16 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/bd2aa39b1e4e7ba23b39f3894aa6387f.pdf e700bb835bf1f88dbd4e79b17d838c96 PDF Text Text Remembering the Milner Demolition Six Years Ago, 115 Units ofHousing/or th e Homeless Were Lost On May 20, the sixth year anniversary of the Milner Hotel's Demolition, students and professors from Miami University's architectUre department gathered with homeless and low-income housing supporters in Piatt Park-Garfield Park in downtown Cincinnati. At the center of the gathering was an rutistic environmental installation that Mi ami architecture students and Over-the-Rhine community members spent the previous months planning. The instaUation included a red ribbon running through the park's trees, silhouettes of homelesspeople and homeless supporters, and plaques describing how the removal of low-income persons from MILNER, continued on page 5 Don Sawyer, f ormer resident and employee ofthe Milner Hotel, addresses the crowd much debate and controversy, the CUITent A Tale of Two Cities plans for the project have been scaled­ Urban Renewal Threatens Shelters in Columbus and Cincinnati ...... by John Halpin The story is a familiar one to Cincinnati: A lower­ income neighborhood is targeted for redevelopment, and the homeless shelter that occupies it must relocate to another area. The popular idea that the poor and homeless cannot co-exist with economic development becomes public policy and practice. For over a year now, the Drop ~ Center, Cincinnati's largesthomeless shelter, located on the comer of 12th and Elm Streets in Over-the-Rhine,.has been fighting to keep its home. A plan spearheaded by Cincinnati Pops conductor Erich Kunzel and organized by the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center (GCAEC) Board is seeking to relocate the School for the Creative and PerfonningArts to the Washington Park neighborhood, adjacent to Music Hall and the Drop Inn Center. At first, the GCAEC board maintained that the new school and the shelter could co-exist, but later, when the arts group revealed several blueprints that called for the removal of the Drop Inn Center, controversy erupted. An intense turf war ensued, and now, after I back, and the GCAEC planners say the Drop Inn Center site will not be needed in the current stage of the project's development. During the on-going debate about the Drop Inn Center's possible relocation, the center maintains that it was not right to displace the poor and homeless for any reason. R.atherthan placing the problem "out ofsight, out ofmind," the shelter advocates for real solutions 'to homelessness, such as affordablehousing, employment training, and supportive services. Relocating the shelter to another area, away from the proposed arts campus, would only be removing the problem from public view, not solving it The shelter and many of its neighboring organizations, such as non-profit housing developers ReSTOC and the Over-the­ Rhine Housing Network, advocate for urban renewal to benefit the poor, not just urban renewal to benefit the middle and upper class. Not only does the Drop Inn Center oppose hiding the problem ofhomelessness but it also maintains that its current site was 26,000 Ohio Children Face Welfare Cut-offs Advocates Take Campaign for Welfare Rights to- Legislators' Front Doors A group of determined welfare advocate;S gathered at the Contact Center in Cincinnati on the morning of May 19 for nor-your-average lobbying effort. They were gathering to take their "Stop the Clock" campaign to the front doors of the homes of local Ohio legislators. What brings these members of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition - a statewide welfare rights advocacy group - together is H ouse Bill 578. Currently, Ohio has a three- year co~secutive time limit on welfare benefits. As of October 1 of this year, 13,000 low-income households across Ohio will lose their support. Appr:oximately 26,000 children, many of whom are under six years old, could be cut­ offofincome support between O ctober and December of 2000. HB 578 would extend the three-year time limit on public assistance to five years, as well as ease harsh sanctioning policies such as cutting off food stamp assistance to sanctioned adulr.s. t Many welfare · supporters at the press conference insisted that three years was not enough time for a person to get thejop training and education needed to obtain a job that pays a living wage. Davorn Johnson, who is transitioning off ofwelfare and now employed by the Drop Inn Center shelter, made that poinr. She admitted that she herself is a success story but cautioned that not all welfare recipients have the same circumstances which allow for success. With an extended time limit, more recipients would be able to obtain the skills they need for success. If HB 578 is adopted, Ohio would be the 3or1i state co allow recipients five consecutive years of supporc through the Temporary ,,Assistance to Needy Families program. The advocates' lobbying effort today has a special sense of urgency, as the Ohio State Legislature will dismiss for the summer by May 24 andis not expected to reconvene until after the October 1 cut-off date. So far, despite intensive lobbying and support from many democrats, the assembly leadership has chosen to ignore the bill and has not allowed public testimony on it. Kary Heins of the Contact Center noted chat local Rep~esentatives Catherine Barret and Sam Britton have been particularly supportive of the bill. Today's lobbying effort, in which advocates will visit the homes of local legislators with whom they have not yet met, will attempt to convince Senator Richard Finan, and Representatives Schuler and O ' Brien, among others, to support HR 578 as well. "We are extremely concerned about what will happen to all kids in Ohio when the time limit hies, especially since we do not know what is happening to families once they leave welfare. Poverty rates have not declined much, but 50% ofpeople have left welfare. We are afraid that once the economy goes sour, many families will need help and there won't be any," said Cassandra Barham, an organizer with the Contact Center. • • • See SHELTER, page 3 SS I �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES THE TRAVELER The Tri-S tate's Homeless Grapevine by Donald Whitehead The Greater Cincinnati Coalition the Homeless is a group of shelters. agencies and individuals committed to· fOI' ending homel~sness in Cincinnati through ting services, ed the puJ:>li roots organi • Iliff Alicia Beck, Susan Knigh~ Tom Billman, John Halpin Ron Carter, Warren Perkins, PatMitche Mary A. G Sonny Wlllla . Director Administrative Coordinator Streetvibes Editor Assistant Editor Vendor SuPf!>()rt Tenant Organizing · Outreach Volunt~ ' Recep Volunteer Re Writers Donald Whitehead John Halpin Tom Billman Rodney Sutton Ron Carter Anthony W Cassie Gu Alanna Malo Brian Crumm Bonnie Neumeter Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. GeraldineDevine Patrick Holmes Melissa Widemen Susan Knight Grady Cook. Sonny Williams Pat Mitchell Sharon Weis LeeAnn McNabb Raymond Jane Katie Danko "'' Warren Perkins Earlene Moreland Lynn Williams Jeff Branham monica novae Emily Langford ney Sutton, Susa Be ambert, Grady Cook:,' Warren Perkins. Sonny Williams, Jimmy Heath and more.... Knight~ Streetvlbes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graph­ ics, photos.... We will print everything we have roorn for, giving preference t those wh' ·• homeless or vend ~f-. Please send all material to the following address: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 · f~ 13) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com (text­ only) or homecoal@primax.net ( attached file's) web page: http://cinci.com/gcch At this point in my life I am on top of the world, literally. I have just ridden a gondola lift up co the cop of the mountain in D enver, Colorado, some two thousand feet above sea level. The view is striking snow-capped peaks overlooking mountain streams littered with skiers and snowboarders getting the last ski before che season ends. Up here, the world's problems seem so far removed. Despite the discomfort caused by shortness of breath at this altitude, I feel extremely serene. I am in D enver for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Conference. The conference is one of the highlights ofevery year for m e. This year is even more special because I get to spend time with my dear friend Mary Ann Gleason, longtime Executive Director for the National Coalition for the Homeless. Mary Ann spent several years in Denver and was gracious enough to give me a tour of the mountains and som e of the social services in Denver. I was impressed with the mountains and even more impressed by the social services. Mixed income new construction housing in a suburban setting is the stuff thac C incinnati advocates can only dream of. The housing was noc only in setting that was very conducive to long cerm stability; it also included amenities chac are often ouc of reach for low-income families. Amenities such as swimming pools, on site daycare, and laundry facilities are often thought to be too luxurious for low-income developments. One ofthe arguments in C incinnati against the development ofnew construction housing is land availability and zoning difficulties. This argument does noc exist in the suburban areas surrounding C incinnati. Another program thac was very exciting to me stemmed from a concept Mary Ann calls Housing as Treatment. We visited a facility that housed women with untreated mental illness. These women are typically long term homeless because ofsome of the misunderstandings of their anti-social behavior. They are women who are frequently either barred part-time or permanently from shelters and transitional housing. Many people commonly refer to these ladies as Bag Ladies. As we toured the facility, the women seemed extremely delighted by our presence; the experience brought memories of my friends in Cincinnati. Ifyou are connected with homelessness in any way in C incinnati you probably know a few ladies chat fit these ladies' profile, such as women like Nan and Mahalia who are long-term members of Cincinnati's homeless population. The difference between my friends at home and these women in Denver was how happy the women in Denver appeared to be. T hey also seemed a lot fresher; women with the characteristics of these ladies always seem cired. They have to constantly walk in search ofsomething that the women in Denver have found: a safe secure place co call home. Page 2 In my thinking spot above the clouds I begin to digest what I witnessed this weekend. I really like the message chac being senc by the . advocates in Denver. Homeless people deserve the same kinds ofthings thac everyone else enjoys. Do we sometimes say co homeless people "This is the besc you can get" or "this is all you deserve"? This attitude is reflected by how and where we choose to develop our resources. Opportunities for people to live in low-crime, low-illegal drug communities must be · maximized. le is noc impossible to succeed in communities that are crime ridden or drug infested I personally am an example of thac happening, buc I muse say chac the odds are noc overwhelmingly high for mosc individuals in this situation. Mixed income communities are a wonderful idea only if they do noc call for the displacement oflow-income people. D enver advocates have insured chat there is zero displacement by doing new construction. The only downside to che whole day was the realization that the development of new housing is very cost prohibitive. I guess when you recognize chat the City OfC incinnati wants to spend 50 million dollars to attract a new major downtown retailer or the cost of the new Bengals stadium is 45 million dollars over budget 5 million dollars to put hundreds of people in quality affordable safe sanitary housing is not chat cost prohibitive at all. We also need co work to change the condition of our current neighborhoods. We should not settle for impoundment chat has become so common in inner city America, drug dealers determining the rules of the neighborhood. It is all right to leave the inner city fo r the safety and serenity of the suburbs, buc we must return. The armed aggressors in the hood are like any pack in the wild; they only pick off the wounded, the frail, or the young, afraid of the consequences involved wich taking on healthy individuals. It is our job as advocates to help people heal so they aren't easy prey. I am starting a support group in my neighborhood called S.WA.C. S. So We All Can Succeed. This group will hopefully evolve into a force to take on the pack through positive actions in the community. I can't wait to tell you more about it. Meanwhile I'm headed for Washington D .C., then on to Chicago. I'll talk to you when I return. Keep on truck.in, baby! Streetvibes,exists as a forum fo:tJh'e expression of the ~it:WS and opinions of our reAders and supporters.' The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine SHELTER, from page 1 The CZC Protest for Political Prisoners and Against Police Brutality best for its population. The Drop Inn Center declares it self the center of a human improvement campus in Washington Park. The center points to the fact that it is easily accessible to the homeless in the downtown area, and that the residents at the Drop Inn Center are within blocks of transitional hous ing, soup kitchens, government offices, employment agencies, and community centers which provide job traini·ng, education, and cultural programs. By LeeAnn M<;Nabb May 13th was a national day of action against police brutality and in support ofpolitic prisoners. Approximately 55 people from the Greater C incinnati area joined the Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition in protesting at the corner of 6ch and Main Street from 5pm until 8pm. We were joined by people from groups such as the Incerna~ional Socialise Organization, The AIM Support Group of Ohio and Northern Kentucky, the All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party, The Racial Awareness Program, Solidarity, Viet Nam Veteran's Against the War--Ami­ lmperialist (Sonny W illiams), and many more. We informed a lot of people on their way to Jammin' on Main about the cases of Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu-Jamal. It was a colorful protest, with several different kinds ofsigns, a megaphone, chanting, singing, drumming, and even a little dancing. We got sn ide as well as supportive comments from those passing by on their way to the music festival. Several motorists waiting in traffic actually asked questions and were given flyers on the issues. We collected petition signatures for Mumia Abu-Jamal and for Leonard Peltier's upcoming parole review hearing. We goc a really good crowd and were successful in delivering our message to the community. lVho are LeonardPeltier andMumiaAbu-]amal? Leonard Peltier is an American Indian Political Prisoner who was convicted in 1977 of killing two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation during a massive shoot-out. The judge in their case acquitted two other men who were arrested for the same original charges. After loosing the case, the FBI changed its plan . Allegedly, it used false affidavits to arrest Peltier, coerced testimony, ch anged the charges, suppressed evidence, and scared jurors into believing the American Indian Movement might kill them. Peltier's supporters range from Amnesty International, The National Congress ofAmerican Indians, Rage Against the Machine, the Indigo Girls, and many more. Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award winning journalist and a former member of the Black Page 3 A Similar Scenario in Columbus Panthers. He was convicted in 1982 of killing Officer Daniel Faulkner. He is currently on death row in Pennsylvania. He reported on police brutality in his journalism. His trial was botched and may have had a d ifferent outcome if witnesses and evidence by the defense had been permitted in court. Groups calling fo r a new trial for Mumia include Amnesty International, The Congressional Black Caucus, Martin Luther King III, Rage Against the Machine, and many more. The Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition is an indigenous rights and social justice organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are named after a group of Mayan Indian rebels in Chiapas, Mexico, who rose up on January 1st, 1994, the day the North American Free Trade Agreement {NAFTA) went into effect. They rose up because of political, racial, and economic oppression felt by Mexico's 10 million Indians. T hey fight for more than just indigenous rights. Subcomandante Marcos {spokesperson for the Zapatistas) is quoted as saying, ""Marcos is gay in San Francisco, a black in South Africa, a Palestinian in Israel, Jewish in Germany, a woman anywhere on the metro at lOpm, a landless peasant, a Mayan Indian in Chiapas, Mexico ... " In other words, the Zapatistas fight for everyone. Their major slogan is "Todos Somos Zapatistas," which in English translates into "We are all Zapatistas." This is the basis on which CZC was started. For more information crmtact: Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition, PO Box 30401, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230. Email: miriamczc@yahoo.com, Phone (513) 232-0362 or (513) 325-4179. Our website at http://www.geocities.com/ Capito/Hill/13641. Representatives from Viet Nam Veterans against the War--Anti-lmperialis t, . . . . . .and. AIM of..Northern Kentuck.y. protest political imprisonment in Amer i ca Wbjle the drama in Cincinnati has cooled for the time being, a scenario is heating up in Columbus that has many ofthe same ingredients as the Drop lnn Center-SCPA controversy. The Open Shelter, a men's drop-in facility in the Frankljnton area ofthe Scioto Peninsula, is bracing itself, as next year it will lose $445,000, nearly halfofits operating budget, when the Community Shelter Board withdraws its funding. Unlike in Cincinnati, in Columbus, a third party determines the funding that shelters receive. This group, the Community Shelter Board (CSB), allocates all government and United Way dollars to local shelters. The Community Shelter Board announced that it would stop funding The Open Shelter after the shelter refused to leave its current site in Franklinton to operate a new facility that the CSB had purchased north of the city, near the fairgrounds, on Corrugated Way. The proposed shelter is one part of the " Rebuilding Lives" plan that CSB developed. The plan calls for reducing the number ofbeds in four existing shelters while moving more men into s upportive housing apartments. Rebui lding Lives also wants to relocate the two shelters located on the Scioto Peninsula - The Open Shelter and a shelter run by the Volunteers ofAmerica. The Open Shelter listed several points for why it did not accept CSB 's proposal to run the new shelter, despite the fact that the Open Shelter does want to move. They have been leasing their current site for 16 years, and each year they have had to pass up grants to improve their facility because only shelters which own their sites are eligible for such grants. The Open Shelter worked closely with the Community Shelter Board to find a new site, and have examined hundreds ofproperties as potential shelters. U ltimately, however, the decision as to whether or not to accept the Community Shelter Board's offer to run the new shelter came down to a basic question: What course ofaction would best serve the homeless? The Open Shelter felt that leaving their present location would hurt the homeless. When the other downtown shelter, operated by the Volunteers of America, announced it was moving out ofthe area, The Open Shelter balked at leaving the area also, knowing that it would leave hundreds ofpersons in the Franklinton area without immediate access to a shelter. The agency also objected to running a center with a smaller overnight capacity, as the plan called for. While the Rebuilding Lives plan calls for 800 units of subsidized, supportive housing units by the year 2004 to replace shelter beds, only 30 of these units are currently in operation. The Open Shelter believed reducing and relocating shelters before other resource s were available seemed irresponsible. ~ee SHELTJ!,R, page 5 �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Kids' Day o·n Capital Hill · Homeless Children Tell Their Heart-breaking Stories For the past ten years, I have been involved with the issue of homelessness. I have experienced homelessness, I have volunteered to help, and I have advocated on the front lines for ending homelessness. During my tenure on the front lines, I have witnessed many things that have caused me to examine myself and the world around me. Nothing prepared me for the Kids Day 2000. Ever since the first time I visited a family shelter or the first time I saw the Fox video "Shelter Boy," I have been compelled by the plight of homeless children. I have always been a smiling face to children as I visit shelters. Every year I even dress up as Santa Claus and pass out toys. There's nothing more moving than a smiling child is, nothing except a child in pain. On paper, the fact that 1.35 million children are experiencing homelessness in America is beyond belief. Last year, the Better Homes Fund released a study that documented and statistically tracked the plight of homeless children. The study was well written and excellent in its visual presentation. It was ....By Donald Whitehead written by a group of experts from around the country. The groups of experts assembled for the Kids Day on Capitol Hill, however, were different experts. The experts at Kids Day 2000 were children. The best thing about hearing from a child is that their testimony is totally uncompromised, incredibly graphic, and totally honest. The panelists chosen by Barbara Duffield were beyond excellent. The children presented new perspectives to our extremely troubling pr9blem. Never once did I hear mention of blame or resentment. I heard pain, embarrassment, and even joy. I was particularly moved by the youngest panel member whose final statement "we had to stay in the Shelter but it was not that bad" started my first cry in a long time. The young man was responding to a question about conditions in shelters. Another moving moment was when a young lady who had just been accepted into college talked about her family being split up by the shelter system. She took us on a rollercoaster ride beginning with a happy Page 4 family and ending with a family in the middle of a divorce. There wasn't a dry eye in the place when this well-spoken young lady talked about her whole family living in one room. Twists and turns included scams, disappointments, and pain. All of the speakers were overwhelming to even the most seasoned advocate. I remember sometimes crying myself to sleep at night when I was living in the Drop Inn Center in Cincinnati. I can only imagine the pain experienced by a child going through homelessness. The children in the audience and those on the phone were very attentive and knowledgeable about the issues of homelessness. I was also pleased by the Congressperson~ in attendance, via phone and tape-recorded message. The entire event was extremely inspiring. Barbara Duffield did an awesome job of organizing. The only drawback is that there were not many more people who were able to attend this event. In my opinion, every city in the U.S should replicate this event. While society can easily label and blame adults, it is a lot harder to label or blame children. If our leaders can't listen to our reason , maybe they'll listen to a baby's. u u u NO APOLOGY FROM MAYOR LU by Sonny Williams, Streetvibes Vendor On Saturday, May 6m, the Citizen Police Review Enforcement Coalition had a 4-hour protest at Fountain Square. The Coalition was protesting that Mayor Charlie Luken did not apologize for the death of Michael Carpenter to Carpenter's family. Luken's apology went to the City of Cincinnati, not directly to the family. Dwight Patton brought a coffin on the protest site around 4:00 PM. Because Patton was not allowed on the square without an escort, Captain DeMasi and two officers from the Cincinnati police officers escorted him. When the protesters set up the coffin next to the fountain, several on-looking white males chanted, "We support police beating people; we support killer cops!" Nathanial Livingston, Jr., the director of the Black Marchers, then arrived, with two flags on poles. A police officer became upset and demanded that the protestors get those flag poles off the square now! The flag poles were removed to the corner of 511i and Vine Streets, and replaced by several signs. One included the autopsy photo of Mike Carpenter in the Hamilton County Morgue. Several protesters carried the flag of Ethopia and King Halle Salasie. One protester car~ied a video camera, which made this writer feel more secure in the face of enormous police presence and Cincinnati Recreation monitors who carried radios and mace. One sign said, "No Apology for Mr. Carpenter? ... No Peace Either!" For more information about the Murder ofMichael Carpenter, call John Shirey at 352-3000, or the U.S. Justice Department at 550 Main St., Cincinnati, Ohio. Fire Escape ~eglect May Cause Apartment Closure this Work order: By Warren Perkins, Tenant Organizer Glencoe Apartment residents may not know it yet, but they are in danger of losing their homes. On May 3, 2000, City ofCincinnati housing inspector Eric Otto made a visit to Glencoe Apartments, owned by non-profit Mount Auburn Good Housing. Glencoe, which is in the shadow of Christ Hospital, was cited on that day with more than 1j Cincinnati Building Code (CBC) Violations. These violations range from excessive I itter to missing bricks in masonry walls. The most serious of these problems is the disrepair of fire escapt!s on the Leroy Court building. The Fire Escapes themselves account for 3 CBC violations. The fire escapes are rusty and any hint of black paint is almost non-existent. The lack of paint on the emergency stairways means they are more likely to fall prey to the elements, causing accidental breakage. Many of the fire escapes have broken ladder steps and broken hand railings. These escapes are falling hazards and obviously provide little or no chance for residents to escape in.the case of fire. These problems caused.the City Inspector Eric Otto to issue REPAIR FIRE ESCAPE Violation: 415 DATE: 5105100 NARATIVE: Note: failure to repair fire escape may result in the vacation ofapartment units using same (welders will need A WS certification for job) ORDINANCE DESCRIPTION: Every required supplies facility, piece ofequipment, or utility shall be so constructed or installed that it will function safely, and shall be maintained in satisfactory working conditions. Section 1117-45. I CBC CORRECTIVE ACTIONREQUIRED : Replace all broken or rusted out members of the fire escape and restore it to good working order. Because of this work order's interest in fire safety, the city code says that it must be completed in 30 days or less. If it is not completed, residents may be forced to leave their homes at the end of this period. This means that 8 large family units may be lost forever in Cincinnati, not to mention the problems ofcurrent residents trying to find housing on such short notice. Mount Auburn Good Housing contracted a management company, Churchill and Company, to oversee operations and repairs of the Glencoe Apartments. Churchill Management's representative JeffWillis claims to not even have heard ofthe violations notice from the city until Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) representatives infonned him on May l 2. The Jack of communication between Mount Auburn Good Housing and apartment managers Churchill and Company may explain why some ofthese repairs have fallen through the cracks. The owners are currently waiting on repair funding from HUD that may not meet the deadline set by the city. Ifthe repairs are not completed in time, residents of the building will most likely be issued apartment vouchers they can use at other buildings which accept this form of payment. Residents could face other problems, such as a lack of funds to move heavy furniture from the old home to the new. COHHIO tenant organizers plan to meet with these residents to inform them of their rights and to advise them of possible action to take. The hope is to avoid problems like this in the future and eliminate the need for residents having to move. • • • • • �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine SHELTER, from page 3 Other reasons why The Open Shelter opted not to relocate to the CSB site were that the CSB stipulated that the new shelter would have a sixty-day limit on stays, a rule The Open Shelter says is contrary to their mission; they would have to lease the site from CSB when their goal has been to own a shelter, and they would have to undertake a $1,000,000 capital campaign to help Community Shelter Board purchase and renovate the site. "A Large and Lofty Group" With The Open Shelter's decision not to relocate, the Community Shelter Board announced all of the shelter's annual CSB funding would be withdrawn and transferred to the operator ofthe new shelter. The Community Shelter Board has drawn fire from all sides involved in this situation - both from The Open Shelter supporters and from residents. of the neighborhood where the new shelter may be built Kent Beittel, Executive Director ofThe Open Shelter said the CSB is appointed by the city, county, and United Way and is a "large and lofty group" and, for the most part, removed from the people they are serv ing. (In Cincinnati, a consensus process by a coalition of service providers and homeless persons makes funding decisions.) Kent Beittel says the Community Shelter Board's Rebuilding Lives plan arose after funding was secured for and construction began on a new floodwall around the Scioto Peninsula on which Franklinton and his shelter sit. Because the peninsula is a flood plain, it was never prime property for development. With the new floodwall in place, however, the economic development ofFranklinton - home of the new COSI and a new veteran's memorial - became a real possibility. City politicians and the Community Shelter Board rethought how the city assisted the homeless and decided that it was inappropriate to have half of the city's homeless population in an area in which so much potential for economic development exists. There is a myth, Beittel says, that the poor and homeless cannot coexist with economic development. The Open Shelter will now have to deal with the consequences ofthat myth as they look to replace the funding that the CSB has transferred from them to the new shelter, which Lutheran Social Services will run. North of town, in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood where the proposed shelter will be, the Community Shelter Board has drawn sharp criticism, as well. This time, the criticism is not from homeless advocates but from a neighborhood that does not want a shelter for the homeless in its backyard. Afraid of "neighborhood decline" as a result of the shelter, residents are strongly opposing the zoning variance that the Community Shelter Board has submitted to Columbus City Council. A zoning variance is necessary before the shelter can be built in the neighborhood. The language of the zoning variance has up set peop le, also. The East Fifth Avenue Commissioners, a neighborhood organization, believes that the neighborhood has been "racially profiled" by the CSB. The application for zoning variance reads, "First, the Fifth AvenueArea is characterized by high co ncen trations of poor, Africa n American neighborhoods, distressed housing markets, and a deficit ofaffordable rental units. These factors are directly related to increased shelter admissions." The NAAC P has spoken out in favor of the residents and their beliefthat the neighborhood was racially profiled. The fact that the CSB has no Africa.n American staff has only added to the existing tensions. The.Community Shelter Board denies that any racial profiling took place and say they regret that the language ofthe ordinance was understood that way. CSB states that the zo ning ordinance's wording was adapted from academic studies and was used because the zoning application required that a change in zoning laws must help the community in some way. Anonymous Donor Gives $450,000 With the eminentwithdraw ofCommunity Shelter Board funds, The Open Shelter was looking for ways to make up for the lost money and to continue its work for the homeless. Director Kent Beittel was worried about where the funds might come from, but in an article in The Other Paper (April 27-May 3, 2000), he said he believed that the people of Columbus understood the shelter's mission and would not let it go under. De~pite Beittel 's optimism about receiving aid from the communHy, he never expected the magnitude ofthe gift he received. On Monday, May 22, The Open Shelter announced that an anonymous donor gave the shelter $450,000, with specific instructions to use that money for the purchase ofits current building. After negotiations with the building's owner, The Open Shelter closed on the property May 17 for a selling price of$600,000. When announcing the purchase of th~ building, the Open Shelter stated that they are keeping their options open and will even continue to look for new locations that may help them to better serve Columbus' downtown population. Even though the shelter may eventually move if they find a better location, the purchase oftheir shelter adds a $600,000 asset to their balance sheet and allows the shelter staff to focus on serving the homeless without undertaking a long capital campaign. The Open Shelter board of trustees president Matt McClellan said, "While we certainly feel strongly that there is a need for our services in the downtown area, the anonymous donation signifies that others in the community feel . the same way." The shelter is currently adding new members to its existing Relocation Committee to broaden community imput about finding a new site in the downtown area for the shelter. The Open Shelter says it will welcome all community imput, including that ofthe CSB, on its relocation efforts but that it may have to reconsider the CSB 's role in relocation efforts iftheir funding is cut. The Best of Times, The Worst of Times While the stories ofthe Drop Inn Center and The Open Shelter are not the same, their similarities are striking. The displacement ofthe homeless in the name ofeconomic development is a trend that is taking place throughout the nation and abroad. However, it is equally important to point out how many people rally around the homeless in such difficult times. Just as an anonymous donor stepped forward in Columbus, so have socially conscious citizens in Cincinnati stepped forward, such as Artists for the Drop lnn Center, the arts group that has rallied behind the Drop Inn Center's effort to maintain its home. Through actions and efforts like these, the public says that the homeless do matter and they are demanding that public policy and practice reflect this. The Open Shelter and the Drop Inn Center are showing many people still believe their efforts can make a difference. And, although the battle is far from over, it seems that with efforts like these, the homeless and their supporters may come out on top, and city planners will re-~valuate what economic development truly means. • • • Page 5 MILNER, from page 1 America's cities today is strikingly similar to the forced removal ofthe Cherokee Nation from their land in the 1830's. ln 1944 the Parkview Hotel was acquired by the Milner family and renamed the Milner Hotel. For nearly fifty years, this privately owned, unsubsidized hotel flourished and was often filled on any given night It housed 115 single-room-occupancy low-income units, with 40-60 long-term residents, and 35-50 individuals and families on a temporary basis. It was used as quick access emergency housing by the Mental Health Association, Salvation Army, Red Cross, and area homeless shelters. In the early 1980's the city of Cincinnati approved new development plans that focused on redeveloping the Central Business District. Towne Properties acquired the site of the Milner for its Garfield Place Phase II. The city ofCincinnati used millions oftax dollars to purchase the hotel. The intent was to demolish the hotel for the development ofthe Greenwich on the Park. For years activists struggled for the salvation ofthe Milner Hotel. One such activist was 87-year­ old Reverend Maurice McCrackin; he fasted for two weeks, almost near to death, in order to persuade the city to reverse its decision about the demolition ofthe hotel. Also involved in the struggle were many community members and residents of the Milner Hotel. On May 20, 1994, despite the fierce multi­ year struggle fought by supporters, the hotel was tom down by the city. Of the more than one hundred people who were displaced from the Milner, only a few received assistance to relocate in low-income replacements. What was promised by the city (City Council Resolution April 28, 1993) to provide long­ term housing replacements never materialized. For the past two and a half years Miami students have collaborated with the Over-the-Rhine Housing Network on design/build projects to create low-income housing for Over-the-Rhine residents. This event was the first time the students were able to work closely with community members to commemorate urban cultural history. John Kirk, a Miami junior, said that many of the students were not previously exposed to issues surrounding homelessness. It was an "awakening experience for some people," he said. He also noted that doing a project relevant to such issues is important and that it is what architecture should be doing in the first place. Another student shared his feelings, saying that architecture is about people and it was nice that this project was able to commemorate the people involved in the Milner struggle. "I got a big huge smile on my face," said Over-the-Rhine Housing Network employee Mary . Burke when describing bow she felt when looking at the first plaque. She said it is so easy to drive down the street and forget that it ever happened. The reminder was nice to have. ''This is exactly what Cincinnati needs," said Susan Knight ofthe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. " It's art, and it's accessible to everyone." Miami faculty member Thomas A. Dutton said, "Ifonly for a few short hours, the space ofPiatt Park was transformed to remember a suppressed history an d to challenge gentrification and displacement. The beauty ofMay 20th was that the meaning of Piatt Park changed in a way that was liberating, not only for history, but for the future oftbe People's Movement." The Miami University Department of Architecture co11trib11ted to this story. Special thanks to fac11lty member Thomas A. Dutton for /tis assistance. See activist Bonnie Neumeiers's personal account of the Milner Hotel demolition .on page 7. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Welfare News OHIO EMPOWERMENT COALITION RALLIES AT STATEHOUSE By Lynn Williams On May 10th, concerned citizens gathered on the Statehouse grounds in Columbus to rally in support of low-income mothers and children receiving cash assistance. What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than to demonstrate on behalf of mothers and their children? Before the rally began, the Cleveland contingent of 50 people had gathered in the public area of the Statehouse. Legislators passing through this area were taken aback by the sight of so many children and mothers gathered there. Comments overheard were, "What are they doing here?" "lt's the Stop the Clock." "What do you mean?" "They're trying to stop the welfare time limit" A couple of the men laughed. Apparently, word got to the State Patrol because two officers confronted an organizer, declaring the rally was stopped and the Ohio Empowerment Coalition would not be allowed to demonstrate. The mothers who had traveled three hours from Cleveland heard the words of the officer and were shocked. Many of them had risked sanction to be at this rally, traveling with small children or making special arrangements (and extra cost) to have their children taken care of so they could be there. Well, fortunately all was worked out before the rally was scheduled to start, and it began on time. Approximately 150 individuals from diverse areas of the state gathered in unity to stop the October 1 welfare time clock from ending cash assistance to poor families. A diverse multitude ofrecipients, non-recipients, former recipients, the marginally employed, the well off, Black, Caucasian, Appalachian, Native American, Latino, disabled, elderly, children, middle-aged, men, women, urban, suburban, rural, ndparents, church leaders, and social service providers united to fight against the cut-off. The Ohio Empowerment Coalition was represented well by a majority of our member groups: Miami Valley Full Employment Council of Dayton; Contact Center/Cincinnati Welfare Rights Coalition; Rural Action, Athens County; Empowerment Center of Greater Cleveland; Merrick House, Cleveland; Stop Targeting the Poor, Cleveland; University ofToledo Social Work Class; Columbus Organizing Center; Just Fed Up Coalition & Godman Guild, Columbus; and new groups interested in becoming members: Focus and Family House ofToledo; and the Legislative Education & Information (LEI), Havar, Inc., Marietta. Participants of the Catholic Lobby Day also rallied with us in solidarity. Catholic Lobby Day was held by the Ohio Catholic Conference, By Sharon Weis If you are low-income and poor, you may have personally experienced, or heard stories ofthe many difficulties encountered enrolling in Department of Human Services cash assistance or other critical support programs. Community organizations hear an endless stream of stories of lengthy application processes, mandatory interviews during work hours, and multiple bips to welfare offices. Some applicants are being told they need not apply for programs because they are not eligible, when in fact they are. In addition, some face disrespectful treatment and rudeness when applying for just minimal services. To put more focus on these problems, one thousand grass-roots community organizations, including faith-based and neighborhood organizations across the country, have united in a coaljtion called the National Campaign for Jobs and Income Support. Its main goal is to evaluate the services, particularaly support programs, provided by their local welfare offices. It also intends to put the cause of the working poor and the climbing poverty rate at the an endorser of the Stop the Clock Campaign. " Don't pay attention to that clock on the department store over there", stated one speaker from Toledo. " The real clock is this one", she said, motioning to the Stop the Clock sign. "Thousands of children in Ohio will be hwt by this time clock." After the rally, the demonstrators, carrying signs, formed a line and marched into the General Assembly, then in session. As we filed into the upstairs balcony, several of the demonstrators held up their signs for the legislators down below to see. Legislators' mouths dropped wide open as they craned their necks to look at the balcony. Surprisingly, the patrol made no move to confiscate the signs at that time. Then two individuals dropped a huge sheet over the balcony railing which read "Stop the Clock." By now, even Jo Ann Davidson, Speaker of the House, had a look of utter astonishment. The sheet was promptly confiscated by the state patrol, along with the rest of the signs. Down below, the legislators turned back to their important business of discussing who should be in the sports Hall of Fame, while poor mothers with children, about to lose their survival means and likely to have their homes tom apart, were ignored. No mention was made of this event in the Columbus press. Only one week remains before the General Assembly adjourns for the summer. HB 578 was introduced in mid-February and SB 275 in March. No hearings have been held on this important issue of income support for the very poor, including children. It is obvious that the Ohio Legislature does not want to re-examine welfare "reform" and whether or not the three year time limit will hurt, abuse, and maybe even destroy poor families. And yet, they have had no problem with holding hearings on HB 566, the bill that would fingerprint all recipients of Ohio Works First and food stamps. The ivory tower is well preserved in Columbus. Unless something is done, the Ohio Assembly will continue to tum a blind eye to the cry of the poor come October 1st, the same as they did May 10th. However, we continue on in hope that a flicker ofhumanity will ignite compassion in that tower. • NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR JOBS AND INCOME SUPPORT A Call to Action Page 6 center ofthe national debate. To help in this endeavor, Cassandra Barham- Denton, Michele Taylor­ Mitchell, and I traveled to Chicago for the launching of this national campaign. Some of the speakers were Marian Wright Edelman ofChildren's Defense Fund, Senator Paul Wellstone ofMinnesota, and John Sweeney, President ofAFL-CIO. In Congress and on the campaign trail, we heard both parties bragging about the sharp drop in welfare rolls brought about by the prosperity that has been created by many new jobs and by the welfare bill's tough welfare-to-work provisions. But as we know, the new economy has passed over the people who needed the help the most. And why is this? One ofthe campaign's member grqups, the Northwest Federation ofCommunity Organizations, used standard ized questionaires to document community members in Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, Idaho, Arkansas and Montana as they applied for one or more support programs. In their report entitled Access Denied, they found that • • • enrollment in four of the major support programs ­ Medicaid, Food Stamps, CHIP and Child Care - is very low relative to the number ofpeople eligible for them. They found that states keep the eligible populations in ignorance about the availability of programs. That states create needless administrative problems, subject applicants to rudeness, and use diversion tactics and intimidation throughout the enrollment process, discouraging applicatns entirely. States sometimes illegally drop people offentitlement programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other critical services needed to make the transition to See CAMPAIGN, next page ANOTHER CLASS PRODUCTION /, . ~ • , ~ Disc-Jockev Service S'~~ .( 513) 230-6353 ~~;~~~ jonesacp@tbol.11et �STREETVIBES . The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine A Tribute to the "SAVE THE MILNER" Struggle: Our Undaunting Spirit Still Lives by Bonnie Neumeier, OTR Resident and Activist Six years ago, on May 20th, 1994, a city-ordered wrecking ball carried out its fatal blow to the Milner Hotel. 115 units of low­ income housing were destroyed on Garfield Place in downtown Cincinnati to make way for "Greenwich on the Park," a 64 unit upscate housing project by Towne Properties. A valiant effort to save the Milner was organized by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless over a number of years prior to the Milner's destruction. The Hotel was home for residents with little or no resources. A portion of the units were made available to area homeless shelters for quick access when shelters were overcrowded. The Milner was a unique resource; it was a private business and operated with no subsidy. It was a safety net for many poor and homeless folk of this city. The Milner made sense and it worked . It was a resource this City promised to replace and pledged to explore duplicating in the Central Business District in an ordinance passed on April 28, 1993 by City Council. This ordinance came after the late Rev. Maurice McCrackin's 13 day fast which heightened the focus ·on this City's disregard for low-income residents. Now, six years later, the Milner is gone and adequate replacement was never carried out satisfactorily. The safety net many people counted on was permanently damaged. The number of permanent, available low-income units of housing is dwindling, and greater numbers of homeless people are bedding down at our shelters. A Master Plan ruled at a time when Cincinnati was awarded "The Most Livable City". We continue to ask the question: most livable city for whom? The Greenwich was heavily subsidized by the City and State to provide housing for the affluent. Cincinnati has managed to use taxpayers' dollars to build fine homes for the Reds and the Bengals. Where was this muscle, money, and m iracle when we needed it to save housing for the poor at the Milner? We are all diminished by policies that consider only the privileged. Garfield Place could have been a street that maintained an economic mix if the Milner stood standing. City Hall's CAMPAIGN, from previous page demand for economic mix in our neighborhoods weakens when it can't model this mix in its own backyard. Our people's struggle to save the Milner was marked with tenacious efforts. ·The decision to scale the fence and block the bulldozer with our bodies came after all other attempts failed. Citizens across this City joined us on that last day. With pots and pans clamoring in our hands, with eloquent voices "We are all diminished by policies that consider only the privileged." bellowing out for justice standing on the back of a blue pickup truck, with black balloons bursting one by one in the wind to mourn the loss of each 115 units of housing, with several people carted off by the police for risking civil disobedience, with a chorus of songs chanting our outrage and our determination to carry on despite this painful loss to our housing efforts, the wrecking ball did not strike its fatal blow without being drowned out by the roar of a powerful resistance to this unjust act. It was a day and is a day to remember. The spirit of the Milner still rings in our souls. In tribute to this heroic effort, Miami University Architecture Students collaborated with the Over-the-Rhine People's Movement to create and erect a visual remembrance of the Milner struggle. Their creative works of art were exhibited in Piatt Park on the sixth anniversary of the destruction of the Milner, Saturday, May 20th, 2000. Red ribbon hung in the trees to draw attention to the exhibit which displayed silhouettes of homeless persons and quotes from people who were affected by the loss of the Milner. One such person, Don Sawyer, who once lived and worked at the applicants were screened for this required service. Shannon of Bozeman, Montana reported work. having to view a disparaging TANF video before Here are some of their stories: she could get Medicaid. She didn' t understand what Nicole Prado of Montana is the mother of a the video had to do with her. Anglet, of Columbia, four-month old baby girl. She does temp work and South Carolina says the welfare office lost her paper usually makes about $6.00 an hour, working 40 hours · work which included signatures from her last three a week. About two months before her baby was employers. They made her start the process all over due, N icole went to the local welfare office to obtain again. Medicaid to cover the birth of her child. "They told In the states studied, the report found only me that there was a six-month waiting list for Medicaid a fraction ofthe people eligible are enrolled in support and that it wouldn 't do me any good to apply now. services. Across the country, participation rates in Several weeks later, I gave birth to my baby girl. .. and Medicaid and Food Stamp programs are actually didn' t have any insurance or money, and I now owe declining. The report had some very harsh words the hospital more than $3,500. I don ' t know how for what has gone wrong. "One major cause of the I'm going to ever pay them back." Under federal problem is the endemic lawlessness and the culture law, states cannot impose a waiting period on the of indifference, arbitrariness, and intimidation that processing ofMedicaid applications. characterize states' implementation of these " I made it clear that I was in an emergency p rograms." situation and needed Food Stamps right away. They To view Access Denied in its entirety, or told me to come back in three weeks for an learn more about the National Campaign interview.' 1 said Angie ofMedofrd, Oregon. Federal for Jobs and Income law requires that all Food Stamp applicants must be Support, log on www.commchange.org or . screened for emergency or expedited service. In Oregon, the study found that only 32% ofFood Stamp www.seanet.com/-nwfco Page 7 Milner was present and gave a moving testimony to the crowd who gathered for the event. Challenging questions were posed on placards laying on the ground to invite passers-by to critically think about what really happened here when the bulldozer wiped out the Milner. The exhibit resurrected the memory of the Trail of Tears when the Cherokee Nation was forcibly moved off their land. On the cover of the brochure that was passed out at the exhibit these words were proclaimed: "Those w ho cannot remember t he past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana, 1863-1952). It always takes our neighborhood groups mountains of labor, hours of sweat, and great lobbying efforts to muster up enough resources to put even one low­ income housing unit on line. And then, before our eyes, in one fell swoop of a wrecking ball, 115 homes shattered with no ironclad replacement. Thi_s inequity of power was and still is astounding. It made no moral or economic sense. There is something very wrong about pushing the poor out to make way for the rich , as is currently happening in downtown and in our inner city neighborhoods of Over-the-Rhine and West End. This city's vision and values must be challenged to include housing for all. We cannot let housing for the poor be considered last and get 9rumbs while politicians engineer master plans with fat subsidies that push profitable agendas for the already privileged. At our rally on the site of where the Milner once stood, we celebrated this undaunting spirit that waged this particular struggle for justice and simmers still in the souls of our people. Everyday we persevere and work hard to plant seeds that will someday swell to guarantee and protect basic human rights for all. The SAVE THE MILNER STRUGGLE will go down in our people's history as a story to be told again and again to inspire those who now carry and will carry into the future the banner for housing justice. In recognition and appreciation for the undaunting spirit that still lives and flows within us because many Someones before us stood strong against the evils of injustice. • • • • • �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine are not at the WTO table representing the people of their nation. Free Trade THEWTO -­ What's All the Fuss About? ... by Susan Knight Last month, Streetvibes reviewed some of the concerns of the people who protest~d the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington DC during the month ofApril. While the DC protests centered around these two institutions, the' Seattle protests in December of 1999 focused on the World Trade O rganization. T he Seattle protests, in fact, brought to a halt the World Trade O rganization's annual meeting. The WorU Trade Organization T he World Trade Organization was officially fo unded in 1995 to enforce GATT (General Agreement on Tariff and Trade). T he concept for it had existed since 1944, with the Brenton Woods Conference and the conception of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It was called the ITO, International Trade O rganization. T he ITO's mission was to oversee the development of incernational trade as countries rebuilt themselves in the aftermath of World War II. H owever, the United Sta:tes, as the only industrialized power left standing post World War 11, understood that they were in a position to dictate .new trade policies. Consequently, the ITO never took hold despite overwhelming international support. As more and more countries entered the world market, the said policies became more complex and intricate. Thousands of pages of rules and regulations dictating trade and tariffs were developed. GATT was devdoped by corporate leaders to establish a given set of standards for international commerce. With the growth of GATT came many difficulties in enforcing these extensive regulations (this might have been intentional as corporations were looking for a ruling body that transcended national goveq_1men t, thus giving them more power). In 1995 the United States agreed to sign on to .the creation of the WTO (World Trade Organization). The World Trade Organization · consists of nation-state leaders and corporate heads. In addition to rule$ and regulations, the WTO is now responsible for some of the largest tax reforms the world. has ever known. The WTO puts pressure on countries to break down tax barriers on underdeveloped nations. In populist countries pressure comes in the fo rm of World Bank, IMF loans. If there is not a populist government, the heads of state have corporate interests already in mind as they The barriers surrounding the United States {especially US agriculture) still remain high. US <:orporate interests dominate trade talks. coJs~quendy, competing _independent farmers from underdevelope'ci nations cannot export to the United States or their goods rot · on the docks at the borders waiting for approval from the US Department of Agriculture. This is happening as the taxes that protect independent farmers from ~uge corporate conglomerates who can produce in mass quantities are being cut. Third World economies cannot compete with such forces and are once again forced to exploit their cheap labor and maintain lax environmental regulations. Because the WTO is dominated by corporate interests, other interests, such as unions, rainforest preservation, sea turtles or any movement that holds people and the environment over profits has difficulty being heard. The book "Who's Trade Organization?" by Laorie Wallach and Michelle Sphorza, outlines the past few years of trade debate, discussing all major decisions made by the WT O . No decisions have been rendered in favor of interests of environmental groups or labor unions. A few most recent dec~sions The privatization ofeducation. T he United States service industry (now 70% of our gross national product) was pushing in Seattle for the extension of the General Agreement on Trade Services (GATS) into education and other areas. Under CATS, private corporations could potentially sue governments for subsidizing their own school s.ystems and thus 'unfairly exclud ing' profit-making companies from the lucrative 'education market.' 1 Logging. Multi-national companies like Weyerhaeuse;r and Boise Cascade, their sales slumping in the wake of the East Asian financial 'crisis, wanted to speed .up logging worldwide by cutting tariffs to zero and ending time-consuming inspections for pests like the Asian long-horned beetle, which has devastated trees in cities like Chicago. The US Trade Representative convened two advisory committees on logging to develop the US position in the Millennium Ro~nd negotiations. Every member of both committees was a logging company representative. (Six environmental groups sued in US court to get a seat at the table. They won the suit. Then the US Trade Representative told them, "You can participate, but not at the same level as the corporations." . H~rmones ~d Catt!~. The WTO, fueled by the US beef industry, is worki~g to strike down the European baris against steroid­ . fed bee£ Moreover, the US beef industry is tyring to keep countries from labeling the. hormone-enhanced beef. · .• Glo balization is not ab.out free trade and development. It is about profit. There are alternatives to what is happening now. • Next month: Alternatives + page a ': �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Prisoners­ Newsl ,,,,,.,,, •.•. STBEE1111BES contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. If you want to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $15 for a year's subscription Send your comments and questions to streetvibes @juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 10 FROM DEATH ROW .... .johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Mansfield, Ohio 44901 To: Mr. Rod Parsley World H arvest Church 4595 Gender Road Columbus, Oh 43232 Dear Mr. Parsley: I pray that this finds you and your family doing well and in the best of health on this day of celebration. My name is Johnny W Byrd, Jr., and I am in dire need of your help. I can only pray that you find it in your heart, as a servant of God, to help me with my calamitous situation. Seventeen and a half years ago, I awoke to a horrible nightmare. At the young stage of my life, when others my age were dreaming of their futures, I was shouldered with the weight of the world. I was forced into the arena of corrupted jurisprudence. I became a socially accepted sacrifice, an expendable pawn in the furtherance of self-serving political, financial aspirations. I was sentenced to die for a murder I didn,t commit. I have m aintained m y innocence for all these years I have been held captive in the bowels ofsociety's murder machine. I have fallen short in the glory of God - but a killer I am not!!! In my battle to show my innocence, I was prematurely placed in the death .house only feet away from the electric chair and came within minutes of being murdered by the State of Ohio. I have never been given the opportunity within this deteriorating justice system to be heard. Now, once again, I am facing my pending murder, and still I haven't been heard. For ifl was heard, it would ·expose the improprieties and the crimes committed by che Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office in order to obtain a conviction and sentence ofdeath. I realize it is often heard from others in my sicuarion th at they are innocent, and these claims are taken with a grain ofsale. This can no longer be an acceptable practice. Too much evidence in recent times has been showing that innocent men and women have been wrongfully convicted, imprisoned, and/or murdered by the states. Bur yer when this happens, no one is held accountable. Until scare elected officials (judges, prosecutors, governors, attorney generals, etc.) are held accountable for knowingly permitting and committing state sanctioned murder, it'll never stop! In my case, there is literally no evidence against me, as there sh ouldn't be. I'm an innocent man! I was convicted and sentenced to be murdered on the testi mony of a jail house informer, an individual wh o has been convicted ofsodomy, ass~ults, drugs, etc., yet the prosecutors office worked out a deal with this individual to be set free to victimize society so that perjured testimony could be used to place an innocent man to death. As I stated in above, my state­ sanctioned murder is pending fo r a crime I did not commit. If I don't start receiving gravely need help, soon they will murder me to hide what has been done to me. Attached to this letter you will find a copy of the appendix written by the honorable judge Nathaniel R. Jones, which is not going to be permitted to be placed in the text of the Court's opinion. What you are going to read is highly unusual, but strongly supports that I, as an innocent man, have never been given a chance co be heard. And ifsomething isn't done soon, I'll be murdered. We have lost our way in this country. The churches have lost their way and stopped teaching scriptures as scriptures should be taught, electing to be more politically correct in order to keep the numbers of their congregations. Supporting capital punishment is not the will ofGod. In the book of Luke God tells us, and I'll place this in laymen terms, that we have been taught an eye for an eye; but he went on to tell us, not to try and get even with a person who has wronged us, but to be forgiving and turn the other cheek. Also in the book of Luke, God told us, judge not, for we will be judged in the same light. The Lord has told us that all life is precious. These are basic teachings that have been forgotten for whatever reasons - but they are not the right reasons. The world is lost and so are Christians whose souls will be lost when the day of judgment comes. The Bible also tells us that what is in the dark will come out into the light, and that we should never bear false witness. The most . precious gift ever given to mankind was murdered on the evidence of false witness. Haven't ~e learned anything yet? On this day we,ll praise Jesus and celebrate his rising from the grave. Ifl am murdered by the State ofOhio, it'll be because of a false witness; however, after my crucifixion I will not rise from the grave and walk among my loved ones. Is it God's will that an innoc~ht man be put to death? It,s time for what is hidden in the dark to come out into the light. I am passionately requesting your help. Page g God blessyou andkeep you safe, johnny Wm. ByrdJr. P.S. For more information you can either write to me here atJohnny Wm Byrd Jr, Al75-145 D.R -5- 1087, P.O. Box 788, Mansfield, Ohio 44901; or you can give me a number that I can call you collect on; or you can call Mr. Richard Vickers: 614-466-539( or you can call Mary L. Ray: 513­ 25 1-9364. Please answer me soon. APPENDIX: DISSENT Nathaniel R. Jones, Circuit Judge, dissenting. This dissent is compelled by the majority's validation of the unpardonable constitutional improprieties present in this record. The effect of this validation is an intolerable abandonment of substantive and procedural principles deeply rooted in Anglo Saxon and American constitutional jurisprudence. Stated in its most simple form, these principles are designed to protect individual rights from constitutional shortcuts. I dissent here because rather than upholding these principles, as courts are sworn to do, a grievous breakdown has occurred. The ultimate· penal ty - death - hov ers ominously over this case, and this reality leads me to set forth several postulates. Democracy defends itself from anarchy by the degree it exalts process over passion. The supremacy of due process over raw emotion is even more compelling when government contemplates assuming the power to kill. Jurists most often find themselves in the cross-hairs of popular rage when confronted with constitutional infirmity in capital cases. In no other arena of civic decision-making is it more imperative that public officials operate with detachment. Judge Cranch, with unsurpassed clarity, spoke to the necessity of judicial impartiality in charged circumstances when he declared during Aaron Burr's 1807 treason trial: "The Constitution was made for times of commotion...dangerous precedents occur in dangerous times. It then becomes the duty of the judiciary calmly to poise the scales of justice,... undisturbed by the c lamor of the multitude." Examining Petitioner John Byrd,s claims with the requisite judicial sobriety exposes serious and egregious instances of prejudicial error whic h , if uncorrected , will lead to his execution. It is beyond refutation that the State secured Byrd 's death sentence in contravention of fundamental constitutional guarantees of due process, fundamental fairness, and effective assistance of counsel. These errors require an issuance of the writ or, at least, a remand for limited discovery. Anything less is a gross and irrevocable miscarriage of justice, as the stark and chilly choice here is between due process or death. Out of a deeply held belief that the option compelled by the Constitution is clear, I now set forth my dissenting views. · Please sendletters requesting Clemencyfor John William ByrdJr. to Governor Taft, 778 High St., 3(Jh Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43266­ 3555, Phone: 1-614-466-3555, Fax: 1-614-644-4357. �,' STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine A Prison health Care Horror •••• 3-13-00 function normally. My supervisor, Ruth Barrett and the officer (Kerkley) were very Beverly Seymour, #25777 V-2, 1800 Harmon, concerned. Ms. Barrett repeatedly contacted Columbus, Ohio 43223 FPRC medical services. Each time I was told Recently the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation that I should "put my feet up. " Finally on July l, 1997, I passed our and Corrections responded co a requested investigation of prison medical services. Officials in my dormicory. I was taken co medical services. My pain was so intense that I was termed prison services "Adequate." What does unable to walk. Nurse Wright was on duty that mean? An adequate number of prisoners that evening. She was shocked by my manage to live through it? While it's true there are professionals who appearance. Most of my hair was gone and I had lost 50 pounds. do attempt co provide decent health services, it's I was placed on bed rest and schedule also true chat in far coo many instances, health to see c:he doctor. The following week I was services are woefully inadequate, even deadly. seen by D r. Gilbert. By this time I had not The following is a personal account written by been able to hold any food down. This time prisoner Sandy Wolf abouc medical services she Dr. Gilbert agreed to send me co CMC. The experienced at Franklin Correctional Center in next week I was seen at CMC. I was Columbus. The care has left her physically and immediately taken to have an ultrasound. A emotionally damaged for life. huge mass was visualized in my abdomen. In July 1994, while an inmate at Franklin The doctor (CMC) told me that an appointment was being sec up at OSU Pre-release Correctional Center, I was taken to Hospital as soon as possible. O.S.U. Hospitai with severe abdominal pain. I I had numerous CT scans, blood was given several pelvic examinations different work, etc. In June 1997 I was sent to the doctors there. I was told chat the chief of James Clinic to see Dr. Lawrence Copeland. gynecology wanted to examine me; I was very Dr. Copeland cold me that he felt that I had concerned. I kep t asking what was wrong with ovarian cancer and would need immediate me. After the exam, the doctor told me chat a surgery. I signed consent forms and was report would be sent co FP RC and that the institution's doctor would speak returned to FPRC. My condition worsened. I began having intense rectal pain. Dr. tome. Gilbert gave me a pain pill, but still I didn't Upon my return, I questioned the nurse go to surgery. Each week I would go to the on duty about what was wrong the me. I was James C linic co see Dr. Copeland or to have told that the doctor would call fo r me if transfusions. Each time Dr. Copeland would necessary. I was never called to med ical services. Two weeks later, confused and still in great pain, tell the officer with me how important it was I returned to medical. Dr. G ilbert began yelling that I have surgery immediately. In lace August 1 was again taken to OSU Hospital at me, celling me chat there was nothing wrong with me. He asked if I had any idea what it cost with a huge peri-anal abcess. Surgery was performed and I returned with my rectum every time an inmate wamed to be taken to the hospital for menstrual cramps. I tried to explain and the obsessed area filled with packing. The surgeon sent additional packing and post­ to him that the pain I was experiencing was not surgery instructions fo r the medical staff. merely menstrual cramps. He was completely Again I was placed on bed rest. unconcerned. For the next two weeks I never say For the next year and a half, the anyone from the medical staff. The abscessed abdominal pain increased and was constant. I area was never cleaned, the packing never repeatedly saw Dr. Gilbert. Each time Dr. changed. Gilbert cold me that I simply had cramps. By Two weeks after the rectal surgery I early 1997 I was in agony. I was bleeding was being transferred co CM C for pre-op constantly. D r. Gilbert said I was in early testing. As I was being escorted co the front menopause. When I began to experience entrance, the n urse asked ifl still had packing bladder control p roblems, Dr. Gilbert said all in my rectum. T he nurse then said that she women experience bladder spasms at one time had better check the area. She checked it in or another. When my bowel movements became the visitor's restroom. pencil thin, Dr. Gilbert cold me to drink more T he next morning I was transferred water. from CMC to OSU where I finally had I begged Dr. G ilbert to send me to a surgery. Unfo rtunately, but the rime surgery gynecologist; he cold me that he would have to was performed, the benign fi broid tumor had examine me before referring me to CMC. grown so large that my bladder was crushed H owever, he could not do a pelvic exam while I was on my period. I explained to him that I had and required surgery.. I had to have a been bleeding constantly for 11 months! By this complete hysterectomy. My colon had been time I did not feel that I would stop bleeding on crushed by the tumor as was my rectum. I was fo rced to have a colostomy. my own. Dr. Gilbert told me to come and see I spent weeks in the hospital, him when I was off my period. Then and only recovering. In October I returned to FPRC. then would he examine me. My symptoms Instead ofleaving a horrible ordeal behind me, intensified. When my hair began falling out, Dr. I began a constant struggle with medical G ilbert said it was due co stress. services to get supplies to care for my new During this time my work assignment colostomy. T he nursing director suggested was working at the Fairgrounds. My health was that since the supplies were so expensive that I so impaired that it was impossible for me to have my family send chem in for me. when I A News release from • - Page 10 cold her that would not be possible, she cold me that I would have to be patient. I went for days without clean supplies. Several days before the Columbus Day weekend, I informed the medical assistant (Dennis) that I had no colostomy bags. She told me that she would go our co ger it as soon as possible. The next day I went to her again, without success. 1 was left for the long holiday weekend without a colostomy bag ro cover my stoma. I spenc 4 days in my room with a garbage bag wrapped around my waist to catch the fecal matter from my colostomy. To dare, I have not had a single follow up visit to the surgeons who cold me how imperative it was that I keep my post-op appointmencs. Three times I have gone to Dr. Gilbert asking fo r him so send me to the appointments. He has refused. I was in agony for a year and a half. I was fo rced to have extensive surgery and will never be "normal" again. All because a benign condition was not treated when it was first discovered. I could have had a simple procedure to remove a benign rumor and avoided the pain, suffering, and permanent damage co my body, and the emotional and mental torture then, and for the rest of my life. Dr. Gilbert is still rhe doctor employed to address women's health problems here at FPRC. • • • HELP MI CHELLE, from page 19 and asked her to contact the Warden's office requesting a visit with Michelle, and asked her if they ask why, to say regarding the way you are mistrearing her! I asked her to talk to her supervisor just co put more outside pressure. I'll be calling ORW (937)642-1065, and the Norrh regional Director's Office, Norm Hills (614)752-1720, and I'll caJl the new inspector romorrow, and the mail room regarding my mail. Michelle has NOT been found guilty of any type of rule violation for this type of mistreatment, nor afforded proper due process. This is direct retaliation for all the grievances and RIB appeals she has been filing on behalf of others. Me and Freeman will file a temporary restraining order against the warden, Le. Sanders in the hole, and any other John Doe's, and deliver it to the Marysville Court of Common Pleas on Monday. T his will bring the Attorney General into the picture. I want ro thank everyone in advance that can .assist Michelle in any way. Thank you so much! Well, it's late and I got one more email to do for a lot of you. Take Care. ...... Steve. Jackie Bowers, sister of one ofthe Lucasville 5 who are now on Death Row �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 11 �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST The African American Health Initiative Health Fair: A Huge Success On May 20th, the African American Health Initiative hosted an African-American Health Fair. The theme was "Integrating Holistic Practices With Conventional Medicine." The Health Fair was at the office ofDr. Kent Robinson on Dexter Avenue. The event was free and open to the public. There were screenings available for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, prostate cancer, dental hygiene, and children's health. Expe1t advice was available on lifestyle changes utilizing balanced nutrition, fasting,yoga, massage, meditation, breathing techniques, exercise, music, and genealogy. Literature on health issues for men, women, and children was also available. Nutritional and tasty foods, including vegetable and fruit juices, were available for sampling. Many health related gifts, prizes, and medical supplies were distributed as well. From lOAM until 6PM, well over 400 people from the community and surrounding areas passed through this event. Despite miscommunication with the Drop-Inn Center, this writer transported several vanloads ofmen and women from the Drop-Inn to this event and back again. The individuals who attended all received needed health screenings and information which is not readily available to the African-American community or to those who are homeless and living in poverty. The lectures on health related issues, such as the relationship between nutritional eating and wellness, holistic practices versus conventional medicine, and exercises for the elderly, were all ver.y informative. Most HOPE VI Developer Fired Without Community Input ........Susan Knight HOPE VI developer Concorde Capital Corp was terminated April 18. According to a memo from Jackie Davis, a CMHA administrator and administrator for the HOPE Vl project, the termination of the agreement took the following course: "When it finally became clear that no. agreement would be reached with Concorde/Mid­ City, LLC, the CMHA staff recommended to Mr. Troendle that the Early Start Agreement be terminated. Since that decision was made, the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Director have received letters from Shirley Colbert (president of the Laurel Homes Community Council), asking, "you make an effort to resolve the dispute between the developer and CMHA." Mr. Troen~le made it. very clear in his written response to Ms.Colbert that negotiations had been concluded and that we were going on to the next selected developer to see if we reach an agreement. A copy of his letter was sent to the CMHA Board of Commissioners. On April 19, the Laurel Homes residents went to the City Council and demanded that the City get involved in resolving the issues between Concorde/Mid-City, LLC and Homeless Grapevine Page 12 important was the overall atmosphere ofcaring which was experienced by all. This atmosphere is often absent when one bas a doctor or hospital visit. · It is sad, but a fact oflife, that affordable health care is not made available on an equal bas1s; therefore, those in poverty will often avoid medical check-ups for themselves and their children. This and the absence ofhealth related information often results in health related problems that could often have been prevented. Thus, the purpose for the African­ Ame1ican Health Initiative and the goal ofDr. Kent Robinson and those who came together for this event was to bring about a healthy awareness ofhow the integration ofbolistic practices with conventional medicine can lead to a longer, healthier life. From what I witnessed and heard from those in attendance, it is my personal observation that the Health Fair was a success which increased the awareness ofindividuals and tamilies, and which can lead to healthier lifestyles a~ong those who were in attendance. I am still holding Thursday night Bible Study at 2950 Sidney Avenue at the Washington United church ofChrist in Camp Washington. Bible Study begins at 5:30 PM and a family style dinner follows at 6:30 PM. All are welcome, so come on out for fellowship. I can still be reached at 210-4181, and all donations and contributions can be sent to A.W.0.L. Ministries, PO Box 36065, Cincinnati, Ohio 4523'6. In His Service, Rodney Sutton, Sr. Evangelist CMHA." The issue is that community input did not play a role in the decision to terminate a major contract. Jn fact, at the public hearing, it came out that the decision to terminate the developer came to fruition via a phone poll from Troendle to the Board. Paul Booth, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, upon hearing this testimony, responded, asking, "Who is in charge of who here? I thought the Board was supposed to tell the Director what to do, not the other way around." Cheryl Meadows, chair ofthe department ofpublic works also informed council that she had been informed of this change at 11 pm, April t8m, by a call to her house from Shirley Colbert. The City, council realized, was also out of the loop. Mr. Troendle, who did not attend by request of the Mr. Gerhardt, Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners at CMHA, responded later in a May 9th meeting with public works. "CMHA is charting the course to restore the splendor not only to the West End housing stock but also to the business district. The development ofthe Linn Street business district will favor small businesses that can offer the array of goods and services which are need, but not currently available in the neighborhood. Hopefully, ne~ business development for the West End will include a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, small restaurants and coffee· houses. When completed, this business area will provide exciting opportunities for small businesses to thrive, and provide new entrepreneurial opportunities for West End residents." HOPE VI, a grant process controlled by HUD and allocated to the country's worst housing projects has a goal of decentralization. Poverty, it is believed by many, is perpetuated when concentrated. Consequently, it is not the goal of CMHA to replace the entire existing low-income housing stock in the West End with the same amount of new units. CMHA . does not want all the residents of the West End community to return. Instead, alternatives in the form of section 8 vouchers(a section 8 voucher allows a person to only pay 30% of their income in rent, in addition to whatever amount the rent exceeds the market rate in a given area) are being offered. With a Section 8 voucher, a person can go anywhere there is a landlord that is willing to accept section 8 vouchers. So, despite, the fact that hundreds of units are being lost in the HOPE VI development (736 to be exact), Mr. Troendle claims that there is actually a net gain in low-income housing in Cincinnati. Moreover, Troendle says himself, the goal is not to house the residents of the West End, the goal is to"restore the splendor of the housing stock and to the business district." Needless to say, homeless advocates are nervous. With a potentially saturated section 8 market (landlords do not h<fVe to take vouchers if they do not want to) in the wake of Hart realtors opting out of hundreds of Section 8 units with potentially hundreds more to come, increased homelessness, hundreds of units See Hope VI, page 20 �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 13 ··~ the Hackensack, NJ, University Medical Center. New Den~ist Joins Healthcare for the Homeless D ental Program Besides teaching dental residents, she had a Dr. Allen Brings a Wealth ofExperience and Dedication to Cincinnati · fluoridation program for s~hool children in the City of Boston, Mass. She was employed as a hygienist by the City of Boston and ·subsequently by the Massachusetts General Ho$'pital at the Bunker Hill Health Center, Boston. Dr. Allen completed her general practice residency at Bergen Pines County Hospital in Paramus, NJ, following graduation from Fairleigh Dickinson University College of Dentistry Medicine. She specialized in care of the frail, elderly, and psychiatric patients at the hospical and emergency trauma patients for the Bergen County Jail. After her residency. Dr. Allen was named to the medical staffas an attending dentist and instructor in the hospital's dental residency program. She instituted Bergen's first-ever county employees' dental clinic. D r. Allen was also named Assistant Staff Attending Dentist to the dental resident program at Dr. Judith L. Allen, D.M.D., a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University College of D ental Medicine, is a welcomed addition co the Dental staff of the City of Cincinnati Health Department. Dr. Allen's April arrival has helped place the homeless dental program back in full operation. The Findlay, Ohio, native has been involved in d ental public health since 1972. A graduate of West Liberty (W. Va.) State College of Dental Hygiene with an A.S. and BS degree, Judith initiated and supervised the first inschool 'tr-eetsc()pe§ By Alanna Maloney: tiaPPY 131rthdaY Gemini? This month is a great time for changing your appearance. Io fact, you shouJd think of your bii-chday month every year as makeover monrb. Approach che world with a new outlook and a new approach. Astrologically speaking you have just been reborn! Show off. pursue artistic jobs, friendships, and romance. You are also unusually assertive chis month. Use the force bur warch your mouth! Think abour earnings and finances, especially ways you can gee paid for your writing and communication skills. Beware of over indulging in drugs or drink. Continue to effect profound spiritual changes through martial arts, medication, or ·yoga. Cancer (Born Approximately June 21-July 21) This month is great for communication wich family and loved ones. Short road trips may be in order. Consider sharing your poetry wich someone you trust. ' Please be diligent in regards to the IRS, banking, and joint financial endeavors. There is a chance of deceit and upheaval during this period. But keep in mind chis is also a good position for excellenr psychic and psychological work or extremely · ther.apeutic arr. Wich San~rn and Jupiter in your 12'h house, you may be seriously considering work wich some socially relevant organization. In fact, you may already be working for che census or having fantasies about the Peace Corps. You may be tempted into a secretive endeavor ofa love affair; try to convert chis energy into spiritually uplifting activities, film or art. • ·• . · the Urban Astrologer. (Born Approximarely May 21-June 21). significant dental surgery and special-needs~ children's practice, primarily caring for indigent patients in the hospital. She served with medical staff on the hospital's tumor board and was active with patients in the nationa.lly renowned Tomorrow's Children Center of Greater New York at the Hackensack facility. Tomorrow's Children Center is a program devoted totally to terminally ill children. Dr. Allen maintained a private dental practice in Oradell, NJ, in addition to her hospital staff duties and public health endeavors. Dr. Allen moves co Cincinnati with her husband and their two children. The homeless dental clinic hours of operation are for Emergencies M-F 7:15 am, Appointments Mondays 2-5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8am - 5pm. For appointments call Clifford Jones at 357-7310 or 621-0248. The clinic is located at 3101 Burnet Ave. Leo (Born Approximately July 21-Aug. 21) Ten years from now you will be able to laugh about the crazinesnocking around your love life and friendships during this time. For now, however, stand strong in your convictions and follow your instincts. Your career continues its strange ebb and flow. Wo[k hard to generate a positive ' emotional career plan- script i.t out and do ·~hat you can · in infinitesimal steps. Attend all che parties and s.ocial gatherings you can chis monch. You can shine and meet new friends and maybe even find a love match. Work on your writing, especially journ.Jing and'writing which . reqllires fantastic vision. · · Vlnf() (Born ~pproximately Aug. 21- Sepr. 21) Work will just drive.you crazy during this period, and unless you are in an alternative health field or something hi-tech it's not likely to settle down anytime soon. Thoughts of moving far afield or going back ro school may keep plaguing you. If you haven't already, you n:iay s~art building a sl,ow but sure A.q.u ar1us 20-Feb 20). (Born Approximately Jan. This is a great mo nth for you to express . plan to fulfill one of these goals. Even if che actual workplace is zany, career is looking good yourself through che arts; you · could shine in crearive right now. You can show off your talents, make endeavo rs working with buds and be assertive about possible - - --~ · children or playing sports. Writing on the promotion. This is a good month·to find love through your work, or find work you love. You may want job shouJd be unusually iffiaginarive and inspired. I just to make an extra effort to attend a family reunion or take have to reirerate char chis month you are on! Relationships, a trip "back .home. " self-expression and action are highlight.ed. T his really could be a great month where many things Just seem to fall into Ub•' (Born Approximately Sept. 21-0ct. 21) Make place. · extra efforts to save ·and invest. Also remember to keep your taxatio~ situation o.n che up and up Vlsces (Born Approximately Feb. 20-March 20) ·chis year. Careless mistakes could cost you. Slow b~t steady wins che race. You have been procrastinating . . . . . ., If you need to, chink of it in tiay'Steps, not on things to d o with writing and che big picrure. This month is a grear time communication or fixing your car. Take baby • . to take or plan an overseas or cross-country ~teps and get it done one day at a time. This · · crip. Love-lorn Libra's may find love this is a great month to find a home or month through a musical or educational event. Write down apartment. Also, you could be very all your d isappointments and goals regarding career. motivated to improve and bea.urify your Evaluate those feelings this month. Don't neglect your home. Move on it now while you still have chat verve. This abilities as a communicaror. time is great for writing nostalgic poetry and children's stories. .§C()f"PIC> (Born Approximately Oct. 2 1-Nov. 21) . Please remain aware of all che luck chat has befallen you Ar"les (Born Approximately March 19-April 20) during chis period. Take stock ofit. Use your Gradually, saving tiny amounts ofmoney is something you luck today-to invest in an unknown future. shouJd really be th.inking about. Ir would be very good for I have to suggest chat you play lottery games your prosperity consciousness. Road trips and ocher games of chance (wich restraint· could be really beneficial for you this of course). There's a real chance you couJd month; also time with siblings would be profit, just remember not to risk anything well spent. You could actually meet a love you can't afford to lose. Work on building a future and through a sib chis month! Beware ofbursts foundation in your relationships. Also, continue to seek of temper behind che wheel from yourself out lucky opportunities in business partnership or and others chis month. Write a letter to a mentor or father friendships and love. This month is great for you to shine figure. It will be emotionally satisfying. in psychic and psychological endeavors. Using conversation and ideas you can really make profound changes in yourself aUnJ§ (Born Approximately April 20-May 20) at this time. Daydreaming 9f travel or education projects may begin to bear fruit next month. I have said it before, but now is the time to make lasting permanent changes in your appearance..Slow sready work now couJd change your whole outlook. You • §aalttar1US (Born App roocimately Nov. 21could get a better paying job or a raise or ·. Dec.21) The full moon in your sign this - ·. · valuable gifts chis month. Think about it. month, can really help you put yo1:1r best . Look into it. You may wam to express foot forward at parties and new situai:ions. . yourself through spending money this But watch for mood swings around mid­ month.. Watch outyou couJd just put char energy into rponth. This is an excellent month for some kind ofconstruction wich your hands like pottery or . romance and partnerships of all kinds. b.uHding projec;ts. Write to your brothers or sisters and plan Single Sag. Should not hesitate to get hooked up by good a r6ad trip. , · frie~ds. Set .aside special time now to co.mmune with the t:?eadlnllS with 41anna: spirit of your ancestors, and pursue ocher ways to lift up TaJl)f: Tuesdays from 9pm to Midnight at ,Sitwell's your spirits. · · · · Coffee House 404 Ludlow Ave. M:W ~:: Fridays from 8:30 PM ~o Midni~at Mullan~ Cap..-lcv..-n (B on Race Street. · Approximately Dec. 2)-Jan.-20) MtrdW'Y. Tard:. and l?elkl hunting could be actually fuo for you this Consultations and training are available by appointment - monch. You have a great opportunity to through E-mail at psi_chic@hormail.com. • find work thar you are good at where you Mtrd ()tllcal q uestl()ns? are appreciated and summarily paid what you are worth! You should be unusually motivated on the job front. Please e-mail your questions along with the date Especially consider work char utilizes your memal flexibility place and time of your birth ro and corr1;municarion skills. Write love letters and call up psi_chic@hotmail..com good friends this month. ra T J:~~ �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine · Page 14 SHANTYTOWN 2000 - Ursuline Academy ­ I was on my way to Ursuline Academy on May 4 with two other men from the Coalition for the Homeless. One of these men, like myself, had once been homeless._ As a matter of faet he had only recently obtained his own apartment after 10 years of homelessness. Neither of us knew what to expect; however, 1 have spoken many times before a varied audience, so I had an advantage over this young man · who was on his first speaking engagement. When I arrived at the Academy 1 was surprised to see cardboard shanties. No one had prepared me for this, so it was a real shock to find that the girls had constructed from cardboard boxes, plastic, and tape shanties which they had.slept in the previous evening, an evening of rain. I knew talking with these girls would be different because they had some idea of what homelessness was like. As each man talked J watched as the girls listened attentively, and afterwards I was impressed by their questions and sincere responses. I left feeling this was a generation of young women who would truly join the fight against homelessness and not treat homelessness as something that is not their problem. And the young man who spoke for the first time did well. It is his sincere smile and faith in God which one of the girls wrote about, and it is this sincerity and faith which is needed in the fight against homelessness. Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist Thoughts from Shantytown He is so iilspirational. To have gone through as much as he has and still be able to smile like he does! Overall though, all the speakers made a huge impact on me. They all had so much courage. When they were down at their lowest point, they got up and pulled themselves up. They were very inspirational. I found Shantytown as a great experience. I will carry it with me forever. ByEmily Langford Shantytown was such a great experience for me. I loved it. Though I did not get a full picture of what being homeless is like, J did get a small experience. I found myself becoming more appreciative of the things I have at home, such as my bed and my shower. I also loved the speakers. They really put a face to the issue of homelessness. My two favorite speakers were Monica and Ray. Monica really made me realize that it can happen to anyone. The fact that she came from a background similar to many people at our school is very eye opening. Then U1ere is Ray. He is just an incredible man. His smile lights up the room. Perspectives Under the Big Top: Save Our Schools and the Cincinnati School Board By Cassie Gundrum, Drop Inn Center staff Uncertainty ripples quietly through our neighborhood streets. It's something we can't see, but we know it's there. The goose bumps, sensing it, rise on our skin. The cause of our unease is the ruling of the Cincinnati School Board to accept the Facilities Master Plan. The plan- which calls for the closing of all three Over-the-Rhine elementary schools-was accepted in the fa ll of 1998. Ever since then, the Save Our Schools Committee (a committee of the Over­ the-Rhine Community Council) has been meeting in opposition to the plan. The SOS Committee is made up of parents, community folks, and neighborhood organizers. We meet one Thursday per month to organize our community and to exchange information about what's going on in tile city's public school system. We oppose the plan because we believe that each of our schools- Washington Park, Vine Street Elementary, and Rothenberg- is important. They are geographically vital to the education of our children. Having three schools in our neighborhood ensures that each school is within walking distance for both children and parents. This encourages good attendance and parent involvement. The Facility Master Plan calls for the creation of two new schools to replace our three schools. SOS opposes this idea because we'd like to keep our schools small so our kids can get the special attention lhey need. Our little ones would get lost in Shanty Town 2000 Wow! What an experience! Shantytown was truly an eye-opening experience! I don't know where to begin. When we began to build our shanty, rhe Sw1shine Shack, I think I was having too mud1 fun, and not enough thought was put into it. T his became apparent at 12: 17AM when our shanty started ro cave in on us. lrwas unable to support the rain which was not properly draining off the roof. Ar the rime, the sun was not shining on the Sunshine Shack. Later, when waking up for school, I realized that one ofmy shoes was gone. I never imagined not having my the shuffle of a huge mega-school. And after the failure ofthe last school levy, we point out that all of our schools are cheaper to renovate than it would be to build new schools, according to the figures the CPS Administration brought forth . We have a tough task since we never know for sure what we're up ~ga inst. Meetings with Cincinnati Public School administrators point us in one direction while conversations with Board members point us in another. It's something like a circus. For example, Superintendent Steve Adamoski is rallying to tear down Vine Street Elementary and replace it with a new building a few blocks north of its current location. He presented this plan to the Board a few months ago with enthusiasm and self-assurance. The Board seemed to take the bait, asking few questions and offering no opposition. However, in an April meeting with Board member Harriet Russel, we discovered the Board is not entirely sold on the plan. What had seemed like a distinct direction became cloudy and unclear as Russel questioned the accuracy of Adamoski's figures and his capacity to deal with the Cincinnati Park Board. Russel stated that any decision regarding Vine Street Elementary is a long way off. But we don' t know how distant this decision shoes. Later in the day, I went to Red Cross. I felt like the biggest oxymoron. Going into Red Cross without shoes was a unique experience. That night, the stories were awesome. Everyone truly has a story to share. The smiles on their faces, their feelings ofhope, and their beliefin God are all images of inspiration for me. For the first time in my Life, I had to worry about where I was going to sleep, how I was going to get food (the nutritious food that I craved), and the shoes that I wore on my feet. Shantytown gave me a much needed reality check on life;. Not everything just comes to you; things must be worked for in order robe gained. A family and nice warm bed are wonderful things to be able to come home co each night. Homelessness is not easy. It is a full-time job itself. I spent my l 7u, birthday at Shantytown, but Shantytown was the best birthday present ever. It was the gift ofthe experience ofhomelessness. Ir was the experience and the realization ofthe little things in life. It has given me rhe will and determination co go and improve the world and help the ones who are truly homeless. With a fond appreciation ofa great experience, Melissa Widemen Ursuline Academy, Cltiss of 2001 sits on the horizon since the Board operates without a deadline or even a timeline. There's no telling when the Board will move forward and no indication ofwhat they will decide to do. Some possibilities include tearing down all three schools and rebuilding Vine St. and either Washington Park or Rothenberg. Or two ofthe schools could be renovated and the other one closed. Or all three schools could be renovated. Or they all could be torn down and never rebuilt. This is where our fear lies. In the early ' 80's the School Board voted to close Peaslee School with a promise to build a new school. But the new school was never built. Understandably there is a history of mistrust in our neighborhood toward the School Board. If the School Board shuts down our elementary ·schools, fami lies will move out of our neighborhood, leaving their community, support systems, and spirit behind. Our schools are vital to the rhythm of Over-the-Rhine, and we want to keep them open. Right now, though, our schools are not the number-one concern of the Board. They' ve been busy laying off teachers, redesigning high schools, and damaging the Teen Institute Program. We are just a blip on their radar screen. But we demand to be heard! We've asked for a public hearing in our neighborhood this coming fall hoping to involve parents, teachers, and Board members. It is imperative that community members be part of the decision-making process. When SOS met with School Board President Rick Williams to discuss our concerns, be told us, "I fully understand where you're coming from and the effect of the School Board's decisions for a neighborhood." We hope so. As a community we have wrapped our services, work, efforts, spirit, energies, and resources around our schools. The Peaslee Neighborhood Center and Sharpe Village demonstrate this. And we believe that our childreD deserve not on ly the best education, but also stability. • • • • • �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Recovery Road A Homeless Man Tells ofHis Travels Through Homelessness and Addiction By Patrick Holmes Paducah, Kentucky, 1997 - an lndian Summer, September 10th, at 10:45 AM. A warm Saturday morning, that I jumped into the tracker, parked in the driveway, my old High School friend was waiting. Our destination: Atlanta, Georgia. With only forty dollars in my backpack and two duffel bags of clothing accompanied by my ltwo sewing machines, I shoved myself into the crowded, apple-red tracker. "O.K. I'm ready to go; I think I've got everything." I exclaimed to my high school friend who, the day before, had asked me to accompany her to Atlanta. · So, with the top down and the humidity up, we were off. The only thoughts running through my mind were, "Where will I live: I wonder if they have shelters? Of course they do, all cities have shelters; but will I be eligible tto stay in a sh~lter? . Just until I get on my feet. Will the shelter provide job search info? Or job training programs? By the time I came back to the present, we were well on the highway. After three rest stops and hours of being exposed to climate changes, we arrived. l remembered· the overwhelming feeling of fre·e dom and the unknown. My High School friend dropped me off at a relative's house, wbo I knew would not allow me to live with her or even stay longer than 24 hours. Never the less, I left my things with my relative and went to visit with another relative who asked to see me. While there, my cousin suggested that my idea, to live in a shelter until I could support myself, was not an option. So J moved in with him. That lasted about 3 weeks. Soon I found myself in a line of men who were waiting to be fed at St. Luke's. While standing in line, I asked questions like, "I need a state TD, but I don't have any money; where can I get help with that? Where are the shelters located? Is there an employment agency for people in my situation?" One gentleman who was very attentive to my troubles answered every question. And after we had lunch, he offered to show me the travels of a homeless person. Turns out that most all the shelters in Atlanta charged an admissions fee and had curfews. There was, however, an organization that would pay that fee if you met the requirements, which I did not. So the only o ther solution was to hang out w ith this gentleman, who happened to be 32, same as me. He explained to me that we would have to be ve1y selective about where we would sleep for the night. Because there were laws and restrictions for homeless persons like, "Possession of a pillow, blanket, sleeping bags or duffel bags being carried around within the city limits would land you in jail for the night, and fines." There were certain places you were not allowed to sleep. So I was led to a small park, just behind Saint Luke's, where my homeless journey began that day. That is where the gentleman left me ­ alone, afraid, yet faithful. I watched other homeless people who were already there (or) arriving, and I began to mimic them. So I searched the bushes nearby until I found a broken down cardboard box that would soon become my bed. Nobody looked surprised. The joggers trotted by with their heads up and their gazes fixed straight ahead. Couples would walk by pointing at the scenery as if we were apart of the flowerbed or the tree in which they admired the cardinal. This was not normal to me. I expected finger pointing and stares. Or at least a glance. Tired from all the walking and feeling the relief of the warm air the night brought with it, as opposed to the hot air from the 100 degree temperature of the day, I lay down on my paper bed to rest. Just a few feet away on the other side of my bushy tent was the busy city street and a sidewalk. Sleep would never come as the vehicles raced and passed; an occasional couple or group of people walked by conversing loudly to hear one another over the non-stop traffic. The bushes rustled as other homeless people searched for their beds that should be there, but were not, because someone had beaten them to it. Morning came quickly. The street patrol officers came through on foot and hurried those along who were sleeping out late. St. Luke's doors open to offer lunch only. Breakfast was being served 10 blocks away at another church. After breakfast, I returned to St. Luke's and I received a state ID and a public transportation pass. Three days later I found work. For another week I was able to fool my employer. I kept my homelessness a secret. But as always, what's done in the night will be brought to the light. My employer found out and promised to terminate my employment ifl couldn't obtain a residency. The fact that I came to work on time, and worked hard, even worked overtime, was irrelevant. So, when my first paycheck came, I moved into a boarding An Over-the-Rhine Oasis Page 15 house. I pa id 85 dollars a week and shared a kitchen and bathroom with nine o ther tenants. I had a job, I had an apartment; it wo uld appear I had everything I needed. But, what I really needed at the time, yet did not realize it, was counseling. Employment counseling, independent living counseling, social skills training, psychological counseling, chemical dependency counseling, and job training. After only seven weeks on the job, I relapsed. I began drinking and drugging. I paid my rent on time, but I slept on the streets just blocks from work. Once I even slept in the abandoned building right next to where I worked. After getting high all night, I had no money to get home. If I walked home, How would I get back to work on time in the morning? r lived well outside the downtown area, so it was convenient for me to sleep in the park, which was just five blocks away from work. Besides, all the drugs cotild be purchased just around the comer from work. Sometimes at work. Eventually I crashed, returned to Kentucky, still unaware of my real problem and the help that was available. So I repeated the same mistake, which at the time was not apparent. And now, I'm here at Mt. Airy with the same story, different location, only this time around, I'm fortunate. I now realize what my real problem is and I know that something can be done about it. Today, I'm receiving counseling. I even have a chance to go back to school and get the education I have so long thought was impossible. Today I have the pleasure of being in the company of others Iike myself, men who have been through or are going through the same things I am - substance abuse. I'm learning how to tum unpleasant experiences into building blocks. For so long I thought it was the town I lived in or the people I socialized with that determined my fate. Now, at 35, I know that I am a success story in the making. 1 know now that I don't have to beat the odds; I have to become the odd. I'm determined to determine my fate. For years I've been a leader who stood in the back. It's time for me to move to the front and proclaim my God­ given title. This is just the first of stories I have to tell of my journeys as an alcoholic, drug addict, and a man who, today, is still capable' of making a mistake. But today I'm OK with that, because today my mistakes are few, and my successes are greater. So, in my hope and faith, l pray that you, whoever you may be, keep purchasing and keep reading these issues, for in them, you will know what I know, see what I've seen, and grow as I grow. At Mary Magdelen House, Dedicated Volunteers Have Provided 12 Years of Service to Homeless By Katie Danko, Streetvibes Volunteer The Mary Magdalen House first opened its doors to the homeless in 1988. The House, at 1221 Main Street in Over-the-Rhine, was founded as parishioners from nearby Old St. Mary's church responded to the needs of more and more homeless people in the neighborhood. Since then, the agency has been providing showers, clean clothes, shaves, toilets, and free phone access to homeless people in Cincinnati. The center often says it provides an oasis from the streets, a place where homeless men and women can come for basic services that provide human dignity and help them prepare physically for job interviews and other interactions that might help them get back into housing. The people who serve the homeless at the Mary Magdalen House, from Brothers John Martin and Giancarlo Bonutti to many volunteers, appreciate the stories of the people they serve and how fragile one's control over one's own life really is. Divorce, death of a spouse, or l![lemployment can quickly deplete savings, and if·there is no one else to turn to, the street is often not far away. · These conditions, plus problems with drugs and alco~ol and displacements due to inner city housing changes, have, since 1992, resulted in the number of guests using the services of the Mary Magdalen House increasing by over 1,500. Today the Mary Magdalen House provides over 21,000 showers and shaves per year, 18,000 items of clothing, 9,000 phone calls and 7,000 toilet uses. James Thomas, a member of the community that has used the services of the Mary Magdalen House, says that the staff "treats their clients with the utmost respect" and "sometimes even bends over backwards to help their clients." According to Thomas, the Mary Magdalen House is designed for the homeless man or women who wants to work, and therefore, it serves a good purpose as far as offering clothing and shelter and giving referrals. Volunteers provide ninety percent of the services offered by the Mary Magdalen House. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, maintain sign-in sheets, regulate use of the telephone, take messages, sort and lab~I c.lothes: operate the washers and dryers, assist in getting clean clothing from the Mary Magdalen House supply, and to pick up donated items and deliver them to the Mary Magdalen House. The volunteers of the Mary Magdalen House find their service extremely rewarding and some volunteer there for years. Mrs. Rose Flaspohler, a dedicated long-term volunteer who passed away last year, commented on her volunteer work: "The joy of volunteering here and sharing the love, kindness, and a real feeling of helping someone is a great satisfaction and a time of peace; very rewarding for me." Volunteers are generally asked to c~mmit one-half day per week and every effort will be made to schedule a volunteer's time at the House to her or his convenience. If you are interested in volunteering at the Mary Magdalen House, or if you cannot volunteer but would like to make a donation, please call 721-4811. �STREETVIBES Poetr~ and Art My Inspiration By Jeff Branham The things of which I write about, are the things within my life. From the joyfulness that makes me want to shout, to the pain that cuts like a knife. From the love that is void and unrequited, to the love both sure and true. From being overwhelmingly excited, to the morbidity of feeling blue. Things such as the way things used to be, and things that have touched my soul. These are the things that are dear to me, in this way, my story is told. This is the way that I feel a part, as I write without reservation. I write down what is inside of my heart, for this is my inspiration. Sands of Time ByJeff Branham Remember how so all alone, we always used to feel. With the lights all on, but no one at home, when the torment was much to real. We always said that we didn't care, that we were slowly dying. But when the pain was just too much to bear, We realized that we were lying. We took ourselves to the ultimate low, where we can stay no longer. And after the emotional flood had had its flow, we knew that we must get stronger. But now a brand new happiness, can be both yours and mine. And all the things we can afford to miss, will be lost in the sands of time. Berta's Art Corner Photo of outdoor wall mural, on the Northwest corner of Vine and 14th Streets in Over-the-Rhine The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine We My Mother I Love So Dear My mother I love so dear From a seed, just a thought, she brought one out of the dark to the light That's why I pray for her all day all night My mother I love so dear. She water me with wisdom and love and the wetness of tear drops that fell from my eye. She was by my side and when I was feeling blue she chase it away like the flu. Just like a doctor she know what to do She quench my thirst like sprite when she had me at birth, like Barry would say ''As a kiss you are my first, as a wish you are my last, as my soul you are my everything." Mom, just a few moments visualize how I feel. Like Coke you are the real deal The blood that runs through my vain washes away the rain and pain. You always encourage, never discourage Like the. Bible, you're the truth that's living proof In the midst of anger and fire, You took my soul higher and higher in a dark hour. So may we never part, just be like the ocean, let it flow with God above That real love, mother's love, tough love, my love, No question to ask, just love. ...... .Anthony Watkins BOOK OF CHANGE how to say you've changed to two dead girls after ravishing them in the jungle; because they were V.C. tossing them on the trail with holes in their middle to bleed in the mud by the village where their ancestors lived for centuries both face up turning nightly with screams of pain pleas for mercy in your dreams? ... by .Sonny Williams Vietnam Veteran (1969) Page 16 Need Your CPeatiYity! Send your poetry, writings or artwork to SI P ee Iv I • es , c/o GCCH (Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless), 1506 Elm St., Cincinnati 45210 Phone- 513-421-7803, E-mail (text): to streetvibes@juno.com, E-mail (attached files, graphics): to homecoal@primax.net Let Me Hold Your Hand Walking down the street overnight, I was walking and talking to myself Thinking about this life's little problems And the pain the world could cause on our youth, It's not no lie, and we can't hide the truth They see it more and more everyday I overheard a voice say "Let me hold your hand my chi Id," but when I turned around I seen just some old man, I asked, "What did you say?" He said it again: "Let me hold your hand my child" And tell you a little about this life He told me to sit down and talk for a few minutes, He told me he was from a place far away. Carne here by choice and he alread~ow my .._ name, He told me that he died two times and came back in the lord's name, Told me the reason why he died, lived, and why he is still here, Asked me again, "Let me hold your hand my child," Told me to remember what he told me and what I already know, And told me to go, I got up and walked down some, Turned around and the old man was gone, Turned back around and I seen the lord Turned back around and the old man was there smiling, Looked forward and seen heavens gates, With a voice in my head saying " It never too late," Heard the voice say, "Just let me hold your hand," Because with me you have more than just a friend, A father of millions with a plan To teach a girl to be a lady And all boys into men, To love one another All colors, not just white and black, Everybody has problems And we all pray at night Different things for different people But it only one man who can make it true, It's the one we say AMEN to, So Amen and here's my hand. L0 v e ... by Geraldine Devine Love is a word that used to sound and mean so much When it was spoken from someone's mouth, then that person you could trust. Love was never a word that was just thrown around . It had real meaning, real feeling; and with a person's heart it covered so much ground. Love used to be an action , or in English known as a verb, But now we are living in a time where not much of a purpose does it serve. Let's take this word, give and show it as our Father does from above, Let's take, put, power, spread, and recharge this important word called Love. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Imprisoned in an Editor's Body A few years ago, I was living in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a small college town in the northwest part of the state. I was unable to­ resign myself to either playing the role of the professional patient, who contributes to the economy by providing employment to professional sympathetics, or to harnessing my talents to the career wagon to join the rest of the rats in their pilgrimage to the American Dream. No, I envisioned myself rather as the pied piper, or as the revolutionary lunatic who helped establish democracy in the asylum. Well, being a former lunatic receiving SSI, with little inclination to enter the Rat Race, I chose to use my time in self-initiated public service. I had been accustomed to crying to find the greenest pathway through every city I found myself in. In Fayetteville, I found I could practically navigate my way through the entire town via forest trails, and the town was yet unspoiled enough to be interlaced with several small, fairly unpolluted creeks. Therefore, it occurred to me that a small city like Fayetteville might well cake advantage of its relatively pristine state by developing a plan to preserve green spaces and inner city trailways, so its future citizens would not be sitting in their prefab holes-in-the walls trying to figure out how to "get out of this stink.in' town". Fayetteville was small enough that an ordinary citizen, even a trail-walker such as myself, could walk into the Mayor's office and strike up a conversation. So I walked in the Mayor's office and laid out my idea for a system of inner-city trails. His response was, " Boy, you're not living the real world, the world of money." We aU know the saying: In the begi.nning was the dollar, and the dollar was wiih God, and the dollar was God I think the average big city politician would have been more politically correct, lied, and sent me on a wild goose chase instead. Thank God for the small town politician who can honestly express his lack of vision. ............... Tom Billman Horsing Around Town By Grady Cook Last month I was out working on the homeless survey that Homeless Coalition is doing. As I was walking by ?lh and Sycamore Streets, I just happened to have my trusty camera with me and thought this would make an interesting story. Officer Jane Noel of the Cincinnati Police Horsemen Patrol was taking a picture of a gentleman on her Page 11 A Red Van, Khaki Pants, And Changed Lives by monica novak It's March 2 is•, late. A long red van drives slowly down the 1400 block ofRepublic Street. Another van follows close behind. The caravan is looking for something: a place to stop and unload, stretch legs, rest for the night. The sound of a van door popping open blends with the other night noises, ·and twelve pairs of shoes step onto the street. They make their way to an apartment gate, nudge it open, and file in to stay for the night. The next morning, we emerge in our collective identity: each member of the group wears a pair of khaki cargo pants, with a grey T-shirt tucked in tightly. No, we don't march to cadence, but we do get a few side-glances and wondering stares from people sitting outside. Who are we? I suppose you could call us a group of unique youths that has come together for a common purpose: to devote ten months ofour lives to national service. We come from throughout the country - from Texas and California, Florida and Chicago, Boston and Wisconsin. We met each other for the first time in October, when each ofus moved to Washington, DC, to take part in a program called the AmeriCorps HNational Civilian Community Corps. We are employed through the federal government, and are a group of socially aware 18-24 year olds who choose to serve in communities around the United States. We bring skills in construction, renovation, education, environmental conservation, and community development. We live part of the time in DC, and we travel to other locations when there is a need for our labor. We came to Cincinnati to work with ReSTOC, the Race Street Tenant Organization Cooperative. Our initial job description here was to complete renovation on affordable housing units on Republic Street, Vine Street, and Elm Street. The experience in Over-The Rhine has evolved into so much more than we originally expected. We have been overwhelmed and overjoyed before. Our team has worked on three projects prior to our work with ReSTOC, and each project has offered surprises and challenges. We began our year in Pennsylvania, partnered with Habitat for Humanity, and we learned much more than bow to frame a house. We met families who were waiting to move into holfleS, and we successfully completed and dedicated a house for a family of seven. Next, we spent seven weeks in Washington, DC, renovating a wing in the Community for Creative .Non-Violence Shelter. At CCNV we brought in other volunteers to work with us so that women and children would be able to move in a little bit sooner. We learned about CCNV's history of struggle for space and funding, and we continue to watch for news of the current battle over the lease. After CCNV, we went to the mountains of Virginia for two weeks to work at a 4H camp and educational center. Not only did we repair hiking trails and horse fences, but we also worked on some ofthe environmental education programs with local students. So here we are. We've been in Cincinnati for nearly six weeks, and we will be leaving in just a few days. We have painted and repaired three apartments on Republic Street, and we are in the process of re-tiling a few of these units. We hope to see people move into the Republic Street apartments before we leave. At Buddy's Place on Vine Street, we are in the final stages of completing the community roorri for the residents of Buddy's Place. The Fulda on Elm Street has freshly painted hallways, and we recently finished work on three apartments. In our final week, we will move on to the next renovation task ­ wherever ReSTOC sees fit. Construction is not the only scope ofour work in Over-The Rhine. Twice a week, we walk to the Peaslee Neighborhood Center to help in the homework room. Also at Peaslee, we've organized some ofthe toys and supplies in the soon to be open nursery school. From reading books to practicing math skills to just talking about life and school, we looked forward to each afternoon spent at Peaslee. In the evenings, we walk down the street to the Drop Inn Center. Some of us go to play bingo, card games, talk about whatever happened during the day. Some of us work to enhance the Job Readiness Program for Drop Inn residents. We are available on Wednesday nights to help with job searches, filling out applications, and building resumes. We have gotten to know Drop Inn Staff and residents, and continued to learn more each time we came to work. Hopefully, we will be able to build the program's volunteer staff so that Job Readiness will grow after we Leave. One day soon the imposing red government vehicle will pull away from the curb on Republic Street. By the time you read these thoughts, each pair of khaki pants will have stepped into the van and left Cincinnati, ReSTOC, Peaslee, Drop Inn Center. However, we will not have left here untouched. • • • horse. The gentleman and his two friends were from a city where they did not have police officers on horses. They were so amazed that Cincinnati had police officers that rode horses. I thought that it was a. good public relationship . Officer Jane said that the difference between a horse and a car is that on a horse, she gets to meet more people and get a better understanding about the people of Cincinnati. If I could give her an award for being an outstanding officer, I would like to commend her for her good public relationship. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 18 Give us this Day Calenilar of Events Our Daily Bread Strcetvibcs has a monthly calendar ofevents to keep you informed ofhappenings around the Greater Cincinnati ..... by Earlene Moreland area. Please call us ifyou have an item to list Any suhmissio11 is welcome: local community council meetings. Our Daily Bread has been serving socialjustice fonans, protests, comm1111ityfestivals, art our Community for 15 years. Run shows. etc. Please call John at 421-7803, fax at 421­ solely on donations, it is located on 7813, or e-mail at streetvibes@juno.com to list an event. June 1..... Welfare Rights CoaJition Potluck Luncn-anct Meeting, l2P.M at Contact Center. Call 381-4242 for more information 2-3 ..... Artists for the l>rop Inn Center Concert festival 7:30PM at Top Cats in Corryville Tickets available through Ticketmaster: $15 for both nights, $10 for Friday, $5 for Saturday,. Call 751-1740for more information. ~ 7 ....• Ohio ·Ent ment Coalition Meeting Columbusf'"transportation is available an ves ContactCenter(1641 VineSt.)at9AM. Cal\381­ 4242 for more infonnation or ifyou need a ride. 8..... 9...... Save Our Schools Meeting, 5:30 PM at Peaslee Neighborhood.Center. Call 381-4242 for more information. MacDay -' ~oon10 6PM, Laurel Par~ o Charle ·· ss ftom St. Joseph:'~ ·on or to volunteer c'" . 537; or e-mail him at .;-· ·"= 14..... Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center .Peace Camp, 9:30AM-12:30PM at Walnut Hills Christian Church. Free camp for6-12 year-olds Call UPC at 579-8547 for more information 11..... Prayer Vjgil in support ofparole for Amerkan Indian Political Prisoner Leonard Peltier. 1PM in fron:to . l'fouse. (Leonard P ole Revie · ill be on June 12 iQ Kansas.) . more information, please ca ·.·. Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition al 232-0362 or 325­ 4179. E-mailatmiriamczc@yahoo.com. 15..... Homeless Coalition General Body Meeting l :30 PM at the Drop Inn Center Call 421-7803 for more information. 15•••.• ·op To Be Announced care provided ter at 381-4242 for mote infonnation 23..... lntercommunity Justice and Peace Center Peace Camp, 9:30AM-12:30PM at Peaslee Neighborhood Center. F..ree camp for 6-12 year-olds CallIJPC atS79-8547 for more information. 21..... Parks and ~reation Committee Meetin 12:15at Center,381-4242 24...... Ovcr•t , Steel Drum Band C Approx y 1PM at Music Hall Call Peaslee Neighborhood Center at 621-5514for more information 26...... Over-the-Rhine Community Council Meeting SPM at Nast Trinity Church 26-J u ly 28•••• Peaslee Summer Program for Kids 1-3PM. Call Peaslee at 62 t-5514 for more'" in fonnatiof!~• 27..... Cincinnati <Jpera Community Open Dre8%"" Rehearsal · Dress rehearsal for the opera Cinderella. Free to Over-the-Rhine residents. Pre-performance activities in Washington Park at 5pm. including food and entertainment. Dress rehearsal in Music Hall at 7pm. Call 744-3427. Logan Street. Though the place is small, barely noticeable, Our Daily Bread serves 300 people daily - breakfast and Lunch. From 9:30-10:00 they serve doughnuts and coffee. From 10:00- 11:45, Lunch. From 1 till 3 PM, leftovers and snacks. On Friday the hours are 9:30-11:45. Tuesday is Bingo, 1 pm - 2:30. The atmosphere is safe and welcoming. The setup of 4 chairs at a table reminds me of a home kitchen . They even have a Kid's Cafe where children can dine and play, run by Tammy Kueshpe. In another part of cheir program, chey give away cloches, help wich utilities, and give out canned goods. If they can't assist you, they will give you a referral. On holidays, they give away Goodie Bags, consisting of hats and socks, soap, deodorant, and detergent. Now lets mention who's behind all this good work. Manager: Carol Schlunhert; Assistant Manager: Joyce Foster; Social Workers: JoAnn Queenan. Robert Bell, Kim Wards, Jerry Buchanan. Our Daily Bread's goal is to serve one good H ot meal once a day. I eat chere daily. Today chey were serving meat loaf, potatoes, bread pudding and che best Kool-Aid in town. This is a very charitable thing chey are doing. Who would chink all those blessings come fro m such a small place. T he community thanks you. • • • Streetvibes Live Radio Hour Tune in to WAIF 88.3 fml on the second Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon for The Homeless Coalition's Live radio program . The show is co-hosted by Mary Burke, Donald Whitehead and other monthly guest hosts. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories in this paper and eclectic musical selections. PUBLIC HEARING ~ on JUNE 6TH at 1:00 pm, the Neighborhood and Public Works Committee will hold a meeting in the City Council Chambers to discuss whether Laurel Homes should be removed from the Historic Register and sacrificed to the wrecking ball and corporate development, or preserved and further developed for low income housing. J IE THERE or IE HOMELESS! for more information, contact the office of the Clerk of Council, 801 Plum St., Room 308, City Hall, Cincinnati 45202 from 8-5, ~E 352-3246 - - Check us out, We're on TV! The Streetvibes 1V Show is produced at the facilities of Media Bridges (Cin­ cinnati Community Video), 21 14 Read­ ing Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like .to b~»,a part of our live studio audience' please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the· Homeless at 421 -7803 for more information. June Schedule Broadcast Dates for May's Show.· :&on Channel 24: (Please che~,~your schedule) Saturday, June 3, at 5 PM Tuesday, June 13, at 10 PM Saturday, June 17th, at 5 PM Tuesday. June 27, at 10 AM Thursday, July 6, at 10 AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change - consult your local 1V directory. July '· 23..... Drop Inn Center SK Run, 8:30AM Call Drop Inn Center at 72 J-0643 for more information or to register Streetvibes TV covers news on poverty, homelessness and related issues. If you would like to be a part of the audience, or if you have ideas for future shows, call us at 421-7803 �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Greater Cincinnati Since I've been selling the newspaper, I have met a lot of nice people on the street, Coalition for the Homeless different nationalities, different attitudes - some has a Speakers Bureau angry, not understanding what it is like to be The following is a short example of what you may hear from one of the homeless/formerly homeless people who have the opportunity to tell their stories to any group of people who invite us to speak: My name is Raynard Jones. I work for the Coalition for the Homeless. On the fourth of May, Ron Carter (Speakers Bueau Coordinator) and I went to Ursuline Academy. I talked to some young ladies there, told my life story, about me being homeless. I have been homeless now, roughly, from July 16, 1991 to January 26, 2000. I owe it to God and the Coalition for helping me get on my feet and find a place to stay. I have been in and out of jails, institutions, living on the streets, various places. I have been caught up with drugs and alcohol.. ..you know, being homeless, the things that you go through. I owe it to God, cleaning up my life and giving me a second chance. Since I have been working for the Coalition now the past 6 or seven months, I have self-esteem~ I have met a tot of nice people; I just enjoy what I'm doing -being able to help somebody else while I'm helping myself. My spirituality is stronger than ever. Before I was homeless. I was staying in a Ministry. I left the Ministry and learned a lot about Christ Jesus, things that I never thought I knew; I learned a lot - You never stop learning. I gave it all to God. I enjoy coming to Ursuline and telling my story to the young ladies. The Shantytown built of boxes was neat. I enjoy what I'm doing now. The sky is the limit, as long as I stay on the right track, and not get into my own understanding, thinking I can do it all myself; cause we all need somebody. homeless and on the street. I tell them, You wouldn't understand it unless you've been there. .. ...... You treat people the way you want to be treated; respect is the biggest thing. Then, having somebody trust you. I am truly happy today that I'm able to help somebody else while I'm helping myself. hope in the near future that I'm able to go to more speaking engagements to tell other people what I've been through. It's all about having the right attitude, staying positive. Every day isn't a good day for me; but you try the make the best out of a bad situation. I understand that trials and tribulations bring forth patience. You have to go through some things in order to get some things. .... I came from a disfunctional family, like most families. But it doesn't matter. It's about doing the right thing, helping somebody else. I'd like to thank Ron Carter, Pat, Tom, Susan, Gina, Donald Whitehead, Melissa, who helped me find my apartment, Warren, for helping me and giving me a second chance to do what's right. I know it's not going to be easy; but I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me; I know that no weapon that's formed against me shall prosper. I quote a lot of scriptures, cause, like I said, I was in the Ministry. I don't know it all, but I'm like a baby - I'm drinking milk, but one of these days I'll be eating meat. I'm striving for knowledge, to learn. I might have a calling as minister one day. All I know is that I want to help somebody else. It's not about being selfish; It's about giving back. ......Ray Jones. Classified Streetvibes accepts Classi­ fied Ads for items such as Help Wanted, Items for Sale, Apart­ ments for Rent and other non­ personal items. The rate is only $1 per line, approximately ten words per line. People below the poverty level will be given five free lines for six months to advertise their skills or products to our read­ ers. Call 421-7803 for more Streetvibes has a minimal overhead cost so that the vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. If anyone selling Streetvibes claims to be collectlng for a private charity, please call our office at421-7803. •••••~ • t • I •to•••t • ••41 •• • 1f • t •,.,••1 • .-•.-o•~ · .... t 1• -:. t ' ,, ••'f\"1 _,.• •l•ttlotl •4.Ut.t • t ••• "'• • ... ........ ... ... "" ' ' ' ! '•;·· ·.•'..: ''' -.-. ••'"'T • ,._ ............ ..,. .. .. ... -.-..- •1•t••• t•o-..-..•t •.«•••••1••-" Michelle Kitchen Needs Help! I received a disturbing letter from Michelle Kitchen #39440 (ARN-4) today dated 5/16/00. I'm asking anyone who can, to help put pressure on the Warden to rectify what they are doing to Michelle, which is wrong. She is being punished prior to being found guilty of doing anything wrong. ...... .. Michelle wrote the following: "The railroading began Saturday 5/13/00 at 10:20 pm "SWAT" came in, (4) C.O.'s & (2) white shirts, and they took me and my roomnate, Miss Anderson, #36929, (maxes out next month), out in handcuffs. They put her in the "crisis cell" on the DC side & me in the "crisis cell" on the AC(Administrative Control) side. I'm in a room that's 4'X 8' with very little light, and floods, with water every time someone showers (it's on the other side of the shower cage) AND MY BED IS ON THE FLOOR! 3 AND A HALF DAYS LATER..., I'M STILL HERE. The charge? Suspicion of smoking in LC@ I wrote everywhere & I was piss tested yesterday (5/15). Now all I have to do is wait on the results. But that's not half of it. We didn't get our commissary till second shift Saturday. Since I'm under investigation, they too ALL my property and locked it in the property room. I don't have a bra, underpants, or a pair of socks; they took everything! All my Legal mail is packed up too! I don't have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and neither does ARN-4 have any supplies!AGAIN! I just spoke to LT. Sanders about this. Now I have to prove my innocence? I can't have any of the personals I waited 10 days for. (commissary) I can't write because all my envelopes are in my property. I know what will _ happen...., as soon as my dean urine comes back...., they'll stall before moving me out of this hell-hole, and then I'll have to beg for my property, and my mail (which I'm entitled to). I don't know if you've ever been in this type of a cell, but it's easy to lose it....., no place to walk, to sit, nothing. Usually people are in here for 24 hours - WRONG! SOON I'LL BE IN H~RE ON DAY 4" I called the Plain dealer reporter today, Thanksforyoursupport. t It's a Crime to Care ORW is now denying Michelle any "Meter stamps" that I send her, saying they are contraband! But failing to notify me pursuant to the AR's for incoming mail. I hope Michelle can send one to the North Regional Director's Office. I sure will and ask them to explain to me how this is contraband. Also note, Michelle has still not seen a copy of the Administrative regulations yet. I just sent her a copy. This has been a month she has been requesting to see these. I've called Shirley Pope, and Central Office. She wrote the Institution Inspector up. The Chief Inspector has notified Michelle that the Institution Inspector at ORW has been changed. It's no longer Kestella. The new Inspector is Ms. Wright. Michelle has never had a dirty urine her whole bit as well. Michelle says she is still listed as "LC" (Local Control) and wants to know why she cannot have her property, and (why they) stress no toothbrush, deodorant, etc. in ARN-4. These items are permitted under "LC" Administrative Regulation 5120-9-131. information Mail the ad copy, or deliver, to: GCCH, 1506 Elm Street,Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813, ore­ mail to streetvibes@juno.com • ·:>· Page 19 . • 'I 'l Help Michelle, continued page 1O �Pat Mitchell, proud Grandmother, wishes to Announce A Baby Showerfor Yolanda Pape 858 Wade Walk Parktown Community Building (NearLiberty) on]unel7,2000 jrom 5pm-9pm I Vendor SPotliilht: I am a new Vendor and I'd like to share my experience as being a vendor. The purpose of the vendors selling the papers is to establish self-esteem, self worth, and self independence. It is designed to help homeless and formerly homeless people, and low income people such as myself. On my journey selling papers I meet so many people in the course ofa day, including people I haven ' t seen in years and people ~ ~ needingjobs and shelter. I always refer them to our Coalition office for help. I even ~ ~ ran into a woman with HIV that needed ~ shelter and a job. Once I ran into a man that traded me a Pat Mitchell in the Coalition office. box ofsugar and 2 candles for a paper. It is the vendor 's job to spread the word about the homeless - to be polite and Besides being one ofour most dedicated courteous. So if you see us vendors selling vendors, Pat also works everyday as a Streetvibes, buy one. But remember, ifthey volunteer receptionist and as a an outare not wearing a badge, don't buy. Thank ...reach coordinator. Thank you, Patfor all you, ofyour work! ~ HOPE VI, from page 12 being lost in the West End, and the potential gentrification of the entire West End Community (HOPE VI developments could have a very serious ripple affect in terms of increased property values) and Welfare Reform there is a lot stacked against HOPE VI succeeding. Many believe too many units are being lost, that this is simply another example of urban cleansing. Which brings us back to the developer chan ges. Shirley and so many of the West End residents were up in arms about this developer t ermination i ssue because they were discounted from the process with the concrete understanding that they . would be part ofthe entire process. However, it makes one wonder why HUD has made resident input such a cornerstone to winning and seeing the HOPE VI grant completed, w hen ultimately the go11l is not and never was to maintain the same community that has resided there prior to the HOPE VI grant. Hopefully, homeless advocates are wrong. There is a hearing June 7•h to take Laurel Homes offof the Historic Registry. N o demolition can legally occur until this happens. ......Pat Mitchell Ha ve you seen FRANK C 6 Foot Caucasian, age 50's, English accent, glasses, maybe gray beard. Does anyone know where Frank is, please? Mary, his sister from England, has been over here trying to meet up with him. COMEDY CORNER By Ron Carter Oowie ,goowie Oowie Goowie was a worm A dirty Worm was he Oowie sat upon the toi let seat The water he did not see Splash! W e haven't m et for 18 years . If you have any idea where he is, Please contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 421-7803 Oowie Goowie's sone! Need Help or Want .to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Womens Shelter 872-9259 1-888-872-9259 (Toll Free) 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvation Army 431-8717 Welcome House ·- s, SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (Veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America 241-5525 241 -0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (Si ngles) Friars Club Haven HQUse (Hamilton) lnter1aith t-'ospitality Network 761-1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 471 -1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 651-6446 St. John's Temporary Housing HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381-1171 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women O.D.A.A.T Flrst Step Home 241-7343 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 OTHER SERVICES 421-2437 AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 231-6630 Beech Acres Center for Independent Living Options 241 -2600 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Community Center 241-2563 · Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Greater Cinti. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bd. 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Ass'istance Ctr. 271-5501 721 -4811 Mary Magdalen House Oral Health Cquncil 621 -0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 6?1 -5514 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2000 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2000 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Remembering the Milner Demolition A Tale of Two Cities Pg 2: The Traveler Pg 3: The CZC Protest for Political Prisoners and Against Police Brutality The Shelter Continued Pg 4: Kids’ Day on Capital Hill Pg 5: The Shelter Continued Pg 6: Welfare News Pg 7: A tribute to the “SAVE THE MILNER” Struggle: Our Undaunting Spirit Still Lives Pg 8: International News Pg 9: Prisoners’ News Pg 10: Prisoners’ News continued Pg 11: Cincinnati Opera Pg 12: Words from the Evangelist Pg 13: Street Scopes Pg 14: Under the big Top: Save Our Schools and the Cincinnati School Board Pg 15: Recovery Road An Over-the-Rhine Oasis Pg 16: Poetry and Art Pg 17: Imprisoned in an Editor’s Body Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2000 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman John Halpin Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Sonny Williams Donald Whitehead Rodney Sutton Anthony Watkins Cassie Gundrum Alanna Maloney Brian Crumm Bonnie Neumeier Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Geraldine Devine Patrick Holmes Melissa Widemen Grady Cook Sharon Weis LeeAnn McNabb Raymond Jones Katie Danko Earlene Moreland Lynn Williams Jeff Branham Monica Novac Emily Langford Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alanna Maloney Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Apartment Closure Arts & Poetry Bonnie Neumeier Brian Crumm Capital Hill Cassie Gundrum CC Cincinnati Schools Donald Whitehead Earlene Moreland Editorials & Letters Emily Langford Empowerment Evangelist Geraldine Devine Grady Cook Income International news Jeff Branham Jobs John Halpin Johnny Wm. Byrd Jr. Katie Danko LeeAnn McNabb Lynn Williams Mary A. Gaffney Melissa Widemen Monica Novac Ohio Pat Mitchell Patrick Holmes police brutality Prison Health Care prisoners news protest Raymond Jones Rodney Sutton Ron Carter Sharon Weis shelter Sonny Williams Street Scope Susan Knight Tales from Across the River The Traveler Tom Billman Warren Perkins welfare news https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d61b9b48f434fa8293abba38f71bf244.pdf 6c2844345c38ea0a45772a327e2686a8 PDF Text Text £ET THE TRI- TATE'S HOMELESS 6RAPE\!IN£ BW FROM B.t\D6£D \1£NDORS ONLY JU £ 2001 $1 DONATION \ "·'-It'·•--~ .... · STREETVIBES ._..... ,~- The fri 1:r0re'$ Homeless Gr.lpevine rHl:TR -ST \ TE S 1101\l llU~ 6;'tAP£'1fl~t llllll.'IA 11•Jll MARCH 2001 tll-l•• • K•~ IM' flt<™ O~tlluUJ V LHUO~S llHl.Y - STREETVIBES I HOMl1 • WAIHh, J' ,.., I, .,.,, 1RwL 1 'ON r tlK I ·I I ' • a, .4T STREETVIBES .., ·~. :1. 1·1 1 '1 1 ''"""',"'''ti l,,,,,,t,\,.'lf11• �r r~ I\ : J ~~~~\. ·JUNE 2001 Street View By Riccardo Taylor T he changing season brings about some sen se of renewal in nature and in the hopes of the street person. As the trees blossom so does some of the hopes of the street person. The changing of seasons allows the street person to have more access to resources and services in the respect that it is easier to move around or to otherwise visit Riccardo M. Taylor tho se plac e s which ca n provide them with some of the help that they need. Of course there is more to the dilemma of the street person 's plight then just the provision of resources that come from community ba sed organizations. These needs which vary from person to person can only be satisfi e d by the particular individual's problems. So in sayi1!g there is that possibility that the newness of the season can be the stepping stone of resolve for some. of the problems the street person h~s if they as individuals partake in tlie steps needed for such change. Still, with all the support or other types of help that the street person receives there is that over shadowing reality that the situation cannot be resolved withjusta whim. There has to be that willingness to change as well as incentive for such change. The mindset of the street person has to be adjusted to accommodate change. They have to experience some sense of renewal of hopes. This I feel is the responsibility of the rest of the society. In so saying I would suggest that the community at large has to participate in the resolve of homelessness and other social iJls that are at the heart of the street person's world. Of course I don't believe that society as a whole has to be responsible for the keep of the street person, yet there has to be input from othe r sections of the society if the social problems which effect so m an y of us can be eradicated. It goes without saying that eac h individual has to take responsibility for himself. However the re are those who need more support for whatever reason. ·This is where the rest of the society has to become avail able, as far as incentive is concerned. Where there See View , continued page 18 Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Annivers~ry! shape the vision By Dan Marschner Welcome to the Fifth .Anniversary issue of Streetvibes! An immeasurable amount of blood, sweat and tears have pushed this paper to become the voice of homeless and impoverished people in Greater Cincinnati . Thi s partiCu1ar issue has several features to commemorate the history of the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine: • A timeline of major stories covered by Streetvibes in the past five years as well as developments in the production and distribution of the paper. • Feature articles by several promine nt figures in Streetvibes history, including Pat Clifford , Bonnie Neumeier, and Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr., exploring the paper's past, present and futur<?. • A photo essay by Jimmy Heath about the experience of a typical Streetvibes vendor (see centerfold). • Powerful articles reprinted from past issues. Working on this particular issue has been a wonderful experience. I must thank the staff members at Cincinnati's Citybeat who helped for this issue: Greg Flannery, Jymi Bolden., Doug Trapp , Robert Young , and J im Mcintosh. Rodney Sutton, Jimmy Heath , H. L ee Bowen and Alicia Beck were also instrumental in the life of this edition. These people gave t remendo u s s upport and encouragement to the process. If you have nver seen the paper before, I hope that this edition sparks your interest in the future. For regular supporters, enjoy . the chance to remember where . the paper has been and dream where Streetvibes: the Trili-£tlre!s,Hom eless Grapevine : the future will take celebrates five years a' pubficarion this 1nontlt~ photo by fitrmw fl'eatli· ·Streetvibes. as Executive Summary of Homeless Study ~eleas~d portion of the study was entirely dependent on the cooperation and This is the third major study of ·participation of homeless men and homelessness in Cincinnati since .women. There a re four major 1986. A consistent, increasingly refined data gathering and analysis ·components to the study design: 1) methodology has been supported by Key informant interviews with the growing sophistication of the service providers; 2) Other research service providers. Additionally, the : studies and data sources; 3) A point "Continuum of Care" work provides in time count intended to parallel : and evaluate the Census effort; and increasing detail on the subject. The purpose of the study is 4) Two separate survey instruments provide an in depth view of the ·of homeless persons. One general homeless, the factors which impact ·survey incorporated questions for their lives, the burdens.they carry studies conducted in 1986 and 1993 and the challenges which service . and the other survey targeted health providers and the community face if matters w hi ch incorporated there is to be a change. standardized questjons previously The study was made possible by administered to general populations the resource in vestments of the in local and national studies. Each Heal th Foundation of Greater su rvey was administered to Cincin~ati a nd the Greater approx imately 200 respondents, Cincinnati Foundation. The Greater which incorporated almost o ne Cincinnati Coalition for the thousand persons. Homeless served as the primary The principal contribution of the client for the work and the staff as study to the knowledge base rests ill well as the member agencies of the two major survey questionnaires coalition made ·essential that were admi.nistered by service contributions to. the management provider staff to homeless persons. and data gathenng o~ the work. The data has been archived and is Applied Information Resources available to other researchers. It can (AIR,Inc.), a non-profit.community · -be found through this web site : information and publi c policy www.ihphsr.uc.edu/hfgc/main.cfm. organization, prepared the study. The material can be found under the Howe¥er, the primary data gathering "Browse Archive Holdings" link. By Ed Burdell ~RIATER CINCINNATI The 2000 stud y revealed a number of changes in the homeless population. Between the 1986 study al ost th 1993 d th stu y, ere was m and e a 100% increase in the estimated number of persons homeless during the course of a year. However between 1993 and 2000, there has been a distinct leveling off, and although an increase in that number is estimated to be slightly more than 20% of the 1993 number, much of this can be attributed to variations in the factors used in the calculations of the number. What is important are the changes in the characteristics of those who are homeless and the compo sitio n of the ho meless population. See Study, continued page 19 Inside Streetvibes Vendor News Local News Recovery News Prisoners News Feature Section Editorial Page Art & Poetry l\lental Health Page 2 Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 14 Page 16 COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �STREETVIBES JU~E· 2001 STREETVIBES The Tr i-State ' s Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tii-Sfate's Homeless Grapevihe, is ra newspa­ per written by, for, au,d about home1essness, social justice, and povetcy-related issues. It is pJ;Jtilished once a month by the _ Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for home­ less and other low-income people to get bac'k on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. The Greatet Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to eniling homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services,. educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHSmf( Alicia Beck Executive Director Susan Knight Administrative Coordinator Dan Marschner Editor Mary Gaffney Receptionist Mary Taylor Receptionist Sonny Williams Prison News Editor Writers -... Alicia Beck Riccardo Taylor Dan Marschner Mr. Lee Ed Burdell Anthony Watkins Pat Clifford Bonnie Neumeier Aaron Pitchford Jimmy Heath David Mitchell Annie Garrett Michael Stoops Dana Terrell Abiyah Curtis L. Fox Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print every­ thing we,have roo.rµ for; giving preference to those w~o are homeJess or vendors. SubscriptiOns to Stteetvibes can be purchased for $15 per, year. clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421 -78J 3; e-mail: streeJvibes@juno.com web page: http:l/cinci.com/gcch VEN DOR NEWS Page 2 Streetvibes: A Good Idea With Humble .Roots ­ of By Pat'Cliffotd . ' issue ~hich Brian and a Grapevine ~ffo~s. The r~st issue Streetvibes ·. ' vendor brought Clown personally. was published iri February of 1997 For the Fifth Anniversary The Ci~cinnati 'page grew and and dedicated to buddy. Donald Streetvibes issue I was asked to devel~ped_ over the next year. It came up with the name write a little on the beginnings of included stories about the "Streetvibes," and we received the paper. proliferation of temporary . labor startup assistance from Marianto The paper was initially jobs, cuts from the City directed at Pettus; a dedicated vendor at that the Drop Inn Center. in 1996 and time. Donald and I were the only founded as a positive respon.~e to anti-panhandling legislation being poefry from a variety of people. Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the propqsed by Cincinnati City In the summer of 1996, we grew Homeless staff and learned desktop to.. the point where we had enough publishing on-the-job. Counc;il in 1995. We wanted to content to fill four pages, which were find a way that people who were · The production and distribution homeless could still make a living placed as an insert in the Cleveland Streetvibes has come a long way on the streets, but notbave to resort paper. The masthead read: "The since then, Back then, we were to begging. Selling a printing 500 copies a home less newspaper The paper was initially founded as a month, and selling with a 1 of definiteJy offered more than panhandling. Vendors could also have the dignity of being a small entrepreneur. And, to top it· off, they could express their feelings and issues.by writing for the paper as well. It was a positive response to anti-panhandling l l b egis ation eing proposed by Cincinnati City Council in 1995. We wanted to find a way that people who were homeless could still make a living on the streets, b ha ut not ve to resort to begging. Selling a homeless newspaper definitely offered good idea on many levels. The idea of having a more homeles s paper came from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless in Cleveland. At that time, they had published their Homeless Grapevine for a few years already. lfit weren ' t forthe vision and_flexibjlity of Brian Davis, the director of NEOCH, we would not have gotte n off the ground. At first he· allowed us to write articles to be placed in the Cleveland Homeless Grapevine. The first time this happened was the August issue of 1995. The first stories were about the passing of HB167,which eventually ledtothe 3-year cu toffs from welfare last year (and ongoing). I think we startedwith500copiesofthatfirst handful vendors. Now we have many vendors and di s tribute 8,000 per month. Also, in 1997 we had to lay out the paper by cutting out stories and gluing them to a master . sheet, which had to be transported by car to the printer (usually a couple hours past the deadline). than panhandling. Now the paper is laid out electronically and eHomeless Grapevine Cincinnati."· In mailed to the printer. Cincinnati, our vendors would take The reason Streetvibes is a the insert and wrap it around the continued success is because it is a front of the paper. The top story of good and needed idea. It is a winthe first issue was a first hand win situation all around. The account of the displacement of vendors w in by making s ome dozens of people from the El Rancho income and having a chance to Rankin that year. express themselves. The customer After D o nald Whitehead, wins by having access to a voice that Lemuel Israel and I attended the first is seldom heard in a convenient way. meeting of the North American Thanks to everyone ~ho has h elped Street Newspaper Association in with the effort over the years! Chicago in September of 1996, we Pat Clifford is currently the were inspired to start planning for General Coordinator ofthe Drop Inn printi ng our own paper. The CenterSheltet: HewasCoordinator shooting death of buddy gray, long- ofthe GCCH when Streetvibes was time homeless advocate and founded. visionary, shook our planning Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others w ith resp~ct. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies ·o f Streetvibes to persons who are not registered Streetv.ibes Timeline August/September 1995 Cincinnati vendors begin to distribute Cleveland Homeless Grapevine; the paper eventually incorporates a four page section about Cincinnati news. 6. 7. 8. 9. distributors. I agree not .to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. I agree that I will not contest territories with ocher distributors. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this . effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories .if possible. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. November 1996 buddy gi:ay, Over tn~ Rhine community activist, is shot and killed. �Page 3 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 ~~m~mbering buddy gray Editors Note: This article was the cover story for the first Streetvibes, published in February 1997. buddy gray made the commitment when he was very young to dedicate his life to energies to the cause of freedom, justice and peace for all humanity. He never wavered on that commitment. To buddy every person had a face, a name. He was a man with great passion and soul. A man who was motivated by his conclusive love and just anger so that we could all live free, with basic human rights. buddy used all that he was in the service of his vision. He gave endless hours of determination because he believed we mu~ t b~ about building a healthi er neighborhood and vyorld community for a ll of us. buddy 's life as a revolutionary, a. public servant, a poet, a carpenter, a friend , an organizer, an advocate, a prophet, a brother, a keen strategist, a preserver of life, a justice-seeker, a consistent challenger, a planter of trees and flowers, a lover of people, and an enthusiastic for the simpl e joys of life challenged many to take an active part in something so much greater - to be part of the historic movement for FREEDOM. He knew that this serious task was not without its difficulty and pain, but he helped many feel the joy of being part of the freedom train. buddy's strong, life-giving spirit impacted many people and places, . but his soul lived especially deep in the people and soil of the Over the Rhine neighborhood . He walked side by side with us, his neighbors, with little or no resources, using all we had in us to claim the right to stay in this land. IT IS OUR HOME that deserves and needs to be respected by the power forces grabbing our land for their profit interests. He had a deep care and compassion for people that are homeless and with little or no income. He believed in people's abilitx to overcome addictions and homelessness. He was an advocate of the people to whom he gave hope. buddy worked hard ar developing an~ . sharing leadership for he believed in the power 9f the people. What he thought was just and ri ght, he took action with others to carry out. He knew seeds h&d to be planted wc11, planted deep, for our hope lies in the coming together of all of us creating a new world with compassion for all earth's creatures. Some of the ways in which he carried out his commitment: * Refused to participate in the Vietnam War and actively organized against it. * Consistently did individual service work: tutoring children, organizing recreation trips for children to area parks; individual advocacy agarnst welfare bureaucracy and absentee landlords; assisted with many moving jobs when folks suffered evictions; offered help in fixing space heaters, apartment repairs; advocated for people getting public assistance; advocated in court for people gettin g treatment rather than prison. * Active in tenant organizing work; advocate for individua l tenants ' rights; organized tenant strikes; active ii in creating Tenant/ Landlord legislation ~ both in the state of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati·. * One of the three original tenants that found ed ReSTOC (Race Street Tenant Orga nizafron Cooperative), formed as a non-profit, racially­ integrated, low income housi ng cooperative in order to fix up old buildings long negl ected by absentee landlords so that housing for low income people could be preserved and maintained. * Helped found the Over-the­ Rhine hou sin g network , coali tion of non-profit l ow income housing development corporations in Over-the-Rhine, united to save hou sing under community control. * Helped develop and pass the Housing Rete ntion Ordinance in Over-the-Rhine, model legislation that requires public hearings before an apartment building can be demolished . * Worked as one of 13 members to develop the Over-the-Rhine comprehensive plan which fought to establish a minimum base of 5,520 low-income housing units in Over-the-Rhine. * Trustee since 1978 of Over­ the-Rhine community council; chair of its housing task force. *Board member of the National Coalition for Hous ing and Homelessness in Ohio; one of the founders in Columbus, Ohio, in March 1984. * Board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless; one of the original founders at the founding convention in Chicago in. 1983. * One of the founders of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, May 1984. Active in the pobtical action for the rights of.homeless people. On January 20, l 977, buddy received the Martin Luther King Jr. lifetime achievement award in Cincinnati. Budd y had many accomplishments to his credit, just as Martin Luther King did. But neither man is remembered most for the things they accompUshed, but rather their vis ion, hope and DREAM they shared with others. Both dreamed of a world where all women a nd men could li ve and respect each other as equals. Our greatest tribute to buddy gray and Mattin Luther King is to continue the vision they worked so hai·d to carry out. One Man's View: An Islamic Perspective on Homelessness by Abdul Karriem Muhammad I, Abdul Karriem Muhammad, a muslim, who, having experienced what is considered " homelessness," afte r ha vi ng been involved in organi zations to "solve" the problem, realizes that homelessness is not the problem, but is a symptom of a deep rooted problem that America, and others s uffer from. That problem is "D isbelief in the Truth of Allah." The National a nd loc al governments, and organ izations, public and private, mislead the general public into believing they're working to solve the problem which they're instru mental in perpetuating for the ir own selfish purposes. ·Government officials are interested in fund raising, job creation, maintenance, pos1t1oning, politicking, campaigning and getting elected, and maintenance of the they became "Mas ters of their organizations, among other Destiny 's" underhanded activities, ai·e some of To elaborate, I , Abdul K. the purposes. And I might add the Muhammad, 53, lunai· years old, was general public accepts and finances born in 1949, in Jackson Mississippi, what they know is not happening. and first experienced homelessness Allah (swt) States in the Holy in 1983 in Chicago Illinoi s, where I Qur' an in various Ayat that He is the became aware of the fact that there Creator, Owner, and Sustainer of are organizations designed to solve Heaven, Earth, and all that is in hom e less ness. One s uch between, therefore if there was any organization, the Salvation Army, belief in this Trnth of the Creator, reported to the Mayor's Task force Allah (swt) there could be no issue for the Homeless , which is a such as " h omelessness" ever coalition of serv ice providing manif~sted. Why do I say this? organizations in Chicago during the Consider 1422 years ago, when Harold Washington Admi11ist.ration. AJlah (swt) revealed the Holy The Salvation Army reported that Qur 'an to his prophet Muhammad among other violations, that there (saaw), the people were nomad s had been a study done 20 years prior (homeless), in what is now Saudi to 1986, to find the real cause of Arabia, but s impl y because they homelessness. What they found was realized , believed in and that the real problem - is that implemented what Allah(swt) homeless people exhibit a "Sense of revealed to an unlettered prophet, Powerlessness", but to this date no organized body or any other body has, or even can address this crucial element of this so-called problem ­ homelessness. So that being said, what are the organizations doing in the name of solutions? I have also witnessed se ll outs, political footballs, usage of the organizations for personal gain, out-right theft etc. People who were prev iou sly unemployable ro se to heights unimaginable. These and other covert age nd as' where the "homeless" are just the Investment Capital, and colla tera l used to sustain the organizations involved in these mailipuJations of the taxpayers, at taxpayer's expense, are just a few examples of the point I'm try ing to get across. r first met Mr. Donald Whitehead , who at that time was serving as the Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coa lition of the See Perspective, page l 6 Streetvibes TimeJine February 1997 First edition of Streetvibes May 1997 Social service providers oppose the Broadway Commons published; Pat Clifford, director 0f the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the proposal for the new Cincinnati Reds stadium, fearing its impact'. on Over Homeless, re membered the legacy of buddy gray on the first cover. The the Rhine residents. initial orintin£?: is 300 cooies. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 4 Work Force Blues: By Riccardo Taylor get on the list to go out and make anywhere from thirty to forty dollars for the day. Many times this can be the difference from one being able to feed himself, as opposed to having to beg in the street. The homeless person can at least sustain himself in his si tu ation through working through th e temporary servi ce. However, it would be very difficult for the homeless to change their circumstance just working through work or work during thei r time off from their regular job. It can be a great help in allowing a person to get ahead, or caught up on some owed bill. All in all the temp assignment can be the crutch for stepping that needed or extra step in ones financial world. On the other hand the temporary e mpl oy me nt business can be a n exploitative entity if viewed from the working s hort hours when the employer has a slow-down or other reason for not needing workers. This can keep a worker off balance or in the dark as to how to plan for the future. The idea that one can be fired or DNRed (do not returned) from an assignment is also an obstacle in which hampers the possible growth for the temp worker. The pay scale for the temp worker is another thing which can be a problem for the The homeless person can benefit in the sense of financial outlook of the temp worker. immediate needs, but doesn't have much hope for The pay usualJy is at minimum wage or less. The temp agency often has the future th~y expect to change their situation. so many different fees or cost which con s ide of th e argument of the the worker has to pay for such as the temp service. The homeless te mporary employment issue. One equipment renting or ride cost that person can benefit in the sense of essential thing from the workers after these cost are extracted from immediate needs, but doesn' t have point of view that the temporary job the pay the worker is getting less much hope for the future if they does not offer is benefits, benefits tben the minimum wage. These expect to change their situation. The which every worker needs or should things and others are perhaps the temporary j ob ass ignment can have if they are to be able to prosper biggest reason for not depending on benefit some personal needs or in their Ii ves outside of the work th e temp assignme nt for ones esteem for the homeless person as it arena. The temporary employer does livelihood. These can be the reasons allows one to feel a sense of self not offer suc h th ings as health for not choosing the temporary work worth , being able to earn a few insurance, sick time, vacation, or a<;signment and instead searching for dollars through a legitimate means. other benefits which help to even out a permanent job if one expects to be Also the temp assignment can be the work schedules or protect the able to get ahead in the work world. extra dollar needed for the employee employee in times of need or So it can be said although the who bas the full time job. It can be misfortune. The temporary temporary work idea can be the the change that one may need to buy assignment is not, as is indicated in difference in the work force it has a special gift or the dollar to buy that its very name, permanent or long its pros and cons and the difference extra staple good. The full time termed. Often the temp worker can lies in where the worker wants to be emoloved can benefit from weekend in the future. Streetvibes Timeline July 1997 U.S. Congress finalizes Welfare September 1997 AU local homeless shelters fill in the city; Streetvibes Reform, imposing time limits up to five years for continued welfare benefits becomes part of the North American Street Newspaper Association and and granting states greater freedom to impose their own standards for representatjves attend the second annual conference. Today in the work world, jobs are relatively hard to come by in the sense of out right hiring. The job market has changed from the hiring of employees by a company, to temp to hire, through temporary agencies. The new wave of employment practices has become the way of the future. Temporary agencies offer a variety ofjobs, ski lled and unskilled, everything from clerical to labor. They cover practically every aspect and phase of the employment industry. The agencies spring up everywhere, like new grass, with a list of names straight from the book of list. Of course like anything e lse the temporary employment business has its good side and its bad side. In speaki ng about the pros and cons of the temporary employment services one has to keep an open mind, giving the benefit of any doubts to the temp agencies. From the pro side the list of positives range form the momentary assistance for the homeless person, to the prospect of additional cash from weekend moonlighting. Often the temporary assignment is the only hope or at least the best bet for a day 's pay for the homeless person or the person in transit. You can just go down and welfare recioients. if �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 5 Your mind so sharp, taking every Mac: Thanks for Your Friendship opportunity in .circles you by Bonnie Neumeier Editors Note: This article first appeared in the January 1998 edition of Streetvibes. Dear Mac: On the celebration of your 901h birthday we knew that each day you were here with us it was a gift we treasured. Over the years we slowly watched your body, legs, eyes and heart giving you troubles. But you would not let those troubles trouble you. Your determined will reached out even to befriend the pain so that it would not control your life. It was not going to stop you. The energy you mustered up to put your ailing body at places your spirit wanted to be amazed us. We won't forget the day you shocked us at buddy's funeral. We were not expecting you as you were so sick and flat on your back on the night before, letting us know your regrets that you could not make it. When you wheeled into the park in your chair, covered with a blanket, with face pail and thin, your presence was a healing, soothing salve with moved us deeply. I remember the night just after Easter in ' 93 we carried you up the dark staircase, to keep watch through the chilly night, getting a few winks of sleep, to be awakened by the so und of the bulldo zer, already spraying forceful water hoses up to the second floor where we were holding our to make our Last attempt to save the housing owned by Phillipus Church from being turned into a parking lot. Mac, you so much understood our fight to save low income housing. You believed what happened in Over the Rhine was a thermometer of what could happen in other low income communities. You held up our effort as a lightening rod, wanting it to spark the hearts a nd mind s of c itywide peop le, preservationists and politicians to do on December 21 , 1997 in Washington Park for the annual remembering of those persons dying homeless on the street, we were not thinking that you, Mac, so soon would be joining your sisters and brothers whose names we called out that day. Thank you for being with us·around the fire barren. I shall not forget that hug. And I know that when you went from this world to the spirit world on December 30, 1997, our Over the Rhine effort embraced you with welcoming arms with a hug from buddy. We trust you are resting in peace but be assured your spirit is in our hearts. And we know our lives and our neighborhood of Over the Rhine benefited a hundredfold from having you sojourn with us. We shall not the right thing for the poor and encountered to put the challenge out oppressed. In the midst of sound there that we need to work for a principled actions we would risk kinder, gentler nation where all together, there were always those people could live free and with moments of sweet support. On that dignity. You humbly accepted the day when we were carried off to jail, St. Francis Xavier medal on the sexes were held in separate December 7, 1997 at Xavier holding cells, four men and one University and spoke so eloquently woman. I won't forget how I called and challengingly on so many of the out to you. buddy, Wilbur, Berta and issues that were dear to your heart you responded in kind with singing and life. We from Over the Rhine voices. That sweet support' lifted were so happy to cel'ebrate with you that day. We felt proud of you, but me. Mac, you gave our effort such somehow you made us feel proud of consistent support over the years. ourselves, too. For when you speak Your friendship felt very special. We you call up the long history of knew you held us in a special place struggle and freedom which in your heart. You were ~ith us at connects us to a spiritual source that City Hall time and time again. Your deepens our conviction that someday voice for the homeless and ill- justice will roll down like the rivers. See Mac , page 16 When many of us last saw you, housed was relentless. You fasted so that we might :.:...~~~~~~~-=-~~~~~~~~;..._~~~~~~~~~~~~---, win negotiation s with the City in rega rd s to replacement housing when we l ost the Milner. You helped us evict the Governor 's furniture from his office in Columbus so that we mig ht make a point about the mean spirited cut off of general assistance. You always stood with us when Drop Inn Center and ReSTOC were under politi c al attacks. The list is -!" Six local activists are arrested protesting at the Cincinnati Police Memorial, a propolice rally featuring F.O.P. President Keith Fang man - Friday, May 18, 2001 photo by Berta Lambert lon g. You were L..~~~~~..,...............................................~ always there for us. Your presence was powerful. You Organizing Workshop possessed a gentle strength. We listened to your stories and learned from your long life. We marveled Thursday, June 28, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. at your memory and how you could Peaslee Neighborhood Center pull up so many quotable quotes. 215 E. Fourteenth Street Advertise to Socially Conscious Readers! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business Custom Sizes Available! Let our Ad Manager Design Your Advertisement - Free! Acquire Proven OrganizinQ Skills That Will Help You Achieve Your Organization's Goals! Free to Coalition Members, $1 O for non-members RSVP with Susan at (513) 421-7803 Sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Timeline October 1997 Opposition to the plan to move the foreshadows Prisoners is News Section. location of the Cincinnati School for the Performing Arts befogs with an article by Berta Lambert, longtime community activist and Streetvibes December 1997 ReSTOC breaks ground on buddy's place; Reverend Maurice Mccrackin dies. vend r. e t st". of ohnn William B rd Jr. from death r �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 6 the first time since the second grade. roll into the parking lot in their new I realized that unless I relocated I BMWs. While many of our peers was going to be too tired to function face), or similar comments. Lovely. the next day in class. I imagine that gawked at the willpower of the Shantytowners, we all admitted that For the first time, I realized what finding a new box was as tough as it we led a luxurious homeless life. hunger can do to your personality. is to find a homeless shelter at the With a hiding place for belongings, It made me selfi sh. Part of our l ast minute. The housing was guardians, quiet time for homework, experience was begging for lunch. alread y overcrowded, let a lone a break from the street at a top-notch One afternoon when I was vacant. So I finished off the night school, and a soft pi11ow and warm particularly starving, a friend asked on the grass beneath a tarp that was spring weather, each of us was a Bill me for a piece of gum. It was my draped over a tree. Gates of a ho meless person. Yet the last one, and reluctantly I gave it to So in the end all of the little little things were unforgettable. Susan Knight from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition from the home less educated us on why America has a lack of affordable housing, and Angela Cariviere of CoOhio shared her personal story; I left with a feeling that the line between a comfortable living and : just getting by is frighteningly thin. Eve n in a cap italist ·society, the events that determine my economic status are not so much a sign of my intelligen-ce, the co nte nt of. my character, or my determination, but rather a res ult of luck. Out of complete luck I was born into a fa mily that neve r needed for anything, and because of that I have Ursuline junior Anne Garrett describes her experiences with her high been given the best education that school 's Shantytown, a week long event to educate people about money can buy. Out of luck, my homelessness. photo by Todd Forman parent's companies have not folded her, but I was resentful that she things taught me that being homeless or had to lay people off. The most would ask me - a homeless, hangry is practically a full time job. I frightening thing of all, however, is that once you fall to the other side person, for a piece of gum. The thought I knew what hard work was, of the line, the ease of digging your nerve of her! That gum had eight but I never knew ~at survival in ' full .calories of e~ergy in it,'anct'liere itself was s uch a ta sk for the way out is ~ ..did I say ease? There's I am running on empty! I was one thousands of people e~ch day. Our no such thing. It is truly a cycle. In of the lucky people because my goal was not to directly serve others the film Bless the Child, a woman shoes did not get stolen. Other girls but to raise awareness of the issue who has just become homeless for had to walk around all day in their in hopes of inspiring people to .give the first time in her Jife laments: .bare feet. I never even would have to take action. In s uburban "Since I don "t have an address, I can't get a job: Since I don 't have a thought to hide my things if we communities, people often have so hadri' t been given warning. When I much to g ive but homelessness job, 1.can't get an address." The sad truth - the truth that woke up at three a.m. the first ni ght, seems as far away as Never-Never millions of Americans find it too my face smashed against the smelly land. While it is true that poverty easy to deny! - is this: a homeless cardboard bo(<. and the covers stolen exists only ten minutes away from Se·e Shanty, continued pa!re l 7 by my boxmate, I felt homesick for us, it is easy to forget when students ~ . . Surviving Shantytown By An.ne Garrett , Ursuline Academy 0 2 .., My mom thought I was crazy when I asked her. But it was my ambition, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. I asked her if I could live in a cardboard box for three days. My persistence paid ·off, and I became homeless at age seventeen. I bid goodbye to my four televisions, four telephones, a stocked pantry, two showers, air conditioning, and twin bed. I said hello to my half of a dingy refrigerator box that reeked of vomit. It owed its stabil,ity to a few strips of duct tape; a strong wind could have sent it flying. My shanty was one of many that lined the front lawn of Ursuline Academy high. school in Blue Ash. This effort to simulate homelessness at UA began three years ago an?..'Ya~ .il).~ir~d by the Xavier University Shantytowners. Thi s May, forty-three hi g h school teenagers at Urs uline Academy grabbed a garbage bag full of minimal belongings, a pillow, and a sleeping bag, and committed to braving the wilderness of pove1ty. I was in for a surprise. Several months 1 ago, I thought had understood the basics of homelessness. After all, I'd met with it face to f~ce at the DropInn Center, on the s treets of downtown, and the Chabad House, a homeless sl)c;Jted n Roselawn. But it's the little things in life th~t make all the difference. For instance, one 1 of those little things tJ:iat had never anticipated was ,h.O\.\;' bad my alJergies - and lack of medic ine would make me feel and look. Each d~y at school, I heard,. Do you have pink eye? or You look like you're dyj.na' 0 or oa...a... look how 00 ross that · · uJJ · ' crirl is (this wasn ' t usually, to my Protecting the Ri'ghts of the Homeless by Alicia Beck Street news , like Cincinnati's own Streetvibes, has always been part of the tradition of change in our cou nt ry. From revolutionary pamphlets to public proclamations, from the Catholic Worker to the Broadside Magazine, the written word continues to influence public perceptions and opiniops. . Over its fiv e-year hi story, Streetvibes has been providing the voice for change in our community, exposing the injustices that the homeless and poor of Cincinnati experience. In January 2000, Cincinnati was chosen by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) to be one of the regional sites for the National Civil Ricrhts Orgamzmg ProJeCl. Because ofits strong connections with NCH and its past history of protecting the rights of the homeless, the Greater Cincinnati Coa 1ition for the Homeless (GCCH) serves as the organi zing entity here in. Ohio as ~ell as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. GCCH works in conjunction with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, gathering information about ~he daily acts of discrimination against homeless people. By definition, people who are homeless live in public. A lack of housing forces them to do in public what everyone prefers to do in private. Reported discrimination is found in many forms: homeless are Streetvibes Timeline January ·1998 Donald Wliitehead becomes director of the GCCH; he raises Streetvibes circulation to 2,000 copies per month. asked to leave es ta bl 1shments, arrested for using 'public areas to sleep or rest; and in many areas are forbidden to panhandle. There are no laws protecting the homeless from police sweeps or harassment, and homel ess indi vidual s are experie nc in g hate crimes a t an alarming rate. During the last t wo years, Streetvibes, a project of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, has continued to provide a constant reminder of the reasons we have taken up this important organizing project. Streetvibes has not been afraid to uncover the wrongful acts of those in our community and throughout the Unned States. Monthly 1t has provided us with updates about the many crimes committed against the home less, crimes that wo uld otherwise have been unreported. It has.continued to expose localissues, such as an attack on a Northern Kentucky .homeless encampme nt, which left the residents severely injured. · Watch for more information in Streetvibes in the future about this important topic. Streetvibes will soon be publishing ipfonnation from the 2000 National Civil Rights Organizing Report. And of course, it will continue to provide a voice for those who continue to suffer the daily injustices of our society. AprU 1998 Over the ~e community activists rally against changin Vine Street intQ two-way; major campaign results uniting OTR resident as well as city service providers; council ultimately rules in favor c;i '-' business community to make Vine Street two-way. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship To Christian Faith Could You Just Listen? by Mr. Lee It is a well known fact that the twelve step program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous has become the model for many other popular lay-managed programs of treatment targeted at people with addictions, compulsions, or dependencies. Including nicotine abuse, narcotics and cocaine abuse, compulsive eating and gambling. Alcoholics Anonymous estimates their are now more than-87,000 A.A. groups in 136 countries world-wide, representing 1.8 million members. Including memberships in other twelve step programs, millions of individuals around the world attend twelve-step meetings each week. Alcoholics Anonymous began on June 10,1935, co-founded by William Griffith Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith(Dr. Bob). Wilson conceived the idea of Alcoholics Anonymous while he was hospitalized for excessive drinking in December, 1934. During his hospital stay Wilson had a spiritual experience that removed his desire to drink. In the following months, he tried to persuade other alcoholics to stop drinking just as he had. Wilson found his first "convert" in Smith, who was willing to follow Wilson's method to find freedom from alcoholism. Four years later, Wilson and Smith published the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, which contains the Twelve Steps and a sp iritually based program of recovery from alcoholism. The Oxford Group · Various sources influenced the formation of AA's program, as developed and recorded by Wilson. Of these, the British-born Oxford Group movement and it's American leader, Episcopal clergyman Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr., contributed most significantly to the Christian basis of Alcoholics Anonymou s. Both Wilson and Smith attended Oxford Group meetings and based much of the A.A. program on this framework. In the 1920's and l930's, the Oxford Group movement became a revolutionary to anti-religiou s reaction following World War I. Aiming to rekindle living faith in a church gone stale with institutionalism, the Oxford Group declared itself an "organism" rather than an organization. Group members met in homes and hotels, mingling religion with meals. Despite its freedom from institutional ties, the movement was distinctly ecclesiastical and looked to the church as its authority. Dr. Frank N.D. Buchman, a Lutheran pastor, is most often cited as leader of the Oxford movement. Yet, if one were to ask an Oxford Group follower, "Who is your leader?" the reply might well be, "the Holy Spirit" So confidently did the group believe inn the guidance of the Spirit that it had no organized board of officers, but relied instead on "God control" through men and women who had fully "surrendered" to God's will. The Oxford Groups teach.~ngs rested on the following six basic assumption.s: Human beings are sinners. Human beings can be changed. Confession is a prerequisite to change. the changed soul has direct access to God. The age of miracles has returned. those who have been changed are to change others. Ernest Kurtz, in his history of A.A. entitled Not-God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous listed the following characteristics of the Oxford Group that were adapted to meet the specific needs of the A.A. program: informal home-like settings for meetings, intended to highlight the pleasures of spiritual fellowship; an expectation that members would remain in their own churches, turning to A.A. not for theological interpretations, but for support in living a moral life; a focus o'n gradually realizing a "changed life" by passing through "stages," a concept that presented sobriety as something positive rather than merely the absence of alcohol or drunkenness; the policy that AA's workers, . especially the founders, sh<?uld never be paid; an emphasis on helping others in order to change one's own life. In addition, Wilson incorporate into A.A. 's philosophy the Oxford Group's five procedures, which were: Giving to God. Listening to God's directions. Checking guidance. Restitution. Sharing, both confession and witness. The Evolution of the Twelve Steps While trying to attract more followers to sobriety from 1935­ 1937, smith and Wilson attended Oxford Group meetings in New York led by Samuel Moor Shoemaker, Jr. "It was from Sam Shoemaker that we absorbed most of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, steps that express the heart of A.A. way of life," Wilson later recalled. "The early A.A. got its ideas ofself­ examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Group and directly from Sam Shoemaker, their former leader in America, and from nowhere else." In his 1937 book, Alcoholics Anonymous, Wilson set forth six steps of aspiritual recovery program, based on what he and other A.A. members agreed they had learned from Sam Shoemaker and the Oxford Group. The six steps were: 1. We admitted that we were licked, that we were powerless over alcohol. 2. We made an inventory of our defects or sins. 3. We confessed or shared our shortcomings with another person in confidence. 4. We made restitution to all those we had harmed by our drinking. See 12 Steps, continued page 17 When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn 't feel that way, you are trampling on my feelings. When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, you have failed me, strange as that may seem. Listen! All I asked was that you listen, not talk to or do ­ just listen to me. Advice is cheap; 35 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same paper. I can do for myself; I'm not helpless­ maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy. But when you accept as a simple fact that 1 do· feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about this business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling. When that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don't need advice. Irrational feeli~gs make more sense when we understand what's behind them. Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people-because God is mute, an He doesn't give advice or try to fix things. "They" just listen and let you work it out for yourself. So please listen and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your tum ­ and I'll listen to you. Author Anonymous buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Martina ~r Agnes Maclc at (513) 784-0800 Streetvibes Timeline May 1998 National Coalition for the Homeless June 1998 City of Cincinnati's panhandling ordinance ruled an launches the National Civil Rights Organizing Project to document human unconstitutional limitation of free speech; Jimmy Heath becomes rights abuses of homeless people. Streetvibes editor in addition to bis other duties with the GCCH. · �ST R EE T V IB ES J UNE 2001 I Was About to Be Put to Death By Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Editor 's Note: This testimony first appeared in the October 1997 edition of Streetvibes. Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. still awaits his execution by the state of Ohio on death row. On Sunday March 13, 1994 at 12:53 P.M. exactly thirty-five hours and twenty six minutes before my scheduled state sanctioned murder the "death Row escort" arrived at my cell. "It's time Byrd Dog," one said. "Strip," said another. A number of men stood in front of my cell, nervousJy watching as I shed my clothing, perhaps for the for the last strip search of my life. After going through the usual routine of Lift ' um and spread ' um I got dressed, backed up to the cell door and was handcuffed. While this was going on, an eerie silence had settled over the entire block. There was none of the usual boisterous laughter, loud radio or TV p laying . There was nothing but complete silence. As I backed out of my cell and started the on the long walk , the b lock erupted into a cacophonous uproar. "Stay Strong!" "Good Luck" the voices yelled out. As I bid them fareweli, I vowed, "I'll represent us all well , and no matter what happens, stay strong," meaning that I would not grovel and whine as some involve d in thi s process would like to see. As I walked down the long main corridor and passed each cellblock, there were loud voices raised in solidarity and encouragement. The shouts from the eel lblock caused my escorts and the numerous guards that lined the corridor to become alarmed with fea r and terror of the last riot fresh in their memories. Jn an effort to make me speed up my leisurely pace as I met each and every eye along Lhe away, they started walking faster. I maintained my stride, and soon they slowed down, resigned to my pace I had set Upon arriv ing at the J-1 supermax, I was once again stripped and searc he d and my regular deathrow cloth ing was exchanged for death house clothing. PENPAL WANTED Kaman Wa Ngengi Hill #568787 P.O. Box 16 Lovelady, TX 75851 " Odd," I thought to myself. with drugs to make me "What differenee does one's clothes less re sis tant and have on the fact of one's impending responsive. This refusal death?" was not based on some The atmosphere of the death unreasonable paranoia house was smothering, suffocating but thro ugh years of as if there was no oxygen. Everyone incarceration. I know moved as if in slow motion. Their first hand j ust how devious prison every move seemed to be thoroughly officials can be, and I wasn' t about learned robot-like professionalism. to take chances. Now for the first time in over thirty The whirlwind of ac tivity years, they, the elite death squad, had continued around me, and as night been called upon to commit murder approached, there was no thought of in the name of the state of Ohio. In sleep in my mind. Throughout the some of their eyes I saw fear concern night, I was on the phone talking to and revulsion. In others, I saw people that I hadn't heard from in sadistic glee. Looking at each one years. Everyone expressed their of them in the eye with a steady support, love, concern and pledged unblinking eye, I sized them up their assistance. individually. Monday morning, March 14, issue a ruling at approximately 3 p.m., nine hours before my scheduled execution! He made this ruling with full knowledge that it was legally wrong, but in keeping with his own personal feeling about the length of time my appeal was taking. He stated on one occasion, ''There comes a time when all of this must come to an end"; now he had appointed the supreme litigator and unsurpassed the power of the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as-that of his own district court. Had it not been /Jeing on death row, in and of itself, is a form of for the tireless efforts of my attorney fought gallantly, he may have death. The environment sucks the life out. The who very well succeeded. Through their passing of single day at times can be but the blink efforts an emergency panel of the Circuit Court convened and ofan eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Sixth issued a stay of execution at 6:30 Then theres drudgery, the soul wrenching p.m. to be outdone, Ohio monotony of staring at the same steel, concrete goveNot rnor Geor.ge V. Voinovich and people, ad nauseam. pe rso nally contacted his friend, Attorney General Lee Fisher, and Soon after entering the death cell was indeed a blue Monday for us all. went directly to the U.S. Supreme proper, my attorney arrived to.inform We learned of the apparent Court and asked them to dissolve the me as to the current status of my unprecedented and mean spirited stay of execution so that my murder situation. We discussed this at great tactics being employed by the judge could take place as scheduled. This length, and I felt confident that assigned to my case, the "honorable" move was purely political. Both everything possible was in fact being Carl Rubin. It see ms th at even men have political aspirations, and done to halt the in sidious plot to though he had my writ of habeas with elections coming this year, they murder me th at bad been set in corpus and motion for a stay of knew how profitable jumping on the motion by Ohio. execution before him since March "kill them quick" bandwagon would After enjoying the time I spent . 7, he decided to wa it until th e be. After the U.S. Supreme in it's with my lawyer, I immediate ly eleventh hour before making any contacted my woman and then other ruling, knowing fu ll well that the entirety had been convened, they fami ly members on the phone, which situation was critical and that time declined to lift the stay of execution had been provided. I attempted at was of the essence. at approximately l l :30 p.m. best I could assuage their worries An example of the insidious plot Monday. Everyone breathed a deep and fears. With each one, I tried to he'd hatched in his muddled mind sigh of relief, including I might add, explain the situation, based on my began when he instructed two of my the con-ections officer that had been knowledge and information attorneys to meet in his chambers at there the entire ordeal. Around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, provided by my lawyer; This was noon. At the conclusion of the very difficult. given the fact that they meeting, he informed my attorneys I was again escorted by guards. This were a ll aware of the appeals that he would deny my motion for a lime, however, I was goi ng back to process. They all knew this latest stay of execution and that he wou ld See Death , continued page ·18 attempt by che state of Ohio to murder me was simpl y a political move and not based on the law. I had to agree, but nonetheless, I still wanted to calm their fears give contains news about the justice system and the them strength and assure the m all writings of persons incarcerated that everyth ing was under control in our nation's jails and prisons. and that my lawyers were on top of every move the state was trying to Subscribers withinthe walls receive Streetvibes free. make. If you would like to support us in this effort, please At times, there were periods that sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. seemed to stand still. Then suddenly, Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com everything would speed up. I was mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street offered food , but I refused to eat, Cincinnati, Ohio 4521 O feari ng it may have been doctored Prisoners News August 1998 National shortage of affordable housing documented; locally, income housing advocates, Lincoln Court adopts Hope VT federal housing 48% of Cinci nnati's low income renters spend more than half of ·their income on housing. program; Streetvibes debuts Prisoners' News section. Streetvibes TimeJine July 1998 Despite concerns expressed by low­ �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 9 The Jus~ice f~r W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc We the family and fr~ends of William Jonathan Mayo erlcourage to you to lend an ear and: perhaps even your hearts to this tragic yet true account of an attempt to destroy this young, aspiring man's life. William Jonathan Mayo is a native Cincinnatian. He attended Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, graduating in 1984. Very determined to make his life bet!;er, he decided to further his education a nd atte nd ed Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After receiving an Academic, Military Scholarship, he transferred to the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. He worked to put himself through college as a plain-clothed store detective and as a cover model for magazines in. Detroit and Chicago. William appeared as a cover model on the April/May issue of Applause Magazine; a local magazine in Cincinnati, Ohio for "Cincinnnati's Black Lifestyle". He also appeared inDetroit'sHotBlackMenCalendar as Mr. July 1990. While at Morehouse, William had several dreams. The most important to him was being part of the Mentoring Program. This was a program designed by college students to help less fortunate children and teens get into college and improve their lives. In 1990, while living in Chicago, William met two underprivileged teenage young men . It was William's belief at heart that he could help make a difference in their lives by becoming their mentor. In November 1991 , Wi 11 iam drove· the two young men from Chicago to Atlanta for the Morehouse College Homecoming Weekend. ItwasWilliam's hopethat the visit would demonstrate to the . young men what college life was like and to encourage them to s.e ek a better life than what they were living in Chicago. They arrived in Atlanta · on November 3, 1991, making several stops on campus and around the city. That evening, around 7: 15­ 7: 30, William made a stop that would forever change his life. William stopped to retrieve some clothing and personal items from an associate who had stored them for him until he could return from Chicago and pick them up. The two young men accompanying William remain~d in the car while William picked up his belongings. During the time William was at his associate's house these young men committed a despicable crime. They burglarized and robbed a home that was two doors away from the house where William was. They terrorized a bi-racial couple for what had to seem like hours to the m, but in actuality it was about I0-20 minutes. They stole small items from the couple and tied them up with a telephone cord. They were able to come back to the car just before William returned with his belongings. William drove away witboutanyknowledgethatacrime had taken place. Policemen with theirgunsdrawnpulledoverthecar upon entry into the interstate. William and t~e two young men werearrested,takenintocustodyand charged with burglary, armed robbery and aggravated assault. SPECIAL NOTE: It was at this point that the police told the victims they and ministers attesting to his good character. Tliere was not a death as a result of th~,crime nor any serious injuries. William had no previous police record or prior contact with authorities. The type of sentence William received is clearly outrageous. This type of sentence was not meant to punish but to destroy William's life! New counsel was hired and appeals were filed. In September 1993, in a hearing for an extraordinary motion for a new trail, thetwoyoungrnencameforwardof their own accord a nd admitted "William had nothing to do with the cri me,norwasheawareofwbatthey had done until their arrest. William Mayo is innocent!" Much to everyone's surprise in the courtroom, the same judge in Cobb If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conviction would have peen overturned, and today William would be afree man. had arrested three black men and found their property in the car; thus convincing the victims that all three men were involved, instead of only two. William was granted bond which enabled him to return home to Cincinnati to await his triaf date. William was never placed in a line­ up or identified prior to trial by the victims. Evenafterthevictimswere shown William's arrest photograph, just hours after the crime had occurred, they could not identify him. On April 3, 1992, after a week long trial, and being represented by a state appointed attorney, William Jonathan Mayo was found guilty on five cou nts: ONE BURGLARY CHARGE, TWO ARMED ROBBERY CHARGES and TWO AGGRAVATED , ASSULT CHARGES. Earlier in the trial the two )'Oung men pled guilty for a lesser sentence and testified as state witnesses against William Mayo. Both received a twenty year sentence · after implicating William Mayo as part of the crime. William J. Mayo was sentenced to two life sentences for armed robbery, two twenty year sentences for the aggravated assault charges, and twenty years probation for the burglary charge: all to run conc urre ntly with each other. William maintained his innocence and does so today. During William's trial letters were submitted from college administrators, employers County, Georgia who had previously sentenced William denied his motion for a new trial. If William had been granted a new trial based on the testimony of the two young men- who had committed the crime, he would have been relieved of the charges, his conv ic tion would have been overturned, and today William would be a free man. In D ecember 1995 , a State Habeas Corpus Evidentiary Hearing was conducted and several witnesses testified again. The two young men testified again under oath in court for a second time. They swore that they lied about William's involvement in thecrimethattheycommitted. They made a public apology to William a nd his family for the pain and suffering they had caused. In spite of all the evidence clearing William's name.the judge refused to release William or even grant him a new trial. William is now 35 years old and has been incarcerated in maximum security prisons in Georgia for over nine years. He as been in ten different prisons and is currently in Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia. He as waited patiently for justice to prevail; however, the Georgia courts have tried to hide the facts in this case. It is revealed that four of William's prior attorneys rendered ineffective representation by their own admission. At leasttwo ofattorneys admitted openly in court that they put Mayos issues on the back burner (which is documented on transcript). William, his family, and friends have finally obtained counsel and private investigators who realize the injustices William has suffered and they are presently working very hard to ?verturn his conviction. An appeal was made to the Federal Court, U.S. Northern District of Alabama, in 1998. On July21, 1999theMagistrate Judge gave his report and recommendation to ~eny WiUiam's Habeas CJrpus action. On August 9, 1999, the appeal went before the Federal Judge for final review and disposition. The _Federal Judge denied th e FederalHabeasCorpus inMay2000, and would not grant aq application for Certificate of Appealability. William , though his attorneys, appealed to the 11th Circuit Court for a Certificate of Appealability, which refused to hear the case. We have submitted documentation thatoneofthestate's key witnesses (William's would be alibi witness) not only testified falsely, but also under a false name which the prosecutor knew or should have known at that time. In fact, these state witnesses had outstanding warrants i'n Cobb County, and perhaps elsewhere~ Georgia; under hi.s real name and the alias name under which he testified. Through the dili gent work of a private investigator we obtained proof (fingerprints in both alias and birth name of this state's key witness.) These warrants were issued in Cobb County, the same co unty where Mayo's trial was held. The warrant · was dead docketed. We have now received a written affidavit from one of the teenage young me n who co mmitted the -crime th at the g un used in the robbery belonged to him and to get it out of his possession. He put it under the driver's seat once the police stopped the car. During trial the Stat~ used the gun as evidence against Mayo even though the gun was not processed for fingerprints or linked to him in any way. We also discovered that another s tate's witness, the second accomplice who committed the crime, co-defendant Dale Santee Thomas, who is serving twenty years as a g uilty pl ea, is actu~lly incarcerated under a false name. His real nam~is Odell Santee Thornton. . A John Marsha ll Hig h School (Chicago) student record verifies this fact. He further states in .his affidavit that the Prosecutor and See Mayo , continued page 18 Streetvibes Timeline November 1998 The third annual Standdown December 1998 Advocates have a candlelight procession from the Dt:o occurs; organized by the GCCH and the Veterans Administration, the Inn Center to Washington Park to commemorate homeless people ·wh two day event provides opportunities for homeless people to get medical died in 1998. �STREETVIBES. JUNE 2001 Page 10 Alternative Media Jimmie Gipson is typical Empire of many of the Streetvibes There are nearly 50 street vendors. He's clean cut, well newspaper~ published in the spoke n, and challenges the US , written or sold by stereotype many people may ~~r:JWil homeless a nd form e rly have of a homeless person. He homeless people . Some of is a man who has been down the papers vary widely in on his luck and has struggled c ontent, philo soph y and to find his way. But Gipson format. And they come in all finds enjoyment in his work as sizes from simple two page a Streetvibes vendor. He plies newsletters reproduced on a the side walks of downtown photocopier all the way up to Cincinnati looking for a good mainstream, stylish full color pl ace to sell hi s stack of magazines with runs of over Streetvibes papers. A good 100,000 per month. The spot for selling has to meet Streetwise ne ws pape r in several criteria; it need s to Chicago is one of those high­ have a ste ady stream of l -_ _..;:,,,o:_...a end street papers. It has slick passersby (lunchtime hours are best) and the folk walking Jimmie Gipson begins his attempts to selJ Stree1vib~ newspa,per. Jile .s earcbes for just full color pri nting , major · adverti sers, · ce lebrity by need to be somewhat the ri_ght spot to find potential cus.tcmiers. interviews and a full -time sympathetic . "I like the professional staff. There are challen g e of getting . th e ov er 200 homeless· and atten tion of people who are formerly homeless vendo rs tryi ng to ig no re m e-, " say s hawkin g the Streetwise Gipson. " Once I get them to newspaper at any given time. listen to me, and I show them One thing all of these papers what I have, they will almost ha ve in co mmo n is th a t always buy a paper." Gipson homeless vendors not unlike has al so d evelo pe d Jimmie Gipso n Cincinnati's rel ationships, no t o nly with sell them and keep the profits. customers on the street, but They write the stories and are business ow ners. "I have a ---""­ invol ved in the e ditoria l couple of businesses that will process. There are many let me sell on their property," ways to measure success in Gipson says. "As long as I ask th e. street n ~ w s pap e r and I don 't create a nuisance, business. Streetvibes, and the people will let me sell the paper street paper movement, has at their bus iness." When become the alternative voice Gipson g oes out with hi s for people whose voice has Srreetvibes, he makes good gone unheard for so long. money. Sometimes $10 to $20 When the mainstream media dollars an hour. He says he has Creating a relationship with customers is key to good saless. Here. Tnnmie takes .a fail s, the street news paper sold over 600 of the papers in moment to chat with someone who may eventually buy the paper on a regu.tat basis. succeeds. Street newspapers just over a month. A lot of tell it like it is without the people just give him money, or c onfine s of adv e rti ser let him keep the change. But politics. That is one of the Gipson states that most people real successes of street papers don ' t c arry c ash a ny more; like Streetvibes. Homeless everyone is using credit cards people can especially speak for everythin g so there isn' t their mind where before, they' cash for buying papers from the would be i g nored b y the street comer vendor. Jimmie main stre am media . Gipson says that some of the Advocates for the poor also vendors have disputes o ver find a voice in the street paper territories and street corners, move me nt and use tbe but it doesn 't bother hi111 - there ne twork e xte nsive ly for are ple nty of good spots for getting the word out about sellin g Streetv ibes in local community and national Cincinnati. "Can I interest you issues. in a Streetvibes newspaper to help the home less ?" say s Legal Alternative . Gipson to a bu s ines sman walking by his post at 5th and For many cities, including Vine Street. Cincinnati, the street Jimmie g ets the tecl:m:igue ready: di~lay ithe ip~er prominently,, make:sm.e to & splay newspaper movement grew hi:s badge, ask politetily jf passer.b y woulcll like to read ;abnm homelessness. out of the need for creating . . Streetvibes Timeline February 1999 Laurel Homes joins Lincoln May 1999 GCCH forms Speaker's Bureau: homeless people share their Court as a Hope VI project; redesign plans indicate a less of 1300 units of stories with groups throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. low income housing. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 11 an a lternati ve to panhandl in g. reach their personal goals," says staff bas worked with vendors to their needs," says Beck. "Our goal Although the First Amendment right Alicia Beck, Director of the Greater help thein meet their goals. "We. are is to develop vendor suppo1t groups to free speech protects people who . Cincinnati Coaliti o n for the in the process of hiring a full-time that will identify issues for th e are peacefully e ngaged rn Homeless. Traditionally,.the GCCH staff person to help the vendors with vend o rs, provide e du cational panhandling, th e City of ,_ ,,..._.,...,,....,,,,..,....,,_..,,....,. opportunities a nd h·e alth Cincinnati took measures to services. We will be able to strengthen a 1992 aggressive help vendors with referrals panhandling law. Jimmie for housing and other types Gipson says that he used to of assistance." The be a panhandler himself. Streetvibes newspaper is an "Some of those guys make empowerment program for good money," says Gipson, homeless fo lk who are pointing to a nearby looking for a way to get their panhandler. While homeless lives back. "I really enjoy advocates and the ACLU selling Streetvibes," says were disputing the anti­ Jimmie Gipson. "It makes pa nh a ndling- iss ue in the me feel good, like I'm doing something that matters." courts, the idea for a street newspaper for Cincinnati was developed as an alternative. The Challenge For several month s The most difficult Cincinnati 's Streetvibes aspect for Streetvibes was a one~page supplement to vendors is consiste ncy. the Homeless Grapevine, a Many of them Live on the Cleveland, Ohio street Dealing with rejc.ction is one of the most difficult aspects of Streervibes sales. Jimmie streets because they suffer newspape r. Using encoanrers many people like these who are not intereste<t in buying the paper. from c irc um stances that Cleveland's Grapevine prevent them from following newspap er as a model, a regular schedule. Lack of Streetvibes published its first hou sing affects many full issue in February of 1997. different areas of somone's In the spring of 1998 the life: no place to store their proposed anti -panhandling things, nowhere to take a was rul ed o rdinance shower, few safe places to unconstitutional by the US rest. Selling Streetvibes is a Dis trict Court, the reby gr ea t alternative for lega lizi ng peaceful homeless people because pa nhandling. These days, they make their own hours. Jimmie Gipson competes for The best vendors come as a share of the street with close to consistent sales as panhandlers, but he doesn't they can; they sell in the mind. Selling Streetvibes same general area to repeat gives Jimmy Gibson a sense c ustomers m onth after of worth and value. month . · Jimmi e Gipson hopes to use the money he The New Success earns from Streetvibes to B eca use of th e improve his situation: "Ilike panhandling legal dispute, this job. My dream is to making profits as a business Ah. ~weet success: Jimmie finds a customer who wantc; lo buy a Streetvibes. He gladly make enough money to get was . not the impetu s for supplies the paper to his customer and hopes that he looks for him in the future. a place of my own. In the publishing Streetvibes. The meantime, though, I'll just paper was also developed as keep meeting people a nd a prog ram to help people letting them know about life getbackontbeirfeet. In the o n the s treets." Jimmie publishing office of The continues, "I want to thank Greater Ci nc inn ati the people for encouraging and inspiring me by wanting Coalition for the Homeless, vendors gather to socialize, to help and fee ling that they drink coffee, and discuss the are doing their part. I keep j ss ues of the day. The tellingthemthattheirsupport vendors purc hase the ir is very necessary for papers and head out to the improvement of the homeless streets. There are countless problem. " success stories surro unding Editor's Note: the history of the Streetvibes Special thanks to vendor newspaper. Many vendors J immie Gipson, whose have sold the paper for years generous donation ofhis time ·and have come to rely on it made this article possible. To · for their livelihood. Others Learn more about vendors or use the program to find a way for more information, contact out of a temporary situation . . . . . . the Greater Cincinnati «nr k .th J1mmte rejoices after his sale - :another opportunity to educate people about homelessness C z· . fi h H · l d an move on. vve wor w1 h. . tf tb . . Thank S ib 1 · . oa mon or t e ome ess at the vendors to help them and help unse at esame tm1e. . you treetv es. (513) 421-7803. Streetvibes Time.lineSeptember 1999 Demolition Of Laurel Holmes November 1999 Stop' the Clook campajgn to fight Ohio's welfare cu begins; Tom Billman becomes:editor. Tomis tire first 0068 staffmember begins. Protestors demand that Ohio adopt the federal option of cutoff: to work exclusively on Streetvibes. after five years instead of Ohio's current three years. �Page 12 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 NASNA Congratulations On behalf of both the North American Street Newspaper Association and th e National Coalition for the Homeless, I am writing to congratulate Streetvibes on its 51h Anniversary. As someone who has been involved for some time in both the homeless advocacy and street newspaper movements, I can state unequivocally that Streetvibes does an outstanding job in educating the overall community about homeless/ poverty issues. I never mi ss reading an ' issue of Streetvibes. . Streetvibes also provides an aveJl ue for the creati ve literary talents of h omeless/ formerly homeless people. It also provides meaningful employment opportunities to homeless people who sell the paper in the Tri-State area. Streetvibes is one of the top ten street newspapers in the U.S. and Canada. We wish you the best during the next five years. Sincerely, ~~ Michael Stoops Executive Committee Member • North American Street Newspaper Association National Coalition for the Homeless TAX COT FEVER "Don't stov now ...! can still move mv arms." Dreaming About the End of Homelessness by Dan Marschner the future, dreams of a perspective of the homeless and This issue has celebrated the bittersweet past of Streetvibes and the issues it considers. Major points in the past five years include highlights such as the opening of buddy 's place and the creation of the National Civil Rights Organizing Project, and lowlights such as the demolition of Laurel Homes and the loss of the One Way Vine campaign. In looking toward Wish List Streetpibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. Some of the more pertinent needs of the GCCH include: o Advertisers -Classified and unclassified o Supplies for vendor's lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies o Photography Help ­ film (400, 800, 1600), developing help, digital and/or film camera(s). o Computers/components for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you can heJp!, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421-7803, fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes better community that supports all people, regardless of their financial resources. Streetvibes hopes to incorporate some new aspects in the next few years. The mos t significant advancement will be the hiring of a Vendor Support person. This position will help Streetvibes become a better job training program. This. Streetvibes staff member will help vendors transition from selling the paper into other work. The Vendor Support person will also assist vendors with finding drug and alcohol treatment when necessary as well as aiding their financial management. A Writer's Group for Streetvibes vendors wiU materialize soon. These vendors will have the opportunity to hone their writing skills in the hopes of raising the quality of written submissions to the paper as well as training future reporters for Streetvibes. Streetvibes distribution will also increase in the next five years. Customers will seek out vendors because they are interes ted in hearing about the perspective of homeless people. Monthly sales will rise to a level high enough to sustain a biweekly publication. Streetyibes will become an authority in local news. Civic leaders will respect Streetvibes for its honesty and ability to tell the impoverished in Greater Cincinnati. Contributors to the paper will have readers who cannot wait to hear their opinion on the next topic in question. Streetvibes will continue to emphasize the many facets of homelessness. Prisoners' News, Recovery News, Mental Health News, and Welfare News will be sections full of information vital to the survival of homeless and impoverished people. Advertisers will recognize Streetvibes readers as an important audience to target. Advertising revenues will never corrupt the independence of the opinions of Streetvibes contributors. These revenues will become large enough to allow Streetvibes to be a self­ s u pporting publication with minimal reliance on grants. Streetvibes will be at the forefront' in the movement to guarantee affordable housing to all people in Greater Cincinnati. The paper will continue to be the conscience of Greater Cincinnati, demanding that the rights of homeless and impoverished people be respected. Ultimately, Streetvibes will become obsolete because its existence will no longer be necessary: the voice of homeless and impoverished people will be respected and incorporated into all aspects of the civic life of Greater Cincinnati. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Streetvibes Timeline January 2000 GCCH becom~s a regio~~ civil rights site for the National Civil Rights Organizing Project. ,, February 2000 Artists for the Drop Inn Center have a concert in supgort of the shelter's efforts to oppose retocation as part of the Kunzel SCPA plan. �EDITORIAL SECTION STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 P age 13 The Fix Was In System Fails All Citizens by David Mitchell By Dana E. Terrell On April 7 1h, in the early morning hours, young Timothy Thomas died as a result of a gunshot from Officer Stephen Roach. Unless you have been in a cave for the last couple of months, this is not news to you, but those events inspired me to look at the way things are done by our police department and what I found is upsettin g . I contacted the Cincinnati Police Department and spoke to one of the Public Outreach agents named Fran. What she told me along with the Youth Services agents, Nancy and Officer Greg Meadows, shows a repeated level of erroneous thoughts and practices instituted by the entire department. As of April 15'h, when the department last updated the statistics, there were 147 officers stationed at district 1 and 138 officers at district 4. There are no official statistics on how many officers actually live in the district where they ar~ stationed, however the unofficial g uesses b y the officers I spoke with put the figure at only 5% to 10%. At this point let me identify the areas each of these districts serve. District 1 Riverfront Cincinna6 Business District Queens gate Wes tend Ovel" The Rhine Mt. Adams Pend leton ~ District 4 Mt. Auburn Corryvme Avondale North '.Avondale Paddock Hills ~ Hartwell Carthiage Roselawn Bond Hill Walnut Hills These areas make up a vast majority of the black communities in the city, yet there is very little representation in these districts of officers that either currently live in or grew up in these communities. Had Stephen Roach grew up in or lived in the area he was supposed to serve and protect, he would have had a better chance to know that Mr. Thomas was not known for carrying weapons. Was this the only error made by the police? NOT HARDLY! Dispatch failed to broadcast all of the facts when it alerted the patrol units that Mr. Thomas was running. The dispatch fai led to announce that the warrants he was wanted on were mi sde meanor traffic violations. They also failed to g ive a complete description, including that the pants Mr. Thomas was wearing were loose fitting and that he had to hold them up while he ran. Did their actions contribute to the shooting? This reporter says ABSOLUTELY! Does the training of the police need to be reworked? Lets look at the statistics for one unit of our police force for the an s wer. Cincinnati's S.W.A.T. team ranks as IMin the nation for resolving all the encounters without firing a single shot. At the same time as the S.W.A.T. has such a perfect record, the regular police have 15 kills of bla~k males, a couple of which involve such overkill as firing 26 rounds .into the alleged offender. This reporter finds these statistics abhorrent. I am not one to say that anyone is a saint; but whe n do traffic violatio ns, whi ch Mr. Thomas could have taken care of in a more appropriate manner, warrant death at the hands of the police? l!ntil last year, the English cop, called a bobbie, didn't carry a gun at all, so why is it necessary for our police to carry 9 mm pistol s and 357 magnums? Is England a utopia? I TlllNKNOT! The police have only recently started a program in the districts called Explorers that are designed to let the youth of our communities learn what being a police officer is all about,. Yet I have not seen any information about this in the community I live in, Over The Rhine. How can the youth of our communities show an interest in something they are not aware even exists? Is it just me or are the people in charge c<;m~nµing to sqqw bias and prejudice with regards to . our neighborhood yquth? I may be wrong but if you reach out to the Jcids in their preteens, they are less likely to fall into the wrong crowds because they will know that ,there is a right crowd to be with. Lets start where the problem starts and not try to correct it after irs too late. That is my 2 cents worth . --.-. ­ -- ­ OF COURSE WE HAVE GOV'T FOR THE RICH. YOU DON'T EXPECT US TO WASTE GOV1T ON THE POOR, DO YOU? Streetvibes TimelioeMarch 2000 U.S. Census attempts to count omeless people in Greater Cincinnati; the census ends in failure as an xtremely small number are found. "The fix was in" - the words of an independent legal source. He realized as soon as a specia·l prosecutor was appointed to head up the grand jury case investigating the shooting of Timothy Thomas by policeman Steven Roach. The 11 members of the grand jury heard from 20 witnesses including Ms. Thomas; police on the scene; police who investigated the case; the coroner who performed the autopsy; civilians who witnessed part of the confrontation; and a firearms expert. However, the special prosecutor acted as a one man steering committee. The powers that be , understanding that the public may reject their decision in <iillowing Mike Allen to head up the grand jury because of his fatemal Order of Police membe rship, are the victors. We're stiU outraged. Mike Allen said himself that "they made the right decision." That is a bold face lie. There are very few states who even have Negligent Homicide on the books; Involuntary Manslaughter is the minimum in most states. This new prosecutor c hoose the least co mmon denominator that officer Roach could have possibly been charged with. Which mean s literall y an Innocent Homicide. The charge of obstruction of official po1ice business only means that officer Roach lied about the events that took place during the night of the s hooting . Me rl y n Shiverdecker, Mr. Roach 's attorney, said he's relieved his client will not face felony charges. Misdemeanors are still a serious all egation ; however, we're d isapointed there was an indictment for any criminal charge. This is our criminal Justice system for you. The corruption continues as the Justice department headed up by the attorney general of the United States of America, Mr. As hcroft, s poke of an investigation into police brutality. Yet, the same police officers who committed the shooting the day of the funeral who th ey were supposedly looking into are now back on duty - that proves their involv e d in a cover- up and a conspiracy. There were officers laughing at · t.he hos pital when Mary Ann Merideth was receiving stitches after being shot in Washington Park. They were bragging about confiscating cameras and videos which would · incriminate them. See Fix, continued page 17 April 2000 Bonnie Neumeier removed from the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center Board after continued opposition to the Kunzel SCPA plan. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 · Page 14 BLACK TEARS: POETRY OF ANTHONY WATKINS " Hell o," Young Ladies, I' ve written something just for you , I hear you' re confused, And destroying your minds, Why wou.ld you do that? After God has been so kind. He has blessed you so much That others dream and wish for, Young Ladies, you' re knocking At the wrong door! But, I'm sure Satan Will make room for one more! And if you don ' t fall to Satan, You're still playing with fire! Smoking blunts or getting high Turning into a habitual liar; You think you're smart, Keeping secrets from your parents And doing things behind their backs, I know many, " use to be," beautiful young ladies Started out just like that, Most of them end up with, "Daddy's unwanted baby"! Or walking the streets, spaced out, looking crazy! And some of you may slip through the cracks, Get a good job, and a husband, but; That "monkey" is still on your back, After that it won't be long before you lose your job, Husband, home, and your precious stones! Then that's when you ' ll begin to wonder, "Where did I go wrong?" I hope I'm on time, because, for some, it's over due, Check out your life right now, and if this is; Don't Let It Continue to be You! THOMAS N. PAYNE Now AVAILABLE FROM THE AUTHOR These are the tears of ancestors that cry out for me from their African tomb stone word saying this is fo r my people black tears stripe from identity meaning dignity of their roots thi s is black tears that speak the truth taking from the motherland across over to this dieting land to swallowed up like quick sand were poor people with mind of gold are upon like fool but GOD shout out you rule this for proud stallion black knight the blood of ancestor cry in one love saying survival is vital be not to shine in the form selfmade ta1ce you to your grave human idol soon this beast wm be at peace meaning deceased black tears. I don't know it happened ... many events Witnesses, years .. But more important-it h a~ ... As long as business lunches still happen in Glass condos looking out over The homeless and-hungry on the Cold street l 0 stories below I don't desire to be happy unless happiness Is a universal right As long as City Fathers can work 8 Hours a week for 35,000 and do Little to learn of the peoples How DID IT HAPPEN I don't care to be at peace when teenagers Of the third world must learn to Shoot anti-aircraft guns at American Invading planes . I don't intend to be calm, pleasant and Likable if the stink of injustice must be made I don ' t want to be at acceptable as long as Rape, racism/sexism multinational Profit, CJ.A. destabilization of Governments, joblessness, Homelessness is acceptable I don't think about being respectful Hunger exists in the land of plenty Poverty exists in this nation of wealth Uneducation and ill health run Rampant in this place of advanced Technology, toxic waste ravages this Once beautiful country I don' t plan to be non disruptive · of the "order" around us I don 't yet choose to be a carpenter, if Nuclear bombs production still steals The housing construction budget As long as Churches and Synagogues and Temples to reverent, rituals for Rights and speak in pious platitudes Of peace and take no angry action That stops American Business as Usual to end Homelessness, Imperialism I fully intend to dream of happiness-and Peace when I sleepfood, clothing, Shelter, medical care, education, Equality, green space and peace for All And meanwhile awake to live as Unacceptability, Non-calmly, Unpleasantly, Dislikable, Impatiently, Loudly, Disrespectfully, And disruptively, And as contagiously, Collectively as I am able, As Jong as is necessary TRYING TO FIND PEACE Peace is a pleasure without lines of fear, ­ In search for words to speak with thought, Crying whispers of profound tears While I search for my domain, I stand beside a stream of stress, My cup has run out of water, My pride and dignity has left BUDDY GRAY MORAL MAN I stand as a shadow, Roaming the earth, But I still have motivation, I'm stronger than a tree, I think I've passed judgment, This is not how its supposed to be I am not yet free I am less than nothing from dust moral man so GOD deliver me from the eye of heart of evil man, sat it apart like you did the red sea, lead me in foot print foot step of your son light. Moral man why does death come like a quiet storm; where the warmness of true heart Why is it weakness defilement in solve your earthly should everything be devoured is hard to life our heads and voices to the King. When we see not a soul lean disgusted with lust not exist of the trust the choice of the mother is you have to cut out to keep life hope in you. Moral man, hat off to our father for dealmg, molding, shaping our tool. Streetvibes Timeline May 2000 Streetvibes begins extensive coverage of opposition to globalization, examining the effects of free trade on homeless and impoverished people. I have captured myself, swiftly confiding my mind, Moving about in circles, Trying to move backward By persuading the hands of time I'm lost into the future, I must return back to myself, Would I ever have the opportunity To greet peace in the eyes, Or is this a feeling that only I felt. ANTHONY WATKINS CURTIS L. Fox June 2000 Alicia Beck becomes executive director of the GCCfl; Berta's Art Comer debuts; Streetvibes commemorates the six th year anniversary of the Milner Hotel demolition and the subsequent loss of 115 units of low income housing. ' .. �Page 15 ST R EETVIB ES JUNE 2001 MARTYR Floetry Comes To Cincinnati: He had an inner strength in his reserve One that couldn ' t be worn, chiseled, or curved A quiet man, some would say Yet to some a heart of a child at play He wandered from continent, to island, and then, home (where) Naught anywhere his feet did seldom roam A man of great vision, of dreams, was he Lo! The innermost part of him was Free! A poet, an artist, a writer, to date And nothing nor no one, he thought, Would decide his fate Verdant he appeared to the untrained eye (To others) versimilitude of character Of days gone by An Urgistio in his own mind, others perused with thought But like a contagion, in their mind; it caught! To beholden him, just once in time Would forever imprint a presence in mind · Of a restless nature, but with reign was held Freedom the Charioteer, and quest compelled His eyes beheld a peculiar gaze An enigma, a labyrinth, blind density, haze? Still in their depths, one could sense Tons of wisdom, Although ends were not spend An Inarbitrator Of some long lost time (or perhaps) When nobili ty was pinnacle, and honor sublime Uneasiness seemed felt, in the company of peers As if a mask of intrigue was behind their veneer And at times like these~ as'd find reftige in silence (For) It was here,, and here along, he was granted no defiance TH E WANDERER CREATION OF LOVE God of our salvation Chri st of hope Our restoration Of dyfunctional feeli ngs Peace and love are friends of joy Gathering fee U,ngs A motivational spirit All in one form together as one Peace and friendshi p are rnarried,to understanding of o.ne another's joy Poetry Moves Out of the Coffeehouse and Into the Jeep by Abiyah well as include interviews, global event listings, People' s Top Ten, and album release date The rise in popularity of spoken word poetry, information. F lo bo ni cs will also be poetry that is performed in a public venue and accompanied by Li ve, Floetry open rnic sessions held twice a month beginning July 11 , at The incorporates various elements of theatre, bas ferti lized the soil of the next plateau in this Pyramid in Manhattan. genre: Floetry. Floetry is defined - - - - - - - - -....... I hav e had the bl ess ing of working with N8tive Sun closely simply as rec itin g poetry over to help furth er the Floetry cause, music, whether that music consists of stuclio-produced beats or Ji ve as well as recording with him. musicians. Floetry transcends all Since poetry and spoken word is genres. of music, and may include largely regional in its flavor, it was impe rative to establish a hip-hop , rock, alternati ve, electronica, jazz, and experimental. Midwest Floetry presence. As the In a political and social context, N8tive Son Cincinnati-area representative for Floetry merges diverse cultural and musical the F loetry movement, I have backgrounds into a landscape in which words established two avenues of exposure for poets can comfortably reside. Floetry gives artists the who fuse their· words with music. The first is a radio show entitled "Flow Tectonics", which opportunity to inhale the breath of life and will be broadcast on WAIF 88.3 FM on Friday exhale voices rarely heard. To the audience, it mornings from 8 :00 a.m. until 9:00 a. m. provides a sensory experience not permitted by beginning June 1 and continuing throughout the the one-dimensional aspect of the page. Floe.try remainder of the summer schedule. The second is a work in progress and will expand and is via showcases featuring established floetry blossom as new floetry artists emerge and as arti sts , as well as p oets the music to which they perform accustomed to the a cappella evolves. open mic setting. For these poets, At the forefront of the Floetry music for the showcases will be movement is N8tive Sun, a Detroit prov ided from a pool of native now living in New York City, producers and/or live musicians, who conceived and produced the depending on the artists' needs critically-acclaimed spoken word/ and wants. hip-hop compilation, Eargasms: Please join N8tive Sun and I CrucialPoetics, Vol. l. N8tive Sun on Saturday, June 3Q~ 400 1.. a~ we has worked with some of today 's Abiyah co-host "Floetry 101 ", a hottest poets, including Jessica Care Moore, Saul Williams, Sarah Jones, and Rha showcase fea turing the reg ion 's top poets kicking it to music, at Top Cat's, located at 2820 Goddess. It is hi s contention that " moving poetry out of the coffeehouses and into the Jeep" Vine Street in Corryville. Doors will open at 1 will further exp and the creati.ve ave nues 9:00, and the show will begin promptly at 10:00 p.m. Arti sts sched uled to appear inclu available to poets and spoken word artists. He Abiyah, Cammy Awa rd winne rs IsWh . !, ha s estab lish ed an Intern et rad io show, Dawn from the 144,000, Jibri , Sister Tar ;,; r of "Flobonics", which will debut this summer, and will feature floetry and spoken word artists, as See Floetry, continued page 17 I R O N ALD LEROY ENGLI S H K INDNESS As I roamed the street, T'was late one summer night I came upon a bag lady She was standing in an alley. I saw that she was digging; Into a garbage dumpster Then pulling out trash bags; And tearing them apart. She was picking o~t the aluminum scraps, And tossing them, Into her grocery cart. She said; She was homeless. I gave the lady five dollars, And said; " I hope this will help you." Art at feel level - covering space with a peronshold cover DOUGLAS JAY LIAN Streetvibes Timeline July 2000 Laurel Holmes demolition suspended due to its historic designation as one of the first public housing projects in the U.S.; Cincinnati City Council lifts the designation shortly thereafter. treetvibes rintin reaches 8 000 co ies monthl . August 2000 Streetvibes gets full.color on the front page; ReSTOC rehab project on Vine Street comes under fire from Cincinnati City Council; Hart Realty, largest property owner in Over the Rhine, opts out ofSection 8 housin ; Streetvibes debuts Ve ie Vibes. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Page 16 Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many 1 ·I I by Mr. Lee Most people do not make the immediate connection to a Hotline. Warm vs. hot. Get it? The Warmline is a form of soc ial support and a compliment to a Hotline. Social isolation is a major issue and everyday reality to many in these times. Particularly, among the mentally ill community, or "consumers" as they prefer to be called. The phone is proving itself a lifeline for people with mental illness who are either too afraid or alone to connect with family or friend. A survey in New Hampshire showed that warm lines reduced the use of crisis teams by 60%. People in recovery from mental illness run warm lines. As such they hold a special appeal for callers who suffer from the same disease. Many people with mental illness refuse to calJ a crisis line because they are afraid they will again be committed or will be faci ng the police. A survey of previously hospital ized consumers by the Well Being Project in 1987 found that 4 7 % of the m refu sed to even contact a clinic due to the trauma of hospitalization. Cincinnati is fortunate to have a Warm lin e that has been in operation since July 1994. Joan Cluxton is the Warm Line Director. The Warm Line operates 24 hours a day, with two Peer Supporters (PS) as they are called during peak calling hours. Currently, for 12 hours each day there are two Peer Supporters on the line. Peer supporters go through a 5­ 6 week training program that involves education on mental health issues, medications, mental health services, dual diagnosis as well as a multitude of other topi cs. Probably the most important element in the training is role playing, where the peer supporters simulate calls covering various situations or call scenarios. This is where the peer supporter learns how to handle cailers. Some callers who prese nt some fairly pronounced sy mptoms of their mental illness. A fair number of con sumers call just to hav e someone to talk to. People will ac tu all y I is ten with o ut be ing judgmental. Many have serious real di le mmas. or pe rce ived Occasionally, callers are actuall y suicidal. Peer Supporters are taught how to assess and handle crisis but callers are encouraged to call the l~cal Hotline, 281-CARE. What do people call about? Everything. From real crises to just small talk. Often, they call because they are lonely and can ' t sleep. Many want to jus t vent their frustrations. Few call expecting solutions to their problems, they just want someone to listen and sound as if they care. Sometimes what the peer supporter hears is not what most would consider rational. But being a consumer, they know that if it appears to be real to the caller, then they have to listen without a tone or attitude of disbelief and disdain . Far too frequently the consumer gets that response from families, fri ends, frustrated spouses and children. It's not easy to deal with a disease that so many don't understand and that none can see. In the mental health system it i s near ifl?,possibl e for case managers, therapi sts and psychiatrists to give intensive attention to a client, with a caseload that is frequently too large. CuITent funding limitations challenge all service providers and practitioners to stretch the budget dollar, and man y clien ts receive only maintenance level services. No one is happy about thi s situation but reality forces all to deal with it as best they can. Frequently, a caller is encouraged to call back during the next four hour shift. Some develop phone friendships, as the PS becomes familiar with their issues and can keep an ongoing dialoquemn going. The caller gets comfortable with the PS. Sometimes the PS shares something from bis/her own experience that helps the caller. Frequently the caller gets relief, feels better and shares that with the PS before the call ends. Sometimes they followup with callers, and it helps them put what they ' re going through in perspective. In Cincinnati, Mental Health Consumer Network, Inc operates the Warm Line. The Consumer Network is a non-profit, tax exempt organization. Fred Zimmerman is the Executive Directo r of the Consumer Network. Funding is provided by tax dollars from the Mental Health Levy and a grant from Health Foundation. Anyone wanti ng to make a donation can send it to 2601 Melrose Avenue. Suite L05 , Cincinnati, Oh.io 45206. --~~~~~~~~...,-~-:-~~-;:-~~~ Black On Black Crime Mac, from page 5 forget you. Many of us are graced with poems that you wrote on be tomorrow 's front page of the by Aaron Pitchfold occasions of our birthdays or Cincinnati Enquirer, the rifles and County Sheriff Department who special anniversaries. We enjoyed Editors Note: Aaron is a singing and partying with you. And usually are turnkeys in the new longtime vendor and contributor thanks, too, for all the phone calls county jail system or delivering for Streetvibes. inmates to the other new jail made and visits you made to check in I was walking out of offices of about our health or our families' 1ike a dormitory. the Greater ,___......... Li ves. Most of all, Mac, thanks for The officers patrol Cinci nn at i • four years of friendship, personally the first fl oo r Coalitj on fo r th e and communally. You were always outside with a high Homeless, one of there for us. fe nce with many agencies basketball courts, located in the Over With love, Depu ty Sheriffs Rhin e the Bonnie Neumeier were ·out there Neighborhood. I fo r the Over the Rhine People's with guns. The watched a few Movement next day they had people walk to the poo l room. I a press conference and went out the followed them and neighborhood and returned in forty I went to work and minutes to the I laug hed in GCCH office. In Aaron Pitchford between time and that time factor, I saw about 10 Little Ne~spaper the rest of the city. So all the Bloods protesters in undershirts and shorts at the pool hall went out town on a with a few banners about the size of a piece of loose leaf paper. There fishing trip. were a couple of bike police and a So my personal opinion of this ne~spapers couple of police cars at first then is fifty/fifty. So I thought of how I road blocks on corners between the fought when I went to Columbus to gaps of police cars, trash cans, a subcommittee meeting to fout the broken glass and fl ying garbage OWF and TANF and I won. The cans on the street. Then the riot community received their money ~~~. squad that showed up which would for the neighborhood. .-~~----~~--:"':.'II Perspective , from page 3 Homeless, during my brief stay at Mt. Airy Homeless Shelter early in 1998. He had just written a front page article for this paper, e ntitl ed "H ypocracy Run s Rampant at all levels of Government" that broadcasted his frustration. This frustrat;ion was somehow assuaged, for Mr. Whitehead, who came from the streets of Cincinn ati, is now President of the board of the Nat ion a l Coa li tio n of the Homeless in Washington, DC. Just one example of what I'm stating to you the reader of this humble effort to get the "Truth" out, as is my duty to Allah to do. Streetvibes: A. proud member of the North A.meric,an '5treet A.ssoc,iation \4presentin9 ?o street throu9hout the United '5tates and ~anada speal'eas'f .or9/nasna Streetvibes Timeline September 2000 Ohio welfare cutoffs begin; Kunzel plan for relocation of the School for Creative and Performing Arts approved by Cincinnati Public Schools Board. October 2000 Black United Front protests·foreshadow racial unrest after Timothy Thomas shooting in April 2001; Streetvibes adopts magazine format. �P age 17 ST R E E TVI B ES J UNE 2001 Mayo , from page 9 Detect ives offered him several favorab le p lea bargain deals in excha nge for testimo ny against Mayo. Detectives told him to "stkk to his story a11d the name he had given for hi s best benefit." This co­ defendanl had a criminal record under his real name. The state of Georgia concealed his true identity as part of a plea bargain and in an effort to use him as a state witness against Willi am Mayo. Any of the above know ledge or information would have made it very difficult to deem their testimony credible. It seems that in spite of the truth that has been revealed, the State of Georgia has bidden the truth from the citizens and the Federal Courts, and will continue to if you don't help us ! Wi lliam 's family, friends and supporte rs have organized the Ju s tic e for William Mayo Campai gn. Most of the supporters are in Cincinnati, with some also in Fix, from page 13 Not to mention how the F.B.I. is trying to silence the Ohio Valley Inde pe ndent Me dia Center for so meone usi ng hi s freedom of speech to talk about his feel ings about Officer Roach. Cointelpro­ like activities are still go in g on today just under a differe nt name. In every city and every country where people are protesting the powers that be they are always met by s te rn oppos iti o n by the ir o ppressors. The corporate based medi a a re using di sinformation tactics while the police are using military tactics and the intelligence Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Oklahoma, New Orleans and Canada. We the W.J.M. Campaign need your prayers and s incere support. Wjlliam wants his tragedy to be heard all over the United States so that not one else has to suffer the injustice he has. We are seek in g s up po rte rs wherever they may be found. If you believe in justice you are the person we need. We need your true support! For more information, contact: Justice for W.J .M. Campaign I The W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc. Clo Kimberly A. Todd, Chairperson - Atlanta Region 1100 J Riverwood Lane Roswell, GA 30075 678-795-1 088 katoccasions@aol.com You can also make donations to the Justice for W.J.M. campaign by m ail to any 5/3 Bank locati on , account number 371-17843. community are using cove rt operations . Mea nwh ile the politi c i ans a re rec 1trng manipulating speeches. Charlie Luken's rude statements about Rev. Damon Lynch UI in the media are hi s a tte m P.t to s to newall and discredit him in publ ic. The only reason he is doing it is because of this city's g reed and becaus e Damon is considering running for mayor. During the protests if it wasn' t fo r him and his presence along with other ministers there is no telling how many more innocent people would have suffered. ...... ~~~~~~~------~~--~~~~~--~~---------- Floetry, from page 15 WAJF's Z ion Daughters with Roots Vibrations reggae program, Heru Lasana, Simply Red from Ohio Un iversity's P.U.R.E. poetry group, Logic, Street vibes' own D av id Mi tchell , Julene Yancey, Anthony Adverse Jones, Maisha, Cynic76 of the hip-hop group Drown, Troy L ambert, and S ha ti qu e M alik Shabazz. Admission is $7 for those J 8 and older, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tywon, the son of Timothy Thomas. Artists are encouraged to bring their CDs, tapes, and/or vinyl to the show to submit to Abiyah and N8tive Sun fo r the Fl ow Tectonics a nd Flobonics rad io shows , respectively. Graphic design for the showcase's promotional materials has bee n provided by Sleepi ng Giant Media in Brooklyn, NY. For more information, please e-mail Abiyah at flowtectonics@ yaboo.com 12 Steps, from page 7 5. We tried to help other a lcoholics, with no thought of reward in money or prestige. 6. We prayed to whatever God we thought there was fo r power to practice these precepts. In 1938, Wilson revised and expanded these six steps, making them _more e xp li ci t in order to e liminate any possible loopholes perceived by the rationali zing alcoholic. After review and fin e­ tuning by other A .A. members, Wilson's revisions resulted in the Twelve Steps as we know them today. In the process, a preface was added to emphasize that the steps were intended as suggestions only. Also, in what Wil son called "concessions to those of little or no faith ," God was described as a "power greater than o urselves" and "God as we understood him." As the early members of A.A. es tabli shed th e ir program's principl es, the y s low ly began moving away from the Oxford Group. In doing so, however, they we re no t impl y in g th a t th e teachings of Jesus Christ were not appropriate for helping alcoholics achi eve sob riet y. T hey were, instead, attempting to make t heir program "available" to the largest audience possible. In establishing the principles of A.A., Wilson borrowed material from man sources, including Christianity, and translate them into language easier for th e a lco holi c to a ccept. Consequently, A.A. members talk abou t spiritu ality, no t re lig io n; sobriety, not salvation; wrongdoi ng, not sin: admittin not confessi ncr Streetvibes TV is produced Live, the Second Tuesday of each month, 7 - 8 PM, at Media Bridges, 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to participate in making an episode of Streetvibes TV, please call us at 421-7803. June Schedule Re-Broadcast Dates for May's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. Friday, June 8, at 5 PM Saturday, June 16, at 9 PM Friday, June 22, at 5 PM Tuesday, June 26 at 9 PM 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 Streetvibes Timeline November 2000 Mt. Airy Shelter series begins; three month series on ]ife in a shelter written by former resi.dent. strength and hope, not resurrection; carrying the message, not sharing the faith. However, the absence of direct Christian references within AA does not take away the program 's Christian basis. Charles knippel, Phd., a noted scholar on Christianity's influence on A.A., has this to say about the Twelve Steps and Christianity: "In maki ng use of the twelve-step programs and in encouraging others to use them, the Cluistian will view the Steps within the Christian context and give the Steps Christian meaning. In addTessing himself to non­ Christian members of twelve step groups, the Christian will seek, by way of caring and sharing relationships, to bring such twelve step practiti.o ners to a Christian understanding of the Steps that will provide rich spiritual benefits and a more abundant experience of recovery." Shanty, from page 6 person can work just as hard or harder than my parents and I bu t see no gain. As I stomped my home into a pancake and loaded it in to my car (I never thought I woul d say th at !) I vowed that I would never again turn my head away from the ho meless, but lend a hand ... and my heart. If you are interested in having a Shan ty town at yo ur school, c hurc h , uni versi ty o r o th e r institution and wo uld like ad vice pl e ase call Todd Forman , Community Service Director at Ursuline Academy (51 3) 791-579 1 extension 11 6. Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. January 2001 Preliminary reports of Greater Cincinnati homeless stud released. �Page 18 STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Death, from page 8 ..; I • death row. Again the corridors were filled with loud cheers and good wishes, but it was when I arrived back on the "row" that I received the most thunderous ovation. Everyone had been following the events closely as they unfolded over the TV and radio, so the men were all aware that I was coming back. In the aftermath of Judge ·Carl Rubin's machinations with my case, he was removed from further involvement. This validates my suspicions that he was so overly prejudiced towards me, my case and deathrow prisoners and that he was losing judicial temperament. To him, the bench from which he supposed to make decisions based on law had instead became a soapbox upon which he had climbed to orate his personal convictions! For those that are chomping at the bit for my death and complain about the length of time it is taking for my appeal , it doesn" t matter whether I'm innocent or not. All they want is to have their blood Just sated. Nothing else matters, damn justice. "Give us the ·body!" they cry. Many people have written and View , from page 1 hope that things can change. I believe that most would agree that given the opportunity the individual has to act on the opportunity in a way which enhances the outcome. With this established the individual (street person) has to utilize the available resources that can carry them to where they would like to be. This means putting forth the effort and using all the resources to their fullest extent. One of the major reasons why this is often not carried out is because many of the street people have reluctance due to their inability to commumcate or that lack of educational exposure, which allows them to commu ni cate without feeling inadequate. Inadequacies run high amongst the street people. asked what it is like on death row, being sent to tbe death house and coming within 30 minutes of being murdered by tbe state. They ask why I refused to eat my last meal and why I chose tbe electric chair instead of the lethal injection. I will try and answer these questions based on my own experience, as I'm sure it differs from others who hav e been as fortunate as myself and who have walked out again. Sadly, this has not been case for many throughout this country. Being on death row, in and of itself, is a form of death. The environment sucks the life out. The passing of single day at times can be but the blink of an eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Then there's drudgery, the sou l wrenching monotony of staring at the same steel, co ncrete and people, ad nauseam. Being ta,k~n to the death house is, in a way, a relief. Finally one is afforded the opportunity confront one's killers who cowardly hide behind the mask of shamelessness, to look into their eyes, to smell their raw fear and to feel one's own strength being pitted against the ultimate sanction - death. As for the so called "last meal" and my refusal to eat it and other meals, as I ·s aid earlier, years of conditioned paranoia, coupled with the exigencies of events going on around me, made eating the farthest thing on my mind. I chose the electric chair because I refuse to give any credence to the state's attempt to contrive a rationale for its murders by offering lethal injection as a more humane form of murder. If they were going to kill me, I was intent on upon making it as g]Jastly as possible for all that bore witness to it. What went through my mind during those 36 hours were thoughts of my woman, of people that I care about and love and what my death would do to them. I was hoping for the best and expecting the worse. I devoted those 36 hours to the ones I love and care about. I had to keep my wits about myself.because Lsaw it was on me to give the ones 1 love and care about strength. I had to maintain courage in the face of adversity, so that the·burden on them would not become overbearing. Their love and support had sustained me all that time. Now it was my turn to show and give them strength. There is a Plague in this country that is being controlled and manipulated by politicians, judges, prosecutors, police, professionals, victims and victims' rights groups. Until society faces what is really g'oing on in this country and starts wanting real answers for what is going on in our streets, a number of innocent people are going to be put to death or placed in prison for the rest of their lives. Locking them up and killing them is not the answer. Who do you think is going to be on death row, in prisons and in jails? Open your eyes before it is too late. The future of this society is at stake until you people take off your bli:ldfolds and look at the real problems and not sweep them under the rug with a quick fix that has never worked. Crime is nothing new. The reflection I see is a holocaust against the poor and less fortunate. To all the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who are on death row and in jails and prisons throughout this country and who are struggling· to get through the day to put food on the table, stay strong and don't give up. Stop turning on each other and stand together against the oppressors. Raise your voice! These inadequacies often promote violence or avoidance of social programs, which could benefit the street person. However given some incentive, p ~ rhaps through encouragement, or some sort of guarantee ofjob placement, or other future security need, it will become easier for the street person to accept the help available. It is so important in my opinion that the general population gets an understanding of what causes the street person to remain in their situation. Many times it is something which can easily be overcome with just a little support or encouragement from someone who cares or at ]east has an attitude that they would like to help. In a social world there has to be awareness and concern for those who fall a bit short of the norm. This awareness can and should be the staging point for which individuals come forward to help with the plight of the most unfortunate in the society. I am not sure that emphasis can actually portray the importance of this idea, yet it has a reality that cannot be denied. No civilization can survive without the input of its citizens. This is a two way street, both the fortunate and the unfortunate have to participate in this process of change if it is to be realized. We as a people have to come to this conclusion in order start the process of change, or if we expect things to be different in the future. Again, I do not suggest that it is solely the responsibility of the community at large, without even saying it is the property of those who hold the deed to the street life who have to put forth the most effort. Still, there has to be the outside force (members of the general community), the support systems that allow those who are caught up in the street life a chance at getting out. Hope has to be a~compani ed by action if things are to change. Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan DISC .JOCKEY SEl~VlCE Cli.f.ford Jones (513) ·230-6353 (513) 761-3464 ' Office t ~"o\.ne ~-lnail: jonesac.V • w-w V oicemail . q,c-~· We· c:P °llr>.,ticxchange· Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 ~ F REE INITIAL CONSULTATION Are you a dedicated individual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibes! We need writers, photograpers, editors, webpage upda t o r s , any h elp you c a n provide. Call 421-7803 for more informatio n. Streetvibes Timeline February 2001 Greater Cincinnati. Continuum March 2001 Covington city government battles against proposed Lif( of Care asks homeless people provide feedback on services; Dan Leaming Center, multipurpose complex for homeless people. Marschner becomes editor. �STREETVIBES JUNE 2001 Study, from page L Calendar of Events The percentage of me n in the population has declined, and the Streetvibes h~s a monthly percentages and c hildren hav e calendar ofevents to keep you increased. informed of hap_P,enings around In reviewing the ages of children the Greater Cincinnati area. in shelters, it appears that teenage Please contact us if you have boys are di sappearing from the an item to li~t. Any submission shelter population. There are a is welcome: local community number of e xplanations for this council meetings, social justice trend, among them is the likelihood forums, protests, community that boys are being push ed or festivals, art shows, etc. Please runaway from their homes and a call 421-7803,fax to,421-7813 certain number of them are ending or email streetvibes@juno.com up incarcerated. to list an event. The racial compositio.n of the homeless is becoming increasingly June African-American. Further, this trend shows its greatest impact in 2 March for Justice, 11 single parent females where the am on Fountain Square. population is approaching 75 % Marchers ·will proceed African-American. The age of homeless persons to Laurel Holmes in an continues to become younger. effort to create a united The primary reasons for front for justice. homelessness for women are housing problems compounded by 3 EartliS.ave Dining Out, domestic abuse and welfare 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant problems/loss of income. to be determined. Call For men, the principal reason is EarthSave at 929-2500 loss ofjob and income compounded or Mary Ann Lederer at by loss of housing and substance 591-3003 for more information. abu se. The loss of income is particularly critical since almost 7 Amnesty International 60% of the men are actively engaged Cincinnati Group 86 in work. meeting, 1:00 p.m. at Another striking change is the Joseph Beth Booksellers in dimini shed le vel of edu cational Rookwood Pavilion. For attainme nt for women compared more information, contact both to men and to previous studies. Amnesty International at This is the first study to have a 22 1-7659 major componen t d e a~i n g with health status and the related issues. 16 Ea:ithSave Vegeta1ian Pot It has provided new insights into the Luck Dinner, 6:00 p.m. at chall e nges faced by homeless St John's Unitarian persons. One part of the survey Church, 320 Resor. For contains questions drawn from the more infonnation, call SF-12, an intemationall y used set of E arthSave at 929-2500 or validated ques tions designed to call Mary Ann Lederer assess a person's health status. We 591-3003. were fortunate to be able to make comparisons to national numbers 19 Over the Rhine Parks and and those gathered in a separate Recreation Committee piece of work locally. . Further, for Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the some of the items, we had a Contact Center. Call 381­ breakdown of persons who were 4242 for more information. below poverty. This latter group was drawn from across a 20-county 20 Greater Cincinnati Allianc region surrounding Cincinnati. The for Democracy meeting, following are a few of the many 7:30 pm, Old St. George interesting findings: Church, 42 Calhou·n Street. the As expec ted , For more information, call homeless population vie wed 542-0958 or 662-3712. their health as being not a~ good as either national or community 21 Greater Cincinnati This patte rn s tandards . Coalition for the Homeless continued throughout a series of General Body Meeting, questions dealin g with daily 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn activity, physical functioning and Center. GCCH staff will the deg ree to whi c h pain provide updates on recent impacted day-to-day activities. actions. Call 421-7803 for A similar relationship more information. existed in areas of mental health. Page 19 The response to some questions were particularly striking where homeless p e rs ons wh e n compa red to the community were four times as apt to describe the mse lves as "downhearted" and "blue" at least a good bit of the time. In examining the · pr~valence of a selected set of health conditions compared to community and national levels, it was determined that the homeless population was more than three times likely to evidence depression. When the subject is drug addiction, the homeless population is thirteen more times likely to identify this problem and two and a half times as likely concerning alcoholism. Homeles_s people demonstrate serious levels of asthma particularly among children in shelter settings. The Study Committee of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless has reviewed this report, and identified the following primary issues which need consideration and action by the community and, where appropriate, the service providers. The health data reveal s significant physical a nd me ntal health probl e ms fac in g th e homeless. In particular, depression and asthma require an immediate, coordinated response. The surveys reveal an increasing prevalence of substance abuse and addicti ve be hav ior a mon g the homeless. A part icular consequence of thi.s action is the devastating effect on·the children of homeless persons suffering from·addictions. The fact that almos t 60 % of homeless men are employed in one fo rm or anothe r rai ses seriou s questions concerning living wages. . The edu cational lev els of women, particulady single parents, have been declining to a point where significant remedial response i s required. Identifyin g persons who are doubled -up re main s a serious dilemma as well as a possible opportunity for intercepting people prior to their entering homelessness. The growing numbers and proportion of African-Americans who are homeless represents a tragic and serious challe nge to the community. The stage prior to homelessness is poverty. The concentration of wealth in particular neighborhoods, while dis allowing any sort of affordable (or subs idi zed) development partic ularly outside Cincinnati city limits where new development is occurring, insures the concentration of poverty.in older communities. This trend is the largest de terminant of the continuation of poverty. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and service providers intend to utilize this information to advocate for greater community response and to provide more targeted services. It is hoped that the increasing sophistication of service providers in the day-to-day data collection will eliminate the need for any future massive studies such as this. The entire study will soon be pos ted o n a numbe r of s ites including the Coalition ' s . In addition, the Coalition is preparing to take the full report to the printer. Finally the report is available via e­ m ail from AIR , Inc . at airinc@juno.com. Persons seeking addi tional in fo rma tion sh ould contact Susan Knight, GCCH (513­ 4 2 1-27 01 ), Shiloh Turner, The Health Foundation (513-241- 1400) and Edward Burdell AIR,Inc. (5 13­ 381 -4994). ~N~~ Yoti a~~ INvl.J.~D .J.o a 5.J.J.J ANNlv~~sa~y C~L~e~a.J.loN ro~ S-lf(~~lvtc~d F~;DaY, JtiN~ 15, 2001 3:00-5:00 ~.M. G~a.J.~~ CINclNNa.J.I CoaLl.J.loN ro~ .J,J.j~ ~OM~L~SS 1506 ELM s.J.~~~.J. 'PoN'.J. Miss .J.J-t~ 'P~awlNa ro~ .J.J.J~ WINN~~ or Oti~ S~Ll.J. .J.H~ Po.J. ~arrL~! Streetvibes Timeline April 2001 Civic unrest leads to the imposition May 2001 Mt. Afry Shelter fights for survival as Ohio budget cuts may of a cµrfew by Mayor Charlie Luke!l; homeless people are arrested if they do not enter a shelter during curfew hours. lead to loss of services for 700 homeless men a year. �a Need Help or W~nt to Help? rr rot ~bml! fMsoit yuu find yulli"self bonieh!ss, cbiitad a tffiiiltion MtltnBer Agency for Shelt@r; "ireiilni~nt, Hnusing o.r Services1 rt you lilM! finy questions, feel free to caii the Gl"eawr tlneihnitti Cbillilliln tor llitl Hotfttlll!Ss. Ho~iNG: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase 721-4580 632-7149 . 241-0504 OTA Housing Network 369-0004 TREAtMENtt Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 859-491-4435 859-559-5011 421-2437 St. Francis/St.Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. \ "i\ 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 § HELTER: Bgth Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5650 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center(Singles ) 721-0643 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Ntwk 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4980 St. John's Temp Housing 651-6446 591-2246 961-0600 Community Actiori Agency ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Woli\gt\ O.D.A.A.T First Step Home ROHS HARDWARE HtllftJulf Atot11tj Mt Comtt 32-Function Multi-Tool Knife Set Folding ' Sports Armchair 381 -1171 639-7056 961-4555 221-6937 961-4663 569-1840 Contact Center 381 -4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G .C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 . Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Ha.milton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 . Homeless Mobjle Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 'Legal Aid $ociety 241 -9400 Madisonville Ed. & 271-5501 Assistance Center Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood qenter 621-5514 Project Connect -· 357-5720 Homeless Kids St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721 ~7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 859-572-6226 859-491-3335 Women's Crisis Center Women Helping Women 872-9259 thank you for your support. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Streetvibes Celebrates Fifth Anniversary! Executive Summary of homeless Study Released Pg 2: Streetvibes: A Good Idea with Humble Roots Pg 3: Remembering Buddy Gray Pg 4: The Center for Community Photography Opens in Over-the-Rhine Work Force Blues Pg 5: Mac: thanks for Your Friendship Pg 6: Surviving Shantytown Protecting the Rights of the Homeless Pg 7: The Twelve Steps and Their Relationship to Christian Faith Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: The Justice for W.J.M. Campaign & the W.J.M. Freedom Ministry, Inc Pg 10: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Pg 11: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: System Fails All Citizens Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Warm Lines: A Lifeline for Many Pg 17: Mayo Continued Fix Continued 12 Steps Continued Pg 18: Death Continued View Continued Pg 19: Study Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Dan Marschner Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Sonny Williams Ed Burdell Pat Clifford Aaron Pitchford David Mitchell Michael Stoops Abiyah Thomas N. Payne Douglas Jay Lian Ronald Leroy English Abdul Karriem Muhammad Johnny Wm. Byrd, Jr. Riccardo Taylor Mr. Lee Anthony Watkins Bonnie Neumeier Jimmy Heath Annie Garrett Dana Terrell Curtis L. Fox Aaron Pitchford Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Abdul Karriem Muhammad Abiyah Alicia Beck Annie Garrett anniversary Anthony Watkins Arts & Poetry Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Crime Curtis L. Fox Dan Marschner Dana Terrell David Mitchell Douglas Jay Lian Ed Burdell Editorials Homeless Study Islamic Jimmy Heath Johnny Wm. Byrd Jr. Mary A. Gaffney Mary Taylor Michael Stoops Mr. Lee National News Over-the-Rhine Pat Clifford prisoners news Riccardo Taylor Ronald Leroy English Sonny Williams Susan Knight Thomas N. Payne William J. Mayo https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/1e42da204d44a3f431a9dbe7dbc237aa.pdf 9e90fcc199593b11353b761232a90736 PDF Text Text ' Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �• June 2003 Panhandling Registration: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly by Georgine Getty, Executive Director, Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Stop feeding them or they'll just keep coming back. This is what people say about stray dogs and cats. It's also recently become the mantra of anti-panhandling proponents. Whereas it may be a true sentiment, there's one problem: panhandlers are people. People with stories, families, self­ determination and needs. In November, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) challenged city hall to address the root causes of panhandling, rather than making panhandlers register. To their credit, DeWine and Crowley did establish an Outreach Professional position to do street outreach to people who panhandle and direct them to services. The Coalition, as well as other well respected social service agents, worked with the city to draft this position. This is a fine first step, but it doesn't begin - to go far enough. Plus it was coupled with registration. Registration requires that panhandlers get a panhandling license through the City Health Dpeartment and the Police Less Disgusting . . . The Coalition also worked with the city to change some of the logistics ofthe registration process to make it, "less disgusting," to borrow a phrase used by a concerned citizen who spoke out at the public hearing on May 12. Originally, panhandlers had to register at the police station (now they would have to register at the Health Department, though the police stilJ track the registration), they had to have an address, they had to be fingerprinted, and they had to wear their registration. We changed all of this, but is it enough? We oppose the registration ofpanhandlers. Why? Because it's hard enough to be in poverty, without adding layers of bureaucracy. Because it addresses the end result of poverty and homelessness instead of trying to cut it off at the root. Because it makes panhandling into a bigger issue than it is in reality, relegating larger issues such as police protection, the boycott and even parking to the back burner. Because sometimes, people just need to panhandle to get by. p;: ~ However, panhandling is complicated. Nobody Likes aggressive panhandlers. They make life uncomfortable for the people they panhandle and also for other panhandlers who are given a bad name. There is already a very strict panhandling ordinance on the book that could be sufficient to address aggressive panhandlers. Must all panhandlers be licensed because of a few bad apples, or worse yet, the mere perception of a few bad apples? Here's the kicker... •1 1t t Mayor Luken piped in at Coucilmember David Crowley andMayor Charlie Luken the very end of the public hearing with his sentiments about Don't Like Panhandlers? Streetvibes vendors. He alleges Here are 6 steps you can take to end panhandling: that one vendor was unconsciou s in *Humanize and eoipathize. Once you look someone in the the middle of the street due to eye and say llello, they stop being a ''panhandler'' and start alcohol consumption, but managed being a person who happens to be panhandling. Most to regain consciousness long panhandlers are decent, law-abiding people who happen to enough to "bother" Luken by need money for some reason. If you believe them, and want trying to sell him a Streetvibes newspaper. When I asked for the to give, do it~ Hyou don't, don't. Ultimately, the choice is name of the vendor, Luken was up to you. unable to provide it and became *Work to increase low-income housing availability in the quite agitated, saying that he has city of Cincinnati. · long believed the Streetvibes *Work to insure a living wage for all Cincinnatians. program needs to end. Luken then *Fight unfair welfare "reform." began to actively campaign to keep (Numbers 2, 3, 4 sound too big to tackJe, but the Coalition is the panhandling registration currently working on several campaigns. Give us a call at ordinance from passing because of 421-7803 and find out how you can help.) its inclusion of an Outreach · *Support your local shelters, especially shelters with Professional. services attached. Call us for a list of names and ways you So it broke down into four can help. People are often concerned that panhandlers use camps ofthinking in City Council: those who liked the Outreach earnings to purchase alcohol or drugs. If this is the case, we Worker but hated the registration, need to increase treatment centers, not decrease our those who liked the registration concern. and hated the Outreach Worker, *Buy Streetvibest You have already heJped make a those who wanted both and those differ ence in someone's life. Streetvibes allows vendors to who wanted neither. So what fill the ga·p between wage earnings and the cost of living, happened? The registration passed thus preventing the need to panhandle. without the Outreach Worker. Downtown Cincinnati, Inc. (DCI) stepped up to the plate and offered to pay half of the amount needed to pay the salary of an Outreach Worker, but the City missed their opportunity to even attempt to make a distinction between aggressive panhandlers and people who have to panhandle to make ends meet. So now we stand blinking in the rubble and faced with an ug1y new reality: registration without the Outreach Worker. We need your help. Please call or e-mail your councilmembers and let them know your opinion. Registration with no outreach simply adds yet Georgine Getty, f;xecutive Director ofthe Greater Cincinnati another layer ofcruelty to the lives Coalition for the Homeless, addresses City Council ofCincinnati's poor. �STREETVIBES June,2003 Local News Perception Drives New Law by Jimmy Heath A local radio "personality" A new city ordinance, suggested giving one-way bus which requires all panhandlers to tickets to the next county for the register wjth police and get a panhandlers and "bums", with free license, will soon become law and malt liquor and cheap wine another tool for police enforcement supplied along the way. These and control of who gets to use kinds ofdiscussions fuel criticisms downtown Cincinnati. Of course, and ridicule our City's less we all know that this is really about fortunate. perception. It's about how people If Cincinnati had the who spend money perceive political will to end homelessness, downtown Cincinnati. to address issues of poverty and We all have a right to move injustice, then maybe citizens about freely in public without fear would rally of harassment or threat. It is the around this primary job of government to cause too. provide this type ofsecurity, within The media and the boundaries laid out in our city leadership Constitution. All citizens are set the tone protected by these rights regardless for these kinds of their economic situation, ofdiscussions. supposedly. If only they Panhandlers are categorized would look at it another way. as a threat by City leadership. Not so much an immediate economic But threat, but a threat to how things downtown look, and how the interactions . Cincinnati is make people feel. It's about not a place for poor people, perception. panhandlers and the homeless. According to David Unsightly panhandlers roaming the Ginsberg, president ofDowntown sidewalks and alleyways cannot be Cincinnati Inc, panhandlers are the permitted. Poor people are scary! number one reason that people stay (There is the nagging old stereotype-that-there-MUST be away from downtown. The new licensing ordinance is an attempt to something WRONG with "those" make it look like something is people, and they have CHOSEN to live this way.) being done to address these complaints. It's all about To appease opponents of perception. the licensing ordinance, who Cincinnati Councilmember criticized it for being too punitive Pat DeWme, the author of the new and uncaring, a social worker position was added, to be paid for ordinance, lumps panhandlers in with litter, broken glass and graffiti. by the city. This social worker wouJd roam the streets and try to (City Council Law Committee connect panhandlers and homeless Meeting, May 12th). If we do people with services designed to something about these unsightly things, people will return to help them get off the streets . It is downtown, he says. It is obvious to me that the purpose, the unfortunate that human beings are job ofthis street social worker, working out of the offices ofDCI, lumped into the same category as will be to shoo people out of litter and the like. Page 2 downtown and encourage them away from public view. But the commitment for a social worker paid for by the city has gone away as council wrangled over the new ordinance. Now, DCI says it will pay halfthe money for the position, about $25,000 for one year, which won't cover the costs of a professional social worker anyway. There is additional concern from those opposed to the ordinance that the new law will legitimize panhandling, others say that it just recognizes the probl.em. Some say that the truly aggressive panhandlers will continue to do what they have always done because they have been acting outside of the law all along. And people who quietly hold signs or cups will not be required to get a license. So who will get these licenses? It probably doesn't matter all that much~clu!n citizens won't read the ordinan~ or question its effectiveness, as long as it appears that something is being done about t~e "p.roblem' _ / IfCincinna~ polifical wi1T't()e;;d homelessness, to address issues of poverty and injustice, we would be having a different discussion. We wouldn' t be talking about perception or how to control the less fortunate of our citizens, and who gets to use our public sidewalks. But "appearance" and "perception" means everything these days. From where I sit, things are looking real bad in Cincinnati. 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 the sale ofStreetvibes will go to the individual vendor. Falsely stating intent or otherwise mis­ donatiop. 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 wilJ not papers, or from other vendors, wiU 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 if possible. 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 from �STREETVIBES June,2003 Page 3 homeless people ranked 16th ­ $26, 81 0 a year, or two cents a person - only better than Cleveland, which uses no local money for homeless services, according to the Houston Chronicle (www.houstonchronicle.com). The shadowing him for the day, "If we city 's total spending of about $.53 by Molly Rhodes million a year, including federal we can rebuild our can rebuild Iraq, Berkeley Mayor Tom cities." funds, is about $4.64 per capita, Bates didn' t want to be called less than one-fifth of the national On a note of good Easter chicken. So, as part of a campaign big city average of$21.86. On top cheer, All Saints' Kingsway "dare" he agreed to last year, he Church in Toronto hosted its of that, the city has no large-scale spent 24 hours on the street of bis job program for homeless people, annual Easter sale of art by fair city last month, getting to and no public shelters for families. know the life of a homeless person. homeless people. Nine homeless What shelter for families do exist artists created 177 pieces of work Stops along bis journey included are turning away people every for this year's sale, each of which meals at the Trinity United was offered for $25, according to night. Methodist Church, a tour of Yet lest you think no one services along Telegraph Avenue, a the Toronto Star cares about homeless people in (www.thestar.com). Last year, the sleep out in the Civic Center Park, San Antonio, an art school church made $1,700, all ofwhich and visits to homeless advocacy graduate has returned to his went back to the homeless artists centers, all followed by a weblog, themselves. "These artists express native city to embark on a pro­ from www.NewsBerkeley.com. bono project.to capture the themselves in vibrant ways, and While Mayor Bates did get a taste homeless population with you don't see a sense of angst, a of life on the streets, he still would sense of poverty and a sense of charcoal and easel. Seth Camm's have no idea what it would be like stint in San Antonio is part of his depression in them," Elisabeth to survive without a home while nationwide, four-year-old project of the Gibson, the co-coordinator also battling addictions and/or to document homeless people in art sale, told the Toronto Star. mental illness. At the end of his ofjoy." Philadelphia, Bakersfield, Calif, "They portray a sense day, when Mayor Bates had heard If things are bad in Bellingham, Wash., SanDiego, and dozens of stories from homeless they're worse in San Berkeley, Los Angeles. When he's finished, people, his first thought to share Camm hopes to put his discoveries with www.NewsBerkeley was, "It's Antonio, Texas, which ranked overwhelming." And with a state 14th out of 17 big cities surveyed and portraits into a book to be for the services and help the budget that's desperately short of offered as a guide to the streets for anyone to use. Every homeless cities offer homeless people. funds, it's only going to get worse. Local money given to helping person who agrees to let him As Mayor Bates told the reporters sketch them also gets a copy of their portrait. When asked to sum up his experience for the San Antonio Express-News (news.mysanantonio .com), Camm simply said, "Throughout my travels, I've seen an enormous amount of people crying." Sacramento homeless advocate~ thought they saw a lot of people being scammed when ­ they beard about local homeless people panhandling to raise money for a battered women's shelter that may not even exist. The women have been raising money for One Nation Under God Christian Church in Los Angeles, with promises that they get to keep 20 percent of what they make. Loaves & Fishes in Sacramento counters in a complaint filed with the state attorney general's office that these women are required to pay for rent, gas money, and "pastor appreciation fees;" costs that usually cancel out any money they might have earned, according to the Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com). On to.p of that, Loaves & Fishes stafffound no proof of the shelter even existing, although One Nation's pastor, Jack W. Robinson, has amassed about $1 mill.ion in real estate property in the past four years. Education is the First Step to Ending Homelessness by Andy Er;ckson, National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project Why don't homeless people just get a job? Are home­ less people just not trying hard enough? Should I give money to panhandlers or not? Why is it so difficult to get people off the streets and into homes? How many people are homeless in Cincinnati tonight? Why do people become homeless in Cin­ cinnati? I spoke to a woman who was in her sixties and who was a nurse for many years. She unex­ pectedly lost her job, and after a while, she lost her house. She had been homeless for months, but had finally obtained housing again. She hadn't obtained a secure job though, and was in danger of once again losing her home. She was crying when she said, "I just want to have a place where my kids can come visit me." Unsµre about some of the issues surrounding homelessness? You can learn a lot by asking the experts: the homeless themselves. No one knows more about home­ lessness than the people who have lived on the streets and in the shelters. People often have an image of the homeless as "bag ladies" or "drunk, dirty men," as one letter­ writer recently put it. Many years ago, a typical homeless person might have fit the stereotypes we have. But in the past twenty years, rising housing costs and other economic problems have caused a wide variety of people to end up on the streets. These days, the for­ merly housed population is lQoking a lot like the currently housed. You can see this ifyou volunteer your time at a homeless shelter or another organization that helps the homeless. Working with the homeless will help you shed stereotypes you might not even know you had. You'll learn where the roots of homelessness lie, along with the unexpected links it has to certain aspects of society (like temp~rary labor agencies, for example, who sometimes send people away with $25 after a full day's work). Volunteering at an organi­ zation need not be time consuming. Many organizations need volun­ teers for just a few hours a week. While you are helping people move out of homelessness, you will come to see the world from the bottom ofthe economic spectrum - which is a very illuminating perspective. Ifyou can't volunteer, you can learn about homelessness through our Speaker's Bureau program. The people in the Speaker's Bureau have all been homeless. They can come to speak at your church, school, or event for $35, nearly all of which goes to the individual speaker. This is a popu­ lar program in our organization, and another great way to learn about homelessness. Of course, you could also send any questions you have to Streetvibes@iuno.com. We work with homeless individuals every day here, and we, or one of our Streetvibes vendors, would be happy to respond to you. Homelessness in Cincinnati has grown 200% in the past 15 years. Education is the first step to reversing this ~ren<;i. With mory people losing their housing now than ever, it's important that the currently housed understand more about the issues surrounding homelessness. If more ofus reaily understood what it means to be homeless these days, I think we' d also understand that we need to be working harder to end it. People who have worked their whole lives are homeless. Children are homeless (one our of every four the homeless, in fact). Whole families are homeless. Some of the people who are serving you food when you go out to eat are homeless. Over 25,000 people each year in Cincinnati are homeless. And the numbers are growing. We have the means to end homelessness. It starts with educa- ­ tion. And the best education you can get is from those people who are or have been homeless. Volun­ teer at a shelter or have a speaker come out to your event to speak about their life. Make an effort to understand who the homeless really are. of �ST R EE T VI B ES . J u ne, 2003 Page 4 Reader Hail photo ID and several dollars of busfare to go seek work. Refer panhandlers and the homeless to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless We would like to hear from you (GCCH), where they will receive a - please address letters and picture ID and ten free issues of StreetVibes to sell for a dollar comments to; each. Streetvibes, The Coalition holds 1506 Elm Street, vendors accountable to a Code Cincinnati Ohio 45202 reached in agreement with city (or) email to: police that will help prevent or Streetvibe~uno.com even resolve complaints some residents have against aggressive panhandlers. Fighting.... The StreetVibes' vendor I have been fighting for the code does not allow vending the rights of the poor most my adult paper after 12 midnight. It requires life in Cincinnati and for the respect for others and prohibits a panhandlers. Where were you in "hard sell," deception, or vending 1987 when Pat Clifford started the under the influence of drugs or Cincinnati Grapevine, or later when alcohol. Failure to comply results Donald Whitehead sued Cincinnati in termination from vending and in federal court to protect the seizure of the StreetVibes picture constitutional rights of panhandlers ID by police. and won. When Streetvibes Ifhired, the new city social became the tri-states homeless worker assigned to directly helping paper, I wrote articles for the paper the down-and-out will have two and became the volunteer reporter inexpensive options to get for the prisoners' news column, panhandlers jobs through the which at one quarter covered three region's numerous resources, such pages. The former director would as the Career Resource Centers in not let Tom Billman print articles Over-the-Rhine and around town. that hurt the establishments Ifthe social worker plan feelings. He wasn"t permitted to has been scrapped, I'd suggest that de his editors job effectively, so he some ofthe money be spent in q&it, so he could sleep at night. placing more curb-cuts on city I The former director was sidewalks for the diabled not interested in the right for andrepairing inadequate. I'm prisoners to speak out against feeling really abused by the injustice, so I lost that column. So installation and up keep ofthe thats where I have been, sister.· curb-cuts now that I am using a This is 'get it offmy chest' day. wheelchair more often. The Ed (sonny) Williams condition or absense of many curb­ cuts, especially in Over-the-Rhine On Panhandling .... are a disgrace, for a city serving citizens and welcoming visitors Council should find other justly. options to licensing citizens and People .seeking work and visitors panhandling here. Neither the city Health Department nor the other networking resources may police farce (sic) need to burdened consult my article in the May issue of Streetvibes (p. 19) about free with such a task. access to the Internet and free or Send panhandlers to affordable classes to gain or METRO-TANK's Bustop in the Mercantile Building at Government enhance computer skills. Square with a voucher to get a bus John Zeh, Over-the-Rhine While we make evety 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 people whose writings are represented here. National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati , OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com Call Andy Erickson (513) 421-7803 CALL FOR. OVER-THE-RHINE COMMUNITY ARTISTS SUtUrday, ~ugust ~-, . -~--· As ~rt of Cincinnati's celebration of the Festival of the New, the Over-the-Rhine.Community Festival will showcase artwork by neighoorhood arti.sts. Any artist living in Over­ the-Rhine, age 16 and up, r:nay submit up to two works of art for consideratiori of awards by a panel of local artist jurors. Call Peaslee Neighborhood Center at 621-5514 for guidelines JURORS: Gary Gaffney, instructor at the Art Academy of Cincinnati Jimmy Heath, Director of Pea . slee Center for Photography Jim Pendery, a Cincinnatj pointer with a lorig history, of • involvement in public art SPECIAL THANKS TO SUMMERFAIR INC. AND THE ART ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI FOR SUPPORT OF THIS EXHIBITION. Sponsored by the Contact Center, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, and the Art Academy Prisoners Advocacy Committee - Ohio PO Box 1746 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-1746, or submit a prisoner's name and jail number at chu-lai@juno.com · Finding pen-pals for people incarcerated in jails throughout Ohio. / �ST R EETV IBES June, 2003 I am scared! I am so scared! I am so scared in Cincinnati by Elaine Cojfy Summer hasn't blessed us with her charm yet. Already we have 29 homicides in this area alone (at least none were homeless). In February of2003, I addressed members ofthe Cincinnati City Council about my concerns about homelessness and my personal experience ofbeing homeless. Panhandling became not an issue with me, but a need. Without permanent housing, employment became temporary labor. Then, unable to work in the field in which I am trained and certified, bad health ·s et in. I placed a copy of my resume' on each ofyour desktops that day, and stated that I would gladly clean your toilets if it would help me become gainfully employed and maintain the quality of life to support my family. With this proposal from DeWine to register all panhandlers, I have become very confused on what is important to the people of Cincinnati and the members ofcity Reflections in a river and pulls him out, only to see more drowning people. The young man then gets help as the by Donald Whitehead, National drowning people continue to be Coalition for the Homeless found in the river. Soon a whole Executive Director Moving Upstream: the Time community of people have formed to End Homelessness is Now on the river, all focused on pulling drowning people from the water. A couple of weeks ago, I The community has all kinds of was on a stage at Loyola College programs for the people they pull listening to NCH Board Member out, and they continue to create Neil Mitten speak about his current · new and more effective programs work. Neil shared the analogy as they continue to pull people about pulling drowning people from the water. Unfortunately, from t he water. Some ofyou may despite all the wonderful programs, have heard this analogy. For those they can't keep up. This continues that have not heard the analogy until one day when the original about the drowning p~rson, it is an young man decides to tak~ a day analogy about somebody who off and go upstream to find out stumbles upon a drowning person And where would a homeless person fit into this mix? Lacking. any transportation to the suburbs, how would a homeless person even reach the promised land of the Golden Corral? Once . there, would their presence be by Rhonda McKinney welcome? People don't like to look I recently had a person ask poverty in the face while they are me why homeless people don't go gorging. That might bring guilt. to the "Golden Corral" with their And it struck me; this is panhandling earnings to take America. My fellow diners and advantage of the all-you-can-eat myself were consuming "all-we­ buffet. "It just makes sense," he can" simply because we can. Eating assured me. It's what he would do. past the point of necessity, even Intrigued, I went to a past the point of comfort, we Golden Corral. I was ushered consumed and consumed and through line and given my one consumed. We didn't speak to one option " all-you-can-eat Steak bar with drink" and handed.a rolled up another because that would slow set of silverware. Stuck in a comer, down the consumption. Heaven forbid we pause to realize how full I proceeded to the nearest counter to begin loading up. All around me, we are. people were jammed in, mere feet away from each other; black and white, young and old, all ofus not talking to one another. I piled on a bland assortment of beige-colored food items and began to eat. Being a vegetarian, the fried chicken, steaks and infinite varieties ofpork products did not appeal to me. The food was mediocre. Not terrible. Not great. But, I could eat as much of it as I wanted to. America in . the "Golden Corral" Page 5 council. These are my exact embariassment to this city, with feelings about this situation, me double standards on life, race, trying to pe a viable citizen in this females, and safety. I would love city, I see no way out. to see another Mayor in Mayor '­ Is this just another·one of Luken's place, a Mayor that will the city's attacks on middle and promote self-esteem, higher goals lower income individuals for this city and would work on (supporting his low self-esteem) or , trying to improve the Quality of will this pass once he finds Life, rather than spending tax someone else to make nervous and money for two stadiums and a -pull another pie-in-the-sky purple bridge (What is up with harebrained idea to work on, biding that?). his time until some ofus wake up This city needs a severe and impeach him or just don't vote change. Come on people, drop me on him again? a line, let me know how you feel. I am sure that his dad is not Elaine Coffy - E-mail: aware that this mess is going like elainetcoffy@yahoo.com Until the /­ this. I feel that our Mayor is an - ··­ next time "Have a Great Day" ~ how people are getting into the river in the first place. The story is significant to me for two reasons. First of all, that night was a night that I will remember for a long time. It was a night ofinspired speeches, informative dialogue and a night that symbolized what the birth a movement must look like. If we are ever going to end homelessness students must be involved, and on this night they truly were. The second reason this story is significant is its relevance to what's happening within the homeless movement today. NCH was the first group to start pulling people out of the water, and now we have decided it's time to go upstream and address the root causes of homelessness: The Bringing America Home Campaign is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact on the issue of homelessness. The Bringing America Home Act also allows people experiencing homelessness, providers and advocates an opportunity to show America that they are indeed committed to ending homelessness. Anyone who is truly committed to ending homelessness should endorse this campaign. The Bringing America Home Campaign is a chance for all ofus to move upstream. �ST REETV I BES Page 6 June, 2003 Wanted: suspected terrorist by Rhonda McKinney There once was a very compassionate New Yorker. He wasn't working at his job as an EMS provider on 9/11 , but he was close to the scene. When he didn't return home that evening, his family and friends feared the worst. They knew he was the kind of man who would go to help, even if he wasn't on duty. As the days went by with no word, his family joined fhousands in putting up posters. "Lost: friend, son, brother." Meanwhile, the U.S . government was putting up their own signs, "Wanted: suspected terrorist." The government came and harassed the man's worried family, demanding to know where he was. Why? Because the man's name was Muhammad, and he was a Muslim. The government got their answer when Muhammad's remains were found under the rubble in November. I recently had the privilege of attending the Aninesty International General Meeting in Pittsburgh. At this meeting, there was a panel discussion on racial profiling, pre and post 9/11. The panel started with Reverend William Rutherford from the NAACP who began with the · history ofracial profiling in America. Until 9/ 11, racial profiling was a product of the "war on drugs" and primarily used to target African Americans and Latina/o s, causing drug arrests to go up 510%. Since 9/11, Arab Americans, Muslims and South Asians h~ve become the target. Over 1200 Arab Americans have been held without charges. Many are still being held . The second panelist, Dalia Hashad, is the leader of the ACLU's post-9/11 campaign against racial profiling which focuses on Arab Americans. In the hours following 9/11, New York did a sweep ofMiddle Eastern men and gathered them up as "suspected terrorists." All of these men had minor INS violations (such as being tardy in announcing a change of address). When the ACLU and other groups began to question this practice, Ashcroft stopped telling us about it. Middle Eastern men are being required to register, or they can be deported without even a chance to tell their families. The registration was done in secret, so many people didn't even know they were supposed to register and were deported as a result. (At the registration, I am not making this up, people are asked, "are you a terrorist?"). The government has ordered " mosque counts" so they know how many wire taps to do in an area. The panel ended with Sharam Hasheni, a soft-spoken hero from 9/1 1. Blessed by a Catholic priest at ground zero, the Muslim Sharam rushed in and led a dozen people to safety before the building collapsed on him. When he was pulled from the rubble, his life was saved by a Jewish doctor. Mr. Hasheni stated that if all three maJOr religions could blend in a synthesis of harmony and heroism on a tragic day, there is no reason that this true dialogue cannot continue. However, two weeks after 9/11, Mr. Hasheni was forced to register as a suspected terrorist. He complies, but with a heavy heart. In conclusion, Mr. Hasheni called·for a renewed focus on unity, not division. He states that true dialogue is the only thing that will prevent terrorism in the future. Ms. Rashad added that looking for a terrorist is like finding a needle in a haystack. Racial profiling does nothing but increase the size ofthe haystack. She added, tongue in cheek, t hat not altwhite men were rounded up after the bombing in Oklahoma City. What is needed is crime fighting techniques and investigation, not racial profiling. Please join us in writing letters to Ashcroft, Ridge, and . Bush. Let them know that America cannot continue to violate the Constitutional rights ofits residents simply to promote a false sense ofsecurity. Do it today, in memory ofMuhammad and all the other brave_souls who are part of Americas proud and diverse history. The Jf.onorable John Ashcroft, Attorney General, J)epartmentof Justic~ 950 Pennsylvania A~enue, Nw, Room 440, Washington DC 20530-0001 (fax 1-202-307-6777). The Honorable Tom Ridge, Secretary ofHomeland Security, U.S. Department ofHomeland Security, Naval Securilj!Stati-011....___ Nebraska andMassachusetts "-... Avenue, Nw, Washington, DC, 20528 (fax 1-202-282-8404). The Honorable George Bush, President, the White Houie, Office ofthe President, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, J)C, 20500 (Fax 1-202-456-2641). - The Most Dangerous City to be Homeless: A Snapshot of shelter system have mental illnesses " quality oflife" laws disrupted the population for the state capitol Sacramento and other disabilities, and many of totals about 1600, but Lomazzi relative safety found in the loose­ dismisses this as a "low-ball" knit community of campers and folks living in their vehicles in that figure. Lomazzi lives .in her bus. neighborhood, and ultimately She used to park it in a light displaced an estimated I 00 industrial area in Sacramento that homeless people, leaving them at increased risk for hate attacks. was to become what is now the Richard Blvd. Redevelopment_ Joan Burke, Advocacy District - a location identified as a Director ofSacramento's local possible site to develop a proposed homeless service provider Loaves stadium project. "City.policies and Fishes, paints a darker picture. have been really hard on homeless " Sacramento doesn't have enough housing, or even the will tO create people, displacing them from it, so homeless hate crimes here are downtown areas to appease business interests and developers," crimes ofvulnerabiHty." says Lomazzi, who·was Burke cites factors such as "vehicularly housed." shelter beds reserved for specific Lomazzi says increased · homeless sub-populations (AKA "case-managed beds"), as well as police enforcement of so-called the entire Sacramento shelter system's lack of compliance with National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as major factors in what Project (NHCROP) she describes as "a game of musical 1506 Elm St reet beds." Cincinnati, OH 45202 According to Burke, most of the homeless people competing homelesscivi lrights@yahoo.com for scarce beds in Sacramento's by Chance Martin Paula Lomazzi is editor of Homeward - Sacramento, California's local street newspaper, and works with the Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee (SHOC), a CHCROP reporting agency. She reports that two homeless campers have been found murdered along the Sacramento River's banks already this year. Sacramento currently has only 3 50 shelter beds for men and 153 beds for women, famiH es and youth year-round, adding an additional 228 "overflow" beds during the winter months. The - estimated "official" homeless (513) 421-7803 them are older. "The leastfunctional homeless people are always losing this game," she explains, " So they are at increased risk ofvictimization. " Burke also reports that Sacramento's District Attorney wasn 't prosecuting homeless people's camping citations aggressively enough to suit local business interests. Exploiting the issue to further his poljtical ambitions (and denigrating homeless people in the process), Sacramento's City Attorney Sam Jackson then hopped on the pro­ development bandwagon, taking on the persecution of Sacramento's homeless campers as a campaign to increase his public name recognition. After a homeless camper there successfully employed the defense to defeat a camping citation last year, City Attorney Jackson took on the prosecution himself, enlisting the assistance of �STREETV I BES June, 2003 Page 7 Just Visiting - City Council Behavior is Shocking by Amy Allen While visiting Cincinnati recently, I had the joyous opportunity to attend two Cincinnati city council meetings. The first was to discuss the proposed ordinance that would require the Nazi-like registration of "panhandlers," and the other was to vote on it. At both of these events I was struck by the rudeness and lack of attention Cincinnati's elected officials pay to their constituents. Frankly, all I knew of this city was what I had seen in the negative press Cincinnati has received in the past few yeats from the national news. Knowing how the national media often spins things into generalizations that are not really true, I tried to keep an open mind during my visit. However, after witnessing the rude and destructive behavior at the city council meetings, I now understand a bit more why Cincinnati receives such a bad rap. First ofall, rudeness abounded at the civic proceedings I witnessed. I would hate to generalize ab.out all ofCincinnati from the behavior ofits elected officials, but these are the people who are selected by a majority of citizens to represent you. I was astounded at both meetings by the gt:?neral aura of disdain directed at public commentators from council members. Perhaps I attended these meetings on heated nights, perhaps . these meetings were not typical of the city council's normal behavior. However, while I was there, I witnessed council members twirling in their chairs, leaving their positions to go whisper like school children with other council members and with the mayor, and otherwise displaying obvious inattention during public comments. Nor was the rudeness merely directed at the public. At one point, a council member verbally attacked another council member, trying to silence or embarrass her into thinking she didn't understand how things worked because she was new. At the formal council meeting on Wednesday, May 14·, I counted the number of council members paying attention to two teenage representatives of a youth program. At any given time, only three of the nine council members were paying attention to the teens. The rest were whispering to each other, reading and highlighting their notes on other issues, or talking to their aides. Especially disturbing was to see the council member who had encouraged the teens to testify engaging in this behavior. After the high schoolers were done speaking, this same · :..... council member then took credit deliberate belittling ofthe non­ for bringing the youth ofCincinnati white, non-male public speakers. forward to active involvement in The mayor had a suspiciously the proceedings. Her hypocrisy consistent problem pronouncing was not lost on me, and most likely .names that had, as he said at one was not lost on these future voters, point, "too many letters." either. Secondly, I ·saw a decided Amazingly, the mayor was able to lack of compassion that is alarming pronounce smoothly all the names anywhere, but most significantly in ofthe whjte male administrators from the pniversity ofCincinnati elected officials." At the meeting regarding the so-called panhandling who were there to testify on behalf ordinap.ce, your mayor told a oftheir drunken and brawling delightful story ofhow he had been white (and largely male) students. "accosted" by a Streetvibes vendor Finally, through the whole while innocently walking a experience, I noticed a marked downtown street. H~ then went on trend am~ngst council members to to attack a program that, if I focus on the trivial surface detail of understand it correctly, employs social problems rather than larger Streetvibes vendors and allows problems. I know it is easier, on them to work with dignity and self­ the surface, to harass panhandlers respect. It seems that ifthe city is by placing them on a public roll. truly horrified by its panhandlers, After all, compared to all the more program,s like Streetvibes scared suburbanites who are afraid should be in place rather than to say no to someone asking for fewer. The national press tells me spare change, the panhandlers that Cincinnati is a racist city with don't vote in large numbers, do they? But if the council had been police brutality and a lack of concern for the safety of its non­ listening to the public speakers, empowered citizens. What I they would have heard that their constituents want a solution to the witnessed from the mayor and his irrational attack on a self-sustaining poverty and social inequity that causes panhandling and social program did nothing tb prove this negative press wrong. homelessness, not the vilification of · Thirdly, I observed a the poor. They want a clean city that is safe for all its citizens, not just those who commute to the downtown area and who are terrified to look at the poverty there. I heard one council member say that if Cincinnati cleans up trash and graffiti and registers panhandlers, then larger problems like theft, assault and murder will miraculously disappear. Leaving aside for the moment the implication in this statement that panhandlers and the homeless are the same as trash and graffiti, the .If idea that picking up around irt downtown will eliminate systemic poverty, racism, and class division is beyond asinine. What business of mine is this situation? Well, it's not really. But I can tell you that ifl didn't have family to visit here, I would never again visit, and neither would my tourist dollars. It is not the panhandlers that I fear, but rather the rude and insensitive politicians who represent you. One can tell a lot about a city by the way it treats those who are powerless, and from what I have seen from Cincinnati, it is not a place I would choose to call home again, even if it is for only a week. �STREETVIBES Page 8 June, 2003 Bringing America Home: the Volunteer Opportunities at on housing and that wages are Campaign. based on the local cost of housing. the Greater This Campaign is founded Temporary Wor ker F airness & on the principles and action of Protection Act public education, grassroots Temporary Workers work in Cincinnati organizing and support for an industry that is characterized by progressive policies and wage levels that keep workers in Coalition/or poverty as well as no job security, legislation. It is founded on the principles that people need no health insurance, and inadequate the Homeless affordable housing, livable incomes, health care, education, and protection of their civil rights. The Bringing America Home Campaign is composed of a variety of efforts that address these causes of homelessness, including the following key elements of the Campaign: T he Bringing America H ome Act This comprehensive bill to be introduced in the 108th Congress includes resolutions putting Congress on record as supporting housing as a basic human right, Universal Health Care - and a Living Wage; a dramatic expansion of federal resources for affordable housing and homelessness programs; a dramatic expansion of health care and services for people experiencing homelessness; greater income and work supports for people experiencing homelessness; temporary worker protections; and civil rights protections for people experiencing homelessness. The proposed legislation represents the most far-reaching initiative to date to address modem homelessness and is based on research, data, and the experience offront line providers and advocates. - The Nat ional Housing Trust Fund A National Housing Trust Fund (H.R. 1102) should be established to serve as a source of revenue for the production of new housing, and the preservation or rehabilitation of existing housing that is affordable for low-income people. The initial goal of the National Housing Trust Fund is to produce, rehabilitate, and preserve 1,500,000 units of affordable housing by 2010. H ealth Care Access R esolution The Health Care Access Resolution directs Congress to enact legislation that guarantees every person in the United States, regardless of income, age, employment or health status, has access to affordable, quality, comprehensive health care. - U niversal L iv ing Wage R esolution ULW is based on the premise that if a person works 40 hours a week, th~n he/she should be able to access basic hous ing, calling on Congress to enact _ legislation that Federal guidelines be established whereas no more than 30% of a person's gross monthly income should be spent worker protections. The Protection Act calls for federal legislation that offers day laborers the same rights and protections that are extended to permanent workers. Civil R ights P rotections for P eople Experiencing H omelessness Legislation to prevent the criminalization of homelessness is included in the Bringing America Home Act. In addition, NCH calls on Congress to ensure that no voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure shall be imposed or applied by any State or political subdivision to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote because that citizen resides at or in a nontraditional abode. NCH also calls on Congress for a GAO investigation and subsequent report into the nature and scope of violent acts and crimes that occur against people experiencing homelessness. R eauthorization of the Head Start Act Preschool-age children experiencing homelessness often face unique barriers to enroJling and succeeding in p~eschool. NCH recommends rev isions to the Head Start program that will remove barriers to the full participation of children experienc~ng homelessness and increase their access to appropriate services. Reauthorization of the Indiv iduals with Disabilities Education Act The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act'(IDEA) provides students with disabilities with a wide array of substantive and procedural rights. In the upcoming reauthorization of IDEA, NCH recommends revisions that will ensure children in homeless situations are able to access the services and procedural rights that IDEA provides. Please contact your Representative and ask him/her to become an original co-sponsor of the Bringing America Home Act, the National Housing Trust Fun9, & the Health Care Access Resolution. To contact your member of Congress, please calJ the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. For more information on the Bringing America H ome Campaign, contact Brad Paul, (202) 737-6444 x13 or bpaul@nationalhomeless.org. would like to advertise 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 volu nteer that wou ld like to fundraise for our organization. This could. include asking your friends and·family for donations to researching and writing grants for our excellent programs. The Streetvibes newspaper project is always in need of people There are numerous oppottunities f or volunteers at the interested in connecting with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition f or vend0rs and helping them write the Homeless. We are willing to articles on social justice/poverty issues, poetry, or personal stories. work with each individual in We need help in the choosing a service opportunity afternoons at the front.desk, that is rightf or them The f ollowing are a f ew ofthe areas in answering phones and handling transactions with our Streetvibes which the Coalition could use Vendors. This person will address your help: the needs ofvisitors, having direct Designjng a web site for contact with homeless individuals our N ational Civil Rights should be available one and Organizing Project. This would include working with the afternoon a w~ek. Americorp Vista volunteers on how . There is al~ays a ne~~ for to prevent further criminalization ~elp with bulk ma1hngs. Mailings ofhomeless individuals as well as mclude the annual report, quarterly newsletter, and various capitol preventing the increasing hate camprugns. crimes against them. Tfyou are interested in To enhance our Streetvibes volunteering_!t the Greater program, we are searching for­ volunteers to solicit advertisements Cincinnati Coalition fort e Homele.ss, please contact the office ~ from local businesses. If your bJJsiness or a bu siness you know of 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 reached a mil~stone 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 Painte r h as: • 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 t imes-in cases, textbooks, and encyclopedias. • Written 55 articles on appellate practice, sentencing, DUI, contempt, and legal ethics. He writes a menthly 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 of Legal Writing, was published in June. • Is writing two more books to be published this fa ll : William Howard Taft- President and Chief Justice and a new edition of Ohio Appellate Practice. www.judgepainter.org Paid for by The Judge Painter Committee..Grog Ruehlmano, Chui~ 312 Walnut St., Cinc!t>rnil.i �ST REE TV IB ES June, 2003 Page 9 Coalition for the Homeless Releases .Book P·rofiling downtown Cincinnati's Over-the­ by John Zeh Cincinnati's Homeless Rhine neighborhood . They Westside Cincinnati's f conducted interviews to learn about the issues through the eyes of people without homes or ones who recently lacked a home of their own. The 0 -T-R neighborhood, and the GCCH office on Elm Street became their classroom, with real-world lessons. Our Eyes: Reflections on Getty acknowledged the Homelessness, launching an work of several staff excellent exploration of homeless issues as members on the book's creation, seen trough the eyes of Cincinati's the creativity and including homeless. wordsrnithing ability by GCCH The celebration, at the outreach coordinator Steve Civic Garden C~nter in Mt. Shockley. Auburn, was enjoyed by over 40 Also honored were Kevin students and others who worked Pease and Serendipity Design for on the project. This book will be his direction of design, layout, and part of GCCH new, multi-media art direction which required long outreach effort for area educators. hours to ensure that all participants The book is full of color had their voice represented and photographs, personal reflections, their vision accurately captured in poetry, artwork, and nine .book form. Said Getty, "Kevin is interviews conducted by some 30 not your every-day graphic Mo~her of Mercy students. The designer," she added, "but one on a book will be packaged with a holistic journey, with an incredible videotape and supportive print work ethic, and infinite patience." material to educate students about Mother ofMercy educators Cincinnati's growing homeless Susan Staub and Kathryn Schnier crisis. were also recognized. "I am very proud ofthe The project was funded students ofMother of Mercy high with a grant from the Greater school for leaving their comfort Cincinnati Youth Grant-making zones and addressing the issue of Council, which has national homelessness head-on," said support from the Corporation for GCCH director Georgine·Getty. National and Community Service "Homelessness is a growing problem in Cincinnati and hopefully and locally by Xavier University and the Manuel D . and Rhoda this book will be used by future Mayerson Foundation. high school students to learn from Through Our Eyes: the experiences oftheir peers." Reflections on Homelessness is Researching the book, available for $10 at the GCCH students journeyed into the Over­ office, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, the-Rhine neighborhood and they Ohio 45202. For more worked at the GCCH office in information, call 421-7803 . Mother ofMercy High School students and parents and the Gt-eater Cincinnati Coalition (GCCH) for the Homeless gathered together on Saturday, May 17, to celebrate the release of their colorful 80-page book, Throug~ The book, Through Our Eyes, a collaboration ofCincinnati sMother of Mercy High School and the Greater Cincirmati Coalition for the Homeless T h e 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) 533-3 402 7896 M ontgomery Road (513) 891- 7740 Book release party at the Civic Garden Center - unveiling ofthe project book. Far left, Georgine Getty, Executive Director ofthe Greater Cin­ cinnati Coalitionfor the Homeless with Mother ofM ercy High School Students 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 n ot necessarily endorse the opinions of the people whose writings are represented here. �STREETVIBES Page 10 June,2003 Building Community for 25 Years ReSTOC celebrates 25th Year Anniversary: Triumph and Struggle in - o ver-the-Rhine by Melissa Currence photo :S by Jimmy Heath Ms. Patricia Jackson, a ReSTOC tenant board member, spoke from the heart when addressing the audience at ReSTOC's 25th Anniversary Dinner on Sunday, April 27. ReSTOC. · ReSTOC was founded as a way to address the problem of homelessness in Cincinnati when Drop Inn Center volunteers quietly but steadily worked to rehab several buildings in Over-the­ Rhine; both abandoned and occupied, and ultimately, many years ago, saved a building from deterioration and three ­ Meyer has been organizing to recognized nationally in involve Miami University students developing ways to address the Patricia Jackson, ReSTOC resi­ many systemic causes of in Over-the-Rhine organizations dent speaks to dinner crowd for several years. homelessness, especially in the "ReSTOC is my world," area of housing development. The ReSTOC is a service site Ms. Jackson explained. ReSTOC shortage of affordable housing is for 3, 000 volunteers annually who come and contribute labor in was there when she needed housing the number one cause of in 1999. Ms. Jackson now liv es on homelessness in ReSTOC's community Republic Street in Over-the-Rhine the nation. building efforts. and is active with the Republic Bonnie Street block club. For some of the Neumeier, now a volunteers who ReSTOC tenant Ms. Jackson's words come on a board member inspired many from the Cincinnati weekly basis, served as the community who came to Elder High School in April to help master of ReSTOC ceremorues. provides a ReSTOC celebrate 25 years of unique learning David Crowley, a building a strong community in ReverendMcDad.e begins the Cincinnati City experience on Over-the-Rhine. evenings festivities with an open­ Council member, Councilmember David Crowley, - • the realities of ReSTOC, the Race Street ing prayer inner-city life, Tenant Organization Co-Operative, was the keynote keynote speaker at R~STOC 25th tenants from displacement. Bonnie speaker. He poverty and was chartered in 1978 with a Celebration \ Neumeier, Buddy Gray and other homelessness. mission ofproviding decent and spoke of devoted volunteers recognized the ReSTOC is a job-training ReSTOC's commitment to affordable housing for low-income serious shortage of housing for the site reinvest on Vine Street in Over­ for AmeriCorps National individuals and families. low-income and homeless people the-Rhine and wished the The evening fundraiser, Sei)vice, AmeiiCorps National the Over-the-Rhine in organization good luck in the held at Elder High School in Price Civilian Community Corps and the neighborhood of Cincinnati. · Hill brought over I 00 people American Association ofRetired future. ReSTOC and the Drop Inn Center Today, ReSTOC is a major Persons (AARP). together to share stories, to developer of affordable housing in celebrate and show their support of are pioneers and has been The sponsors for the Over-the-Rhine ReSTOC's 25th Anniversary Dinner included Elder High neighborhood of Cincinnati . School, JTM, The Coca-Cola Since 1994, ReSTOC has brought over $8 million of Company, and F&M Mafco Inc. investment to Over-the-Rhine. Currently, ReSTOC has 25 units offamily housing under construction in the Vine Street Community Project and an additional 7 units coming soon. All of this work is accomplished with a with a very small staff and a significant volunteer workforce. Ross Meyer, Miami University graduate, Harry S. Ross }.feyer, longtime ReSTOC Truman Scholar and graduate volunteer, student and Harry S. ofFinneytown High School, Bonnie Neumeier, Master ofCeremonies, talking to Councilmember Truman Scholar, shares his expe­ spoke ofhis involvement with David Crowley and his wife, Sherri rience ofworking with ReSTOC ReSTOC throughout his high over the years. school and college years. . --- �J une,2003 STREET VI BES P ag e 11 Just Chillin ' by Jerome M anigan - What better way to move along Vine Street on a bright, balmy spring day than on a bicycle -._vith your truted companion at your side? Community R~source Cards , ' ' Cincinnati Celebrates Baseball. Baseball Sculpture, Fountain Square. Mean­ while the Reds vie with the Bengals for losing status Does Stossel Deserve a Promotion? Rockdale Temple has announced the release of the latest in its series of Community Resource Cards. The new one, printed in Spanish, i s 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 bas 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 Av enue, #210 Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 or send a fax request to: (513) 541-0099 ;::=======================~ Watch for the return of Streetvibes TV Streetvibes TV is a live program created by the· Greater Cincinnati Coalition f or the H omeless and Media Bridges. Watch as our p anel discusses the issues surrounding homelessness today. Check your local cable listing for broadcast dates and times.... From FAIR-L, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting ABC reporter John Stossel has a new job at 20/20: co-anchor. Barbara Walters' former partner John Miller departed inJanuary, and ABC chose Stossel to fill his role. According to a recent report in TV Guide (5/10/03), one source at ABC says that picking Stosselmakes sense: "These are conservative times ... the·network wants somebody to match the times." One might hope ABC would be more concerned with hiring a jou rnalist with a record of credible and accurate reporting than with matching the perceived political climate. For years, Stossel's work has been notable for bungled facts and twisted logic, all in service to his conservative "free market" agenda. (See Extra! , 3-4/ 03.) In a 1998 report (2/3/98), Stossel dismissed compl~ts about rising CEO salaries, saying that "factory wages were up, too- up 70 percent" in the last 15 years. But wages for manufacturing workers had risen only if you don't adjust for inflation; in terms of purchasing power, factory workers' wages had fallen by more than 6 percent since 1983. In a 1999 special (9/19/99), one of Stossel's J1 main sources claimed that Hong Kong is "the only government in the world that makes a surplus, a big surplus." In fact, I 1 countries-including the US. ­ had run a budget surplus the preVIous year. Stossel 's methods have also been called into question- most memorably when he cited research that didn't actually exist about pesticide residues in organic produce (New York Times, 7/31/ 00). In a recent email to viewers (5/16/03) Stossel lashed out at his critics,"the activists ofthe totalitarian Left, which try to get people like me fired, or silenced." FAIR, however, has never called on ABC to fire him. We have frequently asked for Stossel's reports- more opinion pieces than news stories- to be balanced with commentary from an opposing point ofview, and we've encouraged viewers to ask ABC whether the numerous inaccuracies and distortions in Stossel broadcasts meet the network's standards. Up until now, ABC has for the most part ignored the thousands ofletters pointing out the unreliability ofStossel 's reporting. Now, apparently, it's decided that the appropriate response is a promotion. CONTACT: ABC News mailto:netaudr@abc. com �ST R EETVIB E S June, 2003 Page 12 The Peace Village many different ways ofeducating for peace. I suspect that her workshop on how to use music, · enthusiasm for Posters 4 Peace w ill by Dr. Steve Sunderland spontaneously developed, as a Many new friends have expand and redefine my own method of gaining both freedom, joined the Peace Village and are understanding of this form of peace and peace. I want to learn joy work. welcome to comment on all that more about music and our I was also deeply moved by proceeds in these and future development of peace as I see the reports. Many ofthe newcomers the commitment to peace.in the limitations of so many ofus in the were presenters and participants at work and words ofRebecca Janke arts as part of the reason so few of a recent conference in Minneapolis and Burt Berlowe ofGrowing us understand the connections of on youth service education. Communities for Peace, the arts to creating peace. Minneapolis, and the peace pole Over 2500 people came, Humberto, a gifted magician and mostly high school youth who are work ofDebra Caron ofWorld Citizen.Inc., St. Paul. carrying out peace activities under the label, They are consultants "service education," and to peace programs, have a peace pushing back the bookstore and boundaries on education· mailing list and, for social justice. Thanks wonder of wonders, to the Mayerson Foundation, I was able to ~ Rebecca does a S week program in the attend and present the Peace Village idea of schools as Posters 4 Peace to about "Peacemaker," 7S eager adults and working with kids youth. Team members, and teachers to Steve Elliot and Donna create a deeper Mayerson, also presented understanding of and we were joined by peace and justice. teams from two She has a specially Cincinnati high schools, made peace outfit including team member, she wears. Wouldn't David Schur, who you love to see her Dr. Steve Sunderland works with youth on ways to explore brought along two and imagine a set of Peace busloads of the Clark uniforms, all gaily musician, br_9ught a 3 part musical Montessori Steel Drum Band, and representing peace? I hope that the expression out of a group of a group ofAiken High School connection with the Peace Village strangers with such delicacy and will lead to their participation in students. affection, that peace and harmony We had a delightful lots of events. broke out. workshop and I met Humberto Aliza Olson, working in Wanda Holland Stallworth, distance learning in northern Lopez ofBuenos Aires, Argentina, Texas Center for Service Learning, Minnesota, has a dream about a a peace worker in the disguise of a found the workshop a door to music director. Humberto led a museum and programs connecting war memorabili~ to peace work. While we make evety effort to provide a forum for those As I listened to her connections without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of with VFW, veterans, libraries, and THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION her programs in the schools, and FOR THE HOMELESS, is not her desire to link these activities to responsible for statements, and do not necessarily a museum, perhaps connected to endorse the opinions of the people her college, I began to think of whose writings are represented here. ways that this could be a site for peace conferences as well. I also had a wonderful connection with biology teacher and new team member, Joan Felice, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, about opening many programs to peace ideas. Thanks, Joan. Having a few days with team members Steve and Donna, The Know Yo ur Rig hts deepened my understanding of the Brochure is now available at the efforts being made to bring young Coalition's office. The brochure is a leg al g uide for C incinnati 's ~ homeless and covers a person' s basic rights when interacting with . We'd like to hear \~ fl'9m IJOU,_,r'_.-. the police, as well as some local ~ 1 laws that might be of interest to the ~ ~· homeless population. If Y?U are a !~ Send letters or 11 homeless person or if you work , 1 "' ~. comments to: with homeless people and would Streetvibes@;Juno.corn,·· ­ like to obtain free copies of the ~ Of' write the Coafdion office broc hure for yourself or your attn: Streetvibes Lette~ agency, please call 42 1-7 803, or I·506 Elm Street stop by the Coalition office and pick Cincinnati, C>hi~ 45202 one up. Know Your Rights Brochure Available! Write Us! " *"' f ... >' : ;;:;r people out of the classroom into the social settings that require a different orientation, almost like a junior level social work effort. Through their experienced perspective I began to see a network of schools connected to peace issues and justice issues in our city, a kind of Peace Corp of secondary education citizens, capable ofbringing their questions about why our cities and poor are continuing to be victims of poor social policies and declining allocations of resources. The kids of Clark and Aiken stood out at this conference because there were so clearly talented and many of them were African American and deeply involved in service education programs, thanks to deeply committed teachers and administrators. The absence of many black, .Native American, Hispanic and poor people at this conference reminded us that the "two Americas" also will exist in service and peace work unless we work for inclusion. One ofthe most inspirational workshops I attended involved the presentation ofwhat youth are doing who are disabled to provide service to different groups. Again, these talented kids, some With serious problems were not going to be deterred in the service and peace effort. But, they too, stood out as exceptional minorities at a conference that didn't provide signing to the general sessions. Donna deepened my understanding of how strengths can be touched and expanded and Steve broadened my amazement of how one person can have a deep impact on schools and agencies through building connections, spiritual and intellectual, between youth and those in greatest need. I left the conference amazed at the range of activities that youth are deeply involved in that connects to our efforts at peace. Their story is untold but their work expands and raises important questions about the designs ofeducational and political institutions. How many schools and boards of education are ready for unleashing the power ofyouth to make peace a priority? Dr. Steve S underlantl, professor ofSocial 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. S underland also heads up Posters-for-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions ofPeace, in their own words, through the creation ofposters. �STREETVIBES June,2003 Thinking Inside the Box nextmeaJis coming from. They are at the by Kelly Klein, Erinn Lewis, and Carrie Brokamp mercy ofthose around them. For photos by Grady Cook the students, this It was constricting, experience isn't nearly as harsh as limiting. The walls were barely enough to protect us if the weather it would be in a took a turn for the worse, but those real homeless situation because walls were enough to put us into a they are category and to strip away our surrounded by humanity. Looking up to the thin friends and sheet of plastic that served as a teachers who are roof, we realized how lucky we eager to help are. In a short time we would retUrn to the safety of our own them. "I feel admiration and homes complete with walls, heating, indoor plumbing and warm respect for people that are participating in Shanty Town. I meals. If the weather really aid don 't think I could do it." ­ become too dangerous we could Ashley Lukens. leave our shanties and sleep in the On Tuesday the school, but that is not a realistic participants hosted the option for the people who live this Empty Bowls Night which everyday; the city's homeless. included a simple meal of "I remember thinking how fun it would be to sleep in a shanty soup and bread. TheFe were with my friends. Late in the night I informational guest speakers, entertainment provided by the looked up at the box that was Bucket Boys, and students sheltering me and I had this horrible sense of worthlessness. I giving personal tours of their shanties. Proceeds from this was in a box. That is not where people belong" - Kelly Klein. event go to Our Daily Bread Shanty Town is a three Soup Kitchen in Cincinnati. . day awareness-raising event. "Listening to the speakers made me realize that Ursuline Academy students these are all people, not just construct their own shanties made statistics, and that I need to do oflimited materials and sleep in them for two nights to get a something about this. I need to glimpse of the experiences and help them." - Erinn Lewis. Although it is afar problems facing homeless people. reach from the true experience Activities this year included a trip ofthe homeless, this event to the Drop Inn Center where provides an opportunity/or students helped serve food before sitting down to their own meals at . students to get involved and the center. Dinner is followed by a learn what can be done to help ease the problem ofpoverty. tour of the facility and guest Even with this limited speakers who tell oftheir experience, the reality becomes experiences with addiction and glaringly obvious ofthe pain homelessness. During the day and struggle that people suffer.. students have to beg for their food Hope.fully, this will bring us from other students at the school. one step closer as people work This gives a minor feeling of what for a solution. it is like to not know where the Page 13 �ST R EETVI B ES June, 2003 The Curse o.f Poverty Art& Poetry Page 14 Mary, Forgotten You Are Not by Cherokee Homegirl Walker by Charles Bailey Do we be women folks of property Ph~aohs? Da.rnried to the curses of mountain peak corrupt altitude sins? The air sooo thin The air and homes be way up there at $650, $800 beyond our small budget deposit with one months rent. That thick penis landlord pride push gender lies, . . . they echo ringing from his mountain, I can't climb sharp cliffs, with clipped old shoes Yeah, Sally Sue Section 8, is sistah who gotta spread, or gotta go, or gotta fight, but some have a good brother, father, or son on our side. Ain 't nah sex on my mind, I got a no no baby like Sally Sue too. The Devil sent one of his followers and Took you Mary away, But you will never be forgotten, In the hearts ofmillions Each Day Though Mary your life, Here on Earth was cut so very Short - and it put Tears in so many eyes ­ But you are really . Protected NOW that you are standing By Jesus's Side And from all of us who love you.little Mary, Spread your wings and take to the sky - you may be gone But we who love you will N_ever say Goodbye.... April 10, 2001 by Melissa Currence A threatening ofwork and invention, of sin and rebellion, of responsibility and tightening of the screws. am tired. am despair. beyond repair. Praye;s jump rise and absolution slips from greased fingers. long enough to detect the edge of exclusion, embrace, not break. Or a way out happenstance for collected self-interest. when the church ofmy god becomes our god. white face on the dollar bill is us. our children. our responsibility. tightening of a choke hole, limited ground war. rubber bullets into our young and smiling faces upturned towards blue and down in red. Joe'z Bluz (The END of the Seventies) by Jesse James Once upon a Dream Freedom·was meant to be. But society's cruel reality Took it away from me. The Great Man by Mike Henson Sara's Art . .. \ ·~- .. The vigilance of a great man is the tooth of a fox at the neck of a vole. The breath of a great man blesses all his projects and withers the hopes of his enemies. The will of a great man rains on·his people. Day and night, day and night it drenches all otherwill. The voice of a great man rings like a metal dollar on a marble counter. The potency of a great man has no purpose but to bear all before it like a flood or a powerful wind. The mind of a great man is not bothered by contradiction, is not worried with truth or lie, is not disturbed by the thoughts of others. The stride of a great man is certain and is not broken by the bodies in his path. �ST REET VIBE S June, 2003 Cheap Diets Spread Through The Month Page 15 Attention Writers by Cherokee H omegirl Walker Tension be tight, lite quick steams with police bang bang sistabs hold bands, good cops get scared sistabs put out thier man, sistah rotate dip dodge then scoop swing city curfews timing Metro Bus revisions. Our fingers are strings tied streched for change or to bend, be rubber, be rope long for money, spaghetti, Jiffy rich cornbreads. Buttered toast, jeUy snacks again for my kids. We bounce spring cook mop, rinse, dry then copulate in secret. Hide love under our beds. Pompom weddings dance in our dreams but squeak tunes of low money plays, but I live I need a better home, I peter to paul, paul to peter to pay bills I do right by my God who forgives and knows me. But putterstroke Paula, put out her stuff herself. The Over-the-Rhine Community Festival and Writers Unlimited . will be hosting a booth at the Communjty Festivar in Wash ington Park, Saturday August 2, 2003 from noon to 5PM. L\mit ene page per subject - any topic. D,easline for submissions; July, 11 ttl. Stiomit your entries'to Judi l\11endrist<i, 1715 Republic Street, Cincinnati, 9H 45202 (513) 381-1893 My Name Ain't Money by Cherokee Hdmegirl Walker 77% they say. Households in this hot zone got 77% single mommy's so the pompom city shakes the state for federal games makes fouJ plans for suburbs migrations too far from our survival cultures. Good Metro rides coasting ~er 10:00 No four bus transfers with our cold January little kids For information on . submjttiny "J';,OUr;poet~ ·or arl. to STREE'FVIBES email­ Streetvi/Je'S@juno.com Shutter Speed 4 Days to Mississippi by Denise Crew Tossing and Turning Waiting and yearning Po pping aspirin like Pez calms the pain in my head . The only pleasure to seek In the food I eat I can't wait for the day W hen pain goes away I feel so weird, so strange A little deranged Almost insane I don't understand why My heart's in my hand After all, he's just a man Todd and James playing dominoes in Washington Park �STRE ETVIBES June, 2003 Book Review: Tyco, WorldCom, Xerox, Qwest, Merrill Lynch and the rest have exposed a brutal disregard in the boardroom for the fate of those in the office cubicles or on the factory floor." "More than a million U.S. corporations and individuals have be a better word for them) are registered as citizens ofBermuda greedy, cruel, and monomaniac, by Holly Hand to avoid taxes, a practice okayed with contempt for laws and other "What we have in this country is by the IRS. Although the exact peoples' well being. These pigs socialism for the rich andfree number is unknown, the IRS make their enormous fortunes by enterprise for the poor. "- Gore estimates that ' tax motivated committing business fraud and expatriation' drains at least $70 Vidal dodging personal and corporate Pigs. I must admit I've billion a year from the U .S. taxation. Living "high offthe always had a soft spot in my heart treasury." hog," they devour the lives oflhe for them. Probably because as a "If ypu were poor enough poor and the marginally employed child I was moved by the story of to apply for the Earned Income Tax who have to shoulder the tax Credit in 2001, your chance of Wilbur, the little piglet in E .B . burdens the wealthy have shrugged being audited was one in 4 7. If White's novel for children, off Huffington does a terrific job you made more than $100,000 a Charlotte's Web. Then as an adult of writing about some of these year, your chance ofbeing audited I loved the movie Babe, about a wealthy oinkers whose.blatant piglet that learns to herd sheep. was one in 208." greed and illegal action.s have made The drama for both Wilbur and "The richest 20 percent of the headlines in the past couple of .Americans earn about 50 percent Babe is that they' re destined to be years while the US economy has ofthe nation's income. The slaughtered and so they urgently slid down the drain and the rest of poorest 20 percent ofAmericans need to find a way to escape their fate. Wilbur escapes (with the help us have been picking up the tab in earn only 5.2 percent of the so many ways. Here are some of the clever spider, Charlotte), by nation's income." highlights from her book: growing big, beautiful and "In 2000, the average CEO "Between March 200 1 and outgoing and thus winning a blue earned more in one day than the March 2002 a record-breaking 1.5 average worker earned all year. In ribbon at the county fair. Babe 2000, 25 percent of all workers escapes by winning a sheep herding million Americans filed for bankruptcy. Investors have lost earned less than poverty-level competition. Yet, despite $9 trillion since March 2000 nearly wages." becoming winners, both Wilbur and and retirement assets lost 11 "How can there be talk of a Babe remain humble, helpful, shared destiny in a nation where percent oftheir value-$630 foving creatures, so we're billion- over roughly the same just over 1 percent ofthe delighted that they survive and period. Meanwhile the chairmen population (170 billionaires, 25,000 thrive. I can't say I have any of the and CEO's ofthese companies live deca-millionaires and 48 million in mansions, yachts, fly in millionaires) control approximately same fond feelings for the human corporate jets and walk away with 50 percent ofthe entire country's " pigs" Arianna Huffington personal wealth? .... Where since describes in her latest book Pigs at millions in bonuses and pensions the Trough: How Corporate Greed despite the rest ofthe people losing 1980, real income for the bottom their jobs." fifth of families fell by $800, while and Political Corruption are "The scandals at Enron, for the top fifth, it rose by Undermining America (2003). Arthur Andersen, Global Crossing, $56,000? These human pigs ("hogs" might Pigs at the Trough: How Corporate Greed and Political Corru·ption are Undermining America "This is your former captafn speaking... " Page 16 "Even as our count1y has taken steps to abolish welfare, forcing the poor to sink or swim, we've allowed the high-end corporate class to weave a giant safety-net for its members. Is this corporate welfare realJy any different or less costly than the kind most ofthese people inveigh against? To use their own argument how are we ever going to get then to act responsibly when we keep rewarding them for irresponsibility? To say nothing of criminality." "Like a lung-cancer patient reaching for a pack of smokes, the Bush administration has again and again greeted gloomy economic news with a nerve-settling puff of its favorite brand of economic relief: tax cuts for the rich." "Stock options ... a versatile form of compensation that is not counted as an expense on company ledgers, and yet is fully deductible when it comes to chiseling the taxman." "According to one estimate, the amount by which exercised stock options reduced corporate taxes may have as much as doubled between 1998 and 2000, from $28 billion to $56 billion. WorldCom, for example, used stock option deductions to trim $265 million off its tax bill between 1996 and 1998. Microsoft saved $2,7 billion, Cisco saved $1. 5 billion and GE saved $1 billion in tax bills through stock options." " Since the beginning ofthe new century over 570 public companies- including most famously Enron, Global Crossing, Adelphia, WorldCom and Kmart­ have declared bankruptcy. 2.7 million Americans have lost their jobs. Nearly $9 trillion in market value has been lost on Wall Street. But while the average American has suffered staggering losses in 401(k) and pension value, and many have struggled to stay afloat, the average CEO has added millions to his personal wealth. In corporate America, apparently, nothing succeeds like utter failure." " In corporate America crime pays. Handsomely. Grotesquely, even." Yeah, it's like that. And ther~ 's more good stuff in the book. Pigs at the Trough is a fine, incisive, and often witty work. Just one last thing I'd like to know: when is pig slaughtering season? Soon, I hope! Reprinted courtesy ofSpare Change News, Boston Streetvibes ~ists as a forum f or the exp ression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supp orters. T_he opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staffor the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �ST R EET VIBES June, 2003 Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Report COLUMN: BUDGET PROPOSALS AND TAX CUTS THREATEN BIPARTISAN CONSENSUS ON POLICIES TO HELP LOW-INCOME PEOPLE (Boston Globe, Boston, MA, May 11 , 2003) This column, by David Callahan, director of research at Demos in New York City, and Tamara Draut, who directs Demos' economic opportunity program, draws attention to the recent bipartisan consensus that has emerged over policies aimed at helping low-income people. The authors note that this consensus is threatened by the Bush Administration and House of Representatives' budget proposals and tax cuts, which would restrict federal funds to states and result in additional cuts to social services. The earned income tax credit, a program which has done much to reduce child poverty, enjoyed bipartisan support in the 1990s when it was greatly expanded, as did the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) when it was created in 1997. http ://www.boston.com/ dailyglobe2/13 l /focus/ Broken_bargain+.shtml REPORT: EVALUATION OF THE USDA FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PILOT PROGRAM (Economic Research Service ofUSDA, April 2003) This report to Congress is an early review of the U.S . Department ofAgriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program (FVPP). The 2002 Farm Act provided $6 million for the 2002­ 03 school year to improve fruit and vegetable consumption among the nation's schoolchildren. One hundred schools in four states (25 schools each in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio) and 7 schools in the Zuni Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) in New Mexico participated in the program. Almost all schools participating in the FVPP consider the program to be very successful and would like the pilot to continue. Schools believed that 80 percent of students were very interested in the pilot. http://www.ers.usda.gov/ publications/efan03 006/ REPORT: ANALYSIS OF SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM REVENUES AND EXPENSES IN SELECTED STATES, 1996­ 2001 (U.S. General Accounting Office, May 2003) This report analyzes how revenues and expenses have been affected since the U.S . Department ofAgriculture implemented more stringent nutritional requirements for meals served in the National School Lunch Program. In the six states studied (Florida, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia) for school years 1996-97 through 2000-01, federal reimbursements decreased slightly as a share of total revenues, revenues from food sales increased slightly, and the small amount of state government and other funding was stable. On expenses, food expenses decreased slightly and labor expenses grew slightly. Overall, expenses increased by about 22 percent while total revenues increased by 20 percent. Local school food authorities limited expenses by, among other strategies, buying in bulk and expanding a la carte menus. The six states had a small but growing deficit in their lunch programs. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/ d03569.pdf (Adobe PDF) MANY STATES LIMIT CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AS MORE LOW­ INCOME MOTHERS WORK (Center for Economic and Policy Research, May 6, 2003) This data brief examines the child care choices ofworking mothers as more and more women in the last few decades have started going to work. Currently, two­ thirds ofmothers with children under age six are employed. More than 30 percent of working mothers provide child care themselves or through the child 's other parent, 30.9 percent rely on relatives, and 22.7 percent of working mothers use formal day care. Low-income working mothers generally rely most on relative care and can only afford formal day care with financial • assistance. Since 2001, 23 states have limited eligibility for low­ income mothers (including former welfare recipients) in their child care assistance programs. More low-income mothers have had to tum to relative care, considered a lower quality form of chil.d care. http://www.cepr.net/ Data- Brief- Child- Care.htm THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S INCOME VERIFICATION PLAN COULD CAUSE ELIGIBLE CHILDREN TO MISS SCHOOL MEALS (Tri­ Val.ley Herald, Pleasanton, CA, May4, 2003) Anti-hunger advocates in California are worried that the BushAdministration's income verification proposal for the National School Lunch Program Page 17 could cause 750,000 children in the state to lose their free and reduced­ price school meals. "The whole idea is to feed kids and now we're looking at ways to not feed them," said Karen Candito, director of nutrition services for the Berkeley Unified School District. Administration officials claim there is a significant number of children using the program whose families make too much money to be eligible for free meals. The estimate cited by administration officials is flawed, critics note, as it is based on census data from a year different from that of the enrollment numbers being compared. Overenrollment virtually disappears when children who receive reduced-price lunches are factored in, according to FRAC. A state official says that for every child found ineligible through verification, five eligible children will drop from the program because their parents do not respond. http://www.trivalleyherald.com/ Stories/ 0, 1413,86-10669- 1369114,00.html# FOOD STAMP PROGRAM PARTICIPATION DROPS IN CALIFORNIA, RISES NATIONALLY (Associated Press, May 12, 2003) California has seen enrollment in the Food Stamp Program decrease by 4.4 percent over the past year, which means the state ranks last among states in signing people up for the program. Over the past year enrollment in the program has increased by 9.1 percent nationally, and only Hawaii and Rhode Island have seen decreases in enrollment, but neither have seen decreases as large as California's. The California Hunger Action Coalition wants the state to do more to boost enrollment in the program. With the current economic downturn, the state could boost its economy by boosting enrollment, which would bring in hundreds ofmillions of dollars in federal funds. http://www.bayarea.com/mid/ mercurynews/news/5842871 .htm IMMIGRANT FARM WORKERS IN NORTH CAROLINA ARE GOING HUNGRY (News and Observer, Raleigh, NC, May 13, 2003) Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that nearly half ofNorth Carolina's Latino farm workers faced food insecurity and 5 percent of the workers lacked adequate access to food and suffer from "severe hunger." The findings are based on a survey of 102 families in a five county area in central North Carolina and is part of a four-year project to devise ways to address issues affecting farm workers. Researchers believe that the nature of the work - jobs that start and stop during the year- contributes to the high rates of food insecurity. http://www.newsobserver.com/ front/story/2534056p­ 2353209c.html INDUSTRY OPPOSITION FORCES TEXAS LAWMAKERS TO DROP SCHOOL NUTRITION MEASURE (Corpus Christi Caller-Times, May 7, 2003) A bill in the Texas legislature would have eliminated vending machines in elementary schools and limited their use in middle and high schools. Opposition from the soft drink industry and school superintendents forced lawmakers to rework the bill. School superintendents argued that the money from vending machines is crucial in light of decreased education funding from the state in recent years. "It's unconscionable to me that we would not consider children's health over making a profit from these machines," said state Senator Eddie Lucio, sponsor of the bill. http://www.caller.com/ccct/ local news/article/ 0, 1641,CCCT_811_ 1943832,00.html FLORIDA GROUP FORMS POLITICALACTION COMMITTEE TO LOBBY FOR PROGRAMS FOR THE POOR (South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, FL, May 13, 2003) A Broward County, Florida anti-poverty group has created the Economic Justice Committee, a political action committee to lobby for local ordinances and state legislation that supports "a fair and equitable society." The Broward Coalition for the Homeless registered the PAC in February 2003. The group's goals include lobbying for affordable housing, for living wage ordinances, and against funding cuts in programs for low­ income people. The PAC also intends to raise private funds to donate to candidates who agree with its agenda. Laura Hansen, executive director ofthe Coalition, notes that it is the responsibility of the government "to ensure people have access to food, shelter and clothing and that their [basic] needs are met." http://www.sun-sentinel .com/news/ local/broward/sfl­ cpac 13mayl3,0,3579380. story T he FRAC web site is http:// www.frac.org Food Research a nd Action Center 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 540 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone (202) 986-2525 fa.x Email: bwinter@frac.org �STREETVIBES June,2003 Editorial Peace and Justice are Fragile in the Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderland The never-ending saga of Cincinnati's struggle with peace and justice continued with another fantastic twist. The community activist that shot a robber in an attempt to rob a bar was released by a grand jury without any charges against him for breaking laws about carrying a concealed weapon and bringing a gun in a bar. The grand jury felt, we can only assume, that the situation of danger warranted the activist's actions to protect the bar's patrons and himself from the danger ofalleged robbers. The robbers were charged with breaking laws that may get them 50 years in jail. Our local community and the larger city is struggling mightily with this decision. Self defense is understandable, but was this self defense or trying to stop a bad situation from getting worse? Were the robbers egged on to a more violent stance by some of the customers in the bar and thereby responsible in some way for a little of the violent response that led to an even greater violent response? And, of course, the racial "card" is being played: "Would the activist have gotten off if he were black and the robbers white?" Rain has been falling in Cincinnati, on and off, for the past few days. This, again, seems to be calming rising feelings of anger. Beneath the rhetoric is a sense of something fragile being broken as this neighborhood is stunned that private use of weapons is approved in certain situations. What is fragile is the delicate connections between people living in a neighbor~ood, particularly a voices when we think about and recount the details of the breaking of the threads of hope. People shut their doors solidly. Garbage suddenly appears and flies around diverse neighborhood racially and without any home address. No class-wise. There are "good" hand reaches for it. Glass dots the neighbors that participate in local gardens and only the youngest government, keep their streets children dare to play outside. The clean, our radios somewhat heart beats slower. A beat of moderated, our children watched depression followed by another for any danger, and our concern and compassion for those who also need thud of despair. Slowly, someone tries again to make a connection; a to be watched, helped and encouraged to participate. There is community dance is ~ailed, pizza offered as a peace gesture, and ever something quite wonderful about so slowly the tom fabric is held in the helping process in a neighborhood. It makes the streets the hands, bruised, of the wea~ers. And so this community shine with friendship. People looks for another road to peace and bloom in the light of mutual The Wise ones will wonder justice. concern shown for helping with how much resilience this fragile gardens, helping old people get.to can sustain. The rest of us thread church, or calling the police if will be looking for the short cuts, danger suddenly appears. Almost the summarizing rhetoric that everyone accepts the standard of makes it ever so simple and stupid, repairing some aspect of the too. Peace was.lost in a bar,-a dark community through an endless and sad place, where men had gone series of public and private actions. to feel companionship on their Stef(my wife) has led a movement journey into the world of alcohol. to give and plant trees for.free and Their trip was interrupted. So is this has planted more than trees. She has shared her secrets with kids ours. Stef reports that these men were crying yesterday as they and adults about how to grow realized that the community cared floW.ers in our and their front yards about them and was glad they were and more than tulips pop up in the alive. She danced with one who everyday lives as a result. Banners had to stop because the tears were have been hung to celebrate the too strong. We are all dancing and community and we have raised our stopping, looking out, still in a own flag of hope at the same time. haze, for the sounds and signs of A children's park has been created peace. from a field of broke~ glass and The monitor of our peace abandoned crap so that now · agreement between the police and children s';\'ing and climb in the community, Saul Green of beautiful safety and more than Detroit, came to town and gave a children feel liberated to be alive talk to a large number of religious and cherish life in our streets. leaders. Thanks to team member, But nothing, and I mean nothing, shatters these relationships Rey. Duane Holmes, I was invited. Green went over the reasons for the quicker than violence, and racially peace agreement and the fact that motivated violent acts drives us all no other peace agreement in any to our knees ·in despair. There is that blue look and gray sound to our other city has involved the "/ wouldn 't worry about being deported. We own lots ofsweatshops back in your home country." Page 18 community as deeply as this one calls for. But, he also noted that our city doesn't seem ready for implementation of the "contract." Every day there is another event that attacks the agreement and makes the possibility of success more remote. He spoke candidly but also indicated that he could not say too much as it is up to the parties to the agreement to take the leadership. Green's job is to monitor success, offer technical assistance when requested, and make reports to the city and the federal judge on the compliance with the agreement. What would promote peace and justice? Clearly, like many other places, the cessation of crime and especially murder would make a big difference. But what controls crime growth and who can stop murder? Our police have prevented many crimes of violence and even lost their lives in attempting to break up violent situations. Yet, the best of police philosophy only goes so far and then mystery seems to rule. The same can be said.for community action theories. What we are attempting in Cincinnati is to change police behavior by befriending the communities they work in and, thereby, foster more comprehensive approaches to crime reduction and, simultaneously, the creation of stronger communities. The hope is that a joint effort will make the difference in both intimidation of the criminals and offer a clearer ground for growing healthy communities. The big question concerns the effectiveness of this partnership. A set.of fragile behaviors is involved in this situation, too. Can the police accept citizen information and use this information as part of police decision making? And, is this more effective than continuing without citizen involvement? The blending ofpolice functions into citizen leadership efforts has not been disproved; or, in our case, tried as policy on a neighborhood basis. The theorists of our peace agreement are adamant about trying this effort. Some community leaders are in agreement. Some community leaders see this as the taking of a second job in the community, a job that should be taken solely by the citizen paid police. It is not easy to prove effe.ctiveness or to prove justice by just a theory. The test of Cincinnati's peace agreement requires implementation and evaluation. The monitor, the signers of the peace agreement, the community leaders, the criminals, and the average citizen are participants in what promises to be one of the major factors strengthening or destroying our city. �STREETVIBES Page 19 June, 2003 Boycott Current State - The Burr Und·e r the Saddle uprising occu_rred, then they seem by Allen Abrams to have decided that it was a " bad So there has been some in­ idea" to keep killing young black fighting. Hands down with no males so they stopped. That's room for discussion, the easy. They just stopped killing Cincinnati Boycott has .been the them. Therefore, whether strongest, most effective tool for through blatant disregard or social change that Cincinnati has through conscious action, the ever seen in its entire history. Cincinnati Police had been Disagree? Point to another choosing to use fatal force on element that has generated so . young black males. much discussion among The divide and conquer households, businesses, the City mentality has been employed Administration and the press. throughout history. We need to Name one, just one. Name one unite and get along. We don 't other tool of social change that need to agree 100% on all issues. has actually gotten the City In the minds of many, the Administrati.on to get up off its collective butt and decide to try to boycott has overshadowed the actual issues. In the media and in rebutt all the true things said minds of many, the personalities about them·by " the boycotters". of the boycott have become the Why has it taken so long for the issue. This is not about City to even think of addressing personalities, people. It's about the needs of the people? Why principles and the principles are have there been no unarmed simple; equal treatment and equal black men killed in the last two opportunity. So the city digs in its years? Apparently, it is actually heels and refuses to sit down and possible to affect an arrest of a black man without actually killing talk to the boycotters due to pride, arrogance and personal ·issues. him. And apparently cops don ' t The real issue is the addressing of have to use fatal force to the root causes which led to the apprehend a person. After they uprising. The boycott in many kiJJed Timothy Thomas and an peoples' minds has become a polarizing factor rather than helping us change and heal. But to others there will be no forward movement unless the boycott succeeds and the desired changes are made. To some, without the polarization, the uncomfortable feeling that the boycott instills in white people, there will be no burr under the saddle. The boycott provides a needed incentive, a sense of discomfort without which, this city will fall back asleep, into its illusory sense of placid numbness to the pain and plight ofthose less fortunate. We have swept them under the rug long enough, now we must face these boogeymen, the people our society has created but wishes it could ignore or pretend they don't exist - the throw away people. I've got news for you; we do exist and we will rear our ugly head again if our basic needs, our human i:ights aFe not addressed and met. The basic rights of food, shelter, and clothing. The right to choose our living location and sc~ools we wish to send our children to. The right to earn enough money to send our children to college and to go on vacation. You heard me right, a vacation. For the rich, vacations are an assumed luxury, but for the poor, vacations may be a once in a life time experience, if that. We need this boycott so badly. It must succeed. It is our only hope. We have always held the purse strings and now we are finally using our power of the withholding of the almighty dollar. We must spend our money wisely. Why are they running scared, blaming every problem or frustration on the boycott? If it rains too hard, then the City Administration will tell you that it's because of the boycott. People have a choice to spend money wherever they want. People have a choice to talk to ~ * Supplies for Vendor's. Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snac~, etc.) * Cleaning Sup.plies . * Office Supplies - postage stamps, floppies, copier paper and other supplies If you can help, contact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cin~innati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506: Elm Street, Cincinnati, Oii 45202 (511)' 42'1-78<>3 e-mail': streetvibes.@juno.com tv1 Vendor: 80 cents whomever they want. People have the right to encourage other people not to come to Cincinnati until certain conditions are met. Let's call the "demands" conditions or prerequisites to ending the boycott. The boycott has been the only tactic to get the attention of the City Administration and business community. These are serious issues that need real solutions, now. Not in the future, at some far off distant time and place. These are life and death issues which cannot be evaded nor postponed. We need to face, admit and deal with these issues now - or there is no "moving forward" . . These issues are urgent, li~e the state of emergency that Luken called. Why isn't there that same °'state of emergency" with regard to addressing the inequalities in this city? 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 Where Your Dollar Goes Printing and Production: 20 cents 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. �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 (foll 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 shelter, 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 needs 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 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 471 -1100 Lighthouse Youth Center 861-1111 (Teens) st. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA 721 -4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 381-1171 ReSTOC Tender Mercies 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 IREAIMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.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 241 -2600 Options Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 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 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 . l Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWNlHAMti:ION (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 June 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Panhandling Registration Pg 2: Perception Drives New Law Pg 3: Education is the First Step to Ending Homelessness Pg 4: Reader Mail Pg 5: I am Scared! I am so Scared! I am so scared in Cincinnati! Pg 6: Wanted: Suspected Terrorist The Most Dangerous City to be Homeless: A Snapshot of Sacramento Pg 7: Just Visiting- City Council Behavior is Shocking Pg 8: Bringing America Home: The Campaign Pg 9: Coalition for the Homeless Releases Book Profiling Cincinnati’s Homeless Pg 10: Building Community for 25 Years Pg 11: Does Stossel Deserve a Promotion? Pg 12: The Peace Village Pg 13: Thinking Inside the Box Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: News & Editorial Pg 17: Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Report Pg 18: Peace and Justice are Fragile in the Peace Village Pg 19: Boycott Current State- The burr Under the Saddle Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Steve Shockley Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Elain Coffy Grady Cook Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Book Boycott Brendan Goodwin Cincinnati city council Community education Elain Coffy Food Research FRAC Georgine Getty Grady Cook Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath Mary Gaffney News & Editorials Over-the-Rhine panhandling Peace Village Reader Mail Sacramento Steve Shockley https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/8cd345dfaf2eecfa682db29a39eca65f.pdf ecf38c6cbe887501ab0af5a4e0887df6 PDF Text Text June, 2004 STREETVIBES Mother’s Day Luncheon kicks off a week of awareness-raising events Cincinnati’s Mayor Luken proclaims May 9 – 15 “Homeless Awareness Week” by Andy Erickson Education Coordinator Last month, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and its member agencies held a week’s worth of events during the officially proclaimed “Homeless Awareness Week” in Cincinnati. from the Lee Chapel Praise Dancers. A lot of work went into this event, and all of it was donated. GCCH absolutely must take some space to thank Concordia Lutheran Church for donating the space, and the nearly 30 volunteers from Adath Israel Congregation, Summit Country Day School, and Caracole who helped the event run so smoothly. A very special thank-you goes out to The week was kicked off on May 9 with a Mother’s Day Luncheon for some of the families residing in our local shelters. About 100 people attended the event. Guests were treated to a lasagna dinner from Betta’s Italian Oven, gift bags, door prizes, free family portraits, and a performance the anonymous donor who paid the entire bill for the caterers and the gift bags. The Mother’s Day Luncheon coincided with a similar luncheon held by the Columbus Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. While the celebration of Mother’s Day was certainly the main point of these events, the two events were held at the same time in each city to make another point: that homelessness is a significant problem for families in our area and across the nation. Nationally, families have become the fastest growing segment in the homeless population. According to Homeless in Cincinnati, a study conducted by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) and AIR, Inc., nearly 6,000 families experienced homelessness during the year 2000. Because of the large number of homeless families in Cincinnati, the number of homeless youth is also high. According the study, 8,000 children experienced homelessness during the same year. On May 10, GCCH showed Dark Days, an awardwinning documentary about people living in abandoned train tunnels in New York City. The film gives a truthful and often very personal presentation of homelessness and the living conditions these people must endure. Though the film in itself is quite good, the story that surrounds the making of the film is also interesting. The film’s director, Marc Singer, had never made a film, nor even used a camera before he made Dark Days. Because he had little money, the film’s subjects agreed to double as the crew, creating lighting by “borrowing” electricity from the city, working the sound, and even fashioning carts that could move along the railroad tracks in order to provide the film’s moving camera shots. Briefly, Singer ran out of money and ended up living in the camp himself. The film does end on a happy note, though, thanks in part to the New York City Coalition for the Homeless. The film won several awards at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival, including best cinematography and the audience choice award. Over 15 people participated in “Panhandling for Justice” on May 11, the third event in our Homeless Awareness Week. Panhandling for Justice took place downtown during lunchtime. Participants educated the lunch crowds while carrying cardboard signs that stated facts about homelessness like,“1300 people will be homeless in Cincinnati tonight,” and “Ohio is number four in hate crimes against the homeless.” Participants also passed out literature informing the public about the decision of Homeless Awareness... Cont. on page 10 Cincinnati City Council Votes To Extend Panhandling Registration by Jimmy Heath Last month Cincinnati City Council voted 5-4 to extend a law that requires people to register and get a license to panhandle in the City of Cincinnati. The law was intended to curb aggressive panhandling and create an image of a friendlier and safe downtown Cincinnati for would-be shoppers, workers and tourists. In a survey of downtown visitors and workers nuisance begging tied with parking as the number one complaint. The renewal of the law, first enacted a year ago, was supported for extension by Council members Jim Tarbell, David Pepper, Sam Malone, Pat DeWine and David Crowley. “It’s hard to find a good reason to be against it,” said Council member DeWine, saying that the law has discouraged panhandling. “Let’s not change something that works.” Council members Laketa Cole, Christopher Smitherman, John Cranley and Alicia Reece voted against the renewal. Council member Chris Smitherman said he viewed the law as an infringement upon freedom of speech rights. The city had the option to include an outreach component in the ordinance when the law was first enacted a year ago. Mayor Charlie Luken said at the time that he would veto the ordinance if it included outreach because he felt enough money is already given to social services in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Panhandling License outreach money was removed from the original Panhandling Registration proposal and the law passed Cont. on page 3 with strict rules for Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw - Administrative Coordinator Andy Erickson - Education Coordinator Elizabeth Linville - Civil Rights Coordinator Janice Faulkner - Receptionist Mary Gaffney - Receptionist Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor, Layout and Design Photographer Jimmy Heath Cover Detail of Homeless Awareness Quilt, sewn by Susan Smith. Photo by Jimmy Heath Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://homeless.cinci.com Page 2 addiction and A Journey I Needed To Make experienced struggled with them through the by Jimmy Heath, Streetvibes Editor As a teen, I struggled with fitting in at school and making friends. I wanted to belong to the cool group of kids even though I wasn’t sure what that meant. What is cool? I had all the skills to be successful in school. And sometimes I bordered on being a nerd. But I picked the schoolyard rejects, troublemakers and dopers as my friends and companions. I learned to skip school. I learned to smoke cigarettes and talk back in class. Jimmy Heath We were always on the edge of disaster, it seemed. We barely stayed out of trouble, which was mostly a testimony to our resourcefulness and our ability to lie. We were on a constant mission for dope and alcohol and a place to hang out while we fashioned our adventures. The Vietnam War was in full swing at that time. Jimi Hendrix was still alive. The Woodstock Music & Arts Festival drew half a million people to Max Yasgar’s farm in New York. The Doors were blowing our minds, along with Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. I learned to play rock and roll, spending time banging out rough cords on an old Supra electric guitar. I discovered wine when I was sixteen, after a friend and I stole a bottle from the neighborhood corner store. We guzzled the pilfered fifth of cheap Petri Port wine in an alley near my home. It was horrible stuff, but we drank it anyway. By the time our bottle of rotgut was drained we were both staggering drunk, barely able to stand up. I dragged myself home, stumbling up the stairs to my bedroom. The heavy effects of the alcohol overcame the spinning room and nausea and I eventually passed out on my bed. In spite of the sickness, I went back and did it again. I had successfully established a lifelong relationship with alcohol. As a youth, I experimented with all of the illegal drugs that were available at the time too. The drugs that were coming out of California were state-of-the-art; Orange Barrel LSD and Window Pane acid from Berkeley, opium from New York. Hashish and pot. There were drugs everywhere. It went with the music, the hair, the clothes, the attitudes. I eventually learned to outgrow most of my youthful indiscretions and drug-induced behavior, but my alcoholism remained with me for most of my adult life. I was nearly middle-aged when decades of drinking started to catch up with me physically. The years of alcohol abuse began to eat away at my body. Nine years ago this month I faced my lifelong alcohol addiction and got hope and sobriety at the Drop Inn Center’s recovery program for homeless men. I often tell people that the Drop Inn Center saved my life. The Drop Inn Center provided me with a choice that I didn’t think I had. Alcoholism is a widespread disease, affecting about 7% of American adults ­ nearly 14 million people in the United States. Liver cirrhosis resulting from alcohol abuse is one of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. At least seven million American children have alcoholic parents. No one knows for sure what drives a person to alcoholism. Alcoholism runs in families, and children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics, but children of drinkers do not always become alcoholics. Child and adolescent psychiatrists know these children are also at greater risk for having emotional problems than children whose parents are not alcoholics. (There was never booze of any kind in my house growing up. Liquor was totally foreign and forbidden in our strict Catholic household.) Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person’s lifetime, it usually follows a predictable course, and it has symptoms. Alcoholism doesn’t discriminate by color or class or social standing or education. Almost everyone has knowledge of, or has had a relationship with someone who has many twists and turns. Addiction destroys human beings and their families. Addiction hurts not only the addict, but everyone around them. Addictions are not about will power. The problems facing addicts, alcoholics, and their families are miserable, disgusting, and sometimes infuriating. The situation is often hopelessly discouraging. The road to sobriety is paved with difficulties and pitfalls. It was a hard and painful journey that I made into the Drop Inn Center nine years ago, staggering through my life with the disease of alcoholism ­ homeless and without hope or the will to live. Threat of death by alcohol did not scare me. I thought that was the way I was going to die, and there was nothing I could do about it. But because of the Drop Inn Center I am alive today. The Drop Inn Center showed me how to get sober and stay that way. They also led me on a journey of discovery in the community of Over-the-Rhine, a place where I continue to live and learn each and every day. How does one describe getting their life back? It is hard for a recovering addict to explain. It is a spiritual thing, and comes from deep inside. But ask my friends and family about me during my addiction and they will describe what hell must have been like. The cost of addiction can’t always be measured by economics or loss of life – it is what we do to our loved ones that is one of the greatest tragedies. Now sober for nine years, I continually ask myself how I can give something back to honor this gift of life that was freely given to me and many others who have looked for help at the Drop Inn Center. I’m one of many lucky ones who have survived an addiction, saved by a homeless shelter in Cincinnati. My sobriety is a gift to remember and celebrate every day. I don’t spend a lot of time regretting the past or my lost youth. It was the journey I needed to make to get to where I am now. Buy Streetvibes From Badged Vendors Only! Streetvibes Vendors are required to sign a code of conduct and agree to abide by all the rules of the Streetvibes Ven­ dor Program. If a Vendor misrepresents or breaks the rules, she/he may be removed from the Program. To report a Vendor, call 421-7803. ext. 16 Streetvibes �How do I know? I used LETTERS to be one. Now I’m a prison activist. From Readers reform Linda Tant Miller Dear Friends, Am I the only one who realizes that the stage was set for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners on the day that Saddam was put into a cell with pictures of his dead sons and friends? I am no fan of Saddam’s, but he is a human being ­ although just barely - and rubbing anyone’s nose in the fact that their children and friends have been recently killed, absolutely constitutes psychological abuse. Everyone seemed really proud of the fact that Saddam was being mentally tortured - apparently with the approval of the White House and the U.S. as a whole. It’s not a huge leap from there to the physical abuse of other Iraqi prisoners. The abusers probably thought their actions would meet with the same approval. Besides, abuse and murder of prisoners is a routine American practice and most USAR MPs are police and corrections officers in their civilian lives. They’re just performing business as usual, only in federal rather than state or local uniforms. Stop Execution We would like to pose the following question to your readership – Should the State of Ohio Execute Greg Lott? Please consider the issue of mental retardation. The US Supreme Court recently barred the execution of the mentally retarded. In 1986 Lott was assessed with an IQ of 72. Recently experts have tested Lott based on his IQ and his adaptive skills. One expert says his IQ qualifies him as mentally retarded, while a second says his adaptive skills qualify him as mentally retarded. Since neither expert finds both qualifiers, the judge says he’s not mentally retarded. What do you say? Please consider the issue of innocence. The victim lived 10 days after the attack. He identified his attacker as a very light complexioned African American man with long straight hair that he knew from the barbershop. Mr. Lott does not fit that description. When shown a picture of Mr. Lott, the victim said he was not the Panhandling Registration is a part of DCI, they fund the Cont. from page 1 panhandling, including no panhandling at crosswalks, after dark or near ATM’s. Panhandlers who use a sign and don’t request money verbally are exempt from the ordinance. The panhandling license is free and requires registering at the Health Department and a police check. A trained social worker with the Cincinnati Health Department, the agency charged with registering and processing panhandler registrations, works “full time” registering about 3 panhandlers a week. Violators face jail time and fines for not being registered. Downtown Cincinnati Inc, (DCI) a non-profit organization representing downtown businesses, provided $25,000 for an outreach worker, which they have since renewed. Since that time, Brent Chasteen, the DCI outreach worker has been very successful in getting people off the streets and into treatment, housing and other programs. Council member David Pepper side-stepped this important detail, stating that since the city outreach. Some council members said the law has benefited downtown businesses and has connected panhandlers who might be homeless, mentally ill or substance abusers with social service programs. “Some people who didn’t have a home now have an apartment,” Council member Pepper said. Council members seemed to be in agreement that registration wouldn’t eradicate panhandling downtown. But there was much debate about the overall effectiveness of the legislation. Opposing Council members said the law has only bumped panhandlers from downtown Cincinnati to other neighborhoods. Some said they thought the city’s panhandling problem was a little better, but weren’t convinced it was because of the registration. Cincinnati police have made 155 panhandling arrests in nine months, including some people who were arrested multiple times. One man was arrested 16 times by Cincinnati police. No criteria for the success of the panhandling attacker. Could Greg Lott be innocent? Please consider the issue of attorney error. Evidence of Mr. Lott’s innocence, which the defense finally discovered in 1991, has never been presented in court. The defense failed to make timely use of the evidence; therefore, it has NOT been reviewed by the federal courts. Could it change the outcome in the courts? Should Greg die because of these errors? Please consider the issue of prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecutor told the jury that Lott showed intent to murder by bringing lamp oil into the house during the robbery. They said the victim did not own oil-burning lamps. This was damaging to Mr. Lott’s case. It was later revealed that the prosecutor knew of a police report noting oil-burning lamps in the house. Would that have changed the minds of the jury? A three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decided to stay Greg Lott’s execution to give federal court time to consider whether there are grounds for a new trial. It seems obvious to us – Mr. Lott deserves a new trial. The Staff of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center ­ Kristen Barker Alice Gerdeman, CDP Eunice Timoney Ravenna registration were ever developed so the true effectiveness of the ordinance is unknown. Is it successful if a high number of people register, or if there are no registration applications or arrests does this imply that there are no panhandlers or that the law is a success? A lawsuit against the ordinance is still pending, based on both the national and state constitution. According to lawyers, you cannot pick a specific group of people and require that their speech be registered. The city lost this very lawsuit about 3 years ago when trying to ban panhandling outright. Meanwhile, the dialog by Council infers that the program is a great success. “We don’t know why this works, but it does, so why mess with it? This is like a delicious pot of chili we are all enjoying, so why would you go back and ask, ‘can we remove the onions?’” said Council member DeWine. City government leaders in Dayton, New Orleans and Memphis, which already have registration requirements aimed at curbing aggressive panhandling, say success depends on how strictly the law is enforced. District 1 Police Captain James Whalen, who testified during the discussion of the ordinance, said he expected enforcement to be low. Officers would rather see the panhandlers get some help rather than spend time in jail and waste police resources, he said. “We can arrest all the people we want, but if they go back out on the streets then we still have a problem,” Council member Laketa Cole said. Georgine Getty, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless said that, “Outreach to panhandlers has proven to be incredibly useful in curbing the number of panhandlers downtown. This is because it addresses the root causes of poverty behind panhandling. Registration, on the other hand, is a costly, detrimental, unconstitutional layer of bureaucracy that is stigmatizing to panhandlers and further alienates them from the services they need to become self-sufficient.” Streetvibes Mother’s Day Brunch This letter is just a few words of appreciation for being there for homeless families. My name is Gail. I have three boys aged 13, 12 and 7. I cherish their lives, and due to circumstances me and my children are homeless. But thanks to Interfaith Hospitality they have a place to sleep and try to have a normal child’s life. I believe children are resilient and they are stronger than adults and they seem to adapt to situations better. The Mother’s Day Brunch was very uplifting and comforting. Going and seeing families in the same situation was very difficult. At one moment my tears were uncontrollable because my heart was so heavy and grateful that someone cared enough to think of others rather than themselves. Thank God for the Homeless Coalition. Please know that you are appreciated; never stop what you are doing for mothers and children. Page 3 �ON A SCALE OF ONE TO A HUNDRED, HOW MUCH DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CITY’S TREATMENT OF CINCINNATI’S HOMELESS? I WILL DONATE: $1 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 He’s only 18 months old and already he’s trapped in the cycle of homelessness in Cincinnati. His mother needs an affordable place to live and a job with a living wage as she escapes a life of domestic violence. The current treatment of homeless individuals in our city means that he may never be able to live in a home of his own. There are 25,000 people in Cincinnati that experience homelessness each year. More than one-third of those are women and children. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless believes that by addressing the root causes of the problem through education, advocacy and coordination of services, we can end homelessness in our city. The more support we have from the community, the further our efforts reach. Please cut the coupon and pick a box. It could mean that one less child will have to live in one. Send your donations to Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Page 4 Streetvibes �Panhandling for Justice spreads awareness about homelessness by Elizabeth Linville On Tuesday, May 11, students and local advocates took to the streets of Cincinnati in a “Panhandling for Justice” event as part of Homeless Awareness Week. The event, which the Coalition for the Homeless has organized the past two years, featured individuals walking through the downtown business district with signs displaying facts about current issues and passing out flyers. This year participants focused on a variety of issues: the panhandling registration, the release of “bumfights” videos by major retailers such as Amazon.com and Elizebeth Linville and Rachael Richardson Panhandle for Justice near Best Buy, and proposed downtown’s Fountain Square federal cuts to the Housing Choice Voucher program. cuts have been an issue tenants are required to pay, and The panhandling throughout this year. The it may force housing authorities registration was a timely issue, Federal Budget for 2005, to shift their assistance to higher as city council was near voting released by the Bush income families. Our city, like on renewing the Administration in the rest of the country, cannot legislation in the February, calls for afford to see these cuts at a time Cincinnati City huge cuts in the when more people than ever are Council Law funding for housing experiencing homelessness. Committee (see assistance vouchers. The “Bumfight” videos story page 1). The Housing Choice have become a large issue this Participants in the Voucher Program past year. These hate videos are “Panhandling for (commonly referred being produced showing Justuce” event to as Section 8) homeless individuals fighting, Elizabeth Linville spread the word that performing bizarre acts, or allows families to the registration, which was engaging in self mutilation and reside in market-rate rental enacted in an ordinance last injury to each other. The housing and pay 30 percent of year and is now up for renewal, their income for rent, while the individuals are paid with small is unconstitutional and amounts of money, food, or voucher covers the rest. The unnecessary. Requiring alcohol. At first the videos 2005 budget proposal will hurt someone to register to were mainly being sold online by the program in a variety of panhandle violates his or her ways: it will reduce the number independent dealers, but now first amendment right to major retailers such as of households that will be freedom of speech. Amazon.com, Barnes and assisted by a voucher, it could Housing Choice Voucher increase the amount of rent Noble, and Best Buy are also selling these videos. Participants in the Panhandling for Justice event circulated flyers asking people to contact the CEOs of these corporations (see following list) to tell them to stop selling the videos, which encourage violence against individuals who are homeless. Amazon.com – Jeffrey Bezos, CEO (206) 266-1000, Best Buy – Susan Busch, Corporate PR, (612) 291-1000, Barnes and Noble – Stephen Riggio, (212) 633­ 3300 Some citizens were receptive and interested in the facts displayed and handed out during this event, while others seemed unwilling to pay attention to the plight of our country’s poorest individuals. One participant reported a woman telling her to “stop making me sad,” when approached with a flyer showing a homeless child. Both reactions are evidence that the “panhandlers” at least made some sort of impression on the individuals that they encountered during this event. For further information on any of these issues, please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 513-421-7803 or check out any of these websites: www.homeless.cincy.com, www.neoch.org, www.cohhio.org, or www.nationalhomeless.org. Cincinnati from the Point of View of a Chicagoan by Natasha Matusova Racism and classicism are inherent in society; compassion seems not to be. The state of Over the Rhine seems to embody this. Few outside the community seem to Don’t be Squirrelly! ET VIB ES Streetvibes own way, try to make a small dent. I am scared, though, because I fear that that inspiration will fade as I start having to deal with my life again, and getting an A on tomorrow’s test will become more important than helping others. I cannot say that I won’t try, because, as Bonnie Neumeier told us, “ You got to keep on keepin’ on.” (Natasha visited Cincinnati as part of a one week service learning trip with Northwestern University, Chicago) RE Rhine was so much worse; in a way, it was so much greater. No one that I know of has stood against the gentrification of my neighborhood. No one has spoken out for the rights of the residents. No one has really fought. But to delve into the history of Over the Rhine, is to delve into a history of a unified struggle. Buddy Gray, Bonnie Neumeier, Jimmy Heath among many others have fought for the neighborhood and its people. So what does this all have to do with me? It has everything to do with me because I have been inspired. It has everything to do with me because I now want to take action. Although I could never hope to make the kind of difference the aforementioned people have made, I will, in my ST Buy Streetvibes! actually care. Its richness lies in its culture and history, but this is of no consequence to the poor and the homeless. That is what I learned this week. Being from Chicago, I never really expected to be touched. I figured it couldn’t be any worse than what I see every day. The first time I stepped on Vine Street, I thought, “ man, I wish my block was this lively.” I didn’t think twice about it. I just knew that Over-the-Rhine was starting to feel the effects of gentrification, just like my neighborhood was. I quickly realized how naïve I was. My neighborhood, with its fake gangs and small time drug dealers, had so much less in common with Over the Rhine than I had lead myself to believe. In a way Over the Support Your Vendor Page 5 �students “absolutely love him,” says Charles Strobel, who started the campus as an outreach ministry for the homeless in 1995. After Pancoast’s class, many go on to take classes in computer and job skills or earn their GED. term options.” North American Briefs Two men are facing compiled by Patty Lane Stressed-out city charges after a brutal attack dwellers nationwide are finding a new way to get de­ on a homeless man in An Ohio woman is stressed. No need to head to a Louisville, Kentucky. Police taking on a tremendous tell WAVE-3 News that Clifton spa or vacation spot to journey one step at a time. recharge. Some are finding Dale Agnew, 53, was sleeping Kim Denmark is walking that by becoming temporary in an alley behind a Salvation across America to draw Army shelter when two men attention to welfare reform “street bums” they can regain attacked him. After punching, their perspective on life. It’s and the plight of the all part of a program called homeless. During her journey kicking, and beating Agnew with a trash can and a crock she hopes to gather enough “street-retreat” designed to cleanse the spirit. The pot, the men then allegedly signatures to get her on the Peacemaker Center, a group stripped the homeless man of floor of Congress, where she his clothes and sodomized him that follows the tenets of Zen, wants to present one million with sticks, boards and bottles. has been organizing retreats on signatures to ask for welfare the streets of New York for He was then stabbed and other reforms. “I want it repeatedly. Agnew suffered to come to the top of the more than 10 years. Pretending to be homeless has head trauma, broken ribs, and agenda, not the bottom,” she a cost. For $150, small groups a lacerated colon and rectum. tells the Athens Banner At one point his injuries Herald. She puts in about ten of about 10 people hit the streets with no ID and no appeared so severe that miles a day to reach her goal money. The “retreats” last investigators were preparing of 2,704 miles during her 52­ murder charges. His condition anywhere from three to five month trek. She wears an days. “You don’t know when is improving and he remains orange jump-suit filled with you are going to get your next signatures of those she has met hospitalized. Friends of the victim say he posed no threat along the way. On the road meal. You rely on asking people on the streets where the to anyone. The shelter’s she eats and sleeps at the free lunches and shelter can be director is calling for more to mercy of volunteers and be done to protect the communities who have given found, and you find they are homeless. “That’s the reason very generous,” says Zen her support throughout her teacher Francisco Lugovina. we need the Salvation Army trip. and other overnight shelters,” On April 8, Detroit Retreats have also been held in says Brenda Mattingly. She Montreal and London. A police dispatched bulldozers veteran of the program calls it hopes the community shares to destroy a shack that had the outrage she feels. “We feel an exercise in bearing witness been the home of Ralph everybody here is an asset to to the joy and pain of the Thomas, 56, for more than universe. ten years. Thomas, 56, had an our community and are hour to gather what belongings worthwhile people. We don’t In a verdict this week, see a dividing line as to who a jury in Ontario, Canada he could from the shanty he recommended special clinics built out of plywood, blankets, should be protected and who shouldn’t.” and tires on a vacant lot. be established to stop the A former Vanderbilt spread of tuberculosis. “This breaks my heart,” According to The Globe, half University football coach is neighbor Eloise Nash told the using his own life experiences of the province’s homeless Detroit Free Press. “Where is to help homeless people in population is already infected. he going to go?” Over the An inquest into the deaths of Tennessee get back on their years, Thomas had turned his feet. Fred Pancoast volunteers three people who died of TB shack into four clean and tidy his time in Nashville, teaching wrapped up this week with the rooms with a wood burning release of the jury’s stove for food and warmth and classes once a week to help down-and-out men and women recommendations to prevent a laundry system with a learn how to rebuild their future deaths. The jury also clothesline. Although his recommended public health lives. He tells The home is gone, Thomas says he’s alright, and he has a place Tennessean, “All of us have departments track and analyze had our tough times in life, TB screening results with their to keep his possessions. An new public health information and I’ve had mine. A lot of outreach coordinator for an people have helped me and I organization that assists system. All workers and want to help back.” He begins volunteers in shelters and elderly people in southwest his life skills classes by asking homeless drop-in centers must Detroit brought Thomas some his homeless students to open sandwiches, clothes and an also be screened for TB before up about their lowest point. being hired. But homeless invitation to a homeless advocates expressed Eventually he gets them to shelter. “He may qualify for describe how they got there some additional financial disappointment that the jury and then brainstorm a list of failed to address stopping TB. support,” says David They suggest moving the ways they can escape from Esterbrook of Bridging their situations into better, Communities. “We’d like to homeless out of overcrowded more productive lives. His shelters and putting them in talk to him about some long­ Homeless News Digest Page 6 Streetvibes affordable housing to help stop the spread of the disease “If SARS was not a wake-up call on this issue, then what will be?” Cathy Crowe told The Globe. Crowe, a nurse who works extensively with the homeless, is infected with TB. Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, a $500,000 federal grant will help homeless people get the health care they need. “We’re able to quadruple the number of people we can see,” Lisa Glenn, director of Health Clinics told News 8 last week. The clinic treats about 1,200 people a year, but the grant will allow 5,500 people to be treated. Giving homeless people access to health care will ease up Austin’s emergency rooms for real emergencies. “There are patients with nine emergency room visits in a six-month basis,” says John Gilvar, of the city’s Community Health Centers. “They go back on a routine basis for ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and they are taking up space and costing the community a lot of money by using the emergency room.” He says the grant will help take the city’s homeless health care issue in Austin to a new level. In addition to medical care, the grant also allows patients to receive dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse care. 20 YEARS SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 �Many Sides To Everything by Mary A. Gaffney I’m writing this during the month of May. School will soon be out for the summer, and we will be welcoming the cicadas for their 17 year visit. Whether we want it or not the cicadas will visit! To my homeless friends and buddies, to the ones that have found employment, I would like to say that God is Good. Just keep on believing, my friends, and to the ones who are still looking for help, hold on. Today I’m thinking about the late Gentria Lynn Thomas whose life was ended recently. There are many sides to everything, to every life. The question is, have you really taken to the time to study the person? granddaughter was working on a drawing and in a clear voice Gentria Lynn Thomas Gentria asked if she could have came several times to the Homeless Coalition office. The it. On her second visit to the office she got another drawing first time she came in I had my from my great-grand daughter. 11 year-old greatLater that granddaughter evening, my with me. She grand daughter sometimes was with me at comes to the home, watching office when television, school is out. where we heard I want the news of her to see the Gentria life of the Thomas’s death. children and the I remembered people that how Gentria come into our Miss Mary Gaffney smiled and office. I want talked quietly to her to learn how this child when visiting the to be kind to them, and never office. She would smile and her forget that homelessness can eyes would light up. I had to happen to anyone. explain to my grand-daughter On this particular day, what had happened, and to she met Gentria Thomas and remember Gentria’s visits, the they spoke to each other. My Homelessness; The Threat We All Face by Crystal Evans Cambridge MA As I stood on the steps outside of Youth On Fire* I looked around at the crowd. We were all there that morning with the same goal: to abolish poverty, defeat the forces of racism, militarism and economic exploitation, and create a world we all can live in together in peace with economic and social justice. Cars honked and people shouted in agreement with us. On April 3, the statewide March to Abolish Poverty reached Cambridge. Two weeks prior, I met Eli Beckerman, the local coordinator for the march. He had come to Youth on Fire in search of speakers. I had agreed to speak and also volunteered to help out with final details that needed to be taken care of before the march. I spent the days leading up to that Saturday morning helping to make signs and a banner to carry during the march, designing and distributing fliers all over Cambridge, and thinking through what I would say when I addressed the crowd. Becoming a homeless activist was the last thing on my mind when I ended up homeless in February, 2003. At that point I was more worried about day­ to-day survival, where I would sleep and how I would find food. I could barely manage my own life, not to mention advocate for others. I never expected to end up homeless. I had always thought that most homeless people were “homeless by choice” and that if they really no matter how hard we tried it wanted to help themselves they just wasn’t enough. It seemed could. I was 19 when I got in a like every service/program I car accident in February, 2001, applied for ended up with a ended up with a broken neck budget cut. It felt like there and a traumatic brain injury, and was no way out. suddenly found myself unable But after 11 months to hold a job due to cognitive bouncing around the shelters and neurological problems. I and staying on the streets I didn’t have family to support finally got the call I had been me—I was on my own. waiting for. I moved into my Not being able to hold a apartment in January. At that job also meant I had no health point, being an activist against insurance. And, without poverty only seemed natural. insurance, I couldn’t get I shared my story with medical care or rehab for my the crowd. Afterwards, we injuries. I battled with the state headed through Harvard Square of New Hampshire for months holding signs with messages trying to get Medicaid but was like, “Housing is a Human denied every time. By the fall Right,” “Poverty Equals of 2002, I had lost my ninth job Violence,” and “Economic and couldn’t afford rent. Not Justice For All.” Along our knowing what else to do, I left route we passed several of the New Hampshire and headed to places I stayed—shelters, store Boston, knowing there were more shelters and better medical care there. I figured I’d only be homeless for a couple of weeks. Weeks turned to months. I could get medical care in Massachusetts, but housing was a completely different issue. The Section The Know Your Rights 8** waitlist froze in April of Brochure is now available at the 2003 and subsidized housing Coalition’s office. The brochure waitlists were three years is a legal guide for Cincinnati’s long. homeless and covers a person’s It didn’t take me long basic rights when interacting with in the shelters to realize that the police, as well as some local there were very few of us that laws that might be of interest to were truly homeless by the homeless population. If you choice. All it can take is a are a homeless person or if you loss of a job, a fire, domestic work with homeless people and violence, or a sudden illness would like to obtain free copies or disability to become of the brochure for yourself or homeless. Most of us were your agency, please call 421­ doing everything possible to 7803, or stop by the Coalition get out of our situations, but office and pick one up. gift of the drawings and the way she spoke. I want to say to everyone; don’t be quick to judge anyone, because first of all, you need to look beyond the person in front of you, and understand the problem and secondly, don’t be quick or harsh to judge. Any one of these circumstances could befall you at anytime. No matter how wealthy you are, you can still have all the problems. I always say be kind to the homeless and the lonely, because we can be up today and down tomorrow. Remember, we are all God’s children and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to be kind to one another, regardless of race, creed or color. He loves us all. See you next month, if the creek don’t rise. doorways, alleys, and other homeless programs. A few homeless people thanked us for marching as we walked by them. I was glad to be an active part of the March to Abolish Poverty. Many people expect the poor to help themselves. By uniting together as residents of Massachusetts, we bring awareness to how budget cuts are impacting the poor and homeless, and remind people that we are all at risk so we all have to be in this together. * Youth On Fire is a drop-in center for at-risk youth in Cambridge. ** Section 8 is a federal housing subsidy program. Crystal is an active member of Youth On Fire and other local non-profits. You can read about her experiences at www.beinghomeless.com. Reprinted from What’s Up Magazine Know Your Rights Brochure Available! Streetvibes Page 7 �The Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderland seeming “cheapness” of the Breaking out of my own death of African American numbness: The past few weeks males. The riots of 2001 have been ones of great stopped the city for a week of confusion and numbness for me. horror and reflection that many I have felt inundated with of us thought would bring us unbelievable events: out of the patterns that had a) The Gibson movie as new reinforced averting our eyes to seeds of hate; the ongoing brutalization of b) the revelations of Richard certain communities and groups Clark about the deafness to in our city. An innovative warnings about September 11th; healing process was initiated, c) the testimony of Clark and “The Collaborative Agreement,” national security advisor, Rice, that called for new methods of about what was “known” by her communication within the and others; police and between the police d) the increasing death toll of and the community. Police Americans and Iraqis and the procedures were found that seeming unraveling of the could reinforce “community” effort to work for peace; policing with a different e) the decision of the Sharon government to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza, AND the explicit support of president Bush for this plan and the failure of Sharon to convince his own political party; f) the American acknowledgement and support of the Israeli policy of assassinating opposition political Dr. Steve Sunderland leaders; g) the unresponsiveness of the perspective on participation of world community to the the general citizenry in the genocide in the Sudan coming policing process of identifying at the same time as the “hot spots,” and working anniversary of the similar “collaboratively” to bring the genocide in Rawanda; good will of the police and the h) the 50th anniversary of community together as a team. Brown v. Board of Education at This process does not exist as the same time that resegregation of this date even though of the nation’s schools millions of dollars have been continues unresponded to by the used to promote the process. branches of the federal Our city is becoming government; numb, again. Healing has i) Cincinnati continues without stopped. The killings by police any addressing of the causes of have changed but community the riots of 2001 while police residents are killing each other procedures, under criticism by a at record levels. federal monitor, are unchanged MY KEY FITS WHAT? along with the attitude of Who has a good answer “racial profiling”; and, to the lock without a key? j) recent news coming out of Who can lift the fog and Iraq suggest new levels of help see the clouds? suicide by American armed What makes sense when forces while pictures of despair is the name of the drug? humiliation of “prisoners” has Yet, there are young brought the president and the people holding fasts for the secretary of the department of hungry in our city. defense to the point of Yet, there are apologizing “for the torture” to international students who are the American armed forces, the making their countrie’s plight Iraqi prisoners and people, and known. the American people. Yet, there are Christians When I started the Peace and Jews from high schools Village three years ago, the willing to meet and learn about focus was on promoting healing the “other.” from the riots by taking action Yet, there are Islamic to face the taboo areas of our people willing to open the door, city and culture that have one more time, to discussion allowed the numbing of our and the answering of the police and community to the questions of fear. Page 8 Yet, there are courageous editors and writers willing to not let the homeless die without some shred of respect for their lives and their deaths. A mural of elders in our most dangerous neighborhood shows hands touching in love. Little children paint pictures of an underground railroad riding a rainbow of hope. Finches grow their four little ones to the point that they can fly as the cats scowl. Peace can happen and is happening. Taking the Peace Village as an antidote to the language of numbness: What helps under these conditions of “war” on the peace processes? What can any person do to make a difference, stand up to the waves of violence, and, take a position of conscience? The suspension of the laws of war (Geneva Accords), following the attacks of September 11, have deeply invaded our common culture of what is acceptable in both language and action. Fighting terrorists without understanding the sources of terror is basically a national panic attack. Devoting billions of dollars for revenge on some “enemy” blinds our confusion with evil. Holding “suspects” from our war in Afghanistan for months without access to lawyers or judges increases the fear that our enemies will do the same and that there is no real rule of law for anyone. A policy of murdering “suspected” terrorists without any thought of bringing them to justice is international capital punishment and the ultimate torture without trial, review, or appeal to anyone. And, we support our allies in this same corroding behavior: we are breaking down the layers of decency and acceptance of the rule of law. Standing aside, without strong protest about the genocide in the Sudan and, through the absence of agreed upon AIDS funding, makes us a part of a world of evil that keeps slapping us in the face. Yet, the Peace Village is moving with gentleness and a resolve to make language and action converge in compassion. We are engaged in actions that highlight reflection about the numbness of our local, national and international events. One commitment is to reflect and change mis-education about Jews, Christians and Moslems amongst youth and adults who are able to work through their fears of the other religions. Here is a little of my own Streetvibes reflection on the actions that are emerging connected to the movie, “The Passion of Christ,” by Mel Gibson. The Gibson movie laid down a barrage of hateful messages about Jews, while providing a fictional version of the Gospels, and temporarily threatening the possibility of mutual respect between Christians and Jews. One part of me wanted to just let the movie go by and not comment: “This too shall pass.” But talking with Cincinnati youth and elders of both religions about their mutual ignorance and fear of each other only made it clear that the movie has given us a door for discussion about what may be behind the religious images. Religious hatred builds from fear and fear is what is dominant in the discussions of the major religions. Holidays are celebrated or known about, within and without the religion, without knowledge of connections to each faith. Rarely have people felt welcomed in another person’s sacred churches, temples, and discussions. Very few people have ever visited a church, synagogue or mosque if it is not their own religion. My old friends, Sam Joseph, Ed Irvin, and my new ones, Hans Klee, Barbara Dragul, Lama Aloosma, and the youth have counseled me to go into this area with caution and modest expectations. Both groups of religions have done a very good job in blinding each group to the strengths within and between the faiths. Opening a door and making a bridge for mutual respect and the creation of friendship will take action and patience. But the violence of doing nothing in a violent world is not my choice; yet, the numbness of shock of deep-seated hatreds continues to plague my consciousness. 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 of Peace in the world. Dr. Sunderland also heads up Posters-for-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions of Peace, in their own words, through the creation of posters. �Dad Remembered Homeless It has been about 4 years since I wrote an article for Streetvibes. But today as I was riding my bike with my 4 year old son on the back in a bike seat, I ran into two street vendors who were so full of joy as I approached them. They reminded me of my wonderful father, Joseph E. Martin who use to be a street vendor. In 1999, I wrote an article in Streetvibes, “A MAN FOR THE HOMELESS—MY WONDERFUL FATHER.” My father spent his whole life as a single father raising 7 children by himself, and helping the homeless people in Cincinnati. I still see some of the homeless people who used to live in his house selling Streetvibes. My father was a self-employed contractor who provided not only room and board but jobs for the homeless in Cincinnati. Since 1999, my father had to eventually sell his house and move into a senior citizens home. When I visit him, I can see how much he misses his house and helping the homeless. Due to the fact that he is getting older, he has trouble taking care of himself. But if he could, he would buy another house and continue to help the homeless. I know that there are many like him in Cincinnati who we do not even know exist. My Dad never sought recognition but he deserves it. My wife and I work as Registered nurses, I work at Mercy Fransican hospital in Western Hills and she works at Deaconess Hospital up in Clifton. Over the years, my Dad has taught me alot about homeless people. As nurses, we take care of many as patients. There are so many reasons why people end up without a home. Many lose their jobs or fall prey to alcoholism or divorce. No matter the reason, it is a serious issue that must be dealt with in Cincinnati. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless does so much to address the needs of the homeless but so much more is needed. Reverend Maurice McCrackin did so much when he was living as a voice for the homeless. I feel privileged that I got to know him and share the gospel with him. It is nice that St. Joseph Catholic Church is honoring his life on June 11-13. There are many who have shared his passion for the homeless and his desire to fight for the less fortunate. My father was one of them. This story I write for him, in honor of a wonderful father and a good role model for the citizens of Cincinnati. I miss seeing him in his house and helping the homeless. I miss going to his house to pray with the homeless and the many special people who I got to know. In fact, many got the courage through prayer to put their lives back together. Many of the homeless who stayed with my father, learned from my father roofing and painting, and started their own businesses and bought their own house. Though my Dad, does not own a house anymore, he still has a big heart for the homeless. God has called me to give the gospel to teenagers and college students in Cincinnati and throughout the world. In 2002, I visited South Korea to attend a World Mission report as a part of a Korean Missionary Journey Team. As I walked the streets in Seoul in the mornings, I saw many homeless people just like here in Cincinnati. Though many Koreans could not speak English, I got a chance to share breakfast with a few in South Korea. Dad, I love you very much and I am proud to be your son and for what you have done for the homeless. In the same spirit of Reverend Maurice McCrackin, God gave you a special gift, it was not wealth or fame, but a big heart for those who were less fortunate. Jesus once said, “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you can find.” The kingdom of heaven is filled with those who are less fortunate. Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Our nation is most blessed when we serve and care for those who are less fortunate. We must not forget our brothers and sisters. We must help them by remembering the words of Jesus and listening to his voice. We must remember that what we do for the homeless, we do for Jesus and to serve his purpose of going to the streets and inviting them into his kingdom. May the people of Cincinnati join the fight to end homelessness through prayer and sharing God’s love with those who are in need. Shepherd Andrew Martin University Bible Fellowship Church, Cincinnati IRS Warns Charities Against Engaging in Political Campaign activity. Using an example of a Activities sponsored debate or forum, the Last month the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a news release reminding charity groups to stay out of partisan political activities during this election year. This year’s notice was very early in the political season, providing another indication that the presidential sweepstakes are already underway. Organizations tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. The IRS notice explains that it uses a facts and circumstances test to decide whether an organization is engaging in prohibited political IRS said if the debate or forum shows a preference for or against a certain candidate it becomes a prohibited activity. Debate or forum sponsors can be seen as providing preferential treatment by giving the candidates spun questions, not giving each candidate the same opportunity to answer, and not asking a broad set of questions that covers many issue areas. It is important to note, however, that charities can engage in a number of nonpartisan election related activities and should not shy away from doing so. Using the same example of a candidate debate or forum, the IRS said a charity could legally host such an activity. National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (513) 421-7803 Streetvibes Page 9 �Homeless Awareness... Awareness Week, May 14, was Cont. from page 1 reserved for our Homeless mainstream stores to sell the Awareness Music Bum Fights videos, the Bush Administration’s decision to cut Extravaganza. Performers housing vouchers, and the City included Christ of Cincinnati’s vote to renew Emmanuel Church the panhandling registration. Choir, Jake Speed, You can read more about these Divine Sisters, issues elsewhere in this edition Stepp’n Out, Tribe of Streetvibes. of Levite, and Soul On May 12, GCCH held Mission Chorale. a book club discussion of John Media Bridges Grisham’s The Street Lawyer. filmed the event, The book, though fiction, and we will report speaks eloquently about the the date and time real-life violations of homeless of its broadcast individuals’ civil rights. While Mother and Daughter get ready for a photo portrait at Homeless Mother’s Day Brunch homeless advocates believe that when that information losing your home does not becomes available. mean losing your rights, GCCH staff would politicians and others who like to thank the perceive the homeless as undeserving – or even worthless nearly 100 people who attended the – often disregard homeless event for their people’s rights when creating kindhearted charity public policy or dealing with – over $500 was homeless issues. The Street Lawyer follows Michael Brock, donated to the Coalition for the a lawyer who makes a change Homeless during from working in a large this event. GCCH corporate law firm to working would also like to at a legal clinic for the thank Jerrold homeless. He quickly learns how often – and how severely – Dowell for pulling this event together. homeless people’s rights are The violated in today’s society. Homeless We reserved May 13 for Homeless Mother’s Day Brunch before arrival of the guests Awareness Quilt, our “Armchair Advocate Day.” created by Susan Smith, On this day, we encouraged toured each event. The people to stay home and use Homeless Awareness their time to learn more about Quilt is a beautiful the issue of homelessness. interactive quilt, People were encouraged to complete with doors that investigate web pages, books, open to reveal facts or movies related to about homelessness and homelessness. We also asked fabric that can be pulled that people take actions to resolve current problems facing from different pockets to reveal famous the homeless and at-risk quotations. populations, such as the Mayor Luken proposed cut in housing officially proclaimed May vouchers, the renewal of the 9 – 14 “Homeless panhandling ordinance, and the Awareness Week” in sale of Bum Fights videos. The last day of Homeless Cincinnati. Lee Chapel Praise Dancers perform for guests GCCH Executive Director Georgine Getty uncovers the Homeless Awareness Quilt sewn by Susan Smith (see cover) Page 10 Streetvibes �Streetvibes Vendor Julie Walker and her grandson, Jalyn at one week old. Three months later he is still on oxygen, but he is doing well at 7 pounds! “Thanks to everyone for your support!” There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. - Chinese Proverb Proclamation from Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken honoring Homeless Awareness Week Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 30 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. Vendors must not tell customers that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. - Washington Irving Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories. - John Wilmot Take motherhood: nobody ever thought of putting it on a moral pedestal until some brash feminists pointed out, about a century ago, that the pay is lousy and the career ladder nonexistent. - Barbara Ehrenreich Berta’s Art Corner Streetvibes Sunlight on a spigot Page 11 �ReSTOC Holds its 26th Anniversary Celebration & Dinner ReSTOC (Race Street Tenants Organization Cooperative) held its 26th Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner on May 2 at Elder High School in Price Hill. Residents, volunteers, staff and board members, and supporters joined together to celebrate another important year at ReSTOC, an Over-the-Rhine neighborhood low-income housing cooperative. A donated dinner of lasagna and other food items was provided to guests, along with entertainment and a progress report from Andy Hutzel, director of ReSTOC. Various volunteers and ReSTOC board members were recognized and honored including former director Jennifer Summers. Some of ReSTOC’s achievements this year included: • Serving as a meaningful volunteer site and learning experience for over 2,000 volunteers visiting Over-theRhine from suburban neighborhood’s. • Completing the renovation of 5 vacant, historic buildings into 25 affordable, family housing units in Over-the-Rhine. • Providing housing to 25 formerly homeless men and women. • Continuing to provide decent, quality housing for over 100 lowincome households. • Beginning a resident block club program with the Contact Center that empowers neighborhood residents to take back their streets.. ReSTOC is a low-income, racially integrated, community housing developer in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. ReSTOC was chartered in 1978 when the Drop Inn Center Homeless Shelter volunteers quietly but steadily worked to rehab several buildings; both abandoned and occupied, and ultimately saved a building from deterioration and three tenants from displacement. Founded as a co-operative in 1978, ReSTOC continues to have a Board of Owners that is at least 51% lowincome co-op tenants. ReSTOC’s history of development is born out of a grassroots initiative to create community ownership of housing. ReSTOC has always had a strong volunteer and community base. ReSTOC continues to utilize sweat equity on every development project. Much of ReSTOC’s development in the early years was done solely with private fundraising and volunteer labor (unit-by-unit, year-by­ year). ReSTOC has grown and changed over the years, developing larger projects and accessing many resources to continue a mission of providing quality, permanent housing. ReSTOC also continues its private and volunteer development with various programs. The 90 people attending ReSTOC’s 26th Anniversary Dinner represented a diverse group of people in support of decent, affordable housing. Thanks to those who attended and to the following sponsors: Tony Maas and JTM Meats, Coca-Cola, Elder High School, Busch Bros. Elevator Company, Cincinnati Central Credit Union, Clifton Ave Motor Service, Nu-Blend Paints, Southern Ohio Plate and Window Glass Corp Dinner is served Guests enjoy dinner entertainment The Vine Street Stompers perform during the ReSTOC 26th anniversary and appreciation dinner, held at Elder High School. Page 12 Streetvibes �The Rocking Chair by Marc D. Goldfinger She was leaning over the railing at the luggage conveyer. That was the first time I had seen her in over two years. I had my luggage in my hand and came around her from behind, surprised that she hadn’t seen me yet. Wondering why she hadn¹t seen me waiting for the luggage by the belt. I came up and tapped her on the shoulder. “Oh. I didn’t see you. Did you already get your luggage?” I hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Mom. It’s so good to see you.” “Did you get your luggage already? Dad is waiting outside.” I carried my bag and walked next to her. The terminal doors swished open. The humidity stained the air. My father was waving to us. He was smiling but he looked sad to me. Something was different about my mother too. Maybe it was just me. This was the first time I had seen them since I had kicked my heroin habit. After thirty-two years of shooting dope some things were bound to be changed. I walked up to my father. Hugged him. He hugged me back. Everything felt strange. Maybe it was me. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” my mother asked. “Tomorrow night,” my father said. It was a brand new Buick. My father always did like Buicks. It seemed like a long ride to the condo from the airport. Everything seemed different than I remembered it. We made small talk as we rode. The kind of talking that you don’t remember later. I felt like smoking a cigarette. I needed a meeting. I watched the Florida landscape slip by. A man with shabby clothing held a sign as he stood at the exit of the interstate. The sign said, ‘Will work for food. Please help.’ I looked at all the cars around me, passing the man standing by the highway. The air-conditioning blew cool air on my face as we passed the man with the sign. The sweat was beaded on his face. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” my mother asked. “Tomorrow night,” my father said. They took me out for lunch at a kosher deli. More small talk. About different relatives. Who was sick. Who wasn’t sick. How hardly anyone went to the pool anymore. How everyone at the condo was getting older. Or dying. I had a corned beef sandwich with pickles. My mother had a salad. My father had liver and onions. He only ate a little bit of it. I remembered he never really liked liver and onions that much. When we got back to the condo I called the NA helpline. I needed a meeting. I felt numb and couldn’t process what I was feeling. My father and I went out to the pool. We were the only ones there for awhile. He had an old white sailor’s cap on. It was pulled down and it made him look like a boy with gray hair and wrinkles. He smiled with sad eyes as we talked. One other person came out to the pool and talked with us for awhile. He had been a stockbroker. He still played with stocks and my father talked with him about the market. I looked around the pool. There were six metal tables, about fifteen straight-back chairs, and about 25 chaise lounges on the patio by the pool. There were close to eighty condos in this section of the complex. It was 92 degrees. There were three of us at the pool. A few days ago some teenagers had been swimming at the pool. The police came. On most days the water is still. My father and I went back in to change. Mom was sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair. She called out to us. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” My father glanced at me. “Tomorrow night,” he answered. “Oh,” she said. And kept rocking. I changed into dry clothes. My father went to lay down and take a nap in the living room. Other than when company came over that was the only time anyone ever used the living room. I looked around the den. I had moved in there when I had first gotten out of prison. My parents had gone to a show the first night that I was there. My father had an old prescription for narcotics in the fridge and I ate them all. I passed out with a cigarette in my hand. Left a two inch burn in the den rug. It was a new rug. It was ten years later. That night, after supper, I went out to a meeting. No one showed up except for me. I read recovery literature and walked back to the condo. It was just me and my mind. The company couldn’t have been worse. My parents were already in bed by the time I got home. I turned the light out and listened to the fan on the ceiling spin. It was right over the bed. I imagined what would happen if it were to fall on me while I slept, still spinning as it dropped. The imagination is limited when it comes to the real. Things get left out. The morning light crept under the shade. I got up and went to the bathroom. Then I prayed and meditated. There was a meeting near the apartment today that I knew would happen but I was afraid Streetvibes anyway. For me, the alternative to meetings was unacceptable. My mother was sitting on the back porch rocking in the chair. They had closed in the golf course out back with new condominiums. I missed the vegetation that had surrounded the course. My father walked into the room. “She rocks all the time since the sickness. She asks the same questions over and over. I don’t know what to do so I just let her rock.” There were tears in his eyes. I walked out to the porch and asked her if she wanted to come in for breakfast. “In a little while,” she said. There were tears in her eyes. “Are you all right?” I asked. “Yes, I’m all right,” she said. She didn’t look directly at me. She stared out at the golf course. There were so many tears in her eyes that I didn¹t know what was keeping them from spilling down her cheeks. I put my hand on her shoulder. “Is there anything I can do?” “Let me rock,” was what she said. I walked back into the den. My father was sitting there. There were tears behind my sunglasses that he couldn’t see. I felt an impulse to keep them from running down my cheek. My father was crying. “Let her rock,” was all he said. So we did. Reprinted from BIGnews, New York City, June 2004 Page 13 �As the Crow Flies Inadequate What Shall I Render? by Michael Henson by Lisa Weber by Robert Manassa, Streetvibes Vendor It smells like something Straight had just died. through the mists of morning, Down on hands and knees, he rises, I search the rug. leaving the branch of pine where he has waited. My fingers rake the plush. He crosses the eroding field of corn, Under these nails the irrigation ditch, There is some dirt and blood, and the pale road of gravel, but no hope. and sets his course, straight, Digital and vacant, over the water tower and the village hall. a voice reaches me. Field after field, he flaps over Solace to silence. broad rectangles of soybeans It reminds me how close I am, then the smaller rectangles to becoming a simple whore. of the swelling suburbs. He crosses the malls and golf courses, I want to tear that need places barren as a sea of plastic, from my skin, and does not look down. to expose what lies beneath. He crosses the black ring of the beltway It just gets muted by choked with tractor trailers a desperate quiet and the parkway that even scares me. planted thick with SUVs. I bring my knees to the floor, To his right and to his left pass come eye to eye. the towers of the cell phones Rolling and rolling, the radio stations covering myself with and the star-headed towers of the television. something, He slides an updraft over the factories more pure. humming and yawning with the start of the shift Something perhaps, human. and the dark somnolent mills still sleeping under a blanket of dust and abandonment. The morning light blazes at the flanks of the corporate centers in their pools of chilled asphalt. But he does not look to the right or the left, nor does he veer to either side. He flies steady and true, straight across the apartment complexes straight down the lanes of the tormented projects The Bottom Line straight to the throbbing center by Michael Nelson straight to the pierced heart of the city. Sin on our streets, Death in our city, The bottom line is, Life shows us no pity. Be Yourself by Bruce Wilmer The world would like to change you; There are pressures all around. You must decide just who you are, Then firmly hold your ground. You have an image of yourself, An ideal sense of you, And to this vision you must always Struggle to be true. You know what you are good at, And you know where your talents lie, But if you are ruled by others, Your uniqueness could pass by. Remember, there is much to learn, But all new things aren’t good. Wisdom lies in what you’ve learned, And what you have withstood. So, be yourself and don’t allow The world to take control. Preserving you identity, Is life’s precious goal. Page 14 Women cheat on husbands, Men cheating on wives, The bottom line is, more pain in their lives. Kids killing kids, Cops shot everyday, The bottom line is, We all need to pray. People watch violence, See ladies quite nude, The bottom line is, Our morals are crude. I don’t have fine clothes, nor jewelry I don’t have a high position given me, I don’t even understand my missions, I can’t make a decision What shall I render? I can’t truly say I’ve done things right, I don’t even pray both day or nite, Sometimes I just plain forget, I wake up the next morning feeling regret, What shall I render? What shall I give in exchange for my soul? Am I going to far? Am I being too bold? I know God shed his precious blood for me, If I don’t have anything to render, Am I truly worthy? What shall I render? Diversity by Wanda (OTR Resident) The money people are attacking my home. 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. In the center is my home and yours, the poor, 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. Our leaders are weaklings, Our court systems fail, The bottom line is, Does Truth ever prevail? The bottom line is, The end may be near, The bottom line is, Mankind shall know fear! Streetvibes Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ Streetvibes@juno.com �A queen bee, wrapped quite securely from the neck down in a cocoon of silk, hanging on a spider’s web, asked a passing drone what he thought of her hair. He replied, “Oh, you are a tangled mess!” She said, “What did you say?” But by this time the drone had passed out of earshot, so the spider answered her for him, “Your Majesty, he was simply referring to the quality of my workmanship and showing your Highness the utmost respect simultaneously. He simply inquired, ‘How do you do, your tangledness?’” “Oh, that’s much better.” * A blind man, after completing his research at the Library of Alexandria, Egypt, leaves and is traveling down the road. Up ahead on the other side he hears an animal trainer with his elephant having fun with a group of blind men. After having each feel a part of the animal he asks in turn what he thinks the creature is. The one who felt the tail says he thinks it’s a snake. The one who felt a leg says, “A tree trunk.” The one who felt its side says, “The side of a house.” The lone blind traveler listens and laughs. A passing stranger asks him, “What’s so funny?” The lone blind traveler replies, “It’s quite simple and easy to deduce what the unseen creature is. It produces more #$%* than we will ever know what to do with. It takes up a great deal of space. And it’s capable of trampling down much in meadow, forest and town, but eventually leaving plenty of room for new growth. The unseen creature is obviously a Republican. THE VIETNAM VETS SANGHA Life Is Like a Chicken Wire Fence by jh Through the void, the outstretched hand directs you to the icy, blind stare. Fearful, glassy, scratched and marred. Retarded plea, old recital, tedious. I want to go.... Beneath the surface of this rounded gem, speaks a chorus of screaming violence. There is a smell. I want to leave, keep on walking. Then, our fears grow like fruitless vine. Clinging to the cracks and concrete, in that place, beyond the Fence. “Sorry, I don’t have anything to give.” “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” - Albert Einstein Numbness settles in and the world breaks down To a question, a begging and violent question about you And me, caught in the ice with fire all around, and A dog barks at a baby that is learning to walk just As hands hold the dog, caress the baby, and release: WHO WILL GIVE PEACE A CHANCE? 10,000 posters later, the question Is fixed in the tombstone, attached to The unbeating heart, twisted In the pictures of a travelogue to hell, tangled Among the bodies making a pyramid, a child’s Game gone to lynching, hanging from a tree, caught In tape, on video, “Hello, Mom.” and fused In the future memory of another child-warrior, imprisoned In the smiles of the lost. I read in Jane’s book that awareness Can happen by opening a door in A story so horrible that the only way out Is in, through, around, crawling in the s@#$ Pile to find the understanding. The child went in, The adult emerged. Join hands, friends, and help Me look for the door in, out, deeper, above and Into understanding and love. The vets have taught forgiveness, patience, and Holding the heart in our breath as a way of releasing The wisdom of our suffering. Now, many of my brothers and Sisters are crying, losing hope, forgetting the old skills of ringing Our world bell of being awake. That ringing in my ears is also the bell of hope. Can you hear it? The Peace Village Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath by jba Race Street, Over-the-Rhine Streetvibes Page 15 �Ursuline Academy Students Explore Homelessness in humbled, educated and grew Cincinnati spiritually from the Ursuline Academy is founded on a long history of educating young women in the tradition of St. Angela Merici. St. Angela (1474-1540) believed that it was only through the education of young women that society would take on Christian values and attitudes necessary for change. Her belief in the role of women was counter-cultural and futuristic and began a movement that has become world wide, know as “Ursuline Education”. Homelessness is a problem not only in the world, but in our country - and in our city. But what can we do about it? Over the years Ursuline Academy has hosted a “Shantytown,” a threeday awareness-raising event in which students construct and sleep in cardboard “shanties.” Each evening there are activities, guest speakers and musicians, and a fund-raising dinner to help combat homelessness and educate people about this very real problem that affects thousands of people. With the recent controversy over the rights of the homeless in Cincinnati and elsewhere, we will have special interest in learning the facts about homelessness and why this social problem causes such extreme reactions from people. Ursuline Shantytown participants with Streetvibes guest speaker Grady Cook (l) up in a home similar to mine. It struck me how foolish I had been and that what these people were faced with sometimes dealt with things beyond their control. I’ve learned not to judge or associate people with certain groups, for everyone is an individual with their own story to tell. by Maeve Elder I was surprised at how much I was affected by my Shantytown experience. I helped organize the event and I go to the Drop Inn Center frequently. I’m not unfamiliar with the homeless. Shantytown (reflections written But the fact is that I am by Ursuline students particpating unfamiliar with homelessness. in Shantytown) Spending three days in a Shanty was difficult for me. I by Holly Fields hadn’t been aware how much Shantytown was one of simple comforts meant to me. the most eye-opening I was no longer able to go into experiences that I have my room and relax in solitude participated in for quite some because I was living at school, time. Never have I been so a place always bustling with thankful for what I have, or activity. Sometimes it felt so felt so humbled by the oppressive that I couldn’t just presence of others. go home. I was forced to Homelessness was a way of life somewhat unknown to me. think about how it would feel I had little background on this if I didn’t have a “home” to means of living and had never look forward to at the end of three days. been faced wit it. Upon I struggled with the fact hearing the stories form the that I had relatively no control men and woman of the Drop over my situation. Inn Center and the Greater In this case, I had Cincinnati Coalition for the committed to participating and Homeless, my previously I couldn’t just give up and formed ideals changed leave, but there were moments drastically. I had a certain when I wanted to. For people opinion of homeless people, who are really without a home, and instantly after the talks, I felt ridiculous and ashamed for getting out of the situation they are in isn’t even a my way of thinking. These concrete option. were people just like me. As some one who often Many of them had had a shies away from asking people positive family life and grew Page 16 for favors, it was humiliating to have to ask people for money, fully aware that I couldn’t pay them back. My experience with Shantytown completely changed me and while opening me up to the experience of being homeless, it compelled me to analyze my own needs and values. I will not claim that I have been acquainted with homelessness in a real form, for that is certainly not the truth. I have, however, been forced to step out of a comfort zone, which I didn’t even know existed, to learn more about an experience I had previously claimed to know a lot about. by Elizabeth Brandel I entered the chapel at the beginning of Shantytown with a few goals – to get a break from my hectic schedule, to meet new people, and to learn more about homelessness. Despite the fact that I achieved all my goals, the experience affected me more than I could have ever imagined. I was Streetvibes experience. I bonded with my fellow upper-classwomen as we ate together at the Drop Inn Center. We saw, together, tears welling up in people’s eyes as they told their story. We were moved and changed. For myself, it made me thankful for what I have. I found a new love and respect for my family and friends. Throughout the entire Shantytown experience, I grew closer to people, especially to my friend Jenny. We sat in our box and talked for hours about our lives. The experience gave us the opportunity to simply talk, and share our story. As one of my best friends, I had not been able to tell her things due to our busy schedules. However, I have learned that you have to make time. Life is short, and you are in control of how you spend it. I have learned to let my guard down and cry with people I normally don’t. I am typically a person who doesn’t let people “in” or show my emotions that much. I sobbed at Shantytown. This may not be a big deal for many people, but it was for me. Shantytown affected me emotionally as well as gave me time to find myself and let others find me as well. It was a refreshing experience and made me a happier person at Ursuline Academy. I would recommend this experience to anyone who needs a break and is in search of something more – of yourself, your friends, your life.... Ursuline.... cont. next page �by Alexander Zaitchik If the president wasn’t so forthright about his disinterest in the world, it would have been hard to believe him last month when he said the abuse in Abu Ghraib prison “doesn’t represent the America I know.” But who can doubt him? To represent the America George W. Bush knows, there would have to be explosive snapshots of Iraqi detainees lounging by the Abu Ghraib pool, barbequing ribs and snorting primo Bolivian coke off empty cases of Coors Light. There would have to be shocking reports of prisoners with family members on the Iraqi Governing Council being handed sweetheart deals on professional sports franchises and energy firms. Of course, if the President were more of a newspaper-reading sort of feller, he wouldn’t have been so shocked by the pictures. As a tough-on-crime Texan, he would have recognized such treatment immediately, perhaps even feeling a little swell of pride. If he’d ever put down the Bible for a broadsheet after his conversion, he’d know that “Texas prison” is one of the most feared phrases in the language - and he’d know why. When he sat down in front of Arab TV audiences last month to explain the true American way, he could have pointed to an October, 1999 story in the Austin American Statesman that detailed how female prisoners there were regularly kept in portable detention cells for hours at a time in summer heat with no water. “In fear of more time in the cages,” the article explains, “many women submit sexually to their oppressors and are raped, molested and forced to perform sodomy on their captors.” And in 1996, if Bush hadn’t so busy handling the transfer of $9 billion in public funds over to the University of Texas Investment Management Company, the governor might have had time to read about the videotape that surfaced that year depicting prison guards brutalizing inmates in the Brazoria County Detention Center in Angleton, TX. The tape, which was originally shot for use as a training video, showed riotclad guards beating prisoners (arrested on drug violations) and forcing them to crawl while kicking them and poking them with electric prods. Had Bush cleared a little time to watch this video, he would had an easier time digesting the images out of Abu Ghraib, and thus saved himself those few moments of humiliating supplication in front of all those Arabs, based as they were on the faulty assumption that those pictures “weren’t America.” If only some governor’s aide had told him in 1999 about the hunger strike at the notorious Terrel Unit facility in Livingston, TX, where death-row prisoner Michael Sharp said before his execution, many guards “think it is their patriotic duty to torture and brutalize prisoners.” If only he had not been so busy reclining in box seats at Rangers home games, the governor might have known that prisoners’ attorney Donna Brorby had described Texas’ super-max prisons as “the worst in the country,” where guards reportedly gas prisoners and throw them down on concrete floors while handcuffed. Then the president might have been better equipped to recognize his country in those pictures. Considering all the downtime the President has spent in the Lone Star State since 2000, he might have even heard about the 2002 conclusion of the 30-year legal battle Ruiz v. Johnson. In its write up of the case, the Austin Chronicle reported the words of Texas Judge William Wayne Justice, written after hearing lengthy expert and inmate testimony on prison conditions: Texas prison inmates continue to live in fear. More vulnerable inmates are raped, beaten, owned, and sold by more powerful ones. Despite their pleas to prison officials, they are often refused protection. Instead, they pay for protection, in money, services, or sex. Correctional officers continue to rely on the physical control of excessive force to enforce order. Those inmates locked away in administrative segregation, especially those with mental illnesses, are subjected to extreme deprivations and daily psychological harm. But no, the abuse at Abu Ghraib does not represent any America that George Bush could possibly have known about. The America he knows never sets foot inside prisons. It just owns them and fills them and builds them. Anything that happens after that, well, it might as well be another country. Alexander Zaitchik can be reached at: zaitchik@nypress.com Ursuline Students from Ursuline and Moeller joined together for an educational activity which drove home the importance of food distribution throughout the world. We ate soup and bread, and afterwards listened to Mark Teegarden from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. That night we slept for the final time in our shanties, this time on an even colder night. Shantytown really made me think about the lives of the homeless on a much more personal level. The most influential part of the three days was realizing, in comparison to the real thing, I had a cardboard shanty to sleep in - most homeless people are outside completely vulnerable to the elements. I had friends to bring me lunch. I had my shantybuddy to help me bundle up and keep warm. The hardest part of Shantytown for me was the uncertainty. Where would my next meal come form? How would I get my homework finished? I found that the most underestimated part of homelessness is the difficulty to go about daily life if you don’t know what the next hour will bring. Shantytown made me appreciate my life so much more, and it made me realize that homelessness is an issue I want to help dissolve. Livable wage and affordable housing are important concerns in this country. I may not have all the answers, but at least I have some experience to guide me in the search. Abu Ghraib - Doesn’t It Ring a (Prison) Bell? from page 16 by Kasey Wilson From April 26th to the 28th, 25 Ursuline academy students temporarily experienced homelessness during Shantytown. We constructed cardboard “shanties” outside of the school to sleep in for two nights. We were told to only bring the clothes on our back and necessary toiletries outside of the school to sleep in for two nights. The first night, we visited the Drop Inn Center and toured the building. We ate dinner with the residents and talked with homeless and formerly homeless people. That night, we slept in our shanties, thankful for the warmth on a chilly night. During the next day, we begged for food and battled sleepiness during school. The second night, Ursuline hosted an Empty Bowls Night. Streetvibes Page 17 �What Sinclair Doesn’t Want You to See on ‘Nightline’ Last month, ABC’s Nightline broadcast read a list of U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq. But some viewers weren’t able to see the program: The Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns several ABC affiliates, announced that it would not air the Nightline segment on its stations. A statement on Sinclair’s website explained: “While the Sinclair Broadcast Group honors the memory of the brave members of the military who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, we do not believe such political statements should be disguised as news content. As a result, we have decided to preempt the broadcast of Nightline this Friday on each of our stations which air ABC programming.” Sinclair’s rationale for the censorship of Nightline is explicitly political: “Before you judge our decision, however, we would ask that you first question Mr. Koppel as to why he chose to read the names of the 523 troops killed in combat in Iraq, rather than the names of the thousands of private citizens killed in terrorists attacks since and including the events of September 11, 2001.” A response statement from ABC said that the network did broadcast a list of the victims of the September 11 attacks on the one-year anniversary. This is not the first time that Sinclair’s conservative political leanings - 98 percent of its 2004 political contributions have gone to Republicans (MediaChannel.org, 4/29/04) ­ have led the company into journalistic controversy. In February, a Sinclair news crew was sent to Iraq to cover the “good news” that was allegedly going unreported in the rest of the media (Baltimore Sun, 2/18/ 04). And shortly after the September 11 attacks, Sinclair executives required stations to air editorial statements in support of the Bush administration (Extra!, 11-12/ 01). Sinclair controls about 60 TV stations, including eight ABC affiliates, some in substantial population centers: WSYX— Columbus, Ohio KDNL— St. Louis, Mo. WXLV— Greensboro, WinstonSalem, High Point, N.C. WEAR— Mobile, AL & Pensacola, Fla. WLOS— Asheville, N.C. WCHS— Charleston & Huntington, W.V. WGGB— Springfield, Mass. WTXL— Tallahassee, Fla. It’s possible that some Nightline viewers, faced with how many American lives have been lost in Iraq, may become opposed to the war. It’s also possible that others will see the show as an argument for fighting and winning in Iraq, so that these deaths will not have been in vain. Journalists, however, should not decide whether to report the reality of a war depending on what they assume the political reaction might be. The American people need full reporting on the situation in Iraq - including the toll in U.S. and Iraqi lives - so that they can make an informed judgment on whether the war’s goals are worth the costs. Sinclair may claim that it honors the memory of the dead members of the military. It evidently prefers, however, that they should be remembered without being mentioned. “Harsh Methods” Aren’t Torture, Says the NY Times from FAIR-L (Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting) The New York Times, revealing the interrogation techniques the CIA is using against Al-Qaeda suspects, seemed unable to find a source who would call torture by its proper name. Last month’s article, headlined “Harsh CIA Methods Cited in Top Qaeda Interrogation,” described “coercive interrogation methods” endorsed by the CIA and the Justice Department, including hooding, food and light deprivation, withholding medications, and “a technique known as ‘waterboarding,’ in which a prisoner is strapped down, forcibly pushed under water and made to believe he might drown.” The article took pains to explain why, according to U.S. officials, such techniques do not constitute torture: “Defenders of the operation said the methods stopped short of torture, did not violate American anti-torture statutes, and were necessary to fight a war against a nebulous enemy whose strength and intentions could only be gleaned by extracting information from often uncooperative detainees.” The article seemed to accept that the techniques described are something other Page 18 the Convention, “torture” is: than torture: “The tactics “any act by which severe pain simulate torture, but officials or suffering, whether physical say they are supposed to stop or mental, is intentionally short of serious injury.” The inflicted on a person for such implication is that only purposes as obtaining from him interrogation methods that or a third person information or cause serious physical harm would be real and not simulated a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has torture. committed or is suspected of The article quoted no having committed, or one who said that the CIA intimidating or methods described ...a technique coercing him or a were, in fact, third person, or torture. Yet it known as would have been ‘waterboarding,’ in for any reason based on easy to find human which a prisoner is discrimination of rights experts who strapped down, any kind, when would describe such pain or them as such. The forcibly pushed suffering is website of Human under water and inflicted by or at Rights Watch made to believe he the instigation of reports that “the might drown.” or with the prohibition against consent or torture under acquiescence of a public official international law applies to or other person acting in an many measures,” including official capacity.” “near drowning through Noting the Convention’s submersion in water.” The article did quote the reference to “consent or acquiescence” would have been Geneva Conventions’ prohibition against “violence to helpful in evaluating the claims made by officials in the article life and person, in that the U.S. can skirt particular...cruel treatment and prohibitions on torture if torture” and “outrages upon detainees are formally in the personal dignity, in particular, custody of another country. humiliating and degrading In fact, the Convention treatment.” But it did not quote the definition of “torture” Against Torture, which the U.S. signed in 1994, explicitly under international law, prohibits sending a person contained in the 1984 anywhere “where there are Convention Against Torture, substantial grounds for which makes it clear that believing that he would be in psychological as well as danger of being subjected to physical methods of coercion torture.” are prohibited. According to Streetvibes The Times might have looked back to its own archives on the subject to find critics of U.S. detention policies. Some of the information included in the May 13, 2004 article was first reported on March 9, 2003— except the original story quoted Holly Burkhalter of Physicians for Human Rights, who decried the lack of a “specific policy that eschews torture.” It also noted critics’ assertion that “transferring Qaeda suspects to countries where torture is believed common— like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia— violates American law and the 1984 international convention against torture, which bans such transfers.” While the article did impart important information about the tactics being used by American agents to interrogate terrorist suspects, it’s also critical to know whether these methods violate international or domestic law. By relying solely on administration officials to define what torture is and what the U.S. government’s legal obligations are, the New York Times failed to provide the context necessary for readers to make an informed judgment. CONTACT: New York Times Daniel Okrent, Public Editor mailto:public@nytimes.com Phone: (212) 556-7652 Toll free comment line: 1-888­ NYT-NEWS �Food Research and Action Center News (FRAC) (“Farmers’ Markets To Accept Surging Food Prices (“Food Prices Surge,” The Washington Post, May 2, 2004) The price of many basic food items has been climbing steeply, and the trend is expected to continue through 2004. Milk, meat, eggs, oil, and produce prices are rising nationwide, marking the first case of serious food inflation in years. The price increases are due to a stronger economy, increasing fuel costs, and bad weather here and abroad. One measure of the price of groceries shows a 10 percent increase in a year. There is some evidence price increases now are moderating. http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wp­ dyn/articles/A57945­ 2004Apr30.html Some School Lunch Programs Exceed Federal Fat Content Guidelines (“What’s For Lunch?,” Pasadena Star News, May 2, 2004) Five school districts in Los Angeles County were found to exceed federal guidelines for fat content in their school lunch nutrition programs. The school districts have stated that the data were outdated and have corrected their lunch menus to be in compliance. The survey was conducted by the California Department of Education, seeking to discover if the state’s school lunch programs were contributing to childhood obesity rates. State superintendent of public instruction Jack O’Connell noted that, “For many of our students a school lunch is the only healthy meal of the day,” and “while most California schools are doing a good job in providing healthy meals, we can do better.” http:// www.pasadenastarnews.com/ Stories/ 0,1413,206~22097~2123533,00.html States’ Tax Receipts Rise, Leading To Some Surpluses (“States’ Tax Receipts Rise, Leading To Some Surpluses,” The New York Times, May 4, 2004) Thirty-two states across the nation are reporting budget surpluses for fiscal year 2004, according to a survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax revenues have been stronger in recent months than the same period a year ago, giving many states their first consistent increase in three years. However, the surpluses are small, and tax collections are not rising fast enough to keep pace with increasing Medicaid, pensions, and education costs, which account for the bulk of state budgets. As a result, 33 states faced projected shortfalls in their 2005 budgets. In recent years most states compensated for the lost revenue by cutting programs, raising tuition and fees, or borrowing. http:// www.nytimes.com/2004/05/04/ politics/ 04TAXE.html?ex=1084248000& en=296ffe9566be8e20&ei=5062 &partner=GOOGLE Obese Kids More Likely To Be Bullying Victims And Aggressors (“Obese Kids More Likely To Be Bullying Victims And Aggressors,” SFGate.com, May 3, 2004) A study of by Queens University in Ontario found that obese children are more than twice as likely to be bullied at least once a week than their peers. Obese children are also more likely to be bullies. The study underscores that obesity endangers not just a child’s physical health, but emotional as well. The findings support similar research conducted previously in England and a study in the U.S. that found obese children, due to health problems and teasing from being overweight, rated their quality of life as low as did child cancer patients. http:// www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/ article.cgi?f=/news/archive/ 2004/05/03/ national0904EDT0479. DTL&type=health Oregon Anti-Hunger Efforts Win Federal Praise (“Hunger-relief Efforts Win Feds’ Stamp Of Approval,” Salem Statesman Journal, May 6, 2004) In 1996-98, Oregon had the hungriest households in the nation. The state’s efforts to fight hunger through raising food stamp participation shot its participation rate to 84 percent in 2001, one of the highest nationally. Undersecretary Eric Bost of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a recent visit in Oregon lauded the state’s efforts, emphasizing the continued need to raise participation rates. He spoke of the administration’s commitment to “ensure that eligible people participate in all of our nutrition programs.” Bost also mentioned that food stamp eligibility is not tied to welfare, a misconception many families had after Congress put time limits on welfare cash payments. Having enough food is important for schoolchildren as well, who otherwise have difficulty learning and growing, said a state human services official. http:// news.statesmanjournal.com/ article.cfm?i=79681 Only 1 In 3 Eligible Connecticut Children Has School Breakfast (“Let’s Take A Walk And Talk About Hungry Children,” Hartford Courant, May 2, 2004) Connecticut may be the richest state in the country, but it ranks 44th for its participation rate in the school breakfast program. Only a third of the children eligible for free and reduced price lunch also eat a school breakfast. Less than half of Connecticut’s schools even serve breakfast. End Hunger Connecticut! is advocating legislation requiring all schools with a large percentage of lowincome students to offer breakfast. The legislation is part of other anti-hunger efforts in the state, where food banks like Foodshare serve increasing need every year. The state will hold a 3-mile Walk Against Hunger. http:// www.ctnow.com/features/ lifestyle/hc-susan0502.artmay 02,0,6159537.column Billions In Public Aid Going Unclaimed In New York City (“Let feds, state help you, say Betsy & Marty,” New York Daily News, May 4, 2004) Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz held a news conference at Brooklyn Borough Hall last Friday urging borough residents to take advantage of billions of dollars in federal and state aid going unclaimed in the city. 835,000 New Yorkers who are eligible to receive an average of $1,100 each in food stamps every year are not doing so. Also underutilized is the Women, Infants, and Children program that gives an average annual benefit of $431 to pregnant women and new mothers to meet their children’s nutritional needs. Less than half of the 525,000 eligible women in the city who qualify get the benefit. http://www.nydailynews.com/ boroughs/story/189776p­ 164196c.html Farmers’ Markets To Accept Food Stamps Streetvibes Food Stamps,” NBC4.TV News, April 28, 2004) Food stamp participants may now use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at select Los Angeles County certified farmers’ markets. While most farmers’ markets have traditionally accepted food stamps, the EBT card, which works like an ATM debit card, “presented a unique challenge,” said Pompea Smith, director of the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. The use of wireless point-of-sale devices now gives poor families access to farmers markets and fresh produce. The California Department of Health Services hopes that raising awareness about the Farmers’ Market EBT program and its convenience will raise food stamp participation among eligible families in Los Angeles County, says Smith. http:// www.nbc4.tv/news/3247752/ detail.html Obesity Found Among New York City Toddlers (“One-Quarter Of Poor NYC Toddlers Are Overweight,” Yahoo News, April 28, 2004) A recent study found 22 percent of 2- to 4-year olds enrolled in a food & nutrition assistance program for low-income New York City residents are overweight, with 18 percent close to being obese. The toddlers are enrolled in the New York City Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a branch of the federal WIC program for low-income families. The study suggests that steps against obesity should begin at a very young age. The author of the study, Dr. Mary Ann Chiasson, also pointed to the problem that low-income families are generally limited to buying inexpensive foods, which are often unhealthy. Healthier foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive. http://story.news.yahoo.com/ news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid =751&e=2&u=/nm/20040428/ hl_nm/nyc_toddlers_dc To subscribe to the weekly FRAC digest go to - http:// capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ Helen Yuen Food Research and Action Center 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 540 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone (202) 986-2525 fax Page 19 �357-4602 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, 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 needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 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 Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 721-8666 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services, Inc 751-9797 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John’s Housing 651-6446 Need Help or Want to Help? 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 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 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 Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 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 June, 2004 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Draws Attention to Cincinnati Families Homeless Awareness Week Cover Story BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY STREETVIBES $1 Donation � 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 2004 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2004 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Mother’s Day Luncheon kicks off a week of awareness-raising events Pg 2: A Journey I Needed to Make Pg 3: Letters from Readers Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Panhandling for Justice spreads awareness about homelessness Pg 6: Homeless News Digest Pg 7: Many Sides to Everything Pg 8: The Peace Village Pg 9: Dad Remembered Homeless Pg 10: Homeless Awareness Continued Pg 11: GCHC Pg 12: ReSTOC Holds its 26th Anniversary Celebration & Dinner Pg 13: The Rocking Chair Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Ursuline Academy Students Explore Homelessness in Cincinnati Pg 17: Abu Ghraib Pg 18: What Sinclair Doesn’t Want You to See on ‘Nightline’ Pg 19: FRAC News 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 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Elizabeth Linville Janice Faulkner Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Susan Smith Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Abu Ghraib Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Cincinnati city council Elizabeth Linville FRAC GCHC Georgine Getty IRS Janice Faulkner Jimmy Heath Mary Gaffney Mother’s Day Ney York Times panhandling Prison ReSTOCK Susan Smith The Peace Village Ursuline Academy https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/2482db3ac85e4bbe3a0adc762edc7b17.pdf 8a809c6ce16573d60cb56f11067defea PDF Text Text JUNE 2005 STREETVIBES Streetvibes Investigates: Legitimate News Story or Hoax? by Andy Erickson, Greater around town, outing them as conCincinnati Coalition for the artists who “prey on your kind heart.” Homeless, Education Coordinator Paolello first talked to a man named Larry (we don’t learn his last The issue of panhandling has name), who says he just made $24 in long been a controversial one in 90 minutes and once made $50 in 15 Cincinnati. Fueled by simplistic minutes. She asks what he does with assumptions and stereotypes about the money, and he tells her that he the poor, many Cincinnatians dismiss gives it to a diabetic friend in need. panhandlers as con-artists. At best, “But a few minutes earlier,” Paolello panhandlers are seen as reports, “we watched annoyances by the him walk across the wealthier, housed street where…he had a population that visits bottle of booze stashed downtown. The truth is in a bush.” The footage that every panhandler’s shows Larry drinking story is as complex as from a bottle of beer. anyone’s, and each “The same thing panhandler has a happens all across the Andy Erickson different reason for city,” Paolello reports. begging on the street. “Minutes after donating Unfortunately, local Cincinnati money, the recipient will take it to television station WLWT, or Channel fulfill their habit at the local liquor 5, fueled stereotypes about store.” panhandlers when they aired a This is where the report simplistic and sensationalistic news leaves Larry. Paolello’s point is story in early May called “Homeless somewhat vague, so we’re forced to or Hoax?” In this segment, reporter assume what she’s getting at. I Sheree Paolello followed panhandlers assume she meant to convey that: (1) Larry spends all of his money on booze, (2) Larry does not have a diabetic friend that he gives his money to, (3) most, if not all, panhandlers spend most, if not all, of their money on booze, and (4) by drinking from a bottle of beer, Larry is a bad person. Paolello’s attempt to dismiss Larry’s claim that he gives his money to a diabetic friend is based on the fact that he was filmed drinking from a bottle of beer. This, of course, is illogical. Larry can drink beer while panhandling and still give some of his money to his diabetic friend. Paolello makes a strong point of connecting panhandlers with liquor, but doesn’t explain why this connection is important. I think she’s possibly trying to suggest that they are misusing the donations – that they should be purchasing something more wholesome with their money. Some of the people she filmed might have an alcohol addiction, and therefore might actually physically need liquor. Sure, treatment would be better for them, but some people aren’t ready for treatment, can’t get into treatment right now, don’t know how to get into treatment, or don’t know they have a problem. I don’t think that alcoholics are necessarily bad people because they are alcoholics. I also don’t assume that panhandlers will use every cent I give them to purchase whole-grain bread and mittens. If people are surprised that some panhandlers use part of their earnings to purchase liquor, then they are naïve – as are people who believe that panhandlers only spend their money on liquor. Paolello also encounters Caroldeen Cobb, a woman who lives in an apartment, but who is seen panhandling with a sign that suggests she is homeless. Later, Paolello shows up at Cobb’s apartment, where she thrusts her finger at Cobb’s chest and accuses her of operating something that “seems kind of like a scam.” Hoax... cont. on page 2 International Street Newspaper Conference Held in Buenos Aires conference was an effort to address the growth and future of street papers around the world so the movement can stabilize and continue to grow. There needs to be a real and truthful picture of the world we all live in and through this, promote international understanding and a voice and hope for the worlds displaced and poor. The media plays an important role in these conditions. Street newspapers provide a distinctive and independent voice for issues that are usually ignored or distasteful for mainstream, corporate media outlets. One of the major accomplishments of the INSP was the recent unveiling of the Street News Service – a web-based news wire with stories and news specifically for international street papers. Members can go to the INSP website (www.street­ papers.org) and download photos and stories specific to the street paper movement and the voice of the poor. The website receives, on average, 14,000 hits a month. Conference... Cont. on Page 8 Rooftop view of Buenos Aires Report and photos by Jimmy Heath I’ve recently returned from a conference and a bit of a vacation in the South American country of Argentina in the capitol of Buenos Aires. The conference was the annual gathering of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), a 10 year-old organization that has grown to include 85 international street newspapers, from 27 countries, including Cincinnati, Ohio’s own Streetvibes. Representatives from these papers met, networked and shared meals together in the El Centro neighborhood, right in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. The conference was hosted by Hechos En Buenos, the Buenos Aires street newspaper. The conference was an attempt to unify the world wide street paper movement and to create a pool of resources for this unique media. Most streetpapers are struggling, not only financially but also politically, mostly because of the outspoken nature of the movement. The Busy Buenos Aires street scene Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Hoax... cont. from page 1 Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw -Administrative Coordinator Andy Erickson - Education Coordinator Rachel Lawson - Civil Rights VISTA Kate McManus - Civil Rights VISTA Mary Gaffney - Receptionist Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor Photographer Jimmy Heath Cover Streetpapers from around the world iunite in Bueanos Aires conference Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org Page 2 I know Caroldeen Cobb. We call her Carol at the office. My coworker Rachel Lawson wrote a story about her for the May 2005 issue of Streetvibes. Yes, Carol was panhandling with a sign that suggested she was homeless, and yes, she does live in an apartment. She does not drink alcohol or use drugs. She collects a small monthly income from Social Security ($564) and food stamps ($15). She supplements her income by panhandling. She has heart problems that prevent her from working at a typical job. “I have to take 14 pills just to get out of bed on a good day – and there are some days I can’t get out of bed at all,” Carol explains. She stopped by our office to talk about Paolello’s report after it aired. I told Carol I was offended by the news story and asked her what she thought. “I’m not humiliated,” she said, “I just thank God it was me and not someone with a weaker mind. If the reporter had done that to Channel 5 speaks someone who wasn’t all there, they could have committed suicide. It’s dangerous telling lies and hounding people who have mental illnesses. A lot of them wouldn’t be able to deal with that kind of humiliation.” I told Carol that I wanted to write an article on Paolello’s story and asked her to clarify why she panhandles. “It takes money to be poor,” she said. “I have to find a way to pay my phone – that’s $25 a month, and my car insurance – that’s $57 a month, and gas – that’s $30 a month...” she went on and on, listing things as specific as the cost of the soap she buys. “I don’t always have enough money at the end of the month to go buy meat at Kroger. So I work for it. I don’t go to Kroger and shoplift the meat. I work for it.” When I asked Carol about a typical day’s earnings, she said, “I made a flippant comment to the reporter that my goal is $100 a day and that’s what she reported.” Carol told me there are days when generous people give her good money, but that it doesn’t happen every day. “The other day I sat out there for hours and made $1.50.” Carol is known throughout the homeless community as someone who generously and regularly helps people in need. In the past, she’s opened her apartment to people needing shelter or a shower, she’s shown many people how to access local services, and, despite her modest income, she also occasionally purchases items like clothing and food for those who live on the streets. Paolello doesn’t really address Carol’s circumstances or generosity. She does mention that Carol has heart problems and that she uses some of her earnings to help homeless people, but it’s only a mention. Then she immediately returns to the con-artist angle, stating “Caroldeen admitted that it’s easier to sit on a corner than to get a job.” Paolello doesn’t mention that Carol’s disability makes her unable to hold a typical job. The last interview Paolello conducts is with Georgine Getty, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless. Getty was treated to the same style of reporting that Larry and Carol experienced. “Sheree asked me if I would suggest to Caroldeen Cobb that people give to organizations rather than panhandlers. I refused to say that. I said that people should do what their heart tells them is right.” Despite this, Paolello states over footage of Getty that “Getty recommends donating to a shelter or food kitchen, instead of giving on the street where citizens can’t be sure where their money is going.” “That’s what she wanted me to say,” said Getty. “She kept trying to get me to say it, and when I refused to say it, she said it for me. “People should give to organizations,” Getty added, “but I’m not going to say that people shouldn’t give to people on the street.” Getty also recalls asking Paolello when the story would air. According to Getty, Paolello responded that WLWT wanted to air the story the following week because it was “sweeps week.” Sweeps week is a time when broadcasters measure viewership numbers in order to set advertising rates for local advertisers. It’s important for stations to record a high viewership during sweeps week so that they can charge higher rates for local advertising. In order to record a high viewership, television stations sometimes broadcast gimmick programming in order to get viewers to tune in. I can’t pretend to know exactly why WLWT decided to spin this story the way they did, but Paolello’s comment about wanting to air it during sweeps week suggests a possible motive. A sensationalistic piece about deceptively wealthy, alcoholic con-artists posing as homeless people is probably (and sadly) going to draw more viewers than an in-depth piece illustrating the lives and circumstances of Cincinnatians living in poverty. By broadcasting stories like the former during sweeps week, television stations attempt to manipulate viewership and inflate advertising fees. The truth is that many panhandlers are simply making the best occupational choice from the options that are available to them. Yes, there will be times when a panhandler might hold a sign that says he wants food while he drinks a beer. Yes, there will be times when a panhandler will advertise herself as homeless when she lives in an apartment. The ones that become good at panhandling are the ones who, like crafty television stations, figure out the best way to market themselves to the public. That doesn’t mean they don’t really need your dollar. Are there panhandlers who are con-artists? Yes. But, of course, you can find con-artists in any line of work. By painting Larry as a liar without checking the facts, by downplaying Carol’s disability and economic circumstances, by failing to illustrate the many ways that Carol helps homeless people in Cincinnati, and by speaking for Georgine Getty rather than quoting her, Paolello creates a news piece that is irresponsible and inaccurate. I would like to say that I am personally impressed with the things that Carol does to help homeless people, and I don’t feel that she’s doing anything wrong. She does wonderful things with the small income she receives from panhandling. Perhaps she was marketing herself in a way that was less than truthful, but I feel it was with good intentions. I don’t feel I could say the same thing about the people who helped craft WLWT’s “Homeless or Hoax?” story in early May. My hope is that in the future, WLWT will cover issues like homelessness and poverty in a more responsible way. Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Jimmy Heath In Philadelphia, the military gave Sharon Boyd all the things that life in Pottstown, Pa., couldn’t: economic stability, career advancement, and the chance to travel. But after 18 years in the service, Boyd was sleeping in her Oldsmobile Royale, battling posttraumatic stress disorder and a cocaine addiction. Boyd is one of an estimated 6,000 homeless female veterans nationwide, a group whose numbers are expected to rise as the number of women in the military increases. But as homeless female veterans become more visible, the reasons for their homelessness remain largely unclear. “People go into the military, on one hand, to flee from unstable social circumstances and because they think it’ll give them better opportunity,” said psychiatrist Robert Rosenheck, coauthor of a study of homeless female veterans and the director of Veterans Affairs’ Northeast Program Evaluation Center. Boyd, 47, now lives at Mary E. Walker House, a 30-bed transitional housing program for women at the Coatesville VA Medical Center in Coatesville, Pa. Walker House, which opened in January, is the military’s latest tactic to support this new group of veterans in need, and is the largest facility of its kind in the country. Nationally, more than 315,000 veterans are homeless on any night, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Women make up a small percentage. Female veterans may also be dealing with the aftermath of sexual trauma, which can itself trigger posttraumatic stress disorder, experts say. “We have enough homeless women veterans to have a womenveterans transitional program,” said Marsha Four, a Vietnam veteran and the program director of homeless services at the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service and Education Center, which runs Walker House. “They have specific needs different from male veterans.’” 6-year trooper with a wife and three children, is charged with seconddegree murder in connection with the April 14 shooting death of 40-year­ old Eric Williams, who was unarmed. The charge is punishable upon conviction by up to life in prison. The case marks the first time a Michigan State Police trooper has been charged with murder in an onduty shooting, officials said. Morningstar shot Williams, nicknamed Magoo, once in the chest at 12:30 a.m. in front of a bar after responding to a disturbance call. Detroit police also responded to the scene and recorded the shooting on an in-car video camera. The two departments have given conflicting details. A court file says Williams, whose family said he had mental problems, was harassing customers inside the bar and broke two windows while being escorted from the bar. Detroit police said in a report that Williams had his pants down around his knees and walked toward Morningstar before the trooper shot him. But Sgt. Mike Herendeen, president of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, said Williams was not partially naked. He said Williams’ baggy pants were sliding down as he approached Morningstar, and his hands were in his waist area. Morningstar said: “Stop. Show me your hands,” at least twice, according to Herendeen. “This is not something he wanted to get involved in that night,” Herendeen said. “Certainly this is devastating. He’s charged with a serious crime for essentially doing his job and doing it the way he was trained to do it.” Changes to welfare payments announced in the Federal Budget will have dire ramifications for western area residents, a leading crisis accommodation provider has warned. Orana Far West Region Burnside Doorways manager Reg Humphreys has predicted an upsurge in homelessness and poverty as a Calling him a danger to the result of the Budget’s changes. Under the reforms single community, a Detroit magistrate set a $200,000 bond Tuesday for a mothers, the disabled and the unemployed will have to look for Michigan State Police trooper work or lose their benefits. charged with gunning down a From July next year parents, homeless man. both single and partnered, who A preliminary examination is scheduled for May 23.Morningstar, a receive the parenting payment will have to look for part-time work once their youngest child turns six. If they are already on the parenting payment they will continue to receive it until their children turn 16. But from 2006, newcomers to the payment will be moved to the lower Newstart allowance ($44 a fortnight less) once their child turns six, and they will be required to start looking for work. “The problem with the Government’s strategy is it is aimed at high-density areas on the coast, with little thought given to people in rural, regional and remote areas,” Mr. Humphreys said. “The Government’s plan is to cut the incomes in already impoverished households and force people to look for jobs that don’t exist. “It might work on the coast where there are more jobs but it’s only going to make life harder in the bush.” Mr. Humphreys is expecting an increase in applications for crisis accommodation as a result of the changes. Last year Dubbo Burnside Doorways provided emergency accommodation and assistance to more than 550 applicants aged 16 to 25 years. “You start doing the sums and it won’t be long before more people are forced onto the streets,” he said. “Public housing rents are going up, tenants are being charged for water and now they are taking $44 a fortnight off single parents. “All this Budget has done (in the western region) is effectively widen the gap between the haves and have nots.” Deputy prime minister John Anderson defended the Budget strategies yesterday and said the changes were not aimed at people in genuine need. “Rather than being a set of punitive measures, we are really trying to help people get back into the paid workforce,” he said. A caseworker at a homeless services center who was fatally last month by an exemployee of the center has been identified as 49-year-old Bruce Franks of San Mateo, Ca. The suspect in the shooting, 54-year-old Gregory Gray, was terminated from his position at Conard Community Service Center in September, San Francisco police Sgt. Neville Gittens said. A homicide inspector with the department said it’s likely Gray opened fire inside the center at 154 Ninth St. because he was disgruntled about being fired. Gray, a San Francisco resident, was armed with a shotgun, Streetvibes handgun and an ax when he entered the center around 9 a.m. Monday. He reportedly shot Franks in the chest and the back with a handgun, then dropped it because it wasn’t working properly, a police officer said. As Gray allegedly reached for a shotgun, another employee entered the center, saw what was happening and tried to wrestle him to the ground, police reported. A struggle ensued outside and the employee yelled for two homeless men to help. One of the homeless men helped the employee pin Gray down while the second walked away with the shotgun to make sure Gray did not get a hold of it again. About that time, an officer arrived on scene and Gray was taken into custody. He was booked into county jail on a homicide charge, police said. Officer Ian Furminger, who arrived at the scene as the Gray was being pinned down, said if the employee and homeless men hadn’t tackled Gray to the ground, it’s likely many more people would have been shot. Police have arrested a man in Seabrook, N. H. on a charge that he sexually assaulted a homeless man he reportedly met in church. Stephen Woodman, 67, is to appear on May 23 in Hampton District Court. If convicted, Woodman could face up to 15 years in prison. Police say the 36-year-old homeless man was staying at Woodman’s home when the assault allegedly took place earlier this month. They say the two had met the previous weekend at a church service in another community. Some claim San Joaquin County, Ca. homeless veterans are being shortchanged when it comes to programs San Joaquin County veterans say their homeless brethren are not being reached when it comes to Department of Veterans Affairs outreach programs. Although the VA does offer funds for homeless centers and transitional housing, county veterans say that its just not the case in San Joaquin County. County Supervisor Steve Gutierrez said he wasn’t aware of any aid the county receives from the department. “But if there is, I’d sure like to have some,” he said. Last year, some 174 veterans used the Stockton Homeless Shelter, said John Reynolds, director of the Stocktonbased center. Page 3 �Streetvibes Letters Show your support! Get your STREETVIBES T-Shirt Today! My wife and I live near enough to the intersection of 13th and Reading Road that we were inconvenienced by the barricade. As residents of the Pendleton neighborhood of O-T-R, we’ve been following closely, since the beginning, the drama of the barricade going up and then coming back down. Much of what Jimmy Heath said in the article was insightful, (Controversial Anti-Drug Battier Removed, Streetvibes, May 2005), interesting and true, however he neglected the most important truth: The War on Drugs will never be won. It’s only a matter of time before a truce will be declared in this insane war—similar to Prohibition being repealed. Or the 13th Street barricade coming down. Mr. Heath said that among the best strategies for fighting crime in residential neighborhoods is that residents should believe the police are committed to a crime-free environment. That’s hard for residents—much less street people— to believe, because the War on Drugs is bread and butter to the police. David E. Gallaher, Ruthless Gentrifying Rhinarchist Marine Compleat Drug Legalizer, 1315 Spring St, Pendleton Community, already the Indian Hill of Over-the-Rhine-istan, Sinincincinnati (clothing optional), OH 45202 The Zen of Streetvibes (Back shown here. Shirt not actual size) Only $15 We will send your Streetvibes T-shirt to your door ­ All proceeds benefit the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Streetvibes newspaper. Call 513.421.7803 x 16, or come in to our office at 117 E 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine Page 4 Streetvibes by Jimmy Gipson, Streetvibes Vendor There is a message of hopelessness among the homeless, of broken dreams, that torment us and plague our existence. We all started with a desire to be successful and to succeed. Somewhere along the way something went wrong. The regrouping of our lives should start with the spiritual guidance from God, where all blessings come from. We can no longer do it for ourselves. He cares for us and we must put him first. God can solve the needs that haunt us, cause us to stay in homelessness. We must love our self and want it bad enough. We must desire it. It comes from believing in oneself with God leading us. He knows what we need to have a real life. No matter what, He will supply your needs, for God is good. I pray this message helps to heal. Amen. God bless. �A Day in the Life concerned as long as there is by Mark Cardiff 9am I’ve been vending on and off for about a year. I woke up this morning, got everything together and came in [to The Big Issue office]. I’m staying at a hostel at the moment. It’s the next step from living on the streets but you are still officially no fixed abode, still officially homeless. I come in and see what pitches (open territories) are available on the board; I’m not too something half decent. I have three favorite spots – Morgan’s, Church Street and Orange but it could be any of those three. 9:30am onwards I find that on those pitches I’m on a direct line of people coming through and it is the same people that buy it. They will often only buy from one person and they are used to me being on certain pitches. I’m a very chatty person and ask how they are, it’s not just to sell the magazine, I’m interested in what sort of person they are. Tales from the Curb by James Shearer Recently Bread and Jams, an organization that, among other things, runs a drop-in center, was told that they would no longer be able to serve meals in a church that they have been serving meals to the homeless for 20 years. This is just one more chapter in what has become an increasingly pathetic attitude toward homeless and poor people. When a church shows you the door, there is a problem. For one reason or another, folks just don’t seem or want to care. Whatever happened to “I am my brother’s keeper”? (Hey, that was in the Bible.) You see the attitude everywhere (Spare Change News doesn’t sell the way it used to). So what’s the problem, you ask? Well, politics, for one thing. No one is fighting the good fight anymore in Washington. HUD’s budget has been torn to bits. Whatever happened to Phil Mangano? You folks remember Phil, don’t you? He was once executive director of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance and was chosen by the Bush White House to head up the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Phil fought for the homeless for a long time and showed great promise now that he was in Washington. But Phil has disappeared. Poor people are at the bottom of the food chain in the Bush White House, and here in Massachusetts it’s no better. Mitt Romney could care less about the poor and homeless; he’s telling everyone within earshot that our state is in great shape. (I’m sorry, but does he live in the same state as me?) Then again, it’s all about politics. Mitt’s gearing up for his run for pres... um, re-election. Yes, that’s right. Another reason for this attitude is that no one’s fighting back. Back when Spare Change began, we belonged to a group known as HOST (Homeless Organizers Support Team). It was a group that consisted of ourselves, Solutions at Work, Bread & Jams and various other groups. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we had a common goal: ending homelessness. We kept the subject of homelessness and poor people in the public eye Did we make a difference? I like to think so. What happened? Well, organizations change, goals become different and people drift apart. So what do we do? Well, movements start with people. The former host organizations (including Spare Change) need to get back on the same page. Forget about the past, and get back to the business of solving the problem of homelessness. They’ve got me in their head for some reason and it seems a respect thing to make an effort if they come back a few times. It’s good when you are having a bad day too and you see them and know they will buy from you. A few of them know my name and I know theirs. One gentleman came up to me the other day and said that if I needed a care of address for any post then I could use his and that his cleaner that comes in would be leaving soon if I was interested in taking over. He said not to take it as an insult but as someone who was trying to help out someone else. I was blown We need to re-educate people about homelessness – its causes and how we can stop it. We need to organize people to vote for people who just won’t give this topic lip service but will actually try to work with us to address the problem. And if they don’t come, Election Day shows them the door. We must bring together the haves and have-nots to the same table and encourage them to work together. I know sounds like a pipedream, a useless fight, but a fight nonetheless that Spare Change is willing to fight. One of our board members talks about Spare Change becoming “a voice for the poor.” In order for us to become that voice, we must join together with the other “voices” and become one with them it is only together that we can solve this problem. Then people – all people – in this country will become the priority. We will stop presidents from sending troops on missions away. There’s no exact finishing time for selling the Issue, just whenever you’ve made enough money and sold enough magazines to get the best badge you can, a blue badge [which gives you salesrelated bonuses, such as free tea and coffee]. Sometimes you don’t get near it and sometimes you do, it depends on the public really. Sometimes you have an hour or so off in the middle and the latest I’ve worked is between about seven and eight o’clock on a really slow day. Reprinted from The Big Issue Cymru/Southwest, May 2005 that are false. Politicians from other states will not be allowed to run for office in Massachusetts just to further their own agendas. Then hopefully, finally, attitudes will indeed change. People will see that we are all the same, regardless of our lot in life, and should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness – equally. In the end, isn’t that what we all want? Everyone deserves a home and the right to go to bed with a full belly. People shouldn’t have to choose between food and paying the rent; they should be able to do both. No one deserves to live in the street. Let’s get together, folks. Organize! James Shearer, a Spare Change News columnist, is a former editor and current vendor of the newspaper. Reprinted from Spare Change News, Boston, MA ­ ©Street News Service: www.street-papers.org All political parties die at last of swallowing their own lies. FisherAmes Man is by nature a civic animal. Aristotle Politics are usually the executive expression of human immaturity. Vera Brittain The Duty of an Opposition is to oppose. Sir Randolph Henry Spencer Churchill There are no true friends in politics. Cicero (Marcus Tullius Cicero) Party honesty is party expediency. Steven Grover Cleveland Finality is not the language of politics. Jean Baptiste Colbert In politics nothing is contemptible. Jean Baptiste Colbert University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small. Henry Kissinger Streetvibes Page 5 �Spirit Team by Mary Gaffney Hello my fellow readers and homeless friends. June is nice because it gives us the opportunity to plan our vacations. For the young children and the young parents of these children there is a new Head Start program that offers hope and safety for our kids. In the midst of violence and abuse to our children there is a silver lining in this program for everyone, including the Spirit Team for younger kids. (Please see 20 YEARS SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Page 6 below.) Under the leadership of Terry McFarland, Parent Involvement. Specialist, these programs are available at Union Bethel Head Start. Miss Mary Gaffney A Vendors Story Kato has been a vendor of Hecho en Buenos Aires in Argentina for about six months. I’ve been living on the streets for seven years now, after losing my automobile spare parts business, which went under when the system began to punish the pockets of ordinary workers. First people couldn’t afford cars for going to work and ended up using bikes and then the same worker was in turn replaced by a machine and ended up unemployed or on the streets. No one sells anything to anyone any more. This year there will probably be 15-20% more people on the streets as this present political system is awful. The socio-economic system destroys you as you have nothing basic- no flat, no job, no partner. Last year, I had a partner but the booze- cheap litre boxes of wine-always led to arguments. Drink and drugs do Traveling for Inspiration by Rachel Lawson Cincinnati politicians, police In the beginning of May, I officers, and the business district had the essential opportunity to are continuous expressing concern attend the National Low Income over how Cincinnati comes across Housing Coalitions’ conference, to both its citizens and other states. which was held in Washington, DC. Obviously we are on the radar and There were two key reasons that I others know about us, but what are was deeply motivated and inspired being recognized for. According to by the conference: the message the National Coalition for the delivered by our keynote speaker, Homeless, we ranked as the third Donna Brazile and the reality that “meanest” city in the United States. someone who has received Our own mayor wanted to cut attention in Washington, DC for her human services completely. School ground breaking districts all over actions and attitude is Cincinnati are having very much aware of problems passing their Hamilton County and individual levy’s who our elected because the tax payers officials are. do not want to pay any Donna Brazile more money, even it was such an effects the education of Rachel Lawson inspiration, that she has children. The very basically become my “shera” (she + Senators that we elected are hero). As the first African suggesting a bill that would make it American woman to head a major harder to vote. Recently there was presidential campaign, Donna a Town Hall Forum held to raise Brazile has accomplished what few public awareness about the can even aspire to attempt. proposed state cuts, and only one Currently the Chair of the senator arrived. Democratic Voting Rights Institute, Unfortunately, there were her message is basically a long lines during the presidential declaration of preserving and election. Another major ensuring the basic rights of all to disappointment was that a lot of vote. Not only does an individual votes were thrown out over minor have the right to vote, but also they issues. It honestly does feel as if have to use that liberty to ensure the votes are not counting. that their other rights (medical, However, as Donna Brazile pointed housing, education, etc) are being out, it’s up to the people to make a protected. difference. The Greater Cincinnati Since November, there have Coalition for the Homeless been a mixture of attitudes about dedicated its time to working at the the political structure of our polls, and every area that we country, state, and city; focused on showed a tremendous unfortunately the bottom line is that increase in the amount of voters. many have given up. Gas prices Ex-felons were finally given correct steadily increase, unemployment information and allowed to vote. rises, affordable housing (based on Homeless individuals were a realistic scale) is diminishing, and registered and steps were taken to moral issues are tearing everyone guarantee that they were not apart. Donna Brazile pointed out hassled. It is our responsibility to that this is not the time to give up, make sure our actions matter. It is regardless of what political party our duty to ensure our votes are you want to have control, continue counted. to fight for what you believe in. your head in and of course you become violent. The magazine has helped pull me away from booze, which I’ve been drinking since I was very young and left my family. The police used to be dangerous but now they’re better. In the old days they would take you from the plaza and stick you away for 24 hours, to hide you from the public. Now the dangers on the street vary. In Buenos Aires there are lots of races and attitudes and it’s a place with little prejudice, but there are still problems of marginalisation and aggression. People let themselves be sucked in to being excluded as they have no culture that tells them otherwise. The only culture they get is through media but the mass media are Streetvibes leading readers and viewers towards a kind of cult of ignorance and irresponsibility. What I see is that where there is culture, there is space for people to be accepted. But where it is missing, whether the person in question is a lawyer, doctor or street cleaner, people ignore you completely. Selling the mag is like when I had my own business as it lets me affirm something about myself. You can get a bag of food once a month- rice, pasta, beans, lentils, oil and nothing else. But to be honest food isn’t the main problem in Buenos Aires. The fast food places throw loads of food away and we collect it. Selling the magazine gives me more than just food and that is important. �people I know who have overcome drug and alcohol addiction not at a fancy Spa, but in a program at the doubt any of them has gotten to by Susan Smith Drop Inn Center. I have gotten to As a young working woman, know a homeless person. This lack know people that suffer from of knowledge does not stop them probably around the early 40’s, my depression and other mental health mother and some of her friends went from judging homeless people, issues as well as many with major generally as lazy people that just to the Smokey Mountains on health problems. I have met people vacation. This was her first trip to the don’t want to work. They resent desperately trying to get a job, at government money (taxes) that goes South and she was shocked at the Linda Corey times it seemed close to tears. I have to social programs to provide signs that indicated place or drinking seen homeless people share shelters, health care, food and fountain were for “White’s Only.” clothing. Some may see them as drug information with others regarding She didn’t realize that Coney Island where they can get clothing, a haircut, and alcohol addicted individuals that in Cincinnati where she lived did not a shower, or some of the basics that either panhandle or break the law allow “colored people” either; they most of us give little thought to. I requiring police presence (more tax just did not have a sign. Black money) to control them and make the have not seen race as a problem. people knew they were not allowed I would not recognize most of streets of downtown Cincinnati safe entrance, or if they went they soon my homeless friends as homeless if I for those with money to come found out, yet, just like my mother did not know it were true. Most are downtown. These are often kind most whites probably did not realize by Linda Corey clean and appropriately dressed, this. In her 1949 book, Killers of the people who donate to charities that We have to learn to live sober, speak correct English and serve the poor (tax deductible) or Dream, Lillian Smith talks about hoe life on life’s terms. It is a daily engage in conversations on a variety work with their church group to “Folks up North might be routine. We have to practice of subjects. The only way they differ provide a good meal at a facility that embarrassed by the signs. But if patience, tolerance humility. We serves the poor. Students in schools from my non-homeless friends is they you’re smart you can segregate have to leave people where they collect canned goods and sometimes have no money and do not have a without signs…” The North used are and spiritual principles have permanent place to live. These even do community service. to be put in front of personality. It restrictive covenants to segregate When homeless people were friends have enriched my life, given is not easy. If we take it one day without signs. The races live separate seeking shelter under bridges and one me a greater understanding, and I but parallel lives in Cincinnati. at a time all good things come to hope made me a kinder person. local columnist referred to these Racial relations and those who wait. I have 15 Most of us take for granted people as “eye sores” it move me to months clean and I look and fell a opportunities have improved for many basic aspects of life. We African-Americans although we have learn more. I have been coming to lot better. always have access to bathroom Over-the-Rhine for over a year to I’m no longer living under not achieved the dream of Martin facilities, can go to the kitchen and learn the truth about these people. Luther King. We have parallel a bridge and holding a sign and get a snack at two in the morning if Although I know this area of town is societies that exist in Cincinnati and sleeping on concrete. I am not we wake up hungry, don’t worry throughout the country and the world often very unsafe, I have never felt living an unmanageable life. I about a safe place to sleep for the afraid and have at times walked today. One of these has to do with have an apartment now and I’m night, and transportation to the too large a segment of our society around alone or with a homeless doing my meetings and talking appointments or work is fairly easy. friend. I have never met a homeless that is homeless or on the verge of with my sponsor. I pray and I person that I was afraid of although I Even having access to a simple homelessness. Many of you reading talk with my pastor. aspirin for a headache can be difficult have been saddened by the this probably live in a comfortable I have a sense of humor conditions we want them to live in. I to come by. The homeless do not section of town as I do. My friends and I try to make people laugh. have eaten at the Drop Inn Center. I need more bologna sandwiches and and neighbors give little thought to Laughter to me is the best donated bread products, they need have met some of the most courage what it is like to be homeless and I medicine. living wage jobs. My view on the Homeless Recovering from a mood, mind altering drug. Music Extravaganza A fundraiser for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless sion ted s i Adm ugges s $10 June 17th 2005 7:00 pm on i t a don St. Mark Christian Fellowship Chruch of God in Christ 828 Ezzard Charles drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 Performances by local artists, praise dancers, and various church choirs including: True Praise St. Mark Christian Fellowship Samaria AGAPE Mighty Men (male chorus) ..... and more Call 421-7803 x 16 for more information Streetvibes Page 7 �Conference... Cont. from Page 1 INSP now has two full time staff based in Glasgow, Scotland; an executive director and a secretariat. Other important news is the support of the Scottish government for the INSP office and staff with partial funding for the next three years, but there are still tough years ahead. The North American Street Newspaper Association, based here in the US, (NASNA) is working with the INSP to create a collaborative relationship, hopefully, to bring strength to both groups through unity and sharing of resources. Next year’s conference will be held in Montreal in order to create easier access for north American street papers and to continue these collaborative discussions. Buenos Aires Argentina is not without its problems - recent years have been steeped in political and economic strife - but the vibrancy of the city and its people seems to thrust these issues well into the background. I climbed the fire exit to the roof of the Hotel BAUEN in Buenos Aires, where I and most of the conference attendees stayed, to get a view and some photos. The city of 9 million inhabitants seems to go on forever - sprawling and vast, as far as the eye can see, even from my bird’s eye view from the roof of the hotel. The city and this country has - although I haven’t been everywhere - become one of my favorite places. It’s the beginning of autumn there, (May) and the weather, as the Argentines say, is fantastico. The street during the day is filled with people shopping and working, crowding each other on the sidewalks. The city is easily accessible by walking or by the inexpensive and efficient subway, or by cheap taxis that crowd the streets day and night. Buenos Aires’physical structure is a mosaic as varied and diverse as its culture. There are the many inner-city neighborhoods, each serving the resident tenants but also providing a distinctive village, such as the music district – where you can buy a guitar or violin at half the USA price. There are high rise buildings, but not on the intimidating, and light blocking scale of New York City. There is the Monolith, the Plaza de Mayo and the Ricolto Cemetery, the burying grounds for the Duarte family and Evita Peron. Buenos Aires is composed of many small places, intimate details, fantastic restaurants and tiny events and interactions, each with a slightly different shade, shape, and character. Cafes are everywhere, most with tables on the street. The city’s neighborhoods are small and highly individualized each with its own Page 8 characteristic colors and forms, restaurants and coffee shops. The coffee comes from espresso machines, and the beef comes from the rich Pampas grasslands – the best beef and steaks in the world come from Argentina. The cattle are grown on the vast western plains of Argentina, and they free range on the rich grasses of the prairie, not on corn or hormones as in the US. The port city of Buenos Aires, which stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata, has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Portenos, as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. They value their European heritage - Italian and German names outnumber Spanish, and the lifestyle and architecture are markedly more European than any other in South America. The arts are an important part of Buenos Aires life. At the depth of the recession, the government still made grants to performing artists and arts programs. The Hotel BAUEN The Hotel BAUEN has an interesting history and was appropriate as a host for our conference. It went bankrupt in the middle of 2001 during the Argentine economic crisis. The hotel closed and salaries were unpaid for hotel workers for 14 months. The employees decided to join forces and they founded a cooperative with the goal of reopening the hotel. On March 21, 2003 Hotel BAUEN workers gathered at night at the intersection of Corrientes and Callao Streets in downtown Buenos Aires, a block away from the hotel. They walked the short distance to the hotel and entered the building and switched on the lights. The former hotel workers hugged each other and succeeded in the first step of their recuperation process: occupation. Yet the hotel was far from being in working condition. A lot of the materials and equipment had been sold by the previous owners or stolen. Today the Hotel BAUEN is an integral part of the center of downtown Buenos Aires - a symbol of the struggle of the worker and the poor of all the countries that the street newspaper movement represents. The workers cooperative Hotel BAUEN is considered a must for civil rights workers and human rights representatives from around the world as the place to host conferences. Hopefully, next year’s INSP conference in Montreal will again provide a reminder to all of us working in the street newspaper movement that although we speak different languages and our world cultures are different, the people and vendors we serve as advocates share the same struggles across the globe. Buenos Aires at sunrise Nobel Prize winner Aldolfo Esquivel addresses conference INSP conference attendees listen to guest speakers Homeless in Buenos Aires Streetvibes �Newsweek, the Quran and the “Green Mushroom” Following the real rules of modern journalism Newsweek was right to retract the Quran story—mainly because the magazine claimed to Newsweek ran a have “sources” for the information, sensational claim based on an when Newsweek’s subsequent anonymous source who turned out to be completely wrong. While one descriptions of how it acquired the can’t blame the subsequent violence story mention only a single source. But it’s far from clear that entirely on this report, it’s fair to say that credulous reporting like this Newsweek’s source was inaccurate in saying that U.S. investigators had contributed to a climate in which uncovered abuse of a Quran in the many innocent Muslims died. course of a recent investigation; The inaccurate Newsweek similar allegations have repeatedly report appeared in the magazine’s been made by former Guantanamo March 17, 2003 issue, on the eve prisoners (Washington Post, 3/26/ of the invasion of Iraq. It read in part: “Saddam could decide to take 03; London Guardian, 12/3/03; Daily Mirror, 3/12/04; Center for Baghdad with him. One Arab Constitutional Rights, 8/4/04; La intelligence officer interviewed by Gazette du Maroc, 4/12/05; New Newsweek spoke of ‘the green York Times, 5/1/05; BBC, 5/2/05; mushroom’ over Baghdad—the cites compiled by Antiwar.com, 5/ modern-day caliph bidding a grotesque bio-chem farewell to the 16/05). Denials by the U.S. military land of the living alongside thousands of his subjects as well as that such incidents have occurred mean little; when any government his enemies. Saddam wants to be remembered. He has the means and holds prisoners in violation of the demonic imagination. It is up to international law, and denies them access to independent counsel or U.S. armed forces to stop him before he can achieve notoriety for human rights groups, assertions by that government about how the all time.” prisoners are being treated can be Unlike a more recent Newsweek item (5/9/05), involving given little weight. Eric Saar, a former U.S. Army sergeant who accusations that Guantanamo served as a translator at interrogators flushed a copy of the Guantanamo, has accused the Quran down a toilet, Newsweek Pentagon of engaging in organized has yet to retract the bogus report about the “green mushroom” threat. efforts there to deceive outsiders: Citing a new book by Saar, the The magazine’s Quran charge has been linked to rioting in Afghanistan Washington Post reported (4/29/ 05) that “the U.S. military staged and elsewhere that has left at least the interrogations of terrorism 16 dead; alarmist coverage like suspects for members of Congress Newsweek’s about Saddam and other officials visiting the Hussein’s nonexistent weapons of mass destruction paved the way for military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to make it appear the an invasion that has caused, government was obtaining valuable according to the best intelligence.” epidemiological research available It’s certainly not the case (Lancet, 11/20/04), an estimated that the Pentagon has been so 100,000 deaths. attentive to Muslim sensitivities that such treatment of a Quran would be unthinkable. The Pentagon’s deputy undersecretary for intelligence is Lt. Gen. William Boykin, who is notorious for suggesting that Allah was “an idol.” and saying that the United States’ enemies were led by “Satan,” and would “only be defeated if we come against them in the name of Jesus.” It was Boykin who reportedly ordered the coercive interrogation methods.used at Guantanamo to be used at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib as well (London Guardian, 5/20/04). It has been repeatedly said—including by Newsweek itself, in its initial apology (5/23/ 05)—that the magazine’s source erred in saying that the Quran incident was contained in a report for the Pentagon’s Southern Command. In fact, the original report said that the incident was “expected” to be in the report—an expectation that could have easily been altered by the fact that the explosive allegation became public. Newsweek’s retraction of the Quran story, contrasted with the lack of any correction of its “green mushroom” claim and other similarly erroneous WMD coverage, is quite illustrative of the actual rules—quite different from the ostensible rules that are taught in journalism school—that govern contemporary journalism: * Anonymous sources are fine, as long as they are promoting rather than challenging official government policy. * It’s all right for your reporting to be completely wrong, as long as your errors are in the service of power. * The human cost of bad reporting need only be counted when people who matter are doing the counting. Got The Vibe? World Press Freedom Day Opens Conference World Press Freedom Day on May 3 2005, marked the opening of the 10th international conference of the INSP in Argentina. The event which brought together street paper members from all over the world including new prospective start up papers in South America. The conference which was opened by INSP president Mel Young focused on how street papers can develop a unified voice for the socially marginalised and how they can effectively bring the crucial development issues facing the world to public attention. The 4 day conference, hosted by Argentinean street paper Hecho en Buenos Aries, also saw the official launch of the Street News Service, which will now enter its second phase of operation which will include forming relationships with the ‘mainstream’ media. Vice President of the International Organisation of Journalists (IOJ), Mr Osvaldo Urriolabetia was one of the key note speakers along with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Adofo Perez Esquivel, journalists and Andrew Graham Yooll among others. The liberty of the press is a blessing when we are inclined to write against others, and a calamity when we find ourselves overborne by the multitude of our assailants. Samuel Johnson This beautiful, original artwork depicts the vibrant role that Streetvibes plays in downtown Cincinnati and neighboring communities. Created by local artist and activist Mary Ann Lederer in collage form, this colorful 18" X 10" reproduction can be yours to own for only $10. Commemorating Streetvibes 100th issue, proceeds from this limited time offer will go to support the Streetvibes Program and Vendors. To order, call the Homeless Coalition at 421-7803 Streetvibes Page 9 �Nuking Democracy At the height of the nuclear arms race, those who marched against it used to say that in the ashes of a nuclear war, no one could tell a capitalist from a communist. “Not necessarily,” others would joke, “Richard Perle could tell.” For Perle, even total annihilation would have its victors and losers, and he knew which side he wanted to be on. Perle has continued to preach the virtues of usable nuclear weapons while helping orchestrate our invasion of Iraq. Now he’s a key allied strategist of an administration willing to obliterate democracy itself if they don’t get their way on judicial nominees and everything else. I’m thinking of the ease with which Trent Lott, Bill Frist, and other Republicans have talked of a “nuclear option” to intimidate the Democrats into capitulating on every right wing judge that Bush sends to Congress. Although Republicans have backed off from using the phrase since it began polling negative, it may reveal more than they intended about their Party. They don’t just seek to enact particular programs, but have done their best to turn politics into total war, seeking to annihilate the opposition completely. Their talk of political nuclear strikes in fact goes further than the actual Cold War arms race. The logic of Mutually Assured Destruction was at least partly defensive, even if its brinksmanship almost destroyed the planet. The Soviets wouldn’t attack us for risk of being annihilated. We’d do the same. A precarious balance would hold. Of course the US didn’t just use nuclear weapons for nuclear deterrence: We brandished them against the Chinese in Korea and offered them to the French in Vietnam. Nixon, through Kissinger, threatened their use on North Vietnam if they didn’t surrender, then backed off in response to massive US anti-war demonstrations. But with the exception of people like Perle and Herman Kahn, our leaders mostly justified ultimate risks in the name of preventing an ultimate cataclysm. So what is the threat that merits blowing up 200 years of the Senate’s right to require more than a bare majority to confirm lifetime judicial nominees? That they might only get 95% of their nominees through? That Republican presidents would end up with just an overwhelming majority of judges already appointed, and not every single one? That someone somewhere might not bend to their will? The only threat they’re facing is resistance to their absolute power, but that now seems to be threat enough. Honorable conservatives used to warn against the raw power of the state. It was Lord Acton who wrote, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But now that the political right controls more and more of our key institutions, the love of power has become their religion, and the slightest notion of checks or balances heretical treason. In relations with the world, this administration has pulled out of every international rule and treaty from global warming, to bio terrorism, to land mines—substituting Voices of Africa to be Heard by World Leaders a rule of raw force that insists we can do whatever we choose because God is on our side. John Bolton as UN nominee just flaunts this approach. Now this administration is trying the same thing on the domestic front. Surrender or be obliterated. The filibuster hasn’t always been used for good. It was a prime tool of Southern segregationists blocking civil right bills promoted in part by moderate Republicans. But to annihilate 200 years of tradition simply because you happen to hold the reins of power is to worship this power as a God. They may not be destroying the world to save it, but they’d be perfectly content with the ashes of democracy. Paul Loeb is the author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear (Basic Books), named the #3 political book of 2004 by the History Channel and American Book Association, and of Soul of a Citizen See www.theimpossible.org Although millions of Africans world’s leaders. It is vital that the G8 will be affected by the decisions coalition of human rights groups – by Izzy Kaminski, Cathryn Scott made at the summit, not a single listens to the people of Africa, and The views and experiences of which also includes Oxfam and representative of the continent will be that they recognize their rights, spirit Amnesty International – pressuring millions of people living in poverty in present. Get On Board is aiming to and potential and agree a way to Africa will be heard by the leaders of governments to put an end to this. examine how issues of trade, aid and make poverty history. The coalition wants to see the world’s richest countries as part debt are affecting African people and “[The project] will take a international leaders change unjust of a new project by campaign group to provide a voice for them. trade rules that keep people locked in close look at how the daily lives of ActionAid. Brendan O’Donnell is youth men, women and children are Staff from ActionAid recently poverty; fully cancel the debts owed affected by the big issues of trade, aid campaigns manager for ActionAid commenced a 12,000km, threeby the poorest countries; and to UK and is also one of the crew of the month journey that will see a specially deliver more and better aid to people and debt and how they are bus. He said: “Get On Board is responding to the challenges of HIV adapted bus travel from South Africa in developing countries. going to be an amazing adventure. As and AIDS, conflict and education. The 16-seater bus has been to Scotland in time for the annual G8 we travel through Africa collecting Once in the UK the bus will decorated with a Make Poverty summit in Gleneagles in July. On its messages for the G8 leaders we pass through several cities including History white band and the Get On way, it will collect thousands of expect to meet incredible people with London and Glastonbury, finally Board logo and is staffed by a crew messages, photographs and stories unbelievable stories – of tragedy as arriving at Gleneagles in Scotland in from people in six African counties – of ActionAid representatives. The time for the G8 summit on July 6 to 8. well as passion and real hope.” South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, bus will meet Africans in both urban The Big Issue Cymru/South West The world’s eight richest countries – and rural areas, visiting development Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda – will be following the progress of the United States, Japan, Germany, projects, musical events and which it will present to the annual the bus with regular updates. France, Britain, Italy, Canada and demonstrations, in order to get a meeting of the leaders in Scotland. www.actionaid.org/getonboard fuller picture of the public and private Russia – will be joined by Dubbed Get On Board, the Reprinted from The Big Issue project is part of ActionAid’s ongoing realities of the lives of African people. representatives from the EU and will Cymru/South West ©Street News discuss a range of international commitment to the Make Poverty Ramesh Singh, ActionAid International’s chief executive said: economic, political, and social issues, Service: www.street-papers.org History campaign. Around 50,000 including how to address world people die each day as a direct result “ActionAid is exposing the injustice The wish to spread those poverty. of poverty and ActionAid is among a of poverty in Africa direct to the opinions that we hold conducive to our own welfare is so deeply The International Network of just three months. The concept material being made available to other rooted in our character that few of us can escape its influence. Street Papers (INSP), the behind the SNS is to share media organisations, including the Samuel Butler representative organisation for photographs and articles between mainstream press who INSP believe We want men to rule the nation publications which provide income to members of the networks, thereby would benefit enormously from news who care more for and love homeless and marginalised people creating even more readership while and features directly from the coal better the nation’s welfare than around the world, has begun to trial helping to save on costs. face. gold and silver, fame or its much talked about news service The SNS is currently available to all For more information on the SNS or popularity. called the Street News Service paid-up members of INSP and if you are interested in receiving this Brigham Young (SNS) in conjunction with the North NASNA and is being offered at wire service when it becomes more It is a general popular error to American Street Newspapers 100% discount during the six month widely available, please contact Lisa suppose the loudest complainers Association (NASNA). trial thereafter a sliding scale will be Maclean. for the public to be the most The SNS which was introduced based on the individual Contact: Lisa Maclean, SNS Coanxious for its welfare. launched with just 3 active papers has organisation’s ability to pay. ordinator at EdmondBurke already mushroomed to 10 papers in Phase 2 of the trial will see the l.maclean@street-papers.org INSP joins forces with NASNA to trial SNS Page 10 Streetvibes �Double Stigma for Gay Community by Carrie Briffett People with a learning disability who are also lesbian, gay or bisexual are almost certain to be bullied or harassed as a direct result of their sexuality, according to a new study. And researchers at Bristol University also found that a lack of specialist support was having a direct result on the mental, emotional and sexual health of those questioned, with many reporting depression and loneliness. Academics at the university’s Norah Fry Research Centre, working in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust and REGARD – a national organisation for disabled gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people – found that significant barriers were put in the way of people with learning difficulties in consenting same sex relationships. Although many respondents said they wanted to fall in love and have more gay and lesbian friends, they felt the gay scene was unwelcoming to them and that staff working for many of the services that support people with learning difficulties were reluctant to see this work as part of their jobs. David Abbott, research fellow at the Norah Fry Research Centre, said: “Despite the very many messages telling men and women with learning difficulties that it is a problem for them to be sexual at all – never mind gay, lesbian, or bisexual – people were forging their lives and identities and striving to lead full sexual and emotional lives. “However, much work needs to be done to ensure that the human rights of people with learning difficulties who are gay, lesbian or bisexual are upheld and supported.” Sue Peters, regional manager at Terrence Higgins Trust West, said: “This research has uncovered much of what was previously hidden in the lives and experiences of people with learning difficulties. “I am sure there are more challenges ahead before this issue can be said to be properly tackled.” Reprinted from The Big Issue Cymru/Southwest, ©Street News Service: www.street-papers.org The plight and blight of homeless Kansas City - Some time ago I offered the opinion that the homeless really aren’t all that big a problem downtown. It’s a problem for them, of course, but not for most of us who live or work downtown. Well, the very next day I was sitting here in my cubicle at the newspaper. Out my window, I watched a homeless fellow stop and rummage through a garbage can in the park across the street. He was looking for aluminum cans and came up empty. But he did retrieve a takeout box of food from the trash can. And I watched as he walked on, taking bites from the box as he went. After just a few steps and a few bites, he closed the box and nonchalantly tossed it on the grass in the park. Then he continued on his way. I hate litter anyway. But this little scene also felt like a personal rebuke to my previous day’s column – right out my own window! Whatever it was, something made me jump up and hurry down two flights of stairs to catch the guy. I wanted to understand him. I caught up with him as he fished cans from the trash outside Union Station. I introduced myself, and he readily agreed to step inside for a visit. Eugene Payne and I shared a bench in the train station lobby. His clothes were shabby but neat and odor-free. I was immediately struck by how well spoken he was. Imagine Morgan Freeman playing a homeless guy. I told him right off that I was irked to see him throw trash on the ground. Almost before I got the words out, he was explaining. “That’s unusual for me. It sure was,” he said. “Usually I would look for the next trash can.” So why didn’t he? “I guess it was a little anger and resentment in me – about the situation in general that I’m going through,” he said. Oh, great – homeless Dr. Phil. He’s processing his emotions over trash-can potato salad. Eugene said he’s 43 and grew up in California, where he was a pretty good high school athlete. He has been in Dallas since 1991 and has been homeless most all that time. He said he likes collecting cans because it keeps him in shape and avoids the humiliation of panhandling. Sometimes he makes decent money delivering handbills to homes. In fact, he said he had such a job waiting in Fort Worth. I asked for his solution to the homeless problem. “That’s a tough one to answer,” he said. “A lot of these people are substance abusers, and it would really take some of their own initiative to make a change.” Gently, I asked if that included him. “Yes, that includes me,” he replied without hesitation. Though he uses drugs at times, he said, alcohol has been his downfall. “It’s a problem, but I feel like it’s something I can get on top of,” he said. Suddenly something clicked in my mind. He had mentioned Fort Streetvibes Worth and playing sports and being open to recovery. I remembered my visit earlier this year with former pro football player John Corker, who was overcoming addiction and encouraging others at the Salvation Army shelter in Fort Worth. I said: “Would you like me to take you to Fort Worth? I know a place you could stay and someone you would really like to meet.” Eugene looked a little shocked. “Right now?” he said. “Sure,” I said. “I’ll drive you over.” “Well, uh. ...” He smiled nervously. “That’s a little sudden.” He was really fidgeting now. “Well, that might be good one day,” he said. “But not today, I don’t believe.” I could see he wasn’t going to budge – and I was reminded again that there are no easy answers to homelessness. We shook hands in parting, and I wished him well. He went on with his search for cans. And I stopped back by the park and picked up his trash. Page 11 �Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Coalition for the Homeless and Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 Streetvibes.... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed Vendors must not tell customers earned. This program has helped for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 30 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. The mission of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) is to support a street newspaper movement that creates and upholds journalistic and ethical standards while promoting self-help and empowerment among people living in poverty. NASNA papers support homeless and very low-income people in more than 35 cities across the United States and Canada. Streetvibes Vendor: 70 cents Printing and Production: 30 cents Page 12 The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) was formed in May of 1984 for one purpose: the eradication of homelessness in Cincinnati. What started out as a coalition of 15 volunteers meeting weekly in an unheated church basement has since grown into a Coalition of over 45 agencies and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to improving services for homeless individuals, educating the public about homelessness and empowering homeless individuals to advocate for their civil rights and housing needs. Streetvibes is a tool of GCCH used to help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness. On the one hand it is a selfsufficiency program geared towards the homeless and marginally housed individuals who are our vendors. Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 30 cents per copy and sell it for a suggested one-dollar donation, keeping the profit that they have hundreds of people find and maintain housing. The vendors also sign a code of conduct stating that they will behave responsibly and professionally and they proudly display their official Streetvibes badge while selling the paper. Our vendors put a face on “the homeless” of Cincinnati and form lasting friendships with their customers. On the other hand, Streetvibes is an award-winning alternative newspaper and part of the international street newspaper movement. Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues, Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless individuals. Streetvibes enjoys a loyal reader base that respects the honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and challenges facing the people of Cincinnati. Streetvibes is a member of the: The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites street papers sold by homeless and people living in poverty from all over the world. INSP is an umbrella organisation, which provides a consultancy service for its partner papers and advises on the setting up of new street papers and support initiatives for marginalised people. Where Your Dollar Goes... 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 information about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Let it be impressed upon your minds, let it be instilled into your children, that the liberty of the press is the palladium of all the civil, political, and religious rights. Junius The free press is the mother of all our liberties and of our progress under liberty. Adlai E. Stevenson Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. Thomas Jefferson The press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can enjoy. Benjamin Disraeli �Bush Administration Shifts Funding from Anti-Poverty Programs to Religion-Based Groups Bush administration policies have shifted funding from traditional federal anti-poverty programs to faith-based groups. As a result, many small church- and community-based social service programs are obtaining increased funding while the President’s 2006 budget proposal includes deep cuts to public housing subsidies, food stamps, energy assistance, community development, social services and community block grants. It proposes increasing funding for religion-based programs by $385 million. More than $2 billion in grants to such programs was awarded in 2004, nearly double the amount spent in 2003. “This is going to increase the competition for available funds,” said Douglas Rice, director of housing and community development policy for Catholic Charities USA. Class Mobility Greater in Continental Europe, Canada As Gap Between Rich and Poor Widens in U.S. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened in the U.S. since 1970 while economic mobility has remained stagnant. According to recent research, a typical child born in poverty in continental Europe or Canada in recent decades is more likely to achieve economic prosperity than his U.S. counterpart. In fact, while more than 80 percent of the sons of unskilled men moved to higher-paying, higher-status occupations in the late 19th century in the U.S., only 14 percent of the men born to fathers on the bottom 10 percent of the wage ladder made it to the top 30 percent in the late 20th century. A growing body of research is finding that 45 to 60 percent of a parent’s advantage in income is passed along to children. Race is also a factor in U.S. economic mobility: 17 percent of whites born to the bottom 10 percent of families ranked by income remained there as adults, while 42 percent ofAfricanAmericans did. Report: More Than One-Third of Prime-Age Minmum Wage Workers Get Trapped in Low-Paying Jobs A recent report finds that 36.6 percent of prime-age workers (ages 25-54) in minimum wage jobs get stuck in low-wage jobs for at least three years. This is especially true during periods of higher unemployment and stagnant wage growth. Most minimum wage workers are prime-age workers. In the eight years since the last increase to the minimum wage, its $5.15 value has decreased by one-sixth, in inflation-adjusted terms. A person working full-time for minimum wage earns just $10,300, substantially lower than the $13,020 federal poverty threshold for a one-parent, one-child family. HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them.. That is why you pay him/ her. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is God. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. INSP - A UNITED VOICE AGAINST POVERTY “Don “Don’’t Leave Home W ithout IIt...” t...” The network has been built on the back of the incredible success of street papers throughout the world. Most operate mainly as small non-profit making businesses, which give homeless vendors the opportunity to earn a living through their own efforts. Street papers have a philosophy of “a hand up, not a handout.” Homeless people buy the magazine and keep between 50% and 70% of the cover price. The core philosophy of INSP is that all post-investment profits generated by the papers should be used to provide social support for homeless people. Streetvibes INSP is a unique global organisation which links developed and developing countries that strongly believe in exchanging know-how. Partnerships and links are formed across the board, both regionally and internationally. Many members link through consultancy, training and experience exchange, which encourages better-developed social businesses. The key to all these projects is self-help and empowerment. All street papers are supported locally by businesses, local government and institutions and, most importantly, by local people. Page 13 �Thank you, too By Jesse James No words could even say, or feel The love I see In your every smile The comfort The shining feeling I get When I think, hear, or see you Please, Lord, have mercy and help me To be a better friend, To all who need me. Thank you!!! I do Love you 4 ever yours I hope and pray A Personal Darkness byJH The rising voice speaks of a dreadful past, an anger that hides. Lurking invisible, revealed by the press of a challenge. The grown man, unborn, reeling from a personal darkness. What is this presenting creature, who brings a hidden madness? Ignored? Abused? Dominated? The grown man, unborn, reeling from a personal darkness. The tattered garments, the eyes, the anger. A broken human, wanting to be heard, nothing more. The grown man, unborn, reeling from a personal darkness. The scars of a history in the hands, the broken nails. The broken voice that swells but does not speak. The grown man, unborn, reeling from a personal darkness. Bluez 4 Jesse By Jesse James To the past All those I do love Don’t be mad I’ve chose To rise above All the sad memories and dreams That I Want to forget So it may seem that why will be 4 regret That I may deem To even speak of, again So don’t cry When I sin But I, Will enjoy All my Days like a baby boy Who has received The greatest gift That could be believed Or maybe a myth? Friends, Until the end What more, Could a lonely man Hope and pray for Now, may I understand Death by Detachment by JH What is this other world on the Corner? Of violent and menacing gestures, and growling peril. And bloated pockets, filled with danger. The bulky shells, and anger gone wild, fill the street with deadly void, inside and outside the soul, with and without spirit. Clashing on the gray, the staggering limbs askew, twirling, menacing, frightened, of the blue and white shadow. Tomorrow is a hazard, out of reach, on a dusty shelf. Beyond the dream of home, and mom, and warming family. To get there is a nonsense dream, in TV land and liars, peddling another place, a vision beyond reach. The Blues 4 Josey By Jesse James Once upon a dream Freedom was meant to be But Society’s cruel reality took it away from me So, like a wounded dove I walk alone Unaware of true love Tied to the stone. These blue eyes Have see to much pain I don’t know why I like the rain. I guess the feeling Is better than nothing. Where is my dream? Page 14 On the Run By Jesse James Well, it has become evident to me, that I have come full circle Not all my thoughts were fantasies There was a feeling, I had A few smiles, I had seen that made me believe that maybe I might be onto something Way beyond, my wildest dreams So, I am humbled too. I don’t feel all alone. Anywhere I really don’t know anymore than before But I have met some beautiful people I always say, I don’t believe in luck “Luck is for losers” Well I feel very lucky Streetvibes �Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath I’m Ready by Robert Manassa I often wonder if there is such a place as Heaven. If I’ll reach it at a Seven Eleven? If I’m lucky, homeward bound I will be My mother and father I hope to see. I’m ready No one knows the day or the hour that God will come Question is asked; will it be the morn or setting of the sun? Get ready al people here on earth Are you ready for a rebirth I’m ready He’s not only coming for the rich, but the poor too When all is said and done all will get their just due Don’t forget to pray both day and night When we do we’ll receive all that’s just and right I’m ready by Jessica Brock By the breath of life Stands a silent cry For the hopeless and homeless The weak that survive Is the Strong that stays alive The streets are fierce with Violence and gun play But all we can do is pray. Thw worlds is a vicious place But in our hearts and mionds Will be fine. The drugs are from corner To corner, block to block But we wonder will it ever stop. Woman on street, Buenos Aires, Argentina Untitled By Jesse James Dear diary, Guess who? Would you believe? That friends, Could be so true!!! What more can I say. Except, that maybe Some of dreams, may Become reality. So, thank you All my friends I’ll try and stay true, Just like you, To the end. Untitled by Elaine Whitaker Hope, my friend, Is a four-letter word, It keeps you flying, It’s the wing of a bird. Hope is the grace That keeps me goin’ I’m a bird in the sky Hope keeps me soarin’ Hope is my friends, Hope is my family, Hope is my life Hope is life. CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE I firmly believe that mother universe will provide all that I am in need of to sustain this life of mine. Each of us can harness the talents and energies to accomplish everything we set for ourselves as a goal. We are each in the space and place we belong in. Where we are and where we are headed is already pre-destined. It has been determined by the seeds we have sewn in this life and by those of the past. Its success depends on how well we attend to the crop we have planted within us. When in doubt we must speak truthfully.......in all matters love every one with a open hand......even when it is painful to do so ......look into tomorrow and do what is for the good of all.......including you. Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ email your writing to Great care should be taken of what you manifest. Do not speak or act anything negative into existence...Knowingly refrain from these activities. Streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes Page 15 �357-4602 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, 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 needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 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 Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 721-8666 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services, Inc 751-9797 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John’s Housing 651-6446 Need Help or Want to Help? 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 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 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 Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 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 JUNE 2005 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless *Streetvibes Investigates: Legitimate News Story or Hoax? *International Street Newspaper Conference This month BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY STREETVIBES $1 Donation � 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 2005 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Streetvibes Investigates: Legitimate News Story or Hoax? International Street Newspaper Conference Held in Buenos Aires Pg 2: Hoax Continued Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Vendors Pg 5: A Day in the Life Tales from the Curb Pg 6: Spirit Team Traveling for Inspiration Pg 7: My View on the Homeless Pg 8: Conference Continued Pg 9: Newsweek, the Quaran and the “Green Mushroom” World Press Freedom Day Opens Conference Pg 10: Nuking Democracy Voices of Africa to be Heard by World Leaders INSP Joins Forces with NASNA to Trial SNS Pg 11: Double Stigma for Gay Community Pg 12: Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Streetvibes… Pg 13: Bush Administration Shifts Funding from Anti-Poverty Programs to Religion-Based Groups Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Alison Leeuw Andy Erickson Rachel Lawson Kate McManus Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Africa Alison Leeuw Andy Erickson Buenos Aires Bush Democracy Funding Gay Community Georgine Getty INSP International Street Newspaper Jimmy Heath Kate McManus LGBTQ+ Mary Gaffney Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Minimum Wage NASNA Peace Village Quran Rachel Lawson SNS World Press https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/da7fb964815735f4261d29ad3dc4fbf3.pdf 6fc4f0195a74a1302bf43b559dc859af PDF Text Text June 2006 STREETVIBES Two Prominent Community Development Organizations Merge, form Over-the-Rhine Community Housing - Providing Hope for Inclusive Re-Development of OTR housing in 1988. Over-the-Rhine Housing Over-the-Rhine Network focused its development efforts in the Community Housing will be responsible for the combined North Central area of Over-the-Rhine. ReSTOC (Race Street Tenant Organization Coassets of the Housing Operative) was chartered in 1978 by volunteers of Network and ReSTOC, Drop Inn Center, a homeless shelter, to ensure the totaling a net worth of 5.5 existence of affordable housing in Over-the-Rhine. million in property and over ReSTOC was organized as a cooperative where 90 buildings in this neighborhood that spans one the board of owners was controlled by the tenants. ReSTOC developed a strong education program, square mile north of serving as a site for 3,000 volunteers yearly on downtown. Of equal value and more difficult to quantify their Saturday Work Crews and Urban Plunges. ReSTOC had focused its development efforts in are the people who live in the Washington Park area. those properties and the The community of Over-the-Rhine lost thousands of volunteers who over 1000 units of affordable housing over the past have volunteered over the 5 years. The loss comes primarily as the result of years and who continue to ReSTOC office gets a facelift for new merger the section 8 opt-outs where owners like Tom support the efforts of Denhart and Metro Management chose to leave ReSTOC and Over-theOver-the-Rhine — The boards of two the section 8 program that kept their buildings Rhine Housing Network. Roger Auer, board community development organizations, Over-theaffordable for the previous 20 years. Many of president of ReSTOC and now president of Rhine Housing Network and ReSTOC (Race those buildings have been vacated and sold for Community Housing put it this way, “We are Street Tenant Organization Co-Operative), voted development by market rate providers. grateful for support from within OTR and from the unanimously to merge, forming a new non-profit Contrary to the spin of the mainstream broader community of Greater Cincinnati. Beyond community development corporation—Over-themedia that affordable housing led to the problems the nuts and bolts of the work they do year in and Rhine Community Housing. that face Over-the-Rhine, the exact opposite is year out, they lift our spirits The merger became official and provide renewing energy.” true. As we steadily lost affordable housing in the this month. community over the past 5 years, open air drug Auer said he feels good about Like its preceding markets and gun violence steadily increased. As the talents of both boards. organizations, the mission of people were forced out, drugs and violence moved “The combined skills of our Over-the-Rhine Community in. board members and the Housing is to provide In 2001 the corporate sponsored supportive communities they affordable housing to residents Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation are affiliated with including the of Over-the-Rhine. The (3CDC) was created and Over-the-Rhine was religious, business, resident organization will play a key identified as one of their 3 areas of focus. 3CDC and education communities role in the development efforts has acquired about 80 buildings and vacant lots, allow us to receive input and of the neighborhood. spending more than $8 million during the past support from a broad range of With a staff of 16, perspectives. That feels good.” couple of years on acquisitions and board-ups. A Over-the-Rhine Community Walter Reinhaus, President similar strategy used by ReSTOC in the ‘80s to Housing will continue to secure and stabilize buildings for the sole purpose of the Over-the-Rhine provide housing to all existing of community control of affordable housing, Community Council believes tenants of both former the merger will be good for the Housing organizations. Mary Burke, community. “The merger the former director of Over­ seems like a natural or obvious cont. on page 8 the-Rhine Housing Network idea given Sharon Jones, Over-the-Rhine will serve as executive director Community Council the history of the new organization. Her and leadership style is one of collaboration and has a closeness of the two dedicated staff to build a strong team. Andy Hutzel organizations. It seems especially the former executive director of ReSTOC will so in these times of limited serve as the Operations Director. Both Mary and resources and increased Andy’s leadership roles will allow them to focus reporting requirements. more time on their areas of responsibilities and Additionally, the community will strengths. be able to go to one office to “We are excited about our future and the access a wider variety of housing potential for inclusive community development” and services. “ Burke said. “Bringing together the expertise of our About the former organizations two organizations bodes well for the future of Over-the-Rhine Housing Over-the-Rhine and the opportunity for a mixed Network was formed in 1983 as income community. We believe that we can model a resource for housing for our city the way to develop a mixed income development organizations in the community where all residents are valued.” neighborhood and began New board members of OTR Community Housing developing its own affordable Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw -Administrative Coordinator Monique Little - Education Coordinator Kelly Carr - VISTA Andy Lawrence - AHA Coordinator John Lavelle - VISTA Melvin Williams - Reception Susan Smith - Volunteer Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor Photography Mary Burke, Jimmy Heath Cover Over-the-Rhine Community housing board meets for new merger Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org Page 2 City Council Keeps Panhandling Registration by Streetvibes Staff At its evening meeting on Wednesday, May 10, Cincinnati City Council voted 7-2 in favorremoving the sunset provision from the “Improper Solicitation” ordinance (910-12). Without this motion, the registration requirement from the so called “panhandling ordinance” would have expired on June 20, 2006. For both lawmakers and homeless advocates, this motion means that the panhandling registration remains law indefinitely. The improper solicitation ordinance requires that anyone wishing to panhandle in the city of Cincinnati register for a license. Without a license, it is illegal to verbally solicit. The ordinance also provides restrictions for where and when one may panhandle, and it specifically defines aggressive solicitation. Councilmember Crowley explained that he originally wanted the sunset provision because he was unsure of whether or not the registration program would be effective. He stated that after three years, he is convinced that it works. Several employees of Downtown Cincinnati, Inc., as well as downtown business owners and residents spoke before council in support of keeping the registration, claiming that they have seen a decrease in panhandling due to increased outreach and police enforcement. If there has been a decrease in downtown panhandling, says Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, it has little to do with the registration. “If you are at a point where you have been on the streets for years and have to beg for money day in and day out, eight hours in jail is not going to deter you from panhandling.” She continues: “I have always opposed this ordinance based upon the First Amendment right to free speech, but as a taxpayer I am incensed that our city is wasting thousands of dollars arresting and jailing panhandlers for doing nothing more than asking for some spare change.” Advocates for the homeless have continually denounced the registration as criminalizing homelessness by requiring individuals to register for something they are guaranteed by the First Amendment. What is needed, says Getty, is more outreach. Public officials and proponents of the panhandling ordinance cite outreach done through Downtown Cincinnati, Inc., as a major part of the success, even though there is no mention or provision for outreach in the ordinance. Besides the registration, the ordinance specifically targets “aggressive” solicitation. Councilmember Cranley – who, along with Cole, voted against the motion – stated during the Law and Public Safety Committee meeting on May 9 that he thinks existing laws already address the issue of “aggressive panhandling.” The actions involved in aggressive panhandling often encompass assault and menacing. Those wishing to peacefully panhandle will still be required to register at the Elm Street Clinic for their license. Anyone soliciting without a license may be subject to an initial warning, followed by a violation that could result in a fine or time in jail. Workers, Advocates Release Report Card of Exploitive Labor Halls Cincinnati, OH – On Thursday, May 4, 2006, a group of advocates and laborers called the Day Labor Organizing Project (DLOP) released their report card of day labor halls in Cincinnati. They surveyed over 100 day laborers on their experiences working at various labor halls and averaged the ratings of particular practices and overall quality. Labor Hall Overall Scores One Force/Labor Solutions - DMinute Men - D CinTemp - C Quikstaff - D Labor Works - C­ TLC - D+ Every day in Cincinnati, hundreds of low-income and often homeless individuals turn to day labor halls as their primary source of income. These halls contract with local businesses to provide unskilled, manual labor on both a short-term and lonterm basis. Particularly for a worker lacking a permanent address, identification, and/or marketable job skills, this is the only immediate option for fiscal survival. Labor halls such as One Force/Labor Solutions (208 W. Liberty St.) are known to provide low wages for long hours at undesirable jobs. Through interviews conducted by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center over the past months, day laborers have voiced numerous problems with labor halls, including: long wait times for work, failure to pay, lack of restrooms, unsafe transportation, unnecessary and superfluous fees, wrongful termination, harassment, refusal of permanent employment, and racial discrimination, among many issues. “Many of these workers wake up at four in the morning to wait for work,” says Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. “If they do get sent out, they work long hours at difficult jobs, only to be dropped back off at a shelter. After all the fees and deductions, someone might get less than $40 for over 12 hours of their time.” The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless estimates that over 60% of homeless people work. Nevertheless, many simply do not earn enough to get out of the shelters and into permanent housing. “On top of low wages and long hours, day laborers are often subject to poor working conditions, harassment by labor hall staff members, and termination at any time for any reason,” states Don Sherman, executive director of the Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center. “This is an unregulated industry that exploits the most vulnerable of populations.” Streetvibes Members of DLOP began compiling surveys for the report card in order to document day labors’ experiences of different labor halls’ practices. Three labor halls – One Force/Labor Solutions, Minute Men, and Quikstaff – scored the lowest, particularly with regard to charging high fees for transportation, unfairly terminating employment, and not providing bathrooms. Advocates and workers hope to use the report card and other educational materials to raise public awareness in order to force day labor halls to stop charging superfluous fees and treat workers more fairly. They also hope to increase wages to workers by getting the labor halls to stop taking so large a percentage – often over 50% - of the amount the contractor pays for each worker. Vincent Kirksey, a day laborer and member of DLOP, believes that he has been blacklisted from at least one labor hall due to his involvement in organizing workers. Even with employment through the labor halls, he was unable to move out of homelessness. Now that he is blocked from employment, he can only continue working with DLOP and hope for the best. “It’s bad enough that there are so few jobs available,” stated Getty. “Many of the jobs that are available are just not enough for anybody to make ends meet.” �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Jimmy Heath The seven-county Denver metro-area homeless population dropped 11.5 percent last year to 9,091 - but by only 4 percent in Denver, according to a survey released last month. While the study found an overall decline - the first since 2004 ­ the number of homeless families increased 12 percent, and the chronically homeless surged 47 percent. The homeless population also continued to concentrate in Denver, hitting a seven-year high. While Denver’s homeless population went down, the percentage of homeless in the metro area who are in Denver has gone up. The survey was done on the night of Jan. 23 by the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative and Mile High United Way. It found that just over half the 9,091 displaced people were in Denver, the greatest cluster there since the survey began in 2000. Denver held 46 percent of the area’s homeless population last year, up from 40 percent in 2004. “The Cats of Mirikitani,” a film documenting the life of a New York homeless JapaneseAmerican painter who had been sent to a U.S. internment camp during World War II, won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. The documentary depicts in a somber manner the painful postwar experiences of Japanese-Americans through the life of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, an 86-year-old painter. Linda Hattendorf, who directed the documentary, met Mirikitani in 2001 when she began documenting street people. Calling himself a “peace artist,” Mirikitani told Hattendorf that he had drawn pictures of cats on the sidewalks in a Manhattan neighborhood. As Hattendorf realized the homeless artist had been victim of discrimination in the United States, she decided to explore his past life. The film chronicled how the long-time homeless man eventually deserted street life and began living on his own with Hattendorf’s help. Born in January 1920 in Sacramento, California, Mirikitani studied painting in Hiroshima, Japan. He did not want to go to war so he returned to the United States. But like most Japanese-Americans at the time, he was sent to an internment camp and stripped of his American citizenship. Robbed of his dream of becoming a successful painter, Mirikitani ended up living on the streets of New York. New York businessman Frank Marzano decided to do something about the atrocities being committed against homeless people. He teamed up with the National Coalition for the Homeless, songwriter Bervin Harris, and film producer Hedley Turk, with Harris and Turk donating their talents, to create an awareness program in song and dance. Aimed at youths and adults, the record and video entertain as well as educate. The audio visual project heightens people’s sensitivity toward the plight of the homeless as well as increases public and private support of projects to help the homeless and eventually eradicate homelessness. The case of a Florida homeless man beaten to death with a baseball bat by a gang of violent teens shocked the nation. It brought to the public eye the problem of crimes perpetuated on the vulnerable homeless as they lay sleeping on public streets. Mr. Marzano’s motto is: “Instead of beating the Homeless with a stick, feed them a steak.” He launched and funded the project not only to protect the homeless but to try and put an end to homelessness in America through help programs, education and behavior modification. To enable the men and women who sleep on the streets to become self sufficient and prideful is the ultimate resolution of the homeless problem. Marzano states, “There will never be an end to homelessness, but we can educate everyone to help them, not hurt them.” In Wichita Kansas, Ricky Heuer, the 48-year-old homeless man who fell into the Arkansas River downtown last month, has died. Heuer died at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was standing or walking next to the river when he lost his balance and fell into the water. Alcohol may have played a role in the accident, police said. D.C. Central Kitchen did not deliver 2,300 meals to eight homeless programs last month and is refusing to resume the service until the city awards a new contract and makes changes in how it serves food to the homeless. Robert Egger, founder and president of D.C. Central Kitchen, said that the nonprofit group had served meals for 17 years but could not continue to operate as the main provider of meals for the city’s homeless without more city funding. “We can’t do this independently,” Egger said. He said the growth in the homeless population over the years has put a larger burden on the group and its homeless meal program, which costs $1.6 million annually and is funded almost entirely through private donations. The city was to announce a contract for the meal service April 15, but the process got delayed, said Mike Ferrell, chief of program operations for the Community Partnership for the Homelessness, the nonprofit group that manages the city’s homeless programs. Ferrell said the contract will be awarded no later than May 15. D.C. Central Kitchen had been receiving $50,000 monthly from the city since January for meals, but Egger said he was not informed about any funding in May, and without definite word from the city, the group suspended service. In addition, Egger said the program is increasingly concerned about the nutritional value of the meals served to shelter residents with specific health concerns — people with diabetes Gov. Linda Lingle described as “pure shibai” one of the reasons Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s administration gave for moving homeless people out of Ala Moana Beach Park. On the same day the state opened a temporary shelter in Kakaako Hawaii for the homeless who were displaced from the park, the governor criticized the city for not doing enough to help the homeless after they were evicted from Ala Moana. “I think it should’ve been done in a different way,” Lingle told reporters. Bill Brennan, the mayor’s press secretary, noted that had the city not closed the park at night, the state might never have stepped up to address homelessness in Hawaii. “You can see by the fact that the state went into action after the Ala Moana Park closure that they can and they have the expertise and the resources to provide shelter for the homeless,” Brennan said. The city began closing the park at night on March 27, moving out about 200 homeless people. City officials said the park needed to be closed at night to prepare for a major renovation of park facilities. Streetvibes But they also said that they wanted to close the park before the state began evicting homeless people living under the freeway at the Keehi Interchange. Lingle said city officials were not honest in using the freeway eviction, which came after police reported illegal activities in the area, as an excuse to get rid of homeless people at Ala Moana park. “Let me put it clearly: That is shibai, pure shibai. Let’s call it for what it is. Those two things were completely unrelated,” Lingle said. “They wanted to paint some pavilions and move some sand around, and they wanted the people out of the park.” In Los Angeles a homeless woman was stomped to death as she slept on a sidewalk in downtown’s Skid Row, police said, and a parolee suspected in the attack was arrested. Witnesses said they saw an attacker repeatedly kicking Kristi Morales for several minutes. A passer-by attempted to intervene, but the attacker knocked the person down at least two times before an officer arrested him, police said. Morales, 49, died Monday from her injuries. She was the fourth person killed on Skid Row this year as police try to crack down on crime in the troubled area. Her death “highlights the plight of the homeless, and the danger they face every day living, indeed sleeping, on the streets at night,” Police Chief William Bratton said. Gregory Hampton, 52, was being held without bail in connection with the attack, police said. A court hearing was scheduled for May 17. Councilwoman Jan Perry said she will ask the state Department of Corrections to stop releasing parolees into the area. Hampton has a long record, mostly for property crimes, dating back to 1970, police said. In Los Angeles County, more than 82,000 people were homeless on any given night in 2005, including about 48,000 within Los Angeles city limits, according to survey by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! Page 3 �Does Cincinnati Need a Needle Exchange? by Kelly Carr First off, what is a needle exchange? A needle-exchange, as controversial as it seems, centers around the concept of harm reduction. Persons may obtain hypodermic needles and syringes in the exchange of a dirty/used needle. Most centers such as Xchange point in Cleveland or Tacoma Seattle’s exchange van utilize exchanges as an opportunity to educate addicts and provide outreach services in addition to their efforts in reducing blood-borne diseases. These facilities not only act as a vehicle to provide outreach and treatment services to addicts, but exchanges also ensure that dirty/used needles are disposed of properly rather than tossed in the street. Needle exchanges prevent the sharing of contaminated needles, a major cause in the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. According to the United States Surgeon General’s site “a third of all new HIV infections can be traced to needle sharing and almost 50% of long-term addicts have hepatitis C.” Needle exchanges provide the social benefits of reducing health costs. Simply consider what it would cost to provide an individual with clean needles verses the cost of providing treatment and medications for HIV or hepatitis C over an extended period of time. Critics opposing exchanges believe such programs endorse injection drug use and do not provide encouragement for drug users to become abstinent. However, European studies have found that needle exchanges do not cause a rise in drug use and credible scientific evidence flatly refutes such notions. Support for needle exchanges and such findings have been endorsed by former United States Surgeon General Dr. Davis Satcher, former Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Harold Varmus, and former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala. Needle exchanges make sense; however does Cincinnati need a needle exchange? According to statistics provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s website www.usdoj.gov, heroin distribution and abuse are increasing in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services data Show your support! Get your STEETVIBES T- Shirt Today! Only $15 We will send your Streetvibes T-shirt to your door ­ All proceeds benefit the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Streetvibes newspaper. Call 513.421.7803 Page 4 Streetvibes indicates the number of treatment admissions for heroin abuse increased overall from 6,878 in 2002 to 7,416 in 2003. The Cincinnati Post in 2000 reported heroin use and sales surging in the Cincinnati area, with the number of arrests involving heroin climbing from less than 20 in 1990 to more than 400 in 2000. In January of 2004 a report issued by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy provided a snapshot of Cincinnati. The reported indicated Heroin use has increased dramatically, especially among Whites. The increase is most likely due to OxyContin abusers switching to heroin as Oxy-Contin becomes less available. The report also determined the primary route of administering heroin was through injection. According to the Ohio Department of Health, in 2003 Hamilton County reported a total of 3,624 persons infected with HIV/AIDS, HIV (without AIDS), and AIDS. Out of that 3624, a total of 244 persons were infected by injection drug use. There was no information regarding the spread of hepatitis C on the Ohio Department of Health’s website, however according to Office of National Drug Control Policy Clearinghouse more than one half of all hepatitis C cases in the United States are caused by injection drug use. A needle exchange program in Cincinnati would increase an addicts chance of accessing services and education; and would decrease the infection rates of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in our community. Would we rather an addict share a needle and toss it in the street or approach an outreach worker who can provide treatment and dispose of dirty/used needles properly? Bells and Whistles by Mike Henson Through the hazy, fog-wisped smalltown air of my schoolday morning I hear the bells for Mass at Holy Angels and the low, asthmatic whistles of the factories near the poisoned river. My mother makes breakfast and I dress for school, but I know that men in gray work clothes will now swing lunch buckets off kitchen counters painted white. My father is gone two hours already to his window at the Post Office, but my uncle is among these men and my neighbors and the fathers of my friends. Across town and around the corner and in the next street over and in the slate-sided houses of Buckeye Terrace, men with gray knuckles clothes that smell of tobacco and machine oil and hearts thickening in their chests leave, under the call of the whistles, for Liberty Folder, LeRoy, Mack and the river-fouling tannery and the nameless foundries where my grandfather caught the red of his lungs. They do not complain. It is not in them to complain. A word to the wife a word to the kids an ear to the great solemn bells toiling in the catholic steeple and out the door and into the chill, fog-dark, bell-bespoken whistle-haunted streets to the places where they make their living and their death. �Continuing struggle to aid the homeless NOTHING CAUSES a NIMBY response faster than a homeless shelter. The city of Hackensack NJ, reluctant host to the county’s homeless programs, has gained the upper hand in its own version of NIMBY that translates into Not In My Downtown. Three programs to serve street people are in limbo at the same time. To block a planned expansion of programs for the homeless into the Social Security Administration building on Sussex Street, Hackensack officials refused to sign off on federal funding to Christ Church Community Development Corp., which established Peter’s Place 10 years ago to offer food and overnight shelter for the homeless. Talks are now under way for the county’s new 100-bed facility, to be relocated from East Kansas Street to River Street at the old S. Goldberg & Co. slipper factory. Groundbreaking is almost a year behind schedule, And last, the soon-to-be-homeless Faith Foundation program is being forced to move from its State Street location to make way for condos. It is not unheard of for homeless men and women to be unceremoniously deposited in the streets of Hackensack by outside police agencies bringing them in from other Bergen towns. Left to fend for themselves, they might end up anywhere. What Bergen needs at the county level is a Homeless Czar or Czarina to coordinate the scattered efforts. The Faith Foundation’s program for Hackensack’s street people has a touch of home. Freshly washed white curtains hang in the windows wrapping around the first floor storefront. But why bother? They’ll have to vacate soon. The storefront is styled with a look that says “Welcome” to the troubled, confused, alcoholic or just plain down-and-out clients who don’t fit in any place else and who have few other alternatives. Inside the dingy storefront at 86 State St., Robin Reilly frets. As founder and director, she’s got her hands full looking for new space where her rescue program can provide a catchall of services for homeless people, from a bottle of shampoo to burial arrangements. Reilly, honored by the city last year on Mother’s Day, volunteers her days, her car, and her compassion to keep them out of dangerous abandoned buildings or makeshift camps down by the river. What she’s fretting about at the moment, however, is not the pending move, but the pending crisis with Pat’s leg. One of the regulars, Pat, who asked me not to use his last name, may lose his leg. Over the past few months, his left leg has grown to more than twice normal size. Discoloration suggests circulatory problems, and a deep, jagged wound that won’t heal signals major infection. He should be in agony, but he can’t feel a thing. A lack of pain is dangerous. The clients have virtually nothing, but they pool their skills in emergencies to take care of one another. Mary, showing all the talent of a trained nurse, which she might have been earlier in her life before seizures made it difficult for her to stay on track, removes Pat’s bandage without wincing or gasping, washes the gaping wound as clean a possible, and rewraps the leg. ‘Gray Areas’ Confuse Homeless Policy LAKELAND, FL — Prompted by the recent controversy over banning the feeding of poor or homeless people sandwiches or doughnuts at locations around downtown, city leaders met with representatives of the area’s churches and three shelters. The officials agreed that keeping the homeless in the area of the shelters, where they can get food and services, was in the best interest of everyone. But a Salvation Army worker didn’t get a clear answer from city officials when he asked whether his troops could search for homeless enclaves, offer people a hot dog and a cold drink and invite them to the downtown shelters for help. The city officials said the answer was probably yes, but they’d have to do some research. “There are a lot of gray areas” in community development and code enforcement, said Jim Studiale, the city’s community development director. Studiale’s assistant, Steve Bissonnette, was the one to deliver the news last month to people associated with All Saints’ Episcopal Church that they could no longer feed the poor Tuesdays behind the bus station or at a Sunday sidewalk worship near the church. Bissonnette said providing a hot dog might be OK because it wouldn’t be done at the same time and place every week. But Lakeland police Officer Todd Edwards, who often works with the homeless, said in most cases it would probably be a waste of time to try to attract people from homeless camps to the downtown homeless shelters. He said people became isolated by choice and if they wanted to be in a shelter, they’d be in one. Edwards said that if you ask a panhandler how much money he wants, he doesn’t say $1 or $5, “it’s $1.35. The price of a quart of beer.” Salvation Army Capt. Edward Lee provided figures compiled by the local shelter. The median length of time each resident spent in Lakeland before going to the Salvation Army shelter was just less than two weeks, meaning half the residents went to the shelter before that point and half went after. Emergencies like that occur several times a week, sometimes after clients are released prematurely from local hospitals. Faith Foundation’s furniture restoration business was started five years ago to give the homeless somewhere to go, when other shelters, hospitals, and programs refused to admit them. Sometimes behavior associated with acute alcoholism, drugs, sickness, or psychological problems make them unwelcome in other settings. With just a few more months to go before the lease ends, there are no prospects for a new site. “Faith Foundation can’t close down, even if I have to do this out of my car,” she insists. “I need the city behind me. I help them keep order by giving my people a place to go.” Business owners downtown see the shelters and the people who use them as undesirables. They draw attention to the long strips of distressed businesses and closed retail shops on Main Street. The street people are a walking advertisement for the lack of prosperity in Hackensack’s distressed downtown business area. The Faith Foundation is only a short walk from where I work, but worlds away from the mainstream of downtown Hackensack business activity. An industrial area would be an ideal spot to relocate Faith Foundation. But guaranteed, wherever Reilly’s program goes, she’ll be without much help except for the clients in their lucid moments. Many homeless people who arrive in town head straight for the shelter. But the average amount of time spent in Lakeland before seeking refuge in the shelter is 31/ 2 years. That’s because some residents live in Lakeland for years before eventually seeking help at the shelter and are figured into the mix. The Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness was organized about five years ago, when downtown was a haven for the homeless and Munn Park often resembled a homeless reunion. The solution — and it has worked well — was for homeless people to be invited to the huge yard at the Talbot House on the northern edge of downtown. Some days, there are more than a hundred people there. The task force intends to meet every three months. Lakeland is fortunate, city officials said, because the leaders of the Talbot House, Lighthouse Ministries and the Salvation Army work with each other rather than against each other, as was sometimes the case 15 or 20 years ago. Mayor Buddy Fletcher warned against people giving money to the homeless and becoming “enablers” who help people buy beer or drugs. He said he recently bought a sandwich for a homeless man, “and I watched him eat it, too.” Mayor’s homeless deal questioned CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Questions about the city of Chattanooga buying land to develop a community for homeless people, including concerns about ground pollution, have prompted Mayor Ron Littlefield to say the city has contamination “everywhere.” Littlefield said Chattanooga’s manufacturing history has left the city with the same pollution problems that affect many other urban areas. He said groundwater in any urban city is contaminated and Chattanooga is a railroad city, and rail yards are inherently dirty.” Downtown sites that he described as polluted include the Tennessee Riverwalk and the Enterprise South industrial park on the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant property. At least three City Council members are questioning the mayor’s’efforts to build a homeless shelter on the nine-acre former Farmers Market Streetvibes property. The property is a former landfill which contains coal tar and other polluting manufacturing byproducts. Councilman Manny Rico said he might ask Littlefield’s administration to produce an independent environmental survey of the land. Councilwoman Linda Bennett said the mayor did not reveal the extent of the contamination and the conflicts in previous discussions. Page 5 �Letters To Whom It May Concern: As an advocate for the homeless (and taxpaying citizen of Hamilton County), I have worked with many community groups, including the United Church of Christ in Camp Washington. This church schedules work camp groups from all over the U.S. and with inner-city ministries, we have taken groups to Washington Park for Street Feeds for over six years. My role in this endeavor is as interpreter of the culture of homelessness. Being formerly homeless myself, I know many men and women currently homeless in Over-the-Rhine, and my presence gives a safer feeling to folks in the park and our out-of-town guests. On March 22, 2006, during a street banquet in Washington Park, the Cincinnati Park Board approached us for the first time and said we needed a permit. So that very afternoon we called the Park Board and requested an application, which we received by fax. We assumed securing a permit would not be difficult. By 5:00 P.M. that very afternoon, the Park Board decided there would be no more permits! Armed with this information, I went to the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 4, 2006, to get clarification on the rules regarding permits. Three Cincinnati Police Officers at the meeting told me if the Park Board makes an executive decision not to grant a permit for a particular function or group, then the Police Department will have to enforce the Board’s decision – even if it is the reversal of previous policy. Such a thoughtless and heartless policy grieves me. These people live outside – where else are we supposed to help them? If this is an established Cincinnati Park Board policy, we’d like to see it in print. But as a national advocate (on the national board of Health Care for the Homeless), I would be ashamed of such a policy. Bob McGonagle Outofself@hotmail.com Congressional Spotlight: Budget, Tax, and appropiations During the week of May 8th, a conference agreement on tax cuts cleared the House and Senate; House leaders delayed action on the FY 2007 Budget Resolution as moderates continued to hold back support for a measure that underfunds domestic programs; the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2007 Agriculture Appropriations Bill; the House Agriculture Committee launched a web-based tool to solicit “producer” input on 2007 Farm Bill priorities; numerous school districts adopted wellness policies; Iowa farmers markets accommodated Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders; the Texas Comptroller planned to audit the contractor operating the state’s call centers for enrolling people in the food stamp, health and other programs; and the budget stalemate in Puerto Rico kept children from school meals and led thousands of furloughed public employees to apply for food stamps and other aid. In the weeks ahead, the Senate may take up immigration legislation based on an agreement announced May 11th by Senators Bill Frist (R-TN) and Harry Reid (D-NV); also, the House could take up its FY 2007 Budget Resolution. The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), the Emergency Campaign for America’s Priorities (ECAP) and allies across the country will continue to urge House Members to reject the Budget Resolution. A House vote on the FY 2007 Agriculture Appropriations bill is likely before the Memorial Day recess. Closing soon are deadlines for nominations for two important nutrition program awards: Victory Against Hunger (May 31st) and Hunger Champions (June 30th). instead establishing Immigrant Communities Combat Criminalization citizenship, arbitrary eligibility thresholds. by Juan Prada When House Republicans supported HR 4437, they were hoping they’d found the wedge issue they needed to improve electoral prospects for the 2006 mid-term elections. This has proven to be a gross miscalculation. By passing legislation that would automatically make felons of an estimated 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants, they blissfully ignored that those 12 million “illegal aliens” are the parents, children, nieces and cousins of yet millions more legal residents. Or, as Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina put it: “If we tell millions of people that we will make felons of their grandparents, we (the GOP) will suffer mightily.” It is no coincidence that the most remarkable aspect of the mass mobilizations in March and April, besides their overwhelming size, was the impressive participation of young people, particularly high school students. Republican strategists seem to have read the polls to mean a majority of legal immigrants would favor restraining illegal immigration, but never considered to dig a little deeper. The most vocal supporters for unleashing massive state repression on immigrant communities all come from states where immigrant numbers have been growing in recent years, but are still short of the definitive clout they wield in larger states where immigrants and their descendents comprise large slices of the population. Had Reps. Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) spoken to their fellow Republican governors of California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois before acting on their xenophobic whims, they would certainly have understood that this was indeed a very bad idea. Even Gov. Schwarzenegger—who denied driver licenses to undocumented immigrants and loudly praised the Minutemen’s foolish vigilantism—opposed HR 4437 on the grounds that the U.S. rounding up and deporting 11 million people is an unrealistic expectation. We can only guess that even the most ardent xenophobes will agree that such a proposition would be unenforceable, even if we were ready to bring the troops home from Iraq and deploy them in San Bernardino, Tucson, South Chicago, Queens, etc. Giving Republicans the benefit of the doubt (i.e., they might be evil, but not stupid), one has to consider that HR 4437 was a bluff by Local Artist’s Welcomed by Bernard Terrell Howard When you’re homeless it seems like the best things in life are free. For several months I’ve been homeless and as I begin my transition of getting reestablished I reminisce the day I had enough money toenjoy the night-life. Page 6 Moving to Cincinnati late February this year I just missed the February 3 deadline to place my work into this year’s competition. After contacting Saad Ghosn, who is in charge of the annual event, I received information about the Mockbee where almost every local aspirating or accomplished talent House Republicans to force the President and the Senate to deal with an issue that everyone agreed needed confronting sooner or later. The unexpected outcome was the outraged response of immigrant, particularly Latino, communities. What began as a series of small demonstrations and rallies by the usual handful of immigrant rights activists snowballed into the largest mass demonstrations that some American cities have ever seen. HR 4437 managed to alienate not only immigrants, but has also split two key constituencies that together have ensured the GOP’s series of electoral victories: business interests and religious people. Businesses using large pools of unskilled labor would lose their workers, and pastors across the nation would see their flocks ravaged by deportation and broken families. As the legislative debate continues on Capitol Hill, and ever growing mass mobilizations reach the streets, it seems unlikely that HR 4437 will enlist enough supporters in the Senate to pass a similar bill. Nevertheless, even the most “liberal” measures being presented as alternatives would come short of guaranteeing the rights of all immigrants to have a shot at has a chance to mingle and converse artistic thoughts. Jumping at a chance to attend a poetic event the Mockbee is free to everyone and not just exclusive to the rich folk. The weekend events that concluded the festival were a poetry reading and multimedia Streetvibes No matter what kind of legislation we end up with, likely results will increase repressive measures along the border, as well as limit the ability of immigrants to challenge their detention and deportation in courts. It will also pretend to be “definitive”—since the last time immigration laws were subject to major reform was in 1986. Whatever law we end up with, it will allow some to stay permanently and force others to leave or yet again become “illegal”. It will also intend to prevent others from coming in the future. But even as the immigrant movement remains united in its demand for a full amnesty and equal rights, gearing up for more powerful mobilizations, no one is yet challenging increased border militarization, its body count and negative impact on everyone’s civil rights. Nor has there been any talk about the root causes of the recent surge in immigration: corporate globalization and “free” trade policies. Until those factors are also figured into the equation, the migrating flow from the impoverished global South will continue, no matter how tall the fence is built. performance on Saturday, and a wrap-up and closing held the following evening on Sunday. Since the event returns every year it’s a nice way to feel connected to something that can bring the best out of life, while being totally free. �Homeless man dies after beating WATSONVILLE, CA — Police are investigating the death of a 47-year­ old homeless man found beaten and bloody in an alley just off Main Street last month. And the man who beat him says he had no idea his acquaintance had died. Jesse Rodriguez was found lying on the sidewalk on Stoesser Way, an alley behind a municipal parking garage at Rodriguez and West Beach streets, when police and emergency personnel arrived at 5:20 p.m. after a 911 call from the nearby Discount Mall. Rodriguez was taken to Watsonville Community Hospital, where he died less than six hours later of heart failure. Rodriguez, who was lying in a pool of blood that had formed around his head, was alert when emergency personnel arrived and told them he had been drinking. Sgt. David McCartney, who spent part of the day looking for evidence in what could be a potential crime scene, said an investigation did not begin immediately because Rodriguez’s injuries were first reported as a result of a fall. “It’s not a crime to fall down,” said McCartney who was in the company of other detectives, including some from the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office. Rodriguez’s death became the subject of a police investigation after detectives learned he had been beaten up, according to Watsonville police Capt. Eddie Rodriguez. Detectives were waiting for the results of the autopsy to determine what direction the investigation moves, Capt. Rodriguez said. Detectives interviewed a homeless man in the alley where the assault occurred. Capt. Rodriguez said he could not disclose what the man, Barry Franklin Schrope, told police. But two hours after police interviewed him, he told the Sentinel that he and Rodriguez had an altercation the previous Monday. Schrope said he confronted Jesse Rodriguez about stealing money and pills from his uncle and told him to never do it again. He said Jesse Rodriguez hit him and the altercation escalated. Schrope said he kicked Jesse Rodriguez in the abdomen sending him to the ground. He said he left before police and firefighters arrived though he was later treated for an injury to his foot, the one he used to kick Rodriguez. Schrope said he was shocked to learn Rodriguez died. “I feel really bad now,” he said. “I’m not a bad person.” Rodriguez’s homeless friends who spent their final hours drinking alcohol with him described him as a once married man who was divorced, had children and grew up in San Juan Bautista. Jesse Rodriguez told the Sentinel weeks ago that his wife had died and that he was depressed and had a drinking problem. Gary Anderson, a close friend who is also homeless, said Jesse Rodriguez told him on several occasions that he spent most of his life “in and out of prison,” and that he was a recovering heroin addict. “He never went back to it, and all he’s been doing is drinking beer. But I think that heroin stuff fried his brain,” said Anderson, originally from the east side of San Jose who now wanders the streets of Watsonville as did Rodriguez. Police said Jesse Rodriguez lives on Kearney Street, though they described it as “shelter” and not a house. They said he was well known to police having arrests for being drunk in public, evading police and narcotics violations, but most of those were in the past. Capt. Rodriguez said there is no indication that the incident is related to a recent shooting that injured two transient men Pajaro River bridge at Main Street. Streetvibes “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta “I knew at an early age I wanted to act. Acting was always easy for me. I don’t believe in predestination, but I do believe that once you get where ever it is you are going, that is where you were going to be. Was I always going to be here? No I was not. I was going to be homeless at one time, a taxi driver, truck driver, or any kind of job that would get me a crust of bread. You never know what’s going to happen.” Morgan Freeman Page 7 �Housing cont. from page 1 although on a considerably smaller budget. ReSTOC was criticized for using this strategy, but now it is used by the corporate sponsored group. 3CDC is preparing to launch a $16.7 million redevelopment plan and recently went before Cincinnati City Council asking for a city grant of $2.4 million, along with up to $5.8 million in city tax-increment financing revenue. To date they have not made a commitment to include affordable housing in their projects. Given these significant changes in the community, Over-theRhine Housing Network and ReSTOC realized that a realignment of resources and strengths was necessary. The merger and creation of Over-the-Rhine Community Housing provides us the opportunity to grow into an organization that can take advantage of the growing market interest to benefit the low-income community. “The merger of ReSTOC and the OTR Housing Network will allow us to think and act more ‘strategically’, when it comes to Over-the-Rhine as a whole” according to Andy Hutzel. “We will partner with the community in developing and managing high-quality affordable housing units, and leverage additional resources to assist in many community-building activities. ReSTOC is not putting an end to its 29 history; instead we are evolving to meet the changing community. It is exciting to think of the possibilities with the new Over-the-Rhine Community Housing.” Hope lies in the ability to refute the myths, to responsibly analyze the problems and then to seek solutions that build on our hopes instead of our fears. Solutions lie in creating more resources for affordable housing which will responsibly increase the supply and choice for low-income residents in our city. In part, it will be the responsibility of OTR Community Housing to educate and model a way to do things differently. Many espouse economic mix but it takes creative strategies and a political will to really make this happen. Current Secretary of Over­ the-Rhine Community Housing, Bonnie Neumeier says, “I’ve lived in Over-the-Rhine over 32 years. Affordable housing has always been an issue here. The poor, homeless and oppressed people of our community are not to blame for the conditions of poverty and the increased violence on our streets. It’s easy to target “too much subsidized housing” as the problem rather than looking at how our society has unfairly distributed resources that Drop Inn Center Update As many of you know, the SCPA arts school has been planning to become our neighbor for some time. I know that many are wary of this move; however, I have always felt that sufficient services for the poor and high-quality arts education are both compatible and we should not be made to choose between one or the other. We can have both. Almost two years ago, we were approached by school planners who wished to acquire our 18-unit Transitional Housing complex for the school grounds. This caused some anxiety for us; nevertheless, we decided to move forward with discussions with one condition: that in exchange for selling our housing to make way for their project, we would end up with a completed facility that would be the same or better quality. After conversations with our staff and residents, we determined that an ideal site would have a single point of entry, an interior courtyard, between 20-40 units and have office HOG Survey Follow-up by Streetvibes Staff This is a follow-up to the May 2006 Streetvibes article “Homeless Outreach Workers Take to the Streets.” Volunteers from the Homeless Outreach Group found fewer than expected individuals sleeping on the streets during their street survey on the morning of Wednesday, April 26. All in all, they counted 49 individuals and Page 8 engaged 23 with surveys and outreach. “This is lower than we expected,” commented John Lavelle, Chair of the Homeless Outreach Group. “During the spring and summer, the number of individuals sleeping on the streets generally increases significantly.” One reason may be that it was an unseasonably cold night, with temperatures dipping into the favor the privileged while the poor are left out. Our society does not value every human being. It treats the poor, homeless and those on the margins as expendable. Economics and greed is taking over our hearts and minds. Over-the-Rhine Community Housing values a broader vision with bigger hearts that includes everyone. It takes courage, risk and a lot of faith to believe in something different for our world and our neighborhood. We are up for the challenge.” Sharon Jones who is a 20+ year resident of Over-the-Rhine and proud parent of two, serves as Vice President of Over-the-Rhine Community Council. Sharon choose to serve on the board of Over-theRhine Community Housing because, “Over-the-Rhine is special. I like being involved in the community where I live and where I raise my children. I go after what I believe in and I take this Board to heart, I like the name, and I am proud to be here.” Inspiration and Hope With the loss of affordable housing, the vacant and abandoned properties, litter and the increase in gun violence one can get discouraged. But inspiration for a beautiful Over­ the-Rhine can be found everywhere. From the children space for our six case managers on site. During the past two years we have had countless meetings with developers, funders, residents, social workers, city staff and have put many of the pieces in place for a workable replacement. We have gone through several sites, yet, each time, when it comes time to finalize the deal, we run into opposition from some of the same developers who asked us to relocate in the first place. Over the last several months, a site for replacement has been identified that meets our needs: a former home for the blind located at 15th and Elm streets, three blocks away. It has all the amenities we would need to operate a successful project. The Over-the-Rhine Community Council has been approached and has given its overwhelming support. The Mayor’s upper thirties. The Drop Inn Center reported a slight increase in intake for the series of cold nights that week. Surveyors in the Over the Rhine area reported 18 individuals sleeping outside that evening, almost half of the number they found sleeping in below-freezing temperatures during the January survey. Two men in Washington Park reported that police had been sweeping them out routinely since Streetvibes playing in our parks, laughing, swinging on the swings, holding the water fountain for their friends. From the poetry of Alice Walker and John Lennon who inspire us to imagine a world of peace where all people are valued. From the sunflower that magically grows tall out of the crack in the sidewalk behind the ReSTOC office every summer as if planted by the spirit of buddy gray, co-founder of both organizations, encouraging us to keep on keeping on. Over-the-Rhine Community Housing won’t give up on ReSTOC and Over-the-Rhine Housing Network’s dream of food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, equality, green space and peace for all. In fact, this is what the merger is about. Together we can imagine a new way of developing our communities. Together, we can create the beloved community that Maurice McCracken, Martin Luther King and so many others have dreamed of. Main Office address: 114 W. 14th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-381-1171 Satellite Office address: 220 E. Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-369-0004 Office has been approached and has signaled support. We have even been given a chance to explain the project to the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce. It’s important to remember that the Drop Inn Center is engaged in these discussions at the request of developers and school planners. We are taking the lead in developing a collaborative solution that meets everyone’s needs. The choice, as I see it, is this: We either move down the street, allow the Arts School to move ahead as well as provide a fair replacement for the Drop Inn Center OR we stay put where we are and put the Arts School at risk. Unfortunately, there are some who are approaching City Council at the last minute, trying to turn this into a confrontational, win-lose situation. We are asking people to call Council now to help defend us and our collaborative stance. the police presence was increased in Over the Rhine. Most importantly from the survey, outreach workers were able to engage individuals and offer services. In one instance, and individual who had been previously engaged by outreach workers entered substance abuse treatment two days after the survey. Members of the Homeless Outreach Group will continue to discuss the survey and compare it to results from previous surveys. �Denver’s homeless initiative touted as a model of success Matthew Windgate, 11, follows his brother Terry Combast, 15, to a basketball court at the Crossing, a transitional housing development for homeless families. A January survey showed an 11 percent decrease in general homelessness six months after Denver launched a wide-ranging strategy to combat the problem. At a national homelessness summit in Denver on last month, Mayor John Hickenlooper’s campaign to end this “national disgrace” was hailed as a model success story among many communities cutting chronic homeless numbers nationwide. The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative announced that a Jan. 23 survey showed an 11 percent decrease in general homelessness and a 40 percent drop in street-dwelling homeless six months after Hickenlooper and community advocates launched a strategy to end homelessness. “Denver’s numbers are hardly aberrational. They’re simply part of a national trend,” Philip Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, told officials from 40 states attending the three-day summit at the Colorado Convention Center. Hickenlooper, who was awarded the council’s “A Home for Every American Award” for his ambitious plan to end homelessness in a decade, was praised by Mangano as “a mayor who’s been on this issue literally from the first week that he took office.” The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless also received an award, along with other individuals and organizations from across the nation. “We are at a point in history,” Hickenlooper told the gathering, “that in 10 years or 20 years all of us in this room are going to point back to this summit as the place where suddenly it became real: the fact that we could actually step forward as communities, as a country, and end a blight that most people had come to accept.” By creating a measurable “system of accountability,” the mayor said, Denver is tracking its success at getting people off the street and into treatment, job training and stable lives. Supporting homeless individuals by providing “Housing First,” Hickenlooper said, is saving money, cutting by 60 percent the number of program participants using hospitals, jail and detoxification centers. While traditional “Band-Aid” homeless services cost metro Denver $70 million, that’s been slashed to $13 million, he added. Got The Vibe? National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (513) 421-7803 This beautiful, original artwork depicts the vibrant role that Streetvibes plays in downtown Cincinnati and neighboring communities. Created by local artist and activist Mary Ann Lederer in collage form, this colorful 18" X 10" reproduction can be yours to own for only $10. Commemorating Streetvibes 100th issue, proceeds from this limited time offer will go to support the Streetvibes Program and Vendors. Buy Streetvibes From Badged Vendors Only! Streetvibes Vendors are required to sign a code of conduct and agree to abide by all the rules of the Streetvibes Vendor Pro­ gram. If a Vendor misrepresents or breaks the rules, she/he may be removed from the Program. To report a Vendor, call 421­ 7803. ext. 16 Visit the Greater Cincinnati Coaltion for the Homeless website at - http://www.cincihomeless.org Visit the Streevibes archives at - http:// www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes.html Streetvibes Page 9 �Out of the Shadows by Paul Rogat Loeb People marched because families and futures were at stake. Seattle didn’t have a half million marching for immigrant rights, like Los Angeles or Dallas, or 300,000 like Chicago, But 25,000 marched for 15 blocks through the heart of our city April 10, and as many as 60,000 packed the streets on May 1. “I heard it on the radio,” people said. “I heard it at my church.” “I heard it from a friend.” This march didn’t rely on the online networks that have become the activist standard. It built on more intimate networks, and as coverage rippled out, people came and brought others, affirming that this was now their country too, and they wanted to be treated with dignity and respect. “It moved me to tears to see people coming out of the shadows to find their voice,” said my friend Jay Sauceda, a community activist who grew up poor in South Texas. “There are so many people in this situation,” he said. “They’ve been so quiet. Now they’re marching.” Children paraded in strollers, teenagers laughed with their friends, elderly women helped each other walk step by step. The march was mostly Latino but also Korean, Filipino, Somalian. There’s been a lot of flag brandishing for blind patriotism these days. The sea of American flags were part political strategy—a more salable image than a sea of Mexican flags. But they also felt proud and celebratory. People carried them high, waved them again and again to say that they were Americans too and ask that this country honor promises of refuge and hope. The flags felt so far from the “we’re number one” belligerence of sealed-off Bush rallies. Immigration politics are complicated — flooding this or any country with cheap labor will drive down wages, especially when unions are being busted and undocumented workers live in fear of deportation. If we don’t create enough global justice so desperate people don’t continue leaving their homes, then all but the wealthiest will succumb to the worldwide race to the bottom. These marches reminded those of us who Paul Loeb are legal because our ancestors immigrated earlier on that even in the land of Microsoft, we cannot separate our fates from the fates of those who pick our crops, build our houses, and clean our office buildings — that we’re tied in what King called “an inescapable network of Cincinnati Youth Council is Back YEP is happy to announce the return of the Cincinnati Youth Council (CYC) and report on the issues raised at the group’s first meeting in early April. At the CYC meeting topics included job prospects; the difficulties of parents forcing kids out of the home before the age of 18; and the need to improve foster care conditions to prevent abuse and neglect. Of interest to all was the idea of helping youths to know their rights, both while they’re in foster care and after they exit the system. YEP will continue to assist the fledgling Cincinnati Youth Council as it gains strength and voice. Some youths were interested in support services for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) young people ­ especially those who are in social service settings or who are independently homeless. According to research, LGBT youths are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than non-LGBT; and Page 10 transgender youths are at an even higher risk. We would like to thank Kelly Carr, The Anthony House, and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless for their support in helping YEP re-establish youth organizing in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati group had great energy and passion about their issues and YEP looks forward to reporting on CYC’s many future successes. For information on how to become a part of YEP, please contact Nick Bates at COHHIO in Columbus at 614-280-1984 or at nickbates@cohhio.org. We can connect you with a local youth council or work with you in starting a new YEP chapter in your neighborhood. We are currently growing, and seeking to create new youth councils across the state. YEP works on leadership development, community service, and civic engagement by addressing issues that are youth-driven, including housing, education, young adults voting, and much more. mutuality… a single garment of destiny.” The marches may not have found perfect policy solutions: the ideal path to citizenship, the ideal way to respond to those who’d make this land their home without making things worse for others already at the bottom, the ideal way to pass and enforce workplace laws so employers pay a decent wage for all. But they are more about recognizing those who participated and all they spoke for as having a core human dignity, being fellow children of God, deserving respect and gratitude for their innate worth and for the labors that serve us all. It was about their giving themselves a face and a voice. Why can’t we have these kinds of marches to challenge the war or global warming, or Bush’s appropriation of the divine right of kings? True, Air America has a fraction of the reach of Spanish radio, and the Catholic churches that helped mobilize so many have been silent on most issues except abortion. But maybe it’s also because those more comfortable sit behind our computers so much that we come to believe we can do all politics with the click of a mouse. Maybe the issues feel too abstract. Unless you have a son or daughter there, Iraq doesn’t hit home nearly as much as the raw callousness of Congressman Sensenbrenner’s plan to make 12 million people instant felons, as well as anyone who gives them water or food, education or medical care. Here the stakes were clear and immediate. People turned out despite the risks of being deported, because had Sensenbrenner’s bill had gone through, as might well have happened without these massive outcries, life would have immediately gotten far harsher and crueler. So for those of us who didn’t march but claim to act for justice, we need to heed the lives these voices represent, and do what we can to ensure they are heard. We also need to link this issue of fundamental human dignity to all the threats that make it difficult for people to live and flourish on this earth. Maybe by finding their voice and courage, those who marched in America’s cities these past weeks can teach the rest of us how to come out of our own shadows and fears and join across our own divides. Paul Rogat Loeb (www.paulloeb.org) is the author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, named the numberthree political book of 2004 by the History Channel and the American Book Association, and winner of the Nautilus Award for best social change book of the year. His previous books include Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time. Mr. Homeless Downtowner Ms. Homeless Downtowner Name: Cleo Wombles Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Neighborhood: OTR Occupation: Streetvibes Vender If I could do something different for living: X-ray Technician I can’t stand it when: People rob and hurt me Favorite interest: reading the bible & playing basketball Favorite spot downtown: 5th & Walnut If I won the lottery I would: pay all my bills Placed I’d like to visit: Mexico cause I speak Spanish Happiness to me would be: having an endearing relationship with my daughter and grandkids What I like most about Cincinnati: the people, not all the people but I especially like the people at the homeless coalition What’s the one thing you desire most: a “normal” life? Life’s philosophy: start everything with a prayer Streetvibes Name: Elizabeth Smith Hometown: Hamilton, Ohio Neighborhood: Lindenwold If I could have done something different: I wouldn’t have quit school I can’t stand it when: People drive too close to the side walk and puddles splash up on me Favorite Interest: walking Favorite spot downtown: on the river If I won the lottery I would: buy a home Place I’d most like to visit: a place to live and work What I like most about Cincinnati: all the lights of the skyline at night What’s the one thing you desire most, but are afraid? to go after: college Life’s philosophy: Whatever �L.A. decision tolls a bell for Portland’s policies on homeless (Street Roots, USA) by Monica Goracke While the court explicitly limited its ruling to Los Angeles, relying heavily on statistics and evidence of the lack of shelter for homeless people there, cities across the country, and Portland in particular, will take note. “Human beings are biologically compelled to rest, whether by sitting, lying, or sleeping,” the court said. To criminalize such conduct, when it is involuntary and inseparable from the status of being without a home, is to violate constitutional protections. Yet Portland, along with many other cities, has enacted and enforced laws that implicate not only constitutional but also human rights concerns. As the Ninth Circuit recognized, we should not punish people for life-sustaining behavior that is unavoidably linked to their homelessness. Skid Row, an area covering 50 city blocks just east of downtown Los Angeles, was the focus of the case brought on behalf of homeless people who were arrested or cited for violating Los Angeles’s ordinance. With the highest concentration of homeless individuals in the United States, it is “a place of desperate poverty, drug use and crime,” according to the court. This concentration is no accident: the city of Los Angeles has had a deliberate policy to concentrate and contain the homeless in Skid Row since at least the 1970s. Skid Row has space in SRO (single room occupancy) hotels, shelters, and other temporary or transitional housing for 9,000 to 10,000 people a night, but approximately 11,000 to 12,000 individuals live there. This means that more than 1,000 people are unable to find shelter each night. The court also noted that in all of Los Angeles County, there are almost 50,000 more homeless people than available beds. As Los Angeles officials admitted, this 1,000-person deficit is “severely large.” What is the magnitude of homelessness in Portland? As a smaller city, Portland has lower overall numbers of homeless people, but its rate of unmet need is almost the same as Los Angeles’: 27 percent for Portland compared with 30 percent for Los Angeles. The one-night street count conducted on Jan. 26, 2005, covering Multnomah County and the cities of Portland and Gresham, found 2,355 people sleeping outside, in a vehicle or in an abandoned vehicle. 1,020 people had been turned away from shelters that night – very close to the number in Los Angeles. These numbers are much higher than the previous street count from March 15, 2004, which found 465 people turned away. An accurate determination of the number of homeless people in Portland is very difficult, but the City’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness estimates that in Multnomah County, 16,000 to 18,000 people experience homelessness annually, and 4,000 people experience homelessness on any given night. This number tries to take into account the “hidden homeless” doubled or tripled-up in other households, staying out of sight or otherwise missed by the counters. When you consider that the average length of homelessness is 21 weeks, and the average wait to get into a publicly-funded shelter is four to six weeks (up to 10 weeks in the winter months), the word “crisis” begins to seem woefully inadequate. In Los Angeles, as in Portland and Cincinnati, increasing rates of homelessness mean that homeless people are more visible in public than ever before. Laws prohibiting the obstruction of sidewalks and streets have been used to move people along, including those who have few or no other places to go. The Ninth Circuit sharply criticized Los Angeles’s ordinance as “one of the most restrictive municipal laws regulating public spaces in the United States.” The ordinance prohibits sitting, lying, and sleeping in or on any street, sidewalk or other public way at any time of day or night within the city limits. The court distinguished LA’s law from similar ordinances in places such as Las Vegas, Seattle, and Portland which, it said, do better by requiring that some type of inappropriate conduct be part of the crime other than just sitting, lying, or sleeping in a state of homelessness. While the court’s reasoning in criticizing the Los Angeles ordinance was sound, a closer look at Portland’s laws, along with evidence of how they are enforced, would have shown that it cannot be so easily distinguished. Portland’s two ordinances prohibit “camping” on public property and rights of way, and obstructing public sidewalks in a large downtown area. While the enforceability of the sidewalk obstruction ordinance is very much in doubt after a late 2005 ruling by the Oregon Court of Appeals, this ordinance is still used verbally by police and private security officials to move homeless people from sidewalks, although it is limited in time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The camping ordinance, as written, is not just about pitching a tent on the bus mall. It can be – and often is – used by police to cite people for simply sleeping in parks, under freeways and other out-of­ way places, with so little as a bedroll or a piece of cardboard beneath them. Just as in Los Angeles, homeless people in Portland often lose all their belongings when police cite them for unlawful camping. The camping law is enforced both day and night, even though many homeless men and women sleep during the day because it is so unsafe for them to sleep on the streets at night. Although Oregon state law requires 24-hour notice to homeless people who are in violation of camping laws, officers sometimes stage surprise raids complete with a work crew to remove and destroy homeless people’s personal property. Losing the few possessions you have – a blanket, clothing, but especially documents such as an ID or birth certificate – can be debilitating, to put it mildly. When homeless people in Portland are arrested, prosecuted, and lose their belongings for the crime of sleeping outside when they had nowhere else to go, it drives them even further into hopelessness and poverty. The Ninth Circuit’s decision contains two important legal principles. First, it found that the homeless plaintiffs in this case had standing to challenge a law that criminalizes their involuntary conduct even though not all of them had been actually convicted under that law. When people are arrested, jailed, fined, and prosecuted for violations of a law, the court found, they are subjected to the criminal process and therefore can challenge the law under the Eighth Amendment’s cruel-and-unusual punishment clause. Second, the decision finds, based on prior cases establishing that people cannot be punished simply for being poor or homeless, that the government cannot make criminal those acts that are “involuntary and inseparable from status” – specifically, physically resting in a public place when there is no other way a human being living in the city of Los Angeles who is homeless could meet this fundamental need. The court’s distinction between Los Angeles’s sweeping ordinance and the more limited laws in Portland, Seattle, and other cities is likely to be read as foreclosing similar challenges. However, the court’s reasoning clearly applies to some aspects of local laws. Portland has a 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness that acknowledges the destructive effect of laws criminalizing behavior that homeless people are forced to engage in, such as sleeping or sitting outside, because they are homeless. For individuals, a criminal record of any kind makes it difficult to find housing and employment, which are so essential to escaping homelessness. For the community, criminalization imposes an enormous financial, physical, and psychic toll. We should not treat homeless people this way not only because it is costly, but because it is inhumane. We must find a better way. “Don “Don’’t Leave Home W ithout IIt...” t...” Streetvibes Page 11 �Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 25 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. Vendors must not tell customers that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. The mission of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) is to support a street newspaper movement that creates and upholds journalistic and ethical standards while promoting self-help and empowerment among people living in poverty. NASNA papers support homeless and very low-income people in more than 35 cities across the United States and Canada. Streetvibes Vendor: 75 Cents (75 cent profit goes directly to the vendor) Homeless Coalition 25 Cents Printing and Production: 25 cents (this cost does not cover expenses) Page 12 About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Streetvibes.... earned. This program has helped The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) was formed in May of 1984 for one purpose: the eradication of homelessness in Cincinnati. What started out as a coalition of 15 volunteers meeting weekly in an unheated church basement has since grown into a Coalition of over 45 agencies and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to improving services for homeless individuals, educating the public about homelessness and empowering homeless individuals to advocate for their civil rights and housing needs. Streetvibes is a tool of GCCH used to help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness. On the one hand it is a selfsufficiency program geared towards the homeless and marginally housed individuals who are our vendors. Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 30 cents per copy and sell it for a suggested one-dollar donation, keeping the profit that they have hundreds of people find and maintain housing. The vendors also sign a code of conduct stating that they will behave responsibly and professionally and they proudly display their official Streetvibes badge while selling the paper. Our vendors put a face on “the homeless” of Cincinnati and form lasting friendships with their customers. On the other hand, Streetvibes is an award-winning alternative newspaper and part of the international street newspaper movement. Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues, Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless individuals. Streetvibes enjoys a loyal reader base that respects the honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and challenges facing the people of Cincinnati. Streetvibes is a member of the: The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites street papers sold by homeless and people living in poverty from all over the world. INSP is an umbrella organisation, which provides a consultancy service for its partner papers and advises on the setting up of new street papers and support initiatives for marginalised people. Where Your Dollar Goes... 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 information about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Send your letters or comments to Streetvibes, 117 East 12th Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202, or email to Streetvibes@juno.com Buy Streetvibes �FRAC Report The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is a leading national organization working to improve public policies to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States. Founded in 1970 as a public interest law firm, FRAC is a nonprofit and nonpartisan research and public policy center that serves as the hub of an antihunger network of thousands of individuals and agencies across the country. www.frac.org House Subcommittee Passes FY 2007 Funding for Nutrition Programs (“House Subcommittee Passes FY 2007 Funding for Nutrition Programs,” frac.org, May 4, 2006) On May 3, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee reported out its FY 2007 funding bill for the Department of Agriculture. Highlights of some program funding have been released. The Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee is not expected to take up its bill until after the Memorial Day recess. In general, the Administration’s proposal to eliminate CSFP and harmful proposals to WIC are not in the subcommittee bill. On the other hand, additional funding was not provided to expand the Simplified Summer Food Program (“Lugar Pilots”). The document describes subcommittee’s action on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP); WIC; food stamps; child nutrition programs; TEFAP; farmers’ market programs; and fresh fruit and vegetable pilots. Every Minute 10 Children Die from Malnutrition in Developing Countries (“Malnutrition Kills 10 Children Every Minute, Says UN,” independent.co.uk, May 3, 2006) Ten children die every minute as a result of malnutrition in the developing world, according to a new United Nations report. It found that 146 million children under age 5 suffer from insufficient food intake, repeated infectious diseases, muscle wastage and vitamin deficiencies. Three quarters of the undernourished children come from just 10 countries, including 57 million children suffering from malnutrition in India and 8 million each in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Almost half of all children in south Asia are underweight, and girls have higher hunger rates than boys. In Iraq, 16 percent of children go hungry, a rate “substantially higher” than in 1990. China and Latin American nations have made progress in reducing childhood hunger, but the overall decrease in hunger is considerably slower than the 2.8 percent annual reduction needed to fulfill the pledge by the world’s leaders to cut the proportion of the hungry in half by 2015. “Few things have more impact than nutrition on a child’s ability to survive, learn effectively and escape a life of poverty,” said Ann Veneman, executive director of Unicef. “We still have time to achieve … [the 2005] goal, but only if the international community acts now to deliver the commitments and resources it has promised.” Food Insecure Mothers May Increase Child’s Risk for Obesity, Study Says (“Maternal Choices May Increase Risk of Overweight Children,” newswise.com, May 2, 2006) A study by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center found that lack of access to adequate food for an active and healthy life may affect maternal food choices, increasing the risk to children of becoming overweight. “What we have is a paradox. Mothers in households where food availability was either erratic or scarce had approximately twice the odds of giving their child food to boost calories or to stimulate the appetite,” explained lead researcher Emily Feinberg from Boston Medical Center. The findings suggest that the mothers may provide high-calorie nutritional supplements and that such supplements may increase the risk to a child of becoming overweight, particularly in households with food shortages. The researchers interviewed 248 mothers of normal and overweight Haitian and AfricanAmerican children, ages 2 to 12. Growing Numbers of “Near Poor” Increasingly Exposed to Sudden Ruin (“America’s ‘Near Poor’Are Increasingly at Economic Risk, Experts Say,” nytimes.com, May 8, 2006) With soaring costs of housing and medical care and a decline in low-end wages and benefits, tens of millions of people in lower economic ranks are living on increasingly shakier ground, according to studies focusing on what some scholars call the “near poor.” “There’s strong evidence that over the past five years, record numbers of lower-income Americans find themselves in a more precarious economic position than at any time in recent memory,” said Mark R. Rank, a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis. For all age groups except those 70 and older, the odds of a temporary spell of poverty doubled in the 1990’s, Rank and two colleagues from Cornell University wrote in a 2004 paper. Rank says the situation has worsened since the 1990s. According to the analysis, during the 1980s, about 13 percent of Americans in their forties spent at least one year below the poverty line, while in the 1990s, 36 percent of people in their forties experienced at least a year in poverty. More people work in jobs without health coverage and other benefits or access to unemployment insurance. The real value of welfare has eroded, while the benefits are more difficult to secure. The people behind these grim statistics suffer the consequences every day. “In the center of Orange County [ Calif.,], a world away from its polished coastal towns, borderline poverty is common but seldom visible. … Behind strip malls and fast food restaurants, families, sometimes two of them, cram into small, aging bungalows. “What look like tourist motels along Beach Boulevard are mostly filled by working families or single people who stay for months or years, paying high weekly fees.” California waitress Machele Sauer tries to support herself and four daughters by waitressing four nights and two days a week, receiving food stamps (which cover food costs for about two weeks a month) and charity. Beverage Industry Agrees to Halt Almost All Soda Sales at Schools (“Soda Distributors to End Most School Sales,” newsday.com, May 3, 2006) The nation’s largest beverage distributors have agreed to end nearly all sales of sodas to public schools, announced the William J. Clinton Foundation. Under the agreement, the companies will sell only water, unsweetened juice and low-fat milks in elementary and middle schools. High schools will be able to sell diet soda and low-calorie drinks, as well as nutritious drinks, such as juice, sports drinks and low-fat milk. The new rules will apply to sales on school grounds during regular school hours and after school activities. But they will not apply to events such as school plays, band concerts and sporting events, where a significant portion of the audience are adults, according to Jay Carson, a spokesman for Clinton. The beverage industry move comes during a wave of regulation by school districts and legislators alarmed by increasing rates of childhood obesity. According to a recent report by the American Beverage Association, school sales of sports drinks, diet sodas and bottled water have been on the rise in recent years, while sugary soft drink purchases by students have been falling. The companies and the American Beverage Association agreed to make the changes at 75 percent of the nation’s public schools Streetvibes before the 2008-2009 school year, and at all public schools a year later. Op-Ed: “Let Justice Roll” by Raising Minimum Wage (“Institutionalizing The Working Poor,” sltrib.com, April 28, 2006) “A just and living wage is what is needed in Utah and the nation,” writes Dan Webster, an Episcopal priest from Salt Lake City currently working in New York for the National Council of Churches. The federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour has not changed since 1997. “Can you imagine working for 10 years without a raise?” asks Webster. People who work for minimum wage often take two or three jobs just to get by, hardly having time for their families and children. “Nowhere in the Bible does it say God helps those who help themselves. But a lot of people quote that as if it were a Bible verse,” Webster says. He notes that the Bible says: “You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land.” The failure of the recent proposal to raise Utah’s minimum wage is “frightening,” especially in the state that prides itself on hard work. The National Council of Churches has been advocating for a living wage. “Let Justice Roll: Faith and Community Voices Against Poverty,” reads its banner. “That advocacy is based on scripture. The beginning of that slogan on the banner comes from the Hebrew prophet Amos: ‘Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.’.” 21 YEARS SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Empowering our neighborhood chil­ dren through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Page 13 �ReSTOC By Bonnie Neumeier March 16, 2006 On occasion of our last official Board Meeting And before merging with Over-the-Rhine Housing Network In thanksgiving for all the people who made ReSTOC possible The place to be on Saturday mornings at 9AM Actually anytime in between How many times has this ReSTOC story been told And unfolded on the lips of those involved Gorilla crews doing the unthinkable, the impossible Without much modern machinery Just hard working hands Hundreds of hands In assembly lines Moving mountains of materials Piece by piece Out of buildings saved from the wrecking ball We were filled with dreams of how we can bring These buildings back to life Making homes for our people Taking a stand here on this Over-the-Rhine land We claim as our own. A spirit of camaraderie and connection created While hands were deep in garbage Clouds of dust filling the air As crowbars yanked plastered walls down Pulling out endless nails from the wooden lath Fire escapes painted stroke by stroke Cracks and holes filled up brick by brick Those brown Rohs Hardware gloves our trademark Those white protective masks we wore covered up our mouths But not our laughter When the day was done We looked more like coal miners Bone tired but a joy sat on our chests I remember that night of terror When the Jimmy Skinner building on Vine caught on fire Flames high in the night sky I can still feel the trembles Hoping upon hope that no one was inside The City wanted it torn down But our wills to save it Were a deeper red than the flames that night Brick by brick hoisted up in a bucket We put it back together again And this became “buddy’s place” A home for the homeless Pleasant Street Garden Grapes and green beans Sunflowers and squash Raspberries and roses An oasis in the concrete city Gardeners meet and mingle Curious children climb over the fence With questions about smelly manure And how does a garden grow. With a cheese sandwich in hand From the Bang’s corner store We’d go to the garden And sit on the wooden bench To hold a small meeting The stray cats slithered around Our ankles while our eyes admired The colors of the flowers A respite for ReSTOCers Catching our breath for the next Page 14 Round of struggles Children from the streets Residents of Drop Inn Center College students Tenacious Tenants Church groups High Schools Friends and Parents People assigned to do community service A rainbow mix of talent and skill and personalities We had a common desire To be a part of something bigger than ourselves It was our way to build a circle of hope Much broader than just affordable housing We believed we were making a difference And we did and WE STILLARE On a Sunday morning in May Our hopes for the Dunlap warehouse building collapsed Part of the roof caved in and onto the street below A crisis deliberation occurred on the street It was painful to let this one go We were torn with our decision. ReSTOC office a grand central station So much can happen in one day A call to fix a leaky pipe, or a stopped up toilet, a lost key A quickly designed flyer to defend our homes from the latest attacks A displaced person looking for housing A newspaper reporter pushing to get our response about a pressing housing issue A person’s possessions in a plastic bag dropped here for storage A meeting or two or three to strategize our next move Pickups to make for donated refrigerators and stoves Trips to scrap metal for a little piece of change Bills to pay, deposits to make, thank you’s to write, Stacks of paperwork to organize And the determination to carry on despite obstacles And here in this ReSTOC place on 14th Street Once called Harriet Tubman/Mother Jones Folk School We laughed, we cried, we sang, And feasted on donuts and chips and pop We grew to appreciate our just anger We learned how to speak our truth We planned, plotted, and protested To defend our neighborhood’s 5520 low income housing units We made creative banners and cardboard signs Dreamed up beautiful murals Yes, our people’s hope will rise and stand tall like the sunflower And here in this ReSTOC place Many peoples eyes were opened up and made more aware Residents organized, made history and got a place to call home People got jobs, a second chance, and learned a trade Interns learned more than books could teach Activists were born and nurtured here Barriers of race and class were breached We worked; we loved, and experienced our solidarity This place has been home to the displaced and oppressed But all the while a proud people fighting for freedoms long denied. Streetvibes Republic Street Block Club Elm Street Block Club Cleanup Campaigns Gunther and Brick Laying Projects Tree Plantings Recovery Hotel buddy’s Place Tenant Christmas Parties Summer Picnics Miami Design and Build Studio ReSTOC Internship Program Adopt-An-Apartment Xavier Learning Semester Vine Street Community Project Tour upon tour Lobbying politicians To insist our voices be counted People living with us Dempsey, Howard, and Mary Eva, Anna, Betty and Bob Steve, Pat, Georgia and Jimmy, Demus, Catherine, Jerry and Janie Willie, Doyle, McDade The list goes on and on People who have shaped us, challenged us buddy, Bob, Mike, and Tom, Gary, Jenn, and Andy Roger and Butch and many others People with courage leading the way I remember Sitting on the side stoop at 1324 Race Street A plan was made to buy that first building Mr. Suder was going to sell the building to Mr. Denhart With knowledge of Denhart’s history Residents living there did not want Denhart as their landlord We sat there late into the night Under the dim light bulb Making a list of people we could approach To help us buy that building There was excitement in the air that night We were dreaming possibilities Little did we know where our dreaming would take us We just knew we had to act. And act we did buddy’s relentless energy, our cornerstone And we all pushed out from there The ReSTOC name will not slide slowly off our lips ReSTOC is imprinted in our hearts forever ReSTOC made possible this pathway to our future ReSTOC has always been about risk taking So tonight we celebrate our history And give thanks for the blessings we all have received By being a part of this great story and vision The ReSTOC Stories, may they always be told And remembered The ReSTOC spirit, let’s carry it on �Cries Of The Homeless The homeless Misplaced Tears by Bernard Terrell Howard I wanna cry not letting the world know. Just by myself let my feelings show. So much hurt that my tears are dry. My cold heart that you cannot pray. But nothing’s there as it’s been too long. My pen has etched every right and wrong. My tears are ink and stain with words. A prison of sorrow like all caged birds. Can’t crack my will, but you always try. To hurt my spirit while inside I fly. How can you touch where my father’s at? If I’m a bird you’re a blood sucking bat. You had to steal everything you got. Blind of your ways inside you rot. You hear the echo of your lying voice. That fuels your ego you choose to hoist. You’re like a curse that others can see. To stray from God for the devil’s plea. I write in pen all my misplaced years. To ease the pain of my misplaced tears. One check away by Don Foran Ten men clamber out of the creaking van, Their sweaty bodies meeting a kiss Of cool night air. They drift, silently, sullenly Toward the darkened church. Mattresses lie, two or three to a room, Along walls decorated with children’s Drawings and almost casual crucifixions. Carl, Eddie, Jake and the others Throw their worn packs and bags Onto the makeshift beds, and John, It’s always John, is first to ask If he can have his sack lunch now, Not in the morning as we had planned. “Sure,” I say, almost as anxious as he To assuage this remediable hunger. Several echo John, and soon all Are feasting on pb and j; apples, celery, And other healthy fare remains on the table, But they’re happier now, even communicative. One thanks me for setting a new pair of white socks On each mattress. Another offers a juice cup To a friend. “Lights out!” Rick calls at ten, And no one argues, no one hesitates. Sleep Knits once more the raveled sleeve of care, Obliterates the hurt, soothes the jangled nerves. Tomorrow will be another day, Another cheerless day embroidered With small triumphs, fragile dreams. by James Chionsini twinkling stars can’t keep you warm when you’re sleeping in the park till he break of dawn newspaper pillow and a plastic tarp watching for he pigs that come out after dark lost your job got jacked and robbed your landlord said that’s not my prob doctor bills kill you can’t afford the pills now you’re shaking heart breaking drink as much as you spill waiting on the first to quench your thirst alleviate the discomfort of an asphalt earth trying to find a shelter to get some rest but nowhere seems safe without a knife proof vest if you could just get back to square one start to heal the disease that’s got you on the run feeling invisible going insane scowls and nightsticks fall like rain Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ email your writing to Streetvibes@juno.com by John McKay Withey She left her home in her early teens, In torn shirt and faded jeans. Looking for the love she was never given, Away from her family she was finally driven. She sits by the fountain every day, Her lovely young face looking cold and grey. Her sad blue eyes slowly searching around, Looking for coins dropped on the ground. With pleading eyes she holds out a hand, In pouring rain for hours she will stand. All she wants is a little respite, And something warm for her teeth to bite. Uncaring people pass her by, They see her plight and wonder why, So young a person has no home, And around the streets aimlessly roam. Our pleas have gone unnoticed. Our voices are unknown. We roam the alleys and your streets, While searching for a home. Our mouths do not know the taste Of food that’s off a plate. We depend on scraps from others, After they have ate. While money’s spent to fight our wars And build military might, We, the homeless, struggle on ~ With rags to warm the night. Our brothers and our sisters Walk by and only stare, No kindness offered from their hearts. The compassion is not there. Saddened and discouraged, From disgusted looks we receive, We see the children laugh and point At what they do perceive. They are made believe that we are dirt And have brought about our woes. How very wrong for you to think. How little that you know. We are part of society, too. But, we pay the ultimate price Of having lonely roads to walk, While governments roll their dice. Politicians will not face us Or look us in the eye. They seem to think we don’t exist And the problem soon will die. Know the country is turning its back And ignoring human rights While we, the homeless, try to survive; So weak we cannot fight. Priorities appear to get mixed up When juggled by a few. Politicians who long for nothing, They’re so shiny and brand new. The art museum must be given a grant To continue its marvelous work. The elite would not know what to do, To satisfy their quirk. Let’s not forget the pilot study. Should we build a road through there? Spend that money foolishly. Governments simply don’t care. Addicts and prostitutes, she knows them all, They tell her the dangers, if her pride should fall. Often tempted, her back to the wall, When deep inside she hears a call. And, don’t forget to toss more money To renovate some old house; The importance of who lived there, once, And the interest it would arouse. Her bed is a box propped in a door, Often her body is tender and sore. But when she sees those ever so younger, She forgers the pain caused by hunger. These are a few of our misspent dollars, Being laid and put to rest. Sadly enough, these politicians All think it’s for the best. Up to the skies she will often look, Remembering words she read in a book. The meaning now she can clearly see, “Suffer little children to come unto me”. The words that I am trying to say Are meant to open some eyes. When governments say they’re doing their best, That’s nothing but a lie! So take a look around you, At where these grants should go. Take the homeless off cold streets. Let’s warm their hearts and soul. Streetvibes Page 15 �569-9500 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, 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 needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 324-2321 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 921-1131 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Tom Gieger Guest House 961-4555 If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 HOUSING: CMHA 977-5660 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 Tender Mercies 721-8666 Dana Transitional Bridge Services, Inc 751-9797 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John’s Housing 651-6446 Need Help or Want to Help? Fransiscan Haircuts 381--0111 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 946-7601 Healing Connections 751-0600 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 IJ & Peace Center 579-8547 Justice Watch 241-0490 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Mercy Fransiscan at St John 981-5841 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 NAMI (Mental Health) 948-3094 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Oral Health Council 6210248 Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen 961-1983 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect, Homeless Kids 363-1060 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 Services United For Mothers 487-7862 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 10 Years in Publication! Over-the-Rhine Community Development Organizations Merge Page one Streetvibes Exclusive BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY June 2006 STREETVIBES $1 Donation � 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 2006 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Two Prominent Community Development Organizations Merge… Pg 2: City Council Keeps Panhandling Registration Workers, Advocated Release Report Card of Exploitive Labor Hall Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Does Cincinnati Need a Needle Exchange? Pg 5: Continuing Struggle to Aid the Homeless Pg 6: Letters Pg 7: Homeless Man Dies After Beating Pg 8: Housing Continued Pg 9: Denver’s Homeless Initiative Touted as a Model of Success Pg 10: Out of the Shadows Cincinnati Youth Council is Back Pg 11: L.A. Decision Tolls a Bell for Portland’s Policies on Homeless Pg 12: Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Pg 13: FRAC Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Alison Leeuw Monique Little Kelly Carr Andy Lawrence John Lavelle Melvin Williams Susan Smith Jimmy Heath Mary Burke Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aid Alison Leeuw Andy Lawrence Budget Cincinnati city council Community Housing Denver Drop Inn Center FRAC Georgine Getty HOG Survey Homeless News Digest Homeless Policy Immigrant Jimmy Heath John Lavelle Kelly Carr L.A. Labor Halls Letters Mary Burke Mayors Melvin Williams Monique Little Over-the-Rhine panhandling Portland Susan Smith Youth Council https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9a37c83d3e90419cf13816e01a586168.pdf b82783532847289fa8a49d06f1d9ab2c PDF Text Text June 2007 STREETVIBES Cover Story - OTR, KIDS, AND SUMMER by Linda Pittman Cincinnati - Almost all schools are out by now or will be out by the second week of June. With no more classes, parents have to find something for their kids to do. Every summer provides the same dilemma, but there are organizations and programs out there to help everyone enjoy the warmer months. There are parks for kids and adults alike to hang out and enjoy themselves. There are summer programs or camps for kids to enjoy. There is something for everyone even if they are homeless or poor. One place that kids can go is to Peaslee Neighborhood Center. Peaslee used to be a CPS school, but it was closed down. Neighborhood residents rallied together and raised enough money to save the school and turned it into a neighborhood center. This summer Peaslee Neighborhood Center offers a 12 week summer program running from June 11th – August 24. The program is geared towards kids between the ages of 5 and 12. These kids will take field trips, go swimming, and work on academics. Some of the special ideas already planned are creating a “passport”, cooking ethnic food, visiting a farm, making a travel box, and creating art and music. This summer camp will also include two weeks of Peace Camp in conjunction with the Center for Peace Education. If you are interested in more information contact Telisha at 521-5514 ext. 11. Also available to kids this summer are programs at Project Connect. Project Connect keeps children experiencing homelessness connected to their education by providing supplies, transportation, uniforms, and enrichment opportunities in summer, afterschool, and shelter tutoring programs. They have an allday program from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. which includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. The goal is to teach academics, enrichment, and coping skills. This is an 8-week program for children ages 5-12. A permission slip must be filled out by the parents and the child must have attended kindergarten. The Center is located at Hayes Elementary School, 940 Poplar. You may call Rhonda Lewis at 363-1060 for further information. Another summer camp takes place at the Emmanuel Community Center, located on Race St. across from Washington Park School. The center has the Destiny Summer Enrichment Program from June 7 to August 17 for children from kindergarten to 8th Grade and early childhood children ages 18 months to 5 years. Destiny is a quality, fun-filled 10-week summer enrichment program for learning and adventure. Activities include: fine arts enrichment activities; academic adventures; arts and crafts and field trips to expand the experiences. If you are interested in more information please contact Carol or Janet at 241-2563. The Center for Peace Education is holding four two week long free day camps. CPE was founded in 1979 to produce systemic change in Cincinnati neighborhoods. It does this by providing training for youth and adults in areas of conflict management, effective communication, and appreciating differences in others. The camp will be led by trained staff in activities focused on conflict management, diversity appreciation, cooperation and effective communication. The program is designed for children ages 6-12. Peace Camp will be held at the following centers on the following dates: The first camp is from June 11th to June 22 and will be held at Peaslee Neighborhood Center. The second camp is from June 25 to July 6 and is being held at the Avondale Boys and Girls Club. The third peace camp will be held from July 9 to July 20 and will be held at the McKie Center in Northside. The last camp will take place from July 23 to August 3 and is being held at the New Thought Unity Center. If you need more information or would like to register your child please call 221-4863. No matter what you decide to do this summer we should all take time to enjoy the warm weather and the time we spend with family and friends at home or on vacation. Ziegler Park GCCH welcomes new intern – Leigh Tami Protestant Catholic Worker House dedicated to serving homeless individuals and eliminating systemic social injustice. ee tvib es Atlanta while in college, I have discovered within myself an urgent and unyielding passion for advocating social justice and serving those who are generally treated as the dregs of society- the homeless. I am excited to be an intern at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and hope that my experience here will educate and equip me so that I am more prepared to fight systemic poverty and homelessness. My hope is that after working here, I will be more prepared to achieve my long term goal: to open up and run a Str As a graduate of Walnut Hills looking forward to working in the High School, I am currently working historic Over-the-Rhine community. After volunteering in various on my bachelor’s in Religious Studies and Social Justice at Agnes Scott homeless shelters and communities in College in Atlanta, Georgia, while pursuing a minor in Human Rights. I have worked on issues of homelessness in Atlanta, and participate in the living wage campaign and the fair trade movement on my college campus. I love Cincinnati, and having grown up here, I feel dedicated to working toward systemic change and transformation of the city that I Leigh Tami proudly call home. I am particularly Support Your Vendor Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Criminalization of Homeless Individuals Streetvibes An Important Issue for Cincinnati Taxpayers Streetvibes, the Tri-State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director John Lavelle - Administrative Coordinator Andy Freeze - Education Coordinator Lynne Ausman - VISTA Matt Cohen - AHA Staff Melvin Williams - Receptionist Linda Pittman - Receptionist Susan Smith - Volunteer Leigh Tami - Intern Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor, Layout and Design Photographers Andy Freeze, Jimmy Heath, Berta Lambert, by Lynne Ausman Cincinnati - On May 15, 2007, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless released its study on the Criminalization of Homeless Individuals in Cincinnati. This study proved what social service providers have long known and understood that about 10% of homeless individuals get caught in a vicious cycle of streets, jail, shelter, streets, jail, shelter. The study showed that in some cases, homeless individuals had been arrested once a week or more! These homeless individuals fuel ideas that the homeless are criminals who deserve to live in poverty and on the streets. However, when one looks at the types of crimes that homeless individuals are charged with, it is clear that homeless individuals are not often violent criminals. The study proved that about 80% of the crimes committed by homeless individuals are misdemeanors. In fact, 44% of the charges were for “homeless crimes” – crimes which are only committed by homeless individuals or crimes for which no one else is arrested but homeless individuals. Examples of these crimes are: possession of open containers, public indecency due to public urination, loitering, littering, disorderly conduct, sitting on the sidewalk, spitting in a public place, dumpster diving, solicitation charges, and trespassing charges. These crimes are rarely menacing to society. However, homeless individuals are simply not able to survive without committing these crimes. When shelter beds are full, loitering and trespassing are the only options. When living wage employment is not available, “improper solicitation” or panhandling is the only source of income. Overall, the study found that 53 individuals could have cost Hamilton County $4.2 million dollars in one year! $4.2 million could have been spent to provide homeless individuals with permanent supportive housing. Housing would end this vicious cycle. With bathrooms available, homeless individuals would not be forced to relieve themselves in public. With housing, homeless individuals would have a place to go and they would not be forced to loiter: combined with supportive services, homeless individuals would not be forced to panhandle to purchase food. Recently, this study has caught quite a bit of publicity. To release the report, a press conference was held in which Channel 5, Channel 19, The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Cincinnati Post and CityBeat attended. Following this press conference, Channel 12 invited the Homeless Coalition to present the study on Newsmakers. The report has stretched across the United States – the Columbus Dispatch printed a story and the Associated Press has expressed interest in developing this story nationally. In addition, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the New York Office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing asked for copies of the report. Hopefully, all of this publicity will help politicians, businesses, and the national community to support permanent supportive housing as part of the solution to an overcrowded justice system. Go Figure.... May 16, 2007: Homeless woman arrested for public urination 30 - The number of days in jail that a homeless woman received for public urination. $1,950 - The amount of money it cost the city to house this lady in jail. $87 - The amount it costs to rent a portable toliet from Rumpke per month. 22 - The number of months the city could place a Portable toilet so that homeless people are not arrested for public urination. April 30, 2007: Homeless woman arrested for possession of an open flask 30 - The number of days in jail that a homeless woman received for carrying an open flask. $1,950 - The amount of money it cost the city to house this lady in jail. 4 - The number of months this lady could have been housed in a Fair Market Rent apartment instead of jail. Firecats Review Cover OTR Playground soon to be populated by neighborhood kids - Photo by Andy Freeze Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org Page 2 Summer, Vacations New Firecat: What’s my color going to be? Is Opal a color? Firecat Silver: Yes. Firecat Opal: Good. Anti-Cat: I have no vacation days left. Firecat Chameleon: You squandered them all already. Silver: I’m going camping. Anti-Cat: You know what’s “intents?” Silver & Anti-Cat: CAMPING! Opal: I hate the beach. Chameleon: Why? Opal: I get sunburnt. Anti-Cat: I wish I had vacation days left. Silver: There’s weird things in the ocean, like jellyfish. It would suck to get stung by one. Chameleon: Yeah, then you’d have to pee on yourself. Anti-Cat: There’s weird things on the west side. Opal: Like people hanging out on dumpsters watching people. Silver: Whatever. There’s weird things on the east side… like people… playing softball… Anti-Cat: I know westsiders who are going on vacation… to MILFORD. Opal: I think I’m still sunburnt. Chameleon: Did you go to the beach recently? I thought you hated it. Anti-Cat: How was the weath? (weather) I’m good at “abreves.” (abbreviations) Chameleon: I hate you. Anti-Cat: Was there a Starbs (Starbucks) at the beach? Chameleon: I hate you. Silver: What are you doing this summer, Chameleon? Chameleon: I’m heading to Montreal and doing a delightful tour of Canada. Streetvibes Anti-Cat: Do you know how Canada got its name? Opal: C, eh? N, eh? D, eh? HA! Chameleon: That’s lovely. What about you, Opal? Opal: Going to Atlanta. Anti-Cat: I wish I had vacation days. Opal: My birthday is this summer. Chameleon: That means we get pie! Silver: Pie is good. Anti-Cat: Tell the pie story. Chameleon: One time we got an apple pie from Big Boy and they accidentally put a bunch of garlic powder in it. It was disgusting. It ruined the pie. Opal: I don’t think you can ruin pie. Anti-Cat: I wish I had vacation days left. �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Jimmy Heath Des Moines, IA - One homeless man hit another homeless man in the head with an ax, Des Moines police reported. Kenneth Raymond Roy, 56, was taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center by fire department medics. Officers said Roy was in serious but stable condition. Michael Fox, 48, was arrested on a charge of willful injury following the assault in a wooded area near the 1300 block of Vermont Street. Police said Roy and Fox apparently became involved in a heated argument and Fox allegedly took a double-bladed ax and struck Roy in the head with the “back” of it. The men had been “hanging out drinking a little beer,” according to a police report. Glen Burnie, MD - Anne Arundel County police have arrested a man in connection with the death of a homeless man found in Glen Burnie earlier this month. Michael Walter Evans Sr., 54, was found by police lying on an air conditioning unit at 514 Crain Highway N. on April 5, officials said. An autopsy showed he died from blunt force trauma. Police arrested Allan Jake Clark, 22, another homeless man. He was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and robbery in connection with Evans’ death. Police said they believe the two got into a fight that caused Evans’ death. Clark then stole money from Evans and fled the scene, police said. Miami, FL - The Miami-Dade public school system along with the Homeless Trust have set up a program to humanize homelessness by teaching it in the classroom. This has all been prompted by the recent rise in violence against homeless people. The school superintendent Rudy Crew unveiled the campaign at a Miami middle school with the head of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. Nationwide, attacks against the homeless have risen, nearly doubling from 1999 to 2003. In the past six years, at least 156 homeless people have been murdered, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. Most of the assailants are young men in their teens to early 20s. On the campus of Florida Atlantic University, about a year ago, people watched as three homeless men were attacked with baseball bats; one died. The education plan, which has already been set in motion, includes the following: A homeless awareness video called “It Could Happen To You”, introduced by Alonzo Mourning. It’s shown in elementary, middle, and high schools regarding who homeless people are: families, people in poverty, people with mental illness, statistics related to violence against the homeless. A poster and essay contest from each school, winners will receive an allexpense paid 3-day, 2-night vacation to Disney World. “It is important for students to have an understanding of homelessness and show compassion,” said Superintendent Crew. Granite City, IL - Local authorities in Granite City have closed down a homeless shelter called Jesus’ Place, which has been operating in a local church for the past ten years. Granite City Mayor Ed Hagnauer, accompanied by the police and fire chiefs, building inspectors and police officers entered Jesus’ Place last week and condemned it for building and safety violations. Pastor Larry Gibson says he feels civic officials are trying to drive him out because his shelter doesn’t fit their idea of what downtown should look like. But Hagnauer says the top two floors of the building are covered with pigeon droppings. He also says he warned Gibson four months ago that homeless men could not be allowed to sleep overnight in the church because it had improper door locks that couldn’t be opened from the inside and no sprinkler system. Los Angeles, CA - Bakersfield police are investigating a homicide last month, and witnesses said the victim and suspect are homeless men. Police said one man stabbed another man just after noon. It happened inside a fenced yard on Sumner Street in East Bakersfield. “The victim was down with a wound to the neck bleeding badly, the suspect was also on scene and we took him into custody without incident,” said Sgt. Greg Jehle, Bakersfield police. Police said the suspect is 51year-old Calvin Jones. The name of the victim has not been released, he died shortly after arriving at Kern Medical Center. Tarpon Springs, FL - Police in Pinellas County have charged two men with killing a homeless man. Tarpon Springs police say the body of the man was found on a vacant plot of land on U.S. Highway 19. The property is owned by Wal-Mart, and a transient in the area reportedly discovered the man’s body. Detectives believe the victim, who is a white man, lived in the area near the Anclote River. Investigators detained and questioned five homeless people in connection with the crime before arresting two of them. A third man was charged with battery and trespassing. So far, police haven’t released the name of the victim, or the names of those who were charged with the crime. They also have not given details of the crime, or any possible motive. Miami Beach, FL - Thousands laced up their running shoes for a good cause on a recent Sunday morning. They took part in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida’s Celebrity 5K to benefit the Community Partnership for the Homeless. The run, which started near the beautiful blue waters of Biscayne Bay and wound its way through South Beach, is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. Celebrities up early for the race included CBS4’s Jill Martin, Emilio Estefan, artist Romero Britto, and Indy car champ Emerson Fittipaldi. Tampa, FL - Although volunteer census takers found 1,491 fewer homeless people this year than two years ago - the last official count - they reported about 660 more women and girls. The total count this year was 9,532. Rayme L. Nuckles, chief executive officer for the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, said Hillsborough ranks near the top in the number of homeless compared with other counties in Florida. “Whether there are 11,000 or 100 homeless in our community, it is too many,” said Lesa Weikel, a Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County spokeswoman. “No one should be homeless in our community.” Nuckles said that agencies providing services to the homeless haven’t seen a drop in demand. Another blip in this year’s data showed that fewer people reported having a source of income. Weikel said the coalition doesn’t know why. The numbers came from counting people found living on the street or in shelters, figures from the Department of Children and Families, the school district and people in jail who said they have no home when they get out. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires agencies that receive federal funds for homeless programs to do a census every two years. The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County expects $3.8-million from HUD this year. “Son, I Think We Need to Have a Talk About STREETVIBES...” BUY STREETVIBES, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Page 3 �TARGET: Global Warming by Paul Rogat Loeb denial activist Frederick Seitz also had strong tobacco industry ties, With over 1400 local events, drawing $585,000 from RJ Reynolds the April 14 National Day of Climate Action, www.StepItUp07.org, between 1979 and 1987 before going on to the George Marshall offered a national wakeup call, with Institute. Exxon jumped in to support citizens in every state raising their voice. But even as we build on this these efforts early on, as part of a more general assault on government powerful day to move forward, we regulation and action. As the scientific need to talk about why it’s been so consensus around global warming hard for Americans to recognize the climate issue’s urgency. began to solidify, they began funding a series of studies and spokespeople As recently as July 2006, the to insist that mainstream scientific acknowledgement of the crisis by ordinary Americans lagged behind not opinion was sharply divided. only our counterparts in Great Britain, Between 1998 and 2005 the company has invested over $16 Germany and Japan, but also behind million in challenging the those polled in China, India, overwhelming consensus among Argentina, Nigeria and Indonesia. U.S. citizen awareness has increased climatologists, spreading the resources among significantly in the wake of this past at least 43 winter’s massive storms (even before different the latest East Coast disaster) and institutions to give coverage of the international scientific the appearance of reports. But though between 77% a broad chorus of and 83% of Americans now dissent. Whether acknowledge that global warming poses a serious problem, only 55% in the Heartland Institute, Alliance a January Pew poll say the issue for Climate requires immediate government Strategies, Center action, and only 47% in the same for the Study of Pew poll say that they believe it’s human caused. This means there’s still Carbon Dioxide and Global serious denial. And to dismantle its Change, or the architecture means taking on the key Competitive role of ExxonMobil. Enterprise Institute Those who dismiss global and George warming’s threat have embraced a Marshall Institute, series of arguments, retreating from they all got major Paul Loeb one to the next as they’re trumped by Exxon support for their role in arguing reality. The planet isn’t really that no global warming crisis existed. warming, they say. If it is, it’s due to Until recently, the efforts to sow random fluctuations or sunspots, not doubt have worked, with the help of human-created greenhouse gases. a compliant media and the Bush And even if global warming is real, it presidency. And though a number of will bring more benefits than other energy companies also problems. Wherever I go, people participated, ExxonMobil was the offer up the same rationales. Some critical initiator, and remained firmly even rattle off the names of dissenting denying the crisis even as other oil scientists, websites, or journal articles. They dismiss the 99% companies, like BPAmoco and Shell, unanimity of international climate acknowledged the gravity of the scientists and scientific associations threat. by saying those sounding the warning Solving global warming will are all on the be hard take and enough, even probably also without “Solving global personal orchestrated hypocrites. opposition. warming will be hard As And off course part of creating we need to enough even without that doubt, focus on APCO’s where we orchestrated Steven Milloy need to go, founded Junk like StepItUp’s opposition.” Science.com, call for an which would 80% reduction later become a key website for global in CO2 emissions by 2050. But if we warming denial. Milloy also became only do that and ignore the associated with other key climate counterattacks, our efforts will change denial organizations, like the continue to get Swift Boated, and it Competitive Enterprise Institute will be far harder to build the (which has called the Kyoto accords necessary political will for them to “a power grab based on deception succeed. Targeting Exxon pressures and fear”), and later become a them and other corporations to stop columnist for Fox. Major climate Page 4 trying to undermine the scientific consensus and to stop blocking attempts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions—as in a recent Competitive Enterprise Institute ad that proclaimed about CO2, “they call it pollution, we call it life.” It also highlights the roots of why so many Americans have resisted the reality of the crisis—how what many of us think this is just our personal skepticism is product of a deliberate disinformation campaign. Some questionable companies are hard to boycott—where do you start with Halliburton? But ExxonMobil has a presence in every city in this country. Their gas stations are accessible for rallies and picketing. Every dollar that their stations lose and every bit of adverse press coverage will create further pressure. Imagine if enough organized effort was focused so that Exxon had to sell or close some of their stations. Or if enough Americans understood their manipulative role so that both the company and the groups they’d supported lost all media and political credibility. Think about how INFACT (now the Corporate Accountability Campaign) ran their largely successful campaigns against Nestle and GE. Or how the United Farm Workers conducted their grape boycotts. Or the successful recent campaign of Florida’s Coalition of Immokalee Workers to get Taco Bell and McDonalds to require their subcontractors to pay higher wages to tomato pickers. These efforts didn’t just call on individuals not to buy specific products from the problematic companies. They actively organized, in communities, in congregations, and on campuses. They convinced their fellow citizens to withhold their dollars in a way that created the maximum public attention. Global warming solutions exist, and we need to forge the political will to enact them, building on existing programs like California’s “million solar roof” legislation and the climate change initiatives of the European nations. But even as public attitudes begin to shift, and major corporations like GE, Dupont and BPAmoco are at least talking about taking the issue seriously, Exxon continues to impede political progress. To prevent a future of endless climate-driven disasters, we’re going to have to keep talking about their role. Paul Rogat Loeb is the author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, named the #3 political book of 2004 by the History Channel and the American Book Association. His previous books include Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time. See www.paulloeb.org Crimes Against Homeless Upgraded To Hate Crimes Tallahassee, FL - House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill Friday that would add the homeless to other hate-crimes categories currently enshrined in law, such as crimes based on the victim’s race and religion. An identical Senate bill (SB 1458) is in its last committee stop, but the chamber will likely take up the House bill. The bill (HB 11) is a response to a rash of assaults in the state against the homeless. If a crime contains the evidence of prejudice, it could be bumped up to the next most stringent charge. For example, a third-degree felony on a homeless Streetvibes person, with evidence the crime was committed because the victim was homeless, would be charged as a second-degree felony. South Florida has been the setting for several brutal attacks on the homeless, several of them caught on camera. In 2006, Florida ranked the most dangerous state in the nation with 48 attacks against the homeless. It was the second year Florida ranked first in the nation, partly because of the beatings of three Fort Lauderdale homeless men by three teens using baseball bats and a golf club. One man died, and the teens have been charged with his murder. �Former Drug Addict Helps Others Through Poetry by Andy Freeze Cincinnati - After nearly two years of serving time in jail, Daryl Jackson is out and ready to help others overcome their addictions. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Daryl attended Hughes High School. He starting drinking and using marijuana in the 9th grade and his drug of choice eventually turned to crack in the early 90s. In 1998 his drinking and drug use caught up to him when he was incarcerated for robbery. Since 2000 Daryl has been out of jail and fighting his addiction. While in jail from 1998 – 2000, Daryl joined a recovery program and began to write poetry. For him it was a way to cope with his disease. It was like he was beginning a new life. Recently Daryl has compiled his poetry from the last six years and put it into a book entitled “Enlightening Spiritual Recovery Poems.” “My writings provide spiritual awareness for those thinking about using drugs for the first time, letting them know that soulless grave that awaits them,” Jackson says. “I break drug addiction’s barricade and build a loving foundation.” His goal is to use his poetry to help others with the disease of addiction. He has been to most of the social service agencies here in Cincinnati to see if there are people he can help. His dream is for his book to be in all schools, clubs, and libraries. He seems to be on his “My writings provide spiritual awareness for those thinking about using drugs for the first time, letting them know that soulless grave that awaits them.” Daryl Jackson “The Window” by Daryl Jackson Man! What a feeling – I have one year clean I’m riding my “Pink Cloud,” you know what I mean As I phone my best friend, I’ve got so much to tell And let him know that all is well. Hello partner it’s me, at the meeting I shared “Let me open up the Window,” to let in some air Oh! Look there’s Joe dressed nice wearing his brim As he goes down the alley to shoot his heroin. Oh! Look there’s Billy staggering, taking his time As he goes into the corner store, to buy him some wine. Oh! Look there’s Debbie, she’s just left her trick As she runs down the dope boys, looking for a crack hit. The more I looked, the more I was dazed And in the pit of my stomach, I started to crave. My heart was pounding right up to my ear But that wasn’t the only thing that I had to fear. My body was hot and felt very wet A whole pint of fluid I started to sweat. My legs were trembling and my hands began to shake My whole world around me, felt like an Earthquake. Andy Freeze shows his support for Daryl Jackson’s book way. His book is in 41 local libraries and used to help clients in countless agencies. If you are interested in Daryl’s book go to a local library or email mr_daryl_jackson2006@yahoo.com to purchase a copy. I felt I was drowning, yet there was no lake “Oh, God, Please help me,” for goodness sake “Oh Buddy,” I feel so much confusion Because deep in my soul, I’m think about using. And what he told me, I’ll never forget Just simple advice that was heavenly sent. Living spiritually ain’t simple, and complicated are we The next thing he said set my whole soul free. “Listen my son to a meeting you go” And just stop looking out “That Damned Window!” “Soulless Grave” by Daryl Jackson Virgins of dope pull up a chair active abusers lend me your ear those currently in recovery gather around this poem speaks of dopes hell bound An addict shares from beyond the grave sentenced here, my remaining days my chosen lifestyle full of dope everlasting torture hasn’t hope Indescribable grave, I feel within torments my soul without end the comfort of death is a coffin bed I walk around, I’m addicted dead. A living corpse lacking pride moral standards, long ago died drug addiction is careless about my name shattering my fortune – maiming my fame Reaching out with a calloused hand help arrives weakly from mortal man my only exit from my grave is through God’s love, that constantly saves The cover of Daryl’s book Streetvibes Page 5 �Agency Spotlight: Ohio Justice and Policy Center by John Lavelle This month, Streetvibes focuses on one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless’ newest members, the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. Cincinnati - The Ohio Justice and Policy Center (OJPC) was founded in 1997 under the name of the Prison Reform Advocacy Center (PRAC). The organization officially changed its name in 2005 to reflect that they were serving both prisoners and exoffenders. The name change was also intended to pave the way for future projects on broader scales. Their mission focuses on representing people in the justice system, reintegrating individuals into society, and eliminating racism. OJPC is perhaps best known for its “Second Change Community Legal Clinic,” which frequents Our Daily Bread in Over the Rhine and other locations throughout Cincinnati. Staff attorneys and advocates at the clinics provide free legal services to formerly incarcerated women and men. Major issues that they address at the clinics include: record expungement for “first time” offenders, child support, unfair parole conditions, and termination of employment because of a criminal record. Other programs work to ensure voting rights for ex-felons and human rights in prison. Their case, Fussell v. Wilkinson, was settled in 2005, resulting in greatly improved health care in Ohio prisons. Their newest effort is the “Race and Justice Project,” which focuses on racial disparity in sentencing, the composition of juries, and in the justice system in general. They are also looking at the lack of African American males graduating from Cincinnati Public Schools, a phenomenon that directly impacts the justice system and the community. Executive Director David Singleton points out that significant improvement is also needed in indigent criminal defense. Shortcomings in the pubic defender system affect minorities and lowincome individuals. OJPC’s work is also education-based. They offer a clinic for Northern Kentucky University and University of Cincinnati law students that teaches students about civil rights and prison advocacy. The mission is to fill the need for attorneys that will work with the disenfranchised and often despised members of society. While OJPC has many, varying programs, Singleton sees them as “many parts working together toward systemic change.” On many of their publications is a quote from Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, famous for Notes From the Underground and The Brothers Karamazov: “The degree of civilization in a society is revealed by entering its prisons.” Dostoevsky was an ex-offender himself, being exiled to Siberia for being part of an intellectual political group that challenged the ruling authority. The Second Chance Community Legal Clinic takes place most Tuesdays from 10am to noon at Our Daily Bread in Over the Rhine. More information about OJPC, their programs, and cases can be found at www.ohiojpc.org Drop Inn Center: Partnering Against TB by Pat Clifford , General Coordinator, Drop Inn Center Cincinnati - The Drop Inn Center and Hamilton County TB Control are long-standing partners in the fight against Tuberculosis. We have been fully cooperative with TB control efforts, including sharing our resident and volunteer data freely. They have, with our help, taken the responsibility to contact both residents and volunteers. We are both encouraging and providing opportunities for people to get tested and are educating people about TB. Among the actions the Drop Inn Center has already taken; · Contacting all residents and urging them to get tested either at Hamilton County TB Control or the City of Cincinnati Homeless Medical Van · Utilizing our Client Database (HMIS) to target those most at risk and placing messages urging them to get tested in their client files. · All at-risk clients still staying at the shelter were individually contacted and given a deadline to get tested To make the testing process more efficient in the future,staff at the Drop Inn Center are scheduled to be trainedby the Cincinnati Health Department to administer and read TB Skin Tests. The Drop Inn Center is on the front lines of the fight for a healthier community. We work tirelessly to feed, clothe and shelter those who fall Mr. and Ms. Homeless Downtowner Mr. Homeless Downtowner Ms. Homeless Downtowner Name: Michael Lee Hometown: Detroit, MI Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine I can’t stand it when: people get annoyed by seeing you homeless, and get an attitude I can’t resist: chocolate Place I’d most like to visit: Mexico Person I would most like to meet: President Bush What I like most about Cincinnati: the library If I won the Lottery, I would: buy a house and a car My Life Philosophy: the Bible Happiness is: being self-secure financially Name: Joyce Ramsey Hometown: Middletown Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine I can’t stand it when: when you speak to someone and they don’t speak back- also, when people don’t take action I can’t avoid: feeling the pain homelessness Place I’d most like to Visit: hometown (Middletown) Person I would most like to meet: Denzel Washington What I like most about Cincinnati: the historic buildings and hills If I won the Lottery, I would: buy a house and give back to the community My Life Philosophy: Whatever you ask God for, in His Son’s name, you will receive Happiness is: unconditional love Page 6 Streetvibes though the cracks. Without our efforts, the community would be defenseless against the spread of a myriad of health problems, including TB. Thanks to our coordination with TB Control, we were able to handle this outbreak in an organized and responsible manner. The good news is that few who contracted TB, are taking medication and are no longer infectious. �Homeless Couple Beaten, LETTERS From Readers It was refreshing to see so The Coalition has tracked a Dog Stolen many local news articles and editorials series of attacks against homeless by Sarah Valek, NEOCH Cleveland, OH – Six men beat a homeless couple with baseball bats and then stole their dog the night of May 11th at a campsite near the Flats where the couple were staying. The two victims, “Bonnie” and “Gene,” described the men as white, young and clean-cut. The men were driving a black 2002 or 2003 Pontiac Trans Am. According to the victims, the men initially asked to buy their dog. The couple refused, but suspected a problem. Later that night, the men returned. First, one of the men attacked Gene, beating him with a baseball bat. Gene suffered many bruises on his head. Next, one of the men started beating Bonnie with a baseball bat, breaking her collarbone. He also pulled a knife on her. The attackers stole their dog, a fourmonth-old pit bull terrier and boxer mix named Train. The dog is a brown female with a brindel pattern. The couple desperately wants her back. Two nights later, the same group of criminals returned with twenty people this time. The mob surrounded the campsite and threatened to burn their camp down. The couple has since relocated, but are available for an interview through NEOCH. people over the last few weeks. All incidents have occurred on the Near West Side. In one case, two men beat a homeless man with a 2x4. In a separate incident, four young, white men punched and kicked a homeless man. Each victim suffered injuries—one was hospitalized. Attacks against homeless people are on the rise throughout the nation. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, attacks increased 65 percent from 2005, and more than 170 percent since five years ago. The National Coalition’s report, Hate, Violence and Death on Main Street USA, documents all hate crimes occurring across the nation in 2006. “The causes and solutions to these hate crimes is too complicated to sum up in a single sentence,” said Joshua Kanary, who works with civil rights at NEOCH. “For the moment, it is important we first focus on ensuring everyone’s safety.” North East Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderland Cincinnati - The weather of Winter melted away and beautiful Spring arrived with light breezes, brilliant sunshine, and over 120 participants for our second annual conference on “Peace or Hunger?” We met on Sigma Sigma Commons with the 100 college students from UC and Wilmington College and the 22 faculty and students of Shroder Paieda High School. Conference director, Keara Mullen, welcomed everyone. Keara is a graduate student in Educational Studies, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services. Then Jonathan Price, junior, CCM, and president of the Peace Village chapter, offered his thoughts on the meaning of the conference. Steve Sunderland, faculty advisor, Peace Village, commented on the Virginia Tech tragedy and we had a moment of silent reflection. Our goal was to take part of the conference to provide service and learning to every participant. The way we chose to do this was by sending a large group to the FreeStore Food Bank’s warehouse for a discussion of hunger and for the experience of sorting food. Over 600 boxes were organized. Another group, led by Jeanne Smith, Wesley Foundation, UC, went to Lower Price Hill to meet with religious and civic leaders engaged in providing services to a community devastated by years of poverty and neglect. The group heard from Dr. Kay Clifton, Mt. St. Joseph College, Rev. Santiago Samms, State Avenue United Methodist Church, Mike Howard, Greg Beauchamp, and Fred Stuckey with Justice Watch walked the neighborhood, and worked to clear some land for a future park. The third group led by Mark Nicolas, graduate Dr. Steve Sunderland student, educational studies, UC, went to the Freedom Center and met with Rev. Doug Ervin, Freedom Center interpreter, and began to see the clear ties between slavery, hunger, poverty and the problems of inequality on a world wide scale. The groups returned in the late afternoon to build the Peace Village Shanty Town on Sigma Sigma Commons. With giant size cardboard boxes provided by Roecker and Berger stores, the conference participants built amazing structures. Some people built horizontal homes, others built two story creations, and some people connected their homes to other structures. Jailing Homeless Wastes Time/Money So our cash-strapped county is spending $4.2 million to jail homeless people for “Crimes” seldom charges against non-homeless people. What a waste of money and police time. People too poor to pay for housing can’t possibly pay even small fines, so they clog our jails and get an arrest record that makes finding a decent job even harder. Why don’t we take the cheap route of providing safe, affordable housing and unburden our jails of these non-violent offenders? Then they can join the rest of us who are not arrested for standing in one place (loitering), littering or having an open flask. Can you imagine that last one being enforced at Bengal’s tailgate parties? Kathy Helmbock Oakley Following was a dinner of rice, beans and water provided as a gift from Aramark and water from the FreeStore Foodbank. After dinner, we gathered to reflect on the experiences in the city and to hear the stories of what had most impressed each team. Everyone had a story of interest, of a major point of learning, and of some aspect that really surprised them. The staffs of the FreeStore and the Freedom Center made deep impressions. Lower Price Hill’s welcoming for the participants made a lasting impact as well. The evening program involved a three hour set of workshops to see the connections between hunger in Cincinnati and around the world. Our evening ended with a brief concert and then we retired to our Peace Village Shanty Town. Sunday started with breakfast at 8, Posters 4 Peace sessions highlighting the next steps to be taken by members of teams, an evaluation Streetvibes in the May issue of Streetvibes. I very much enjoyed Lynn Ausman’s and Jason Haap’s in-depth critical pieces that scrutinized Cincinnati politics and how they directly affect the lives of our citizens that experience homelessness and poverty. These are stories that need to be shared with the Greater Cincinnati population and that are hard to find in the traditional media sources of our city. The research and reporting—though not performed by folks with journalism degrees or political pedigrees were professional and thought-provoking - a rare find in a community paper. I also enjoy reading Georgine’s editorials. Her words often express the thoughts and emotions that I can’t find a way to voice, and her commentary on the Reds Day Parade was right on once again. I know it is tough work to keep a paper running and looking good, and I want to commend the staff and volunteers at GCCH for a job well done. Keep it up; Cinci needs you! Jessica Becher Norwood of the conference, another moment of reflection on Virginia Tech; and those who were victims of slavery, and we ended with a large and happy circle of peacemakers. The team from Shroder high school, led by Craig Rush, teacher, presented an unexpected gift of several hundred dollars in contributions to an Indonesian foundation helping with the education of children affected by the tsunami. Shroder’s gift touched me very deeply. Shroder is the first high school to participate in our conference and they have created a standard of involvement, and compassion that is most beautiful. Overall, we learned how to create a Peace Village community capable of linking learning about hunger and peace to the service of helping promote justice. We shared with Nobel prize winner, Eli Weisel, the belief that “... (a)s long as one child is hungry, our life will be filled with anguish and shame. What all these victims need above all is to know that they are not alone; that we are not forgetting them, that when their voices are stifled we shall lend them ours; that while their freedom depends on ours, the quality of our freedom depends on theirs.” Page 7 �Cincinnati Youth Empowerment Day a Huge Success VIB ES Support Your Vendor Berta’s Art Corner Arch and light, Race Street near Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine SUDOKU Puzzle Fill in numbers so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits 1 to 9. There is only one solution! The ANSWER is on Page 15 Crowd watches as the band plays. Page 8 ET was a huge success and the Cincinnati YEP looks forwarding to organizing its next big event! Youth also are planning to work in the adult shelters in Cincinnati in hopes of circumventing the adult system. RE Band plays for YEP celebration. in Burnett Woods Group of youth watch as the band plays ST by Lynne Ausman Cincinnati - The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) was still forming when the youth initiated a meeting with Mayor Mark Mallory about homeless kids in Cincinnati. Impressed with the presentation, Mayor Mallory proclaimed April 20, 2007, as Youth Empowerment Day in Cincinnati! A celebration in Burnett Park featuring two local bands followed. The event was no small feat, given the challenges of organizing the entire event, including finding a location, securing the bands, promoting the event, and finding refreshments. Burnett Woods, a park in the Clifton area of Cincinnati was secured. It was the perfect spot due to its location – near the Youth Crisis Center and Anthony House (a youth day shelter) – unfortunately, there was no electricity for the event. The youth pulled together and secured a donated generator for the event. Anthony House provided refreshments. To finish off the event, youth raffled off for $25 Target gift certificates which were donated by the Coalition for Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO). Raffle participants were asked to complete a short survey describing their individual situations and priority issues. The most frequently mentioned issue was drug and substance abuse, followed closely by food and shelter, and education and employment. Other issues included homelessness awareness, interaction with housed youth, mental illness, lack of adult caring and support, police stereotyping, and general safety. Overall, the experience Streetvibes �Poverty and Addiction by Mike Henson the first test. He knows this is the This is the fourth is a series on procedure but something in him rankles at the notion and he refuses poverty and addiction. the backup test. He stands at his full Cincinnati - A tall man comes to the height. “I blew a point-one five.” He duty office of a halfway house for men shrugs. “Why I got to blow again?” The woman explains that this released from jail or prison. He is returning from work or from is the rule. He argues. He probably searching for work or from an knows he already has a sanction that appointment with a doctor or case could send him back to jail or prison, manager. He knows the procedure but still he balks. A second staff and the woman at the desk knows the person gets involved and still he procedure. He signs in and he tests argues. I step in at this point and pull for alcohol. On occasion he must him aside. He reeks of alcohol and he weaves above me –I am short so he peers down at me through his swollen eyes. I ask, “What’s up?” He explains that he has blown a .15 and that’s all he needs to do. “What’s the problem with blowing again?” “It’s demeaning.” Here is a man who faces serious consequences for drinking, yet Michael Henson he is willing to put himself at further drop urines, but that test is expensive risk because he sees a process and the results take several days. The designed to protect him from false alcohol test is cheap and the results accusation as demeaning. To my mind, his whole life in this halfway house is are immediate. He is a good-looking man, demeaning. He is a grown man who neatly dressed. To my eye he must ask permission to leave the resembles a Cincinnati Reds house, who must do his chores when ballplayer I remember from my youth. staff tells him and he must follow rules He is tall, as I say, so he must lean he has no say in making. Yet he finds down to reach the device the woman this particular procedure demeaning. holds up. He places his elbows on the It could make me crazy if I thought sill of the duty office window and he about it long enough, but I don’t have blows into the plastic tube fixed to the the time. Instead, I ask, “Did you top of the device. The woman checks drink?” “Yes, I did.” the screen — .015. He has blown “And are you drunk right now?” numbers; he is positive for alcohol. “Yes sir.” He knows what’s next and so He does not mind calling me does the woman at the duty office window. If you blow numbers, then sir and he does not mind sitting in the you blow two more times to confirm chair where I ask him to sit, for I tell the duty office staff they can skip the backup test and he is satisfied I let him keep that little scrap of dignity he has chosen to claim. This man can pack all his worldly possessions into a pair of plastic garbage bags. He is mentally ill, chemically dependent, and a convicted criminal. Outside his family, no one waits for him to be released. He lives in an over-crowded dormitory with others just like him. Yet he strives for dignity and he rejects what he sees as demeaning. It may not be the line in the sand that you or I might draw and it may not be the line this man might draw if he were sober, but he has set this border from which he defends what he sees as his dignity. It is a fractured dignity, impaired by alcohol and rendered almost comical and certainly injurious to himself. But in spite of all the injuries his dignity has sustained, he must have felt he still had something left to defend. So he stood in the lobby and refused the second test... Men and women will die for what they perceive as dignity. Dope boys and saints will go down for the juice. We cannot live comfortably without some measure of it. What is dignity to the human person? What does it mean to the poor? To the addict? Michael Harrington, in The New American Poverty, says, “To be poor in American is to be unable to afford your pride.” By this, I assume he means that poverty keeps a person from ever catching up with the Joneses. It means to be constantly demeaned. Your clothes are shabby, so you get mocked at school. Your car is a hooptie. Everything you own is cheap, is “ghetto.” You’re a bum, a redneck, a whatever else they call people who are less than everyone else. Everything about you is deficient in some way. . But you can, I believe, have some dignity. For pride and dignity are not the same. A person can still hold onto some dignity even when the elements of pride have been stripped away. For dignity, in this context, means the refusal to be demeaned in demeaning circumstances. You hold your head a little higher, your back a little straighter. You remain on your path in spite of the petty –and not so petty- impediments that poverty puts in your way. There is an internal element and an external element to dignity. Internally, within the person, there is this refusal to allow the demeaning world outside to invade the soul. The person will not let the world define him or set her standard. Externally, it shows in that uplifted head, that unbent back, that clear eye. You can beat down that head, that back. You can make a person avert his or her eye. But as long as the demeaning does not enter within, then dignity lives. What happens when we add alcohol into the mix? Or heroin or crack cocaine? I think that under this weight, dignity comes close to shattering. The lies, the manipulation, the shame all conspire to break down the barrier between the demeaning world and the soul. The addict begins to demean the self. And in this process, the poor are particularly vulnerable. Why? Because the assaults on dignity are so much more frequent and intense and the poor have so few defenses. Their wounds are greater and the world offers little in the way of healing. So does my man in the halfway house have dignity? He has, I think, a scrap of it. Maybe no more than a scrap, but let him keep it. If he hopes to recover, he will need it. Our STREETVIBES Staff Hard at Work STRE Streetvibes ETVI BES Page 9 �Day Laborer Critically Injured at Rumpke Recycling safety equipment at the time of the accident.” Cincinnati - In late April, day “We are concerned with the laborer, Scott Johnson, 56, was health and safety training that day critically injured while shredding tires labor workers receive,” said Don at Rumpke Recycling. Johnson is Sherman, executive director of the officially employed by TLC Industrial Interfaith Workers Center in OverTemporary, a day labor hall which is the-Rhine, “safety should be of known among homeless advocates upmost concern to both the and those who work with lowemployers who have day labor income workers for its questionable workers and [to] the day labor practices. halls.” Johnson had been sent to the This terrible Rumpke Tire incident was the Recycling location “We are concerned first at Rumpke routinely for about Tire Recycling and two months when with the health and it is probably one he fell into a tire safety training that of the worst injuries shredder. As a sustained by a day day labor workers result, Johnson has laborer while on a suffered serious receive” job. However, injuries including -Don Sherman injuries are not losing his left arm. uncommon in the It is unclear how day labor industry. Johnson fell into the tire shredder, Day labor workers are routinely however, Detective Monte Mayer, subject to questionable practices, spokesman for the Butler County unsafe conditions and discrimination. Sheriff’s Office explained that The Day Labor Organizing Johnson had been standing next to Project (DLOP) has heard about the tire shredder when it jammed. many day labor practices at their Amanda Pratt, Rumpke weekly meetings. “They drive us to spokeswoman, said “Johnson took work on those rickety old buses and part in all necessary training sessions they always break down. The to operate the shredder and drivers are unsafe too, speeding and appeared to have been wearing his cutting others off” says one worker, “they are always late picking us up too, and sometimes they don’t even show up.” DLOP operates, in part, as a forum for workers to address their grievances with day labor halls. While DLOP has no official relationship with the day labor halls, they do document by Lynne Ausman these grievances with the hopes of Other common grievances one day being able to address them are the lack of clean bathrooms, with the day labor water breaks, and not being paid fully. halls. In the “Safety should be “They told me I meantime, these of the upmost grievances have couldn’t go to the been used to bathroom or take a concern to both water break. It’s develop legislation the employers which would hot and they have who have day regulate the day me doing hard labor halls to ensure labor workers and labor. Then I got proper safety and back to the hall to [to] the day labor non-discrimination. get my check and it halls.” This day labor was only $30 for a sixteen hour day. legislation is -Don Sherman currently working It’s just not right.” its way through said another worker Cincinnati City Council and DLOP who wished to remain anonymous. hopes that it will come to a full city The workers asked to council vote and become an official remain anonymous for fear of city ordinance. retribution from the day labor halls. New Complex for Homeless Opens in Salt Lake by Angie Welling, Desert Morning News Salt Lake City, UT - On the eve of his 53rd birthday, Rodger Duvall is headed home — back to the neighborhood in west Salt Lake where he was born and reared, before he became a husband and father, before he became a drug addict and long before he became homeless. “I’m back home,” Duvall said from his new studio apartment. “I’m going to start my life over.” Sunrise, which officially opened its doors with great fanfare, is offering a similar opportunity to 99 other people in similar situations. The Page 10 complex is the first of its kind in Utah and will provide permanent, supportive housing to individuals who have lived on the streets for years. “I don’t care what your religion or your beliefs are, this is a miracle,” said a tearful Rosemary Kappes, executive director of the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City. Kappes is credited as the heart and soul of the Sunrise project. The facility will follow the “housing first” approach that has proven effective in other parts of the nation. On-site case management will be available, but not mandatory, for residents. Two of the building’s four floors will be designated as “dry,” meaning no drugs or alcohol allowed, but the other floors have no alcohol restrictions. Residents will be allowed to come and go as they please, although there will be security on site. “This is going to be remembered in history as a real turning point for how we work with those who are chronically homeless,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. Duvall’s new home, with its twin bed, small dining room table and limited cookware, isn’t anything fancy. But it is much better than anywhere he’s been lately, especially jail, where he spent seven months on a drug charge, he said. Duvall will pay 30 percent of his income — about $370 from his monthly Social Security check — for rent and utilities. Duvall is grateful and surprised at the work that has gone into getting Streetvibes Sunrise off the ground, particularly the heartfelt dedication to people in the homeless community. “It’s overwhelming,” he said. “Just overwhelming.” The multimillion-dollar project started with two $600,000 donations from the George S. and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation and the Crusade for the Homeless, headed by local philanthropist Jack Gallivan. Additional private donations followed, as well as federal, state and local funds. Sunrise represents a major step forward in the state’s 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. A second permanent housing facility is already under way in South Salt Lake, where officials broke ground on that 84-unit apartment complex in October. �TOMATO TOMAHTO—A prose poem in three voices and ability to get through college. good slicer. Best if used right makin’ Kool Aid—how big is your by Steven Paul Lansky Steve Lansky, this month’s guest columnist: poet, film-maker, novelist, performance artist former Poet Laureate of Overthe-Rhine. I’m forty-nine and teach Creative Writing at Miami University. I spent a few hours at a homeless youth outreach center. I listened and took notes in Times New Roman. My own privileged life is italicized and Heirloom tomato varieties are bold and italics: Abraham Lincoln: An heirloom variety known for its dark red fruits that are free from cracks— Two computers with Internet— garden plots—a man pees in the yard his back to the alley—pants hang low—smoking roll-ups—I don’t know what I’m going to do with this dog—I live well. I grew up with privilege. My parents both worked, both were professionals, both had Ph.D.’s and valued education. Because of my schizophrenia I suffered from a disrupted late adolescence—Akers West Virginia: A good producer of nicely shaped red globes that bear up until a hard frost. Not as tasty as some, but great for sauces and salsas—right now I’m sleepin’ in the car with (a yellow pit bull) him—I was going to give him to Dave and Michelle—right now I’m sleepin’ in the car with him— sandwich fixin’s, cheese, lunch meat, bread, fruit punch, Kool Aid—pants hung low—watch a kid roll a cigarette, the tuck—when he gets out he’ll be on paper still—cappin’ on his BLEEP—When my family and I were estranged, something that had elements of mutuality, my anger and angst, their frustration and feelings of helplessness against a disease that truly affects understanding combined to force me to seek treatment. I’m one of the lucky ones. A small dose of medication taken daily as prescribed by a psychiatrist was enough to give me a chance— Amana Orange: Large orange colored fruits originally from the Amana Colonies in Iowa— concrete porch, three green plastic chairs—red scrapes on her nose, under eyes, around her thin pale fingers—I’m sick from that schwag—I think that the transition from lying, drunk, mentally ill, college dropout, to poet and artist, to non-traditional student made my twenties full of loss and loneliness. But, from the earliest times in treatment, I saw others give up and commit suicide, or succumb to alcohol, drugs, and insanity, while I learned to build on each failure—Amish Paste: A great heirloom variety for canning. 8 oz. fruits are very meaty and great for sauce making—my hands are stained from caseload? Fifty—we’re training a new guy today—As I went from welfare to volunteer work, to work-training, to sheltered work, to competitive work, I became willing to help others and in doing so helped myself—Andrew Rahart’s Jumbo Red: Good flavor from medium sized bright red fruits—I haven’t had a shower in five days—staying in a squat— outreach under the bridges, by the railroad tracks— There is something validating about having had nothing. My family could have rescued me. They tried to for awhile. Then I began to find help by asking others. It came slowly— Anna Russian: Large one pound pink and red heart shaped fruits. The seed was said to originate from a Russian immigrant in Oregon several generations ago—don’t wanna’ kick in the CCAT House—they got a place for crazy people, not addicts—I’d a stayed with him two days right by his side. As soon as he got it he split. I ain’t seen him. I’d a sat with him—It took me thirteen years and three different universities to get my B.A. in Creative Writing. Now, there’s a degree full of marketing potential. Having asked for a lend, I’m now able and sometimes willing to give one. Arkansas Traveler: 6 oz. fruits have a creamy mild flavor. This variety was discovered in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Missouri—My experience tells me that with a positive narrative replacing the deluded story of a victim, I can gain strength, and hope—good shoes— socks—need socks?—I hear you got a plan—got a smoke?—wow that feels good—I haven’t had a shower in five days—Aunt Ginny’s: This German beefsteak has plenty of flavor. Yields are average but this variety makes up for it in its superb flavor—I watch others struggle to find a foothold. I put out a hand here and there where I can. My current situation is based on accepting my disability, working less than fulltime, and accepting family help— she’ll give us a home. Probably a vehicle—San Bernadino—she makes ten pounds of crystal meth a week—Aunt Ruby’s German Green: A sweet delicious flavor with a hint of spice. 12-16 oz. fruits have a light green skin with a dark green interior when fully ripe…these look great sliced on a plate with some of the darker red varieties—It is true that not everyone has the patience Money helps, too. My experience tells me that self-discipline, a willingness to listen and make judgments about how to do things that help me, and others, and a commitment to honoring each individual’s dignity is necessary. Government grants and loans help—Hell’s Angel—when I get to jail I’ll have a warm place to sleep and a roof over my head— Aurora: 6-8 oz. Great tasting fruits. Vines are loaded with fruit—When I lived on a park bench for a few weeks in 1982 before signing myself into a State Hospital for treatment, only a handful of people took interest enough to visit with me. Now, I make an effort to visit some of the benches, and people who are staying on them—birds walk little steps peck peck at white bread tossed from a wandering spring sandwich—shower—ain’t had one in five days—break into a place that helps people—gives free food—to steal free food—Banana Legs: A unique yellow paste tomato. Plants produce wispy leaves but bear a good quantity of mild flavored fruit—I tell these individuals what helped me, and that I’ve been there, too. I try to get to know them in the moments that might help. Sometimes I give a handout of a little cash. I don’t know if this helps. Social Security helps me. Father Time—don’t disrespect— don’t wanna’ be with crazy people— I’m an addict—So how do you grow tomatoes?—Can tomatoes evolve into an organizing principle?—Beauty Blanc: A medium sized white tomato, whiter than White Wonder and somewhat smaller. Flavor is mild with little acid—concrete pillars— the swoosh—cars overhead—motor sounds—rubbish tires—rusty concrete chunks, half empty dirty bottles, the smell of crack halfway up a fenced off concrete stairway— galvanized chainlink—Besser Cherry: A very old German Cherry tomato that produces clusters of 8-12 tomatoes on large sprawling vines—An elderly German Jew told me one fine day that I knew why I was there—he sat next to me on that lonely bench and said you know why you are here—a not so old sleepingbag—rusty rust—swoosh sounds—a streetcorner by a small greenspace—Black Brandywine: A brandywine style tomato that was crossed at some point with an unknown “black” variety possible Cherokee Purple or Black Krim. Great flavor and a Streetvibes after picking as it doesn’t keep well—a woman—her face pocked—caked with make-up— taking, talking—they’re gonna’ give me pamphlets—hands take plastic wrapped objects—a green light pole—traffic—lights switching yellow red—Black Cherry: A new variety for us. Plants produce a good quantity of purple/black cherry tomatoes that have a flavor that resembles Black Krim. Plants beared up through October here in Ohio—green yellow—a little gathering of smoking grey faces—no one’s on fire with hope—a man talks about cocaine—a Dr.—a medical Dr. in Army Reserves—a scared Dr.—ER doctor who wants to help—taking a hand—accepting a handout— afraid of foodstamps—afraid of foodstamps—afraid social services will deplete the military—a criminal—swoosh sounds— soothing to put someone to sleep by the raised, under the raised roadway—concrete pillars—swoosh sounds—soothing to put someone asleep by the raised, under the raised roadway—concrete pillars— Black Krim: Another black variety…fruits are a super dark red with greenish tops. Sweet and tasty flavor. You’re not dead, kid. You fell asleep. You can wake up and take care. You have a job to do. It’s not done yet, kid. Get out of that sleepy, dopey haze, work a little each day; watch your dream come true. Once you show you care, you can help yourself. Get out of yourself and give to your fellow. Not sharing a smoke. Giving a hand up. Not a hand out. A hand up, a real time, real love, real blessing, real miracle; each one of you is a human being. ALMOST 30 YEARS SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Page 11 �Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 25 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. Vendors must not tell customers that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $3 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for $1, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. Ten free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. The mission of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) is to support a street newspaper movement that creates and upholds journalistic and ethical standards while promoting self-help and empowerment among people living in poverty. NASNA papers support homeless and very lowincome people in more than 35 cities across the United States and Canada. Streetvibes Vendor: 75 cents Printing and Production: 25 cents Page 12 About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Streetvibes.... The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) was formed in May of 1984 for one purpose: the eradication of homelessness in Cincinnati. What started out as a coalition of 15 volunteers meeting weekly in an unheated church basement has since grown into a Coalition of over 45 agencies and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to improving services for homeless individuals, educating the public about homelessness and empowering homeless individuals to advocate for their civil rights and housing needs. Streetvibes is a tool of GCCH used to help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness. On the one hand it is a self-sufficiency program geared towards the homeless and marginally housed individuals who are our vendors. Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 30 cents per copy and sell it for a suggested one-dollar donation, keeping the profit that they have earned. This program has helped hundreds of people find and maintain housing. The vendors also sign a code of conduct stating that they will behave responsibly and professionally and they proudly display their official Streetvibes badge while selling the paper. Our vendors put a face on “the homeless” of Cincinnati and form lasting friendships with their customers. On the other hand, Streetvibes is an award-winning alternative newspaper and part of the international street newspaper movement. Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues, Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless individuals. Streetvibes enjoys a loyal reader base that respects the honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and challenges facing the people of Cincinnati. Streetvibes is a member of the: The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites street papers sold by homeless and people living in poverty from all over the world. INSP is an umbrella organisation, which provides a consultancy service for its partner papers and advises on the setting up of new street papers and support initiatives for marginalised people. Where Your Dollar Goes... 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 information about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Buy STREETVIBES! (Check for Vendors Badge) Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! �State tries to regain federal funds to help the homeless by Ken Kusmer Indianapolis, IN - With great fanfare, Gov. Mitch Daniels held a press conference to accept a ceremonial check that included $12.7 million in federal grants for programs serving homeless people around the state. That was 2005. But when Indiana received its latest federal homeless funding, it had little to celebrate. Funding plummeted to $3.57 million, or just 28 cents on the dollar compared with 2005, to feed and house homeless Hoosiers, train them for jobs and provide other services. As state officials and advocates prepare their request for the next round of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, some say the state needs to start putting money into affordable housing in order to get a greater share of the federal grants. “It should be a call to action for all of us, but especially the state of Indiana, to make an investment in people who are most vulnerable and most at risk,” said Michael Reinke, executive director of the nonprofit Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues. He said at least 60,000 Indiana residents are homeless at some point in a year’s time. Others see it differently. Rodney Stockment, who has a key role in preparing the state’s request for the limited HUD homeless funds, said homeless programs seeking federal grants need to find other money — not only from the state but from their home communities, foundations and other sources — so Indiana’s application scores better. “When it’s a limited pot of money, it’s very competitive,” said Stockment, community services manager at the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. HUD announced Feb. 20 that it was distributing more than $1.2 billion in Continuum of Care grants to thousands of local programs across the nation. Besides the $3.57 million received for programs across Indiana, Indianapolis collected $4.28 million after submitting a separate application. Emergency shelters received an additional $3.05 million. But none of eight new projects proposed for Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Gary, Kokomo, South Bend and other communities received HUD approval, and 37 existing programs that had come up for renewal received only a single year of funding rather than the normal multiple years. “It’s been really very disappointing to us,” said Linda Baechle, executive director of the YWCA of St. Joseph County, which was seeking $393,750 over three years to add six apartments to the eight it now has for women with chronic mental illness, developmental delays or physical disabilities. Stockment, Reinke and program heads like Baechle say Indiana’s funding dropped for a number of reasons: Many of Indiana’s homeless are families, but HUD places more priority on those considered “chronically homeless,” single individuals with disabilities such as mental health problems who have been homeless for at least a year. They account for 10 percent to 20 percent of the homeless population but use half of all services. Indiana does not score well when it comes to leveraging other sources of funding to complement HUD funds. Indiana was prepared to match 92 cents for every $1 of HUD funding, but HUD required $2. Indiana needs more affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. Reinke’s coalition, which helps prepare the state’s application to HUD, reported last week that many people resort to homeless programs because the state does not have enough affordable housing. In the first three months of the year, more than 3,200 heads of households entered programs across Indiana. Of those, 30 percent had stayed the night before with friends or family, 19 percent had been in their own or rented homes, and 11 percent had come from a jail, hospital or substance abuse treatment center. “While many people think of homelessness as a personal crisis, there is a statewide lack of affordable housing with dire consequences,” Reinke said. Unlike its four neighboring states, Indiana does not put any money toward affordable housing, he said. Legislation that would have generated millions of dollars in such funds each year cleared the Indiana House 62-36 this session but did not receive a committee hearing in the Senate, and it appears dead. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jeb Bardon, DIndianapolis, said it died in the Senate because builders and real estate agents objected to a provision that would increase county recording fees for mortgages and deeds to raise the housing funds. So now it’s back to the drawing board. Stockment said he has enlisted the Chicago-based nonprofit Corporation for Supportive Housing to help Indiana on its new application, which is expected to include more than 60 projects seeking funding. But Baechle and other program chiefs know that getting all the funds Indiana needs won’t be easy. Christian Center Rescue Ministries in Anderson doesn’t take HUD funds because it bars them from proselytizing, Executive Director Scott Richards said, but if other HUD-funded programs shut down he’ll feel the impact. His agency houses 54 men, women and children and will serve an estimated 60,000 meals this year. “We didn’t get hit by the torpedo, but we’re standing on the same boat,” Richards said. Homeless Student Graduates High School Orlando, FL - Many Central Florida High School students graduated this week. But graduation took on an extra special meaning for a homeless graduate at Edgewater High School, WESH 2 News reported. Daniel Lazzatti lives in a shed behind a woman’s home in Winter Park, and works at Burger King to pay for his necessities, he said. Despite his hardships, Lazzatti worked his way out of special education classes, earned a regular diploma and a scholarship. Project Book from Mercy High Shool about Homelessness and Poverty, available at the GCCH office - Call 421-7803 “I don’t want to say it’s hard, but it also wasn’t easy. But I’m surprised myself that I even made it here in the first place,” Lazzatti said. Lazzatti’s family lost their home and his mother disappeared. He’s lived on his own for about two years, he said. After hearing his story, hundreds of people have offered to help and give him money. He said he’ll use only what he needs, and will give the rest to a scholarship fund for other Orange County teens living in poverty. Hey, College and High School Students! Interested in Serving Others? Want to Change the World? —Alternative Breaks —Homeless Curriculum —Arrange an Awareness Event on Campus —Visit from our Speaker’s Bureau Contact Andy Freeze, Education Coordinator, Homeless Coalition, to learn more 421-7803. ext. 14 Streetvibes Page 13 �Standing with Dignity Battle Plan by Paul von Kempf, JR. Standing with DignityStanding here with dignity waiting through all kinds of weather selling Real Change Newspaper Waiting for those smiling eyes hopeful wanting to be helpful to say paper please Can you see that your generosity is appreciated? by Jose Ornelas I am Indigenous. I am a conquered peoples, one of many. What next? Will I be bitter? Who will I try to conquer? My women, or child? You? No, brothers and sisters, I will surrender so that I may rise. Surrender to my hunger. Accept my humanity. Embrace...us. My nation became a gang, now it will be a nation again. Heart to heart Love to love one two three nations under a groove. We will marry each other and see all the children as our own. I am lucky because I am not the inheritor of the legacy of the overseer. I don’t hold the whip, I never did. When it is finished we will bury the past; weep for it and then sing for the future. Standing here with dignity I see another kind of eyes Cold cruel and full of contempt Walking past me without seeing Taking the long way around Can you see my pain? Do I jerk you out of your coccoon,when I say hello? do I jerk you back to reality? Standing here with dignity I have time to reflect on why I am selling Real Change Newspaper In another time and another place I have had several jobs I have lost them to accident, illness, disease or my bigshot ideas Society deals harshly with people who have bigshot ideas where is the forgiveness? To Be, to Become by Kris Schon To be, to become to believe in yourself the inner voice that propels you forward a waterfall of wisdom of life fears and rejections triumphs and tragedies laughter and hope belly button stuff the main course at life’s banquet for those wishing to attend. grateful are the many who stand firm in a brisk breeze head up, eye to eye with the dragon. Flickering stars candles lit from your strength your courage your hope your faith, burning on. Today I am standing here with dignity selling Real Change Newspaper Waiting for those smiling eyes to say paper please I hope you can see my gratitude for your generosity. Without Blues Beds by Lonnie Nelson by Paula For all those who have seen drugs, alcoholism and abuse tear their families apart. there was snoring by my head, someone sneezing in another bed someone was sobbing off to the right and someone else moaning all through the night. Without the stub of crocus, the breeze through cedar and hills to climb in the soft light of January I would be lost. Without the picket lines’ ”How you doing?”— friends sitting around at the table while November rains, I would wash away in tears. Injun Blues In a mission doorway a in-num puts a green bottle up to his lips. He begins to sing: ”Gimme 5 minutes only five minutes more; let me stay ah-yah-aye...” He pounds his fist on the wall. Without my pencil, the work that must be done, the brothers and sisters in the strong August sun, I would go over the edge. A couple passes and he smiles at them. Earle Thompson, Sept. 20, 1984 First published in Northwest Indian News someone was choking holding back tears while off to the left, were the whispers of fears and several were talking out loud in their dreams would I get any sleep? maybe some so it seems Am I complaining? No I think not. As I am grateful for all that I’ve got Were it not for this room with its forty beds some of these women by morning, found dead. Buy Streetvibes From Badged Vendors Only! Streetvibes Vendors are required to sign a code of conduct and agree to abide by all the rules of the Streetvibes Vendor Program. If a Vendor misrepresents or breaks the rules, she/he may be removed from the Program. See Page 12 for details on the program. To report a Vendor, call 421-7803. ext. 16 �Interrupted Journey Being Poor by Earle Thompson by Elizabeth Romero Coyote pauses arching his head, surveying the blue meadow Grey paws pad among morning glories, finding a fallen doe. He halts his journey, cleaning himself as best as he can, finding the small deer had recently died, wounded by man. It can be a kid as white as you, a kid with an old face. And it is hope, hope that the sheriff doesn’t come to serve the eviction papers when you happen to be home. Hope that you don’t have to put anything back at the checkout counter. Coyote sets aside a rib, cleaning it on the starry grass; Makes a valuable gift, polishes it, and hears magpie pass. He invites the long-tailed one to share this good fortune Eating and gossiping, the polished rib absorbs the sun. Are you thirsty, he asks, did he have anything to barter? Magpie explains that the Frog people govern all the water. At the dam, they learn he has a valuable gift to trade They discuss the amount and price, an agreement is made. Being poor is waiting, and telling your children to wait, wait their whole childhoods away. It is knowing they blame you. Coyote proceeds to drink the water putting one hand in ready to scoop the earth aside, when he finishes drinkin’. Coyote destroys the dam and water rushes by. To be fair, he announces with a smile that water shall be everywhere. It is wondering if there isn’t a better way. Being poor is trying not to envy almost everyone you see. Buffalo Dreams/Survivors by Cynthia Ozimek WRITTEN FOR THE THREE HOMELESS WOMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES TO A SERIAL KILLER IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON We come today contrite yet compelled, confused yet confident, alone and in pain. In this the process of healing we are the puzzles whose pieces have vanished, we are the Jesters whose antics mask pain. We are the ghostly stampede of dying Buffalos across the arid plains mammoth and unruly, furied and bold, majestic and free. We do not die easily but bellow out in rage the names of slain ancestors who speak from darkened dreams of more glory-full days. We are not dead but merely unseen. On shadowy mountains, along desolate rivers, amongst fleeting consciousness and the kindness of strangers these ghost-like spirits run free. It’s not getting enough and getting mad. MOON by Catherine Gainey If, in a moment frantic my mad beauty, I, tiny moan could see you then, when it felt honeyful live, ache, drunk still after love. My delirious goddess we worship a moon lake rain and blue; The summer gift. A woman some enormous power less part delicate sleep. Sudoku - Answer from page 8 Being poor is bones and hearts and marrows and gray street dirt. If there is a God, and if there is a God anywhere, we haven’t heard the half of it. Psalm at Break of Day by Mike Henson Father of the Morning, I wake in the dark. I stumble to my shoes. The fog of sleep clots my brain. Dilemma is my steadfast companion; he fumbles alongside me through the half-light of morning. I know only the half-light. I know only doubt and the stumbling of the half-light. The geese rise from the river – Gawonk! they cry. Gawonk! They know their northbound track. In the distance, semis rumble down an open highway; their maps are laid out before them. The deceitful mouth’s of the radio Press against the ears of the unwary. They have the clear channels. Their path is unencumbered. But I barely see what lies underfoot. Mine is a path of confusion. I know no more than the next step before me. Lord of the dawn, You know the turns of this clouded path. You know the end. Father of the morning, where will this day take me? � 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 2007 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: OTR, Kids, and Summer Pg 2: Criminalization of Homeless Individuals Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Target: Global Warming Pg 5: Former Drug Addict Helps Others Through Poetry Pg 6: Agency Spotlight: Ohio Justice and Policy Center Drop Inn Center: Partnering Against TB Pg 7: Homeless Couple Beaten, Dog Stolen Letters Peace Village Pg 8: Cincinnati Youth Empowerment Day a Huge Success Pg 9: Poverty and Addiction Pg 10: Day Laborer Critically Injured at Rumpke Recycling New Complex for Homeless Opens in Salt Lake Pg 11: Tomato Tomahto- A Prose Poem in Three Voices Pg 12: About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Streetvibes Pg 13: State Tries to Regain federal Funds to Help the Homeless Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2007 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty John Lavelle Lynne Ausman Andy Freeze Melvin Williams Linda Pittman Matt Cohen Susan Smith Leigh Tami Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF addiction Andy Freeze Berta Lambert Cincinnati Cincinnati Youth Empowerment Program Drop Inn Center Federal Funds GCCH Georgine Getty Global Warming Homeless News Digest Jimmy Heath John Lavelle Leigh Tami Letters Linda Pittman Lynne Ausman Matt Cohen Melvin Williams Ohio Over-the-Rhine Peace Village Rumpke Recycling Salt Lake Susan Smith https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/a311ce3dfeb1b7785244406bc53cd60d.pdf d0262c91b9f64a7717d118e01743f4bb PDF Text Text THI<: TRI-STATE'S A LTERNATI VE NE\VS SOURCE MoBo Co-Op takes you for a spin - p .13 '''' "'".ci · nc-ihon~.~.SS.OJ~ 'We Are Their Slaves' Ifthey treat citizens this way, imagine how it is for im1nigrants BY <; R[(;OR\' F'J.•\ N,...•:H\' EurK•R Y our boss stops bv une>.i>cct:dly~ secs 1:1 111ess 10 your ni>arllne.11 t11idJ>Utusliesyou.hy deducting$~(> fromyour ne>.1 paycheck. Ft>llUl31ely hedidn't sec the bccrc:)ns rn your trash - oryourboyfuendhlding m die c:Joser.: etther of 1hose c<:iuld indentured servitude; ind~d some of the '''Orkcrs (efer to ihe11l5efves·as "sla\'eS... J\f1i:.r m<;111Lhs ortrying 10 \\'Ork with the 00111panies to resoJ\'e d1e001r41laints, acti\~sts Hnd union officials are no''' appenl1n.g to the public to dernand adjoc1. BuJdiey '1-onot putting 1111 their holJ"Soo public havegotlenyou fired. At the meatpacking plant outrage; d1eY' \'ealso1rtken d1eir " hereyou \\Ork, the procluction concerns 10 1h<: F.B l. liner\msso fust 1h.at youcan't Sl1~e1,·ihes h.as le;,imed that an keep up the pace, \\'hes1pork FBI agt:11t n1et May 21 '''ithm1 fallson dio floor, supef\1sorstell organizer forthe United Food youto pick it' up and 'vmp irfor and Con1n1ercial Workers d\e grocery store .,..,;,houl (UFC\\'), (mexpert on hurpan cl~u 1 iog iL You' re still not crnfficking v.h.o \VOrks for the \\'<Jr'krng l"ast i!.nt>U£,h . the C:1 n ~it1n:lll '\, \\fC./\ •u1d t\\'O superviSor tellsyou to 1110ve as \\Urkers lured here front Puerto fast os you do \I/hen you' re Rico with the pro1nise ofgood jobs 1 IfyourcJlild is-sick ood) 0 U mi$nday ofv.t)rktyounot (D1Jy •Like a crnzy house' don't get paid forth nt shiA: a The people ofPuerto Rico $50 fine is deducted fu,,n1}'Out p:iychcck. lfyouquit bcfoit six are U.S. citi7.cnS twld ta)l.11a)•crs~ n1ontbs, aS200 fine1sdeducted they need no pernlission to llli\.<ingse.x. fton1your lw,1 cl1 ~k. v.;'<.>rk lo Ohio o.r Keotucky. This isn' t a S\\'Uatshop in a 1bird \\~orl d count1y-: it's ajob in subucban ('inc·innati , A .~roe1 ~·1bcs 1n\•est1gation of Co1ttpJoj11tS by workers •ind concerns rt1iSi1d by uniOn and religious acrivists J1as fo und co n.ditions compitrable to That doesn'tmeon gotringhere is 'eas)'. That·s wllere Diverse Pcrso1111ol Co. - also .k.no,,n :is AbleiD1v"'5.ePerso1mel Co. ­ con-es in. 8.'l~ io f<ut \\' nsJli, Ky.. 1hetao1poraiy~n-.:iloynm1 agency recruits J>ueno·Rica:ns rotj<lbs<JO d"' mainl•nd 0Jfc1ing C'ilu.~1111u11i {'roces~i'1g 11·orkers rt~/(IX 11111sl1iP /•11vte1j!ropl! b;• i l1Nira11•~·bw'C'r.rotr, hut 1/1e / }(ti·e 111.')/dl! c.' t11t hr: (/apgerouslJ•,/ilst TheSoutlrwt$ COhi.o pln)'S ou1 as an ''inescapabJe rughtmare.. tbr hi s~nipl D~lees, \\'orkel's' Ri~hts Soa:t•d nnd U1u1t-tl Food and according 10 EUcn Oicoger. an Commt.rcial \,!'arke1'.S orgooizer for the Ul' CW. ~'a rotnwl: flj erdetnilingoornplai11ts about • ~\'Or,k<:rs forc<xl 10 the ten1p agency, Oienger describes. condi 11ons far )i\iemcro\vdcd·apanmeors different f\on1"""" IJ«l<1lis..'<I in 'M!dJ10uses_. forv.·hJch advertise01t!nlSjn Pue.no Jtiro. 1hey' recharged e.~otbi tan l "'Son1etin1es pel)ple don·, rei15 • ~''Orkrts fur()Jdd(.'(} ·aassnt..'Vl. even make enough 10 buy ..Mr, Rodnguez and his groceries f'or d>.e \'-\'ekand have to have,{sits ln lheir hotl\e f3mily i;amc1othc U.S \vi th no io !,IQ §lUMnf~ or Iivi r'.lgofftheir l'i'o11111te11tlk."'1'$ ot'll1e 1noney, bur\l.ith tl1e knov.100g_e ·fellO\l/\\10rkers,•· tl1e.tliersavs. o·pposnesex~ • l aprohibitionagainst thru diey had d1eir freedomnnd "Able/Dl\iec-sePtocesany,\'h~ could \\'Ork fo r anything they fromfourtosix ~·iorkers intoan drinkms•dcol1oj iJlon...,'s v.·an1ed 10 achieve,•· rl1e letter opa11n1ent :Old up to 12 u1 a O\VTI hoo1e; says ''f\.tlr, Rr,d riguc~ has not house, many ot' 'vhich arc • exc~<>:iVf!.. S1opped v.t>rlang and dreruiting vOCMtofallhousehold furniture ni.1fldatory charges fo'r since.he.a1t1ved in the U,S. 1 le ru1d ap1>liauc:es excep1 fot a transponation lo '""Ork. stal1ed (Di""rsePer;onnel Co.) mattress on the floor to sleep sl\Opp:1ng·ormcd1caJ c.llTC; \\'I th lhe purpose of helping 011" I • bla1ai11 ""'uni lwasSL11eril~1 1.he i11di"ldual$from Pucrlo Ri.togct ln1mi111ucl °'1il.S~ln tiago. n v.ork with Miplo)'e.rs in the fan11er Able/Diverse i>er..sonnel ~,Qrkp{ace; • tb111illesf~,vid1 U.S. and ntaking ava.ilaJ)!e to en11>loyee '''h<> novv lives in the111on a short·tern1basis. i f MJddletoY.n. says he be-Jieved C\'ll:Uon from comp:lll)'­ diey des1r"'1, a furnished pla<e the promises of a bener tire controll~d housu1gthe V"1)' do~ • w<uk<r gel$ Un:d; and 10 li ve~ transrx:im tion roand v.'hcn hesigned 111> 'o ~omc 10 fron1v.t>rk."' Cfnt innari 1n 2006. Buti1:t5leiid • unsanitary and pot<noally dangerous food But \vhat rnight hRve p~si.n.gprac:uces seen1ed a drea1n for-Rodnguez Confinut~d an p:1ge 4 OOusing andtransponarion. Wittie Rodrig uez, the founder and O\vncr <Jf th~ co111pany, ck">Clined requests f°' an intetvie\\I, Buthls anor1tey, Nlichael S. 'Gl;,issn1an, sent a staten1ent to S1reel\tib«s. ~odri guci.cs n1c 'o tJ1c United States front Cuba with his n1other in J980, acC01'ding to .. �STREETVIBES About Us 2 STREETVIBES Stniet vibes ·1·11 East 12th Street Cincinnati, O H 45202 p hone: (513) 421-7803x12 fax: (5 13) 42 1-7813 streetvibes2@yaho<>.«om June 2008 Our Mission Streetvibes isa newspaper that provides relevant d isclissionsol hol'(lelessness, poverty and other relat«I social justkeissues, It is published on<ea monthby tlw Greater Cincinnati Coalition fo r the Momel..ss. 'TheGre.iter Cincinrtati Coalition (or the Ho11\C.less isa group ofshellers, nget1cicsand ind iVidual.s commltled to ending homeless inCindnnatl through ooor.dinating.services,educating the public and grass roots organizing. Our Vendors W\'\'\V.cindhon)(?}ess.org Streetvibes Staff Alfred Anih<Kl) ' \Voo!Jotk WiJJianlS Mark Sl1ears Gmdy Cooll Antonio llodg• Berra Cleo R:~i11ard L'l.11.tbtrt \\>'01tili1C9 Jont s Editor Contri buting Writers C RbG OtJJ·ltJVS~\', Mat.\l!LH ttl\SON., J ames Quinuoo Jon Josephine Byb<t' \\'illlan1s Dru·by B askt.1'\'iUt $TINl!S UNOEltLAND, ARDr>J..IJ\ IV<X>l.£NS, l,;)'N}.'f:: i-\ll!!MA..~. U1L1 GALl.AGHl!JI., ANr.OEU. p/11''CliLL\1 LARRY C K0'.6, PATRICIA G ARIN, ANIJ 1-iow.•l'Af<l.'Ut Photogra phy A NDRE\\' A r-.1'£RSO."., Bl'.Kl'A LA~IBEltl', AN'D UFCW ~(ar k Jul it \Vnlkrr 0 1mpbell D~vi s Artwork .A~"J0.'10 l•JOOC£ M'rnt.\NV Vlll.l.w.8 Advisory Committee J\t n neth Ri«ardo Saut SiJ,i a Tony _8111J1doc1 StonitS<h Taylor .Jackson Collins 01\UllOlOOd Nelson l\ilillOO H ;m•kin;& J1.>1t \Vl!SI"-~' S'll!Vlt NOVOl'NI, ANt'>Rf;~\' ff{€~ Cf.C~l.:<:l i>-1r. C erf'\', MJOlA~l 1-l l!N~, STIIT'tlAN lt! OUNl.AJ', Sruv1::G11ms Cover Cr.rvUR 11f.Sli.N UYB11 t Hi\l\.f~. l\itichae-1 1 (_ r l'efl (C Ch:uic.s llt111is \Villian1s Cole 75 cents i.. !I goes 25 cents (a':_ directly to your vendor We are members of: -tU¥'1!!_ " pays for printing costs .k----------------~--------------------- . Don ate to Streetoib&s No11h An1e1ica.n Street Nel\rsp.aper 1\ sso-c_iation JN SP ./ l11tert1alio.11al Ntl\vorkof Street Pat><rs I I The mofe.support weha.v~ from the community, the. further our effons reach; 0u~work is possible only with the help of gen'etous Individual gifts. Please consider making a coutributibn today! Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - ­ l\ddt.o ss: ------------- City I SUtte/ Zip: - - - - - - - - ­ 1 ~ Endosed·is my 1ax-deduetible oontribmlo11 of: : I $25 _S5(} _ $ l00 _,$ 1SO_ OtJJerS_ I 0:r nUlk.. ch~ks 11ayoh lem: : Yqucmi dori111eonlin• ,w,w,~fion,Je...,·ort; litrcOtVi~'llt ll 7 E:JSt l2rl1s~ Cinolnnall, 0H452()2 I J I .. ________________ _________________________....'J , I hankyou .for giving generously! I �STREETVIBES The Vibe June 2008 3 In The News New Or!tao~ Louisiana Mayor's JokeTakm OITeo1ivdy By 6rega.y Fl1• ••ry Ch 1rdES to Ch.n::il: N:t So Fast \vdungs 1n go\emmen1amtobor1ng-orsodlr~1n 1hceir 1mpwon ncogl>bomoods-:is 7001ng""""' Alannod by prop>5Cd dllngcson ohcal)' rCUlCllllOO's mnmg code. hom:in«nl('<S COMMl'1•'Y Md n.-losiaus lc:><leissuc:c«ded ~ bv 20 on i;cttong col)' ()()Un(ll IO •tql bil<l Md """" Th<! proposals '"""d SC\ ere d'fcet an howchun:ll<'S :ind noo1X0fi1 oroan1Z3tioos ser\'e their clients.. according to S1eph.......,. Gibbs. founder 1he F~ Foodllm\k and• ,,.,,,..,..ol'd1obolldof C11C1nn.'l1 Cool11J011 rorlhe Homeless. AnlOll!; duni.}"S"l'Pf'O'<d by die C.namllll P1:•1n•>g(·,.,.,.SllOl1, lho ~~ "'Otdd create restrict·ions on "M•-r soci.al St•' iC'l't C'ttn OIK'nttr Md eve11'"here mcir3dntinisu-Jt:i,reofficescan be. Cnhe&S3)' tile lmlgu• is so bmld th.11ehurcl1es \\OOld be affoaed. 100 The proposal '''Ould ndd ..spec1nJ a.ss1s:1a.nce shchers.. 10 the- 1.0n111~ code. o1Jo"'ir1~ Joro111ory hou~in,y. bu1 only as ocond1uonrd use 1n tl1e rouo,,<111~ ateos. F: ....,<'S. h."" • 1"0Cir"""'' """''IS1S or commemal. do'"TIID\\'O ;ind' 1n1anuf11cturinu hn111ed"dis1ric1s r\11 new progr:ints V.Qu(dbelinlited 10 50 residents.\'l'ith a l'eC.l lHfen"IClll orSOsqu..Wfeet per resident Thodcfin1h00 of"'tta1\SJ1J011:i.J ho11S-n!i·• \\'()uld bechnngcd 10 rcnl()VO<.iomutoiy st)•le housing n1 agencies thru SCl'\'e'p001>le floolnll 3'>l1se and nc~lcct. adj us.ting to hfe \\1i1.h n phy!Jcnl disallilily or1ncnlftl 1llncs.\, 1oou1:11.:n11ing rron1 lhcCfl"l!OtS.Ofdn1g or aloohol and readjusting IO !!OCiuty \vhii~ hOllSl.'<l l11cl~ cnn11 n/\Ij t1!>lic~s..1pcr'\llsion Existing shelters \Wuldbe "g1mKllb~1e1\!d i11,''according 10 Mntliar~1 \Vuersde. a C·llY pl:.'U\H{lt, Out lh(lt \\'Quid cl-TCQlivcly rrce.r,e lhOSlfltuS: <1uo '"'It really han1pers ooy n~\vplanning il'v.~ \\'Dtlt to rc1\ovn1c Bnyol'theshehcts,.'' says Pat CldTurd.. ¥e1tetlll cc>01dinator or the ()r(.)1>hu1 C'1.:n1cr Opponents of1hechnnycshnd 1uiw1quickly~ theprnccsszipj)i?d 1hrough 1he plnmungoon1nussio1i_ "'\\'~ dldn' 1cva1 kllO\\' lf1t:SC 11iCC11rtl>S y,\.'fC hoppc1t1r~.. Cl1fJOrd says. ··1f y<>t•' re g_ou1g todooode chooges for shelters. It \\'Ould behoove you 1ohl\te inpur from sorucoo~ v.11a v.'Otks u1 st~l 1c& L n.sti:acl lhc.')' v."Crc \vr11ti..'fl by pwplc "~10 op1-,ose slleher.;." Clifford's·r~ference \\'JS 10 opponc11uor the C11yL1nk humJn-servtces mall proposed for ihc WC$! End ..One ofdie reasons ''e are nlak1ng the chan,fS ''as :a reeen1 coun case on C11ylul!.., andtheJudi;cspouucd OUI i<lmc problcn"' uoouroode,• Wucrst!e ~ Ci t)•cotDKil's Ecooomt(" 0e.. et0pn•ent Comm1ttff un.:i111n10usl)· \'OC4!<i to wdefuitelyposql<lll<discUSSIOOofdieZ011111j;chlr1i."<Lp.rilll:die1SSUebockbefore the planmn1>~ "lien: b..,.......,.,MCCS-smc1<Slll1d odvocat<S hope IO mflueoce ibe OU1C0111e s1f111Jh""Y ""crons d'°1 ·, olondy l>a>'O ~ 1~0 gcmngackqu:olc treaanent, sonle \'eleransAffiwsclmK':satt l'M)\\ dtn) int pAin nlfdicatioJl o people \\no fad ICSIS ra1 Jllegol drugs. 1110ll\ll$ Vane.:, a r<llred AJJ Force ir..asta-sergeanl isorp111jns fellO\\l\.CCemns to chang;e 1he POiiey In a rompl31nl he filed Y.1th the \ ·C1eransA fTwrs ~11.'d1c3f C01cer 1n C1nc1n1ma. Vance dl-"Cn ed me delu ill ,,,. mcd1c:1nc I() panmis \~ arc '" p:u I\ -1b1s pobC)' encourages \'cterBl\SIO he 10 tl1e1r docior and die V1\ for fe.'.'lr of losin~.needed~.. he511)1£ ··1 \\Ondcs how n1.a11y hocnclcSS velcrans gnl Llm1'v..\Y speodingaU theiro1oney a11heblnck mnrkm IOJi..'1 caredenied 1hem by lhisunjusl and vindicU\.e policy. Pain-clin.ic paiien1s areunfaifly IOf\'iHe<I J\oother c,linic ri:tllJ1rcsvc:rcr1u1s 10 unclc•to Llus hun\Jl1n11ns proct.'<luro •• \lance asks vete-raos \vho hnve been don1ed rrc;1.1n1cn1 because of n railed urinalysis 10 00111:Lct hicn 11185%35·108801tl1ornyv~>111U)\Vll canL 1 Sur~ cultw·ttl exchanges are :11111nportMI '"°Y to de,•clop pe~1ceful r~louons wnh 01I1;,.~ colmtr•c:s. n u1iscntcrtu11111Kn~t oJy.·ayli t1 goodutco, or doc.-s ii so11'1C11111es have the effect orgi,·i112 t)'1"AUISn f rl"f Jl~s'! As 1hc l~aople's Republ1corc111nll prep;utS ror lite 2008 oiynlptc G:u11es.. petiplc OJOlllld the \\Otld l1t¢ '''°'uliLing to hi!lliligho oho1 regimo·, Ol'P•"-<SiooufToboo. p<o<:1i1ioromorFnl11n Gongnndpohricol dissidents. But tha.t's not ~oing to s1op 1h\;) C1ncinno1i Pops 01·chdsrra from perfumi1n.g 111 lloo•ng 1n Au£uSI. Thodc..:.1s1Q111otu-wp1 .• the1nVlUUion h~1se-.'Okcd htrlecnnasn1so f'al Butperhaps lhat's noc s:urpnsin~ 1""h1s 1s~ :t.t1Cf atl. 1.heaty th3r y.•atmJy \1iClcouicd atl c.\h1b1UCN1 ofhuJnau corpses fro1n Ch1n3 at the l\•IU$tu1n Center- \Vet311 only hope \1oestro Eru:h Kun~l 111l.t'S a eue fron1 Bjork. '"ho song-Declare lnde\1ende11<10" d'"i 'Ill o Sh:ini:haoOM<M ru id a>r'11,>ad ohe Chin<Se So'«flmi<•ll by .lhoulmg••r.1i<t•Tot..11" l\>llyo<C. Ray~ -lySUgg<Slt.'C! a"""YIOttdua: orus <>1>"shomcless populotion: Gi•e than one-way bus lickets oot of to"" N•ain re11'11Ctcd his smremesub<Isnl!poruayedJhehomei..sa.subslllflCCabusas"horel'\ISC"1ellor Sldt..l lioouome1"bereelse.Asur""Y byad\<oco<y-i> FebnmyV.0"'1CI !Mr 86 pem.'111 1'..re1it>m1''ewOrleloos Si'<ly percenl:Jaid lhey \\'<fe 1->cl<ss bocause ofHumane Kotrin1, andobout 3-0 !"'r<t'nl sasd !hey had r~1Y<d rmlalm!l31<eatooelimefumlheFedenlEmoigoocyM....,,..1A&<rlC)' Fortl.audmlalt, Florida Ttt0 Pleads Guill)' in Boating or llomd.., Mao One.oflhroemon accusod offaially beoiingahomolessmon ashosk,,o on• porlc bench pleadedgutliy aad asreed to iesufy ~ns11l1e od>C11. \V1LUan1 Ammons. tbe20-year-old su!jleCI pleaded guilly to lhird-d"ifOe murder and aggrovai..rbatrery ilndfllCes between I0 and 20 years 10 poson. 11loplea was alf. .ed in exd!ani;» for his 1cstimony oi;ai11S1 oh< olhcr1'\0 on.'\dtors lllld!>.'<•USO A1mK11S ,ws fb<lldto havefrredpelleis fioo'l apain lboll gun. buo had"" inOi ctod ohe fam! injunes. Cbkqo. ll!ioois Propos•ls Boin1T•k<:n for H9.,.ri• .,, Only S<h ool Ch1c•goschool offic.:ds1ireaskuig IOrpropQSals from onyor•Q 1111~10S1od m creatingaboortlingsdloolforlhec:ity'sbornol....,studei)1s. lbeChi~Conlirion t\lr the Hon1el~si~ OOnceme<t Lhat.crealioga boarding schOol for hornclcu ohildtco will lik4'ty.drivca ,vcdge.ill fitmili~ahd alionah!t>tudentS fro1n d1elr housed peers. Chicago Public Schools identified 10,349110111elossswden1s ohiJ year. The coofui-011 ~ rever.ons the nS>ngnu111IJe< ol110meless du lc~en ond fumil ies by creating decent and safeaftbrdol>le housina. Comm Wllty members Me raismgquesrlonsabouthi>" ohescbool system wlll beable 10 financiolly cpcm1c •boarding 5choolW.eruhcyare Ill r.ady S1roJ:J1;llns 10SU11•ln dieircummt operations.. By the Numbers It's Too Dam Hot Ifthe thermostats in every house in America \Vere lowered I degreeFahrenheitduring the wmtcr, the nation would save.230 million barrels ofcrude oil ­ enough to fin an oil tanker 400 Limes. (Timt's the amount ofoil being imported into the United Slates fr01n Iraq each year.) VirtuaJ Payment Ifevery American S\vitcbcd to rcccivingJUSt one bill as an electronic siatemenlinstead ofa paper one. the one­ time savings would be-217,800,000 sheets· enough to com pletely blanket the island of Key West in a single layerofpaper. Paint by the Numbers If I quart.of leftover paint wore rccytlcd from every renovation project inAmerica this ye.Jar (I 0 percent of all U1e housepaint purchased in the United States is typically throvvn out). itwould reclaim 2.5 mi llion gallons - enough to paint the outside ofthe White House every year for the next 43 centuries, or to paint SanFrancisco'sG-Olden Gate Bridge 250 limes. ' • S<i.ll\;I!' .D:I la ~'-.) ~~lltl;li: Murch 200!' �Cootinutd f ro1111>a).!t I Santill;\osays be fow1d himself livlng with 11 ('Uher mon i n~ ltouseinOO\i.'htov.n Covington. \\7i lh the ihem10suuJocked, d1e house 'vas cold in \\inter, he Sii)'$ ..., tum-ed ·1he oven OJ) to wain1the house," hesays. ..A 101ofthe people wereso cold 1h6)' '''Ore their coats in the house You· ve got to rove! up 1hc ''~ndo'''S \Wth bli.iki.15.YOO look at our hoose- it's like a Ctl)Z)' house;'" Theentploynxmt COlllJ>311)' chacged Santia.go $135a ''ceek an apnnment 111 do\\•nto\vn C'ovingtQn that \vOuldsccm to ·bei1t the 013.CketofSSOO " '"'h1f ~. the company·s la-\\'}'er says Lh.e housing arrangen1ents are optional, Di.enpcr,Shermanand $0n1cof the \VOrl(erssay v;orkers v.-ere told th¢>· had no choic-.e·b1.1t to live \Vhere Di,rerse Personnel Co. 1old dle11' dllrd IJOle.\\le \Yill deduct$5'0 pcrpcr$00,., • "'Bei?r cans. liquor or drugl}ate not pet'miu:ed u1 Lite house o r 10 the areas surrounding it.'' • "'A.s an ad11l1, your belmviorshouldbe tho lies!. No Jighttngord1scusston. lf'Lhet'e are problen1s. we will ca.II the police,no questio1lSasked." • "lf } 'OU do notshow or fQrrtnt, hosays-cwn though he son1e1imes received fe\v hoursol\vork. ""Lei·s say. you sci $60 ­ you s1ill got to pay $ 1J S," he snys. '"'I ~"01 one check fo r $6.40 for 1h~ \vcek. That \\'eek r\\'Orked one da)· orru-o da)'S, but they business of the co111pany .. girlfli endstaned asking \\i1at independent of\'ihothcr 1husc h:ippmcdiohim Thcyfirodhcr; are ofa confidential nature or IOO. 'Then !heygivehim ooedey t i()(. •• 10 ge1out of lh~·npru'tmertl The. • ..ilfyou are fired f'ron1 n.exrdny they starred thro\ving your place of \\."'Ork. \\1e \viii -e.veryth1ng - thro,.ving this, throv..ins :ill their stuff and e\rctluatc 1hcsitua1ion, and ill notify if you 'viii be saying_. '\'ougot tot,'«>! Yciugot transpotted toan.otherplace.oc io go!· Th~• took evesything i f you h.ave to leave the likodtegrooenesllftdiheclodies aparrn1ent \vhere you reside and pU1 i1 ou1 on the St:reet 'C1tey immcdiotl'iy." didn'ts1X"1k English,""-'>' d;dn't • "U'youdeci® 1o:leave have no ntoney. they didn't bf fore. yoltr six n.onths~ the k110\\'00 01\e.hel'e .TI1e,.· started con1rac1: 1s tern1ioaled \\'lth crying to n1e. They don't \\'301 (Diverse Personnel Co.), your 10 live in lhestn.>et .. las! 1.:hock \viii bo retained until Sanliago. \vho ·spea·ks everythingis discowttedfro1n English. says thatSonh?ofthe­ youtcheck, 1ndl,Jding the$200 co1npaJl)' ·s l;>eba·vior ~mt>l y 1ha1 wil l be mystified h1111. He gives a discoL11100 for reponer a pay stub dated r\ pril brc:1king 1hc 2S, 2007 For47hours,h1s nct coutr.:lct." P•Y was $204. The fi rst n~erules ptobtett1? Th.~ cheek lists his are so address as· an apartn1eor stringent that comple.x in l'ilrk Hills, Ky..- but \\'Orii:ers: and Santiagosuys ht \ Vtt.s hving ;-md familieshave V..'Orkin_g -in Middleto\'-01 at the­ '''I: 1 \\ notice 11.nd, snanil.\1 aod ha')6\'e inoon16-tax unable 10 exemptions. Neuher lS tn1e, he speak English, S3)'S havo no idea " I kno\V 1h is ii:; fra ud because )'o u' re ly1ng.··Sar11Ja&'O.$ll.YS: "The fedesal inoon1e t lX th:iriks1·11, Ii ivi ng in He ShO\\'S a reJ)Otrer a pa)• June 2008 fou 11 d tii1ii!, the1usel ves "It's a fake address," he e. vic 1ed s:!)'S, "'I never hved dlere." wi 1ho u 1 TheSt.'(:()f1d problcm? Thu Proper lagal pay stub indicates San1jago is Sllll clwgcd ~ ie rent.·· 1u ai·k~d STREETVIBES Streetvi bes Investigation 4 s tub no, 2784 , <h11od N°ov. 29. 2006. sho\v i ng SanriagQ's ne1 pay as $6.40 Dienger'$ ITiers:iysAblel Kentucky. I am Diversecl1arged up 10 $6,000 per month in rent for some houses. In Sai~ti.ago 'scasc, 12 pc<.>ple paid SIJS a \vcek for ren t toraling $6.-480. "'f he runountS cl\tll'gfd rue exccssi''e. according to Don Shem~n. di.ri:.otor of the Cincinnn1i rn1crfaith \\'Orkcf$(t-'flt<..'t ...Vlhe.n they get to the U111led ·S1a.tes. they're put 1nro these ap;inmentsor hou~. " he says ..l 've ~en insoo1eafthc apnnmcnts.11\CJY•rofbtirorfi,·e to an apartnl'oot. bu1 1here are only t\VO bedtoo1ns. So1l1e of 1hen1are p~ying $ I00 or more a v.<eek 10 ll\•e in the llJ>~1u1~L The)' \\'Qt1J dn ' t pay th!! O \\'ll CT ofthe apan n1ent: they V.'Ould pn)• 01 \tel'Se l?mo1lneJ The)' v.-ere p-ayiitg u:p.1 0 $I .6QO for Ti.If'; l~n 1'r.'i! / •(Jr,,.c»11wl l1t1111~s t/n• fJJm'rlHll'l/l~ nh'1\'<!. /?jglir l/111 1lr~ /XIJ"''' lf.'rli h> ilk' rig/II gi\'t'.S Jfu.U aJd1't!.Q' 10 .1t»rllYJ11•· w·Jm 1J(llvV r ft\v:d 1/1\'r<'. T/1t• JJU>' sud> a/.'ftl .s!w.,.•i 1ht11 I/If)' .JUlfJI! 1tQri;(•fY Ill po•rs1111\1't1S r11<1rr1(l(I (1111.l /111tl }/\\~ 4·1d.t, •~1111..•/t ltt• ,f;,•11il•s. wo·1ey 01r1f t·11• P/wJo ' Do what he says' l~lgh rents and cto\vdcd conditio11s aren"• tire onJy complalots-al>ou1 lh~ housing. Emplo}•ees havl.} to .sign c-011 1.racts and con1ply \vith house rules 1ha1 VIVuld offi:nd mOSI people's senseofpersooal l'reedoni. EQp1esof dotun~ts obtained by .')/1t:t!1\·iba:; incJude lheserestricrions: • " h is tho responsibility of those residing in the company·s 11.f)tttlmertts 10 01wntall1 andcleoo the 1n1enor as-\Wll as the e..\:terior of the apartmcnrs.ll1c fir.s1 ti mo 1ha~ the fac1Jiries are found diny. 3 watniog, \Viii be £.lvfi'I. The second1ime t1usoccurs,, \W\viii deduc1 $25 per person. The wo1:k withoul giving nn1 1 co previously, $SO will b~. taken fron1 your paycheck." • "'l:very aparonenthas a lead Tho lead is 1n charge of thehouse.You ha,ia to do 'vhat 1he lend says. He ,,;II 1ruk for Willy(Rodriquez) " • ..Moo ar~notpeani111!d 1n lht: apWtmoots.ofthe \\'Omcrt, and \l/0111en are not permi1ted 111 the aparune1\1S ofthe n>en:· • ·1beemployee~1all 001 reveal. discuss orcon11i1u11ic3te to any 01hcr pc:rson, firm or con1pany in any nion1en1. form or 111eans;direc1 or1ndi1iectly~ theoature. class-0rdescription o_f the affairs .re.lated to the n1snied and I have rive cltdd1'eo. They don•t JUSt do that to n1e. ·n1~rdo tJ1a110 a for lol Ofp~")JllC" Whenbeapplied fot une1111>loy"1enr v.•har to do next.• according_ te con1pe11sation fron1the-state of lheUl'CW Ohio. San Liago says state "In OVCI}' (;,~SC- \W havi: officials told him 1hcy h•d no conte-a-cross so far, as soon as rcc-0rdofbis htl\'i.ng v.'Or'ked in a petso11 is f'lred t1y the thlS$f~le. con1pany, they thro\vthen1out of lheapannlen~ \Yithinjus1a fc\'i day~ sonicrim<.'$ d1atsame night \\1th theonly optionsof goingditecdy 10 the airi)()rt., a shelteror outon the street." the unjonflier says. Sanciago. 26, sa)'s he .sa'v ii happen. ·11iey hada couple, ~1eguy was SJ ck fron1the back pain," hesays. ~·1·1 1e~· fire.d hin1 "l'he Sleeping on the floor Santiago •s girlfriend. Jll.Sl11ine Rivera. \...tlOfn he 11.e1 after conung here te \\'Ork, is a forn1er en1ployee of Able Personnol Co ,,..i1ith might or n1i&rbt not be the san1e as D ivt!l'Se. T he l'elati.onship Continued on p::te::e 5 ·­-· Earnings Summary ,.. w i.,ts-..u -1 OU o.to 11: . 00 �STREETVIBES June2008 Continued f1'01U 1>a2r4 bern een the DiverseandAble con111aules i!i tnurl.:y l11e t\.\'b e-ompa1iies share tha sn.n1e addfcss. ru1d \vlieit a fet>Ortcr tried in vain to reach \Villjc l~odnglrlon d1epho1le.he \\a'> 1 told lht!1\\Q con1paniesa~ one and thesa1ne 'Jbe le1ter f'ro1n Michael S. Glassn1an. Rooriguczs la"~"'" Olso fuilcd to n1ake the rel3tionship cleat "F-0r 1he la'>I severid rnonlhs, Mr. ~odrigu ~z. and the O\vner of.;.\bleMnnagei1ient ha\'e tiled toopcm.wjoiii1ly-undcra nev.iy tbm1edmtil}' doing bnSlnessas l11i= Divets~ Pi:rsonnel Co ('TOPC') but recent!)' hove decided tono longerOpe·rale in thi.Sfashio•t." the lcUcr .&ly!>. "lt 1s Mr. ~odngi1ez's intent to rl!tunt to doing busloes$on his O\\fl v.id1 IUsorigi1ui1 oon1pmy." _Rivera·sdescriptioo ofher ~:i)pcrieocc· ''·i1h che Able l>erso1mt.i Co. soundssu111larte 01.hers· occounrsof \\twking for Divers_,. Personnel Co. After oni"inghere, nmy 1wrk<'IS find the1'nst!lves ~ttuggl ing, tog1.'t-by. shesays;. ·· A lot ofp«>ple go 10 ~ r e Salvn 1ion ;.\ rn1y for food because they've go[ 10 send m6n~· to dJ1:(rTI.uni lies." 'Riv1;..'fa says ..Aftermy brotherandnty n1Qn1r~n. tJ1~job, they cho1ged 11iem $200 because they. supposedly broke the oontma." Riven\. 22, arrive<} frOJn l' uerto Rico in May 2007 "$on1e guy rrorn the conlpany goes to.Puerto Rico," she S<1ys. ··tte pays $50 for ""'.Cry 1)¢JSX)n \\~10 ,gOt SK.'flt bcrc. They have a person \vho sa\v you ln the! su~t qrson1~1.hiog and lhe)• 1old you about this con'l':uty.They say they pay for y0\11' housing. t!Jid the).•-give)'OU transporration. Bur the>•don't say youhu....e.topay IOr i1 1i'c>10 your pa)•check. Once peopJe getl1ere, the)•findouL One of theguys \'iho usc..-d to \.\'Ork for­ Able had te>sleep on the floor fQr th tee 111c.>nthS \vflcn he got here." Rivera says that \\~\ea s.l1e and h'cr fn mil)' c.xpresscd a degre to live 10 an apartn1entof their own choos111g, CQnlpl'lll)' officialssaidsucha n1011e v.'Ould cost 1hen1 theirjobs. · "They bring people from 1>uerto Rico to here.-and lhen thl!)' lh.t<.)\Vd•em iu 1he str~IS... sheSays-, The UFCW mer echoes .Rivera·s al.legations. "'In one inst311ce, Able/ Div~rse P~rsoon~I told the ~'Orkers th?Y c.ouJd lenve but they \vouldha-..re tocontinue co pay (or r¢.ot -at the compJJny Streetvibes Investigation apartments or they \vould be tired," dte H1ersay~ Conlrac1s \vidt Diverse require \Voriie-rs to pay S7 ~r­ petson per day for transpornilion t. o \\'Ork. ·'Il's less th3Jl 01\e n1i le tiun1 1he U1>art111ont· to dtl! job,.. S.lfltii,tgO says As ''rith the rent cJ1arges, the tn\tJ.;1J0rU1tioJ1 ''scr,>icc" app'3ars to be lucrative for the 1!111p!o)'l1X'fll ageucy. "They also charge folks$7 lld.1y inUMSfXlrt.uion tees, even if1hcir \.\"Otksitc·ls OJ1ly o.1.1c mile a\vay, and they takl.}groups of folk$ 111 buses or vans," We UFCWsays. Not •II of the \li()rkers·are Pucr10 Ricans. Ja ck ie Robinson (no[ hi$ real name) says h·e 'vorked 111 lhe S:alvad Q:ran s~cret Sl!t\11ce boforeo!Jlluningpoliticalasylum in t11e United Stales.Assigned to ~ job at Cincinnati J'>rocess111g, u company thnl· processes pQrk for the Kro_ger Co., Robinson explained through ru1 i111erpreter \.\'hat he d-Unk,softJ-~ \1,;()f\.;jng oon.ditions._ "'Su prett}' n1uch we are sla\;es,," he says...ll'sor11elh1ng hoppens to us. wegei fi r«! and dtey get somebody else. They are 1naki.ng OlOfC·moncy offll':I. and \\'e are. tb~1f~l aves Ola.king all 1.h1..;r ntOU~' •• ' I sa'v many get bu rt' It Yl'3S \'-'Orii_1ng co.nditJons ut Cfoti1i11.'.111 Pn.x.'essirig 1h111fiis1 pron1pied \VOrkers lnstyear to contact lhe Soulhv.•est 011io '"'<>r~crs Genter, tdJjli.ated \vith UFCW, and th ~ Interfaith Vlori<etS ~enter. "'Struiiog aboul Augustof last year. \Ye bea rd sonre complaints from i1nmjgn\nt \\'Orkers about ho\\' they \I/ere tfe~te<l at· Cintinnitl i 'Processing," Sherman says "We felt die b..'Sl way to address the problem \.\'a$ through 1he COOlllllUli1}•.SO\WJOllUI}' fomll'd tlleSouth\\+est Ohio \\1orkers· Rights Board " i1b rcligious:11d co111n1uttlty activists ,vho in Dccembcrhclda hcarins \.\ith six V.'Ork.ers. TheY. descnOed 1he situatu)n at (.1ncinnati 'Processing. '"1.bls one \Von1a.n had dinbctes bui Ibey v.'Ouldn·1101 h·e r take her medicine Tile ~E>i:r\'isQrs onl)•le1. hl!ftake d•I!' nledicine alcl!ftain tinleS They ha.d several s upervisors: who '\\'01dd'm.a_ko doci'sions on 'vho 5 \.\•Quid take breaks, Some lSSOmC\\i:ifltptuzled b)· the l&: \.\mkerswe.renol eve.1 atlo\wd of the \\1ord ·con1phunts' \ VJth 10 1·akt! ln<e:ak~. and I.ht:)' '~•t refere.tee to SOWRB. 11 isihe '''Olkirigso1110tin1es 72 ho.urs a co111pi11y•s undeistandingthatat \.\~k..­ n1ost SO\\' RB rec~1 \red lo January. the \\'orkers' allc.gat ions from fo rmer Jllghts Board.sent.Cincinnati eotploy~ ,,iho 1ns1sied on Processingand the Ktoger Co. ano11y1nity. ... Jn OOditi().11, it \\'ft_(; ·a lengthy lis t of \\•orkers' obvious lha l SOW l:lB con1plaints: "\\rork necessary aCcepted as true \IA1itever \WS forn\'O \\•orketSis done by one. tol<l10 U1em,even though tnM)' •• Superv1sors-ha,•e con1e to oflhe olleg;ill005 """'obviously \\'Ork druuk and drink on the falso ru1d 01hers diipl•yell a job. Supervisors asked cornple1e misun~ers1anCting of en1ployees to perfom1 sexual how the tneat processing acts. S~cJVioors imply that this ind\1Stry \VOJ:i.:s !md' hov.• it 'is isdwonJy ''laY 1hey \.\ill receive regulated. It \V3~ clear that SOW RB \vas either l>opelcssly S.rt\\'O'l31l¥ peopleg.e1 burto1\ tht! Job b.."Cousoofimprop...- trnirnng ru1d bee.al.$! or lhe pressure u, ""'kAideRodrigl"1Z.'sst:uenmt too fast " containsanaccU)l)Lioit, •'ef>ea!ed by o the r \liorke rs. that p11)rl1pled Ci1.ciuna.tl Pnx:e:ssirlg 10 thrcateo a laY1Sui1 against •hu SOW:RB. ..Thet~ \\1ere 11.lsQ tiroes v.11en 111eat \vouJd fall oo the floor, mid they would j ust pick up 1he mCjtl ~nd put i1 lnu;k on the line. ... Ooedtingdtar'S for su1'e is that, a11et \V()11::.ing -al CinGlnnati Processing, I Y..111 nt',>er buy n1eat fi'Q111 Kroger. bt:Causc1hccond iiion 1n·,'lf1i ch dte meat is h3J1dled is ' 'el)' bad," na'l\.'C' or so J.\ ide R<><lt iguez's s·taternent unfair ly says favorabll.} treatn1oot. ... The Supervisots haras$ed, hun1ili01rad and inlirriidated sonre en1ployees through vCfbal abuse.. Employees v.·ho approach s upe[visors \V1th sincere c:o1npl&ints and/or sugges6ons for i n1pro\'e1nen1 a.re disrespected, i.e.. tlte}' :ire. threatened \vith tt.'llllfo:,:itionO:' cursed at.'~ Thi! l>otitd reque$ted a mee1Jn_g to discuss 1he complaints. In a fan. 30 t"l'IY, Dennis H_ilgcro1lf'I, general nlanager of Cincinnati Processing\ sfud duu1ks - but no thrutks. ... \\1hile. 1he co111pany ·apprecil'Jl'S yOlir brio.g.ing lhcse allegaaons iO its atten1ion, i1 v.uuld be tn.appf\)p1·i.nte ford1e company-10ntee( or othen-..1se deal \\~ th your organization about mutters· in-vol,iing itS employees... FCilgeman v.•rote. ··1111: co1upany has rctairted rul indapendenl jnvestigiltor to r111/fJll Qrgool:...•r f{/lt n DiQngtr l1m invesrigate the complai nts /11w1ogra;JJ; IJv A1>tln-l• t .-l1n1i!f,\'"'" rtliS<;.'(! in the r~")Xlrt ·· _L.ynn 0 , 1>uodzak. an partisan thal they had no :1ttornl!)' luted by Cancinunli concern li.)t U1e ll'Uih .. Proc.essing tO conduct the Bu1Hil£>'1UW1 is "TOO!' Not investigation. refCrrt?d o. all cbe con1pl1tints -nboul reporter's questions· 10 C'incinl't3ti Pttx:4.'SSing h~tve ~ 001np:.viyattomeyJin1f\1iJls. He givmonoooditioo ofanOl'l}rmity. ln tu1n relayed IQ 13il~111t1n a O nt': o r 1J1e \\>Ork·ets who reques1 for an inrervie\.,.. nnd a co1nplained abotn die cofnp:llly copy of the i11vesriga1or's \~·as ..\jdc.Rodiiguez, \vho v.as re.port. Jn letters rcJH)<Cd by fi red in October 2007, The Mills to ~·111:c tl'ihcs. Ril.geman UFCW provided a copy of declloetlboth rcquesl!l. Rodr1s~1 ez·s $la1 c111~11 L, tided Hi]gen1an's le1ler to 1he ..Gin.cinnati ProcesSing \\10rk~r South,ve'st Ohio Wo rkers ~ .L 'fi.ostln).)1l)'.·· Rights llo•rd (SOWRB) •scd "Wh-cn Istarted \\'Orking. 1 the \\Ord "coo1plaults.••butinhis \.'!'as never proper,ly trained on May20 teyJy tOSllt!4!ll"ibes, hi! how 10 use tht: kni \ tCS or bov.• bristlesarthe use.of1he 1enn to use the chen1ioals... lhe ..No inreMe\viscalled for;.. state'n1en1 sa-ys. ''l received no Hilgcmwrwrit~ "Thcoornpooy oricnt<1tion \vf'Httsoc!vcr. an.d l h·~·n lk•ping l.an110 \l·(Jrkirn, ~1,an a Gon1e.z (not her r~I cu1n1e) o_ f Fa.trlield v. tOJ1_1>ed meat at Cincinnati Processing until she Wl\S fired last fall. 1 5¢aking throusfl an l111erpre1et. she nlak_es the same charge nlwut sanit.'11iQn ru d1oplont. "A lot oftimes. if1hcmcat fell on d1e floor, they ,,<0uJdn·1 do \Vhnl they're Supposed t() do." Gon1ez say~. " TI1ey' re supp<>sed to :;pmy i~ but d11:y 'd jw;a-put i1in thcpack:ib'i:S, l s.'l'v ir\vith Ill)' ov..n eyes. E\'WI the Suj)e1·v1sot Sil"' il Titl! ne'v people hadn '1 been trained. l11ey pickl!d 11 up. and t.he Sup:.?rvisoisdidri 't sayan)1hing �6 STREETVIBES Streetvibes Investigation June 2008 Courinul'd rron1 paet::i bC· h igh-ha~1rd ind11$trics," he It \\.'<.lUld alrend)r be on the says. St)'tofoa,111 plale..'i:. The \lthqle ,i.\ skl!-d to respolld 10 plate""uld falloo the Door, and allegations ofunsanitaty f:ood they ,vouJdpickeverytJting up, haridJing, Hilgetnan \Vl'iles. \\'rap ii up -and send i i to ''C iocin11ari Proccssinsl1as an Kroger," unquestioned re~o rd of '"Jt"s preuy ruuth t:vc1y ill1y, providing qualll)' S<.'f\'lCCS .:ttK!of They 1w uldyell and make diem con11liance\\·fd1ngoroussafety goso fast.and people couldn't tmd sani1ation standards. 'l'be cvoo Stretch their backs, The company's operationS·aild n1ent \VOuld fall on the ftoor all records ar~ closely 1110J1itored 1he thne because they \\'Ould by \lflSheUSDA inspect01s :· V.'Orkso fast." Butse\>:eral\\urkerssay tha1 supervisorski10\vv.ben OSl>1\ 'T hey' re coming' or Kroger pcrsonJ.ll!'l ·,vitl be Si:xual h.a1!lfi$1n 611t \VilS con1mon ac Cincinnati l)ro c~s sing. according 10 GoJnezand Jackie Robinson. ''When1heStipen.isorssa'v thru Di:onis g.i'"I!· nte a pieceof candy, they said !heremustbe son1ethi11g f::>eing on," Gon1ez says. ..T.hcy 'vould say. ' Did you go under h1s desk ru1d do oonie.thins for hin1·1· I Jjk«I d1e v.orkand reaUyenjoyed111)•job. Ijustdidn' tundmtl!td die w~y they trtate<I me. ihe·way 1h-cy harassed mese,,-ually and nl~tde us \l/Otk su harcL "They'dsay. ·Worl< osfost 1 3S), 0 u lllO\te a l night. Move as fast as·you do "ticn you1 rc havtag9aX.••• So1neiin1es 1nj wi~ resulted from pressure to \\•ork f:isier, Gomezsays. "One day tbey hod a lotof me31 to cut.~• she says. "They v.·~tl! t-t1tting r:ioi:k feeL They had lol offeet to cut. One of the supervisors told one of the v.>0rkors, ·vou·ve got to go fosterl You'vegot to go f~erl ' He cut hi111self. IJe lt151part of his fingor. They1ook him10 the hospital. They did not call 311 ambul.aocc. Th1..'Y didn "'t stop the hoe. They didn't c.lean the kni ves They didn·1 <lo anydting... la a letter to ,)11v<~tvibcs. J·l"ilgclnt1n, the 1>hmtmanager, brieflydefendeddie oompuny·s safe!)' retord a "As you n1ight ~l. there have beoo cuts front tin1e to time, and the company has compl1ed\\;th all OSHAreoord k~~ping tequirt1ntlllS," tJ1e lettersays. T he local office of rhe (ltcu1Xl!1011a!Safeoty 1r1d Heal di Administration (OSHA)hos no record of sat"et)' vlol:uions at Cincin:na ti Procoss ini;. according to Area Director DicJ< GilliltiSL '"\Ve have noth1ng. on that con1pai1y, aud.c>0111tally \vt a1e familiar ,...;,h m1.:a1packcrs because there areJ1' t n1m1y of lhem le!l and tl1eyalso tend to Jlotlt Di,•ersc aorl Ahle t.·i>1npar1ie,\· n·u:nu·t '" l' 11crf(J R.iC(t, l1/11Jll),~J'(Iplt bj•i J11ti1TJ11•A11i11..·1"$0ll. ''Reruly,ve'tes1ill lhc union there," lie says. ·•\\-'e nevet de­ c:ertilied \Vejust haven·1 had a lot pfcontact until r~ce11tly.H Dieng.er says 1he 1uuon has in itiated formal w nraci \Vi1h i1tspecting, and 1J1e operation tcrr.,c>nuiJy impll.)vcs,An c-m~i I cr1ti.01zing the <:on1paoy. c.itculated by 11tl!n1bcrs of 1.he Worhrs' Rights Boaid, says visits by Krogerpersoon~l '~ere anl\0t1occd in·a d,•::incc, '"'Ob,•iously, Kroger ~n1pl oyees SIOJ> by the plru1t 10 inspect the V.'Orking C'Oflditions tind standards but 1he c mpfo)•ccs at ('inc.lnnttti J'>roce$lnge;IQ)lain.edd1ese ,'lSits are pltuu1ed in advanc:~;· Lhe staten1ent ~ys. ~'Mlm agemeiit tt.nd s upervisors know in advance when Kroger l.ouls l.eny, Mid\vc·s t regional manag;.:or for USD:\. says all rccordsrequestSn1us1 s o thrQugb thcagcncy,soffitlJ ill Vla.sbingtoo. D.C: " .4.ny request for records has to go lhrough 1he FOIA process." he- ~ays .. , . Ill not at.1thori7X..-d to rclcasc.anythnlg." AFreedon1oflt1fOmmtion Act (FOIA) request to USDA v.'aSll"tans\\~red intimeforthis edibo1t H-ilgeman denied tl repo11er·s reques1to lour 1he plant Kroger officials have ·not repres..~tati vesareoom111g an d. re~ponded to the con1plaint ofC:Ollt)le. nutke'Sltte e\1L>tytl1ing rc.porl by the Wor.kcrs' Rights isperfCct on those days."' Board, according co Sheanan. 'rhe. s a.nle is 1rue of Ktogetrepresentntivesdidnot inspections by the ll.S ret1im a reporter~s·cruls. Depart111ent of Agricullure (USD1\ ). nccor<lin~ I(> CiQn1ez. See you in court "'ll••Ycame in andchecked things1 but dley aJways kne\v TI1e UFCW is 1he legal before they \vcrc going 10 bai:gaiofng agent for.,.,-orf.:ers :lt coil).?."9-ies..-;ys. ••0tnn.1sv.'Ould Ci:ncinnu1ll'rocesS1ng- but10 ~ay, 'Th~y·r~ c.Q1i-1i11g: and nanlc onl)', according fo !)ill everything \vould be done Dudleyt ctirocioroforgatiizing slower. They oould cleaic" and strategic operado11...:; fot l'n)lis lcltcr. f:fil,b'<!man Sij}'S. f..ocal l 099. The union \\'Oil a the "'fulse.s1ate11\ellts'' ~>ut the cerr.i ficati0tl elecnon.ru dle1>lant c.Qn1ptu1y s.hO·uld be chet:ked more chan I0 ~ears ago~ bu1 agoinst USDA records only after n pronncled leg.al ' " ILwould be re.:kless for barlle, with the Nnti011a.l .Labo1 anyone«> rcpcator oth0cn\~Sc Relations Bo-ml impot11dingdie pUblish these false alle.&'3.t1ons ballolS tOr three:years. he says. \\ithout cht.>Ck1ng.the001np:u1y·s BY. the time IJFCW ' \/OS record of USDA oolnpliaqce,'" C·erti fie-d as the union at ("1nci1u1n1i Pn'>Ces.'ii11£., n\Ost of the lt~trer says. Asked foroopicsofUSDA 'he empto)rees originaJly 11151)\~lions, Hil!,,i.en1ansays the involved in the can1paign had c<nnp:lt1y <lot:.Sfl'1 havl! tht;:nt moved on The union never "These are kepi by the suc.c eeded in negonilling :i U"SOA, not the con1p.ai1y," he COlltrllCI \vith 1he C0 1npru\)', .,\'rites. Dudley says. n1~i.e1nentlllldhopestobegin neo~oriati:ngsooc1. ~'hen 1t co1l1es to COitlplnints against Diverse Pcl'Sf?Jlncl Co,, '''hich provides ten1porary \VOrkers fo r C1f1 ciru~ati Pr(lCl!SSit\g, Club Che ~ the Castelhn1 Co and olhers. Dudli:y says the union isn·1 ovon tryi ng ICI rccnJil members. '"'\\'e're not orgwuziog at Diverse," hesays,·•\\'e,vould JUSI Hke to hcJp th~ \VOrkeJs. I think ma)•bc thi:fC; arc things happening dtattire.1101lej;aL'" A h!gaJ fi~u onesorl Ot another is- a1most certain to O>Suh frQtn thoe~Q.~ lolbL'therit invol vos tho r:s1, fede ral regulatory ag~. nc ies or defan:\aLion luv.-suits. ln odd!1ioo to rhe threat by Cincinnati PiocessUig tQsue tJ1e SQl1dl\\~t Ohio Workers' Rights Board, that.con:ipany's ltt\''Yer:llld tbe atto1ney for Diverse Pet~ooel Co. inti111ated in let(ers to .~rec:tl'//1es thnt i1riske-.d let~I action in purs1nng 1hi's:;itozy. Jackie Robinson, \Vbo \\orked for botl\ com1>a11ie$~ or says he decided 1ospeak out in 1he bopc thrn odlcr \\'Oitcrs \vi.U b.e· spared the-death threats, seli.ual hara~1\)eo1 ~od othet problems he experienced. Be describ:eslheday \vhcn hedre\V the lino. "They ga'e me a lot of rneat,.and tl1eS1,1fx."f\;isoc looked al ntennd.said. 'You're-really a v.•o n1~u1. you' re an anin1al, you·re good fbr nothing and you've gol todo the \~'Ork that. Isay,tlintl givey<l<!,'• Rollinson .S8J'S "And ltnldhin~ 'lopk, I've seen you look a1tho \\/Qroco Youyell .mdyQu·re not going ll)yell tu me.evet beqi_US¢ in the Lrn.iledStales there's no such lhingasslavec}'; 1here·s no sudi 1bing8S :;i group ofslaves: ... 1'he ne-:<:l ti n1e that-you screain at me. J'm £-Olflg 10 f.~l a ride out of here and call the sf1e1iff *­ Thc too.frontatioo worl<<'<l - at lea.~t ternpornrily. "Everyl>ody SIOf~ied fot a nunlber of ntinur~s and 1.ooked up,:md tl1eysaid. '1batold fudt has quite~ IC.roper'- in Jfonl of evCl)'body. Then mat man stopped ti,llklrtg to 1n.e fo r Slx days... No\v Robinson Mdhis oo· '''orkcrs Say lhcy solutionthat I.as-ts. •n.. S.'trootvibt:S Subscdplians Ne yQu u:uereswd 10.bavingS!~tt1t•1/J1•.r dcl1verod toyour mall box c.ve<}( montb2 St!nd a clicek ror $25· with your nam~ and address to; .'i/rt!e/i•ibe~ LI1£ 12th SL Cinclnnati.,OH 45202 �STREETVIBES June2008 Community News 7 The Myth of the Deadbeat Dad n1oving.poorn1others into lhe wo1•kforcehasl>een 1osupporl t~Jr "''l\S'-'$ \Vllh 01htr benefits: or reliable transport ation. foods1amps,. he3Jt11 lnsuranoe $heller instab1l'il)' and lack of ru1d inSOlllt stottsreui.inuis a Englisbskills allserveasbaniers portionof1"ANFgrants as they 10\\IOl'k. Lack ofeducruioo v.~-; h>O to \\'<>l'k. for poot mothe~. ,found to bl! the n1ost oonunon Coogres'S hns sai~t. .. If you go ba.rrie.r.O\.-e.r40pe:rcentofd1e to \York to support }'o ur pOOr, nOn-t11$1jtuli.on:ilrn."<I, non- d 1Hdrt:1t, th~ yovt:m1nen1 ,v\JJ paying fathers hndn 'tobtained provide selectsupport to help }ailingpOOY• fafherS dOeSn f hel1'J anyone BY B1u .. G.,J.L\GUt:lt ( Ofl.'TRll)tITTNt1 WJUTF.I( the or.dered payn.1ents. La'vs punish c.hild-suppar1 debt by suspenditlglicenses forjobs 10 hat does a "deadbeat" heir.> produce tlh.~ ""iages n~ed look like? The popular 10 pay the debt 1n:iage ofa "'deadbeat dad" is :i Arecentstud)· ~·d1eUrlxut mandeli IUit in his refusal IQ pay lnstiruto, a Ws.shington-bascd for hts <lhildren ,-,·hil~cl earl y chi nk 1ank , determined having the ability to 1>3)' foe agsressi\'e c.011c-c11on ploy~ a d1em,Thisinlnge is oot re:tli1y. ,;1olrolempll<llinglow-inoome Consider the,re nre nlore ..black men aged 25·34 out of thait2.5 million noo-rcsidcn1 Jav.·fi1I cmploym.ent.'rhis isthc fathersin theUnired States"4-io .exact opposite.of the goal are poor, \I/Ith liTni1ed or uo MUghi h)' l>Ol1cyn1ake'rs v.·hen ability to provide support fo r passin,gpwlis.hn1en.tstatutesfor thcir chjldre:n. c:JrcunlStances, OOfl-payn1001ofchild support. banicrs imd lack of nvnjlablc Researchers a l 1hc Urb(ln progrnm1ning do 001 pro\'ide h1stirute-notethatchild.suppott hope, for incre!lsint 1he t.-ntoreernenl a..t;:St1n1es ail 1nen contributions by non-re:sideQt ha~-ed\eabilitytoptl)'. fatl1ers. ~aut son1ei1n1es n1en cao·, In 1995 lhc dcbl owed by p::.y because the)• Rrc in prison fathers \i,;·as appmxinl!rtely S3 I or don't have thtrmoney," s3id bilhon. By 2003 1ha1 figure Elaine.Sort.'flsen, a researcher uipledm S% bil.lion. Increased at 1he institute. ··child support repornngacoounts toe son1~of poticie;needtobemorefle.xible the increase, bu1the grov.•ing io di-stlnguis:h b~t\11ecn those number ofP<>Or and underpaid v.•ho \VOn'1-pay ru1d those \vtt'o citizens 111akcs pnymen1 of can't·· support incre:iSi.ngly I~ likely. l.ncarceratioo afTeclS.abou1 Seven\)'pecce111 ofIlle debt one..founhofpoorfathers\1<ho is O\VCd by n1c.n \vho earn don'1pey support .A.. n1ongf)OOr $ 10,000 n year or less . v.'Orkingfulhers,n10Srh;;,>ld full­ accortllng 10 d1e Federal C)ffice ti11iejoh.s bu1 <Lid:11' 1\"1>rk.>•ear ofCbild Suppon E'nforcemen1. round. the Urban lnstitu1e Less di an4 perce111of the debt tbund. bn <l\'l?r.lge, lhenUJ11ber is ov.•cd by men ni.aking more of "w.ks \\'(Irked \\'a50nly 29, The average earnings were th311 $40.000. (~ice 1hedeln begins, poi)r $5,570. Fac.torssuch as heahh men stand httJe chanceof ever lin1ltat1oos. linlited education, getting backeon track 10 pro\4.de lintlted \\'Otk experience, lack W "Child support policies need to be more flexible to distinguish between those who won't pay aOd those who can't." adiplon1aorGED. Welfare 10 \\fork progranlS havu con1rib·u·1od 10 th!.! inGreasing deb1· O\\'ed by 1he poot Otde.red to pa)' child s upport In 1996, \Ve.I fare ..refon11" legislation cre31ed a block grant progra1n called Temporaf)' ;\ssistance for Needy Faniilies (T.i\NF). ·rhe ·sra.tes were left to de1enn111e you c<>nttnuc to \VOrk:· Poor fathe.rs \\110 P3l-' support arenot f;tVet> n.ccess 10 these san1c: . . progrnnlS, ' ~1a1iy stalesdon't 1)<!111111 B coon 10 adju.s1 the Wl'K>unt of nm~· :\$igi1ed toa11W"1 to pa):: h1u11111y States, d1e figure Li; Sdl autontruically anheoo10uni the n1otJie.r receives fto1n v.ielfare, regardless of ubility to pa)': cl1gi~i Hty,and nlOStstates h.a1,.~ l~educt1on isp' t pem1jne.d in been rcluc1a.n110 spe1'd any of rllOSl juri~dictiC)tlS. leaving the fi1ndson programsain1ed al paynlerns uncollected and debt no11-resideo1f adl~t~ \\'0111eo in<.'tt'a<dny. ·J>oliciesfol'fu1yi\1u1s receiving v1elfttre OO\Vare or rcdue iog arrests arc required toparticip3tein \W fk · unpopul,at.ReqoestS torein~~ne related nctivitics such as job d1i'vcn;' licei.isesorproit.';$Sional trajningandjobsearch. t\13ny licenses. si1spended for nonother en1ploy111ent-related paymcsu of support. nre rl\any p.rograms that target lhe poor tltncs refused byjud~vcs v.flottrc give pnor1ry to \\'.el(are slc.k and 1ired of dads \\•ho rccip1u"ts. As a result, poor don ·1pay_/\1t'5l ooui1S ru'C:Ot:lly non-tesident futhershave Jess in1erested in seeingpayments acccss 1ojob-J"ela1ed s~1'·iccs ma·de. than poor mothers. When 3 ftiJhC~ \vhodocsn ' t Additiouali}', 1he srmregy of pa}' isprosecuted. h1secouon1ic s1ntusp.l aysn role.ntevery stage oftheproce.:dlng,s..Locally, it v.'3Sthc on\vnl1(~n ruledi.'ltbond vo'Ould be set at the amount of the art~arage. Men with resources \\'eC'e-refea~ \\ohile the poor re1tt.-Ur-od incarteratOO. ~11Ul)•<>fthc- •TKl'l 'v.ho nl3.kelx1il arepemunedton1.:tkepayme11ts on d~e Brrt!Ara_ge Jll nn atli!J11pt 10 n1i1igate pl1nishment. If successful, these n-.ei1ate lie\•l't mearccrUlcd \mile p•ymcnts arem:u!e. The: poor " 1lto at<! int:'lroerntedarealmostcertainly :;.ving ll) pri~ fol'nOn-payn-.en1 because of an inabil ity 10 n1j1ig:ate their c-ircumS1anc~. Suppor1obllgntlorLi;OOntiuuCt() mount \Vhile incnrcern1ed. utcreac;ing l11edcl:>t O\ved ,..nen released.Yl-t lhclikt;ilihoodof ntean1ngfulempl0}111ent upon rclea....:;e ltt..11 pn~11 ii; less likely d1an be.fora incarreration, 1-\ better und~~ta11 di n_g of 1ho circumSttlnces 1ha1 lead n1any of the poor 10 find dle1nsel\'es facing 1UOWlting support debt and unable 10 1n:UL1tgei.lv.ill hof)efully leBd10 rcfonn;.-dpolic1cs. EX1ool ac.<;CSS 10 educational and j ob ptogr~nlS \vouJd be. a gQQd starL Progrnms de·signed 10 address 1he leading fnctors of uncn1ploymcJ1t and undcr­ enlplo)'ll~ntareneeded. 01ild supJ)Q1'l la' vs. nec!d to petnl1L courts and adn1 inis1rators· flexibility v.i1ei1arefuced \vith debtorsv.bosesitt1:ltior1caJlsf0t reductionor fOrgive.ness WHAT'S AT STAKE? JOIN US ibr OAYS OFDIALOG UE. What better ti1ne than an election year to dialogue on the critical issues that affect us all Educati·o n May 17 OUR PURPOSE is to create an environn1ent >vherc people >vith differing vie\vs can listen and be listened to. and civil discourse can occur. \.YIIEN: Each dialogue •Vil I he heldon Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon \VH ERE: First Unitarian Church (536 Linton St) at corner of Reading - Free & Open to the Pub.I ic ­ Reservations Re.quested. RSVP lo 5 13-579-8547 w•vw.ijpc-cincinnati.org l~'!"--------::i l11111llgration July 19 �STREETVIBES Artwork and Poetry 8 Ju~e 2008 "Some of the Tools of the Trade" BY ANTONIO H ODGE STREIITVIDES V ENDOR Shutter Speed BY A l\'DREW ANDERSON FATHER J3Y D ELLA WootENS A is for Itis S1.1'0n,g lovinga1nls lluttshielded n1e fi'Otn n.11 l11Um Tis for all of tl1e good 1in1es,,<e had H 1s. for has puro kmd heori R is for real and reol he' JJ ttlw~ys bo Pul Lhe1n 1ogecher. they spell Ffltlh~,c A \\-Ord tha1 n1eu115 the ubllOS[ fO me, Cleo's Joke Corner \\~h}• did C-inderelJa get ki.ckedoutof the bMcball g"nw? Well.sbc left the ball lllld her coach ''1as a punwkin. \Vhy~<iU 1here lle\"ef ag."lin be·a full moon? In 1969 dlesc~e11tiS1S said tit.at lhe ascroonuts bn.>u_g.;1 ba<:k scimeofthc moon rocks • �STREETVIBES June2008 Artwork and Poetry 9 Abstract Ball To Will \.Vriters! ~ subn1ityour WJI poetry to Strectvibes - email your writing 10 streetvibes2@yahoo.co111 Then disappoinbnent set in llY RC1LtYP \RJ;EJt aq·i Sil he'e 1shake n1y bead oo.t10 thythnt conies 10 n1ll'1d j usa slnught·up di sapppoiJttm~I for)'OU and all n1en Istood s.!lying not aJI \vhere the same that you \\•ere iheone you lo\1ed 1ne 1 l..111~\I,' l"otsute Work Advertisement " Our" Janitorial Serivcc We believe in team \Vork You, Lhe client, decide tbe pay rate We, the cleaners. will handle the re~i Call: Harold V. Taylor 5 13 86 1.0468 00\V i <IOnt knO\Y i ask for a hug again anda!?fun till no\vthe tearsflo\v 1ru.hurtiog so c311 i please hRvca hugj ask you did no \l/TOllgyou den1and v.•hen aJI i a.~ed \ '/a(; fora linJ'eauentiOf'I a Y.'Onian i explain to you lam Berta's Art Corner a-ge.ule c:;iresscan erase Ir nJJ "',\i1cn you sflu1 \IJJ" then i-,vill you dc1nand becauseno,vlhete ishun sitting b=>...sidedis:tppoi111n1en1 tk)\Vlhis-atl ~tarted I ~oodt!ri!d d1e.n dle're it.\'<'aSagai11 1fl do LllJ!; foryou 1hcn that you \.\~ II do tbr mo no n10rereac:hing oo;-er·and_gen1le love i feel 1 first1nl~t ean1ii you den1and IK)\v \\'ilS i $0 bhnd sod.isil l u~ionedsomcho\v thendisappointn1001 set in tk)ur nftet Itour has pa.iosOO r1ow thegentleaffection and $'.IJ'Ol'lg (e..'tl';SWMCe oflhe love i thought \'lilS 1hcre no'vit'sjusl hun ru1ddisappoi11t.iite.1t "Remnant" Ovi;R-'l'HP.-RHINE �STREETVIBES Columns 10 June 2008 The Strange Story of Crack Cocaine How a single drug nearly wrecked the black community B Y l\t ICll Al?.1, H £NOON Com l\JDllflNO W RITER renlen1ber, i.n the ntid ' 80~ E nying to \W1k ,._;th ayol.llg rug dealer ,,..,o v.·as a particularly hard nut to crack. Like n1any dealers, he was a bright kid, but very dedicated to dealing. He \WS a kid fron1 the \Vest End, s mal l but muscular. very alertand 'VIDY, like afox io acotoer. L~ke Lhat fox, he \v.tS lookingfor anout l 'here \Vere three of us more or less tcamc..-d up against him. Isay 1110re orless because h1SSOCtal \VOtkerhadg.i\ret\ up and chose to check his e·n1ail instead. Out my friend Jerry and I weredetemtined to gel through 10 him. This ..vas at l·lanuhon County 's institution for de1inquenl youth, and lhis kid v.'9S asdclinqut."lltasth<..')' come. He had j ust been arrested ­ again - fordealing"t1deon a weekend pass. \Ve \Vere looki:ngfor a litt1e v.'ed~ a little sho\vofrcmorse. But nothing was getting through. It didn't rn11ttet 1hat he ..vas already adj udicated. It didn't 111atter that he \Vas looking at son1e harder time upstate. It didn't even ntatterthat his 1110ther and his yowig« broll1ersandsistel'S v.•ere about to beevicted fron1 public housing because ofhis delding. Hedidn'tbel.i O'>'O us on that one. so v.•e let hin1call he1·on the phone. I thought,"Surely. if he talks to his nlother, he \viii tOld. He \11ill adrnit he is \\<rong. He \viii give us that remorse." Sony. He hcardh<~ tcll him that. yes, itwas true that she and tlleyouoge1·children "'eteabou1 to beset out But no remorse. "You shouldn't have let thc:m in.'' he told her. So,insteadofbeingset rigjlt by a r1gl1teous. ru1g.iy n1other. th.is kid v.ias lecturing Ju:r on legalsrrategy. The social "'' orkcr continued k> tap at his conl)uter. 1'ie had been "'1()1'k1ng: wilh tl1is kid for v.<eeks. He knew. l hope son1ebody has gotten through to that kid by now. But on that da)', nothing v.'01'ked. 1'ie reS1>0nded toeach intervention v..ith a shrugoran excuse.·111e shn1g .., ias thes.:'\01e c:ach time,blrt theexcuses \"'t.'fC variations on two different 1hen1es: " If I don't do it. son1eone else v.ii.11"; or "The govetnn1e11rbroughtit in, so ho\V can they say l ' m \VTOng'?,. Neither offers much of a defense for v.11athe .,,ia,s doing. But the>•'vorked for hint administration.the Contras of At firs t. it \vas a West Nicaragua and a dealer fron1 Coast/East Coast, bigger city Los t\ ogeles nan1ed Freev.•ay tl1ing:, Fron1..,~1e<e ..ve sat, u\ d1e Ricky Ross. Midv.•est, following the news about crack cocaine \V<lS like • Cocain e used to be v.·aitingfor bad '"''Cather to roll considered a rich 111an's drug. in. As usual, the v.eather rolled But 1ha1 changed with the 1n fronl the west. In this case. emergenoeofcrackcocaineon the bad \\feather rel.led in fron1 the \\'esl coast in che '80s. California by 'vay of Detroit Crad: oocainebroughtlhepricc v.•hen Frec\vay Rjc.k roll ed ofthe product into the rangeof dov.'fl Interstate 75. A1110ng a n1ass n1atke1. II \V!lS quick et otl1et ironies here: Fteev.•ay and 1110re intense and all forthe Rick is said to have oon1e to price ofa Happy Meal. Cincinnati because his crack· Hammered by Mi chael Henson l l1e highdidi 't last dw loog, and the drug \vas highly addictive. so a dealer could g:ua1·antee d1at his custom.et V.'Ould be back soon. addicted girtfriend had family here. Freev.iay Rick set up shop Md the rest rolled out fron1 there. Children who have seen their parents, grandparents, and community elders...put themselves in bondage to a teenage dope boy do not see why they should respect any adult Did the&'OVt.'ffillll."llthave a hand in this? A lot of people, 1ncludiog our young dealer. believe so, based in pan on a series of ne,vspaper anicles v.•rittcn by ajournalist named Gal)' Webb.Webb's reportage v.•as quickly suppressed but never refuted. The articles featureour hontebO)•free,vay Ri ck and the Nicaraguan Contras and their pals i.n the Reagan adn1inistration. (You can read nlore by Googling "Gary Webb" or ··oark Allimcc.') To 111)' eye, it doesn't look l11e fi rst excuse is sadly true. There v.rere, at that ri111e -and still are today - an ani1y ofyoung dealers ready to step up like patriots, ready to fight ru1d die fo1·the cause. ( I blan1e gangster rap, but lateron that.) 111e second excuse isn't cxai..·tly tn.i~ but ithas some fact behind it, invol..ii.ngthe Reagan l11e result \vas chaos. We all knowthestol)': physical and spiritual in1poverislutle1tt ofthe addict; vioh."lloe. incarceration andearly death an100g dealers; 1.rau1na to innocent v1ctin1s; social-services systents over,vheln1ed; shattered families; shutt(,.'ft.-d storefronts ~ blighted Lives andreputations. • like a deliberateeftb11to v.reck d1e Blac.k cornmuni(y. as son1e havealleged. Ina \V3)'. it•seven v.•orse. Reagan aod Olivet North and his gangj ust didn't c.are. as long as the)• got \Vhat 1hey \\latlted. which was to wreck the Sandinista g:ovemnleot 1n Nicatagua lfit v.•recked the inner-city con\n1unity. too, dtat v.-asjust so muchcollatetal damage. It v.'1 11 take a lot ntore than crack oocaine to co1nple1ely v.•rcck the Black community. But there is no doubt that the contm.wlity ha-;been brutly hutt Oneofthe ntore disturbingand ulti1natelydeva<;rotinga<;pc.'Ctsof all this chaos '"'as the invt."rSion ofauthori()•i:n fan1ily,schooland contm.wli1y.Ouryoungdealeris more a son of freeway Rick th.10 ofhisown nlOthot. Children v.•ho have SC(,'11 thcir parents. grandparents, ru1d con\ntuniry elders beg, s teal, sell off evel)•thing they O\\lll and put 1he1nselves in bondage to a teenage dope boy do not sec v.•h)• the)• should respect any adult ioMy role. Over-the-Rhine gets a dope dealer on eve1y con1er. and Oliver North gets a talk shov.•. Doesn'tseen1 right (And don' t eveo get n1e staned on gangsta rap.) f\.ftchaet Henson is author of JU111sack, .-1 S'111t1/l l?t>f>n1 u1itJ, 1'ro11ble on My Mind, 1'11C 1Qo ofJ_onging and C1tn•· Call. This column is panofa n1onthly series on poverty and addichon. Neighborhoods Take the Initiative Against Foreclosure Buy in bulk, sell them at 't11holesale' prices Br p ,,1·R1CL\ CARRY Coml\JDllflNO W RITER th fo~oclosu.n.-s soar ng 111 2007 and ""'Shboihoodl being decin1ated by the resulting va­ cruu llOn'leS. a oom..n'li11eeoftl1e HomL'()\lincrship Prt..'Scrva:tion Groupgot togetherto1alk abo1tt ho..v toramp up effonsby corn­ munity developn1entcorpora­ tions (CDCs) 10 acquire and rehab these empty homes for re-sale toqualified fan1ilies. Most members of 1he Hon1eov..nership Preservation G1\'>1.41 ate focused on tl1ecoun­ scling and roodiation needed to W: keep families in foreclosure 1n theirhonies. Cal ling i1Self the Systen1ic Change Committee, the group tackled 1he problem: In 2007, I 00 hon1es per week 1n Harn.ilton County v.<eregoing tl11\'>ugh f0<oclosure viasllenfrs salo. Early intheyear, mostofthe homes \Vere in tl1ec11y- about 65 per week. Bytheendoflast year, dte balru1ce had S\\lung: to,vard the county. Early in 2008,nlD1tbers \verenearly 125 per ..veek. They have begun to drop back son1e\vhat al this point. Systt.'fTric Change mcrrb<'rS creaied a plM to acquire I00 homes at a tin1e in bulk fron1 bank.~ nlOttgage hot~ finan­ cial intt.'flllcdiarics- \vfl(X.•'vt.'C is holding title to the properties - and v.holesalethem rocom­ munity developmentoorpora­ lioos.othernon-p1'0fit <level~ crs andotherpotential partners. to berehabbed and returned to productive use by families in dle neigjtbolhoods. TI1enameoftl1is ptojec1 is Neighborhood Homes 1.nitiati'"' (NHI). All nine CincinnatiCity Counal men-berssupported die motion toesmbl.ishthe NHl and recently passed a motion for a contract to create the business plru1 needed to make !heinitiati-..re operational. t\ ncv.• s teering comn1inee is be­ ingcreated l'O fi­ naliz.e thedetails of day-to-day operati ons of NHI, and its re· pott 1s expected inwly fall. O.il)ina!Sy.. tern Change Con1n1ittee nlen1bers \Vere JearuieGolhhel', Cincinnall D<> velopn1ent Fund: Rick Fisher, Local lnitiaLiveSuP1>011Corpo­ ration;Matt Strauss. Price Hill Will: Don Latz, consul tllll~ Patd Rudemdler, CampWashington Conununit)•Board: and Patricia Gari)'. CDC Association of Gn:att:r Cincinnati. �STREETVIBES Columns June 2008 11 and healthy 41 milli0t1 people are \vithout an)' health care. As hospitals close emergency rooms due 10 federal and state cut backs, thepoorare leanting there is no place to go for healtll care.The r1s1ng costs of root adds to this problentaspeople \\llth 1.inUtedinconleS Sltuggle 10 pay for housing and teduce their food refusesto allov.•both contriblrtions oftOOd. \i,.11.tcrand budgets other basics if they are accompanied b}• specialists in Expandinghw1gern1e..-utS also an increasing health emergencies. The resultisclear: 14undteds ofthOl$rtcE c1·is1s a.-; people choose to ea1 ta1her than take ofpeople are dying. and n1any n10re v.111 die due to medicines that are too expensive. Nev.4y poor are this cb:;ision. unaware ofthe rules ofclinicsor una\,1ateof \vhat is Lc,'SS clearisthe \VOrld pattc.'1Tl:S ofhungerthat have needed for accc,'SS, \Vho is responding,tothisS,fO\i,.ing health crisis? Elders on fixed incon1es are suffeti.ng ftorn v,aichingdlcitnm iesshrink in ten115 of the basics. \Vhai to choose­ food, nledicine, fuel?Ch.ildte-1 aresuffeting from hunger and \viii have reduced opponunities fo r food throughout the by Steve SlUlderland s uo11ner due to 1he closing of school breakfastand lw1ch programs. In general, the Joe.al and natjonal supportoftbod progra1ns is an indicatorof arisen. Here isacapsuleversion tion1'"The Last Bite" the rising plightofboth governn1enl and the private by B. \\'ilsonin thel\1ay 19ed1lior1ollheNewY0tket: sector to rneet agro\vingsurge ofhunger, Ill health, "Tlte V.1orld Bank reoootl)• arutouncedthat 33 countries poor housing and broad·scalestress. are confronting food crisis, as the prices ofvarious There is no quick fix. So1ne citjes are tuming to stapleshave soared F'ro1n Janoaiy toApril ofth.isy<.-ar. sa'iing food that is OO\\•th.ro\m a\vay,Amazingly, "the the costofrice on the international market \Vent up Deprutnient ofAgriculn1re estin1atedthat reoovering 140 percent. Pakis1ru1 has reintroduced rat1on cards. JUSI 5 peteern ofthe food ·~...a<;tedcould feed4 n1ilhon ln Egypt. theAntl)' has started baking bread for the people a day: recovering 25 percent v.-ould feed 20 general population. ·111e Haitian f>rin1e Minister \1/35 million people; · according to "Ooe Countty'sTable Olrstedafu..,.honS,(,"f riots.The cum."lltcrisis oouldpush Sc111ps. ArothcrCountiy'sMeal" by A. Martin in the another JOO n1illion people deeper into poverty." May 18editionofthe NmvYork·r1n1es. Burma·s brutal stru1ce n11glt1 becoo1e patt ofa \VOrld What \Viii Cincionati do? \Vhere are 1he strategy to reducefood to the poor asgo,remn1ents, in govemntental and private sector planning tean1s? n1oresophisticated \V3)'S, allov.•v.-idespreadhlrlgerru1d Where ate Ille! O\iljor food corporat10r'!S in saes>piog up healthprobl<."mSto kill and \\J\"alct."11 millions ofpL'Oplc. to dUs crisis -odocsrom<.'thing, more vioh,'l'lt ha\'Cto "\Vealthy countries. as a group, cut agricultural happen before \l/C n10ve to ans\verthe questions. the donations roughly in halffrom 198010 2006, 10 S2.8 vital questions.ofour corn1nunity·shunget w:gettC)•"? billion ayearfront $6 bi.I.lion,..v.rote K Bradsherand fite\~ Sun<letlm1d. fat111e1·!y <leCNt of1}1e l.i C Colleg<' of A. Martin in ··\\'orld's Jloor Jlay Jlrice as Crop C<m11t1111111y f,·,,niiN:s anda professcrofsocial wo1*for Ille Research is Cut, in the f\.tay 18 edition of The pmt 1I )'l'!Ot.f al l.i C. tJ <lirector CNtdfo11,1ilerof11'e Pe(l('f! I ii/age. a Ch1e;1u1a1i b<ISed /X!(IC<' 1w1\l'ork fo11,1ile<I ('.fter Washington Post "The Un.ited States cut itssuppon the 1·1oiS ar1J.i <!Xpmllle<I afte1· 9 II lo \!'Ork 011 /Jf!(l('f! ar1J.i foragncullure in poorcow11ries to$624 01illioo fron1 J1eol11rg. J-Or 1110/f! 11l}Ont1a11011 OJ1 Jlt<• Peace I ill(1ge prt>­ $2.3 billion in lhalperiod." grmt1~. p/11asc "'rit11: s111Kl;:rsc(f!.."'1noil111: <(/r1 h1our oountl)•, v..e cru1only \\OOderjusthov.•strong The Hunger Urgency Will it take violence to get action? n,• sw·~ SUl''OO~tAJ-"l> CONl'l"UOLl'flNO \\'1t1f£~ The shreddingofthesafery net forjobs. housing, unen\ployn1ent insurance, n101tgag~ healthcareand pensions. has nov1 added hunger as another factor rippingthe average cirizen•s \veil being. In our como1un11y, 1he FteeStore FoodBank conti.nues to ti)' and 111eet the expanding need. v..ith 4SOn1en1beragencies distributing IOnUllion pounds offood 10 160,000 poople in our region. Whether there will be enough food on hand for ourcomn1uni1y isa very importantquestion thatboth the FreeStoreand i.ndividuals areconsidering as the eoonon1y \\Qf"Sens and fuel and food pricesdran1arically rise. The questionofho\\• 111uch food isenough for our com.01un1ty is too in1por1ant to ignore an)' longer. Reducing allocationsoffood to fan1i.l.ies is a dran1atic v.•ay ofsaying that our near cen11future is beconting morcdanS,<.'tOUS tOrindivi<h1alsand familiesv.ho have been accuston1ed co three nteals a day and now have 10 c.ut back to tv.'O less appealing meals. ~take no n1istake:The FreeStore is not a three­ star restaurant \\~ th lots ofchoices;and peopleneeding tOO<larcnot picky bot hongry forthebasic.staplcs, What happens in our com.n1unity \vhen the hoo1eless and hu1lgry are joined by the ne\vly wiemployedand hwlgl)'? Who ";uhelp people -.ho can no longer afford driving to the f reeStore or even taking thebus \i,.ith their lastmonc.1'7 ~lore isolated than ever by the suddenjun1p in gas pncesandstunned by thejwnp i1l cosas fora gallon of n1ilk or a loafof bread, the consun1er is stuck in hw1ger thatcannot be relie\•ed b).•current govemn1ent orpri,iateac..-tion. Cinciimari is a nticrooosntofa V.'Orldgettinghm,grier by tll<>mdlions. Wesee tliebrulal policy oftll<> Bumiese tho.gs \\'ho oontrol and steal the food in their reaction to the recent hurric.ane.'rhe govemntent of Buntta 0 ce Village 0 Lawyers for People Who Need Them 'Second Chance' legal clinics p rovide f ree legal help B r •.\..,·c•:J.APANCF.l.t.A CONTRJOL1f&.1G VlRJTIZR. Stes>henJohnson Groveis dledirectotofdle Ohio Justice and Policy Cenler (OJPC)'s Secood Chance Community ~d1nics. llledin.icsixovidefreelegal help at \'11..rious locations throoghoot the city. On Tuesdays theclinics nteetat Our Daily Bread. "\Ve pld up a bigsign thatsa)'S 'FrceLa\-..y(,"f for Arl)rbody v.-ith a Crin1inal Record,· and people \V:Utder 10 10 chat The nlajn 1hings v.•e foc us on are expmgem"'~ advisingand representing poopleonchild support mattel'S anddealing v.'ith paroleru1d ptobation otlicers \lihO may be imposing conditions that are burdenson1e, n1aking itclifficuh for a personto keep a JObotf:.>et housing, \Ve also have dealt \vith a lotofthe sex-offender la\VS. not because v.-e're i.n favorofsex offendj ng~ it·s more that v.•e see thai many ofLhese lav.-s arcdetrimental to thev.tiole oommonity.(Vle 00) anything dtal focuseson people \\~th c1i n1inal records out in the community tl)•ing to make a go of it and blood ' lt doc,'Sn't matter. All they care about in the n1ove for.vardv.1d1 their lives. expungen1ent lav.•is.·is i1 don1esric violence? Wl1at's the charge code?· They don·1 look in10 it any OlOre. As soonas youstartsa:>•ing, ·see, v.hathappened was -', d1egm11e'sover." Expungem<."111is probably the rno61 •'lnligjitfurward of all ofthe things l handle. It's a littlecontplicated, I JY/1t1I is r eu:t1rdi11g ''' }""'' i11 J'"''' cli11ic Jl-'tJrk ? guess. ifyou·re nol trained as a lav,yer, but it S oot overl)•con1plicated. Basical.ly,youhaveto bea fi.rst­ "T11e thing v,.;rlt legal problenlSis, ifson1ebody has tinleoffeoder, \vltich literally nleansone andonly one a bunt foot, the)•'re going to say, ·1gotea go to the otft."llSeon yourrecord-except- there's all thc,'Se do<.1or' Bui lo"Sal problemsan: the kindsofthings !hat v.-eirdexceptions. asyou can expecl front lav..yers.•• peoplesay, ·tfl thro\vtheenvelope in the trash, they v.on't find Ole.' Lee rne1ell you:Thru doesn't \VO&:. ln Jf1/1at ''re t.l:-11,,l{Jles <if<iffe11se~· t/111/ are fact, itusuolly fester.; oodp11Sde\<elops ood1hen ilentpts exp111rgcablc? into son1e sonofgross thing likea boil - and that is "hathappens "ith legal problc'111S. and that's thept'Ople ·•·rtie.ft can con1eoffif it'syouronly one. ""lostof l calk to. As an anomey v..h o caresabout social j ustice the drug crimes can oon'teofl'a~ lor1g a.-; youonly have ru1d as an attorney who cares about reaching out to one. Passing bad checks - I see that a lot: that can people \vltohave been cn1shed b}• thecrint.inal j ustice con1e off. 'Things that c.an't con1e oft~ chough, are systern and areliving in poorneighborhoods and preny anything that has to do \\~ th violence - the most ml.:hhavenotrust in anything n.~att..-d totheSCJV"-'ITl.ment extren1e violence. of course, nturder and rape, those or lav~ it's,•ery in1>01tantto n1ethatI nt:'lke n1yse1vioes kindofd-Ungs ."-ny kindofse.xual ctin-ieca-1 nevercon1e available in a \vay and in a place that·s safe, that·s off(and) domestic ,.Jolence. People v.111S3)', ' \\'ell, comfonable, that'snon-threateni.ng, \vherethey feel there \Vasn 't rut)' violence. She and l \Vere shouting, ttust- and d1at's v.11at Our Daily Bread is, rutdthat's and the police shov..'Cd up and l ended up \vith a v.•hy \\'C go there.That, and I just love hanging out don1esric violence charge, but l didn't, like, shed any v.1th Sister f\.fa1)' Beth and her dog, Coooa. 0 �12 Community News STREETVIBES June 2008 The Art of Homelessness New murals capture the many faces o..f'the struggle 8\ l.''NNl'iAL1'\.\tAN Sn\J1F \Vi~JTFJt V students '''Orkingon the mural Beneath the really g~t l t They hnv¢. htgh,vay sits an understood there are many Arnerican flag ibrant ne\v 01ur3ls different ways of being 1"'1L Seton High School, lod by ~1e Greater Cincinnati c'tptured chat in ac-r~trive, very tcachor Coalle.ion for the Hon1e1ess respec~JUI ,.;ay that'vdl help us Ari ~·1 a rgi e 1\1etz. (GCCH), to rellcl1 out to the public at c!1ose fn1n1Jy TheMonuelD. ond Rhond• lart e." Maye~ Fo1.J:1d:lL1on unveiled The n1urol '"ascrcJitcd by homelessness, its la1e.st publican projectf\·fay morl! than I00.stud.ents fron1 de11ie-tl11s, tv.•o 22. created ihrough the seven local high schools: St young i::htldrcn l'oundario·o' s High School UrsulaAcademy.LaSalleHigh playingon a tire Seivice-Leamir\g Progrom Schoo~ Seton f.ligh School, $'\\tng. A i k en Thene"· rnumls transtOnn Aiken Univt::~lt)' Bjl?h School. 1he previously non-dascript M3SOO Hjgh School, ~lL Notre U1\J\'e1'Sity I Iigh storefrontol Tl 7 E. l2tl1Street Dame High Sch~ol and SL School, led by a tean1·ofteachers iu Ov'6r-d1C-Rhinc into nn<:yc- XavierHighSchool ca.tchJng \mrkofan·dlatbonors Each high sc.hool chose a and sp011$0rs, the coalition and 11.S' quarter- the.me to represent c h o s e centmy of work on behalf of homelessness. SL Uisuln, led by ~·1rtetvihe J , Cincinnati's hon1eless cinzens.. 1eaeh~1s1\lt.so11 Probs1as1d Kutt Tnspircd by tho GCCFJ will cclcbnitc its 25tb Nicruw, cbosehoallh:issuesaod v.'Ork Of Jin1my yearofservice-in 2009. cre3tedrunepanl!ls to represent J-lead1, tb rn1er of T<:111:hi:rv unJ ~iUi.lr:nts l'n~t_,\JJ.:cu l.!ru\'Ct'Sh)' J.Llg)t Schon! p!•M' fl)r u picture In l'ruui ,1r n;e.muml$., \\oh1chJllUSlt.t1e 1dunt1t)·,nutntl0f1, l~N/A l:OS, editor ~· rte t vi he J , ibc. rnul'a l lh¢l' cret1t.ed o.mulld Jimmy Hooth :inJ ~·1rr.1ii ·il>d. Phi"'' ftr .fJJJttw~-t.11:'.rrJo'Jt! variousfacitsofbonwlessness,. pe3c.e of triiud, he.3 J1hy 1 lbc~11:i.ycrson Ffigh Sehl.xii .. (Marge projects ·Jike chis con1plen1au GCCH's llltssion ptegi1a11cy Sltld neooatal health. Students: inc.luckd a pioturc of of cduciltiug tbc public und co1u1nunity inclusion. hun1sn Heat11 ''sv.iell as a \lendorand Service-Learning Progr:'llll brlng urban and suburbru1. e n1po\vering homeless ~ouch. acces.s tohealtl1 care and acamera. p·tov1desS'l.lpport to n101-e ll\an public and pr1va1e sehools Mason HighSchool, led I>)' SO localschools \Wlases1udonts 1ogetlier where sludents share 1ncfi,11du;ils10 advoc:tt~d01· their rccovcn-. The)' also p(llntcd n .nrt teacher BeLh AJtn _Eltne, do con1111u11i1y servlc.e 10 aud le.arn fron·1each other in civil rights and hol~singneeds, I0th 1>3nel to bep laced above according to Georgine Ge-tty, thedo<,>1· chQscshclti::"r,f our hRndsclasp nonproli 1 org.llni7.atio1l $ ways in \\!hich 1hcir passions around 9..m'!'cecan help to build executj\rc director o f the laSalle.Jedby.-\nTea-cher togecher to f ran1e a scene of a throughout the.Tri-State. coalitiort MikeKnue\l-en,·chosehomeless sh~JterY..~th l11e Y..'Ords. " V1Ston '"I heprocessofcrearitlgthe bridges,·· says S te,'e Elhot. "G.ecl1n_g beyond 1he vetw.ms.Thef"lllCl $hQ\~::tcily 10 See. Faith to Believe, murnl helps students n1ake directoroftheService-Leruning .sterool}•peofhon1elessness is skylu1ein tltebackground. \"lh Cow:ig.e co.Do" "'1rappiog.Ll11: sense of the experienc-e thes• l'rogmm. have hnd dc<1.I i ng \viii) Mil}'Cl'So.n su11plicsfl•ldin_g often lhe firsr step in our\\.'Ock," ah1gh\vay going:i:nJOthec:ity 1.ha1 hands IOS)'1Tlboli1.Cshcltcr$ i\1t Notre Dame High homelessness 1n their fora11the 1naterial needed to sho sa ·s. "Tho high school turns into shaking ha11ds. cprc•.;mwo''¢> 1mn wnous S.:!(lL\ scIV1cc eg_l.'Jtc1es s~6o'" mc­ Sc.hoot. led by arL Teacher co1nn1u111ty," says Neal If. conip!e1eth~n1uraJsandh1resa 1uutuls " 'fll bleak dun'tl stCJt'O lypcs uhoo.t tlwir elJenls. ,...,.,,,,..,....,,1~ Shelly Brauer. chose do111estic M3)•eJSon, president of die local pro fessional artist to violence. 1"he pitnd dq>i ct~ a foundation. ···rite n1ural coordinatetheprojoct yQ1111gmo(hcrholding herdiild. bocomes a symbol of !heir .. r help'.st11dc.nts: refine.the breaking tl1rougJ1 chaos and ~lings and an irispi ration to imagesthey create-andkeep all be1ngpulledUJ>111toMod1erhfe. other.s 10 get involved 111 Ute seven g,1·oups or ar1.Js1~ on SL Xavier High School, k'<l •soiues theyfeelstronglyabout" track," says lead artisl Carol by 1eaL:hetTedl\·fethle,y.,.chost: Building b1·idg~ betv.'een Ann "N~\\r'Srulle c-ivn rQ:j"lts.fou:rp.;111cls illSJ!if'<XI illoscOOo Stn.·c and ihQsc. v.iJo In acklition to the 111urals at by a photograph by Ji111111y ar~seNed i·s an i1r1portantpan "GCCH,similar 1nurafs can be 1-leath sllO\VJ>l'OlesseiS .siandiitg nf Lite l\1nyetSOn pl'o<~nm. The i'ound aLo ·u r Daily Bread on in a line. l'hesh:ldO\VS formed murn.1fort.heCoalition for d1e Race Street and Peas Iee by Lhe pfotesters flow i.nto ru1 l::lonwless.is the 50tJ1public an Neighborhood Ce,nter on A·mcric1m Flag \\'ith the Bill of project completed by the Syo;uTl(>reStroct. boih In O\rcr­ Rightsin..'Clibedon 1he stripes. program. the-Rhine_ ~r'L\ Lhee-'5ter1orof h(>1n0l~ss , an d thoy h ave ........ rnterested in heJping wit{! Streelvibes? A[e y<iu a writer, poet, ar;tist o.r photographer? Do ~ou -\van:t;to he!J> $1ree:Nibes? Call SLY..421.7803 ~12 oremail streetvibes2@yahoo.e6n1 Please be sure to only purchase a Streetvibes from a vendor wearing a white or yellow badge. �STR EETVIBES Local News June 2008 13 Shifting Gears Forward Bicycle co-op wants to sendyoit on a ride 8 \ • C RF.6 O J;KIJO\ 'SK\' SlMF IVRJTER T he Mo Bo Bicyclo Cooperative is a non­ profi t O<S/!'U.<;lllOll dedicated"' provic6ngcvcf}-body in1hcTri­ S tate access 10 bicycles. mainten.!l:nce nnd education.. The volunteer-run otgatunltloo. f()utlded in 2007. is IOC1ucd in Nonhsid\.\ MoBo Bicycle Co-op's m1~ion runs nluch deepel' lhru' bi cycle di s1r 1bution. 1·1, e /)11•lgJ11 DJ'l.!r '•'t1rks ,;,, u hike m the i\'1off<1 r(>-011111 .Nor1hsi<le /:J/u1fo,i:rt111J1fly .1rn<ln1111 An<lcn«11t they <:~ut purchns·e 0 1t e of 1he togethc.t. People conle to 1he org:;u11zailon teaches h9,v to rq)air used bikes . pro,•idiog n1en100rs ~vith ~\!orkspaoe and tools. Volu n1eer!=i n1en1or n 1e1n b ers 10 th~ir O\ Yll bicycle pcojectS. MQBO do~so·1 reprut or fix bicycles fOr others. bu1 instl!ii.d provides thetools and guid.:1rtce.10 do i1y(}Urselr. It·sa ' ''3.Y of helpingothers to help then~ se.l ves . e ni.po "·e rJng people \vi1h education nbou1 bicyding 1\ S'20 annu.1.l 1nen1bel'Sh1p fee grants people access to I.he ShOJ>, tools, gre;fl,S.e, maintenance. kn O\li'l cdge~\nd n1uch n1ore. If a n1en1ber doesr-·1 h av~ their O \\•U hike, shop to l~a ro . It is nn e.ducatlonal and COl'umuonl f(lt ility ·rhc co-op is a place ,....here people suppon one anothet and d1scove1· to.Jettts they m1gbt ha~-e neverlhought d\!lt'ptO\'lde 1.h1sserv1ce. ~foBo d1eyhad.' 00.,,,' t Ill low pc.'Oplc I() drop off Sinceits inception lnstyl>ar bicycles for rep.air. ~1oflo the MoBo Bicyde Cooperruive volun1ee.rs are I.here 10 s ulde. hais had nearly 200 membeis achrtSe·and t~1ch nlembem to fix join and helped more than 65 and re pair blC)'C:(e s ror kids, Moredum 100 blke$h~v• thcn~lves. been distnlJtJtcd, and MoBo Luc.ia J>aln1nnnia is astaff has organized 15 comn1unity volunteer ~vi th die CO-OJ>, evcJUS.. " A lot ·o f people thi nk The MoBo shop nt 14 1S 'bicycle shop? Who Cate$'!''' KnO\Vltoo. A..;e.. No1'thsrde, is she says. "Out 1h-cre is much open from 6-9 pm. n1oreto it than tJ1nt. It is aboUI Wednesdnys and I · 4 p, ni. d1epeoplc leamln_garld gi'O\Vin}; SurKlay~. 01any tised bikes and parls donn1ed tl) MoBo. ~·l o B o is n•1 exac tly a bicycle shop. J f people ore u1h!res1ed ln ooquirin.g l nL5hed bicycles. the.resren1auy stores /JC'tl Hn}1 Jig/1f(~n,<: 1/Jc l 1a1'<.ffc bor:s q11 Iii.<: bike'. />!Jo1ogra11h b;·;l1nl~u· ...11ult.Jr.\'tJn FreeStore Welcomes Four-Legged Friends T0li.tnteer veterinarians teach oztt to need);JJet orvners Bv G R£C.:<.>f( v 'Ft(\NN•~O \ ' Eurrc•N. All cats a.nd dogs are not e.rea1ed e~ol\I ; so111e becon1e thecompanionsofpeople·\\.ho can ' Lpay for ve:terinaiy care. l.ast month tho.FrceStorc Food.Bonkheld its senu·annual Pet l leaJdl Day, 11tatching \.'Olunlee.r veterinarians \vith :u1i111afs thatotllt'r'1ttse.n1ighrgp v.•l thout hc~ll th care, One nieasure oftl1e need is the fuc:t d1:i1 li \<e«!xru11in ~i<.)11 s tauons and a "M.ASH lmi( ' \\•ere set up, according to vetellnorirut Zokc z..,ko ft', \Vho has coordinrued the progranrfor the past sevenyeats. M:; rut1 l·k:c11.lticl."ll(ill1\ll1li 1£1. gi:-1 bas Jos_clocc~d uut nt P~t I fcnhJ1 D.\y, Pl1olu/(r1ip/1 1') +:11.\."'/l~'lr . l1Jd~1:f011. Anothersign ofthe need is tl1e li11e dtrus1arted fornunslong_ be.fore the doors opened at I p.nt.. "\Ve have peo1>le \vfio are lh e r~ as ·e arly as l O a.m.." Zekoli says. "There 's a big demand Typ1cally, I get fiveto ~\'t'fl vets to voh1n1ccr Forthu past three .events, \\~·ve done 220 to 250 t111inl4ls. Ove1•the years \\'e' ve kind of fi ne·n1ned iLlt's a very e1Tic1eot systen1, !llld \VC learn flomciwhcvttu:· In :tddj 1j o n to the vererinaria.ns. volw1teets frotn De lta A·irlines he l p ~ and d1.srr1bu101s of veter111-ary products oootrib~rt.e \•acc.:iiOes, Sonl~ \.'Ofwiie.ers don'1stop al \\"Orking, at Pet Health Da)' but also contributecash. Zekolf says. ..\\'chavewmcpeople Ylilo have volun!MOO oudoffored up 10 S I.000,"' hesays. Zekoff, president of the OhioAnimnl Heald1fomclati01~ sa)'S 1hnt organi<=ation has owarded two S5,000 grams to dieU.uredCoalition forAnitnlll~ v.tiich operates a no-cost or lO\v-c<>Stspay ru)dncutcrclinic on West Eighth Street " \\'~ ol \Vays encourage people1o spay orTieuter iheir pets!' lie says. •\\"e send d1e1n to the UCAN tublc and eooou:rnge.1hem to sign up." The fel! for the v~tl!.rinary care isbasedon aslidingscale. ~11 goes fto1n W'O to :zet'O.'' Ztkoff S.'i)is•."J t~s free." Realth care f(>rpelScan be 1:.x . pensjve, and \o,·ithout P~t Health Day :u the FreeStore, son1e fan.lily ~ts v.oold haveto g.o W'ltreated, ZekoA·says. '·1lJe>•reaJI)•showa lot of love and ulfec11011 for thd nnimals, :;ind SQmctimes)·oujust can' t afford icf" he sa)'S. '--f or peopte., the gove1'1111teol backs you up \Yith Medicare and ~·l t."tli ca.d. Bvt thete is 11o suc:h 1h.ing furmii nl..1IS, \\fe'r~ sl:~ to help tliem. I wish we could do more:· �Guest Column 14 STREETVIBES June 2008 The Lonely Bear B Y L ARR\. C ROSS CONTRIDl/flNG W RITTR I slatted noticing the 01an v.•hen I ntoved dov..ntov..n last year. I \VOuJd seehintstanding there on Eighth Street right across fron1theJvlain Library, about half ..vay up the block before you getto Vine Street. lt \\1<lS sun1111er. He \\1<\S dressed for \vintcr. I t looked like he had on several coats, and he always wore a ba.'°ball cap. He looked to be a little bit heavy but maybethat•s bccalrsc ofallhis coats. He had around face, black hair ru1d graying beard. His sad, big bro"" eyes looked rigl11 rlirough me. He v.·as a tall man. Beside h.irn alwa)'S \\<as a rusted o ld hand truc.k. On it v.•ere neatly folded blankets, sheets, panes and shins. Also there \Vere some boots and some beat-up books.The hlUld ttuck '"a-;v.dl sttaps>edso nor1e ofhispossessions wotddfalloff' lt \V3S clear the n1an \\las homeless I would often pass hin1 going fl'orn hete to thete dov.'lttOV.'lt. His presence on that side\valk -al~va)1s on dtat side,valk - v.·as unnerving to me. I caole to knO\\lhun io oly m.i.nd as the lonely bear. That descriptionstuck ,vJth nte - his face. the sad look. \Vhile he neversaida v.-ord to me, never v.•anted oloney or tlte tiole of day, I would son1etin1es cross thesrreet so I \VOuldn't have to v.·alkpast him, In the fall, events beyond rny control, ot so I 'vaot to think, led to a job loss. Around the san1e tinte I also lost nly home, 0..-pression that had be<."' v.•ith nle for years - but I paid Ji11lea11en11on 10 - finally took controlofnl)' lifu. l suddenly \WS in a dark place that J couldn't figure out Drinking 'vas theonl)•thing that v.'Ould help, so I dtaok a lot. I found ntyselfcrying i.n bars. I didn't care if I livedordied. Pl'(...'fcndingeverything V.'8S all right, I let a friend store nty possessions io his baserneot, including all of 111)' beloved books. As I packed then1up, I thought I v.rould never sec or read the111agai.n - and didn't really care. I also tl1ou£111 ofthe lonely bear and those beat up bookshe had on hishand truck. Wh<.-n Idid, mysiomachstartc'<l to hurt. Aoothet ftier1d 1ook me in late in the fall. He and hisfanlily gave n1ea place to sleep until l couldtigure outmyS(.offandmy life. FaJI quickly tutoed into v.•inter. Wh.ile I had a place to sleep, Ioouldn't really call it a home. J felt misplaced and un'vanted. r\.1y mind was cloudy. My depl'ession conti.nued but I tried to ignore it. I didn't knO\\I \Vhat else to do. I follld ntyse!fdov.ntov.11 a lot at the Ma111 L~braty. As I would walk up Eighth Street, family and friends. I came to "I ' ve a l\\lays e njoyed grips \vith nty depression. I f auJkner," he said as hesn1iled started 1alk ing about it. I - andtlMt"sall he said. I walked lt'a11te dtopull nl)•selfup by the away. again I \VOuld see the lonely booL~traps. 1\s we nO\V approach Counseling helpc.-d; so did another summer, I have gone bear. He \\'3S in the san1e spot, n1edication. ln takinganother full circle into fourseasonsthat v.•earing the satne coats, saole steplo get my hfe back, I found l\a\lesomehowchangedrl'I)' hfe. baseball cap and still had that four wal.ls I could call hon1e. What started out as a ne'v rusted handtn1ck adventure the ptev1ousswnmet turned intosom(,'fhingdarkand bcsidehim.Oflc"' While he never said a word hazy and hopeless- at least in rimes, it v.-ouJdbe snowing but he to me, never wanted money rl'I)' rni.nd During those 1110nths, as I v.•o uld s til l be or the time of day, I would standing there ­ sometimes cross the street SO<led dltoogh all the muck and silent, v.•ith hi s came to face realities about so I wouldn't have to walk n1yself. there \vasonly onethi:ng a rn1s crossed, past him. btavingthe cold. lhat te1naioed constant It \vas I would that lonely, hon1eless bear spendtin1e at the Iibrat)' h)•ing The friend v.•ho stored 01y standing on Eighth Stree1 \vith to read books but the interest possessions in his basement his hand trlM:k. clinging to the wasn'tthereanyn1ore.I usually delivered then1 to nty ne\V only possessions hehad in the eodOO up aJ tlte ted1 cesuel' usi.ng addtess a couple \Veekends v.'Otld theircon1puters. or I justsi.111ply ago. Tears came to nty eyes as His stol)' isone ruprobably sat and \vatched people con1e I unpacked my books. My old nevet kno\v. Maybe its bettet I friends \\ICrc back, but more don't- but ,my him and not and go. One ti n1e on a snowy intponant, l \vanted to read n1e? Why is he hon1eless? Whete ate his farnily a11d afternoon v.•hile sining ru the theo1again. I continued to w1pack nty friends? libnuy, l "otchedthe lonely bear cont.ing in fro nt the cold. \\'ith books; and as I did. I again I can't help but \\f()Odet if him \vas hi s hand truck. I thought oftho lonely bear and he·s one of the rc.'a.SOns vA1y I watched hi nt go into the the books he had on his hand had to at least try to go to the ltuck. I doo't know vJ1y, but I lighl and leave that tertible resttooo1. Several minutes v.·ent by. put a couple books aside. I darkness. I don 't kno'v the He eventually cante out His knew I \VOuld be going answet to that - no1 s mart face. bc.ard and hair looked do\\lTltov.11 the fullovMg day. c:nough to figlucitOld. wet. Son1ehow, he had gotten As I walked up Eighth What l do kno\v is \Vhen I hiolSelfclea.1ed up. Street, thete \'ias tlte lonely beat ~ hun stautingthereon Eiglttl1 I 'vatched him leave the in his usual s pot. As I Street: I \\'On't be crossing the librat)1, and l follO\\'ed hint. He approached him, I took those stteet aoynlOre. (\.1aybe I can't v.·alkcd back to his SPot on two books out of my bag. helphim much,but at lc.-ast I cm Eighth Street to stand for the He \Vatched n1e as l puton offerrl1e lonely beara heartfeh rest0ftlteday. top ofh1s hand truck a copy of srnile. As Icontinued to \\'3tch the Charles Dickens ' l)n,•id lonelybearstand in rlie coldand Coppe1fielti and 1'he ~>uncl the SOO\V,a thought crossed my n1ul 1'1e F'ury by \Vill iam Larry G'vss is tire n111hor of Faulkner. (looked at the nlan mind: lsthatgoing to be nte? Sigtlc(J. Scaled a1ki De./i,·e1t?<l' S'tories. l11e \\11ntet slowly tutned v.<e!ll'iog all dlose coats. ru1d he into spring. \Vith the help of looked at me. Entrepreneurs, Not Panhandlers: The Daily Life of a Street Sense Vendor BY J E•1'1i.R\' l\'l cNlilL Srn1nrr N E\'i'S S r:.R\'ICE 1·ve been selling Street Sense for a fe\v months and have nlanaged to save and invest01)' ll~r-ie,• i.n a small rooo1 in Virgi.nia. I v.~sh I could say thateverything isv.onde1ful and that there 'vas a big; parade for n1e fornying togetoffdte street, bul that v.•as oot dle case. Still, I never do anything v.-ithout d1eideaofbeing \'tlCld­ c.lass or the best at it. My landlord ru1d nty bill collectors don·1 cate aboul 01y troubles; the>•\\"Mt their ntone}' on rime. No excuses. I'd like to tellyouson1eof 1he reasons Isell Street Sense so people understand that v.e'renothonde.55pmh.andlers beg,g:ing for change. We arc si11.a:U entrepreneurs takingrisks and tty1ngto live theAmetican dreant We don't rely on pay checks rutd \'IC have to budget our money so that \VC can stay inbusi~ Being a S1tee1 Sense vendor is like being)•ouro\m ~ You have touseyourrin1e VCI)' \ViSCly during the day. u· anyone has evet been in business, you koowdte timeand enerro• you have to put in to n1akeends nteet. Being a vendot 1s commodity-oriented and veiy cyclical because of the f\vo­ v.•eek period be[\veen ne'v issucsofthc nc..'\vspapcr. l might also add that v.•eather and climate affec1 people's olOOds and ,vftetherthey want to buy or not Another major factor is con1petition. I can never rest because lhete's al\vays ne\\I and veteran vendors trying to enter nty n1arkets. Last n1onlh somc.'Qne doubled me in sales so like in an}' busine.55,you've got 10 be cteative and irmovative. Many areas are flooded v.-ith venOOrs nyi:ng to se:U to the same people io the same areas, like Dupont Circleand\Vhole foods. ·ro n1e, chis does:n't make anysensebc<:ausoyou kill an area \Vith excess COlltpetition. If anyone has ever been in sal~ they kl1ov.•that the key is tinding nc..'\\•marl:cts, sol am a travelling salesntan. I can sho\V up anyv.•hete. Iespec.ially like going to areas \\<here no one everheard about Street Sense. I love mc.'C.'ting ncv.•pcople and sellingto dtentfor dte first tin1e. I pay f0t Ol)' tral'lspo1tation, food and papers and have to keep records and books so I can havea profit l~ying for all thedruly expenses 1n a day can leaveyou \\~ th little at a tin1e. Like any business there's feastandfamine periods ro you have to be frugal \\~ d1 yout 01cw1ey. If I buy a lot ofpapers and no onebuys then1, l takea loss. u·I buy papers and gi\'Cthem av.'3.y for free, that's lost ntone:i,•. Likeanybl6int$, \,flt.'S1you don't sell yourinventOI"}', you take losses. Weather is another factor thatcan ruin you. When it'scold ou1S1de, it's hard 10 approach Continued on page 15 �STREETVIBES More News June 2008 15 What Were They Thinking? City turns down.federal grant to study minority health in Cincinnati Bv G tteCORV F t.A.NNtn\ ' EO!l1)< lt•s long established th at Afiic:u1Antericans in Cincinnati suffer disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypettension, infant rnottality andother i.llnesses. But the city ofCincinnati has turned do\vn an offer of federal flDlding to study issues ofn1ioo1'ity heallh. Las1 rnonth city counci I's Finance Con1n1irtee indefinicely suspended a proposed ordinance to al lo'v the CirlCirtnati J'ieallt1[)q>arttlleflt to accept a$69,023 federal grant ad ntinis tered by the Ohio Commission on ~ti nority Health. The grnnt v.-ould have beer1 lltefirststep in establ1sl1ing an Office of ~finori ty Health v.-ithin d1ehealthdepartntent. Now the health departmc'flt faces the unsavo()' prospect of sending the n1oney back to Colun1bus., according to Dr. Can1ille Jones, cite c ity's assistant health com.rni.ssioner. "At this point, there is no plan to bring the ordinance back," she sa)'S.. "'\Ve have to retwn d1e nlO!le)'... Oecause of deadli nes contingent upon acceptance of AJJiancc ofGrcatc."f Cincin.nari a coalition of clergy, social city ..viii alro losetheopj)OJ'(wtity servic.es, labor unions and to recei,re an additional interested citizens - expressed $200,000 in federal funding for concern about council's an Otlice of1'finority Health, decision. Jooess:sys. "The Faith Comn1unity Alliance of G r e at er "I can't explain it I'm not sure what's going on in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is discussing the Whatever the problem is, I issue and hope It gets worked out to the 1nvestigat1ng benefit of the people." the in1pact of losing th is 1'hetotal amountofmon<..y monc..')' on the hc.-althsc.nric(..'SOf we could have appl.ied for and Cincinnati," says Charlie received ..va.o; al>Out $2(i(),000,'' \\lalJner, spokesn1an for the she says. group. "We are continuing our About 45 percent of investigation and ha ving Cincinnati's population is confen."llC(..'S," Afiican-A11lericait \\l'hy \VOldd Cincinnati istheon.ly n13jor Ctl)' council tun1 do\Vn a fedetal c.ity in the state of Ohio dlat grant to study nUnoriry health? hasn't yet established an Office State officials seem befuddled. oflvlinorit)• Health. 8o)1ceS3)'S Cincinnati is the firstclty to cv"" Cleveland,Columbus, Toledo, turn dov.'fl the nX'>Oe}', acx:ording Akron, Youngstown and 10 Cheryl Boyce,<hreciorofdie Dayton haveoffices of n1inority Ohio Commission on riwtinority healdt Healtlt ""n1e direction fron1thestare "lcan't explain it." ~ says. and !Cderal llf,'<!llcies is that local "I'm not sure v..hat'sgoing on health departn1ents should be 1n Cincinnati. \\lhatever tl1e rnaking assessolents ofhealth problent is, I hope it gets disparities." Jones says. v.orked out to d1ebenetit of the Son1e council n1en1bers people." seemed to be concerned that The Faith Con1munity est:i>lishinganofficeofminority ffic initial gnint, ccunciI's rcofusal to accept the n100ey means the Street Sense Vendor Continued front 1>agc 14 people about Street Sense. Rainy days can also hinder sales. As you can see, to sell 1,000 1>91>etS a month, my approach is one person at a tin1e. l don·t go out trying to sell a cc.'ftain numbc."a day. J &'O out meeti.ng and saying "'Hi" to people. I might get 100 rejections but thosecwo or three sales n1ake all the .. No's,. v.onh..vhile. l "1iteeve1)1hingdo"nthat happens during the day to becon1e better. Also, to artrnct ne\Vcuston1e.rs and touris ts, I like to make catchy sign.s. Jvly philosophy is to hit a broad range of audiences b)' trying to get nn~tiple buyers during rush hour. Sales arc a numbers game so I like to go v..·here it is busy 10 absotb the rejec.tions. 1..vant every c us to n1er who approaches nle co have a very pleasant enc-o unte r or convers.."'l.tion v.<ith nle. TI1ere 's a s tign1a aboul homeless people and' ""ant my customers to see that Irnitijlt not be \vhere I ..vru1t to be bul I do have CXlf1fidence and character. l \\iOCk n10re hours than people v.Tiogo to jobs and some days I n1ake\ eJ)' little but I go back out again. I ratel)' take dayson· so holidays can be rough because l can' l really v.<0rk thoscdllys. Still, I ant the captain ofmy ship. I rule 0 1y O\Vn circumstances. I believe in nlysel f and 'vant to be Ij ust 'vantpeopleto realize that Street Sense vendors are entrepreneurs. not panhancUers. Weare the ultin\ate risk-takers. ThaQk you. Re1-1rinted fro1t1 Street Sen:i·e© S'troet Ne,t>s Set'\1ice: ,•.,•.,•.. stree1-1w1x:rs.org 1 "In 2004, HamiI"'° C0<mty had a higher infant monality rate d1an all other w'ban cownies in Oh.io .. .. This is nlOStly due to dead1 rates in African An1e1ican infan ts that are three times higher thait in Caucasi an~" her repott said. ln Hamilton County in 2004, \vhite infants died at a rate of6.2 pc." 1,000 live births, v.hile Afiican-Anlericaninfunts died at a mteof20.6 pe1· 1.ooo Iivebinhs, Jones' report said. 111e proposed Ofti ce of Minority Health \VOuld be focused on neighborhoods, Jor1es says. "The proposal was to establish a local Office of Minorit)• Health and go to various neighborhoods and COfl'lll\WUty COw\Cl.IS toseeiftlley v.-ere i.nterested i.n establishing v.'Orking groups on health, go thro ugh a health-needs assessn1ent for their area. do a bitofa~et nlappingand choose tv.'Oorthree issues the>• \VOUld liketo focus on,·· she S:t}'S. Ironically, April v.·as ~li nori ty Health r\.1onth, as notedb)' a proclanlabOn issued by the Cincinnati Health Depannle11t Visit www.cincihomeless.org for more information on GCCH programs and volunteer opportunities. Do you have trouble reading? Seeing people's faces? 1 suc~i~d. hc.-alth \VOuld duplicate other groups' elfons. '11\ete \VllS disc~Cf1 in tfle Finance Contntittee 0\ er v.flether this\\~ duplicationof efforts in the pri\'tlte sector." Jooess:sys. Butthe proposed ordinance explicitly states that a Cincinnati OfficeofMinori~· Healtlnmuld complement ongoing etlorts already underway - not con1pete \vid1 ll1et1\. "The Office of Minorily Health v.'Ould provide a focus for Cincinnati Health Depam11entactivitiesandV.'Ould be a natural partner for collabora tion \Vith other incerested governn1enc, community. professional and acadern.ic entities V.'Orki.ng on the probleo1s of d11ierer1tial health status and outcontes based on race, ethnici I)' and other factors." the proposed ordinances:sys. Moteover, federal ar1d state regulations specify that the grants can only bea\varded to city health departmc.."llts, Jon(..'S says. In a presenta11on to the Boord of Health in January, she outlinedsonle of cite reasonsan Office of Minority Health is needed in Cincinnati. Doing everyday tasks? There is hope. There is help. We can help you or someone you know who has: •No Vision • Loss of Some Vision • ~ Cincinnati Association for the , , ~ Blind & Visually Impaired ~ 2045 Gilbert Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45202 A not-for-profit agency For information call 513-221-8558 and ask for Adrianne. � 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 2008 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: ‘We Are Their Slaves’ Pg 2: About Us Pg 3: The Vibe Pg 4: ‘We Are Their Slaves’ Continued Pg 5: ‘We Are Their Slaves’ Continued Pg 6: ‘We Are Their Slaves’ Continued Pg 7: The Myth of the Deadbeat Dad Pg 8: Arts & Poetry Pg 9: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 10: The Strange Story of Crack Online Pg 11: The Hunger Agency Lawyers for People Who Need Them Pg 12: The Art of Homelessness Pg 13: Shifting Gears Forward Pg 14: The Lonely Bar Pg 15: What Were They Thinking? Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2008 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Greg Olkhovsky Michael Henson Steve Sunderland Ardella Woolens Bill Gallagher Lynne Ausman Angela Pancella Patricia Garry Holly Parker Andrew Anderson Berta Lambert UCFW Antonio Hodge Anthony Williams Joe Wesels Steve Novotni Andrew Freeze Georgine Getty Stephanie Dunlap Steve Gibbs Bill Haigh Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andrew Anderson Andrew Freeze Angela Pancella Anthony Williams Antonio Hodge Ardella Woolens Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Bill Gallagher Bill Haigh Cincinnati Entrepreneurs Federal Grant FreeStore Georgine Getty Greg Olkhovsky Gregory Flannery Health Holly Parker Hunger Immigrants Joe Wesels Lawyers Lynne Ausman Michael Henson Minorities Panhandlers Patricia Garry Peace Village Stephanie Dunlap Steve Gibbs Steve Novotni Steve Sunderland UCFW https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5ab538bd0c41c621c6c5f99f74fcb333.pdf e996bd17c9d825dbfb33e2bb0f6e0bdd PDF Text Text Garry Quits Page 14 Become a fan of Streetvibes on Facebook! The Street Speaks Page 7 STREETVIBES $1 J u n e 2 0 0 9 • I s s u e 1 5 5 • C i n c i n n a t i ’s A l t e r n a t i v e N e w s S o u r c e ‘Streetvibes’ Wins International Award Journalism prize for report on exploited workers By Lew Moores Contributing Writer He spent several months working on the story, interviewing workers who had come here from Puerto Rico on the promise of a better life – lured here by a Northern Kentucky temporary-employment agency – only to find themselves trapped in a life of hellish proportions. The piece appeared here in Streetvibes a year ago, on June 1, 2008, and ran more than 4,200 words. It begins: Your boss stops by unex­ pectedly, sees a mess in your apartment and punishes you by deducting $50 from your next paycheck. Fortunately, he didn’t see the beer cans in your trash – or your boyfriend hiding in the closet; either of those could have gotten you fired. The effort has paid off, bringing not just attention to an issue of alleged human trafficking here in the Tri-state, but also international acclaim and a huge boost to the feisty and aggressive brand of journalism being practiced these days by Streetvibes. Streetvibes is an alternative newspaper dedicated to reporting on social issues and published monthly by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH). Gregory Flannery, Streetvibes editor who wrote the piece, “We Are Their Slaves,” received an award for Best Feature Story from the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) at a ceremony May 14 in Bergen, Norway. INSP is a network that promotes and supports more than 100 street-paper projects in 40 countries. Flannery and Streetvibes were among a group of finalists for the features award that included street papers – dedicated to the issue of homelessness – from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Seattle, Wash. See Award, p. 5 Streetvibes editor Gregory Flannery, left, and award winners at the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) Convention. Photo courtesy of INSP. Same Struggle, Different Strategy Coalition for the Homeless passes first quarter-century By GreGory FLannery editor next year – indications are it will be worse – there’s plenty of time to celebrate later. Yet Nothing about the Greater advocates find their work at Cincinnati Coalition for the an intriguing nexus: While the Homeless numbers The Obama is fancy, as of homeadministration has Georgine less people Getty, formight conalready increased mer exfunding for low-income tinue to rise ecutive housing and programs to in the short d i r e c t o r, term, advoprevent homelessness. likes to cates point to new observe. That is as it should be, and it’s federal funding as a sign that also why the coalition’s 25th significant improvements are anniversary passed last month underway. The Obama adminwithout any fanfare. istration has already increased People who work for the funding for low-income houscoalition and its member ing and programs to prevent agencies are too busy trying homelessness. to help homeless people. “It’s almost as if we’re on The same thing is happen- the edge of something,” says ing at Bethany House Servic- Josh Spring, executive direces, where Sister Mary Stan- tor of GCCH. ton, executive director, says that agency won’t even try to ‘We will be heard’ celebrate its 25th anniversary, which also occurs this year. Getting to this point has “We’ll celebrate it in 2010, been an often raucous process, though,” she says. with Buddy Gray, co-foundWith little doubt that home- er of the coalition, leading lessness will still be an issue marches on City Hall in the early 1980s, sometimes occupying vacant buildings in Over-the-Rhine. If Gray was the nascent movement’s rhetorical muscle, the Rev. Maurice McCrackin – waging dignified, fiercely non-violent sit-ins well into his 80s – was its moral compass. Gray is gone now, assassinated by a mentally ill man in the very Drop Inn Center that Gray had founded. McCrackin is gone, too, passing away after more than 60 years of activism in the causes of peace, ending poverty and abolishing prisons. Buddy Gray, co-founder of the Greater Significant anni- Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. versaries are useful in assessing the past and the future. Many of the See Coalition, p. 4 leaders of the Homeless Coalition in decades past are still �2 The Vibe By The Numbers 13,164 the amount of votes Brian Garry received in the 2007 city council election (See page 14.) 75 the number of the Interstate expressway whose construction devastated the West End (See page 10.) 40 the number of countries in which the International Network of Street papers is active (See page 7.) 83 the cost, in kroners, of a shot of whiskey in Bergen, Norway (See page 9.) 1300 the year some parts of Bilbao, Spain, were built (See page 11.) 46 the number of men living at the City Gospel Mission (See page 15.) 14,000 the monthly circulation figure for Virkelig, a Norwegian street paper (See page 7.) 712 the room number for “that crazy guy from the Netherlands” (See page 9.) 15 the number of men at Joseph House who volunteer at Our Daily Bread every month (See page 13.) 8 the amount of water, in ounces, used to make funnel cake (See page 8.) Streetwise By GreGory FLannery ‘CityBeat’ is in Trouble The decline of the newspaper industry nationwide is disconcerting, but the decline of CityBeat, once an ardent local practitioner of alternative journalism, is painful to watch. In years past the paper won a national investigative award for a story that helped win the commutation of Jerome Campbell’s death sentence from former Ohio Gov. Robert Taft III. CityBeat won the same award the following year for an investigation later cited by a federal judge in settlement negotiations over a lawsuit stemming from the strangulation of an unarmed man who died in Cincinnati Police custody. Now the paper seems to have discontinued cover stories and is cutting its news content even further. In a May 20 memo to his staff, CityBeat Editor John Fox announced that he is laying off staff writer Margo Pierce, who is a 2009 Peter Jennings Fellow. He’s also laying off the paper’s receptionist. But there’s more. “We’re switching to the 44” tab size with the issue of June 17 (from the current 48” size), resulting in weekly print savings,” the memo says. “We’re reducing editorial content by at least four pages each week, resulting in weekly print savings.” Among the cuts is Fox’s weekly editorial, another sign of CityBeat’s trajectory in recent years, backing away from important social and political issues in order to concentrate on art and entertainment. The sad irony is that many former readers now unfavorably compare CityBeat to CinWeekly, the all-fun, all-the-time weekly published by the Cincinnati Enquirer. Over the years CityBeat has been generous toward Streetvibes. But it’s hard not to recall what Fox told The City Newspaper in Rochester, N.Y., just after CinWeekly was launched in 2003: “No opinion columns at all. This, in my mind, means they don’t want to alienate anyone, at least at this early stage. They don’t want to give anyone a reason not to read them, but at the same time the lack of personality offers little incentive to read them.” The same words now largely apply to CityBeat. Fox hints that CityBeat’s print edition itself could be in jeopardy. He’s given up trying to make money on it. “We’re in the process of reorganizing resources and staff to focus on growth and profit in three key areas while trying to structure the weekly paper as a break-even business,” Fox writes. “If the weekly paper grows, it’s a bonus. If weekly paper revenues continue to erode, we continue to shift resources and staff to the growth areas.” The growth areas, or so Fox hopes, will be special sections/custom publications, the Worldwide Web and events. Like many newspapers, CityBeat has been trying for years to make money on its Web page. Nearly all have failed. We can only deduce from the latest staff cuts and the decision to shrink the paper even further that CityBeat hasn’t succeeded either. But ‘Streetvibes’ is Thriving There is this good news, however: Having left CityBeat, Margo Pierce plans to continue her unflinching examination of social justice. She’ll keep writing her “Eight Minutes” column for Streetvibes. There is also this good news: Streetvibes again sold its entire print run in May. That’s two months in a row, and four times in 2008-09. Next month we’ll double our publication schedule. Instead of publishing only on the first day of the month, watch for new editions on the first and 15th of each month. So is Ron English So many local politicians seem to have decided the best thing to do with homeless people is to push them out – even the once unassailable City Councilman David Crowley now wants homelessness eliminated as a priority in the city’s human- services funding – that it’s refreshing when one takes time to honor the achievements of people who rise above homelessness. Ron English, Streetvibes vendor, is such a one. With lots of help from the kinds of agencies city council wants to limit, English now has stable housing. He recently gave Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune one of his self-portraits. Portune sent a letter thanking English. “The art conveyed a message of hope and purpose to all on our campaign and me in performing my official duties as a Hamilton County commissioner,” the letter says. “We are all God’s children, with a purpose in life. You have served as an inspiration to many people by overcoming great challenges, yet always maintaining a spirit of youthful optimism and hope.” STREETVIBES June 2009 Streetvibes is a newspaper that provides relevant discussions of homelessness, poverty and other related social justice issues. It is published monthly by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@ yahoo.com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes. wordpress.com Streetvibes Staff Editor Gregory Flannery Art Director Lynne Ausman Contributing Writers Lew Moores, Margo Pierce, Paul Kopp, Paul Miller, George Herrell, Jeremy Flannery, Steven Lansky, Michael Henson, Dave Heitfield, Alecia Lott Photography/Artwork Andrew Anderson, Paul Kopp, Aimie Willhoite, Olga Collier, Angela Pancella, Mary Alice Flannery Proofreader Jennifer Blalock Advisory Committee Joe Wessels, Steve Novotni, Andrew Freeze, Georgine Getty, Michael Henson, Stephanie Dunlap, Steve Gibbs The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Programs include Streetvibes, “Voice of the Homeless” Speaker’s Bureau, Cincinnati Urban Experience (CUE), Homeless Curriculum, and Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project. All donations support these programs and are taxdeductible to the full extent of the law. We are members of: �STREETVIBES June 2009 Community News Eight Minutes 3 Many people work hard to make a difference for the less privileged in the Queen City. “Eight Minutes” is an opportunity to learn who those people are and what motivates them to be a positive influence. with a ‘Mind Kitchen’ Buddhist monastery serves up health food for the mind By MarGo Pierce Contributing Writer Money is a national obsession on a good day, but we’ve seen it reach an extraordinary level as unemployment rises along with the price of just about everything. Applications for government assistance are also on the rise along with the number of people seeking assistance from local and naJamyang Lama. Photos by Margo Pierce. tional charities. In the midst of the worry and upset, it’s easy to develop a singular fixation displays only a small sign currence. Each part in your on individual hanging on car, the gasoline and oil that and family “Buddhist teachings a chain-link make it function, the planning survival. fence to alert and construction of roads and encourage people In Cincinvisitors to its bridges, the manufacture of to be more caring nati, a Tipresence. Led traffic lights, the maintenance betan Bud- and understanding. by two monks, of streetlights, emergency asdhist monk It is important to the monastery sistance that’s available for a is working to understand the offers a vari- car crash and everything else help people interconnectedness ety of classes, it takes to make a trip to the keep sight of or teachings, grocery store adds up to more between human the broader for students people than it’s possible to beings and the context of who are new count. And this doesn’t even the world in environment we live to study, those take into account the people which they in. Imagine living in who have been it took to make the clothes on live. a world without any p r a c t i c i n g your back or all of the prod“ S o m e Buddhism for ucts and services you used behuman beings at groups open years and ev- fore getting behind the wheel. all.” a community eryone in beIt is the effort of others that - Jamyang Lama soup kitchen tween. makes driving a car possible. to feed people This quiet, If all of those people who who are hungry. That is very unassuming mind-kitchen did that work over dozens of good,” says Jamyang Lama of serves up thoughtful fare that years chose not to share their Gaden Samdrup Ling Monas- sounds familiar to anyone expertise and work, then drivtery (GSL). “We have a com- who has explored almost any ing your car would not be posmunity mind-kitchen that will faith tradition or considered sible. And that giving is an satisfy many mind-hungry the value of life. important point, according to people. As a member of our “Buddhist teachings en- Jamyang. community, we provide mind courage people to be more “Generosity is a very imporfood. The same way we need caring and understanding,” tant practice in Buddhism,” he food for our stomach, we Jamyang says. “It is important says. “The generosity I’m talkneed food for our mind. Bud- to understand the intercon- ing about is a true generosity. dhist philosophy and Buddhist nectedness between human It is giving without strings atteaching offers the mind food. beings and the environment tached or any hope of a return. “The most important thing we live in. Imagine living in a We must have wisdom when is the mind. The mind is the world without any human be- practicing generosity. We must basis for whatever we experi- ings at all. From a young age – differentiate between what we ence. Happiness (and) suffer- when you were born, growing need to be able to work hard ing are emotions of the mind. up and until the moment you to help others, because withBuddhist philosophy offers a are driving your car today – out the resources we need for way to be wiser, more com- you rely on the hard work of a ourselves, we won’t have the passionate, a better human countless number of people to conditions necessary to do our being, a better citizen of our make all of this possible.” work.” country.” That interdependence beTo illustrate this last point Unobtrusively and unex- comes clear just considering Jamyang tells a traditional pectedly located in Colerain everyone it takes to make Tibetan story about a poor Township, GSL Monastery driving a car an everyday oc- family. The entire family was “A most important teaching in Buddhism is to look beyond the characteristics of people – the color of skin or … religious affiliation – to truly understand basic human nature,” Jamyang says. “Fundamentally we are the same. We all wish for happiness and none of us wants any suffering.” To end suffering and experience happiness each person must work to create the conditions in her life to make those outcomes possible. Following the law of karma – or cause and effect – it’s essential to do the work necessary to receive the benefit. If flowers make you happy (effect), you must do the work of planting flower seeds, watering those seeds and caring for the plants (cause). starving, and one day a generTo enjoy flowers, you must ous person gave the family a plant flower seeds, not grass loaf of bread. seeds. While “Fundamentally this seems obA decision had we are the same. vious, it unto be made about what to We all wish for derscores the do with the happiness and none logic behind bread; if evof us wants any the reason for eryone had a GSL’s mindsuffering.” small piece, it kitchen and - Jamyang Lama the importance wouldn’t satisfy their hunger of the food it or give them serves, including generosity. enough strength to benefit “In Buddhism, we believe from that bread. So the father the outcome of generosity is decided to eat the entire loaf prosperity,” Jamyang Lama so that he would have enough says. “When you give somestrength to go out and do work thing to someone else, you that would make it possible create karma to experience for him to provide food for the prosperity.” entire family. For a schedule of programs The story also highlights and other information, call the interdependent nature of 513-385-7116 or visit www. all beings, using one family as dgtlmonastery.org. a metaphor for the family of all beings in this world. Jamyang Lama teaches a class at GSL. Photo by Margo Pierce. �4 Community News STREETVIBES June 2009 Same Struggle, Different Strategy (Continued from page 1) Rev. Maurice McCrackin with peaceful protesters in the background. Photo by Jimmy Heath. five years later, and we’re all doing the same thing.” But Stanton is quick to point out her own overstatement. services funding. The face of homelessness has “We met with the city counchanged, and so have the ways cil members so they know that homew h e r e less people w e ’ r e receive help. coming Diversificafrom and tion of serwe know vices and w h e r e collaboration they’re among agencoming cies within f r o m , ” the coaliStanton tion mean says. “That h o m e l ess dialogue is men, homesomething less women important and children, to celehomeless adbrate. Do I dicts, mentalalways feel ly ill homeit turns out less people, the way I homeless wanted it military vetto? No. But A sign in the coalition offices is a statement to visitors and a erans, homeI feel they reminder to veteran advocates that the coalition is not about less people are listenneed who ing. Our waiting for change. Photo by Lynne Ausman. medical care experience and homewith the city is that we have Though just 24 years old – communicated well.” a year younger than the coali- less people who need food are It is telling that, according tion he heads – Spring readily far more likely to receive the to both Stanton and Spring, cites the history of the local City Councilman Christopher movement and the national Bortz asked if the Homeless phenomenon that spawned it. Coalition will use “Buddy “In that era, the issue of Gray’s guerilla tactics” if it homelessness was more male doesn’t get what it wants. and addicted,” he says. “Then Stanton quotes Spring’s re- in the 1980s, with the reign of sponse: “We will be heard.” Reagan, current-day home- Bonnie Neumeier (left) has been a community activist and advocate since the 1970s. Photo by Jimmy Heath. active in the cause, including Stanton, Steve Gibbs, Bonnie Neumeier, Pat Clifford, Donald Whitehead, Jimmy Heath, Katie Heinz, Mary Burke, Sister Mary Grafe, Andy Hutzel, Tom Dutton, Dave Logan, Bob Moore, Beverly Merrill and others. “There is a significant amount of people who stuck around,” Spring says. “Their passion is very clear but it is also an indication that they have hope that homelessness will go away and is solvable.” Many of the staff of the coalition and its member agencies are younger, of course. But much more has changed as well – for example, the fact that more than 40 agencies now make up the coalition, the fact that the agencies have paid staff and the fact that the work is largely done by licensed social workers and administrators rather than by skilled protest organizers. “There’s a professionalism among the members of the coalition,” Stanton says. “These are master’s level social workers and people with years and years of experience. It’s not that we are mad at city council and will sing, ‘We Shall Overcome.’ Those days are in the past. “We’re not going away. We won’t just take whatever you give us. But we aren’t marching in front of City Hall anymore. We’re inside talking.” Spring and directors of various social-service agencies met individually with members of Cincinnati City Council earlier this year. The meetings came in the midst of contentious arguments about zoning proposals to restrict social-service agencies, leading to a lawsuit against the city by the Homeless Coalition and other groups; proposed cuts in city funding for social services; and now a proposal to eliminate homelessness as a priority in the city’s social- and so we change strategies. Throughout that era, the late ’70s to the mid-’90s, the strategies changed, too.” Even while trying to establish quiet dialogue with city officials, Spring has shown several times that he can muster a crowd on short notice, if needed. On a recent Monday he learned that a council committee would hold a hearing on a major change in funding the next day. With less than 24 hours to organize some kind of presence, he sent e-mails and worked the phone. “A hundred and 20 people showed up on Tuesday, and that was very encouraging,” he says. ‘Never did we dream’ Spring is an interesting amalgam of the fiery origins of the coalition’s origins and the professional management of its latter days. “In a time when there weren’t shelters, before the Drop Inn Center existed and before we had a lot of the agencies we do, it was more about going forth and occupying a building,” he says. “It was easier for a broader group of people to see that those things needed to be done. “We should never compromise what we believe, but not everything stays the same, lessness was created. It went from 500,000 homeless under Reagan to 3 million under Bush senior. The last time we had seen homelessness like that was the Great Depression, and it was for a limited amount of time.” Stanton both revels in the fact that the coalition is larger and stronger than ever and rues the fact that it’s necessary work. “I don’t think any one of us ever dreamt that we would ever have this integrated and sophisticated level of services,” she says. “But never did we dream that, in 2009, people who owned homes would be ending up in shelters. Twenty- particular assistance they need than they were 25 years ago. “What we have done is possible because we have built a strong coalition in the city,” Stanton says. “Clearly we are the best area coalition of agencies in the city. We always sought cooperation and collaboration.” Looking ahead, Spring sees more work but also greater promise. “Families and youth are the fastest growing population of homeless,” he says. “That will be on the rise. Homeless in general will be on the rise. At least 3.5 million people a year experience homelessness in this country. That’s a vast number. But the Housing First model is gaining momentum. This is something we should have had 25 years ago. It’s encouraging that we’re now seeing more funding to reduce homelessness. “For future generations, at some point in the near future, ‘homelessness’ should no longer be in the vocabulary. It should be only in the history books.” Buddy Gray (left) and former executive director Donald Whitehead (right) protesting against former City Councilman Arn Bortz, uncle of current Councilman Chris Bortz. Photo by Jimmy Heath. �STREETVIBES June 2009 Community News ‘Streetvibes’ Wins International Award 5 (continued from page 1) tion of journalism as competitive sport, so I’ve never put The piece chronicles the much stock in awards.” But, circumstances of Puerto Ri- he added, “this one has meant can workers encouraged to so much to our little paper…In come to the Tri-state by a tem- this case the coalition thought porary-employment agency, it would be useful to particiAble/Diverse Personnel Co., pate. If we were to get some on the promise of a better sort of acknowledgment, it life, and where some ended might be good for the develup working at a local meat- opment of the paper.” Besides, the mainstream packing plant, Cincinnati Processing, which processes pork media, especially print meproducts for Kroger and where dia, Flannery believes, have they complained of unsanitary in some cases abandoned their working conditions and sexual watchdog responsibilities, the harassment and brought their one thing that most distinconcerns to the United Food guishes American media from media in any and Com“This award from other counmercial INSP underscores the try. Workers importance the print “NewsUnion. are “ T h i s media has in protecting papers isn’t a the rights of individuals i n c r e a s i n g backing s w e a t - and holding accountable ly away from shop in those who would exploit longer pieca Third them. Streetvibes will es, investigaWorld tive pieces,” continue to ask the country; it’s a job difficult questions and says Flannery, who has Gregory Flannery, Streetvibes editor, accepting the Best Feature Story Award from the in suburchallenge authority been Street- International Network of Street Papers (INSP). Photo courtesy of INSP. ban Cin- because everyone, vibes editor cinnati,” especially the most the past 15 is enterprise reporting and go- lease that, while the FBI does stands the temporary-employFlannery vulnerable in our months and ing into the kind of detail you not acknowledge any ongoing ment agency is no longer in wrote last June of society, need a reliable was news ed- don’t see on, say, broadcast investigations, “Streetvibes business. But he also said one itor of the alt- journalism. It’s more authori- has learned that allegations of the workers recruited by the the terms voice.” weekly City­ tative reporting than you get of human trafficking against company has spoken with the of em- - Gregory Flannery, Beat for eight on blogs or internet news ser- Diverse are being investigat- FBI on two occasions about ployment Streetvibes editor. years. “They vices. So what I hope is that ed. Additionally, the United the allegations of trafficking. at Able/ “The FBI, of course, never are dumbing the award means is that Street- Food and Commercial WorkDiverse. down, if you vibes is doing what newspa- ers union has been invited to comments,” Flannery says. He wrote about the overparticipate in discussions with “This award from INSP uncrowded apartments workers will. I think what we’re see- pers do well.” Cincinnati Processing to im- derscores the importance the are steered to live in and the ing in some newspapers that ‘Difficult questions’ prove working conditions at print media has in protecting exorbitant rent they pay to the are succeeding is that they’re the plant.” the rights of individuals and sticking to what newspapers personnel company for the Flannery said he underholding accountable those GCCH said in its press reprivilege; excessive charges have always done well – that who would exploit them. for transportation to places Streetvibes will continue to of employment, sometimes ask the difficult questions and within just a mile of their challenge authority because home; fines and deductions everyone, especially the most from paychecks for not cleanvulnerable in our society, need ing apartments and even fines a reliable voice.” for missing work above and Streetvibes has been in exisbeyond forfeiting that day’s tence for 14 years, and GCCH pay. is celebrating its 25th anniver“Our effort to make Streetsary this year. The newspaper vibes an authoritative source is distributed by vendors, offor information and agencies ten homeless, who buy the parelevant to the plight of indiper for a quarter from GCCH viduals experiencing homeand then sell it on the street lessness is paying off, and for a buck. The newspaper’s this award from INSP demoncirculation has increased to strates this,” says Josh Spring, 6,000, and it plans to publish GCCH executive director, in a bi-weekly beginning July 1. press release announcing the In addition to the features international award. category, INSP also gave Flannery said that, when awards in categories such as he cut his teeth in journalism Best Interview, Cover, Phoback in the 1980s, his editor, tograph, Design and Essay. Dennis Nichols of the Mount Award for Best Feature Story presented by the International Network of Street Papers. Winners included newspapers Washington Press, a weekly Photo by Mary Alice Flannery. from the United Kingdom, in suburban Cincinnati, had Brazil, Canada, the Philip“taught me to sneer at the nopines, Zambia and Germany. Don’t dumb down Want more Streetvibes? Check out the StreetvibeS blog streetvibes.wordpress.com �Book Review 6 Death, Race and Place The use of capital punishment is all over the map in Ohio Woman's Fight to Restore Justice to All.) Entertaining executions Instead, Welsh-Huggins tells stories, such as the public hanging in Columbus in 1844 that begins his book. From statehood in 1803 until 1885, By Dave HeitFieLD when the legislature moved Contributing Writer executions to the state penitentiary, at least 84 men and Between 1981 and 2002, 43 one woman were put to death percent of all capital indict- by individual counties in ments in Hamilton County re- Ohio – including at least 15 in sulted in death sentences, the Hamilton County. The method highest in the state. In Cuyaho- was usually hanging, the site ga County, 8 percent of those was often near the scene of so indicted the crime, ended up on While television legal and often death row; thousands of melodramas have and in Frankprobably soured most people would lin County, 5 of the country on plea attend. The percent. 1844 event bargains, the fact is was a double Same state, same law, that 90 percent of all hanging, and same stan- criminal charges are despite frigid dards. resolved with a plea; early Feb“While ruary temthe courts system these three peratures, would probably counties and crowds startcollapse if it worked ed gathering their big cities,” Andrew any other way. days ahead Welsh-Hugof time. gins writes About a quarter of the specin the introduction to his fine tators were women, many new book, “have their differ- people were drinking on the ences, and while their murder day of the hanging and at least rates are not identical, there is one spectator was trampled to no evidence that the number of death by a horse. death sentences bore any relaHe tells the story of the 1837 tionship to the actual number hanging of John Washburn in of homicides committed in a Cincinnati, attended by thougiven year.” sands. Walsh was apparently Columbus Associated Press something of a character, reporter Welsh-Huggins has with doctors doing a post-exwritten something remarkable ecution examination finding in No Winners Here Tonight. a watch Washburn had stolen Not only has he meticulously from a priest who came to pieced together the first com- pray for him earlier in the day. prehensive history of the death 1867 saw the hanging of three penalty in Ohio – significant people, including a 15-yearbecause Ohio has been one of old boy, who said from the the most ardent executioners gallows, “If there was a crowd in the nation's history – but he of boys here, I might tell them has done so avoiding the ver- how to behave.” bose academia or the moralisWith the exception of 1963tic crusade that encrusts most 99, Ohio has executed people texts on the death penalty, or throughout its history, and anything to do with our penal even some before statehood. system. (In contrast, feel free Welsh-Huggins mentions a to judge this book by its cover, 1792 triple hanging in what released about the same time was then Fort Hamilton after but with a marketing cam- they were convicted by courtpaign that Ohio University martial of desertion. Press lacks: Dreams from the “Fort life was arduous, and Monster Factory: A Tale of desertions were common,” Prison, Redemption and One 1128 Walnut St Pizza by the Slice Tues and Thurs Buffet($7.00)-11AM-2PM Wed-Thur-Fri-Sat 9PM-3AM Welsh-Huggins writes – a view at least some Hamiltonians would still share today. The third chapter centers around Wilford Lee Berry Jr., the “volunteer” who did not want to appeal his conviction and who became the first person executed in Ohio in 36 years. The chapter encapsulates so much that is at stake in death penalty cases – he spares no details in telling either the gruesome murder, nor the horrible life of Berry – and the title of the book comes from a quote from then-Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery after Berry's execution. Almost half the men on death row are black, as are about half the prison inmates – which is about four times greater than the black proportion of the population. It's clear that race matters. WelshHuggins points out that it is much more difficult to determine exactly how race matters. In his own study of people indicted for capital crimes in Ohio from 1981-2002, he found that if the victims were white, a killer was about twice as likely to go to death row. He found that when the victim was white, 17.9 percent of offenders were sentenced to death, whereas STREETVIBES June 2009 So it is not surprising that Welsh-Huggins found that during 1981-2002 in Ohio, just over half of capital indictments ended with a plea bargain. Looking at the percentage of people receiving the death penalty at the start of this review, the disparity can be accounted for to some degree by the use of the plea bargain to resolve cases: Cuyahoga and Franklin counties led the way with 56 and 55 percent indictments ending with a plea, respectively. Hamilton County, by contrast, has the lowest capital indictment rate of Ohio's major metro areas, but also the most people on death row – 20 percent of death row inmates in Ohio in 2007 were from Hamilton County. Deters is quoted saying, “It's a very frustrating situation when down here we take that whole area of law so seriously and apparently there's others in this state who are pretty cavalier about it.” As these numbers suggest, geography also has something 8.5 percent received that sen- to do with capital cases, and tence when the victims were Welsh-Huggins contrasts Butblack. Perhaps more interest- ler County – which is overing, when both the offender whelmingly Republican and and the victims were white, supported George Bush in the 18.3 percent of the offenders 2000 and 2004 elections – and were sentenced to death; when Montgomery County, which voted for the offender Hamilton County has Al Gore and victims the lowest capital and John were black, 8.4 percent indictment rate of Ohio’s K e r r y . were sent to major metro areas, but E v e n death row. also the most people on t h o u g h MontgomCiting a death row – 20 percent ery County study by David Baldus, of death row inmates in has about there is dis- Ohio in 2007 were from 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 more peoHamilton County. turbing eviple than dence that Butler, prosecutors during the same 1981-2002 simply seem more willing to add aggravating circumstanc- period, Butler County filed es to trigger the death penalty 32 death penalty indictments, compared to 18 in Montgomwhen the victim is white. ery County, and each county sentenced seven people to Pleading to live death. Butler Country ProseIn the chapter on plea bar- cutor Robin Piper is quoted in gaining capital cases, Welsh- the book as saying he sees no Huggins begins with a quo- inequality in that: “I just think tation from Hamilton County it has to do with a difference Prosecutor Joe Deters: “It's al- in geography.” There's much more in No most the lazy way to do this.” Winners Here Tonight, and While television legal melothere are no easy anwhile dramas have probably soured most of the country on plea swers to our criminal justice bargains, the fact is that 90 system in general and capital percent of all criminal charges offenses in particular, Welshare resolved with a plea; the Huggins does us a wonderful courts system would probably service by presenting such a collapse if it worked any other rewarding read with immediate and local implications. way. Are you interested in helping with Streetvibes? Are you a writer, poet, artist or photographer? If so, contact Greg Flannery at 513.421.7803 x 12 or email streetvibes2@yahoo.com �STREETVIBES June 2009 International News 7 The Street Speaks Convention shares idea, calls street papers to work harder By GreGory FLannery editor “Vendors do not exist for the benefit of street papers. Street papers exist for the benefit of Bergen, Norway – People vendors. … Our work is alwho work for street newspa- ways about power and powpers would benefit from sur- erlessness, about helping and gery on their heads, according refusing to help. … Don’t let to A. John Bird, the irresistible anyone ever put you off a projforce behind ect that you the growth “The person in need believe will of the me- alleviate soalways comes first. dium across cial injusVendors do not exist the globe. tice.” Bird is- for the benefit of street sued a call papers. Street papers The big to arms at exist for the benefit of issue the 14th anvendors. … Our work nual conferThe INSP ence of the is always about power conference and powerlessness, InternationMay 12al Network 17 drew 95 about helping and of Street Padelegates refusing to help. … pers (INSP). Don’t let anyone ever from street “If I could papers in 29 put you off a project start over, I countries. that you believe would make Workshops all of you will alleviate social focused on kneel on the injustice.” - Hildegard practical isfloor and I sues such as Denninger of BISS. would cut fundraising, a piece of editorial deyour faces,” he said. “I would velopment and fostering ventake the blood and smear on dors as advocates. the top of your heads, ‘I will Many street papers in Eudo whatever it fucking takes rope are glossy magazines, to bring an end to homeless- sometimes at least partially ness.’ ’ funded by the government; The founder of The Big Is- and many seem to sell better sue, a Scottish street paper, than their counterparts in the Bird reminded editors, writers United States. Trond Schjefand managers of street papers stad, editor of Virkelig, the of their mission. northernmost street paper in “There is nothing nicer, the world, sells 14,000 copies nothing more encouraging and a month in a Norwegian city nothing more important than of 65,000. By contrast, Streettalking to people who work vibes has recently sold 6,000 to get out of the dungeon, copies a month in Cincinnati, the Bastille, that is homeless- part of a metro area of about ness,” he said. 1.5 million. Bird and Hildegard DenThe street papers of the ninger of BISS, a German world vary by design and constreet paper, received special tent but share a fundamental INSP awards for their con- characteristic: people who are tributions to the street-paper homeless or otherwise destimovement. Like Bird, Den- tute sell them. ninger harked back to first Journalists love to argue, principles. and so the INSP general “The person in need al- meeting featured a spirited ways comes first,” she said. exchange over what would Papers from all over the world attended the INSP Convention. Photo courtesy of INSP. A. John Bird, founder of The Big Issue in Scotland. Photo courtesy of INSP. seem to be an utterly dry topic, a charter amendment to allow proxy voting at future conferences. Serge Lareault of L'Itinéraire in Montreal, framed the issue in terms of democratic process. “Since the beginning of the INSP, it has been ‘one paper, one vote,’ ’ he said. “But many of them have been too poor to attend.” Lareault’s observation was true in the case of Streetvibes. The paper was able to send a representative only as a result of the generosity of the INSP, the North American Street Newspaper Association, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, Hamilton County Appeals Judge Mark Painter and contributing writers Larry Gross and Margo Pierce. The debate about proxy voting ranged into proposals for voting in absentia and via e-mail, both of which were defeated. The argument again was about egalitarianism. “Not everyone has access to a computer,” Lareault said. Between sessions, delegates compared procedures for managing vendors. Ilse Weiss of Strassenkreuzer in Germany, said her paper requires vendors to prove their income and to speak at least basic German. Gerda Kolb of Augustin in Vienna said her paper takes a hands-off approach to vendors’ compliance with laws about reporting their earnings. “We don’t write anything down,” she said. ‘We have no rules about who can sell the paper.” Many delegates enthused about Barack Obama’s election as president of the United States. A woman from Germany said her 13-year-old son’s soccer team named themselves the Obamas. Kayoko Yakuma of The Big Is- sue Japan said her monthly paper put Obama’s photo on the front cover. “We sold out in two weeks,” she said. Tina Juul Rasmussen of Hus Forbi in Copenhagen marveled at former president George W. Bush’s claim that God directed his military policy. “If the prime minister of Denmark said he was being directed by God, he would be out of office the next day,” Rasmussen said. ‘Active in democracy’ The conference opened with a reception at Haakon House, a 13th-century fortress on Bergen’s North Sea coast. Deputy Mayor Trude Drevland welcomed delegates by highlighting the importance of street papers. “We politicians must find a way to help the poor,” she said. “Street papers stand up for justice.” Thomas Anthun Nielsen, editor of Megafon, the street paper in Bergen, said the city government has been a strong supporter of the paper. He expressed surprise at Cincinnati City Council’s effort to restrict emergency shelter and social services for homeless people. The reception included a drum and dance performance by street kids from Sao Paolo, Brazil, rescued by the Children at Risk Foundation. Are Hjelle entered treatment for heroin addiction after beginning work as a vendor for Megafon. “When I sold Megafon, I had a unique experience: People talked to me,” he said. “This magazine is very good. It helps people. It really does. Keep on doing what you’re doing. The most important thing is for the people out there to know someone believes in them.” Megafon, like several other street papers, is affiliated with programs to help homeless people find jobs, overcome addiction and secure stable housing. Other papers are much smaller operations. Bill Shaw works at The Jeepney Maga­ zine in the Philippines. “I’m executive director,” he said. “That means I get to edit the paper, and I deliver it also.” During a discussion of child labor, Shaw talked about Filipino children forced to dive into sewage pits to open clogged drains. He also talked about stories that his paper doesn’t pursue because of potentially violent repercussions. Another editor said he is working in Namibia because of the press crackdown in his native Zimbabwe under dictator Robert Mugabe. Those kinds of risks are fortunately uncommon for papers in Europe and the United States, where the movement is growing. “More people are exploring the possibility of starting street newspapers across the United States,” said Joanne Zuhl, a member of the board of the North American Street Newspaper Association. Matt Shaw attended the INSP conference in order to prepare for the launch of a street paper in Charlotte, N.C. Shea Davis represented Street Speech, a street paper founded last year in Columbus. Days after the conference ended, word came that a street paper is being organized in Toledo, Ohio. Bird, the UK editor, called street papers ‘the dumbest form of social intervention ever invented.” But 18 years after founding The Big Issue, he acknowledged the value of what he’d begun, citing the notion that first inspired him. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find a way to get homeless people active in democracy?” he said. �8 STREETVIBES June 2009 Local News Sexy, Yummy, Veggie Your tour guide into the steamy side of vegetarian cuisine 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. baking soda ¾ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup water Canola oil, enough to cover the bottom of a skillet ¼ inch By aLecia a. Lott Contributing Writer As a food writer, summer is difficult for me because there are so many colorful fruits and vegetables available that are ripe and bursting with flavor and sunshine that you really don’t need a recipe to put yourself right smack in food heaven. Sun-ripened tomatoes plucked from someone’s garden. Watermelon that drips down your chin. Corn on the cob slathered with lime juice, olive oil and salt… these are the things that I wait for all year. There’s a certain summer food, however, that isn’t found in nature but is just as Funnel Cakes Toppings: Powdered sugar, pie filling, cinnamon Photo by Andrew Anderson. important to one’s survival and well-being as the season’s abundant produce. I’m talking funnel cake, people. Ahh, the sizzling-hot, powdered-sugar sensual experience that is funnel cake. Pull it apart with your fingers, shove a big fluffy hunk of it in your mouth, and sigh with pleasure as the rest of the world disappears. Why is this food that everyone loves only available a few months out of the year and only at carnivals and Front Page fairs? Not anymore! It’s very easy to make funnel cake yourself. Never again will you have to wait in long lines behind couples making out or people with humongous stuffed purple teddy bears. Never again will you get sick from a funnel cake that was preceded by a corn dog, a Slushie and a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl. OK, maybe you will, but you don’t have to anymore. I love summer! 1. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add water. Beat mixture until smooth. 2. Fill a skillet ¼ inch high with canola oil, and heat to 375°F. 3. Cover bottom opening of a funnel with your finger. (If you don’t have a funnel, try pouring the batter from a measuring cup with a spout.) 4. Pour ¼ cup batter into funnel. Hold the funnel over the center of the skillet. 5. Remove finger from funnel end to release the batter into the hot oil. Move funnel in a slow, circular motion to make a freeform design. 6. Fry two minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. 7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Front pages from the past 12 years of ‘Streetvibes’ 1 February 1997 (first issue) July 2001 April 2005 August 2006 November 1999 August 2003 April 2008 January 2009 ! ? t a h W y a S _____________________ “The work must be political. It must have that as its thrust. That’s a pejorative term in critical circles now: If a work of art has any political influence in it, somehow it’s tainted. My feeling is just the opposite: If it has none it is tainted. ... The best art is political and you ought to be able to make it unquestionably political and irrevocably beautiful at the same time” – Toni Morrison, “Rootedness: The Ancestor as Foundation,” in Black Women Writers (1950-1980): A Critical Evaluation �STREETVIBES June 2009 International News 9 Half-Moon over Norway Notes from an infrequent traveler By GreGory FLannery editor giraffe meat. He hoped to sample whale before returning home. The rainiest city in Europe High-school seniors in bagis Bergen, Norway, according gy red pants were in the throes to guidebooks I of a 30-day party, apparread before visA Ukrainian iting. Some esently with the delegate said timates were for expectation that that his city rain 350 days a they spend the government, year – virtually month drinking every day. I saw like Cincinnati’s, beer and having is hostile to no rain in Berfun, collecting decals for their gen. homeless After only two pants at the bars people and the hours I learned they visit. The organizations that red pants mark how to turn on help them. the lights in the teenagers my hotel room. as newly legal This required beer drinkers, inserting the room’s key card and people generally tolerinto a special slot on the wall. ate their exuberance. After 30 Then the lights came on with a days of carousing, the students snap! crackle! pop! take their final exams. Nearly all the Europeans I Bergen’s public squares are The midnight sky in Bergen, Norway. Photos by Gregory Flannery. met spoke English, including busy day and night, sometimes delegate from Germany said, A Ukrainian delegate said with a Canadian writer had a a man who advised me on traf- with music playing, frequently “You must visit me in Stutt- that his city government, bathroom so large that, as he fic safety after I came close to with broad expanses of flow- gart. The beers are so cheap! like Cincinnati’s, is hostile to put it, “You could fit a whole being run over. ers and almost always with We can get 24 for nothing.” homeless people and the orga- family in there.” This poor “If you’re not careful,” he people relaxing. The city stays A Norwegian editor said his nizations that help them. decent man arrived in Bergen said, “you’ll put an ugly dent active long into the wee hours, friend went up north. He asked A German freelance writer unaware that he’d be sharing in that man’s car, and he’ll be with pedestrians strolling and a boy where he could find li- said he’d heard of Cincin- a room with someone who very angry at you.” showing no sign that doing so quor in the village. The boy nati because of its Oktoberfest snores like an angry drunken When I arrived in Norway, is in any way dancelebration. Hav- bear. I’d always imagined CaBergen’s public squares are busy ing thrice visited the nadians to be a hearty lot; but no one asked for my pass- gerous. An editor port or identification. I simply told me the whole day and night, sometimes with United States, he after the first night, it was clear walked out of the airport. Re- country is abuzz music playing, frequently with disagrees with what that our co-habitation wasn’t turning to the United States, about a homicide, he said is a common going to work. He’d never get broad expanses of flowers and I had to show my passport the first this year in almost always with people relaxing. perception among any sleep. twice, fill out paperwork from Norway. Europeans. That is why, for most of the Department of Fatherland At 1 a.m. one “Europeans, espe- the conference, I slept on the Security, take off my shoes night a flock of pointed to a church. “That,” cially in the north, tend to talk bathroom floor with the door and belt, empty my pockets seagulls flew just overhead, he said, “is the only place you to one another only if there closed. I considered it a kind and pass through a metal de- scattered by the sound of a NOT can find liquor.” is a purpose,” he said. “They of participatory journalism, a tector. red van with the sign “Boobs” The best after-party was in think Americans are superfi- small taste of the discomfort Reindeer steaks were the roaring past, techno-pop and Room 712, headquarters of the cial, but it’s not true from my that homeless people endure main course at an elegant strobe flights blaring within. I man people at the conference experience. Americans are every night. It wasn’t so bad. awards banquet for the Inter- enjoyed the seagulls but really called “that crazy guy from so friendly. They are perfect I just had to lie still until the national Network of Street wanted to be in that van. the Netherlands.” Standing on hosts. They take you to parties sun came up, or risk falling Papers (see stories on pages Beer and liquor prices are the balcony of his room, I was and introduce you to every- into the toilet. The slot for the 1 and X). A delegate from very high in Norway. A slim struck by the half moon hov- one.” key card to turn on the lights Namibia contrasted the taste shot of whiskey cost 83 kro- ering over the mountains. The hotel room I shared was in the other room. of reindeer with elephant and ners, or about $12 U.S. A There are many street performers in Europe. A view of Lake Nordaas from Edvard Grieg’s House. Become a fan of Streetvibes on Facebook! �Column 10 Still Struggling Over-the-Rhine is as strong as its people I wrote this history of Over- cil, the Peaslee Center, the Although one can see comthe-Rhine in the early 1980s. Contact Center, the Over-the- fortable homes on 14th and Bonnie Neumeier recently Rhine Community Housing Broadway and other pockets resurrected it for her work Network, Streetvibes, and oth- of former wealth, the vast with Miami University stu- ers mean that the neighbor- majority of these houses were dents. How much has changed hood still has a voice, even if built to box poor people into in 25 years? the politicians and developers as little space as possible. The For one thing, the neighbor- try to kill it off. point was to minimize space hood is no longer a base for and maximize rents. Over-theAppalachian residents. Most Over-the-Rhine history Rhine workers had to endure of those folks are scattered what other urban working around Cincinnati, a great Over-the-Rhine is an inner class people had to endure in many in Price Hill and envi- city neighborhood immedi- the 19th century. The generarons. ately north of the downtown tions of poor, working-class They have been replaced business district, one square people who have followed to in part by the new cadres of today have expeurban pioneers, particularly rienced a similar along Main Street and Vine history: overStreet. The neighborhood is crowding, exploiby MiChael henson tation, cramped becoming where you go to find the arts and, with the Cinlives. cinnati Art Academy and the The German innew School for the Creative mile in size with 12,000 low- fluence in the neighborhood and Performing Arts, will income black and Appalachian peaked in the early part of the continue to be. residents. There are two main 19th century. Beginning in the The neighborhood has been threads to Over-the-Rhine his- 1930s, peaking in the 1950s impacted by murders. Many tory. First, the neighborhood and continuing today, the people thought the murder has been a port of entry for neighborhood began to receive of musician Michael Bany succeeding waves of migrants, new residents who migrated would slow the first from Eu- from the economically detransformation The vast majority rope, then more pressed regions of Appalachia of Main Street. of these houses recently from and the Deep South. In the first It did for sever- were built to box Appalachia and stage of this migration, white al years. Many poor people into the Deep South. Appalachians became the people thought Each of these major group in the neighboras little space (and some as possible. The groups has left hood. Over-the-Rhine became hoped) the murits mark on the a center for Bluegrass and point was to der of Buddy minimize space neighborhood country music. Later, as major and on the city sections of the West End were Gray would and maximize mean that the itself. destroyed for urban renewal rents. Drop Inn CenSecond, the programs, which included the ter and the housing move- neighborhood has functioned building of Interstate 75 and ment would dry up and blow as one of the concentrations new business development, away. (They never missed a of the poor. It has been where large numbers of displaced beat.) The murder of Timothy employers have looked for blacks moved into the neighThomas (yes, I said murder) cheap labor. It has been where borhood. Black residents now led to the riots of 2001. the poor have looked for cheap constitute a majority in OverBut the dismal fact is that housing. And because resi- the-Rhine, although there rethere have been many more dents feel the neighborhood main large numbers of white murders, mostly of people has been one of the centers for Appalachians. Both groups who made the news only for exploitation, Over-the-Rhine have historically been at the a moment, and most of them has a history of resistance and bottom of the city’s economic traceable in one way or anoth- struggle that continues today. and social ladder. er to the impact on the neighThe neighborhood takes its Throughout the 1960s, borhood of crack cocaine. name from the canal, which in 1970s and the 1980s, the This is the most heartbreak- the nineteenth century formed neighborhood residents have ing change in the years since its southern boundary. People fought to change this pattern who moved north from the of poverty and I wrote this piece. Of course, there has contin- city’s center were said to have discrimination. ued to be the slow murder of gone “Over the Rhine.” The The neighborpoverty, disease, and addic- Germans, who moved to the hood was one city in great numbers after of the local tion. Homelessness has persisted 1894, were for many years the battlefields in in the neighborhood, but so dominant group in the commu- the war on povPoverty has the work of homeless ad- nity. They formed a number of erty. vocates, including the Greater churches, cultural and athletic won that war, Cincinnati Coalition for the clubs, and until World War I, of course, but Homeless and that damn Drop classes were taught in German a black-white Inn Center that refuses to go for a part of each day in the coalition was away, in spite of every effort public schools. Germans were formed which by city council and developers not the only immigrants, how- remains intact ever. There were many Ital- today in spite to plan it out of existence. The neighborhood is home ians, Greeks and Spanish as of fifteen years to a growing community of well as native-born Americans of stress and struggle. Some recovering men and women, living in the neighborhood. Contrary to a popular myth, of the areas of in part because of the work of Over-the-Rhine was not built struggle are: the Drop Inn Center. Institutions like the Over- for a comfortable middle class • E d u c a t i o n : Residents of the-Rhine Community Coun- community of the late 1880s. ammered H STREETVIBES June 2009 Michael Henson is author of Ransack, A Small Room with Trouble on My Mind, The Tao of Longing and Crow Call. This column is part of a monthly series on poverty and addiction. Over-the-Rhine have fought housing stock through specto gain recognition for black ulation and abandonment. and ApThe commuThey have been palachian nity has fought culture, im- replaced in part by to bring new provements the new cadres of housing into the urban pioneers, in the eduneighborhood to particularly along gain quality recational Main Street and programs habilitation for Vine Street. The in the comlow-income peoneighborhood is ple. Demolition munity and becoming where to prevent control and antiyou go to find the closing displacement of neigh- the arts and, with ordinances have the Cincinnati Art borhood been of some Academy and the help. Several schools (six new School for have closed low-income selfthe Creative and in the past help co-ops are Performing Arts, actively rehab10 years). In 1982, will continue to be. bing units. But the neighdisplacement is borhood worked together still a major threat. There to keep one neighborhood has been a recent trend of school, Peaslee Elementary, “gentrification” in which open. A number of parents, upper-income speculators both black and Appalachian, are buying up properties, tried unsuccessfully to sue renovating them and rentthe Board of Education to ing them out at much higher prevent closing. rates. This is part of a na• The Drop Inn Center: Alcotional trend in which private holism and drug abuse redevelopers, in an attempt to main major problems in the attract young professionals, neighborhood. One response displace low-income famihas been the Drop Inn Cenlies and the elderly. ter shelterhouse which • Historic Designation: In houses and feeds 125 to 150 concert with the city, a street alcoholics nightly. It is group of preservationists, unique as a treatment center gentrifiers and real estate in that over half of the staff speculators are attempting are recovering alcoholics to have the entire Over-thewho have come through the Rhine community designatcenter’s program. However, ed a historic district. Overthe center has remained unthe-Rhine and its member der fire from the city’s busigroups oppose the designate ness elite because of its loas it is presently proposed cation near Music Hall and because of their belief that has had to face a number of it will only fuel the current attacks from city bureaucraspeculation occurring in the cies. Unions, churches, proneighborhood. fessionals and concerned With articles and media neighbors continue to rally coverage such as an October to work for the center. Last 1981 60 Minutes segment and year, after a major fundrais- a New York Times article, May ing drive, the center was 1983, Over-the-Rhine gains able to buy its building. even national attention and • Housing: Over-the-Rhine recognition in its struggles. has lost a great part of its We live and grow. Interested in volunteering with Streetvibes? Contact Greg Flannery at 513-421-7803 x 12 or by e-mail at streetvibes2@ yahoo.com �STREETVIBES June 2009 International News Lessons in Spain 11 Savoring the differences that matter By PauL KoPP Contributing Writer Time I did not have any idea what Walking around Bilbao at I would encounter on my visit any point in the day, one can to Spain. The trip had been feel a vibrant human energy. finalized very quickly; and Lunchtime starts about 2 p.m. about a week after the arrange- and lasts several hours, with ments had been made, we most stores closing for the duwere on our way. I found that ration. Only the small bars that knowing very little about the line the streets are open, and place I was going only added most people stop in on their to the excitement and sense of lunch break. These bars serve wonder brought by immersion tiny appetizer-sized sandwichin a foreign culture. es known as “pintxos,” the Bilbao is not exactly a hot- Basque equivalent of Spanish bed of tourism, which, from tapas. my perspective, worked to the Usually topped with Iberian city’s advantage. Situated in cured ham or any number of Basque counlocal meat, The Spanish try in the north fish and cheese have the sense combinations, of Spain, capito separate tal of the provthere seemed ince of Biscay, to be an endthemselves from Bilbao has a less variety the world of population of of pintxos at commerce long a little more a fairly cheap than 350,000. enough to relax and price. Light eat lunch. Surrounded by but filling, this low lying, fortype of meal est covered mountains, a walk made me think about my avin any direction leads to beau- erage lunch break at home: altiful views. ways rushed, and usually only A rather industrious city, spending about 20 minutes at Bilbao’s image was com- home or a restaurant eating pletely different until about food that makes me immedi20 years ago, according to a ately want to take a nap upon gentleman in a café. It is/was returning to work. The Spana factory town with a strong ish have the sense to separate history of class struggle. themselves from the world of The simple act of leaving commerce long enough to retown is refreshing. The expe- lax and eat lunch. riences of my trip made comWitnessing a siesta, I started ing home feel like I was, in to understand the implications some way, being cheated. New of these differences and to see questions and thoughts came some evidence that, when it to me during my time away, comes to some things, particuand even more have surfaced larly how we treat ourselves, since my return. I began to we got it wrong. think very intently about the From what I heard from many differences between the other Spaniards, the people quality of life in the United of Bilbao are known for their States and in Spain. strong work ethic, seemingly An American in Bilbao, Spain. Photo by Olga Collier. working all the time. Yet they didn’t seem especially stressed like most hard workers I know. The difference might be in what is called the “mañana attitude,” holding that there will always be more time to finish work, so why rush and get worked up about it? I met a couple from Madrid, graduate students in their mid-twenties. Both were soft spoken, and it was easy to talk about issues that can make conversations awkward: religion, politics, money. They were concerned to learn how many hours a week the average American works (twice as many as they do), let alone the vacation and sick time we receive. The Spanish generally have one to two months of paid vacation each year. For a few days I stayed at the flat of a group of Basque students in a neighborhood they jokingly deemed “the Bronx of Bilbao.” “You’re my boy, Paul,” he said. So began a spirited night drinking this licorice-like Welcome elixir. I spent a lot of time walking With its own complex lan- through the narrow cobbleguage and deep-rooted tradi- stone streets of Casco Viejo, tions, the Basque presence in “old town” in Spanish. The orBilbao struck me as mysteri- igins of the city date to 1300. ous. The Basques I met spoke Though the buildings are very of immense pride in their old, they are filled with conculture and heritage. Unfor- temporary stores, restaurants, tunately cafés and Though the buildings it seems bars. The are very old, they are m o s t younger A m e r i - filled with contemporary g e n e r a cans know stores, restaurants, cafés tion’s culonly of the ture was and bars. The younger Basque able to generation’s culture separatexist right was able to exist right ist group, next to the next to the traditional E T A , traditional w h i c h environenvironment in perfect throughment in balance, as if it had out the last perfect always been there. half cenbalance, as tury has if it had alwaged a guerilla campaign to ways been there. gain autonomy from Spain. In Stepping into one of the fact, other Spaniards warned bars for a quick coffee is quite me of the potential hostility I a treat. The Spaniards make might experience. their coffee by grinding cofBut the Basques I stayed fee beans and putting them with were some of the nicest, through an espresso machine, most welcoming people I have making it less bitter. The servever met. They were fascinat- ing size, like all the beverages ed by American pop culture. I was served there, were sigThe flat-mates were fluent in nificantly smaller than in the Basque and Spanish, as well United States. as English, to varying levels. Witnessing these differencOne night a flat-mate named es has allowed me to see some Garxot proudly announced he of the abnormalities of Amerwanted me to try patxaran, a ica’s culture of excess. We try Basque liquor made from ber- to do everything on a grand ries particular to this region. scale. From the 20-ounce After each of us had finished Cokes, the cars we drive and our first sampling, the bottle the big screen TVs to the mansat untouched for a few min- sions that Americans dream utes. We each had been eyeing of, we are so wired on conthe bottle during this time, po- sumerism that we can’t slow litely gauging each other’s re- down. action. As I reached in to pour We can learn something myself another, Garxot’s face from other cultures. flashed a sly smile �Guest Column 12 With Craving and Mortal Fear STREETVIBES June 2009 What Do Schizophrenics Seek? By steven LansKy Contributing Writer muskiness you don’t want to get close to. It’s rough to take him into a restaurant or a car. Well, that’s a trick question. He’s with you, so he won’t get The noun form is deceptive. asked to leave. I don’t like it. People with Years ago I drove 3,500 schizophrenia seek commu- miles in three weeks when nity. We seek connection. We I was on a medicine hiatus. crave contact and live in mor- There’s no good way to say tal fear of it. I sicken to my this. I was stopped twice at stomach when I think of how night for driving without my cowardly I am lights on. Both when it comes Now, doubting the times I talked to sharing my very premise that I my way out truest desires. tickets. belong in this box, of My psychiaThe second trist knows this cube, this magic time the men this. She un- domed flying carpet searched me derstands. with wheels below and my car. I was drivand a wheel to grip There is sense ing in the that the drive in fleshy fingers, snow tonight was a necesclean fingernails, and saw Eddy sary journey, droopy mustache (his real first thousands of over them. name)walking miles through against traffic snow and ice, in the fourto be kicked lane street. He walked with a out of a nightclub on Beale hitch in his step. Sometimes Street in Memphis, and later he has a cane. In the dark, it to be asked to leave a bed & was difficult to tell. He limps breakfast in Cambridge, Mass. along, a small bag clutched in I tried to contact a psychiatrist one hand. Often between fall but I couldn’t connect. There and winter I see him at the bus was this Harvard doctor. Fear stop. It’s too cold to live out- caused me to hide, walk, run side. He smells bad – urine, and seek. Desire. Stretched. feces, and the sharp pungent Me. To. My. Limit. alcohol tilt. He’s in a state of Staring through the night, feeling the car behind creep Go to the clinic, find a psy- noia. No, don’t start reading closer, pulling at me with chologist, use tests, measure body language. Lost baggage. some essential Christian grav- the way with statistics. Speak- Luggage left by the roadside. ity, smellLuggage ing benzene with a They want to get closer, to learn about it, and knowhitch in but they’re afraid. They might catch the ing that the his step. “laziness.” The “sensitivity.” Never mind all the He smells ice falling misunderstanding about paranoia. bad, only from the sky was somesome spirit energy, and yet the ing the language might include times. reason for the pulsing craving understanding the dose. Take His house is cluttered. A desire was never clear. the dose. Take it and stick to university professor who lives Running away. Running it. alone. A lot of books. A lot of towards. Circling like some Why am I angry to be artwork. Many friends have nomadic migrating goose, dosed? Dosing doesn’t con- artwork up. Many artists are honking and looking for oth- nect me. Neither does work- friends. Schizophrenia is art ers on the highway to form ing on my own stuff while on friendly. “Right, Poet?” some streamlined pattern on the dole. That’s what they call Just want out. Want to be the wing. disability. They don’t think a man in a dark room with a Breaking ice off of a run- I’m a freeloader, but boy are woman. One at a time. Make ning car. Bitchy vibrat- they scared of what I’ve got. babies. Want to perpetuate the ing steel, humming pistons, They’re sure I’m a freeloader, species. Not just anyone. Her. coughing exhaust, trusting I could be pushing a broom, I desire her. I want to be with that some reason fuels this making sandwiches, washing her. I love her. I think about machine. Now, doubting the dishes, keeping count, selling her. No, I don’t obsess. I like very premise that I belong in tickets, washing cars, deliv- her voice. The way she dancthis box, this cube, this mag- ering pizza, driving over the es. Her eyes. I love her eyes. ic domed flying carpet with road, but I have a professional Big brown eyes. Warm as wawheels below and a wheel to job. University professor. ter from a spring. The way her grip in fleshy fingers, clean Teacher. Intellectual. That’s body moves. I’m afraid to say fingernails, droopy mustache respected. But the disability it. She walks like a waterfowl. over them. goes with that. They want to She flies like a goose. She is Do poets belong in cars at get closer, to learn about it, goose. all? but they’re afraid. They might Old sage, tell me, does Is schizophrenia so separate catch the “laziness.” The “sen- goose fly overhead? from poets that there is only a sitivity.” Never mind all the correlation once a semester? misunderstanding about para- Call 513-421-7803 x11 to learn about Streetvibes subscriptions Crossword Sudoku Across 1. Pitted 4. Pertaining to a sponge 8. Specialist in mathematics 13. Match 14. In the greatest degree 15. Find the answer 16. Virginia cape 18. Places a ball 19. Oceanic abyss 21. Bell-shaped flower 23. Semitic person 27. Without selfcontrol 31. With a quick succession of beats (3-1-3) 33. Nursemaid 34. Long, cylindrical piece of wood 35. Vehicle 36. Not fully conscious (4-9) 37. Potent 38. Intolerance of another race Down 2. Drink container Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 through 9. 3. Highest mountain 5. Leading 6. Beard 7. Shrewd 9. Narrative 10. Bee dwelling 11. Cable 12. Small island 17. Agent 20. Hole 22. Cure-all 24. Most mature 25. Tiny piece 26. Striking volcanic island 28. Hawaiian island 29. Aware of 30. Whips with lashes of leather thongs 32. Hickory-nut The fundamental goal of a Sudoku puzzle is to use the provided numbers, or givens, to discover which numbers logically fill in the empty squares. The only rule of Sudoku is that each of the nine rows, each of the nine columns, and each of the nine 3x3 subsections must contain all of the numbers from one to nine, and each number consequently can occur in each row, column and subsection only once. Solutions on Page 15 �STREETVIBES June 2009 Community News Giving Back with Deep Voices 13 Joseph House residents serve Our Daily Bread By PauL MiLLer Contributing Writer “The guys clean, serve, do whatever needs to be done,” says Calvin Wooten, associate Started by a member of the director and treatment coordiSisters of Charity and a retired nator at Joseph House. businessman, When Jo“While they Joseph House seph House give back to the is a residential was unable to community, (our serve lunch in treatment cenits own kitchter for homeguys) get to look less veterans en, it partnered at themselves by suffering from seeing people who with Our Daialcohol depenly Bread for (are) living what dency or drug meals. they were living. addiction. Be“I talked ginning with with Kathy We’re teaching Our one building some basic living (Ray, containing Daily Bread’s skills, teaching eight beds, kitchen manthem to get out Joseph House ager) about of the mentality now operates sending 20-30 of drug users.” multiple buildguys over for ings with 100 lunch,” WooCalvin Wooten beds. ten says. “I On the secsaid, ‘How can ond Tuesday of the month, we help?’ ’Cause we wanted residents from Joseph House to give back. So she said, volunteer at Our Daily Bread. ‘How about volunteering one day a month?’ ” The partnership continues today. Once a month 15 or more men walk from Joseph House on Republic Street to Our Daily Bread at Race and Elder streets, doing any chores that need to be done. “We’ve got a wealth of talent here,” Wooten says. “I learned from the beginning that these are some awesome guys. We’ll get trucks unloaded, we’ll send over cooks. We try to instill in these guys a sense of responsibility to the community.” A volunteer at Our Daily Bread, who has also volunteered at Joseph House, agrees: “It’s their way of giving back. They come down to eat. It teaches them to be humble. You gotta be humble to be a volunteer.” Besides volunteering, Joseph House residents experience other benefits at Our Calvin Wooten, associate director and treatment coordinator at Joseph House. Photo by Angela Pancella. Daily Bread. “While they give back to the community, (our guys) get to look at themselves by seeing people who (are) living what they were living,” Wooten says. “We’re teaching some basic living skills, teaching them to get out of the mentality of drug users.” Ray appreciates the attitude the men bring to the job. “They look out for each other,” she says. “If one of them is slipping up, the others will call him on it.” That’s part of the message, according to Wooten. “We tell our guys, ‘These are your brothers. Take care of one another,’ ” he says. When weather prevents other volunteers from traveling to Our Daily Bread, Joseph House residents are always available for the call. “On snow days they always send someone,” Ray says. “When they come, there’s so many of them. When we are praying the ‘Our Father,’ we have all these deep male voices. It’s great to hear.” The men of Joseph House say the Serenity Prayer helps them focus on their path to recovery: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Sometimes, Ray says, one or two Joseph House volunteers end the “Our Father” with the tagline they use with the Serenity Prayer: “It works if you work it.” Our Daily Bread, a food and hospitality ministry at 1730 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, offers a mid-day meal, serving more than 500 meals every weekday. To volunteer or donate food, call Joan or Kathy at 513-621-6364. Letter to the Editor To the editor: I wanted to say I enjoyed your article in Streetvibes this month “Retreat to Silence,” June 1 edition). If it is any indication of good subject matter and writing, I’ve never been to Gethsemani, nor am I particularly religious, yet your description of the place was really fascinating. One of the things I most enjoy about this part of the country are places that speak to something universal but couldn’t be from anywhere but here. Nice work. Rob Wall Ohio Justice & Policy Center 215 E. 9th St. Suite 601 Cincinnati, OH 45202 �Local News 14 Garry Quits Council Race STREETVIBES June 2009 Will focus on green efforts and 2011 race says. Buildings in Cincinnati could become green by improving their insulation and windows to efficiently maintain interior temperatures, Garry says. Hamilton County By JereMy FLannery also needs to improve drainContributing Writer age systems to more efficiently filter sewage, he says. The Losing a campaign endorseU.S. Environmental Protecment from his own political tion Agency has sued Hamparty could make a candidate ilton County and the city of feel green. That’s the reaCincinnati for water-pollution son Brian Garry has dropped violations. out of the race for Cincinnati Buildings in Cincinnati City Council as a candidate in could reduce carbon gases 2009. while creating a habitat for The Democratic Party enbirds by planting vegetation dorsed Garry in the 2007 on building tops, according to council race. He placed 18th in Garry. Chicago, San Francisco the election, receiving 13,164 and other cities have already votes. The top nine finishers implemented vegetation into won seats on council. But this building plans. year the Cincinnati DemoGreen initiatives should cratic Committee decided not Brian Garry. Photo courtesy of One Cincinnati Campaign. involve profitable work for to endorse him, despite a letter of support for Garry from ment through business, volun- you enter with this sense of ide- Low-income earners could business owners and workers Vice Mayor David Crowley. teer projects and advocacy, he als,” Garry says. “But the sci- develop new skills and find to improve the environment, Garry says he was one vote says. Garry’s platform focuses entific methods of change are higher paying jobs through Garry says. A sustainable living wage and affordable housshy of being endorsed. on creating sustainable green not as idealistic. It’s more like such initiatives. ing are essential parts of being “I’m disappointed with jobs, technology, transporta- moving the football down the Garry also wants to see new green, he says. their decision, tion and space. field by inches – “When people but I’m choosing Garry’s platform One way to small increments “When people talk about it, sipping talk about it, sipnot to run as an work toward of compromises focuses on some green tea and saying, ‘We’re ping some green tea independent canthose goals to achieve those creating going green,’ but then choose to and saying, ‘We’re didate, to not run even without idealistic goals.” bulldoze the poor people out and going green,’ but against the party,” sustainable green being elected Garry would then choose to jobs, technology, rebuild, that’s not equitable. It is not he says. “There to office is like to work are a lot of comGarry’s mem- with the Cincin- being green when people cannot find bulldoze the poor transportation munity leaders bership on nati Chamber of affordable places to live.” - Brian Garry people out and reand space. build, that’s not and my supportthe Hamilton Commerce to equitable,” Garry ers pursuing me to County Re- provide sustainrun this year, and I am not.” gional Planning Commission’s able living for low-income manufacturing jobs created says. “It is not being green Instead, Garry says he’ll Green Building Committee, earners through the Mayor’s for the production of genera- when people cannot find afcontinue the community ac- the Cincinnati Human Ser- Green City Initiative, he says. tors and equipment for envi- fordable places to live.” Garry and his brother have tivism he’s been involved in vices Advisory Commission, The growing demand for en- ronmentally friendly energy throughout his adult life, and the Mayor’s Green Cincinnati vironmental initiatives is an sources such as wind turbines operated the Green City Ecohe’ll prepare for the 2011 race. Initiative and the Commu- opportunity to increase and and solar panels. Workers Struction Co. for 24 years. The His campaign team, the “Gar- nity Development Advisory improve the work force – an could also find construction company is a member of the ry Green Team,” will work to Board. opportunity Cincinnati can- employment in initiatives to U.S. Green Building Council improve the city’s environ“When you get into politics, not afford to pass up, he says. improve the quality and cost- and uses building materials efficiency of buildings in Cin- certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to offer more cinnati, he says. “(Buildings) need to be sustainable building practices made energy efficient for the for the environment and consake of the homeowners, ten- sumers. Garry says he plans to open ants and the environment, and a store, the Green Depot, that’s especially meaningful to at 1235 Vine St. Over-thelow-income people when they have to pay $2,000 per year Rhine. to heat their homes,” Garry Cleo’s Joke Corner A bee was flying through the air with his legs crossed. I asked where he was going. He said, “I’m going to the BP station.” �STREETVIBES June 2009 Vendor Voice 15 We Are Here Homeless people gather downtown because they must 1 By GeorGe HerreL streetvibes vendor It’s 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Most people are still snug in their beds fast asleep. Yet at Nast Trinity Church on Race Street across from Washington Park, a dozen or more volunteers have been awake for hours and are now gathered in the church’s dining room. Hands linked, heads bowed, they say a prayer over the food they’ve been preparing and begin to assemble plates to serve to the more than 100 people who will show up today. It’s not necessarily a holiday or any special occasion. These people repeat this same routine faithfully every Sunday morning and evening. The people they’re serving aren’t visitors from out of town. As a matter of fact, many of them spent the preceding night sleeping in doorways or on park benches. Others found refuge in one of the emergency shelters. Yet this is an open-invitation meal. All are welcome; homeless is not a prerequisite. A few blocks away, the City Gospel Mission on Elm Street serves two meals a day, seven days a week. Food for the soul is offered just as frequently by way of morning and evening worship services before each meal. Forty-six men live at the shelter and participate in men’s self-help programs. In addition, the City Gospel Mission serves 100 meals daily. The Drop Inn Center serves three meals a day seven days a week. These organizations have one other thing in common. They depend upon donations to replenish their food stocks, and at times those donations are meager. At those times, organizations such as Food not Bombs and St. John’s Social Services provide less formal “sidewalk” meals. There was a time not long ago when other organizations would gather at Washington Park and set up grills and tables or pull their pickup trucks and vans right into the park and serve bowls of steaming soups or stews to the hungry, often offering prayer as well. But the city of Cincinnati began prohibiting such free meals in the park, citing everything from health code violations to excess litter as reasons. Now, as the new School for the Creative and Performing Arts approaches completion on 12th Street, concerns are being raised about the safety of the students and the effect that the blight of homeless people milling around will have on their impressionable psyches. But if you really want to change the future, what better teacher could there possibly be than “reality’? Homelessness is a problem in Cincinnati, a problem that needs to be dealt with and not hidden in the shadows. Allow me to give you some facts and figures: • 1,300 people experience homelessness each night in Cincinnati. • Twenty-five percent of Cincinnati’s homeless are children. • Twenty-five percent of Missed an Issue? Check out the Streetvibes archive at www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes Only purchase Streetvibes from BADGED vendors. Vendors wear their WHITE badges while they sell the paper. Puzzle Solutions homeless people are veterans. • The majority of the organizations in Cincinnati that provide services to homeless people are located downtown. Therefore, the homeless population in downtown is greater than in most any other area in the city. “We are here.” We cannot simply be swept under a rug and be expected to go away. We don’t want to be out here, but many of us have issues that we need help with. Let’s get together and figure out solutions to those problems, because only by dealing with them can they be solved. George Herrell is a Streetvibes vendor. �16 STREETVIBES June 2009 Double Take “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon Rally to legalize marijuana on April 20, 2009. Homeless Standdown, a resource fair for individuals experiencing homelessness, on May 6, 2009. National Day of Prayer on May 7, 2009. Photos by Andrew Anderson. Need Help or Want to Help? Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point...381-SAFE Cincinnati Union Bethel...768-6907 Bethany House...557-2873 Grace Place Catholic Worker House...681-2365 Salvation Army...762-5660 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter...872-9259 Talbert House...684-7965 Resources Treatment: Women First Step Home ...961-4663 Treatment: Both City Gospel Mission...241-5525 Justice Watch...241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Worker House...381-4941 Mt. Airy Shelter...661-4620 AA Hotline...351-0422 CCAT ...381-6672 Joseph House ...241-2965 Hamilton County ADAS Board ...946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center ...281-7422 Sober Living ...681-0324 Talbert House...641-4300 Shelter: Both Advocacy Anthony House (Youth)...961-4080 Caracole (HIV/AIDS)...761-1480 Drop Inn Center...721-0643 Interfaith Hospitality Network...471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center...221-3350 St. John’s Housing...651-6446 Catholic Social Action ...421-3131 Community Action Agency ...569-1840 Contact Center...381-4242 Franciscan JPIC ...721-4700 Greater Cinci Coalition for the Homeless..421-7803 Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center...5798547 Legal Aid Society ...241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center ...421-1108 Peaslee Neighborhood Center ...621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids ...363-3300 Stop AIDS...421-2437 Shelter: Men Housing: CMHA...721-4580 Excel Development...632-7149 OTR Community Housing...381-1171 Tender Mercies...721-8666 Tom Geiger House...961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services Inc. ...751-0643 Volunteers of America...381-1954 Food Lord’s Pantry...621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Soup Kitchen & Pantry..961-1983 Our Daily Bread...621-6364 St. Francis Soup Kitchen...535-2719 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House...784-1853 DIC Live In Program...721-0643 Prospect House...921-1613 Starting Over...961-2256 Health Center for Respite Care ...621-1868 Cincinnati Health Network ...961-0600 Crossroad Health Center ...381-2247 Hamilton county Mental Health Board...946-8600 Hamilton County TB Control ...946-7628 Health Resource Center ...357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van...352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic...352-6363 Mental Health Access Point...558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John...981-5800 NAMI of Hamilton County..458-6670 Oral Health Council...621-0248 PATH Outreach...977-4489 Catholic Social Services...241-7745 Center for Independent Living Options...241-2600 Churches Active in Northside...591-2246 Emmanuel Community Center...241-2563 FreeStore/FoodBank...241-1064 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart...381-0111 Goodwill industries...771-4800 Healing Connections...751-0600 Madisonville Education & Assistance Center...2715501 Mary Magdalen House...721-4811 People Working Cooperatively...351-7921 St. Vincent de Paul...562-8841 The Caring Place...631-1114 United Way...721-7900 Women Helping Women...977-5541 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center...859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House...859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission...859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth...859-581-1111 Mathews House...859-261-8009 NKY Homeless & Housing Coalition...859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen...859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic...859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc...859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY...859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center...859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary...859-559-5011 VA Homeless...859-572-6226 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels...863-3184 Salvation Army...863-1445 Serenity House Day Center...422-8555 Open Door Pantry...868-3276 � 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 2009 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2009 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: ‘Streetvibes’ Wins International Award Pg 2: The Vibe Pg 3: Eight Minutes with a ‘Mind Kitchen’ Pg 4: Same Struggle, Different Strategy Continued Pg 5: ‘Streetvibes’ Wins International Award Continued Pg 6: Death, Race and Place Pg 7: The Street Speaks Pg 8: Sexy, Yummy, Veggie Pg 9: Half-Moon Over Norway Pg 10: Still Struggling Pg 11: Lessons in Spain Pg 12: With Craving and Mortal Fear Pg 13: Giving Back with Deep Voices Pg 14: Garry Quits Council Race Pg 15: We Are Here Pg 16: Resource Guide Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Lynne Ausman Lew Moores Margo Pierce Paul Kopp Paul Miller George Herrell Jeremy Flannery Steven Lansky Michael Henson Dave Heitfield Alecia Lott Andrew Anderson Paul Kopp Aimie Willhoite Olga Collier Angela Pancella Mary Alice Flannery Jennifer Blalock Joe Wessels Steve Novotni Andrew Freeze Georgine Getty Stephanie Dunlap Steve Gibbs Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimie Willhoite Alecia Lott Andrew Anderson Andrew Freeze Angela Pancella Buddhist Monastery city council Dave Heitfield George Herrell Georgine Getty Gregory Flannery International Award Jennifer Blalock Jeremy Flannery Joe Wessels Joseph House Journalism Lew Moores Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Mary Alice Flannery Michael Henson Norway Ohio Olga Collier Over-the-Rhine Paul Kopp Paul Miller Spain Stephanie Dunlap Steve Gibbs Steve Novotni Steven Lansky street papers Streetvibes Traveling Vegetarian https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/715a8fba92df898365c4c2312b5fe160.pdf b540f3fbd0325727b34f79b2fe5f81b9 PDF Text Text Busted: Social Feed Me ST R EEScam T V IB Eon S Security Summer Salad J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Homeless Seymour PG 3 PG 8 J U N E 2 4 T H - J U LY 8 T H 2 0 11 Paulette Meier’s Songs for Justice 1 PG 16 ISSUE 202 ADVOCATING JUSTICE • BUILDING COMMUNITY Clemency Granted SUSAN LAKES Streetvibes Staff Writer O hio has the unique distinction of being a northern state that has an active execution list, and active groups fighting to stop executions, according to Sister Alice Gerdeman, who coordinates the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center in Cincinnati. An arm of the center, Families That Matter, has reason to celebrate since Shawn Hawkins is alive today. His execution date was set for June 15, but Governor John Kasich followed the unanimous recommendation of the parole board, and commuted his death sentence to life in prison without parole. “In this case, at least a life was saved,” Gerdeman said during an interview on the very day Hawkins would have died. Hawkins, 42, was the first death row inmate granted clemency by the newly elected Republican governor. Number of executions in the United States since 1976. Figure: Harrison Lott, GCCH Three executions went ahead as scheduled. The news that Hawkin’s life had been spared came as no surprise to Gerdeman and staff, “we were expecting it,” she said. The governor’s office released the following statement about the Hawkins case. “There is no doubt that the defendant played a significant, material role in the heinous crime, but precise details of that role are frustratingly unclear to the point that Ohio shouldn’t deliver the ultimate penalty in this case. Therefore, I am ordering that he spend the rest of his life in prison and have no chance of ever getting out. As See Clemency Granted, page 4 Northside Community Seeks Justice for Shooting of Local Musician Over two months after a man was shot and killed by a Cincinnati Police officer, many in Northside are still demanding answers. MARK GRAUHUIS Staff Intern Writer I n the early morning hours of April 18, a 911 call was placed reporting a “cutting” at Chase and Georgia Avenues a few hours earlier. 40 year-old David Paul Hebert, affectionately known as ‘Bones’, was named as a suspect. Soon after the 911 call was placed, Hebert and a companion were apprehended by police. According to police statements, Hebert removed a switchblade from his pocket, “swiped” it, and lunged at officers. Sgt. Andrew Mitchell then fired two rounds into his upper left chest. Officers at the scene reported that Hebert initially denied having a weapon. Just thirteen minutes after the 911 On a recent visit to Northside, graphic artist Seth Tobocman drew this image of Bones’ death and the community response. City says YES! to City Gospel Mission Jobs Not Jail Protest! PG 5 facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PG 5 twitter.com/streetvibesnews See Northside Seeks Justice, page 6 Mark Twain Was Right: pages from a graphic novel PG 10 streetvibes.wordpress.com �Editorial 2 Murder Is Okay? 22 The number of years Shawn Hawkins waited on death row before finally being granted clemency. Pages 1, 4. .01 The percentage of Green Township’s 22,000-plus housing units that are currently used for public housing. Page 5. $400 million The price tag of the new Horseshoe casino being built downtown Page 5. 1924 The year that City Gospel Mission first opened at its Vine Street location. Page 7. 23 The number of times a suspect has been killed by a Cincinnati police officer since 1995. Page 6. 309-261 The final score of a game of Scrabble won by Over-theRhine’s own Scrabble champ, Paul Diebold. Page14. 1991 The year that Paulette Meier released her first full-length social justice album. Page 16. urder. How do you define murder? Do you differentiate murder from killing? If so, (probably most of us do in some fashion) how do you make the discrimination? Far too often in the united states, any time the government takes the life of a human at best we label it “killing.” Worse, most of the time we use other even more indirect words such as war, or termination or necessary consequence or capital punishment. Undoubtedly, all of us would agree that murder is evil and wrong. We may also agree that ” The problem arises in how we define the word “killing.” Of course there are some instances in which one human takes the life of another without ever meaning to do so or with no act of malice. An example could be wrecking into another car when one’s brakes fail and killing the driver of the other car. Sure, perhaps the killer should have done more regular maintenance on her or his car, negligence may have been involved, but not malice and therefore in this example, the person in question killed another person, but did not murder that person. What about when the government takes a life (or many lives)- is that simply killing? Never within government or popular talk in the united states do we hear of the local, state or national government murdering someone. We are taught that when this government takes life it is “killing,” it is out of necessity to protect the rest of us. Somehow we see these actions as sovereign and unquestionable actions. The truth is that governments within the united states are constantly committing murder. Be it in war, lack of needed services or capital punishment. Capital punishment is murder. We are told that people who murder must be “pay for their actions” or “must be irrevocably removed from society to protect the rest us and to prevent further murders.” We are also told that capital punishment sends a signal to all other people that may potentially murder- that if they do they will be killed and therefore most of them chose to not murder- so we are all safer. The truth is that capital punishment has nothing to do with deterring murder and violence. There is no proof that the state murdering a human prevents others from murdering. In fact in some places the taking of life by people other than the government has gone up while at the same time the numbers of lives taken by the government in that locality have also gone up- hinting at an opposite trend. What if “capital punishment” were a deterrent to crime? Would that make a difference? Would that make it right? Would it make it okay for the state to take life; would it then definitely be “killing?” The truth is that when we murder someone under the guise of the state and under the term “capital punishment” we are truly just taking revenge- and that is malicious. But even beyond that, would it ever be okay? We, as humans, have to know our place. We are important and we are valuable but none of us is more important or more valuable than the next person. And none of us have the capability of choosing when another human should die. We simply don’t. None of us is good enough or pious enough or pure enough or patriotic enough or anything enough to choose when another person has been bad enough to die. To think that you, or I, or a governor, or a jury or a judge or a congress or a president or any human has the right or ability or even collective ability to decide when a human should die is centrism, haughtiness, selfishness, pretentiousness of the highest and foulest accord. This does not mean that when an individual or individuals commit murder it should not go unpunished- this simply means that none of us, on our own or with the agreement of every other living human are put here on this earth with the ability and power to decide that another human must die. We must know our place. We must throw off the idea that we are worthy of deciding between life and death for another human. We must search our heartswe all know murder is wrong. M ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Website: www.cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes.wordpress.com Email: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Staff Executive Director Josh Spring Director of Development & Operations Catie Dargue Director of Education & Outreach, Design & Layout Jeni Jenkins Staff Writer Susan Lakes Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator Riccardo Taylor Reception & Office Administration Della Woolens, Rubye Goode Georgia Bohannon, Stephen Gentry Contributing Writers: Willa Denise Jones, Saad Ghosn, Jim Luken, Lee Mccoy Photography/Artwork: Susan Lakes, Jeni Jenkins, Josh Spring, Saad Ghosn, Bill Howes, Paul Davis, Aimie Willhoite Summer Interns Journalism, Media & PR Jesse Call Journalism, Media & PR J.P. Dean Journalism, Media & PR Mark Grauhuis Research Alisa Balestra Education & Outreach Harrison Lott Development Corey Luthringer Statistics Brittany Fong Civil Rights/Social Justice Terique Scott �ST R EE T V IB E S Distributor Program 3 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 STREETVIBES IS DISTRIBUTED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASE THE PAPER FOR 25 CENTS PER COPY AND SELL IT FOR A $1 DONATION, KEEPING THE PROFIT THEY HAVE EARNED. BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR IS A GREAT WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY POOR TO GET BACK ON (OR STAY ON) THEIR FEET. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME FOR THOSE UNABLE TO SECURE OTHER EMPLOYMENT. MONEY EARNED HELPS MEET BASIC HOUSING, FOOD AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS. THE PROGRAM IS A HAND UP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE OFTEN IN A PLACE OF GETTING ONLY A HAND OUT, OR EVEN NO HAND AT ALL. ALL DISTRIBUTORS WEAR A BADGE AND CAN BE FOUND SELLING THE PAPER IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, CLIFTON, NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND AREA CHURCHES. CURRENT DISTRIBUTORS ALFRED BRANDON NELSON WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 SINCE 4/2008 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DAVID TOUGH 3/2011 DELESA HENDERSON NEW 5/2011 ELISA HILL SINCE 9/2010 GRADY COOK SINCE 8/2007 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES BYBEE SINCE 9/2010 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JAMES MOORE SINCE 11/2010 JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 BUSTED SUSAN LAKES Streetvibes Staff Writer Tuesday, June 21, 2011 11:22 a.m. Homeless coalition director receives a call letting him know that some men are offering homeless people money in exchange for personal information, including their social security number. 11:24 a.m. Director calls police and walks to Our Daily Bread to check it out, Streetvibes photographer tagging along. They’re told the men left in a gray car with Michigan tags. 12:11 a.m. Tip comes in that the possible scammers are in a alley at Over-the-Rhine Kitchen, so director walks there, sees the men and gray car, and calls police. 12:13 p.m. Police arrive on bicycles, in cars and on motorcycles and begin questioning four men in connection with a possible id theft case that will be turned over to the fraud unit of the Cincinnati Police Department. Potential suspects being questioned by police. Photo: Josh Spring JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARK DAUGHTERY NEW 3/2011 MARK ANTHONY SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 PAMELA TAYLOR NEW 6/2011 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAY BREWER NEW 5/2011 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY LUNDY NEW 5/2011 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 SHANNON MOATS NEW 3/2011 TERRY RANSON SINCE10/2008 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 VICTORIA MINOR NEW 3/2011 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 Tuesday morning, scam suspects were buying identities from vulnerable people. An hour later, the four suspects were answering questions and watching their rental car get towed down an alley. Speedy team work by a social service worker, police, some observant individuals and the executive director of the homeless coalition resulted in the beginning of a fraud investigation into a bogus charity and the men who were caught offering vulnerable people a small fee in exchange for personal information, including their social security numbers. Police questioned four men, two with local addresses and two with Michigan identifications, in an alley near Over-The-Rhine Kitchen within an hour of getting a report of suspicious activity going on with the men and their questionable charity, Heavenly Hope, of 150 West 5th Street. The men were seen lingering Tuesday morning outside Our Daily Bread and talking with some of the homeless people who hang out there for meals and activities. They offered bottled water, fruit and $5.00 donations to anyone willing to turn over their name, age, address and social security number to the supposed charity. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless pleads with you to never give your personal information away for money. Your identity is far too important to your future. If you were a victim of such a scam, please call the Cincinnati Police at 513-765-1212. You should also take the following steps: •Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 also www. ssa.gov- also check your Social Security records •Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT or www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/ idtheft •Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-9084490 or www.irs.gov/privacy/article/o...id=186436.00. html •File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov •Pay attention to your credit reports If you would like assistance in completing any of these tasks, please come to the Coalition office (117 E. 12th) on Wednesday, June 29th between the hours of 1pm and 4pm or Wednesday July 6th between the hours of 1pm and 4pm. Ask for Riccardo Taylor. � 4 Local News ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Clemency Granted Continued from page 1 someone who has experienced sudden and tragic loss, I know the pain that comes with losing loved ones. My prayers go out to the families of Diamond Marteen and Terrance Richard in the hope that they may find peace.” Hawkins was indicted for the aggravated murders of Richard and Marteen in 1989, tried before a jury and sentenced to death. He’s been behind bars for nearly 22 years. Hawkin’s life was spared, but had the execution gone on as planned, Gerdeman and other antideath penalty advocates would have been outside the facility, holding a prayer vigil. “We pray for the warden, the execution team, the governor, the legislature, the community members and both families,” she said. If the state proceeds with every schedule execution this year, Ohio will land second in number of people killed, with only Texas having more. Thirty-four US states have death penalties and 16 do not. Illinois repealed its death sentence a few months ago, and New Mexico did the same in 2009. Here is Ohio’s execution schedule as it stands right now, but the dates are subject to legal developments. Clemency proceedings are automatic for inmates on death row, according to information from the governor’s office. The Supreme Court of Ohio schedules executions after the state of Ohio moves to set a date. •Kenneth Wayne Smith - Clemency hearing date is June 23, and the scheduled execution date is July 19. •Brett Xavier Hartman – Clemency hearing date is July 12, and the scheduled execution is August 16. •Billy Slagle – Clemency hearing is August 24, and the scheduled execution is September 20. •Joseph Murphy – Clemency hearing is September 15, and the scheduled execution date is October 18. •Reginald Brooks – Clemency hearing date is to be arranged, and the schedule execution date is November 15. Inmates that have been executed since Governor Kasich took office include Frank Spisak, Johnnie Baston, Clarence Carter and Daniel Bedford. Each time an execution takes place, Sister Alice and other antideath penalty advocates hold prayer vigil time outside the prison in Lucas- Judy & Charles Hogan hold a picture of their son Shawn Hawkins. Photo: Jim Luken ville where executions take place. ““The system itself is totally broken,” Gerdeman said, adding that having a death penalty sentence means society is acting out of lowest rather than highest instincts. When asked if she has some words of advice for the governor, she’d tell him to support legislation that abolishes death sentences. Alternatives to death, according to Gerdeman, include life in prison with parole or life sentences without parole for those individuals who would pose dangers if allowed to return to society. Hawkins status right now is life in prison without the possibility of parole. But he maintains his innocence. His parents Chuck and Judy Hogan said steps are underway to file appeals so that he can be retried and eventually set free to return home. They believe he’s innocent too. So does Gerdeman. susanlakes@cincihomeless.org (513) 421-7803 Ex. 12 THE DETAILS: To Find Out More Information about anti-death penalty groups, contact -Ohioans to stop executions – otse.org@gmail.com, or call (614) 560-0654 -Equal Justice USA – www.ejusa.org -Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation – www.mvfr.org -Nation Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty – www.ncadp.org -Families that Matter – www.ijpc-cincinnati.org SUSAN LAKES Streetvibes Staff Writer J udy Hogan waited by the phone for two days, but the call never came. Finally, on day three, a Wednesday just a week before her son was scheduled to die, the phone rang with the news that her secondborn’s life had been spared. “Thank you Jesus,” Hogan recalls saying as she wrapped up in a big comforter. “Saving a life has sunk in, and now I just want to get him home” Shawn Hawkins, 42, a man locked up and sentenced to death for crimes he maintains he did not commit, was the first death row inmate to be granted clemency by Ohio Governor John Kasich. Hawkins was moved from death row into the general prison population just days after the governor announced the decision to commute the sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Hawkin’s mother and father, Charles Hogan, along with friends, extended family and anti-death penalty advocates, including members of the local group, Families That Matter, worked years gathering signatures, writing letters and giving talks in support of Shawn. Many are relieved to see that a life was spared, but some, including the Hogan’s, want more. “Saving a life has sunk in, and now I just want to get him home,” said Charles Hogan. “It’s a step at a time with the appeal to get a new trial.” “He’s relieved he’s going to live, but it’s different now,” said his longtime friend, Ivette Abelman. “It’s culture shock for Shawn. (He’s) been sort of on an island for 22 years, then (he) goes to a place that’s overcrowded.” Abelman began corresponding with Hawkins from her home in The Netherlands about fifteen years ago. She took a month off work to spend time with Hawkin’s parents to support them during the recent clemency hearings and outcome. People are not sentenced to death where Abelman lives, and she has difficulty understanding the reasoning behind executions. “It’s barbaric,” she said. When she heard her friend would live, not die, she took a big, deep breath. Abel can’t imagine what it would be like to face death like Hawkins did. “When you’re sick and have pain, you can prepare,” she said. “But you can’t do that when you are healthy.” Both Judy and Charles Hawkins are grateful the governor sided with the unanimous decision of the parole board to let their son live, but they’re not stopping with seeing him spend his life idle and locked away. They will continue the fight to have Hawkins freed by taking steps for appeals. Throughout the two decades of wondering whether the next opportunity to hug her son would be as he stood or lay dead in a casket was difficult, Hawkin’s parents agreed. Judy, who Shawn has always called “Mama,” said it was her son who gave her strength to carry on. He never complained, she said, and spent the decades behind bars bettering himself through coursework and activities. She recalls him telling her to never give up, forgive people and pray for them and above all, never give up your faith in God. “He meant it,” said Judy Hawkins. Talking with Shawn made it okay.” He’d tell her that everybody had to meet their maker, and when he meets his, he wants the sun to be shining.” �Local News ST R EE T V IB E S 5 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Affordable Housing Going Green? J.P. DEAN Staff Intern Writer J ust northwest of downtown Cincinnati sits 28 square miles of rolling green hills. It’s a suburb with 38% of its land classified as forested and 11% is farmland. There’s a lot of green in Green Township and soon there’s going to be more affordable housing there too thanks to a recent arbitration from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s recommendation came as the verdict on a dispute between Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Hamilton County that began over a year and a half ago. In October 2009 accusations were filed against CMHA claiming that it was allowing Green Township to avoid adding any new public housing. The results of HUD’s investigation were released in February of this year and earlier this month CMHA voted 3-2 to accept a Voluntary Compliance Agreement with HUD’s decision. The plans are in motion to build public housing in the township. Of the 22,000 plus units that house the population of Green Township only 28 of them are currently public housing. This 0.01% puts the township far below the already low 4% average for Hamilton County. The discrepancy has been largely attributed to a certain conflict of interest, former CMHA board chairman Arnold Barnett is also a resident of Green Township. For several years Barnett managed to sidestep public housing in his “backyard” but now CMHA will comply with HUD’s recommendation and add the missing housing units that could have been there years before. Unfortunately this decision is being met with resistance by some residents. Recent newspaper articles have sensationalized fears of rising crime and falling house prices that come with the usual rhetoric against affordable housing, but the most drastic rebuttal to CMHA’s decision is a case of “cutting one’s nose to spite your face .” David Linnenberg, vice chairman of Green Township’s Board of Trustees, is threatening to withdraw the township from grant programs associated with HUD to avoid having to add more affordable housing in the future. Linnenberg and his associates would rather forego millions of dollars for roads, parks and other improvements than embrace this opportunity to improve the lives of several low income families. The board will vote on the issue later this month, but the facts seem to be getting muddled in the panic that some are creating. There is some confusion over the numbers. HUD has requested a minimum of 32 new units but some reports say 68 new units while other say that it will be a new total of 68 once the new units are built. Depending on what source you are reading the numbers either look modest or are made to seem high. According to Jessica Powell of the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio half of the confirmed 32 units will be subsidized housing which brings the number of public housing units down even further. But even if 68 new units were constructed this would still leave Green Township considerably below the county average for helping struggling families find affordable housing. Despite the fear mongering that seems to be surrounding the CMHA’s choice to build the housing units there are many in Green Township who recognize the positive potential of this move. When interviewed, former Green Township Sign. Photo: Lynne Ausman CMHA board member Lacretia Johnson has defended the benefits of affordable housing in the area. Johnson and her family curTHE DETAILS: rently live in one of the 28 public housing The next Board of Trustees meeting units to be found in Green Township and will be held on Monday, June 27 at 6303 therefore have witnessed firsthand the Harrison Avenue in Green Township. If benefits that scattered housing in financial secure neighborhoods can provide for you want to attend, the public forum is families seeking to better their lives. held between 5 p.m. and 5:25 p.m. and Legal Aid and others have congratupotential speakers are required to fill out lated CMHA and hope that the people of a speaker card if you wish to address the Green Township will see the good in this board. opportunity. journalism@cincihomeless.org (513) 421-7803 Chanting for Jobs, Not Jails MARK GRAUHUIS & SUSAN LAKES Streetvibes Staff Writers R on Brown, 52, wants a J-O-B, He believes so strongly that job creation and opportunities for everyone is what it will take to curb crime that he showed up for a rally long before others show up. “People won’t have time to steal when they’re working and making an honest living,” he said as he straddled his bike on the corner of a protest site. Brown pedaled eight miles and arrived at the “Jobs Not Jails” protest three hours early, long before about 50 likeminded protesters carried signs, shouted chants and listened to some organizers tell why job growth holds the key to safe and vibrant communities. “It’s hard enough to get a job when you haven’t done something wrong,” Brown said. The focus of the short protest on June 16, near where the new $400 million Horseshoe Casino is being built downtown Cincinnati, was employment equity for all---including people with felony records. Young leaders of the AMOS Project descended early on the site, declaring the casino a crime scene and marking it so with police-style “caution” tape. “The casino is a crime scene, tax-payers and returning citizens are the victims, and the Photo: Aimie Willhoite perpetrator is the state of Ohio,” said Richard Cook, AMOS Project leader and member of Christ Temple Baptist Church. “It’s a crime that people can’t work in the casino if they have criminal records. It’s another example of legal restrictions that keep ex-felons from providing for their families.” One of the protesters, Annie Campbell, held up a big sign that read, “Ex-felons, Know Your Rights.” Campbell a member of SEIU explained the dilemma faced by felons succinctly. “Some people still can’t get jobs, even years after they’ve done their time or had their record expunged.” Jobs Not Jail Rally. Photo: Aimie Willhoite Another protester gave his irrelevant criminal records. take on why the issue of jobs, not The booming voices started back up jail is important. “Jail time means they paid when Jackson finished. Passing motora debt (to society), but we still treat them as though they’re not part of society by de- ists were told “A working community is a nying them jobs,” said Robert Richardson. safe community” and participants wore t-shirts reading “I Need A Job” or asking The sign he waved said, “Jobs needed for an end to the Drug War. The demand badly.” for “Jobs and Justice” were paired in Job seeker, Jamie Ward knows what spirited fashion with “Faith and Democratic it feels like to need a job badly. He’s a Power”, as well as the popular chant: cook, concrete pourer, skilled in carpentry “John Kasich, you’re the worst. It’s time to and carrier of an OSHA safety certificate. put Ohio first.” Employers still don’t hire him, he said, Kasich, who has proposed privatizing because his record shows felony, but no at least five state prisons, promised during penitentiary number. Ward served jail time, but not prison time, he said. Potential his State of the State address to support giving job opportunities to ex-felons employers tell him that lack of a prison number makes a difference, but they don’t while allowing lower-risk felons back on tell him why that is. Ward has been looking the street earlier. In January of this year, Kasich chose Gary C. Mohr, who used to for a job for four years. work at a company that operates private The chanting quieted when Troy prisons, to run the Ohio Department of Jackson, of University Christian Church Rehabilitation and Correction. Just last and AMOS Project Director, took the mike month, ACLU of Ohio Executive Director and spoke of the “transformation” and “redemption” ordinary citizens create when Christine Link said privatizing prisons is helping to turn lives around to participate in seen as a quick remedy for states looking to alleviate budget concerns, but they are these jobs. “One mistake---a life senoften more costly to the state in the long tence,” he said, summing up the difficulrun. By condemning rehabilitated people ties felon face in the job search process. to unemployment and under-employment, Ohio must address over 900 collateral no-felon hiring policies will only end up sanctions, which are legal restrictions that increasing the burden on the city’s own ban employment in various sectors or overloaded criminal justice and public make getting a job extremely difficult for welfare systems. Ohio’s estimated two million individuals In addition, Kasich’s indecisiveness is with misdemeanor or felony convictions. It causing billions in new investment in Ohio is significant that the protesters were not asking for guaranteed jobs. They just want to be delayed – along with the relativelyhigh paying construction and casino jobs fair consideration for people with old and it would create. (No doubt Kasich’s long time friends from his Lehman Brothers days Doug Preisse and Robert Klaffky now working as lobbyists for the Belterra Indiana casinos and employed by Belterra owner Pinnacle Entertainment, are overjoyed at news of the ongoing delays.) While Ron Brown braves the elements and heavy traffic on his bicycle in search of a job, Kasich’s current casino commissioners are paid $60K/year to attend one meeting a month. THE DETAILS: For more information about the Amos Project, contact Richard Cook at (513) 628 – 7004 or Info.amosproject@gmail. com. If you have a criminal record and seek advice regarding employment visit: http://lasclev.org/wp-content/ uploads/2011/05/Understanding-andSealing-Criminal-Records-in-Ohio.pdf You can read more about Fair Hiring policy rules at www.ohiojpc.org. The Ohio Justice and Policy Center published a documentary about a client, Gene Mays, profiled in Nov. 1, 2009, of Streetvibes, and his struggles to find employment. Watch the film online at: http://vimeo.com/6055716 �6 ST R EET VIBES Local News J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Northside Seeks Justice Continued from page 1 F or friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers of David “Bones” Hebert, the events of April 18th and the weeks that have followed have been heart wrenching and baffling. Bones, a skinny tattooed drummer in an endless stream of Cincinnati punk and rock bands over the past 20 years, was known for his easy smile and good-natured mischief making. The life of any party, he made friends easily and kept them for life. He loved animals, especially his dog Shady, his constant companion to the end. He had no violent criminal record, no history of theft, assault, or resisting arrest, was never diagnosed or known to suffer from mental illness. He was a man trusted to babysit the children of his friends. We know that Hebert is one more person who has been injured or killed by members of the Cincinnati Police Department. We know that Cincinnati’s history of police brutality and excessive force is not unique and that this problem affects communities throughout the United States. We know that nothing we do will change the fact that Hebert is dead, and the finality of Sgt. Mitchell’s actions—whether found justified or not—can never be undone. But we also know that if it happened to Hebert, it could happen to any one of us. The outpouring of grief and demands for answers from the community, the jazz funeral procession of more than 400 people that marched through Northside [on Sunday afternoon, May 1st], the graffiti mural painted in memoriam on a wall near the corner of Knowlton and Hamilton Avenue, these must have taken the police by surprise. But what would have happened if Hebert had been an isolated and rootless man? Would anyone have noticed, much less questioned, how and why he was killed? David “Bones” Hebert. Photo submitted: courtesy of Rigel Behrens call, Hebert was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the officers were injured. Following the shooting, they were put on paid administrative leave as investigations were conducted by the Cincinnati Police Criminal Investigation Section, Internal Affairs, and the Citizen Complaint Authority. This is the 23rd time a suspect has been killed by a Cincinnati officer during a confrontation since 1995. Hebert, who was originally from New Orleans, had just moved back to Cincinnati in November. He worked for several years in the kitchen at The Comet in Northside and recently at NorthSlice Pizza. He initially came to Cincinnati decades ago as part of a Christian youth outreach group called Jesus People USA, and over the years he had covered his body in tattoos, many of which were a testament to his faith in Christ. Cincinnati Police District 5 Commander David Bailey and Sgt. Jason Voelkerding came to the Northside Community Council’s monthly meeting at McKie Recreation Center the night after mourners gathered to remember Bones. The plan was to share information about the community’s recent crime statistics but the officers had to face questions from a group of about 100 residents about the lethal police shooting. Many say there is good reason to believe that the death could have been avoided. Statements released by police and city officials have left many unanswered questions in the community. Many wonder why Hebert wasn’t searched before questioning and why one of the many non-lethal weapons CPD officers carried could have been used, such as a baton or stun gun. All four officers that responded said there was not enough time to use a nonlethal weapon. However, only Mitchell had his weapon drawn. Mitchell responded as back up to the scene and had only been on scene for about one minute before he fatally shot Hebert. Cruiser video released by the Cincinnati Police Department shows that Hebert, who has no previous history of violence, was still holding the leash of his beloved dog, Shady, when he was killed. The initial responding officer’s cruiser camera was not activated during the incident and the released video does not show Hebert, only a view of the officer. Some witnesses claim that Hebert wasn’t even standing when he was shot. Officers at the scene reported that Hebert initially denied having a weapon. Others wonder if an effort was made to save his life after he was shot and why his body laid uncovered and in full view for more than three hours. Mitchell has been investigated for use of force before. In 2006, Mitchell fired two shots at 22-year-old Antonio Harris, a burglary suspect in Westwood, after Harris raised a BB gun toward the officer. Mitchell was exonerated by the Citizen’s Complaint Authority. Investigations were done twice in January 2008 on Mitchell, first when a 14-year-old died after ingesting drugs while in Mitchell’s custody and then when he used a stun gun on a high Sincerely, Friends of David “Bones” Hebert who has known Hebert for 15 years. “The press conference – I’m glad they gave us some sort of information – but that’s not enough … We want everything.” The evidence on the scene raises many questions because the switchblade that police claim Hebert used was found in a row of hedges below a broken window. Police theorize the force of the shot caused the weapon to break the window and land there, but many residents say that is unlikely. The man who called 911 and solicited the search for Hebert, 37-year-old Jason Weller, laughs in his emergency call and gave dispatchers and investigators different versions of his story. He claims he was cut Mark Mallory. “It was close quarters for very rapid action on the part of this subject,” Janke said in defense of Mitchell’s use of deadly force, despite there being several investigations launched into the shooting. At the chief’s discretion, Mitchell went back to work after one week of administrative leave. Despite the fact that the outcomes of four investigations are still pending, he is currently supervising and patrolling in Northside. No efforts were made to inform the community of that decision. Northsiders have remained strong though the tragedy, using creative street stencils, posters, and music to celebrate the life of Bones. They have Jazz funeral procession for Bones on Sunday May 1, 2011. Photo submitted: courtesy of Rigel Behrens school student whom he mistook for a robbery suspect. An internal investigation found that, in at least one case: “Mitchell did not follow procedures or training. He did not verify there was a crime, and didn’t get a suspect description.” Despite these investigations, Mitchell was promoted to sergeant. On April 27, 42 people signed up to speak at City Hall about the shooting and many questioned how far the city really has come since the 2001 riots. “The community does not want this to be something that’s on the six o’clock news this evening and then falls off the page,” said Liam Dolan, and robbed by Weller and a female companion. The female companion has not been arrested and none of the items reported stole were found in their possession. Weller disappeared shortly after the shooting. Police may have been able to avoid the shooting if they had responded to an earlier call. About a half an hour before the shooting, 911 received a call of arguing and loud noise coming from the basement apartment of the building that Weller was staying in, but police were not dispatched. Acting Police Chief Richard Janke held a televised press conference on the shooting standing alongside City Manager Milton Dohoney and Mayor stood together to demand answers. Hebert’s body was laid to rest in a private funeral ceremony in New Orleans. His family is still seeking answers and awaiting a determination by the prosecutor’s office on any charges against the officers. THE DETAILS: For more information visit http://www. davidboneshebert.com/. If you have information pertinent to this investigation, please contact the City of Cincinnati Citizens’ Complaint Authority at (513) 352-1600. �ST R EE T V IB E S J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 A little bit of heaven SUSAN LAKES Streetvibes Staff Writer A little bit of heaven. That’s the way Emma Bushman describes the feeling she gets when the ingredients in the oven transform into freshly baked cookies. She likes the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies best. Peanut butter runs a close second. Emma’s twin sister Amy prefers eating snicker doodles and sugar cookies because those on the ones that smell really, really good when they are cooking. Their taste in cookies differs. But there’s two major point on which the entrepreneurial-minded young ladies agree. Cookie baking is fun stuff and easy to do if you have all the necessary ingredients readily on hand, and cookies might not turn out very well if you don’t have all the right stuff. With that in mind, Emma, Amy and their mom, Alison Bushman, founded a charity called Bake Me Home. They make up little kits that organizations can give to families when they move from homelessness into their own places. Alison Bushman described what’s in the kits, right down to the the vanilla powder. “All the families have everything they need,” she said. “They get the mix, the pan, the bowl, the spoon, the pot holder----and they even get toothbrushes and toothpaste to brush after they eat the cookies.” 7 Local News Families get a $20.00 gift card they can use to buy necessary perishables like butter and eggs. So between the kit and the gift cards, the families have the opportunity to experience that “little bit of heaven” scent in their new homes. A television program focused on kids starting businesses inspired the twins to start Bake Me Home. “I thought that (show) was really cool,” Emma said. She thought it was so cool that she posed a question to her mom. “Mom. Can kids really start businesses?” Her mom gave an encouraging answer. “You can do anything you want to do.” So they did, and now Bake Me Home’s rapid growth surprises all three. The charity has helped 550 families, and now stretches to ten agencies across four counties. It’s headquartered in Anderson Township, on the eastside of Cincinnati. The Bushman twins and the business they started three years ago received national attention. Amy and Emma were named recipients of a $5,000 scholarship from the foundation arm of a major corporation. THE DETAILS: Find out more about Bake Me Home from www.bakemehome or email cookiegirls@bakemehome.com. Twin sisters Amy and Emma Bushman founded an award winning not-for-profit company that supplies helping agencies make life easier for people who transition from homelessness to home. Photo submitted: courtesy Alison Bushman City says YES! to City Gospel Mission’s New Site MARK GRAUHUIS Staff Intern Writer City Gospel Mission (CGM), a fixture at Elm and Magnolia streets for 50 years, is going to relocate. On Tuesday, June 21st, with a recommendation in favour of CGM coming from the Planning Commission the Friday prior, City Hall hosted a meeting to hear the pros and cons of the proposed new site in the Queensgate area in the West End, on the corner of York St. and Dalton Av. As the presentations and moving testimony affirmed, CGM is a place where people learn to become good citizens and to give back to communities. Here the Livable Communities Committee of Council heard from those whose lives have been changed through and through by this crucial and well-respected social service — and those who walked through the doors in a suffering state and have chosen to devote the rest of their working lives to helping others in similar situations. In this struggle, as one witness suggested, CGM represents the best in all of us. CGM, which opened in 1924 on Vine Street, provides 36,000 nights of shelter annually, runs addiction recovery programs for men (Exodus) and women (Having the Courage to Change), and offers tutoring and mentoring services. The non-profit, which does not accept government or United Way funding, is supported both financially and with volunteers from dozens of suburban churches, including Northminster Presbyterian in Springfield Township. The Mission currently has 46 men’s beds in Over-the-Rhine. Its women’s program offers 46 beds at four locations in Mount Auburn. CGM serves breakfast and dinner every day of the year in Over-the-Rhine. The new site will provide 76 emergency beds for men, and 30 beds for Exodus. Opposition to the building project was represented by a few concerned small business owners and their lawyers. Most of the businesses in question are industrial supply and/or warehouses, with remarkably few tenants but fairly heavy traffic. Claiming that they “like the neighborhood the way it is now,” the opposition argued, through an attorney, that the traffic would put those attending CGM and the children of their employees at risk. (Why those who lack affordable housing or have parents in the manufacturing industry lack the skills necessary to be cautious pedestrians was not explained.) The building at 1805 Dalton is a former office building for a heating/ air conditioning company that has been vacant for 10 years. The York Street parcel is the former home of a school for disabled children run by a social service agency and has been empty for six years. The developers have promised to preserve whatever they can of any materials of historic value on the site. The opposition pointed out that zoning laws for the manufacturing district prevent “religious assembly” and religious edu- cation and that these religious aspects justify barring CGM from relocating in their backyard. While CGM, to the great credit of its present leadership, is no longer a “pray to stay” shelter, it certainly works to change people’s lives on a strong basis of faith. The new site will include Exodus Lord’s Gym and Lord’s Pantry as well as an impressive new shelter that can offer day services and programming. Currently, CGM has to turn people away once it reaches its currently low maximum capacity and during the day when it cannot offer consistent programming. Despite the opposition’s claim to the contrary, finding a new location has been a slow and methodical process, having taken the better part of 8 years to make a sound selection. The Lord’s facilities, the new CGM office and transitional housing are well within existing zoning laws, although the city solicitor has been asked to slightly amend the notwithstanding ordinance to suit the lessons learned during this process. As the meeting proceeded and some sat uncomfortably together in their seats, certain prejudices and tired misconceptions resurfaced, including the idea that Over the Rhine is the exclusive and permanent territory for a criminal class who refuse to live like the ‘rest of us’. (Simply false: City Gospel Mission and other shelters and housing organisations usually help people to find housing within 60 days, and resources such as housing vouchers and available work continue to end homelessness for among the larger ‘homeless’ population outside of the Over-the-Rhine community.) In addition, a resulting “rise in crime” was made to sound inevitable. One private resident of Westwood delivered a slightly bizarre testimony that included the suggestions that “the homeless” choose not to work and CGM’s plan is an example of “maiming the strong”. As speakers with experience in the issues reminded those in attendance, securing employment is not the only issue here. CGM’s holistic approach addresses bodies and minds that are often plagued with misfortunes; it helps people to exit homelessness and have sustainable living conditions. There is little doubt that these people will be better helped by being allowed to stay in the shelter during the day — when additional health care, addiction and job readiness services will be available. “We want to get people to an employable state,” City Gospel Mission’s Roger Howell said. “What better economic development is there than that?” While they continued to speak of some mythical generic entity called “the homeless,” conflated with criminal elements in society, it became rather plain that much needs to be done to address and mend the great disconnect and divisions that exists between Greater Cincinnati’s communities. Much understanding could be achieved by simply visiting and viewing the daily operations and good works of CGM, and one hopes that the concerned small business owners will make some concerted attempt to know their new neighbours. CGM assured the Committee that it remains dedicated to preventing loitering — as are most folks who work with those denied affordable housing — since it does not lead to the life-changing transformation that the Mission fosters. For this purpose, three locations inside the proposed site have been set aside for people to sit or stand and socialise, and the landscaping features include pedestrian walkways, increased accessibility (vans, and taxi and bus tokens will actually improve upon the existing location’s accessibility issues), and at least 70 parking spaces on-site. The move will require CGM to provide shuttle bus service for its clients and residents back to other services Downtown and in Overthe-Rhine. The opposition repeated the fear that “women and children” and a “hardworking” “business alliance” cannot — should not — be around those without affordable housing. A small group of business owners in the Queensgate area threatened that “jobs and the tax-base” will take flight and businesses will move. In response, CGM stated clearly that they would never put tenants’ lives in danger. Council firmly assured all those assembled that, should the businesses stay true to their barely veiled threat and relocate elsewhere within the city limits, they will do everything in their power to help with the moving arrangements. Members of the Job Plus network, providing their own examples of how employers can successfully use local labor, challenged the small business owners’ notion that business would be hurt. Among those who spoke in support of the new site was Liza Smitherman, who sits on the board of CGM and is no stranger to running a small business as president of Brewster Pumping, LLC and as VP of Professional Development at Jostin Construction, Inc. Expert witnesses testified that relocating CGM will not negatively effect property values. The move is expressly not based on political whims or “moving the problem” elsewhere, but as a means to provide better services all around, as detailed in the carefully though-out vision developed by CGM for the site. The opposition went further and suggested that the city is betraying the promise of a “safe and attractive” industrial park and making “mom and pop businesses” the victims of rushed, hazardous and unsafe planning as well as violating the vision of the Growth and Opportunities (GO) economic development plan. However, the Committee assured the opposition that there is little to fear from those associated with CGM or the homeless population in general, provided that the people of Cincinnati actively participate in social services and recovery programs in order to meet the needs of those most in need. With most of the opposition having already walked out, Council concluded by expressing the will to find an amicable arrangement between both parties. Council member Wayne Lippert, who was the only member to vote No, repeated the abstract mantra of “safety” — a strategy that lacked any specific details as to why those without affordable housing should pose any threat to the security of workers in a manufacturing district. Lippert also expressed, without intended irony, his preference for the site of an old jail. By a bizarre turn in their logic, the few small business owners argued that, by “teaming up” with Cincinnati Center City Development (3CDC), CGM is allied with forces bent on destroying neighborhood and manufacturing districts across Cincinnati. The fact is that it is regrettable that 3CDC will now own the crucial location of the former Mission just a stone’s throw from Washington Park. However, while this reporter is under no delusions regarding 3CDC’s explicit profit-driven motives, there is no doubt that CGM is moving because they desire to empathetically serve more people and to create greater amounts of successful and sustainable outcomes for the community. It seems unlikely that this particular relocation will kick-start the drain of social-service agencies and poor residents from Over-the-Rhine and Downtown, although the danger remains, making the Drop Inn Center’s current location and services all the more important to sustain. CGM should be commended for having taken all the necessary measures to ensure that the site benefits the local business community as well as addressing existing problems with the current location of the Mission. They continue to provide an exemplary model for how other social services might work with the city in dealing with the direct causes of economic and social hardship. Particularly impressive is their willingness to negotiate an amicable and open agreement with Museum Center/ Union Terminal (this is important in light of the fact that opponents of CityLink have spread lies about “sexual predators” being welcomed into the West End — utter nonsense, since “sexual offenders” are not permitted to live in CGM shelters). Museum Center has said that security and transport remain issues, and received assurance from CGM that the new services are not simply being “dropped” into Queensgate without regard for how to improve the neighborhood. Indeed, the Committee expressed an understanding that this is a magnificent opportunity to take a bold step forward and learn from past mistakes, as well as to support programming that will directly improve Cincinnati communities. Wednesday, June 22nd with a seven of nine vote (Ghiz and Lippert voting no), Council passed the needed Not Withstanding Ordinance in favour of CGM. publicrelations@cincihomeless.org (513) 421-7803 �Recipe 8 ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 ... MOUR T LONG! S Y E S E H IN FEED M LL NIG JENI JENK A E M Y B FEED The title of this column is taken from the 1986 film “Little Shop of Horrors,” where a plant keeper must meet the demands of a ravenous plant that feeds on humans. Instead of plants that feed on people, this column is for people who feed on plants!! ALMOND, STRAWBERRY, FETA & SPINACH SALAD Fresh Summer S During the summer as the heat rises I find it difficult to eat a heavy dinner, so the perfect solution is something fresh from your garden or a local farmer’s market. I personally love salads and in particular I love the ability to mix it up a bit each time using a variety of ingredients. Here is the first from my fresh summer salad series I hope you enjoy! Serving size, 4-5 bellies. ala d ! Ingredients: 1 bunch spinach, rinsed with stems removed, and chopped in bite size pieces LOREM Praesent molestie loremsize Etiam ac libero 2 cups leafy romaine lettuce rinsed and chopped in bite pieces 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced IPSUM Sed turpis 1 cup sliced almonds ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped garlic ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper ¼ cup Feta Cheese • • • • • • In a large bowl toss the spinach and romaine together Layer the sliced strawberries and almonds In a separate small bowl whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad Top with feta Voila, FEED! OFFICIAL distributor Tommy Thompson Only Purchase STREETVIBES from BADGED Distributors �Community Happenings ST R EE T V IB E S 9 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Join us OTR residents and/or business owners. . . for a picnic in the park Due to the closing of the restrooms in Washington Park, residents and visitors are now without those necessary facilities. The outcome has resulted in an upsurge in public indecency by using doorways and alleyways for toilet facilities. Everyone uses the toilet. Everyone deserves to have those facilities available. We as a community need to come together to create a solution. We encourage you to attend this fun-filled public picnic event to promote awareness and community problem solving. Be the PU B LICPICN IC JU N E 26TH @1PM Z IEto: GLE RPARK first This is a family event FREE food and beverages Live entertainment and performances (Including a reading of Taro Gomi’s book “Everyone Poops”). We hope you will attend! SATURDAY Saturday, AUGUST Aug.13TH 13 Registration 8:30AM8:30 Registration 9:30 Walk begins 9:30AM11:30 Walk Reception begins 11:30AM Reception AM AM AM For more info visit: www.lys.org Lighthouse Youth Services provides a continuum of services for homeless youth, including Anthony House, a drop-in center for homeless youth between the ages 18 to 24. Visiting youth can eat a warm meal, visit the nurse, take a shower, and collect clothing and other vital supplies. Our drop-in center was visited almost 4,000 times in the past year. The young people served by the program often walk miles just to eat a warm meal or visit their case managers, regardless of the weather. Proceeds from Walk the Walk will provide the basic supplies – sturdy walking shoes, new socks, bus tokens, etc. – that make this daily trek possible. Great Books! visit www.cincybooks.com Lighthouse on Highland is under construction to become the first homeless shelter for 18 – 24 year olds. It will include the current drop-in center and expand to allow up to 28 individuals to stay overnight. Participants of Walk the Walk will be among the first to preview the facility, scheduled to open this fall. To celebrate Streetvibes publishing its 200th edition (we are offering special advertising rates for Summer 2011. Ads can be purchased for as little as $35. Make sure Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky know your business or organization supports those overcoming homelessness in your backyard! For more informartion, contact Catie Dargue at catiedargue@cincihomeless.org or 513-421-7803, ext. 11 �10 Graphic Voice ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Mark Twain Was Right: Stories from the 2001 Cincinnati Riots and Unrest DAN MOORE Author & Illustrator ark Twain Was Right: Stories from the 2001 Cincinnati Riots and Unrest is a soon to be released graphic novel about United States’ first urban uprising in the 21st century. The story is told in a series of first-person perspectives from people who became intimately involved, from community leaders to random bystanders. Tying these narratives together is commentary by the author himself, then a budding radical teenager who finds the urban unrest influencing his life. Drawing on interviews and primary resources, a picture is painted of how one kid’s solitary death in a ghetto alley grows to impact every resident of the region. Mark Twain Was Right follows the sometimes contradictory and hard-to-comprehend developments from the day of the killing to Thomas’s funeral six days later, including the marches, posturing, organizing, brutality, looting, prayer, curfews and analysis that commanded international attention, inspiring ghetto residents and tormenting city leaders. M One reason why the week after Timothy Thomas’s death caught so much attention throughout the country was because of the property destruction and violence that occurred. Many people were divided between those who saw the violence either as an extension of the social frustration or as opportunistic. Regardless of the motives of those who participated, there is no doubt that violence and property destruction played a large role in forcing many people who were indifferent to the frustrations of the black community to pay attention. The following excerpt from Mark Twain was Right highlights the debate that raged about the role of property destruction and violence as a protest tactic. THE DETAILS: For more information about the complete graphic novel Mark Twain Was Right, email cincinnatiriotsbook@gmail. com for information and updates about the release of the completed novel. �ST R EE T V IB E S Graphic Voice 11 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 41 Shots SETH TOBOCMON Author & Illustrator Cleveland, Ohio native Seth Tobocman is an artist and graphic novelist working out of New York City where he is actively involved in his community. Tobocman teaches at the New York School of Visual Arts. His Books include: War in the Neighborhood; You Don’t Have to Fuck People Over to Survive; World War 3 Illustrated 1980-1988; Disaster and Resistance; Portraits of Israelis and Palestinians; Three Cities Against the Wall World War 3 Illustrated: Confrontational Comics. He is the founding editor of World War 3 Illustrated. His magazine publications include: Heavy Metal, The Village Voice, Tikkun, Maximum Rock n’ Roll, The New York Times, Internazionale and The Nation. On February 4, 1999 Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant, was shot and killed by four plain clothed New York City police officers. The shooting of Diallo, who was unarmed, in a barrage of 41 bullets outside his apartment in the Soundview section of the Bronx led to mass demonstrations against the police, including huge rallies outside police headquarters in which celebrities and well-known New Yorkers were among more than 1,000 people arrested. Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani reacted with a vigorous defense of the police force. All four officers were later acquitted at trial in Albany, New York. Summary by J.P. Dean. THE DETAILS: For more information about Seth Tobocmon’s work, including his newly released book UNDERSTANDING THE CRASH,visit www.sethtobocman.com. �12 Street Voice A Day in the Life O verwhelmed, I address the street is open to interpretation. For day! Ah! Sounds like a line as many individuals who live the from a distressed position. lifestyle there are that many interWell, let’s say that, that is pretations. subject to interpretation. A single Street life is in and day can of itself a stressful and make the unpredictable way of difference living, without rewards between or guarantees it is the success and reality of many people. failure in The order of the day is the struggle one of disarray, yet it for survival; has it’s structure, the therefore, RICCARDO TAYLOR flow is not routine, yet, one has to Staff Writer desires are filled and be mindful missions accomplished! Sounds disof where they want to be and where torted I suppose? Well, the certainty they are headed. And last but not of distortion is the starting point of least, where do we want to be tomoreach and everyday in the life. So, row. let’s take a look at a day in the life. A day in the life starts out As the sunrises so shall I! Up typically. A thousand and one ideas and moving before the birds start running through your mind trying to their ritual morning call I am lookdetermine what is the best option for ing for a line to stand in, to receive a little relief? Now we have the necone of the services I’ll surely need essaries that we have to prioritize, a before the day ends. Everything few dollars in my pockets, a shower, from a shower to a meal has to be or a meal, in what order are they concluded before I can call this day needed? Well, let’s see. The few a success, so I take on that old so dollars can take me much farther, so familiar shuffle, hurrying to be first in I need to go to work. Again we do the line. Hesitations, or procrastinahave some options, but I think that tions result in setbacks; your survival money is always the top priority, so and welfare depend on being timely. by the end of the day I have a plan! So, one would think that in being I need to work today, so upon homeless, or a street person as I awakening at the chirping of the prefer, that life has to be easy! Well, birds, I am off to the labor hall. It’s of course we have the usual pains first come first served; if you will, so and pleasures, the ups and downs I standing in line at a quarter to five. like every other group, yet there is After I am signed in I can take that much more to it than just having a bathroom break to freshen up. Toutplace to rest your head or a bowl to ing my shoulder bag, which contains eat from. It’s about surviving! Ah! all my worldly possessions and is Again that idea of interpretation apart of my dress, I can prepare for comes into play, we have to underthe day. A quick washing of hands stand from whose point of view are and face allows me to be presentlooking. Having that understanding able on the job. I have a sense of of what makes for success in the appreciation; getting this opportunity to get in a days work, will allow me to access the few things I need for comfort and give me a start tomorrow. So I spend the day laboring for minimum wage! Well, it’s like I always say, if you don’t work you don’t eat! By the end of the workday I am tired and hungry! It was at the break of dawn that I started this day and now it’s after six in the evening; a productive one in the sense that I did get to make a few dollars, ah A few dollars indeed! Generally by this time all I can think of is a bit to eat and somewhere to lay my head. A few dollars indeed! After all the taxation and rental fees for equipment I have a total of twenty -eight dollars Riccardo Taylor. Photo: GCCH and extremely tired feet! I have to be both frugal and mindful with this payment, as I don’t riccardotaylor@cincihomeless.org know when I’ll have the chance, or (513) 421-7803 Ex. 15 opportunity to spend a whole day at work again. I just have to keep with the flow, and do as needed when I can. All told I can say that today was a success, although it didn’t change E. HAYDEN much in my life circumstance, how Contributing Writer ever I can feel pretty good when I lay down with these few dollars knowwas in Ralph’s courting I have a start for tomorrow. Ah, room waiting my turn, tomorrow! Another day in the life! you know? That is what Yeah, well we will just have to wait and see what tomorrow truly us felonies do, well and pray brings. One thing is for sure it will that he is in a good mood; I was be totally different from today. Same thinking that he looks too bored destinies, options and results; life’s to be a judge. Why is he here? expectations, we shall do it again I bet he would like to say to half just using another way for getting of them that are trying to explain there. Praying Mom I Distributing Hope & Good News LEE MCCOY Contributing Writer and Streetvibes Distributor But today let’s talk about a different Lee McCoy. I’m still a distributor on the streets, but now I sell Streetvibes and deliver some hope and good news, not only to my customers, but also to myself. For a little over two years I have had a Lee McCoy. Photo: Paul Davis Photography purpose in my life and two y name is Lee McCoy. What big plusses. Firstly, I like meeting I used to be would shock people and talking to people. Secmost people; I should have ondly, Streetvibes is a supplement been dead quite a few times over to fix an income, so do the math and during the 41 years when all I knew you’ll see it make Lee McCoy tick. was jail, getting high, selling drugs I am also a member of the and running drugs by trick or trade. Homeless Congress and interact That was the way of life for me back with different organizations. My peer then, but now I am 59 years young project is the Cold Shelter where I sit thanks to the Lord. M ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 on the board and work with the financial planning. I am still new to this, almost like a baby to it, but I’ve never been a quitter, so despite challenges I’m going to stick with it. Like a child learning something for the first time I take my steps one at a time and I get better at what needs to be done. I have been homeless too many times to list them all. I might not have everything I want but now I have a roof over my head; all my praises go to God and I am content. Last year I took photos for the 2011 Day-by-Day calendar project and now I am taking new ones for the 2012 calendar. I hope that you’ll love my picture for the 2012 one as much, or if not more, than the one that appears in this year’s calendar. I also write and contribute regular articles to Streetvibes. Ten have been published so far to my credit and I have one editorial. The inspiration for my writing has come from my faith in God, so if He is willing I shall write some more. Coming to a paper near you soon will be my twelfth piece, look out for it in a couple of weeks. But for now, “That’s all Folks!” what happen, just shut up and go to jail. This lady was sitting in front of me; she had a book on her lap that read Law and The Courtroom on the front of it. I said to myself, ‘cause that’s what bi-polar people do, we talk to ourselves, the ones that answer themselves are the ones you have to watch out for, “That’s a praying sis.” You know the ones; they don’t start the car until they pray. Or they wake up in the middle of the night and they know something is wrong in the family. Instead of calling around, they drop to their knees and start praying. They really do have a look about them, like don’t mess with me, I have a personal phone line to God. Anyway, the bailiff brings in this young boy about 20 or 22 years of age and this lady goes stands beside him. I’m thinking where is his lawyer? Aren’t you supposed to have a lawyer to see a judge? Then it hits me, okay I’m slow, she is his mother. I look at this lady with the law book in the front of her and the Lord got her back and I think that child is going to be alright. �ST R EE T V IB E S Street Voice 13 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Lessons In Being Good/ Bad Neighbors STEPHEN SNOW GENTRY Contributing Writer ntil very recently, I briefly and barely followed the Anna Louise Inn saga. Because I believe in and have great respect for Cincinnati Union Bethel’s mission and the rewards reaped through the success of the services that they provide, I expected the “… storm to blow OVER!!” U However, a letter to the editor (The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 5, 2011 – Western and Southern covets property – Elizabeth Brown) brought absolute clarity. Western and Southern has begun to display true “addictive behavior.” They want what they want … right NOW, by any means necessary! When their initial “offer” to buy the property was refused, a series of strategic attacks against the Inn’s management, residents, as well as, current and proposed services surfaced. Western and Southern has even attempted to gain the sympathy of its neighbors by playing “the crime card” and placing little value on the lives of certain human beings. According to W & S officials the Inn’s programs are “… out of character, “ not in keeping with their plan to attract, “… decision makers” to the area. They, also, envision making the neighborhood “… a real community.” Are these meant to be well meaning comments and observations about the current and potential program participants? What view does W & S have about the program residents who have coexisted in the neighborhood for over a century? Their effort has culminated in a lawsuit against the city. the Inn, Cincinnati Union Bethel and two city employees: Amit Ghosh, the city’s chief building officer and Margaret Wuerstle, the city’s zoning hearing examiner. It claims that the named parties failed to conduct proper “… reviews to make certain the social service agency conforms to the city’s zoning, permitting and licensing regulations.” In an e-mail dated January 21, 2011, Michael J. Laatsch, Vice President of Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Western and Southern Group questions “… the best way for that work (non-profit social service) to be carried out that creates the most benefits for our community?” Would “… an expensive,taxpayer funded renovation of the current A L I do serious harm to the efforts to revitalize the Lytle Park neighborhood and threaten the creation of hundreds of jobs and millions in tax revenue?” The answers to both questions lie in the systematic attitude of exclusion. To suggest that expansion of A L I services “… may be unsuitable,” is akin to putting the wagon ahead of the horse. Yes, the A L I facility was originally intended to be a temporary residence for single working women. “ It is now providing additional services to many with mental health issues, prostitutes and homeless families seeking shelter or (and, in most cases) to turn their lives around.” These PEOPLE are individuals in need of assistance and support as a direct result of the dismal economic times we are experiencing. I can think of no better use of “… these taxpayer dollars” when I mirror this expenditure against the tax abatements and renovation dollars for the Phelps Apartments. Are my tax dollars being well spent paying to defend against a frivolous lawsuit aimed at property OWNED by my neighbor? To suggest that Cincinnati Union Bethel should invite Western and Southern to the table to make decisions about their property is ludicrous. Is this something that W & S would do? I THINK NOT!! I see different players with the same face, that of exclusion and segregation. You Western and Southern lend credence to the saying “… NOT in MY backyard.” Intern-nal Thoughts on the Death Penalty J.P. DEAN Staff Intern Writer “ An eye for eye, and a tooth for a tooth” seems to be the dominant ideology in the justice system of 38 states in the union where the death penalty is still legal. “Let the punishment fit the crime,” is the sentiment of 64% of Americans polled last year by Gallop who approve of capital punishment in the case of murder. It would seem that a steep majority of people think that the threat of execution is the means of preventing people from murdering each other, but in all these years this tactic to protect the public does not seem to work; people still kill other people in each one of those 38 states. As with a large number of things in the United States the death penalty is perceived as being somehow inevitable or even natural; that’s just the way it’s done, always has, always will . . . for a nation founded on progressive ideals about human rights, it frequently finds itself slow to accept the possibility of doing things another way. Of all the economically developed nations on the planet, Japan is the only other country where the death penalty is still used. The countries of Europe, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and others do not use execution as means of legal punishment against its citizens, but here a “majority” of people think that it is acceptable for a nation to terminate its own people under certain circumstances. It baffles me. A couple of months ago, after living in sin with the United States for last 16 years, I finally went ahead said my marriage vows to the country and became a citizen. Prior to being a permanent resident (aka legal alien) I lived and grew up in Britain where the last execution was in 1964 and where guns are near nonexistent outside of the military (another concept that blows some people’s minds in this country). As a young lad in England, the idea of my country killing me was as foreign and crazy a concept as most folks in this country would feel about the idea of public stoning for adulterers or cutting the hand off a thief. Admittedly the absence of the death penalty in Britain has not eradicated murder there, but nor has it resulted in an outbreak of mayhem these last 47 years; actually the murder rate in Britain is considerably lower than the United States. But perhaps my bias against the state committing murder against a murderer is merely a result of this Anglo-centric upbringing. Some readers, both the progressive who regularly buys this paper and the conservative who loves to hate this paper are probably puzzled as to why I stick around in a country to which I seem so critical. Even though it got a shaky start and has an ugly history, the United States was founded on progressive ideals about liberty and social justice, but the development of the country did not end with the drafting of the Constitution. America needs its liberals to continue the work. Freedom and justice do not have to be maintained through the threat of death. There is more power in forgiveness and redemption, but it’s not easy. But those are just my thoughts, so let’s end with another saying, “An eye for eye leaves the world blinded.” The Understanding WILLA DENISE JONES Contributing Writer and Streetvibes Distributor U nderstanding today about life and its meaning have come a very long way with me. I had to come into the understanding that there was nothing outside myself that could make my life better! I had to understand that I have a choice. To know that I was no longer incarcerated by my own being and no longer restricted by my own soul! I could either come into the realization that to live is right now because death is inediable!! We as adults can never forget that growing up as children everything was external. As children we were nothing more than human sponges!! Therefore whatever the adults in our childhood fed us, we trustily ate. I believe that’s what they fed us became out internal instincts. Through my growing school, jail, being homeless, I eventually came to the understanding ofthe meaning of choice. I had to understand that there is none other like me, only I could make the changes necessary to allow my uniqueness to shine. For I am unique! One of a kind! Understandingmy uniqueness, understanding I have choices in this world only justified my decision to live and not die! These realizations seem to wake up my self esteem and many positive aspects for me. I Suddenly remembered that I did go to church, I remembered some of the best teaching of the bible whether it was about Moses or Mohammand. My understanding of life today is G.O.D. meaning Good Orderly Direction!! I understand today that to live now is my only necessity, for why kill myself or commit suicide when death for all is a sure thing. It’s gonna happen! To live is a job and I take it on with great pride. Keep in mind that you are the most important one and to know your size, your height, your weight, Hair color and so forth is what makes you. So my meaning is my understanding that: I Am Unique I Am Blessed I Am Living Until Death Do Me Part �14 Meetup: P-A-U-L Meetup ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer plays the word “Zin.” These two are really serious!] While Paul is thinking, Linda explains that in their rural community, there is some poverty, but not much awareness of homelessness. “Being here, all the girls have a new perception about what poor people are like,” she says. “It’s very good for us to be here.” [Paul tells her he appreciates what she is saying, as he places the word “Ion”]. Paul explains to me that he has been a roofer on and off for most of his life. He shattered his hip a number of years ago in a fall from a roof he was working on. The leg was put back together poorly, and he must now use a crutch. He finally got approved for government assistance through SSI and hopes to have a leg operation soon.[Linda plays the word “Pagan”] She describes Over-the-Rhine Scrabble enthusiast, Paul Diebold, faces an Iowan visitor Linda Gent in a friendly Scrabble meet up at herself and a “farm Canticle Cafe. Photo: Jim Luken wife” and mother, cross she is wearing. She says they unteered for March of Dimes and a lot with a part-time are staying at a Franciscan place in of other things. job as the parish youth minister. She St. Bernard, called the “Tao House.” “She died suddenly when she was loves farm life on the 800 acre place All the girls were given the famous 51. I blamed my Dad. He was a mean, she calls “smallish.” [Paul explains to Franciscan cross to wear. [Paul plays drinking, fighting cuss. Sometimes he her that in Scrabble each letter of the the word “hoarded.” ] drank a fifth every day. We had a fallalphabet is considered a word and its I ask Paul to tell us the best thing ing out. It was right after she died, and plural can also be a word. So he adds in his life right now. He pauses for a we spent the afternoon together. He an “S” onto an “R” and then extends moment, then, almost shyly, he says, was drinking heavily, and I would drive six letters down from the “S,” forming “I have a new girlfriend. We had a around the block every now and then “Swindle.” A seven letter word, earnrough time over the winter. She got and smoke a joint, ‘cause he hated ing him 76 points. No wonder he’s the kicked out of the [Drop Inn Center] pot. (former) champ!] because of me. Now she has a place “Í was bummed out. Everybody He tells us that he was one of the was bummed. She had just died. Dad first people selected for the new Jimmy of her own. Every day we get closer and closer.” He is almost beaming. started telling me stuff about my Mom. Heath House on Odion Street. “Life is “Now life is so easy. I love her. At first I didn’t need to hear it. I knew he was so much better now,” he says. “At the she was shy. I make her laugh. She’s doing it just to piss me off. He was trybeginning, there wasn’t much commufunny.” ing to piss me off! nity. Now there’s a sense of connectIt’s closing time at the cafe. One “So I walked inside, and he was edness among the 25 residents. We of the teenagers brings donuts around following right behind me. I had this have meetings. We have cookouts on coffee cup in my hand. I was so mad. Sunday.” He tells Linda that, in order to for one last chance. Linda adds her final letter to the board. The game I turned around and I was going to get an apartment at the Jimmy Heath has ended just in time. She tallies the swing it at him, smash him in the face. House, you have to be able to prove score. 309-261. Ohio over Iowa, sort But there on the counter was his next that you are chronically homeless and of. Both players states agree it was a glass of whiskey. And there was this a documented alcoholic. “None of us fun match, despite the intrusions of the chandelier right above it, and it made started out homeless,” he points out. reporter. We say our thank-yous and that glass of whiskey kind of glow, you “ Once you dig yourself so deep, it’s prepare to leave. know. It looked almost beautiful, shimhard to But Paul isn’t ready. He’s as much mering there, catching the light. get out.” We serve as a creative outlet a storyteller as Scrabble player, and “It was all so symbolic. I was mad [Linda plays for women in need to he tells me he has one more story to at the whiskey, not at him. So I took uncover their talents and “omen.” I build relationships while share It’s a kind of Father’s Day story. my cup and smashed it against that can see making and selling jewelry, He was hoping to tell it on the Bill Cun- glass. It shattered in a thousand piecshe unquilts, and other handcrafted ningham radio show earlier in the day, es. Some of them flew into his eyes. derstands items. We provide a but had been cut off. He had just had cataract surgery, and that there welcoming environment and he was hurt and bleeding. I helped get He says it is about reconciliation, continuous support-our is somewomen do the rest. They are to the hospital. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t and a hard kind of redemption. We go thing much our voice. They are our him. It was the whiskey. outside. In the bright sunlight, at the more than mission. They are our Sarah “So we had this falling out. It corner of Liberty and Vine, Paul talks a game of Center. Artists receive 50 % lasted years. But I was lucky. Not long and I write. Scrabble from the sale of their items, before he died at 71, I went to see him “My Mom was very smart. She while the rest goes towards going on and we had this reconciliation. I’m glad grew up in Ashland, Kentucky, and all materials and other support. there at we did.” through school, each year, she got the corner So Paul Diebold didn’t get to tell the award for being the best student. cafe]. 1618 Vine Street his story on raido. So the Scrabble All twelve years. Then she got scholCincinnati, Ohio 45202 I ask HELPING WOMEN HELP THEMSELVES champ told it to you, the readers of Linda about arships to Mt. Saint Joe and then For more information visit www.sfoutreach.org Streetvibes. Thomas More. She was valedictorian the “Tao” twice. And she was so nice. She vol- Farm life and city life collided in a heated but friendly board game meet up recently at Canticle Cafe, located in Over-the-Rhine. Over-the-Rhine’s own Paul Deibold, a guy who totes around a little two minute egg timer and his own worn copy of “The Official Scrabble Dictionary,” squared off against Iowa’s own Linda Gent. Gent, a farm person, who spent some time in Over-theRhine as part of a mission trip. It was probably the most unusual interview I have ever conducted. I had gone to the Canticle Cafe a week earlier to do a story about the undisputed Scrabble champion of Over-theRhine. When I arrived, I found that, in an intense game, still in progress, the champion was being un-crowned. Perhaps “over-worded” might apply better to a Scrabble Jam. But I had tried to meet up with Paul Diebold since I first heard him speak at the opening of the Jimmy Heath House in November. “Everyone has a story,” Paul had said during his remarks to the gathered crowd. I was certain he was correct. Thus this column was born. This reporter has yet to interview a downtowner who doesn’t live up to Diebold’s assertion. When I met him a week later, at the same place, it didn’t seem to matter to Paul that he was no longer unbeaten. This time he was playing Scrabble with a woman from the far-off farming town of Washington, Iowa. I could see that the only way I would get my story was to interview them both during the game. So while the one player was determining her/his next word. I asked a question or two of the other player. [I hope both of them forgive me if I have gotten a few of their Scrabble words wrong]. Linda Gent had come to OTR with a group of six teenage girls from her parish in Iowa. The young women were spending the week by involving themselves in inner city projects set up by Franciscans for the Poor. On this day, the girls were serving donuts and desserts to clients of the St. Francis Seraph Ministries in the pleasant surroundings of the Canticle Cafe. They had spent the morning house cleaning the entire room from top to bottom. [Paul inserts the word “Quag”]. Now Paul is free to talk. He is 55 years old, and has been homeless off and on since the mid ‘90s. He lived on the streets for eight months, but then found a place at the Jimmy Heath House. He makes no bones about telling Linda his opponent about his alcoholism. “Just beer,” he says. “When I drink the hard stuff I really go crazy. Alcohol is the hardest drug in the world that I know of to get off of.” [Linda Sarah Center �Resources ST R EE T V IB E S 15 J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 Shelter: Women and Children St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 558-8888 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Treatment: Men Shelter: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Prospect House 921-1613 Other Resources 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 Anthony House (Youth) Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 First Step Home 961-4663 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Treatment: Both 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 471-1100 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services 751-0643 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 621-5514 Treatment: Women 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 961-4080 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Shelter: Both Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 �Column 16 ST R EET VIBES J u n e 2 4 - J u l y 8 , 2 0 11 LessonSongs for Peacemaking and Understanding Paulette Meier sings for social justice and a better world “F or me, art is the expression of an underlying truth, of that which is usually hidden or not noticed much,” says Paulette Meier. “It can make us aware of the inner conditions of others’ lives, and can open our hearts to strangers, as well as to our own deeper selves.” And the truth that Meier alludes to, and which she strives to attain in her life, is the one uncovered by compassion, love, understanding and the power of the “Spirit”. A Quaker singer/songwriter, peace educator, and spiritual social activist, Meier has devoted much of her life to singing and working for peace, equality, the rights of the oppressed and the protection of the vulnerable and invisible in our society, particularly children. She grew up in Northern Kentucky in a large Catholic family, attended private Catholic schools, and developed, as a result, a strong spiritual inclination and sense of morality. A semester in Germany in college in 1971 shook her rather parochial worldview, and she returned home with new awareness of injustice, both in the Church and in her country. Church choir and family reunions introduced her early on to singing, but it was moving to Washington, DC, in 1980 and living in a communal household of women musicians that opened her eyes to a vision of herself as a political folk singer. “The women sang with a group called ‘Heresy’ ” she says. “They were progressive, engaged in women’s issues, social justice and spirituality. They affirmed my voice and strongly encouraged me to sing.” Saad Ghosn Contributing Writer Meier had been involved in activist work already in the ‘70s. While working on her Master’s Degree at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in German and Education, she helped organize a union for teaching assistants, and later, as a teacher in CPS, was very involved with the teachers’ union. In the late ‘70s, she became very active in opposing the construction of the Zimmer Nuclear Plant on the Ohio River, which prompted her move to Washington, D.C. to work on national nuclear energy issues. Back to Cincinnati in 1984, Meier befriended many of the activists she had met earlier at UC or through the local community. They included buddy gray and Bonnie Neumeier of the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement, as well as Reverend Maurice McCrackin, a civil rights activist and pastor of Community Church in the West End. Diana Porter, a friend and fellow teacher’s union activist, had cofounded a new women’s choir, MUSE, which Paulette joined. With her new passion for political folk songs, she and some friends started a Cincinnati chapter of the People’s Music Network, sponsoring monthly song gatherings in different homes to share and teach songs with social justice themes. With Ginny Frazier, a fellow MUSE member whom she had met earlier campaigning against nuclear power, Meier began performing in coffee houses, rallies for the homeless and refugees, at peace demonstrations, labor, the environment, and women’s rights events. In 1991 they produced a recording: Ginny and Paulette: Harmony for Social Justice, which included many of their songs among which “The Power Shuffle,” they had written to Paulette Meier singing at SOS Art 2011. Photo by Bill Howes protest the 1st Gulf War. It was sung with gusto at many local demonstrations: “We put the teachers in, we take the missiles out… we march and sing and shout. We do the power shuffle, we turn this world around and that’s what it’s all about!” One of the first songs Paulette wrote in 1989, “Green Bins,” was actually used by “Keep Cincinnati Beautiful” to promote the city’s new recycling program. She also wrote songs in opposition to the death penalty, and sang them at many protests and vigils. “No Killing in My Name” is a call to stop state sponsored murders, and “Born to Love” is a plea in compassion with families of murdered victims. In 2004, she wrote “It’s the Race to the Bottom”, a song about privatizing government jobs. Meier recently added a verse to this song about teachers, in opposition to Ohio’s Senate Bill 5 which is aimed at limiting collective bargaining rights for public employees. Its chorus sings: “It’s the race to the bottom (3x) Where they’re cuttin’ public service while their private profits rise.” An area of concern for Paulette is the emotional health of children, that she sees directly related to peace in the world. In 1989 she began working in the field of social-emotional learning and focused on it for over 20 years, including many years as a trainer in peace education. She started writing songs to augment her lessons, and in 2002, released a CD, Come Join the Circle: LessonSongs for Peacemaking. The album received national acclaim and several awards and is now used in classrooms all around the country. Paulette would like to do another CD for children, to include songs she’s written about media violence (“Cool to be Cruel?”), compassion and understanding (“Don’t Judge Them”), and healing past hurts (“Triggered”). A more recent musical endeavor for Paulette relates to her spiritual path. About ten years ago, she began attending Quaker meetings and learning about the Religious Society of Friends. “The Quaker faith emphasizes spiritual experience instead of dogma,” she says. “Still solidly rooted in the wisdom of Jesus, it integrates an inward seeking spiritual practice with an outward movement towards peace and compassion in the world. I also appreciate the equal role women had in spiritual leadership since its beginnings.” In 2004, Paulette was awarded an Artist in Residence scholarship for a year at Pendle Hill in Philadelphia, where she studied Quaker theology. She recently released, with Quaker Press, Timeless Quaker Wisdom in Plainsong, a CD of 21 quotations from 17th century Quaker leaders, she set to music and sings a cappella. “I would like my art to raise awareness of the inherent goodness that every child is born with and what we do that helps that goodness shine or get shadowed over,” says Meier; “also to open hearts and build empathy for those who are oppressed. I want my songs to inspire listeners to see things more clearly, and to take action, no matter how small, to support this planet in all its beauty.” Throughout her life, Meier has worked towards all these goals and her voice has always been as lucid and strong as her beautiful “lessonsongs for peacemaking and understanding”. (www.lessonsongs.com) “Don’t Judge Them” (Verse and Chorus) Song by Paulette Meier “Maria’s gettin’ mean with the girls at school, ‘cause no one wants to be her friend. She’s in everybody’s business and acts like she’s in charge of them. If they knew about her life at home, they’d see how she got this way. She’s the oldest of six with a single mom, She doesn’t really know how to play. So don’t judge her; she may be doing the best that she can. Yeah, let’s not judge her, though she may need a helping hand. Don’t judge her, when we don’t know where she’s been. Yeah, let’s not judge her, If we’ve never been in her skin.” Artists as Activists is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati artists who use art as a vehicle for change. Saad Ghosn is the founder of SOS Art. Ghosn can be reached at saad.ghosn@uc.edu. � 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 2011 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 24-July 8, 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Clemency Granted Northside Community Seeks Justice for Shooting of Local Musician Pg 2: Murder is Okay? Pg 3: Distributor Program Pg 4: Clemency Granted Pg 5: Affordable Housing Going Green? Chanting for Jobs, Not Jails Pg 6: Northside Seeks Justice Pg 7: A Little bit of heaven City Says Yes! Pg 8: Recipe Pg 9: Community Happenings Pg 10: Mark Twain was Right Pg 11: Graphic Voice Pg 12: A Day in the Life Distributing Hope & Good News Pg 13: Intern-nal thoughts on the Death Penalty Pg 14: Meetup: Paul Pg 15: Resources Pg 16: LessonSongs for Peacemaking and Understanding Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 24-July 8, 2011 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Catie Dargue Jeni Jenkins Susan Lakes Riccardo Taylor Della Woolens Rubye Goode Georgia Bohannon Stephen Gentry Willa Denise Jones Saad Ghosn Jim Luken Lee Mccoy Bill Howes Paul Davis Aimie Willhoite Jesse Call J.P. Dean Mark Grauhuis Alisa Balestra Harrison Lott Corey Luthringer Brittany Fong Terique Scott Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF ¬¬¬Catie Dargue affordable housing Aimie Willhoite Alisa Balestra Bill Howes Brittany Fong Cincinnati Clemency Corey Luthringer Death Penalty Della Woolens Georgia Bohannon Harrison Lott J.P. Dean Jeni Jenkins Jesse Call Jim Luken Josh Spring Lee McCoy Mark Grauhuis Mark Twain Music Northside Paul Davis Protests Riccardo Taylor Riots Rubye Goode Saad Ghosn Stephen Gentry Susan Lakes Terique Scott Willa Denise Jones