their own funds, according to the Vancouver Sun (www.canada.com/vancouver). The Supporting Communities Partnership Iriitiative has already helped 216 projects in British Columbia and the Yukon with $52 million in funding that has gone to cre~ting new shelter beds, . renovating crumbling shelters, and improved support sevices like food banks and soup kitc~ens. "The communities said to me, we have enough shelter beds, what we need is transitional houses," B .C. Labour Minister Claudette Bradshaw told the Vancouver Sun. "We are going to save these kids." The announcement about money for transitional housing comes-as housing advocates have been gearing up for a big battle over Vancouver's ofd for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The advocates fear a repeat of the scene during the 1986 Expo, w~en low-income, long-term tenants were booted out ,,. of single-room-occupancy hotels,,.t o make .room for short-term tourists. Wary that the stereotypical image of homeless is a single male, the Salvation Army launched a new campaign in Tuscan, Ariz., to highlight the plight of homeless children. Posters with pictures oflocal homeless children, statistics ab'out homeless, and ways. for the local community to get involved can be found on everytliing from buses to businesses. The Salvation Army estimates over one-third ofthe approximately 5,500 homeless people in Tuscon - or 2,000 . people - are children, accordmg to the Tuscon Citizen (www.tusconcitizen.com). The campaign is not just to raise awareness but also money for housing for homeless families with children. The charity is currently looking at sites located near services and public transportation, but is already facing opposition from local officials and the greater community. The charity hopes educating the public on who really suffers from homelessness will alleviate their concerns about helping them in their own backyard. This news report is reprinted courtesy ofReal Change News, Seattle, WA. �STREE TV IBES April, 2003 Page 5 Formerly Homeless, Ri.sing Up To Help Others by Nasira Tullah I'm from Dayton Ohio and I'd like to share my story with Streetvibes. Seven years ago I was homeless with children coming out of an abusive relationship. I ended up living with my parent's in a room that a child's bunkbed could barely fit in with my four children. The Creator made a way where I landed a j ob working at a local newspaper as an assistant administer security guard. Soon after that one job became tWo. Realizing that two j obs would only take care of two children I appli~d for another job at the local battered women 's shelter as a security guard. The three jobs led to four. With that the Creator blessed me with a house under the (Dfvf.HA) Dayton Metro Housing Authority. I know it was the Creator that watched after my children because the landlord requested that no more than two children be allowed into the home. That day I cleaned all my children up and we headed out to the interview. Out of all the people there my family was chosen for the home. About a month later after settling in, God came to into my life and changed my heart and I was guided to use my home to help the community. Not less than one year after getting into my home I gave many of my personal items away and things left over. I sold them to help the needy. Since 1996, I've been feeding, clothing and sheltering those in need. I funded everything from out of pocket expenses or through donations from area businesses, fami ly and friends. I eventually quit working to support my mission on earth but soon the funds ended. I turned to the Montgomery County Job & Family Services for support. I received public asstistance for a time but the 36 month time limit had taken effect. I removed three of my children from the Dayton Public School System to homeschool which lead to no support from them. So things had developed to the point where no support came from that department. With no or little business knowledge I began to search for a way to help myself to become self sufficient. With that in mind I started developing programs for the youth ofthe Dayton community, working with parks and recreation, metro parks, etc. Anyone or anything that could support my efforts in the community. Rockdale Temple has announced the release of the latest in its series of Community Resource Cards. The new one, printed in Spanish, is customized for the needs of Cincinnati's rapidly growing Hispanic/ Latino population. The tri-fold, plastic cards are funded by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati as a project of Rockdale Temple, in consultation With Bienstar, Su Casa and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to the Hispanic Resource Card, the Resource Card Project has also produced cards for senior citizens, the homeless, and public school and Catholic school students covering the Tri-state area. Cards can be ordered from: cc 5300 Hamilton Avenue, #210 Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 or send a fax request to: (513) 541-0099 When I went to the Department OfHuman Services, they refused to see my need to help those in the poverty area where I lived nor what I was trying to achieve at that point. I applied for asstistance some time in 1999 and they refused me because they said I should stay home and be with my children for working was not a part of the plan. I received social security for a little while but that soon was cut off. Today I receive less that $300 a month. I'm still striving to support the homeless of my community. I've asked the F&J services for some support and this very day they won't return my call. I've become a grassroots community center. I'm not sure where God is trying to lead me with this but I believe I was chosen to make a difference in the I ives of people whether or not if its to provide shelter for a day, a meal or a listening ear. Today I'm known in the community as Movement 19, home of Euphoric Earth Healing. I seek help with food, clothing, etc. Right now, with the help of those that .believe in me this will manifest into something great. "I have a dream" of having my own grassroots non­ profit community center in the center of where its needed the most. Today I sit with and protest for the rights of the poor along side Streetvibes, OEC and many other interest groups. I'd like to thank you for your consideration and for reviewing my story. - - Know Your Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now available at the Coalition's office. The brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati's homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local 'IL"- •• laws that might be ofinterest to the fJ ~ homeless population. If you are a j homeless person or if you work . with homeless people and would r, Like to obtain free copies of the ~ , brochure for yourself or your ' agency, please call 421-7803 , or stop by the Coalition office and pick , one up. �ST R EETVIB ES P age 6 April, 2003 Talking About Panhandling, Poverty and Homelessness earning the minimum wage would a lot oflime and a lot ofwork. have to work 99 hours per week in Many trends will have to be order to afford a two-bedroom reversed in order to do this. But apartment atfair market rent in we at the Coalition for the Cincinnati. Homeless believe that it can be Because ofthe state ofthe done. economy, many people are living Andy Erickson in poverty. Because ofthe Andy, state of the economy, many Thanks for your return people can~ find jobs. email. I was really happy to hear Because ofthe state of the from you. I am returning this Your Progressive News Source 8\IYfltOM IAOGfO VfNDOl!S omv Hnrdf :Z/)()J economy, the jobs people email because I don't want you 'it do find often won~ pay a think that I don' t care about the living wage. For many homeless problem that we have people, in times like these, here in Cincinnati. I just believe there is no choice that before I start to panhandle I sometimes but to askfor would give up so much to keep my change on the street. standard ofliving a little bit better I appreciate your than the streets. comments, but I think the When I was makiilg less problems surrounding than twelve dollars an hour it was panhandling are more never a difficult time. I never complex than what you are suffered nor did my children who ,,,.... saying. In your letter, you both are now in college. I was just seem to be arguing that if not willing to spend my money on you were able to make it, parties, cigarettes or fast food. I other people should be able paid market rent, I owned a car, I to make it, too. This argument get a job. " I must not have made had a checking and savings doesn ~ take into account the many this clear in my article: I do have account, and both of my children different circumstances that lead a job. I work at the Greater wore named brand clothes. people to poverty and Cincinnati Coalition for the I grew up in the 60's and panhandling. Nor does it take into 70's. I have seen what it was like. Homeless, where Streetvibes is account the different circumstances My parents had well paying jobs, published I work on their that keep these people from getting and they saw to it that all their Homeless Civil Rights Project. I out ofpoverty. Unexpected dabt, children had college educations so do not panhandle because (fortunately) I don t find myself in loss ofhousing, loss ofjobs, loss of we wouldn' t have to live without a situation where I need to. I work transportation, addiction, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ­ "It's not drink that with people who do need feelings ofhelplessness and "Just because you only to panhandle from time many other such problems causes p eople to panhandle, to time, though, and I c~ easily make things more as not all panhandlers drink. make seven dollars an hour difficult for one person than , • write from that doesn 't mean you have to another. Getting out of It s not laziness that causes perspective. panhandle or beg for money to Also, /feel poverty and offthe streets people to panhandle, as not comfortable placing the often requires navigation all panhandlers are lazy. It's make a living. " around enormous obstacles. blame on the state ofthe For someone to ''just get a poverty that turns people to best ends up first best. economy. The current minimum job ,, is often difficult, and panhandling, as all Andy, do you panhandle wage is $5.15 per hour. because you don' t look like you are Throughout most of the 60s and sometimes not enoug~. . panhandlers live in poverty. " You also menllon m making more than twelve dollars an 70s, minimum wage 'could keep a y our letter that "all you see are But I have seen the effects of family of three out ofpoverty. hour? poverty. People back then had Mrs. Juanita E. ifynn Today such a family is 24% below dnmks and dirty men " on the street. This is a stereotype. Not all more pride about themselves. You Mrs. Jfynn, the poverty line. The cw:rent panhandlers have an alcohol First ofall, I want to thank unemployment rate in the nation may have been poor but you were problem. Those that do will clean and you didn't beg openly. y ou f or your letter. It 's always right now is the highest it :S· been certainly have a rougher time good lo hearfrom our readers ­ You did odd jobs around the since 1994. Housing costs in gelling out ofpoverty. Addiction is neighborhood to help keep your . even if they disagree with what Cincinnati are nearly 15% higher we 're saying. I also want to say self-respect. than they were last year. A p erson a disease andpeople who experience addiction need help to Now, I know that things happen and they could happen to National Ho.meless Civil Rights Organizing end ii. Punishing or chastising p eople who have addiction anyone. There has always been a Project (NHCROP) problems will not help them. problem with the economy since 1506 Elm Street It's not drink that causes the world began, but you can't let people to panhandle, as not all that take you under. I feel instead Cincinnati, OH 45202 panhandlers drink. It's not of panhandling from time to time, homelesscivi lrights@yahoo.com laziness that causes people to get a part time job from time to (513) 421-7803 panhandle, as not all panhandlers time. Panhandling doesn't pay as are lazy. It's poverty that turns much so a part time job shouldn't people to panhandling, as all be that bad. If a person can deal panhandlers live in poverty. Only with being in the cold, beat, and by decreasing the amount of for a few dollars from Permanent Housing for formerly homeless people who live in poverty will we rain begging, then a part time job be able to reduce the amount of individuals at 1300 Vine Street. should be heaven. p eople askingfor money on the You have a full time job For more information, call Agnes Mack at street. It 's something that will take but is it really enough? What Ed Note: The following is an email dialogue between Andy Erickson, author oflast month's article on panhandling and Jaunita E. ifynn, Streetvibes reader. .. I just read the story that Andy Erickson wrote concerning the panhandling problem and was a bit concerned about his views as to why a person has to panhandle. Just because you only make seven dollars an hour doesn't mean you have to panhandle or beg for money to make a living. If you have a desire for a better way of living, panhandling will not be a choice for you. If you are getting help for Hamilton County and panhandling, too, you are breaking the law because those funds have to be reported. You can make it on less than twelve dollars per hour. I did for years with two children and I have never panhandled. Andy, stop placing the blame on the state of the economy and just get a job. It's not a stereotype to say they drink and are lazy when all you see are drunks and dirty men sleeping on the sidewalk. Your panhandlers spend over forty hours a day begging on the street instead of spending forty hours filling out job applications. A part time job is better than no job any day. What starts out second that it's remarkable that you were able to raise two children on less than $12 an hour. I'm sure it must have been difficult al times. You say in your letter that I should "stop placing the blame on the state ofthe economy andjust s treetVibes ... . buddy's place (513) 784-0800 > �STREETVIBES Page 7 April, 2003 happens when you run short from time to time? Will you panhandle? I know that times are tough for some more than others. I know that shelters are full of people who have medical problems and families that have fallen into some misfortune. I donate food and clothing all the time. The condition that creates poverty and keeps people in poverty is the greed ofman. Ask our mayor why he hasn't been more pro-active in t he homeless problem in Cincinnati. Why do11't we have enough low income housing for our poor? But we build more condos for the rich where the poor used to live. You will never be able to end poverty. It will never go away and neither will panhandling. It is an on going job. What gets me is the ones that smell and drink. They can't stand up and they beg me for money that J have worked hard for. I don 't want to see nasty, dirty men laying around on the ground begging me for anything. Now, t-0 help a homeless family? Yes. To help the Coalition for the Homeless? Yes. To help the Free Store? Yes. I give back as much as I can now that I make more that $15· an hour because you have to give back. But to aid a panhandler? No. Once again, thanks for getting back. And your work and fight to help the homeless is commendable. This city needs more people like you. I just don't like the idea of panhandling substituting a job no matter what the pay. Take care Andy~ I'm wishing you all the best in your fight to help the poor. Mrs. Juanita E. Wynn Mrs. Jfynn, I think I understand where you 're coming.from a little better now. I agree that having a job is better - in almost all situations - than panhandling. I don't recommend that someone start paf_!handling rather than getting a traditional job. The point I want to stress is that some people don't have much choice but to panhandle - because the jobs aren 't there. You say that ''you can 't let the economy bring you down, ,, but in times like these, people will sometimes be brought down no matter how hard they fight to stay out of poverty. For a lot ofpeople, a part-time job would be heaven, but even a part-time job can be hard to get. Searching environment. I have to admit that I had for a job costs money - busfare, a strong family backing. I had for example - and ifyou have no friends and family to give me an income, you might need to example and let me see that you panhandle for that money. can make it. Even though I was a Mrs. Jfynn, ifyou don't want to give money to spoiled child, I am a strong woman panhandlers, you don't have to. by nature and I wanted more than my parents could give me. I didn't Its your right to say no, just like it s their right to askfor money. care how hard I had to work, just Just keep in mind that a lot of as long as I met my goal. I guess I forgot about the those people on the street ­ drinkers or not - are 11ying _- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ­ to get to a better life, but it "I guess I forgot about the can be a hard road to travel. .• . . • might not be able true conditions that life can we to find a way to end all put a person in. The beat ­ downs that poor people have t t k d .1 Th t I 0 a e a1 [V. e men a pain offailure. Being between a rock and a hard place. I do understand " po~er1y. But w~1h the p~oper actions and allltudes. I m confident we can find a way 10 greatly reduce it. Volunteering and donating to agencies that.fight againsL poverty are great ways to help, and l 'm encouraged to hear that you are doing these things. Sometime, you might want to also L1y talking to the people who panhandle on the street. They could tell you a lot of things themselves. Andy Erickson · Andy, You are right about not having enough money to even try to get a job, or catch the bus or buy clothes to go on an interview. I do understand that. When you have nothing and no one to extend a helping band, it is so hard to stay focused. When you live in an area where all you see is drugs and alcohol it's hard to stay positive. People get caught up in their true conditions that life can put a person in. The beat - downs that poor people have to take daily. The mental pain offailure. Being between a rock and a hard place. I do understand. Panhandlers give true homeless people a bad rap. I do think, however, that the men and women who do panhandle need the same type of education on how to handle life's ups-and-downs as every one else. If they want to drink and drug don't ask any one to support your habit. People in general need to be more informed on the homeless issue, and on how to help. Then the misrepresentation ofthe homeless will no longer happen. Our cify officials need to address the issue more in their meetings. The leaders need to take a stand and help the poor men and women with medical needs who can't think for themselves. The only issues we see and hear about are the issues surrounding the panhandlers and what laws we have set up to keep them out of downtown. What about the stories of the families with children who go to school every day and have to return to a_ shelter? What about the elderly who walk around cold and hungry with no were to go? One day about 10 years ago at night on my way to work, I saw this old Lady standing in a doorway on 6th street where CVS is now. It was so cold and the wind was really blowing hard and to top it off it was snowing. There she was holding all she had trying to stay warm. And to beat all, she had to use the bathroom. I took her to my job and got her some hot chocolate and let her use the bathroom. I wanted to get her a room at a nearby hotel but she wouldn't let me. So I called the police to take her to a shelter because I could not take it that she ::. would be out in the cold. I cried all night. She could have been my family member. She could have been yours. My heart goes out to the true homeless people, but panhandlers I just can't see it. Cincinnati as a whole should take a stand on helping the poor. Mrs. Juanita E. Wynn "That :S· nothing. I can make my ·whole paycheck disappear just by standing in the supermarket checkout line." �- STREETVIBES April, 2003 Page 8 l2isnatch:>from Portland .& Trespassing Laws Against Homeless Intensified , on the street. In the end it punishes people for being homeless." The Portland Police This is not the first time Department recently announced policies criminalizing the homeless plans to intensify enforcement of have been implemented in Portland. trespassing laws on Oregon The camping ban in 2001 and the Department ofTransportation sit-lie-stand ordinance of 2002 are lands. Senior neighborhood two projects Mayor Vera Katz has Officer Jeff Myers presented the project he developed to homeless overseen. At the meeting, Myers indicated that increasing pressure activists at JOIN headquarters, a on trespassers oflands along the 1­ local organization that works to 405 corridor would reduce car bridge the gap between homeless prowls near those areas. and housed members ofour community, on Janunary 15. Audience members said People found on Oregon they appreciate the efforts Myers took in meeting with them and DOT lands will be given warnings and entered intQ a Police database. hope to build an ongoing dialogue. Iffound in these areas- again they "Building relationships with allies is will receive criminal trespass II easy. Building relationships with someone who disagrees is difficult citations with potential fines ofup to $600. but not impossible," said Steel J Fixler, director ofoperations and The action raised concerns among homeless activists that large organizational development for numbers ofpeople will be displaced Sisters of the Road, a grassroots and pushed into downtown organization that empowers poor and homeless people by providing business doorways. This situation could aggravate an already strained opportunities to work. An Oregon Department of relationship between downtown Transportation spokesperson David businesses and the homeless Thomson was unaware ofthis community. "It is wrong," said Rob project but did say the Oregon Justus, executive director of JOIN. Department ofTransportation did "Its timing could not be worse. We not initiate it. Mr. Thomson are anticipating a lot more people expressed concerns about syringes and other garbage being left in New York City discussing plans for these areas. He said that it is a a major league baseball team to come to Portland. Three of the hazard to both traffic and the proposed sites for a $400,000,000 people cleaning up. Sleeping under a freeway stadium,.would be over or next to overpass is not ideal, but some the I-405 corridor. people have no alternative. "A lot "Time and again law of homeless people are enforcement and city officials tell overwhelmed by the challenges of us that these laws will direct people getting off the street, and now the experiencing homelessness through state1s slamming the door shut on the community court system and to some ofthe few opportunities left," social services that will get them said Bob Durning, a former pro­ off the streets," said Rachel baseball player experiencing Langford, a volunteer with homelessness. "I guess the city crossroads. "At the same time they thinks it 1s easier to chase us out of admit that these social services are overburdened, under-funded, and town. Problem is we got no place to go." unable to meet the needs of many "Sleeping should not be homeless citizens." against the law. The lack ofsleep When contacted by Street leads to psychosis and Roots newspaper Myers declined hallucinations," said Jeff comment and referred questions to Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Roundtree, himself.formerly homeless. "Sleep deprivation was Police Department 1s public used as a torture technique by relations officer. Schmautz said Japan on P.O.W's during WWII. this is not a part ot a solution to This law does not address the root homelessness. He said he was not cause ofany problems. It just aware who was trespassing on shifts them to other areas." ODOT land, nor was he aware of Jamie Manuel, project any data directly connecting associate for crossroads continues, homeless with larcenies. However "Resources for the poor are he said, "I have talked with officers overloaded. One night last winter and most perceive a connection 445 people requesting shelter were between transients and larcenies."· turned away." Crossroads teaches When asked if concentrated people to organize and peacefully enforcement in these areas will would like to advertise in out simply move people to other areas, advocate for their sisters and paper, we offer v~.cy comp~titive brothers. During the wihter Schm.autz said, '.'I don•t know, I rates for ads that reach about months there are only 630 cannot predjct the future." 15,000 people per month. emergency shelter beds available Activist Christian Parenti OU.r dream voloo~eer would for those seeking shelter. comments, "The government has a be a self-motivated volunteer that choice, either treat people well or A one-time street count would :like to fundraise for our . conducted last April by JOIN. incarcerate them." Jerry Martin, orga.aizaiion. This could ipclude showed 1,672 people sleeping also formerly homeless said, "Well ask'ing your friends and family for outside. Asked about the impact of it looks like the city ofPortland is donations to researching and displacement, law enforcement moving toward sheltering the poor writing grants for our excellent officials told crossroads that their in jail. Although this solution is progra!TI.Sjob is to enforce the law within probably the most expensive, it TheStreetvibes newspaper does have the allure of not Th-ere are numerous project~ always in need of people their jurisdiction. 'They do not consider themselves responsible for · requiring much thought." opportuniti.es for volunteers at the interested in connecting with the displacing the homeless into other This news report is reprinted Gremer Cincinnati Coalition for vendors and helpil)g them write courtesy ofStreet Roots newspaper neighborhoods. the H omeless. · we are willing to articles on socialjustjce/povercy in Portland, OR. Ultimately it is the police work with each individual in issues, poetry, or personal stories. , commissioner, Mayor Vera Katz, choosing a set'Vice opportunity w~ need help in the The fi rst principle of non-violent who is responsibJe for police that is righJfor them. The afternoons at the.front desk, action is that of non-cooperation policies. Mayor Katz was not following are a few of the areas in answering pl\ones and h~dling with e'Verything humiliating. available for comment, she was in Cesar Chavez which the €oalition. could use transactions with our Streetvihes your help: Vendors. This person wiij address Designing~ web site for ., the needs ofvisitors, having direct Local Schizophrenia/Schizo-affective our National Ci~'Rights contact }\Tith homeless individuals Research Study Organizing Project. ThiS would and should be available one include working with the afternoon a w~ek. ,. . Financial Compensation Americorp Vista volunteers on how . There 1s.al~ays ane~~ for · to pre:vent further criminalization · ~elp wit.b:bulk mailings. M~hgs ofhomeless individuals as well as mcludethe annual report, quarterly 45 years and over preventing the increasing hate n~wsletter, arid various capitol «rimes against tliem,. ' crunpaigns. Symptoms ofdepression To erihance our Streetv.ibes Ifyeu are interested in :volunteeO,ng at the Greater program, we are searching for 13 visits volunteers to s.olicit advertisements Cineinnati Coalition for the (513) 861-31 00 ext4187 from local businesses. Ifyour Homeles~, please _c?ntact the offiee business or a business you know of at 421-7803, or visit us at 150~ or toll free (888) 267-7873 ext 4187 Elm Street in Qver-the~Rh,ine. by DanNewth ...--.--.....-.......--.--.....--.,...-.......,,....,.-.....-.....-.....~-.....~--..,..-.....-.....-.....-...,.-.....-.....~.....----. ./ Cincinnati Coalition·:for the Homeless * * * * �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Page 9 I We Can Be Proud! Judge MARK PAINTER Ohio Court of Appeals The Most-Published Hamilton County Judge Ever! ~- Fighting Over Dirt - The War you would have others do unto Inside by Brian Garry War within War without War without a face War without end, Amen. Why do people fight? What are we fighting for? All things, all material things, comes from dirt, from the Earth. Nothing is made or brought here from outer space, so it all comes from the soil, from dirt. So why is the Federal Government fighting over oil, dirt. Money is liken to dust. All this war is dirty. It is soiled it is stained. Dirt is land and there is dirt in the heart of this American land. It's all one attack. There is one problem and one solution. Humans have two emotions: love and fear. Am I being loving or fearful right now? Collectively as a country and as a world we have collective emotions. I must conquer the war within first before I got out and expect peace in the world. How can I expect peace outside if I don't have peace inside? Collective fear and hate and collective love, trust and good will. It's our choice. The fear causes people to act selfishly and self-centeredly and inconsiderate of others. Others then react fearfully and selfishly and a vicious cycle in then tn effect. Injustice is caused by fear: generally people not trusting, taking from others to provide for their own physical or emotional security. People want dirt (land), material things oil, cars, money etc. (all of which comes out of the land). Why are we fighting over things? There is enough dirt for everybody. Why do I need a car? Why do I need oil? As within, so without. The exterior war is only a manifestation ofthe internal war in each of us. If each of us were at peace then the world would be at peace. No? " As you sow, so. shall you reap." What about "tum the other cheek", "do unto others as you", "Love your enemies?" "Forgive 7 X 7 times"? This is supposedly a Christian country and these are Biblical Christian principles. Would you have "others" bomb you? So why is the American Federal Government concerned about Iraq at all? Is it because a madman is in power? Or because they have nuclear warheads? The US seems to have these same problems. Perhaps the US should attack itself Why is it OK for America to bomb people but it i.s not OK for the Palestinians? Bonibs are bombs, killing is killing. Is America concerned about human rights violations in Iraq? Why didn'tAmerica go and intervene in Rwanda when Hutus and Tutsis were hacking each other to death with machetes. Could it be because there is no oil in Rwanda? Are we freedom fighters or terrorists? We found the enemy and the enemy is us. The Bush administration is scared s@#$less and they're gonna get us all in trouble if we don't stop them. Does anyone under the sun really believe that Bush is concerned with helping the peasants in Iraq? Is he not concerned with what he and his family have always been conc.erned with? Big Oil, getting more and more oil and money = greed. Gandhi said that religion is supposed to take us into the world (politics) not make you make you withdraw from it. "Until the color of a man 's skin is ofno more significant than the color of his eyes, there will be war" - Emperor Haile Selassie I. I want to take a good hard look at America, to look it in its guilty eyes and ask it - why is it so damn fearful? Humanity is marching . onward to better things despite the evidence to the contrary. The people ofthis world are turning out in record numbers - 30,000,000 in recent weeks have protested this dirty war. We are waking up and giving our time to save this Earth and turn things around. People have the Power! Our own Judge Mark Painter reached a milestone in November - 250 of his decisions (now 261) have been published nationally. He is the most-published Hamilton County judge ever, and one of the most-published Ohio judges in history. Judge Painter has: • Served on the Court of Appeals for eight years, after 13 years on Municipal Court. His opinions have been recognized as legal precedent more than 2000 times-in cases, textbooks, and encyclopedias. • Written 55 articles on appellate practice, sentencing, DUI, contempt, and legal ethics. He writes a monthly column on legal writing for Ohio Lawyers Weekly. • Taught 91 seminars for judges, lawyers, and police officers, and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at U.C. • Authored the textbook Ohio DUI law, now in its 12th edition. His other book, The Legal Writer: 30 Rules for the Art ofLegal Writing, was published in June. • Is writing two more books to be published this fall: William Howard Taft-President and ChiefJustice and a new edition of Ohio Appellate Practice. www.Judgepainter.org Pa.id for by Tl\'& JUdge Painter Comm~ Gr&g Ruehlmann, Clleir, 312 Walnut St~Cincinnati 18" X 24" poster print: Washington Park, Over­ the-Rhine, Winter 1999. Each print is individually signed by OTR photographer Jimmy Heath. Purchase benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. Posters are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: Peaslee Neighborhood Center Attn: Photography Program 215 East Fourteenth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or call (513) 621-5514 for more information �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Cover Story Page 10 ReSTOC .... Cont. from page 1 organization is run. ReSTOC's by­ laws call for at least 51 % of the board to be tenants. Other board members come from the wider community, with broad backgrounds, for example, a high school teacher, an electrician, a college professor, an employee of a large multinational corporation. The fees tenants pay into ReSTOC stay in the community. The co-op fees pay for maintenance, salaries ofthe staff, the utility bills for the common areas ofthe buildings, taxes, insurance and other costs. Tenants can see where their money goes, into their own buildings, not into the pockets of someone they do not know. ReSTOC serves people from all backgrounds, many of whom have limited resources. A longtime ReSTOC member, recently said "I live on a limited income, getting by paycheck to paycheck, I wouldn't know what I'd do without ReSTOC. " Three of ReSTOC's properties are reserved for people with specific needs. Recovery Hotel, with twenty units of transitional housing, is for men in the process of recovering from the diseases of alcoholism and other addictions. All residents of Recovery Hotel have been through a program to help them overcome their addictions before being A building in the Vine Street Development Project, at the corner of Republic Street and 15th, in Over-the-Rhine. accepted for an apartment. While making their homes at Recovery Hotel, they attend daily·meetings of AA or NA to continue their recovery and strengthen their chances of overcoming the huge obstacles they face. One half block north of Recovery Hotel, on Vine Street, is buddy splace, also with twenty units. It is reserved for people who have been homeless, most being referred directly from local shelters. ReSTOC owns a building occupied by Joseph House, a program for Veterans of the United States Armed Services. The remainder of ReSTOC's properties are market rate apartments with low rents for people of limited means. ReSTOC accepts people who hold Section 8 vouchers, which allows the tenant to pay a lower rent with the balance subsidized through the Section 8 program. One way ReSTOC 's co-op fees are kept low is by using the help ofthousands they simply want to help. One regular volunteer is the international services director of a world wide service organization. He has traveled the world helping others in his everyday work, but he volunteers many weekends at ReSTOC because he wants to make a difference in a local community as well. For many of the young people coming downtown from the suburbs or small towns volunteering provides them with an opportunity to interact, communicate with and learn from people they don't normally meet. Any stereotypes they may have are frequently challenged by their work in Over-the-Rhine. ReSTOC co-op members also learn from the volunteers by working with the volunteers as crew leaders, taking a small group ofvolunteers to work on a task for the day. ReSTOC has frequently been accused of"stockpiling" buildings in Over-the-Rhine and preventing development ofthe neighborhood. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, ReSTOC only owns 2% of the property in Over-the-Rhine. There -· Donna Richards, from the City ofCincinnati Department ofDevelopment and Planning on a recent "walk through" · ofthe Vine Street Community Development project. of volunteers. Miss Jane, a longtime ReSTOC tenant and OverThey he\p the-Rhine resident. ReSTOC are hundreds ofbuildings, both perform normal maintenance such as cleaning lots, landscaping and occupied and.vacant, owned by many others. None of the other cleaning and painting apartments property owners are blamed for after a tenant leaves. Some volunteer groups have "adopted" a the plethora ofneighborhood abandonment issues that long single apartment or an entire predated ReSTOC's existence. building, providing not only the labor to renovate units, but also the ReSTOC has moved slowly and steadily through the years to materials and supplies needed for develop its properties while always their project. striving to maintain a presence in Volunteers come from all the market place for the people of over tile Cincinnati Metropolitan Cincinnati who have the least area as well as places such as resources. There is ·room for Dayton, Wapakoneta and beyond. everyone, the poor that ReSTOC Some groups come from Illinois, serves, as well as every other rung Michigan and Tennessee. They come from high schools and church ofthe economic ladder. As ReSTOC celebrates its groups, others from colleges. twenty fifth birthday, it is not Some come as individuals because > �STREETVIBES April, 2003 content to stand for the status quo. It is currently participating with the City of Cincinnati, the State of Ohio and private investors to use Low Income Housing Tax Credits to develop twenty five units of housing in five buildings, four on Vine Street and one on Republic Street. The development is called the Vine Street Community Project. Construction began in May of2002 and is scheduled to be complete at the end of2003. Affordable Housing Construction, Inc. is the general contractor. Roger Sexton, one of the partners ofAffordable Housing, Inc. recently stated, "we have the same aims as ReSTOC; to provide safe, decent, affordable housing and "to preserve the old buildings." At all stages of construction and rehab of each building, there are regularly scheduled "walk throughs" attended by the general contractor, the city of Cincinnati, the architect, and ReSTOC representatives. Each "walk through" affords all parties involved the opportunity to ensure that what is being funded is actually being done. What is being done is remarkable. Each building is gutted of all old systems, abated for lead and asbestos hazards, and rebuilt with new plumbing, electrical) heating and central air conditioning systems. Sections of the buildings are rebuilt where there had been water damage and up to date smoke and fire alarm systems are being added. Recently, Cincinnati City Councilman David Pepper toured the project. One of the many questions he asked, after seeing how much progress had been made, was, "where do I sign up?." ReSTOC tries to take a holistic approach to its involvement in the community. It has worked to provide green space for the neighborhood by organizing the Pleasant Street Garden in which raised planting beds can be rented; some neighbors grow vegetable gardens, others grow flowers, other grow both. The Civic Garden Center collaborates with ReSTOC to manage the Pleasant Street Garden as well as the Children's Garden on Race Street. Residents on Republic Street meet regularly at ReSTOC around issues that affect their lives and to plan activities to better their living environment. For example, each year, the Republic Street Block Club has several clean up days to clear out the trash on the vacant lots, most of which are owned by others, including the City of Cincinnati. ReSTOC also built and maintains the "Superheroes Playground" on Republic Street. As I walk through the neighborhood that I now call my home, and I hear the discussions about the need for development, I know that ReSTOC is helping to lead the way for revitalization of Vme Street in Over-the-Rhine. This year, ReSTOC celebrates 25 y ears ofworking in the Over-the-f!.hine community developing safe, affordable housingfor our neighborhood families. It has struggled to do this on minimal funding. As the organization moves forward into its next twenty five years, it plans to celebrate its accomplishments on April 27 with a fundraising dinner at Elder High School. Anyone interested in joining the celebration should contact Melissa at ReSTOC by calling 381-1171 for more information or to make a reservation. Donations may also be made direclry lo ReSTOC lo 114 West 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Streetvibes Wish List is published monthly ona ~hoe-.st.ring budget from the offices of the Greater Cmcinnatj Coalition for the Homeless. Can you help us with S,O!JW· of the following items? Streetvib~ new·spap er o Blank CD-RW Disks - For Stree!Yihes Archives o Supplies forVendor 's Lounge (page.rtowels~ cream ana sugar~ $nacks, etO:). o Office and-Cleaning Supplies If you can help, contact us a(: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 {513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Page 11 The Peace Village is happening with "your" seeds in this major peace effort qf ours. I The Peace Village continues know that peace work, at our local to inspire me with so many gifts levels, has real meaning, changes from our team members. I want to ourselves and others into thinking share these with you as examples with greater clarity and hope about of an ongoing peace process that growing peace in our own areas. persists at an' unprecedented time Hearing about your efforts, even of terror. Yesterday, I sat with the new and fledging ones, adds beauty and color to what is a other members of a little peace process of caring that is powerful. support group called, "Peace I do not know what has slowed the Keepers." The Rev. Ray war machine in Washington down Wooddruff, another activist that is approaching 90, if he hasn't passed other than the increasing loud that age, opened our meeting with concerns of the peace movement. I a full agenda of concerns about do not know what has opened the how we could "resist" when the possibility ofa fundamental change in policing and war starts. He brought wonderful materials to community responsibility other hold a workshop .with us if we had little to than our local peace movement for a just talk about that was agreement, an more pressing. And, so this question floated agreement that stops around the group as we • the killing ofAfrican heard about Cincinnati . Americans and the Dr. Steve Sunderland reckless treatment of .and world plans to police and communities. meet at Spm at our Federal I don't want to ignore that I Building to show solidarity against the war, joining others in the world am scared about what is facing us who would be using Spm as some as a city and a nation. I live in a local "hot spot," in a country about kind ofrallying time. to make the world a "hot spot." I This is the first time in my life that I have asked myself this am afraid that too litt le is being question and thought about some done too late and that my efforts are only empty gestures, grandiose, choices for what I would like to do. I was inspired that people and ignoring the reality of what is truly out of my control. I am were already working on this question, seeking to find steps that scared for my children and might return peace to the world. I grandchildren and what kind of asked the same question today at world and city they are facing. As the morning service ofthe Clifton a trauma specialist I know that United Methodist Church and wounds from hatred and violence heard that the church would be are not easily coped with no matter open the evening of the attack for what age we are when they happen. community participation, thanks to So much seems on the line right team member, Reverend Jerry Hill. now, as humiliation and behaviors ofviolence seem to be ascending Reverend Bob Weaver, team member from Twin Towers and the voices of compromise, repair, and justice get lost in the Retirement Community told me he anticipation's ofglobal horror. I · would work to have the chap~l open for the. community, too. I am not comforted by false gods, false movements based on would be interested if other ignorance, or, comforted by .members ofthe Peace Village wilt be making plans and ifyou could bashing anyone, including the share them and I will send the info president. The success ofthe· to others. I know that some of our peace movement, to this point, is team have children in the armed historic and nonetheless, we face forces and they are either being the bullets and violence ofthe unknown. readied and/ or already in the Middle East. I want to be in I am comforted by what the support of these members of the Peace Village is doing and I want Peace Village, too. I remember the to share, now, what I am reading great lesson ofthe summer meeting and hearing you do. I share not with the Vets for Peace that said only because you are educating me in the planting of a peace they were not "welcomed" home after the Vietnam War or when they movement, or, because by sharing I joined the peace movement. can gain some momentary Yet, there are lots of distraction. I share because the inspiring signs, both here and efforts at peace are the threads of the present and future that tie me around the world of our Peace Vtllage, that the seeds are being into a coat of hope, a shawl of possibility, and warm me with your planted ahd nurtured. I want to encourage everyone to share what by Steve Sunderland �Page 12 · April, 2003 Peace Village (cont) over Zach :s entire project, his father was very moved and ve1y efforts. proud ofhis son. A child's heart Lisette writes from the Netherla"nds, from Doctors Without can teach us all. (ed. note; Zach s poem, MY ENEMY, MY FRIEND is Borders, that over 100,000 names included in the poetry section, are on a petition for the doctor missing in Russia. I hope you have page 14 and 15.) Team member, Paul Davis, joined this effort. We await further Cincinnati counselor, social news ofthe doctor's life chances. Thanks Lisette. worker, Vietnam Vet, returned to the place where he stepped on a Rabbi Naamah Kelmen, land mine. Paul writes: Jerusalem, Hebrew Union College, "Tomorrow I hope to find the site writes of a breakthrough in planning to use Posters 4 Peace where I was wounded in 1966". I with rabbinical students and a high was wounded and one American school in Jerusalem. I hope this is was killed by a land mine (one of ours that was captured by the the beginning ofa great exchange "enemy.") Over the past few days I with some our students in Cincinnati and throughout the US . have been composing a poem Eventually, with the addition of (using a structure common to Islamic youth, I hope we can have Vietnamese poetry) - I use the a peace conference using our voice of the mine.to capture the posters as a beginning. Thank you moment. (Please see Pauls poem in the poetry section ofStreetvibes) Naamah for your brave work. Team member, Shine, Team member, Karen writes from a NY hospital of Hordinski, Cincinnati Hills · gaining strength in calling up the Christian Academy, writes ofher words ofGandhi, a spirit that lives unusual family member. Please in her: "The good part of my read and be in awe, too: Hi Steve; journey...people! So many I have something I want to encounters with people who share with you and see ifyou have needed so much but were help~d by any direction. ..My 10 year old so little ... a smile, a patient ear, a nephew, Zachary Karabatak, from friendly voice. There were Centerville, Ohio chose to c(o an moments of peace and for moments Independent Research Projectfor that were a little more his school. The topic he chose is challenging...breathing came in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. very handy... " Ofall ofher Gandhi My nephew is Muslim. His father quotes, the one that I especially is from Syria. His mother like is: "For me, humanitarian converted to the Muslim faith from service, or rather serVi<?e of all that Christianity about 7+ years ago. lives, is religion and I draw no So this project has deep meaning distinction between such religion to Zach and his parents. When and politics." So much ofthis Zach first started this school battle for peace has been within the project, his father thought Zach language ofreligion, a language was being partial to the Israelis that polarizes and calls on deep and was very upset. After looking wellsprings in many people. Shine .... 4 J ~ <;. We left flushed with reality: our sees something very important by work made visible arid thereby, quoting Gandhi's perspective: she somewhat more caring. sees that.t here is a deeper religion Finally, some good words within both politics and religion. from team member, Ed Irvin, now· How do we reach for this, with off to England for a while, but respect, and widen our understanding of a prime source of connected to the pulse of compassion: You've identified an energy in all religions? interesting and potentially critical I was taken aback by some of my graduate student co-teachers insight when you say that we shy away from studying and discussing last week in class as they decided to "welcome" the voices of dissent. peace. We talk about "studying war no more" and all the other A team of co-teachers drew a anti-war diches, but you are "soap box" on the floor of the correct, I don't recall ever classroom with duct tape and invited any and all to come forward participating in an exercise to and share, to get off their chests "imagine peace" and actually what was hidden there, waiting for thinking through what that would entail nor how it might be encouragement. And so we did, with applause following each organized. Competition, anxiety, frustration, fear, and the battles that presentation. Out exploded the frustrations connected with doing result seem to be natural·human tendencies (original sin some good work in social work as resources are being drastically cut, would say, though I'm not a proponent ofthat terminology). workloads unilaterally increased, Peace, love, forgiveness, and hours extended, and shame about turning the other cheek when productivity not being met in this offended are not as easy to do. We new climate. Cutting into many can talk about them, but even in people who spoke was a common peace communities there are theme of having to face, day after day, the culture's humiliation about competitive schisms - just look at the history ofthe Christian church, working with the poor, the for example. Living in a "godly disabled, the needy, and the manner" takes tremendous effort homeless. The thin shield that protected these new workers, many on behalfof all participants, and a spoken and unspoken contract in their 40s and older,_is no:w gone that's very hard to create and as the state retrenches and life is sustain. even more precarious for those in greatest need. This story, ofthe Perhaps this is something the Peace Village can undertake. It war before the war, the old war, may be that, above al1, we need a needed voice and as people gained model to follow. Let's imagine confidence, a ki:nd ofcourage, a restoring of the.faith in what peace together... "Imagine there's no countries, Gandhi meant by love, was slowly It isn't hard to do, restored. We went around the Nothing to kill or die for, circle twice, finding deeper levels of story, good sto.ries that could be . No religion too, . better to listen to than the anger. Imagine all the people Photo Corner living life in peace..." Dr. Steve Sunderland, professor of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati, is the Director of The Peace Village, a group of individuals from the national and international community committed to examining all issues ofPeace in the world Dr. Sunderland also heads up Posters­ /or-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions ofPeace, in their own words, through the creation ofposl.ers. Write Usl _... We'd like to hear ..• from you .... Smitty's on Vine Street in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhiii.e business district is an institution with a SO-plus year history of providing Cincinnatian's and others the very latest in snazzy, unique, one-of-a-kind, unparalleled fashion. Even the.windows ofSmitty's are smartly dressed! _... ~ STREETVIBES Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office att.n: . Streetvibes Letters, i506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Page 13 Ohio Empowerment Coalition Organizes To Living Wage took me down another long Stop The .Race to the 'B ottom they Campaign hallway to another room and interrogated me on my mental on an escalator or an elevator by Lynn Williams News health. 'Do you ever feel before. We made it to speak Seventy Ohio Empowerment Coalition members climbed the long stairs to Senate President Doug White's Statehouse office on OEC's annual Lobby/Action Day March 11th. Because of our large number, his office moved our people to a nearby Senate hearing room where Senator White came out to greet us. Leaders in the OEC spoke on points in the OEC and presented him with a WAGES "race car". The race car, calling attention to one of the Senator's most loved hobbies, demonstrated the "race to the bottom" that families in Ohio are facing. The Senator agreed to meet with the Ohio Empowerment Coalition the next week to discuss the WAGES ("Work After Good Education is Success.") Campaign. He acknowledged that he lived in one of the poorest areas of Ohio, Adams County, and that many of his neighbors were hurting. "I'm aware of the deep poverty in my county." he stated. The OEC called on him to not only meet with the Ohio Empowerment Coalition but also to visit with families in his district who are affected by the state cutbacks in social services and Medicaid. Immediately after the action on White's office, the OEC members dispersed to attend many Lobby Day appointments with their legislators. For this Lobby Day we had representation from Cincinnati, Dayton, Oxford, Cleveland, Columbus, Adams Coi:mty, Athens, Lorain, Clermont County and Toledo. Pushing our WAGES Platform was the.main purpose of the Day, but urging was also done to stop the cuts in Medicaid for working parents and in child care vouchers. Later that evening at the conference, ~eynote speaker Shirley McClain , statewide. organizer of North Carolina Hunger Network, spoke of her work on behalf of the Nutrition Act of 2002 and her work ensuring that low-income children are fed in school programs across the United States. She shared how she began organizing low-income women in her state. "I took twenty-five women to Congress. This was the first time they had ever been to Washington, D .C. For some, it was the first time they had ever been out of North Carolina. They had never ridden paranoid? Do you ever feel before Congre~s and it made a anxious.' Yes, I was thinking, difference!" She continued to especially about how you are speak on today's issues. "We interrogating me now. It felt like need to be fighting a war on the Gestapo coming after me. I poverty in this country, not a war had to go through all this in order on Iraq. We must unite the war to get the cash assistance that I protesters with us so we can desperately needed because of a together fight to end poverty in job loss. I felt like I was treated as this country!" less than a human being. It She concluded, "We shouldn't have to be this cannot be quiet and polite in the dehumanizing to get help." face of our people's suffering! We need to be outraged! As long The second day was a full day of workshops on issues as there is poverty in this rich connected to the WAGES country, we must be outraged! Campaign. Participants We must keep on the struggle to brainstormed on. ideas for moving change things in this country!" Other speakers on opening the Campaign forward. In the night were people directly immediate future the Ohio affected by welfare policies who Empowerment Coalition will be testifying before the House shared how it feels to be in the Human Services Subcommittee welfare department applying for the last week of March. We are help. Priscilla Cooper of positive there will be plenty of Cleveland spoke on her experiences when she applied for opportunity to attend hearings throughout April and May as the assistance in Cuyahoga County. "They sat me down in a room and state budget bill is debated! For started questioning me fast and more information on hearings furiously. 'Do you ever drink? and/or the WAGES Campaign, Smoke? Do drugs? Have you ever please contact the Ohio Empowerment Coalition at 513/ taken another drink when you thought you would only have one? 381-4242. If you are outside the Do you ever have a hard time 513 area code, call toll-free 1­ 877-862-5179. getting up in the morning?' Then February brought support from national arenas when ROCK THE VOTE - comprised of students organizing to get out the vote across the nation, moved to support the campaign. In other national support, the Rainbow/ Push Coalition also lent its considerable influence when it too endorsed the Universal Living Wage Campaign. Today, 700+ organizations have pledged support to the ULW campaign which is based on the moral premise that anyone working a 40 hour week should be able to afford basic rental housing wherever that work is done throughout the United states. The Universal Living Wage initiative is considered the Economic Cornerstone ofthe National Coalition for the Homeless: Campaign to end homelessness- BRING AMERICA HOME. To view the Universal Living Wage formula, endorse the campaign on line and learn details ofour April 15th National Night Out at ·our Nation's Post Offices, go to the Whats New button at www.UniversalLivingWage.org "Money ~ill be raining on wealthy neighborhoods across America. Other areas can expect prolonged periods ofdroughf' �STREETVIBES Art & Poetry April, 2003 Page 14 Calamity Onion Poe,m by Steven Lansky got my onion. my onion, see. a pain. a hurt. pain, maan, see, hurt, see. the man want my onion. i say NO. NO you take pain. take pain. leave my onion. leave my onion alone, see. there's a window. a window, see. don' break no window, see, windowfrarne paint, need to paint my windowframe, see. ain't the same, man. -ain 't the same, man, see, i ain't been the same, pain. pain, man, the pain i feel, man. see, you do n' understand, see. so, i' m leavin '. gonna get on the plane and go away. not gonna live here no more, take my onion an' go, go, see. go away where there ain ' t no pain, see. where, see. where, see, sinners gonna drive me away, so many sinners drive me away, take my onion and go across the sea, where have all th e flowers gone? long time passing? flowers in the w indowbox. cactus flowers on the windowsilL red and pink and purple. lovely bruise. lovely, paint my onion pur ple. by James Curry I once sat upon, a shelf, al dusty and alone. No one cared to call my name, no place could I call home. I once sat lonely and neglected, sitting there all alone. No one stopped, no one looked, no one my pretty hair would_comb. My hair once pretty, my clothes once Oh so delicate, so fine. Had become all dusty, and dirty now, and hard to believe, were mine. My face once porcelain white, and rosy pretty plus. Now became all dirty, and my nose a cake of dust. But then one day, someone stopped and looked. They noticed me hig h upon that shelf Then had me taken down from there, to see fo r myself ..Some Jjttle girl loved me close, a little girl once held me dear." If I could cry I' d shed a tear, fo r bent I am and forgotten. Ifl could smile, I'd smile for her, even through my tears I'd gotten. And so these tears I can afford, for sharing so much with me. Her Life and my departure, were a disaster, as anyone can see. So that is why I'm called ... YOU SEE, they call me " CALAMITY ..." hello? hello? (my fri end hands me a cell phone) it's george W. bush for you ! george? how do i know it's you? dubya for warmonger? yeah, t hat's what i say. he says, "steve, couJd i use your onion for a few days?" no . "steve, you still hanging with that folksinger crowd?" my friend george, W'!- got two words for you. REGIME CHANGE! we want the same thing, just for different countries! lees disarm the USA. let the UN monitor US elections, and inspect US weapons of mass destruction. the phone goes dead. george is gone. gone. he don't know no onion. i had a mad dream that we snuck into the White House and removed the top three floors so there was just an empty shell and dubya was another homeless man. he had to waJk to another town ' cause all of DC was closed. morally bankrupt, socially stratified, politically isolated, and we all sat back, turned off the TV rattle of war and watched the children grow. »'atched the flowers grow. sat around in the onion patch hand in hand, peaceful as the wild city critters, squirrels, raccoons, pigeons, and robins. February 14, 2003 Miss Me .... But Let Me Go Author Unknown When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom fi lled room. Why cry for a soul set Free? Miss me ~ little, but not to.o long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go . For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go it aJone. It's all a part of the Master 's Plan, A step on the rainbow to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, got to the friends we know, and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go. The Man in the Glass by anonymous When you get what you want when you struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to ·say. For it isn't your father or mother or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass, the Fellow whose verdict counts most in your life ls the one staring back for the glass. You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum And think you' re a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you 're only a bum 1f you can't look him straight in the eye. He's the fellow to pleas, never mind all the rest, For he's with you clear up to the end, And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you've cheated the man the man in the glass. Message From a Black Man by Charles Bailey To all my brothers and sisters Who use drugs and crack and @#it How can you get what you want When you won't quit.using it You blame the white man for all the Things he did and did not do But you put the drugs in your body And it is making a fool out ofyou I'm a black man And my life is filled with nothing but hope I might be able to achieve whatever I want Because my body is not filled with dope But you want to sell this dope to the Brothers and Sisters Because you say you have no shame You let them out it in their systems And now you are destroying your Brothers and Sisters brains So ... Please quit it ! �STREETVIBES April, Art& Poetry ~003 Page 15 Diversity by Wanda (OTR Resident) The money people are attacking my hoine. On the west, they' re tearing down homes and the symphony wants Washington Park, in the name of cultural diversity. On the east, the business men and the rich landlords push for a ballpark and intervening districts, in the name of economic diversity. On the south, the downtown council wants to expand north and change all the streets to two-way, in the name of diversity. Bright morning Summer sun warms the ground. Under a blanket of earth I wait. Arms of wire exposed to the sun. Mindlessly, Marines approach unaware of my presence. Children laugh and play at a distance. Patiently I wait knowing there are others. Shadow ofboot blocks out the sun. As my hands come together I explode. Free from the earth I am transformed. I am wind pushing metal without thought. I meet flesh then bone and stop. Death, my purpose and destiny now complete. Be well - Love to all, Paul My Enemy, My Friend · In the center is my home and yours, the po.o r, working poor, handicapped, homeless, all live and survive, day to day. The powers want diversity. We already have it. They should help, not attack. I will stand up for the right to live where I want, I won't be in the middle of diversity. Inadequate by Zachary Karabatak she makes us all feel free we can't see any wrong she's done but we know why she's in alderson prison god had sent this woman of courage to help calm the fears the women were grateful and so was i she makes me feel worthy as she gets through the day she spoke of a brighter future everyday i thank the creator for introducing her to me it doesn't matter that i am locked up she makes me feel free. Lorry Thomas-Swain by Sonny Williams, London, Ohio prison, April, 1987 We met one day out on the street I never thought our worlds would meet. He said "Hi" and asked me to play. I didn't know ifl should stay or run away. Before I could.decide he kicked me the ball. I kicked it back with no effort at all. We played outside together all day. Until it was time to go our separate way. My parents say he cannot be my friend. But I knew in my heart this was not the end. We are different but we do not hate. We will not accept conflict and war as our fate. We know we can make a difference for tomorrow. If we could just stop the bloodshed and the sorrow. We could be friends forever if there was peace. What can we do to make this fighting cease? Leaders must look to us for the solution. Two states with peace is our resolution. by Lisa Weber It smells like something had just died. Down o'n hands and knees, I search the rug. My fingers rake the plush. Under these nails There is some dirt and blood, but no hope. Shutter ·speed Digital and vacant, a voice reaches me. Solace to silence. It reminds me how close I am, to becoming a simple whore. I want to tear that need from my skin, to expose what lies beneath. It just gets muted by a desperate quiet that even scares me. I bring my knees to the floor, come eye to eye. Rolling and rolling, covering myselfwith something, more pure. Something perhaps, human Protestors at CAFTA meeting (Central American Free Trade Agreement}, downtown Cincinnati.... �ST REETVIBES April, 2003 Seattle's Spare Change Newspaper celebrates ten being challenged. He started years showing up to work late, hung Early struggle turns into success by Timothy Harris When I started Spare Change, I was thirty and thought I knew everything. " Starting a streetpaper," I said confidently, "is easy. Put the homeless in charge, teach skills and democracy, and let empowerment take its course." In less than a year, I was out of a job and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Spare Change wasn't doing so hot either. The "Tale of the Two Tims" has been told here before. In the early 90s, I was at Boston Jobs with Peace; a little terrier of a group that thought it was a rotweiler. We were just about the grittiest grassroots organization in Boston. Our idea oforganizing for the peace dividend was to hold a three-day tent city ofhomeless people outside the Federal Building. We became expert at the logistics of cots, blankets, soup and security. Our role, we thought, was to make homelessness visible and draw attention to the underlying issues: misplaced federal priorities, scarce affordable housing, and low wage labor. In truth, we mostly staged a series of media events. After awhile, it began to feel like nothing, really, was happening. . We asked ourselves, "what else?" Homeless ·people told us they couldn't sit in the Boston Common without being harassed by cops. Burger King on Tremont refused to serve them at all. We formed the Homeless Civil Rights Project, which initially consisted of college students heading to shelters and soup kitchens in search of documentation. Our strategy was to build a pressure campaign on the basis of affidavits. Oddly, it worked. We got a sadistic cop transferred. We signed a public agreement with Au Bon Pain. We got great press. We looked much bigger than we were. We built a core ofhomeless and formerly homeless people to run the campaign. It wasn' t long before the underside of"empowerment" began to show. The HCRP devolved into a core group of middle-aged alcoholic homeless white men. The leader didn't like News & Editorial honeymoon, stormy ash was, came to an end. Members of the project complained to me, their organizer, about serious problems within Spare Change. The newspaper was being run by the rules ofthe street, with the toughest and most ruthless over, and, inspired by the United people in charge, and that wasn't Mine Workers, wearing combat working out very well. "It's not fatigues. As a peace organization, my role to fix this," I would say. we found this problematic. Into "You need to organize others who this odd assortment of characters think the yvay you do to challenge walked a smart, charismatic homeless man named Tim Hobson. things from the inside." For all my helpful organizing hints, people Being black, he stood out found me pretty useless. immediately. Tim also had the Meanwhile, Tim Hobson single thing that most defines a decided that our various self­ leader: a following. interests were very much at odds, In the late eighties, during and I was informed that my what I now refer to as my "boiled destruction was imminent. Things potatoes and shoplifted cheese" went downhill from there. To sum phase, I edited an obscure Boston publication called Street Magazine. up, Spare Change terminated the relationship with Jobs with Peace. We affected a certain amount of hipness while writing mostly about Tim broke in one night and stole all the computers, and drug addicts poverty issues, and, toward the had access to the bank account. end, even had homeless people selling it on the street.. New York's The results were predictable. By the end, the homeless­ Street News had by that time invented the idea of the streetpaper, led Spare Change was expelled from Boston Jobs with Peace to·go and, though we wouldn't have screw up their own organization. I admitted it at the time, we got the went on unemployment and played street sales idea from them. I a lot of SimCity. To add interest, asked Tim if he'd like to start one I'd print my cities out, glue the out ofthe Civil Right Project. He tiled pages together, and color loved the idea and so did his them in with felt-tip pens. I friends. The problem was, the covered my walls with maps. For leadership of the Civil Rights several months, this became my Project wanted nothing to do with life. them. · Yet, we both survived. This is not the time or place Spare Change had too much for the story of the long, sad, community support to qie. Slowly disintegration ofthe HCRP. and painfully, the newspaper Simply put, the whole thing was horrible, and, if I'd had my head on evolved to adopt a more stable model. I took a variety of straight about "empowerment," more or less avoidable. The lesson organizing odd jobs and soon after moved to Seattle to start over. I should have learned was that if Everything I saw in Boston empowerment goes unmanaged, convinced me that street people get hurt. It would be a few newspapers were the most more years before I got that. powerful tool for homeless I probably should have organizing I had ever seen. I still realized that Hobson was a thought I could do it. I just needed problem leader the day he to not screw things up. threatened to smash a computer Eight years later, Seattle's monitor over my head. In those Real Change is one of the most days, I was a little slo\.\'. on the stable and effective homeless uptake. Nonetheless, we managed organizing projects in North to keep things together for more America. Here's what I learned at than six months. Tim evangelized Spare Change's expense: the good news ofSpare Change Empowerment is for while I led liim and his following everyone. Empowerment is not a througli the process of building a mission and a business plan. I sold private revolution. Decisions constantly need to be evaluated on the ads, produced the paper, kept the basis ofwhether they move the things glued together, and, like a whole organization forward. The good organizer, gave all credit to goal is to build power as a group, the homeless. When the Christian not as individuals. Is it more Science Monitor did a full-page empowering, for example, to have color story on the launch, Tim an unreadable newspaper produced Hobson was cast as the founder. entirely by untrained homeless It wasn't long before the Page 16 people, or to have professionals working with the homeless to produce a quality product? You don't have to answer that. It's a rhetorical question. Power is up for grabs. Organizers should not be deluded about power. My biggest mistake at Spare Change was the decision that, as an organizer, I had to shun formal power. This left behind the scenes m~nipulation as my next best option. My hands-off attitude left a clear field to some very ugly internal politics. Homeless people, I learned, were .often very vulnerable. When confronted by a bully, most will either shut up or leave. I learned that ifl avoided power, others would take what was up for grabs. More often than not, their intentions were not benign. Clear ground rules need to be established and enforced. People need fairness and consistency, and the organizer's job is to make that happen. Homelessness is an economic condition, not an identity. Before we all got screwed up on identity politics no one needed to say this, but here it is: There is nothing especially great about being homeless. Homelessness does not, in and of itself, confer any great wisdom or insight. It is a shattering, degrading experience that far too many people are forced to endure. Homelessness is not an ideal to aspire to. That said, homeless people are often their own best spokespersons. Sometimes, however, homeless people make terrible representatives. Know the difference. This leads me to the biggest insight of all, namely, Homeless people are not alone. The idea that homeless people, acting by themselves, will solve homelessness is simply insane. It takes a lot of people to challenge capitalism. The good news is that plenty of people who have far more personal resources than the homeless are as disgusted as you are. They would love to walk out their door without confronting third world poverty on every street corner. Organizing homeless people is absolutely necessary, but it's not the answer. For that, we need all of us. Timothy Harris is Executive Director of the Real Change newspaper in Seattle, www.realchangenews.org. He can be reached at rchang~peakeasy.org. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein a:re not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staffor the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES April, 2003 The Ten-Year Plan by Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. , The Evangelist News & Editorial Homes, and having police kick-in my door while I was in class. To be accused of being a drug dealer because I wore suits and carried a briefcase going to and from Cincinnati Bible College. I remember moving to 14th Street between Walnut and Vine, because at least there I was allowed to pursue my goals without opposition even when there was derision. Yet with the support and encouragement from Ms. Arrington a four-inch thick bound folder containing almost fifteen years of an incarcerated life, then you have It was March 23, 1993. I a·picture of what was placed before stood at 2121 Vine Street before Charlie's% House. I looked up at. Ms. Arrington. She declined to look at the offered record. She the warm sun and marveled at the events that had brought me to this simple said, " Let me talk to the man." city of Cincinnati. When I met Ms. Arrington I I was born and raised in learned quickly she was a no­ Akron, Ohio fo what most would nonsense kind ofperson. She came consider a low-to-middle income straight to the point. working family. We were What can you tell me to dysfunctional as most families tend convmceme to be in one form or another. I you are have four siblings and we finished with experienced the alcoholism, divorce, poverty and other factors a life of drugs, and . of our lives in different ways. My crime?" she experience led me to a life in the asked. streets, alcohol, drugs, gangs, Asl crime, and eventually to prison. During my fourth year of a looked across the l 0 to 25 year sentence for the Ohio Department ofRehabilitation table at her I could not and Correction, I received a help but Christmas card from my notice my Grandmother that changed the file there course of my sentence, and my between us life. If you have been to prison in the center of the table, Rodney Sutton in front 01 Charlie s 314 House then you understand the sense of hopelessness that can overcome and in you when your freedom is in the seconds I reviewed my life and the and my Grandmother I successfully hands ofsomeone else. I lived my many things that had gone before. completed two years of parole, I formed my reply to Ms. Arrington graduated from Cincinnati Bible life with no thought of the future, because it had not been my very carefully. "Ms. Arrington," I College & Seminary with a began, "While I was in prison I experience that the future held Bachelor's Degree in Bible, anything good for me. Then recommitted my life to Chr.ist, and married and began a family. during the last five and a half years suddenly my Grand!llother However, in the midst of God has given me a plan for the remi.nded me ofher love, and these successes I was shot while next ten-years ofmy life." God's love for me. doing a Youth Ministry Internship " A ten-year plan," she As I began to recall my in North Fairmount, lost my early upbringing in the church, ~nd replied, "I've never t~ed with a Grandmother, was arrested and felon before who had a ten-year my Grandmother continued to spent several days in the Hamilton encourage me I began to develop a plan." She listened. patiently as I County Justice Center, and then different view of the future. My began to outline for her the goals I found myself unemployed and homeless. Had it not been for my future in particular. Over the would work.to achieve upon my course of the next several years I release: I would first.get a job, ten-year plan I might have given up went before the parole board enroll in college, and get my own in despair, yet I forged on, and by several tim~s and was denied each apartment. This I would do in the the grace of God I found time, but I continued to put· first ninety days. employment and housing, and together the ten-year plan God When I had finished she again stepp~d into my future. was giving me. Here I was simply said, " I'll have you out in Altho~gh, at this point I planning my own future. I could · - thirty days, and I'll do what I can thought I would readjust my plan envision a future that held promise to help you reach those goals." and forget about a life in the for me. Ten years later and here I ministry. I did some sales and I began to realize that my stand before Charlie's % House. I catering, since cooking has always remember arriving in Cincinnati an future would be what I would been a hobby of mind that I find hour late, and Ms. Arrington make it. very relaxing. God was set on the coming to my defense against a original plan, because I was led Therefore, when I finally received a parole I was almost Parole Officer who was ready to back to the ministry with the devastated to learn I could not send me back to prison. I recall my development ofAW.O.L. (A Way return to Akron, and because of first job as a cook at Barleycorn's ofLife) Ministries. A ministry with on 6th Street, I recall ninety-days my criminal history there was not a mission to help all an alternate city in Ohio willing to after coming to Charlie's moving disenfranchised individuals with ·referral, support, and counseling into my own two-room efficiency have me either. Finally the coordinator of the pre-release on 13th Street between Walnut and services. program made contact with Vine, and I recall being accepted I found myself homeless again and questioning God about Juanita Arrington who was then into Cincinnati Bible College & the Director of Charlie's % House Seminary. I had stepped into my my lot, but I forged on and now at here in Cincinnati. She agreed to future. Yet it was a future that was the end of ten years I am asking come and ifiterview me. to be as unpredictable as a God, "What will the next ten-years Prior to talking with me rollercoaster ride. Because I also hold for me?" I ask this because I recall the objections of my parole know that it is only by the grace of Ms. Arrington was offered my prison record. If you can envision officer. The moving to Laurel the Creator that although I stray Page 17 from the course on occassion the guidance of the Spirit has corrected my steps. Currently attending Lexington Theological Seminary, serving the United Church of Christ locally as the Director ofthe Racial Justice Youth Ministry, serving as a Coordinating Committee Member ofthe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and renting a house in Silverton I have come a long way from the ex-felon who shared a ten-year plan with Juanita Arrington. I would like to take this time to thank Juanita, and all those who along the way gave an encouraging word or set me straight when I needed someone to do so. I would like to say to you, ex-felon, recovering addict, alcoholic, and homeless individual first and foremost. find God, then ask for a plan, and find someone who will support you in the development and pursuit of that plan. A ten-year" plan to end homelessness is a reality, but it must be done one individual at a time. If you cannot find help, call A.W.O.L. Ministries, 513-349­ 5119, and we will help you find that way of life that can help you step into your future. Peaslee Neighborhood Center. 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Editorial Cincinnati City Council ­ Show me, don't Tell me Domination War? Could it be that most of the people parading around as "Democrats" on Council are really just Republicans in disguise? move in the right direction. With Then Council passed giving Two years in review ­ due respect to Valerie, she has 6.6 million dollars to Sax Fifth No Fundamental spoken up on a few occasions, Avenue, a huge corporation. Yes, Changes. which is good, but more often than that is a priority for me, to by Brian Garry not she has remained silent at times subsidize private companies to sell As City hall touts its' expensive furs downtown. Yes I when what was needed was, to set · the example by speaking out progress of"moving forward" I agree - let all the rioters wear fur against such atrocities as that will solve the problem. laugh so hard, I fall off my chair. Excuse me I think I'm going to Huntington Meadows and the Does the City forget about vomit. What's wrong with our removal of Citizen input from the the "Great White Boycott" of local city administration? Have downtown that has been going on CitiCable broadcast . they moved the city forward in the Later the Panhandling for y~ars before the "Rebellion of past two years? Ifso in what 2001"? Cincinnati's downtown has Ordinance was passed. This nasty specific areas have they done so? little, hate-filled piece oflegislation been struggling for years and white Are they fu)tjl)ing their job people have been terrified and seeks once again to attack the weakest link in our societies chain, fleeing a way from the black people description - that of executing the Will of the People? Where is the to the suburbs for years prior to people who have no place to call "home" -many ofthem mentally ill. tangible evidence that they have 2001. Lack of free parking and too done something? Show me how Why don't the pick on somebody many parking tickets is one of the their actions have translated into their own size like Chiquita, or P& reasons for these folks not going actually helping working-class G or, Cintas, 5"'/3<d, UDF or downtown. people. Ifhelping people were a Provident Bank. Address The Demands! Obviously Why? Because the the city should not be digging in crime, would their be enough evidence to convict them? If powerful corporations run this city their heels. They should be dealing helping corporations were a crime, and to attack them would be for with and re~koning with the our city leaders to attack their I feel that there would be a demands ofthe boycotters. The preponderance of evidence, (to use REAL bosses, - rich corporations. City has, as an excuse, and a one their legalistic terms.) Our Council and Mayor are mostly distraction, made the Boycott the As a celebrated American obstacle, instead ofthe demands. puppets to these International Corporations who happen to have statesmen put it, "Let's look at the The boycott is not the issue, the record". demands are. The boycott is a their Head Quarters in Downtown One ofthe first things our city Cincinnati. With a few exceptions, tactic, a means to an end - that end being meeting the Demands. (The administration did, after the they are punks, sell-outs, they do not represent you nor I. They demands can be found at forming ofthe CAN Commission, www.cincyboycott.org.) was to fire Rev. Damon Lynch, (the represent the upper-classes, as is only co-chair representing the What did the City evidenced by their voting records. But I digress. The "common people") off the Administration do for its citizens Impaction Ordinance encourages who live in Huntington Meadows committee. the police (troops of the rich) to Apartments? They gave nothing Soon after, Council passed arrest people for asking others for because they do not care. To them, the Impaction Ordinance. The these people are not Human. Impaction Ordinance is an evil law money. Theref9re the City The City gave Lazarus prohibiting the use ofgovernment Administration ought to arrest Department store $27 million. funds for the building oflow­ itself for strong arming money out Meanwhile, the City claimed that income people's houses and of it's residents. How can they limit the free speech ability of one the reason that they did not help its apartments. This law destroys Citizens at Huntington Meadows chances for the building of homes person to ask another person for was because the city did not own and apartments for people of low­ money? Why did Council not follow Huntington Meadows. Does the income within the city limits. The City claims that the the suit of Cleveland and Columbus City own Lazarus? The City offered Channel 9 hiring ofValerie Lemmie was a to oppose this Oil and World Page 18 $?million to pay for moving costs. The city offered the people of Huntington Meadows - Nothing for moving costs. The City also gave the Hyatt Hotel 2.3 million, while cutting funding for the GrassRoots Leadership Academy and teen mother counseling. I spend my money on my priorities. Looking at the City's expenditures, I say that the City's priorities a bit screwed up. OK, so maybe they got issue 5 on the ballot. I give them that. That was a good move, but it didn't go far enough. This latest move, with certain city council people entering the boycott fray, demonstrates an Administration which concerns itself greatly when white performers cancel, or mainstream white groups support the boycott, is another example ofinsecure politicians feeling the need for more attention. Not caring for the people which they serve but only for a story in which they are mentioned in the local Cincinnati newspaper. This seems to give them that necessary, extra self­ esteem they seem to be lacking. They seem to be using the boycott for notoriety for themselves, stepping on the backs ofthe boycotters to gain a name for themselves. White bread councilmen and their police chief buddies from Elder are just an obstacle to Justice and change in this great city of Gurs.. They boycott groups and any thinking person would agree that few ifany ofthe demands of the boycott have been met. So please, prove me wrong and Show me, not Tell me, where this City's Administration has made FUNDAMENTAL changes in relation to addressing the root causes of the Rebellion of2001 . Support your local Streetvibes Vendor! here Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production: 20 cents Your oll.a r oes The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our office at 421-7803 for more informa­ tion about the program. Many thanks for your support. Your vendor keeps 80 cents ofevery dollar..... �STREETVIBES April, 2003 Page 19 Food Research and ~.ction Center (FRAC) Report THE HOUSE BUDGET CUTS IN NUTRITION AND OTHER LOW-INCOME ENTITLEMENTS (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, March 20, 2003) The budget plan passed by the House Budget Committee includes more than $159 billion in cuts, between 2004 and 2013, to key low-income programs such as Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SSI, EITC, Food Stamps, TANF, child nutrition programs, foster care and adoption programs, child care, and the Social Services Block Grant. This report includes a state-by­ state table that provides estimates of how the $159 billion in cuts in these key low-income mandatory programs would be distributed among states.http:// www.cbpp.org/3-20-03bud3.htm COLUMN: PRESIDENT BUSH'S TAX CUTS AND THE LONG-TERM BUDGET OUTLOOK put forth by the House Budget Committee, saying that the plan forces the federal government to drastically curtail vital programs in order to pay for tax cuts aimed at a wealthy minority ofAmericans. Two-thirds ofthe deficits throughout the coming decade will be caused by the tax cut proposal. The big tax cuts for the rich and the $12 billion cut in food stamps as well as cuts in Medicaid and Medicare proposed by the House Budget Committee are representative of how the House Budget Committee proposal provides "a boon for a fortunate minority while taking a cleaver to programs vital for most tax payers." http://www.nytirnes.com/2003/03/ 16/opinion/16SUN1 .html (free registration required) REPORT: FAMILIES COPING WITHOUT EARNINGS OR GOVERNMENT CASH ASSISTANCE benefit from the academic performance and student elementary schools in the CutlerOrosi Joint Unified district gets free breakfast in their classrooms, regardless of income. The food service director says most schools could afford to feed everyone breakfast for free. The schools have seen remarkable improvements in tardiness rates, behavior problems, and nurses' visits, and a jump in state test scores. In an attempt to make breakfast more accessible and reduce stigma associated with it, school districts and the task force are looking at ways get students to participate. Ken Hecht ofthe California Child Nutrition Task Force points to serving meals on the bus, offering packaged foods that can be grabbed quickly, and eating in the classroom. c;tassroom breakfast is the prefef!ed means. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/ story/63 82146p-7329879c.htm1 REPORT: STUDY OF "ABAWDs" LEAVING THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN SOUTH CAROLINA (New York Times, March 21, 2003} Columnist Paul Krugman suggests that the administration's 2001 and proposed tax cuts win create future fiscal problems that are far greater than the budget deficits expected from Social Security and Medicare. He notes that "the latest official projections acknowledge (ifyou read them carefully) that the long-term finances ofthe U .S. Government are in much worse shape than the administration admitted a year ago." A new study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities compares the size ofPresident Bush's tax cuts with the prospective deficits in Social Security and Medicare. The report finds that Social Security faces an estimated actuarial deficit of $3.8 trillion over the next 75 years; Medicare will face a $6.2 trillion shortfall. At the same time, $12.1 to 14.2 trillion in total revenue is estimated to be lost through the tax cuts. http://www.nytimes.com/ 2003/03/21/opinion/2 lKRUGhtml (free registration required) The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report: http:// www.cbpp.org/3-5-03bud.htm (Urban Institute, February 2003) This report examines what the poorest families need in order to work and what supports they need when work cannot be found. Interviews with about 100 families with children, all with incomes below 50 percent of the poverty level, show how very poor health, limited skills, and the lack ofjobs, transportation and child care raise serious barriers to employment. They also illustrate how sanctions, time limits, and other administrative hassles can prevent welfare participation for many families without work. Food stamps provided a base of support for about halfoft he families, but 50 percent ofthose not receiving food stamps had their benefits terminated for administrative reasons. Interviewed families coped by combining in-kind government support, child support, help from family or friends, "side jobs," and charity. http ://www.urban.org/ url.cfm?ID=410634 EDITO~: (Fresno Bee, Fresno, CA, March 17, 2003) The California Child Nutrition Task (News Channel 8, Portland, OR. Force, headed by Sharon Davis, the March 17, 2003} governor's wife, is pushing better Oregon state Senator Bill utilization ofthe federal School Morrisette (D-Springfield) has Breakfast Program so that schools sponsored a bill that would place PRESIDENT BUSH'S TAX CUTS HURT PROGRAMS FOR THE POOR (New York Times, March 16, 2003) This editorial strongly criticizes President Bush's tax cut plan, and the subsequent budget proposals CALIFORNIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS USING SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM SUCCEED (Economic Research Service of USDA, March 2003) This report presents the findings of a study of certain childless jobless adults between ages 18 and 50 (so called " Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents," or " ABAWDS") in South Carolina who left the Food Stamp Program between October 1998 and March 2000. South CarolinaABAWDs, including thos~ willing to work but unemployed, are limited to 3 months of food stamp benefits in a 36-month period unless they work or participate in an approved work or training program. Ofthose who were unemployed at the time ofthe survey, two-thirds appeared, based on income, to still be eligible for food stamps. Forty percent were food insecure and 23 percent food insecure with hunger evident. http ://www.ers.usda.gov/ publications/efan03002/ LEGISLATORS IN SEVERAL STATES PROPOSE BANS ON SODAS, CANDY SOLD IN SCHOOLS (OREGON, MARYLAND, MAINE) OREGON PROPOSAL nutritional restrictions on foods available at school in an attempt to limit consumption of non-nutritious foods in favor offruits and vegetables. At one high school in the state, vending machines are turned off during lunch, but soda and high-fat snacks are still available through the student center's a la carte window. Student groups also sell snacks (e.g. doughnuts and cookies) throughout the day. http://www.kgw.com/ sharedcontent/AP Stories/stories/ D7PQ013Gl.html (free registration required) MARYLAND PROPOSAL (Washington Post, March 17, 2003) The Maryland General Assembly is con~idering legislation that would require at least half ofthe vending machine products sold in schools to be healthful. Also, non-nutritious snacks and beverages sold in vending machines would have to be at least 25 percent more expensive than their more nutritious counterparts. http ://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/articles/A35565­ 2003Mar16.html MAINE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REJECTS SCHOOL JUNK FOOD BAN (Portland Press Herald, Portland, ME, March 18, 2003) In Maine, a bill banning candy and all soda sales in most schools was unanimously rejected in a legislative committee, and carried over into next year, pending suggested nutrition guidelines for foods sold in schools to be drafted by education, health, and food industry officials. http://www.pressherald.com/news/ statehouse/030318obese.shtm1 To view the News Digest archives and the latest issue in HTML format: http:// www.frac.org/htmVnews/ newsdigestldigestmenu. htm ­ Our web site is http:// www.frac.org - To subscribe to the weekly FRA C News Digest go to: http:// capwiz.comlfraclmlml Ben Winter, Food Research and Action Center 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone (202) 986-2525 fax Email: bwinter@frac.org �Need Help or Want to Help? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. 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 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency sf)elter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the neeas of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 .....,,.... ~ Cocll'-IG n. ·M!Qnwtl• • ,,, Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) 357-4602 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 4 71-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 861-1111 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 IBEATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 961 -2256 Starting Over TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947· A.A Hotline 351-0422 C.Q.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 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 591 -2246 Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961 -0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 381 -4242 Contact Center 241 -2563 Emanuel Center Freestore/ 241 -1064 Foodbank Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 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 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 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 721 -7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 863-i445 Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) 423-4673 � 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 2003 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 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: ReSTOC Celebrates 25 Years of Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood Development Hate Against the Homeless Pg 2: Exploring Change Since April 2001 Pg 3: Hate Continued… Pg 4: Homeless News Digest Pg 5: Formerly Homeless, Rising Up to Help Others Pg 6: Talking About Panhandling, Poverty and Homelessness Pg 7: Talking About Panhandling, Poverty and Homelessness Continued Pg 8: Trespassing Laws Against Homeless Intensified Pg 9: Fighting Over Dirt- The War Inside Pg 10: ReSTOC Continued Pg 11: The Peace Village Pg 12: The Peace Village Continued Pg 13: Ohio Empowerment Coalition Organizes to Stop the Race to the Bottom Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: News & Editorial Pg 17: The Ten-Year Plan Pg 18: Cincinnati City Council-Show Me, Don’t Tell Me Pg 19: Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Report 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 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Steve Shockley Mary Taylor Virgil Tuttle Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Elain Coffy Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Bienvenidos Brendan Goodwin Cincinnati city council Elain Coffy Empowerment Evangelist Food Research FRAC Georgine Getty Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath Laws living wage Mary Taylor News & Editorials Newspaper Ohio Over-the-Rhine panhandling Peace Village poverty Reader Mail ReSTOC Seattle Steve Shockley Virgil Tuttle War https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/493e5fb3c2228ac4b8b433e4ad6eb931.pdf 44874afe6fe2f8349e44a9b763d534d6 PDF Text Text St Do. ~lion • .ree v1 es Your Progres~ive News Source BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLy January 2003 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �es ree -----------January 2003 ... Annual Homeless Memorial Remembers Those Who Have Died Advocates and Friends Gather -in .Over-the-Rhine's Washington Park As the sun set on one of the shortest days of the year, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless held a homeless memorial, December 20, in Over­ the-Rhine's Washington Park in downtown Cincinnati. Each year since 1990, the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored a National Homeless Person's Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness, and to remember our homeless friends who have died. Over 100 community groups and service providers from around the country held memorial services to remember those who have died without homes. As darkness began to fall, a group of30 plus people gathered around a burning barrel fire to remember the homeless and formerly homeless individuals who passed away in 2002. Huddled around the smoking barrel fire for warmth, those present took pause to listen to a litany of names and remembered those that society has forgotten. Homeless Memorial Day is a nationally recognized event, traditionally held on December 21 , the shortest day of the year. Oftentimes homeless individuals pass away with no one to remember or mom them. Homeless Memorial Day seeks to remedy that by gathering family members; shelter workers, and concerned citizens together to quietly remember. Held every year on or near the winter solstice, Homeless Memorial Day brings homeless advocates and concerned citizens together to bring awareness to the hazards of living outdoors. Advocates place emphasis on the need for affordable hous~ng, a true living wage for all, access to substance abuse treatment and the need for transitional programs. In an attempt to put a human face on these problems the annual Homeless Memorial serves as a reminder of the countless who die needlessly every year in this country. In 2001, there were 202 known deaths of people without homes in Eastern Massachusetts arid Boston. In Indianapolis last year, nearly 400 people gathered together, including the Mayor and Indiana Governor Frank O 'Bannon. San Francisco has been holding a memorial service for 17 years - the longest running service in the country. Last year, 75 homeless people were remembered in that city. This year, a list of 14 names was read ofdeceased men and women and a candle was lit for each person who died in Cincinnati. People shared their memories ofthe individuals and prayer.s to end homelessness and memorial songs were sung. The event was a time for reflection on the lives of 14 extraordinary individuals and the problem of hor:lessness·in our sw ty. the City ofCincinnati. Cincinnati city residents can learn TV production, free of charge, and produce programming }Vhich can then be aired on the City's gublic access channel. For more information about Streetvibes TV, or ifyou would like to submit ideas for future programming, please cal the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803. Streetvibes TV Returns in February On February 4th, Streetvibes TV will return to Public Access in Cincinnati. The Streetvibes TV program, a project ofthe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, will begin at 7PM and will be aired on Warner Cable channel 24 through the studios ofMedia Bridges. The live show will broadcast once a month and also will be re-aired at various times. The program will be in a talk show format and will feature discussions about homelessness, poverty and other related local issues. Local community activists, service providers and politicians will be invited as guests on the show. There will also be the opportunity for viewers to call in to the live show to ask questions of the guests, and get involved in G discussions on the air. Homeless Coalition Executive Director, Georgine Getty will host the new Streetvi bes TV show and it will be staffed and produced by Coalition and Media Bridges volunteers. The award winning show was formerly hosted by Donald Whitehead, then Director ofthe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, now Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless which is based in Washington, D C. The original live show was on the air for almost two years. Media Bridges is a non­ profit TV and web-based production facility, located in Over-the-Rhine, that produces programs for public access TV in IONFO TH 0 �STREETVIBES January 2003 Page 2 Ordinary Citizens Can Make a Change ... by Jimmy Heath Is Cincinnati government Grinch-like in its politics and its practices towards poor people? It seems so. Our town is always looking for ways to reorganize and distribute poor people and keep them away from certain places. The assault on downtown panhandlers was prominent during last years holiday shopping season, this year was no different. With holiday shoppers staying away in droves, our city wanted to appear to be doing something about downtown, that it was "safe" to come downtown and shop for the holidays. And so came the rhetoric. The public had to be assured that there would not be hordes ofcriminal panhandlers stalking holiday shoppers. It's an old tale, the preoccupation of City Hall with the homeless and panhandlers, especially in the downtown area. Never mind the inconvenience and expense of parking downtown that deters many shoppers. Or the lack of shopping choices. Or proximity. Or the over-pric~d restaurants. Shouldn't we be talking about the boycott, police/community relations, economic development and jobs instead of spending all of this energy on a handful of panhandlers? What about authentic crime? Shouldn't we be doing something about the real issues of crime facing this city? Citizens of Cincinnati have always rallied for its poorest citizens, speaking against discriminating practices, challenging the city on public policy that hurts people. The public may not always hear the truth but they know how to sort through the information and find the reality, and they know when something is wrong. Citizens wrote letters to the editor of the Enquirer that expressed outrage over the attack on panhandlers by city government and downtown business interests. Taking a position in favor ofthe poor in this city if you are a civilian is tough. But that is how the real work gets done; ordinary citizens rolling up their sleeves and taking a stand. We see it all the time here at the Coalition office, the outpouring of support is sometimes overwhelming. The courts too, have always ruled in favor of the rights of our less fortunate citizens, defending free speech and the right to be in public p laces. E ven the police, as an alternative to locking people up, sometimes bring intoxicated individuals, or people found sleeping outdoors, to the Drop Inn Center Shelter. But when it comes to doing business, some at City Hall reveal disdain for anything that might tarnish the look ofbeautified downtown Cincinnati streets. It's a strategy of desperation that makes you target the defenseless. Don't get me wrong, there are people at City Hall working hard for rights and social justice for the poor. They are a voice of reason amidst the din of negative verbosity. Sometimes their voices are heard. It must be a hard life. But there is a question for City Hall that suspiciously goes unanswered. Why? Maybe because it's easy, that's all. The smelly, dirty, crazy, criminal homeless. How could anyone stand those people? It's too easy. It is about positions of power in society too, of course. It 's an old story. The preoccupation should be in finding solutions, and addressing the root causes of the problems ofthe homeless. Many of us don' t see the hidden homeless; the senior citizens, the disabled, the youth. 25% ofthe city's homeless population are children. Half of OJJJ..kidS--att~nding public schools in Cincinnati qualify for free lunches because oftheir poverty. (Nearly 100% in Over­ the-Rhine!) This should outrage any decent citizen. When are we going to see a discussion and a sense of purpose about real issues, instead of cowardly attacks on those who are unable to defend themselves? I hope our city's real citizens continue to stay involved in these discussions. · Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor must sign and agree to abide by the following code of conduct... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH). Purchasing or selling unauthorized papers, or from other vendors, will result in tennination from the program. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt to vend after 12 midnight. 4.- I agree to treat others with respect - other vendors, customer~ and GCCH personnel. 5. I will not sell Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying t hat I <im collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I a·m collecting for the " homeless" in general. i will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale ofStreetvibes will go to the individual vendor. Falsely stating intent or otherwise misrep!esenting is a violation ofa city ordinance and may be cause for arrest. 8. I will always present m¥ badge when purchasing papers,.and I will display my badge at all times while vending. Replacement badges are $5 each. 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. I will not sell on private property without permission. 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a selfsupporting 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. 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate a vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES January 2003 Page 3 A Goo~bye, From the Vendor/ North American Homeless , Education C.o ordinator money, which list addresses and News Digest phone numbers of places homeless by Molly Rhodes SAN FRANSISCO - As early·as last December, homeless people in San Francisco will stop receiving most of their cash grants to pay for their needs, thanks to the Care Not Cash initiative that passed with 59 percent of the vote. The more than $13 million, which had helped about 2, 700 single adults, will instead go to pay for services Like housing, food, and utilities, according to the San Francisco Examiner (www.examiner.com). The initiative faced a lot ofcontroversy, especially from San Francisco and national homeless advocates who argued that many people who received up to $390 each month had come to rely on the checks and now would be unable to meet their most basic needs. Even now that it passed, how it actually gets put into effect over the next nine months is being closely watched. Most ofthe $13-million-plus is expected to go into a "master lease" program, in which the city leases single-room-occupancy - or SRO - hotels, renovates them, and then finds a nonprofit to run them. "The question is now, what's the plan going to be?" the Rev. John ·Hardin, executive director of the St. Anthony Foundation, which houses 200 men and women in shelters and drug recovery programs, told the Examiner. "That 's what everyone's waiting for. Let the care begin." PHILADELPHIA Business owners in downtown Philadelphia took their anti-homeless campaign to the streets last month with an · advertising blitz aimed at stopping people from giving money to panhandlers. Business owners say they fear the panhandlers are deterring potential customers from their area. Philadelphia city officials claim there are enough homeless shelters and free meals so that people shouldn't have to panhandle; the ads include cards people can give out instead of Write U$I We'd like to hear from IJOU-­ ~J-...r " Send letten or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohi9 45202 With just seventeen days number of speaking engagements, where they occurred and which shy of my one year anniversary vendor spoke. My plans for the here at the coalition, it is now time for me to say good-bye. (Yeah, I Speakers Bureau is to offer Yi day really am leaving this time!) In just seminars to assist those interested • in improving their presentation a few short days I will begin a new chapter in my employment career. techniques and fine-tune their I have accepted a position as the personal stories. It is my hope my Director of the Over the Rhine and predecessor will follow through Evanston Senior Centers. with this goal. I would also like to (Cincinnati Area Senior Services) see the number of speaking Although I am leaving the jl' engagements increase, coalition I will still be allowing more speakers/ right here in the hood! An vendors the opportunity to area I have grown to share their experiences respect and care about. I with the community. Further, it is my hope the hope I will see some of the familiar'faces from Education Packets will be Cheryl Ware Elm Street and the available and offered to the Coalition, but look schools throughout forward to the new faces I have yet Greater Cincinnati school system i 2003 . This packet will include the to meet. I came to the Coalition homeless study (prepared by the "kickin and screamin", but now Coalition), the "Faces of with the thought of leaving, I get a Homelessness" video, the lump in my throat. I have Streetvibes newspaper and a promised my continue support of specific number of speaking the Coalition and hope to bring engagements assigned to the Cincinnati Area Seniors to the school. Coalition table. I hope many of So to Georgine, I wish you the best of luck. Remember, even you will stop by the Race Street though the Coalition has a location and say hello. As the Vendor/Education powerful past which has carried it Coordinator I have been able to to this day; you now carry the create and implement many new torch to lead it into the next procedures. I developed the chapter. In order to become a Vendor Intake form to obtain voice and power in the community, general demographic information build on your past, don't repeat it. about new vendors. These forms To Andy, keep that clean cut look, collect valuable information which it works for you. Remember can 'be used in our efforts to obtain Tarbell, Luken and the rest of the r knife. grapts arid funding for the pack, all put on their pants one leg WICHITA - 'Tis the Streetvi~es wograrn, and help our at a time. They can learn a lot season for cold weather shelters, as vendors. Incident fonns were also from you and the Civil Rights work cities around the country scramble created fo document major/unusual group. (Enjoy the comer office, _ to find overflow accommodations incidents involving Streetvibes but to tell you the truth, it ain 't no for homeless people who would vendors. Such incidents include, better). Brendan, what can I say. otherwise run the risk of freezing aggressive vending, abusive You are the glue of this outfit and to death on the streets. behavior, or medical emergencies. you guys are stuck! Don't let the In Kansas, the colder Other procedures implemented this vultures get you. Miss Mary, keep weather struck early this year, and year is the tracking of the number .'em all under control! Jimmy, I officials and homeless advocates of Streetvibes newspapers sold have learned well from the master. expected to open their special each month and t.h e individual Thank you for your quiet spirit and shelters a month earlier than usual, patience among all the chaos. vendor sales per month. This according to the Wichita Eagle tracking procedure allows us to Finally, to all the vendors, Elaine, (www.kansas.com). Normal reward those vendors selling 300 Bobby, Grady, Earlene, Mr. James, temperatures in Wichita for mid-fall or more papers each month. Ricky, Julie, Virgil, Aaron and all of are in the low 60's; temperatures Incentives of fifty free papers are the rest of you, thank you. Thank are already down around freezing offered to those vendors who sell you for supporting me, teaching me with chances of snow. In Wichita, 300 or more papers each month. and watching my back when I there are 280 beds for an Vendors can earn papers by helping needed it. - Cheryl Ware approximate 600 homeless people. out in the office doing The problem is administrative support, cleaning the compounded by an economy that vendor area, or by attending and has severely cut back on the participating in the Civil Rights number ofjobs available for people workgroup. Future goals would be looking to find other ways to afford to·offer other incentives to vendors a warm place to sleep. In addition, for sales, active participation and donations for homeless people have support of the Coalition and its dropped significantly since this efforts. tin1e last year, as some of the area's I recently began tracking Eriday, biggest employers, like Boeing, the speaking engagements of our January 10 have laid offthousands. Speakers Bureau. Tracking the people can go. The idea has already caught the eye of other cities who find putting up billboards and handing out cards a better bang for their buck than putting up new housing, like San Francisco and Key West, Florida. TAMPA - Another homeless man died in a confrontation with a police officer, this time in Tampa, Florida, even though witnesses pleaded with the officer not to shoot the unarmed man. Luis Rafael Obijo, 45, began yelling at Officer Greg Caulley on the street as Caulley walked by. Caulley reported to his superiors that Obijo got up and came towards him with a shiny metal object in his hand, prompting Calley to fire his gun within five feet of Obijo, according to the Tampa Tribune (www.tampatrib.com). However, other witnesses, who were familiar with Obijo on the street corner, said the man had never harmed anyone. Nora Melton, owner of the Prince Grocery store, said Obijo helped her open up each morning, and that morning he reacted to aggressive behavior from Officer Caulley. Another nearby business owner saw Obijo back away from Officer Caulley right before he was shot. Both business owners ran towards the confrontation, yeUing "Please don't shoot." The weapon in Obijo 's hands turned out to be a putty �STREETVIBES January 2003 . Streetvibes Editor Receives Mac Award Book Review by B ill Jon_er ·For over 50 years the Reverend Maurice Mccrackin ("Mac" as he is affectionately known) advocated for social justice in Cincinnati. He established a church which welcomed people of all r.aces, well before racial barriers were removed in other churches. He later became an activist in the civil rights movement, and a champion of civil liberties. He led protests against our Center. In addition to·receiving food and shelter, he was persuaded to enter the Drop Inn's six month recovery program, where he also found the support and friendship of the staff and residents. Among these was buddy gray himself, who was quick to recognize Jimmy's innate abilities and talents. Buddy encouraged Jimmy's photographic talent, and gave him the opportunity to dispJay his abilities in work for the homeless Radical Compassion; Finding Christ in the heart of the poor by Gary Smith, S. J., Loyola Press Review by J immy Heath FOF nearly ten years Father Gary Smith lived and worked among the poor of Portland, Oregon, in a low­ income section of the city known as Old Town. " ... through a scene played out in the poor areas of every large government's - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - community. city in the United States,: involvement in "For over 50 years tile Reverend One of his firstjobs war. He writes Father Smith, ''. ..the F IND IN G C H ~ I ST I N THE advocated for Maurice Mccrackin ("Mac" as lie after unemployed looking for work; H E A RT O F T H !! PO O R is affectionately known) advocated emergmg those who drug dealers furtively hawking were poor and for social justice in Cincinnati. " from the their heroin, cocaine, and fallen by the wayside. Through Drop Inn's homeless. He methamphetarnines; residents from had a special empathy for those program was as editor of the many SRO's moving in and out them and the writings ofFather Smith, we learn about their lives who were in prison, and was a Streetvibes. But Jimmy wanted to oftheir buildings; burned-out and something about ourselves. do and learn more, and when the strong opponent of the death alcoholics coming offor beginning He not only introduces us penalty. In every instance where opportunity came for a fellowship another day ofpanhandling and to the people he meets and has through the Congressional Hunger there was an issue of social justice drinking and misery; addicts come to know as family, but he Center, he was offto study the it seemed that Mac was involved engaging in the endless hunt for examines his own brand of Mac's courage and workings of a food bank in St. another fixi lines ofpeople waiting compassion and sympathy, and he determination were legend. He Louis and the work of the National to get food or clothes or shelter; challenges our own notions of how Coalition fo r the Homeless in often put his body on the line in the occasional nervous and we treat the less fortunate. His Washington D .C. (headed by protests, and his hunger strikes fatigued prostitute wandering by; work is a combination of tough were his way ofgaining leverage another of buddy's proteges, individuals talking incoherently to love, tenderness and, at times, even with the more powerful. He was Donald Whitehead) . themselves; staff persons from a fear. For Father Smith, the people Returning to Cincinnati, often reviled by those in power, but variety of agencies going about we come to know in his book are he was loved, and is still loved, by , Jimmy has again taken up the their work; alert police slowly "angels", placed in our path as a editorship ofStreetvibes, and those committed to socialjustice. surveying the streets on foot, on mirror of society and ourselves. It launched the Center for To keep his memory alive, each bil<es, in cars." This is the setting is a scary picture that he sometimes year Community Shares recognizes Community Photography at for the anecdot al recitations of paints for us, but one that is real, Peaslee Neighborhood Center. In those who share Mac's concerns, Father Gary Smith and the people the latter, Over-the-Rhine children and carry out those concerns by he encounters as a part of his work and cannot be denied . This is a book that should their actions, with a "Mac Award". in Old Town. For some of us, are introduced to photography and be required reading for anyone who In the latter half ofMac's are given the opportunity to these lost souls and the streets cares about our displaced and express their feelings and insights described in Father Smith's book Cincinnati activism, one ofMac's mostly ignored citizens. For some closest friends and allies was buddy through their pictures. While doing are all to familiar. of us working on the streets, the Radical Compassion is a all this, Jimmy has expanded his gray. Buddy was also well known faces in this journal are (amiliar. It for his concern for social justice. memoir, a journal ofFather own photographic art work, and is also for those who are struggling bis photographs and exhibits depict .Smith's encounters with some of Buddy's activism was also diverse, to understand the realities of the humanity of young and old, and the abandoned, overlooked and but he is best known for his poverty and life on the streets in the natural beauty in what is often activities in Over-the-Rhine where forgotten members of our society. our modem times. These are the homeless, the jailed, thought to be Cincinnati's poorest his advocacy for the poor and neighborhood . In Jimmy's pictures the addicted and abused that have homeless lives on in the work of Over-the-Rhine often becomes one the Drop Inn Center, R estoc, the of the richest neighborhoods in Homeless Coalition, and other ways that are more important than · important organizations. money wealth, and he is reversing It seems altogether fitting many ofthe unfortunate and proper therefore that one of stereotypes about the the 2002 Mac Awards this year went to Jimmy Heath, a protege of neighborhood. His art is world-class, as is buddy gray, whose concerns and his message, and his heart. He is activities follow those ofMac and T he Know Your Rights truly in the tradition ofMac and buddy. buddy, and a deserving winner of Brochure is now available at the Jimmy is Editor of Coalition's office. The brochure is the 2002 Mac Award . Streetvibes, founder and operator a legal guide for Cincinnati' s Three other distinguished of the Peaslee Center for homeless and covers a person 's community leaders also recieved Community Photography, and a this years Mac Award. ·T hey are basic rights when interacting with world class photographer who , Robert Harris, a local activist the police, as well as some local !. -. makes the humanity of Over-the­ recognized for his continuing work laws that might be ofinterest to the f' Rhine come alive in his work. for the rights of disabled people; In 1995 Jimmy was homeless population. If you are a ~ homeless person or if you work Father Ben Urmston, Director of homeless, his Life ruined, and his with homeless people and would health precarious after having spent the Dorothy Day House at Xavier University and a social justice like ·t o obtain free copies of the ~ nine days in ~ coma with liver failure and pancreatitis, a result of leader for 50 years; and Barbara brochure · for yourself or your · Wolf, a prominent social justice agency, please call 421 -7803 , or his alcohol addiction. Somehow advocate and award winning film after coming out oftbe coma, he stop by the Coalition office and pick one up. documentarian. found his way to the Drop Inn Know Your Rights Brochure Available! �ST R EETVI B ES Jan uary 2003 Reader Hail Disturbing Lack of Understanding This letter was written in response We would like to hear from you to the Enquirer 's Nov. 29 story by Gregory Korte: "Mayor puts - please address letters and pressure on city shelter" comments to; Mayor Luken has said, "It Streetvibes, doesn't make sense to spend 1506 Elm Street, $ 100,000 to fight panhandling, and Cincinnati Ohio 45202 t hen give money to an agency that (or) email to: supports it." Streetvibes@juno.com This statement reveals a disturbing lack of understanding on Get Caseworkers for the mayor's part. Mr. Luken, have you visited the Drop Inn Center Panhandlers lat~ly? Toured the c;ix- month For the panhandling aicohol/drug treatment program for situation: I would get some men? Or t he separate rehabilitation psychiatrists, sociologists, social program for women? Observed the workers and psychologists to supper line, serving dinners from volunteer their time to get 6:30 - 7:30 every night to men and information such as, where the women who are down on their panhandlers came from, what luck? The Drop Inn Center does happened to them and what can be not support panhandling; it sup­ do ne to get them back on their feet. ports social justice. I would also contact their families Mayor Luken criticizes if they are willing and maybe they Streetvibes, the monthly newspaper could be of more help than the about issues concerned with social panhandlers realize. Get the word justice, poverty, and the homeless. out to the panhandlers that there is It is published by the Greater help so they won't be so forceful in Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ their attempts to get money Get less, has a circulation of about the people who are complaining 15,000, and is created by people about the panhandlers together and who are or were homeless. get ideas from them on how to help Streetvibes is sold by licensed get these people off of the streets. vendors who must sign and adhere I t h.ink sponsorship is the key and I to a strict code of corrduct. The would get different organizations, paper costs a dollar and vendors, businesses and universities to help trying to get a leg up and out of these people a little at a time to get homelessness, can keep 80 cents of them to be self-sufficient. Ask the that. Have you taken the time to panhandlers what their needs are. read a copy recently, Mr. Luken? People could help with job skills, If the mayor wants to stop more education, money for panhandling, he should work to education, money for child care or achieve the same goal as the Drop · substance abuse. The city needs to Inn Center and the GCCH: social focus on getting the panhandlers justice. back into society not just passing Jane Ruhmkorff, Downtown laws to regulate how they are getting money. Hope this helps!! Homeless Snowbird in Support your local Streetvibes Vendor! ground. One morning I bought a 'Sarasota newspaper. On the front page, three policemen and others were holding a giant anaconda snake. They had caught it one­ tenth of a mile from my camp. This thing was as big around as a dinner plate. If it had seen me, it would have grabbed my head in it's mouth. Then it would have squeezed me to death. It might have even suceeded in swallowing me. These constrictor snakes are found all over Florida. People buy them as pets. But they get too big and they let them go. Then they grow huge! Babies have been killed in their strollers in the backyard. Ownership of these constrictor snakes should be outlawed in the U. S. They can get into a house very easy. The homeless would be surprised at the number of dangerous animals and insects down here. Also, I would like to warn homeless people not to sleep along the shoreline of any body of water down here. Alligators! Many times I've seen cardboard laid out in the weeds near waterways. It made me wonder if they made it to mornmg. God bless. KCS Watch fo r the return of Streetvibes TV L Tuesday, February 4th at 7 :OOpm on cable access Channel 24 Streetvibes TV is a live program created by tile Greater Cincinnati Coalition/or the Homeless and Media Bridges. Watcll.as our panel discusses tile issues surrounding homelessness today. Call in and give your opinion! R~source Community / / ""'"" Cards Florida The homeless shelters ar~ mostly filled up here in Florida during the winter. So when I came down here I camped out and worked at the labor pools. Here's a story about camping out in Sarasota, Florida. I was camping out in the wooded suburbs of Sarasota. I was sleeping on a blanket on the Write Usl We'd like t o hear from you .... Your vendor keeps 80 cents ofevery dollar..... Page 5 Send let ters or comments to: Streetvi bes@Juno.com , or write 't he Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, · 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Rock d a le Te mple has announced the r elease of the lat est in its serie s of Community Reso urce Cards. The new one, printed in Sp anish, is customize d for the needs of Cincinnati's rapidly growing Hispanic/ Latino population. The tri-fold, plastic cards are funded by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati as a project of Rockdale Temple, in consultation with Bienstar, Su Casa and Th e Gr eater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to the Hisp~i c Res ource Card, the Resourc e Card Project has also produced cards for senior c itizens, the homeless, and public school and Cat holic sch ool stu dents coverin g t h e Tri-state area. Card s can be ordered from : cc 5300 Hamilton Avenue, #210 Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 or send a fa x request to: (513) 541-0099 �STREETVIBES January 2003 Volunteers of America Homeless Coalition's Speakers Bureau. I've used this to educate these men on issues of homelessness, working with case managers in the Life Skills by Pat Mitchell program. Once a month, I supply The Volunteers ofAmerica information concerning resources (YOA) accepts referrals from the · that are available to a homeless Ohio Department ofRehabilitation person. Itµormation that program and Corrections for a structured participants can certainly use. It is common for convicted persons to program with a drug free be released from environment housing ex­ the system and become offenders, who homeless. have been just releadsed from One resident that caught my prison. All.are male adults age attention was a 18 and over. As 91 year-old man they enter the who was , program they released this past have to try to summer after achieve certain serving 15 years. I have been goals before they leave. The most working closely important thing is with VOA finding full-time because I believe employment or an education every problem has a solution. I felt program, or both. The stay is I could help. The man seems to be in good health. He has an income usually 120 days. But for most there are barriers for the and is a veteran. Yet, no one want.s participants in getting housing - no to rent to him because he has a record. So how can these men of rental histories and felony convictions are a few of the VOA, not only the senior citizens ' lead a productive life after paying barriers. their debt to society? Hopefully, The program is a tool to someone who reads this will be in a guide the resident to a drug-free, productive life. My involvement position to help or knows someone with Volunteers ofAmerica has that can help. Contact me at the been as a speaker with the Coalition office, 421-7803 . While we make every effort to provide a forum for those without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse the opinions of the p eople whose writings are represented here. Page 6 Myths by Morgan W Brown Among the many negative (as if there are any that are positive) stereotypes concerning people who are homeless (or any other perceived or actual group of people for that matter), which is probably more deeply cynical as well as the one that does some of the most prolonged damage, is the opinion that they generally lack an articulate voice of their own and therefore cannot be expected to speak intelligently and powerfully for themselves. ·This mindset dictates that people who are homeless most certainly are not able to advocate and take the lead either on their own or Qn their peers behalf. In fact it is frightening how many people living homeless there are whom too often and so easily believe this about themselves as well. Yet when people who are homeless speak up for themselves or for their peers and what they need, they can find themselves being quickly slapped down or simply blown offin various ways time and time again. Sometimes when people who are homeless speak out, they carr find themselves being treated, regarded and portrayed as either the one and only, the hero or, the overcomer type(s): as if what they are doing is not the norm and therefore unique or, is an amazing, heroic, accomplislunent "for someone who is homeless" or as if they are someone to be pitied: patted on the head and at best ' ' maybe given a star to w ear on their forehead for accomplishing (or even attempting) something either more or better than was ever expected. When someone persists in speaking up however, they are often ignored, belittled, punished, scorned, told they are being inappropriate or said to be outspoken. This in a nation prizing self­ determination. Ironically, ifseems that when either an individual or a group of people become or just want to remain self-determining, they are somehow expected to do it completely on their own, even against the most impossible of odds (e.g., in isolation). Though not intended as such, if the tone or manner of the above comes across as being offensive, etc.: imagine how it comes across to people living homeless when they are treated like this, or even worse, in one form or ., another on an ongoing basis by countless people as well as a society, which would never stand for being treated in these ways themselves. Morgan W Brown is a writer and activist living homeless in Montpelier, Vermont. Morgan . recentlyjoined Kevin Barbieux as a contributing writer and blogger on The Homeless Guy <http:// thehomelessguy. blogspot. com> blog (i.e., Blog or Web log: an online journal or diary). T he pens which write against disarmament are made with the same stee1 from which guns are made. Aristide Briand, French statesman, Nobel Peace Prize, 1926 T he pacifist's task today is to fi nd a method of he1ping and healing which provides a revolutionary constructive substitute for war. Vera Brittain, 1964 Beneath the rule of men entirely great The pen is mightier than the sword. Edward George Bulwer­ Lytton Violence in the voice is often only the death rattle of reason in the throat. John Boyes �TREETVIBES January 2003 Page 7 •hilip Berrigan, Anti-War Activist, >ies at Home in Baltimore, MD we could do to keep pace with it. .. l 960's that Phil was asking that And then he couldn't talk at all . question of God and her Christ. He kept asking it. And, over the And then - gradually - he left us. What did Phil intend to say? What years, he learned that it is right and Baltimore, MD - Phil mine for them, manufacture them, good to question our God, to plead is the message of his life? What ~rrigan died December 6, 2002 at deploy them, use them, is a curse message was he leaving us in his for justice for all that inhabit the 1out 9:30 PM, at Jonah House, a against God, the human family, and dying? Is it different for each of us, earth that it is urgent to feel this; nnmunity he co-founded in 1973, the earth itself." injustice done to any is injustice now that we are left to imagine lrrounded by family and friends. The wake and funeral was how he would frame it? During done to all that we must never e died two months after being held at St. Peter Claver Church in weary ofexposing and resisting one of our prayers in Phil's room, agnosed with liver and kidney West Baltimore. In place of Brendan Walsh remembered a such injustice that what victories mcer, and one month after flowers and gifts for the offertory, we see are smaller than the mustard banner Phil had asked Willa ~ciding to discontinue attendees may bring pictures or seeds Jesus praised, and they need Bickham to make years ago for St. 1emotherapy. other keepsakes. Mourners may Peter Claver. It read : "The sting of such tender nurture that it is vital Approximately thirty close make donations in Berrigan's name death is all around us. 0 Christ, to celebrate each victory ­ iends and fellow peace activists to Citizens for Peace in Space, where is your victory?" The sting especially the victory of sisterho<?d tthered for the ceremony of last Global Network Against Nuclear and brotherhood embodied in of death is all around us. :es on November 30, to celebrate Weapons, Nukewatch, Voices in the The death Phil was asking . loving, nonviolent acts. s life and anoint him for the next Wilderness, the Nuclear Resister, or us to attend to is not his death Over tlie months ofPhil's trt of his journey. Berrigan's any Catholic Worker house. (though the sting ofthat is on us illness we have been blessed a ·other and co-felon, Jesuit priest Philip began dictating this hundred-fold by small and large and will not be denied). The sting aniel Berrigan officiated. statement the weekend before P hil would have us know is the victories oyer an anti-human, anti­ During his nearly 40 years Thanksgiving. It was all clear - ·he sting ofinstitutionalized death and life, anti-love culture, by ~ resistance to war and violence, had it written in his head. Word for killing. H e never wearied of friendships - in and out ofprison ­ errigan focused on living and word I wrote... articulating it. H e never ceased and by the love that has permeated orking in community as a way to WHEN I LAY DYING ..of cancer P hil's life. Living these years and being astonished by the length and .odel the nonviolent, sustainable Philip Berrigan months with P hil free us to revert breadth and depth of it. And he orld he was working to create. I die in a community including my never accepted it. to the original liturgi~al question: mah House members live simply, family, my beloved wife Elizabeth, It was back in the mid " O death, where is your sting?" :ay together, share duties, and three great Dominican nuns ­ tempt to expose the violence of Ardeth Platte, Carol Gilbert, and National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing ~ litarism and consumerism. Jackie Hudson (em<!ritus) jailed in The community was born Western Colorado - Susan Crane, Project (NHC~OP) 1t of resistance to the Vietnam friends local, national and even 1506 Elm Street Tar, including high-profile draft international. They have always Cincinnati ,·OH 45202 1rd burning actions; later the been a life-line to me. I die w ith 1cus becaine ongoing resistance to the conviction, held since 1968 and homelesscivi lrights@yahoo.dom .S. nuclear policy, including Catonsville, that nuclear weapons (513) 421-7803 lowshares actions that aim to are the scourge of the earth; to iact Isaiah's biblical prophecy of a mine for them, manufacture them, sarmed world. Because ofthese deploy them, use them, is a curse forts Berrigan spent about 11 against God, the human family; ~ars in prison. He wrote, and the earth itself. We have ctured, and taught extensively, already exploded such weapons in 1blishing six books, including an Japan in 1945 and the equivalent itobiography, Fighting the Lamb's of them in Iraq in 1991, in far. Yugoslavia in 1999, and in In his last weeks, Berrigan Afghanistan in 2001. We left a ·a s surrounded by his family, legacy for other people ofdeadly eluding his wife Elizabeth radioactive isotopes - a prime LcAlister, with whom he founded counterinsurgency measure. For mah House; his children Frida, example, the people ofIraq, ~' Jerry, 27, and Kate, 21; Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and )mmunity members Susan Crane, Pakistan will be battling cance1; ary Ashbeck, and David Arthur; mostlyfrom depleted uranium, for 1d extended family and decades. In addition, our nuclear Jmmunity. Community members adventurism over 5 7 y ears has rdeth Platte and Carol Gilbert, saturated the planet with nuclear 18" X 24" poster print: Washington Park, Over­ ominican sisters, were unable to garbage from testing, from ~ physically present at Jonah explosions in high altitudes (four the-Rhine, Winter 1999. Each print is individually ouse; tht?Y are currently in jail in ofthese), from 103 nuclear power signed by OTR photographer Jimmy Heath. olorado awaiting trial for a plants, from nuclear weapons Purchase benefits the children's sarmament action at a missile factories that can ~ be cleaned up ­ lo, the 79th international and so on. Because ofmyopic Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee. lowshares action. One of leadership, ofgreedfor Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. errigan's last actions was to bless possessions, a public chained to Posters are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. re upcoming. marriage ofFrida t<;> corporate media, there has been 11 Marvy. virtually no response to these Send your order and check to: Berrigan Vfrote a final realities... At this point in dictation, Peaslee Neighborhood Center atement in the days before his Phil's lungs filled; he began to Attn: Photography Program ~ath . His final comments cough uncontrollably; he was tired. eluded this: "I die with the We had to stop - with promises to 215 East Fourteenth Street mviction, held since 1968 and finish later. But later never came ­ Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 atonsville, that nuclear weapons another moment in an illness that ·e the scourge of the earth; to depleted Phil so rapidly it was all or call (513) 621-551 4 for more information • . 1 �Page 8 STREETVIB ES January 2003 Ohio Empowerment Coalition Observes International Human Rights Day Wellstone Death A Huge Loss to health care, and good jobs ir Homeless People good America." He was the only by Lynn Williams from the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine Senator up for re-election coming off his "no" vote on welfare T he Ohio Empowerment Homelessness is no longer reform. He was a critic ofPreside1 Coalition commemorated front page news. H ousing is too Bill Clinton for talking about high· International Human Rights Day complicated a problem to tackle, minded social justice issues, but by calling public awareness to the especially in this era of small providing little money to back his fact that 52% of single-mother government and big defense. rhetoric. families in America - or one out of H omeless people, and those who Senator WeJlstone did not every two- are poor. Poverty is a realize that the housing crisis is a always follow t he progressive vot1 Human Rights Issue. national disgrace, lost one of their having voted for the Defense of The Ohio Empowerment few champions on Capital Hill with Marriage Act and the terrorism bil Coalition lcicked offthe WAGES the death of Senator Paul that was passed in the days after Campaign. ("WorkAfter Good Wellstone. the September 11 attack on the Education is Success ") as a Paul Wellstone was often United States. His importance to solution to help lift more families the lone voice in the Senate to homeless people was not that he champion proposals that would out of poverty. Actions were held voted the liberal party line, but tha in Cincinnati, Columbus, and benefit disenfranchised populations. he was one of the few Senators The words " principled" and "deep Athens as part oflnternational that even spoke about the issues o Human Rights Day observances. convictions" were thrown around poverty. Homeless people and by the President and his Senate WAGES advocates that housing activis~s could take colleagues. Some ofWellstone's Ohio allow Ohio Work~ First comfort in the faet that he was most strident opponents in the recipients to count their full work there acting in our interests. We a Senate seemed to be using those requirement to receive cash could feel that at least someone in words to mean "wrong" and assistance for education and the Senate cared about our issues, " deeply flawed." vocational training. Sen. Eric and it was not hopeless. We felt He was one of the few that maybe t he lack of affordable Fingerhut, Cleveland, has Senators who used long forgotten introduced SB 302 in the Ohio housing would be taken up by our and unpopular words like government if at least someone w~ Senate; he also intends to homelessness and affordable talking about the issues. reintroduce it in the next legislative housing. He was one of the last The sad reality is that mos1 cycle beginning Ja!!.uary 2003. elected officials to follow in the Yasmiyn Irizarry, a homeless people and most low footsteps ofRobert Kennedy and income people do not vote. They university student and mother on the idealism of Camelot and the do not see anyone serving their Ohio Works First in Columbus, 1960s. He even retraced the steps interests, and so they see little poi1 states, "I applied for Ohio Works ofKennedy through Appalachia, in exercising their collective right First when I was pregnant with my Chicago, and Los Angeles public to vote. Paul Wellstone was the daughter. I am working to earn a housing properties- to mark the exception to a reality that we have bachelor 's degree in sociology at ofthe thirtieth anniversary all grown to accept: politicians are Ohio State on a full academic Kennedy poverty tour. While not beholden to big business and scholarship. Getting an education the attention of receiving near corporate interests. is extremely important to me so I American royalty wallcing among Wellstone gave us all hope can get a good job that will keep Dora Sharp the peasants of 1967, he did call that someday our issues would be my family out of p9verty. " attention to lack of progress in heard and we could realize the On International Human D ora Sharp, another in America in addressing poverty visions ofMartin Luther King Jr., Rights Day, we urged Ohioans to grandmother, stated, " I'm sixty­ the last thirty years. Senator Robert Kennedy, and George reflect on the following sobering We shouldn't four and she is three. Wellstone did not just have a fond McGovern. He proved that a statistics: 15.3% of Ohio's to go through this and I' m have recollection ofKennedy, but lived radical grassroots organizer could children are living at or below disabled . You can spend money on those values and pushed his be elected. He was the official poverty level. The infant other things, but not grandparents? idealism into his legislation. counterbalance to the hate-filled mortality rate for Ohio's Black Foster care parents get a lot more He was an outcast even rhetoric and scapegoating that so infants is 14.4%. The average age money; we get nothing." within his own party, much as often marks elections these days. of a homeless person in the Judi Mendfiski, a former homeless p~ople are often outcasts He stood in stark contrast to the Greater Cincinnati area is 8 years recipient who escaped a batterer by in their own neighborhoods. Clinton mantra of moving toward old. The wage needed to rent a on public assistance, Wellstone's was one ofthe view going the center in order to attract two bedroom apartment is $11. 37/ testified. "It's hard. I know I voices of dissent against the war voters. hour. to get myself together needed time resolution against Iraq. He was a We all hope for another The Cincinnati Welfare leader I would like of the Progressive Caucus, after being battered. decent politician to come forward Rights Coalition held a press and often told audiences that to have Ohio get the Family we into the most exclusive club in the conference featuri ng women need to focus on "good education, Violence Option because it takes United States, one who will talk testifying about their experiences to take care of yourself and time about issues like homelessness anc on public assistance. Bobbie P ugh, children after being battered. affordable housing. We hope that a grandmother raising a grandson Thirty six months is not enough the people ofMinnesota send fort on Ohio Works First, shared her We'd 6Jui lo bear time." another son or daughter to be a ~-..... story. ~you_ Afterwards, members ofthe leading voice on progressive issue "I am raising my two year Send letters or Cincinnati Welfare Rights Coalition in the United States S~nate. And old grandson. I had him ever since comments to: we bope that the improvement of deUvered letters requesting Streetvibes@Juno.com, -:1 he was a newborn. I don't think to area legislators. For education, universal health care, meetings or Write the Coalition office · there should be a time limit on universal living wage, and a right · more information and/or to find out attn: Streetvibes Letters Ohio Works First cash benefits how you can get involved in the safe deceqt housing becomes a when you are raising your 1506 Elm Street WAGES Campaign, call the reality. Senator Paul Wellstone grandchildren. A grandparent is Cincinnati, Ohio ever remain in our memory as a Cincinnati Welfare Rights Coalition really helping Hamilton County founding father of this progressivi at (513) 381-4242. 45202 Department ofJob and Family agenda. Services by taking care of her grandchild. A grandparent raising a grandchild becomes the child 's provider. She saves the state a lot of money by not putting the grandchild in foster care. She continued, "The Department ofJob & Family Services doesn 't give me a work allowance to get back and forth to · my worksite to do my work days for my food stamps. I use part of my grandson 's check of$223 and borrow money from the people I know in order to get to my worksite. After I pay the people back the money I owe them, half of my grandson 's check is gone. I have no other source of income except food stamps to live on. Please stop the clock from ticking while we are raising oµr grandchildren. Our grandchildren are our future." · �~ ' STREETVIBES iBienvenidos! by Samantha Brockfield medicos, los Servicios sociales, los lugares donde Ud. puede obtener comida, y los servicios de salud mental. Nosotros creemos que es importante que Ud. sepa cuales son sus derechos civiles como persona sin hogar. Tenemos folletos que los explican. Nos gustaria que Ud. nos visitara alglin dia para que le podamos dar servicios mejores. Para reunirse con La Coalicion: 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 www.cinci.com/gcch Ahora Streetvib.es esta dedicando una pagina a su comunidad. Este es el peri6dico escrito para crear una conciencia de las personas sin hogar, la injusticia social, y la pobreza en nuestra cuidad. Es la hora que se oye la voz de usted. l Ha pasado algo emocionante en su vida recientemente? l Tiene Ud. unas ideas que quiere publicar? l H a escrito alglin tipo de poesia? Para ayuda, llame- Su Casa Streetvibes quiere publicar sus historias, su poesia, su prosa, y sus Ministerio Hispano (513) 761-1588 pensarnientos. Hay personas que 115 W. Seymour Ave pueden ayudarle a escribir y preparar tod0 para redactarlo. Cincinnati, Ohio 45216 Tambien, Ud. puede ser un vendedor de Streetvibes y ganar San Damiano House- Los dinero . La Coalici6n de Greater Hermanos de Las Personas Cincinnati provee el peri6dico Pobres para las personas sin hogar en (513)241-8585 Over-the-Rhine. El meta de la coalici6n es eliminar Ja situaci6n de 923 Bank St personas sin hogar, con respeto a la Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. dignidad y diversidad de sus Tambien, hay una lista de rniembros, las personas sin hogar, y lugares (para el ref!-lgio, la la comunidad. La Coalicion y sus vivienda, el tratamiento rniembros pueden darle a usted lo siguiente: el refugio de emergencia, . medical, y otros servicios) en las habitaciones provisionales, la la ultima pagina del vivienda permanente, los servicios periodico~ Volunteer Opportunities at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless There are numerous opportunities for volunteers at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We are willing to work with each individual in choosing a service opportunity that is right for them. The following are a few of the areas in which the Coalition could use your help: Designing a web site for our National Civil Rights Organizing Project. This would include working with the Americorp Vista volunteers on how to prevent further criminalization of homeless individuals as well as preventing the increasing hate crimes against them. To enhance our Streetvibes program, we are searching for volunteers to solicit advertisements from local businesses. If your business or a business you know of would like Page 9 January 2003 to adve1tise in our paper, we offer very competitive rates for ads that reach about 15,000 people per _ month! Our dream volunteer would be a self-motivated volunteer that would like to fundraise for our organization. This could include asking your ~ friends and family for donations to researching and writing grants for our excellent prog(ams. The Streetvibes newspaper project is always in need of people interested in writing articles on social justice/poverty issues_ • We heed help in the afternoons at the front desk, answering phones and handling transactions with our Streetvibes Vendors. This person will address the needs ofvisitors, having direct contact with homeless individuals and should be available one afternoon a week. There is always a need for help with bulk mailings. For Streetvibes, there are monthly mailings. Other mailings include the annual report, quarterly newsletter, and various capitol campaigns. If you ar_e interested in volunteering at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, please contact the office at 421-7803, or visit us at 1506 Elm Street in Over-the­ Rhine. We Can Be Proud! ' Judge MARK PAINTER Ohio Court of Appeals The Most-Published Hamilton County .Judge Ever! Our own Judge Mark Painter has reached a milestone­ 250 of his decisions have been published nationally. He is the most-published Hamilton County judge ever, and one of the most-published Ohio judges in history. .Judge Painter haa: • Served on the Court of Appeals for seven years, after 13 years on Munlcipa~ Court. His opinions haye been recognized as legal precedent more than 2000 times­ in cases, textbooks. and encyclopedias._ • Written 52 articles on appellate practice, sentencing, DUI, contempt, and legal ethics. He writes a monthly column on legal writing for Ohio Lawyers Weekly. • Taught 85 seminars for judges, lawyers, and police officers, and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at U.C. • Authored the textbook Ohio DUI Law, now in its 12th · edition. His other book, The Legal Writer: 30 Rules for the Art of Legal Writing, was published in June. www.judgepalnter.org The GCCH would like to thank these Starbucks locations ·for their generous donation of coffee and pastries: 11379 Montgomery Road (513) 469-1111 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 7896 Montgomery Road (513) 891- 7740 ""' When you give food to the poor, they call you a saint. When you ask why the poor have no food, they call you a communist. Archbishop Helder Camara, Brazilian liberation theologist Local Schizophrenia/Schizo-affective Research Study * Financial Compensation * 45 years and over * Symptoms of depression * 13 visits (513) 861-3100 ext 4187 or toll free (888) 267-7873 ext 4187 �STREETVIBES January 2003 Page 10 Report From the Peace Village warmth. old son, Arik, was abducted and seriousness to our proceedings by murdered by Hamas terrorists in lots of personal touches suggesting The P~ace Village is still alive in Cincinnati even when we 1994, woke us up at the "Peace both his own rising commitment to by Steve Sunderland knowing more about Islam and his stop searching for a public peace in Begins With Us: ADialogue," Welcome to new and old our racial conflict. The Peace conference by saying that the group awareness that most Americans do friends ofthe Peace Village. A Village is reassuring the invention he founded, Parents Circle, a group not know much about the Middle wonderful group are getting this of the of East, or, about the efforts to bring note for the first time. They will peace peace that are not in the headlines. Palestinians learn that we thrive on one poster and Israelis I did posters with the process at a time, one discussion at a time, that have conference as the last event, giving even while one relationship stretching out to had fami ly people a chance to reflect on what the burials another group at a time, and, one members they had experienced throughout are bolt of tenderness shared with each occumng killed, were the day and what they wished to person. share as the one main "Message of doing three in Israel. Starting in Cincinnati, In Nigeria, Repair" that we could be left with projects to connected to both the riot of 2001, as we read at the end of the day. The bring peace embracing the aftermath of this-note, outpouring of creativity surprised to the September 11, committed to Middle East: everyone not only because we had there are overcoming the massacres of 1) A group been going non-stop for 7 hours, friends at Nigeria, old and new, searching for work ·.of parents but because the many speakers had the end of the turmoil and tragedy really given us something to hope had seen knitting ofPalestinians and Israelis, learning whatever Dr. Steve Sunderland Jimmy Heath photo Arafat and for, something beautiful to believe from the ongoing shining example gained his in, and, examples of courage and we mean of Doctors Without Borders, and as peace between Moslems anadetermination that brought tears of agreemen,t to sign a peace treaty the individual joy. Each person held their poster Christians. some time soon. The group will acts of peace then take the signed treaty to and read its little sayings ofpeace, And, in The "We connect and connect making, like Netherlands, Sharon and ask him to sign it as some with tears and that special strongly to tile ideal tltat peace young people, well, " ... so that no more family JAMS (Jews sound we make when we are and Muslims can flourislt within, between and in the shadow members will die."; 2) Parents talking with our hearts. There was and Everyone beyond ourselves." ofAnne Frank, Circle members have donated no question that the talk on the Else) in Boca continue to blood in large amounts to the Parents Circle had made an impact, Raton, Florida, that are taking work for the freedom of the armies on both sides and organized but so had the Israeli and place in the bright light of hope and oppressed. Palestinian a shared blood affection everywhere, we are a drive amongst There are many in our city who educators who The Peace Village is that force for local and international bereaved spoke about one place we belong to that is are grieving both the loss of justice. parents from how education unembarrassed by the concept and young lives, whether they be We connect and connect for to.lerance is practice of peace. We are proud to both "sides;" police or community youth, strongly to the ideal that peace can wear the peace badge in all and, 3) most now seriously flourish within, between and and who have not given up the being amazingly, a languages. No bomb will end this beyond ourselves. ~veryone is undermined by phone relationship; no death by any form search for peace. invited to share their peace writings ofviolence will slow our energy for campaign 1s the state of via Streetvibes and the newsletter; I too long. Somewhere, if we can terror. And, the beautiful talk on underway to have Israelis call will print as many ofthe comments just look beyond the flashes of Palestinians and vice versa, seeking Gandhi had connected with many as I can. Everyone is encouraged of us who wanted to think through conflict, a child is smiling at the to talk about peace. Over 30,000 to feel respected deeply, and how methods of non-violence and calls have been made in the past handshake of peace. Thank you for admired for your and our work for making the Peace Village live. spirituality could continue to few weeks. µeace and justice.· It is with great sadness that Yitzhak 's talk was added to sustain a vital peace process. We search for the threads of I write of the sudden death of the by Dr. Rihab Issawi, a Palestinian ~ Several members of the group had repair, knowing that no one come from an amazing new group, who has seen her mother, brother Rev. Paul Stopenhagen, Cincinnati. method will work, and being open Paul, one ofthe founding Elders of and nephew die in the conflict. She JAM.(Jews and Moslems and to many approaches. Our "truth" the Peace Village, and a long time called for peace in the certain terms Everyone Else), and we heard of a is that there are many valid of someone who had driven two high level ofinterfaith and cross veteran of campus ministry for approaches to peace that are cultural work that included family peace, died beckoning, even at the time of after a set of "It is{air to say that the Peace members to the enjoying each other in festivals. gr~atest darkness. Like Harriet emergency unit The posters shined with hope and strokes last Village is everywhere we are, Tubman, we move in the darkness clarity and with an enthusiasm to week. His able everywhere we are reaching out only to have toward freedom, away from them die on the continue to be stubborn for peace. and lovely a ltand and feeling in our slavery, and toward one free house wife, Nancy, way. The many hours of talk and blindness for a flower, another after another. questions had stripped a~ay the continue on This Each person reading this with us. It is a hand ofhelp, and a gentle touch conference was superficial layer ofthe conference; note is the coordinator of a peace we arrived at that place when we organized by different world ofwarmth... " conference, bringing to were too tired for anything but the team member, without the consciousness a search for peace truth, too focused on peace to Wilma Greenfield, professor of mighty Paul, booming voice and and justice. Every reader of this believe that it was too far away; twinkling eye, story teller supreme, social work, Florida Atlantic note is a teacher and student of University, and took place in the· too much in joy to believe that any and, for a brief moment before his peace, a co-citizen in the school of death, co-researcher on the beautiful lifelong learning center on of the old divisions could stand up justice. Just like that, if we are campus before 200 active listeners. to our passion for a heartfelt development ofconscientious aware, the dawn of a peace process objector status in the Methodist journey to peace. An Asian Willie opened the conference with pops out and we can breathe in the Church during WW 2. Paul did not words from her heart, telling of her American professor ofsocial work, warm colors of hope and peace. Phil Tan, spoke for many of the dream that has come true. She allow much rooms for fools, It is fair to say that the turned the chairing of the day long posters when he showed us his making an exception in my case. Peace Village is everywhere we poster for the heart, done in He carried the peace flag every day session over to her long time are, everywhere we are reaching friend, Michael Dukakis, and his with unabashed glee. I shall miss out a hand and feeling in our wife, Kitty. Michael, former him. blindness for a flower, another Democratic candidate for Yitzhak Frankenthal, an cont. on page 16 hand of help, and a gentle touch of Israeli in his 50's, whose 19 year president, added his ·own Peace Village... �J STREETVIBES Ja~uary 2003 Page 11 Words from the Evangelist ..... Jim Crow is Alive and Well in Cincinnati by Rodney Sutton As I reflect on the grave issues facing our city, country, and the world I find it difficult to get into the festive spirit of the holiday season. As an African-American, I am reminded that my ancestors did not come over on the Mayflower, therefore, in celebrating the holiday ofThanksgiving I must focus my energies ofthankfulness elsewhere. Then t here is Christmas and its emphasis on the materialism ofthis world. I cannot enjoy this holiday knowing it contradicts the very values that Christ our Lord lived and died to exemplify. I cannot help but wonder where our true heroes have gone. Martin Luther King, Jr. is no longer with us, and his dream lies dormant. His was the last of a long line of prophetic voices. Who shall pick up the blood stained banner? Who shall answer the call? The systemic problems we struggle with today of racism, materialism, and militarism have been with us since before Christ. We only fool ourselves if we believe all is well in our city, country, or the world today. You may look out your window at your • well manicured lawn, your expensive car, and your clean cut neighbors and say: "All is well in my world." However, come into my Compare this reality of the poor world. Casually walk or drive and marginalized with your reality. through the less fortunate See the disparity. I ask you to look and see, because I have looked and I have seen. And what I see frightens me. It frightens me, because I know, as Dr. King knew; that such disparity and injustice cannot go on without there being a frightful explosion. I became fully communities in Cincinnati. Visit aware of this frightful situation as I the schools, the grocery stores, the shadowed a couple of Cincinnati parks, and the dilapidated homes. Police Officers. I saw what they see Go into the courthouse, juvenile everyday. The prostitution, drug centers, jails, and hospitals. sales and use, despairing youth ~-----------------------------------------. Annual Holiday Giving crowding our city streets, dilapidated housing, and a city government too immersed in itself to effectively c9mbat these life­ threatening issues. We can move to the suburbs and say: "It is not our problem", or "Those people created the mess they are in themselves", but in reality these problems are systemic and those who think they are privileg~d (whether black or white) have a responsibility to eradicate these evils. For evil it truly is, and it is purposeful. When on any given day seven out of ten booked at the Justice Center are African­ American, and seven out often in adult and juvenile court are African-American we should question the injustice or our justice system. When seven out of ten by Pat Mitchell picked up some dinners for the vendors that have children were being cut off the welfare rolls are Every year at Washington also invited. There was Santa needy and I'm happy to report, African-American, seven out often Park, Thanksgiving and Christmas with these ladies help, I was able to Claus, goodies for the parents and unemployed and denied housing time dinner is served to the accommodate a family often - a toys for children of all ages. Let's are African-American, and seven give a shout out to Darlene Hicks single mother with ten children. homeless sponsored by the Unity out of ten dropping out of school House, Mt. Ida Outreach, House of They will also gave a and her club members and a special are African-American, we should Refuge, Mission Servants of God, Christmas party for needy families thank you to the Homeless ask where has our city gone wrong. Club Kapri Korn and the 6th Street at 1018 William Howard Taft, on Coalition. Although we do not speak December 19th. Streetvibes Hill Club Mission. of Jim Crow law, it is alive and well This year food was served in Cincinnati. It is enforced subtly. at the Drop Inn Center because of Itis very intentional, and it denies bad weather in Washington Park. African-Americans the rights The menu included pinto beans, provided to others unquestionably white beans, corn bread, by our constitution. sandwiches, gumbo soup, coffee Tak~ a closer look at the and hot chocolate. Goodie bags issues that were struck down in our were given to each person. last election. True, they effect the For three years I have been poor and marginalized, but more working with Darlene Hicks, importantly they will have a lasting president of all these clubs, and effect on African-Americans in this founder ofMt. Ida Outreach. On city. November 23, 2002, these The Collaborative Process dedicated women feed over 3 50 and Community Problem Oriented people in Washington Park. They Policing are laughable unless the also give dinner packages to needy white citizens of Cincinnati buy into families, which consists of a turkey them, because the poor, and all the trimmings. This year I marginalized, and African­ ---;;.=;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~;;;;;;;;~;;;;;;;;;;~;;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;:=;;;;=;;;;:;;;~ Ameriean-citi zens have no power to make it work. No matter how much we may want it to work, it will only happen when the privileged decide it is in their best interest. We can form committees and coalitions to protest and support various issues, but until there is a collective agreement and - action taken we are just spinning our wheels. �,,, ... I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I I I I "'' STREETVIBE S January 2003 USDA REPORT: ACHIEVEMENTS OF FEDERAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (USDA Food and Nutrition Service, November.2002) USDA Under Secretary ofFood, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Eric Bost reports on achievements in nutrition programs during the first two years of the Bush Administration. He says "my goal for these programs is to sustain and continue their long history of helping families and individuals to secure a nutritious diet and build on this success with targeted improvements in three areas ­ . . mcreasmg program access, promoting better eating habits, and strengthening stewardship of taxpayer dollars-" Among the highlights of the report: a package that adds $6.4 billion in new funding to the Food Stamp '?rogram over a l 0-year period; an mcrease of over $400 million for WIC; increases in participation in the major nutrition programs over the last year (e.g. nearly 2 millipn more people receive food stamps); and a nationwide initiative to promote children's access to meals over the summer. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fncs/ real.pdf (Adobe PDF) REPORT: STATES' BUDGET OUTLOOK REMAINS BLEAK (National Governors Association, November 25, 2002) In its biannual fiscal survey, the National Governors Association fou nd that many states are in the worst fiscal crisis since World War II. They report that the current situation is due to several factors: the combination oflong-run deterioration in state tax systems coupled with an explosion of health care costs that is creating an imbalance between revenue and spending, as well as an overall loss of revenue attributed to the slowing economy. The report goes on to say that 37 states were forced to reduce their enacted budgets by about $12. 8 billion in fiscal year 2002 and plan to reduce budgets by more than $8.3 billion for fiscal year 2003 (mid­ way through the year). Many states have exhausted budget cuts and drawn down rainy day funds and now face the most difficult decisions. http://www.nga.org/nga/ newsRoom/1 MORE FAMILIES MAY HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HEAT OR FOOD TIDS WINTER health survey (the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System conducted annually by the Centers for Disease Control) conducted in all 50 states to which states can add hunger questions. http://www. ocpp. org/2002/ rpt021114.pdf (Adobe PDF) (New York Times, December 5) President Bush has proposed cutting $300 mmion in FY 2003 from the $1. 7 billion federal Low­ Income Home Energy Assistance • REPORT: HOMELESS YOUNG PARENTS AND Program, which assisted 4. 5 THEIR WELFARE million families last winter. The EXPERIENCES proposed cut could mean that (Cenrer for Law and Social Policy, 438,000 fewer families would November 2002) receive aid this year. Gas prices Homeless young parents and their are rising and this winter is children often lack basic expected to be colder than last resources, like adequate food, and winter, creating difficult choices need access to public assistance. for families who need assistance. According to Kathleen Walgren of DesRite being almost universally Detroit's heating-aid program, eligible for welfare, many when asked what families would homeless young parents are not do if they didn't the have receiving_needed services, and assistance, many recipients many aren't even aware that the respond that they "would have to welfare program ~xists, according cut back on food. Heat or eat." to this report. Even when http:/Avww.nytimes.com/20021121 homeless yout.ti know about 05/national/05HEAThtml (free Temporary Assistance for Needy reg;stration required) Families (TANF), they have trouble accessing or keeping GUIDE TO PRODUCING benefits. This report also STATE LEVEL REPORTS discusses how the TANF living ON HUNGER arrangement rule for minors may (Oregon Center for Public Policy) be operating as a barrier to TANF This is a guide for researchers at services rather than as an the state level to produce reports opportunity to help homeless on hunger and food insecurity. young parents find safe housing. The guide, entitled Hunger in http://www. clasp. org/Pubs!DMSI Your State, contains new findings Documents/1037307545.541 on hunger and food insecurity for edge_report.pd/ (Adobe PDF) a variety of groups (e.g. workers, rural residents, renters, Hispanics) in all 50 states. It is based on 1998-2000 data from the Food Security Supplement, part of the Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It includes insights from OCPP 's experience writing a state-level report and suggestions for gathering more data at the state level. For instance, the guide provides information abovt a J I I f I I oI I I I I 11 I :Page 12 Food Research and Action Center Report FRAC web site is http:// www.frac.org To subscribe to the weekly FRAC News Digest go to: http://capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ I RURAL POVERTY GROWING FASTER THAN IN OTHER AREAS (New York Times, December 8) This article examines the growth of rural poverty in America, comparing it to the growth of poverty in inner cities in the 1960s and 1970s. The 2000 census found that the percentage of people living below the poverty level is nearly 30 percent higher in rural areas than in cities. Workers in rural areas are 60 percent more likely to earn minimum wage than urban wage-earners. In Loup County, Nebraska, the poorest county in the nation, per capita personal income is $6,606. Most rural jobs are not agricultural, and about 25 percent of them pay wages below the poverty level for a family of four, according to Rep. Eva Clayton (D-NC), who is retiring from Congress but formerly served as chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus. http:/!www.nytimes.com/2002/12/ 08/weekinreview/OBEGAN html (free registration required) LONG ISLANDERS RELUCTANT TO SEEK PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AFTER SEPTEMBER 11th (New York Newsday, Melville, NY, December 5, 2002) A report entitled "Long Island: One Year Later," by the Health & Welfare Council ofLong Island, recomm~nds expanding eligibility for public assistance benefits to people who live outside the immediate area impacted by the events of September 11th. While people living in Lower Manhattan were identified as needing assistance by state and local social service agencies, those affected · living on Long Island were excluded from receiving most disaster relief benefits offered, even though 417 residents were killed or injured in the attacks. The report also found that middle class Long Islanders unaccustomed to reaching out for mental health services or public assistance suddenly had to seek help, and now understand how · difficult it can be for lower-income people. For the report: http:// www.hwcli.com/news! ?IDCateg01y=./5 ~TTHE EXEaJTIVES MADE OFF wrrn MILLIONS AND THE WORK'ERS GOT NOTHING. �STREETVfBES Nation's Homeless to be in Spotlight durng Radio Event Sixth Annual Homelessness Marathon to air from Maine this February For the sixth consecutive year, a 14-hour radio marathon will draw attention to the nation's epidemic of homelessness. To dramatize t he plight of the millions ofAmericans who become homeless each year, the program will originate from outdoors in Portland, Maine, where temperatures could easily be subzero. "The Sixth Annual Homelessness Marathon" will air nationally from 7pm, EST, Wednesday, February 5th to 9am, EST, Thursday, February 6, 2003. To raise awareness about the global extent of homelessness, the American marathon will periodically simulcast with a "Canadian Homelessness Marathon," being broadcast for the first time. The Canadian marathon will originate from Montreal, where it will be coordinated by C~UT. "'The Homelessness Marathon' is America's night for homeless people," said Jeremy Weir Alderson, the marathon's director. "This is the only chance most Americans ever get to hear The State of Cincinnati - a Grassroots Citizen's Report January 25th, lOam 4:00 pm, St. Joseph Catholic Church On Saturday, January 25th, a Sharing Session entitled "The State of Cincinnati" will be held, beginning at 1OAM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 745 Ezzard Charles Drive in the West End. During this time groups can present information about their group and give a brief description of their written report. The sharing of reports of will be held Saturday from 1O:OOam - 4:00pm with lunch served at noon. We are calling on all local groups to submit reports on their particular issue. Reports should answer the following questions: 1) Where we are in relation to the issue. Where do we currently Page 13 January 200_3 ART, MUSIC, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES! Peas.lee Neighborhood Center, the stories of the homeless people 215 East 14th Street, hosts lots they see on the streets, and it's the of arts opportunities for adults only chance homeless people get and children to learn skills to address the nation about the such as playing a steel drum or obstacles they face." During the piano, photography, making most recent marathon, Karen, a mosaic art, or writing. Any homeless woman from central resident of Over-the-Rhine or New York, said, "I keep thinking the West End is welcome! All there's an answer out there. I sessions are FREE, incluiling know now. .. there aren't any." instruction and materials. No Comm.ents Alderson, "If t he previous artistic experience American people get involved, I know we can find those answers necessary. Contact Brenda Z. together. " at 621-5514 for more "The Homelessness information. Marathon," the longest regularly scheduled public affairs program OTR Steel Drum Band -Learn in America today, has grown from how to play the steel drums in being on one station in 1998 to an introductory series for more than 50 in 2002. Additional adults. Parents may bring their information, including photos, children (age 9 and up) to learn broadcast schedules and sound together if they like. clips from past marathons, as well as a list of current affiliates, can be Participants will learn steel drum technique, rhythms, and found at the marathon 's web site:www.homelessnessmarathon.org how to read music. "The Homelessness Marathon" is a consciousness Community Mosaic Art raising, not a fundraising, Project - Community members broadcast. The sixth marathon are coming together to ~ake will be funded, in part, by grants mosaic art for the Over-the­ · from The University ofSouthern Rhine neighborhood. The Maine, the Maine Community . organizers are looking for ideas Foundation, the Maine Charity for the next project. Forward Foundation Fund, and Ithaca your ideas to Brenda Z. Hours. stand on this issue? How is Cincinnati doing in relatiqn to this issue? 2) In what direction should we be heading? What goal are we trying to reach? 3) How are we going to get there, i.e. what specific steps should be taken to achieve the stated goal? These reports will later be compiled into a single compilation of all reports submitted. The goal of the workshop is to create a guide, a recipe so to speak, for building a better Cincinnati. Reports can be· as short as three paragraphs or as long as one wants. This is like taking temperature of, diagnosing and making a prescription for Cincinnati - a Citizens Agenda - a Community Conversation - t aking inventory - taking the pulse ­ keeping track in a holistic or comprehensive way. Our hope is that the reports will be used as a tool to galvanize communities around a common agenda as an insert to the cities budget young adults are ·invited to learn basic photography skills through introductory courses provided at Peas.lee. Call the Center for class schedules. Writing - Any young person in the Greater Cincinnati area may submit poems and/or articles via email for publication in Streetvibes. Content should be related to homelessness, social justice, or poverty-related· issues. Call For New Arts Advisory Committee Members! - The Arts Advi'Sory Committee is looking for representatives from the neighborhood and the arts and business community. This committee helps to fonnulate the direction and development of Peaslee's arts programs. Looking For New Staff - Photography - Over-the-Rhine Peaslee is also loqking for new music instructors for the piano and the mallets program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in teacliing music in a fun and rewarding setting. 1\hyone interesteO. in any of these opportunities, contact Brenda Z. at Peaslee, 215 East 14th Street, Over-the-Rhine, and West End teenagers and 621-5514. processes, as well as county, state and the United Way. As a grassroots, non-governmental effort, the report could be submitted to the city and state government for consideration from the viewpoint of the people. The report will be a vision quest or a blue print for building a real, people oriented Cincinnati. In addition the report could be utilized as a reference tool (available to the public), and used as barometer or measuring stick with which to assess our progress as a city. · Possible topics include, but are not limited to, issues regarding housing, the environment, children, homelessness, race/ ethnicity, including African American, IBspanic and other minorities, urban sprawl, economic inclusion, gender, inter­ religious respect, people with disabilities, poverty, sexual orientation, education, election reform, police behavior, black on black crime, minority business development, AIDS awareness, diet, city politics, animal rights, the judicial system, jails and prisons, healthcare, elderly issues, peace and justice, etc. Attendance at Sharing Session is optional. Reports can be submitted without attending Sharing Session. For more information contact Brian Garry at 236-4180 or email; bgarry@fuse.net 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 for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES January 2003 Art & Poetry Page 14 Ohio River Nocturne Late summer: an evening walk on the banks of the shining, remorseful river: There has been no rain for weeks to erode the upriver farms, and the water is a clear, oceanic green. .A cloud of minnows maneuvering to evade a marauding bass darkens the green. A pleasure boat the size of an Irish cottage putters near the Kentucky shore. Up at the bend, a string of barges bears downstream a broken mountain ofWest Virginia coal. The waterline is down; we walk along a bed of sand studded with gravel, mussel shells, shards of glass polished smooth as opal, and, left by fishermen, cans of corn cardboard beer cases odorous tubs of chicken liver. And here is the eyeless corpse of a washed-up catfish. And here, among the cakes of silt, shards of styrofoam driftwood a steel drum half-buried. And here is a social security card of someone-Let's not name herdrifted down from someplace upstream. Muddied and a little scratched and creased, it has survived because the I-won't-name-her woman from Someplace Upstream thought to have it sheathed in plastic. And this card is not the only plastic here, for we see, littered by the careless floods of spring, plastic balls in red and green, plastic bottles of every shape and shade, plastic bumpers from wrecked Toyotas, little, tragic-looking, lost, drowned plastic dolls, plastic weapon toys, plastic everything because it floats so well and is the emblematic product of our society. And it is all very sad. And yet I am glad to be here and if I squint a little and think a little backwards she is still a beautiful river, the ancient motherwater her surface bright and unspoiled her banks lined with sycamore and wiUow as she was before she was burdened with dams before the invasions of benzene and fecal coliform before she was crossed with the barges of broken coal. So we are only a little sad and we turn to go home. Up in the woods, a low lonely warble. Three men, arranged along a fallen tree.they have taken for a bench, listen: A fourth sings a tragic ballad. The voice ofthe singer is harsh as that of a heron and he is drunk-as the rest of them and I cannot make out the words nor can I follow the melody but I know it is a tragic ballad for ~e is high and he is lonesome and this is the river of tragic ballads. Perhaps it is a cirrhotic version of3Banks ofthe Ohio.2 It is impossible to tell. But the other men listen patiently to their friend and they nod in time to the song. I know these men and I know they are broken by labor, grief, and alcohol and I know they are eontinuing to break even at this moment, for it is clear from the spidering red in their faces and the sag in their shoulders and the patience they g!ye to this heron-croak baUad. I greet them briefly, so as to honor th~ song and to honor the shreds they retain of broken dignity. One salutes me with his can of beer and I would stay and listen and be their companion but I cannot bear to watch them dying by.the cluttered and darkening banks ofthe barge-bearing, silt-shouldered, fish-rich ballad-tragic river. War Protest: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Termjnal by Sean Boda . When 5,000 citizens arrived At the museum complex With candles cardboard signs shouting ''Drop Bush, not bombs!" The police blocked the peace rally With metal barricades and horses. The oligarchy inside had cameras broadcasting Their agenda to millions While the citizens took to the streets yelling "This is what democracy looks like!" A man lay down in front of a cop car, As the uniforms made ready To protect the oil-slicked businessmen With chemical weapons and clubs. Peace, Piece From the book entitled "The Poor Man :S Journal" by Derrick Johnson, email: mrmansandthem@hotmail. com !jubmitted by Peaslee Neighborhood Center I've seen moments swept away like they were made of sand. And you know it was created by God 's own hand. But destroyed by man on the strength of a condition. We were first and goal now we' re 40 yds and inches. Off in the distance. You can see the sun give way. To rain clouds it 's the shroud of a gloomy day. The portrait was painted a sunny day and picnics in a park. A mother stares on a bridge as she's holding her heart. Now if it's art then it's art; if it's true then it's true. Everything's in black and white when abused it's black and blue. To give a clue look at the condition of time. The second hand is broke. Time starts to rewind, back to when. It was sunnier cartoons were funnier. Now the kids are running and they poking a gun to ya. And when a bullet flies it could hit anyone of ya. Including me. Sometimes ya hopes float on a breeze. Saying prayers silent but out loud, "Father help me please." They selling guns to our kids at stores on TV Out the back ofjeeps. When all kids want is peace. Not a piece. Cause one day we' ll all be free, realization is key. The revolution has begun and it is televised. Demons are beating on your children right in front ofyour eyes. Surprise lies is lies but when it 's twisted it's real. Let the media tell it to you we evolved from seals. But the world keeps rolling on some 20 inch wheels. Stabbin' us all in the heart tell me how does it feel. It's getting easy to bate and no problem to kill. Somebody once told me to vote with your feet. I been walking a long time so my ballot's for peace. Gimme some peace, so I can rest in peace. If I got peace you got peace. We don't need a piece to have peace. Peace. �STREETVIBES Art& Poetry January 2003 Page 15 When I See A Spirit dark days by Morgan W Brown hard, lonely and long moments happen when eyes faiJ to fall upon anything much more than what darkened cloudy, colder, days allow during the most difficult times, such dank chills, are found far too despairing faced alone seconds quickly slow down, becoming years, while nothing good or promising appears possible any longer unless one has enough light, strength and warmth stored within themselves, or is otherwise shown these from others, it ends up being far easier to stop hoping, trying and moving beyond When I see a spirit it makes me look high by Erica Cruz When toy look at the homeless What do you think? · so so so high in the sky I realize it is a gift that I will respect. Are the crazy, insane, do they stink? When you look at the homeless Does it make you sick to know They can't get the proper treatment To cure their sicknesses? When you look at the homeless Do you dare to care what their Life is like at night In this cold crisp.air. When I look at the homeless I.wonder to myself how I can Help make the heart melt With the overwhelm ofhappiness And the joy they deserve for Being strong and serving their Term ofbravery and survival Skills in this cold hatred world yet, no time gets worst endured, except that spent with the soul going untouched by thoughts, feelings, words or deeds blessed of a gentler, kinder nature not a brighter star or sun does shine, which can so deeply and plentifully inspire, nurture and rekindle aching, ail~g or dying spirits better; than those gifts offered from compassion, understanding and listening; freely given and openly welcomed by Andrea Bryant, Age 10, from Peaslee Neighborhood Center Daycare When you look at the Homeless Shutter Speed When the Fingers Point at Me by Rick AKA Vampire Is That What You Want? If you always think What you always thought, You'll always feel what, You always felt. If you always feel What you always felt, You ' ll always do what You 've always done. When the fingers point at me Because I dare to dream To be what I am. If you always do what When the fingers point at me, You've always done, A smile gently caresses my face, You'll always get what you always and I know they can never got. hurt; touch, bend or break me Is that what you want? to their rules. There are others out there like me, who chose to run, to hide, to flee. But I say to you now, Rise, Rise, Rise up, Into glory, and state what you are, and who you are, Because ofpeople like myself, And many others, That give them the authority of existence, Because without us, who or what would they have to taunt, or point at? · If! w0uld rather to be anything,­ It would be, not to be like them. by J immy Heath As I lay down to slumber, In hopes of dreams replete, lt's my corns and bunions That thank me for getting off my feet. byjba Rev. Maurice McCrackin at Homeless Memorial Service, Washington Park, 1996 �STRE ETVIBES January 2003 News & Editorial Cincinnati's Response to Uprising- Ship them Out Peace Village... neighborhood to be demolished? by Brian Gany Fifteen famiLies were set out the day before Thanksgiving. Their According to City of community is being threatened to Cincinnati administration- poor and be torn down and middle and upper black people have become too income housing built on top of prevalent and must go. They've where it currently stands. even passed laws to this effect. The buildings are of solid Cincinnati City administration brick construction with copper recently passed an ordinance which flashing and slate roofs, PVC down prohibits the use of federal, state, spouts and replacement windows, or city fund s to be used for low new entry and storm doors, new income housing_within the fences, new electrical service, Cincinnati city-limits. The totaJ mailboxes, patios and new trees. number of inner-city poor and Half of the kitchens are black people loosing housing since modernized. the Uprising c~uld exceed 20,000 if The City ofCincinnati has this current plan succeeds. made a concerted effort to get rid "Go where you want - but of poor and black people by forcing you can't stay here", is what the them to move out of the City city is saying to it's poor and black limits. residents. English Woods, one of The first to go was Lincoln Cincinnati's 52 neighborhoods, is Court with 885 units followed by scheduled for demolition. English Laurel Homes with 1,300 units, Woods contains 1,000 low income then Huntington Meadows the townhouses andapartments on a 90 largest apartment complex in acre hilltop overlooking downtown Cincinnati with 1, 165 units and Cincinnati. Aboutl50 units are now English Woods with l ,000 independent living for elderly and units. Why the is the City afraid of handicapped. English Woods is the Low-Income people? The City third in a string of m~:>Ves by the should spend their time fighting City to eliminate poor and black poverty and homelessness, not people from Cincinnati's urban poor people and homeless people? core. English Woods is under The City recently passed an attack and very mu~h in need of ordinance restricting citizens asking community support. other citizens for money in public The English Woods places. Show your support; neighborhood is in very serious English Woods Community Council danger of being demolished. How Resident Council Office, 11 East can the city allow an entire Heath Court (off Sutter) 513-661­ 8500. Chinese. "Look at t he openness of the heart," he said and we did and were touched. What I have learned from this confrence is that peace is being welcomed in -lots of groups that are not in the spotlight. As I listened to the Parents Circle and the JAMS groups I thought of the tough and beautiful road that peace workers are on. All of the hard questions have to be faeed, repaired, and then offered to people who are in pain. One vital qustion that was raised was: "Considering all of the years of bloodshed, and all of the years of bitterness, can there be peace with justice? Yitzhak answered: "No, there cannot be peace with either justice or forgiveness. Rather, there can only be a 'wise peace."' We wondered what he meant by this change in the way we normally think about peace. He went on to say that peace was too ellusive as it was to wait for justice. "The killing must stop and stop now," be emphasized. Our discussions and posters were largely in disagreement with his position even though no one felt confident about how a peace could be kept for any length of time without justice. Yitzhak forced us to look deeper, taking ourselves even more seriously, and to continue to search for a point that permitted the stopping of violence. Amazingly, we were being told by a grieving parent and cont. from page 10 "You 're insurance company is in Chapter 11... we 're going to need that liver back. Page 16 another fami ly member that they were ready to accept a peace that fit some concept of wisdom. Where are we to find this kind of peace? The conference did not speak to any real answers to this question but it did suggest that further meetings that brought peace workers together were of great use in clarifying these questions, and sustaining the peace discussion as a valuable effort. I felt that the speakers from Parents Circle and JAM had lit that old candle of hope in an incredible darkness of despair. Deeply breathing in their gentle and courageous actions and stories, I began to feel that we had only really begun to open the Peace Village to the horror of peace makers who are victims and facilitators of possibility. Right inside the gateless gate of our Village are those who have been waiting for us, waiting for others to help carry this effort for peace. They have been active in their waiting, building blood banks, . phone lines, dinners, common celebrations, and they have been burying family members, too. In Cincinnati, I think ofthe mother of the young man who was killed a year 112 ago, Ms. Angela Leisure. lier peace work, perhaps mqre than any one else's efforts, kept a kind of"wise peace" in our city. Now, she has gone deeper into the Village, leaving to others the task of GOmmemorating her work, and her son, with an active and viable peace. Her example also teaches me that repairing our city, getting and keeping peace, involves recognizing the heroism of those who have worked at the "hard" times of great gnef. There are many in our city who are grieving both the loss of young lives, whether they be police or community youth, and who have not given up the search for peace. So, our Peace Village opens to see the world working for peace as best as it can. Holding meetings to do posters gives the inner ­ expression of hope a chance to rise up and replace the deep feelings of pain and regret. Perhaps peace can come while we grieve, because we grieve, and with the energy that some grievers have for preventing any more violence, we continue. There is no time left for anything but to make peace work a dimension of our every waking activity. Elise Boulding 'J 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 for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES January 2003 News & Editorial Page 17 President Bush's (Revised) Address to the United Nations Everybody makes mistakes. And I am certain that the majority of you can relate to making a series of errors and finding yourself so far down a road of action that it feels impossible to turn back. Well, I stand before you today to say that it is never too late to alter your course. And it is not an act of cowardice but the ultimate act of bravery to reconsider a public position, and change direction when that is what your heart and mind tell you to do. No matter what you thought my motives have been in the Iraqi situation - oil, power, or revenge - I will tell you that up to this point, I thought that I was acting, at all times, in the best interests of our country. I felt aggression toward Iraq was the best policy - the only way for us to emerge from the threat of terrorism. But now my reflections tell me something else, and my conscience leads me in a new direction, which I am bound and determined to follow. First, I have thought more about the real effects of war - both immediate and long-term. Of course, the primary result ofwar i~ death - not only of soldiers, but oftotaUy innocent people including of course, children and babies. By itself, this slaughter is somethlng I cannot give my support to any longer. But these lives are not the only casualties. For the mentality that is bred in soldiers who are trained to be killers is something that is not easily reversed when they return to civilian life. This v~olence inevitably finds its way into families in both overt and subtle ways and is passed dow.n for generations to come. As a strong advocate for family values, I will do everything I can to avoid perpetuation ofthis cycle. · In another area, I have not been as strong - that of protecting our environment. However, I have seen enough to know that the effects of a war are so devastating to the surrounding land, air and water that bombing of any kind amounts to poisoning the general population for years to come following the armed conflict. I cannot engage in any activity that has such apocalyptic results, for again, this treatment of innocents is barbarian and unacceptable. But perhaps more than any of this, I cannot bear to leave a legacy - for the United States and beyond - ofdealing with conflict through violence. As the leader of the most powerful nation in the world, I have realized that foremost among my responsibilities is to set an example as to how to deal with threats, fear, aggression and conflict. We teach children conflict resolution in the schools, and I am compelled and determined, to the best of my ability, to teach it through our domestic and foreign policy as well. As a result, I will do all in my power to work for peaceful resolution in this and all situations, and to explore every ·opportunity for discussion and diplomacy. This doesn't mean that I think Sadaam Hussein will be receptive to any overtures I make toward a non­ violent solution to our current predicament, which I still maintain is extremely hazardous for the U.S. and the world. It only means that I refuse to use unnecessary violence in my attempt to eradicate terrorism. For I realize that a preemptive strike, or even the threat of one, looked at objectively, is itself an act of terrorism. This does not mean either that r·no longer consider Saddam Hussein a serious threat. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a misguided and extremely dangerous leader. But I don't think killing the people of his country will reform him or make him less dangerous. I think we can be sure that such an attack would have just the opposite effect and add considerably to the hostility toward America in an already volatile area. If you will aUow me an analogy, perhaps this will clarify my position. I wouJd not consider burning dow.n a school to get at one gun-carrying student. I would not open fire on an entire town to get at one murderer on the loose. And I will not bomb a country to get at one dictator, no matter how dangerous and threatening he may be. Instead, I have decided that henceforth, foll~wing in the footsteps of two great citizens of the world, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, I wilr do everything in my power, including putting my own life and body on the line, to avoid implementing violence anywhere, including Iraq. Furthermore, in this and all future situations, I will fully explore every conceivable alternative before taking the life of one single human being or asking one soldier to do so. Does this mean that I will not use self-defense if attacked? No. It means that I will never strike first and never strike at all unless it is absolutely necessary to preserve the safety of the people in my own country and.around the world. Lastly, to the American people, for those times when I have suggested that your dissent was unpatriotic, I apologize. And for my recent statement that America speaks with one voice, I am sorry. For it is our ability in the United States to express dissent and our tendency to speak from a multiplicity ofperspectives, with a huge diversity ofvoices, that makes our nation great. Thank you for listening, and God Bless America. But God Bless Iraq, too. Let's work for peace and justice for all people - for all nations. The preceding statement is the draft ofa speech that has been submitted to President Bush for his consideration. He has yet to give his full approval ofits contents. ­ Bruce Weil Wish List Can :You Help? Berta's Art Corner 100,000 march in Anti-War Demonstration, Washington, DC, October 26, 2002. Photo by Berta Lambert Streiitvibes newspaper is publjshed monthly on a shoe­ $tring budget from,tJie offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Can you help us with some of the following items? * Electric Stapler- Hea_vy duty * Blank CD-RW Disks - For Streetvibes. * Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) * Cleaning Supplies * Office Supplies - floppies, copier paper and other supplies If you can help, contact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for tlie Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OR 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com �, STREETVIBES J anuary 2003 OMB Watcher 1742 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-8494 (202) 234-8584 (FAX) Tax Cut Fever: What the Budget F uture May Hold With the shake-tip in the Administration's economic team, the recent rise in the unemployment rate to 6% (the highest rate in eight years), and absolutely no evidence that the massive Bush tax cut has done anything but send the federal budget on a rapid spiral into deficit, a reasonable person might think that it was time for the Administration to reevaluate the · idea that tax cuts are the solution to everything. The President's economic stimulus plan, currently in the design phase, however, is expected to consist of tax cuts aimed at corporations and individuals in the higher tax brackets. http:// www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/ 1221/1/1 57I It's the States' Turn States are grappling with $12.8 billion in cuts from FY 2002 and an additional $8.3 billion in cuts thus far in FY 2003. At this point, the President and Congress need to recognize that penalizing states for cutting taxes in better times (as the federal government, itself, did), while also placing some of the burden of costly federal tax cuts, as well as new homeland security needs on the states will only work against their efforts to stimulate the national economy. When Congress returns in January, it is expected to begin working on an economic stimulus package. Let's hope that this time the stimulus will not work against itself: if corporations are goi11g to receive federal income tax breaks again, the states shouldn't be le'fl: searching for ways to make up the- lo~t revenu~. Congress should see the states and their current budget crises as a source of quick tum-around on spending for services, workers and domestic security. http ://www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/1223/1/157I GAO Reports on Job Prospects of Former TANF Recipients with Impairments A recent study conducted by the General Accounting Office (GAO) examined the job prospects of people leaving the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Specifically, the study, shows that recipients of Page 18 TANF "who had impairments were found to be half as likely to exit TANF as recipients without impairments ... " Similar rates were seen among TANF recipients caring for children with impairments as those caring for children without impairments, even when factors such as marital status and age were taken into account. According to the GAO report, former TANF recipients with impairments are " one-third as likely as people without impairments to be employed," with 40 percent of such former TANF recipients reporting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) assistance. http:// www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/ 1224/l/157I Data Quality Invoked in Information Collection In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dated November 6, 2002, the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) raised data quality concerns ~ithNHTSA's recent Proposed Collection of Information. http ://www.ombwatch.org/ article/ articleview/1212/ 1/ 157/ Data Quality's First Test A request for correction of information under the new Data Quality guidelines th.at was filed on November 25, 2002, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by t he Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE), Kansas Corn Growers Association, and the Triazine Network could cripple EPA's ability to address endocrine disruptors. http ://www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/1210/1/ 157I FEC Approves New Rule on Coordinated Communications work. Over the next few months, the site will be refined in order to provide a more robust version for early 2003. Visit NPAction today, share your thoughts on our work, and help us to provide the best resources possible to assist your organization and partner groups in their policy participation. http://www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/1215/1/ 157I On December 5 the Federal Election Commission (FEC) approved new regulations that define when communications with a federal candidate, a campaign, party or their agent, may turn an otherwise independent expenditure into a prohibited in-kind campaign contribution. The rule implements the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of2002, which required the FEC to write tougher regulations in Bush Administration this area. The regulations will take Proposes to Gut Forest effect 30 days after publication in Protection Rule the Federal Register. The new Two days before Thanksgiving the rules use a three-part test to Bush administration quietly determine when an expense is approved a proposal that would considered "coordinated". It must gut current forest protection be for a public communication paid regulations by removing for by someone other than a requirements to protect forest candidate or campaign and meet wildlife and ecology, and by specific standards relating to both .eliminating the requirement of an content and conduct between the analysis that serves as the key candidate and group or person mechanism for informing the public paying for it. http:// ofthe environmental impacts of www.ombwatch.org/article/ forest management plans, among articleview/1215/ 1/157I other de-regulatory changes to the rule. http://www.ombwatch.org/ NPAction Greeted By article/articleview/1216/ 1/ 157I Positive Reception; State Advocacy Guides Added NPAction, O:MB Watch's new online resource for nonprofit advocacy, launched on November 22, 2002 in its pilot form. In the roughly two weeks since, the site has averaged roughly 1,300 unique visitors who have taken the time to explore the content offerings and features, and more importantly, to provide feedback on what's available. Recent additions to the site include Poll results and topic discussion around nonprofit . attitudes regarding IRS restrictions on candidate endorsements by charities; and a set of state advocacy guides for nonprofits to help identify key government agencies, rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding their advocacy tr Vendor: 80 cents Cheney Task Force Lawsuits: Courts Dismiss GAO Request, Delay White House Deadline On December 6, 2002, a federal appeals court issued a two-page order indefinitely delaying the December 9, 2002, deadline (or the White House to produce documents on Vice President Cheney's energy task force. The order stated that the court will schedule a date for arguments on whether to step into the case and consider the administration's request to put a halt to producing documents and providing testimony. http ://www. om~watch.org/artic~e/ articleview/1213/1/157I Where Your Dollar ' Goes Printing and Production: 20 cents The StreetV1bes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our office at 421-7803 for more informa­ tiorrabout the program. Many thanks for your support. �STREETVIBES Page 19 January 2003 A WORLD O_F WEBSITES! Adams County: a n~mber of websites exist for various things, but no governmental records were • by Carolyn. Meszaros within a 50 mile radius of Streetvibes home base, Cincinnati, found. County seat: West Union. It was said, there is a thing Hamilton County, Ohio. There are . Brown County: http:// www.browncountyohio.net/ which, called "The Information Highway," over forty. They are all different, ofcourse. And, they all have the Internet. Anyone can get on it. like others below, doesn't seem to towns or cities called "county be an official site but which does This is a guide to some links that lead to elected officials; click on seem to be useful; and, at the seats" where elected officials and "Local Gov't... ". County seat: bottom, there's a capsule the like meet, which will have to Georgetown. ­ come after the counties themselves. presentation of those covered last This is not an attempt to Butler County: http:// month for those who missed those www.butlercountyohio.org/­ (or lost them). As previously reach any particular county elected officials can be found in the department or individual although indicated, government being of one might find something in left column and click on whatever importance, here's more on the is suitable. County seat: the city subject. · particular or a link to something in particular with the given links. The ofHamilton. Beyond (or beneath) Clermont County: http:// one thing that WAS searched for . federal and state governments www.co.clermont.oh,us/ - elected was some kind of a contact to the (already covered to a very small officials can be found in the left extent), there are, for want of a county commissioners. And, since better description, "local things." there are so many, even this is column and click on whatever is suitable. County seat: Batavia. covered in more than one part, Many important matters are under Clinton County: http:// with part of Ohio with it's couple the authority of districts, regions, ofmillion people first. www.co.clinton.oh.us/ click on townships, or other local authority For those outside that county agencies. County seat: as well as what usually comes to Wilmington. mind first: counties and cities. (roughly) 50 mile radius, the best There are literally that can be offered is a couple of Greene County: http:// suggestions. There is a thing called www.co.greene.oh.us/ click on thousands of such things as the "National Association of elected officials. County seat: districts, etc. Some kind of consideration should surely be Counties." After the home page, Xenia. etc., there's a U.S. map that Hamilton County: http:// given to remote notions like " OKI www.hamilton-co.org/ click on Regional Council ofGovernments" (insofar as possible) leads to individual state lists ofthe counties: · county sites. County seat: (reportedly a council of three http://www.naco.org/counties/ Cincinnati. counties in Ohio, three in counties/index.cfm where pertinent Highland County: http:// Kentucky, and one in Indiana). information (including elected www.highlandcounty.com/ click on Other things that immediately come to mind include: what area is officials) is posted. One can also government (there are two covered by something like a state try typing in a name in a search bar websites that look serni:-official, "welfare" district administration and (maybe) come up with a this seems to be the better one). office or a "Consolidated County seat: Hillsboro. number of different leads and/or Metropolitan Statistical Area" Montgomery County: links. On to "local". counties, (CMSA, what is sometimes called http ://www.co.montgomery.oh.us/ "the metro area"). But, space some of which are commonly in the - click on departments. County seat: prohibits listing them all. news and some ofwhich are rarely Dayton. The most sensible approach mentioned for various reasons. It Preble County: http:// seems to be to list a few should also be noted that all of www.preblecounty.com/ click on fundamental things that might them are only ROUGfilY within " community," then on"elected affect "ordinary people" where 50 miles since there was no way at officials," then again on "elected MOST of the readership MIGHT hand to precisely draw a circle officials." County seat: Eaton. be. That does leave many possible .. Warren County: http:// around Cincinnati (or Hamilton links up to those with particular county) in one ofthe library's www.co.warren.oh.us/ click on official atlases. One or the other concerns or where some particular elected officials. County seat: information might be regularly Lebanon. place with only a small "possible" fringe within the 50 mile range may needed. As before, with what is That's eleven websites all covered, there are suggestions for or may not be included. together. Here's one more to make people at a distance from Since Cincinnati itself is on it an even dozen, one leading to the the southern border ofHamilton Streetvibes home base as well as Ohio Lottery results: http:// the specific links for people in the county, which, of course, has a few www.ohiolottery.com/ in case immediate area. miles across it, there is also such a someone finds enough change thing as 50 miles from Cincinnati Fundamentally, states are somewhere to take a chance on usually sub-divided into counties and 50 miles for the northern som~thing . (or something equivalent but with a border ofHamilton county. The Recap oflast month: difference is six counties in Ohio: different name). The three states Federal government, House oflndiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Clark, Darke, Fayette, and Miami ofRepresentatives: http:// alone have a total ofthree hundred and just barely Madison and Ross www.house.gov/ and U.S. Senate: to be dealt with at another time. counties. Just counties. Exactly http://www.senate.gov/ for both three hundred: Indiana, 92; committees and representatives. Eleven more, including State governments: Indiana Adams county which is just barely Kentucky, 120; Ohio, 88 ­ according to one reliable reference in range from the city itself but well GeneralAssembly: http:// book. within rapge from the county line, www.in.gov/legislative/ and "The First Plan" now is to and Hamilton county itself follow. Kentucky Legislature: http:// www.lrc.state.ky. us/home.htm and cover the principle county The cities listed with them are the government websites (or Ohio General Assembly House of county seats and NOT necessarily all the sizable cities in a given Representatives: http:// something near to that) for www.house.state.oh.us/ and Ohio county. counties Oust counties) roughly Senate: http:// www.senate.state.oh.us/ and the "extras" were: Urban Legends: http:// www.snopes.com/ (the known site) Foreign news: http:// news.bbc.co.uk/ (the British Broadcasting Corporation) Some e-cards: http:// bowcreek.com/ (seasonal and other) Local point of interest: http://www.aviationtrailinc.org/ (historic) International homeless newspapers organization: http:// www.street-papers.com/ (not the same as the North American organization) Cincinnati Homeless Coalition: http://cinci.com/gcch/ (stop by and look things over!). Have a good month! Story, Editorial and Art Submis­ sion Deadline for tlie February 2003 edition of STREETVJBES is Write Usl We'd like t o hear from you.... Send letters or comments to: Sf reetvibes@Juno.<;om, or write f h.e Coalit ion office at tn: Streetvjbes letters, 1596 Elm.Street · Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the.aRhine Cincinnati , Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Empowering our neighborhood children t hrough peace, art and education �=====·-·- -------­ Need Help or Want to Help? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. SHELTERS: Women aod 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 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER: Meo City Gospel Mission 241-5525 (3arden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups seNe the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical seNices, social seNices, soup kdchens, and mental health/addiction seNices. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all ofits citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Greater ,--- . ._. , Cinclntiaii CooUtiC>M .Fer The Homeless • "ill' Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 • SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) 357-4602 Caracole {AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith 471-1100 Hospitality Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 861-1111 st. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381 -1171 639-7056 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961 -4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Meo Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921 ~1613 Starting Over 751L3260 TREATMENT: Both l N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351·0422 381-6660 C.C.A.T. Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 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 S91-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 · Fransjscan Haircuts651-6468 · Goodwill Industries 771 -4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Ment~I Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center357-4602 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 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 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 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863· 3184 Salvation Army 863·1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) 423-4673 - � 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 2003 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 January 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Annual Homeless Memorial Remembers Those Who Have Died Streetvibes TV Returns in February Pg 2: Ordinary Citizens Can Make a Change… Pg 3: North American Homeless News Digest A Goodbye, From the Vendor Education Coordinator Pg 4: Streetvibes Editor Receives Mac Award Pg 5: Reader Mail Pg 6: Volunteers of America Pg 7: Philip Berrigan, Anti-War Activist, Dies at Home in Baltimore, MD Pg 8: Ohio Empowerment Coalition Observes International Human Rights Day Wellstone Death A Huge Loss to Homeless People Pg 9: ¡Bienvenidos! Pg 10: Report from the Peace Village Pg 11: Words from the Evangelist Pg 12: Food Research and Action Center Report Pg 13: Nation’s Homeless to be in Spotlight During Radio Event The State of Cincinnati-a Grassroots Citizen’s Report Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: News & Editorials Pg 17: President Bush’s (Revised) Address to the United States Pg 18: OMB Watcher Pg 19: A World of Websites 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 January 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Pat Mitchell Mary Taylor Virgil Tuttle Jimmy Heath Berta Lambert Elain Coffy Brian Garry Bill Joiner Carolyn Messaros Molly Rhodes Dr. Steve Sunderland Cheryl Ware Bruce Weil Mike Henson Lynn Williams Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activist Andy Erickson Anti-War Arts & Poetry Baltimore Berta Lambert Bienvenidos Bill Joiner Brendan Goodwin Brian Garry Bruce Weil Bush Carolyn Messaros Cheryl Ware Cincinnati Citizens Report Dr. Steve Sunderland Elain Coffy Evangelist Food Georgine Getty Grassroots Holiday Homeless Memorial Human Rights Jimmy Heath Lynn Williams MAC Mary Taylor Maryland Mike Henson Molly Rhodes News & Editorials Ohio OMG Pat Mitchell Peace Village President Reader Mail United Nations Virgil Tuttle Websites Wellstone