23 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/2685a10643661f9e858db4537e675509.pdf 8a6579b000a1d6d670e995dd8e471662 PDF Text Text Homeless Stan.d ·oown Draws Record Crowd by Pal CliHord Both the homeless and service providers in Cincinnad were pleased with the response to the Homeless Stand Down on October 17. Over 1,000 people attended the event to receive materials and services. This number doubles the amount of people served at the last Stand Down, which.took place in 1995. The number assured advocates and volunteers that people received help and that the word for the event got out on the street. However, the number also has some In the community worried that the · sharp increase Is part of a continuing trend. This summer, women and children's shelters operated at and above capacity, turning many people away. Some blamed new welfare and public housing changes for that Increase. Since the vast majority of people attending the Stand Down were slnsefes, people wonder whether the trend is spreading beyond women and children. The Stand Down Is a community based event that helps . . rmc!en bf.!2 the'DJ'lw. ~d Down is the military terminology for a brief perlo dme In chlch an active soldier leaves an active combat area In order to rest and regain strength. Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison, two Vietnam Veterans from San Diego, launched the first Stand Down event there 1988. ·Grapevine Vendors Cited in Cleveland for Selling Without a· Permit Cleveland Police have started dckedng vendors of the Homeless Grapevine, a homeless street newspaper. Each vendor cited has to pay a $65 fine for selling without a permit. For more on this breaking story, see page 12: "Grapevine Vendors Cited for Not Having a Permit." Contents Page 3: News: Questions Still Remain about County Welfare Plan Page 7: Inner City Voices Part Two Page 8: Disabled Have the SS/ Blues Page 10: Sheller Worker and Poet Denise Crew Page 12: Supreme Court Deals Blow lo Street Newspapers Page 14:. Announcements and Classified Ads Volunteers from the VA Domicllary distribute clothes ~nd materials to the homeless at the Homeless Stand Down October 17. All ·Incumbents Reelected to Cincinnati City Council Heimlich, Tarbell Fall Short of Expectations CTnclnnad voters returned all the incumbents to Cincinnati City Council leading many to expect business as usual for the next two years. Roxanne Qualls elected ma)'Or for a third term, leaclng the next highest vote getter, Dwight Tiiiery, by over S,000 votes. Cincinnati elects Its council In an at large election where everyone runs at-large, voters get nine votes and the top nine are elected. The top vote getter automadcally becomes the mayor. The election was supposed to be a contest between Qualls and Republican Phil Heimlich for the mayor's spot. Heimlich, who ran second In the last election, Is known for cracking down on pornogra­ phy and for leading a program against panhandlers. Helmlich, however, fell to sixth place this term. Another surprise was Jim Tarbell, bar owner and proponent of market rate housing In Over-the­ Rhine. He was hearalded as a potendal mayor by some sources. However, he failed to muster enough votes. He failed to make the top nine by 300 votes on election night. The past two years have seen a coalition of five, Including both Heimlich and Tillery, making the decisions at City Council. During the campaign, Heimlich tried to capitalize on Tillery's na,me ~ gain votes In the minority community. Many wonder whether these tactics will destabilize the gang of five and lead to a reshlfting of power. The new (old) council will start December Ist. Sharp Village Dedicated to Affordable Housing in Over-the-Rhine by Rob Freklng On October 30, 1997, the Owr-the-Rhlne Housing Network celebrated the dedicadon of Sharp Village. Sharp Village Is a 36 unit development In the 100 block of East Clifton Avenue. Some units are available this fall. All 36 apartments will be complete and ready to rent in the summer of 1998. Sharp Village received support from the City of Cincinnati, the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Equity Devel­ opment and Fifth Third Bank. The Over-the-Rhine Housing Network is a non-profit group composed of four separate non-profit organizations. These organizations include Franciscan Home Deve lop­ me nt, ReSTOC, Sign of the C ross Housing and Tender Mercies. The Housing Network has been working and networking for decent housing since 1981 . Sharp Village Grand Opening Photo by James Heath. / �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 2 STREETVIBES The Resu.lts of Our 1997 The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Reader's Survey by Donald Whitehead Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, Is a newspaper written by, for and about the homeless. It is compiled by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and then sell it for a dollar donation to.get back on their feet. All vendors sign a code of conduct before being given a badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending home­ lessness in Cincinnati through c~rdinating services, educating the publi~ and g.-aSsroots organizing. The StreetVibes Committee meets monthly to plan our issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a comment, please call 421-7803. Staff Pat Clifford, Coordinator Donald W hitehead, Outreach Coordinator Frank Corrine, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor: Support Carolyn Meszaros, Vendor Support Photographers James Heath Berta Lambert Pat Clifford Writers Cassandra Barham Mary Burke Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis Tammy deGruchy Marcel Freeland Rob Freking Darian Henderson Lemuel Israel Carolyn Meszaros Sabra Mitchell PatMoslof Mike Nelson Bonnie Neumeier Mike Neumeier Robert Norse Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders The Shadow David Lee Smith Jennifer Summers Jean Taddie Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Sonny Williams Volunteer Editors Becky Rinaldo Malaka Sanders Kimberly T enai Reier stories or inquiries to: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless I506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@prlrnax.net http://cincl.com/gcch In the August /September Issue of Streevibes, we held our very first readers' survey. We were pleased to receive responses from many of our readers. We would like to thank all of you who took the time to complete the survey. In ~Is edition, you will see the responses along with many of the suggestions you gave us to make Streetvibes a better publication. The staff of Streetvibes was genuinely surprised at some of the results of our survey. People aged 49 and over was our largest age bracket, followed by people between 25 and JS. The next bracket was ages 36-49. While we had a few 18-25 year-olds respond, no one under 18 responded at all. The majority of our readers were also female. .Our readers had various employment situa­ tions. Twenty percent of our readers are students. The majority of those who responded were from Suburban Cincinnati. Nearly 60 percent of you also read the Enquirer and the Post. Fifty percent of readers always buy the paper, 45% of readers are oYer 49. 65% of readers are female. and 80 percent actually read it. Most of you buy only one copy, but 30 percent buy more than one. Most people find it easy to find Streetvibes, and you usually find It Downtown or in Clifton. While some people subscribe to Streetvibes, most people buy it for $1 . Nobody ever pays more than a dollar. A whooping 90 percent would hire a vendor if he or she were qualified for the job. We are very happy to report that only one of the people surveyed had a bad experience with a Streetvibes vendor. This did not surprise us; our vendors are very good people. The Editorial staff Is pleased that you enjoy editorials and commentaries most, with news, poetry, and profile;S close behind. Letters also received some readers' support. Unfortunately one person didn't like any of the paper. You asked us to start covering Lower Price Hill, prisoners, political candidates, gentrification and buddy gray's murder. Others said, "Leave it the way it is." Ninety percent of you have complete trust in Streetvibes; only one person didn't trust Streetvibes. One person thought that Streetvibes was not liberal enough, but most thought that it presented more than one point of view. We received several suggestions that have already been incorporated in this month's issue. These suggestions included mini resumes, classified ads, a table of contents, information from all sides of the economic spectrum and more humor. We will pay more attention to proofreading and e diting. However, we appreciate very much those that thought no changes were necessary. O ur goal in the future is to make the paper bigger and add more pages. The overwhelming majority, 90 percent, rated Streetvibes content a seven or above on a scale of one to ten. Streetvibes also received high marks for photography and layout. Readers made some good suggestions on layout and again mentioned proof reading. You also thought that Streetvibes most definitely serves its mission as a voice for low income people. Overall, you felt the paper was lngenlouS" and informative. We would once again like to thank everyone for completing <;>ur first Streetvibes survey. U) (I) ·r-i :> 0 ::E! Million Woman March Took Me Home, Gave Me Hope by Cassandra Barham Welcome to the CitY of Brotherly Love! Welcome to Philly! It's Time! Philadelphia Daily News Paper on October 25, 1997, said: Welcome! Women sald good bye to their families and some took them with them to the march. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters. They came from all states, far and near, to be one of the million plus. . Spirits were high: Love, frien~hips were made. Talk was of what we can and will do for our families, communities, and selves. We hope the event's a .catalyst for change. African-Amertcan women say there's a s.ptrit that binds them toaether. · When one cries out, they must all answer. The speakers gave powerful speeches. The speakers were Winnie Mandela, who has endured so much in her own lifetime, Dorothy Height, Jada Pinket, Sista Souljah: All Powerful Women. The day long event was full; the rain didn't stop the spirit! I felt good to be home In the place I was born. I'm thankful for my many sisters, sisters for life, and to come back to Cincinnad and keep up my own fight! . Welfare refqrm Is an on-going fight! I'm glad to be.one of the ones leading the way for a change and the right of the worldng poor_to make a change for the better and the future! �STREETVIBES T/JP T11 Stole\ Hon1e/ess Grapevine Page J Questions Still Remain about County Welfare Plan STREETVIBES News ' by Lynn Williams Hamilton County's Human Services Planning Committee and County Commissioners delivered the County's Welfare Plan to the Ohio Department of Human Services on October 15th. Hamilton County is one of the first seven counties whose Partnership Agreements will start January Ist, 1998. The new state welfare law, signed July 2, 1997, by Governor Voinovich, moves many welfare policy decisions to the counties. Each county will be required to form a Human Services Planning Committee to formulate local welfare policy. All 88 counties are required to sign a Partnership Agree­ ment with the Ohio Department of Human Services. In order to have input on this planning process, a broad-based group of advocates and agencies formed the Hamilton County Values Families Campaign. The Campaign attempted to make decision makers listen to the voices of welfare recipients. At the Public Hearing October 8th at the County Commissioners Office, the majority of those who testified were representatives of the Hamilton County Values Familie-s Campaign. Campaign Has lmapcl Now that the plan has been submitted to the state, the Values Families Campaign is pointing to many issues as proof that they have had an impact. The Personal Responsibility Agreement that Ohio Works First (OWF) recipients are required to sign was amended to include the responsiblllties of the Hamilton County Department of Human Services (HCDHS). The Agreement will list the services the HCDHS will provide the recipient. In addition, all of the good cause exemptions for people leaving employment that the Campaign requested were included in the Plan. The Human Services Planning Committee went even further and included more reasons for good cause. The time period to tum in good cause documentation was extended from three days to seven days. Unfortu­ nately, the 2'4 hr. call-in requirement was not eliminated. They did add that under some circum­ stances 24 hours may be Impossible but a partici­ pant must report in as soon as possible to avoid sanction. It will be important for recipients to have a witness when they make their calls. Although the good cause policy was not originally Included In the Plan, it now will be Included. Also, parents will be able to end unsatisfactory child care agreements (Ex. If provider uses too harsh discipline methods on children) without being sanctioned. However, HCDHS is defining what is "too harsh" of discipline methods instead of allowing individua.I parents to decide. Activists Found Not Guilty by Sonny Williams On the morning of October 23, Nathaniel Livingston and Minister Abdul Mohamad Ali were found not guilty in Judge John West's courtroom at the Hamilton County Courthouse. They were arrested on April I, 1997, in downtown along with William Kirkland, for disrupting the Opening Day Red's Parade and getting·too close to Governor Voinovich. For more information on the "Justice for Lorenzo Colrihs Movement,-.. call 241-8014 or contact the October 22nd C6afiti'on, Post Office Box 141308, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250. Education Included in Plan The Human Services Planning Committee agreed that welfare recipients should be made to do 20 hours of work and 10 hours of"developmental activity" as opposed to mandating all 30 hours of work. "Clients must have the choice," stated Eileen Cooper Reed, of the Cincinnati Children's Defense Fund, during a Committee meeting. Educational activities can be used for the developmental hours. However, the ability to use education as a work activity may not actually be implemented. "Welfare officials' "push" is for 30 hours of work if casework­ ers decide this on an individual basis," said Katy Heins from the Welfare Rights Coalition. Don I Cul Food Stamps 1 County Commissioners and the Human Services Planning Committee agreed that sanctions should not include cutting recipients off food stamps. Further, State Lawmaker Joan Lawrence claimed that food stamp cuts are not what designers of H.B. 408 had in mind any way. She claims that their intention was for food stamps not to increase after an Ohio Works First sanction. The Ohio Department of Human Services (OOHS) imposed the food stamp elimination in order to simplify the Ohio Works First regulations and to eliminate beaucradc paperwork. Our County Commissioners and Human Services Planning Committee will send letters to the OOHS objecting to this food stamp policy. Analvsis How Does Wall Street Effect People on the Streets? by Malak~ Sanders Fund Child Care The County Commissioners have agreed that welfare Incentive money and savings should go towards funding child care. Child care will be the priority for funding even though some members of the Human Services Planning Committee wanted the savings to go for a County Rainy Day Fund. Also, the County Commissioners agreed that child care for the working poor is Important and will seek a solution for funding It. Even though the bulk of the Plan Is finished and Is now being negotiated at the state level with OOHS, major areas have yet ~ be decided at the county level. Main areas to be decided are child care issues and finalizing an emergency assistance plan. The Human Services Planning Committee will continue meeting monthly to monitor the Welfare Plan's implementation. The Values Families Cam­ paign pl~ns to continue its own advocacy efforts and to monitor the effects of welfare "reform" in agencies and neighborhoods. Advocates cite several areas of future concern. For example, they believe that parents with children under I year should be exempt from the work requirement. Currently the Plan sets the work entry time at 12 weeks after giving birth. The Campaign advocates a 6 month exemption from any kind of work activity if the recipient chooses. The next 6 months could then be filled with work, alternative work or developmental activity with the recipient making the choice. Both Federal and State policy allow the one year exemption. Advocates also wonder who will make the decision of what activity is appropriate. It does not state In the Welfare Plan who makes this choice. The Values Families Campaign assumes that if it Is not spelled out clearly, the caseworker wilr make this decision for the' recipient. lel The Children Etlt . public officials to revise the food stamp sanctions. They believe It is Important to contact State OOHS officials and State legislators on this issue. "Children should not be dE!Drived of food because of a parent's work sanction or caseworker errors from beaucratic red tape!" said Katy Heins of the Contact Center. She continued, "In 1997, nearly half of our region's black children are already living in extreme poverty! 30 % of all children In our region live in poverty. These stats are straight from the Hamilton County Welfare Plan. Our entire Society should be shamed by this high level of poverty among our children. At least let the children eat!" Child care and other Issues will be discussed at the next Human Services Planning Committee on November 14th at HCDHS. p . . News of the recent stock market trouble was all over the media. On November 28, USA Today's front page screamed about how, "Confused and Scared" investors were, while the New York Times thought that their, "Horror and Pain" was a suitable headline, ran alongside a picture of a dejected broker. And since such stories a.lso dominated most of the other printed media, such as the Washington Post, the Wa.11 Street louma.1, and, locally, The Enquirer and The Post, it's obvious that this Is very distressing news-but for whom? Well, let me throw some figures at you. - Business Week (which Isn't exactly known for it's radical politics) called CEO pay in 96', "out of control". The average CEO made 200 times the pay of the average factory worker- that's up from 80' when it was "42 times. -The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that families in the bottom 60% lost 16% of their after-tax income from 77'-94'; the top 20% gained 25% while the top I% shot up 72%. -"Born on Third Base'', a study by the group United for a Fair Economy , shows that most of the Forbes 400, Forbes Magazine's ranking of the richest Americans, inherited already substantial and profitable companies or received key start-up capital. How did the distribution of wealth become so unequal? Well, according to a broker reassuring Enquirer readers, "I think stock market returns will average out higher than I 0%[which used to be the norm...] in the future because companies have positioned themselves for higher-than-average earnings through downsizings and increased produc­ tion."( 11-28-97). So, is this distressing news? Yes. Katha Politt, I think, explained why very well in The Nation (I 1-10-97), "The domination of the media by large multinational corporations [is] a bad thing. Conglomeralisation....skew[s] political debate Advocates urge that the pressure be kept on Continued on page 15 �STREETVIBES The T11 Stote\ Homeless Grapevine One Tooth at a Time Hygenist Clifford Jones Hel.ps the Homeless with More Than Just a Cleaning I Page 4 f STREETVIBES Services ne: Ca an Interview by Lemuel lsr2el SV: Brother Jones, what do you actually do with the ·coalition for the Homeless and dentistry work? CJ: I'm .i board member. What I do is help decide on what direction and policies we set. Also I'm a gene ral body member. We go in and listen to the current issues and vote on different proposals that we need to take. As far as the dentistry is concerned, I'm the dental coordinator of the homeless dental program. What I do, basically, Is go out and coordinate the dental services for thP. homeless. The services we provide are things like.. cleaning, exams, fillings, extractions, root canals, x-rays, consultations and referrals, oral health lectures and for a minimal fee, we provide partials, dentures and crowns. SV: That's quite a bit. Do you provide your services free or at a low cost? CJ: The majority of our services are performed free of charge. The only servtces we provide for a very minimal fee are dentures, partials and crowns. We are very fortunate to have a funding agency known as the Cincinnati Health Network, which secures federal money and grants to aid In the giving of these services. Also, the Cincinnati Health Department provides the dentist assistants and record keeping, plus space and equipment to help offset the costs for the services. SV: It's quite a big operation as far as all of the organizations and personnel involved? CJ: Yes, it is. Also, of course, we receive money from the United Way. Everyone is playing a part in showing that this program can go on. SV: It's good to know we have a conscious community that's working to help these individuals, who we label as poverty stricken and homeless. What got you interested in this type of work? CJ: Well, a friend called my fiance and told me about the position. She felt that I would be able to come in and provide the service and be able to relate with the clientele. SV: I know that you relate very well. I 've been one of those people who sat in your chair. In fact, I've got to come back this week! What kind of situations do you come up against with the homeless? I don't want to use the word "problems" to describe the homeless. Home­ less people are not a problem; they are people with problems that need solving. Let me phrase the question this way. what types of situations do you face in dealing with the problems of the homeless and their need for good, quality dental services? CJ: The homeless are most definitely in need of the services we provide. As far as problems that are confrontational, I on't think of too many other than the fact that If you're In pa.in and can't get an appointment when you need It or want It, then that creates a problem for someone. Unfortunately, we are a very small operation and we can only do so much with what we have. I see transportation being a problem. SV: Do you mean transportation problems as far as them getting to you? CJ: That's a problem. Being able to do all that needs to be done is a problem, as well, because in some Instances, money Is necessary to replace missing teeth. SV: You mentioned scheduling as one of the problems you come up against, as far as trying to get everybody in. What happens when someone misses an appointment? CJ: When someone misses an appointment, I will reschedule another appointment. If they miss two appointments, It's going to be·very difficult to get in. We have a list of individuals waiting to get in for services. If we continue to give individuals appointments who are chronic breakers of appoint­ ments, then it's hard to get services out to other of r Jeo re! arE COi no1 in I pri Ste as! In · pri on mE Clifford Jones, with Greater C incinnat i Oral Health Council, performs services during the Homeless Stand D.own in October. Photo by James Heath. individuals. We have a policy that after your third missed appointment, you can come in for emer­ gency services, or you can come in and sit and wait to see If someone breaks an appointment and then be seen. SV: At least you still are giving them a chance. CJ: Yes. If they call 24 hours in advance, saying they can't make it, fine. Even if they call the day of, giving us notice they can't make it, then it is more than likely they will get another appointment. But if they don't call at all, I take offense to that. SV: I guess, homeless or not, going to see the dentist is one of the most dreadful occurrences in just about everybody's life. What kind of things do you do to help people be relaxed and feel comfort­ able by the time they sit In your dental chair? CJ: The first thing I do Is go out and give an oral health lecture. I try to give some basic lnforma­ ·tion on what could be going on inside the mouth If "I've seen individuals that com e in who couldn't smile, .w_llose self-esteem was at a Yery critical low point. After receiving t!Jese services, they're doing extremely well out there in the community" they're not taking the proper steps, so that if there is something going on, tnen they can do something about It. And then, just to come In and be treated humanely, regardless of what the situation may be with them. That helps tremendously. And then just sitting down and creating a rapport. Talking back and forth. Getting them in and just doing the service with quality, I think, helps a great deal. In fact, that's the aftermath. It's just being able to get them in and talk and find a common bond. SV: What are some of the common problems you see the most of concerning the actual work needed In the teeth. CJ: Well, the major problems are gum disease, the build up of bacteria and tooth decay. Tooth decay is pretty rampant. Missing teeth are, too. A lot of missing teeth means there are problems of imprope r digestion of food, which can lead to other things. Mainly, It's the gum disease that's running rampant and the missing teeth, which you know, are hard to come by. We don't have monies needed to pay for the replaceme nt. SY: The president of the United States asks that we all go Into a dialog concerning the issue of racism. We here at Streetvibes would like to take up the banner and be out there in the forefront. We understand that racism is one of the major causes of homelessness. Within your clientele, do you find more blacks as a result of their low economic status? Or does it seem to be pretty equal according to the black/white ratio of the population of the Greater Cincinnati Area? CJ: The majority of my clients are black. 1 would go as far as to say, maybe, on a percentage level, 60 percent are black, and 40 percent are non­ black. SV: That's almost the reverse of the popula­ tion here in the Greater Cincinnati Area! Although I'm not absolutely sure. What can we do to help pull the people In to utilize the services? Sometimes it's hard to go out and get them and bring them in. They don't always come In on their own. Yet, they're in need. CJ: Well, It's just a lack of awareness, I believe. Sometimes there might be fear involved in a lot of different ways. SV: Do you see any type of strategy that could be employed to get the awareness out, as.well as provide some sort of transportation to bring them in? CJ: There is. I feel honored in working on it and what I do is go around to different shelters and transitional living areas and provide an oral health lecture. I use that as public relations for our program to disseminate Information about oral health and also, hopefully, to modify their behavior. With the lectures, our broken appointment ratio has decreased. I look at the lectures as being one of the strategies we're using to help increase awareness. There's also word of mouth. Word of mouth is heavy. When you provide quality service, when individuals feel good about that service, they're going to go out and tell their friends. So word of mouth h~ been a goo'd tool for our program. SV: So you are seeing results? CJ:Yes. SY: That's encouraging to me, and I hope that this Is encouraging to our 1'eaders. W e are getting results. A lot of people feel that a lot of these programs are useless. They feel that when you give out to people, they become weak and don't know to go and do things for themselves. What do you think about that attitude? CJ: That's totally bogus! I've seen individuals that come in who couldn't smile, whose self-esteem were at a very critical low point. After receiving these services, they're doing extremely well out there in the community. In fact, I saw a brother the Continued on page 13 ave Au ch• wit the arE ga! Eu no th; hin He Eur dn l'rr ch: clc Kii no Ra 26 po th; be Th me fall els I fc nu th: wl ve tiff be: wi . he Sh ""' els T~ we Tl .. pr ab ne pe �I STREETVIBES The Tti Stote's Homeless Grapevine Page 5 Friends Plan Tribute on Anniversary of buddy gray•s Death by Slreelvibes Slaff November 15th marks the anniversary of buddy gray's untimely and tragic death. In honor of buddy's memory, the Over-the-Rhine Community plans a day dedicated to the memory of all of buddy's outstanding contributions. While buddy is no longer with us, the spirit of his work continues. The challenges to continue his mission of providing safe, sanitary housing, food, clothing and health care have been great. Through the collective efforts of many others who share that mission, the work continues. Several activities have been planned to honor buddy memory. At I0:00 am at 1300 Vine Street a press conference will be held. At that time, the building will be named "buddy's place." It is a building that buddy saved from demolition, fire, and pressure from those that were not in favor of building more low-income housing. This building symbolizes the struggle to provide low-income housing for those that suffer in poverty. Through the ongoing efforts of people within the community, this long awaited project is slated to begin construc­ tion in the very near future. "buddy's place" will be the sight of 20 Single Room Occupancy Units (SRO's) for homeless individuals. Following the press conference, there will be a tour of the new women's expansion at the Drop-Inn­ Center. The expansion is perhaps the crown jewel of buddy's many accomplishments, it symbolizes the results of 25 years of struggling to provide for those less fortunate. The Drop-Inn-Center has been transformed from a one room center on Vine Street into a facility able to shelter over 250 people on any given night. The Over-the-Rhine Community invites you to share the fruits of labor of many dedicated people and buddy gray. It is the hope of the Community that you come to honor buddy's memory and celebrate the ongoing work in the community dedicated to addressing the most vital needs of our country--basic human rights. Over-the-Rhine Residents Win National Honor by Dona/ii Whitehead In honor o( the many contributions that buddy gray made in the fight to end both national and local homelessness, the National Coalition for the Home­ less has created the buddy gray memorial award for activism. This award will be given each year In remembrance of buddy's tireless efforts to end homelessness. On Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, the board of directors of the National Coalition for the Homeless met In Cincinnati to honor the memory of buddy gray. The meeting was also the first time the buddy gray Memorial Award was given. Very appropriately, the recipient of the award was not an Individual. The first buddy gray memo­ rial award was given to the many people who continue to do the wonderful work that buddy ·started Representatives of the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, the Over-The-Rhine Community Council, the Over-the-Rhine Housing Network, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless, the Recovery Hotel and many others were there to receive the awards. The ceremony also offered time to reflect on some of the wonderful memories that we have of this brave soldier ln the fight to end homelessness. As you read this story, please remember how buddy challenged us all to be the best we could be and to be of service to other human beings. Al­ though buddy's physical presence is not here, his spirit lives on in the work that is being done to fulfill his dream of ending homelessness. Poem Des.cent ·of the Holy Spirit by Mike Neumeier (This poem was written in memory of buddy gray, scribed the day following his memorial march and gathering in the park, in and around . the gazebo; these events, as they pierced my heart and basked before mine eyes ...) Over a thousand of people escorted buddy's crisp blue sky day bike through OTR at the memorial last year. walk in sunlight line up left on streets he walked line up right feel silence from one end to the other from drums beginning silent march all grey-feathered to regimental cantering of hooves beneath all except mounted police the one on top riders calm and ordered its color brilliant white visibly respectful like light sensing great loss i tear apparent on their faces his grouping t to people streetside lined up so standing silent in courtesy makes a pointing upward some with wet eyes to the heavens some smile to my friend at my side i whisper others wail she too is struck when this is pointed out to one flashes sign of peace with the hands her some talk i see her eyes light up though not overtly so she tears while most stand like statues as had I wearing blank somber faces we are not alone amazed at this large following no we are not alone passing before them i feel power presence when a single streetside heckler defames him stand in awe no one seeks retribution those pigeons stone silence of marchers muffle the they know he is gone too noise then she stumbles off the people begin to take turns gone as quickly as she had from the gazebo arrived on the scene to talk i smile to sing to women crying to cry to men crying to reminisce to hands clasped to mourn as long procession winds through streets to er:npower the buildings look more beautiful than i had and resoundingly ever seen them to give rise to hope the day's light gives rise to color like a painting all that is said and done pleasing to gaze upon is as near to perfection it is interesting how the buildings look that my mind can fathom different it seems it all comes to pass when walking down street's middle just as it was supposed to be gentle appearances a neighborhood alive i remark to my friend as we leave at walk's end "i am glad you came with me today the people gather i feel much better now at the gazebo i needed to be here" in the park now then the pigeons fly down to rest upon the gazebo roof the white pigeon it was on top .,.r;:::._. �STREETVIBES . The Tri Stote's Homeless Grape.vine Page 6 STREETVIBES Editorials and Letters Why No Fanfare for Housing? Where's the Fanfare Today? Today October 30th as I wait for my chance to speak at the grand opening of "Sharp Village," 36 units of low-income housing, I am amazed at the fact that there Is no media around. I am shocked that only one City Councilmember bothered to be in attendance. I remember how many people showed up for Citi-rama and the many at the grand opening of bars on Main Street. As this goes through my mind, I begin to get angry. I am not angry about these individuals not being there. Most Councilmembers have shown countless times how much they care about the low­ income residents of this city and especially this community. I am not angry that the mainstream media refuses to show positive images of inner-city The Fed freezes inflation with high That's not all the Fed freezes . interest rates and high unemployment. Artist Challenges the Image of "Those People" with No Homes Dear Streetvibes, "Baseball on Broadway and Bars on Main are not the answer. We need more Sharp Villages. " communities, especially Over-the -Rhine. I am angry because projects like Sharp Village are so hard to do. There are nearly 3,000,000 homeless men woman and children in this country. The biggest reason they are there is the lack of affordable housing. When, one project like Sharp Village opens, the bands should be marching, the trumpets should be blaring and the people should be shouting. Over-the-Rhine is like a lot of inner-city neighborhoods that are trying to make a comeback. Safe, sanitary, affordable housing is the way to do it. Long term residents want to be here when their long ignored neighborhood becomes a safe place for kids to play and all the drug dealers are gone, when the comer liquor stores become viable businesses that don't profit on the suffering of the less fortunate. Baseball on Broadway are Bars on Main are not the answer. We need more Sharp Villages. Donald Whitehead Outreach Coordinator Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless I really enjoyed the conference last month. was glad I could attend. You asked for a copy of the pages out of my art diary. Well, here they are: I have heard homeless people referred to as derelicts, drunks and cra.zies. I have also heard "where are all those homeless women and children? All we see are men." I have seen them called criminals, drug addicts, murderers, prostitutes, beggars, lazy, sick, liars, thieves, manipulative and down-and-out. What an image! Labels such as "they," "them," "the homeless" and "those people" all refer to people without a house as a new race. They refer to the homeless as a group of lazy, drunk, crazed criminals. I have read "they are not like us...Send them to work camps." I have also read that we should "manage and contain a difficult population that is not going to disappear; get rid of them." Get rid of them? I wonder what theses words mean. Do these words suggest we should clear, cleanse, flush, empty, destroy, annihilate, crush, dispose, drive away, kill, murder the homeless? In Sacramento, I read that a homeless man was found slain at a church. The article says that some homeless sleep near churches because they have a sense of safety, a refuge. Councilwoman Bobbie Sterne, Denise Irey and Stephany Edwards of Preserving Affordable Housing, and Lois Pitts,. neighborhood activist, attended the Sharp Village Grand Opening. Photo by James Heath I think of Frank, a kind 63-year-old man with a long white beard and dirt ground into his clothes. He had been sleeping on the street. He could have collected social security if someone had taken the time to say hi and ask if they could help him. All he needed was hfs birth certificate. I also think of Richie, a panhandler who is trying to warn the public about where he thinks the world is headed. I have sat and listened to him tear himself up about how Princess Di died. I have . listened to him say that society builds doors which you enter but from which there is no return. Richie, Frank and many other homeless people will fall victim to crimes. Many will be victims of crime simply because they have no home. I wonder: Are we the criminals who form this dangerous image of those who have no refuge? I feel the urgency to change the image of the homeless. I feel that it would motivate more people and help increase public awareness. Art is a good tool. Art has helped us learn more about the past. It has shaped the present, while allowing us to envision the future. Art solidified the face of Jesus. Art has enriched our cultures. Art pulls our emotions every day as we stand iri front of a rack of store products. If you stood in front of a rack of powder detergents for the first time and they all had a white box, would you buy Tide or Cheer? Would it matter? Art has a powerful, proven track record. It has been used to shape our vfews and trigger our emotions. Art is friendly and it lets us absorb our subjects and take them in our hearts. It leaves a lasting impression. I have been painting for 29 years. I am a very dedicated full-time artist and feel that I can portray the images successfully. I can do so not because I have been without a home, not because they threw me out of school because I didn't live with my parents, not because I was denied an education. It is not because my foster brother Brent, who died in 1976, wouldn't have had a home if not for my parents. It is not because of two homeless children, whom I cared for, lived in a car and were prostituted out and beaten. Not because my three­ year-old and four-month-old stayed in the back of fair booths for six months because I couldn't afford day care or a house. But because God gave me the strength to experience it and still have faith in humanity. And I believe all things are possible with God. Thanks, Tammy deGruchy (Pneuma) .. �I STREETVIBES The Tn State's Homeless Grapevine Inner City Voices: Part Two by Pal Mos/of After a hiatus from last month's Streetvibes, this month I will finish discussing salient issues in Over the Rhine. Again, I will not try to advocate one viewpoint. However, because of limited resources I've been unable to adequately address all viewpoints. Most of us already have an opinion on many of thes~ issues. The discussion in this article will, hopefully, open up some new ways of looking at them. The order of discussion in this article will be: 7) Housing Supply and Homelessness 8) Social Services 9) Cr ime I 0) Policing 11) Hlstory Please continue. While reading. remember that careful evaluation of the situation in Over the Rhine is an important component of serving justice In our low income communities. Housing Supply and Homelessness- The most important question to ask when considering this issue is whether or not there is enough housing for low income people. Some groups in society are not very concerned about this question, or believe that market forces will solve the proble m. Unfortunately, very little money is to be made in low income housing unless it is subsidized by the government, as occurs in Section it housing. Indeed, "lack of affordable housing Is a national trend," says Leslie Horner, former employee of Race Street Tenant's Organization Cooperative, (ReSTOC). A further question Is whether there is a connection between a small supply of low income housing and the condition known as homelessness. Many households spend more than SO% of their income on housing. Because so much of their Income goes Into housing. they are vulnerable to becoming homeless if something unexpected happens· loss of employment, sickness, a death in the family. In fact there has been an increase in the number of homeless people over the years, corre­ sponding to the decline in low- income housing. Bonnie Neumeier, longtime activist and employee at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, explains how the face of home­ lessness has changed. "Originally the homeless popula­ tion was chronic alcoholics, with an average age of 67. Now the age has lowered to 45, and women and children are the fastest growing group among homeless people.'' There is a common conception that substance abuse Is a primary cause of homelessness. This is a partial truth. In fact, there are two causes of homelessness among people with substance abuse problems· the abuse itself and low income status. Middle or upper class people with substance abuse problems are unlikely to become homeless because of the availability of quality substance abuse recovery services. These services are more available to people with money and health insur· ance. The poor must find help among the limited services offered at social agencies which are underfunded to address the problem. In this light, then, a person's low income status becomes a critical variable in becoming homeless. A final aspect of this issue to address Is how the . process of gentrification affects the housing supply for I income people. Tim Burroughs studied the Findlay Market area about one year ago as an ethnographic research project at Xavier University. He observed how the increasing value of property in the Market area led landlords to several different kinds of tactics to force low income people out. In some cases, when a building was sold the new owner simply tore the building down to make a parking lot. In other case s, expensive improve­ ments were coupled with higher rents, eventually driving out low income occupants. In still other cases, they let buildings deteriorate so they were uninhabitable. When "Originally, the ho17!eless popula tion was chronic alcoholics, wth an. average age of 67. Now that age has lowered to 45, and women and children are the fastest growing group... " the Health Department condemned it, they could lock the building and renovate it, or "sit" on it until ready to sell. Mr. Burroughs concluded that the motive for such actions was to make profit from buildings in an area of increasing value, regardless of its effect on low income people. In fact, one man Mr. Burroughs knew who lost housing in such a way became homeless. Another had enough money only for housing and had to eat at soup kitchens. Understanding t he relationship between housing and the quality of life of low Income people is extremely important when looking at the larger picture 'of life in the In ner city. Social Services The primary question relating to social services Is whether there are too many or whether there are not enough social services In Over the Rhine. An article entitled ''Social Care choking Over the Rhine~" appearing in the Oncinnati Post on Friday, September 23, 199-4 asked just this question. In the article. advocates for upper Income development In Over the Rhine expressed the opinion that there are already too many agencies serving people with mental Illness, addictions, or people without homes. Marge Hammelrath, director of the Over the Rhine Chamber of Com· merce, says "It's saturation to the hilt. It Is going to take some very dedicated people...to say this has got to change if you intend to make Over the Rhine a healthy community." Similarly, in a relatively hostile letter to Mike Fontana, who had given money to the Drop Inn Center, Mrs. Hammelrath wrote, "we hope you do not .take us lightly when we say we will not tolerate any more dumping of city problems at our doorstep." But many other people in the community feel that there are not enough social service organizations to - Page Please Support Our Advertisers JIMMY HEATH PHOTOGRAPHY CINCINNATI - (513) 564-9856 E-MAIL - JIMMY_ HEATH®JUNO.COM . ·r.;:­m ~~~~~~~~---.C Photo by James Heath. Continued on page 14 '--~~~~~~~~ SPl~ EnY MAl NTENANC I•: Sr1~ HVICE PUIM'lllNG • CARJ'ViTltf • I.AWN S!RV1Ct • PAINTTNG """ IG l :Jl 6114-070R - .., '\n \\ f' 11ttlP (' r\ l ! l .. h,1' l\l:t i u 1 1 n : 1n1 3 11 F:o,.l l :lth Str('<'l, i'h1it..­ r ~,. , ti,, ,. .. ,,, \ (l\ l:ll RIW -0419 1: l u h ••I "' 11uu•in\· .. • "Cinrinn ntl , Ohio 452 10 · ~PRIMERICA 9 ' Fmancial Services Cllfford Jones Rep11senta1tve 8075 Reading Rd., Suite 1 • Cincinnati. OH 45237 Res. (513) 761·3464 • Bus. (513) 821·3332 Voice Mail: (513) 230.6353 A Member of TravelersGrouPt All llldtpeadtll Np11Mal11lwe ol Primerlcl Fluftci.I S.Mctl flepresenUng: Primericil life Insurance Company/ExeculMI Otfices: Duluth; Georgia Friends and Neighbors of Over~the-Rhine An Organization Seeking Justice for People in Cincinnati's Most Endangered Community Contact Center Community Organizing Welfare Rights Coalition Call 381-4242 lo gel involved! I 641 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Women on Track Helping empower people through sewing. 727 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45203 381-5882 ANOTHER CLASS PRODUCTION Disc-Jockey Service CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 Pat Moslof 7 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grap evine The Words I Write ... (Take Time to Appreciate Life) by Mark Salter Today I awoke to face the day that my past has brought me. What I did yesterday and before (with the grace of my Creator) has presented me with this day. And, what I choose to do with this day Is share it with you. I indirectly bring myself into your life, although a little one-sided. I read once, "The eyes In which you see God with, are the eyes in which God sees you." Imagine that! I've been at the .Drop Inn Center for two months now, and have seen quite a number of Volunteers, young and old. Thank God for Volun­ teers! They do make a difference. We all make a difference, believe it or not. A pebble changes the context of a river once it's tossed in. Even trying to climb a mountain or a long flight of stairs, that first step makes difference and if you take one step at a time, surely you will reach the top. My "Higher" saw fit to give me another day. I choose to spend some of it with you, whose faces I may never see, voices never hear, an~ hearts I may never be touched by. There are probably no words a "Think about the people who you've met and seen, who made your heart leap, your spirits fly, and have yet not told them so. And imagine how often this goes on daily." I can write you haven't read before, nor thoughts and/or philosophy. So, it's only my belief, in that we are all unique, that as I sit down anC:t write hoping that whatever is supposed to make me unique comes to light through and with the Wt>rds. One thing I'd like to say is, don't give up in trying to make a difference. Don't give up in believing that your life is worth the price of living, because it's not always prevalent or acknowlec!ged how your very existence inspires another person. As you go through your day, you see many people and their faces and rarely speak to them at all, but Imagine this: Think about the ~pie who you've met and seen, who made your heart leap, your spirits fly, and have yet not told them so. And, imagine how often this goes on daily. It's like the saying. "I cried a~ut the shoes on my feet, until I saw the man with no legs!" I'm not so unique. · (See Emily Dickinson, "I Stood at the Door of God a Beggar" and Dylan Thomas "Gentle Into That Good Night.") . I'm not so unique that the words I write are alien to you. Nor the message. Not even concrete can keep-a blade of grass from springing up. How many battles must be fought before the war is over? How many casualties--brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers? Although your job may pay you by the hour, you are priceless. You may live by laws and rules-it is you that helps write them. We make order out of chaos. Life is some­ times like a garden, if you let the weeds grow, they will choke the flowers. Before I bring this to a close, let me share with you some words from a Poet, Dylan Thomas: Do not go gentle into that good night. Old age bum and rage at the close of day. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Do not go gently into that good night. Runaround and Denials Give Disabled the SSI Blues Page 8 STREETVIBES · Personal Experiences by Jean Taddie Ken B. nervously opened the letter from his lawyer. Ken had been anxiously awaiting a decision on his third appeal for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. He hoped that the letter would bring news of a positive judgment from the administrative law judge who heard his case. Ken suffered a serious brain injury in June, 1976 that destroyed one-third of his brain, including half of his temporal lobe. Ken is blind in his left eye and deaf in his left ear. He experiences grand-mal and petite seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1977. He also experiences pressure In his eyes that was diagnosed as glaucoma in 1988. Ken first tried to obtain SSI benefits in 1977. He was denied SSI benefits and was told that he was able to work. So for the next eight years, Ken tried a number of maintenance, groundskeeping, and other jobs to try to support himself. "It was hard to keep a job. If employers found out I had epilepsy, or saw me have a seizure, I got fired. I had one incident where I went into a seizure at work that spun me around. I slammed right into a steel support beam and was knocked out." Ken explained that after a grand-mal it takes him at least three days to recover from its effects. This recovery time has also caused him to miss a lot of work. While driving four years ago, Ken experienced a grand-mal seizure that made him pass out behind the wheel. "When I came to, there was blood everywhere and my car was wrecked. I realized that I had just hit five vehicles parked along the road. Thank God no one was hurt but me. That's the day I gave up my driver's license." For the last two years, Ken has been scraping by on Medicaid, food stamps, rent assistance and a $1 18 monthly Disability Assistance (DA) check to cover utilities and living expenses. Ken's lawyer advised him that the best he could hope for would be about $450 a month from SSI. He is not optimis­ tic about the outcome of his third appeal since his origina.I denia.I in 1977. Ken explained, "I got so mad sitting in this latest hearing. The federal work specialist said I would be qualified to work as a janitor or reception­ ist. They forget that I have 2-dimensional vision and can't even climb stairs, let alone clean them. Or how would a company like it if their receptionist had convulsive seizures in front of their clients?" "It was hard to keep a job. If employers found out I had epi­ lepsy, or saw me have a seizure, I got fired. " Ken's letter from his lawyer was just more depressing news. "The judge told me that I would have a yes or no decision to my appeal within 60 days. Well it's been 45 days and now this letter says that I have to go for more complete evaluations. I'm just tired of this runaround." Today I Have the Rest of My Life by Mike Nelson Today I have less than a month to go to finish the Drug and Alcohol Rehab. Program at the Drop­ Inn- Center. Was it easy? I think not. Was it hard? Not really. It's a simple program for complicated people. It's only as hard as you care to make it. The first step is to stop using, of course. This may well be the easy part of the program. The text books we read tell us that recovery is an active change in our ideas and attitudes. I can tell you, this is a must! Many changes will take place automati­ cally if you stay and truly work the program. Honesty, open-mindedness and willingness are the main keys to success in any program. However, these alone are not enough. You have to humble yourself and throw away the old ways, which didn't work anyway. Self-obsession must be tossed out the window! Learn to be patient and apply some tolerance to your life daily. I found that I had to stop dealing with every­ one else's character defects and concentrate on my own. Drop the self-will for it will surely lead you to make decisions based on manipulation, ego, lust and false pride. You can't do It by yourself, so share your feelings with your fellows in the program. Get a good sponsor to share with and talk to your counselors. Practice sharing in the rooms. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Go to meetings and listen; you will soon start hearing your own story told over and over again. Read the text of your choice on a regular basis. I learned something from every book of recovery that I read. The text will tell you that you don't have to understand the program for it to work. All we have to do is follow directions! This may not come easy at first, either. God has surely been the key factor to my making it this far. He has been there for me every time I needed Him. After my first 60 days here, I started to get bored and had doubts that I would stay. I went to bed and prayed to God to just let me be glad for what I had then. I awoke with a sense ol freedom that is hard to describe. I lost the desire to drink! If that was not a spiritual experience, I'll never encounter one! Today I know that I still have a long way to go, but I've come farther than I've ever been. My God will be there for me on the rest of my journey. Thank you, God. Thank you, DIC and all staff members. Today I have some gratitude. Today I have the rest of my iife. Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. Your subscription helps keep our paper alive. Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless-­ Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call the office at 421-7803. �STREETVIBES Pa~c Homeless Grapevine flit' f 11 \tot<·\ v The Dream of a Homeless Husband Alice Walker Provides Food for Soul at Miami U. by Jennifer Summers, Bonnie by Gregory Payton - 0 Neumeier and Mary Burke A homeless husband named John needed to get help for his wife, Sara, and his children, Betty Ann and John, Jr. Being the head of the family, John had to make decisions, so his family could live and grow. The decisions were the ones he didn't like, but the ones he had to make. John walked Sara, Betty Ann and John, Jr., to get help from an agency. The worker just looked at them and told him to get a job. Having no other direction to go, John had to do what he never wanted to do and that was to split up the family. He had no training to get a job that would pay a living wage. Wanting the best for his family, John said, "So be it, it must be done." He had to find shelter for them. He looked back over his life and remembered how he was raised. When the ship sinks, women and children first He hoped the city would at least provide something that he couldn't at that time. john prayed and prayed. He succeeded and was blessed when he found shelter. He knew then that his family would be safe. John also knew he wouldn't get to see john, Jr., as much because he had to go to a different shelter. John knew he had to find work and the problems he faced were all uphill. How could he do it with no trade or skills? Who would give him a chance? How could john show that he was responsible and could be loyal to a company? Where could he work and have benefits? Sara and the children could get sick or even need a dentist in the middle of the night! Where could John work where the company would even be there in 20 years? Where was a company where he could dream of retirement, knowing that management's decisions would not forget the workers and only remember the share­ holders? John dreams and tells his family about the dream house. He tells Sara about the kitchen that has everything she wants and the yard Betty Ann and John, Jr., could play in without getting hurt The dream has something every one of them could share and i~cludes a family car, something they could visit the grandparents with. He wonders if d'ne of the children could be a lawyer some day. He heard about the college tax break and wonders how it's possible without a house. John asks himself how he can do It all when he only makes $5 an hour? The hill becomes a mountain, the tallest he's ever seen. Is it just a dream or a nightmare of despair? No, this is reality. On September 30th, a crisp and colorful fall evening, four activists from Over-the-Rhine drove to Miami University to see and hear Allee Walker. Their hopes that Walker's words would Inspire and rejuvenate their spirits were fulfilled. Alice Walker Is an active advocate for equal rights, voter registradon, and the abolishment of apartheid. She may be best known for her Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Color Purple". Allee Walker was visiting Oxford, Ohio, as part of Miami University's Lecture Series. She awed and Inspired the crowd with readings from her book, ANYTHING WE LOVE CAN BE SAVED. Somedmes the world can look bleak, especially in Over-the-Rhine where we have experienced many losses. In the past year we have lost neighbors to displacement, buildings to demolition, friends and co-workers to cancer and buddy to political attacks and a violent death. Alice Walker reminded us that there Is hope. We were encouraged to reach down deep to that place of faith that moves us to say "I feel like going on." As Ieng as there Is oppression, folk will find a way to rise up in solidarity and plant seeds of justice. If powers attempt to destroy our work we will just start over. In the introduction to her book she writes: "During my years of being close to people engaged in changing the world I have seen fear tum Into courage. Sorrow Into joy. Funerals into celebrations. Because whatever the consequences, people standing side by side have expressed who they really are, and that ultimately they believe in the love of the world and each other enough to be that--whlch is the foundation of activism." Alice Walker has taken political action and social activism to a spiritual level. She has called on justice seekers to love themselves and to follow their souls. Activists need to be happy. If you are not, just find your brand of activism that fits your soul. Throughout her lecture, as we sat silendy among the packed auditorium, It felt as If Walker was speaking directly to us In Over-the-Rhine. As she read from her poem TORTURE, " ...When they assassinate your leaders and lovers, plant a tree..." each of us thought of the trees we planted after buddy was killed. When she read from her poem, WE ALONE, " ...We alone can devalue gold...Thls could be our revolution: To love what Is plentiful as much as what Is scarce", we thought of the misplaced value put on old fashioned street lights, new brick side­ walks and money and the devaluing of people in poverty. Finally to address our feelings of grief, frustradon, and confusion, Allee Walker offered her poem, REASSURANCE. Word Search by Gregory Payton 0 0 H 0 R u s E A L I s u T M s I L I T y u E N L E E R F v z T L 0 y E p 0 p 0 c E A L E J N B B E T 9 A y T G 0 M u p T R H 0 A A H E G p E p E p L N s 0 H R I N A A T I E N E p c c M E A 0 A N c c A Streetvibes Radio Hour On WAIF 88.3 Im The Homeless Coalition has a live radio program which can be heard on WAJF radio on the second Saturday of each month at noon. The show ls co-hosted by Mary Burke, Pat Clifford, Gregory Payton and Donald Whitehead. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories In this ~r and eclectic musical selections. Here are the next show dates. WAJF88.3 fm Saturday, November 8, 1997, noon ~ I pm Scramble Find these words in the puzzle: Pleasure Love Care Share Trust Patience Acceptance Honesty Hope Humility Alice Walker Is a woman of gende strength. She spoke with conviction and passion. She shared her belief that love can save ourselves, our neighbors, our community and our earth. We were Inspired to expand our world to Include art and literature from struggles from another dme and other countries.. Art and literature can provide the hope we need to condn~e. the solace we need to find peace In ch~os, and the vision to create beauty amid destruction. In the introduction to her book, ANYTHING YOU LOVE CAN BE SAVED, Allee ·Walker writes: "It has become a common feeling. I believe, as we have watched our heroes faJllng over the years, that our own small stone of activism, which might not seem to measure up to the rugged boulders of heroism we have so admired, Is a pal~ offering toward the building of an edifice of hope. Many who believe this choose to withhold their· offerings out of shame. "This is the tragedy of our world. "For we can do nothing substantial toward changing our course on the planet, ~ destructive one, without rousing ourselves, individual by Individual, and bringing our small, imperfect stones to the pile." · We encourage you to read, ANYTHING WE LOVE CAN BE SAVED, by Alice Walker and feed your soul. Joy Angel Alive Youth Humble Happy Feel by Ron Carter Try to unscramble these nam~ of singers: AN BRYD TATEMOISNPT. HET STITRA MOKYES TARNISA SINATRA VSELI • . ·• · EMSJAWRONB ITEYHWN EELLABE TYTAP YDSLAG THGINK' . Answers on page 15. ,• �STREETVIBES 1 The Tri Stote s Homeless Grapevine Denise Crew Draws on Experience for Poems Page 10 WORD ON THE STREET Arts and Poetry An Interview by JYJalaka Sanders SY: Denise, what is your posi.: tion at the Drop and "ow long have you been there? DC: I've worked there 10 years. I'm the crew supervisor and the vice­ president .of the board; but, on different days I wear· many different hats. SY: How did you get involved in ­ homelessness issues? 'i:Sc: i got involved when Buddy (Gray) spoke at PCC (Parent ;and Chi.Id Center) 22 years ago, where I went with my daughter, Rachel, and son, Michael. Then I helped produce the VOICES newspaper, worked for the Housing Task Force, and did advocacy on landlord/tenant issues. One time a woman's stove blew up and she came to us, so things have gotten a lot better down here. SY: What kind of subjects have you dealt with in your submissions to ~treetvibes? DC: Well, in my poetry I've dealt with homelessness, women's issues, and drug related issues. SY: Do you think that Streetvibes is an important publication in this area? DC: Yes, because it gives the homeless a voice, and a chance to display their talents and skills. It helps to dispel myths about homeless people and is an educational tool and direct info to correctly inform. SY: And, finally, what would your mes­ sage be to Streetvibes readers? DC: Keep reading. Don't throw the paper away, pass it on. Get a yearly subscrip­ tion for their doctor's office. Pass on the knowledge. Unlit.led . II by Anonymous There are klansmen in the hills armed with bibles guns and hate having ~sted dreams and visions of what America should be today burning crosses in .their minds and hearts­ ready for a war to start... There are klansmen in the mountains with their sons and daughters tooAnd there .are Nazis in the city wearing threepiece suits . ' just as deadly as those commandos waiting for a chance to shoot: Crystal Ball by Anonymous · It has been said that I look into my crystal ball and conjure up stuff to worry about it was funl'.ly, and a joke '?f sorts You refused to take me seriously at times at a gathering of friends w_e talked about life, death, safety, and fear mostly ours.for you my heart now beats steady, my pain is gone we alone know why the talk by Denise Crew by Anonymous I'm shedding tears 'cause you haven't called and my mind has kept you alive in its rooms and halls but, the doors are all locked because the longing of a long lost love found has ended and begun at the same time... Back to the Days by Sabra Milchell Wake up the people Just don't ~it and let life pass you by Stand up and be counted for our days are not long Take a look around my brother and my sista. Things change and your life won't be the same Join in to our march back to the land of the free · For our days are numbered, so please come along Back to where things were simple you see. Because the new discovery of young women had been found I remember those eyes disbelieving what we said because it was surely not what was heard from his group of peers, who hung out to­ gether It must have been a good one there are no children out of wed lock he took a wife for life and together they planned a new little life and she is "daddy's diddle dirl, darlin" he is also convinced that the darlin likes daddy better than she likes mommie and to prove it she gifts her diaper with wonderful surprises and he proves he loves as a father by going_through great emotional trauma of changing her when ever there are no women folk around (he's no fool, he deligates when ever he can) He's growing to be a responsible man Ms. Crew also said that as winter ap­ proaches, the issue of overcrowding is worse at the Drop Inn Center. However, they are well equipped to provide space for a number of people with even an open door policy when it's really cold. For information on AA, NA, and referrals to other goods and services, call the Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse at 721­ 0643. Just For You by Mark Saller We are here because of a Power greater than us all. To stand straight, to stand tall. Not to belittle nor to befal. I We may stumble, but never fall or lose it all. Many things_change. A caterpillar becomes a butterfly, just as a girl becomes a beautiful person, a woman whose soui we share, whose spirit lights the darkest places of a heart. A boy becomes a man, who will reach out for your hand. Your eyes and your smile are like that of the sun and the moon with stars in the sky, radiate and glowing, from the spirit which is you. As your heart and spirit become one, the words flow from you, becoming wc;>rds etched on people's hearts. Your heart is your wings. Let it free. It's not what you can't do, it's what you can be. You are a ray of light to someone who may be lost in darkness, never let your light go dim. Let your mind lead you, your soul inspire you, and your heart touch; because they are all you, all yours, Just For You. �STREETVIBES T/1c T11 \trJtc)\ Hon1e/ess Gr:ip evin e Page 11 Life Is Worth . Living, They Say Children Express Themselves by Carolyn Meszaros Life is worth living, they say.... For whatl I say. To hike five or so miles every day to Christ­ inspired ''feeding stations" for peanu~ butter sandwichesl If Christ did such inspiring, he inspired "feed­ ing stations" for birds in concrete wilds and peanut butter in desperation. Or, maybe, life is wo rth living to spend 8-5, M­ F looking for work o r "workers," "at a meeting," at lunch, or you name it. (But, of course you can a lways leave a message; W ell, here's the message: I called to fi nd out what yo u had fo r me, not to te ll yo u anything). It's just to get "them" through another day, the good mo nk says.... For w hat? I say. To hike five or so miles.... Or, maybe to spend 8-5, M-F.... Oh, I know! It's to keep "them" standing up long enough to get "t hem" o n a bus to another town.... Life is worth living, the sweet lady says. For whatl I say. She doesn't answe r. Life is wo rth living, the old man says. For what? I say. He doesn't know, either, but he does believe what he says. Well, life is worth living IF it's not consumed maintaining nothing more than basic sur­ vival... IF it is spent doing t hings that are worthwhile, Which is not possible, folks. If t he days are spent chasing after peanut butter lunches and "missing" employees, looking for safe park sites, or dealing with those who think you're the answer to their problems. The guy at the bus stop asked if I would give him a cigarette. I said, "Ten cents." He said, "S--1 have a carton at home" and he got on the bus. I didn't have a carton and I didn't have a legal place to sleep; but, because I sat down for a few minutes, he expected me to support him. Well, life is worth living when that kind isn't around. The Other Side of the Desk Anonymous Have you ever thought just a wee little bit, Of how it would seem to be a misfit, And how you would feel if you had to sit, On the other side of the desk? Have you ever looked at the man who seemed a bum, As he sat before you, nervo us­ dumb-And t hought of the courage it took to come, To the other side of the desk? Have you thought of his dreams that went astray, Of the hard, real facts of his every day Of the things in his life that make him stay, O n th~ other side of the desk? Did you make him feel that he was full of greed, Make him ashamed of his race or creed, Or did you reach out to him in his need, To the other side of the desk? May God give us wisdom and lots of it, And much compassion and plenty of grit, So that we may be kinder to those who sit ON­ THE-OTHER-SI DE-OF-THE-DESK. Through Poetry Dear Mr. Whitehead, We are members of the ·Peaslee Neighbor­ hood Center children's writing group. We would like you to consider printing our stories and poems ·in the.Streetvibes news­ paper. Thank you. Sincerely, Marcel Freeland David Smith The Gray World by Marcel Freeland I dedicate this story to Peaslee and my family. O ne day all the color we nt away. There was no red, blue, yellow or other colors. I felt blah! So... I painted everything my way and my colors. W as it beautiful! Listen to the Earth by David lee Smith listen to the earth Look up look down It's nature all around Listen to the water Listen to the wind They're all trying to tell you something Listen good listen hard The earth is trying to te ll yo u something. The earth is trying to tell yo u Follow your heart and stick to positive t~in king. Movie Review: Soul Food by the Shadow Guaranteed to knock you right o ut of your seat! It captures the spirit of Black life and tells a contemporary family story that touches a generation. The result is a triumphant experience. It moves you to tears and fills the heart until It ts ready to burst. It's the kind of movie that will make you shout DAMN and then sing HALLELUJAH. It's brilliant, spellbinding, fascinating - a work of art. A phenomenum, the best work of the season. Irma P. Hall ls one of my favorite actresses. She portrays Mother Joe, who takes Ill and Is unable to serve the weekly Sunday night family dinner. Brandon Hammond, portraying her young grandson, tries desperately to keep the tradition alive and the family together. He shines llke a star, highlighting the movie. the sexy Vanessa Williams plays the stuck-up sister who thinks she has made It. VIVica A Fox, who acted In "Set It Off", portrays a strong Black woman who knows her priorides. Nia Long, who I loved In "Love Jones" is the younger sister who owns her own beauty shop and has just married Lem, portrayed by Mekhl Phifer. I had compassion for the character, Lem. Uke so many African American men branded with a criminal record, this movie demonstrates how difficult it is for one to find success. Soul Foodlsn't just about eating. It's about family, unit and love. Soul Foodwas written and directed by George Tillman, Jr. The executive producer was Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. After viewing the movie, I asked a couple their opinion of the movie. Sherry Gamble and her boyfriend agreed it w.is excellent. One brother told me it was one of those movies you could watch over and over. I interrupted him and said, "It's a Classic"! Contributed by The Shadow, author of The Odd Cookie. I \ ·,, ,....,.; ..L . .·-"' Gospei COncert Entertains Crowd by Ron Carter For those of you that missed our gospel concert at the Salvadon Army Chapel on Saturday, October 18, you missed a really good show. Every one of the performers was fantasdc. The evening was a sheer delight. I'm sure all that attended will agree. I would like to thank all of the performers for making the concert a great success. It was well worth the five dollars and a lot more. Our "thank you's" go out to all that helped to make our concert so enjoyable. Also, a special thank you to the man himself, Mr. Don Whitehead, for all the work he cld putting the show together and lining up the performers. He did an excellent job. Thank you, Don. And, to Angle Pepper for her rendition of " I Believe I Can Fly," because It Is one of my favorite songs. After your performance we all were flying high. The show wrapped up with a moving "How Great Thou Art" sung by Joel Davis with his mother, Mae. Thank you, all. hllp: cincy.com/gcch Streetvibes Support Your Online Local Vendor Tell A Friend About Streetvibes We have just added a searchable interface for our Streetvibes articles. Websurfers can index our stories by date or subject. Volunteers needed for updating stories. - �STREETVIBES T/1e T1i Stole's Homeless Grapevine Grapevine Vendors Cited for Selling Without a Permit by Pal Clifford A vendor of the Cleveland Homeless Grape­ vine was cited for selling a street newspaper without a permit on November I. This comes after their case was refused a hearing before the U. S. Supreme Court. Representatives from the paper have a meeting with Cleveland Safety Director William CLEVELAND HOMELESS GRAPEVINE Dennihan on Novembe r I0 to attempt t o resolve the issue. The Grapevine has vowed that it will continue to publish and that it will not buy city issued licenses. The Supreme Court refusal to hea r the case means that the decision of tfle Sixth Circuit Appeals Court which allows the City of Cleveland to charge our vendors $50 to distribute the pape r will stand until challenged by another circuit court. The enforce ment of the license fees Is a major setback for the Northeast O hio Coalition for the Homeless, publisher of the Homeless Grapevine newspaper. "We will have a harder time getting the words of homeless people to Greater Clevelanders. But we are committed to continuln~ to publish and distribute the paper," said Brian Davis, Editor of the Grapevine. The Homeless Grapevine is a paper featuring the words of homeless peo ple and news of poverty in Greater Cleveland. The paper has in the past criticized local officials for a lack of attention in reversing poverty and homelessness. locally. The paper is distributed on the streets by homeless people. The vendors buy the paper for $. 15 and sell it on the streets for up to $1 .00. The paper is a viable alternative to pan handling. It allows people on the streets to transition into a job, and back into a stable environment. The o rdinance that Cleveland is relying o n is the law governing hot dog vendors and commercial sales. ''This decision says that the words of poor pe ople have no more value than a hot dog," said Assistant Editor Angelo Anderson. Grapevine advocates say that, while it is clear what the city is attempting to pro tect with the regulation of ho t dogs, it is unclear what public service the licensing of a st reet newspaper se rves. Any way yo u look at it; this decision marks a new path in regulating speech. ''Homeless Like Me'' in the Shadow of Jacobs Field Pag e 12 STREETVIBES Nationwide The danger is that the '40 or more homeless street newspapers across the country, the Socialist papers, Revolutionary Worker papers, and all the Final Call newspapers can now be potentially legislated out of existence. Kevin O'Neill, the lead attorney for the Grapevine on this case said, "You might as well ask the homeless to get a lear jet than ask them to buy a $50 license." He states that while the non-mainstream messages that were car ried by these papers a re now free to publish, they are now subject to the whims of the local government to distribute the paper. Brian Davis, Editor of the Homeless Grapevine, said, "I was surprised to see that more organizations did not stand up to protect our paper. If it can happen to a small paper like us, it could happen to any paper. We are one of the only alternatives to transition pan handlers off the streets, and it is strange that the city has not supported us. It seems that downtown businesses that have favo red the regulation of panhandlers should have embraced the paper as a viable alternative to pan handling." Davis said, "We will survive, and continue to publish. The vendors of the paper are meeting to talk about possible actions." For Your Information US Constitution: First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free e.xe rcise therof; or abridging the freedo m of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peace­ ably to assemble, and to petition the Gove rnment for a redress of grievances. By Darian Henderson It was a warm summer night, about I 0 p.m. and I had just picked up Stanley from Jacob's Field, made a quick stop and we were on our way to find our shelter from the night. This night, we were going to crash at Stanley's place. Stanley'.s unique apartment does not have four walls or a bathroom, but Instead features a open air and a conc;ete slab to sleep. Yet, the moment I stepped Into Stanley's world, I felt comfortable. He was a wonderful host, always concerned about my safety; He wanted to make my stay as comfortable as It could t;e, consid- l ~l ? Cleveland. Stanley's full name Is Stanley Williams. He is a twenty seven old native of Chicago who has been In Cleveland for three years. In the last three years, he has endured Cleveland's four distinct seasons · outdoors In a spot that I was fortunate enough to be invited to stay. He is a graduate of Job Corps and has many skills of which he utilizes In his many endeavors. In addition to his job as a GrapeYine vendor, he Is a parttdme crane operator. [Editor's note: Stanley works for a temporary service as a crane operator for an extremely low income for such a position]. Stanley has a demeanor about himself which affords him the opportunity to be a very successful vendor, and what I feel potentially to be a very successful man. I had planned to stay a night on the streets for quite some time, but was unsure of who I would go with and what I would do. Stanley has become a friend, someone of whom I have come to re spect. He seems to be a kind person, as many of the homeless men and women that I have met are. If he has five dollars in his pocket and you are in need of food, he is the first to offer. The evening I spent with him we talked for hours about life, family, the future, his hopes, and the reality of the world. My desire to stay a night on the streets was for me. I wanted to catch a glimpse of what It was to live on the streets. I had volunteered the last year of my life for a homeless advocacyu organization and felt this would be a good end to my service. I felt that the experience solidified no endings, rather it provided a beginning of a life dedicated to account­ ability and responsibility. Somehow, I hope that Stanley gained something as well. I know he gained a friend. One thing I did learn Is that I will be seeing Stanley and some of the other transient compadres down the road of life when they get back on their feet. Stanley asked a couple of questions, "Why did you want to stay on the streets and sleep under a bridge in Cleveland? What are you trying to prove by staying out on the streets for a day? Do you really feel as if you will obtain any substantive understanding of ~at it is to be homeless in the City of Cleveland?" I respond by discussing a book that was written over thirty years ago called Black Like Me. The book was an account of a white southern journalist and his efforts to obtain personal knowl­ edge of what it was like to be black in the South during the early to mid 1960s. The journalist In an effort to assimilate into Southern black culture obtained a pigment which he used to darken his skin color and a hair c!Ye to change his hair color. He boarded a bus and t14veled the Deep South, documenting all that he had seen and done, remem­ bering the people, the comments, the smells, and the environment. Whe n the tour was complete, and the book was written, the journalist realized, although he was viewed as a black man in the Deep South and he experienced the harsh reality of the racist environ­ ment of the country, he wo uld never truly know what it was to be black in America. He knew when his experiment was complete and the dye had washed out, he would go home to sleep in his bed to wake up in the morning as a white journalist with a family and a job. Yet he came to realize his life would never be the same. I drew many similarities between this journalist and myself. We both were searching for an experi­ e nce we were ignorant of. Though the journalist needed a month to realize he would never know what It was to be black In America, I went Into the night knowing that I would not understand what it truly was like to be homeless. Unlike the journalist who is genetically Incapable of being black, I have come to know that the reality of extreme poverty does not linger too far from anyone In this world. . When the journalist woke up the next morning. he viewed his body In the mirror and saw white skin. When I woke up in the morning, I went back to my bed and took a shower. As I looked out my window, I felt warmth from the heater and the knowledge that at least somewhere I have a place to call my kingdom. Like the journalist, I have now realized my life will never be the same . .. Editors Note: The Stanl~y Williams featu red in this story was the vendor cited for selling the Homeless Grapevine without a permit. He will face trial the week of November I0, 1997. For those who wish to support his efforts, you can contact him through the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, 2012 West 25th Street, No. 717, Cleve­ land, O H +411 3. Their phone number is 2 16-2'41­ l I0'4. �STREETVIBES 1 Tl1e Tn Stole s Hon1e/ess Grapevine · Page iJ People's Lives in Shambles Interview with Clifford Jones after Eureka, CA, Evictions Continuted from Page 4 Humboldt County and the City of Eureka, nesded near the northwestern most comer of California, have an estimated I 500 homeless. In October, county officials evicted nearly 200 of the homeless from their shelters at the South Spit Jetty. Nearly 80 percent of the South Spit residents are mentally or physically disabled. There are about a dozen children. O ne-third of the community is female. Most of the residents have non-operational vehicles. Dr. Wendy Ring. a homeless advocate, swears In her court declaration, "Most live in trailers which provide shelter from the weather, cooking and food storage facilities and some security from theft and assault. Evicting people from shelter, however poor, in the face of oncoming winter weather, without providing an alternative will have detrimental effects on their health...and is not In any way justified by the medical facts." in practical terms, there is virtually no housing available which costs under $300. The Housing Authority has a long waiting list, does background checks and only slumlords will rent to people without rental references. Trailer parks won't admit those trailers still mobile on the Jetty because they are too old. The county has refused even to supply gas money so people can seek housing on their own. Eureka bars overnight sleeping In vehicles. The evicted homeless speak out. Larry, who fled the Jetty in tears on Sept. 23 now sleeps in an abandoned building. He reported that police had threatened to take his dog and told him nobody from the Jetty was welcome in Eureka. He was given I0 days to get out of town. Resident Jesse Katz writes, "I was living in Eureka and I moved out here to get away from the drugs and the police harassment of the homeless. STREET SPIRIT BERKELEY, CA ·. -. I'm clean out here. For the large part we were chased out here, given no options. The jetty is closer to a community than I ever found In Eureka. Kiii me or take me to jail. I don't want either but I'm not afraid." At a later time, Katz was reached at the Ranchmotel and said, "My rent is only paid until the 26th. I was lied to about my pets, vehicle, and possessions being taken care of. Only ten people that I know of actually got housing." Writes seven-year resident Guy Keller, "I'm being held against my will, because I don't have ID. They will let me out, but they won't let me back in." Fourteen-year old Meredith Giles writes, " My mom has asthma, emphysema and her kidneys a.r e failing. I feel like I'm more free here than anywhere else in the world. When all this started happening, I felt like I was a prisoner, that I was more of a nu;ber than a person. It didn't feel like America, that I was trapped In some other country." James Darplno, who lives at the Spit with his wife and two children and one of the few operational vehicles, writes of the "simple but beneficial way of life with people tighdy knit. The unity here has a bond so strong that nobody goes without food, without water or any of the basic necessities of life." Resident and long-time activist Susan Dunn heads a family that lives In a large converted bus. She has spoken and organized against the harass­ ment of homeless people In Santa Barbara and elsewhere. "There are lots of people with disabilities. That's why they're here," says Dunn. "They can't work anymore. There are people who have injuries. They can't walk far. Others ar~ on crutches, probably for the rest of their lives. They will not be able to walk to the free meal and the places they need to go. Social Services used to send these people to the jetty because there is nowhere to go. On the jetty, the people are much better off. The ment:illy ill are relatively safe. People on the jetty have formed a real community, a church and a playground." Another homeless victim, Lurch, who has lived in Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara says, "The home­ less o ut here are n't activists or protesters; we'i:e losing It because of that." Phil, disabled and from a well-to-do family writes, "The family out here on the jetty is more important than my own family because they need more." Eleven-year-old Chris, homeless and in fifth grade, says, " I feel like something is going to happen, like there is going to be a big storm or something." Nardia, another resident on the Jetty, writes that her repeated attempts t.o get even a single application form from social workers were met with silence and that her family members have not been allowed past the armed and guarded gate. Another veteran on disability with a broken back named String asks, "They're closing down the military bases; why can't the homeless go there and try to make a living? Why don't they let us go in some of those ghost towns or abandoned homes and let us fix them up?" Merle Adams, an American-Apache Vet wh~ has lived on the Spit on and off for I0 years, simply says, "I had a dream three times. It was the same dream, that I got shot. I ain't got no place to go. I'm willing to die for my land." A resident of seven months, Amy Martin, reported she had no plans to move. She says people don't understand what homeless people face when they try to join the mainstream: hostile landlords, even banks that don't want their money. "When you say you're from the jetty, it's like a wall goes up. It's really sad. I know of at least five people who are now living In abandoned houses In Eureka." "They t.old me I had 20 seconds to get out or go to jail," said Wendell Strouse, another person who had lived on the spit for five years. Strouse explained he was still there trying to repair his pickup truck. When he was ordered to leave, the Eureka Times-Press account continues, he just had time to grab his and a neighbor's dogs, jump into a car which had no license plate and drive off the sandy peninsula. Outside, draped on Susan Dunn's bus, which serves as a makeshift ark for the jetty residents' animals, hangs a huge cloth banner. It reads. "So now where do you want us to•go?" Clearly, It Is a valid question. STREETVIBES T-Shirts! Only $5 each! STREETVIBES I/, ' f/f I ' \ \ (I, •I'( v I/(' 100%.White Collon Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts are available at our office at I506 Elm Street. Please stop by arid see us. other day. When he saw me, he started jitterbug­ ging because he had just got his teeth pulled. He felt great about It. It does a lot. It lifts your spirit; your esteem Is regenerated. Feeling good about yourself, getting o ut, being able to do things, going to interviews and smiling means a lot! SV: Well, I know It means a lot to me. I can remember the feeling I had coming out of the clinic after having my teeth worked on. Just knowing I could smile and have confidence in myself. We are a society where cosmedcs and outer appearances play a large role. People have the tendency to fee( insecure when they are not able to meet societal standards. And one of those standards is to have clean, shinny-white teeth. I know the effect that It had on me when I had my teeth cleaned. I had a whole different attitude. Even when I'm selling the newspaper, I can smile and have a completely different attitude. What I would like to do now Is to open this space and allow you to say anything you would like to say about the Coalition for the Homeless, about your practice and even about yourself. CJ: If you qualify for these services, ladies and gentleman, this is something you should jump on. We offer quality service and the majority of those services are free of charge. About myself. I am a sincere individual and I find pleasure and gratification In knowing that I am providing quality service for individuals that are In dire need of that service. As far as the Coalition for the Homeless is concerned, being a member, being able to be abreast of some of the current Issues here In the hometown, relating to homelessness, being In the forefront, going down to city hall, working and trying to get a certain agenda set to help alleviate this problem is what I'm geared up to. I feel good about our program because It does provide a very quality service. We're doing pretty much all we can do. I'm doing pretty much all I can do to ensure that it stays that way and that Individuals ~re treated humanely. SV: That's very Important! CJ: Yes it Is. Thank goodness the Homeless Coalition Is able to ensure that there are some things going on in this community to aid the homeless. Otherwise who knows what would be happening with us or with them right now! So, I don't know, bro. I don't know what else to say. SV: I think that you have said quite a lot, and ' I hope that &he people reading this will get a lot out of what you have to say. Not get a lot out of It to talk about at cocktail parties, but to find a place where they can take some acdon, where they can jump In and help. Last of all, I would like to ask a very Important question. What are some of the needs of the Oral Health Council? Maybe there are some readers who are seeking to find a way to give of their time or resources. Please let them know what they can do to make a difference in some homeless person's life through your organization, the Oral Health Council. CJ: Thank you so very much! We need soft dental toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste. We also need of money donations through the United Way and to the Greater Cincinnati O ral Health Council. These are some of things we definitely could use as we go out Into the community where there are no toothbrushes or dental floss. These things will really come In handy. Unfortu­ nately, our organization can't afford these things. SV: Brother Clifford Jones, l call you a brother as a black man. I also call you a brother as · a humanitarian. I call you a &rother as a spiritually minded man who seeks to have his life please God. You are indeed a friend of mankind. I appreciate that you would allow us have this interview with you so that we can show another shining example of someone who Is making a difference. CJ: Thank you. SY: See you at the clinic, Cliff! �I STREETVIBES 7/Jc fti Stote\ Homeless Grapevine Page / 4 Inner City Voices Continue.d from Page 7 address the problems present in Over the Rhine. Ms. Neumeier says "there are a lot less services now than in the seventies- there aren't enough beds to treat people with addictions, GED programs have been cut, recreation programs have been cut, senior programs have been cut..." Ms. Horner explains that "many services are here because of the dynamics of the neighborhood- .because people are in poverty, they are more likely to end up homeless, for example." One dynamic which causes the concentration of social services in Over the Rhine Is the NIMBY syndrome. NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard, and refers to groups of people who do not want social service agencies in their neighborhoods. Often, these groups will organize to exert political pressure, preventing agencies serving the homeless or me ntally ill from setting up services in their area. The Mount Airy homeless shelter Is a rarity in that it exists in a relatively affluent area. This is partly because It was established before Mt. Airy was well developed. Periodically, some residents of Mt. Airy have attempted to remove the shelter. The shelter has had to compromise by placing more restrictions on the peo ple staying at the shelter. The Drop Inn Center has faced similar pressure, because many of the city's elite feel that it is too close to Music Hall. Pe rhaps the most significant question is this: if there are no social services in Over the Rhine, where will the people who need them gor Crime I' d like to begin this discussion by aski ng­ "what is crimet' The answer may not be as appare nt as it seems. When considering this question I arrived at two catego ries of crime. The first consists of behaviors which most people in society consider to be heinous- cold blooded murder, or rape, for example. A second category of crime consists of behaviors which are In a more gray area. It appears that many crimes in a society are behaviors which are sanctioned by the empowered gro ups in order to maintain control over the nation. This view, which may be hard for some to see In the United States, is more readily appare nt in countries ru led by more o ppressive governments. For example, Ken Saro­ Wiwa was defined a criminal and put to death for protesting the exploitation of Ogoni land In Nigeria. On the other hand, the empowered groups in society also have the powe r to define certain actions as non criminal, even though they may, in fact cause harm to many people in society. Suhith Wickrema. director of justice Watch, a transitional house for ex- offenders in the West End, believes that this is true. "In a broader sense, an economic system which Is geared to make profit, rather than serve real needs, is itself criminal." Whatever view of crime you hold, however, it is true that Over the Rhine is perceived as a place with a high concentration of crime. Flnnis Bonner, a police officer in Over the Rhine for eight years, reports that there are four general groups of crime which he sees in the community: drug use and sale, violence, prostitution, and theft. But Ms. Neumeier questions whether there is actually as much crime coming from Over the Rhine as is perceived. She thinks that much of the violence Is brought here by people from the outside, who know the neigh­ borhood Is a safe place to "take care of business." She says that "the media targets the poor, as if that is the only place crime is happe ning... and I don't believe that. It may simply be more visible here." Another aspect which one must consider in unde rstanding crime is its motive. In a poor neighbor­ hood, one of the main causes of crimes like prostitution and drug sales may be economic need. Mr. Wickrema reports that many studies show that prostitutes have been The YWCA of Great.er Cincinnati and Women Helping Women announce the Protect Hotline No w victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault can get immediate help with one call...24 hours a day, 365 days a hear. One number can help save the ir lives. Local: 872-9259 Toll Free: 888-872-9259 TTY: 977-5545 sexually abused earlier in life. As a cause of vi91ence, Ms. Neumeier says that "the system pits us against each other as individuals ... people don't have access to the people ma.king decisions so they, take out their frustration on the people closest to them." In this light, Individual motives can be seen to be shaped by larger societal trends such as pove rty, racism and disempowerment. Crime is very difficult to understand. It would be unwise to accept simple answers to questions about crime after considering it for only a short time. Policing- It would be wisest, probably, to preface any discussion of policing in the Inner city with a few words of understanding: Police have the difficult task of enforcing the laws which are_mandated by the elite groups in the United States. Oftentimes, the Interface between the police and the poor. may. be the place where tensions over these rules are played out. As members of an inner city community, we may tend .to objectify the police because we don't have any control over their behavior. In this context, policing feels oppressive. But it is difficult for the police to do th!!ir work for these very reasons. Mr. Bonner-says that "many people have the attitude that the police are bad, period. A lot of youth don't want to get involved with the police because its not cool." In dealing with the police we should bear in kind that the police operate within a clear status hierarchy, which ranges from Carl Lindner at the top, through Phil Heimlich, to the police chief, down to the individual officer. In fact, the officer may not have much discretion in policing. Further, the police are socialized to see low income people and crime from the dominant ideological viewpoi nt. On the other hand, many community leaders have expressed some criticism of the action~ of the police in Over the Rhine. They believe-·that the police are not aware of the specific issues of the inner city. Ms. Neu meier says that "some. officers assume people have done wrong. I think that office~s should be required to "In a broader sense, an economic system which is ·geared to make profit, rather than serve real needs, is itself criminal"--Suhith Wickrema, justice Watch undergo sensitivity training to how race and class can affect their prejudices towards folks." Another issue is the strength of enforcement. Many people have ex­ pressed the opinion that offic4!rs know that drug activity is occurring but fail to do·anythlng about it. Some even believe that this is donl! purposefully to make the area prone to gentrification. This brings us to the role of the police in the gentrification of the area. Officer Bonner, who works with the Safety Committee (a grollp who aims to make Main Street safe). sees that·"some people are trying to change the area. They are the "good seeds' getting together to work on the neighborhood." To officer Bonner, presumably, the police's role is to help change the neighborhood for the. better. But some members of the community feel that there are problems with the police's enforcement of the two different areas. First, there are differences in the amount of policing on Main Street versus the othe r parts of Over the Rhine. These reflect the Inequalities in allocation of resources (or other serVices. for example, they note how money was given for new sidewalks and lights on Main Street while the rest of Over the Rhine receives no such money. Second, there is the sense of a double standard in enforcement. For example, laws against open bottles of beer are enforced against poor community residents. They are not enforced, however, against middle class outside rs visiting bars. Finally, the police may harass "undesirables" on Main Street. Jennifer Summers, who works for ReSTOC.. says that "people from the community don'.t go [ to Main Street ] on weekend nights because the police question them." This was echoed by a person· Tim Burroughs interviewed who sensed that police questioning had increased in the Findlay Market area. In thi.s ·case t!te individual believed that his homeless status led to his treatment from the police. There is a final incident of disenchantment with the police which Over the Rhine community leaders will not soon forget. A few years ago, the struggle between the Over the Rhine community council and the Main Street developers was more acute. On many occasio!ls representatives of the developers :.Vould aggressively disrupt the meetings, oftentim~s harassing buddy gray s o that he couldn't speak. The police officers present, who were supposed to maintain order, did nothing. In fact they were seen to be laughing and talking with the people who were disrupting the meeting! The role of the police in inner city neighborhoods Is very complex. On one hand, many people feel they are necessary to maintain order under aggravated conditions. Others feel that the police increase tension through ineffective practice. It is likely that there is truth in both perspectives. In any case, it is important that citizens question the role of the police in o ur society and ·carefully develop methods to alleviate proble ms related to their actions. History How we define the history of a place or series of events is very political. The process of writing history selects certain attributes to the exclusion of others, shaping our awareness and our sense of cause and effect. It simply is not true that the re is one history, because history is an Inte rpretive process. There may be as many interpretations as there are people. Yet, to simplify for the sake of writing. it could be said that there are two basic versions of ·over the Rhine's history today. The first appears to be depoliticized, but in fact it contains some basic political messages through exclusion and nuances of value. I encountered this version of Over the Rhine history repeatedly as I read news articles about the community. The story goes like this: Over the Rhine developed as a home for German immigrants north of the downtown area in the mid to late 18th century. The area's location north of the Miami- Erie canal and the concentration of Germans gave the commu­ nity its name- Over the Rhine. It became a haven of German culture- containing beer gardens and breweries, nightclubs and German speaking schools. At this point it was the exciting entertainment district of Cincinnati. But trouble befell Over- the Rhine in the early twentieth century when anti· German sentiment arose from the First Wo rld War. Many Germans left the neighborhood then, and again during prohibition. The space left by the Germans was filled by two migratory populations: African- Americans leaving the newly automated planta­ tions of the South, and whites leaving the empty coalmines of Appalachia. The co nse nsus in these articles is that Over the Rhine became a slum, a dumping ground for the poor. Recently, however, Over the Rh ine has had the possibility of regaining its former glory as redevelopment has occurred. But this version of Over the Rhine history does not account for many of the most significant aspects of its -~ existence. It overlooks the role of Appalachians and African- Americans in shaping the face of the ~eighbor~ hood, while implying·that African.:. Am..'ric.ans-anirAppalachians are less valuable people who were "dumped" here. Many of the events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in Over the Rhine today mirror this tendency by celebrating only Over the Rhine's white German history. By characterizing the neighborhood since the 1930s as a slum, it leads the reader to view the current development/ gentrification as a positive occur­ rence. Perhaps most significantly, it overlooks the efforts of poor people to improve their lives in Over the Rhine. Not surprisingly, the People's Movement in Over the Rhine seems to be excluded from most hi.storical accounts. Beginning during the Civil Rights Movement, a continual line of people have attempted to make a difference for the poor residents of Over the Rhine. In the beginning the struggle centered around housing. Some of the significant issues were gaining integrated· housing and fostering tenant solidarity in challenging slum landlo rds. In the seventies the VOICES newspaper was established by some VISTA volunteers, and was used as an organizing tool for the housing struggle. While this was happe ning. people noticed that many people were sleeping on the doorstep. The Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse was established to alleviate this problem. The emphasis on homelessness naturally led to creating low income housing. It was during this time that ReSTOC and other low income non profits were formed. Later, the Peaslee Neighbo rhood Center became part of the struggle when it was closed as a school. Community leaders felt that the school was an important part of the social fabric of the neighborhood, and fought to open it as a community center. In the nineties the struggle has continued, th i~ time against the gentrification in many parts of Over the Rhine. This version of Over the Rhine's history realisti­ cally incorporates struggle and the truth about the inequality which people have faced. According to Ms. Neumeier, this part of Over the Rh ine's history is likely to continue. "I believe where people are oppressed people will rise up to challenge it, because people were meant to be free." • Thank you for taking the time to read about these Issues. Please forgive any oversights or errors I may have made. Remember to keep an open and critical mind as you observe events in Over the Rhine.and the wider. society. Be active, develop awareness, and get involved in your own community, because only devoted people who care for each other will be able to attain justice. �STREETVIBES The Tti Stote\ Homeless Grapevine info. STREETVIBES Announcements Please send your announcements to Streetvlbes Announcements, I 506 Elm Street, Cincinnad, OH 45210 or fax them to 513-421-7813 by the 20th of each month. info. November 7 Washington Parle Elementary Carnival, I :30-3:30 PM, Cake walk, gam~s. food. November 10 "Advocacy Is No Joke: Top I0 Things to Do When Speaking with Public Officials," 5-7 PM, Embassy Suites Blue Ash, Sponsored by Arc Hamilton County, RSVP to 821-2113 ext. 102 Civic Forum, "The Future of the R:egion, The Tower o f Babel," Call Citizens for Civic Renewal at 381 ­ 1034 for info. · November 11 Welfare Rights Coalldon Meeting. I0:30 AM, 1641 Vine Street, Call 381-4242 for Info. November 12 Election Day Tender Mercies Annual Meeting. 5:30 PM, Music Hall, Call 1-8666 for Info. Civic Forum, "The Environment, Its Demands and Rewards," Call Citizens for Civic Renewal at 381­ 1034 for Info. n Civic Forum, "Transportation, our life support system," Call Cidzens for Civic Renewal at 381­ 1034 for Info. ­ November 6 Cincinnati Human Reladons Commission, Public Hearing on Women's Issues, 6:30-9:30 PM, City Hall Council Chambers. Call 352-3237 for more STREETVIBES Classified Ads Streetvlbes is now accepting Classified 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, appro_ximately four words per line. Classified ads- are due by the 20th of the month. People below the poverty level will be allowed five free lines for six months to advertise their skills o r products to our readers. Otherwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there Is an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 Scramble Answers from page 9 BRANDY TEMPTATIONS THE ARTIST SMOKEY SINATRA PATTY LABELLE ELVIS . GLADYS KNIGHT JAMES BROWN WHITNEY November 15 buddy gray memorial, I0 AM, 1300 Vine Street, Dedicadon of buddy's place, Reception at Drop Inn Center to follow, Call 1-0643 for more n music Streetvlbes (the band). We like to party. R&B, Oldies, Blues/jazz, Reggae. Helpln the homeless to help themselves through free enterprlze. Call 421-7803. position wanted Childcare Spec!a!!st Looking for fulitlme work as a child care specialist. Has o ne year experience working with children In a daycare. Attended Withrow Childcare Program. High School Graduate. Call Julian Gardener at the Drop Inn Center, 721-G643. Laborer Looking for a laborer? Has worked at Riverfront. Is willing to do any kind of work. Call Sonia Craig at the Drop Inn Center, 721 -0643. Elderlx or Children Looking for a community oriented Job dealing with elderly or children. 3 year ourteach worke r/ counselor aide at YMCA. 13 years typing. Computer and cashier experience Including Windows, Lotus, Any Word Processor. Call Anjall Madyun at the Drop Inn Center, 721­ 0643. STREETVI BES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $1 per line. Call 421-7803 for info. Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. I. 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 Streetvlbes 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 wtth respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a · donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not iupply copies of November 18 "Financing Public Education in Ohio," ·League of Women Vo ters, 7-9 PM, Geier Room. Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church. November 4 November 5 Page 15 Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distributors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvlbes will go to the Individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self suppordng paper created by people who are homeless or fomierty homeless. To help In this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories If possible. · 9. I understand that the failure to comply wtth any of the above statements will result In me no lon&er being able to distribute Streetvibes. November 19 November 20 Homeless Coalition Holiday Dinner, 6 PM, St. Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen, Food, Music Prizes, $15 at door, call 421-7803 for Info. November 25 . Welfare Rights Coalition Meedng. I0:30 AM, 1641 Vine Street, Call 381-4242 for info. November2! Happy Thanksgiving! .· · . Grateful Givings Day, Sitwells Coffee House, 404 Ludlow Ave, 3-8 PM, .free tradidon~ holfday meal, Call 281-7487 for Info. Stock Ma.rket Continued from Page 3 to the right, cultural crldque toward the trivial, and it homogenize[s] voices, Ideas, anc;f perspectives." Remember how many paper$ I listed before that had all found the same thing newsworthy at the same dme and had come to the same conclusions? That might have something to do with the fact that they're all owned by huge corporations that are in collusion with each other to,not sell a ~ent paper, but to sell you to their (often the sam~) advertisers. It is you not the paper that is the com~dity (that's why the NYTimes can offer the-irs on the internet for free-either way you see the advertisements...) So what you end up with is corporations, reporting on other corporations.which are usually the same corporations their trying to sell you to with their big headlines! Hmm... this is disturbing indeed. Advertise in Streetvibes! Advertising in Streetvibes Is a chance for businesses to help a good cause while promoting themselves to 4,000 concerned people each month. The rates are shown below. Business Card Size · 2" x 3 1/2" $10 per month Two Business Card Size 4" x 3 112" $20 per mont~ A check or money order must accompany the ad copy. We reserve the right to deny any ad, especially those which promote alcohol or tobacco products. You will receive a full refund should your ad be denied. For larger ads, call the number below. · Ads are due by the 20th of each month. If you need assistance In preparing your ad or have any other questions, call the Homeless Coali­ don at 421-7803. Mall ads wtth pa~t to: ~ I506 Bm Street Onclnnad, OH 45210 � 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 1997 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 Language A language of the resource English 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. Text Any textual data included in the document - Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1997 Vol 1, issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 1997 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/4.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a<span> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a>. Relation A related resource - Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource - Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context - Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant - Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project (curated by Katelyn Lusher) Description An account of the resource Issue covering: homeless protest city council affordable housing buddy gray homeless narrative addiction eviction Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Cassandra Barham Mary Burke Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis Tammy deGruchy Marcel Freeland Rob Freking Darian Henderson Lemuel Israel Carolyn Meszaros Sabra Mitchell Pat Mosolf Mike Nelson Bonnie Neumeier Robert Norse Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders The Shadow David Lee Smith Jennifer Summers Jean Taddie Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Sonny Williams addiction Bonnie Neumeier Brian Davis buddy gray Carolyn Meszaros Cassandra Barham Darian Henderson David Lee Smith Denise Crew Donald Whitehead Gregory Payton homeless housing Jean Taddie Jennifer Summers Lemuel Israel Lynn Williams Malaka Sanders Marcel Freeland Mark Salter Mary Burke Mike Nelson Pat Clifford Pat Mosolf protest reform Rob Freking Robert Norse Ron Carter Sabra Mitchell Sonny Williams Tammy deGruchy The Shadow welfare https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/159c520a8287b55d4dc88ee013255c04.pdf 740d7ca3ee3da8dc791bf9c5781aea5d PDF Text Text 11 1 11 STANDDOWN 98 A BIG SUCCESS Hundreds of Homeless Persons Served During Cincinnati's _,_ Two Day Event -··. Over 1,200 homeless persons and veterans attended this years Standown on October 15th and 16th, hosted by the Drop Inn Center and organized by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the VA. Dozens of volunteers including military personnel pitched in to bring the cities homeless a temporary respite from the rigors of homelessness. "Standown" is a term used by the military during times of war to bring troops in from the front lines to rest and recuperate. The analogy is made between war and the battle of survival while experi­ encing homelessness. The' two day event afforded participants the opportunity to speak with represen­ tatives from service agencies, seek the services of medical personnel and receive clothing and food. There was also a Standown Court. presided over by a Hamilton County judge. Community service hours were given out to persons who had outstanding warrants o r pending court cases for minor offenses. The Stan down was topped off by a community cookout in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine sponsored the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. This years' Standown event was consid­ ered by all to be a great success. Hundreds of people attended the Standown at the Drop Inn Center. Photo by Jimmy Heath • IN MEMORY OF BUDDY GRAY •~ WE REMEMBER • FEBRUARY 19TH, 1950 - NOVEMBER 15TH, 1996... : by Bonnie Neumeier, : From the Pleasant Street Garden, Over-The­ Rhine I sit here on this wooden bench surrounded by your favorite colors the browns, yellows, oranges and reds wishing you were still here instead The sunflowers now bending far over stood tall, proud, bright and yellow dried up and drooping the seeds they fall feeding the birds that follow What a short life like yours, Buddy But we know the warmth and the wonder of the Sunflower is You still with us. We will always remember you season after season for YOUR seeds have fallen deep nourishing our peoples' movement giving us feet. buddy gray leads protest marchers in Over-the-Rhine 4 Photo by Jimmy Heath This day won't go by unnoticed 'cause the fruits of your labor are planted all over Yes, you are still here with us in your colors of brown. yellow, orange and red Friend we.miss you and love you. ­ �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 2 STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, for and about the homeless. It is compiled by d)e Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Hom.e­ less. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and then sell it for a dollar donation to get back on their feet. All vendors sign a code of conduct before being given a badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homeles.sness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organiz­ ing. The Streetvibes Committee meets monthly to plan our issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a comment, please call 421-7803. Staff Donald Whitehead, Director Jimmy Heath, Coordinator Brett Zwolinski, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor Support James Hobbs , Vendor Support Photo1:r.whe r Jimmy Heath Writers Ron Carter Denise Crew Brian Davis Julia Fischer Lolonta Foster Barry Grosheim Patrick Harmon jimmy Heath James Hobbs Vikki Lynn Bonnie Neumeier Theresa Nye James W . Pryor William Stone Do nald Whitehead Lynn Williams Diane Young Brett Zwolinski Editorial Policy: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, com­ ments or editorials. We will print every­ thing we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Please send all material to the following address: STREETVIBES I506 Elm Street Cincinnati, O H 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (5 13) 421-78 13 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Fact of the Month, from the ·National Low-Income Housing Coalition (N LIH C): Number of deaths associated with problems in housing, annually: 5.000 Nurr;t:Jer of r:- • 1.4 million Donald Whitehead (far right) in Portland, Oregon. THE TRAVELER Not Just Another Trip by Donald Whitehead I've really enjoyed this column - traveling is sometimes a little lonely and it has been great to have you guys along. Each trip I've taken has opened my mind to new experiences I never imagined just a short time ago. For the most part my travels have been pleasure filled learning experiences. Sometimes though, learning is not a pleasant experience. I started out on this trip on the morning of Thursday, October I st. On this morning as is stated in the ad for the United States Army, I did more before six than most people did all day, that day. I actually prefer traveling early morning rather than late night. On the first leg of my journey I traveled with longtime activist Bev Merrill who works at the Welcome House in Northern Kentucky along with her very handsome son Shawn. We traveled to the Louisville Airport where we were joined by Kat Clark, National Coalition Board Member from West Virginia. Our final destination for this trip is Portland, Oregon. Our first stop is St. Louis where we were joined by several other National Homeless Coalition Board Members: Bill Faith President of the Board and Director of the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio, Roosevelt Darby from Philadelphia and Don Jean from Maine. Most of my travels are a little lonely but this one was not. The flight to Portland is uneventful, a fact that is increased by my sleeping three of the four hours. The period I am awake I experience the works of the best artist that man will ever know. Mountain ranges perfectly sculptured in ways that boggle the mind, body's of water carving beautiful landscapes, never to by matched by the hand of any mortal artist. The purpose for this meeting is the National Coalition Board Meeting. I have found these meetings to be very useful in learning new strategy's for fighting homelessness. We meet twice yearly, once in Washington and once.in another City. Oregon has been chosen as this years' location so that we can explore rural homelessness. We were treated as special guests, part of our rooms were paid for by the City of Portland. We are part of a press conference addressing Civil rights violations against the homeless population in Portland. Another focus of our meeting is an opportunity to discuss the year 2000 Census. The Census bureau has not done a good job of Photo by Donald Whitehead counting homeless, poor or people of color in the past - our hope is that this will not be the case in 2000. We also present the Ma Curtis Award to individuals who have done outstanding work in Oregon. The award is even more symbolic this year because Beverly Ma Curtis did most of her wonderful work in Portland. My custom on trips is to interact with local homeless people. I do this for many reasons. some personal, some professional. I understand that the easy way to learn about conditions are to speak to those involved in that condition. I walked along a river bank close to my hotel were there were several people camping: I tried to strike up a conversation but there was no desire to talk, there seemed to be an edge to this group. I walked around the corner to the Gospel Mission - it was closed. All the while I passed people on the street. I do not scare easily but I did feel uncomfortable here. I finally did get a chance to talk to a young lady who reluctantly offered conversation in exchange for some change. Even this was unlike the warm conversation I have experienced in the rougher homeless populations back east. I felt uneasy because people kept looking down at my shoes with a look that said you must be a cop or something. In the midst of the incredible beauty that is Portland I am surrounded by uneasiness. anger and despair. I learn that there are no family shelter here during the summer, probably a large contributor to despair. I go back to my hotel a bit puzzled - its seems that for the first time I was not excepted by the population from which I came. Am I so far removed that.I can't relate or make contact anymore! Maybe I'm making a mole hill into a mountain, maybe I just didn't meet the right people. Ireflect back on the despair I felt on the streets of Cincinnati. I wasn't always friendly or open or nice. Sometimes I just wanted to be left alone. No matter how good intentioned or respectful the person approaching me, sometimes I just simply didn't want to be bothered. Homelessness is the most extreme form of poverty. It's a reality too harsh for most to imagine, sometimes the darkness is so dark that not even a shred of light can get through. These are the times when those that are homeless want and have the r ight to simply be left alone. A good traveler will always remember this. Good Tidings. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 3 OTR LOSES VINE STREET BATTLE by Jimmy Heath Over-The-Rhine residents, business and community leaders lost the hard fought battle over keeping Vine Street one-way between 5 Points Corner and 12th Street. In October. Cincinnati City Council voted 5 to 4 for the conversion to two-way despite community protests and declarations from community leaders, schools and Vine Street businesses. Over one hundred persons who attended the public hearing at City Hall carried signs and spoke out against the conversion to two-way. The debate centered around the safety of the residents and school children who frequent this OTR thoroughfare. Vine Street in Over­ The-Rhine was made one-way nearly 25 years ago because of the accident prone and dangerous nature of this formerly two-way street. The recent debate over the conversion began over two years ago when a private consulting team visited the neighborhood of Over-The-Rhine and recommended the recvnversion to two-way as part of an overall urban revitalization plan for the community. Community protests centered around this plan and subsequent report because of how it disregarded the concerns and well- Protestors gather at Cincinnati's City Hall to demonstrate against Vine Street conversion to Two-Way. Photo by Jimmy Heath being of the neighborhood residents, especially the disabled, the elderly and the children. The plan to convert one-way Vine Street to two-ways is supported by a minority of business interests who have pitted themselves against residents of this predominately low-income community. The community of Over-the­ Rhine lost this battle because of the power of money and politics over reason. The conversion to two-way will begin during the 1999 construction season. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• You are invited to the fourth annual OHIO EMPOWERMENT COALITION MEETING: l 998 HOMELESS COALITION HOUDA'/DENNER, NOV. 11, Wednesday 10:30 AM Sullivant Gardens . 955 Remick St. Columbus, Ohio The Ohio Empowerment Coalition is the statewide welfare rights coalition. We welcome new members. Come and·learn what recipients and other low-income, grassroots groups from different areas of the state are doing to change welfare laws. Join us in the effort to change Ohio's punitive welfar~ policies. For a ride from Cincinnati, please call the Contact Center at (513) 381-4242 at least ·by No­ vember 9th. Contents Welfare News Broken City Arts & Poetry Haiku Nationwide Prisoners' News Letters & Editorials Mexican Border News Homeless Veterans Cleveland News N. Kentucky News Movie Review Announcements Classifieds Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 12 13 13 14 15 15 . Tuesday, November 17, 1998 7-9PM St. F rancis Seraph Soup Kitchen 14 E. Liberty Street at Vine $15 per person at the door Parking In Rear MUSIC, DOOR PRIZES, Al'JD RAFfl.E. DINNER SERVED BY POWER INSPIRES PROGRESS VEG£TARIAN E.NTREES AVAILABLE. ·PRE.5£.NTATION Of JIMMY RENDER AWARD The Homeless Coalition Holiday Dinner gives us a chance each year to focus on this year's positive accomplishments and share hopeful stories of the future. Anyone in the community is invited to participate. The Jimmy Render Award is given each year by the Homeless Coalition to honor a homeless or formerly homeless person who has struggled to help those still on the street. Power lnspires Progress is a non-profit job training organization designed to empower low income communities through job development. Greoter Cincinnati Coalttion For ","' The Homeless ; If you would like to sponsor a homeless. person for the dinner, please send $15 per person to: Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, ~ 506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Call 421-7803 for more i¢'o. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES Welfare News WELFARE SANCTIONS IN HANCOCK COUNTY by Theresa Nye, Intern at Hope.House Inc. These are real situations that happened to welfare recipients in Hancock County, which includes Findlay, Ohio. The first family has three children 6, 7, and I 0. They were applying for emergency assistance (PRC) because they were being evicted from their home. The family was sanctioned due to being given the wrong voice mail number for the caseworker. This has happened more than once because she is constantly being seen by different caseworkers. This caus~s messages and gocumenta­ tion to get all mixed up on her case. It's a nightmare of missed communications! The second case was a women who·applied for a medical card. She was hospitalized so she left messages with caseworkers and never srot a reply < <j l ' . back. She sent her husband to finish the paperwork, but the case worker claims he did not fill out all the paperwork. Because of this, they now have a $10,000 medical bilrinstead 'Of a me<ilc'al card. ~ ..--" In 'tht!1hird liou'sehold's situatien, a gentleman found work the day before his-appointment with the caseworker. He catted and told-the caseworker that 'He 'cduld nb~a~e the meeti1;ig~:l:fe was•sanctioned anyway. This caused his whole family t0 lose 'their assistance. The last case I·am listing here, although ·there are more sanctioned households out there, is a single mother with children, aged 2 and I year old. She is facing being sanctioned. She does hot have a car. She was told that she has to put in 60 hours of work before the welfare department would help her with transportation. The caseworker.told her she had to work first, then after 60 hours, she could get help with transportation. This is like putting the cart before the horse. In a rural county such as ours, a car is nearly a basic necessity for getting to work. OHIO SANCTIONS VIE FOR HARSHEST by Lynn Williams, Ohio Empowerment Coalition Ohio is notoriously known for being one of the fourteen states with the harshest sanction (punish­ ment) policies in America. These fourteen states impose a complete cut-off of cash assistance for households under sanction. This includes even on a first sanction. Thirty-six states reserve the full cut-off punishment for the last level of sanction. Ohio cuts families off immediately for a first time offense. When the entire cash assistance is cut-off, this sanctions the children right along with the adults. Thirty-eight states are only cu tting off the "adult" portion of the check or less for a first sanction. Surely this is a more humane policy. Why should the children's portion be cut? Any reduction is going to hurt them as well. In addition, it should be remembered that families receiving welfare cash assistance are receiv­ ing checks putting them at 35% of the Federal poverty level. With food stamps added, it is 75% or less of Federal poverty level. How many families of three can survive monthly paying rent, utilities, heat and diapers on a $361 check? This is Ohio's benefit check for a family of three to live on monthly. How may legislators have spent a month living on that kind of money? If a family is sanctioned, the house­ hold most likely does not have savings to fall back on. How do you save money on $361 a month? Ohio also requires recipients to wait out the entire length of sanction or until compliance, "which ever is longer" before lifting the sanction. This is not true for twenty three states. These states lift the sanction as S?on as the recipient complies. This also is a far more humane approach. In addition, individual caseworkers and county welfare departments vary in h"ow they apply the "letter of the law." Here in Ohio, in Athens County, caseworkers are being trained to work with the recipient to avoid issuing a sanction and to use "commonsense." Is a recipient trying in good faith to meet the requirements? They also give th~ recipient a warning letter 15 days in advance of a sanction, warning that a sanction will ·be enforc~q unless they meet the requirement. r1 From what our OEC members across t\ie state are telli(lg usi this policy is a rarity. In SanduJ ky county, a woman was sanctioned for not calling to notify.a cas.Py.-orl<er: wtiy sh~ missed· h~er app9J_nt­ .. T 1 .; j ment. The reason: layino in the hosoital giving birth! \ r. i• ~ ' • (), ~ 'ti~ . 0 She ended ·u'p:sanctioned fo r not thfcu.<i'ng to make ' •. . . • . ti\i 11. this .ca~I afieac;l 'Of time~ ·' / .. , ~ In Montgomery County, sanctioned households can~o~ g~t r~~nction.tff~~d \J.ntil they;~~" I~days of complianc'e." This means a reci~i~n:~/\1~.~t {~ ten ~· fr; ,: , q~r.~pJJ'!~Or (6 ~.'? ~.~o\Jrs. d~~fY,) 11.n a. CO..QSeCU­ tiv;.~rper. ,J~ey are '!?t workmg of(~tieir b~nefit checks" because the.y're·under sanction & don't have a benefit ch~ck to work off. If the reb~ient rflfsses f ' :;· even on.~ day, the I 0 days starts all ov~,r aga1~! This happened to Carla Pitsinger of Montgomery County, who could not do the I0 days in a row because of two disabled family members needing her care. Incredulously, Carla ended up working 60 days of free labor before she got her sanction lifted! Where are the unions and labor activis·.:s to take outrage at this? We are hearing dismal accounts across the country about how sanctions are being applied. the sanctions are being used as whips and threats to subdue the poor into compliance. House Bill 793 will soften the welfare sanction policy here in Ohio. It would allow for a $50 cut in cash assistance for each sanction instead of cutting off the entire check. It would restore the adult portion of food stamps. It would restore the child care subsidy to families under sanction. It would restore a sanctioned household's eligibility for other support services from the welfare department, such as PRC (what use to be called emergency assis­ tance." The sanction would also end upon compli­ ance, instead of requiring the recipient to wait out a progressively longer sanction time. Current law requires a sanction period for a I st sanction to last one month or until compliance, whichever is longer; for a 2nd sanction to last three months or until compliance, whichever is longer; and for a 3rd sanction to last six months or until compliance, whichever is longer. Currently recipients who are sanctioned are counted in "caseload reduction numbers." They are counted in the official numbers of recipients who have left the roles. They left the roles·unwillingly if I '\ ' "1 1 ' ' i 4 - Page 4 they were sanctioned! According to the Ohio Department of Human Services September 16, 1998 Progress Report, 22% of the total caseload was sanctioned at some point since October I, 1997 when the law took effect. This is over one in five households! These families with children lost all their cash assistance! [For more information on how to endorse this bill and to get involved in working for its passage, call the Ohio Empowerment Coalition (Cincinnati contact) at 513-381-4242.] REAL STORIES by Diane Young It is one thing to hear about welfare reform and quite another to look at it in the faces of real live human beings. These people are not numbers on a page, but living, breathing people caught between the cracks. One of these real people is a 47 year old woman names Susan . Just laying eyes on this woman, it was obvious to see that she was very ill. Susan relayed to me that she was sanctioned because of her refusal to work. The reason for her non-compliance was her congestive heart failure and the effects of having surgery to have a lung removed. Because she refused to work at a recycling center, Litter Landing, sorting through trash and lifting heavy bundles which required health and strength, she was sanctioned. Susan applied for SSI, but because her husband is on disability for numerous health problems. she was turned down. Another situation involves a termination. Sam is a 3.~ year old ,kind hearted gentleman who w~s recendy diagnosed with diabetes and had suffered a s~r."c;ke thit left him wea~';;n his le.ft side. He was ­ waitipg for his SS!'to be p.rocessed. At this t\Te· th7 only assistance ne was receiving was a smiifl amount 1 of food stamp~ ·~nd a ~edlcal 2a~d: How~ver. both the fo'i?fstaf!'ps and hi~ Medicaid we~e, taken away becaus~ he rr)fssed 1~ ap,POintment Wit~ liis tase­ WQrker. The ~e'ason that he didn't make his appoint­ ment was th~t he d'id n't have access to'a car. With Findlay being a rural comrhunity there is no public transportation· available; with Health and Human Services being way out in the country where it is too far to walk, especially for a stroke victim, Sam couldn't go to his scheduled appointment. Waiting for his SSI to be processed was taking too long and this gentleman gave up. In spite of his health problems, he started working at a fast food restau­ rant. This restaurant hardly meets his basic ex­ penses, and furthermore, provides no medical benefits. Therefore. because of his medical card . being removed, Sam h~s no idea of how he can get his life sustaining insulin and other medications. 0 �- STREETVIBES _.,..~---.--~----""'-------- The Tri State's Hom eless Grapevine The Broken Citv. • • .. Mourners march through the neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine to commemorate the life and work of buddy gray. FU GAZI by Vikki Lynn I'm writing this article as a public awareness. In September of 97, I was recovering from my third nervous breakdo.¥n that year.When I became Mrs. Gregory George Neumeister. my life had changed k>r the worse. My husband had taken a job as a night manager at a tri-county Skyline. He worked there for three months before deciding to go to the west. My daughter had left home shortly after we were ma rried,so I left with him. On our Waof he told me he had stolen eight hundred to one thousand dollars from that company. I listened as he bragged about how he did it. Here we were out in the desert when he wants to tell me his indiscretions only to begin to see him for what he really is. On December 6, '97, it was late and raining terribly when I was being forced off the road by two semi tractor trailers. I avoided a collision due to having defensive driving experience. He took CNer the wheel at that point and we stayed in FlagstaffArizona for the night. That was the beginning of a series of things that I had went thro ugh while married to this individual. Upon our arrival. we both looked for employment. He was rehired at a Jewelry Store he had worked at before . I got a job at a deli. I was hired to become a night manager while in training. O n Decembe r 26, '97, when I was leaving work two vehicles attempted to run me over in the parki ng lot of the place I worke d .A little later in that same even ing as I was nearing the parking area of the apartments I lived in, again two different cars tried . I quit that job because of the night.There was only the people I worked with and my husband who k new I was working that day. Luckily another place I put in an applicatio n at called me. I worked there t hrough t he holidays until I was laid off. From time to tim e I did te mporary work.W e started argu ing a lot CNe r money more and more. He wouldn't buy the necessary things needed .W hen I got paid, I'd buy food and what was important. One day he phoned me from his job, request­ ing that I mCNe out because we weren 't getting along. I followed up on whether he could do that and no he couldn't . I stayed anyway. January rent was three weeks late and we had to move into a rundown motel. I fixed it up the best I could with limited resources.Two weeks into February, I threw him o ut of the roo m. He moved into another motel roo m n ext doo r: I had started doing o dd jobs like painting the vacant rooms where I lived. He paid difference in rent. Later into that month, again he was complain­ ing about the money saying he wouldn't Pao/ two rents. I moved into his room because of more amen ities.The next daoj after mCNing in,I was ch'lnging the room around to have more space when I found women clothes under his bed. It took him tv.Q daots to tell the truth about them. He skipped work to make for it but to no avail. Earlier that same week a woman knocked on the door looking for him. On the Saturd aoJ follo.¥ing February 27, '98 she called his room. I answered the phone knowing by her voice who it was. I invited her over but she declined. Before he got off of work, I checked into an emergency shelter: I stayed there for remainder of our trip. March the tenth, I was leaving work from the same place I had worked before where that incident had occurred. I was expecting him to be waiting for me because he had came by my job to tell me he got fired for unprofessional behavior: I noticed he had parked at the back of the parking lot where it was somewhat darker. I walked along the sidewalk towards his car.As I approached him ,a car drove throwing a bottle at me and as I was ducking I felt fast heat going past my right ear. I stayed dOY>1n.near the ground besides a parked car while I heard shattered glass from a windOY>I break.When I looked at him, he just watched my expression on my face. I countered by yelling" so meones shooting" pointing past h im.but he v.Quldn't look around. My adrena­ line kicked in but I remained neutral. He told me then that he was going back to C incinnati. He let me drive myself to the shelter. My reply was good-bye. The next day I called in to talk to my boss abo ut working daot ho urs because of the circum-' stances but he was peeved and that kind of made up my mind about staying out west any longer.We hooked up that day and got drunk and were packed to leave when once again his girlfriend from Ken­ tucky shows up and he called security on her. Two days later we we re back in C incinnati.We got into a fight immediately upon arrival. I was e sco rted by Cheviot police to the Drop Inn Center. T hats ho.¥ I became homeless in Cincinnati for two weeks. In that time he searched everywhere loo king for me. He called my two closest friends and my aunt feverishly trying to apologize for all the wrong he had done. He finally caught up with me one morning walking to.vards the center. He started a mass campaign to win me CNe r. Even the employees there were sick of him. I agreed ~o talk to him so he would stop aggravat ing every­ o ne. He had bought an apartm ent o n Vine Street. I hung o ut t he re until my apartment was available through Metro po litan. I mCNed in o nApril the 16th of '98~wo days before that, I was at H&R Block Page 5 finding out he had went downtown to Social Security verifying information p ertaining to my daughters nu mber. I was crimson. I neve r did tell him w here I cnoved to. I wo rked through a temporary agency here while trying to get on my feet again. He sh<:M'ed up there lurking around until I wasn't being given any assignments. So I joined a workshop to better myself. I sought employment in Kentucky. I was hired and was paid better than any job I ever had.The sixth day of my employment,he shCM'ed up on my job filthy drunk and acted foolishly.That night, I paid him a visit. I never wo re my wedding ring again after t hat night. He called my employer trying t o get me fired .T hey just laughed at him to me. His doing that caused me to lose the profes­ sional respect that I had when I first started there. After two months of constant teasing and taunt ing, I quit.T he death threats had st opped whe n I returned to Cincinnati because he didn't have anyone to help him manipulate me. I decided not to work while being married to him any longer. He kept promising me heo give me a di'r'Orce but those are lies to get me to come over his apartment. On September 23rd '98, he admitted to the three attempts on my life and to t rying vigorously to have me fi red on all my jobs.When I first met him, I told him I didn't want to be bothered w ith a relat io n­ ship. I had my own problems to wo rk out. He promised me he would be good for me and help me through whatever because we had been treated so poorly by other people.This is what I get for being polite and giving someone a warm place to stay. TESTING THE THEORY by Vikki Lynn. I want to write about when I was homeless. It isn't the most comfortable situation to be in, but the opportunities are endless. Once I was in a new town and I didn't have any friends and I was broke. I went to an emergency shelter and slept on the floor when I stayed there until a bed was issued to me. I got a job working in a submarine sandwich store. They start you minimum wage and after I was there a week or two, I got a raise. I also worked through temporary services. The state I ventured in, you had to have union cards, and sheriff cards. That way you make more money by the hour. I also was due to start working at a trucking company, but it didn't come before I decided to return to Cincinnati. When I came back, I was temporarily homeless at the Drop Inn Center for two weeks until I got an apartment through Metropo litan Housing. Then I worked here in temporary employment until I applied for another job as a professional driver. So my point is, just because you are homeless, doesn't mean being hope less. I d idn't like some of t he rules but to stay in a warm place out of the cold was reasonable. I didn't have any clothes, shoes, or money. My options seemed limit ed. I never gave up and now I have all the amenit ies necessary in my apartment and plenty of clothes and shoes. My secret is I believe in God and I pray frequently. I know I couldn't have made it without him in my life. Foundation is everything. Then you can build yourself up. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine ~ Page 6 WORD ON THE MY PRAYER FOR I AM A YOU PRISONER STREET by Rick Ashcroft by James W Pryor Arts & Poetry LIFE LESSONS by John Chetuck Sometimes things aren't what they seem, F.or we all have free will and do as we please. Papa's hands are the ones that guide Only his words can you trust for. all others lie. One must often question what one can believe For words and deeds too often deceive. Friends are those we choose to hold close to heart. Times like these pull them apart. A teacher or mentor is one from whom we learn, But even t hat must be tempered or one might get burned. A lesson learned is one that cannot be erased. So choose your lessons well, and learn them, but fall not victim to fate. Because one must trust; not follow by blind faith. Because even the words of a mentor or friend can be faded, And the wounds left behind can remain for a time, As can the scars on ones heart and mind. So take these words to heart and heed them well, That what is reality and truth only time will tell. DIVERSITY by Wanda (OTR resident) The money people are attacking my home. On the west, their tearing down homes and the symphony wants Washington Park, in the name of cultural diversity On the east, the businessmen and the rich landlords push for a ballpark and intervine district, in the name of economic diversity On the north, a new coalition is rehabing apartments for the wealthy and taking over a historic market, 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, handicaps, homeless, all live & survive, day to day The powers want diversity. We all ready 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. May you always stop and think Before you relapse, and start to drink May you find your "higher power" And let him be with you each passing hour May your road to happiness be lined with gold And may all your dreams, somehow unfold May each of you find success along the way And may your road to recovery, start each day For tomorrow is not promised, it is said May relapse never, enter your head Always stop ~nd think, from where you came May your troubles, never remain the same May you find peace of mind at heart God has given each of us a new start So my prayer for each of you is the best He has showed us the way, we just have to do the rest. So good luck, in everything you do I say goodbye, the best of luck to each of you. I am a prisoner confined behind the razor wire of Orient Correctional Institution; I am a pr,i soner of the corruption of a system that is to terrifying to mention; I am a prisoner to judicial bias created by my ex-wife's greeds; I am a prisoner of the pain of my love for my four year old son, which makes up my hearts needs; I am a prisoner to a life without family, because my family are prisoners of their own lives; I am a prisoner to all of my wrong choices, and m yown mistakes; I am a prisoner to love, because it escapes me everyday; UNTITLED. I am a prisoner who longs to live and be free. by James Curry The Beast is indisputable Because it is immutable. It uses reason in its quest, So simple recognition's best. It knows not time, but looks ahead For any time it may be fed. A day, a year, a century, Is fine in its eternity. You know your Beast is treatment-wise; You'd now be better, otherwise. "Treatment" means, "When you fee l well, Then tell your Beast to go to hell. " The Beast knows well you'll not feel well Enough for long enough to tell Just when it's finally time to yell, "It's time for you to go to hell." And when you do feel well enough, The reason's lost; you'll want your stuff. But "Never!" sets the Beast aflame. That word alone can win the game. Say "Never!" now, and feel the view Of freedom-joy, with hope anew. Say "Never!" now, and step ahead To sober living. Treatment's dead THE QUESTION by John Chetuck The !onliness inside feeding my pain The constant rejection feuling my rage, T his feeling I know, sadness is its name. A heart with no wings that wants so b~dly to fly; Eyes that wish to lend tears, But cannot for they've run dry. A prayer to the heavens as the dreams slowly fade, I have nothing left John Doe is my name. Searching through life, Hoping to find the answers to the riddles that puzzle my rriind. A soul that is lost searching for peace; A body full of desire wanting release And the heart of the dreamer wanting eternal sleep, Why is it that faith is so hard to keep. INADEQUATE by Lisa Webster It smells like something has just died. Down on hands and knees, I search the rug. My fingers rake the plush. Under these nails there is some dirt and blood, but no hope. Digital and vacant, a voice reaches me. Solace to silence. It reminds me how close I am to becoming a simple whore. I want to tear that need from my skin, to expose what lies beneath. It just gets muted by a desperate quiet that scares even me. I bring my knees to the floor, come eye to eye. Rolling and rolling, covering myself with something, more pure. Something perhaps, human. �-- - - - - --- ---.. STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES Nationwide STREETSMARTS October 9, 1998 Dear Fellow Member ----~- of NASNA, Here in Miami.we 're about to publish our first issue of StreetSmartsWe need your help in~ areas: I .The city and county governments here in South Florida have told us that they plan to ban t he sale of StreetSmarts any way they can.They do not want our paper drawing attention to the 15,000 homeless here.Tourists might be offended.The ACLU.of course, will help us. But they've asked me to ask you if you've had similar problems in your a re a.And if so, can you send me a copy of the complaint as well as a copy of the decision on the complaint. Please share with us any experience you've had with government agencies arresting·or; harassing vendors, req uiring vendor licenses, etc. And their outcomes. 2. Part of our vendor strategy here is to work with clients of agencies such as the Rescue Mission, the SalvationA r my.and other homeless-helping organizations. Most demand to knCM' if there 's a precedent of street papers in other cities working with agencies like theirs. Just this morning l".tiami's SalvationA r my Captain told us that he would need specific information about other cities Salvation Armies selling street papers before he would commit t o working w ith us.T his is a conserva t ive and often fearful place; no o ne wants to be first. If you can help w ith any of the above, please write the address below (enclosing any supporting documents). fax 305.757.2448 (again, with support­ ing documents), email streetsmarts@kaisercom.com (attaching supporting documents) or call 305.754.8833 . We need answers as s~on as possible. In return, once we get through this first push, if I get a body of legal decisions, I'll compile everything and distribute it to the NAS NA membership. Thank you for your help in this matter. Cordially. Frank Kaiser THE 1999 HUD BUDGET Submitted by Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo, the 1999 Budget is the best in I0 years for HUD. In a video conference in early October, Cuomo and Assistant Secretary Harold Lucas said we are "back in the housing business." There were increases in the Section 8 program, the homeless assistance McKinney programs, and there was a public housing bill. Cuomo said that HUD has spent years reforming itself and was viewed as an "obstacle to housing policies." He credited reform begun under ­ previous Secretary Henry Cisnaro and the progr ess made by the C linton administration in obtaining such a healthy budget. He also thanked advocacy and housing groups for making housing a prior ity. The HUD appropriation} bill also contained a new Public Housing bill, which was touted as . making public housing better. "fhe bill will at cord:.' ing to HUD officials help reduce crime by tearing down "failed projects" and replace them with mixed income communities. They were able to rebuff Republican attempts to make tenants volunteer for the housing authorities in exchange for living in subsidized units. There are new caP;i1;QI funds to build scattered site housing. In the Section 8 program, there will be an additional 90,000 vouchers nationwide with 50,000 going for welfare to wo r k programs. T his is the first increase in more than two years. The troubled Cleveland program which is currently under oversight of an outside consulting firm will receive an additional 150-200 vouchers. Cordell Cooper, Community Development Director, said the 1999 budget will raise the FHA loan limits. The FHA insurance program insures loans made by private banks to lower income families. The new increases will allow more families to enter the world of home ownership. Cooper also reported an 18.5% increase in funds for homeless programs. Cooper said, "We would hope that we can deliver a quality year in serving the public. The Fair Housing Department o f HUD will also receive an increase to do more investigations of minority discrimination in housing. STREETSMARTS COALITION INC. 780 NE 69 STREET/ SUITE I 709 MIAMI, FL 33138 Subscribe to Streetvibes HAIKU by Brett Zwolinski An Un.rhymed Japanese v erse f o rm of three li n es containing usually 5 , 7 , 5 (or 7,5,7) syllables respectiv ely. Please submit your suggestions for monthly Haiku to Brett Zwolinski at STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Now, Matt Mitchell ' s Haiku: jumping note to note laughing above city ligh ts; steps in harmony Page 7 Subscriptions t o Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $12 pe r ye ar. Plea se se nd a check t o the be low address and the pa p er will be maile d to you e ach issue. Streetvibes I506 Elm St reet C incinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Great er Cincinnati Coa lition for the Homeless--Streetvibes. If yo u have any questio ns, call '421-7803 . WILLIAM R . WALLACE, D.D .S. 5258 MONTGOMERY AO. NORWOOD. OH 45212 Telephone (513) 531· 2338 payroll and human resource management TRANSCON EMPLOYMENT COMPANY Angle E. St r unk, CEO 1-888-841-7900 (513) 841-5550 Fax: (513) 841-5545. P.O. Box 12545 Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 angie_strunkOmsn.com · Phone: 921-1231 STATE AVENUE SALVAGE HISTO RI CAL BLDG. MATERIALS ' EARL (CHARLIE) MATIINGLY A~OTHER C L.\ S S 1958 S~ate Aye. Cinti., OH 45204 P~ O O CCTIO=" Disc-Jockey Service CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 (513) 230-6353 FACTS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA : * In Cuy ahoga County, Ohio alone 20,000 people go homeless each year. *The Ohio Coalition for the Homeless es t ima tes t h at 1 4 0 , 000 people f ind t h e mselves ho meless each year through ou t the states *A recent study by the National Coalition for the Homeless showed that 13.5 million people across the country lived in shelters or on the street at some time in their lives . *The U.S . Census Bureau made a poor attempt at estimating homelessness that even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development won't use. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine TURN THE PAGE by 0. Moneyhon ALLOW YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD by James Pryor, In Struggle Being a prisoner in the State of Ohio, I have learned many valuable lessons. One is that, to the system and society, I do not mean anything, because I've committed a crime. It wasn't a violent crime, just one committed by an eighteen year old boy, twenty years ago, who car:ne from a lower class family. Now I am a product of a corrupt capitalistic system that profits off of my misfortune. Due to my peril, I can offer empathy to the homeless, because I've been without, I receive no medical care, and society has turned its back on me and others like me. It really hurts to be isolated from a world in which you once belonged. One that you long to be a part of, and one you held tight to in your dreams. However, that world has cut me off, and now I am a prisoner of an enemy, from whom I receive constant maltreatment and harassment. The food is minimal and poor, medical care is next to no nexistent and the living conditions are deplorable, not much unlike being homeless. Society has ostracized the homeless and prisoners as though they are diseases they want no part of. They fail to see that we are human beings, just as they. These thoughts are created by a media dictated to by the upperclass, who are self-centered and uncaring. Th is is a social illness in itself, created by ignorance and power. We must create defenses against these entities. This can be done by our voting power, creating agendas and asking ou r legislators to enact laws or pass bills to heal the illness. The majority of local elections are won by a slim margin of votes. Organization of the agencies and networks that support prisoners and rights of the homeless, needs to occur. There is a voice in unity. and it must be spoken before this illness gets further out of control. Politicians running for office have overlooked an important constituency that can be influenced by felons. For every man and woman in prison, there are 3.4 husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, grandfa­ thers, sons, lovers, friends, and others who care about the welfare and safety of the prisoner. This is the same for the homeless of Ohio. There are agencies, some churches, family, citizens and others who care greatly about the welfare and safety of the homeless. All of these folks must be convinced to vote for the candidate who stands for social change, rehabilitation, redemption, restorative justice, and human compassion. I would like to bring this together, and hope for your support. As is very evident, I have plenty of time to work on it. I would like all churches, agencies, organizations, and individuals of compas­ sion to write me. In your letter, inform me of your concerns and views. From these I will take the majority of similar issues and concerns, and thus, create an a·g enda to present to our legislators. Also, I will inform them of the number of votes they can receive by acting on our behalf. There can be no justice in today's social ills until we take a stand. It is important to realize the power we have to influence elections and we should study the record of candi­ dates and advise our families and friends accordingly. Please contact me, James W . Pryor R# I09988, P.O. Box 51 I. Columbus, Ohio _43216. Please send a self-addressed embossed envelope for a reply! It was yard day. A black man wearing state issued powder blue pajamas was sitting alone near the inmate band in the prison hospital's courtyard. The rest of the crowd - infirmed prisoners, healthy prison workers, and staff - were scurrying about for more fresh grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and fo r blobs of baked beans and potato salad served ·on Styrofoam plates. Many of the inmates were in wheel chairs. One had an l.Y. tree with one clear bag overhead and one bag of blood which matched the ketchup on the condiment table. The people who were finished eating were talking and smoking cigarettes as the band played another country song. The old man was positioned on an elevated patio which was like his own little stage just a bit lower than the band. The bass player walked deep notes around the scratchy, whining, gentle moaning of guitars. The drummer thumped predictably to the simple melodies. The old patient had a distin­ guished lo9king curly gray beard and hair. He was leaning back in a turquoise molded fiberglass seat. His eyes were closed, head tilted slightly to one side, as though drifting to the music. In the background, the blue-gray smoke from the grills drifted lazily but steadily upward. The charcoal smell mingled with the cigarette smoke in the not-so-large circular courtyard surrounded by tall brick walls. The old inmate seemed to be waltzing inwardly like the dancing smoke. After awhile, the band acquiesced to a requested side trip from country songs. Several people had asked the band to play Bob Seger tunes. Just then, !'Turn the Page" seemed to perfectly fit the scene of the meditating prisoner. For a moment that seemed rich enough and reverent enough for an eternity, the soulful words " O n the road again, up on the stage. H.ere I go again. Turn the page," seemed to move the man far from the confines of his low place in prison and far from his chronic, possibly terminal, illness. For the first time all afternoon, no one clapped at the end of the song. The peaceful old man's eyes remained closed as he drifted in silence. EDUCATION AS CRIME PREVENTION: .Providing Education To Prisoners by James Pryor, In Struggle There is a strong link between low levels of education and high rates of criminal activity, and one of the best predictors of adult criminal behavior is involvement with the criminal justice system as a juvenile. With so few resources devoted to the education of juvenile offenders, it is not surprising that so many remain involved in the criminal justice system well into their adult lives. Like their juvenile counterparts, adults involved in the criminal justice system are severely undereducated. Nineteen percent of adult inmates are completely illiterate, and 40% are "functionally illiterate," which means, for example, that: th.ey would be unable to write a letter explaining a billing error. Comparatively, the national illiteracy rates for adult Americans standards at 4% with 21 % function­ ally illiterate. The rate of learning disabilities in adult correctional facilities runs high, at I I%, compared to 3% in the general population. Low literacy levels and high rates of learning disabilities within this population have contr ibuted to high dropout rates. Page B Nationwide. over 70% of all people entering state correctional facilities have not completed high school, with 46% having had some high school education and 16.4% having had no high scho o l education at all. Nationally, reported rates of recidivism for adult o ffenders in the United States are extrao rdinar­ ily high, ranging from 4 1% to 60%. The difficulty in pinpointing specific rates of recidivism is often due to a confusion of terms. The national re-arrest rate, around 63%, is different from the re-imprisonment rate, which averages around 41 %. Programmatic efforts to reduce recidivism have ranges from boot camps and shock incarceration fac ilities to prison­ based education efforts. The effectiveness of these programs varies, but research shows that prison­ based education and literacy programs are much more effective at lowering recidivism rates than either boot camps or shock incarceration. For example, in a recent report on crime prevention programs conducted at the request of the U.S. Justice Department researchers at the University of Mary.land found that teaching reading skills to juveniles worked significantly better to reduce crime that boot camp programs. "Correctional Education Appears To Be The Number One Factor In Reducing Recidivism Rates Nationwide." - Alabama State Board of Education. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, there is ari inverse relationship between recidivism rates and education. The more education received, the less likely an individual is to be re-arrested o r re­ imprisoned. A report issued by the Congressional Subcom­ mittee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency estimates that the national recidivism rate for juvenile offend­ ers is between 60% and 84%. For juveniles involved in quality reading instruction programs, the recid i­ vism rate can be reduced by 20% or more. A five-year follow-up study conducted by the Arizona Department of Adult Probation concluded that probationers who received literacy training had a significantly lower re-arrest (35%) than the control group (46%). and those who received GED educa­ tion had a re-arrest rate of 24%, compared to the control group's r:ate of 46%. Inmates with at least two years of college education have a I0% re-arrest rate, compared to a national re-arrest rate of approximately 60%. Research studies conducted in Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and other states have all reported significantly low recidivism rates for inmate participants in correctional higher-education programs, ranging from I% to 15.5%. As with all research on prisons and jails, data on correctional education tends to focus on specific localities or states. Texas is on jurisdiction which has done extensive research on the success of correctional higher education. The overall recidivism rate for degree holders leaving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice between September 1990 and August 1991 was I5%, four times lower than the general recidivism rate of 60%. A two-year follow-up report found that the higher level of degree awarded was inversely related to the level of recidivism - individuals with associate's degrees had a recidivism rate of 13.7%, those with bachelor's degrees had a rate of 5.6%, and those with master's degrees had a rate of zero. One must wonder as to the reluctance, nationwide, to implement educational programs into the United States prisons. It is evident by statistics and the rate of recidivism, that such practices greatly reduce the reoccurrence of crime by ex-offenders, greatly reducing the need for new prison construc­ tion. Yet, our legislators sign laws into existence which have opposite effects. Again, one must question their objective in filling prisons and returning prisoners to society who will recommit . . Taxpayers, especially here in Ohio, suffer financ ially due to such mismanagement. It's no longer a silent entity to be ignored, it is evident everywher e! [Source: Center on Crime, Communities & Culture. (1997, September). Education as Crime Prevention Providing Education To Prisoners. New York: NY: OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTEJ �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine 11 BORDER AWARENESS IN MEXICO .. . 11 From the Journal of Patrick Harmon 9/17/98 The college of Mt St Joseph is now in its third year Qf sending students down to the U.S./Mexico border. This "Border Awareness" trip is hosted by the "Women's lnterculturo/ Center" in Anthony, New Mexico. Students visit Anthony, El Paso, Texos and Juarez, Mexico. On the trip in Moy of 1998, the group visited cooperatives, unions, parishes, devel­ opment projects, and border patrol agents. We each spent time with families on both sides of the border. The following is a journal entry about a fomily I stayed with on the other side of the fence. Chabela's father Hector has very bad hearing, when she introduced me to him it was hard for us to understand each other. His shiny eyes would squint and his weather beaten cheeks would scrunch up as he cupped his hand around his right ear. I had to get in his face and speak very loud and clear, and through he could understand, it always looked as if he were trying a little too hard. He would return my questions and talk about his life in a very loud voice. almost as though he was yelling. exaggerating the expressions on his face to make up for his lack of hearing-sending all the children who had gathered around into fits of laughter. We were sitting down at the kitchen table drinking instant coffee and eating deep fried tortillas covered in sugar as.the sunset began to fade off the mountains in the desert of northern Mexico. Outside the cinder block house, I could hear mothers calling their children home from the dirt streets and tr.ails that snake through the community of Centro Santa Catarina. Through the kitchen window I saw electricity being turned on in the houses and shanties up the ravine, light streams out into the night through open windows and gaps in walls. A light breeze drifted in and out of curtains, everything smells of burning garbage and dust. Chabela kept an eye on her 5 children while she cooked on the propane stove and smiled, listening to Hector and I yell : teach other. Her long black hair was tied in a ponytail and fell over her broad shoulders down as she fried up rice. beans and potatoes. Hector, tired of yelling. gets up and announces that he was going to get "the apparatus." He returns frqm the other room with a large, old school hearing aid that he swears hurts him to wear. He tells me that he lost his hearing working on a job at a filling station in Texas some years ago, and that he has been to "curas" all throughout northern Mexico to no avail. "At one point," he tells me, " I was eating 40 pills a day." He shrugs his shoulders with a disgusted look on his face , "40 pills" he repeats, "Que Va?" While Chabela cooks, she tells me that she was born in Juarez. and although s)le has traveled to other towns and cities in the Mexican deserts, she has come back here to raise her children. Her husband works at an auto parts plant in Chicago and sends home small amounts of money. " He comes home when he can, if God will it he will return home in August for a visit," she says. looking away from me. " He has to get his papers together." The way she tells me this betrays deeper feel ings within her, as though she talks about him coming home only for the sake of her young children. She says her husband wants to gather enough funds together and send for the whole family-to pay for their passports to come live with him-"but this is a dream, it is not secure enough." Till that time they decided to buy this small plot of land here, at the old dump, so they have something to fall back on. She smiles and mentions that she built this kitchen room all by herself. It is an impressive project, w ith the materials she could afford. There is a small piece of land in the back that is level before the hillside tumbles over into a trash ravine-she wishes to build another addition on that. "When the summer months come, the kitchen is too hot for her children to sleep in, with the sun coming in through the window-a place in the back would provide much more space. and be a lot cooler." When dinner is ready everyone crowds around the table to chow down. Chabela serves Hector and I first, then the children. She fixes a small plate for herself but there are not enough seats at the table for her to eat. I hate machismo culture, but I remain silent and practice eating by tearing off pieces of a tortilla and scooping up the food by hand. I eat more than I should to show respect. Chabela explains to me that the women's group at church has given her so much. Before she joined, she was isolated, most of the time she stayed at home with her children or by herself, introverted or sad. Now that she has a group to meet with, she has been learning how to express herself, sharing with other women of the neighborhood. She went into the other room and returned with a book of poetry, written in both English and in Spanish, by a woman who was a refugee from Guatemala. " I used to think that I was poor," she said with a d istant look in her eyes, "that I was the only one who suffered. Now I see that we are not alone, and that there are so many people who suffer more than us." She talked of a passage in the book that told of a village being burned by the army, of a mother shot down with her baby in her arms. "What about Chiapas?" I ask. "How do you, as Mexicans feel about what is going on here in your own country?" It seems as though I keep asking this quest ion of the people here. One woman I had talked with earlier told me that everyone feels the pain. Her husband swore that if he had the money, he would assist them. If he had arms he would send them, and if he had no.family he would go and fight. Chabela tells me that she doesn't understand why the military is there, why they have to go into the indigenous villages and kill people. She says that most people here feel a profound sadness about the whole thing. There have been demonstrations in Juarez, all the way at the other end of this large country, for peace in Chiapas. But Chiapas is not the only region in which there is suffering-perhaps in all parts of Mexico people live life as a daily struggle to put food on the plates of their families. Juarez and the whole border area are a perfect example. If you were to go look around both Juarez and El Paso you would see that the only resource that this area has to offer, is cheap labor-labor at exploitative wages. The workers might migrate here to the "maquiladoras" or sweatshops, to feed their families-yet they are not so stupid as to fail to see that the reasons the maquilas are here is to exploit. As for a factory in the U.S.. it is a question of paying an average of $25,000 a year in salary, benefits and security; or three or four dollars a day in northern Mexico. With the passage on NAFTA in 1994, the market has been flooded with cheap corn from U.S. agribusiness. Small-scale farmers can't compete against the productivity of industrial farming. All throughout Mexico, families have been steadily losing their jobs and their land; many are forced to migrate to the sweatshops or attempt crossing the border to find work. When the dishes are taken from the table, Hector lights a cigarette and begins to sing ranchero songs for the whole family. He prides himself, telling me that he knows a song for every person's name. I walk outside to the faucet to wash up, listening to his deep, lonesome cowboy voice, singing a song about Patricio, who got cheated on some job and left without enough money to even get drunk. After returning I ask him to sing a song about Hector, but he tells me that the only ones he knows are sad. I ask him if he knows any of the legendary "Ojo de Vidrio" songs. They are about the Mexican man who was wrongly accused of stealing horses and murdering an U.S. Marshall. Ojo de Vidrio see out alone on a horse for months riding in circles around gringo posses who had been sent into the desert to get him. Only when the burden of missing his family became too great did he return as a hero to be captured. A man who swore that Vidrio's only Page 9 crime was that of being an excellent horseman defended him in court. Hector smiled and tried to remember one of the ranchero songs about this, then laughed, explaining that the singer who sung those songs had a worse voice than his. It's getting late. I take a break from the conversation and relax on the small bed that they have offered me beside the window in the kitchen. One of the children with a look of wonder struck across his face shows me the two-week old kitten that he holds in his hands. Chabela asks me if I need anything before she goes into the other room with the rest of the children to watch late night soap operas on the TV. As I try and reflect over the last few days, I watch hector unfold an old spring bed and prop it up on some concrete blocks. " For my back," he explains, as he rolls out his bed roll. I bum a smoke and try to relax: images rise up like sand dunes blown across the desert. I think of droughts and fires, of migrating peoples, of a river and a thin line. The boarder through El Paso is the Rio Grande, channeled to control its tendency to carve out and erode its banks. On the U.S. side there are double fences with razor wire, motion detectors, cameras, boarder patrol trucks within sight of each other and a chopper in the air at all times. On the Mexican side I saw a mural of Che Guevarra as I walked across a bridge. A few months ago the b.oarder patrol pulled over a large moving truck out in the desert with a 14-year-old kid driving. When the officers were approaching they heard screaming and banging coming from the back. When they cut off a padlock and opened the door, over 70 people spilled out dehydrated, gasping for air. They had used boots and belt buckles to bust holes in the sides of the truck so they could breathe. Mothers often are exposed to hazardous substances while working in the maquiladoras. Children are being born with birth defects, others never mature; some mothers have lead in their milk. I walked up to the fence and stared at the shacks and the children, who stared at me, a train rolled by full of goods going north. 150 years ago people risked their lives against the system to ~muggle slaves to freedom . I sit in the kitchen while the blue desert morning grows outside the window. The bare light bulb casts a circle of light over the space where I write. Flies dance on the edge of coffee cups, looking for grains of sugar. I hear roosters up and down the hillside, calling out to each other, some­ where in the distance a dog barks as a car engine starts up. Hector, my grandfather companion has left, he finished his tall cup of coffee, put his tortillas and beans in a sack, shared a cigarette w ith me and headed out toward the bus route. He works as a laborer, manually loading construction trucks with concrete, sand and stone. He told me that they were poor, but their door was always open. I follow him outside and watch him leave, walking up the dirt road over a little rise, then disappearing. I look down the ravine toward Juarez at all the lights scattered out like a bag of stars busted in the sand. remember waking up, as if in a dream, the Chihua­ hua Desert wind ripping down from the mountains, in through the open window where I slept. There is something in the desert, slow, unmoving, suddenly breaking into a storm. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Hom eless Grap evine STREETVIBES Editorials & Letters HOMELESSNESS IS REAL .. . by Julia Fischer, Ursaline Academy 12th grade While clutching my mother's hand and trying to fight back tears, I closed my eyes to avoid the scene before me. A homeless man sat on the street corner. His clothes were ragged, his face dirtx. and his eyes were heavy with sadness. In front of him sat a.can with a few coins,.but all these im'a&es escaP,~d my eyes. This five-y.ear old couldn't stand the-tragic scene. When I closed my eyes, I believed what I couldn't see, didn't exist. At that moment, for me~ homelessness didn't extst. It was not until my sehior year that I again had a head-on collision with the homeless, but my attitude hadn't changed. The images in the newspa­ per or TV could have been scenes from a foreign country- they weren't real to me. Homelessness was not present in the suburbs; I never went into the city to find it. Poverty wasn't my problem. As a new project of my school's Mission Club, the members were expected to work beside, eat with, and talk to people who didn't have a place to go home at night. I wasn't sure if I could handle the challenging situations ahead: poverty, illiteracy, illicit drugs. and abuse. I had no experience with such topics and felt very uneasy. After my day was done, I could return home to a full table and a loving family. I worried that I would be resented, a well-off "do-gooder", in downtown Cincinnati for a few hours only to return to my flawless life in the suburbs. As I continue to work downtown, my concerns are slowly easing. Forgetting my anxieties, I focus instead on the people I encounter and the insights I have gained. One such person that has left a definite impression on me is a young boy living in downtown Cincinnati named Damion. One afternoon, Damion crept into the Children's Community Center. He looked longingly at the food on the table, but did not say a word. "Would you like anything to eat?" I asked. "A bagel? Apple? Coke?" " No, no thank you." "Are you sure? Would you like any Starbursts?" A smile. Bingo. I know what Damion likes. " Have as many as you like. We don't need them," I said with a smile. Three handfuls of Starbursts later Damion was feasting on apples, bagels, and Coke. Food was the bridge between Damion and me. The bond grew stronger as we played games on the computer. "What does that say?" he asked. "Um, Funny Faces. You wanna play that?" "Nah, that one?" "Wheel of Fortune..." "Yah, that one." A few minutes after playing Wheel of Fortune on the computer, I realized Damion couldn't read. "You know what that says?" he asked. "Um, I don't know. What do you want to guess?" I replied. "I don't know." R_VER,1:he computer screen read. Why doesn't he say "I?" Isn't it obvious what the answer is, I thought to myself. He's ten years old. It's not like he can't read... Oh no, he can't. For a moment I forgot where I was. In some ways. I was playing a game with a toddler for whom I Page 10 baby-sit. Tears filled my eyes. Never before had I met a fourth grader who couldn't read. "Why don't you try an ''l'T' I said . "Great job! We won the round!" For the rest of the day Damion clung to me. Each time I looked at him, I felt sad, but his enthusi­ asm warmed my heart. At such a young age, he has endured more hardships then I will probably ever face. Yet Damion helped me understand the impor­ tance of education. love, and service. Education will teach him to read, write. add. subtract, and take. charge of his life. Love will shield him from negative influences that hinder his life. Service will provide the foundation for building self-worth and confidence not only in Damion, but in myself. Dear Friend: I 0/10/98 I received the STREETVIBES and my request was printed in it. It was my hope and prayer that someone would hear my cry and distress through my request. However. there was no P.O. Box SI I. Columbus. Ohio 43216 Where I can be rea'c;hed. Make no mistake. your great concern is more than appreciated. Would you please re-print my ad or run my address in the paper- or however you see it! May God keep blessing you in your struggle. In Solidarity, lee Crum WARNING! Job Seekers I 0/22/98 Dear Friend: Should it be possible, prease place my address with my ad, so I can receive letters or pen pals. I also wish to thank you for printing my ad. Also, I mailed you-a.letter and it rewrned to ~ me- stating 45210. Incorrect- 45202/ I0 ac.ceptable. by Vikki Lynn l always read through-the want adS w~en­ looking-for a.job or just seeing what's available: What I've noticed on the last company I applle.q ~ ! was badly treated by a few oi the employees. "fhe second day on the job, I was calleda "bitch'1 and ' ! "nigger" by one of the workers. I don't know what I could have done while working th.ere tp that 1 individual, but nevertheless I suffered what is called . ''restraint of trade." I did resign to avoid a very badcf scene. The supervisor that I spoke to·said that that>, J person is difficult and try to work beside them anyway. I don't think so! At another j9b Iwas .) employed at, I was sexually accosted by an employe~ and my superiors did nothing about it.· I quit and they offered me my job back saying they were givini. me a second chance. Behavior like that wouldn't be tolerated because it was bad for the company as if it was my fault. How ironic! In 97', I got a job as a school bus driver for 'I special children. On the last day I worked there someone pulled up besides me and tried to run_me -> off the road. Get this, the training instructor was on the bus at the time and didn't do one thing about it. She didn't radio for help, she just sat there with a stupid look on her face. Iwrote down the license number, called the police, and contacted the director of transportation. I called an attorney I knew who suggested several avenues of defense, but to no avail. I was fired three weeks short ofbeing eligible for unemployment which you get if you don't work over the summer. So I say to you,"lf you are looking for a job or want to better yourself circumstances, Isuggest watch the company you choose closely before cosidering working there. It may not be worth your while. Read how often their company is seeking help. It may be something wrong with their picture."Photo by jimmy Heath - Thank you and Ma.y God' Continue bressing you ·alf.! In Solidarity, > A lee Crum 239-589 P.O. Box 511 (OCI) - - Columbus, OH 43216/0511 .' Dear Mr. Crum: Regretobly, we here at STREETVIBES were unable to locate your ad. However, it is our hope that the inclusion of your address here will render you solace in your endeavor to maintain contact with those on the outside. furthermore, your address .exists in the announcements section of REEETVIBES on page I5. If you hove any concerns please write to us again here at STREETVIBES. sf RESPECTING YOUR PEOPLE by Lolonta Foster Today I want to talk about respect.. Today in this world people have been disrespecting people by using words and actions in ways we people don't like. See people. when you disrespect other people, you know someone will disrespect you back. I know a lot of you out there know about respect, so you can just stop reading this. So, the people that don't know about respect you need to listen up. So for those of you that don't know about respect, there isn't nothing to it. Well, respect is when you go tell someone you love them or how beautiful they are, not by going up to them and trying to go mess up their face because you're jealous. Now, those of you that are on the streets and you know you disrespected your parent, I feel sorry for you because I would never disrespect my parent so that I would be where you are. So, one day you will look back and say, "Well, I think I disrespected my mom or dad!" Then you get on your feet and go find your family that you are sorry and please and beg them for forgiveness. Well. I was giving you all that are out a little something to think about. Good luck to you all!! �- - - - -- - - - - --- -------- - - STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page II Scramble byRancarter T ry to unscramble t hese related ~ COME ONE COME ALL TO THE -"MEETING ON THE OLD CAMP GROUND" SATURDAY r..- NOVEMBER 7, 1998 r..- 6:30 P.M. words: LEW EONLAH MPUPIKN SAMTIRCHS OWSN WNEAREYS ARTPY AVEENINLTS AYD DYCNA GHANKSTGIVIN KUTEYR at FIRST NEW SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 710 SOUTH CRESCENT AVENUE CINCINNATI, OHIO 45229 MICHAEL K. CASH, PASTOR Answers on page I 5. ANONYMOUS GUESTS AT THE MEETING: UNITED PRAISE VOICES OF HOPE FIRST NEW SHILOH MASS CHOIR TRIBE GOSPEL CHOIR THE VOICES FROM HEAVEN ·M s. BURNETTA PRICE, SOLOIST OLIVET ANGELIC YOUTH CHOIR MS. TASHIA HANKERSON, SOLOIST ELDER & MRS. CLARENCE PRINGLE NORTHERN KENTUCKY BROTHERHO.O D-SINGERS Sister & Bro ther, put do wn your d rugs. So o ur children can put down the irs. You old drug use r, is getting our young ones into the drug game. You are creating new drug users, w ife beate rs, fatherless children, mothers who... Leave their children It's time to stop. You are and w ill be held accountable. AS.KING ALL THAT WILL TO WEAR DEN IM OR BLUEJEAN A1TIRE MRS. ANNIEBELL RILEY, COORDINATOR Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptio ns to Stre etvibes ca n be purchased for $12 per ye ar. Please se nd a check to the below addre ss and the paper will b e mailed to you each issue. Stre etvibes I 506 Elm Street Cincinnat i, OH 45210 Ple ase make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless-­ Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call 421 -7803. r.J 272-0 90 3 Community Celebration. Live Music! Every Sunday -6PM Free of Charge Nast-Trinity United Methodist Church 1320 Race St. Cincinnati 721- 7339 Subscribe to Streetvibes COMEDY CORNER by Ron Carter There once was a cop named Smife, who carried a gun and knife. His gun was all dusted and his knife was all rusted, becuase he never caught a crook in his life. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Hom.eless Grapevine Page 12 FORMERLY HOMELESS: VETERANS ARE D.OING WELL by William Stone Submitted by Iola S. Green, HCHV Coordinator My name isW illiam Sto ne and I have been a compulsive gambler fo r ove r 30 years. In October 1996, I ent ered and completed the PTSD Program at theVAMC in Cincinnati, Ohio and began to deal w ith my problems from Vietnam. I was also attending GamblersAnonymous (GA) ,which I had off and on since 1976 when I got out of prison the first time. In January 1997, my life finally began to turn arou nd. Homeless and no where to go from the halfway house I had been sent to from prison, I was placed into the 6 month ResidentialTreatment Program at Joseph House by theVA HCHV Program With the help of Iola Green placing me into Joseph and the dedication and devotion from Sister Kateri M. Koverman.Clinical Director of Joseph House and Dr. James Ryan, the consulting psychologist, I started to hear and listen about my addiction, its strange hold on me, and how to work a successful reco.'ery. But I'm a slow learner and it didn't come right w:Nay. For the first three months of the Program. I continued to gamble,but didn't tell anyone at Joseph House.Then, guilt ridden and shamed of how I was and what I was doing. I told the staff at Joseph House. Iwas immedi- William Stone ately put on a Behavioral Contract, but felt relieved t hat everything was now in the open. Although I still have temptations often and have to deal with casino ads, lottery billboards, and the constant advertisements throughout the entire media, I no longer want to gamble.Through the Joseph House Program, my Ga mblersAnonymous fellowship, and my new relationship with my Higher Power, God, I am happy with who I am and with what I'm doing. I've gone from resident at Joseph House to Resident Manager at Moses House, a transitional housing program run by Joseph House, Inc.,to theAdm in istrativeAssistant at Joseph House. I am also on the Board ofTrustees as the first former­ graduate on the Board to represent the resident view in the decision making processes so vital to the homeless veterans Joseph House serves. I'm proud of who I am and as I help other recovering addicts at Joseph House, I continue to help myself. I consider \Jou Y\now +hose~ h.0Mons core about·as :f'\uch ~or euc:h . oth~~a~the~~ · -~~:~~~ do USo ..... -1·~- myse lf to be successful now but realize that wit h the illness of co mpulsive gambling, I must continue t o attend my GA meetings, keep totally surrendered to my Higher Fbwe r; Go d.and keep total honesty with my communities both at Joseph House and in the GA fellowship. I understand that I have a life lo ng mission to continue and am willing to do whatever is necessary to abstain from gambling. I'm also proud to say that I am beginning to recO'/er the relation­ ships with my five ch ildren and nine grandchil~ren which I almost destroyed during my addiction days. That will require life long humility and work too, but that which is worthwhile takes time and patience, both of which I have plenty to give. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 13 -News From Cleveland s Grapevine 1 LIFE AFTER WELFARE REFORM by Brian Davis After one year bf reform of welfare in the state of Ohio, there have been dramatic changes, but activists wonder if at the end of the day the commu­ nity is better-served .The Department of Human Services has split into two separate fields. One is known as Health and Nutrition which coordinates Medicaid, child care, and the food stamps program. The other is theWork andTraining Department which administers the cash program and works with the participants to assist in self sufficiency skills including finding a job. The Department has decentralized its services by setting up seven satellite offices in the community with four more in the works.They have reassigned · almost every case manager and provided training to almost fNery worker in the department.The case workers are in the community in an attempt to be more convenient to their clients. In the past two months, the department has started to convert · ' individuals from pape; fo~~d s~mps to electronic stamps that work in much the same way as a bank card. In Cuyahoga county. the welfare caseloads receiving cash assistance has dropped to 16,000 families down from 27,000. Cuyahoga County is actually behind other counties in reducing the welfare caseload with some counties cutting as much as 80% of those who were previously receiving assistance. CaseWorkers Reserve University Center for Urban Poverty studied those who left the welfare roles between 1996and 1997.Theyfound that46% were not making any money one year after leaving welfare, and another I I% were making less that $4,000 per year.They found that only about one third of the population was making $12,000 or more a year after they had left the welfare roles. With the number of worker in training, the new phone systems, and the confusion over the changes.both the Welfare Department and the County Ombudsman, and independent mediator and arbiter; report dramatic increases in complaints from recipients. Joe Gauntner. Director of Health and Nutrition, feels that those problems are in the past. He said," We feel we are on the downward curve (of complaints)'.' Rosalinda Denore, Special Projects Coordina­ tor of the Empowerment Center of Cleveland, is·not so sure that the worst of the problems are in the past. "There certainly is a lot of confusion:' Denore said. "They have set it up to make it easier, but they . have still not put in the i:ieces in place.They need training about being respectful and empathetic to the clients:· Denore said,"There are some who are really trying hard. Overall there is a lot of confusion and missing information and they cannot take time to help their clients:· 1 S ~eteWerheim,the County Ombudsman.said tl;iat they are finding it difficult to refer a women to the department·to sign up for assistance."f,hey are finding tha< they have to send~ social worker-with 1£. the client to be able to ask the right questions and know the direction a women must take to get the correct benefits.This is creating an additional hardship on the shelters who have to expand staff time to get women with children the benefits that they are entitled to receive. Gauntner defended the program changes saying that its natural to expect some confusion when a new system is iniroduced. Gauntner said that the training was almost complete."I think that things are starting to settle down. I would say that we try to be responsive to our customers'.' Werheim said," ( don't have a problem with having patience with the system. Basically, the people who are paying are those in the program . They tell us to'have patience: We need to hold them to the same standard that they are holding the community and their customers to:· The people receiving cash assistance are being sanctioned and dropped from the program at an alarming pace while their time clock continues to tick.The County will not accept" have patience" when a client shows up having voluntarily quit from their job because they had to quit to care for a sick child.They are given a three month sanction. Cleveland News Continued PaUe "14. v hr ..p n<.: > No-rth errr·-IE·Etn-tncky ~Hou·s ing~amr=· ·-· Homelessness Coa,lition (NKHHC) CITY OF NEWPORT DETERMINED TO DEMOLISH 202 UNITS OF ·PUBLIC HOUSING by Barry Grosheim Publi'c housing on Newports riverfront faces the wrecking ball if a still determined City of New­ port has its way. Using a combination of funding sources including Federal grants, HOME funds, l ow­ Income and HistoricTax Credits and private financ­ ing the City wants to clear the riverfront property for future development. In a letter to MayorTom Guidugli onAugust 27, 1998 the Steering Committee of the Northern Kentucky Housing and Homeless Coalition once again outlined its position on the proposed demoli­ tion.The letter; in part, stated: The NKHHC Steering Committee has ex­ pressed its concerns about plans to demolish 202 units of public housing on several occasions, both in writing and verbally at public meetings.The con­ cerns which needed to be addressed before the NKHHC Steering Committee could support any plan that calls for the demolition of existing units of public housing have been outlined, also in writing. This is to reiterate those issues and to raise specific obj.ections to the announced plan. In the past the NKHHC Steering Committee has stated that it could support the proposed demolition only if: · New units of housing are produced, on line and ready for occupancy before any demolition occurs. · One new unit of housing is built for each unit to be demolished. · Replacement units have affordability guaran­ teed for the life of the building. ·Any new units achieved through the ren(7(a­ t ion of existing buildings does not cause displace­ ment of current low-income tenants. Renovation of abandoned houses and of buildings not currently used for housing is acceptable, renovation of houses that are currently occupied is not. ·Any use of Section 8 subsidies is by new certificates, not part of the current allotment. The plan announced last month brings up two additional issues of great concern.The NKHHC Steering Committee opposes any residency require­ ments that differ from the guidelines for existing public housing units. Specifically, these new units of housing must be available to households with incomes below 30% of the median income for Northern Kentucky.Also, the plan calls for the use of Low-Income Tax Credits as part of the financing. package. Low-IncomeTax Credits were established by Congress to foster the development of much needed low-income rental housing.The intent of Congress did not include their use to replace existing affordable housing and certainly not for a project which would actually reduce the number of units of affordable housing available in Northern Kentucky.The. NKHHC Steering Committee opposes the use of Low-IncomeTax Credits in this project. The Mayor has not responded to the letter or the concerns expressed. Subsc.ribe to Streetvi bes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchase d for $12 pe r year. Please se nd a che ck to the be low address and the paper will be m ailed to you each m o nth. Streetvibes I 506 Elm Street C incinnati, OH 452 10 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless-­ Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call 42 1-78 03. �I STREETVIBES The Tri State's Hom.e/ess Grapevine Cleveland News My Early Life In Continued The West End by James Hobbs From Page 13... A number of different activists raised the concern that at the same time the County is making huge cuts in the number of people being served, they a re expanding their CNerhead by opening neighbor­ hood centers. Denore raised the question that if the roles keep decreasing, will the neighborhood centers be open and the staff trained and there will not be anyone left receiving assistance. Is the money that was going to families being used to pay rent,addi­ tional staff, and security for the new centers? Gauntner said the Department still has not reached the estimated number of staff budgeted in January of 1998. He said that in comparison to years such as 1990 when there was a large welfare caseload, the department has hundreds of fewer employees. Gauntner said this was a legitimate concern,but cautioned that the task of theWork and Training office is to support people who have left cash assistance and support them so that they don't have to come back to cash assistance. The changes that will have the impact on the largest number of people is the conversion of food stamps from paper to an electronic benefit card. In the next 6 months, 40,000 people will need to begin to use the benefit card in Cuyahoga County. Gauntner said that most of the stores have con­ verted to the electronic benefits, and 5,000 people have started using the system.The problem with the new system noted by both the Ombudsman's Office and the Empowerment Center was the delay in getting the benefits when a problem arises. It takes sometimes as much as 48 hours to correct a problem when a card does not work.This is 48 hours the family goes without food or must make other arrangements. I remember moving in the Lincoln Courts shortly after they were built. I attended Washburn Elementary School. During the summer, my brothers and sister would swim and play basketball at Lincoln Center. One Christmas Santa brought me a new bike. On this same Christmas, one of my brothers caused the Christmas Tree to burn. The next summer Iwent on long bike trips. for example, Mt. Airy Park. Mt. Echo, the Cincinnati Zoo, and Lunken Airport. I remember picking apples up in Clifton Heights and taking them home where my mom prepared cooked cobblers. They were delicious. To me at that time, the Lincoln Courts were a wonderful place to live and play. 11 le:J IAlX)N MOVIEREVIEW ­ Page 14 apparent reason it ju,st couldn't deliver: It was a flop. LarenzTate,one of my favorite actors and who I IOYed in" LCNe Jones",carried the mCNie in his portrayal of Frankie Lymon. Halle Berry played a classy and glamourous lady who saw the talent in Frankie. She loved him but she tried desperately not to. Like so many sisters she believed she could do better but she was blinded by Frankies charisma. VivicaA. Fox known in the smash hit;' Soul Food", did an outstanding job. Her character made me weak. Her life was filled with pain, poverty and dominated by the blues. Like many young Black women who give their hearts to their men, she wound up being victimized in the name of ICNe.Th e gentleman that had been locked inside Frankie came out when he met Lela Rochan,who played the naive good girl.With no one to turn to and no one to love, Frankie Lymon took a journey into a dark world of self destruction that developed into a drug habit. Like a writer who loves to write, his passion for music which was no longer at the core of his life led him deeper into drugs. Music was what he lived for: It was his pass ion.his world.When Frankie was no longer appreciated by the public, he could no longer sang; he died even though he was alive.A very important element in the movie was exposure of the record company.They made four million dollars off the hitWhy Do Fools Fall In Love, while Frankie and his wives were cheated out of royalties. If this movie does nothing else, it enforces whatThe Shadow believes in .That self-publishing is the future. The movie was about his relationships but what I got most out of the movie is that Blacks need to self­ publish or produce their own works. People will probably get many different messages from the m CNie, butThe Shadows message to my beautiful Black sisters is when somebody ICNes you.its no good unless they ICNe all the way. WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE by The Shadow CMHA PROJECTS It was a story that was almost too sad to be told.The movie was based on a triangle involving three women who all claimed to be married to Frankie Lymon . He was a rock star in the SO's and was known for his classic hit that he wrote"Why Do Fools Fall In Love". It was one of those movies that built you up only to let you down. For unknown by Vikki Lynn I would like to enlighted people on the living in the Metropolitan Housing Devlopments. I was homeless when I applied for housing through the shelter I stayed at. I've been living there since mid April. I didn't have anything but as time went by. I accumulated what I needed. Since my stay, I have observed the environment I live in. The apartme.nt is a one bedroom. I don't pay utilities and they go by your income. Which can be helpful when you are not employed. Or between jobs. The downside of the projects is the noise. They play basketball at all hours of the night. Drinking acohol right outside the main door. Standing in the way when you are trying to get in or out of the building. Hollering for people. I feel that it's not where you live, but how you live. I go to the store, I keep my house clean, I take out the garbage when necessary. Basically, I stay. to myself. I'm polite to my neighbors and speak when i'have to. I don't visit or socialize. The other day. my neighbor was riding me to the store and she asked why I don't visit, my response was simple, I perfer to keep that way. Everywhere I have lived in this city, I stay to myself. I don't think it's proper for me carry on with folks because everyone does. There are pluses and minuses no matter where you go but, if you don't know the lifestyle that you're entering, it can pull you under or suck you dry. I have no idea how long I'll be there, but I sure am glad I have a place to lay my head and call my own home. I like it. Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Looking for a place to call home? Call the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Affordable rent that never exceeds 30°/o of your income ... Many buildings equipped with security systems .. . Units located on buslines and near stores, schools, hospitals, banks Rental units are available in these family and senior communities: Avondale Hopple Street/Fairmount West End Winton Place For more information, call 421-8190 today. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 15 · ' TRIBE GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS "GOSPEL FROM THE HOOD" A YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 12, 13 , & 14, 1998 FREE POLITICAL PRISONERS by Sonny Williams There·are several political prisoners in Ohio's prisons. If you are interested-to write to them. like James Pryor or Dan Cahill, please contact: ' UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ELDER TIMOTHY PRICt of CHARLOTTE, NC & IVA DURAND of CINCINNATI, OH AT In Memory of 11 Mac 11 Who Believed In Human Rights For Everyone & Who Founded Justice Watch ••• Because Every­ 0ne1 includes Prison­ ers and Former Prisone rs. 1 Ohio Prisoner's Rights Union P .O . Box 1746 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201 ­ 1746 FIRST NEW BAPTIST CHURCH 710 SOUTH CRESCENT AVENUE CINCINNATI, OH 45229 MICHAEL K. CASH, PASTOR Write to prisoner Lee Crum at:: OCI #329-589 PO BOX Sii Columbus, OH 43216 For more information, please contact: MRS, ANNIEBELL RILEY at 2 72-0903 or 2 72-0911 Band Lookin& for Work Streetvibes (the band). We like to party. R&B. Oldies, Blues/ Jazz. Reggae. Helping the homeless to help themselves through free enterprize. Call 421-7803 . Streetvibes is now accepting Classified Ads for items such as Help Wanted, Items for Sale. Apart­ ments for Rent and other non-personal items. The rate is only $I per line, approximately four words per line. Classified ads are due by the 20th of the month. People below the poverty level will be allowed five free lines for six months to advertise their skills or products to our readers. Otherwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there is .an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 for sale Native American·cookies; orders being accepted: R. C. Janus, (Fax) 891-8663. position wanted Office worker seeks 20­ 30 hour sit down job on bus line, within 2 miles of the river in either Kentucky or Ohio; non-medical terminology, non-filing cabinet office work; social services, sales, public information, crafts, and other background, some computer experience; contact Box 2. Streetvibes, I506 Elm St., Cincinnati, 45210. Laborer Looking for a labored Has worked at Riverfront. Is willing to do any kind of work. Call Sonia Craig at the Drop Inn Center, 721­ 0643. Elderly or Children Looking for a community oriented job dealing with elderly or children. 3 year ourteach worke-r/ counselor aide at YMCA. 13 years typing. Computer and cashier experience includin.& Windows, Lotus, Any Word Processor. Call Anjail Madyun at the Drop Inn Center, 721-0643. Degreed, successful grants administrator/writer seeks commissioned, free lance position as same; ten percent commission per award. Contact J. Janus, Jr. (Fax) 891-8663. Native American-Hispan ic female seeks sit down, slow­ paced industrial FACTORY position; physically challenged. (Fax) 891-8663. Scramble A·nswers from page 11... HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CHRISTMAS SNOW NEW YEARS PARTY VALENTINES DAY CANDY THANKSGIVING TURKEY STREETVIBES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $I per line. Call 421-7803 for info. Stre·etvibes -Vendor Code of Conlluct Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. I. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $I voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $I. 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 with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell'' or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distributors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the "homeless" if! general. I will be honest irr stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who ar'e homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that the failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. Sales Representative Looking for position as sales representative or management. Has good bookkeeping, typing and supervisory skills. Has experience _in retail management, customer service and sales. Is available to work immediately. Call Dea Harris at 552-935 I. Restaurant Work Responsible older man able to work any shift. Would prefer work as a busser at a resta~rant as well as work as a dishwasher or cook. Is very dependable and available immediately. Please contact Wiley Powell at 831-8404. Baby Sitter Need a babysitter? Former child-care worker with day­ care experience. Call Mary Ann at 665·4375 or pager at 610-8527 help wanted I Contineency f ee ~ Not afraid of Catholic Church or PUCO. Send office hours and name of law school on letterhead paper to I I I I Elm Street. No. 432, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Streetvibes Radio Hour On WAIF 88.3 fm The Homeless Coalition has a live radio program which can be heard on WAIF radio on the second Saturday of each month at noon. 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. Here are the next show dates; WAIF 88.3 fm Saturday. Nov. 14th, 1998, Noon to I pm ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Advertise in Streetvibes! Advertising in Streetvibes is a chance for businesses to help a good cause while promoting themselves to 4,000 concerned people each month. The rates are shown below. ***Business Card Size 2" x 3 1./2" $10 per month ***Two Business Card Size 4" x 3 I /2" $20 per month A check or money order'must accompa,ny the ad copy. We reserve the right to deny any ad, especially those which promote alcohol or tobacco products. You will receive a full refund should your ad be denied. For larger ads, call the number below. Ads are due by the 20th of each month. If you need assistance in preparing your ad or have any other questions, call the Homeless Coali­ tion at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes TV STREETVIBES Sweat and T-Shirts! Only $5 for T's, $1 O for Sweats. The Streetvibes TV Show is produced at the facilities of Cincinnati Community Video. Some viewers might not see the show appear at the right channel or time during the next couple months as Warner Cable changes programming and channels. STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes TV November Schedule This month's show will feature a round table discussion with homeless pe rsons, forme rly homeless perso ns and service provide rs. Homeless issues will be discussed by pane l m e mber s in an ope n forum.. Channe l 7 LIVE CALL-IN SHOW. Mo nday. Novembe r 16th at 7PM. 100% White Cotton Shirts and Long Sleeve Sweat Shirts XL Purple logo Re broadcast Dates for Show o n Chan· ne l 10: T-shirts and Sweat Shirts are available at our office at I506 Elm Street. Please stop by and see us. Satl•rday. November 7, 1998, 4 PM Friday. November 13. 1998, 11 AM Friday, November 20. 1998, 11 AM Saturday, November 28, 1998, 4 PM Monday, November 23, 1998, I0 PM Broadcast schedules are s ubject to change - consult your local TV directory. Where Your Dollar Goes Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production : 20 cents 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 collecting for a private charity, please call our office at 421-7803. Thanksforyour support. 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 Homeless Coalition at 421-7803. SHELTERS: W o men and Children Alice Faul House (abuse) YWCA Transitional Living Prog. Bethany House Salvation Army Welcome House 24 1-2757 281-5770 557-2873 762-5660 431-8717 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) C habad House Drop Inn Center (singles) Friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) 761-1480 821-5100 721-0643 38 1-5432 863-8866 Page 16 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center St. John's Temporary Housing 244-7226 961-4080 651-6446 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReST OC Tender Mercies (Mental 111) Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381-0954 721-8666 961-4555 TREATMENT: W o m e n O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 241-7343 921-7324 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Bo th N.A. Hopeline A.A Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820-2947 861-9966 38~-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 OTHER SERVICES AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 421-2437 62 1-5991 If you have any ideas for future STREETVIBES TV shows please contact our office at 421-7803. We always enjoy hearing from our veiwing audience. Ideas should address subjects related to homeless­ ness and poverty in our city. We are always inter­ ested in viewer ideas. so please give us a call... Streetvibes Wish List STR££VIB£S is published monthly on a shoe­ string budget. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donor s. If you can help out with some of the items on our wish list please give us a call... >Adobe Photoshop Software for IBM to save scanning costs >Adobe Illustrator Software for IBM > Adobe Pagemaker Software for STREETVIBES layout >35 MM Film for STREETVIBES photo's >Laser Printer >Advertisers to help support the paper >Office Supplies >Supplies for Vendors Lounge (coffee, cups. donuts , etc.) >Computer for STREETVIBES layout and writing C a ll t h e STREETVIBES o ffi ce at Al 1­ 7803 if you c a n help! 231-6630 Beech Acres Center for Independent living Options 241-2600 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961 -0600 569-1840 Community Action Agency 381-4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Community Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 621-7149 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bd. 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control 357-4602 Health Resource Center 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van 221-3679 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 271-5501 72 1-4811 Mary Magdalen House 62 1-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 721-7660 T ravelers Aid 721-7900 United W ay 559-6656 VA Homele ss Program 491-3335 Women's Crisis Center � 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 1998 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1998 Vol 2, issue 21 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: 'Standown '98' a Big Success: Hundreds of Homeless Persons Served During Cincinnati's Two Day Event In Memory of Buddy Gray: February 19th, 1950-November 15th, 1996 We Remember Pg 2: The Traveler: Not Just Another Trip Pg 3: OTR Loses Vine Street Battle Pg 4: Welfare News Pg 5: Broken City Pg 6: Arts & Poetry Pg 7: Nationwide Pg 8: Prisoners News Pg 9: Letters & Editorials Pg 10: Mexican Border News Pg 12: Homeless Veterans Pg 13: Cleveland News N. Kentucky News Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project (curated by Katelyn Lusher) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ron Carter Denise Crew Brian Davis Julia Fischer Lolonta Foster Barry Grosheim Patrick Harmon Jimmy Heath James Hobbs Vikki Lynn Bonnie Neumeier Theresa Nye James W . Pryor William Stone Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Diane Young Brett Zwolinski Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <span>This work is licensed under a</span><span> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a><span>.</span> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Barry Grosheim Bonnie Neumeier Brett Zwolinski Brian Davis buddy gray Denise Crew Diane Young Donald Whitehead immigration James Hobbs James W . Pryor Jimmy Heath Julia Fischer Lolonta Foster Lynn Williams Patrick Harmon prisoner Ron Carter Theresa Nye veterans Vikki Lynn welfare welfare reform William Stone https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/2a986db285f61e18dd8acc2ebcfd5400.pdf 9890841a7f05e216537415c3fbf816be PDF Text Text Miss America Adds Human Touch to the 1999 Homeless Veteran's·Stand Down A Two-day Cease Fire in America's War on the Poor Stand-Down 99, a co-production of the Veteran'sAdministration and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, is a yearly attempt to stave off the encroaching of Old Man Winter for people living on the edge. Essentially, it is a services conven­ tion and surplus supplies give-away, where a lot of people with limited access to clothing, blandkets, etc. for the winter, or health, housing and other services, can receive them with very little hassle. Medical services like Flu Shots, T. 8 . Tests, Dental Services, Eye/glasses clinic, Blood Pressure checks and Acute _ doctor's care, were offered. Other ser­ vices included Free haircuts at the mo­ bile salon of Project Day-Maker, Legal Aid sign-up (Legal Aid Society), em­ ployment and housing programs sign­ up, AIDS information, and invitations to places like Moses House, the Homeless Veterans Landing Zone Lounge. As an extra nice touch, Miss America, Heather French showed up to lend her support for Homeless Veterans and all who struggle with poverty every day. She talked to people, hugged anyone who asked, casually walked through the Drop Inn Center in a characteristically non­ celebrity-like manner, and generally displayed her genuine conce rn and humanity. • ••• • •T.B. Heather French greets Stand Down participants as she tours the Drop Inn Center Miss America Visits the Drop Inn Center The winner of this year's Miss America Pageant, Heather Renee French, visited the Drop Inn Center October 2grh to d raw attention to the plight ofhomeless veterans. Miss America's visit was perfectly timed, for she came during the H omeless Stand Down, an annual event con­ ducted by the Veteran's administration in coop­ eration with the Homeless Coalition and the Drop Inn Center. The Stand Down is intended to offer desperately needed services to homeless veterans, such as medical care, haircuts, legal ser­ vices, housing referrals, and seasonal clothing. In the days before Miss French came ro the Drop Inn, the word traveled by way ofmouth that she'd be coming here. We all cried to be enthusiastic, but not too enthusiastic. A few people remembered her, for she had volunteered ac the Drop Inn Center in an effort ro under­ stand more clearly the struggles facing homeless veterans before becoming Miss Kentucky. In preparation, all the p ro- feminists put aside their objections to the M iss America pageant, in hopes that her visit might help the Center get some positive media attention. Miss French became concerned about the issue ofhomeless veterans as a child because her father is a disabled Vietnam Veteran. She re­ counted her memories of waiting with her fa­ ther at the Veteran's Hospital, surrounded by other veterans, some in poor condition. These experiences, which shaped her family life, left an impression that led her to choose to focus on homelessness ~hen she began competing in beauty pageants. As Miss Kentucky, Miss French had al­ ready advocated for homeless veterans in the Kentucky state legislature. Since September, when she became Miss America, she has used her increased stature to have a greater impact.on the public debate about homeless vetera.Qs. In addi­ tion to discussing the issue with Tipper Gore and other prominent politicians, she has packed vast numbers ofpublic speaking engagements in her single year as ¥iss America, for she hopes to raise awareness as much as possible in that time. In (continued on page 3) Larry Ashby , Drop Inn Center resident, with Heather French, Miss America £ �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES The Page 2 REMEMBERING buddy gray Tri-State's Homeless Graoevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Home­ less Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless, social justice and poverty related issues. It is published once a month, 12 issues a year, by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for t he Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cover printing costs) and then sell the paper for a dollar donation. The vendor keeps the profits. Becoming aStreetvibes Vendoris a great way for homeless ~nd other low­ income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibesvendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes vendor badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. November 15th marks thethird anni­ versaiy ofbuddygray's tragic death, a tireless advocate for the homeless. Neigh­ borhood based organizations in Over-the­ Rhine suchas Drop Inn Center ShelterHouse, ReSTOC Low Income Hous­ ingCooperative, GreaterCincinnati Coali­ tion forthe Homeless and Over-the-Rhine Housing Network are able to continue to respond to the crisisofhomelessnessand lackofaffordable housing because ofthe strongfoundation that was built under buddy's long tenure of leadership and labor. After three years his loss is still poignant, but his death did not leave a vacuum because buddybelieved in pass­ photq byJimmy Heath Staff Donald Whitehead, Director Susan Knight, Administrative Coordinator Tom Billman, Streetvibes Editor Ron Carter, Vendor Support Gina Miller, Rapid Exit Program Warren Perkins, Tenant Organizing Photos by Tom Billman, Julie, Jimmy Heath, Donald Whitehead, Writers Bonnie Neumeier Tom Billman Te'tro Amaru Rodney Sutton James Pryor Alford Cephas Larry Ashby Judi Mendriski Alexandra Rae el-Katib Donald Whitehead Ron Carter Lynn Williams Dan Cahill Tree HenryTate Charmaigne Gilden Azariah Israel Rodey Sutton Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graph­ ics, photos.... We will print everything we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Please send all material to the following address: Streetvibes clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513)421-7803 fax(S13)421-7813; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com (text-only) or homecoal@primax.net ( attached files) webpage: http://cinci.com/ gcch The Streetvibes Newspaper Planning Committee is about to resume its monthly meetings to plan the next issue and increase circulation. Ifyou are interested in giving us a hand, please call 427-7803. ing on knowledge and skills so the work ofthe Over-the-Rhine struggle would cany on. He did not work in isolation. He always had somebody learning and work­ ing along side ofhim. He was not about building up his own kingdom. buddylearned from activists and truth-bearers before him. He knew that for the freedom train to keep on chugging along more people had t o be inspired to hop aboard. buddy taught us well that the ride would be arduous and long but thejourneyworth it. Alice Walker claims in "AnythingWe Love Can Be Saved": We begin to distinguish between the need, singly, to throw rocks at whatever is oppressing us, and the creative joy that arises when we bring our collective stones ofresistance against injustice together." buddy possessed a special gilt ofenergizingourcollectivestonesof resistance. We miss so much his mobiliz­ ingand energizingspirit but h e believed stronglywe each carried itwithin us and he challenged us to call itforth in our own unique ways and to u se itin our daily work of justice . buddy's spirit is· singing cany it on, AND WE WILLI So in the chill ofa utumn's air letus rememberbuddyin his raiJroad cap putting his arm around a person homeless inWashington Park, coaxing his friend to come on over to the Drop Irm Center. Let us rememberbuddyin his hard hat work­ ingon a Saturdayguerrilla crew at ReSTOC getting everyone excited and believing we cansave this buildingfor our people to live in. Let us remember buddy whispering in a huddle in City Hall cham­ bers txying to figure outour next move to lobby a vote for our neighborhood issues. Let us remember buddyand his bellowing voice challenging injus­ tices everywhere he went. Let us rememberbuddyleaning down to pick up a child and giving a big squeeze ofcare and encouragement. Let us rememberbuddyin his pickup truckhelping a family move with their meager possessions setouton the street Letus remember buddy's electrtc laugh and sense ofhumor which helped us find fun in our work. Letus rememberbuddy planting trees for he believed beauty would inspire us. Let usrememberbuddyon his bicycle riding around in early hours of morning and lateat night to find space and moments to reflect. Let u s remember buddy buyinga cheese sandwich, chocolate milk and Reese's CupatBang'sMarket, and sharing it with a friend. Let us remember that buddy believed in us and the power ofthe people to change the world to be a better place. buddy remembers us too. He misses giving u s his "buddyhugs." I am sure he laughs and cries with us as we experience ourlittle victories and big defeats. He understands more completely than ever what we are going through in our daily efforts to hold on to Drop Irm CenterShelterHouse, ourhomes and our communityofOver-the-Rhine. buddy's life was violently taken from us;butour relationship with him still lives. Thework he dedicated his life to lives on in u s and through us. buddy'ssoul is embedded deep in our neighborhood ofOver-the­ Rhine because he planted roots and love all over the place. And when the struggle gets tou gh, ifwe listen long and hard enough, we will be able to hear buddy's bellowing voice .. .YOU CAN DO IT MY BROTHERSANDSISIERS, CARRYIT ON, NOT JUST FORME, NOTJUST FOR YOU, BUI'FORAILOFUS, CARRYIT ON! ........by BonnieNeumeier, I.ongTimeFTiend and c.ompanion �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 3 ARTIST GROUP ORGANIZES IN SUPPORT OF DROP INN CENTER Much of the Arts and Education center Board's the Arts and Education center act i':'ities now seem to be happening in seemed to have taken place in secret. committees, behind closed doors. No notices Several Over-the-Rhine advocacy ofpublic meetings have recently surfaced. o rgan izations became involved "We are asking the GCAEC co carefully however, after the initial reconsider any plan that threatens the Drop Inn announcement of5 potential plans, Center's home in Over-the-Rhine and co instead 4 ofwhich involved the destruction develop plans that respect che neighborhood and of the D .I. C., (the other, rhe ics many instinitions", said Steve Lansky, local poet elimination ofthe police station and and Artists For the Drop Inn Center member. a power station). The plans were At least 50 artists are presently in the gene rated fr om a $450,000 group, and a petition is circulating co attract more feas ibility study conducted by an support. outside architectural firm who did For more information, contact not talk to any Community groups Barbara Wolf, 861-2462, in determining feas ibility. br_wolf@hotmail.com * * * * Benefit Concert O n Wednesday, O ctober 6, a group of artists opposing the D rop Inn Center's D islocation called a press conference at the gazebo in Washington Park to announce che creation of Artists for the Drop Inn Center. Artists for the Drop Inn Center w ill hold a concert to ".,, benefit the Drop Inn Center on _L January 15 at the Southgate House1f 'I (lower ballroom and second floor bar area), featu ring a variety of artists­ punk, rock, jazz, classical fusion ... Players will be invited to tour and perform at the DIC the Saturday before. Ginny Frazier and members of Circles and Arrows (above) performed the Steve Schumacher version of " D owntown", (see September issue of Streetvibes) before a small crowd of artists and advocates. Bar ba ra Wo lf, spokesperson for the n ew organization, stated that, there is no reason to pit ans and artists against the Drop Inn Center in the creation of the G reater C incinnati Ar ts and Education Center. (GCAEC) Help needed to organize this event. Contact John at 751-1 740, or JohnZeh@aol.com, or CapCoverag@aol.com Bonnie Neumeier, one ofthe DICenter's founders, described the plans of the Cincinnati Arts and Education Center Board: M!lJly of the plans for ( Miss America, Continued) fact she travels 20,000 miles each month! Miss French, who has a research team that keeps her informed about the issue, offered some of her thoughts about homeless veterans. For, example, she said that she thinks the current government volunteers distribute refreshments to Stand Down veterans waiting in line fund ing is insufficient to address the problems of homeless veterans. She thinks that job train­ ing is one solution to the problem, and hopes that attention co homeless vets will help .t he homeless as a whole. Many here at the Drop Inn Center hope her visit will help the D rop Inn in its struggle to stay in its home at 121h and Elm. In fact, Miss America said she would sign on her support, and that we should call her ifwe need her to take ac­ tion (civil disobedience has nor been ruled out). Others offer positive feed back also, saying that they were amazed she would walk the streets of O ver the Rhine. Nancy Lester, co-chair of the Stand Down, said "she's very im­ p ressive, very committed and sincere", noting that she stayed an hour longer than she was scheduled to serve the homeless in Wash­ in gcon Park. Ms. Lester also remarked that Miss French scood apart from other winners of the pag­ eant because she chos~ a po­ litically volatile issue. "Most people rreat the poor like lepers, they have the feeling that homeless people could do better if they want to." Despite any reservations, most people interviewed held out the hope mat her visit would help some home­ less people, and contribute to keeping the Drop Inn Center open. As the Stand D own ends, the excitement generated by M iss America's visit is rapidly fading into the past. All things must pass, bu~ we should all thank Miss America for visiting the Drop Inn, leaving us with memories of a celebrity visit that buoyed our sense ofhope and importance. • • • • • • �. . ..t..."-. - STREETVIB..E S . . . - "fheT~i-State's. fjom$1ess Grapel(irJf? ~·. · .. ~ ~ .. - . " • ~·- .. • . ~ .: --.· .... , .. - ~a_g~ 4 _.c • ~ 4~ • ~ -·· • WORD O_N THE STREET Novetnber (regards to Mike H enson) ........ by Patrick Harmon Because snow falls early through broken windows Because wine burns blood red And crack melts the heart Because we live off the waste of the rich Beca use children pick through garbage And fa milies sleep in the park Because it can be illegal nor to have a bed Because hom elessness is living Because we are all refugees T hey created a climate of fear Because the m ind is plagued with hate Because the gherco's been flooded with guns Because bullets shine in the dark Because glasses were raised to the blast I shook. I held My knees and rocked back and fo rth Because I sat on the floor And rolled cigarettes Because I needed to be alone Because the ghetto was silent Because it was so cold for N ovember Because the wind crept under the door And stole the color of my soul Because Wilbur didn't pull the trigger Because Wilbur didn't pull rhe trigger • • • My Nigga. • • ...... Te 't ro Amaru To fully comprehend and understand where we're going one must realize the horrors from where we've been. Uprooted like produce to help produce the America which . hides all truths.brainwashes our youths, and rewrites our history for 'His' story of how everything was and has come to be .. . we have maintained our sanity and stability in an efforts to effectively reconstruct what the majority of 'devilz' intentionally and systematically plot to deconstruct. Arts & Poetry MEDIA PLAY ...by Alford Cephas (D.0.0.P) The Media will play with your mind all the ti.me Itwill rate you, tape you, player hate you, rape you, then downgrade you. ItwillcreateFantasy dreams. Make a man kill, steal, deal, just to be a part of society's team What the Media play is what the people believe. Usingwords to make the image for a Universal herd. Now you may not understand what the media will do to you. But,look inside the home~ c.ommunity, state or continent andsee people playing make believe life. W0 R D SCRAMBLE ........by Ron Carter soluiions to last month's scramble: Cinci1111at Cam on, Cleveland. Columbus, Kentucky, Louisville, Lexington, Newporr. E W HAl f lNO , K PMUPNI , K A s M" T I H wc OM BRO , O GI E OSD , ERTAT , P A S 0 I NATURE LIVES Nature is indeed the best Then comes the rest Man was made, But nature saves Man will eventually give But nature lives .... ... Henry Tate A FROWN W hile sitting here thinki ng about Life's ups and downs. Upon my face came a frown. A time to reflect on gifts, And not to be concerned about ifs If I could 've, If I wou ld've and if I should've Really doesn't matter. Because if we stay focused, Our lives will only get better. Then comes time when we may project ahead , Not knowing whether we will be living or dead. That's why it's important to live just for today. Not letting tomorrow get in our way. I Hint: before the saints come marching in. ( answers on page J5) ~Remember! God's in control of our ups and downs And if it's his will our frowns wi ll be turned upside down . .. ...by Henry Tate Stronger than the bonds that held us chained in chains we've strived and survived to accomplish unspeakable gains throughout the loss, and within the cost, unimaginable things. And yet, what many feel we have neglected from the on-lookers misconception is simply what we have taken out of disrespect and transformed into the respect of our 'feared' nation? Just 'cause I love My 'Nigga's'. I would shed blood for My 'Nigga's'. . Let a Nigga holler, "Where's My Nigga's'?" And all I want to hear is, "Right here, My 'Nigga' ." "It's our new Reality Check. No matter how many we issue, it will never cover your expenses." �STREETVIBES Wings ol Lorie As I tilt my face toward Heaven And search the skies above. She descends from on high to hold me near. And wrap about me her angelic wings of love. •• •• ••• by Larry A1hby The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine AINNIE Shining stars, and fellow d reams Aren 't as good as your ice cream When it tastes like lemon d rops, Custard pie with crunchy tops . Nice and cool and creamy whipped Messed Up World Trash in the streets. Paper on the sidewalks People strolling in parks lea·ving their trash on the bench. Destroying wonderful sculptures. Why do we live in such a messed up world? •••••••••by Larry A1hby Page 5 Not a cherry, just 4 dips Down your"tummy yum, yum, yum Now we're fi nished wasn't that fun . ...... ... Charmaign Gilden DREAM Seeing you is like a dream, Listening love and everything, Whispers sweet, laughing too. Enjoying all the soul of you. Touching you is so much more, I simply, simply, yearn for more, Deep inside you I long to Dwell In your heart and in all your wells Making sure this is not a tale Low Income or No Income ..... Low Income Housing is ..... living in an abandoned building because you have no place to call home,... Going to the Drop Inn Center because it's too wet or cold to sleep in the streets ... Corporate America dictates the difference and the outcome of the Low Income and the NO Income. If we examine the minimum wage laws an·d the attitudes of the wealthy or those who employ, we will see the injustice that is done to low income families even in the White House. The United States of America has declared with the power invested in them by GOD, that it is fair for these industrious corporate geniuses to set your salary at minimum wage; so if minimum wage is low income and minimum wage is $5.15, what is that going to provide for a family of 4? The economy or the monopoly is in the hands of the landowners or the corporate geniuses or the United States Government. Now, consider this: The agency that offers to adjust your rent according to your income is not doing you a big favor at all because 4 hungry ch ildren, a husband and a wife still live in poverty. ...............Charmaign Gilden .. ........Azariah Israel FREEDOM R -R -R each for the sky, Grab on to a star-r, Follow where it leads, hang on-as it travels, HoldTight! You're in for a r-ride. You 'II swerve from side to side, Tumble up-side-down, Swivel around like a top, Become topsy-turvy, Hold Tight! You're in for a r-ride. Freedom is a 2-edged sword. It gives you. the strength and endurance that you need; It allows you to do something you thought you couldn' t or wouldn ' t do. Freedom allows you to fight for something you believe in. -AND YET­ a loows you to figh t against something you don 't believe· in, The Cincinna ti Ben gals sat on a waH Because they could not Hip ! H ip! hoor ay for F reed om! The path takes you thru­ valleys and deserts. Let Freed om fly h igh! The way becomes almost invisible, Other times-very clear. Let ever yone rai se h ead s a nd salute, It may become curvy like a snake, O ther times, straight as an arrow. Freedom isn 't any " is m '; At times, you don't know where you are r a cism , ageism, n egati vism. going, Freedom is n't bigotry, hatred , Other times, it is very apparent. or anyt hing that does not Hold1ight!! res pect t,he huma n spirit. Hang on-you 're in for a ride!!! .....Judi Mendriski . ... ... by Ron Carter Judi Mendriski, from JUDI'S HEART pla.y football. All th e kings hot·ses and all the ki ngs men tried to help them get it together again . But \Vhen it was all said and done, No more gan1es had th ey won. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Awareness A handsome, middle aged man walked quietly inco the cafe and sat down. Before he ordered, he couldn't help but notice a group of younger men at the cable next to him. It was obvious chey were making fun ofsomething about him, and it wasn't until he remembered he was wearing a small pink ribbon on che lapel of his suit chat he became aware of what the joke was all about. The man brushed off the reaction as igno­ rance, but the smirks began to gee co him. He looked one of the rude men square in the eye, placed his hand beneath che riobon and asked ' quizzically, "This?" With that the men all began co laugh our loud. The man he addressed said, as he fought back laughter, "Hey, sorry, man, but we were just commenting on how prerry your lirtle ribbon Looks against your blue jacker!" The middle aged man calmly motioned for che joker to come over to his cable, and invited him co sic down. As uncomfortable as he was, the guy obliged, not really sure why. In a soft voice, the middle aged man said, "I wear this r.ibbon co bring awareness about breast cancer. I wear it in my mother's honor." "Oh, sorry dude. She died of breast cancer?" "No, she didn't. She's alive and well. But her breasts nourished me as an infant, and were a soft resting pierce for my head when I was scared or lonely as a little boy. I'm very graceful for my mother's breasts, and her health." "Umm", the stranger replied, "yeah", "And I wear this ribbon co honor my wife", che middle aged man wenc on. "And she's okay, too?", the other guy asked" "Oh, yes. She's fine. Her breasts have been a great source of loving pleasure fo r boch of us, and with chem she nurtu\·ed and nourished our beautiful daughrer 23 years ago. I am graceful for my wife's breasts, and for her health." "Uh huh. And I guess you wear it to honor your daughter, also?" "No. Ir's coo lace co honor my daughter by wearing ic now. My daughter died of breast cancer one monch ago. She choughc she was coo young ro have breast cancer, so when she acciden­ tally noticed a small lump, she ignored it. She thought char since it wasn' t painful, ic muse nor be anything co worry about." Shaken and ashamed, che now sober stranger said, "Oh, man, I'm so sorry mister". "So, in my daughter's memory, coo, I proudly wear this litcle ribbon, which allows me the opportunity co enlighten ochers. Now, go home and talk co your wife and your daughters, your mother and your friends. And here ..." The middle aged man reached in his pocket and handed che ocher man a lirtle pink ribbon. The guy looked at it, slowly raised his head and asked, "Can ya help me put icon?" This is breast cancer awareness month. Do regular breasc self-exams and have annual mono­ grams if you are a woman over the age of 45. And encourage those women you love to do the same. We Need Your Creativity! Send your poetry, writings or artwork to Page 6 INTERNATIONAL NEWS Sweat-shop Crusader Charles Kemaghan, the anti-sweatshop crusader whose e xpose ' of the worki ng Conditions in factories producing Kathie Lee Gifford andWal-Mart clothing brands became major national news, will speak at Occidental College in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 26,at 11 :30 a.m. in Thorne Hall on the Eagle Rock campus. H e will discuss, "The Global Campaign to End Child Labor and Sweatshops." Kemagban, the executive director ofthe National Labor Committee, anon-profit group that supports workers and bu.man rights around the world, made national headlines in the spring of 1996 when he testified in Congress revealing that 13-year old girls in a Honduras factory were being forced to work 13-hour shifts under ' armed guard,for 31 cents an how·, sewing pants fo rWaI-Mart and Kathie Lee Gifford la bels. Kathie Lee Gifford responded on her television program, crying and threatening to sue Kernaghan. The case exploded into a major press story and the issue of child labor and sweatshop abuses was finally on the national agenda as never befor e . Kathie Lee soon pledged to help eliminate sweatshops in factories around the world, including those producing her brand. Last month this controversy erupted in the news again when workersin El Salvador were fired, and received death threats, for trying to organize a union in a factory making clothing for Kathie Lee Gifford's Wal-Mart clothing label. The Kathie Lee Gifford controversy is only one ofNLC's many successful efforts to draw attention to the problem ofchild labor and sweatshops. The New York Times has referred to Charles K emaghan as "the labor movement's mouse that roared," while Women's Wear Daily obsetved that, "Charles Kemaghan and his anti­ sweatshop battle have been shaking up the apparel industry like nothing since the Thangle Shirtwaist Fire." . Kernaghan has led numerous fact-finding missions to CentralAmerica, the Caribbean, and China. The NLC has sponsored delegations of U .S. university and college students to investigate working conditions in sweatshops in Mexico, Central America, and elsewhere. The NLC has hosted U.S. tours of workers from Honduras, El Salvador,Hcµti and China.At his talk at Occidental, K e rnaghan will be accompanied by two ganrtent workers from El Salvador who have worked in sweatshops making apparel for m ajor U.S. labels a nd American universities. NLC has published numerous research reports, produced several Documentary videos. and run a number of highly s uccessful international campaigns to draw media and public atte ntion to sweatshops and to what consumer, religious, student, and Labor groups can do to bring pressure on clothing companies that utilize child labor and violate workers' rights. The NLC now works with over 10 000 ' religious, labor,student,women 's, human iights, solidarity and community groups across the country.. Ke rnaghan became in vo lved in the struggle to defend international Laborrights after participating in a peace march through Central America in December 1985. H e became the d~ector of the NLC in 1990. TheNationalLaborCommittee(NLC), founded in 1981, operates by establishing direct ties with non-governmental organizations around the world. It organizes fact-finding tours to investigate human rights and labor abuses; publishes reports based on these tours; and initiates inte rnational emergency response campaigns to protect lives of endangered trade unionists and huma n rights activists. More information about NLC can be found on its website: www.nlcnet.org. Kemaghan has an undergraduate degree from Loyola University in Ch icago and a master's degree from the New School for Social Research in New York. H e has spoken at hundredsofcollege and universities, high schools and religious, labor and human rights events. He also appeared on many radio and television programs and in more than 100 newspap{'.r articles. H e has taught at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and at SUNY's Harry Van Arsdale Labor College in New York City. K emaghan 's talk at Occidental, which is free and 9pe n to the public, is part of the college's lntercultural Speakers Series. Occidental is one of more than 100 colleges and universities around the country that have adopted a Code of Conduct for manufacturers ofclothing with the college's name and logo. Occidental 's code, adopted earlier this year,requires manufacturers to pay a living wage and to publicly disclose the location offactories producing the college's clothing. • • • • • • 5treetvi bea , 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 This space reserved for silent reflection �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Fiscal Year 2000 HUD Budget...... from Better Than Expected (reprinted COOHIO field notes) There has been a flurry of activity on . Capital Hill _in recent weeks around 13 appropriations bills that fund the federal government. For a variety of reasons, qoth houses ofCongress have once again failed to pass the necessary legislation, instead, relying on continuing resolutions to keep government up and runn ing. One of the pieces of legislation in Question is the department of Housing and Urban Development(H UD) appropriations bill. On September 9 1h, the House of Representatives, by a vote of235-187, passed rhe Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban D evelopment, and Independenr Agancies Appropriations Act, 2000 (H.R.2684). This version cut the President's requested FY 2000 HUD budget by six percent. These cues were deep and widespread. O n September 241h, the Senate passed their version of the H UD appropriations bill ((S. 1596). T heir recommendations, though in stark contras~ co the funding levels established in the House, still cut the President's request by three percent. T hough some program s would see cuts in the Senate vt'.rsion, they were nor as deep and/or as widespread as in the House. T he Senate version, however, was not as kind to other programs; Community Builders program would all but disappear, the HOPE VI program would be further cut to the rune of abo ut $ 125 million, and as in the H ouse, no n ew Section 8 housing vouchers were funded . O n O ctober 7'h, the H ouse/Senate Conference Committee reached agreem ent on the FY 2000 VA-H U D appropriations bill. T he Committee provided more funding for the housing and community d evelopment programs than anticipated, and approved several initiatives pr oposed by the President. T he Committee "found" $900 million in Section 8 recaptures to offset the increases in HUD programs. Some of the highlights include: * M cKin ney H omeless Assistance Program (Continuum of Care) funded at $ 1.02 billion, $45 million over the FY 1999 level; *HO M E Investment Partnership Program funded at $1 .6 billion, even with the FY 1999 level; *Commun ity D evelopment Block G rant (CDBG) Program funded at $4.8 billion, $50 m illion over FY 1999 level; * Public Housing- $2.9 bi8Uion in the p ublic housing capital fund and $3.1 38 billion in the operating fund, a decrease in the capital fund, HUD Program McKinney Homeless Assistance Proroms (Continuum o Core) Housing OpCortunities for Personswit AIDS (HOPWA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Su~portive Housing for the El erly (Section 202) Revitalization of Severly Distressed Public Housing (HOPE VI) Tot~I HUD Budget Page 7 but an increase in operating funds; * HOPE VI funded at $575 million, $50 million less than the FY 1999 level; * Full funding for Section 8 contract renewals; * Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (H.OPWA funded at $232 million, $7 million over the FY 1999 level; * Supportive Housing for the Disabled (Section 811 ) funded at $201 million, $5 million over the FY 1999 level; * The com~iccee appropriated funding for 60,000 new Section 8 vouchers; and * The Community Builders survive th e proverbial "chopping block" but only un til September 1,2000. The positions then revere back to civil service slots. By all accounts, the nation is mired in a serious affordable-housing crisis, with record low vacancy rates, rents rising at twice the rate of inflation , interminable waiting lists for federal aid and an unprecedented 5.3 million families paying half their incomes in rent. So in a startling ·turnaround last week - as Housing and Urban D evelopment Secretary Andrew M . C uomo clamored about the worst shortages in history - congressional Republicans agreed to drop demands for cuts and prepared to approve one of the most generous housing budgets in years. While Republicans and D emocrats are touting the deal as a key first step to easing the crisis, both sides agree that this m odest budget boost will" barely dent the problems facing the nation's poorest families. * * * * * For more information on specific programs, please review the chart below. (dollars in Mifliom) Fy 19YY Fy 2000 Appropriated Level Presidential Reauest Conterence Committee Recommendation $975 $1,020 $1 ,020 $225 $4,750 $660 $240 $4,775 $660 $232 $4,800 $710 $625 $625 $575 $24.6 billion $28.0 billion $26.3 billion Drowning Deaths of South Dakota Homeless Puzzle Police in 17 months, three this year. In typical years, RAPID CITY, S.D. - When the first few only about one homeless person turns. up bodies turned up in the gurgling trout stream downed along the creek. chat runs through a park in this city on the edge "There's just too many of them to say it's of the Black Hills, the deaths drew litde atten­ coincidence. But it could be," Police Chief tion. · Tom Hennies says. Police investigated, but all the evidence Authorities have no witnesses who saw any indicated that the homeless men had spent their of them go into the creek. T here are no bullet days and nights drinking along Rapid Creek and holes, stab wounds or evidence of other injuries. simply passed out and drowned. What investigators know is that six of the As more men died, however, law officers eight were Indians, and all but one had been became suspicious. T he deaths now total eight drinking hea,vily just before they died. Most had blood alcohol levels of at least 0.25 percent, or more than 2 • times the 0.1 percent level at which drivers are presumed to be drunk. The homele3ss people who live under bridges along the creek believe someone is pushing unconscious or helpless drinkers into the water. Clement Standing Elk says he and other street people no longer risk hanging out alone. (Continued next page) �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine (Drowning Deaths, Continued) "We go around in packs." Rumors reported to police include accusa­ tions that the creek people are being killed by a fellow homeless man, by racist skinheads, a motel owner, members of a Satanic cult, a big white man. Standing Elk is among those who blame racist skinheads, and says the creek people have banded together to chase some of them away. "They came by here. There were four of them and they said they were goi.ng to throw another dead Indian in the creek," he says. The homeless and others complain that the police and Pennington County Sheriff's Department are doing little to investigate the deaths because most of the victims are Indians, men whose names included Benjamin Long Wolf, Randelle Two Crow and Loren Two Bulls. The Victims The men who have died during the past 17 months along Rapid Creek in Rapid City, S.Dak.: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Benjamin P. Long Wolf, 36. Found May 21, 1998 George E. Hatten Jr., 56. Found May 31, 1998 Alan Hough, 42. Found July 4, 1998 Randelle E. Two Crow, 48. Found Dec. 8, 1998 Loren J. Two Bills, 36. Found Dec. 9, 1998 Dirk R. Bar<l:ing, 44. Found May 29. Anhur J. Chamberlain, 45. Found June 7. Timothy Bull Bear Sr., 49. Found July 8. • • • TOP 20SAYINGS, (continued) 6. A person who smiles in the face of adversity ... probably has a scapegoat. 7. Plagiarism saves time. 8. If at first you don't succeed, try management 9. Never put off until tomorrowwhat you can avoid altogether. 10. TEAMWORK .... meansnever having to take all the blame yourself. 11. The beatings will continue until moraleimproves. STllEETVIBES Prisoners News contains 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 $1 2 for a year's subscription Sendyour comments and questions.to streetvibes@juno.com mail: STREETV/BES 1506Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 To the Citizens of the United States of America: My name is Alexandra Rae el-Katib, I am 9 years old. I'm writing on the behalf of my sister Hana Marie who is 5 years old, and my baby brother said, 2 years old; We are all-American Born children. We really need your help! I am be·gging you to help us! We have not seen our father for 6 months now because Immigrations took him out of our home like a criminal on February 26, 1999. My father is a very good father and we ·need and miss him so much. They told us that my father would be gone for 90 days, and now it has been 6 long months. They keep giving my dad the run-around and we cannot seem to get anyone to listen to us. Immigrations will not help us at all. I don't know who else to contact, so I am going to send letters to every one in office. Someone will hear our cries for help. My father had a minor non-violent crime in the past. The charges were dismissed due to the lack of constitutionally binding evidence. I feel that it is a crime to lock an innocent man up and destroy his family and make them loose everything that he has worked very hard to provide for his family, for his entire life. My father is Mahmoud El-Khatib. He has been in the United States since 1984, working every day of his life to support his family and making sure that we had what­ ever we needed or wanted . The govern­ ment never had to spend one penny on our family because my father provided for us very well. Now you have him locked up as if an animal and we are loosing our home because no one will listen to our cry for help; no one seems to care! Now our mother cannot pay the bills or buy groceries for u~ to eat. This is your entire fault. Something has to be done right away ....,. not only for my father but for all the men that Immigrations has locked up in jail. We were taught in school that America is the Land of the Free! The treatment of the immigrants doesn't seem like freedom to me! They also told us that this is the land of opportunity. Where's my father's free­ dom and opportunity? In fact, they tell him that he has not rights! This is not true ­ This is America, remember - Everyone is supposed to be free! God says, "All men are created equal"! God didn't say that you had to be born in America to be treated equal! My dad is a man also and his rights as a human being are being violated! My dad has paid taxes here in the United States for 15 years now. Doesn't this mean anything to all of you? Page a Just tell me what to do and I will do it, so that my dad can come home to be with us again. We are very close to mhy dad; he is the greatest dad in the world and that is the God's honest truth. My sister Hana fell recently and broke her collarbone, and had to go to the hospital and have surgery. She was so scared and all she wanted was our dad. He was not able to hold and comfort her because you are still holding him in jail! This is really sad, keeping a father away from his chil­ dren. Dad is such a wonderful man. You can ask anyone at all that knows him. Dad will help anyone. He has friends, all over this country, who love and need him Fe­ leased from jail, too. My father is the best father in the world, so this is very hard to me. to understand why the United States of America is treating him so cruel; it's just not fair! I know bank robbers and murderers are treated better than the immigrants are in this country. Is this fair? Don't you realize that we all have immigrants in our family background? We should treat these people like family, not criminals. They just might be members of our family! Is this the freedom that they told us about in school? If this is freedom, I think it stinks and we must do something about this today!, not next 11.!0nth or next year, but today; just as soon as you finish this letter. It's about time that we show the immi­ grants in our country that "America does care" and that we can still be the Land of _ the Free. Let America be a place we are proud to live in. When I say my prayers tonight, I will pray that God and all the people in the United States will have a heart. In addition, release my dad and all the other dads that the INS is holding and send them home to their fami­ lies as soon as possible. Thank you and God bless every one. Sincerely, The children of Mahmoud El-Khatib: Alexandra Rae, Hana Marie, and Said El-Khatib Mahmoud and other INS Detainees are held at The Dayton Human Rehabilitation Center 1613 South Gettysbu.rg Ave. Please Send replies and support to this address: Barbara Marshall, 1286 us 50 Lynchburg, Ohio 45142 (937) 364-6828 E-mail: eh_bjmarshall@yahoo.com • • • / ' PAN-OHIO 'i Prisoners Advocacy Network Statewide Meeting Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio November 13-14, 1999 Call PAN-Cincinnati, (513)241-8014 ./ �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Poor Prison Management Makes Us All Pay Is poor prison management and legislative gerous offenders are idle in prison, costing taxpayers choices the cause of the high recidivism rate among some $222,000 plus per prisoner each year. On prisoners in the United States? What effect does leaving prison they have a hard time finding jobs. chis have on the individual and society as a whole? • Chances are chat their first incarceration will not be Would the reintegration of educational programs their last. for prisoners and training programs for prison ad­ The traditional American Criminal Jus­ ministration change all of this? tice system isn't working for anybody - victims, Officially, it is maintained chat there are offenders, or society as a whole. The results are no prisons in the United States. T here is a De­ disastrous, because prisons have little effect com­ partment of Corrections, and there are "correc­ bating the fears of crime of che rising number of tional facilities" equipped with "educational pro­ households couched by crime. The United Scates grams", "vocational training" and necessary "psy­ prison population grew a chopping 164 percent chiatric therapy." There are also no prisoners in from 1984 to 1996, one out of every 2.7 U.S. the United States; there are only "inmates". This households was touched by crime in 1996, com­ atypical perversion of the faces has been the cause pared to one in four in 1990. This can partially of the sociaJ view of prisoners as nothing more be attributed co the lack of educational programs than humna waste. It has been the goal of state in prisons. legislators and prison administration to inflict this Prisons don't rehabilitate offenders; they perception of prisoners upon society. In doing so, seem to entrench criminal behavior. Two out of it has allowed the bureaucratic majority to capi­ three offenders/prisoners will be re-arrested within talize on the demise of the prisoner and to escape three years of their release from prison. It is shown punishment for their maltreatment. In Ohio that recidivism rates are higher for prisoners than alone, the prison industry has become a capitaliz­ for identical offenders who were ·put on proba­ ing entity worth well over two billion dollars. tion. Despite these failures, the U.S. is relying To influence this goal, the legislature en­ more on prisons than ever before - at astronomi­ acted laws which withdrew fundi ng for educational cal costs to taxpayers. l:he number of prisoners in programs within prisons. In effecting these laws, the U.S. has nearly tripled in the last thirteen years they used public support which chanted, "pris­ - from 420,000 in 1984 to over 1,800,000 in oners do not deserve a free education when I can­ 1997. Trying co keep pace, as ofJanuary l, 1996, not afford to educate my children". In defeating states were spending $4.2 bilion on new prison the educational programs within prisons, it opened construction and renovation. State spending for the doors for an increased recidivism rare nation­ Corrections is growing faster than any ocher area wide. Prisoners no longer have programs which - including elementary and higher education, aid will help them co remain in society as productive for families with dependent c~ildren, and Medic­ citizens. In return, it has caused "revolving door aid. prisons", which keep the bureaucrats financially One last sad emphasis is chat the United sound and the taxpayer broke. Another example States fell second only to Russia (in 1995), who of legislative choices which help co flood the pris­ incarcerated 690 prisoners per 100,000 citizens, ons, are the draconian laws enacted which control as opposed co the U.S.' 600 per 100,000 citizens. society. They are aimed at further oppressing the Ac this time, the United Stares had 1,485,401 poor within society ac an alarming rate. individuals incarcerated in its prisons. Ohio cur­ The single most important thing to un­ rently has an estimated 49,000+ prisoners in its derstand in all of this is chat the behavioralist view prions, and they are rapidly increasing thac num­ of the criminal has nothing tO do with breaking ber. Ohio ranks among the top four states for the the law. Let us explain this with some well-known most number of individuals incarcerated. statistics. First, it is a matter of common knowl­ There are parallels co the field of criminal edge that only a small number of law violations justice. Curr~nt cri minal justice policy is built are detected and reported. Further, even of the on a political truth: chat crime involves law break­ reported violations only a small percentage actu­ ing. But it's fatally flawed in that it discounts ally result in police investigation s and arrest. another truth - crime causes injuries to victims, Secondly, drastically ninety percent of all the community, and even offenders. The goal of criminal defendants in the United States today the criminal justice process was to make things plead guil ty without a trial because they cannot right by repairing the damage to those parties afford a lawyer, and hope for judicial leniency. whether the damage was physical, financial, or Lastly between thirty to fifty percent of the pris­ rational. However, this goal has been abandoned oners in various cities and states are African-Ameri­ and a new one integrated. This new goal includes can and Hispanic; while African-American people, practices such as poor management, maltreatment for example, constirute about fifteen percent of and denial of programs, all of which increase the the total population. In the state prisons in Cali­ recidivism race. In doing so, they are creating an fornia there are 28,000 prisoners, forty five per­ angry, 'still undereducated individual who is re­ cent of whom are classified as "non-white". It turned to society. Therefore, society suffers as he/ should be perfectly clear that thousands upon she recommits, because there exist no social agen­ thousands of people presently in jail and prison cies to help chem in their reintegration into soci­ have broken no laws whatsoever. ety. Due to the increase in crimes by these people, In understanding the thesis of this essay, taxes are increased to the detriment of the tax­ we must take a broader view of the supporting payer. The only answer is to change these policies issues. One area that is contributed to poor prison and to change the infrastructure of the current management and poor legislative choices is the criminal justice system. I urge you to voice your non-violent offender and the affect of prison on . concern on these issues to your local legislator. It him. will take a strong voice to stop the poor prison As for non-violent offenders, they are of­ management and legislative choices which increase ten sentenced for years to an overcrowded prison recidivism rates deliberately for a capitalistic out­ where they are exposed to the horrors of violence, come. including homosexual rape, isolation from family In struggle, and friends, and despair. Instead of working on James W. Pryor the outside _co repay their victims, many non-dan­ Page 9 Mumia receives Stay of execution Political Prisoner, Mumia Abu Jamal, who is on death row in Pensylvania, received a stay of execution on Tuesday, the 26th of October. Thanks to all his supporters and people who rallyed in his support. .......... Sonny Williams l ( Ohio Prison Officials Attempting to Restrict Packages On October 4, 1999, prisoner advocates temporarily defeated the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections' efforts to implement a regulation which would ban prisoners from receiving packages from their families and friends. Under this proposed regulation, prisoners would be allowed to receive food and sundry packages from "approved vendors" only. This policy would greatly increase the cost of purchasing such items, because the families of prisoners would not be able to shop at discount or secondhand stores, and would not be able to send items into prison that they already have at home. This policy would force prisoners' families to purchase new items. Because of the extremely small storage space each prisoner is allowed to have (a 2.4 cubic feet locker box), prisoners are unable to store out-of-season clothing, plus whatever personal items they have. So prisoners are constantly forced to send stuff home or throw it away. Each year, clothing must be bought again under this policy. Prisoners who have their state pay garnished to pay court cost or other assessed debts (some of which run into tens of thousands of dollars ) would never be able to purchase food or sundry items be­ cause any money received from their family or friends to purchase packages would be used to satisfy such debts first. In effect this (continued next page) �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine would literally cut many prisoners off from receiving any assistance from their loved ones on the outside. This proposed regulation (Administrative Regulation 5120-9-33), entitled "Inmate Property" would also reduce the number of packages prisoners could receive. Prisoners in Minimum security would be allowed to receive 4 packages, Medium - 3, Close - 2, and Maximum - 1. This would include food/ sundry packages combined. It has been clearly established that packages from home help to maintain family ties. The DRC constantly gives lip service to ·helping prisoners maintain ties to the commu­ nity, but ·punitive policies such as this clearly have a detrimental effect on prisoners' relationships with families and friends. At the legislative Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) hearing, it was established that vendors who market their products to prisoners greatly inflate their prices. For instance, I purchased a cheap watch at a discount store for $1.06, and that same watch is listed in one of the vendors' catalogs supplied to us by DRC at $5.27. All the items in these catalogs can be bought on the outside for a small fraction of the price these vendors would be charging prisoners. Under this regulation, prisoners and their families would have no choice but to pay these inflated prices. This same problem exists today through the contracts prisons have with phone companies. The friends and,fa'milies are forced to pay higher rates than what .is commonly available in the community for collect phone calls from prisoners . What the DRC has been doing is creating monopolies with outside contractors and profiting from the misfortune of the families of prisoners. JDRC officials claimed at the hearing that the purpose behind this policy is to reduce the amount of drugs coming into the prisons. As a former prisoner I testified that this regulation would have little or no signifi­ cant impact on the amount of drugs in the prison system, since the vast majority of drugs are coming into prison through DRC employees, and not packages from prisoners' families. "Security" is the rhetoric used by the DRC when it wants to pass punitive regulation and policies to make their jobs easier, and we watched this trend for many years. Such actions-are not necessary and not effective. It is time for the families and friends of prisoners to speak out and hf!!lp us stop the ·trend of punitive regulations which hurts the families of prisoners even more than it hurts prisoners. Please write or call the legislative members of JCARR and let them know how this regulation would affect prisoners and the families of prisoners: Senator Eric Fingerhut 2800 Van Aken Blvd., #1 Cleveland, OH 44120 (614) 466-4583 Senator Merle Kearns 2664 Brookdale Dr. Springfield, OH 45502 (614) 466-3780 Representative Donald J. Mottley 1641 Longbrow Lane West Carrolton, OH 45449 (614) 644-6008 Representative Dixie Allen 4592 Toni Dr. Dayton, OH 45418 (614) 466-1607 Representative Kevin Coughlin 2324 Iota Ave. Cuyahoga F~lls, OH 44223 (614) 466-1177 Representative Joy Padgett 871 Walnut St. Coshocton, OH 43812 (614) 644-6014 Senator Jay Hottinger 455 Kelley Lane Newark, OH 43055 (614) 446-5838 Senator Nathony Latell 862 Drehl Ave. Gir~rd, OH 44420 (614) 466-7182 Representative Betty Sutton 338 East Baird Ave. Page 10 Barberton, OM 44203 (614) 644-6037 Senator James Carnes 47403 Puskarich Rd. St. Clairsville, OH 43950 (614) 466-8076 The above listed Phone numbers are their office phone numbers. The DRC has stated their intention to reOfile this policy in the near future, so please contact JCARR soon! In the struggle, Dan Cahill Prisoner Advocacy Network-Ohio Welfare Reform in Northeast Ohio ...byLynn w;mams Several members.of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition traveled to Wooster, Akron,Youngstown, Warren and Cleveland on a three-day outreach trip. Along the way we learned a lot about what is happening around welfare issues in the Northeast area of the state·. Some of the key points we learned include: official unemployment rate of 1QOA>. The unofficial figure is much higher, including people who are under-employed or part-time workers or have given up searching for~ job. Mothers facing~ l:lave-afuture of fast food jobs-to support their children. These families clearly will not be out of poverty. No Jobs at Livable Wages At a time when Ohio's time limit will cut off 26,000 families from assistance, less than one year away, we heard from both recipients, advocates, and shelter providers, everywhere we went, that good payingjobs are very hard to come by for both recipients and other unemployed individuals. Most jobs are in low-paying service areas, especially fast food restaurants. Thejobs may be relatively easy to get for young, energetic workers, but they pay minimum wage with no benefits, and it's easy to lose thesejobs. Transportation is a Key Concern of . recipients and those who are working to assist recipients get jobs. In the rural areas, such as Wooster, it is next to impossible to become employed unless the recipient finds ajob right inside the city. Even then, the recipient can expect to do awhole lotof walking, along with making her small children walk to and from day care or the home provider, to get to a job. There is no longer public transportation in this small city located southwest of Akron. Youngstown folds also stated that transportation is a key problem for recipients. They don't have a good mass transportation system and innercity people have ahard time getting out to the suburbs where the jobs are located. If your child is sick one too many days and. you must stay home to take care of her, it's common to be fired. Show up more than five minutes late for your shift, and you may be replaced by the time you arrive. It'll be easy to find a fresh worker. Each city reported the same information on job availability. In Youngstown, good paying manufacturing jobs are nowscarce with the dosing of the steel mills in the ?O's. Even at the new prison located there, which was supposed to bring in plenty of jobs, employees are being brought in from out ofstateto fill many of the prisonjobs. Youngstown has an Problems with Caseworker Communication were prevalent in each city. The recipients we met with stated they had a-lot of difficulty getting through to a caseworker by phone, even to leave a voice mail message. One woman stated that she had never been able to communicate by phone with her caseworker. The caseworker never returned her calls. Others talked of the difficulty getting documents to caseworkers without having �5TREETVIBE5 them lost somewhere in the department. Effect of sanctions We learned about how sanctions are affecting recipients. A woman living in a homeless shelter in Warren had been . working at a fast food restaurant and receiving a partial benefit check before she became homeless. When she ended up sanctioned because an employer failed to fax in the employment form to her caseworker, she was unaware that she potentially had "good cause reason" to not be sanctioned. She was unaware that she even had the right to a hearing! In Youngstown, we learned that recipients have been sanctioned for being one minute late for an appointment. In Akron, we heard that mothers have been sanctioned for not working when they lack childcare for a child under six. Cost of Housing a Key Concern The cost of housing was also a key concern in all the cities. Wooster reported that many low-income renters live in sub-standard mobile homes because there is no other affordable housing available. Each city reported a rise in homelessness in their area, and all shelter staff whom we spoke with reported a rise in the numbers of women & children at t heir shelters. Some posit ive t hings we learned: • Some recipients are being allowed to count more hours of education towards their OWF work requirement • Because of domestic violence advocates in Trumbull County, t he county welfare department had mandated domestic violence training for all caseworkers • There are agencies out there, where t he staff genuinely care about the individuals and families who come to The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine their doors. They are doing good work in their area of the state to try and alleviate some of the harshness of the state welfare law. • There is a lot of spirit out there to change the state law! People are rewed up about the wrong of punishing the poor, especially children. There is a sense of injustice and outrage about what is happening. + People are signing up to vote and getting other people to vote to make changes in who represents them. On Saturday we were part of a panel held by Stop Targeting the Poor (STOP), a coalition of social service advocates in Cuyahoga County. George Zellars of the Greater Cleveland Council of Economic Opportunities cited some statistics about welfare households in Cuyahoga County and across the state. "More than 45% of OWF recipients in Cuyahoga County are off welfare but do not have any earnings, any income." He continued, "In our county (Cuyahoga) most of the recipients who are leaving welfare are worse off, farther into poverty.'' He stated that in CUyahoga County alone, 7 ,000 households have been cut-off of cash assistance this year. "They did not have to wait on the time limit to cut them off. It's happening already with sanctions." And we add, the maze of requirements and documents that recipients are expected to comply with in order to get a subsistence check. Rosa Linda Demore of the Empowerment Center of Greater Cleveland, another member of the OEC, alarmed the group when she told us that Cuyahoga County is setting into place a plan to deal with the huge number of welfare families cut­ off next year because of time limits. 40% of the state's OWF families are in Cuyahoga County alone. "Cuyahoga County is increasing the number of foster care homes so the county can place all these children cut off of cash assistance. The plan will be to do emergency home visits of cut-off OWF households. The home visits will determine if the children's needs are being met, and if not, they will be removed." Many people at the meeting were visibly, and understandably, upset at this news. One woman stated, "How can they just come in and take our children?" Rosa­ linda stated, "It can be done and that's the plan. And with the new foster care laws in place, t he children can be removed permanently after one year in temporary foster care." Rosa-Linda continued on, "We are returning to the days when it's a crime to be poor. A crime to be homeless. I'm a social workeL One of t he first codes of ethics for a social worker is "Do no · Page 11 harm." And yet, with bad laws like full­ family sanctions and three-year time limits, enforcing Ohio law is doing harm! Brian Davis, director of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, also told the group very alarming news. "In Cuyahoga County, the age of homeless individuals is steadily going down because of more children becoming homeless. This is because of welfare "reform". In our community, families are disappearing from the face of the earth. These families are no longergoing to our city shelters because the shelters are already completely full. Where are they going?" He continued. We're finding more children hungry, looking for food, not just in downtown Cleveland, but in the suburbs as well. ..There's no doubt that welfare reform is causing great harm in Cuyahoga County. Punishment for not making a meeting should not lead a family with children to homelessness...or going without food. We need to be asking our legislators this question: "Will this policy cause harm to our children in our community?" We must all, across the state, be asking this question of legislators, "Will this time limit policy cause great harm to children?" Approximately 50,000 children across the state face being completely cut off of cash assistance when the time limit clock winds down October 1, 2000. Katy Heins of the Cincinnati Welfare Rights Coalition urged participants to not be passive spectators in the face of time limits. She stated that the need is great to educate legislators on the great harm time limits will cause. Theressa Taul, Chairperson of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition, invited people to get involved in the Ohio Empowerment Coalition by coming to the next EEC meeting in Columbus. The Ohio Empowerment Coalition will hold its next bi-monthly meeting December 11 , Saturday, in Columbus. Call 513/381-4242 forrrore information. • • • Support Yo u r L o c a I V ~ n d o r .... Te l l A Fr ie n d A b o u t S tree t vib ,e 5 ! 5u p p,ort Your loca l Rea lity- hungry citizen (per haps y.o ur­ , eelf ) .... Tell A F r i end About becoming a Streetvlbe5 Vendor! ....or wrlter/artiet! Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes 'Can be purchased for $12 per year. (Get 'em now before the rate goes up!) Just send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each month Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater C incinnati Coalifion for the Homeless--Streervibes. If you have any questions, call 421-7803. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Letters your plans and leave The Drop Inn Center alone. This is the only place for these homeless ones, we urge you not to take it away from them. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Ron (Jackie) Bowers 794 Sheridan Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302 Letters are still coming in concerning the Greater Cincinnati Art's and Education Center boardplan to relocate the Drop Inn Center. To support the Drop Inn Center's' right to not be moved, Write to: Erich Kunzel, 1241 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210, Send Copies ofyour letter to: Drop Inn Center Attn: Pat Clifford, 217West 12th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45210, and to Streetvibes Oct. 12, 1999 Mr. Erich Kunzel, My husband and I were appalled over an article we read recently in the Columbus Dispatch. We strongly disagree with these who want to take away the Drop Inn Center. Explain to us, how can you even think of taking away the Center form these people, for such reasons. Don't get us wrong, we too like art, etc., but n~t at the expense of the less fortunate. What you need to do is put yourself in a homeless person's shoes for a little while. Scary, isn't it? To think that you would have no one, that you would have nowhere to go but the streets, that you would have no food to eat, except what you could find in a garbage can somewhere, or that the only clothes you might have are the ones on your back. We urge you to find another place for ontact Us, rite Us! . i Ne welcome input frorn our )aders. Send your letters and j itorial comments to: _ ; TREETVIBES: : 506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 4521" T=ax: ~~Attention Streetvibe~ 5 13)421-7813 ~.,~.. •. ··· mail: ( -reetvibes@juno.co,,, Dear Editor, Re: Prosecutor Mike Allen seeks Death Penalty for Denise Lipscomb; Ralph Lynch (Mentally Ill All His Life), sentenced to death ----­ ---As a taxpayer, I am sick and tired of us spending all this money to put killers on D.earh Row. We continue to ignore the facts that the death penalty coses about three times more than putting people in prison for life, and that it does not deter murder (Look at Texas, for example), or keep us safe. Why not use that extra money to hire more police, put addicts in treatment programs before they kill, feed the hungry children of Cincinnati, or build a new arena for the hockey team? Putting people on death row is a juvenile, emotional "Feel good for awhile" reaction that has no useful purpose, other than to appease the bloodthirsty revenge creature in all of us. Sure, I would consider revenge ifI knew a victim ... but since when does two wrongs make a right? God calls us to control our passions and use our heads .. . not ignore facts with emotional and political solutions that do not really solve the problem. It would be nice if the Enquirer were more responsible about educating the citizens about Death Penalty facts, rather than beat the drum for the same old useless solution that is not working. Most People in Hamilton County are denied the facts and are fed the company line without knowii:ig the other angles. · Let us be responsible citizens and put people like Ralph Lynch in a hospital where they can get the help they need and desire before they devastate a family by killing a little girl. .. and it would keep all of us safer. Most people do nor know that the mentally ill can not get what they need in this community because extra money goes for stadiums, fixing up downtown, jails and death penalty cases. Are we stupid, or what? As Earl Pins would . ,,, say: "W:ake up, Amenca. .. . ." ... Mike Shryock, Justice Watch­ Page 12 To all "Streetvibes" Readers, I read my first issue of "Streetvibes" in August of 1999, and it has forever changed the way I look at homelessness. We were studying infere.nce in my English.class at Miami University and focused a great deal of time discussing homelessness and the common misconceptions associated with this issue. My professor gave us each an edition of "Streetvibes" and the first story on the front page especially caught my attention. The headline read: ''Homeless Population Continues to Increase In America's Rural Areas". I am from rural America and unfortunately, the photograph corresponding with the article was a sight all too familiar in my community. The photo depicted "impoverished rural America'' by showing a small, rundown house and a car that had not been driven in months 9r possibly even.years. The car was being overcome with weeds because nothing had been done to improve its condition; symbolically, the same is being done to end rural homelessness- absolutely NOTHING............ Jimmy Heath's writing was very effective because it opened my eyes to the problems in my hometown- problems that I never took the time to look at before. I encourage those of you living in rural America to open your own eyes and pay attention to what you see. Do you see people living in abandoned warehouses and automobiles? Are there children your can barely children go to school · afford~he o es on their back? There is no denying it; homelessness exists. It can be found in rural America, in large cities, on every coast, and on every continent. If America does not do something now, the homeless will soon be like that car overcome with weeds-hidden and forgotten by those living on the outside. Sincerely yours, Evin Morin To whom it may concern, Here, lately, the homeless people have been harassed. We cannot help it, when high c~ass people are putting us down for no reason; We are citizens, coo. No one wants to give us a chance. As it is, they have never been out there;. it's time that people in the upper class wake up and see what they are doing. We don't like ro be out there. But those kind won't give us a chance. Phone: 357-7258 E-MAIL STREETVIBES: ,.... anonymous streetvibes@juno.com �. • STf<EETVIBES . ,.:. .· The '• ~ • • ~ Tri-St~t~'s ...... • The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Presents: ".:it • • H9me..(!J.S~ • "· - ' Grapevine • ' The Traveler • • ~ · Page .r 13 :.~• JJI~ ......by Donald Whitehead This month's traveler is twofold, a sort of peak and valley in advocacy. October l st 1999 I found myself headed for San Francisco California, home of chc Golden Gate Bridge. As a youngster "The Streets Of San hancisco'', scarring Carl Malden, was one of my favor ite shows. I've often wondered why Cali fornia advocates seem co be a little bit angrier than most other advocates fro m elsewhere. I now have a great deal of empathy for their ·unique struggle. In my travels I have been to almost every region in America. The Ease Coast, Southwest, the Far West, the Midwest, the Deep South, che Northwest, the plain states, and the West Coast. By far the . homelessness I saw ·in San Francisco is the most pronounced. On Saturday advocates from across the country kicked off the National C ivil Rights Monitoring Project. We purposely chose San Francisco because of th e severity of conditions. . O n Saturday O ctober 2 , a rally and a March were ·9' scheduled. The rally was an inspiracionaJ rally • chat consisted of short speeches by advocates from across the country. T here was also inspiracional poetry and some very well done street cheater. Joining us in the rally were hundreds of homeless people. I couldn't help but wonder if this was staged, I couldn't bel ieve chat this square located directly in front of a city hall chat is literally draped in gold. r went back on Monday and there were cwice as many people as there were at the rally. What was worse chan the shear numbers of people was their condition . Mose of the homeless people on the sidewalks of San Francisco seemed to be sick, their body badly beaten by che reaficy of day to day living on che streets. I have never been Featuring Miss Black Cincinnati, Joel Davis, angrier in my life. A program called che Macrix Program has been responsible for thousands of arrest in San Francisco for quality of life crimes. A new ordinance Denise Wilburn, Angie Pepper, Ron Carter, envisioned by the mayor would make it a crime to use a shopping cart within city Dave Myzel4 and more . .. limits. San Francisco symbolizes what happens to community when homelessness continues unch ecked over· a substantial period. It symbolizes what C incinnati will Call 421 - 780 3 fo r tickets be if we continue to ignore the need for low-income housing. . Traveling co a more positive time, I bring you co che end of O ctober 1999. Ir's Wednesday O ctober 27th, 1999 and I am on my ,)'vay co meet the most beautiful woman in America, H eather French, the reigning Miss America. M iss French has decided to use Homeless Veterans as h er platform for her year as Miss America. I found Ms. French co be an extremely genuine articulate and compassionate human being. Ms. French's father was a Vietnam Ver and she was couched by his plight at a very young age. The Homeless movement has needed a spokesperson fo r a very Thursday, December 9, 1999 long rime. Heather French can be quite a spokesperson. T his year's Stand Down was one of the best I've 7-9 P.M . been involved in; it somehow avoided many of rhe St. Francis Seraph problems rhac have occurred in past years. According co H eather French or Miss America " This is one of the mosr Soup Kitchen organized Stand Downs I have ever been co". I got rhe · 14 E. Liberty Street at once in a lifetime opporcuniry to escort Miss America around Stand Down co greet volunreers and srood by her Vine Street side as she and her family helped serve lw1ch. It occurred co me at rhar rime char this wonderful young lady was $15 per person at the door smashing all kinds of stereotypes. AJthough 1 consider Parking In Rear myself very open minded, l am not immune to stereotypes. The picrure in my mind of Miss America was chat of a person far to glamorous co associate with the less rhan well ro do. l rhoughr that she wou ld look down MUSIC," DOOR PRIZES, AND RAFFLE on the people d1ar I wo.c:k wirh and live wirh. How DINNER SERVED BY POWER INSPIRES PROGRESS wrong I was! Heather French has all the other qualificacions of Miss America, the beauty, the grace, rhe VEGETARIAN ENTREES AVAILABLE charisma, and che charm. Whar I didn't expect was rhe * PRESENTATION OF JIMMY RENDER AWARD and humi lity, rhe compassion and the genuine concern for rhe less fortunate. As she walked through rhe Drop Inn 1ST ANN UAL BUDDY GRAY AWARD Cencer were she once volunceere~, she cook the time co speak and hug eve1yone rhar asked. The Homeless Coalition Holid~y Dinner gives us a chance each year to focus on this . As che person ulcimately responsible for her year's positive accomplishments and share hopeful stories of the future. n Anyone in the safety, I stood on pins and needles as she made her way commjunity is invited to participate. co Washington Park. On chis day all che negative publicity about rhe homeless, Washington Park, the The Jimmy Render Award is given each year by the Homeless Coaltion to honor a Drop Inn Cencer and Over-The-Rhine seemed totally homeless or formerly homeless person who has struggled to help those still on the street. ridiculous. Not once in rhe enrire time that Miss America spenc with us was there a mean word or Power Inspires Progress is a non-profit job training organization designed to empower low threatening gesture. The whole time I kept chinking, income comr:nunities through job development. Where's Erik Kunzel or the Arts and Education Cenrer Board when you need them? The Buddy Gray Aw ard is given to an individual This day was the perfect example of a peaceful dedicated to advocacy in the homeless community. coexistence among people from different stations. We finished Stand Down without a single person left sranding in line, quite an accomplishment considering If you would like to sponsor a homeless lines had reached a block long by 8:00 that morning. person for the dinner, please send $15 per In October I traveled the full spectrum of person to: Greater Cincinnati Coalition emotions from the anger about the condition in San for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street , Francisco co the joy I received from Miss America and a Cincinnati, OH 45210. successful Stand Down. You never know what to expect when you travel; I guess that why I keep traveling. Ca/1421·7803 for more information -Helping The Homeless Through Song Benefit Concert, Saturday, Nov:ember 20, 1999 1 8:00 P.M. TAFT High School 1998 HOMELESS COALITION HOLIDAY DINNER * * * * Greater Ciricinnati Co@fitiori Fa Tne Momttess • * * * * * * * �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Words from the Evangelist .... by Rodney Sutton As I cype these words it is with the realization that some of you will read them while I am cruising on the Carnival's Ecstasy. This cruise will be a spiritual retreat for me, because I shall be walking on land I have never tread before and cruising foreign waters; therefore, I will be turning to the One who supplies all my needs. And the supply of your needs is what I would like you to meditate upon this month, because I recently met a man ro whom God has demonstrated His supply. This man is Mark Pastor: a community activist and entrepreneur, and a man who is battling intestinal cancer. Under the guidance ofhis physician Kent Robinson, he is undergoing a holisric treatment that is not covered by h is insurance. However, God has surrounded h im with such a circle offriends and acquaintances who on October 10, 1999 came together at Swifton Commons Mall for "The Art of Healing", an afternoon ofspiritual healing and renewal. The primary goal ofThe Art of Healing was to raise $18,000 to defray Pastor's medical expenses, and to educate the communicy about a variety of holistic and natural approaches to health management and healing. There was an auction of original arc, which was donated by many of the anises Pastor worked-with over the years as co-owner ofArtistic Apparel and Black World Products Internacional. There were performances by the African American Dance and Drum Ensemble, New Prospect Baptist Church Choir, poetry readings, and holistic practitioners were on hand to discuss and demonstrate alternative forms of healing: including herbal therapy, massage, yoga, meditation, cai chi, karate and other stress relieving methods. Frank Frazier designed the limited edition collectible t-shirt that was on sale during the Arc of Healing for a minimum donation of $50. There were only 100 of these t-shirrs available. There are also white t-shirrs with Frazier's design for a minimum donation of $15. Poster prints of the same design are also available for purchase. The day prior to the event Cincinnati saw non-stop rain, and the day of the event began overcast and cool. However, by 1pm the words of Dr. Kent Robinson, " I'd prefer sunshine", became a realicy as the sun pushed boldly through the clouds, and the people began to gather to help this special person. I watched them come: young and old, black and white. I watched as the music and dance excited and then soothed the growing crowd. I watched as Curtis Fuller played auctioneer to such citizens as Vice-Mayor Cooper and Councilman Winburn. I watched as the healing of a community took place. In the air was a feeling oflove, harmony, and togetherness which reflected God's blessings upon this special event. As the Art of Healing came co a close I estimated approximately 500 people had been in attendance, and I learned from Pastor's inner-circle that over $13,000 had been raised with donations still coming in. Those in the Art ofHealing Cirde and the many others who came together to make this event happen all have their faith rooted in God and His ability to make all things possible. I was blessed to be a part ofthis special event, especially since I know what it takes to plan such an event; and in this instance God's supply was evident from Page 14 beginning co end. Ifyou are ofa pessiplistic nature, then this evidence of God's working for the benefit o~ Mark Pastor through a community of friends and strangers should convince you that m~ ~od s~all supply all your need according to His nches m glory by Ch rist Jesus (Philippians 4: 19). Not only shall He supply all your need, but as you continue co trust in Him and allow Him to be your Shepherd and guide, you shall not be in need (Psalms 23: l); because everything is the Lord's (Psalms 24: 1) and He shall with.hold no good thing from them that walk uprightly (Psalms 84: l lc). The Art of H ealing Circle plans to make this an annual event which will continue the emotional, physical, spiritual healing and renewal of the whole cicy ofCincinnati. As I cype these words a healing circle has been formed at New Prospect Baptist Church, and .i t is my prayer that a healing circle will begin in your church and communicy. Then as a chain is linked together we shall d raw our strength from one another as each draws strength from God (Philippians 4: 13). . I~ you have questions about forming a healmg cxrcle or would like to help the Art of Healing Circle in defraying Mark Pastor's medical expenses, call 381-7700. While I am away on my cruise, I would like you people with a PC to check out my web page: http://www.geocities.com/ Athens/Sparta/7907I and send me an e-mail (awol@goodnews.net) with your comments and questions, and if you don't own your own PC go co the library and send me a PTL. Prayer requests can still be placed at 210-4 n Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist Grateful Givings Day Needed -Volunteers Now Volunteers are needed now to plan the fifth annual "Grateful Givings Day" at Sirwell's Coffee House in Clifton's gaslight district. A traditional (Thanksgiving-style) holiday meal will be served for free on Thursday, Nov. 25. Call Susan Storie at Sitwells, 281-7487 or e-11'.ail CapCoverag@aol.com, to get involved. Clients of social service agencies are targeted to enjoy the dinner, but all are weltome - the homeless, people without families here (including nearby UC students), seniors, single people, anyone. "You do not have to be hungry or alone to attend," says Susan Storie, Sicwell's owner. Ted Raft ~!'>J",.-.(~ Ji"tt:U }.~~~tl! t �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 15 " If you want to increase your success rate, double yourfailure rate." .... ThomasWatson, Sr.,founderof!BM I Streetvibes Live Radio Hour Streetvibes TV covers news on poverty, homelessness and related issues Contact us at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless if you would like to be a part of the audience for more Information, call 421-7803 November Streetvibes Live is not Live: It's a taped video of Miss America at the Drop Inn Center during Stand Down99 See Show Times on back page! Help a good cause while promoting yourself to over 5,000 concerned people each month. Tune in to WAIF 88.:3 fm! on the second Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon for The Business Card Size ~ <1:-;tlJ' 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. NEXT SHOW DATES: STREETVIBES Classified Band Looking for Work Streetv10es (the band) .. We like to party. R&B, Oldies, Blues/Jazz, Reggae. Helping the homeless to help themselves through free enterprize. Call 421-7803. ww STREE1VIBES provides Classified Ads free to incomejob seekers. Others may place adsfor only $1 Saturday, November 13th Saturday, December 11th k_ 9"Two Business Card Size 4" x 3 1/2" $20 per month Larger Adds also available If you need assistance in designing your ad or have any other questions, call us at 421 -7803. Wto reserve the right to deny any ad, especially those which promote alcohol or, . tobacco products. You will receive a foll re.fond should your ad be denied. lf you have any ideas fo r future STREETVIBES TV shows please contact the Greater' Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless office at 421-7803. Ideas should address subjects related to homelessness and poverty in our city. We are always interested in viewer ideas, so please give us a call... per line. 2" x 31/2" $10permonth Please send your add by the 20th ofpreceeding month, accompanied by your check I money order, co Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, O H 4521 0 5treetvibe5 TV Call 421 7803 for info. AOVERTISE IN STR££TV/!3£S Word Scramble Answers: (We won't let you wait a month this time): Halloween, Pt::1mpkin, •\ Mask, Witch, Broom, Goodies, Treat, Soap ANOTHER CLASS : . ~ Ss · · PRODUCTION Dental Care for Homeless Individuals Disc-Jockey Service CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 ­ e-mail: jonesacp@tbol.net (513) 230-6353 Rapid Exit Streetvibes accepts Classified Ads for irems such as Help Wanted, I terns for Sale, Apartmen ts for Rent and ocher non-personal items. T he 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 co advertise their skills or products co our readers. Mail the ad copy, or deliver, to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 assists families and individuals in moving from homelessness to permanent housing rapidly for more information contact The Greater Cincinnati Coalition ForThe Homeless : 421-7803 and ask for Gina Miller Can't Sleep because of Nagging Toothaches? Bleeding Gums? Sores in your Mouth? Haven't had a dental exam or Cleaning? Clifford Jones, R.D.H., B.S. is offering dental to homeless individuals at 3101 Burnet Avenue. Call (513)621-0248, or (513) 357-7310 for more information �, ST REE TV I BES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes Vendor code 5TREETVIBE5 TV Schedule Check us out, We 're on TV! The Streetvibes TV Show is produced at the facilities of Media Bridges (Cincinnati Community Video), 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to be a part of our live studio audience please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803 for more information. Nobember Schedule: Broadcast Dates for November's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Saturday, November 6th, at 5 PM Tuesday, November 9th, at 1O PM Saturday, November 20th, at 5 PM Tuesday, November 23rd, at 10 AM Thursday, December 2 at 10 AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change - consult your local TV directory. Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell t he paper. l. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 · voluntary donation. l agree n ot to ask for dona­ tions more than $1. I also understand that I will b e a ble t o k eep 8 0 cents of each dollar collected . Future issues of Streetvibes will be p urch ased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cen ts. 2. J agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes wh ile und er the influence of drugs or alco ho l. 3. I agr ee that I will not ask for don ations after 12 midnight. 4 . I agree to treat others with respect. I will not use abu s ive langu age or force someon e to give a don ation. I Will not give a "h ard sell" or make someon e feel th rea ten ed. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to person s who are n ot regis t ered dlstrtbu tors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that 1 a m collectin g for a n ot-for-profit ch arity or that I am collectin g for the "h om eless" In general. 1 will be h onest in stating th at a ll the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the indlvidual vendor. 7 . 1 agree that I will not contest terrttortes with other distrib utors. 8 . 1 u nderstand that Streetvibes strtves to be a self-s upportin g p a p er created by people wh o ar e h om eless or form erly h omeless. To help In this e ffort. I will try to s pread t h e wor d and write sto1ies if p ossible. 9. l u nderstan d that failure to comply with any of the above statemen ts will result In m e no longer being ab le to distribute Streetvibes. Page 16 Mobile salon at work, Stand Down '99 Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If you can help out with some of the items on our wish list, please give us a call... 0 Supplies for vendor's lounge (coffee, cups, paper towels, cr:~~ sugar, etc.) 0 35 mm Film for Streetvibes photos, oqe­ time cameras, digital camera 0 Advertisers and Subscribers 0 Streetvibes has a minimal overhead costs so that the vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. If anyone selling Streetvlbes claims to be collecting for a private charity, please call our office at 421· 7803. Thanks for your support. Editing, graphics and Layout help 0 0 omputers/components (monitors, hard drives, etc. for homeless computer lab If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513) 421 -7803, fax (5 13) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Need Help or Want to Help? ....................................... ~ ... If for some reason you find y9tJrself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. Ifyou have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati ·coalition for the Homeless. SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Womens Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) !-888-872-9259 YWCA Transitional Living Prog. 281-5770 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (Veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (Singles) Friars Club ' Haven House (Hamilton) 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661 -4620 381 -1954 761-1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Network - ~44- 7226 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens~ ·~1-4080 St. John's Temporary Housing · 651-6446 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 721-4580 <­ 632-7149 241 -0504 369-0004 381-0954 639-7056 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 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 241-7343 961-4663 OTHER SERVICES 421-2437 AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 621-5991 Appalachian Identity Center 231-6630 Beech Acres 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 Community Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771 -4800 621-7149 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bd. Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 357-4602 Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge .Mission 221 -3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Travelers Aid 721-7660 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 559-6656 491-3335 Women's Crisis Center � 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 1999 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1999 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Miss America Adds Human Touch to the 1999 Homeless Veteran’s Stand Down Pg 2: Remembering Buddy Gray Pg 3: Artist Group Organizes in Support of Drop Inn Center Pg 4: Arts & Poetry Pg 5: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 6: International News Pg 7: Nationwide News Pg 8: Prisoner’s News Pg 9: Prisoner’s News Continued: Poor Prison Management Makes Us All Pay Pg 10: Welfare News Pg 11: Welfare News Continued Pg 12: Editorials & Letters Pg 13: The Traveler Pg 14: Words from the Evangelist Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 1999 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Whitehead Susan Knight Tom Billman Ron Carter Gina Miller Warren Perkins Julie Jimmy Heath Bonnie Neumeier Te'tro Amaru Lynn Williams Dan Cahill James Pryor Tree Alford Cephas Henry Tate Larry Ashby Charmaigne Gilden Judi Mendriski Azariah Israel Alexandra Rae el-Katib Rodey Sutton Lynn Williams Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alexandra Rae el-Katib Alford Cephas Artists Arts & Poetry Awareness Azariah Israel buddy gray Charmaigne Gilden Dan Cahill Death Penalty Donald Whitehead Drop Inn Center Editorials & Letters Evangelist Gina Miller Henry Tate James Pryor Judi Mendriski Julie Larry Ashby Lynn Williams Media Miss America nationwide news Prison Management prisoners news Rodney Sutton Ron Carter South Dakota Susan Knight Te’tro Amaru the broken city The Traveler Tom Billman Tree veterans Warren Perkins welfare welfare news welfare reform https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f5c7038bc92cbf6c6f49b80d258bd6c4.pdf d4d3422081afe228c2a6a035c0b36598 PDF Text Text November 20th - December 3rd 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 24 (No. 317) advocating justice | Building community Streetvibes Shadow: RENT Edition | 5 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Households Endure Collapsed Roof | 2 Imagine... | 3 Revolving Neighborhoods Tale of Two Cities - Focus on Urban League Report | 7 |6 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL buddy gray JOSH SPRING Executive Director S unday, November 15th was the 19th anniversary of the day that buddy gray was shot and died at the Drop Inn Center. This week, working with Residents of the Burton Avenue apartment building whose roof collapsed after years of neglect by the owners, I thought of buddy. The owners of this building own more than 750 affordable apartments in our city. We, along with Legal Aid have been working with Residents since January. We have organized a Residents’ Association at the Alms, Entowne Manor and Burton. Consider how hard it is to organize and fight back about your home, where you live. You know the owners will illegally try to intimidate you and persecute you. They may try to illegally threaten your very home. In these difficult endeavors we have to join together to see the long picture, knowing there will be lots of struggle, and some setbacks, but never losing sight of our strategy and goal. Much of the job of the organizing coalition is to empower people to keep the goal in mind despite the uphill climb. In this I thought of the following poem written by buddy in January of 1978: buddy gray with Donald Whitehead Photo: Jimmy Heath Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 Facing New Year To My Co-Workers Our Road has been a rocky, Risky, Uphill climb And our Peoples Program is only yet an infant in its travels There Have been casualties, many hardships, many frustrations Some joy, some advances Our Enemies have marveled at our Relentlessness Our FRIENDS have Appreciated our work, rallied behind us, And EVER grown in numbers The Road Ahead is Not Clear & Simple- as far as we can see… Our Days Ahead are not merely working hard, building----------RATHER periods of Difficult STRUGGLES, Working hard, building… BUT we have a People’s Heritage to Inspire us FOR UNMISTAKABLE are testimony to our Laboring Perseverance thus far-------stronger Unity, Much Growth, And The POTENTIAL to move The Mountainsbg ------------------------ JOSH SPRING H community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 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. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Executive Director mainder. Puretz, Reinman and others purchased these properties for approximately $20 million outright with no debt. They then mortgaged the properties for about $18 million. Every month they collect upwards of half a million dollars in rent. In the last two years they have hired staff with a history of thievery from management companies and from vulnerable people. They have put an extremely low percentage of these tens of millions into the repair or even basic upkeep of these homes. In regard to an extremely low percentage, consider this: the potentially low approximation of $500,000 each month for 24 months equals $12 million, plus the $18 million from the mortgage equals access to at least $30 million in the last two years, all in ad- advocating justice and building Peter Kobak Households Endure Collapsed Roof While Slumlords Slip On Millionaire Row: Our Plan To Upend Them ave you ever commented, “I don’t know how they can sleep at night!”? Most of us probably have. What we are really saying is that we assume that if most people acted in a way that hurt other people, their conscience would rattle them so much that they could not sleep. Two years ago the Puretz family of New York and New Jersey, as well as Steve Reinman who works for the town of Lakewood, NJ and other “investors” purchased about a dozen buildings in Cincinnati with 756 apartments. Each of these apartments provide subsidized, affordable housing for individuals and families who cannot afford market rate housing. Residents pay 30% of their income in rent and the federal government pays the re- Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, dition to the fact that these “investors” were already wealthy before this. It is difficult for the human mind to mathematically consider the extremely low percentage of this $30 million that has been put back into the properties. As a result, for a time, these properties were managed by a known criminal who stole $100,000 “from” the owners, though they won’t press charges… He used to walk into peoples’ apartments with a gun on his hip. We worked with Legal Aid and Residents of Alms to eventually get him fired. They have “lost” unknown amounts of filed work orders and also “lost” rent payments. They have employed virtually no security at each property despite the requests of Residents for safety. Their proper- (Continued on page 3) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Writers: Josh Spring, Jim Luken, Dr. Mark Mussman, Haley Day, Bill Woods, Sharon Doering, Steve Sunderland, Ricardo Taylor, Lee McCoy, Kim Green, Willa Jones Photography/Artwork: Jimmy Heath, Iris Roley, Dr. Mark Mussman, Justin Jeffre, Aimee Willhoite, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Imagine... nine children, deliberately wounded in an attack that had killed seven of their playmates two days earlier (1993). These were all victims of various forms of terrorism. More importantly—in the context of what happened in Paris—for many years I witnessed an entire country being terrorized by a wanton war, organized, directed, and illegally financed by the US and the CIA (Nicaragua, 1986, ‘87, ‘88). I read the CIA’s infamous “assassination” manual, which was distributed to the Contra terrorists whom Reagan called “the moral equivalent of our founding fathers.” Like all terrorism, what we did in Nicaragua was immoral, illegal, and perpetrated in order to frighten poor farmers into turning their backs on the revolutionary government that was providing them education, food relief, health care, and land reform— a chance for a better life. Thousands of teachers, nurses, lay catechists and farmers died at the hands of “our” Contras. I met some of the children and friends of several of those victims. Looking back, Nicaragua finds itself on a long list of countries whose elected governments were abused and overthrown by “the greatest country in the history of the world.” Today US drones—pilotless death machines—continue to wreak fear and terror, while creating intense anger among thousands of civilians in Muslim countries throughout the Mideast and Far East. Understandably these “accidental” casualties drive ever more desperate boys (and girls) into the ranks of Islamic radicalism. Some of these become fighters. Others, suicide bombers. Even now ISIS’s boots­ on­ the­ ground numbers are relatively minuscule. Like all terrorists, they have an agenda: to strike fear and revulsion in the hearts of huge numbers of white Westerners. With our mass media fanning the flames of hatred and revenge, their disgusting tactics are working wonders. As a people we are afraid. “What if it happens here?” we ask. “To my own children?” But the chance of any reader of this essay being the victim in a terrorist attack are similar maybe to having a car or truck crash into your home and killing a loved one. All this goes back to “the day that changed everything.” As many of you will recall, after 9/11, the US sought revenge. Where? Afghanistan, then Iraq. The Bush administration lied us into the Iraq war, claiming Hussein had abetted the plot that killed 3000 in the US. Fact: Hussein hated Al Qaeda. Fact: Not one on the 19 alleged hijackers came from either of the countries we invaded. They were from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the US’s most important client states in the Mid­east, after Israel. Osama Bin Laden sprang from a wealthy Saudi family. To this day, our hubristic grab for Iraqi oil and hegemony in the Middle East has yielded nothing...except the devastation of a once prosperous country...and ever more terrorists and suicide bombers. My point here must be obvious. America and its allies (like France and England) engage in systematic terrorism against Muslim countries. The fact that these tactics are warlike, and perpetrated by our militaries, does not make them any less gruesome. These actions—in terms of numbers, i.e., body­counts—far exceed anything ISIS has done, or will be able to do. But...1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, most of them poor and powerless, are aware of these realities. I may be preaching to the choir, but try to keep yourselves from being overtaken by fear. John Lennon instructed us to “Imagine.” Imagine the surprise and joy among Muslim people around the world if they were to see and feel the “Christian” West treating them with respect, care and love, engaging in benevolent acts of support that might make their lives better, instead of raining hell down upon them from the skies. Imagine all the people, living life in peace. Resident Associations joining the lawsuit. They own a series of properties on Burton Avenue in Avondale. Earlier in the summer one of those buildings burned, displacing the families that lived there, the company tried their hardest to provide zero support. This month another building on Burton had its roof collapse. At 4am the nearly 30 households were awakened by fire department personnel telling them they and their children had to evacuate because the roof was coming down. People on the top floor stepped out of their beds into ankle-deep water. Amidst pressure the owners agreed to keep households in a hotel for one week. Owners claim that providing for Residents is not their responsibility because according to them, the roof collapsing was an “act of God”. Residents had been filing work orders for months and months because of the many leaks. Before the roof collapsed, when it rained Residents had to take an umbrella just to walk down the hallway. These very wealthy people have jeopardized the housing of over 750 households in Cincinnati. They have threatened our community with the possible loss of over 750 affordable homes, hence our fight to save these homes. They have created environments that have led to violence. They have treated Residents with disregard and animosity. Adults and children have had to endure unhealthy living conditions, causing sickness. They have pocketed the rents families on the edge can afford to pay. They have pocketed the public dollars. And this month they forced 30 households into homelessness and then would only agree to pay for their continued stay in the hotel after 24 hours of argument, because the Residents gave up their right to reimbursement of their wasted November rent - amidst loss of food, clothing and other needed goods. All of this and the many unstated wrongdoings and sickening consequences - because there is not enough room here to state all of them - may lead you to say “How do they sleep at night!”. I know that thought has gone through my head quite a bit, but it is followed by a second thought, “I’m sure they sleep just fine at night.” I hope they don’t sleep fine. I hope their conscience relentlessly rebukes them for their evil-doings. But, honestly I don’t really think their conscience does. If they ever hear a hint of conscience, they are able to shut it up with little effort. Perhaps you could label this as psychopathy or sociopathy: a lack of empathy and conscience, the belief that you are superior to other people, the need for control, calm while manipulating and harming others to get what JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer ...there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do, nothing to kill or die for, etc.. John Lennon “T he one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.” Charles de Foucauld, French priest who lived among the Muslim Tuareg people in the south of Algeria. He was assassinated by Bedouin tribesmen in 1914. If you are a Facebook junkie, the first thing you see when you go to the site is your mini picture in a box that asks, “What’s on Your Mind?” “What’s on My Mind” this week is probably the same thing that is on your mind: The Islamic State killings in Paris on Friday the 13th. I understand your pain, and the pain of a great European city and country. Clearly you, and most everyone you encounter, are appalled by this almost inhuman, indiscriminate taking of innocent lives. Me, too. Perhaps I take it even more personally, because of several of my life experiences, e.g., I watched a man bludgeoned to death ten feet in front of me (Haiti, 1999). In an improvised Bosnian hospital, I saw dead victims of snipers, as well as JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) ties have roofs with major leaks, windows that won’t close, holes in walls the size children can climb in, fire hazards, leaking plumbing, mold, inadequate heat, broken locks - the actual list of infractions goes on for pages; literally. They have tried to wall off portions of buildings before inspections. There has been a notable amount of violence and even death in or on their properties because of the lack of security, lights, locks, etc. We have organized a Residents’ Association at both Alms (200 apartments) and Entowne Manor (100 apartments). Both Associations have made basic demands of the owners after years of submitting work orders and virtually none of these demands have been met. The city of Cincinnati filed a lawsuit against the owners along with our assistance, the legal representation of Legal Aid and the Alms and Entowne 3 ------------------------ (Continued on page 7) Burton Residents Association holds a press conference with the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Photo: Iris Roley THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Streetvibes Shadow: RENT Edition 5 No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer I t seems like every week there’s something new to learn at the Homeless Coalition. Recently, I helped facilitate a Streetvibes Shadowing activity with 10 students from Anderson High School. Now, this activity was unlike any other that I’ve done for several reasons. Notably, the students are preparing to put on the Broadway hit RENT at Anderson High School this month. The play has ignited a fire within them to learn more about issues surrounding gentrification, poverty, displacement, artistry, and more. They came with passion, questions, ideas, and a video camera. During intermission, they are going to play the video they created during their time with the Homeless Coalition and several of our member organizations, including Our Daily Bread and St. Joseph/St. Francis Catholic Worker House. Before I even interacted with the Anderson High students, they spent time at the St. Joseph/St. Francis Catholic Worker House learning about their transitional housing program and the sandwich window. The students showed how compassionate they were by asking insightful questions and paying attention throughout the presentation. I took them on a small walking tour of the neighborhood before heading over to the Coalition for the Streetvibes Shadow activity. We initially stopped at the former Urban Appalachian Council’s ID Center, which was formerly known as the HUB. Standing in the parking lot, next to the community garden, with abandoned buildings on every side, we discussed several important ideas that I wanted them to keep in mind as we spent time in the neighborhood. I asked them if they knew what gentrification means, and after a couple of wrong guesses, one of the students spoke up and hit it right on the head. I used their definition and expanded upon it further to show the many types of gentrification and how it has played out in our neighborhood. I challenged them to look at the public right of way (sidewalks, streets, light poles, etc.) and notice how they vary from one era to the next. I asked them to consider how, as the environment changes, it might feel to be left out of the process. With everything changing around you, but it’s not for you, how do you think you would feel? Before leaving the lot, I challenged them to try to define other terms such as “essentialism” and ton Park or on 3rd Street. I stressed these concepts to help them to see people for who they are, rather than a stereotype or label. When we made it to the Homeless Coalition, Lee, one of our Streetvibes distributors was at the Coalition ready to give the students the basics before heading out on the activity. Lee shared a little about of two or three and began to see how many papers they could distribute. After some initial success, they were having trouble getting papers into people’s hands, and you could see that it was paying a toll on them. To keep their spirits up, several of the students decided to sing a few songs from RENT on the steps of the courthouse. At first they seemed shy, but after some people began to listen, they started to open up and interact with the small crowd that gathered. It became a performance piece with them singing and distributing Streetvibes at the same time. Knowing the story behind RENT Anderson students sing on the steps of the courthouse. Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman “zooing” which I have seen far too often in Over-the-Rhine. Essentialism is when you see a person for one aspect of their lives, whether it be their race, gender, homelessness status, or any other single attribute. This goes hand-in-hand with our goal to use person-first language, which is an easy way to start being an advocate. Zooing happens when people come to Over-the-Rhine to “interact” with people experiencing homelessness. This happens all too often with people at Washing- his life and how the Coalition, and specifically Streetvibes, has helped him both financially and socially. He shared how the generosity of Kroger employees have impacted him, including a huge bag of candy for Halloween. He relayed to them that Streetvibes is more about relationships than anything else, although the money is also very important. The forecast called for rain, but it just turned out to be a gray day. We hit the streets and the Anderson students broke up into groups and the struggles that are portrayed in the play, I felt moved by their performance. When it was time to debrief, the students talked about how it was difficult to distribute the papers. One student distributed one to a former teacher, and she commented on how great it was to know someone who was willing to help out – it is these types of relationships that Streetvibes distributors count on every week. One student shared that it was most difficult when people would just look away, try not to make eyecontact, or just ignore them altogether. The other students agreed. Lee shared that he initially wanted to give up because of people who acted like that, but he’s thankful he didn’t give up and he continues to develop relationships with people who get Streetvibes and even those who do not. When it was completed, we headed to Our Daily Bread so that the students could rehearse before doing a performance there. I left feeling that the students took more out of the experience than I had expected. I also learned more about the depth of Streetvibes and the way it changes people’s lives. Later on, we were contacted because one of the students was so moved that she wanted to share her story. If you come to our Annual Dinner on December 9th you can hear how this experience affected her life. I hope you can make it! ------------------------ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL Revolving Neighborhooods HALEY DAY Contributing Writer A juggernaut of development has been propelling across Cincinnati for some time. Say “development,” or even “redevelopment,” in economically altering Cincinnati neighborhoods like Clifton Heights, and you’re bound to hear echoes of gentrification returned. It’s something we see across the country — like the winter flu, passed from unique neighborhood to moreunique neighborhood — sprouting monocultures of $12 cocktails and commonplace chains. In 1960s London — when the term was birthed — the English upper class (i.e. gentry - etymology, get it?) remodeled rundown Georgian terraces, previously owned by the working class. Today, gentrification doesn’t just “fix” the “fixer-uppers” — it replaces them. Remember when you could buy organic groceries at Clifton Natural Foods for 30 years in Clifton Heights? Now, the former location is scheduled to be luxury student apartments. (Clifton Natural Foods moved to Ludlow Avenue.) Remember when the city’s largest homeless shelters were housed in Over-the-Rhine? Now, the buildings are owned by one of the city’s largest developers. Of course we’re told people experiencing homelessness don’t reside in Over-the-Rhine, anymore, what with today’s macaroons and yoga. They, like the lower class of 1960s London, 1980s Boston, and 2010s Brooklyn, are pushed on. By now, gentrification’s cycle is clear. Lower class neighborhoods lure creatives for affordability and diversity. They open trendy bars and house the area’s best galleries and live music. The scene lures the crowd. The crowd makes the scene “safe,” even though it was safe before. The safety lures the strollers, and then the developers, until the scene is priced out, packed up, and relocated, just like those experiencing poverty before it. The cycle is perhaps clearest in New York City, where the epidemic traveled from Greenwich Village to Soho to Williamsburg to Bushwick — sometimes othering even the wealthy, by the slightly more wealthy. Cincinnati is not immune. Infections took place in Mount Adams, then Over-the-Rhine, then Covington, Ky., and now Clifton Heights. The next victims are always predicted. First it was Northside, then Avondale. What’s eerie about gentrification, is that it starts in an area desperately trying not to be what it ultimately becomes. Gentry first moved to Over-the-Rhine The Woodward Theater first opened as a silent movie theater in 1913, before becoming a used car dealership, Kroger, and, most recently, storage for an antique dealer. It opened as a music and event venue, under its original name, last December. Photo: The Woodward Theater. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 because it’s not Mount Adams. Now they move because it could be the next Mount Adams. Immediate advantages (or so the developers call them) of the early stages of gentrification are easy for many to cheer — higher property values, greater diversity, more public and business investment — but the long-term effects of a homogeneous class and race, are not. National media doesn’t see it that way. In a city plagued with bad national attention — Jerry Springer was our mayor, after all — they see it as a somewhat refreshing change. Fortune Magazine called the city “up-and-coming”. The New York Times said Cincinnati “thrives as riots memories recede.” The later implies that the two are mutually exclusive — Cincinnati doesn’t thrive unless its supposed blighted past is forgotten. Perhaps this includes the people who started these upheavals, based on an economically disparate neighborhood and racial tensions with police. Fortunately, that’s not how it works. Cities don’t thrive, unless everyone does. Diversity, among classes and races, creates cities’ souls. Take the quintessential dive bar — Milton’s, on — you guessed it — Milton Street, near Over-the-Rhine. If you went there today, you’d probably find a banker from downtown, a server from a nearby restaurant, a factory worker who lives next door. During Happy Hour, you’d also find a $2 High Life and $4 Fireball. That’s my kind of diversity. In a city full of predictions for its next development, here’s mine — if Milton’s ever closes, first will go the neighborhood bar, then the neighborhood. (Hayley Day is a Cincinnati arts and entertainment reporter.) ------------------------ �7 LOCAL A Tale of Two Cities –The Community Forum – Focuses on the New Urban League Report No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 BILL WOODS Contributing Writer T he Community Issues Forum on November 12th focused on “The State of Black Cincinnati 2015 – Two Cities,” the recent report of the Urban League of Southwestern Ohio. The presenter, Mark Curnutte, the Urban League’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, edited this report. Curnutte not only reported the stark findings of the study, but he also personalized this data by relating it to real people and to his own day to day experiences in Avondale. The disparities confronting Black Cincinnatians is startling. For instance, the median income of Greater Cincinnati African American families is $24,272, while the median income for white families is $57,481. Furthermore, 76% of the 14,000 Cincinnati families living in poverty are African American. The report, noted Curnette, is not an easy read. Separate sections on housing, health, education, criminal justice, inclusion, and the economy were written by multiple authors with expertise on these subjects. The goal was to provide some depth and insights beyond the raw data. Curnutte confided that he added the report’s subtitle, “Two Cities.” A geography major in college, he said that he tends to think in geographic terms. The fact that Cincinnati is the fifth most segregated city in the nation gives an added dimension in contrasting the population data of its distinct neighborhoods. “Two Cities,” declared Curnutte captures the “astonishing divide” that exists today between African American and white neighborhoods. He compared Mt. Lookout with Avondale in terms of income, poverty, and other indicators of quality of life. As expected, residents of Avondale fared much worse than those living in the predominantly JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 3) you want. Certainly you can identify greed, and egocentrism. Whatever labels we put on the Puretz family, Steve Reinman and the other “investors”, it is clear that their actions are all about themselves. They only care for their own current well-being. Their goal is to accumulate as much wealth as possible. They believe that a strategic way to accumulate massive wealth is to exploit the lives of people with little financial means. In this they are assuming they are far more important and more human than those they harm. They are also assuming that those they hurt are weak and ignorant and that the community will automatically blame the Residents. Puretz and Reinman could not be more wrong. While they themselves have gotten ahead by hurting other people, the Residents they are attempting to exploit have found ways of living with less than enough; financial means and resources. Mark Curnutte speaks about the great disparities between the black and white community Photo: Justin Jeffre white east side neighborhood. One statistic particularly stood out. Residents of Mt. Lookout are living on an average twenty years longer than Avondale residents. Beyond the statistics, Curnutte wanted to spend part of his presentation refuting some of the stereotypes that are used to justify these glaring disparities. In all his time in Avondale, he emphasized that he never heard an African American say that he or she would rather be on They have done all of this while maintaining friendly, empathetic and an open community. The people they planned to exploit have done all of this without hurting other people. Residents along with the Homeless Coalition and Legal Aid have taken on the fight against these evil slumlords. Puretz and Reinman now have a united army of intelligent, wise, resourceful, supportive and very strong group of people coming after them. We will be in court in mid-December. I don’t know exactly what the full timeline will be, we have been working with Residents since January. But I am confident that hand-in-hand, we will upend these slumlords in Cincinnati. Do I hope that these owners find redemption? Yes, but sometimes people need assistance hitting rock-bottom and we, together, are going to hammer that help on them. Hopefully then people who reside in these homes will sleep better in healthy living conditions. ------------------------ welfare than working. Then there is the stereotype of the irresponsible parent. Curnutte loves to walk around the Avondale neighborhood, and he regularly sees many young men meeting their children at the close of the school day. Holding their children by the hand, they then walk them safely home. Curnutte stressed that we must do better at breaking down the racial inequality that currently exists in Cincinnati. Segregation and po- larization have made us neglect the plight of our brothers and sisters, and the Urban League report provides a wakeup call to the city. The Urban League, concluded Curnutte, is already working with diverse organizations to develop strategies to address the deep-seated problems brought about by “Two Cities.” ------------------------ Ronnie Phillips and James Brown speak at Day by Day calendar launch party. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 WORLD Family fallout led disabled Gulf War veteran to homelessness SKIP ANDERSON www.INSP.ngo / The Contributor What would you like to talk about today? Yes. I loved it. It taught me how to survive and it taught me a new job. My first stint, I was 11 Bravo Infantry stationed in Berlin, Germany. I loved it. The people are nice. I’d like to go back, especially since the wall came down. I was on the West Side. I got a short tour of East Berlin when I was over there-there were still buildings that had been shot up from World War II. They hadn’t done many repairs yet. Did you do a second stint in the Army? Yes. The second time I was in the National Guard for eight years. I volunteered to go to Desert StormI was around 34 at the time. I got to Saudi Arabia in July 1991 when the military operations had been going on for about a year. A bunch of us had volunteered to go over to the war, so they sent a group of us to replace 107 Maintenance Unit out of Wisconsin. We became what they called the “combat carwash.” We cleaned military vehicles before they stored them. They had us working 20 hours per day and only let us sleep for four hours. It was that way every day for the three months I was there. veteran, and he took his PTSD out on me. He told me I wasn’t the same person I was before I left. He would beat me and lock me up in my room. He never admitted to having PTSD and still hasn’t to this day. When was the last time you spoke with your father? When I came back from the Gulf War, he would always stay in his room watching TV. The only time he would talk to me was when he wanted the rent money. Veterans Day. I served in Operation Desert Storm. I’ve been homeless several times in my life. The first time was when I was 16 years old. I didn’t have a tent or anything, so I built myself a lean-to [a makeshift shelter leaning against an existing structure]. I did that for about eight months. Then I met a family who let me stay with them. I stayed there about six months until I got arrested for somebody else’s crime. Someone had snatched a purse at Harding Mall. But I didn’t do it. I’m not a thief. The judge gave me the choice of getting locked up or going into the military. So I joined the Army in 1976. Did you like being in the Army? Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 I’m sorry about that. It’s OK. I’m over it now. I think all of those years getting beaten by him made me a stronger person. Is he still around? Gulf War veteran Brianna C. Photo: The Contributor the last to leave Kuwait. Then I came back here and got out of the National Guard. I had been promoted to sergeant while I was over there, but I didn’t like it. I had wanted to get away from the people who were in that unit who had treated me badly. In what way did they treat you badly? Nobody would be my friend because I’m different than they are. I had been in the regular army and they hadn’t, and that was a problem for some of them. So I resigned my commission in 1993 and took an honorable discharge. Thank you for your service. You’re welcome. I’d do it again if I had to. But I’m 100 percent disabled. I had been fighting for years trying to get disability and finally got it in 2007. At first, I was determined to be 30 percent disabled. Then eventually they jumped me up to 100 percent. Does the VA take good care of you? Yes. They’ve taken real good care of me once I got 100 percent disabled. Before then, I had problems with them. Is there anything else you’d like to talk about today? I can’t think of anything else, except that when I came back I stayed with my family for a little bit. And I ended up homeless for a second time about three months after I got back. My dad and I didn’t get along. I left on my own accord because he was charging me rent to live there, which I didn’t think was right since I was his child returning from the theater of war. He let his other children stay there rent-free. My dad is a Vietnam Yes. He’s still alive. But I won’t speak with him again; I won’t have anything to do with him, even though he’s the only parent I have. My mother committed suicide when I was 10 years old. I’m so sorry. Are you currently homeless? No. I’ve been in housing for about three months after living on the street in Nashville for about two years. I’m glad about that. Me too. I’m in Hermitage. I’ve talked to some of the people who buy papers from me out there, and they’re behind us. They don’t like the law [Metro Councilman Steve Glover] has proposed that would outlaw selling papers to cars from the curb. That would kill my income as well as the social aspect of talking to my customers during the transaction. I don’t have many friends and those exchanges mean a lot. They put a smile on my face. ------------------------ What happened after three months? They flew us from Saudi Arabia to Kuwait. The airport was severely damaged-they only had one runway working. I saw the damage the Iraqis did to Kuwait’s infrastructure. The Kuwaiti government gave us a book with photos from torture sessions the Iraqis did with Kuwaiti citizens-they did terrible things. How long were you in Kuwait? About eight months. I was one of A U.S. Army soldier walks towards a burning oil well in Iraq’s vast southern Rumaila oilfields March 30, 2003. Photo: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �WORLD “Laundry ministry” puts new spin on helping Nashville’s homeless 9 No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 SKIP ANDERSON T www.INSP.ngo / The Contributor he Rev. Lisa Cook drives a high-mileage Town & Country van, touring edition. It’s large on the outside and spacious on the inside, especially with all but one seat removed from the back like today. While she also provides traditional pastoral care, some days she shuttles people experiencing homelessness to and from appointments around the Nashville area. On others, she transports supplies to campsites throughout the city-propane is becoming increasingly in demand as the days shorten. Tents and sleeping bags, too. And cases of bottled water, since clean water can be especially hard to come by when you’re homeless. Cook also has a cache of coins-mostly quarters-secured in a lock box. They’ll soon come in handy. Today, a dreary, damp Wednesday morning, Cook is shuttling people experiencing homelessness to the Soap Opry Laundry on Dickerson Pike. She and two volunteers provide detergent and quarters by the fistful to the passengers she spent more than two hours rounding up and delivering to the laundromat. “Basically, I provide the money and the soap, and they bring their dirty clothes,” says Cook, whom the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ordained as a minister nearly two years ago. She operates as Sacred Sparks, an outreach ministry that has no bricks and mortar-her van, she says, often serves as her church, as do homeless camps, hospitals, and the street. Today, she’ll work out of the Soap Opry Laundry, located in a strip mall in North Nashville, not too far from the buffalo herd sculpture that demarks the spot First Street North turns into Dickerson Pike. “I don’t have a church with walls,” Cook says. “That’s really the best way for me to work with those I serve.” The Soap Opry Laundry, located in the shadow of a locally owned gas station that also sells expensive bongs and drug paraphernalia, has bars on its windows. But it’s also clean and has bright blue walls; it’s equipped with dozens of stainless-steel, coin-operated washers and dryers. The attendant on duty is friendly and the owner does what he can to support Cook’s weekly effort, including donating detergent from time to time, as well as clean clothes that have been unclaimed for plenty long to know the owners aren’t coming back. According to Cook, both are blessings. “I didn’t really expect the laundry ministry to take off like it has,” says Cook, who first started providing this unique service in April. “Even the simplest of things can be a huge challenge when you’re homeless. It’s almost impossible to do laundry if you’re homeless. Even if you have a roll of quarters, it can be hard to transport dirty laundry without transportation. And some laundromats don’t have [highcapacity machines that can wash] bedding. [The owner] has been so supportive, I just love that place.” Cook says she can’t take credit for the vision that led to the laundryministry component of Sacred Sparks. The idea came from a group of women at Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, with which Sacred Sparks is affiliated. “Really, I took a bunch of good ideas and put them into action,” Cook says. In addition to vacation Bible students preparing homemade detergent, she stations plastic containers to collect quarters at churches. Sometimes children from the congregations will fundraise quarter-by-quarter and put them in the containers each Sunday morning that Cook’s clients ultimately feed into the laundry machines. “Part of what makes this successful is that it’s a way for people to have their hands in our ministry and to support our mission from afar,” she says. Despite being a Christian minister, she neither discriminates nor proselytizes to those she serves. She’s there for them, to be sure, should they seek her counsel or ask her to address any spiritual needs, she says. Cook wheels her van to the side of the road near a bridge that provides shelter for a homeless camp. Two people who appear to be in their mid20s -Brandy and Joey-emerge from the woods. They throw several bags of clothes and bed linens into van and climb in behind them. “Hi!” Cook says, merging back into traffic. “How are things at the camp? You guys need anything?” “We sure could use some food,” Joey says. “We haven’t had anything real to eat for a few days now.” “OK, we’ll see if we can get some food for you and the others,” Cook offers. “And we’ll have some pizza at the laundromat, too.” Cook hands them off to her volunteers at the Soap Opry, and hops back into her van to pick up others who could use a helping hand-and a clean change of clothes. “We may not take communion during the laundry ministry,” Cook says. “But we do break bread together, if pizza crust counts.” Cold-weather compassion Sacred Sparks Ministry also provides emergency shelter services during the winter months. What makes the Rev. Lisa Cook’s service unique, compared to many of the other organizations that provide emergency overnight shelter, is that she doesn’t turn anyone away. “I didn’t affiliate with other organizations because I don’t want to be restricted in any way,” she says. “When it’s cold weather, you need to let people inside-period-including couples, people with pets, and people who may be drunk.” ------------------------ Brandy and Joey load their laundry into the Sacred Sparks van. Photo: Michael Ray Nott Brandy and Joey load their laundry into the Sacred Sparks van. Photo: Michael Ray Nott Area churches donate quarters to help fund the Rev. Lisa Cook’s “laundry ministry.” Photo: Michael Ray Nott Each week, the Rev. Lisa Cook (center) helps people experiencing homelessness in Nashville do laundry. Photo: Michael Ray Nott THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 Time for Change: The Lay Navigator LOCAL STEVE SUNDERLAND SHARON DOERING Contributing Writers C hange is often stressful. Many of us grow comfortable with what we think exists as a current reality. We have habits that keep us connected to the illusion of a world that seems incapable of changing. But the world is loudly shouting: “We are changing with or without you!” Being involved in change means touching fears, sometimes superficial fears and sometimes dramatic fears. Why are we so afraid of finding peaceful ways of going a different direction? The football team and their coaches understood that changing the structure of the University of Missouri could only occur if they threatened to not play last Saturday. A president and a chancellor resigned or were forced out. Now, the question is what will other sports teams do to change the access to college for black students and faculty. Why did the situation have to get to such a point of negative stress...on a college campus...and by faculty, students, and administrators? What habits of communication blinded and prevented the faculty from stepping forward and changing the ways in which the university welcomed minorities? When it comes to resistance to access for minorities and low income individuals, the health system is second to none. Even serious diseases like cancer are not higher on the priority list. Minorities and poor people have been dying from cancer in Hamilton County at rates higher than the Ohio and the U.S. average. (2008-2012 Trend Period, State Cancer Profiles, National Cancer Institute, Center for Disease Control.) Access to early screening and rapid treatment meets one health system obstacle after another. Even individ- uals with “suspicious” findings can be delayed to the point of giving up on ever getting efficient and effective treatment. The death rate climbs and climbs with little or no mention even by those who decry the status of cancer care for everyone in Cincinnati. But the habits of compassion are coming into being in terms of cancer care. A group of social service agencies have joined with religious organizations and educational institutions to plan for a different reality: full access to screenings, more rapid diagnosis, creating smoother transition to hospital programs, and more successful outcomes in terms of longer life, better quality of life, and more efficient and timely treatment for minorities and low income individuals. The key to this success is the agent for change: lay patient navigators. A group of educated, certified, and carefully matched community citizens will form the first class of cancer change agents. Thanks to courageous leaders of institutions that serve minorities and low income individuals, the structures for welcoming Hamilton County citizens is being created. It is now possible to think about a service agency like the FreeStore, or CAIN, or a church like Christ Church Cathedral, or a school can be a crossroads for spurring people to trust that they can be helped to receive cancer care at a high level. Thanks to lay patient navigators, the central obstacles to care can be overcome through persistent and knowledgeable action. Transportation, insurance, certifications by hospitals, and personal fears can become unimportant as lay patient navigators develop timely and effective relationships with individuals who are too afraid to enter the health system. The founder of lay patient navigation, Harold Freeman, MD, surgeon and former president of the American Cancer Society, has importantly raised the standard of care for cancer victims: “No patient with cancer should go untreated. No patient with cancer should experience a delay in treatment that diminishes survival. No patient should be bankrupted by the diagnosis and treatment Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 of cancer.” (Harold Freeman and Rian Rodriguez(8/1/2011). Cancer.) Now, Cincinnati is on the edge of creating a compassionate and bold change for all individuals. We hope it is in the immediate future. [Sunderland and Doering are members of the Peace Village Cancer Project.] ------------------------ Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Assistant - Medical Care Coordinator Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment ccatsober.org - Accepting ongoing application Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org - Payroll and Accounting Coordinator - Early Childhood Education Site Manager - Head Start Disability and Mental Health Case Manager - Family and Community Engagement Manager - Assistant Teacher Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati lascinti.org - Legal Assistant (Full- Time) Lighthouse Youth Services lighthouse.org - Multiple Openings Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us - Kitchen Manager Shelter House shelterhousecinti. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED org - Shelter Director - Resident Aide - Cook Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Accounting Assistant The Exit Program theexitprogram.org - Accepting Ongoing Applications �LOCAL No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Remembering Rememberance Day JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer “I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, Mother, what was war?” Eve Merriam F or the past four years, I have remembered “Remembrance Day” (Nov. 11, 1918) on the pages of this newspaper. After finding myself—as a journalist—in the midst of four wars, this annual ritual of writing has become quite important ritual to me, a kind of yearly catharsis. I am writing this essay on the morning of 11 November 2015, the day WW I is said to have ended (Armistice Day). At 11 minutes after 11 AM, I will observe the longtime European tradition of spending two minutes of silence, thought, respect and remembrance. You, Reader, might consider pausing for two minutes (even as you read this) to pray and/or reflect and remember the fallen and the forgotten victims of war. Even though this issue of Streetvibes will not appear until more than a week after what we in the US call Veterans Day, I am happy to remind the reader of the importance of a careful and correct way to remember, and to memorialize our veterans, as well as the ongoing US wars: the “good” wars (like WW II, perhaps) and the bad wars (Spanish­ American, Korean, Vietnam and Iraq, et al.). This year, I will focus on remembering those patriots whom most of American society would prefer to forget or to disparage, i.e., Conscientious Objectors. These are the people who—at often great personal risk and expense—refuse(d) to bow before the golden calf of war because they believe(d)—to the core of their being—that war is wrong. “i sing of Olaf glad and big whose warmest heart recoiled at war: a conscientious object­or” (These are the opening lines of a poem by American poet, e.e. cummings, who served as an ambulance driver in France during WW II.) The first thing we need to remind ourselves is that all war is an obscenity. No war was or is inevitable. Of course we must remember and respect those who have given their lives in service, but without glorifying them or the wars in which they found themselves, by choice or by conscription. Conscientious objectors (COs) have been with us for as long as there have been wars. Many of these individuals base their refusal to serve on strongly held religious beliefs, often relying on Jesus’s admonition to “love your enemies, and do good to those who hurt you.” Wikipedia describes a consci- 11 Muhammad Ali refuses draft Photo: pinterest.com entious objector as an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service” on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, disability, and/or religion. Such a definition could include atheists who come to their decision solely through listening to the “inner voice,” called the conscience. Current military policy has defined conscientious objection in the following way: “A firm, fixed, and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training and/or belief.” (DOD 1300.6) This is a very restrictive definition. As a result, not many individuals are granted CO status. Alvin York wanted to be a conscientious objector, was refused several times, drafted, served, and went on to become the most decorated American soldier in WW II. The famous Howard Hawks movie portrayed the life of “Sergeant York.” It is easier for a religious person to be granted the status of CO than for someone who claims no affiliation to a church. Individuals who can prove themselves to be long­standing members of so-called “peace” churches, like the Quakers and the Mennonites receive the status almost automatically. Others, like Catholics, say, have a harder time attaining the status, because their religion believes in war (“just war theory”) as a possible recourse in many instances. Many famous people have declared themselves total pacifists, without fighting outright military conscription. These include revolutionary war pamphleteer Thomas Paine, novelist Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace), the Dalai Lama, and Albert Einstein, who said, “I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war. ” The most famous CO of the Vietnam era was heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. He lost his championship belt as a result of “just saying no.” Ali felt that that particular war (Vietnam) was immoral. The military seldom grants CO status to such selective pacifists. It didn’t help his case that he was black and very outspoken against the war. If an individual does not convince the military of his (or her) qualifications for CO status, he or she often receives a lengthy jail term. We should not fail to mention another category of war avoiders: the so­called “Chicken­hawks.” These men found all sorts of ways to avoid going to war, specifically in Vietnam, then became war­ mongers during the 2nd Bush Presidency. To name a few: Ashcroft, Rove, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, and Cheney. Poppy Bush got his son “W” a cushy, safe enlistment in the Tex- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED as Air National Guard, but the boy skipped duty, didn’t take his physical, was suspended from flying, then went AWOL, all this before lying us into invading a sovereign country (Iraq) that had never threatened us. I will conclude this Remembrance Day reflection with a few of my favorite anti­war quotations: • “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” Samuel Johnson • “I cannot believe that war is the best solution. No one won the last war, and no one will win the next war.” Eleanor Roosevelt, 1947 • “Probably every generation sees itself charged with remaking the world. Ours, however, knows it will not remake the world. Its task is even greater. To keep the world from destroying itself.” Albert Camus’ Nobel Prize acceptance speech, 1957. • “You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.” Jeanette Rankin • “Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism. How passionately I hate them!” Albert Einstein, 1931 And finally, the closing lines of the e.e. cummings poem about Olaf: ...unless statistics lie he was more brave than me: more blond than you. ------------------------ �12 LOCAL Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 What We Do RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ‘A lifetime of misery up and down life’s track, how we wish we could give some of the misery back.’ T his is not a Stephen Spielberg sequence, nor an offspring of his creation. It is indeed a view of reality for many. Living without ambition; your only concern is survival for today. Living in the moment without a plan for the future, you just exist. Misery can be no one’s best friend, but often becomes a constant companion! Awakening in an abandoned vehicle at the break of dawn, hearing that old familiar sound of birds chirping, knowing the day has started and that you must get in motion. Hitting the pavement in your run over shoes, holes in your pants pockets, your every worldly possession in the book bag you wear on your back, you start your ritual. Finding your way to the soup kitchen hoping you run across a piece of luck; a coin or two that someone lost, or perhaps an artifice you may be able to sell for a small price. Anything to shake off the familiarity of being broke with only a wish! That oh, so lonesome wish for that small piece of luck becomes the reason for living; every thought is geared towards that wishful fate, of running into a happenstance which will take away the hardship. Wandering to and fro you put your hopes in the backseat and start your scavenging for the essentials of the moment. To realize, that all that you have coming is what you had yesterday and what you will have again tomorrow becomes the totality of your existence. The only difference in a day is its formal name Sunday or Monday, it’s all the same; that constant struggle, not sure of what’s to be gained. An existence where you can only hope that that oh, so, lonesome place of refuge isn’t towed for its abandonment! Your mind stuck on the simplest, yet most important factor of being, living physically and emotionally for the security of that one place in which you can feel alive - your abandoned vehicle - you spend the whole day hoping it stays secure. The loss would be devastating! The idea, or rather the fact, that life is destined for you to always be in shambles, without the slightest chance of change becomes your nemesis, as if this is how it is supposed to be. To lose hope is to lose reason- Ricardo Taylor Photo: Aimee Willhoite ing, so you just drift alone accepting things the way they are. Living without a past or future, you just exist! How is one to know that life exists without so much pain and pressure? How can one be free from the reality; that which they perceive to be their fate? ‘Existing, without a hope or prayer, such a miserable place to be! You tend to submit yourself to that idea of reality and continue along the life path that you are destined to. Huh? Well, it’s like they say. It is what it is! ‘Continuing along life’s track you realize that you can’t give the misery back’, so blindly you accept that position in life.’ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Ron English, Streetvibes Writer and Distributor, shares his art. In the eyes of Lee McCoy (Part II) LEE MCCOY Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor I Orange Barrels Orange Barrels, Orange Barrels They’re everywhere Each day the construction workers are there Putting up the construction signs Placing Orange Barrels all around From block to block, from street to street Construction work is on the streets So just sit down and take a seat Orange Barrels are what you’re gonna see KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer truly believe the more laws the less justice. You ever had that feeling that something just isn’t right? So to get right to the down to the meat of this article: to me I really think that when our Constitution was written oh so many years ago they were designing it for a certain group of people. You would have to agree with me that they weren’t geared up to protect the slaves. Now come on, let’s be real. Slaves weren’t even considered secondclass citizens. They were just somebody’s property. When they decided to free them way back then, they promised to give them 40 acres and a mule. If that promise ever came true, they can keep their 40 acres and just give me a Toyota. Now look at alcohol, it is legal but it causes so many problems and it is a leading factor in domestic violence, vehicle homicide and is one of the top killers in this country. It’s legal because our government can tax it. And when it causes problems with the individual they have a place for you called jail. Rarely do they see it as a disease, but I know it is habitforming. You can buy it in the store, but you better not get caught drinking it on the streets. It’s a Catch-22. How is it when you are charged with a crime and you have a jury trial you’re supposed to be tried by 12 members of your own peers? But if that happens to me, I look over there at the jury box and I see a banker, people who have a job, who don’t want to be there in first place and you can bet there is not a person on the jury who is homeless. If you have ever deal with our A Peaceful Place WILLA DENISE JONES ------------------------ Those Boring Democrats There’s a place I go to on different days of every week Where I can learn about making things that all kinds of people seek I learn to make jewelry, I learn how to knit and too even play with clay I learn all sorts of things and if I want, I can stay and learn all day This place is open to women from all walks of everyday life In this place you can find peace of mind from the world’s toils and strife We come together and talk to find solutions for so many different problems As we knit and make jewelry we pray for God’s help with our problems to be able to solve them This place is called the Sarah Center here in downtown on Vine Street Who would ever believe this place of peace would be located right off the downtown beat I have been blessed to find the Sarah Center and meet all the Sarah Center Girls I just wish that there were more places of this stature all over the world So I hope I can just pass the blessing on to those who may be lonely and bored And be able to open the door to those lost souls who feel their being ignored Come into the Sarah Center and meet all the many women of different cultures and pray That your day may be fulfilled by the grace of God in the Sarah Center each and everyday Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer “Justice Center”, it really needs to be revamped. I’m not saying having Sheriff’s deputies is wrong but you have to admit they are a law all to themselves who runs the jail. Some of them need to be locked up. Some people suffer from verbal abuse. It’s their way or the highway. You have no right and don’t be a person who suffers from a mental disorder. They need to be trained better to deal with these people who are being convicted of a crime. Did you know you have to pay $40 fee just to go to jail. Is that a jail or really a hotel? You tell me. And they’ll hold you while you’re waiting to go to court. And if you have a medical problem you have to pay, even for aspirin. Even if you have medical insurance. Remember you haven’t even been committed of any crime yet. And Lord knows if you have somebody send you some money while you are there and you don’t have any money to pay the $40 fee, believe me they are going to get their money one way or the other. Yeah and then on the other hand they always used to say it back in my days ‘three meals and a cot’. That is no longer true. You get two hot meals and one cold meal and that’s a bologna sandwich with a little piece of fruit and your stomach is already growling at night. I don’t understand this and it’s supposed to be nutritious, but I don’t believe that. Your stomach be making so much noise or just be so sick. You know I am so sick of this “justice” system that we have. Compared to the Republicans, The Dems are rather boring. Look at their recent debate. It left most viewers snoring. Pundits begin to speculate, That Hillary’s growing lead Will soon prompt old Bernie To call it quits and concede. Dems discuss dull issues, Like ending Citizens United. Repubs debate a new Wall, Which gets the base excited. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 82 Across 1. Subject 6. Breed of dog 10. Fit 14. Ice hut 15. Halo 16. Remunerated 17. Swiss currency 18. Toy 20. Elfin 21. Hummock 23. Cleverly humorous 24. Tournament for professionals and amateurs 25. A stratum of rock 26. Laporid 29. Musical instrument 31. Administrative division 34. Heron 35. Lieu 36. Fish eggs 37. Soil used in pottery 38. Essential fluid 39. Ring recurrently 40. Drag behind 41. Cut off 42. Taut 43. Nocturnal bird 44. Wharf 45. Leave empty 46. A great distance 47. Musteline mammal 48. Sweetner 51. Creep 53. Male title 56. Practical joker 58. Legal excuse 60. Look at amorously 61. Juicy fruit 62. Inflexible 63. Animal hide 64. Amiss 65. Impenetrable Down 1. Squabble 2. Fiend 3. Dramatic work 4. Electrically charged particle 5. Pilot enclosure 6. Male chicken 7. Body of a ship 8. Examination by word of mouth 9. Manner 10. Garden pest 11. Lure 12. Fabric used to dress wounds 13. Highly strung 19. Thick woolen fabric 22. Mesh 24. Take orders 25. Male hog 26. Right-hand page 27. Lambent 28. Free-for-all 29. Freshwater carnivorous mammal SODOKU PUZZLE NO 216 - MEDIUM 30. Alcoholic beverage 31. Structure for open-air sports 32. Cook with dry heat 33. Noisy riotous fight 35. Rescue 38. Low dam 39. Eat like a bird 41. Flicker 42. Large drinking vessel 45. By way of 46. Aspect 47. Jovial 48. Halt 49. Exhort 50. Respiratory organ of a fish 51. Cook slowly in a liquid 52. Close 53. One of the twelve divisions of the zodiac 54. Wading bird 55. Travel by horse 57. Health spring 59. Prevarication PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 316 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 81 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 215 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 317 | No v 2 0 - D ec 3, 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Mercy Franciscan at St. John OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Both Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 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 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 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Nov 20 - Dec 3, 2015 | No. 317 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 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 usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � 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 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 20-December 3, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Buddy Gray Households Endure Collapsed Roof While Slumlords Slip on Millionaire Row Pg 3: Imagine… Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Streetvibes Shadow Pg 6: Revolving Neighborhoods Pg 7: A Tale of Two Cities Pg 8: Family Fallout Led Disabled Gulf War Veteran to Homelessness Pg 9: “Laundry Ministry” Puts New Spin on Helping Nashville’s Homeless Pg 10: Time for Change Pg 11: Remembering Remembrance Day Pg 12: What We Do Pg 13: In the Eyes of Lee McCoy Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 20-December 3, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Jim Luken Dr. Mark Mussman Haley Day Bill Woods Sharon Doering Steve Sunderland Ricardo Taylor Lee McCoy Kim Green Willa Jones Jimmy Heath Iris Roley Justin Jeffre Aimee Willhoite Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimee Willhoite Bill Woods buddy gray Dr. Mark Mussman Haley Day Iris Roley Jim Luken Jimmy Heath Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Laundry Ministry Lee McCoy Nashville RENT Ricardo Taylor Sharon Doering Steve Sunderland Veteran Willa Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/b9b5a78cd10daaccfa014a33f8a606f1.pdf 940cca5736675ce11395d4926d43abec PDF Text Text �_.. NADER CAPTIVATES CINCINNATI by Dan Marsch1zer Ralph Nader provided a glimpse of what politics could be to a sellout crowd at the University of Cincinnati's Zimmer Auditorium on Thursday, October 26. Nader, the Presidential candidate for the Green Party, showed why he was one of Time's "100 Most Influential People of the 2Q1h Century." He illustrated radically different proposals than the major party candidates, a vision of government based on human rights, labor rights, respect for the environment, and consumer power over corporations. Nader has been a consumer advocate for over 30 years, fi ghting for corporate responsibility. He first gained prominence with Unsafe at Any Speed, a book that exposed the abuses of the auto industry. His work has lead to the creation of several consumer protection agencies and bas helped create healthier, safer means of production at the expense of corporate profits. The UC Skeptics sponsored Nader 's visit as part of a globalization awareness campaign through the Coalition for a Humane Economy (CHE). The night was devoted to education about the World Trade Organization (WTO). Nader believe that the WTO is the largest threat to national sovereignty that the world currently faces. The WTO, accord1ng to Nader, is a supranational governing power that has the ability to override the laws of any member country. These laws are attacked by means of the WTO's harmonization committee, a body that seeks to reduce trade barriers. Standardizing trade policies is the committee's goal, and the body has two options: raise the world's procedures to the most stringent of countries, or lower them to the least restrictive nations. Nader believes that the latter is being adopted at the expense of environmental standards, worker rights, and human rights. Ralph Nader addresses the crowd at UC. Member nations in the WTO target international trade laws that they seek to remove constantly, and take their disputes to court. A law can be challenged in the Geneva, Switzerland courts of the WTO. The courts have closed sessions to the public, and all decisions are final. If a country loses its case, the law in question must be revised or the country faces economic repercussions. This system, Nader believes, causes the erosion of national rights to consumer protection and an increase in the profits of multinational corporations. Trade becomes the supreme criteria in this syste m: the goal is to increase trade at any expense. Nader calls the WTO "the most spectacular sidestepping of governmental standards that global corporations have ever done." Corporations work with oppressive governments to drive down worker and environmental standards. The cheap labor and weak environmental standards lead to profit maximization and the loss of social gains. The result is a devastating effect on the thlld world. Nader believes that this process makes the concept of "free trade" a pitiful joke. "You can't have free trade with a country that's not free," Nader empha ized. What can be done about the WTO abuses? Nader considered two options: the U.S. leaving the WTO or attempting to work within the structure of the WTO. He argued that the U.S. has the strength to pull out of the WTO and assert enough influence to change its policies. If the U.S. left the WTO, then other countries would be forced to reconsider the WTO and the consequences of its membership. Working within the WTO to make change isn' t realistic, Nader believes, because the member nations are bound to accept the action of the WTO. Nader outlined some changes to governmental policy to address the current abuses of globalization. He argued that the U.S. foreign policy should support workers, not dictators. The current idea of productivity, production of goods at the lowest cost, needs to be redefined. He postulated that productivity should embrace all people's rights to safer, better lives. He argued that the maj or political parties had embraced corporate power. Nader believes "Our democracy should not be for sale!" GLOBALIZATION GOES LOCAL by Susan Knight government officials. These November 16­ 18 organizers estimate a few thousand demonstrators will converge on Cincinnati to bring attention to globalization and a group called the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD). The TABD consists of over 200 CEOs from the Un ited States and the European Union and top U.S. government officials. including the Secretary of Commerce. They meet to develop trade policy recommendations for EU and US recommendations, if unable to be directly implemented by the given government, are then brought to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Often, these recommendations are imposed on other nations through the WTO. The demonstrations will make a call for democratic economics. They will demand that the government tum to the people. not corporations. for decisions that influence our lives. The demonstrations will highlight the 1 \ NADER, continued on page 3 local ramifications of the corporations located within Cincinnati. Developing their own unique version of Porkopolis. the demonstrators will bring to life, through pig puppets, the issues and concerns surrounding corporate dominance. Civil disobedience will be present throughout the TABD meetings. Although groups outside of Cincinnati are coming to these actions, the group responsible for the coordination of the protest is the Coalition for a Humane Economy (CHE). located in Cincinnati. CHE.is sponsoring a series of actions that will illustrate the abuses of the TABD. These actions include: CllE, continued on page 18 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �STREETVIBES ' Stre~s-, the Tri-State's Homeless Grape­ vine, is a newspaper written by, for, and about homelessn~. sociaJ justice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cover printing cost')) and then sell the paper for a dollar donation,. The vendor keeps the profits. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Srreetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before be ing given a Streervlbes Vendor badge. The Greater Ci11cimwti. Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educat­ ing the pubJic and grassroots organizing. GCCH &af[ Alicia Beck Susan Knight Director Tom Billman Dan Marschner Gina Kohlhepp Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Sonny Williams Administrative Coordinator Editor Assistant Editor Streetvibes Intern Outreach Coordinator Tenant Organizing Oureach Volunteer Receptionist Prison News Editor Writers Mr. Lee Rodney Sutton Pat Mitchell Sharon Wejss Dan Marscbner Wendell Salter Doctor Donovan Riccardo M .Taylor Anthlny Watkins Rick Williams Shaka N' Zinga LynnMarmer Susan Knight John Perotti Ron Carter Lynn Williams Gina Kohlheff Anthony Mack Warren Perlcins Kunta Kenyata Jewel Wilks John W. Gerhart Booger Love Llnd,a L. Bµrger Mark LOCAL NEWS Page2 Homeless Coalition · Speaks at 8.th Annual Senior Banquet by Pat Mitchell On October 15, 2000, the Coalition was invited co th.e 6'hStreet H ill Neighborhood Club and M ission Banquet. This gathering was a delightful event, attended by Pat Mitchell, Outreach Worker, and M ary Gaffeney, our receptionist. W e were served dinner and given carnations as guests. And I received a certificate of appreciation for bei~g a g uest speaker. I was most imp ressed by the celebration and the history that was brought o ut by one of the guest speakers, M r. C urtis Hubbard, Sr. M r. H ubbard is-78 years young· and was a Tuskegee Airman. H e was c:elling som e great srories and showing piccures of our senior Black Airmen of Tuskegee, AJabama. T he mistress of ceremonies was M rs. Barbara Twitty; W elcom e address, Joyce Bell. T here were also speakers speaking on mental health, Dr. Ozzie McDonald, on breast cancer awareness, Evelyn Jones, followed by some good entertainment from H arry C urtis and LaVeena Campbell. Mrs. Campbell gave an outstanding performance. Poem s by Eugene H arris and last but not least, Jean Thomas, and Marcia B.C. Mohammad. President D arlene Hicks crowned the King and Queen of the M ountain 2000: D an Boozer and Geneva Spring. Active Kings and Q ueens present were C laude Campbell, Lillian C urry, and C lyde Campbell. T heir first active Queen was Irm a Ford, now inactive in a AJaska nursing home. D arlene Hicks volunteers her work and her passion for life. Among her endeavors, D arlene is the founder of Missionary Outreach Services whose Evangelical work is 6'h Street Hill serving people in Cincinnati, W est V irginia, and North C arolina for 25 years, and in Africa and Haiti for 9 years. I was proud to be part of this celebration. It was an event to remember. Thanks D arlene for inviting the Greater C incinnati Coalition for the H omeless. VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Wendell Salter I think it' s a great thing doing work for the Homeless Coalition. It not only gives me a chance to meet people in various walks of life, But also gives me a feeling of self­ worth. I know the feeling of degradation and pain that comes w ith being homeless. I've been a vendor a w hile -- since February of this year. Being a vendor has brought me in contact w ith the people of Streetvibes and the Coalition. I owe a great deal of my success to God, my wife, and my family, as w ell as to you, the readers of Streetvibes. Thanks a lot to Wendell and all the other Streetvibes vendors helping us to make alternative viewpoints available to Cincinnati citizens. Word Scramble Greetings from Ron Carter Olehl latocnilo Ergstigen Mofr Nro Rretca Mi' Gindo Efni Graphics Photographs by Berta Lambert, Sonny Wdliams. Jimmy Heath, Beverly Brooks, cartoon by Victor Buttram, fll'fllll'lzers, and honorees .... Annual Senior Banquet Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print everything we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $ 15 per year. (Please make checks payable to GCCH) Please send au material to the following address: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421 -7803 fax (5 13) 421-781 3; e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com o r homecoal@primax.net web page: http://cinci.com/gcch Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions of our read­ ers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �ST REET VI BES LQ CAL NEWS Hello, My name is Tony and I am a eounselor at the Joseph Honse Ine .... Today by the grace of God my life is wonderful and I am at peace with myself. I can honestly say this because seven months ago I was homeless, desperate, lonely, confused and full of shame, guilt and self-pity. As I reflect back over my life (which has been a good one), I know that my life is full of choices ans! the choices I made created a process. I cannot blame anyone for my faults. I grew up in a wonderful family. I was taught to love myself and treat others with respect and kindness. I h ave played music, attended college, performed in a movie, served in the armed forces for 16 years and spent 10 years in Europe. I was once happily married and had everything I could ever wane. As a result of an event I became heartbroken. I lost my moral values and spirituality. Quite simply I stopped living and became a member of the "walking dead". Yes I was dead; I just did not have enough courage to lay down. I still remember vividly of walking the streets, always on a mission that I could never quite complete and if it was completed the end results was jail or an Page 3 ••• • institution. I thank God that it was never death. There were agencies that wanted to help me such as the Drop Inn Center, The qty Gospel Mission, The Homeless Coaljtion, VA, and countless others. I could not be helped until I was ready to help myself. That time finally arrived on March 16, 2000. I decided that I wanted to live again, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired of mysel£ I wanted to love and be loved, I wanted to respect and be respected. I wanted to stand for something and stop falling for nothing. I wanted to be a man and carry myself accordingly. I surrendered to a battle that I could not win by myself and I asked for and wanted help. I was ready to hear, listen and act on suggestions that were given to me. With the assistance of the VA I walked in the door of the Joseph House Inc. and for the first time in my life I knew that I was where I was suppose to be. Since that day I have not looked back. Has it been easy? NO, however it has not been as difficult as it once was. During my time it treatment I began to understand that what I lived is what I learned and what I learned is what I practiced and what I practiced is what I had became and what I became had consequences. I found our that I had the disease of akoholism. It can never be cured, it can' be arrested and a . wonderful life can be achieved. I was willing to take suggestions, to listen and not just hear, to take action and not contemplate. Most importantly, I learned to let go and let God. I serve a God of second·chances and he requires ordinary things with extraordinary results. Today my life is wonderful. I am being responsible for myself and to others. I am happy with myself and content with what I have. Not only am I happy, my mother and children are extremely pleased to have me back again. I must thank the afore mention agencies for all their assistance during my foolishness. T he help you provided me has come to fruition. Thank you Joseph House for not leaving me behind. I ask God to be happy and he said "I give you blessing, it's up to you to be happy." May he continue to bless us all. Anthony R. Mack. RCJoseph House Inc. + _ __ _ _ _ _.. . . . . ,......_______________________ NADER, from page 1 o seph Honse for Home less Veterans by Pat Mitchell Just a few nights ago I watched Heatl1er French, Miss America, win a Women's Achievement Award for the work she did in her reign for the homeless. I had the pleasure of meering Miss America at the Veteran Stand-down at the Drop Inn Center and also got a personal autograph for my grandson. After seeing her win this award I started thinking about the good work she had done. Being involved with homeless people myself, I felt that I had played a small part in her.crusade. With the additional support of Joseph House' supervisorlth:erapist Kenny Cruthers, I have been working.at the Homeless Coalition for the lasr 6 months, spealcing with Veterans - some homeless ­ giving them some hope. This year 2000, I met Tony Mack, counselor for the Joseph House. I was impressed by his dedication for the work with the horneJess veterans and the fact that he was a homeless veteran, with a chemical (in)dependence success story. After meeting M r. Mack I was later able co do an interview and a tour ofJoseph House and Moses I House. So now I know where Veterans leaving detox programs can go. Joseph House is another program of structure. Joseph House is located at 1519 Vine and extends to Republic - while touring, I found the Joseph House to be a very clean, comfortable, homey atmosphere. Also, they have a cook that was a resident. Now he does the cooking for the residents 7 days a week. The staff people were very friendly and quite down to earth, making this program also a plus. Joseph House is a 6 month program but the veteran can stay 24 months or longer in the Fran House or Moses I House. It gives chem structure for making the transition to the real life. Here recovery is their main priority along with a job. All are cools for homeless veterans to lead a productive life. Located in the Moses House is an area called "the Landing Zone, which offers homeless veterans a chance to rest, make phone calls, wash clothes, and gee a hair cut. Here, Veterans also get a chance to get off the streets and talk with other Yeterans, no longer homeless, trying ro rebuild their lives, "pulling up their fellow man" so they can also have a life of dignity. On November 18 at Memorial Hall there Alicia Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, inquired about Nader's views on homelessness. His response was to illustrate the largest housing project in the Jast 10 years: prisons. Nader stated that over 2 million people are currently in prison; the audience was left to wonder why the population is so large. He indicated that criminalizing drug addicts instead of treating them was a horrible mistake. Also, Nader believed that a living wage needed to be established so that homeless and impoverished people could escape their current situation. The current minimum wage, in Nader's estimation, is not adequate to support a family. This lack of a livable wage leads to increased poverty and homelessness. Finally, Nader issued a challenge to the audience, mostly college students. Nader argued, ''The most important part of life is striving for a better world ... Those of you who are 20, you have 2,000 weeks till you are sixty - 15,000 days. Don't waste them." Judging from the enthusiastic audience response, this evening certainly was oot wast~d. + + + Working for Human Rights? Labor Rights? Environmental Rights? Animal Rights? Joseph House helps homeless veterans like him. will be a dedication of the new Moses House II, a transicional living facility. On January l, there will be opening of the Standard Living Permanent Housing. Here, recovery will still be the main focus. We salute Heather French for her great work and congratulations on h er marriage on October 27. 200+ of the World's top CEOs will be in Cincinnati November 16-1 8 Called the TABD (Transatlantic Business Dialogue) , this group, along with government officials, sets the agenda of the WTO (World Trade Organization) MASS DEMONSTRATIONS PLANNED!!! Cati 513-588-8883 SUBSCRIBE: che2000@egroups.com check it out: www.che-2000.org �STR EETV I BES l.. ()(~J\f_. N )~ 1\TS Page 4 Mt. Airy Shelter: From the Inside Out By Mr.Lee The following "fictionalized scene" is designed to describe the unique experience of gaining residence at Mt. Airy shelter and experience of traveling to the shelter. The facts are accurate, the characters "somewhat " fictionalized. The Pick-up Pojnt Well, here you are ... homeless and standing in front of the Hamilton County Department of Human at 6:4.5 am in the morning. You're stand outside because the building doesn't openuntil 7:OOam,with.clients not seen until 7 :30am. YOU V& already been advised to be there early, since it is first come, first serve. Good advic~ as there appears to be three other "clients"(hohi.el~ss, dirfy and hungry men) . You not to look conspicuous , (my big word for the mo'ntli) while carrying. your change of dirty clothes in your suitcase of the day. That might be a suitcase, overnight bag, gym bag, what is known as a Kroger suitcase (you know, paper or plastic?) or the always appropriate green garbage bag. Not knowing how many beds will be available, you jockey for position. The loser(s) may wind up spending another night at City Gospel Mission (clean, usually a decent meal, with a brief sermon, sort of like, open mike night for aspiring ministers and a very early (5:00am) wake up call). Of course, don't forget the mandatory shower before lights are turned out about 8:00pm. In the m.orning they send you out at 6:OOarn, and let you back in about 7:OOarn, for a breakfast of out of date vending machine sandwiches (not to be confused with a sammich) that taste like Penn Station to a hungry man on the street. Or worse still, a night of minor drama in the facility known, not so affectionately on the street, as the "Dew Drop Inn". You may have arrived at this point through any number of unpleasant routes. You may have spent the previous night on the streets of Over the Rhine. There is always plenty of company inWashington Park,especially when the weather is warm. You may have just arrived in town seeking a geographical cure for some pressing self -imposed crisis and referred there from any one of several agencies. You may have gone on yet another of those drinking/drugging binges you had sworn never to do again, and been forced on the street, going from spot to spot, maybe even sleeping in abandoned buildings. You may just have been put out by the wife, brother, mother (ouch!), sister, cousin, significant other, lover, friend,former friend, houseman, etc. You may just be tired of being on the street, going from spot to spot, sleeping in abandoned buildings, under bridges, or in old cars. (These are only a partial list of temporary "residences" that would also include hallways, bus stations, covered walkways, skywalks, garages, and other unlikely places that for homeless men represent shelter.) Back to the present. You are convinced that you present every possible indicator that you are homeless, short of a neon sign on your back. Your clothes are not very clean (OK, dirty), you may have been wearing them several days (you have), you need a shave, a bath, some sleep and a super sized "baloney sammich", (yep, that's how I spell it). The basic requirements for admission are that you be male, chemically dependent and/or mentally ill, and in need of temporary shelter. Although all of the men don't fit this profile, most do. Once the door is open, you quickly walk 4 trY Extra! Extra! Support Streetvibes by Advertising to Socially Conscious Readers! Rates: about 2 bucks per square inch up to the security checkpoint. Several county officers supervise the x-ray machine and it's e xamination of your packages, including the bag of dirty laundry you brought with you. You then go to a side lobby where you wait to be interviewed. The county employee, Laura or one of two others, is a very nice woman. She is compassionate, sensitive and pleasant. She has a gift for not making her client feel "less than". She tries to offer a few words of hope and optimism. She takes some hi.storical inforrnation, sets up or upd.~t~s your file, and determines whether a bed is available and if you are e ligible. If accepted for housing, you are given a blue card with some basic data and a bus token, With some general information on you and directi9n~ to " ... THE PlCk UP 1 POINT". f\Jthou.g hsori are shownpictllt~s 01 ' the shelter· and the "'pick-up point", it &>~sn't · really· regfater until you actually s~e t,t iem. Unless you have been through the process, most of what you hear doesn't stick. You are ~o relieved to be going to place that doesn't put over at the collection of men sitting, standing under, around and near the tree. There are anywhere from 1 to 20 men waiting fot the van. If you are a "new-man", you may find that no one talks to you, unless you find a particularly friendly shelter resident or you are fortunate to have a friendly acquaintance at the poi~t. If you are so ,blessed, this. means m~ybe a cig,?-I"ei~~ or possi.b1y .a s~~ck 'o r shareq soft drii;ik: fvlore impor1tantly, it may also mean a guide who wiU hel:p> you le~n the. rope~ .and the ins and outs ·of Life :at. Club Med.. J .mean Mt.Airy. ·' • ... ~. rl '· So you're her~. at the Pick Up Point, soon to be transported to Mt. Airy Shelter.' You are sitting1inder a shady tree, you've answered the call ofnature (usually referred to as nuinber one), you are watching traffic, watching you, watching traffic. Although the glow of gratitude has not completely worn off, you are still painfully aware of the fact that you are homeless. You are sitting in a vacant lot on a fallen telephone pole with vicious warrior ants feasting on your butt. Anxiously anticipating the ride to the shelter, a clean bed and a good meal. You look down Chase Avenue where you are told the van usually comes. You see a rush of movement as the men move forward and stand on the sidewalk where the van should stop. There is some jockeying for position, but not much. The van stops at the corner of Chase and Virginia. Crosses Virginia and drives the short distance up Chase past everyone. While the van goes up the street and turns around, the men cross the street (with considerable cursing and muttering) and re-jockey for you out in the morning or put you to bed, at position (all Shelter staff do not stop at the same 8:00pm, the details are not your principle concern. You walk to the bus stop, and catch place). After everyone boards and before the 18 or 19 bus. After a 30-35 minute bus ride that takes you through downtown, Over-the­ Airy, continued on page 7 Rhine, "The Skillet", Clifton, Northside. You depart the bus just north of the corner of Colerain and Virginia. You cross through the corner gas station past the vendor selling bootleg movie tapes, and the other vendor selling rugs and mirror pictures and walk east on Virginia Avenue. While crossing the lot the Streetvibes TV is .produced live~ movie vendor watches you with a somewhat the Second Tuesday of each month , disdainful eye, as he is well aware, you have no money, VCR or CD player. Also, let's face it, he l - 8 PM. at Media Bridges , 2114 probably has lost a tape or two to current or Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If past shelter residents. After crossing through you would like to be a part of our studio the gas station yo u see a parking lot on your audience, or have ideas for shows, left, a hill on the right side of the street. As you please call us at 421-7803 reach the corner of chase andVirginia, you are standing beside a vacant lot, roped off with metal poles and a metal rope threaded September Schedule throughout the poles looking across Chase at Re-Broadcast Dates for a vacant lot. You are looking at large poorly August's Show on Channel 24: maintained vacant grassy field. In what is (Please check your schedule) approximately the middle of the field, you see a large bush like tree standing in front of a small Saturday, Nov. 4, at 5 PM hill. In front of the bush is a fallen telephone pole. This is " ... the pick-up point". The tree Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 1O PM provides shelter and shade. It also doubles as Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5 PM cover, when the "call of nature " must be Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 1O AM answered. Virginia Avenue is a busy feeder to Thursday, Dec. 7, at 1O AM the expressway and Colerain Ave. There are probably other shelter residents waiting for the van. You may have already struck up an Broadcast schedules are acquaintance with the other guy(s) who rode subject to change ­ on the bus with you. You soon notice that almost Consult your local TV directory. every vehicle's passenger that passes looks Mt. Studio Audience Wanted !!! �STREETVIBES l\7 1~1. l~illll~ Nl~l\7 S Pages 'WELFARE REFORM' IN APPALACHIA OHIO by Lynn Williams, Organizer, Ohio Empowerment Coalition During the past summer, members of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition made several trips to Southeast and South central Ohio, visiting with agencies and grassroots groups in Pike, Jackson, Fayette, Highland and Adams Counties. These are very rural counties with miles and miles of back country roads which wind and curve through tree-laden hills. Once we got off the main highway, the re latively straight stretch of Appalachian Highway, we got a true picture of what the territory is like. Jackson & Vinton Counties One of our stops was at the Jackson/Vinton County Head Start in Jackson, Ohio. The director was very open to speaking about conditions in Jackson and Vinton Counties. Head Start has four locations in these two counties, serving 300 children. Many of the families could be eligible for Ohio Works First, and most for food stamps and Medicaid. The Head Start director stated that the welfare roles in Jackson County had dropped from 900 to 300, and that approximately 40% of the 600 dropped from the roles had no source of stable income. When asked how she thought these families get by, she stated, "We are seeing a lot of families doubling up, living with parents, grandparents, siblings. We also are seeing single mothers who are head of households doubling up with other single mothers. They are living in one household and sharing expenses. Others are doing odd jobs that provide little and very unstable income. Of course, all of tJ1is affects the children we have in our Head Starts. These children's lives are very, very stressed. Their parents are under a lot of hardship financially." When asked how she thought the time limit would affect people. ~he stated. "The time limit i~ going to be a disaster for families in this area. I am very worried about what will happen to them, especially the children. Families arc already doubling. tripling up. Even more children will be living with their grandparents raising them." She continued. "Even now the welfare department is making ii cxcrcmely hard for anyone to get any kind of assistance. I helped a woman with applying. Even with me as an advocate he lping her to get assistance, it cook five times, five efforts, to get documentatjon turned in to the department before the caseworker accepted it! Another mother I know was required to turn in employment documentation four times in the past two months to keep on assistance. Most people would have g iven up way before this. That's what's happening. The numbers on assistance are low in Jackson County, but the welfare department is making it so hard to get he lp and making it so demeaning that poor people give up trying! I see this with families we are trying to serve." At the time we met with her , the director was unaware that people could remain eligible for food stamps and Medicaid after they lost eligibility for cash assistance. She said the local welfare department is telling people they will lose eligibility for everything when lhe time limit hits. She was unaware of any time limit exemption policies for her county. In fact, she expressed concern that Jackson County would opt not to exempt anyone. Adams County The Jackson/Vinton County Head Starr was right off of the Appalachian Highway (St. Rt. 32) so we got to ir easily. Driving to the Adams County Shelter for the Homeless was an entirely different matter. We drove through miles and miles of curving roads and hilly terrain to find it in a very small town called Blue Creek. On the way we wondered if it was worthwhile to go this far in the "hills" to visit there. However. what we learned made it very worthwhile. Upon arrival, the staff at the shelter wam1ly invited us to share in the noontime meal of chicken, biscuirs and gravy, ending with homemade yellow cake. As with the Head Stan Director in Jackson County, the staff at this shelter are likewise very concerned about the time limit. When they looked at the chart of numbers of "cases" to be c ut off by counties (ODHS figures), they incredulously read Adams County's figure of L8 households for Oct. I and zero numbers for the rest of the year. "I know that many families right on this road who will be cut off come October. T hese numbers are completely wrong." Della stated. Joyce, the Director, also agreed that the official cut-off numbers are ridiculously low for their county. Della, a recent Ohio Works First recipient, is a staff member at the shelter, cooking delicious meals for the residents, volunteers and lucky visitors who come in the vicinity of her kitchen. She obviously has expertise in the cooking line of work! The baking soda biscuits were " melt-in-the-mouth" delicious. We found Della very eager to talk to us about her experiences on public assistance, the ordeal she went through before she was hired at the shelter. First of all, Della said she was never involved in decision making with her caseworker to design the self­ sufficiency plan. " lt was called a contract, but I always thought a contract was a negotiation with both sides having input. I was never allowed to make any of the decisions for this so-called 'contract'. Instead, my caseworker decided what I was required to do if my fam ily was going to gel help.'' Della was sanctioned when !)he missed a day at her workfare site. Her child in kindergarten has asthma. She had to stay home and take care of the child when he became sick on t11is particular day for which she was sanctioned. The caseworker informed her she was sanctioned and proceeded to cut her off of everything: ca<>h, food stamps. and Medicaid. Even the child with asthma was cut off of everything. including Medicaid. not exactly helping him get better to go back co school & his mom go back to work! Della was never told 1hat she could appeal /his decision or that she had jus1 cause to not be sanctioned. She did not realize rhea herfamily should not have lost their Medicaid or tl1e children their food swmps. After she was hired at the shelter, the caseworker told her t11is job was not good e no ugh. The caseworker instructed Della to sell her mobile home and move to Cincinnati to get a job. That's not what Della had in mind. " I' m very happy with my job at the shelter. l love my job! I live nearby so I can walk to work. l have a relative close by who can watch my children while I work. It doesn' t pay a whole lot, but it's enough. I'm very content with my life and I have no desire to Live in the city." The caseworker told her she could still be eligible for a partial OWF check but it would be better not to take it. She should save it for a crisis if she needed OWF again. Della agreed, so the caseworker removed her from OWF. Unfortunately, Della Later found that the caseworker had cut off the food stamps and Medicaid right along with the cash assistance. Della told us, " I had no idea that I was still eligible for food stamps and Medicaid. I found out from someone else that I could still be eligible for diem, so I called the caseworker back to reapply. Otherwise I would not have known to reapply." Della and Joyce also shared stories of other recipients they had known who had been harshly sanctioned or terminated. We learned: • In Adams County, if your child is found to have lice two times at school, you are sanctioned. (What does this have to do wilh fulfilling a work requirement ?!!!) Joyce stated, "So if a child gets head lice in Adams County she also starve on top of it." Our Daily Bread , forced to move by the City of Cincinnati, has found a new location for their services. They will be moving into the old IGA building near the corner of Race and Elder streets. Our Daily Bread serves lunch and dinner to several hundred people in Over the Rhine on a daily basis. • In Adams County, each OWF recipient is required to a/fend counseling for substance abuse. If the recipient does not anend, she is sanctioned. • Similar to what we heard in Jackson County, Pike County, and others, the Adams County Welfare Department makes it so difficult to apply and to recertify, that many families simply give up. • Transportation is a huge issue in Adams County, as with all the rural areas we visited. Recipients often have to pay someone to take them to their recertification appointme nts every three months. This can cost at least $10. In Pike County recipients and other low income working wome n told us they were not able to get car repairs under PRC so they could make it to work & keep their jobs. In Pike County we drove miles and miles through back country roads to get to Community Pride With God's Help, a group of neighborhood people in a small village who are uniting to empower themselves. They were very outspoken about the difficulties they have had with getting public assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Clarice Shreik, leader of the group, stated, "The time limit is going to hurt a lot of families. They are building more prisons in Ohio because they plan to lock up the mothers who will be stealing food to feed their children. Crime is going to increase because people are going to do what they have to do to feed their kids. People are not going to let their kids starve in fro nt of their eyes. It's evil that t11e government refuses co help people who can't find jobs or can't work because of disabilities." She continued, "However. right here in Community Pride With God's Help, the time Limit won't have too much effcc1. Our people here a lrcad> can 't get cash assistance. T hey have no income. They are eligible for everything. But the Pike County Welfare Department is so spiteful and nasty 10 our people thac they refuse co give them the help they should be eligible to receive. One of our women was told, ' You are able bodied, so you arc not eligible. You can get a job.' This woman was disabled with a bad back and foot and leg problems. They re fused to help her." From the stories we have heard on our southeast and soutJ1 central Ohio trips, families have not been provided the supports and assistance they need in order to get jobs that will take care of their families. Families have instead been punished with mean-spirited sanctions or simply gotten off the roles through any means possible. Families are leaning heavily on relatives, even to the point of moving in with them. Was welfare reform meant to help move families out of poverty and provide a better future for Ohio's children? With Ohio's harsh sanctions and time limits, we are finding chat families, especially in this area of the state, are being driven even deeper into poverty with the means for survival cut out from under them. (Note: Members o f the Ohfo Empowerment Coalition will be traveling throughout Southeast and South central Ohio during the next few months, meeting with 0\.XfF and former O\.XIF families. Another report will follow this article.) For more information, p_lease caU the Contact Center: 513/381-4242. ANOTHER CLASS PRODUCTION ~~ Disc-Jockev SeNrce ~,~I (513) 230-6353 l \ - CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 e-mail: jonesocp@tbol.net �STREETVIBES Septemb er 4, 20 00 - "DECK IS STACKED" NATIONAL NEWS Page 6 Tarnished Glory: AGAINST U.S. WORKERS Olympic Human Rights Abuses Violations Undercut US. Posi­ By Dan Marschner tion on Labor Rights and Trade Excerpts from the SOCIAL J USTICE E-ZINE #3, an electronic magazine (e-zine) designedfor free distribution through the internet. Subscription list: sjzine@netscape.net http:llmembers.tripod.com/~goforthlsociaijustice.html R.ay Goforth & Kim Goforth New York, August 3 1, 2000) Workers' basic rights are routinely violated in the United States because U.S. labor law is so feebly enforced and so filJed with loopholes, Hu­ man Rights Watch said in a new report released today. T he 217-page report, "Unfai r Advantage: Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States under Interna­ tional Human Rights Standards," was based on field research in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michi­ gan, New York, North Carolina, Washington and other states. Human Rights Watch examined workers' rights to organize, co bargain collectively, and co strike under international norms. Ir found widespread labor rights violations across re­ gions, industries and employment stanis. The report is being released on the eve of the annual Labor Day holiday in che United States. The U.S. government has called for "core labor stan: dards," including workers' freedom of association, to be in­ cluded in the rules of the World Trade Organization and the Free Trade Agreement of the Ame[icas. But Human Rights Watch charged that che Uniced Scates itself violares freedom ofassociacion standards by failing to protect workers' right to organize. "The cards arc stacked agai nst workers in the United States," said Kenneth Roch, executive direccor of Human Righrs Watch. "The U.S. government cannot effecrively press another country ro improve labor standards while violating them itself. It should lead by example." Each year thousands ofworkers in the United States are fired from their jobs or suffer other reprisals for trying to organize unions. Millions ofworkers are excluded from labor laws meant ro protect workers' organizing and bargaining rights, and rheir number is growing, according to the report. Employers can resist union organ izing by dragging ouc legal proceedings for years, the report said. Labor law is so weak that companies often treat the minor penalties as a rou­ tine cost of doing business, not a deterrent against violations. Some workers have succeeded in organizing new unions in recenr years, the report said, but only after surmo unting ma­ jor obstacles. According to statistics from the National Labor Rela­ tions Board (NLRB), the federal agency created to enforce workers' organizing and bargainin g righ ts, the problem is getcing worse. Jn the l 950's, workers who suffered reprisals for exercising the right ro freedom of association numbered in the hund reds each year. In 1969, the number was more than 6,000. By the l 990's, mo re than 20,000 workers each year were victims of discrimination that was serious enough for the NLRB to issue a "back-pay" or other remedial order. There were nearly 24,000 such workers in 1998, the last year for which official figures are available. Meanwhile, the NLRB's budget and staff have not kept pace with this growth. Among other conditions cited in the reporr that impede workers' freedom of association: 0 workers fired for organizing and bargaining often wait years for their cases to be decided by labor boards and courts, while employers pay no price for deliberate delays and frivolous appeals; *one-sided rules for union organizing un­ fairly favor bosses over workers, allowing such tactics as "cap­ tive-audience meetings" where managers predict workplace closures if workers vote for union representation; 0 millio·ns of workers - including farmworkers, do­ mestic household workers, low-level supervisors, and "inde­ pendent" contractors who are really dependent on a single employer - are deliberately excluded from labo r law cover­ age for organizing and bargaining rights. They can be fi red with impunity for trying to form a union; 0 many workers find themselves caught up in a web of labor contracting and subcontracting, which effectively de­ nies them the right ro organize and bargain with employers who hold real power over their jobs and working conditions; 0 employers have the legal power to permanen tly re- continued to right The Olympic Games are a tremendous festival of international competition. Countries across the globe celebrate their differences while pursuing glory in athletic prowess. The spirit of the Olympic Games promotes participants to achieve their wildest dreams. However, the Olympic Games have a glaring inconsistency: while the participants are celebrated as the best of humanity, the homeless in the host city are often targeted as the worst. The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games caused some of the worst human rights abuses of the homeless in recent memory. Before the Olympics, construction of venues cost the city 9,500 low-cost rental units, according to Anita Beaty of the Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless. In addition, "We in Atlanta were forced to file a Federal lawsuit charging the City of Atlanta Police with wrongful arrests of more than 10,000 people during the twelve months prior to the Olympics." An estimate of the entire Atlanta homeless population is 15,000 to 20,000 people. Prior to the Olympics, Atlanta also bussed homeless people out of the city, arrested them for minor charges, and established ordinances against homeless people. The Atlanta crackdown on homeless people Jed to a increase of four times the normal number of arrests the year before the Olympics, and a major increase in the amount of arrests the week before the Games began. Leaming from Atlanta's debacle, the 2000 Sydney Olympics attempted to address the targeting of homeless people. The mayor of Sydney promised to resist pressure to have "street sweeps" remove homeless people from the street. Also, the number of social workers and shelter beds in Sydney increased significantly while the city prepared for the Games. The motivation for these improvements remained in question, however: were the increases in support for the homeless due to concern for their welfare or were they motivated by a desire to remove people from the streets during the Olympic period? In support of the latter view, critics pointed to legislation enacted after Sydney's successful bid that significantly curtailed some of the rights of citizens, including expansion of the police powers to search, seize, and disperse. The Olympic Games are designed to showcase humanity at its best. Are homeless and impoverished people incompatible with the Olympic dream? With the emphasis on clean, telegenic sites for the Olympics, homeless people are considered an eyesore. When venue locations are considered, impoverished neighborhoods become promising possibilities. The rights of homeless and poor people are swept aside so that the city can gain Olympic glory. Would the same targeting of homeless and impoverished people happen here in Cincinnati if the Olympic bid is successful? Only ti me and Nick Vehr can tell. The Presidential Race place workers who exercise the right to strike; *harsh rules against "secondary boycotts" frustrate worker solidarity efforts. H uman Rights Watch called on the U.S. Congress ro ensure rapid reinstatement and fu ll back pay for workers fired for organizing, as well as faster elections and expedited appeals co resolve unfair labor practices more quickly. The U.S. Congress should also ensure rhar protec­ tion of the right to organize be extended to farmworke rs, household do mestic workers, and others not currently cov­ ered by federal labor laws. H uman Righcs Watch also called on Congress to ratify International Labor Organization conventions on worker organizing and collective bargaining, and ro screngrhen U.S. laws protecting these righcs. http:l/www.hrw.org!campaigns!uskzborl �STREETVIBES INTERNATIONAL NEWS Page 7 Just South of the Border THE STORY OF A ~QUILADORA WORKER Interview with Omar Gil by David Bacon Nuevo La-redo, Tamaulipas, Mexico posted September 6, 2000 [Note f rom Campaign for Labor Rights: Although this interview is not directly connected with any current campaign, it is well worth posting because of its eloquent portrayal of the strugglesfaced by sweatshop workers and union organizers throughout Mexico. Also, the state of Tamaulipas is the Location of Dura Man£(/'acturillg - the focus of one of CLR :., two current Mexi co sweatshop campaigns. The Coalitioi1for Justice in. the Maquila~oras (CJM) is our partner organization for that campaign. The do-nothing unions mentioned by Omar Gil are the government-controlled unions, which usually resist and help to repress independent union activity. David Bacon, who conducted this interview, is an outstanding photoj ournalist based in California. A number ofhis articles deal with immigration issues in.the U.S. To subscribe to his l is tserve, w rite to him at <dbacon@ igc.o rg>.] I come from Mexico City. M y fath er had a bu s iness there , a s ma ll bookstore, until I was 11 years old. Then, because of the devaluatio n of the peso, his store we nt broke. My parents looked for work in Mexico City, but they couldn' t find any, so they decided to come here to the border, to Nuevo Laredo. We came here looking for a way to subsist. So I went to school on the border. When I finished preparatory school, my plan was to go back to Mexico City to the univers i ~y. to study physics and mathematics or law. But I couldn't continue my studies because we didn ' t have the money. I had to go to work. At first I began taking classes in air conditioning, so that r could get some training for a better job. It wasn't my intenLion to work full time, but to study and work at the same time. But working in the maquitadoras, it's not really possible to go to school, mainly because of tin1e. Also, the pay is low, and my job is very insecure. Despite all this, l haven't lost hope yet that I'll be able to go back. H's just that I' m not 100 percent sure anymore. Now there are other factors as well. l don ' t have any time to rest, and I'm getting physically exhausted. ft's very hard. I've been in these factories since I was 19 years old, and now I'm 26. J' ve gotten more and more worried , because I don't have time for any kind of personal Ii fe. r leave work so tired that on the weekends 1 don't want to even leave the house to go Mt. Airy, from page 4 pulling off, the driver asks if there are any new men. He colle cts your blue card. He does not introduce himself, but m ay eng age in light conve rsation with some of the passe nge rs. The final leg of this journey has begun. You are hungry, tired and hot! While riding to the shelter the depression that has become your near constant companion is temporarily abated. You are at least somewhat relaxed. That state of constant readiness that life on the street demands can be temporarily relaxed. You feel... safe. Maybe for the first ti.me in a long time. Perhaps, even a flicker of hope for anywhere . I just want to rest. All my person al development has been put on hold so that I can just rest, just so l'IJ be able to work. I feel like my youth has passed me by. Back in 1993} got my first job in a maquiladora, at Delphi Auto Part'S. They paid 360 pesos a week (about $40). There was a lot of pressure from the foremen on the assembly lines to work hard and produce, and a Jot of acci9ents. because of the bad of the lines. The company didn't give us desian 0 ' adequate protective equipm~nt to deal with the chemicals - we didn't really Ii.aye any idea of the dahgers, or how we should protect ourselves. The union there did nothing·to protect us. From Delphi 1 went to another company, National Auto Parts. l n that plant we made car radfators for Cadillacs and Camaro~, and there was a lot of sickness and accidents there too. I worked in the area with the metal presses. T here were no ventilators to take the fumes out of the plant, and they didn' t give us any gloves. We had to handle the parts with our bare hands, and people got cut up a lot. I worked in an area with a lot of lead. If you work with lead, you' re supposed to have special c lothin g and your c lo thes should be washe d separately. But the company didn't g ive us any of that. We had to work in our street clothes. For aJl that they paid 400 pesos a week (about $43). We had no union, and there was the same pressure for production from the foremen and the group leaders as I saw at Delphi. Now T work at TRW, where T' ve been for about a month and a half. T here's really no difference in the conditions in any of these plants - if anything, my situation now is. even worse. You could say it's forced labor, considering how the foremen talk to the workers, and how much psycho logical pressure they put oi:i people. We work an average of 14- 15 hours a day. There's no transport service to and from work, and we get off shift at 4 o'clock in the morning. UsuaUy we have to wait until 7 AM before we can catch a public bus. And when a bus does come, getting home costs 20 pesos. That makes a very big dent in your take-home pay - 380 to 400 pesos a week ($40-43). My job js bending steel cables for seatbelts for GM , Ford and some European car models. T he cable is about a centimeter thick, and I have to bend about 3500 a day. Because of what's passing through my hands every day, J can hardly sleep at night - the pain is so bad. T hen I have to get up in the morning to do it again. In the future, l know that l can get carpal tunnel problems, which is a very scary idea. I' ve asked to change to another position, but no .one wants to change because whoever works in this job gets a lot of pain in their wrists. [ fee l that in three or four years my hands are going to be useless. I've been thinking that I'll have to get another job. What else can I do? They say work in the maquiladoras is the best paid work here in the .c ity. But there's not much difference from one factory to another. This is all j ust normal - the standard. Really, I'm leaving my whole life in the factory. Because of the time and money pressure, I have no abil ity to develop myself even as a worker, much less as a human being. After I had been working fo Delphi for a year, l was invited to join a group that was trying to learn about workers' rights. People in this group said that things needed to be changed and better protections given to us, but that the companies dido 't want to do it. AL first r was undecided, because I thought that T could get into a lot of troubfe if l got involved. I thought l would get fired, or other bad things would happen to me. I h·eard about the movement in 1994, when Martha Ojeda [currently director of the Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras - ed .] and others tried to democratize the union at Sony, to make it one which represented the workers and fo ught for their rights. For many years, Martha was a union leader in N uevo Laredo, and during that time, she tried to democratize the unions here. But the union leaders in Mexico City refused to recognize her. In 1994 the union general secretary here called her an agitator and a Communist, and she was forced to leave. But she became well-known among the workers because she tried to help them at other plants too. Then it seemed the whole world painted Martha Ojeda as a ghost to scare people, and used her as e xample of what could happen if you got into these problems. But a couple of years later, when I was invited to j oin one of the groups again, I went. They invited me to a workshop about health and safety - the problems you could suffer because of repetitive motion. I realized that it was rid iculous to believe that it was bad to show workers the dangers in their jobs. The companies and the newspapers say we' re putting the maquiladoras in danger, but we're j ust showing workers what's wrong with the way the work is organized. When I understood that, I decided to become a voluntary organizer, and we've been working together ever since. Everything 1 Jea.m 1 try to pass on, so that it will help everyone else. a better sober, drug-free product ively employed future begins. As you ride down West Fork and cross the double bridge into the Mt. Airy Park you are dramatically affected by the radical change from your usual enviro n m ent. Yes , there are tre e s in Washington Park, but it doesn't look, smell, sound or feel the same. It is peaceful and cool. The air is cleaner. The turn onto Shep herd Lane brings you to a residential area featuring gorgeous expensive homes on large lots. You may pass upper middle class citizens who recognize the van, and continue to ride their horses unaffected. As you turn onto Diehl Rd. you are again struck by the fact you are traveling down a very nice residential street. At the end of the street is a chained off road leading into the woods. Just before you reach that road, the driver makes a left turn into the Shelter grounds . Directly ahead, you find the Shelter's administrative office on your right, housed in a red brick building. You grab your belonging, and stand in the line as the men check b ack in. You are still homeless, but you have shelter, and hope for a new start. The adventure begins. Every movement starts with jusl a small group, but they evolve and get bigger and bigger. Lots of people say you're j ust wasting your time because you' ll never be able to change anything. But I say no. Nothing will ever change if we just sit on our hands. You have to keep try ing and trying. And the little that we're able to achieve will grow, step by step. • • • Next Month: Mt. Airy: Life In The Shelter - Love it orLeave It ­ �Oct. 14, 2000 Class Action Planned for OSP Several attorneys are presently preparing a class action complaint concerning conditions at the Ohio State Penitentiary (OSP) Supermax Prison in Youngstown, Ohio. Some of the issues will be No Outside Recreation, as is required by prevalent case law, Unnecessary and excessive physical Restraints, Inadequate Medical ~nd Dental Care, Denial ofAccess to the Courts, and ocher issues. To obtain a questionnairy to complete for possible representation, please write: Staughton & Alice Lynd, attorneys at Law 1694 T im bers Court Niles, Oh 44446 I was just transferred f.rom SOCF to OSP and have been- on a fast since October 5,2000, because ORC Chieflnspector, Cheryle Jorgenson­ Martinez, a losing defendant in a lawsuit I won, has vowed that the director, Reginald Wilkinson, will not review my Rules Infraction Board decision that sent me to OSP. SOCF officials refused to transfer my pending criminal appeal files with me. Please write Governor Bob Taft, 77 South High St., Columbus, OH 4321 0, and demand they look into my situation. I also request all who read this to ask Gov. Taft for the commutation of John W Byrd and J. D. Scott's death penalty cases co life imprisonment. Time is running out for these brothers and they -need your assistance. Stay Strong, John W. Perotti O.S.P. #167712 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd. Youngstown, OH 44505 A note to Prisoners: Unfortu­ nately, Streetvibes cannot help you with any type of Legal Work, other than indirectly inspiring our readers. Try writing to: director, Prison Reform Advocacy Center, 617 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202 PEN PAL WANTED Dave Easley 306400 P.O. Box 1436 Youngstown OH 44501 STREITVIBES PliSODlllS llllWS contains news about the jus tice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation 's jails and prisons. Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. If you want to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $15 for a year's subscription Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Laughable Shaka N'Zinga: The SunKing! Freedom of the press is reseNed for those who own the press, '10t folk like myself - folk without. Without the voice of capital, my freedom of expression is forteited . and granted to those who know me' not. rnY They who are not of ki1;1d; those who hail from places with cold climes, That gave life to cold minds. Freedom of the press means nothing to me and those of my kind; for we have found that our freedom of expression is only g ranted and respected when we a re talking about how deeply we hate and despise ourselves, and when we are singing the deluded praise of the amerikkan way of life. Damn, when we talk about how thankful we are for being knocked up side the heads and brought to amerikka as slaves, we suddenly are granted the right to the freedom of the press: The Freedom to express our stupidity, i.e. our successful assimilation j nto the way of amerikka. Freedom of the press is a lie that strikes me right on m:y funnybone, Yes, indeed, it is laughable. September 24, 2000 In thy name o Allah Dear Reader, I was given a copy of Streervibes last night from a fellow prisoner. I have enclosed a copy ofa letter which I have senr to the prisoner advocacy Center searching for some justice. However, as always, I have found none. I came co prison when I was 16 years old. I'm 42 years old now and I have never seen justice served in prison! This letter enclosed please peruse with an op en mind anyway you make the choice if I merit your assistance! People can discuss social reform and what rights should be done, but whose going co say, "Hey, there's something wrong here." I filed a pro-se in the Sixth Circuit C i.ncinnati, OH and on August 22, 2000 my case was denied. I have 90 days to appeal to che Supreme Court of the United States and I need some help. I'm not losing my appeals because I'm guilty but because I'm ignoranr to the law. I have all my transcripts and legal documents, and what I'm saying is that I was convicted because l'm black and a Muslim. The transcripts don't lie, but I can't get any help. If I'm right, f'm asking you to help me. IfI'm wrong then walk away and close che door. I have a deadline in the United States Supreme Court and I'd appreciate your response and support. :Sinte'rely, ' ;.-; i . Luqman Bahir Taqwiim Youngstown, OH44505 Mr. S. RichardArno/.d, P.R.A.C Suite 1428 Enquirer Building 1 P.O. Box 1436 Cincinnati, OH 45202 Dear Mr. Arnold: I am not sure how to address chis composition. I had me desire to do so and in fact did. You're going to need some background information to bring into focus my present situation. I stumbled many years ago and spilled the contents of my life. I was 16 years old, not very mature, and I lacked che ability to make sound decisions - in short I was a follower. I ended up in a prison cell, tossed into a world of distorted pred~lections, blind ignorance and hatred. I'm still searching for a new lease on life. A chance to be a man , earn a livelihood, raise a family and travel to Mecca. Bur I'm in a struggle and I appeal to your empathy. In 1991 I was prisoner ac Lucasville Ohio's Southern Ohio correctional facility. I had received a phone correspondence for my family doctor who stressed his personal and professional opinion that my mother would pass away within six monchs. He also contacted the Warden and the unit staff. l cook this information hard and the struggle began. I went co the Warden requesting a hardship transfer. H e in turn sent me to the Deputy Warden. I was interviewed by che Deputy Warden, and upon the conclusion of the interview, he promised to help me transfer co Mansfield (the new prison chen.) Approximately two months had passed and I went back to the DeputyWarden, but my analytical reasonj ng - my criterion to separate fact from fiction showed me that he was spinning me, shirking the responsibility, he didn't care and I saw it! I went on a hunger strike, and ten days later the Deputy Warden came to me to inquire into my actions. Thus again I laid my appeal open and bare to the core. 1 was again promised by che Deputy Warden for his intervention into my srace affairs. Again, he lied, and several weeks later 1 was on another hunger strike thac almost cost me my life. For 38 days I refused all meals as I was placed in an isolacion cell and monitored. On the 28'" day I refused all liquid and had to be rushed to the hospital C.M.C. (Correctional Mediacal Center). The officials at C.M.C. informed me that they had spoke to officials at S.O.F.C. and had agreed to let me see my mother under the provisions that I end my hunger suike. I agreed. Bear in mind that my mother was in prison. She was in C.M.C. on the same floor. A week later I was sent back ro S.0.C.F. and I was never allowed co see my mother. I couldn't hLLnger strike anymore. I was tired, my body was hurt, and emotionally I had faced no other struggles quite like this in my brief existence beneath the scars. I began ro address Ms. Shirley Pope, she sent me back co the unit manager and he didn't hear anything. 1 wrote che Director in central office. He sent me back co che unit manager. It was foul. I filed a discrimination suite in court against che scaffat S.O.C.F. <tnd papers were served to all parties. The unit manager moved me the following week co another unit on another side of che prison. This made To P.R.A ~ C. continued page 16 �ST REET VIBES Solidarity with Mumia Abu-Jamal Trade Union Support .for a New Trial Revolutionary Worker #1071, September 24, 2000 At its July 18 convention this summer, the California Labor Federation AFL-CIO passed a resolution demanding a new trial for Mumia Abu­ Jamal, the revolutionary Black prisoner facing execution on Pennsylvania's death row. The resolution pointed out that Mumia was "convicted of shooting a police officer in a trial in which there was compelling ·e vidence of his innocence and of gross misconduct on the part of the police, prosecutor and judge... Should he be executem without a new trial, it would be an affront to all who believe in fairness. and itwould be an irreversible, tragic miscarriage of justice and a disgrace to the United States of America as a whole." This resolution marks a recent advance in the efforts to mobilize within the trade union movement against the execution of Mumia Abu­ Jamal. As the movement to save Mumia has grown over the past few years, trade unionists have played a significant part - forming contingents in the protests, passing resolutions in union conventions and official bodies, organizing letter-writing campaigns, educating other union members, and providing transportation to the mobilizations and in some important cases, stopping work in support of Mumia. In 1995, when Mumia faced an execution date, police in Philadelphia used threats to prevent pro-Mumia events in that city. It was the local chapter of 1199 Hospital Workers that stepped up to host a crucial fundraising benefit - and held firm even after 300 cops showed up to protest. Some of the most powerful trade union actions for Mumia have happened on the West Coast. In January 1999, teachers in the Oakland Education Association (OEA) organized a day of teach-ins for Mumia in their high school classrooms. They defied threats from police, city authorities and administrators to carry off this day of action. Then on April 24, 2000, the longshore workers of the ILWU staged a one-day shutdown of the West Coast docks from San Diego to Washington State. The action was timed to show solida rity with the major mobilizations for Mumia happening on that day. Meanwhile in Brazil, on April 23, 150,000 teachers, members of the State and Teachers Education Workers Union (SEPE) stopped work for two hours in Rio de Janeiro and joined with students in a massive demonstration outside the U.S. consulate............... ...... In their _1995 statement, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) pointed out that, "It is clear from the report that we received that the trial procedures were fraught with bias and prejudice... Our organization has struggled against all forms of racism, oppression and the use of the death sentence to silence political activists. We are therefore vehemently opposed to the death penalty on both ideological and humanitarian grounds."..... The entire article is posted in English and Spanish on Revolutionary Worker Online rwor.org Write: Box 3486, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 60654 Page 9 _ , . , ,, The Uuestion We Should All Ask John W. Gerhardt The May, 1999 Bar Briefs published an article critical of the Ohio Parole Board and of the refusal to align prisoners sentenced to indefinite sentences under ·the former code wi·th the shorter sentences of the current code. The article was written by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge David E. Cain, who observed that, "Currently the parole Board applies whatever criteria suits it at the moment, ...or none at all. Some say the Board keeps flopping (continuing far past their minimum) people as a j ob protection plan - their own]obs. So long as there are still people in prison under indeterminate sentences, the Board will still have ca,ses to review." Judge Ga_in also commented: "One might ask how such a body's mere existence can be constitutional- an administrative agency that was created by delegation ofpower but not given any guidelines to follow.'~ .., More recently, the 3-2-00 edition of Call & Post published a letter from a Cleveland minister, Pastor E.H. Jones, who also complained about the injustices of Ohio's current dual disparate sentencing system, and Ohio Parole Board abuses (anq corruption). Considering the "criteria" upon which the Parole Board allegedly bases its decisions (remember the overused " nature of offense" excuse?) Pastor Jones commented: "AU the parole board has ever done is copy what the real judges have always already done. , Except the parole board only has the jurisdiction to re-judge those who were sentence prior to 7/1/96, and ;they re-judge those people over and over again, using the exact same information a real judge considers when sentencing convicted people to prison." Pastor Jones asked: "Excuse me, but why do we need to pay an Adult Parole Authority, since we already pay our elected judges to juedge, and to decide how much time people should be sent to prison for?" The obvious answer: "Snap, we don ' t need the expense of having an Ohio Adult Parole :Authority;," further concluding, "Let's leave the judging, the sentencing, ;and the decision of how much time to the elected judges we already pay to do their jobs." Parole reform ? SB 182? SB L49? In stead of peren nially sq uabbling over the equivalent of applying perfume ru1d band-aids to what has become a putrid abscess on the body politic, perhaps the time has come to ask, as have a Columbus judge and a Cleveland minister, Do we really need the Ohio Parole Board, with or without unrestrained discretion, with or without accountability? Is a legitimate purpose being served by the APA and n anachronistic parole system Is there a valid justification for the annual expenditure of extra millions of tax dollars to finance an army of bureaucrats meddling in the lives of those who have already paid the penalty for their crimes, and the cost of continuing to house pre-SB? prisoners who should have been released long ago, even if it means building, maintaining and operating more prisons to accommodate an artificial increase in the state prison population (so the Parole can claim they still have cases to review and the ORC can have an excuse to lobby for annual increases in its yearly budgets?) Should we just abolish the APA, the Ohio Parole Board, and the overblown, dysfunctional system it has spawned? A century ago, before the forerunner of today's parole system was inaugurated, when someone was convicted of some crime, he was sentence do x years, and when the sentence was served, he was released. End of story. When the Ohio parole system was first adapted, convicted criminals who demonstrated good behavior were released ("paroled") before the expiration of their previously imposed definite sentence, subject to some minimal conditions. The parolee was considered to be in the legal custody of the warden of the prison from which he was released, hepce the origin of the anachronistic statute designating parolees as being in the custody of the ORC. After people realized that no ,mass clime wave resulted form this early parole system, Ohio went a step further. (It should be noted, as the system was evolvin o• o there was a brief pedod during the early pa1i of the l 0111 century when the parole system was abolished, only later to be revived.) The former definite sentences were replaced with indefinite sentences, whereby a minimum set by a trial court would be served, but with a maximum beyond which one could not be imprisoned. Rather sentence, and this was factored in by trial judges when sentences were imposed. In practice, the minimum became the actual sentence, not the maximum, because the balance of a sentence beyond the minimum was more of a club wielded to ensure good behavior than a real sentence. The pendulum began to swing back. What became known as SB2 was enacted in 1996, which merely converts what were the minimums of the of the indefinite sentences of the former code into the total definite sentences of the current code. Under the current code, as was done a century ago, a trial court sentences a defendant to x years, and a defendant is released after the x years are served. The Ohio Parole Board is unable to conti nue impriso ning someone past the x years the court expects him to serve. As was the case a century ago, the Parole Board has no purpose. But, parasites dislike being dislodged form a host upon which it is used to feeding. By making promises which were never intended to be kept and were promptly broken, the Ohio Parol e Board succeeded in conn ing the leg is lature into excluding form the current code those who were sentenced under the former code.. Parole rates plummeted. "Old law" prisoners are routinely made to stay in prison many times longer than "new law" prisoners, and there ru·e a growing number who are now even being imprisoned longer than the most those sentenced under the current code could be made to do, for the exact same offenses. The APA also conned the legislature into allowing it to needlessly meddle into the lives of "new law" prisoners after they have served the sentences the courts imposed upon them. An agency which no longer served its original purpose, and has no real purpose to continue to exist, managed to con legislators into giving it excuses to maintain an increasi ngly more expensive and counter -prod uctive OHIO PAROLE BOARD, continued page 13 �-. _._, . . _ ST RE ET VI BES Page 1o WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST Rodney Sutton Last month I came to you for help with filling a semi-trailer with food, clothing, and household items for the families in Crank's Creek, Kentucky. I come this month thanking you all for your outpouring of love to these needy people. As you read about this event which you made possible 1 pray you enjoy the pictures, and ask that you meditate on "faith that works" (James 2: J4-26). On Saturday, October 7 at 9am with friends and family I set out for Crank's Creek, Kentucky to rendezvous with the semi-trailer and others who would be on hand to unload the items which you had so graciously donated. It was a cool morning, with the day's expected high at only 44 degrees, however, Ken- were present. Among them was Bobby Simpson, and having met him face to face I can tell you he is like no other blind person I've ever met. He was busy getting the folks present organized and prepared for the trailer which he knew would be here any moment. His voice was kind, but there was a sense of authority which was undeniable. As men and women went off to do as bidden, Bobby welcomed me and those who came with me. His handshake was strong and firm. The palm was callused and rough as a working man. More evidence of the unique-ness of this man who had lost his sight in 1962. As we waited for the trailer Bobby began to tell me about the flood of 1977. The flood which left many families without homes, clothing, food, and the basic Volunteers unload a truckload ofgoods. tucky in the autumn is very beautiful. With the leaves changing colors, the countryside provided us with an ever-changing picture of God's creation. The children pointed out the windows at the cows and horses which grazed on the many farms we passed along the way. The adults attempted to envision what we would find when we arrived at our destination. There was some discussion of the home video we had viewed at WUCC after Family Dinner one Thw·sday evening. After the story shared by Steve Myers of Crusaders for Christ. No one knew what to expect. There was a height-ened sense of excitement as the van made its way deep into the Kentucky mountains. When we got down around Harlan, Kentucky our route began to wind upward into a cut in the mountains on narrow roads which surely must have been a terror in days of old before blacktop. The road twisted upwards with an occassional sw itchback overlooking steep drop-offs. Through the trees we could see an occassional house clinging to the mountain side. Because the grandeur and beauty of the mountains around us was breathtaking, the kids had now· become quiet, as had the adults. Soon we came out of the mountain, and into a valley which seemed void of habitation, but as we drove a little further there before us was the sign which read "Crank's Creek Survival Center". We turned into the gravel road and before us we could see several houses in the process of becoming homes. We parked and was greeted by those standing nearby. I learned from Rodney Myers (brother of Steve) that the semi had made a wrong turn, but was on the way; so as we waited Rodney intro-duced us to the folks who necessities to live. He and his wife, Becky ( who only has a 3rd grade education) stood before their home looking across the bridge, which was no more; at the families gathered there. Someone yelled across the running water between them, "What are we going to do now?" and from this God gave birth to the Crank's Creek Survival Center. The semi was now backing into the open field and heading our way, so I knew l would have to wait before Bobby would give me the rest of the story. I must confess I had not found the time to get out to State Road Farm, although I passed directions on to many others; so wh~n the door was opened I was as pleased and surprised as the people of Crank's Creek. The trailer was full, with the engine for Crank's Creek's truck sitting in back almost hidden. We wasted no time digging into that trailer. After clearing a space around the engine, we moved it from the trailer to the back of a truck. Bobby instructed us to store the food in an almost finished buiJding, and the clothing and household items in a house across from it. We formed assembly lines and passed each box, bag, and household item down the Jine to be stacked and stored within until sorted by volun­ teers. Bobby was right there in line with us, and here 1 had the story to how they had begun Crank's Creek Survival Center. Every able bodied man, woman, and child was lending a hand. This is how you buiJd a community. Three hours after we had begun there was three rooms in the building filled to the ceiling with food, and three rooms filled with clothing and house-hold items in the house. I enjoyed three hours of work. fellowship , and fun at Crank's Creek on this day. Bobby invited us all up to his house, and we got to meet his wife, Becky Simpson. She is a petite woman who has a huge heart which radiates love. Their home was filled with the things which are impo1tant for family and community unity, and being there seemed the most natural thing in the world. Becky instructed one of the grandchildren to put in a video of the previous Christmas, and it was then 1 got to see the Appala­ chian people in their need. In the video they were EVANGELIST, continued on page 17 Residents of Crank ~i; Creek depend upon these good for survival throughout the winter �• • • .-.\.7'"i ? ST REET VI BES Page 11 . .. photo by Berta Lambert SCREEN ACTOR'S STRIKE SETTLED The five-month old strike by the Screen Actor 's Guild and the Ameiican Federation of Radio and Television Artists was fi nally Settled on October 29, after rallies this month in Cincinnati, new York, and Los Angeles and a boycott of three Proctor and Gamble products, Tide detergent, Crest toothpaste, and Ivory soap. The advertising industry was the target, and the unions were fight i ng to recei ve more money for their advertisemen ts on cable TV and the Internet. P&G was targeted because of its position as number two advertiser in the cou ntry and its representation on the industry negotiating panel which the group believed was trying to cut earnings by 5% . The union was conferring with P&G in attempt to increase the amount of money received. Theodore M. Berry, an accomplished civil rights activist from Cincinnati, died October 16 at the age of 94. ...Nikki Harbour photo by Berta Lambert Sc reen Actor's Guild and the AFTRA picket P & G's Annual Meeting early in October. Mr. Berry lived around Cincinnati his whole life and dedicated his life giving bac.k to his community. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati's law program, he began his practice here in town. A short time later Mr. Beffy became the president of the Cincinnati chapter of the NAACP. At this office he instituted a biracial committee to investigate police brutalities in the city. Mr. Berry established hi rnself in 1939 as the first African American assistant HamjJron county prosecutor. He then held his position on the Ohio committee for Civil rights Legislation from J947-1 961. This group focused on equal employment and housing issues . Beginning in 1963 he again served on the council and at that time launched the first Commurury Action Commission. With the presence of this program, Cincinnati was able to participate in Lyndon Johnson's plan to fight the "War on Poverty." Then , in 1965, President Johnson appointed Mr. Berry to the head of the Office of Economic Opportunity 's Community Action Programs in which Head Start, Job Corps, and Legal Services are all included. At this position he was awarded the OEO Exceptional Service Award. In 1972 Mr. Be rry became Cincinnati's first African American mayor and maintained that position for three years. In 1975 he did not stay in the running for reelection. After finishing his duties as mayor, Mr. Berry went on to receive the honor of Great Living Cincinnatian and money was acquired to honor him with a both a street and the International Friendship Park dedicated in his name. Just this year Mr. Berry was honored by Applause! Magazine and Jmagema.ker Award of "Person of the Century." Mr. Berry has left a lasting impression. Sleep Out for the Homeless 2000 A Night ofHope By Dan Marschner Covington's Goebel Park hosted a wonderful night of education about homeless issues on Thursday, October 5, 2000. The SleepOut included a soup line, various speakers about their experiences with homelessness (including Michael Stoops from the National Coalition for the Homeless) and a memorial service for Barry Bailey. Barry Bailey was a homeless man who stayed near Goebel Parle He had been homeless for over 30 years, and had journeyed throughout the country during that span, trying to survive. His life wa~ ended rather brutally; rather than dwelling on his death, friends and family gathered at the Sleep Out to celebrate his life. The service was coord inated by the Welcome House, and featured several testimonials about Jife on the streets. Barry's friends remembered him fondly, and talked about the difficulties of life on the streets. Barry's brother Bill, who attended the service, said it was the best funeral he had ever seen. The Sleep Out for the Homeless featu red a talk by Michael Stoops, the Organizing Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. He stated that homelessness is a product not primarily of drug and alcohol abuse, but rather due to the lack of affordable housing, the d ifficulty of finding a j ob that pays a livin g wage, and the lack of universal health care. Mr. Stoops believes that "We have the resources, but not the poJjtical wiU to end homelessness." After Mr. Stoops spoke, other people were given the opportunity to discuss their beliefs about homelessness. One person offered a grim perspecti ve: "Most Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless ... homelessness is a natural disaster." He argued that if homelessness were treated as a disaster, ending homelessness would be possible very soon. The evening's program was concluded by a slide show presented by Mr. Stoops created by the National Coalition for the Homeless. T he poignant slide show was accompanied by several astound ing statistics. For instance, 7 .4% of Americans have been homeless at one point in their lives. Another scary fact is that the United States has four times the amou nt of animal shelters than battered women shelters. According to Mr. Stoops, "Homeless people live life with one eye full of despair, and one eye full of hope." The S leep Out was a fantastic example of the hope that homeless people possess. Over 200 people came to the park, and each left with a better understanding of the phght of homeless people. Events s uch as the Sleep Ou ~ for the Homeless illustrate the connection that all people share, and the united potential they possess in the battle against homelessness. An Epitaph: Barry Wayn e Bailey, a formerly homeless man, was beaten to Death by three strangers in bis Covington a partment building ..•..•. Why does someone have to die before someone wants to help or care about them. When they cry out for help, there will be no one around to hear their cry. Now, how can we help these people; there are more and more out there every day; but is there something we can do? We ask ourselves, What can we do to help? When they want to talk to us, you have to show them that you are their fri end, and that you do care, that you do want to help them through their troubles, their needs. When they cry out for help, there is no one listen ing, until it's too late. But to know what they want and how you can help, you have to live the life they are living. You have to do more than that; you have to put your heart into it also. That's bow we can help. Because being out on the streets can happen to an yone at any time. ....Booger Love �STREETVIBES EDITORIAL PAGE Kroger Responds to Mt. Olive Boycott By Lynn Marmer This let(er was written by a Kroger executive outlining her company~ response to the recent boycott ofMt. Olive Pickle by FLOC (Farm Laborers Organizing Committee). Dear Mr. Velasquez (President of FLOC), Thank you again for our recent meeting in Cincinnati. As one of the largest employers of unionized workers in the nation, Kroger demonstrates every day our respect for the rights of men and women to choose to organize and bargain collectively. No one could be unmoved by your desc1iption of working condition's faced by some of the migrant farm workers in North Carolina. Our company insists that our suppliers abide by all laws and we take our responsibilities as the largest grocery chain very seriousJy. I am writing to you so that Kroger's response to the meeting is clearly understood. As I understand your request, you have asked Kroger to help FLOC organize migrant farm workers in North Carolina by pressuring Mt. Olive Pickle Co. to enter into an agreement with FLOC. This pressure could include discontinuing Mt. Olive products in our stores. For two reasons, we are unable to respond affirmatively to your request. First, our company had no direct relationship with the farmers or suppliers that do business with Mt. Olive. We are the third or fourth party in the production cycle. As · such, it is our policy not to interfere in the business operations of.others. In this case, collective bargaining an-angements between laborers and farmers. should be determined by the parties who are directly involved. Secondly, we do not make deeisions· Page 12 for our customers. We offer customers choices in every category in our stores and we respond to customer preferences through our merchandising and buying. M t. Olive is a popular pickle brand. As a provider of goods and services to customers, we have an obligation to our customers to offer the products they want - and let them decide. These.responses reflect the policies that Kroger has followed for a long time and in a number of similar situations. We respect FLOC and its advocacy on behalf of migrant farm laborers, but we believe our policies . properly reflect our role as a retailer. We recognize that FLOC will probably be disappointed with our response to your request. Our response is not intended, in any manner, to be disrespectful either to FLOC Or to tbe men, women and families you represent. Our door is always open to continu~ discussions with your organization within the framework df the company's policies.'' Agafo , we appreciate the opp01tunity to meet with · you and learn more about your organization's views and concerns. IMF/World Bank: Stupid, Cruel, Brutal Russell Mokhiber & Robert Weissman There is no policy of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank that is more stupid, cruel and brutaJ than the insistence that poor countries charge fees for children to attend school and for people to access basic health services. The IMF and World Bank condition loans to impoverished countries on the adoption of Contract with America-style "su·uctural adjustment" policies. User fees - also known as community financing, cost sharing or cost recovery - are often one part of the structural adjustment policy package. In passing an appropriations amendment in JuJy that would stop future funding for the IMF and the World B ank if the two lending agencies do not stop imposing user fees for basic healthcare and education services, the U.S. House of Representatives has taken an important step toward ending this callous and wrongheaded policy. Unfortunately, the Treasury Department, anxious to avoid any appropr.iations limitations for its IMF and World Bank policy arms, is working to block inclusion of the amendment in the final foreign operations appropriations bill. As administration officials and members of Congress and their staffs negotiate the terms of a final foreign operations appropriations bill, the educational opportunity and health of millions of people in the world's poorest countries hang in the balance. The evidence accumulated from around the world over the last decade is quite clear. User fees for education lower school attendance rates, especially among young girls. User fees for primary health services deny access to care and preventative treatment for the poor, leading to the spread of unnecessary and preventable death and disease. And user fee "exemptions" for the poor, or sliding payment scales, routinely fail due to administrative problems, corruption, inadequate notice to the poor or other difficulties. In Gambia, in primary health care program villages with insecticide provided free of charge, bed.net impregnation - for malaria prevention - was five times higher than in villages where charges were introduced. Households consistently cited lack of money as the main reason they chose not to dip bednets. Introduction of a 33 cent fee for visits to Kenyan outpatient health centers led to a 52 percent reduction in outpatient visits. After the fee was suspended, visits rose 41 percent. In Papua New Guinea, the introduction of user fees led to a 30 percent decline in outpatient visits. Studies in Niger have found that user fees extend the period that patients wait before seeking outpatient care. UNICEF reports that in Malawi, the elimination of modest school fees and uniform ·rnquirernents in 1994 c.:aused primary emollment to increase by about 50 percent vi1tually overnight - from 1.9 miJlion to 2.9 million. The main beneficiaries were girls. Malawi has been able to maintain near full enrollment since that time. In India, reports Dr. Vineeta Gupta, general secretary of Insaaf International, a Punjab, India-based organization, a World Bank­ inspired system which is supposed to exclude the poor from healthcare charges fails in practice due to corruption and administrative difficulties, denying the poorest Indians access to healthcare services. The purported logic of education and healthcare user fees is that payments from children's families and sick people will enable government service agencies to provide services to more people. But this is a twisted rationale, which should be rejected on both principled and practical grounds. As an issue of principle, access to primary education and healthcare is a right that should not be conditioned on ability to pay. In practical terms, the real-world record shows that user fees deny children educational opportunity and people of all ages access to basic health services. Charges typically generate little revenue in any case. So the ultimate result of user fees is service denial , not expansion. The IMFtBank user fee rationalization presents a false choice: even poor country governments have multiple sources of potential revenue there are ways to increase funding for basic services without imposing charges. Most importantly, the real way to free up resources for education and healthcare is for the World Bank and IMF, without delay, to use their existing assets to cancel the debts owed them by poor countries. There are no significant corporate or monied interests served by the imposition of user fees in desperately poor countries. The IMF and World Bank continue to support them out of a dogmatic commitment to a marketized ideology that refuses to concede to empitical refutation. The Treasury Department is opposing corrective legislation so that it can preserve its control of the IMF and World Bank without Congressional interference. These are shameful counterweights to the humanitarian imperative of removing user fees. Whether the humanitarian claim prevails will depend, in significant part, on whether U.S. citizens act now to put an end to user fee nightmare. Russell Mokhiber is editor of the Washington, D. C.-based Corporate Crime Reporter. Robert Weissman is editor of the Washington, D. C.-based Multinational Monitm: They are co-authors ofCorporate Predators: The Hunt for MegaProfits and the Attack on Democracy (Monroe, Maine: Common Courage Press, 1999). <;/he 'Jhu& @Juumu. ~ ~~·~ 3722 Camcfen .Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-(08-2228 bgeaster@fuse.net www.theglasscharmer.com Economy and deluxe wedding Invitations, birth announcements, parties and custom work, �STREETVIBES M ED VI 8 ES Homeless Health Tips By Doctor Donovan HepJttitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by vj rus infections. drugs, and other toxinsi like alcohol. The he~titis viruses are a real aJphabet soup: A , B, C , D, E, F & G, and ·others that have not yet g0tten letters. In this article, I'm going to let.you know about the three most common ones: A, BandC. There are several reasons why viral hepatitis is an important concern for you. Fust off, it is often pev~table.. Second, viral hepatitis from types B & C can have serious comequences., both immediately and in the future. Hepatitis B is also a sexually ttansmitted disease. It's a little harder to classify hepatitis C as sexually transmitted, but there is additional risk involved for those with multiple partners. Both ofthese can be gotten through dirty needles, or any other way blood will exchange. First, just a bit on Hepatitis A: It's generally a fairly mild illness, M~y people who get it don't even know they had it. Often the symptoms are like the stomach flu, and it's less likely for people to get yellow jaundice with it. It goes away on its own . and doesn't cause the later problems iliat Hepatitis B&C cause. It's very contagious, spread mainly by contaminated food, usually by hands .that aren '.t washed weJJ enough after using the bathroom. lt can be prevented by a new vaccination, or by gamma globulin. Hepatitis B is a more serious problem. It's caused by exposure to blood: from sex, IV drug use, needle sticks, even by sharing razors or toothbrushes. After catching the virus, it takes about'2-4 months to begin to experience symptoms. For most people, this initial infection goes away by itself after a couple of weeks. However, a small percentage of those infected die during this·initial illness. An even greater problem, which is a reason why you to be concerned ~bout hepatitis. is that 5-10% of adults, and a much higher percentage of children, who contract this illness go. on after need I 0 or more years to develop :$C,rioqs liver disease or liver cancer. The hepatitis B virus is much easier to get than Che.HIV, or AIDS, virus. It lasts much longer on surfaces and needles, and it is much easier to catclt from sex, even oral sex, than HIY. So this.cannot be taken ti~tly by anyone who bas sex. Hepatitis B is very ps;eventable by a series o f three shots, so everyone should seriously consider getting these. A couple of years ago, the hepatitis B vaccine started to be included in the .shots given to babies, so now all infants who get their shots will be ptotected. So should you. Your family doctor or the Medical Van has the vaccine. Hepatitis C is somewhat s imilar to Hepatitis B. It takes about 1-2 months after contamination to develop the infection. It is gotten mostly by blood products, like needle stick or transfusion, but sex is also a way of getting it. Since a test for Hepatitis C was developed, the blood supply has become much Page 13. safer from hepatitis. Like Hepatitis A, many people who have had Hepatitis C don 't even know they had it The bad thing .about it is that 70-90% of those who have had Hepatitis C will develop chronic liver disease or liver cance11. There is no vaccine yet for Hepatitis C, and it's doubtful that gamma globulin helps, so safer sex and not_ engaging in IV drug use is most important. What are the symptoms of hepatitis? More common ones are dark urine, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting and fever. Yellow j aundice is the typical sign associated with hepatitis, but this occurs after the oth~r symptoms have been going on for even a eouple of weeks, and may not occur at all. How can I tell if Fve got hepatitis? Blood tests can determine if you have hepatitis, or have bad it in the past. What can be done if I've got hepatitis? There is no treatment for the initial symptQms of hepatiti§, so sufficient rest and eating·as well as poS,Sible ~e most important. After that, regular mollitbring by your family doctor is important. because if the hepatitis B or C virus begins to return, there are some treatments that may help: interferon, some anti-AIDS drugs, etc. What can be done to prevent future problem s if I've already had hepatitis? Get immunized against the other hepatitis. Abstain from the use of alcohol. Stay healthy in all the usual ways - healthy diet, exercise, avoid and learn l1ow to cope with stress. Practice safer sex to protect your partners, and encourage them to get immunized. PAROLE BOARD, f rom page 9 existence. How costly? How many new prisons have been b uilt, staffed, and operated within the past few years? Has anyone noticed that the total annual number of commitments to the ORC has continually declined for the past severaJ years? The state prison population should be decreasing, yet continues to grow. Old prisons should be closing, not new ones opening. Could the conti nu al increase in the state pri son population be artificially manipulated to provide the APA with an excuse to continue the precarious existe nce of an unneeded Parole Board ? How many taxpayers would like to see their taxes decrease because the DRC need less tax dollars to operate fewer prisons, and needs no tax dollars to finance unneeded parole or " pos t-release" s upe rv isi on? Rather tha n re maining pe rpetually e n tangl e d in a diversionary debate over reforming something no one needs, perhaps, as have an Oh io judge and a CJeveland mi ni ster, we all should ask, should we instead seriously consider abolishing the whole, fou1 thing? As Pastor Jones concluded in his Call & Post ru1icle: "Join us in demanding that our current elected state legislators do their jobs more effectively by making SB2 retroactive, and getting the Adult Parole Authority out of our pockets for once and all. " John W Gerhardt #269-497 P.O. Box 511 Columbus, Ohio 43216 Rock band PHISH Helps Raise money for GCCH (above) The Waterwheel Foundation donation table at September's Phish concert Our thanks to Phish and its charitable arm 'The Waterwheel Foundation" for donating the profits from its sale of merchandise (hemp products, stickers, raffle tickets) to the Homeless Coalition at their Sept. 20th Cincinnati Riverbend Concert. Wish we could've remembered how to party and hung around for the whole concert! �STREETVIBES POETRY Page 14 The Mighty Dread Lock by Kunta Kenyatta I love my hair My hair is _a part of me It is also its own separate entity. While making known my true identity My hair keeps me warm in the winter And it keeps me cool in the summer Never letting me forget I 'm up under My hair can be bad And my hair can be good But no matter what, my hair always does what it should My hair frightens and offends my enemies While it comforts and reassures my friends My hair requires absolutely no maintenance or care No grease, no dye, and no uncomfortable head wear I didn't always like my hair But after all the years o combing, brushing and cutting it, while looking in the mirror I decided that I was no longer going to worry about my hair My hair responded by growing into its natu ra I stock So now I can stand proud, under The Mighty Dread Lock "... and fs it true Iha! you neve» once administered a s ingle standardized test?" The title is untitled Oh God help me! I look al her and see hope 1 am inspired Lo be a better me 'l'filkinB to her That's it fear 1 have to know fear Caressin8 doubt that seeps over me When we talk T wrestle demons to say W-w-w-words fallins hollow Guts twisted in hunser for more conversation l\ peak behind the veil The mystery that is her &he looks up Eyes turned to heaven like classic Greek sculpture 1crin8e Mrows of desire pierce my hearl Lau8hter is Lhe soul of her I want lo drink from that cup ­ ..... Warren Perkins HOMELESS by Anthony Watkins Homeless - can I find my way back home in this crazy storm? Feet tired of walking to this beat in the street Misery and grief when wil l it cease Blood, sweat. tears, eye full with pain and a soul black as night Is this the end of my life? No nuts no glory, is this the end 'of my story Ball till I fall you know I'm down with that, y'all, with warm hot desire a house is not home when a soul's become so cold sometimes I feel like I'm living in and out of a cardboard box. Is this what life is all about? Sometimes I feel like I'm driven off into space If you follow my words, you can relate. Trred of sitting on my ass. I'm ready to go, toe to toe I thought you know, I wish I knew what I know now but I'm homeless, tired of tel ling lies to get by · Trred of talking to people that's fake Wishing that they blow away like sands on the beach or be buried six feet deep for I can never hear them speak or weep Maybe if I click my heels two times, just just maybe I wi ll be back home·for all time But this is not the wizard of OZ and ain't funny to be cold and alone and see people die day by day While people at horrie sit warm and cozy, never having no feelings. sometime my anger burns with passion and fire like earth, wind and fire, I wonder, if the Lord took everything from them in the twinkling of an eye, how would they get by, would they live or die. KNOW THY SELF Jewel D. Wilks A person who knows not And knows not that they know not Is foolish--disregard them A person who knows not And knows that they know not Is simple--teach them A person who knows not And believes that they know Is dangerous.--avoid them A person who knows And know not that they know Is asleep--awaken them A person who knows And knows that they know Is wise--follow them All of these persons reside in you Know Thy Self And to Maat be true.. Jewel D. Wilks, Author Maat is the universal eth ical principle of ancient Egyptian religion, denoting 'justice', 'order' and ' truth'. MaaLwas connected to the entire existence of the universe, and was not limited to ethics for human beings alone. This ethical pri nciple was personified through the goddess, Maat. She was defined as the world or der as th is had bee n established upon the creation of the world. In Egyptian religion Maat is the standard by which we are measured. Maat is the reason that things are, and the means by which they continue to exist. It is the voice of divine imperative that at once reigns over this world and promlses j ust reward in the next We hear echoes of this voice resounding through the philosophical and metaph y sical constructs of all times and nations: the Christian praye1; 'Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 011 earth as it is in heaven"; the Muslim cont:ept of "shari 'a", or submission to the will of God; the familiar edict of Western occulrism, as above, so below"; and scores of other observations on the interaction of the divine and the earthly. Very interesting!! Research by M1: Lee �WEB VIBES STREETVIBES Page 15 _ www.borderliaks.cont Borderlinks has been in operation since 1987, when the organization started with educational seminars on border issues. The program has expanded since then to its current status as a By Dan Marschner binational program (recognized by the U.S. and The U.S.-Mexican border has historically Mexican governme nts) that offers travel bee n a volatile area, and recent economic · seminars as well as a college credit program and agreements have escalated the conflicts there. economic and social justice forums. Borderlinks The communities aJong the border have seen places special emphasis on creati ng bonds population ex plos ion s due to free trade between people on both sides of the border in agreements such as NAFI'A in recent years. U.S. order to improve the way of life for those living companies have started manufacturing just south in poverty. All programs that Borderlinks offers of the U.S. border in order to capitalize on have three goals in mind: increase awareness, cheaper Mexican labor. The new manufacturing address specific community needs, and develop creates new j obs in border communities, and community organizing plans. thousands of potentiaJ workers flood the job Borderlinks al so offers an exte nsi ve market there. Rampant overcrowding resuJts, leadership development program that discusses with its companion difficulties (crime, health the impact of global economic trends proble ms, etc.) not far be hind. The U.S.­ on the standards of life for the Mexica n border, there fore , provides a n people. The leadership program astounding study in contrast between two distinct develops ski lls to address the issues nations. Borderlinks is one site that addresses faced by the people, in order to this situation. improve th e ir comm uniti es. Visitors to www.borderlinks.org are enticed Participants in BorderJinks programs with a unique opportunity - a Mexican border learn ski ll s that ca n be used trip that illustrates the economic and social issues wherever they li ve. present in the U.S.'s southern neighbor. The trip The Mexi can border trip is inc ludes a stay with a fa mil y in a squatter Borderlinks ' most impress ive community, a visit to a factory on the border program. The trips range from one (compl e te w ith di sc uss io ns with both day to a ernester in length, and the management and workers), and meetings with extended trips offer overnight stays both U.S. and Mexican government officials. with one of che families along the The trip is an incredible opportunity to discover bo rde r. Th e t ri p w ill be spe nt the difficu lties of life on the border fustband. primarily on the Mexican side of the Learn aboutlife on the Mexican border Ch Legend ofthe enlightened soul I am an individual. That's why I wear all black and listen to different music. I am my own person. Just ask all my friends how different I am, they dress in black and listen to the same music so they should know just how different I am. I hate the way popular people exclude me. They j udge me by the way I dress and what music I listen to before they know me. Fuck them ya; know cause I don't want to know them. I don't want to know them cause they listen to that top 40 crap and wear that damn designer shit. You know that slave laborers in third world countries make designer stuff? I gotta go cause I'm gonna go drink some coffee with friends and talk about Colombian farm worker rights. I am a moral person. That's why I joined that gun owners rights group. I am a God fearing person. I stand up for personal rights and my right to do what I want in the privacy of my own home. You know its fags that want to take away gun rights. They are afraid what good moral people might do if we ever found out what they are doing behind closed doors. Yeah, it's my duty to shoot anyone who comes on my property. That means the local police the FBI and the ATF. They are all against law abiding gun owners I hate them and they hate us. I gotta go to Church right now though. The pastor might be giving another message on forgivi ng your enemies or maybe talk about how God loves everybody. I am a victim. That's why I live in poverty. I live in a racist society. I know that I will never have the opportunities of others. I was oppressed by the system that never let me learn in school. They made read this shit that didn't mean nothing to me. That's why I left in middle school, cause all those white bastards was on my case for not going to those dumb ass classes. Racism made me quit my job. You can't trust these people they always think you are back in slavery days. Yellin at you to do shit. I gotta go look for another Job right now though. If I get this job I'll be making enough money to say fuck you to anybody. I ain't goin to take no Shit off anybody. Soon as those Assholes start telling me what to do I 'm gone. ...... Warren Perkins border. Each day consists of several meetings, shared meals, reflectjons, and opportunities for discussion. The trips also may include a visit to a maquilla, or factory. This visit will provide an opportunity for discussions with management and workers - an enlightenjng opportunity to hear both sides of the worker rights story. Participants will also meet with social activists along the border who attempt to improve the living conditions of the people there. The goal of the trips is to establish relationships between people on both sides of the border. Borderlinks is an extraordinary opportunity to expand one's knowledge of worldwide issues while establishing personal connections. The site is a great way to discover connections with people - whether on the U.S.-~exican border, or anywhere else. Special Thanks to www.borderlinks.org for providing information for this article. eme. 1·800·3B·BE·SMART FOR A FREE BOOKLET www ede>t.org Please Forgive Me By Mark I am the homeless person you see on the street. Please forgive me when you offer me something to eat and I am slow to accept because at one point I could do for myself. I do not realize that God is working through you, trying to help one of his lost chi ldren. I am the homeless person on the street. Please forgive me when you offer a solution for housing and I am too afraid to change living the way I do. I have lost all things before and this may mean I may get started all over again and lose it all again ... and that is more than I can think about dealing with. I do not realize that God is working through you, trying to at least provide a roof to live under. I am the homeless person you see on the street. Please forgive me when you offer clothes and I refuse them. I may have plenty to wear and no place to keep clean at. I get so discouraged that even though the clothes may be clean, I may still feel dirty. I do not see the beauty that lies underneath my skin and in my heart, nor can I see God's beauty in you while he is working through you. I am the homeless person you see on the street. Please forgive me when you are kind to me and I get angry with you. I do not realize that God is working through you trying to show me there is hope. I cannot see any hope at times. I am the homeless person you see on the street. Please forgive me when you get discouraged trying to help me. It is truly not your fault that I do not feel worthy of being loved or accepted. The old saying holds more meaning now, "It is truly easier to give than to receive ." �VEGGIEVIBES STREETVIBES Page 16 Why I (didn't) celebrate Columbus Day seem to the status quo, our children must overcome the false legacy that has been handed down through generations. We need to continue to be annoying, and ask the question: Was Columbus a worthy hero? To that end, I was very saddened to hear that the compromise berween the Italian-Ameri­ can and the American-Indian communities here in Denver regarding Columbus Day activities had broken down. For the Indian community, it's not a surprising development, given our history of broken treaties. Though I have no personal bias toward the Italian-American community, my strong objection is toward Columbus himself. For hundreds of years, the genocide and oppression initiated by Columbus and his arrival on this continent has been celebrated as the glorious past of this country. From the North­ west Territories to the Strait of Magellan, however, the native people of this continent have suffered. For the descendants of the tribes that once flourished here, the inhumane treatment and extermination of ancient Americans is no matter for celebration in any society, at any time. Richard B. Williams is the executive director of the American Indian College Fund, a historian, educator and the founder of the Upward Bound Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Members of the Compass panel are selected each spring. By Richard B. Williams Oct. 4, 2000 - My name is Rick Will­ iams and I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I am also pare Northern Cheyenne and I proudly call myself an American Indian. I was raised by my grandmother in a little rural community in the panhandle of Nebraska. When I started kindergarten, I was one of only 10 American Indian students. By the time I reached eighth grade, I was the only Native American student left in my class. My grades were always good, but I got marks in deportment such as "talks too much" and "disturbs others." I scill talk too much and sometimes what I say annoys others. But annoy­ ance can be an effective cool for change. For example, my earliest protests in elementary school concerned Columbus Day because I said he had not "discovered" America. Of course, my protests "annoyed" the teacher and caused a stir with my non-Indian classmates. Since that time, I have remained consistent in my position concerning Christopher Columbus. In 1992, Gov. Roy Romer appoimed me to the Quincentennial Commission. I took the respon­ sibility seriously and read all I could find con­ cerning Columbus. As I researched the subject, a grave and disturbing portrait emerged of a man who was personally responsible for the slaughter, dismemberment, torture and enslavement of many thousands of native people. It was nothing for him and his soldiers to play perverse games with severed limbs and heads, a fact well-documented in his diaries and by historians of that time. When I brought these matters to the attention of the Quincentennial Commission, members were, needless to say, annoyed. I just returned from the Olympics in Australia. While there, I visited the Ab original Art and Cultural Exhibit, which portrayed a brutally honest history of the ab­ original people in that country. It was a virtual mirror of the same broken treaties, forced removal to reservations and government­ sanctioned removal of children, as well as the pillaging of natural resources and che deliberate spread of known deadly infections like small pox. What I came co realize is that conquest and cruelty had no boundaries. The aftermath of Columbus' arrival is well-documented as the mosc tragic holocaust in world history. It was so brutal and long-lasting that in 1999 Pope John Paul II apologized to native people of the Americas and asked forgive­ ness. I pray that others follow the pope's lead and seek reconciliation. As an educator, I've spent my entire adult life in the world ofhigher learning. I deeply believe in what education can accomplish in propelling a society past ignorance and injustice. By shining a light on the mistakes of the past, no matter how unsettling they may List info at: http://ishgooda.nativeweb.org/ natnews.htm Thu never know what you're going to see here! VEGGIE VIBES ... Victor Buttram, cartoonist , Saxophonist and originator of The Healing System (Quintet) --Call for gigs at 891-0167 What do they All Have in Common? . fq.rrY ~l.iJ6r ¥vr,~r ,, . . • t l • ' • • • They all love me They Love to put me inside their bodies. What is t/].e Result? �STREETV I BES To P.R.A. C, from Page 17 . page 9 my suite without merit because he had no jurisdiction to do paper work on my hardship uansfer. Note: My mother wasn't in prison when the family doctor made his initial request to the Warden and the uni c staff. Now it's 1993 and a riot happens. There is circulation that for anyone who wan ts to leave Lucasville, that a bus is going co Mansfield ifwe just sit and wait. I, like so many others, waited for the bus to Mansfield. When I came off my hunger strike I was given a T.B. shot, all sons of tests and medicine, I was sick. During the eleven·days o the ·April 11 , 1993 Riot, I made it dear that my plight was a personal·one. I am Muslim and my only purpose·is to try to get to Mansfield and appeal to a different ~taff. .I wanted to see my mother and that was my choice. When the surrender of th~ Riot came, ~ ,got on his list to transfer to the ~ansfi~ld Cor~eccional Institution. Igor on the bus! When the bus arrived at M~nsfi eld my heart and soul screamed for sur~ease... Warden Dennis 'Baker m er the Bus at the entrance of Mansfield. Once he became Warden in Mansfield I addressed him several letters co abreast him of my conditions, therefore when I stepped off the bus in Mansfield, I went directly to Mr. Baker and asked him co intercede in my behalf Mr. Baker came co me later and said he had spoken co the Director and my request to go see my mother was denied because I was in the Riot. Several months o r weeks had passed, I'm not sure which because time was a maze tO me. I was being wssed into a destiny that I had no conu ol of. I wrote Ms. T hel ma Thomas Price, A<iSistant Artorney General. I d idn't know who she was, I saw her picture in the newspaper, and knew she worked for the Federal people. So I told her my srory but she never answered. In February 1994 I appeared before the parole board after ending a five year extension. I was given a parole and cold I had to wait due to the investigation. T here were no indictments at this time pending against me buc after I was given a parole I was given four indictments, none of which are true. I was, at chis point, granted permission to make one phone call per week. I talked to my mother only once for maybe ten minutes. She spoke my name once and never spoke to me again. A few days later I was in formed she had passed. My trial was in September 1994, in Ironton, Ohio. I faced four counts ofassault and felonious assault on two Lt.'s at S.O.C.F. The p rosecutor from Cincin nati alleged that I beat both Lt.'s with a PR-24. However, one of rhem was cur with a rail road spike. The other said that he fought his attacker one o n one as documenced, and sustained a broken nose and a broken arm. Both victims testified to know me personally by n am e and by face. Both testified that th ey could nor identify me as assaulting them. The prosecution states, "H e's black." The blacks attacked the whites and he's guilty whether you seen him or not. Furthermore: The prosecutor presented two state snitches co support his trumped up allegations. Both witnesses clearly stated chat they saw me commit these actions. Witness number one testifies that he saw me commit assaulc o n bo th victims. Under cr oss­ examinarion he stated that he didn't see any weapon period, bur rbat I was in a group of p eople and I made "contact." H e didn't see me strike either victim bur he saw me make "contact." Witness number two alleges that he saw me also commit these assaults. Under cross-examination he seated that there was no weapon. H e was asked to give a depictio n of my alleged acrion. Q. Did my client hit the victims? A. No. Q. Did you see my diem kick rhe victims? A. No Q. Did you see my clienc punch the victims? A. G'et your 1 Greater Cincinnati Coa\ition for the Home\ess YearJOOI CALENDAR Now! Examining Home\ess ness from a kid's point of view Featuring photos by Jimmy Heath. 5en d J 10 to GCCH, 1506 E\m 5t ., Cinti, Oh ~5=210 EVANGELIST' No. Q. You didn't see my client do anyching did you sir? A. He's a Muslim and I assume he's involved, but, no, I d idn't see him do anything! My attorney several rimes asked for rhe charges to be dropped on lack of evidence, bur I was convicted and given an additional 15-20 years. The parole board cold me chat they would nor take my parole while I was under appeal. All srate remedies are exhausted. As I entered Federal courts, I accepted my inabilities co compete in the law and depended only on God. I began to address the courts as I now address this letter. A little help &om fellow prisoners and a furn faith that God knows all secrets of man's hearts and actions and that God alone controlled destiny - I filed my appeals. 1 bombarded th.e office of M s. Delores J. Hildebrant, federal litigation section, Cincinnati, OH. She failed to respond co my appeal for impartiality and co view the transcripts My letters were senc co Ms. T helma T homas Price, Assista nt Attorney G eneral, whom I h ad subsequendy appealed years earlier. Ms. Price now opposes m e in the sixth circuit court of appeals. On July 12, 2000 I embrace a notice from the Sixth Circuit that my case 99-3425 is scheduled for submission ro rhe courts on the briefs of the parties and the record on August 9, 2000. I do have documented evidence of my trial transcripts. The briefs submirted by both parties. My concern is justice, not to be denied the liberty 1 deserve and at present a new law is being made in Federal Court as there is no law for my case! Can a person be innocent on record , bur due to the negligence of his/her trial council's objections look co be tossed in a prison forever? I mean where is real justice? If my case is overturned what double sword will rhe system use ro still hold me? I address you for answers, solutions-for an understand ing to t he meaningless suffering beneath the scars. At one nest of thought, Luqman Bahir Taqwiim from page 11 Lined up outside the S urvival Center several days before Christmas to get coats, food, clothing, and miscell aneous househo ld items. They had started down out of the mountains as far awayas West Virginia. The lot which we had just left was covered with vehicles and people were lined up the road. Volunteers were handing out coats to shivering children and elderly grandmothers .. These were the people from the hills, the people who were mostly uneducated and unskilled, the people who the state of Kentucky would like to forget, the people who make the Crank's Creek Survival Center a neces­ sity. We worry about welfare cutbacks, but these people worry about day to day survival. The Survival Center receives very little of its suppo~ or resources from the state of Kentucky. If it were not for churches, grants, and individ-uals this Center could not assist the thousands which come yearly for help. I plan to return to Crank's Creek on or around December 23 with my brother in Christ, Steve Myers, and any others who would like to come. We plan to take some toys and winter coats, so get those Christmas donations ready and help the people of this forgotten coal mining community. If you a.re interested in helping in any way, call: Steve Myers at 541-8141 or you can call me at AWOL Ministries 210-4181. AWOL Ministries is still seeking volunteers to work in all areas of the ministry. Maybe you can be a mentor to a child who needs a friend , visit with the elderly, help sort food or clothing, or just add your prayers in support of this ministry. I thank all who already lend your prayers and support. And if you have not yet visited Washington United Church of Christ come on over any time and j oin us for worship, food, fun, or fellowship. Bring the entire fan1ily, because there is something for everyone.This is the place where l worship on Sunday morni ngs, participate in Family Dinner on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and lead Bible Study Thursday at Sprn. L et your faith be one which works. In J/is Service, Rodney L.Sutton, S r. �STREETVIBES CHE, from page 1 Teach-Ins: occurring at 7-9 pm every Wed. Nov 1: Sweatshops at Xavier's Kelley Aud. Nov 8 : Housing and Environment at UC Law Nov 15: Bob Cohen, author of "Milk the Deadly Poison" Thursdav. Nov. 16 The"Ask Me" Campaign All Day: Che's ..Ask M e" Volunteers will be fl yering and educating the city. 12-1 pm: Ral ly and press briefing on Fountain Square 6-9 pm: Teach-In at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Downtown Friday, November 17 11 am : Rally at Sawyer Point 11:30am: March to Fountain Square via 41h St. I pm : Ra lly on Race between 4r11 and 5•h St. 6:30-7:30 pm: lnte1faith Prayer Service at St. Peter in Chains 7:30-1 0 pm : Prayer Vigil and Labor Picket at Union Terminal 10 pm: People's Gala, location TBA Saturdav. November 18 12-l pm: Pig Rally at Fountain Square l -3pm : Picket line march 3pm : RalJy at C ity Ha11 To contact CHE, visit the webpage, www.che-2000.org, email www.1116.com, or call (513) 588-8883. HOUSING ADVOCATE NEEDED Friars Club Shelter has a pa rt-time position available working with reside nts of its' Homeless Shelter For Families a nd Low Cost Residency for Men. 1O ho urs/ week, evenings and weekends. Salary commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should mail resume to Friars Club, 65 McMillan St., Cinti. , OH 45219 ATTN : Housing Coordinator or fax to 241-0356 .. Chris Chatfield, Housing Coordinator. STREETSCQPES Faith in Action: Helping the Homeless In Washington Park by I.i.nda L Burger I started working with the homeless in 1993, when I was invited to participate in Standdown for Homeless Veterans. This movement started in California, and was started by a war veteran, in response to the need to assist homeless veterans to get back on their feet. Homeless veterans had access to a variety of services provided by the community for a weekend. These services include medical attention, haircutting services (with was my area of participation), a mini-court setup to clear out old cases, vision, an d other needs. I participated in these every two years when Standdown was held and supervised the H aircutting section. In 1997, Standdown was moved from tents outside to the Drop Inn Center, and was assisted by the Aveda/ Fredricks "Salon on Wheels". This mobile hair salon travels across four states, giving free hair serv ices to homeless shelters, domestic violence she lters, day care centers, etc. to assist with the homeless d il emma. I became involved with Aveda when they joined the Standdown effort. I have attended the Vi neyard Community Church since l 991, and became a participant in a "Hearts for the Homeless" outreach. This outreach was started by Lynn Hogrefe, a Vineyard communhy church member, and full­ time schoolteacher who wanted to assist the homeless at Mt. Airy Shelter. I volunteered to do haircuts for Lynn, like I do at Standdown, and Lynn readily accepted me into her group. I have been assi ting her for three years now ­ Lynn has been a tremendous team leader for this homeless effort. W hen I staited participating at Servfest, led by Ren and Suzanne at the church, I met some wonderful people who became very c lose fri ends and wanted to participate in the Mt. Airy Shelter outreach. Additionally, a homeless man named F red used to call my two friends and I good Samaritans because we assisted him in his recovery. My friend Pam and Fred decided to use this name to start the "Good Sam" Run, helping the homeless in Washington Park. I was very excited about others wanting to participate in my dream of doing our very own outreach in a cause that has been dear to my heart for over seven years. We now get together every Saturday, as team leaders, and make sack lunches. We take these along w ith pop, chips, clothes and toiletries to the homeless in Washington Park. We started this ourtreach in M ay of this year and it has grown from feed ing about 60 people to almost 100 every Saturday. If it wasn' t for the support of Ren and Suzanne Elgin and the Vineyard Community Church, this dream could not have been achieved. Pam, Paula and myself also believe follow-up is very important to this outreach and we try to assist the homeless congregation with any social services that we and the church can provide to help them get back on their feet. We have a number of success stories of men who have left the park and Mt. A iry Shelter and now have apartments Page 18 and have stopped drink ing and using drugs. They have become functional citizens again and are giving back to the community to show their appreciation for what others have done to help them. In closing, as I have always said to the homeless people in Washington Park and team leaders of the Good Sam Run, "This is not just our outreach, this is your outreach, too. You can make it as successful as you wish it to be. You can help us give out the food and be an active member. It can be whatever you want it to be." Ren Elg ie is Pastor of Servant Evangelism; Suzanne (his wife) works and organizes ServeFest every Saturday at the Vineyard Commun ity Church. • • • Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If you can help out with some of the items on our wish list, please give us a call... a a Advertisers -C lassified and unclassified Su pplies for vendor's lounge (coffee, tea, paper towels, cream and sugar,etc a 0 a Office and C leaning Sup plies A Ne.w Coffee Maker P hotography Help - film (400,800, 1600), developing help, digital and/or film cam era(s). a Computers/componen ts for Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. a A new vehicle (van?) If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, C incinnati, OH 452 10 ph: (5 13) 42 1-7803, fax (513) 42 1-7813 e-mai l: streetvibes @juno.com Streetvibes Classified PLACE your help wanted, for rent, for sale items in Streetvibes Classified. Only $ 1 per line, free for 6 months for homeless/ low-income people Streetvibes Live Radio Hour Tune in to WAIF 88. 3 fm! 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. �STREETVIBES Calendar of Events Streetvibes has a monthly calendar of events to keep you informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Please contact us if you have :in item to lisc. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice forums, protesrs, community festivals, art shows, etc. Please call 421-7803, fax to 421-7813 or email streetvibes@iuno.com ro list an event. ' November 2 John Crattley debates Steve Chabot: 7PM. Aired Live on WVXU, 91.7FM 2 2 2 Welfare Rights Coalition Potluck.lunch and meeting, 12 noon at the Contact Center. A new co-chair will be elected at this meeting. Call 381-4242 for more information Contact Center Open House, 5:25 at the Contact Center. The open house is an opporunity to sign up for membership with the Contact Cenrer ­ the deadline for to sign up is November 1O to be eligible for a prize drawing. Call 381-4242 for more information. EarthSave Dining Out, 6:00 p.m. at a restaurant to be determined. Call EarthSave at 929- 2500 or Mary Ann Lederer at 591-3003 for more information. ~ ~--- 7-15 9 Racial Profiling - "Driving While Black?" - Discussions sponsored by the League of Women Voters - Various times and places throughout che Community. Call 281-VOTE or www.lwvcincinnati.org for more Info. Save Our Schools Committee, 5:30 p.m. at Peaslee Neighborhood Center. Call 381-4242 for more information. 12 Amnesty International Cincinnati Group 86 meeting, l :00 at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Pavilion. For more information, contact Amnesty International at 221-7659 15 Over the Rhine Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the Contact Center. Ca1J 381-4242 for more information. 19 EarthSave Vegetarian. Pot Luck Dinner, Page 19 . Thanksgiving By Riccardo Taylor Thanksgiving begins the festive closure of the year. It's the traditional start of the holiday season. It's a time when the earth scans its h arvest . The leaves are in their. variety of colors, while rhe birds and ocher animals are beginning their flights south, or compiling the winters supply of nuts and fruits. Families are brought together to share in love, laughter, solidarity, and a feast of many dishes, a gathering filled with caring and sharing. Its -a time when peace prevails, a chance to remember the past year and to begin plans for a new. Indeed it is a special time of the year. I hope that each of you has a blessed thanksgiving and fucure ones to come. As is my style of writing I could not help but to ask some of our. readers their opinions or their impressions. Theu expressions of che specifics, and the enjoym ent of a thanksgiving is relayed in their responses. Linda Lewis, Housewife Thanksgiving is a particular day in which to give thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us, for family, life, friends, and all the joy we have in those relationships. Its a time ofyear that should be shared and remembered through the year. The feasting and breaking of bread with family and friends is the most joyous occasion of sharing and caring of the year. I enjoy the many activities of a thanksgiving day. The football games, the laughter, remembrance of the good times that we have shared throughout the year, being able to visit with those friends and family members that only an occasion of this sort brings. For me this is a great time of year. Mandy Edgecombe, Kaklis Server Thanksgiving as a holiday is very important to me and should be for all of us. It's a time for family and friends to com e together and celebrate their blessings. It's not just about feasting on a lavish dinner. However the day is spent, it should be about brotherhood, a sharing of the heart with your roots. Personally I can only see my family on occasion so I treasure that very much when the occasion occurs. Unfortunately for many of us, whether the reason is negative or out our control, we cannot be with loved ones on this particular day. I will not be able to be with my family this holiday so I have elected to spend my time volunteering at different soup kitchens. I will try to spread as much of the kind feelings that each of us need so often on this holiday. Hoping to share a hot meal and friendliness to those who may need ic. I understand what it is to have closeness with the people I love and hope to give some of this to those in need. To share in their hardships and to give of myself. I have devoted my life to sharing and spreading love to those who need it most. "One love". Jim W., Painter Days of ritual observances, a flurry of which ends each year (Autumn's Thanksgiving­ Winter's Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, etc.), none grab me much, especially in this commercial soaked age. However, succumbing to the pull, moments of rich warm comfort arise from feasting with family and friends sharing the moment of joy if only for the occasion. On the other hand not being able to share these sweet comforts on such days can breed desolate despair. Being alone and separate on the days that celebrate community and humanity can be hard. Yet, thanks must be given for the moments of life itself and the fullness of creation, in which we find ourselves even at our most bereft. A. Timo T., Person Thanksgiving. There's one thing for which you should be abundantly thankful: only you and G od have all the facts about yourself. Have a joyful holiday. It has been a pleasure to both hear and to relay in writing the impression.s of some of our readers. I hope that the expressions of my appreciation is felt by all of our readers, and that joyousness of the season is extended to all. On behalf of all the vendors and staff of the Coali:tion, may all be blessed with a happy Thanksgiving. 6:00 p.01. at Sr. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more informa­ tion, caJJ EarchSave at 929-2500 or call Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. 19 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1:30 p.m. at the Drop Inn Center. Call 421-7803 for more information. ANSWERS TO WORD SCRAMBLE: · ~m q ~U!OP W.J ·1~nrn:::> uo~ lllOJ} Sgll!lg~ug ' UO!lffBO:) 'on gH Cartoon from the Denver Voice, One of the West's most prestigious Homeless Newspapers �-Need Help or Want to Help? II for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. Jl 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 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431­ 8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St. Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Haven House (Hamilton) ..863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temporary Housing 651-6446 ,...... * HOUSING· CMHA ' Excel Development Miami Purchase e~· ~ 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 Q -I:: 3/: 0 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 C.C.A.T. Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 491-4435 VA Domiciliary ..859-559-5011 ,, OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cinti ....... 421 -2437 Appalachian Identity Cntr · ..... 621-5991 Beech Acres ....... 231-6630 Center for Independent Living 'j Options .. . 241-2600 J> if Churches Active in cf>'>,§' Northside ............. 591-2246 .,,_b0 b"' Cincinnati Health Network · 0 e<'C" ell> tnlnlma\ o"' <o 961-0600 9 Community Action Agency Uch of t.ne _ ,! S CS ~ ~ ~ <"~"> ~~ +e OS'~ ct.&::, &,c, ~6' OTR Housing Network.. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women O.D.A.A.T 221-6937 ssa C1t1111f Cordless Screwdriver with 8 Bits 961-4663 _.our Do,,__ ROHi HARDWARE MIHAd 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 First Step Home 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 357-4602 Health Resource Center 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van 221-3619 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance 271-5501 Center..... 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Project Connect -­ Homeless Kids ......... . 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Program 572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 150-Ct. Clear or Multi-Color Net Lites 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 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 November 2000 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Nader Captivates Cincinnati Globalization Goes Local Pg 2: Homeless Coalition Speaks at 8th Annual Senior Banquet Pg 3: Hello, My Name is Tony and I Am a Counselor at the Joseph House Inc. Pg 4: Mt. Airy Shelter: Pg 5: Welfare News Pg 6: National News Pg 7: The Story of a Maquiladora Worker Pg 8: In Thy Name o Allah Pg 9: The Question We Should All Ask Pg 10: Words from the Evangelist Pg 11: Sleep Out for the Homeless 2000 Pg 12: Kroger Responds to Mt. Olive Boycott IMF/World Bank: Stupid, Cruel, Brutal Pg 13: Homeless Health Tips Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Learn About Life on the Mexican Border Pg 16: Why I (Didn’t) Celebrate Columbus Day Pg 17: To P.R.A.C. Continued Evangelist Continued Pg 18: Faith in Actions Pg 19: Thanksgiving Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2000 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman John Halpin Dan Marschner Gina Kohlheff Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Sonny Williams Mr. Lee Rodney Sutton Sharon Weiss Dan Marschner Wendall Salter Doctor Donovan Riccardo M. Taylor Anthony Watkins Rick Williams Shaka N’Zinga Lynn Marmer Mark John Perotti Lynn Williams Anthony Mack Kunta Kenyata Jewel Wilks John W. Gerhart Booger Lover Linda L. Burger Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath Victor Buttram Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Anthony Mack Anthony Watkins Appalachia Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Booger Lover Boycott Columbus Day Dan Marschner Doctor Donovan Evangelist Gina Kohlheff Health Tips Human Rights IMF Jewel Wilks Jimmy Heath John Halpin John Perotti John W. Gerhart Kroger Kunta Kenyata Linda L. Burger Lynn Marmer Lynn Williams Mark Mary A. Gaffney Mexican Border Mr. Lee Mt. Airy Mt. Olive National News Pat Mitchell protest Riccardo M. Taylor Rick Williams Rodney Sutton Ron Carter Shaka N’Zinga Sharon Weiss Sonny Williams Street Strike Susan Knight Thanksgiving Tom Billman Victor Buttram Warren Perkins Washington Park welfare news Wendall Salter World Bank https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f9eaa62069b0a940f1bfbfc1e7d69c87.pdf ce2408affbd69a41e444520af48d68b4 PDF Text Text $1 Donation ST tEET IBEd Your Progressive News Source BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY NOVEMBER 2 01 Cover Story•••• 5 YEARS SINCE THE SHOOTING DEA TH OF Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the· Homeless �... NOVE.M BEll 2001 FIVE YEARS AFTER HIS ·DEATH ­ THE DAY WE LOST buddy gray by Jimmy Heath On the morning of Friday November 15th, Cincinnati police officers ru shed to the Drop Inn Center Shelter House after receiving an emergency call to 911. At the Drop Inn Center in Over-the-Rhine they found Wilbur Worthen sitting next to the bleeding body of Buddy Gray, the smell of gunpowder still in the air. The gun was on a table nearby. Worthen had fired six shots from. hi s .351 magnum revolver, three of them striking and killing Buddy. According to arriving officer Keith Fangman, Worthen told him that Buddy was " pumping nerve gas into my apartment. If you go there it will kilJ you, too." Drop Inn Center staff later testified that Worthen came into the ce nter shortly after 9 a.m. , and pushed his way into a rear office while Buddy a nd other staff members were conducting a job interview. Worthen was charged with aggravated murder for the killing of Buddy Gray, but was later found not guilty by reason of insani ty. " Something c licked or disconnected in (Worthen 's) mind," said Wilbur Wo1then's attorney Peter Pandilidis. "He got his gun." Prosecutors had sought a murder convicti o n, but co urt appointed psychiatrists testified that Worthen suffered fr om a severe ·mental disease when he walked into the Drop Inn Center and shot Buddy that day in November of 1996. "He believed he had been betrayed," said Dr. James Hawkins, one of the psychia tr_ists who examined Worthen. "As a result of his delusional thought, he believed he needed to correct that betrayal." Te n month s late r, Judge Richard Niehaus found Worthen not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him held in a state mental health facility. Worthen, -57, lived in the same apartme nt building on Race Street as Buddy. They had worked side-by-side for many years at the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, and on many other O ver-th e-Rhine community issues. Buddy had befrie nded and helped the mentally ill and formerly homeless man over the years. Since his death, the work of Buddy Gray has continued without him. The shooting stopped a man who fought for 25 years to restore and protect the dignity of the down and out in Cincinnati. " It was a devastating blow to our efforts to lose Buddy, but this was never a one­ person movement," said Bonnie Neumeier, after Buddy Gray was killed. Buddy Gray, ReSTOC and scores of volunteers struggled for years to save and restore vacant buildings in Over-the-Rhine for low­ income housing. Buddy founded the Drop Inn Center nea rly three decad es ago in a Vine Street storefront. He also was a founding member of the National Coalition for the Homeless and was known around the country for his efforts to serve the underse rved. He understood that in order to address th e need s of the poor and th e homeless there needed to be systemic changes in society. Detractors of Buddy and his efforts described him as uncompromising and difficult to work with, but they all respected hi s determination. Budd y battled city officials and urb an · planners that he and his supporters saw as oppo1tunists intent on pushing poor people out of Over-the-Rhine. This in fact is a reality of the street life in wh ic h many p eo ple afterwords find themselves again in the same situation (tragically homeless or living the life of the b_y Riccardo M. Taylor street person). Getting incarcerated can never solve the problem of the Every view fro m the street street person and can only add to must have time of change such as an already dire situation. The status Riccardo an ending or a pause in events that of the street person is forever In the case of possible changed. governs the street person's life. There comes a time when a host of incarceration; the street person Tragedy can come in many often finds himself or herself taking things can and will happen, such as forms; the worst case would be loss incarceration, tragedy, or change in chances by breaking the law for of one's life. A person can be killed stat us with ho us in g, or crimes that carry prison time as or otherwise die do to their actions programming, as may be the case opposed to misdemeanors. In the in the life of the street. A drug for tho se who have addiction event this happens the street person overdose, loss of a limb, or one of problems. Of course, we have to will find themse1 ves .off the street, the senses such as sight, being lost hope for ~he most for any of those in j ail, caught in another scenaiio due to some act or mishap from who are in the life. With this in which is both without benefit nor being into too many different things mind , let's take a rev iew of all conducive to a successful future. on a constant basjs, such as using possibilities and outcomes. Street-View For several weeks before Buddy's death , stickers appeared around Over-the-Rhine with the words "No Way Buddy Gray" along with a telephone number to call for a recorded tirade agains t him. Buddy's friend s and co-workers wonder what role the stickers might have played in driving Wilbur Worthen over the edge. Some of Buddy 's supporters beli eve they know who was behind the hate campaign and remain bitter about it. Whe n peo pl e ask a bout Buddy some remember him as the man who was shot to death by a mentally ill, formerly homeless man. Butfive years after his death the work of the Drop Inn Center and the other organizations that he helped strut continue to serve the less fortunate of the city's residents. Ironically, Buddy Gray felt that the work he was doing was to help troubled men like his friend Wilbur Worthen. Sticker that was posted around the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood drugs, drinking alcohol, or getting into confrontations with others. Violence for the street person is a way of life and can often end up View.... cont. on page 3 Inside StreeNibes Local News Civil Rights i\ilental Health Prisoners News National News Nov. Feature EditoriaJ Art& Poetry Veoo-je Vibes ' he NCH Calendar · Page3 Page6 Page7 Page8 Page9 Page 10 Page12 Page 14 Page 16 Page 19 GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �/ STREETVIBES November 2001 STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Streetvi.bes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about homelessness, social justice, and p0verty-related issues. It is published one~ a month by tbe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great wa~ for liome­ less and other low-ineome·people to get back on (or &tay on) thefr feet. Streetvibes Vendors ilre given an orientat~on and sign a code of conduct before being given a Stree_tvibes :Ve»dor Badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of she1ters, ~g,encjes and · individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCHStaff Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor John Halpin Molly Lyons Executive Director Administrative Coordinator Receptionist Americorps* Vista Americorps* Vista Streetvibes Staff Jimmy Heath Editor Writers ......... _ Alicia Beck Beojamfn Btitt<>n Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Gei;anios John Halpin Jimmy Heath Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr.Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Mon:ls Bonnie Neumeier Rottita Smjth Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anmony Watkins Todd ZwiHich Special thanks to folks who shared their thoughts and memo­ ries of buddy gray.... Photographers John Halpin, Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan sn;eetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will give prefer­ ence to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $15 per year. -- c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati,.OH 45210 ~5l3) 421-7803 fax ~513) 421-7813;: e-mail: streetvities@juno.com welJ page: http://cinci.com/gcch Page 2 The Loss of buddy gray Re01e01bered by Jimmy Heath November 15th is the fifth anniversary of the loss of our friend buddy gray. We remember him in small caps because he always signed his name that way -.buddy gray. I first met buddy while I was a resident of the Drop Inn Center. buddy was an elusive figure around the DIC - rushjng through the building on his way to his basepl~nt office or some meeting or ·rask. And you could find him there at all hours of the day or night. Staff people were kept op.their toes by · buddy 's odd hours. You never · knew whe!l bqddy would show up. doorof~:~u;r~;~~~·~=n~:~nt that are faced by .folks in mainstream society, only the nroblems are magnified by poverty. Money:dO{'.SQ.' t make you .immune from these problems, but money, if you hav~ it, at least gives you options. Job . , Joss, disaster, abuse, and addiction can be insurmountable obstacles and can destroy a persons life.if you are liv41g p~ycheck to paycheck, or less. ·Add 't o that witches brew a pi nch offeai- and self~loathing, depression ~nd mental illness. · buddy was a chahipion for addressing the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness. He do what be did for money - there was none. He didn' t Hke being in the limelight - he always pushed bis friends and co-workers to step up and be a voice. He was known for his cqntroversy, because his anger and frustration drove him to it. Most of bis adversaries at City Hall will say that they respected and admired him even though he could be infuriating in his convictions. So all of this has come nearly fu ll circle for me in my life five years after buddy 's death. I've had to pick through all of these ideas and this history and find a meaning and a place for myself in THE -CIN-CIN TI ENQUIRER one day, homeless and ill, . · half-dead from alcoholism. I -:-.;:;-:--7"';~-;oo;;;::;;:-::-;r.:::-------:-:-~ • " • ;o1.11io R"r11 ,,_. 1>1nY signed up for the Men 's LiveIn Recovery Prooram and was Ii:c•bias .i.<'ttl<'~ b SUl l given a mat in the men 's dorm .,:~$!'.!!.ct until I detoxified - until I · ~··~ ·-:i..tk~ ,m convinced staff (and maybe 1$ W.:11 • nir4· myseJf?) that I really was Id. n.S,.. serious about getting sober. .,.,,..,,.o:lll SJ; Thanks to the Drop Inn Center, buddy gray and many d others. I've been sober for over six years. Without the en Y Drop Inn Center I certain! y home would have been dead long , .,,.., """"'T"'•* ago. ~~~~ In ear1ler days, before the Drop Inn Center moved to ­ 11 • West 12th Street, buddy, Bonnie and other volunteers knew that simply getting sober, or rescued homeless people from the having a job or a roof over your streets of Cincinnati. They literally head was not always enough. picked up and carried the alcoholics Some.of the real challenges are in in off the street, fed them and gave the way society and government them a safe place to crash. does business and how these Recovery, not just rescue, institutions treat the less fortunate has always been the foundation of of our citizens - how some folks are the work of the Drop Inn Center. valued more than others. buddy and others working with him Everything buddy and others did viewed homelessness not just as a was guided by the unwavering symptom of addiction. Low­ conviction that all human life was income people, the disenfranchised valuable. citizen, and the homeless are buddy was smart and he challenged by the same struggles worked hard. He certainly didn' t ·­ ~l"~c:: .. Pl't $.) rm; '41b;J~ l('l.1rt lmtf ~Ml 'tfl\WU-,;e)~• ~ '-JJ :t~dt;. n;ins Buddy Gra~ shot dea ; client held Tlle Dtop-lnn Center '®=-c all of it. The true power of what I learned from buddy and others who continue this work is how this place has tou.ched my spirit. The things I've learned; the people I've met. I remember buddy for his leadership and his compassion. His work and commitment to the homeless continues to this day. The tragic loss of buddy was a watershed for work in the Over-the-Rhine community and the People's Movement. Yet people continue to find their spirit through buddy 's work. Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be donation. I agree not tO ask for donations of more honest in stating that all die profits from the sale of than $1. I also understand that I will be able to Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future 8. 1 will always present my badge when purchasing issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the papers, and I will display my badge at all times Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. while vending. Replacement badges are $1 each. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from die 9. There are no territories. 1 agree that I will not GCCH. Purchasing or selling unauthorized contest territories with ·o ther discributors. I will papers, or from oilier vendors, will result in termi­ not sell on private property without permission. nation from the program. l 0. I understand mat Streetvibes strives to be a self­ 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt supporting paper created by people who are to vend after 12 midnight. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 4. 1 agree to treat ocliers with respect - other vendors, effort, I will try to spread the word and write customers, and GCCH personnel. stories if possible. 5. 1will not selJ Streetvibes while under the influel).ce. 11. I understand mac failure to comply wicli any of the 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel above statements will result in termination from threatened. the Streervibes vendor program. GCCH reserves die right to terminate a vendor at any time as 7. 1 agree not to deceive the public by saying mat I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or mat I am deemed appropriate. �STREETVIBES November 2001 View... from page 1 tragically for the street person. It is only after such tragedy that the s treet person decides to make changes in their lives. Tragedy is so metime s unforeseeable, yet it can be avoided in a lot of cases. Where the street person is concerned, simply by not putting oneself in certain situations or pre dicame nts there is a far greater chance of avoiding some instances of tragedy. Housing, the ultimate goal for the street person is what most strive for and although it can be a diffi c ult and sometimes overwhelming task, there is always the possibility for success. When the decision is made by the street person to make change in their life status the possibility for such change becomes real. First one must make th e co mmitment in mind _a nd then they mu st pu sh forward w ith energy and all the resources at their disposal. When a street person puts forth all of his or her effort and confronts the difficulties with aU their energy, they can overcome the obstacles which hamper, or otherwise keep them from their goal of obtaining housing. Of course, this is easier said than done. The reality that it can be accomplished has to be must be met with all of one's fortitude and drive. Some of the essentials, which can help the street person to realize their obtaining of their goal, are sacrifice, e mployment, and chan gi ng some of their habits. Sacrifices must be made in some areas s uc h as associations, or. hanging-out places. Sometimes the street person associates with the wrong crowd. Spending time with others who do not wish for change or who have no desire for such, can only go against the street person. It's almost like the old birds-of-a­ feather-fl oc king- together syndrome: It is very important that one keeps the right people around them if they intend to make and keep c ha nge in t he ir li fe. In conj unction with that reality, one would most likely find in time that Corrections.... Jerome Manigan provided the photo for October's • Nast Trinity Church story, page 17• We also failed to list him as a writer in the credits on page 2. what new friends and associates they replace for the old will be better for relationships. Often the places one hangs out in goes against their growth. Hanging with the wrong c rowd usually means that you are banging out in the wrong places as well. Often the area one spends time in is conducive to their situation. If you hang out in bars you are likely to drink alcohol, if you hang out in the street, you are likely to .stay in the street (literally). So those are two areas that one must be mindful of when making the sort of sacrifices that are needed to reach a goal. Still , there are more sacrifices that one mu st make during the transition that often d epends on the p artic ular circumstances or situations which that individual may ·have. The mo st important essential for life style chan ges, which w ill effect the street person in their status change (obtaining housing1 is the employment phases. One must become a permanent member of the work force if they expect to obtain and keep housing. First, in order to get into a place of res idence o ne has to have that income from employment - it is as . important for the maintenance of such housing that the employment is of a permanent type. Temporary j obs will not in most cases s uffice in the maintenance of hous ing . Employment has to be lasting in most cases, again simply because temporary e mployment does not guarantee that one will be employed over the long haul, which can be the stumbling block for keeping housing. The employment of the street person can often be the most difficult aspect of their transition so it must be done with a great amount of commitment as well as fortitude. One must seek out and hold on to a job that will be both lasting and satisfying. Often as hard as it is for the street person to find a job, the job must be one in which the street person is both willing to do, as well as one which they CAN do. The other area, which the street person must place a lot of emphasis on in changing their status, is the change of habits. Perhaps the thinking process which most street people have is the most significant area where change is needed. Along with the other ideas of c hange mentioned above for the sacrifices and housing that one must endure will only be e nhance d by th e changing of ones thinking. Habits are based more on ones thinking patterns than anything else. There~ore, the ultimate goal Page 3 o( the str eet person who wants change in their lives is to make the simple choices that may prove to be the real test of their fortitude and determination. Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson's Community Health Care Crystal Awar4 Cincinnati, OH (Oct. 11 , 2001 ) - Lighthouse Youth Services, Inc., has joined the ranks of distinguished healthcare organizations that have been presented the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Crystal Award and a two-year, $100,000 grant. The award is one of the highest honors in community healthcare, recognizing organizations for the ir ongoing commitment to providing care to the medically underserved. Lighthouse Youth Services will use the grant money to develop a Community Health Transition Coordination project for the Cincinnati region. The project proposes to improve access to quality healthcare for minority youth with special healthcare needs. "Lighthouse seeks to reduce our clients' institutional dependency, encourage self­ sufficiency, provide services to enhance the child and the family's strengths, and provide support for their needs," said Stanford Williams, president of the board of trustees for Lighthouse Youth Services. Through the Community Health Care Program, Johnson & Johnson has turned the public spotlight on the resourcefulness that enables community healthcare organizations to address the problems of people in need. Approximately $5 million in grant money has been awarded to 78 nonprofit organizations since the program's inception in 1987. The program represents a partnership between the National Council of La Raza, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health , the Morehouse School of Medicine, and Johnson & Johnson. "President Bush has called upon the nation to engage in a ' war against terrorism,' a war that ~ust be pursued until final 'victory' is achieved. But, more importantly, we have to understand these people if we are to protect ourselves and the world from this type of slaughter."-Professor Michael Klare, Hampshire College Write. Us.... We'd like to hear from IJOU. ·::..,. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvil~es Let ters, I 506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 OISC jQCl'-EY :SEl =tVl CE C l i£.ford J o n es 0 ( 5 13) 7 61-3464 Office ( 5 13) 230-6353 ~ • ~o\.ne ~-~aiJ: jonesa~ ""WW Voicemail · C~ c-~4 :t>°'ticxch a n ge- cP . �STREETVIBES November 2001 buddy.. ~ ... an anchor -""' by Bonnie Neumeier November 15th marks five years wi thout buddy. buddy gray. His name slides from our tongues in talk and in tales here at the shelter, on the streets and in p laces where both the powerful and powerless assemble. buddy still li ves. I can't walk down the streets in without O ve r- th e-Rhine someone callin g o ut to me wanting to connect ·w ith the memory of buddy. buddy 's presence in our lives was potent ( and intense. It is hard to accept that with this much time gone .. by there a re now many wo rkers, reside nts and volunteers at Drop Inn , ReSTOC, and Homeless Coalition who nev er met buddy. buddy's life, leadership and tireless work is evolving int9 chapters of history that deserve to be recorded and shared, so that generations to come can be inspired by the struggles for human rights that people, poor and homeless, organized and labored for here in Over-the-Rhine. buddy 's courage and confidence provided an anchor that we needed to lay the foundation for a peoples movement. He was an organizer if there ever was one. buddy took many of us by the hand and we journeyed the rough terrain of activism by his side; that's how we learned. The seeds he planted are still growing. I know he would be so proud of so many who have carried on despite the g rowing obstacles. Let yourself feel his buddy hug. He was always·giving them out. I miss having buddy by my side to share the joy that comes from .witnessing the fruits of our lo n g years of labo r together. There's nothing sweeter than having a friend to share "Remember back whens" with. Local News Page 4 people to stop. He wants racism to stop and economic justice met. He knows that military might does not bring world peace. buddy wants low-income people in O ver-the­ Rhine protected and not shoved out of our neighborhood. What buddy stood for, stands in us. What buddy lived for, lives in us. buddy's our cheerleader now. I can j ust see him gathe ring up all his friends who have been here and now gone, they are organizing to find a way to breathe spirit energy our way. They know we can use it.in these difficult times. I found this scribbled in one of buddy's legal pads that I want to pass on tb you. He titled it " · -.cc.c """" A Simple Goal'''. " I miss his laughter. buddy of handy tools waiting for a "fix it" would laugh so hard that tears would mome nt. On minutes notice he roll down his cheeks. Once he drew wanted to be able to grab that cartoon characters for each City bucket. No one could miss it. He Council person and predicted what marked it "buddy" or "bg" with bold they would say on a vote about magic markers. I miss buddy on money for our shelter. Guess what? his bike. Sometimes he' d forget, His predictions were right on target. and leave it overnight parked out i have always been a simple man living a simple life having simple needs food and shelter having simple desires for love-friendship for growing comradeship He knew that without humor we'd never make it through the hard times. When I was in City Council Chambers yesterday opposing "The Housing Impaction Ordinance", I could see buddy walking up to the table, and very deliberately ploppi~g down a stack of manila file folders carrying an incredible amount of paperwork documenting every angle on an issue. He then would take the mike and deliver a speech that was so full of facts and passionate at the same time. That's a skillful art. He was a walking historian on any issue we were lobbying for. We often went to the stationary store together, buddy would stack up on legal pads. He bought more legal pads than any lawyer in town. He was that meticulous in taking notes. But his most favorite store was the hardware store. He loved w<?rking with his hands and handling tool s . He dreamed of having more time to be a carpenter. buddy never carried around an official looking toolbox. He had a big bucket with a variety Social Security/SS! Denied? Call John M. Keegan Attorney at Law Practice concentrated in Social Security/SSI Disability Law front of City Hall. He joked about having a permanent parking place ­ there. It' s these s imple little memories that are so precious, that somehow defines a person after they are gone. . buddy made it his,.business . to remember the faces and names of people who visited the Drop Inn Center. He always had his arm around a resident. Stopping to talk and pulling them in on what was going on around the Center. buddy befriended his sisters and brothers homeless on the streets. He would genuinely be upset with himself if he forgot someone's name, especially if that person called out his name first. He knew knowing a name was important to build a relationship and a connection. He knew so many people and so many people knew buddy. How does one pass through a fifth anniversary of buddy's death? By cherishing the memories that are etched in our hearts and bones. Our relationship with buddy lives. We can talk with him. I know I do. I know be shares our anger about all the violence that is happening in our neighborhood and in the .world . He wants the killing of young black 4l FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION That each of us could wake up and greet the morning, knowing that the decisions crucial to our lives, were in the hands ofa people's democratic process, that we were involved in...•. Well buddy, I'm happy that you are not going to bed late and tired now. We still are facing the man y e mperors, but your life strengthens our resolve to work for justice. I miss you. We all miss you. MORE PERSONAL TRIBUTES TO THE LIFE AND WORK OF butJ.dy gray PAGES 10& 11 The GCCH would like to thank this Starbucks location for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN ~ (513) 651-9222 i long for and struggle for a simple goal: Not going to bed late, tired, worried and tense Facing tomorrow's announcements from the EMPERORS, about our lives, land, homes and fates. 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park �,. - STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 5 Terrorism represents freedom, opportunity In a West Virginia college Southeast Asia, it came from and fairness. We use our strength classroom last week, a friend of wealthy people from the Mideast, The following is an excerpt ofa to help people around the world. for religious reasons. " mine had something different to speech given by 91 year-old Doris We oppose brntal regimes and say. The class soon remembered "Granny D" Haddock, who work toward world health and "Look at it like this," he that the US had supported the walked across the U.S. in 1999­ said to a classroom filled with brutal regime of the Shah of Iran justice and democratic 2000 for campaign finance reform, participation of all people. The honor students who couldn't . so to better protect the supply of in Unity, Maine on September 22, imagine why America was under oil to the US , and that the brutality Statue of Liberty is our beacon to 2001. attack, except for reasons of the world." of the Shah led to the rise of the It is hard to think clearly as Ayatollah Khomeini and the camp religious e_xtremism. "Imagine The common American we yet rock in the wake of the wants the American government to that West Virginia was a third of violent Islamic fundamentalists, recent terrorist attacks on our cities be that - to be that every day, in world country," he said. "We have of which Bin Laden was a product. and our people. But !hink clearly every comer of the world. all this valuable coal, but there is The class was silent again. Then we must. Politics is a serious The common American one country, far away, that buys it they began to discuss our problem, business. Not everyone cares to and they were in a position to would never answer: "America is all. They are the richest nation in listen when people argue about the this: We use oµr powerful military the world, and they stay that way come up with real answers. policies and practices of our forces, intelligence forces, and our by getting our resources cheaply. So must all Americans see political leaders. Americans huge financial power to extract They use their wealth to buy-off America as the world see us, so would rather be painting.their from weaker countries what we our government officials, and to that we can strive for justice and house or going to a good ball game need for our own, affordable kill or torture any worker here who the peace that comes with justice. than listening to a speech, and that lifestyle in the US. We will tries to organize a union or clean The politics that killed six is not a bad thing. We wouldn't thousand people in New support any brutal get much done if we just argued regime so.long as liiii1iiiiiiiiii-:•~iiil~n•ii~~~~=--i York is the politics of politics all the time. Mideast oil, the politics of they provide us But there is a time for it, the Shah of Iran and our with the cheap and this is that time. Our support for him and his labor and materials neighbors and children are being we need, and so torture police ­ killed in great numbers because long as they keep supported so that we Americans are not in control of the a_n y competing might secure cheap oil American government, and haven't political systems and an anti-Communist been for some time. And now we puppet at any price to the out of the region. are being killed by our own locat people and at any We will finance the airplanes, just as we were killed in price· to their democracy. massacre of our African embassies in 1998 by The Shah did riot deliver peasants and our own explosives, which we workers, the torture peace or safety, but gave to the Islamic of journalist and instead he delivered into fundamentalists so that mey~wp.u:ld..• clel'i~s., .and 1the , t the world the Ayatollab please kill ounhen euemies, the Khomeini and the present rape of nature and Russians. the sky itself so wave of violent Islamic And four months ago the fundamentalists - ·who that we may live cunent Bush administration gave pleasantly today in are no more Islamic in $43 million to the current Taliban America." their practices than Regime so that it would please kill The America's radical right our enemies, the heroi n dealers of common American are Christian in their Afghanistan. Or was it to protect feels ill at such practices. Both radical an oil pipeline? That's what we words. And yet, fringes are beating the are now learning. that is the vision of war drums dnd accusing Our subcontracting of America that many everyone is not death has never done us much people in the world exactly like rem of good, with Vietnam still the carry in their angry causing last week's shining example, and with many hearts. They see horror. George Bush, has photo by Jimmy Heath declared war on evil. other examples still bleeding in their miserable Central and South America, lives and their That is a holy war as . Africa, and in Southeast Asia. precious children and land being up the government. How mad chilling as the Taliban's call for The Coca-Cola company sacrificed for our luxury. They see would we be toward that distant war on evil. has been accused of financing the country, and just how innocent our US-made helicopters and jets This is not a time for all death squads in Columbia that kill and guns and rockets suppressing would we think its citizens are, good Americans to forget their union activists among the and kiWng them. Naturally, they political differences and rally who drive around in luxury cars plantation workers. This so that celebrate when we are made to and live in elegant homes and buy behind the man in the White our Coca-Cola is affordable to us. suffer. the best medicines for their House. The man in the White Wherever our large mining The disconnection between ch ildren, and otherwise live a life House should apologize for the companies extract the value from their perception and ours is in sparkling skyscrapers - a life most serious breach of internal foreign lands, we have a CIA and a profound: Our people are stunned made affordable by the way they security in the nation 's history, not military working to keep any at the idea that we are not get resources from us? They disguise his failure in calls for war. leaders in power who will universally loved. admire their own democracy, Can he hope that the fiery guarantee us a cheap labor s upply turning a blind eye to what their In classrooms all over explosions in New York and and cheap mining products, at the America this week and last, government and their corporations Washington and Pennsylvania will expense of local people and their be more acceptable to us if they teachers and professors asked their do abroad." efforts toward ·democracy. students, "why do you suppose that The classroom was silent. are placed in a larger context of This is not who we want to some people around the world are "Well," he said, "that's pretty explosions of our own making? I be. so angry at us?" Many students no much what we do all over the do not rally around that idea. It is If you ask the common doubt suggested that differences .i n world." "wag the dog" taken to an extreme American to describe the America religion make some people Someone at the back of the level, for he is not covering up his he or she wants us to be, you will intolerant and fanatically room said, "Well, we may not be failure with a fake war, but with a here this: "We are the country that homicidal. What other reason perfect, but this attack didn' t come real one. could they have? from Central Ame1ica or Africa or w?? �STREETVIBES November 2001 An example is· HUD 's Hope VI for the deve lopment of ne w project, which has demolished affordable units within the city. The By John Halpin and Molly Lyons thousands of units of public housing proposal does nothi ng, though, to Whether we like to admit it and is replacing them with mixed- ensure that areas outsi~e the city or not, the United States does not income communities. When the would begin to develop low-cost provide equal protection under the communities are rebuilt, only a · housing. Thus, all low-cost housing law for all people, as it often claims. fraction of the ne w units are development would virtually come Everyday, people across our nation subsidized, resulting in the net loss to a s tands till. This would are subject to discrimination, which, of affordable housing. Cincinnati's · exacerbate an already serious if not sanctioned by the law, is often Hope VI project has resulted in the shortage of affordable hou sing, overlooked by the law. From the loss of over one thousand of units. causing more individuals and racial profiling of African Mixed-income hous ing families to end up on the streets. While many doubt that Americans and-the new profiling of development has become a very Arab Americans and Muslims to the popular concept across the country Cranley's ordinance could withstand continued discrimination towards . .l!!!!l!lllll!!l!!!lll!l'.l!!!l!l!~ll!l!l!!!!lllllllll!l!llllll!l~.............--.1egal challenge, such women, gays, and lesbians, among proposals could perhaps be prevented in the first place others, the United States is a land of if Congress were to enact contradictions. On one hand, it endorses democracy and equal legislation that would give protected status to rights, claiming to be.an example to nations all over the world; on the homeless and low-income· other hand, many U.S. citizens suffer people. Currently, people are given protected status from pervasive discrimination at for such things as race, home. religion, .national origin, One of the groups for whom etc. A Protected Class the law offers little protection from discrimination is people with low resolution has been drafted by the National Coalition incomes. Low-income people face :§. "' discrimination everyday. As has ~ for the Homeless and often been discussed in this column,~>. through the National people experiencing homelessness 8 Homeless Civi l Rights often find themselves stripped of .g, ............ .................._...iiliiiliiliiiliiil.I Organizing Project, NCH their rights to due process, their intends to start a national rights to equal protection, and other and here in Cincinnati, as lawmakers campaign in the furore to introduce civil rights to which all Americans dream of revitalizing urban the resolution as civil rights are entitled. People who have homes neighborhoods by d eve loping legislation in the US Congress. but who live near or below the market-rate housing. The problem The resolution, if made into poverty line face discrimination, as with this approac h is that no law, would extend protection to low­ well, and are the subj ect of attention is given to creating an income people in laws such as the economic mix in wealthy Fair Housing Act that is designed to numerous stereotypes. These stereotypes of low- neighborhoods. If mixed-income prevent discrimination in housing. income people often result in their. development is good for Suc h legi slation would prevent bein g di scriminated against in neighborhoods, then why do we only measures like Cranlefs from being matters of housing. There is an promote it in areas like Over-the- passed or introduced in the first affordable housi ng crunch in the Rhine and not Hyde Park? Basically, place. To see a draft the National United States right now, caused in the ideal of mixed-income Coalition's Protected Class part by a reluctance to commit the neighborhoods (which is not a bad Resolution, go to their website at necessary r esou rces to th e idea) is used to justify gentrification www.nationalhomeless.org. development of affordable housing. and the halt of affordable housing People worry that the presence of development. If policymakers truly affordable or subsidized housing in wanted mixed-income development, Know Your Rights their neighborhood will result in they would focus on all By Molly Lyons and John Halpin crime, blight and declining property neighborhoods, not just lower­ valu es. As a result, many inco me neighborh oods. Every month we will be communities do everything they can Developmen t sho uld be done to highlighting a law or ordinance that to keep low-income housing out of assist the poor, not on the backs of affects homeless people in their areas. the poor. Cincinnati. This column does La ndl ords can legally C ity Cou nc ilm a n Jo hn nothing to replace sound legal advice discriminate against people with Cranley is currently proposing an from an accredited lawyer, but seeks Section 8 vouchers. These vouchers ordi na nce which many view as to empower and educate people in are, in theory, supposed to give low- govern ment-sponso red hou s ing dealing with the criminal justice income people the choice to Jive discrimination against low-income system and their lawyers. anywhere. A person presents the people. Cranley believes that the too voucher to their landlord, and it much low-income housing is Cincinnati Municipal code §723-76: allows them to pay 0 0 more than concentrated in Cincinnati, and that Sitting and lying on public sidewalks 30% of their income for rent. The suburbs should take on their fair prohibited government pays the remaining share of subsidized housing. While No person shall sit or lie down upon portion of the rent. Landlords are many homeless and low-income a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, not required by law to accept these advocates agree that low -income chair, stool or any other object Section 8 vouchers, however, and people should have the choice to live placed upon a public sidewalk, in ma ny may not, based on their anywhere, including the suburbs, any area designated for commerce stereotypes of low-income people. Cranley's proposal does nothing to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and In terms of government e nsure trus would happen. As it 9:30 p.m. policy, low-income people again fall stands, the proposal would prohibit A 1995 lawsuit (Clark v. victim to housing discrimination. the use of CDBG and HOME funds Cincinnati, No. 1-95-448) was filed (both from the federal government) against this ordinance before the date Housing Discrimination Page 6. it was supposed to go into effect (July 1, 1995). In 1998, U.S. District court magistrate Judge Jack Sherman found the sidewalk ordinance, as well as an anti­ panhandling ordinan ce, unconstitutional on the grounds that they limited a person 's First Amendment rights to free speech. Several arguments focusing on the humanity and dignity of homeless people were used to affirm the finding of this court. Both the sidewalk and anti­ panhandling ordinances restricted the times that a person could either solicit donations of food or money or could sit or lie on the sidewalk. The court fou.nd that putting time restrictions ori the laws effectively "served to deny plaintiffs the opportunity to communicate their message- that of poverty and hunger - during those hours that the public is most likely to see or bear that message, or be receptive to it." The court in looking at the sidewalk ordinance stated that "the act of sitting, in ·and of itself, is a legally recog ni zed means of expression by which the poor·can co mmunicate that th ey are ' in serious need' or are too weak, ill or defeated by circumstances to stand." By upholding these ordinances the court recognized that not a11 speech is popular, but that if we are to have a truly free society we must protect even the speech that most upsets or inconveniences us. There is a trend in Cincinnati to try to push the homeless out of view. Some people feel like it brings down the image of the city, some people feel annoyed or threatened by the presence of homeless people sitting or panhandling on city streets. The Main Street business district puts out a pamphlet that refers to the homeless as a problem and tells people not to give money to panhandlers because it will only encourage them. Attempts are made to make other laws that c1iminalize things that homeless people have no other choice but to do in public, such as sitting or lying on the sidewalks. When we are maki ng policies and laws around homelessness it is a good idea to remember what the district court in Blair v. Shanahan said: c;ry streets are a public forum, one of the few remaining democratic spaces where the conventioneer, the gawking tourist, the eager consumer, the city resident, and the needy may mingle freely. Under these ordinances, city authorities claim the power to removefrom this public forum those that through the exercise of their First Amendment rights .. . make the' rest of us uncomfortable. The speech of the needy around us may well be subjectively felt as an unwelcome intrusion by some, but �r STREETVIBES November 2001 the expressive freedom guaranteed by the Constitution has never been costless. That speech may not be barred by ordinances such as this. The sidewalk ordinance is not legally enforceable. Unfortunately because of poor communication, and because the city solicitors office has not taken the law out of the municipal code, it is being used by Cincinnati Police officers to warn people and have them move along when they are sitting on the sidewalk. If you are warned against sitting on the sidewalk, or told to move along because you are sitting on the sidewalk, please contact us at421-7803, we can give you a copy of the lawsuit so that you have the ability to challenge when your rights are being violated. Facts About Homelessness from the Center for Mental Health Services A recent HUD report found that 3 million poor Americans paid more than 50% of their income on rent, while HUD estimates that this figure should be no more than 30%. The homeless population is diverse: 25-40% work; 37% are families with children; 2§'% are children; 25-30% are mentally disabled; 30% are veterans; and 40% are drug or alcohol dependent. According to the most recent Census Bureau data, 36.4 million people lived at or 'below the poverty line in 1995 and are at serious risk of homelessness. About one in ten of the extremely poor become homeless. With the national unemployment rate currently at 4.1 %, previously-working Americans find themselves at risk of homelessness. Additionally, minimum wage earnings no longer lift families above the poverty line. Although 23-30% of homeless people suffer from mental'illness, fewer than 3% of homeless men and 14% of homeless women receive their entitled disability benefits. Polls consistently reveal that the majority of the American public supports aid to the homeless. According to these polls, the majority of the public understands the underlying causes of homelessness, and 81% would pay additional taxes to fund increased aid. CMHS is charged with leading the national system that delivers mental health services. For·more information go to the web site: www.mentalhealth.org Mental Health Crisis In Alllerica? by Mister Lee Is there a mental health crisis in America? Of course there is. How could there not be given the events of September 11th. Trauma experts estimate that millions of Americans will need treatment for. "psychological wot,Inds'\ Wounds that come from a medical condition kno~n as post traumatic stre.ss disorder (PSTD). "There is an epidemic of PTSD about to unfold in America. No one is talking about the manpower that will be required to treat literally millions of victims," psychiatrist Mark I. Levy, MD, tells WebMd. "It is not clear how these people are going to be screened, i9entified, and treated­ and by whom. This issue needs the immediate attention of senior public-health and mental-health planners." PTSD begins as an acute stress reaction from living through or witnessing a life-threatening event. This trauma obvioµsly was worse for those who survived the September 11th attacks, for the families of those who lost their lives, and for rescue workers. Even so, those who watched the horrifying events unfold on television went through a real trauma- particularly those who watched them replayed ove:r and over again. Women seem to be twice as vulnerable to PTSD as men. A recent traumatic event--or a past trauma that remains unhealed- Page 7 increases vulnerability. People in a psyche ward. who are depres·sed or who suffer Let's sum it up. People are severely affected by experiencing other untreated psychiatric the trauma of "life threatening conditions also are at increased risk. Common symptoms of acute events". This trauma often results in depression, increased drug use, stress: terouble sleeping. and other forms of unhealthy, self­ Nightmares and/or destructive behavior. intrusive images of the tragic People who live in inner­ events-or of prior catastrophes a city communities are at greater risk person may have experienced ­ of being exposed to "life frequent qying - trouble threatening events." Even more so concentrating - numbing of they experience a quality of life feelings and a strong desire to that in and of itself is depressing avoid any mention of the event. and unhealthy. Street crime, "It takes-30.days for an • acute stress reaction to evolve into prostitution, drugs boys posted up .on corners, etc. It is clearly frank PTSD," Levy says. "At this obvious that they suffer a form of point, these are symptoms of trauma that is just as debilitating illness. It is time to treat it like and traumatic as that experienced any illness that has symptoms. It's like you were running a fever for a ·by those who simply watch it on couple of weeks-·you should see a TV. They live it on a daily basis. doctor. Going to a family doctor is Where do they get help and relief for·a problem that is neither not a bad idea, because most diagnosed.nor treated? people resist going to a We are a city within a psychologist or psychiatrist." country that is still di'yided by It :is estimated that two­ thirds of the 44 million Americans issues of race, culture, economics and religion. We have experienced who have diagnosable mental our on ·destruction of our fantasy of disorders do not seek treatment. safety and peace within our Stigma and an unwarranted sense communities. This is real life of hopelessness about the trauma. While, many drape opportunities for recovery often themselves in the flag with strong discourage people with mental feelings of patriotism, for many illness from getting help. others the American dream is still Frequently, among the poor, the American fantasy. They don't depression is self-medicated with get it _because·they can't get it. drugs, afconol, gambling and other We will never solve or form~ of temporary escapism. If establish control over the problem you walk down the streets of Over­ of homelessness until we as a the-Rhine, West End, Avondale, community; white, black, brown, Evanston, Walnut Hills, red, yellow recognize the need to Cumminsville or any of the other treat the whole person. low income communities within Homelessness is a mental, Greater Cincinnati, you can see it physical, emotional and spiritual on the faces of the people. The condition. A homeless man with a flat affectation or lack of home but poor mental health is a expression, symptomatic of person who is probably destined to Depression, frustration and just be homeless again. plain disaffection. What they We need to be good to each experience on a day to day basis other, and ourselves. would put the average suburbanite ---#-~111--__j "Sure we can afford it... after somebody puts about 100,000 miles on it." �STREETVIBES November 2001 - Page 8 Prisoners' News contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in our nation's jails and prisons. We are seeking subscribers who are willing to sponsor a prisoner so they can receive STREETVIBES behind the walls. Please sponsor someone on the inside. A year's subscription costs $15. Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail: STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 The Separatis01 That Prevents A01erica Fro01 Being ''United'' Everyone who plants seeds, from the novice gardener, to the agricultural farmer, expect to reap from the seeds they have sewn and nurtured. Why is the American public surprised to reap the seeds we have sewn? Start with the · dysfunctional family that the American government has perpetuated upon the people. The number one rule to and for family is to take care of family first. Tlie same as one must take care and be responsible for ones self, before one can take care of anyone else. Some people even attempt to talce care of someone else's family before taking care of their own. The Seed of Racism The U. S, Government along with every other state in the U. S. constantly racially profiles Blacks. Blacks, whose forefathers were kidnapped and forced to build the superpower that is American today. Blacks; who have fought in every war in defense of America. Blacks have in no way been a threat to American democracy, to national security, and most definitely not to freedom. Yet, we are still treated like foreigners. We embrace foreigners, some of whom have damaged the American way of life. Why then do we become surprised by events such as the World Trade Center tragedy? The blood of everyone who died in these attacks is on the hands of every American who embraces racism. America's horrific treatment of blacks during the slave trade far exceeded Hitler's treatment of the Jews. The black American holocaust yielded at least ten times the loss of Life. To whom it may concern, Dr. Streetvibes Editor My name is Billy Joe I wish to thank you for Harper and I had the opportunity to publishing my article, "Modem read one of your magazines Day Slaves - Modern Day [STREETVIBES] and it really did Masters" in the October The means, the tactics, and help capture my attention. Streetvibes. With the current they may have received from See, I too used to be a financial crisis in Ohio and the other blacks .is irrelevant to the homeless man, before I got state government's lack of bottom line massacre of blacks incarcerated, and I know what a concrete action a disaster is in the during the American slave trade. struggle it is. The truth of the making. A disaster that will affect The Jews have received financial matter is that it was truly a blessing services to the poorest of the poor payment and Hitler and his reign for me to get incarcerated, but I because of a severe lack of moral have long died. Yet, American wouldn ' t wish this on anyone else. courage on the part of our elected plantation owners still live in But it has given me an representatives. those plantations that blacks opportunity to get a better As the elected leader of our worked. The power of the slave education so that I may be able to state, Bob Taft has proven himself trade still lives and flourishes in find some employment once I'm too much politician and too little the American economy; blacks released. But this one thing I leader. That is why I wrote the still ha-ven't received financial know, that I would l ike to share enclosed article. It is blunt, compensation. America's neglect with other homeless men and blatantly disrespectful, and the to one of its children, the black women and children and that is, truth. I hope you see fit to print it people, shall continue. America, always keep your faith in God, and and just maybe someone, or please don' t be surprised by the he will keep you protected, hopefully a bunch of someones, damage and devastating effects sheltered and fed. He will make a will start rallying the voters and that eventually will be reaped by way for you to be delivered from shout, "DO YOUR JOB !" not taking care of our own all of that! If Taft doesn" t soon [do his American born and bred family. Also I was wondering by job] who is going to pay for all the We, as Americans, have chance that I may be able to red ink in our government? It sure become our worst enemy. We receive one or two of your won' t be he and his rich friends!!! have ilJusion ourselves about magazines and could you put me in Kenneth D. Smith attacks from other countries. to find a pen pal? P. 0. Box 511-305504 I thank you and pray to God Columbus, Ohio 43216 Thus crippling us in our readiness that you al1 continue to grow and to prevent and defend ourselves provide for the homeless people ­ against attacks. We must (Ed. Note: We feel it is don't give up on them. remember that Go<:l created all important to provide a voice for Billy Joe Harper including good and evil, heaven those persons in jail, and the FM980 and hell. Everything that exists Prisoners News page is devoted to Huntsville, TX 77343 serves a purpose and people serve doing just that. Because of the to choose a cause. People will volume of mail we receive f rom (Ed. Note: Regretfully, it prisoners, we are not always able adhere and follow a cause over would be economically impossible truth. The truth doesn ' t serve to publish all ofthe prisoners for us to provide free subscriptions writings. Also, we will try to their purpose but the cause does. rotate writers on this page so that We as Americans must pursue the to all the persons who are incarcerated in our nations jails. there is always a different truth behind the cause or the There are over two million perspective. cause behind the truth. individuals locked up in our If readers would like a If you would like to write prisons. copy of Mr. Smith '.s latest article me concerning the things I have We encourage our readers submission please contact the written here, you can contact me to sponsor a person "on the Streetvibes office.) at; inside" by purchasing a Streetvibes Leonard Walker subscription for them.) Ohio State Prison 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Road While we make every effort to provide a forum for those Youngstown, Ohio 44505 without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not respon­ sible for statements, and do not endorse the opinions of the prisoners who's writings are represented here. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Page 9 meeting ground for his followers. He Jost a civil rights lawsuit last year, which resulted in a declaration of bankruptcy and the sale of the compound. Butler has since been living in a home­ paid for by a supporter - in nearby Hayden. "The headquarter~ will stay here," Butler said by telephone Wednesday. By Nich1oas K. Geranios The Pennsylvanfa property will be a branch of the group, Butler said. SPOKANE, Wash Ray Redfeairn of Dayton, The white supremacist Aryan Nations want to establish a Ohio, was recently named the branch in Pennsylvania where group's new national director and supporters can gather after the loss will succeed Butler upon the latter's death. Redfeairn has said of the white supremacist group's he will move to the Pennsylvania Idaho compound. property soon. The The Aryan Nations is part new location in of the so-called Christian Identity movement, whose followers Ulysses, believe white people are the lost Pa., will tribe of Israel. Members of the allow members to movement are anti-Semitic and "gather and anti-minority. worship without Copyright (c) 2001, The interference Associated Press of the "South Asia is a region of extreme media and so-called authorities," contrasts. While Taliban restricts August B. Kreis III, the group's director of information, wrote in an · women's rights, almost all other South Asia countries had women e-mail to The Associated Press. as head of state, and Sri Lanka Aryan Nations founder Richard Butler, 83, long maintained elected the world's first female head of state in 1960."- T. Kumar, a 20,..acre compound near Hayden Amnesty International USA Lake, Idaho, that was a home and Can the New York Times Aryan Count- or ·Quote- Peace Nations to Open Pa. Activists? Outpost Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York Times has downplayed and distorted peace rallies and demonstrations against a military response. After thousands of anti­ war activists gathered in Washington, DC on September 29, the Times responded with ·a I 0­ sentence story, under the headline "Protesters in Washington Urge Peace with Terrorists." Given that a call for bringing terrorists to justice through non-military means was central to the rallies, the headline is a gross mischaracterization of the protesters' message. The Times also misreported other basic facts, like the size of the crowd in Washington. The Times estimated that a "few hundred protesters" were on hand, while the official police estimate was 7 ,000 (Washington Post, 9/30/01). One only had to watch the live coverage on C-SPAN to know the Times was way off. The next day, the Times ran a slightly longer story about the second day of protests on page B7. A sign held by one of the counter-demonstrators, however, dominated the photo that accompanied the story, "Osama thanks fellow cowards for your support." The rallies held in Washington were not the first time the paper downplayed peace activism. On September 21, the paper reported on the protests that were held on about 150 campuses across the country. But the perspectives of the thousands of students who participated in the day of action were almost entirely absent. Of the 11 students quoted in the article, only one voiced an anti-war opinion. Instead, the article was dominated by students who supported going to war, or those who could not recall seeing any anti-war sentiment on campus. Camping" ordjnance when he wrote, " ... the petitioners have shown on behalf of their class of homeless that the portion of the City of Austin, TX ordinance which relates to Passes No Sitting/ No sleeping in public or making preparations to sleep is a violation Lying Down of due process." We believe that Ordinance "making preparations to sleep includes first sitting down and by Richard R. Troxell then lying down. We know that one of the major reasons we are Members of House the sleeping (sitting and lying down) . Homeless in Austin, Texas vow to on the streets is because there are fight back against all repressive no adequate alternatives and laws targeting homeless citizens! because the business community Following a 4-3 City uses our labor but won't pay us a Council vote, five months of fair wage .for our work that would debate and numerous protests, · afford us alternatives. They hide House the Homeless has armed its behind the federa] minimum wage members in the next level of fight of $5.15 per hour and everyone in the on-going street wars of the knows you can't get basic housing "haves" and "have nots." House in Austin or any other city in the Homeless contends that the America at that pay level. "No Sitting/ No Lyin.g Down" Everyone knows that $5.15 per Ordinance i.s a thinly veiled hour is slave wages and a theft of attempt to make an end run around our labor. Magistrate Jim Coronado's and Jim, one of the protesters other judges rulings that sleeping said, " if they just pay a fair wage, and making preparations to sleep we could get our own housing and are constitutionally protected life get off these streets." Its clear to sustaining acts. Magistrate Jim the homeless arid advocates that Coronado had deflated the "No this is just one more mean spirited Fight On! effort to rid the streets of Austin of the visibly homeless. But House the Ho meless observes that the ordinance excludes anyone involved in a "Demonstration." So activists have launched a petition drive, a national campaign and an o n-going "Demonstration" to protest these low wages not just in Austin but nationwide. House the Homeless is arming all homeless citizens with a plastic card that reads: "This is a constitutionally protected 1st Amendment, free speech demonstration whereby I am preparing to sleep. I will continue in this expression of free speech/demonstration until all employers pay all minimum wage employees a Universal Living Wage which will allow me to afford basic living faci lities of my own choosing." ' When confronted by a police officer about sitting or lying down, homeless citizens will have the opportunity to express their l.st Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution and explain that they are "demonstrating" for a Universal Living Wage. The University of Texas Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to defend these tickets on constitutional grounds. The UT Criminal Defense Clinic has agreed to waive the $30.00 defense clinic fee for all members of House the Homeless (all homeless and formerly homeless persons are automatically members of the HTH). House the Homeless meets @ the ARCH on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 PM. The Universal Living Wage formula can be seen at www.UniversalLivingWage.org. Job Opening; Child Care Staff Peaslee Child Care Center 2 15 East 14•• Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Peaslee's brand new child care center is looking for staff persons who want to build a quality child care program serving the children of Over-the­ Rhine. Full and part-time .positions available. For more information, call Laura Goodell at Peaslee, 621-5514 �STREETV lBE S November 2001 FEATURES buddy gray REMEMBERED Friends and co-workers of buddy (from an article written for The share their memories .... Ci ncinnati Enquirer) buddy had always been a friendly and inclusive person to me - always seeking to invo.lve people from the neighborhood with the goings on, and how we needed to know what tactics were being used to change the neighborhood. Re challenged me to become the Secretary of the Over-the-Rhine Community Council and I did the best I could through his encouragement. But the thing that struck me the most was how he took the time out of his busy schedule to come to my mothers funeral - now mind you, he didn't know my mother from Adam. I think that I was hurt when I couldn't go to his funeral as I was in South. Carolina at that time. I found myself in tears not being there! I appreciate the opportunity of saying just a little of the impact he had on me. Pam McBride I never had the opportunity to meet buddy gray face to face. Buddy's untimely death had ruri ved before I came to the Queen City. I never had the chance to shake his hand, or swing a hammer next to him, but I encounter his enduring spirit all around me. I see buddy in the beautiful urban gardens that burst with color each spring and that beru· life sustaining fruit in the summer. I meet buddy each time I'm i.n one of the many housing units he rehabbed with his sweat, blood, and tears. And I see buddy every time I walk the halls of the Drop Inn Center, where so much of his time was spent tendjng to the needs of others. As we take pause to celebrate buddy's life, take a look around ....buddy's still here. Alicia Beck As a product of the sixties, I found Buddy Gray a quantity that I could identify with. He looked like many white, socially conscious activists of that time. The problem for many is that he still looked and talked like them in the eighties and nineties. He was a throwback to another time and place. Buddy was unique in that he had the unique talent and ability to put his foot up the City's butt, and his hand in their pocket (for his causes) at the same time. Buddy believed in something in the sixties when it was cool, and in the nineties when it was passe. He was an agent for change. He was the consc~ence that many politicians needed. The tireless uncorruptable advocate. I didn't like him, but I always respected him. Mister Lee by Krista Ramsey Steve Elliot was visiting as a_class assignment for a course at Miami University. He boldly knocked at the door [of the Drop Inn Center]. Buddy Gray, the . founder, opened it with, "What do you want?" 'Tm here to observe," Steve told him. "What do you think this is, the Cincinnati zoo?" Buddy barked, and shut the door. In that moment, the door to Steve's second life opened. "My teaching changed ! Buddy was right," Steve says in little more than a whisper. "He knew something abou~ those people that I didn't. I couldn't get his question out of my mind." So Steve went back to knock at Buddy Gray 's door again and again. He wanted to know about those other lives, so unlike bis own. He started volunteering. And then he started inviting rus students. They talked about what they saw. "My teaching changed," he says. "I started teaching American history from a social justice angle. It made me a better teacher." So .good, in fact, that he developed a class devoted to communjty service. Soon the small high school was offe1ing five sections of it. Eventually, Steve was released from some teaching duties to coordinate the high school's service program. Whatever reputation he had earned as a coach - the winner of five sectional tournaments and four league championships - he was ·a bout to top as a service-learning teacher. Page 10 I guess the greatest gift I received from buddy was his wiUingness to let others share a "hug". Before buddy, I was extremely uncomfortable with people I didn' t know well giving me a hug. I was always trying to avoid buddy when meeting him because he always wanted a hug. I stopped trying to avoid the "hug" because you couldn 't avoid buddy. Even now, there's not a day that goes by that he's not in my thoughts. A hug from buddy was like a gift of joy, and I can still feel the j oy and I try to pass it on. Fannie Johnson Sometimes when I'm in my office and I feel a little overwhelmed I turn around in my chair and 1 look at the picture on my wall of me and buddy. It's almost as if it was yesterday when buddy walked up to me and engaged me in a conversation which he ended with four simple words ''I'm glad you' re here". Those four words made me bel ieve that maybe, just maybe, I was still a part of society. Nothing good had happened for me for a long time and I didn 't stand out in any way - I was just another homeless guy, but buddy was glad I was there. We would spend a lot of time together after that and I realized that buddy had a gift that is very rare, a gift that very few have - the ability to make people believe in your vision. Many people have vision, but few have the ability to convince others to share that vision; buddy was one of those people. I remember the many Saturday's at ReSTOC or the nights at the Recovery Hotel where buddy worked side by side with the "live-ins", displaying the true qualities of a leader. I have many fond memories of buddy. What I most remember about buddy was his ability to see the good in everyone he met. Regardless of how a person was dressed, suit and tie or raggedy jeans, buddy was still glad they were there. Donald Whitehead �STREETVIBES November 2001 I worked with buddy at the Drop Inn Center from 1990-1995. During that time, I saw many different sides to his life. Many are familiar with the public voice at City Hall anq other places. However, the bulk of buddy's time was spent on more day-to-day matters: taking care of the area's largest shelter he helped create, acting as volunteer construction manager on some of the area's most neglected buildings, as well as being a personal friend and counselor to many who came into the Shelter and our treatment programs. I was struck right after buddy's death how many people, now liv ing clean and sober lives, said that the ~fast helping hand offered to them was buddy 's. Whether it was wor]\ing late at the Drop Inn Center or working side by side with them on a ReSTOC volunteer crew, he knew how to see the potential in people who didn't see it in themselves. Whether you agreed with buddy or not, you could not say that he was not consistent. He would have the same passion for change whether talking to an individual about his or her own recovery or arguing with a city bureaucrat to save an abandoned building from the wrecking ball. I remember a time when buddy and I were coming back from City Hall in the early '90s. We had just been in a moderately confrontational meeting about something to do with homelessness, I forget exactly what. But, it was one of those meetings that you talk about for some time afterward-processing your feelings and thoughts. We came back into the main office of the shelter. Right away, a different chain of events started to happen. A resident, in front of our eyes, downed a whole bottle of his medication, trying to commit suicide. Immediately, buddy transferred his full energy and passion to saving this person's life, urging him strongly to cooperate with us in helping him, holding him steady until the ambulance arTived. I was still somewhat in shock, being a newer worker in a somewhat deer-in-the-headlights situation. But, buddy didn't miss a beat. He told the man that if he "did himself in" that it would be letting the negative forces win, let them have the last say. He said that he could get through this and beat thi s thing. Then I real ized something. He was using the same passionate voice I had hear·d in the meeting not 30 minutes before, but in a different context. It was all the same to him. FEATURES director. Donald often tells the Buddy has frequently been story of buddy's first words to him seen as what he was opposed to: when he was still homeless. gentrification, displacement, Buddy ended their first injustice, war, greed. However, conversation together with the buddy was buddy because h.e was words: "We're glad you're here." more than that. He had a The board and staff of contagious sense of hope that spread to all around him. Hope for NCH are glad to have Donald here · in DC heading up the movement to our neighborhood, homeless individuals and our entire end hqmelessness in America. And to buddy, "we're glad you community. were once with us." I regret that buddy is gone, especially i n a situation like the Michael Stoops unrest in April. Buddy was at his best duri ng events and crises like In the early l 970's, when that. I know that, if he was here, some of us began our work in Over­ his strong leadership might have the-Rhine, we were emerging from made a big difference in how the various chrysalides of school or events unfolded. Buddy would borne, with little or no disposable never hesitate putting himself income. We survived personally on personally in any situation. as little as possible to have as much However, when I talk every day to the people still worki ng for justice time to Spend On OUT efforts in Over-the-Rhine, I know that the attempting to address the .injustices of poverty and racism. We shared a hope he offered is still there. lot of th ings; our homes, our food, Pat Clifford OUT vehicles, our gardens, and ideas about anything and everything. A small example from sharing ideas on survival that I learned from Buddy, was egg cups. One day, while walking through the neighborhood together, we entered one of the smaller stores on the fringe of Findlay Mar·ket. In those days you could buy eggs by the egg, as well as by the dozen. I discovered that Buddy would buy his eggs by the cup! Many of the small markets in Over-The-Rhine would rescue broken eggs by emptying them into cups and As I continue to meet with selling a cupful for just pennies. local homeless advocates/providers My usual contribution to our in all regions of the country, I'm regularly scheduled Sunday amazed at to the number of lives brunches on Peet~ Street was to that buddy gray touched, and the make a skillet full of scrambled impact buddy had on these people, eggs laden with sausage. from college students, service Thanks to Buddy, I was able providers, homeless advocates to to provide more, for less, to feed homeless/formerly homeless our hungry bodies as we fed our people. While buddy probably hungry hearts and souls with our never wanted to be a role model to camaraderie. anyone, he ended up being just that Michael Flood as he fought so long, hard and passionately for the rights of low buddy and Rev. Maurice McCrackin income people in Cincinnati and nationwide. He really did pass the torch of activism on to countless people. Even for folks who never knew buddy personally or professi0nally, his long activism for homeless people in Ohio and the nation continues to inspire people to action when they hear· about the life and times of buddy. buddy gray would be extremely pleased about Donald Whitehead being the new executive director of NCH. As a homeless person, Donald was welcomed and mentored by buddy. Donald is now the first homeless/ fom1erly homeless and African­ American to serve as NCH 's Page 11 I had the great honor of spendi ng quite a few Saturdays working with buddy rehabbing apartments. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, when I was working with junior high school kids, he would always welcome us to work on-site and really let the kids know he appreciated them coming to work. He was the consummate teacher, always trying to educate the kids and adults about the issues in Over-the-Rhine and how our work with ReSTOC and the Drop Inn Center was helping people. I remember one morning buddy and I were walking down Elm Street past Music Hall towards the Drop Inn Center. He was looking at the street in disgust, noting that the city had paid nearly $1 million to strip the perfectly good pavement off of the street to expose the old brick underneath. He was so disappointed knowing how much good that money cou ld have done to help develop affordable housing in OTR for the people who needed help ... buddy played an important role in my life and has helped shape the person I am today. He taught me how to love and value people, and his fire and passion live in many people today. He will never be forgotten. Todd Forman As I walk in Over-the­ Rhine, I know I walk on holy ground because of buddy gray's compassion for the less forunate of our brothers and sisters in our community. buddy's greeting, "Hi, Mary Grafe" had certain inflections in its tone that was special. It is amazing at times someone will say "Hi" with the same inflecti0n and I feel buddy's presense. I continue to keep feeling the challenge to continue the struggle for Justice and Peace. Sister Mary Grafe �STREETVIBES November 2001 What's Going ·On? by Ronita Smith Following the days of civil unrest in Cincinnati last April, I began to question the rioting that occurred after Timothy Thomas was killed by a Cincinnati Police officer. I wondered "what's the purpose?" Just because a white policeman shoots and kills a black man many people decide to riot and tear up their city. That's not the answer. Black men kill each other. Do we riot? If we are concerned about the killing of Black men, let's stop Black on Black crime. Many people get killed everyday. Too many of those killed are black men and they are killed at the hands of other black men. I'm tired of turning on the television and hearing of another black man getting killed. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it by myself. We need to work together to stop the violence. Not only the violence against black men, but against children, women and al1 people regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. Violence haunts our world and tortures our souls. There are many people who are afraid to go outside. They fear that they will be the victims of a violent crime. God have mercy on those who live on the streets. They, probably more than others, have a right to be fearful. Anyone can potentially be a victim of crime. Let' s start working together to find solutions to issues of violence against the young, the old, women, children, men , ·the poor, the homeless, the innocent. Let's work together to free ourselves from violence. A01ericans uninfor01ed about the uninsured by Todd Zwillich WASHINGTON Popular myths are clouding the public's Page 12 understanding of the problem of community hospitals in caring for Americans who lack health people without coverage. insurance, according to an Committee member Institute of Medicine (IOM) Shoshanna Sofaer said that until a report. Americans remain largely fix is found, academic and private disengaged from the issue, despite hospitals, community health the fact that 14% of the centers, charities, and taxpayers population currently lacks will continue to bear the cost of coverage, according to the IOM. health care for uninsured Most analysts expect the ranks of individuals. "That is, however, a the uninsured-which current patchwork quilt that can easily number about 38.7 million .fall apart at the seams," said people-to grow as the economy Sofaer, a professor of healthcare slows and fewer employers can policy at Baruch College in New afford to subsidize coverage for York City. their workers. The problem is expected "Much of what Americans to worsen as a faltering economy think they know about the raises unemployment rates and uninsured is wrong," said Dr. dwindling profit margins strain Arthur Kellerman, a professor of employers' ability to subsidize emergency medicine who co­ coverage for workers. Even chaired the expert panel behind employer-sponsored coverage the document. may be out of reach for many full­ Many Americans believe time workers, Dr. Kellerman said. that uninsured individuals get "Does your job offer adequate health care through health insurance? If it does, can emergency rooms or charity care you afford 25% of the premium as at hospitals. The report cites a copay? I've got to pay rent. I've several studies to the contrary, got to buy groceries to feed my including one showing that kids," he said. uninsured people are less than The panel is expected to half as likely as insured make policy recommendations, individuals to get needed care for but not before its final report in summer 2003. IOM president Dr. serious medical condi~ions. Studies also show that the Kenneth Shine said lawmakers public perceives that most were unlikely to finish their long uninsured people are young and , struggle with the problem before healthy and lack coverage by then. choice. But only 3 million people "If the Congress will solve between the ages of 18 and 44 fit the problem of the uninsured that description, while 11 million within the next two years, we'll more go without insurance send up hosannas," he said. because their employers don't offer coverage or offer coverage that is too expensive to purchase on an individual basis, according to the report. Dr. Kellerman·stressed that recent immigrants comprise only a fraction of the uninsured population, and that 80% of uninsured people are employed or live in a house with someone who has a full-time job. · The reports will come as Congress continues to grapple with solutions to the problem. Some proposals involve tax credits to help uninsured workers by Carol Cunningham purchase coverage, while others give credits to employers to help Let us go back in time to them buy policies for their the Month of September, On .Qay employees. Many Democrats Eleven, The Year Of Two favor expanding access to Thousand and One ... government insurance programs While I watched the such as Medicaid and the State television screen Horrified!! as Children's Health Insurance the World Trade Center Twin Program. Towers were bombed and more Meanwhile, President than six thousand were dead. The Bush bas moved to expand the executive offices, more than one role of federally funded hundred stories tall; high up in In My Opinion... the sky toppled. Next, I observed the scene of people running, and running very quickly, as fast as they could, fleeing, with fear in their eyes and on their faces. There were people actually burning on fire!! Their clothes were all aflame as well as their flesh. People were jumping off ledges of the World Trade . Center to bring about a quickened or hastily death. Did the World Trade Center Twin Towers trade away our wealth from finance needed to support the population of the employed? Iri my opinion, America the beautiful is not so beautiful anymore. The American dream has turned into a nightmare. There are wars and rumors of war all across the world. The war against poverty The war against racism The war against drugs The war against terrorism. We have won none of the above of those listed. Neither the battles nor the war. Let us go back to the think-tank and think again. We the people, everyday people, within the United States need to reclaim our children; guide them to a greater understanding, knowledge and truth. Invest in our future. Education as well as gai nful employment, which should reflect what we benefit. Financial resources so that we too can enjoy and support om families above poverty level through occupation, however humble the employment, no matter what the task. The issue - "what is the cost" of quality of life? In my opinion, not everyone can become the CEO of a company, not everyone can become President of a corporation, and not everyone can become a physician or an attorney. I question again "what is the cost" for quality of life? Not for greed nor power. Write Us! We'd like to hear from iyou- .. Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 452 I 0 Streetvibes exists as a forum f or the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supp·orters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �' , ,- r . STREETVIBES November 2001 Suitable for Framing.... "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) " Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879­ 1955) "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a · chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill ( 1874-1965) ~ • • Memorial Service at Fountain Square I,; • ' • - - • , • - -.. l ' Page 1J . and djsplays of support for America took place. In Cincinnati, Fountain Square - our c ity's "living room" was the site of a show of support for America while remembering those who loss their lives when planes flew into the World Trade Center Towers. More than six thousand people died in the horrendous attack. Streetvibes reporter/ photographer Jerome Manigan captured on celluloid images of persons attending the Fountain Square Memorial Service. Following the September 11 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City, all across the nation demonstrations Above - Raise.High Old Glory (Crowd gathered at Fountai n Square.) ' 'I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo"their use." - Galileo Galilei Left - Roger Bacon Marching Band stands attentively during memorial prayers. (Stage on Fountain Square.) "The a1·tist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (1840-1902) Photo's by Jerome Manigan "The full use of your powers along lines of excellence." ­ definition of "happiness" by John F. Kennedy ( 1917-1963) Wish List Call for Young Writers and Artists Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwm of many volunteers and donors. Can you help us with some of the following items? · Peaslee Neighborhood Center is seeking young people from the Cincinnati area, first grade through young adults (under age 25), who would like to do creative writing or re.p orting for STREETVIBES on issues such as homelessness, peace and justice, school, programs for youth, etc. A page will be devoted to making your voices heard. Visual images are welcome as well. Any youth who are interested should contact Brenda Zechmeister at Peaslee, 621-5514. o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes Archives o Advertisers - Classified and unclassified o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Gleaning Supplies o Computers/components for. Streetvibes story-writing, editing, research. o Free standing metal or wooden shelving If you ·can help!, contact us at: Stteetvibes, elo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 452 10 (5 13) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Are you a dedicated · indMdual with a desire to educate the public about homelessness? Volunteer at Streetvibesf We need .writers, photograpers, editors, webpage updators, any help you can provide. Call 421-7803 for more infonnaHon., I buddy's place Permanent Housing for formerly homeless . individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more information, call Connie Mattina or Agnes Mack at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES November 2001 The poetry of Mike Henson honors the life and remembers the death ofbuddy gray.... A Teaching by Mike Henson I have been so often mute when I wanted most to have you hear me. · But I have studied speech with the mole and the crow and the unsilent dead who speak to us daily ,. with their mouths of clay and their tongues of grass, as they drill us in the old and necessary lessons. And wh~t do they teach? '· I have no ti;ick for telling you all of what I thin~ they say, but I believe it comes to this: There is no law but that of love. That takes courage and we often fail. Because we fai l forgiveness is basic as bread. We fail there too. And so the world is sad. If I could have the voice I wanted once, I would be your bard. I would bind you to me with firelight tales ofstruggle and discovery that would drive back yo\lr darkness for an hour. But I have only this small voice with which my father voiced me a voice with the reed and rasp of the crow. And I fear it is much too small. Even so, I tell you There is no law but the law of love. Take courage. Take courage. Song of the Bullet A Story of Ash by Mike Henson All that was left was a box of gray crumbs. A little box such as one might use for pencils or to save old letter. Such a small box to hold the remains of a man. On the day of the funeral, they strapped the box to his bicycle and it marched right with us through the streets Then, after the speeches, prayers, and song, . there was a quiet time · when those who loved him most closely took the box of ash and spooned the granules of cinder into the places he most favored, the park, the alley, the garden, and the yard of the homeless shelter. And I imagine that, among those who most closely loved him, one had a thought to place a pinch of cinder on her tongue. What a power that might give! But ash is bitter. I do not think she did so. They scattered the ash into the grass of each place, and it drifted down to the hardened earth to rest among the broken glass dried blood bones of moles lost buttons fragments of torn letters the roots of the grass and the hidden bones of the uncasketed poor. by Mike Henson The Fear of Death Such a small thing! to be so common and so deadly Such a small thing to take so large a thing as my friend 1s life. The little leaden egg in its nest of brass. It hatches so quickly and learns so much in only one lesson! It is born with a click and a thunder. It fluffs out its smoky wings and takes its only flight, and spins so straight and true (no straighter thing do we know) straight into the heart and muscle and lung of our brother by Mike Henson My friend who seemed so fearless did fear death. This is no surprise. Death rode shotgun in his pickup truck. Death passed with him down streets and alleys. Death knocked-how many times?- at his office door. He would not alter by an inch his course But he made no secret of his fear. And who would not fear death? It is the country of no map. Dimensionless, vast, all­ swallowing Amazon ­ We know nothing of its contours not how the people live there. ART & POETRY It may be the place of dark Fundamentalist threat, a theme park designed by Falwell. It may be empty as a galaxy. Or it may be what was promised that we all embrace there as when we had each other1s love. But ~hat is just one story. And there are many others. We enter Death with no Vigil, no sure guide. Refugees, we carry no provisions, not even the clothing on our backs. Death is where we are most naked. The Work of the Dead by Mike Hen~ttn In every life cut short, so many things are left undone. The dishes stacked and crusting in the sink. The dogs unfed. Three new strings on the guitar, the others still in their wrappers. The bedroom half-painted, one side fresh and glossy, the other a map of patchinK plaster islands. ­ And the oil that really ought to be changed. And the letter unsent: it only needs a stamp and someone to walk it to the mailbox. And all the work of love: words and gestures still bundled in their little proud houses and the keys lay right on the table where we left them. And even the nation, this sprawling, addled nation: Such a tangle of dropped threads, interrupted projects, failed promises. Who will beat down the hammers of greed? Who will untangle the knots of deceit? Those whose lives have been cut short are crowded into their darkened theater where they watch us bawling ·and arguing like actors in an ancient drama. They watch us closely, for they want to know who will take on the unfinished work of the dead. P age 14 Elegy by Mike Henson And so, the winter rains have done. In the park, and on the hillside, buds force out their chalice­ light leaves. The grass, flag and parable of the dead, crowds up and into every marble chink. The mole humps and groans; he thrusts up his sod chapels. And in the tabernacle of an empty building men stretch, grasp. their heads, and think of bread and wine. This is the season of sacrifice and resurrection. I cannot help but think of you ·my friend. Your death, at the thunder of nine in the morning, closed on my heart like a stone on a tomb. I lay beneath it, blind and mute, for three days and three days and three days and many three days more. Still nothing lifted. But now, the winter rains have done; ., so is this season of despair. The rain of dollars falls steadily, for it knows no season. And the liar is at home with his lie. T he earth is paved with asphalt and cluttered with subdivisions. The armies of children march with their god-sized guns. And a man - he is driven by madness ­ mutters and stalks in a room he will never leave. The world is wrong beyond reason. But I think you knew that is not the only story we can tell. The world shudders with a great work of redemption and I am done with this season of despair. The knife of Abraham cuts the boy away from the stone and the ram of sacrifice struggles in the brush. We are in the gears of something great and fine and there is no reason for despair. You know and I know, there is much to do but we labor by Lazarus-light with a blind, improbable j oy. �STREETVIBES November 2001 Song of a Cold White Room by Mike Henson He lies beneath a sheet of snow, covered to the shoulders so we cannot see the wounds. He is clean and composed, his face is placid as the face of Jesus, his mouth is twined into half a smile, and his hair spreads across the head of the gurney, and he could be sleeping. But . there is no rise and fall at the chest, no flare at the nostrils. And what are these blue rings, pale as moon, about the eyes? His body, under the snowy sheet is like a line of distant mountains. And I want to leave him in that distance. But Wf; are crowded close, several of us, in a small white room, and he is the center of all this attention. I have never touched the dead and I am not so brave as the friend who pats his hair and leaves her kiss upon his cheek. But when it is my tum, I stand close by and listen, as if he might yet breathe. A Few of the Things that God is Not; Reflections on "God Bless America" "first writing since" ART & POETRY Maybe Tomorrow Page 15 My Sweet Queen by suheir hammad there have been no words. i have not written one word. no poetry in the ashes south of canal street. no prose in the refrigerated . trucks driving debris and dna. not one word. today is a week, and seven is of heavens, gods, science. evident out my kitchen window is an abstract reality. sky where once was steel. smoke where once was flesh. fire in the city air and i feared for my sister's life in a way never before. and then, and now, i fear for the rest of us. fust, please god, let it be a mistake, the pilot's heart failed, . the · .. -~ plane's engine died. then please god, let it be a ni~tmare, wake me now. please god, after the second plane, please, don't let it be anyone who looks like my brothers. i do not know how bad a life has to break in order to kill. i have never been so hungry that i willed hunger i have never been so angry as to want to control a gun over a pen. not really. even as a woman, as a palestinian, as a broken human being. never this broken. more than ever, i believe there is no difference. the most privileged nation, most americans do not know the difference between indians, afghanis, syrians, muslims, sikbs, bindus. more than ever, there is no difference. The gentle caress of someone who loves me, ...but I don't feel it. A lovely song being sung to a listening audience, ... but I can't hear it. A cool summer breeze blowing through the trees, ... but I can't feel it. The sweet refreshing taste of a glass of cold lemonade, ... but I can't taste it. A continuous thought within the world of my mind, ...but I can't think it. A feeling that I need to express, ...but I can't say it. A message that I need to give, ...but I can't give it. A beautiful dream lost in a sea of despair~ ... but I can't find it. Hope for a better life, ...but I can't hope it. Feelings, hopes, thoughts, dreams ... Not today, maybe tomorrow. by Mister Lee Black as Steel by Anthony Watkins My sweet queen, the woman of my dreams We'll go far, guided by the glistening star So I will always know where you are Sweet queen, come with me trust in me, feel me, believe in me. We' ll stick together through all types of bad weather! I love you girl, yqu shine like a pearl That's why I say, You go girl That's why you forever will be My sweet baby girl, sweet woman· of my world W4ether Winter, Spring or Fall We'll make I through it all That's why our game is so tight like glue I thought you knew, boo How much I love and adore you You' re my Asian Queen, my Nubian Black Dream, My American Dream That's why you will always be my sweet queen by Anthony Watkins Black as steel, I know what it means to keep it real. Fake not when entering my gate. See, like a piece of the rock, you cannot shake me, nor can you break me. You may even hate me, but you will never take me alive without a fight. Like a burning star burning bright in this dark night. So I will continue to right the fire, fight even if I die tonight. Black as steel, that's what i~ means to keep it real. Standing Tall by Anthony Watkins Stand tall, wall to wall, never bend or fall. Face it everyday you can, male it in your own best way, even if you cry, always knowing that will get by, so when the wall gets thick an~ makes you sick, stand tall, don' t fall, face it wall to wall. by Jimmy Heath God is not a boy's name Nor a stern but loving parent nor the firm foundation of our national pride nor the infinite source of our national pride George is a boy's name . my mother was a stern but loving parent greed is the firm foun dation of our national pride arrogance is the infinite source of our national pride Steve Daugherty October 13, 2001 buddy gray and Bonnie Neumeier .... �STREETV I BES Novemb er 2001 VEGGIE VIBES TALKING 'BOUT A Foon- flavor" is, s/he is often given the standard excuse of "trade secrets". So it is very difficult, or sometimes virtually impossible to find out the ingredients used in a product. McDonald's can hide beef fat in their French fries because the term "natural flavor" in their ingredient list is in full compliance with, and permitted by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When Monsanto injects cows with rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), the same • FDA tells us that the milk and milk products are "substantially equivalent" to non-genetically engineered foods and therefore need not be labeled. These governmental regulations are pandering to corporate interests, with consumer health, safety and the basic right to know what we are eating being taken away from us. The lawsuit against McDonald's will hopefully spark "Consumer Right to Know" laws, that will protect consumers from hidden ingredients in our food supply. These corporate deceptions not only apply to the hiding of the actual ingredients in the food but to the way in which the food is grown, how animals are raised and killed and the many dangers existing in the meat ptotessing industry. The ultimate deception is that our government actually promotes animal foods and assists REVOumON by Susan Hueskin Two McDonald's French fry eating, Hindu vegetarians recently brought a McDonald's . Beef Fries lawsuit, to court. They did this because of their outrage when they found out that McDonald's fries contained beef fat and that the company had claimed for years that their fries were not cooked in animal fats. On investigation they found that the animal ingredient was hidden in the "natural flavor" listed on the package. The code of Federal Regulations, required for all packaged goods, allows food companies not to disclose flavor additives that are consider~ by the agency to be "generally recognize.d as safe"; unfortunately they . , consider extracts from meat products " safe';. Even when a consumer calls up and questions a company as to what exactly the " natural Veggie Vibes the animal based industries into brainwashing the nation into believe that these foods are healthy and necessary. These animal industries have also maintained that the animals are treated well, and the meat and foods produced are safe and wholesome. But through a recent series of TV and newspaper exposes, the American people are finally being told the actual realities. The Washington Post has published at least three lengthy front-page stories on the downside of the meat industry in the last few months, one of which was in a co­ production with, and aired on Dateline NBC. I believe that many Americans are becoming very alarmed at what has been happening with our food supply because of this mainstream media coverage and with information presented in books like Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation, and in a new book just released by John Robins, called The Food Revolution. Hopefully, with this information they will become inspired to shift toward a plant based diet. The Food Revolution is John Robbins' sequel to his 1987 classic, Diet for a New America. This bppk. ~s}.~p~k Qf . i i • begiqn~ng to this food revolution that 'is starting to occur. Rohbins said that lie wrote his new book "to provide so1id and reliable Page 16 information for the struggle to achieve a world where the health of people and the earth community is more important than the profit margins of any industry, where basic human needs take precedence over corporate greed". His book is a well-researched counter to the misinformation that the animal industries have leveled toward vegetarianism since Diet for a New America was released. The Food Revolution is a call for a deeper understanding of the links between what we eat and many of the problems of our world ­ hunger, global warming, animal and human rights, deforestation, rampant violence, cancer and heart disease, corporate control of our food supply, limitation of resources, pollution and more. If you would like to be a part of this new "food revolution", you can start by coming to a monthly EarthSave Cincinnati vegetarian Potluck and Program. This is an organization that was started by John Robbins. Its goal is to educate people on bow our food choices affect the health of the planet and its people. You can also get Robbins' new book "The Food Revolution" and "Diet for a New America" for a discount from them. If interested caJ I 5 13-929­ 2500 oi: email fueJll at ' t • ,, t;i .. .. cincin nati@earthsave.org or visit their web site at http:// cincinnati.earthsave.org Annual Dinner Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless December 8, 2001, 6:00 - 9:00PM Mt. Auburn Presbyteria.n Church Come join us f~r a night of Hope. a.n d Unity. Please bring the family! If you cannot attend, please sponsor a homeless person. Tickets are $15-$30 (sliding scale) proceeds benefit the GCCH. Call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to RSVP or for more information: GCCH, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421 -7803 ~ �STREETVIBES November 2001 A letter to Mister Crack Mr. Crack, I must say you is a bad mister, mister. See, I put a handle to your name for one reason - 'you do not give a damn about nobody and how you treat people. You rujned many people's lives young and old to the fullest. T~ey are weak to let it get that far out of hand. You make them run the streets alJ light long; you make them steaJ to keep that high going. Mr. Crack, you said you do not need a passport - how true. But, deep down inside my heart I am glad I never tried you. And I hope and pray that day will never come that I would try you. Mr. Crack, you know something? I watch you work each and every. day. And it's a shame how people run to get you. They even remove the things from their homes for you. The sleepless nights to get you. Yes, Mr. Crack, you is a bad mister, mister. I had a child who was runling after you for seven years. Mr. Crack, you blow's some peoples minds. I hate you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my head. The ones who buys you on a daily basis, they have gone to jail for you, but you do not care, so long as they buy you. Who are whom ever discovered you and brought you here you have destroyed many people lives. And you are still going strong. You still have people coming for you each and every day; so many young people are dying because of you. Mr. Crack, you have no shame in your game, and that's for real. Mr. Crack, I hope and pray that one day they will open their eyes and see the monster that you really is. Mr. Crack, you know I have a problem of my own. I am a ·alcoholic, and you and I don't mix. Mr. Crack, I watch people roam up and down the streets searching for you. Mr. Crack and Ms. Alcohol, you have ruined many people's lives, you and alcohol have shattered lots of dreams. Me as an alcoholic I try to sit down and count how much money I spent on it (I cannot). You have lots of friends when you and alcohol are a,roµnd. I}ut .. once it's ~11 gone, there goes your so-called friends. The crackheads gets the big head always thinking they I . can rule somebody, beating. up on the alcoholics. The same goes for them - they steal from each other, there's no real big difference. The difference between an alcoholic and crack is that alcohol is legal and you are not. I can go to the store and buy you; they have to sneak around comers to get you. I can keep food, keep some clothes. If I have to lie, it's to save my own ass. Maybe during that day or light, I may get drunk and have a hangover, but I do wake up with a few dollars. But ~· Crack, the ones who smoke you always be broke and some are too damn lazy to get a job. Always looking for handouts, looking or plotting to hurt someone to buy you. See, Mr. Crack, that's ·some of the difference between you and alcohol. I had friends who used to hold conversation, now they just hold up one finger and say I will be back. See, they are in a rush to smoke you. Yes, Mister, Mister - you is a bad mother - - ­ Life is so precious, but since you came everything is so damn different. You is a Gig Monster, White Ghost, Pretty Lady - you have so many names. Crackhead crawling on the floor looking for crumbs, anything looks like you they pick up. The End. by Clara Morris Page 17 claiming a wrong digit was entered as the target's coordinates, killing at least four civilians, injuring dozens others and razing at least six houses to the ground, forcing their inhabitants to join the scores of already homeless people in a city where hundreds of thousands already rely on foreign aid just to eat. Thus far, U.S. bombs have killed a reported 400 civilians. Tne such report confirmed that at least 160 people, mainly Islam Online women and children, were killed , in a village earlier this week when Only,the poorest of the a U.S. missile fell on a poor in the desperately neighborhood destroying impoverished Afghan capital • everything in sight, including a remain in the city as constant U.S. thousand head of livestock in the air raids spread fe~ and palic farming community. · among a normally stoic people. Instead of hiqirlg a military "Believe me, whenever helicopter at Kabul airport, about a there's a raid my children start mile (1.6 kilometers) from the. crying. Last night, even I cried residential area, it landed in an with them," Mohammad Nabi, 41, an auto spare parts salesman in the area of traditional Afghan mud Qwaee Markaz area of Kabul, was houses. "I do not know whether quoted by Agence France~Presse they are going to eliminate the (AFP) as saying. terrorists or create them. We are "When women and not terrorists, they have been children scream in the middle of forcing us to become terrorists," the night, that is terrifying enough said auto parts salesman Nabi, who in itself." used to be a schoolteacher. As U.S. jets buzzed ''There could be other overhead night and day, whether alternatives. Bombardments won't on bombing runs or surveillance be the sole solution. They should· missions to identify fresh targets, those who could not afford to leave view other options." The U.S.-led strikes are were trying to find shelter designed to force the Taliban to wherever they could. Shopkeepers hand over their "guest", Saudi have moved their stocks to the dissident Osama bin Laden, countryside or boarded up their blamed for the September 11th windows. terrorist attacks in New York and "We fear our goods could Washington which killed more be footed if there is anarchy," said than 6,000 people. But the Taliban one merchant who did not want to leadership says it will never be named. Taxi drivers said the deliver him to his enemies unless city was becoming a ghost town. s~lid evidence linking him to the "No one remains in the attacks is prpvided. whole of Kabul to hire a taxi. I After another light of have been m.oving around the city heavy bombardment, residents of all day to find a client but it has Kabul were seen moving from one become very difficult," said 38­ comer of the city to another with year-old Mushtaba as he sat in his their belongings stacked in lorries, rusty cab. "Only those people who get trucks or wheelbarrows. "Our relatives live in Shari Naw. So we around on foot or bicycle remain will also join them just to be close in the city. After a month you to our relatives," said won't see anybody in the city. Hekmatullab, 22, who was pushing They may die or leave." a barrow full of his belongings. The Pentagon recently "We used to live in Bi Bi confirmed that a 2,000-pound Mabro area ... This is the fifth time (900-kiJogram) bomb struck a I have moved between our home residential area near Kabul, and our cousins' home." As he spoke, Taliban anti­ aircraft gunners opened fire on a U.S. jet circling the city in the bright afternoon sunshine. Clearly visible, it made two or three runs before disappearing over the ne~spapers surrounding mountains. By late afternoon, there was a sense of urgency among those still on the streets, as they rushed to find a place to settle before nightfall and the next round of bombings. Kabul's Poorest Have No Escape froDI U.S. BoDibs '5treefvibes: A pro.ud member of the North AmeriGan ·45treet Ne~spaper. AssoGiation '4presentin9 over ?o street throughout the United '&tates and t:anada ~~~.spea\(eas1.or9/nasna �STREETVIBES November 2001 Freedom by Benjamin Britton " If a man harbored in his house a fugitive slave or bondmaid belonging to the state or to a private citizen, and has not brought him out at the summons of the public crier, the master of that house shall be slain." - The Law Code of Hammurabi, 1750 BCE Since the days of Hammurabi, people have been struggling with how to treat human being~ fai.rly. Even in those early days of civilization though, people made slaves of one another and treated other people as less human than themselves. Morality, the treatment of people by others, has remained central to civilized life and has directed the development of human culture; it is the center of human existence, the essential nature of being human, living with other people. . Morality has a dark and a light side. Self-righteousness walks hand in hand with self­ sacrifice, each action driven by a moral decision, each step a semblance of destiny by the choices each h uman being makes. As we grow, we l~am that we do affect others for our sake and for the sake of others. We become enmeshed in the play of morality on the stage of life called Planet Earth. We decide every day in practically every moment what we will do and how it will affect others. Being human in a world of humans, we discover that we are connected b)I abstractions in a metaphysical way to each other. Our society is based on shared perceptions and shared beliefs about how to treat each other, and on this small planet with its burgeoning population, straining to burst its bounds and explode into the infinitude of outer space, we seek ways to codify right and wrong, we struggle to understand how we should treat each other ­ we refine human moral standards. Since agriculture first forced large groups of people to live in close proximity, we have struggled to balance respect and ' consideration with the need to control access to resources. Better to kill the stranger who would eat our grai n, rather than to chain him and force him to work to make more? Slavery is a product of people crowding each other for resources, and our life on Earth makes this issue every year more pressing. Contemporary morality holds that slavery is wrong; it is illegal in almost every country in the world. We sense that life should be lived without shackles, that happiness is attained by making one's own choices. We appreciate respectful and considerate treatment by others, and we sense it is appreciated in return. We live in awareness that others are a lot like ourselves, Oo you find yourself on the outside of the job market, looking in? Do you want a self-motivated, low-pressure job? Sell Streetvibesl . The monthly newspaper with news from the street: homelessness, poor people's issues, poetry, prose, and articles with their feet on the ground. Vendors buv the pafH!r for ZO cents and sell it for a $1 donation. First 10 copies free to new vendors! Come In today to sign upl The Greater Onclnnatl Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Qn~1n11•1, Olfto 4.5210 (5l3) 4Zl-7ll03 Page 18 seeking happiness, chained to each other by existence on Earth. Yet, we are the children of slaves and of slave-owners, living with a legacy of cruel oppression for gain, saddled with traditions of business, self-interest and exclusive rights of citizenship. We learn to maniR_ulate others for our sake and for other's sake. Pursuing happiness, we affect and interact with each other. Observing the effects of our actions on others, we learn more. In the field of art, post scientific civilization's remaining bastion of the human spirit, the realm where the public finds expression of pure sou\to understand the nature of their community, we swim in a sea of morality. All art is about morality; even when artists ignore this, the public interprets their art in moral terms. Contemporary audiences seek to understand their world by exploring representations of life in the forms of new media, and artists using these tools reach audiences with ideas about life. My work in art is about people and our shared existence. In 1990, I created "je sius (un readymade)", a touchscreen installation, to explore the relationship of individuals to mass­ media. In 1995, I created "LASCAUX'', a virtual reality recreation of the ancient, painted French cave, designed to connect contemporary audiences to human culture from the prehistoric past to our most distant future. In 1999, I created ''The MOON Project", a multimedia Web-DVD project that explored how people worked together to accomplish the 1969 lan9ing on the moon. Now, I am working to create ''The Underground Railroad", a multi­ user virtual reality experience in which viewers any experience the affects of their actions on others. "The Underground Railroad" is a fine art project exploring human morality by using interactive multi-user vrrtual reality to immerse audiences in a dramatic narrative about slavery in 1850's America. Viewers choose to be a white person or a black person, a man or woman, and then they become immersed in a networked virtual reality interpretation of a real historical event - one whose outcome they can, now as participants, virtually determine, change, affect and decide - the tragic escape attempt of a black woman with her children across the Ohio River from Kentucky to Ohio. In real life she was surrounded by police in a cabin, and in the subsequent capture she killed one of her children, so that the child would not have to live as a slave. In this virtual reality reconstruction, based on the audience's decision, she may escape. At the finish, viewers learn that this drama actually took place in the 1850's, and they learn how the vents actually unfolded in real life, giving them as opportunity to reflect on how it may have felt to have been the people actually involved, hoe their decisions, values and beliefs affected events in the real world, and how all of our actions affect the lives of each other in reality. My hope for this work, as an artist, is that it may bring viewers to consider their relationship with each other as individuals, their human rights and responsibilities. I hope it will connect viewers meaningfully to their community. The author is interested in comments about this project from STREETVIBES readers. Write the STREETVTBES office. Food is a Huntan Right, Not a Charity Anuradha Mittal President Bush, in a commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, renewed his call for a war.on poverty. Once again, he linked this call to his tax cut initiative. The idea is that tax benefits for the rich will stimulate charitable giving and create a type of altruistic market dynamic that will eventually trickle down to the poor. Of course, the historical record flatly defeats this logic, and policies such as these have proven to be the fertile soil in which poverty and hunger flourish. Feeding each American must certainly be considered a necessity, one more pressing than enriching the top l 0 percent of the population with nearly three fifths of the tax cut benefits. For a nation endowed with the world's greatest acreage of arable land, the United States is plagued by hunger and poverty. According to USDA estimates, 10.5 mi llion American households (one o ut of ten) did not have adequate access to food in 1998. A survey of 25 cities. conducted in December 2000 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors showed an increase of 17 percent in.requests �f Calendar STREETVIBES November 2001 · Page 19 National Coalition for the Homeless News and Calendar December 21, 2001: for emergency food assistance, the highest increase since 1992. To respond to this crisis, President Bush said in his acceptance speech at the National Coalition for the Homeless 1012 14th St. NW, Washington DC Republican National Convention, 20005-3406 Tel: 2021737-6444 •Fax: 737-6445 Email: "In the next bold step of welfare info @nationalhomeless.org •Website: http://www.nationalhomeless.org reform, we will support the heroic work of homeless shelters and October 18-21, 2001: The November 14, 200~: Day of food pantries. Government cannot 14th Annual Conference of Action for the National do this work. My administration the national Student Housing Trust Fund will give taxpayers new incentives Campaign Against Hunger to donate to charity." December 3-5, 20Ql: The Fall and Homelessness will be held But relying on charity is at Rhodes College in Memphis, Community Action Agency simply not enough. The growth of TN. The students at Rhodes Executive Trai~g Seminar private sector food programs is a . College are prepared to show you will be held in Orlando, Florida. sign not of success, but of political a GREAT TIME and an amazing NACAA offers this three-day fai lure - the failure of American Conference! For more seminar annually to help policy makers to join other nations onformation, go to http:// Community Action Agency that long ago adopted the human www.nscahh.org/, e-mail professionals hone their leadership right to feed oneself. nscah@aol.com, or caII (800) NO­ and management skills and Implicit in the idea of HUNGR. enhance their agencies' capacity. human rig~ts is that these rights Topics, presented by prominent are guaranteed to all, not November 8-11, 2001: Women trainers, include advocacy charitably bestowed on some by strategies and resource as Catalysts for Social the patronage of others. Human development. Opportunities for Change, McAuley Institutt:'s rights belong to the realm of sharing best practices and success government, not the discretion of 7th.National Women and stories are also featurnd. This the wealthiest citizens. With the Housing Conference, will be event is sponsored by the National United States losing seat at the held in Washington, DC at the Association of Community Action United Nations Human Rights Washington Marriott. The Commission, it's time to conference offers people dedicated Agencies. For more information, strengthen our human rights record to the economic security of women call 202-265-7546, visit NACAA's Web site, www.nacaa.org, .or email at home and implement every and their families a forum to Avril Weisman, American 's right to feed oneself. develop skills, share ideas, and aweisman@nacaa.org Seeking sol.u tions thrqugh celebrate women who are charitable handouts fa ils to address rebuilding and revitalizing December 5-8, 2001: "We can the loss of human dignity communities throughout the do this! Ending homelessness associated with the inability to country. Breakout sessions are house, feed, and clothe oneself and clustered in five program areas: for people with mental one's family. Of the thitty-six illnesses and/or substance Women's Leadership, Asset million food-insecure individuals Development, Housing abuse disorders: A National living in America in 1998 (40 Development, Policy, and Training Conference" will be percent of which were children Technology. In addition, a held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel under the age of 18), half belong to reception to celebrate the creation in Washington, DC. The households with at least one full­ of a new network for women conference will feature whole and time worker. The leading cause of leaders will include a keynote half-day training institutes and growi ng food insecurity is not address by Representative Marcy workshops focusing on the simply joblessness, it is poverty, Kaptur (D-OH). housing, treatment and support low-paying jobs, high housing needs of people with mental costs, food stamp cuts, and welfare November 11-17, 2001: Each illnesses and/or substance abuse reform. disorders who are experiencing year, one week before Leaving responsibility for homelessness. For more Thanksgiving, the Nfltional human rights to the private sector information, contact the National Coalition for the Homeless is unacceptable. Private sector Resource Center on Homelessness and the National Student programs cannot displace the and Mental Illnesses at 800-444­ responsibility of government to the Campaign Against Hunger 74l5 or check out the website at and Homelessness co-sponsor basic social and economic human http://www.prainc.com/nrc. National Hunger and rights for its people. In the age of Homelessness Awareness "personal responsibility," does it not follow that we each have a Week. During this week, a responsibility to hold our elected number of schools, communities government accountable to the and cjties take part in the universal standards it holds other nationwide effort to bring greater nations to? Which of the awareness to the problems of following best stands for the hunger and homelessness. It may values espoused by Americans ­ be that your community has a broad and sturdy safety net for all already joined this effort. In that members of our society, or one of case, this guide may prove to be an five children hungry and poor in evaluator for past efforts, as well the richest nation on earth? as possibly offering some fresh Anuradha Mittal is the co-director ideas for the future. If this is your of Oakland-based Food First, visit first time participating, this guide www. foodfirst. o rg. will explain how your community can get involved! Call the NCH@ (202) 737-6444. Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring· . attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember. our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to address this issue. In an effort to maximize the impact of the day, NCH encourages local and statewide groups, to join the effort Last year, over 100 cities across the nation, from Detroit to Seattle, sponsored memorial events to honor those who have died and to recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness. An organizing manual for this year's Memorial Day can be found on the website. A hard copy can also be sent to organizations. Faces of Homelessness Video NCH's highly regarded "Faces of Homelessness" multi-media slide show (seen last year by at least 12,000 people nationwide) featurfog images of America's homeless people is now available on VHS video. This 13­ minute video is a great resource to begin a group.discussion about homelessness in America. This video features images taken by award-winning photographers from around the country. These photographs are accompanied with powerful music that enables the viewer to see the many men, women and children of America who experience homelessness everyday. Cost: $25 + $3 shipping & handling. Pre-pay by check or call/email Nick at NCH (202)737­ 6444 x 11 , to bill to your credit card. Email: nphillips@ nationalhomeless.org. We accept VISA , Master Card, and American Express. ~WTh L.fFT YoJIRSfJ..F UP 6'/ '/oWR.OWN 6001 SlAAPS. Make sure your parents can afford Guccis. ' • .. .. • .. " • ~ , - • .. .. • _. _,,. • • # JI • ... ._ ......... .L ~ -- ~ - _. ... • _. lo. .. ... .. • ... • .. • • • ..... - - • .. _ -' �Need Help or Want to Help? SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House . (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661 -4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 821-5650 Chabad House 381-5432 Friars g1ub Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Housing 651 -6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTA Housing Net. 721 -4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 381-1171 639-7056 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 °TREATMENT: Both N .A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 861-9966 C.C.A.T 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc. 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 OTHER SERVICES: Al OS Volunteers of 421-2437 Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231 -6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network I 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 ROHS HARDWARE Help is Just ' flround the Corner ~ ~ '$)0 0~~~~ ~ ~O)~ ~rr.q j Fleece-Lined Suede Leather Gloves 0 -v :;S & 1403 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (513) 421-0700 2.99 2 Pc. Knife Set 7.88 Adjustable Workbench $19.99 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 M$lry Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621 -0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood 621 -5514 Center Project Connect ­ Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 859-491 -3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2001 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2001 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Five Years After His Death the Day We Lost Buddy Gray Pg 2: The Loss of Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 3: Lighthouse Youth Services Awarded Johnson & Johnson’s Community Health Care Crystal Award Pg 4: Buddy… An Anchor Pg 5: Terrorism Pg 6: Housing Discrimination Pg 7: Mental Health Crisis in America? Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: National News Pg 10: Buddy Gray Remembered Pg 11: Buddy Gray Remembered Continued Pg 12: Editorials Pg 13: Memorial Service at Fountain Square Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Talking ‘Bout a Food Revolution Pg 17: A Letter to Mister Crack Pg 18: Freedom Pg 19: National Coalition for News and Calendar Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Mary Taylor Molly Lyons John Halpin Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Benjamin Britton Carol Cunningham Steve Daugherty Nichloas K. Geranios Mike Henson Susan Heusken Mr. Lee Molly Lyons Anuradha Mittal Clara Morris Bonnie Neumeier Ronita Smith Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Anthony Watkins Todd Zwillich Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activists Alicia Beck Anthony Watkins Anuradha Mittal Arts & Poetry Benjamin Britton Bonnie Neumeier buddy gray Carol Cunningham Clara Morris Editorials Human Rights Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath John Halpin Mary Taylor mental health Mike Henson Molly Lyons Mr. Lee National Coalition for the Homeless National News New York Times Nichloas K. Geranios prisoners news Remember Buddy Gray Riccardo Taylor Richard Troxell Ronita Smith Steve Daugherty Street Views Susan Heusken Susan Knight Todd Zwillich https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/3576b5c6ab67b3636d87aa18aac7897c.pdf 8cd6bcdd3b37b694166349eaee887cdd PDF Text Text .. -- ------------~ --~--~ ­ -~-~ $1 Donation STREET IBES Your Progressive News Source BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY NOVEMBER 2002 ~ National Peace . ·Movement Questions .. War With -Iraq-page 10 . Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �' E'f ~~l~rl~ -------------------' November2002 Dozens Gather at Me01orial Site in Over-the-Rhine Story and photos by Jimmy Heath Last month, several dozen people, which included media, church representatives and Over­ tbe-Rhine community residents, gathered in a dark alley near the makeshift memorial of the late Timothy Thomas. In April 2001, Thomas was shot and killed by Cincinnati Police Officer Steven Roach in the alley located near 13th and Republic after a lengthy chase through Over-the-Rhine streets. The shooting death sparked three days of civ11 unrest that was focused in Over-the­ Rhine and resulted in a curfew and lockdown of the community by Cincinnati 's Mayor Charlie Luken. Questions of police action in recent years, the resulting civil unrest, and police/community relations was, and continues to be the subject of worldwide media attention. Officer Steven Roach was later acquitted of any wrongdoing in the shooting incident. Nearly a year and a half -.. . . . . later, Over-the-Rhine and the family of Timothy Thomas continue to work to heal the wounds, and seek answers to questions on Cincinnati police behavior. Memories of the shooting and the resulting civil unrest still haunt the Over-the­ Rhine neighborhood. Construction and rehab of the Vine Street building directly connected to the alley is slated to begin, requiring the temporary removal of the memorial to Timothy Thomas. For the last year and a half, friends and family have marked the spot where Thomas was killed by leaving articles of clothing, signs, flowers and other personal items. Last month's gathering at the memorial was an opportunity to reflect and mark the removal of the memorial in a respectful manner. Reverend Damon Lynch III, of Over-the­ Rhine's New Prospect Baptist Church and leader of the Black Unit(fd Front led the gathered group in prayer and contemplation. Lit by candles, participants reflected on the state of Over-the­ Rhine and expressed a sense of hope for the future of the neighborhood. "This is the last place my son saw before he died," said Angela Leisure, the mother of Timothy Thomas, who was also present at the memorial gathering. c Angela Leisure, mother ofTimothy Thomas, and Rev. Damon Lynch III, at the memorial site where Timothy Thomas was killed. "So I have to!look at this as a bles~ing. I talce comfort that something better is coming," said Leisure, making reference to the ReSTOC building rehab project. ReSTOC, an Over-the­ Rhine community non-profit housing co-op plans to rehab the two buildings into nine apartments for neighborhood residents. Because of the project, the memorial will be taken down and eventually reinstalled in another form after the building reconstruction is completed. ReSTOC plans to continue to work closely with Angela Leisure and other members of the community in replacing the memorial. Leisure also revealed the location of her son's final resting spot in a · cemetery in Westwood. "I have no problems with sharing that anymore," said Leisure, who had previously kept the location of her son's grave a secret. "I would rather see you walk in than be carried in." c Tom Lee (left) oft. ..Jrop Inn Center and Bill Daily ofXavier University at the Thomas memorial 0 FO T �STREETVIBES November 2002 -Page 2 Memories of buddy Live On.... hospital were gathered together dead and remembered this way? I by Jimmy Heath there at the Drop Inn Center. It November 15th is the sixth thought that Buddy couldn't be would be a couple days until the killed. He had rescued me, but anniversary of the shooting.death details of why and what had could not save himself. .The of our good fliend Buddy Gray. happened during the shooting mindless bullets had entered his I'll never forget the details of that came to light. body and destroyed his flesh. day, the horrible reality of the At that moment though, Until that moment, until I saw that incident that took his life. there was the grief. The pain was indifferent headline, I hadn't My friend Donald caught inside each one of us. Like actually accep~ed the truth of Whitehead called me at work on a deadly, choking pressure that Buddy's death. Buddy was gone, tha~ dreadful day and gave me the begins in your gut and pulls at your taken by violence. news that Buddy had been shot to heart and bends your back. I worried about Buddy's death. The phone dropped out of Why do these horrible friends and loved ones who were my hands in disbelief and shock. memories become so indelibly I left work immediately and grieving what had happened, and I etched into our memories? I caught a bus back remember the into downtown carefree days of my Cincinnati and childhood, where eventually into the sun al ways Over-the-Rhine to shined and the join my friends at grass was cool and The Drop Inn green on bare feet. Center, who were I remember the gathering to try to feeling~ of first figure out what had love and the joy of Q.appened. I was my first car! But hoping in my the sad memories confusion for some are just as vivid. sort of kinship with And, I guess, that is the strangers on that the irony of the bus, some relief, heart, of being some recognition of human. All these my shock, some memories build us assurance that )""'tfillQ..JALUiltt we will Buddy Gray (left) with longtime friend, Rev. Maurice everything was eventually beco going to be all right. later in life. As Buddy's life was a was dreading the grief I was about It was a long and lonely ride on part of me, so is his death. to witness at the Drop Inn Center. that crowded bus into downtown The memory of Budd ' Access to the Drop Inn Center, Walking to the Drop Inn work_brou h ondolence where Buddy was shot, was __-;-. . . Center from the downtown bus . t db t h d and adrmrat10n from all across the . .. stop on that bright, sunny morning, res tnc e u some ow 1 ma e my country. And his work and spmt . li . I saw a late morning edition of the way through the front doors. The contrnues to ve on to this day. I 1 ong gone an d th e . . . . cops were Post in a paper rack that coldly see it everywhere, m the bml.drngs, . . . announced; BUDDY GRAY SHOT remnant s of what h ad h appened , rn the people, and m the work he f b hind This 1s . his 1egacy and had been DEAD. It was crude and . cleaned up. Buddy s 1e t e . . assassm had been arrested at the . . h k t d unattached and final, that blazing scene and taken away to jail. it is w at eeps me ocuse . 1 headline. Why was his death b · tak hope in the coming years I am up 's b d B uddy o y was erng en care already an insensitive ·ctrama for of at University Hospital. Staff to the task. 1 hope the good the news? How could a man, a and friends who were not at the memories of my friendship with man that had heiped s9 many, be · Buddy will always remain vivid. . Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor must sign and agree to abide by the following code of conduct... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed fpr a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations of more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH). Purchasing or selling unauthorized papers, or from other vendors, will result in termination from the program. 3. I agree.that I will not ask for donations or attempt to vend after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect - other ven­ dors, customers, and GCCH personnel. 5. I will not sell Streetvibes while under the influ­ ence of drugs or alcohol. 6. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying 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. Falsely stating intent or otherwise ffiisrepresenting is a violation of a city ordinance and may be cause for arrest. 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing papers, and I will display my badge at all times while vending. Replace~ent badges are $5 each. 9. There are no territories. I agree that I wi.11 not contest territories with other distributors. I will not sell on private property without permission. 10. 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,. 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate a vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. �Page 3 STREETVIBES November 2002 North American Homeless News Digest by Molly Rhodes Homeless News From South Florida Homeless advocate and service provider Sean Cononie has had his hands full in south Florida the last couple weeks. On the down side, the director of the Homeless Voice shelter felt compelled to start a public awareness program highlighting the danger of railroad tracks, after three homeless people have died on tracks in his area in the last month alone, according to ~he Sun Sentinel. Cononie handed out flyers to people sleeping on the streets and put up 200 signs to warn people of the dangers of train tracks and to offer his shelter's services as an alternative to being depressed on the streets. On the upside, however, Cononie's work paid off for Edith Coleman, a 67-year-old homeless woman who finally began ....... receiving thousands of dollars in back Social Security benefits after Cononie helped to track down her former employer. Be~ telephone. Coleman is on track to receive $19,000 owed to her, a large step toward her eventual move back to the Northeast and into a home. Canadian Study Challenges Homeless Stereotype Calgary officials are finally beginning to see the light after a $60.000 study commissioned by Calgary's Homeless Foundation did not find that all homeless people are dmnk con artists who live on the streets because it's cool. According m www.CFCNplus.ca, the study did find that some of the main reasons people in the area become homeless included no access to an Alberta Health Care card, inadequate mental health care, and Story; Editorial and Art Submission Deadline for the December, 2002 edi­ , tion of S'FREETVIBES is poor access to phones and transportation that are essential to securing and maintaining a job. The study found that 50 percent of the city's homeless population works, 30 percent couldn't access health care, and 50 percent had a substance abuse problem. The study also found that 70 percent of people living on the street suffered from some form of mental illness. The study concluded the number of homeless on Calgary streets can be reduced by building more affordable, transitional, and supported housing. offering free transit passes. increasing access to mental health services, and raising Alberta's minimum wage. Monica just couldn' t take it anymore. For the past three years, they have been crying aloud about the "homeless proplem" as their number-one issue, and the city council finally listened. Two new laws passed by the council will make it harder for homeless people to get free meals and ban homeless people from sleeping in front of business doorways at night. In order to dole out food to the hungry, organizations expecting to serve 150 or more people have to adhere to community event laws and county health standards. If a business has put a sign in their doorway, anyone found sleeping there between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. will be arrested. Homeless advocates, while appalled, don't believe the laws will stand when New York Ruling Jeopardizes Homeless Families Santa Monica Laws Target Homeless ~ Elite liberals in Santa Write Us! .. ~ We"d like to hear ~ __._. \ _.~~ from 'JOU-. Send letten or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com,·•· or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Homeless Soccer Tournament And though it's not U.S. or Canadian news, maybe someone here will be inspired by the model of the Austrian city of Graz, which is hosting the first World Cup soccer tournament for homeless people next July. Sixteen teams are expected to compete in the games, including a group from the S_tyrian street newspaper Megaphon, which won the pre­ tournament this month. The idea behind the event is to use soccer as a way to build a better community among homeless people and to help them integrate back into the larger society. The Holidays are Near Homel~ss parents in New York state who aren't able to jump through all the welfare program hoops could easily see their children taken away from them and placed in foster care, thanks to a ruling by the state supreme court. The ruling by Justice Leanard Austin makes it easier for homeless families to be evicted from emergency housing if thy miss welfare or job training program appointments and deadlines, according to Newsday. This ruJing came after two women filed a suit against Suffolk County in Long Island. claiming their evictions from county shelters' jeopardized their family. In the case of one-of the women, she was evkted after missing a job interview because she was waiting for her children to return to school after a hurricane warning and did not have a phone handy to reschedule the interview. The suil had also sought to modify t)le service offered to homeless fam ilies y by the county so they could better prevent children, ending up in foster· care. None of the proposed changes were made. There are cuITently a record 527 fami lies living in shelters in Long Island. tested against the rights preserved in the Constitution. Already beginning your shopping? Why not shop for a good cause? What: "Magical Evening of Giving" - malls will close their doors and reopen them for ticket holders with special discounts, sales, prizes, food and live music When: - I ~ Tri-County Mall Sunday, November 17, 6:00-9:00pm Florence Mall Sunday, December 8, 8:00-lO:OOpm Cost: Tickets are $5 each for both malls. All proceeds benefit the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Call Brendan Goodwin at 421-7803 for tickets or more info! Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Welcomes new Executive Director I have spent my first few weeks at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless meeting folks: co-workers, Su-eetvibes vendors, board members. activists.and service providers. I am so impressed by the dedication and caring that I have seen demonstrated by everyone in and around the Coalition. I have also faced the reality of racial unrest, the increase of homelessness and the political invisibility of the homeless population in Cincinnati. In my new position, I hope to draw from the creativity and energy of the Coalition to work towards our mission: ending homelessness in Cincinnati. As a reader of Streetvibes you have already helped contribute to our mission. I Georgine Getty hope you will join us in facing the many challenges of homelessness in Cincinnati. Call me at 421­ 7803 to find out how you can help even more. With your support, the Coalition can continue to be a leading force for change in Cincinnati. �STREETVIBES November 2002 Page 4 • As Congress· Debates War, STANDDOWN Remembers Homeless Veterans Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless to provides veterans with meals, services, and health care during Standdown 2002 As Congress debates going to war, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, along with dozens of community volunteers, took the time-to remember and serve the veterans of past wars who now live in homelessness. Standdown is an annual event which gets its name from -a military term meaning a time of rest and relaxation. The Coalition for the Homeless, and other volunteer organizations, served nearly 300 people, including veterans and other people experiencing homeles_sness. Many homeless veterans and other people experiencing homelessness only need a helping hand, ·a conne·ction to valuable social services, in order to return to sel{-sufficiency. Nearly three dozen social service agencies were on-site in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine last month to offer just that. Attendees were able to speak with representatives from such organizations as Legal Aid, Social Security, AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, and Lighthouse Youth Services. Here, people living on the streets were able to connect with emergency shelters, permanent housing providers, job opportunities, and much more. In addition to social services, health care providers were made available to do eye exams, blood pressure and glucose screening, massages, and HIV testing. Nearly 75 haircuts were provided by Project Daymakers, through Aveda and Franciscan Haircuts From the Heart. Foot care services were available as well. Everyone who attended received a free breakfast and free hot lunch and were able to enjoy the music of DJ Andy Glover, who continued to spin records late into the afternoon. "Many men and women who served our country in war have been forgotten. They live in our shelters, on the streets, and under bridges. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is pleased to sponsor Standdown which gives Cincinnati a chance to give back to homeless veterans who have given so much for ·our liberty," said Georgine Getty, Executive Direc~or of the Homeless Coalition. (above) Over 75 free haircuts were provided by the Project Daymakers mobile salon (below left) Andy and Pat ofthe Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (below right) On-site blood pressure and health screening �- STREETVIBES November 2002 --~ ~:--:.·_:·_~-~--~-: Reader Hail Yes, I know it may not be enough. As 1 said, recent events caused me to soul search and I find this cause to be to my benefit. I We would like to hear from you also believe I can really contribute - please address letters and to this cause .. Anthony Eversole comments to; Streetyibes, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202 (or) email to: Streetvibes@juno.com Dear Streetvibes, l am writing to you because l am interested in helping the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless in any way I can. Recent events this year have me questioning my life and my future. As a result, I want to give more support to the homeless because, who knows, I may be one accident or lost paycheck away from being homeless myself. Personally, I hope that's years away and I have a family to help when, or if it happens. I do know others are not so lucky. In the past, I have been scared and quite overwhelmed of the homeless people that come downtown to beg for change. I just don't have it sometimes, but I actually have an extra bed at my lovely one-bedroom _apartment. Finding someone trusting enough that I can get along with is another story. I have enclosed proof of my past efforts to improve human rights and Cincinnati's ' international image by lobbying for a display of a United Nations flag at the Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park. Then I donated my own to help the city of Cincinnati Park Board promote it to schools and events within Greater Cincinnati. - .;. ' . -. . . . .. - . *-,...-·. •-.,.. ~ L:~f"'"U• ..• ,*_;: -~~£~-:..?!"41j~J .:__ ·-~:·_ .... ' J~~-~~:~~·-. ~~ • 1 .{:-.~~;J.';_~Wi'!",.·,··.:.-:.~_.~;--=,:~ i._..:.:: . ·:r>~·-:~~-~~[-.:~~ ·~~-·:~J _Page 5 Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine Limited Edition Print Taking Issue With Oktoberfest Article I have to take issue with your coverage of the Oktoberfest protesters (Pg 2, October issue). I quit going to Oktoberfest a few years ago because the crowd ­ even in NON protest years - is just as you described: rowdy, obnoxious, drunken, threatening, loud, pressed together, too close for comfort, taunting, obscene, beer-spilling, pee-on-your-leg and just plain gross. I'm sorry the protesters experienced the sall!e thing, but it's like that all the time at Oktoberfest. Honest. Remember, it's a big, two­ day, all-day, drunken beer fest ... you get what you come for. And because most people go there just to have fun, the presence of the protesters probably touched off even stronger negative reactions in a few.. .it's j ust the way of the world. If you protest, you should be prepared for the flack and not blame it on the people you're protesting against...but that's my two cents. S. M. - College Hill The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. · Steve Biko Now available, 18" X 24" poster-size; Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine, Winter 1999. Each print is individually signed by photographer Jimmy . Heath." Purchase benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. Posters are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: Peaslee Neighborhood Center Attn: Photography Program 215 East Fourteenth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or call (513) 621-5514 for more information National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) Regional Office 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com (513) 421-7803 Support your local Streetvibes Vendor! Your vendor keeps 80 cents of every dollar..... ':4.t last, the perfect health insurance group. No illnesses, no accidents, no annoying questions, no lawsuits." �ST REET VIBES November 2002 Page 6 PEACE VILLAGE: Drawings in the Shadows of 9/11 poster of our feelings that we by Dr. Steve Sunderland I am still grieving my sister could leave on a fence. in law's death. I find myself We walked in thinking more about grief arid the profound numbness, a preciousness of life and some of deadliness that is hard to the meaning of death for peace, recount, but no one's eyes · and for me in the Peace Village. I reflected the kind of good · know that Sandy, my sister-in-law, humor and recognition that I was a part of the effort in her own had seen at my sister in law's way, making a path for Native bedside. Here. for that day of Americans, African-Americans, visiting the killing site, we children on school buses, and her caught our breaths, holding family. Her spirit lives on in our them, step by step, and, memory and in the continued work seeking to awake from what for peace with these and other was certainly a nightmare. I ' groups. tried to breath with a Watching her come back to gentleness but kept losing my life for a moment, look at us, her breath and my mind. I almost closest family, in the eye, and then said, out loud: "But these people died without their slowly closing her eyes and stopping her breath, brought to familiesr without religious clarity just how amazing is the officials, without the rituals! " My spark of life, especially as it anger at the naked way they were flickers even right at the end. We killed grew until it dawned on me encircled her bed, forming a sacred that I was their family, I was walking by their death bed, I was space for her spirit to be honored breathing out a and depart. We. prayer of hope, I cried, held each "We realized that no words other, prayed a was making a could describe what we saw note of how Native andfelt about this enormous precious their American prayer, and felt hole in our ground ofbeing; lives were and the strength of no picture could record the how strange it family bound felt to be there, emptiness ofthis innocent together in the place, now alive with the with the other certainty of particles of life and death of members of the affection for a family, walking the 3,000...." back and forth, life we respected and pacing the cherished. amount of time it took to walk and Later on, two days to be realizing that the building fell in quicker time, the people were precise, Stef and I visited the burned to death in quicker time, World Trade Center on a brilliant and that it was all over in a kind of day. The sun shone, the streets of NY were jammed, and we time that I cannot reckon. followed the signs and the crowd Across the street from the to the site. We moved ever so WTC was the miracle. A little old slowly down the fence, hand hold church, St Paul's Episcopal, NY's letting go and making a new oldest church, had survived handhold, sometimes stopping and without even a window broken because a large sycamore that staring, sometimes shutting our stood between it and the collapse eyes, shooting pictures of the had taken the entire brunt. The families coming to look over the church, thanks to this miracle, edge at their special place. We became an emergency site for · -realized that no words could those working night and day. The describe what we saw and felt inside of the church is now a about this enormous hole in our museum documenting the many ground of being; no picture could activities that occuITed.. It is a record the emptiness of this innocent place, now alive with the small place, in one sense. It felt no bigger than a large living room. particles of life and death of the Yet, it rivaled the biggest church of 3,000. Two men unfurled a very France.with the ~ount of spirit long poster of American flags contained in its pictures and drawn by a high school class, spreading it out on the ground like stories. I finally had found a place to sit and c_ry. This place of a patriotic carpet of respect: It looked amateurish, unprofessional,. holiness had become a massage center for hurting workers, a food just right as a family card of grief. kitchen, a place for prayer, and, a The mourners walked around it, place to just sit and gain support. staring at it as if it came from Inside there must have been a kind another planet, getting up close to read the very clear and predictable of havoc I will never know; yet, I saw it as a refuge, too, a place to messages, and, finding ourselves wishing that we, too, had brought a gain a breath, to relax a heart, and to sip the drink of horror and amazingly important friendship, kindness that is so much a part of healing, supporting, lifting, and this experience. embracing those who come across I know that I am not back our be-numbed and sunlit paths. from either experience of the Thank you, my doctor friends, for deaths. I want to be back. Yet, I giving your wisdom to those who feel that this numbness of are near and far from you; thank recognition, again, about what the you those creating the orphanages human imagination can do when for all of us; thank you those driven mad with whatever reason providing the last cup of cool we want to give, persists. What is water to the dying; thank you behind this numbness I am waiting-­ ¥Oung_ peopl~ for walking to the schools of hate and intoterance_ to learn. I expect that those in the Peace Village living near and in with a different step; and, thank .carnage will know what I mean by you, all, for your continued efforts waiting. And, it is waiting for a to make each day, that day of peace with respect, a peace that is gentle and unforgettable peace. enduring and creating more peace, The shadow of the World a peace of the living, living lives of Trade Center reaches out and touches peace work in Cincinnati. support and caring, and, too, a peace of the dead, dying with all of Doing posters with young people, the respect and honor a people and sitting in their fear, is to watch a family can share. Does our work each one ·try and unfurl their anger and fear through a drawing or a get diminished by the shadow of sentence. It is hard to keep the the WTC? Does our belief in some kind of hope and meaning fear back for many of the people arising from this actively thinking about peace as horror escape " The shadow ofthe World they draw. What us? Can we ask Trade Center reaches out of ourselves a is this new fear and touches peace work in that has entered moment of Cincinnati. Doing posters confusion and and taken a front with young people, sitting in seat in the class, pain, experiences that their fear, is to watch each right near the even teacher's desk? one try and unfurl their Shakespeare I look into these ·anger and fear through a young faces for could not find drawing or a sentence." the words for? I signs of their courage, of their wait for peace to resilience, and, for the emerging break out, hopeful that with the new day of mourning comes also a beauty of what they hope peace new day of hope and resolve, a can mean in their lifetimes. I know these young people not only new day of walking in semi­ because they are or were the ages numbness toward some ways of supporting each other. J ask for of my children and students. I your continued work in·the know these people as some of what is best in our country and classrooms of creativity, for your continued work in respecting each world: people wanting to work at good jobs, helping people, fighting faith group, walking toward those disease and hunger, and wanting we do not know to learn their the time to breathe in what is so codes of hope, for your continued amazingly good about life. creation of art that reflects your voice, your gesture, your word of Sheltered from death truth, for your delicate and and riots until 9/11, > �STREETVIBES November 2002 they hold onto some fragment of a dream that is now distorted and shrunk. I can see in many of the little figures in their drawing a minimalist perspective being tightly held to: little people dreaming and living little dreams that may be more likely to be achieved in this new climate of exposure. And, there is the seriousness of the class, the_feeling that there rnay not be time to learn anything but a good escape route out of Blue Ash, or Cincinnati. I listen as the young professor reads off a list of books about terror and Islam, U.S: Government policy, and history books of American interventions. I wonder if any of these books will offer comfort or only make peace seem even more impossible. I wonder how people sit in. classes when young adults are in .states of readiness, on active duty, and, going without jobs in their future. "How did we get to this place of total fear?," many ask in their posters. And, while there are many answers and many books and many ways of staring into the bright light, the truth remains both elusive and attractive. Being blinded by fear may make us shut our eyes, as our Congress may be doing at thls moment; or, some of us, somehow, will continue to offer the space to reflect on a time when that blindness will end and a new perspective on our neighbor, our community, our village, and our world, is possible. Come see the posters for peace at the University of Cincinnati's libraries, at the Cincinnati branch library in Northside, and in the offices of the NCCJ and celebrate our passion for peace and justice. Page 7 "Hard work builds strong moral values. Fortunately, I inherited my money." National Freedom Center to Open in Cincinnati Center's location here can serve as Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is-whether its victim is human or animal-we cannot expect things to be much better in this world... We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity. Rachel Carson a modem day door to freedom from bigotry and racism. The National Conference for Community and Justice - a human rights organization dedicated to fighting racism and bigotry - first proposed the center in 1994. It will commemorate the 19th-century history of the Underground Railroad - th~ difficult, dangerous escape routes used by as niany as 100,000 fleeing slaves. Construction and development of the Freedom Center building and development of exhibits will cost about $65 million, with the rest earmarked for start-up operations, programs and an endowment. Know Your Wish List Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe...,gtring budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Can you help,,. us with some of the following items? o Electric Stapler · Heavy duty o Blank Zip Disks - For Streetvibes Archives o Supplies for Vendor's;Lounge ,(paper towels, cream and' s ugar, snacks, etc.) o Office and Cleaning Supplies The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will open on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, in the summer of 2004. Using the Underground Railroad as a lens through which to explore a range of freedom issues, the Freedom Center offers lessons and reflections on what freedom has meant in the past, means to today and will mean tomorrow. The shoreline of the Ohio River at Cincinnati once beckoned slaves to freedom in an abolitionist state. Ohio was a large point of entry for thousands of slaves who used the Underground Railroad, and many hope the Freedom . o Computers/components for Streetv.i(Jes story-writing, . editing, research. If you can lielp,-contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the lfomeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-780~ e-mail: streetvil>es@juno.com Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now available at the Coalition's office. The brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati's homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local laws that might be of interest to the homeless population. If you are a homeless person or if you work with homeless people and would like to obtain free copies of the brochure for yourself or your agency, please call 421-7803, or stop by the Coalition office and pick one up. ~( ~; ' .. ' ' ~. 9'. �STREETVIBE S November 2002 Page 8 Theater Professionals Explore LA's "Skid Row" Struggles Formerly Homeless Develop Theatre Company in LA by Robert Bell Jr. This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, California to work with some people on Skid Row. John Malpede has lived in Los Angeles since the 1980's and directs a theatre company called Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD). The name of the company mimics that of the L. A Police Department on purpose. The LAPD is a company made up of homeless and formerly homeless people and a few others like John who are concerned about issues that effect the ill-fated populations of our society. LAPD has developed a program called "Change/Exchange" to bring in guest artists from the outside to work with the company while developing a show. The guest artists share their skills and experience with the company members of LAPD and in return they get the experience of working creatively with people who are not typically included in the production of theatre. My wife and I spent two weeks working with LAPD on their show titled "Is There a History On Skid R ow?" The show deals with the area of downtown Los Angeles called Skid Row that was historically an area for older white men dealing with alcoholism. Over the years L.A.'s Skid Row has become predominantly African American, younger, more women and children, and the drug of choice is now crack cocaine. Part of our - assignment while working with LAPD was researching land use Guest artists and members of the Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD) theatre department wrote the scenes, help workshop planning and the city's of how this affects the people or development plans for downtown. the long term effects on the rest of and direct them, publicized, and acted in the show. We found many interesting the city. Some of the other shows The show itself ran for two patterns. The city continues to LAPD have done in the past that develop low income housing and weekends. The pe1fo1mance took dealt with the CIA involvement in social services in one area of the place in a small room with a bringing crack cocaine into •the city, Skid Row. Development storefront window in Skid Row. United States, homeless rights, and around Skid Row continues to Dming the perfonn ance multiple other topical issues. The company gentrify the downtown and contain presentations took place at the has also done non-theatre work the homeless into a tighter area same time. One scene was acted ilic1ucti n -g--voter r€-g istration while systematically keeping Skid out in the windows and broadcast projects. I gained a greater Row from developing beyond a in to the street, video monitors understanding of the life of a haven for low income and showed interviews with people homeless person and the forces treatment centers. w ho live and work in Skid Row that create, perpetuate and Some of the influences on and with the researchers, like crim:in~ze homelessness in our this area of Los Angeles were : lack myself. There were slides country. The members of LAPD of representation in the district projected on the wall and copies of are advocates for an under associations, constant surveillance legal papers from one homeless of Skid Row inhabitants, lack of man's fight against unlawful arrest represented population in Los Angeles. Their creative energies diverse development, and influx of were displayed. There were also spark debate and empower them to drugs from the outside. Word play live interviews with people who affect change in their community. live and work in Skid Row. The is another example of how The visiting artists and researchers outsiders ignore the situation. The performances lasted about four help the company grow and business community has begun hours each and each day was a investigate new territory. This· calling this area of downtown little different, with different process seems to work well for "Central City East", while the people being interviewed and both sides and is an example of residents of this area claim the presenting information. The how the arts can enrich peoples name "Skid Row" without shame. audience was off the street and lives and address important issues. These cycles continue and nobody came and went throughout the seems to realize the implications THIS WINTER, . THOUSANDS . WILL BE OUT IN THE COLD... CAN YOU HELP THEM? The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, Justice Watch, Mt. Airy Shelter, Interfaith Hospitality Network and Goodwill will be sponsoring a city-wide coat drive for the homeless from October 25 ­ November 22. Drop-off locations will be throughout the city. Please donate new or slightly used winter coats for men, women and children to Cincinnati's Homeless. For more information or specific drop-off locations, please call John Halpin or Georgine Getty at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803. HELP MAKE THIS WINTER A LITTLE WARMER performance. <;ompany Members Write Us! We'd like to hear ,,·~-~..,-,,... from IJOU-. Send letters or comments to: Streetvi bes@Juno.com, or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Story, Editorial and Ar t Submis­ sion Deadline for the December 2002 edition of STREETVIBES is Monday, November 11th. budi;fy's·place · Pe~anent Housing for formerly homeless individuals at 1300 Vine Street. For more informatio,., call Agnes Maci at (513) 784-0800 �STREETVIBES November 2002 P age 9 IBienvenidos! buddy gray 1950 . 1996 . The God of life summons us to life; more, to be lifegivers, especially toward those who lie under the heel of the powers. Daniel Berrigan Local Schizophrenia/Schizo-affective Research Study * Financial ~ompensation * 45 years and over * Symptoms of depression * 13 visits (513) 861-3100 ext 4187 or toll free (888) 267-7873 ext 4187 D I SC .J OCKEY SE l :::.Vt CE Cliffo r d J on.es (5 13) .230-63 53 (513) 7 61-3464 O.f.fice ~ • ~bo\.ne. Voicemail W.c~c:-· ww ~-l7>ail: jonesaCV ".14'1 "ir:iexchange.­ $ c:P~ The GCCH would like to thank these Starbucks locations for their generous donation of coffee and pastries . 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533- 3 402 7896 M ontgomery Rd. K eqwo o d . 891 - 7740 by Samantha Brockfield Ahora Streetvibes esta declicando una pagina a su comunidad. Este es el peri6dico escrito para crear una conciencia de las personas sin hogar, la injusticia social, y la pobreza en nuestra cuidad. Es la hora que se oye la voz de usted. £,Ha pasado algo emocionante en su vida recientetnente? (.Tiene Ud. unas ideas que quiere publicar? (.Ha escrito algun tipo de poesfa? Streetvibes quiere publicar sus historias, su poesfa, su prosa, y sus pensarnientos. Hay personas que pueden ayudarle a escribir y preparar todo para redactarlo. Tambien, Ud. puede ser un vendedor de Streetvibes y ganar dinero. La Coalici6n de Greater Cincinnati provee el pe:ri6dico para las personas sin hogar en Over-the-Rhine. El meta de la coal ici6n es eliminar la situaci6n de personas sin hogar, con respeto a la dignidad y diversidad de sus miembros, las personas sin hogar, y la comunidad. La Coalicion y sus miembros pueden darle a usted lo siguiente: el refugio de emergencia, las habitaciones provisionales, la vivienda Volunteer Opportunities at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless permanente, los servicios meclicos, los servicios sociales, los lugares donde Ud. puede obtener comida, y los servicios de salud mental. Nosotros creemos que es impo1tante que Ud. sepa cuales son sus derechos civiles como persona sin hogar. Tenemos folletos que los explican. Nos gustarfa que Ud. nos visitara algun dia para que le podarnos dar Servicios mejores. Para reunirse con La Coalicion: 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 www.cinci.com/ gcch Para ayuda, llame- Su Casa Ministe1io Hispano (513) 761-1588 115 W. Seymour Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45216 San Damiano House- Los Hermanos de Las Personas Pobres (513)241-8585 923 Bank St Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. Tambien, hay una lista de lugares (para el refugio, la vivienda, el tratamiento medical, y otros Servicios) en la ultima pagina del peri6dico. to advertise in our paper, we offer very competitive rates for ads that reach about J 5,000 people per month! Our dream volunteer would be a self-motivated volunteer that would like to fundraise for our organization. This could include asking Y.our friends and family for donations to researching and w1iting grants for our excellent programs. The Streetvibes newspaper There are numerous project is always in need of people opportunities for volunteers at interested in writing articles on t he Greater Cincinnati Coalition social justice/poverty issues. for the Homeless. We are We need help in the willing to work with each afternoons at the front desk, individual in choosing a service answering phones and handling opportunity that is right for transactions with our Streetvibes them. The following are a few Vendo!s. This person will address of the areas in which the the needs of visitors, having direct Coalition could use your help: contact with homeless individuals Designing a web site for and should be available one our National Civil Rights afternoon a week. Organizing Project. This would There is always a need for include working with two help with bulk mailings. For Americorp Vista volunteers on Streetvibes, there are monthly how to prevent further mailings. Other mailings incli:ide criminalization of homeless the annual report, quarterly individuals as well as preventing newsletter, and various capitol the increasing hate crimes against campaigns. them. If you are interested in To enhance our Streetvibes volunteering at the Greater program, we are searching for Cincinnati Coalition for the volunteers to solicit Homeless, please contact the advertisements from local office at 421-7803, or visit us at businesses. If your business or a 1506 Elm Street in Over-the­ business you know of would like Rhine. �STREETVIBES November 2002 Page 10 Peace Village Rallie~ Thousands As Bush Visits Cincinnati by Dr. Steve Sunderland photo's by Jimmy Heath President Bush's visit to Cincinnati was greeted by 5,000 people rallying to express their concern about war and their hopes for peace. It was the largest peace rally in Cincinnati in the past 20 years. Two groups initially formed: one, a small group at our Federal Building walked with posters towards the large rally at Union Terminal, the site of the president's speech. A glorious sunny and cool day bathed the rallies as people walked, sang, prayed, and connected. Old friends met, old students in wheelchairs, and with posters appeared to say hello, team members from the Peace Village were everywhere, almost everyone carrying a poster disclaiming their belief in war. ·The entryway to our beautiful Union Terminal became the site of ralliers for and against the president. No violence was in evidence on anyone's part. The Cincinnati Police stood watch with a somber air, refusing to barely acknowledge the thanks offered by several for thier professional behavior. At close to 8:30, one e>f the main entrance streets spilled over with protesters, and, a festive, song filled, drumming, and embracing experience occurred. People were praying everywhere and the festivities were marked by a great seriousness, too. Yet, the overall mood, despite beliefs by many that president Bush has decided to invade Iraq, was light, friendly, and reminded many of the old timers of days in Washington protesting an old war. It could fairly be reported that this was a rally of young people as much as any group. I asked two very young teen age girls why they were there. Their response: ''This will be our war, too. It will effect us." A tall teenager, dressed in black, Nathan, heard their answer, and said: "I am out of a job and I don't want the job President Bush wants for me." All around there were families, Christian families, Jewish families, Islamic families, all gathered as if this was a celebration of peace rather than a protest of war. The most surprising consequence for me of the visit of the pres~dent was the rejuvenation of the Cincinnati Peace Movement. There were so many new people, people who had come to voice their feelings, so many that didn't want to hear speeches Rally · cont. on page 12 , �STREETVIBES November 2002 Page 11 The Greater Cincinnati Coalition ·for the Homeless corc;Jially invites you to attend their Annual Dinner "Many Missions, One Heart" Saturday, December 14, 2002 6:30pm Mt; .Auburn Presbyterian_Church Kat y Wilson of CityBeat, Keynote Speaker Silent Auction, Split-the-Pot Raffle, Dinner, Fun To Be Added to the Guest List, Please·send $15 Payable to: Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Consider Sponsoring Dinner for a Homeless Individual for a $15 donation or Have Your Company Sponsor A Table for $l20 Please Call Brendan Goodwin at. 513.421 .7803 with any questio.ns �ST REETVIBES November 2002 Rally cont. from page 10 as much as they want to add their hearts and voices to a concerted gathering, no matter how many turned up. Many of my friends said that they expected a very small turnout. We were all surprised and gladdened by bying wrong. Perhaps. we can say that the American people of Cincinnati wanted to represent the world for a moment, the world that is holding its breath hoping for something other than war, the world that has a place of honor for young and old people who believe in something other than war, a world, as we saw on our streets last night, when the smiles of Jews, Christians and Islamic people could be shared in a boisterous and affirming embrace of peace. I felt blessed to be in this march from the Federal B uilding to Laurel Park, walking with Rev. :rony Drake, singing old and new songs, and making a pace that was a signal of our enthusiasm. We were briskly moving in the :hythms of peace, feeling old drumbeats and eager to make it clear, on this night when the ·president came for approval, that we wanted to say that peace and justice wa~ what we approved. One of our group was in a wheelchair and I called ahead to my wife, Stefanie, to slow down, but Mark quickly corrected me: "We have to go faster to justice," he said with his kind smile. Tony and I, both over 60, realized that we needed a slower pace until the passion overwhelmed us, too. When we arrived at Laurel Park we were singing a Catholic prayer for peace and we were joined by the large group that was already milling and moving toward the Museum Center. Donald and Marian Spencer, both in their 80's, were smiling that s~le of victory that they have · · adopted. Marian, looking like she was ready for another game with QSU, wore a bright red UC sweatshirt. She grabbed me and said: "I earned the right to wear this shirt!'' And, we laughed our delight. There is such a wondertul light in these people's eyes, having seen so much, having lived so much, and, now, being ·hand in hand in love in a peace rally in 2002. No one was listening to the speech by the president. No one that !'saw was watching it on a television. There was a sense that whatever he said was already known; what was unknown and necessary, what wa~· vital and life supporting; was creating solidarity with all those who chose to be there in an affirmation of peace. Shutting our eyes and ears to the president but.opening our hearts and minds to peace, became the work of the evening. The sun set on the rally, candles emerged, and many of us walked back to the park to say our thanks to the organizers and to the people who had joined in this memorable evening. In the flickering l ight of candles, flashlights and cars, hope burned a little brighter, even as the cool of the evening·turned cold. We were better off for our efforts, and, just perhaps, our city and country and world was better off, too. Page 12 Police "subdue" p rotestor at Union Terminal !Jntrance gate Rev. Damon Lynch Ili (left) and Nate Livingston (right) at the Union Terminal rally �Page 13 TREETVIBES November 2002 ART, MUSIC, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES! Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East 14.th Street, hosts lots of arts opportunities for adults and children to learn skills such as playing a steel drum or piano, photography, making mosaic art, or writing. Any resident of Over-the-Rhine or tpe West End is welcome! All sessions are FREE, including instruction and materials. No previous artistic experience necessary. Contact Brenda Z. at 621-5514, or for more information. basic photography skills through introductory courses provided at Peaslee. Call the Center for class schedules. Writing-Any young person in the Greater Cincinnati area may submit poems and/or articles via email at for publication in Streetvibes. Content should be related to homelessness, social justice, or poverty-related issues. Call F()r New Arts Advisory Committee Members! - The OTR Steel Drum Band -Learn Arts Advisory Committee is looking for represen.tatives from how to play the steel drums In an introductory serjes for adults. the neighborhood and the arts Parents may bring their children and business community. This (age 9 and up) to learn together committee helps to formulate the direction and development of .if they like. Partidpants will Peaslee's arts programs. learn steel drum technique, rhythms, and how to read music. Looking For New Staff ­ Community Mosaic Art Project - Community members Thousands ofprotesto rs took to the streets on. Western Avenue, · near Union Tenninal, to protest Bush war effort. are coming together to make mosaic art for the Over-the­ Rbine neighborhood. The organizers are looking for ideas ,for the next project. Forward· your ideas to Brenda Z. Photography - Teenagers and young adults are invited to learn Peaslee is also looking for new music instructors for the piano and the mallets program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in teachi.ng music in a fun and rewarding setting. Anyone interested in any of these opportunities, contact Brenda Z. at Peaslee, 2 15 East 14th Street, Over-the-Rhine, 621-5514. Wish List - Can You Help? Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Can you belp us with some of the following items? o Electric Stapler - Heavy duty o Blank CD-RW Disks - For Streetvibes. o Supplies for Vendor's Lounge (paper towels, cream and sugar, snacks, etc.) o Cleaning Supplies o Office Supplies - floppies, copier paper and other supplies If you can help, contact us at: r,l Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 . (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Sayrah Namaste addresses peace crowd at Laurel Park near Union Terminal Streetvibes exists as a foru m f or the expression of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvihes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �~·:-=-==---...1 Art & Poetry STREETVIBES November 2002 That Day · Page 14 In Washington Park XXI by Michael Anthony Willis by J.M. Pleasant I met some people in Washington Park, A people so full of love. Not the kind of love that I see here on earth, But the kind that comes from above. I see this love on the face of the ones Who live their life praying to God They care for each other, they care for the poor, they care for he ones who .don't even believe in God. So, I told them some things that God had said, For they are my brother and sister you see, For the same God who made all of them Was the same God that made me, If we all could see what we should be, Evil would be no more. We would all be one with God up above And the people that I met in Washington Park. Everyone is boiled in time with the same view. by Mike Henson In the moment he died nothing stopped. The world continued rolling toward dark and the dark continued rolling toward day. In grocery stores, shoppers filled their carts. Some mounded their carts high. Some barely mounded them at all. The moles of the park raised up the grass on their small shoulders in search of grubs and worms. the sirens wailed above them but they did not hear. In the bar on the comer, a third shift man just iii for his shot and a beer wiped the foam from his mustache with the back of his hand and headed home to a dreamless sleep. On the Shopping Channel there was much excited talk on zircons and vacuum cleaners at attractive prices. On Wall Street, trading opened and the Dow began its daily march. And somewhere, perhaps in Bangkok, a girl, just brought in from the country on the back of a truck, is tired. They have given her something strange to eat and her mind feels so very strange. She is pushed into a room with a naked man and the door is locked. And somewhere, a boy is handed his very first gun. And somewhere, a nun is strangled. All these things went on. The stones of the earth continued to grind. Hillary teased out her latest hairdo And Bill ... Who knows what Bill was doing in that hallway? School bells rang on schedule. Fires were lit under steam tables. Trucks rolled into .weigh stations. Commuters pressed into the doors of a subway. A child looked out the classroom window past the playground past the fence past the suburban rooftops past the cell phone towers In our little city, editorialists stacked their words and sharpened their knives. And.the stars continued their subtle realignment of this galaxy and the next and the one beyond. In our squeaky swivel­ chairs, if they're facing west, where the windows sit like overworked simple machines, embedded sturdily into the plaster walls, there is ~ view that everyone has - that everyone who has a window has and detests. A worn out brick wall, gray and dusty orange from forever; from advertisers printing their logos in color again and again. No vanishing point out there-only In The Jaded and Jagged Mornings dusty brick. A black, square light post by J. M Pleasant runs up the wall, just so we can make clear In the jaded and jagged mornings here in this hiemal, iced city flat, after the sleep-sedated stumble the remains of the advertisements to the breakneck, blizzard bathroom, something happens and there is only blackness. There is only blackness between me and the yet lingering body warmth of back-to-bed. There is nothing; not those which give blows in the blackness between here and there. . There is no bleak, ~waying plaster; no hazardous, shattered tile; no rusted, falli!lg water Jines; no splintery, soft Door boards. Just the scathed body warmth of back-to-bed. No sight of me at interment and dead. To Whom It May Concern by Ron English I had a dream of Mr. Buddy Gray ­ for his poor man's vision of salvation, of his brothers keeper. Of the restoration and rehabilitation of the dysfunctional feeling of alcohol an-d drugs. For a legend he was made, freedom of Speech and Miracle of God's creation. ' late at night. Only a telephone line is strung forever across, splitting the brick background from wholesomeness. It's so close we could jump and swing from it with wet hands. Everyone has this same view-if · they have a window - they are sluggishly getting up and pulling .the curtains and . blinds tightly closed. �Art& Poetry ST REETVIBES November 2002 Mom, you are the only person I have known to love unconditionally. You loved your husband, your sons, your daughter, equally, unconditionally. A man I.respect and admire once said, "Success is not getting what you wa~t but wanting what you get." Well, you certainly were a successful wife and mother. You may not have "enjoyed" all that you got but you relentlessly kept yourself in play and played the and you were dealt, because you wee BOUND BY FAITH. That is the name ofthis poem for you. Bound by Faith by Dwight Turner Morn, you are my angel, that perfect piece of pie. How tiny and insignificant we are, yet rare ~d precious to Him. Mom, you're my angel, the answer to my Why! Oh Why! Oh Why! Behind you lay a wake of love, ahead of you, a translucent list of gifts soon to be called the archives. The nephilims were no match for you and Satan's playground (earth) was little more than a boy and his toys; for your giant Will and Spirit. Today we live by your example, tomorrow we will live by your wisdom and compassion. Now I'm filled with joy and sorrow, forever grateful and fortunate to live on until tomorrow. Your presence will be missed, and absentmindedness doesn't live here; shallow thinkers gravitate to .o ut of site, out of mind. So spread you wings, oh gentle spirit, for this too shall pass on to all of us, then and only then are we truly free. Page 15 Are You Rusty? byjba Where are the days? God has a sense of humor and you and I and all living creatures are its proof. The human body operates on Rust - iron oxide- Fen-ous Oxide FeO. It's what makes our blood red as - ­ by Ron Carter, Sr. Where are the days? When there was not so much violence. Where are the days When children idolized their parents. to repsire and bum its fule we literally have to rust to live. So if anyone ever asks if you 're Rusty respond: "I certainly hope so." Where are the days When neighbors looked out for each other: Where are the days When music was music, no gangsta' rap. I Got Them by J.M. Pleasant I got them 1 0 0 n g type-fingernails -cominout my- well . .. they really fake- 0 but they look like they cominout my fingertips! Where are the days When kids went to school to learn, not because they have to. Where are the days When news was good most of the time. Where are the days When the world was at peace. Where are the days They are gone but not forgotten. they got Where are the days? h e c by Ron Carter, Sr. c Where are the days? When there was not so much violence. r ve u r ve s on em like you ain't nevah seen and the redest paint you evah seen. Where are the days When children idolized their parents. Where are the days When neighbors looked out for each other. Why can't we all just get along? u Ron Carter is a former Streetvibes vendor, "CEO", writer and outreach coordinator for the Homeless Coalition. . - they more important to me than god Shutter Speed Where are the days When music was music, no gangsta ' rap. Where are the days When kids went to school to learn. not because they have to. Where are the days When news was good most of the time. Where are the days When the world was at peace. Where are the days They are gone but n<:>t forgotten. Why can't we all just get along? Ron Carter is a former Streetvibes vendor, "CEO", writer and outreach coordinator for the Homeless Coalition. Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine by Jimmy Heath �1i::~:-A·~;-.,:j••••-rr STREETVIBES November 2002 ~-..- • ·t~~...,..-;~~~..,.~·-~~~,.~~ ~ .. ·-'--~-~~··~ ··News:; &~ fiditoria/::.t~: ..:~¥ -. - -- . ._ . - - : - .. ~ ~ Page 16 , Bush Solution to Forest Fires: Remove the Forest f rom OMB Watcher The Bush administration sent a legislative proposal to Congress on September 5th that would allow increased commercial logging of old-growth trees in national forests, purportedly to reduce runaway forest fires that have plagued the West in recent years, even though such trees are not the source of the problem. Misleadingly labeled the " Healthy Forests Initiative," the plan seeks to eliminate legal tools to challenge logging initiatives ­ waiving provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act and exempting most forest management projects from judicial review - and would also exempt timber cutting from public notice and comment. Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) is expected to offer portions of the Bush proposal to.the Deptartment of Interior spending bill, according to this Earthjustice action alert. The catastrophic fjres of recent years are the result of a ~ u ildup of small trees "and underbrush, "due to a vadety of Forest Service policies, including the practice of extinguishing lowintensity fires" while allowing timber companies to harvest "the larger, most fire-resistant trees," according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Bush plan sets forth a "goods-for-services" arrangement in which the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management could pennit timber companies to cut large trees ­ which are not the problem - in exchange for removing the commercially worthless small trees and underbrush. To oversee the "Healthy Forests Initiative," Interior Secretary Gale No1ton has appointed libertarian Allan Fitzsimmons, who bas questioned the existence of ecosystems, calling them a "mental constrnct," the protection of which should not shape federal policy. A Report from the Streets of IRAQ byRamzi Kysia You get what you pay for in life. What are you willing to pay for peace? With George Bush as president, it doesn' t seem to be a problem any of us will ever have to face again, but you can't be a pacifist only in peacetime. You can't be a pacifist by yelling at your TV set, or forward­ ing a million emails to everyone you know. Pacifism isn' t that passive, it isn' t that easy. It is, and always has been, by definition, a radical challenge to every element of worldly power and violence. I'm in Iraq with a handfuf of. other Americans: Eric Edgio, an Indiana college student; Nathan Mauger, a recent journalism graduate from Washington State; Farah Mokhtareizadeh, a Pennsyl­ vania college student; Jon Rice, a history teacher from Chicago; Henry Williamson, a paramedic from South Carolina; and Joe Quandt, a ·writer from New York. More are joining us. By the end of October, we'll have over 30 people on our team. By December, our numbers will be over 100. We're here to tell the stories of the Iraqi people; to put our lives on the line to stop this war. Living in Baghdad, you wouldn't know there was a war. The streets bustle with people on their way to work or school. In the evenings the parks are full of kids playing soccer, people visiting with family and friends. There are no tanks in the streets, no soldiers marching, no civil defense drills, and-other than foreigners like us-no one here seems to be stocking up on·food or water. Is it denial? Disbelief? Some inner despair? I honestly don't know. It's painful that Baghdad is so beautiful. There's a unique and striking blend of traditional and modem architecture. I love the city's parks, its wide, tree-lined boulevards-each avenue sprout­ ing date palms and poplars. faciUtating the killing of countless This is truly a green city. I told more by our own government a cab driver that Baghdad was a through our silence and our tax beautiful city. He just looked hard dollars. We apologize for no one at me. "No," he said, "Baghdad is but ourselves. According to Human Rights not beautiful. Baghdad is tired." Ask an Iraqi about "liberation," Watch, Iraq has roughly 3,000 and they'll laugh at you. It'§. bitter extra judicial killings a year. According to UNICEF, U.S. policy mirth. If the U.S. doesn't bomb kills over 50,000 Iraqi children .the civilian infrastructure again, every year. Both are terrible. and if the government falls fast, They aren't equivalent. and if the army doesn 't break-up It's disgusting that millions of along ethnic and religious lines­ then only a few thousand innocent people being threatened with people will be killed when George massive destruction isn't "news," Bush starts his war. Bue if Bush and Americans joining them is. But if the only way to get anyone bombs the water and power sys­ to pay attention is to be in tems like his dad did in ' 91-tens Baghdad when the bombs fall, so of thousands will die from the be it. We' re here. resulting epidemics. If the army Our hotel isn't fancy, but at falls apart, there could be a civil least it isn't close to anything war that makes past conflicts in "strategic." Our risks are the same Lebanon or Bosnia look like as the other S million people in schoolyard brawls. Baghdad, ~e other 24 million And if food aid distributed by people in Iraq. As our team's the Iraqi government under the numbers grow, we'IJ tum the hotel Oil-for-Food program is disrupted into our own hostel-living 5 or 6 for more than a few weeks, ·uNICEF is. warning there will be to a room. We're volunteering with NGOs countrywide famine. When wilt Americans wake up already working in Iraq, and we're to the fact that we are not the only doing regular writing and real people on this planet; that our journaling. Some of that writing will be carried in alternate media security cannot depend on the and small-town papers, and, even insecurity of everyone else? after the U .S. destroys the electric­ Have we failed to notice that ity and phone lines, we' ll get the inmates are now running the reports out through the local press asylum? Some accuse us of being center on a satellite phone. We "fools" or "apologists" for the won' t let folks·back home forget Iraqi government. We don't often have the opportunity to speak with the human consequences of what they do here. Milan Kundera once officials here, but when we do we wrote, "The struggle of man always raise concerns about prisons, extra judicial killings, and against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting." state-directed violence. We're here to be part of that That isn't to toot our own horn. struggle. Mohammed Ghani Our status as Americans gives us Hekrnat is perhaps the most promi­ this luxury, in a way that Iraqis do nent artist in Iraq, and one of the not have for themselves. That's kindest men I've ever met. His uncomfortable and troubling, and sculptures decorate the country. if it strikes some as hypocritical He's proud to be the first Muslim for us to be here as pacifists, I can artist ever commissioned by the understand that. But it strikes me Vatican. In 1991, he was working as much more hypocritical to speak out against a foreign govern­ on a series of life-size reliefs of the Stations of the Cross, when the ment for killing innocents-while Gulf War happened. The explo­ sions blew out the windows in his studib. We asked him what he thought of the American people, and his voice filled with anger: 'They' re innocent," he accused, "Innocent! Like children." We're here because we know we' re not Uinocent Being here is our part in the war against ten-or­ ism: humanizing Iraqis in the eyes of Americans, humanizing Ameri­ cans in the eyes of Iraqis-taking direct responsibility for what's done in our names. Our government, ow- country­ our people-have killed hundreds of thousands of human beings in Iraq since 1990. We' re about to compound that atrocity with another war that, if it goes badly, will likely kill hundreds of thou­ sands more. In 1945, when the Allies liberated the death camps, the entire Western world was abso­ lutely shocked. We asked, "How could this have happened? How could the Gemian people have allowed this? Where were the 'good' Germans?" Today, I know where the good Americans are: they're in Iraq, and they ' re organizing in the streets of America-laying their entire lives on the line to prevent the mass destruction of human life. We get what we pay for in this life. I don't want to die. I am scared for my life. But this storm is fast upon on us. This is the moment when we all must ask-what are we willing to risk for peace? Ramzi Kysia is a Muslim-American peace activist, working with the Edu.cation for Peace in Iraq Cen­ ter. He is co-coordinator ofthe Voices in the Wilderness' Iraq Peace Team (www.iraqpeaceteam.org), a group ofAmerican peace workers pledged to stay in Iraq before, during, and after any future U.S. attack. The Iraq Peace Team can be reached at ivoices@uruklink.net �STREETVIBES November 2002 News & Editorial Page 17 Census Data ·show Increase in Extent and Severity of Poverty Earned Income Tax Credit, as its widest point in 2001 , although workers exhausted all of their income, while subtracting income unemployment benefits before the change between 2000 and 2001 and payroll taxes. This approach finding work during the first eight was not statistically significant for months of 2002, and this number is to measuring poverty is similar to all of these measures. the approach·recommended expected to top two million by the The average income of the several years ago by a National top five percent of the population end of the year. Some states also Center on Budget and Policy rose by $1,000 in 2001, from Priorities instituted cuts in programs for low­ Academy of Sciences expert $259,445 in 2000 to $260,464 in income households in 2002 as part · panel.) The average amount by 2001. The average income for Census data issued recently of the effort to close swelling which poor children fell below the every other income category fell in budget deficits. show that poverty increased in ''The increase in poverty is poverty line also increased; it, too, · 2001. The share of the national 2001 , while median household income that the top five percent of reached the likely to be larger income fell, and the income gap highest point on the population income receive in 2002 than the between the affluent and the rest "The average income of reached its highest level on record record, going increase of 1.3 of society either tied or set new the top five percent of the in 2001. By contrast, the shares back to 1979. all-time recorded highs. million people going to the bottom fifth (which The number of people that occurred in population rose by $1,000 These data living in poverty rose by 1.3 2001," stated in 2001, from $259,445 in indicate that the received just 3.5 percent of the principal reason national income last year), the million in 2001, to 32.9 million. Robert 2000 to $260,464 in 2001." poor children next-to-the bottom fifth, and the Greenstein, Median household income - the middle fifth fell to recorded lows. were poorer, on executive income of the household in the The share going to the next-to-the­ average, in 2001 than in any other middle of the ill.come spectrum ­ director of the Center on Budget year since 1979 is that government top fifth tied for an all-time low. and Policy Priorities. fell by $900 to $42,200. In Among the findings from _ safety net programs did less to addition, the share of the national The Center on Budget and Policy reduce the severit)I of poverty last household income going to the top the poverty data released by the Priorities is a nonprofit, year than in any other year since Census Bureau are the following: five percent of the population .. nonpartisan research Both the percentage of people who 1979. reached an all-time high (these organization and policy institute are poor (i.e., the poverty rate) and Median household income data go back to 1967), while the that conducts research and the number of people who are poor declined by $900 for U.S. shares going to the bottom, the households overall, a decline of analysis on a range of increased in 2001. Increases next-to-bottom, and the middle 2.2 percent. (These figures are government policies and occurred among the overall fifths of the population fell to all­ programs. It i.s supported adjusted for inflation.) Median population, non-Hispanic whites, time lows. primarily by foundation grants. household income fell among all people aged 18-64, and unrelated The poor also became racial-ethnic groups except men, among other groups. (The poorer. The average amount by which people who were poor ­ increase in the poverty rate for To ask questions, or send Hispanic households (for comments, write to and children who were poor - fell African-American persons was not Hispanics, the drop in median below the pove11y line reached bazie@cbpp.org income was not statistically statistically significant, but there their highest le.vels on record. significant). Large declines was a large and statistically These data go back to 1979. Both significant increase in the poverty occurred among African-American Center on Budget and Policy the increase in poverty and the households - for which median rate for African-American Priorities reduction in median income families, from 19.3 percent in income fell by $1,025, or 3.4 820 First Street, NE, Suite 510 primarily reflect the effects of 2000 to 20.7 percent in 2001.) percent - and among Asian and Washington, DC 20002 recession. Most Poverty Pacific Islander households - for (202) 408-1080 analysts expect which median income dropped by increased in "The average amount by poverty to metropolitan $3,678, or 6.4 percent. Peaslee Neighborhood areas and in · increase further which poor children fell Median household income Center - and income to below the poverty line also suburbs within fell in every region of the country 215 East 14th Street decline more these areas, except the Northeast. The largest increased; it, too, reached Over-the-Rhine in 2002. declines occurred in the Midwest, although poverty the highestpoint on Poverty rates rates remain where median income fell $1,662 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 generally rise or 3.7 percent, and in tl}e West, record, going back to considerably (513) 621-5514 and incomes fall 1979." lower in the where median income dropped by when $ 1,082, or 2.3 percent. The suburbs than in unemployment cities or non­ poverty rate, however, rose only in increases significantly, and metropolitan areas. The number of the South where it increased from unemployment is much higher in poor people in suburban areas 12.8 percent to 13.5 percent. The 2002 than it was in 2001. The South bas the highest poverty rate climbed by 700,000. unemployment rate averaged 4.8 ·of any region. T he Census data The depth, or severity, of percent in 2001. During the first show that income inequality either poverty increased. The average set a new record high in 2001 or eight months of 2002, it averaged amount by which those who were 5.9 percent, and the Congressional poor fell below the poverty line tied for the highest level on record. Budget Office forecasts that it will rose to $2,707 per poor person in The recorded data go back to 1967. A table that the Census remain at about six percent until 2001 . This represents the largest ~~ Bureau issued recently, entitled the second half of 2003. "per-person poverty gap" on Furthermore, the number of record. (These data go back to "Selected Measures of Household Empowering our unemployed workers who have run 1979. They are derived from Income Inequality: 1967 to 2001," neighborhood children out of unemployment benefits unpublished Census tables made provides five statistical measures through peace, art and before finding work is much larger available today and count non-cash of inequality for the years from education in 2002 ~han it was in 2001. 1967 to 200 l. Under every one of benefits such as food stamps and More than one million these measures, inequality reached housing subsidies, as well as the Decline in Household Income, Income Disparities At Record Levels Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe 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 November 2002 The Misguided Prison Building prison are there because of some Frenzy charge stemming from alcoholism or some other form of substance abuse. Quite apart from the expense of prisoner "care," think Maurice McCrackin was pastor emeritus ofthe Community what might be accomplished through life support programs? Church of Cincinnati, and a leading figure in the civil rights, financed by the $65,000 per­ person jail proposed for Camp prison reform and homeless Washington. people's movement. This piece was originally written in 1990. It is hard to comprehend The proposed Camp Washington why the political decision makers, nationally, in the state and locally. jail (River City Correctional Center) that Mac makes are so obsessed with the.building reference to in this article has of more jails and prisons. They are not a deterrent. They are since become a reality. The aiders and abettors to crime. They prison issues he addresses are still valid. "Mac" passed away are time bombs which explode when the prisoners can no longer in 1997. endure the psychological and physical abuse and "cruel and The frenzy to build new unusual punishment" of their life jails and prisons has ripped the in prison. entire nation, and caught up in The Reagan and Bush this frenzy are the Hamilton County Commissioners. They are administrations have destroyed or mortally wounded nearly all proposing the construction of a supporting services for poor and 1,500 bed jail in Camp low income people. Our society is Washington. sick and we spend exorbitant It will take millions of amounts of money on studying the dollars to tear down the old pre­ Civil War [Work House] strncture. symptoms, and then treat the victims with band-aids. The total cost of construction. On different occasions based on the 1,500 bed figure, over the years I have spent will likely reach $100 million considerable time in prison. I dollars - a cost of about $65,000 have become personally per prisoner bed. acquainted with hundreds of other Approximately 85 to 90 prisoners. They are a cross section percent of men and women in by Rev. Maurice McCrackin Page 18 of society, excluding, of course, the white collar offenders who seldom end up in jail. Many are caring people, considerate of me; considerate of each other. Yet by most of society, by most judges and by most jail and prison officials they are treated as non­ persons who have no.rights. An example of this calloused and immoral attitude is the proposal t~ use Fort Scott as a minimum-security facility. The Catholic Archdiocese closed the camp because it is next door to the Fernald plant. a hotbed of radioactive waste. No matter, it's all right to house p1isoners there! I sincerely hope that the Catholic Archdiocese will respond with a resounding " no! " if they are officially approached by the Hamilton County Commissioners. Some prisoner friends over the years have said to me, " they treat us just like animals." If only prisoners were treated as well as animals in the zoo! If a zoo keeper allowed animals under her or his care to be abused and mistreated as badly as is the lot of many prisoners, the zoo keeper would be fired. Poverty results in hopelessness and despair and an ever increasing loss of self-esteem and hope. People get into drugs as a way out of their misery, wantino.o to feel good at least for a little while. The answer is not to get tough with people who are hurting so much already, but to do all possible to restore feelings of worth and self-respect. For their own and other's safety, they may need to be separated from society, but it must be in an institution where there is a loving, caring atmosphere. Such an atmosphere can never be found in jail or prison. From a moral, economic and l<;>gical standpoint, public funds should be spent in creating a social environment which creates a climate of self-wo1th and well­ being. . Those working to prevent the use of drugs must first have a humane regard and caring attitude toward1 drug addicts and drug dealers. Many drug pushers have first become addicted and later become a dealer in order to feed their own habit. All are fe11ow human beings who need our help. Write Us! We'd like to hear from you•... Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com; ·:. or write the Coalition office attn: Streetvibes Letters, I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Weauo/ Natiom �P age 19 ST REET VIBES November 2002 one hour south 'o f Chicago, is an example of entrenched pove1ty in the heartland of America. One (Food Action and Research single mother described in the Center news) article skips dinner so that her children have enough to eat. She FOOD STAMP receives food stamps, but doesn't qualify for TANF because she's PARTICIPATION able to work. She can' t get to a job INCREASES IN JULY because she ha5 no 2002; IS 2.4 MILLION > transportation. The town lacks PERSONS HIGHER THAN many basic government services IN JULY 2000 and the residents have little access (FRAC Analysis, October 2, 2002) to public assistance, jobs, Participation in the Food Stamp transportation, or other ways out of Program in July 2002 (the latest poverty. Pembroke's average per data available) mcreased by 23,935 capita income in 1999 was $9,642, persons from the previous month, compared to $21,587 to 19,344,019 persons, according nationally. to FRAC's analysis of preliminary data from USDA. The July 2002 http :/lwww.nytimes.com/20021091 level of Food Stamp l9/nationa/129POVE. html Program participation represented (free registration required) a rise of more than 1.8 million persons compared to the July 2001 RISE IN U.S. POVERTY level, and of more than 2.4 million PARTLY DUE TO PUBLIC persons compared to July, 2000. It NEGLECT was, on the other hand, more than (Christian Science Monitor, 2.4 million persons lower than the September 30, 2002 level five years earlier, in July As poverty levels in the United 1997. Increases in participation in States rise due to the economic 2001 and 2002 likely have been downturn, experts point out that driven by improved access to the the United States bas the highest program in a growing number of poverty level of all the states, and by the weakened industrialized nations, regardless economy. of economic conditions. The http:/lwww.frac.org/htmllnews/fsp/ poverty rate for children in the U.S. during the 1990's was worse 02july.html than 19 other rich countries. Reducing poverty is generally a REPORT: STATES HAVE low public policy priority in SLOWED THEIR USE OF America. Many poor people in the TANF FUNDS FOR CHILD U.S. could be lifted out of poverty CARE simply by improving access to (Center for Law and Social Policy, current federal programs. .September 23, 2002) FRAC News Digest Since 1996, states have made broad use of their options to redirect TANF funds to provide child care assistance to a growing population of low-income working families, and to improve the quality of child care. A year ago, states reported the high point of that redirection at $3.89 billion. Since then, economic conditions and a host of other > factors may have changed the potential of TANF to help states meet child care needs. Use of TANF for child care has flattened, and some states have begun to make difficult choices that will have the effect of reducing access to child care assistance. http://www.clasp.org/DMSI Documents/I 032806810.141 2001_TANF_CC.pdf (Adobe PDF) IN TRENCHES OF A WAR ON UNYIELDING POVERTY (New York Times, September 29, 2002) Pembroke, Illinois, a small town NATIONWIDE (New York Times, September 29, 2002) The number of farmers' markets has increased by 79 percent since 1994, to 3, 137 markets in all 50 states. Approximately 3. rnillion Americans a week gerfresh food directly from farmers at such markets, which reported about $1 billion in sales last year. Because farmers at markets are selling directly to the consumer, they are able to earn 40 to 60 percent more than by. selling to wholesalers, allowing many small farmers at the urban fringe to stay in business. http://www. nytimes. com/20021091 29/nati9nal/29 FARM.html (free registration required) USDA press release on the nationwide growth offarmers markets: ttp :/!www.usda.gov/news/releases/ 200210910413.htm Farmers' market Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) pilot program. in Buffalo, New York received a $100, 000 USDA grant to improve access to nutritious fruits and vegetables for food stamp recipients: http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/ buffalol stor-ies/20021091231 daily36.html longer lunch periods, and fewer very early or very late lunch periods. The groups feel that improving the environment for eating is just as important as improving the quality of the food. http:llww w.philly.com/midi inquirer/living/education/ 4151415.htm CHILD POVERTY IN NEW MEXICO HIGHER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE (Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM, September 19, 2002) The percentage of children living in poverty in many parts of New Mexico is higher than the national average, according to the "New Mexico Kids Count Databook 2002." In four of New Mexico's counties, 40 percent of the children live in poverty. The report also notes that if all New Mexicans who are eligible received food stamps, child poverty would be reduced by a quarter. T he Food ~esearch and Action Center (FRAC) News Digest highlights what's new on hunger, nutrition and poverty issues at FRAC, at the U. S. Department of Agriculture, around the network of nationa~ state and local anti­ poverty and anti-hunger organizations, and in the media. MEALTIME SEEN AS The Digest will alert you to 'trends, reports, news items and resources. OVERLOOKED SIDE OF Ben Winter EDUCATION Food Research and Action Center (Philadelphia Inquirer, September 1875 Connecticut Avenue, N W 26, 2002) Suite 540 The shortness of the school lunch Washington, DC 20009 period has gained attention as a (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone http://www.csmonitor. com/ source of poor eating habits for (202) 986-2525 f ax search_content/0930/pl 7s01­ children. USDA, along with the Email: bwinter@frac.org wmgn.html American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dietetic Association, FARMERS' MARKETS and other groups have endorsed 10 · key ways to achieve healthy eating GAINING POPULARITY in schools. Their ideas include t Where i Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production: 20 cents Your Dollar Goes The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cos t 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 y~u need help or would like ·to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. ~HEJiTERS:Womenand _ hll__!en YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 762-5660 Salvation Army 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 Greater ,­ Cincinnati CoaJiflon J;a. The HomeJes$. • 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 Hav~n House 863-8866 lnter1aith Hospitality 926-2064 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 861-1111 St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. ReSTOC Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381-1171 639-7056 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 38 1-6660 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 tor 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 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts651-6468 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 . 721-481 1 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De, Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/ Singles) 423-4673 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2002 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2002 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Dozens Gather at Memorial Site in Over-the-Rhine Pg 2: Memories of Buddy Live On Pg 3: North American Homeless News Digest Pg 4: As Congress Debates War, Stand Down Remembers Homeless Veterans Pg 5: Reader Mail Pg 6: Peace Village: Drawings in the Shadows of 9/11 Pg 7: National Freedom Center to Open in Cincinnati Pg 8: Theater Professionals Explore LA’s “Skid Row” Struggles Pg 9: ¡Bienvenidos! Pg 10: Peace Village Rallies Thousands as Bush Visits Cincinnati Pg 11: Annual Dinner Pg 12: Rally Continued Pg 13: Rally Continued Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Bush solution to Forest Fires: Remove the Forest A Report from the Streets of Iraq Pg 17: Census Data Show Increase in Extent and Severity of Poverty Pg 18: The Misguided Prison Building Frenzy Pg 19: FRAC News Digest Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Brendan Goodwin Mary Taylor John Halpin Cheryl Ware Andy Erickson Jimmy Heath Robert Bell Jr. Mike Henson Rev. Maurice McCrackin Robert Mannassa Dr. Steve Sunderland Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Bienvenidos Brendan Goodwin Mary Taylor buddy gray Bush Census Cheryl Ware Child Care Cincinnati Congress Dr. Steve Sunderland education Forest Fires FRAC Georgine Getty Iraq Jimmy Heath John Halpin LA memorial Mike Henson New York News & Editorials Over-the-Rhine Peace Village poverty Prison Rally Reader Mail Rev. Maurice McCrackin Robert Bell Jr. Robert Mannassa Skid Row Street Life Theater veterans War https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/976fd6c7b1008197d2d01005e7a7bba7.pdf 04a1583d9df4f905bea30218ba3a62f1 PDF Text Text Your Progressive News $ource BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY Noven1b " Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �• re I November 2003 Standown - Reaching Out, Sharing Resources ----- Standdown 2003, Cincinnati's annual event to help homeless veterans, and other homeless people who are still struggling with life on the street, took place on September 26th. Led by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, Washington Park and the Drop Inn Center were the home base for what the National Coalition for the Homeless calls "a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 275,000 homeless veterans 'combat' life on the streets." Standdown is a military term that describes an action during wartime where combat soldiers are pulled out of fighting and 'stand down' to rest, relax, and re-supply. Some compare life on the streets to life in the battle fields. __--;_ Recent Standdown's have /encouraged and welcomed all homeless people providing everyone with a day to connect with a variety of services including legal services, eye care, health care, housing referrals, job counseling, social security interviews, haircuts and voter registration. Standdown was started by two Vietnam veterans, Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon N achison, in San Diego in the summer of 1988. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that 100,000 homeless veterans nationwide over the years have been assisted by Standdown This year marks the eighth annual Standdown held in Cincinnati. ----- effectively. Part of the reason that more homeless veterans are not contacted during the year is a lack of trust many veterans have in the government system. Standdown · brings homeless veterans back to a system they' ve lost trust in. These services are important because many veterans arrive jobless and homeless, and there are usually problems that prevent them from achieving their goals. As a group, homeless veterans are overwhelmingly male, mostly single, generally coming from poor, disadvantaged communities. 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, and 50% have substance abuse problems. Clearly, homeless veterans face many challenges outside of their lack of hous\ng. Locally, it was estimated at Coalition for the Homeless, 40% it was determined that long-term given Cincinnati shelter were of homeless men are veterans. permanent housing, dental care, veterans. Half of those veterans Approximately 275,000 veterans eye care and child care are the one time that 70% of the men in a served in Vietnam. Many return sleep on the streets each night. greatest 'unmet needs of homeless home traumatized by the Veterans that have served in post­ veterans. experience of war, bringing with Vietnam and late Vietnam eras them mental illness, depression and have the greatest risk of. huge su cess in providing esse tial addiction. A third of these men are homelessness. 47% of homeless services to our homeless veterans. employed, generally at a temp veterans served during the A protocol must be established so agency that does not provide a Vietnam era, and 67% of them that those fighting and representing stable work structure or any served more than 3 years. Only our country in far off places, such significant hopes for the future. 33% were stationed in a war zone; as the B alkans, Afghanistan and 38% of these veterans have spent this statistic suggests that Iraq are not left ·behind as they face time in a correctional facility. An recruitment methods may have the challenge of reintegrating into overwhelming 79% of veterans been a factor. society. Too many of our veterans report using drugs or alcohol, Homeless veterans are in illustrating an enormous need for dire need of services. Veterans Standdown 2003 was a are left behind. The organizers of Standdown 2003 believe that substance abuse treatment. 50% need outreach, psychological supporting those who served reported having mental health assessments, referrals, residential· America in the armed services is a problems. treatments, and follow-up case privilege and a duty. According to the N atiorial management. In a 1 995 VA study According to the VA, there were 1 14 Stand Down events across the country in 200 1 , providing services to more than 19,000 homeless veterans. Hundreds of homeless veterans at these events are provided with a broad range of necessities including food, clothing, medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referral , and most importantly, companionship and camaraderie. It is. a time for the community to connect with the homeless veteran population and address this crisis that affects every town, city and state in this country. Professionals from a variety of fields volunteered their time in hopes of reaching them more Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Page 2 Tlie (ireater Cincinnati Coalltion for tfie JfomeCess cordia{{y invites you to tlieir 2\.nnua{ 1Jinner antf-SiCent 2\.uction . . Tuestfay, 'Dece 6er 9, 2003, 6:oop Xavier 'University Schiff Ja i{y Conference Center · For Tickets, please· send $15 to GCCH at 117 East 12th . . . Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 make checks payable to GCCH and write "Annual Dinner" in the memo Reserve a table for your church or company for $150 Sponsor dinner· for a homeless individual for $15 Donate an item for our silent auction (call Brendan Goodwin at 421.7803 with any questions) �Editorial STREETVIBES November, 2003 buddy gray; Page 3 tte Changed Lives· by Jimmy Heath Streetvibes Editor This month is the 7th You would not think at first glance that all of this would be connected to a homeless shelter in Cincinnati, Ohio. There is ,a denial in this city about the homeless, and the more hidden they are the be ter. buddy forced people to think about the homeless, and many people in local government dreaded his confrontational style. Thirty years ago, buddy gray and a group of devoted activists began picking-up homeless, and some would say hopeless drunks off the street and bringing them into their apartments in Over-the-Rhine, taking care of them as if they were family, coaxing them out of alcoholism, feeding them and clothing them. A small storefront and justice. buddy helped set up and established the vision of the Streetvibes program before he anniversary of the death of Over­ died. The Voices newspaper, the-Rhine community activist and started years earlier by buddy, dear friend buddy gray. Bonnie Neumeier and other Over­ Whenever I speak to groups about the-Rhine neighborhood activists my work, I preface the discussion was recognized as an important with how· buddy, his friends and tool for getting the word out the Drop Inn Center were about community work. When responsible for saving my life. the Streetvibes idea was born This was no small feat. I buddy knew exactly what to do. was living on the streets, caught and how to do it, and he up in the deadly grip of alcohol understood the power f getting addiction - I was depressed, lost the word out by using alternative and dead inside. My alcoholism news media. buddy gray was a was literally killing me, destroying voice for the poor and oppressed my body and my soul and my will. who fought for the rights of the I didn't care because I was homeless and the poor on many convinced that this was the way I levels. was going to die and I didn't have On November 1 5, 1 996, any choice in the matter. I was buddy was gunned doomed to die down in the Drop­ homeless, Inn Center. alcoholic and Ironically, buddy alone. was killed by a man One day I he had helped stumbled into the through the years ­ Drop Inn Center in a man who had Over-the-Rhine struggled through and another human ·mental illness, being, a staff addiction and member, took the homelessness. His time to reach out to assassin personified me. In me, they all the struggles of recognized a person buried and the people that J:iidden away in that buddy had stood up fog. I was told that for all those years. I didn't need to As news J!\.;' buddy gray and Bonnie Neumeier in protest march die, that I had a spread about choice, and that I buddy's murder, could be helped to find my way shelter on Main Street soon people in the community grieved out of the dutches of certain followed buddy and the rest of deeply for this man who death by alcohol. dedicated his life to serving the the volunteers soon recognized Those days are a hazy people. Days after his death in that m<?re than just shelter was 1 996, over 1 ,200 people from all memory numbed by my emotional needed; there also needed to be and physical condition. I was around the country came to Over­ changes in attitudes and methods given a chance in Detox, and the-Rhine for a memorial march for treating addictions, that the eventually entered the Drop Inn needs of the homeless through for buddy. Center's drug and alcohol Buddy "Stanley" Gray housing and employment and treatment program for homeless went to college in the early ' 70s training and opportunity also had men; the Live-In Recovery and became active in protests to be met. Program. The program against the war in Vietnam and This took a lot of work for epitomized buddy's vision of other radical causes. Until his many years. Buddy was creating a transition out of death, he fought against big aggressive and demanding in his homelessness, through treatment, convictions because of his business developers who wanted housing, and education for to push the poor out of the Over­ passion for the rights of folks at homeless people. The-Rhine neighborhood. the bottom of the ladder. I thought I was alone in Decade's later buddy became a Although I have a my struggle with addiction but at working-class suburban national figure in the struggle for the Drop Inn Center I met a lot of background, I have not been able human rights, justice and the people who were just like me in treatment of the homeless. Buddy to leave this small inner-city so many ways; men and women neighborhood. Through buddy and his crew were tireless in their whose lives were given up to drug efforts in finding ways to provide and all of the people that I have addiction and alcoholism, met since my modest beginnings the homeless and the homelessness and hopelessness, at the Drop Inn Center almost disenfranchised with a voice. And they were visionary. all trying to find their way out of nine years ago, I have learned and the same struggle. discovered the beauty of this Out of these humble I soon learned that at the beginnings grew the Drop Inn place, in the faces of the people and their strength in adversity. I Drop Inn Center, the value of a Center, the Greater Cincinnati human life was placed above all couldn't leave even if I wanted to. Coalition for the Homeless, and other things, and that many others other organizations supporting For me, this is where my life had come before me and had been many causes, started by buddy began again, renewed and with a given back their lives because of sense of purpose. Thanks buddy, and other volunteers, and linked this simple and just philosophy. by a single vision; human rights for saving my life. · �Page 4 STREETVIBes November, 2003 Remembering buddy gray, 1950 -1996 As we approach the seventh anniversary of our loss of buddy gray, we.pause to remember the legacy he left us. That legacy is one of social justice, of compassion for those who experience homelessness in the most affluent society of all times, of practical solutions to individual situations, and of the urgency of working together to find systemic solutions for social ills. He called us to stand firm behind our beliefs, to articulate our message to the media in one clear concise sentence, to pay attention to the politics around the issue, and to build allies before taking action. He showed us how to keep the facts, the faces, and the stories of homeless people real and front buddy and friend and center of the eye of a society, often too busy to notice. the-Rhine is one man who stands We are reminded that while heads above all others who say buddy began his work on behalf of they are for the homeless like our those who experience homelessness part-time mayor Peter Strauss. by himself in his tiny apartment on People like him are always on our Main Street(yes! on Main Street), side when it comes to election he worked always with others, time. But once in office it seems he especially with the homeless and forgets who helped get him there. their advocates. May we People like that we can do without. commemorate buddy on this We have some 40 buildings November anniversary of his loss, with 200 usable units . . resolved to continue to work Unfortunately like the toward housing for all, redoubling article says we depend solely on our efforts on behalf of individuals donations and grants, grants that who experience homelessness. May for some unforeseen reason take we pursue all avenues of advocacy their day-old time getting here. with those who make decisions on This is one reason some of those policy and funding ... continuing to buildings are empty today. No affirm and work with the Greater funding to fix them up. Cincinnati Coalition for the There was a man in the Homeless as well as through our upper east coast who had a similar many informal networks of kindred problem. His name was Mitch souls. Snyder. I'd like to think of Buddy The buddy gray Lifetime Activism Gray as Mitch Snyder of the Mid­ Awardees; Alice Skirtz (2000), west. If anyone felt more in tune Linda Howell-Perrin (2001), with the plight of the homeless, let Michelle Budzek (2002) him step forward, for in my mind there is no better person to fill those shoes than Buddy Gray. Tribute to buddy, I may not always agree with From The Past the way some things are by Marvin Schlosser, Sm.ff accomplished but at least there is Counselor, Drop Inn Center someone out there who is illing I've been living in Over­ to devote his entire life for the-Rhine for the better part of 1 4 someone who no one else gives a ' years now. I ' ve seen many, many hoot for and that's the homeless buildings tom down for parking person. My hat goes off to Buddy lots. I've even seen parking lots Gray. I only wish there were more tom up to make room for like him. Good job, Buddy. Keep buildings. Unfortunately, those it up. No one else will. buildings do nothing for people who aren't fortunate enough to buddy gray have money to rent suitable by Georgine Getty housing. Martin Luther King, Jr. Instead of the city building once said that no one can ride your low-income housing they are back unless it's bent. I never met building housing for middle-to­ buddy gray, but I've met countless upper class citizens forgetting the plight of the poor and the homeless men and women whose backs he helped straighten. people. I know this to be true Buddy gray was a dreamer. because I've seen it happen all too Buddy was also a tireless worker, many times. which is why his dream still exists Buddy Gray, who I ' ve today. Because he was a dreamer, known my entire 1 4 years in Over· .... agencies like the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, the National Coalition for the Homeless, ReSTOC and the Drop Inn Center exist. Because he was a worker, these agencies are guided by respect, empowerment and vision. Buddy set the moral tone for how to do this work and he didn't just live this morality, he passed it on to his contemporaries and to the future. I love to hear stories about buddy. My favorite stories are about the battles. Homelessness is not a pretty cause, nor is it one that everyone agrees on. When I'm stuck with a question of what to do, I reflect on our mission set forth by buddy. Like the people he met, he also gave his agencies a straight and true backbone on which to base th ir actions. Whenever I'm sitting around the table with a group of activists, homeless folks and rabble rousers plotting our next course of action; whenever someone gets that glint in his/her eye; whenever someone's back gets a little straighter; I hope that buddy is somewhere, at peace, smiling right along with us. About buddy by Bill Joiner In thinking about the period since buddy's death, it seems that much has happened, and, at the same time, not much has changed. Attacks on the homeless or those with low incomes in Over the Rhine have certainly increased, and everyone has to miss buddy's ability to fend them off. The opportunity for ReSTOC to undertake its biggest project to create low-income housing was not celebrated by the City, but was used to wrest away control of several ReSTOC properties. Those who wish to profit from OTR development have benefited from the mean spirited support of the Mayor and certain members of City Council. We have yet to see how placing SCPA adjacent to the Drop Inn Center will affect its ability to deliver services. Welfare reform has hurt many, and increased the number of women and children who are homeless. We have had riots, and drug-dealing and crime has increased without an effective police response. P rhaps most damaging, the attitudes toward the homeless, and the poor in general, seem to have hardened, and they are blamed not only for their circumstances, but for the failures of the City. What I admired most about buddy was his refusal to give up, and his willingness to wage the good fight even against overwhelming odds. So listing the downside of what has happened in the intervening years would only have increased the challenge as he saw it. And buddy left a legacy that is still meeting that challenge. The Drop Inn Center serves more people than ever. Despite the opposition from the City, and the Mayor 's grand talk of remaking OTR, ReSTOC is the only organization that has successfully done any significant restoration, and is moving along well in its project to tum a number of buildings into decent housing for low income people. The Homeless Coalition recently performed admirably in defending the rights of homeless people removed from under bridges, in standing up to the City in its attempts to restrict the civil rights of homeless people to ask for help, and continues its important work in new and better quarters . Peaslee continues to be a center for neighborhood meetings and activities, especially for young people. It now operates a much­ needed child care center. And the new project at Peaslee to teach photography to OTR children is progressing well. The Contact Center has done an excellent jo in educating the public on the inequities of welfare reform. The OTR Housing network continues its good work. And the OTR Community Council has undergone leadership changes, and yet still represents well the real people in OTR. And most important, high school and college students still flock to the Drop Inn, ReSTOC, and Peaslee and are sensitized and educated to issues that people who are homeless or with low incomes must deal with. All those organizations were buddy's response to the needs of the homeless and people with low incomes as they struggle in OTR. And the current leadership of those organizations was largely inspired by buddy, as they too, as high school or college students, became acquainted with his work. I think we all miss buddy as a friend, as a warm and sympathetic person, as an inspirational leader, and as a strategist, But I think, despite his modesty, he would have been proud of his legacy; of those who were inspired by his work and commitment, and who carry on ably what he started. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him received a special gift, but buddy's influence, .inspiration, and dreams of a better world are still alive, and I am confident will always be, as new generations take up the challenge. �l STREETVIBES November, 2003 Page 5 Homeless Awareness Week homeJess camp was repeatedly attacked by a group of young men Quiz yourself on your knowledge of homelessness in Cincinnati over the course of a couple weeks. by Andy Erickson, GCCH Education Coordinator The young men threw rocks and eggs, and threatened the homeless National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week is November individuals while they slept. One 17 through 23. How aware are you of the homeless situation night, the youth set fire to the camp. Out of all 50 states, Ohio is in Cincinnati? Take this quiz and find out. number four in hate crimes against 1 ) Approximately how many people experienced homelessness at some point during the the homeless. year 2000 in Cincinnati? 7) The answer to question a. 30,000 7 is c. Tough approaches to b. 25,000 homelessness, like sweeping . c. 20,000 camps or making homeless d. 1 0,000 activities illegal only exacerbate 2) What are the top two reasons people become homeless in Cincinnati? the problem. When homeless a. Housing problems people go to jail for asking for 1 0 b. Drug/Alcohol abuse cents o n the street, they lose 30 c. Loss of Income days that could have been used for d. Domestic Violence getting jobs, getting housing, 3) Families make up what percentage of the homeless population in Cincinnati? getting services, and getting off a. 4 1 % the streets. When the 30 days is b . 3 1% up and they get out of jail, they c. 2 1 % still won't have a home to go to. d. 1 1 % Education is the first step 4) Children make up what percentage of the homeless population in Cincinnati? to olving homelessness in a. 50% Cincinnati. An educated public is b. 40% an understanding and c. 25% compassionate public. If you'd d. 1 0% like to learn more about who's 5) What percentage of the homeless population in Cincinnati are alcoholics or drug homeless and why, visit our abusers? website a. About 50% (www.cincy.homeless.com) and b. About 40% click on "Reports." Most of these c. About 30% statistics were taken from d. About 20% Homeless in Cincinnati, published 6) How many homeless people have been killed nationally as a result of hate crimes in 2000. You can visit the committed against them in the past four years?. National Coalition for the a. 1 23 Homeless' website b. 84 (www.nationalhomeless.org) to c. 52 learn about homelessness at a d. 29 national level. 7) Whafcan I do to help end homelessness in Cincinnati? Whether you scored high a. Stop giving to panhandlers or low on this quiz, nothing will b. Encourage tough laws that jail the homeless for quality of life crimes change unless you act upon your c. Educate myself and others by volunteering or having an awareness-raising event knowledge. Volunteer, hold an d. Sweep their camps awareness-raising event at your Here are the answers: costs continue to rise at a rate much stereotype of a homeless person, school or organization, or have a 1) Tfle answer to question while many other homeless faster than workers' pay, many speaker from our Speaker's 1 is b: 25,000. The homeless individuals do not. The public people are now just one or two Bureau give a talk to your group. population has been rising rapidly doesn't see homeless children or paychecks away from living on the One formerly homeless since the 1980's. In 1 986, the families huddled on street comers. street. individual recently told me, "When number of people experiencing Alcoholism and drug use are The vast majority of the homeless I was homeless and panhandling homelessness during the year in factors in the loss of some peo!Jle's do not live thier lives on the streets. on the street, nothing made my Cincinnati was approximately homes, but the number is small 6) The answer to question 6 day like when someone stopped to 1 0,000. This number grew to compared to those who are is a. 1 23 homeless men, women talk with me." Don't let the 20,000 in 1 993 and to 25,000 in and children have been killed as a homeless for economic reasons. homeless in Cincinnati go through the year 2000. result of hate crimes against them. Domestic Violence is the another holiday season feeling These numbers include number three cause of homelessness There have also been 89 reported ignored by the rest of us. Don't for women in Cincinnati. people who were living in shelters, let the problem of homelessness go non-lethal attacks on homeless living on the street, and people 3) The answer to question 3 individuals over the past four years. unchecked. Spend National who were "doubled-up" (sleeping Many of these hate crimes are is a: 4 1 % , as reported in a recent Hunger and Homeless Awareness at friends or family members' issue of USA Today. The perpetrated by young males who do Week working to bring awareness homes for lack of their own). We to the community and help to population of homeless families has it for sport. include those who are doubled-up been growing steadily since the those who are in need. Recently in Cincinnati, a in our counts because they don't 1 980s. have a home of their own, but also 4) The answer to question 4 because studies have shown that a is c: 25%. One in four homeless majority of those who are doubled­ people in Cincinnati is a child. up will end up on the street within 5) The answer to question 5 a year. is d, 20%. Many people believe 2) The answers to question that the homeless population is 2 are a and c: housing problems comprised mostly of middle-aged and loss of income. Since the early alcoholic males, since they're often 1980s, the homeless population has the most visible not just in public been growing largely due to but also in TV, movies and the economic factors. As housing press. They fit the public's ·- �Page 6 STREETVIBES November, 2003 The Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderlanil Last month, the State Supreme Court of Ohio decided that walking around our city with a concealed gun was illegal. One of my neighbors decided to protest this decision by organizing a march through our neighborhood on a recent afternoon. Stefanie, my wife, some other neighbors, Jeannie Smith, Wesley Foundation, and some members of Clifton United Methodist Church, joined me to protest this protest and march throughout the community. I have been in many peace marches but never one quite like this one. 40 males and 3 females, each carrying at least a holster with a gun, some with bullets and knives, walked our neighborhood while eight of us walked next to tht:m carrying posters with peace signs on them. I felt fear as we gathered. I feared that the gun toters would act up in such a way that someone would respond. I feared for the two children in the walk who joined their gun holding parents. I feared for those in my community who might be looking to make a point about how crazy "we" or "they" are. I can't remember seeing average people walking our streets with their hands on their guns and wearing their American flag hats and shirts. "It's is our constitutional right," they repeated as we walked and talked. Most of the people near me were from other Ohio and Kentucky cities and felt dedicated to supporting the protest of the court. For a while, Stef and I stood across from where the gun­ supporters were gathering. I carried a peace flag with the word, "peace," in many languages. Several young people carried handmade signs. Two young people carried water pistols. We were outnumbered. There were no police around except for the Kentucky police that were a part of the supports. And, then we were off for our walk around the neighborhood and the police; monitors from the Cincinnati Human Relations Council, and the media showed up in force. We walked for a tense hour. I tried to tell myself to be calm, to not do anything to anger anyone, and to ° look peaceful. Engaging in discussion about taking the protest out of our neighborhood went nowhere. Some people showed understanding of the panic and trauma they were causing; some said that this was "their" neighborhood because they were Americans. Some understood that this kind of protest would be unwelcome in their communities. Events were peaceful and some filled with high anxiety. No member of our community council, with the exception of Stefanie, appeared. Nor did our city council make an appearance with the exception of one individual who drove by. One of our county commissioners chose to walk with the gun supporters. None of our congress people were there either. What did I learn from this event? After I calm down, I may have something useful to say. For now, I can say that there are many people in this region, middle class, Caucasian, young and old, who are proud to wear a gun and want to keep that gun out of sight. So intense is their support for guns, they are willing to terrorize a community they do not live in nor really understand. Protesting for gun concealment raises important questions about the state of mental health of middle class Americans: are we so frightened that the major sense of security is carrying a gun? "Yes," one bright young man, in his 30s, told me: "You carry insurance, don't you? This is our insurance." I fear for our communities and our institutions if these marchers for gun concealment represent a . growing population. I was proud to be in the small group who sought to prevent this march from occurring and from sending a message that looked like it had our community's support. But I haven't had my blood pressure so high since Little Rock in the '60s. We walked with a message of p ace with some humor. I shall never forget the platoon of water pistol "soldiers" walking parallel with our visitors. Through our humor, we defused a little of the fear that was solid in our streets. I don't know if we changed any minds, started any real conversations, or protected our neighborhood. I did feel that walking for peace made the ground we all walked on holy, made us aware of just how desperate some people are in our community for some form of protection, and, just how crazy-courageous those who want peace are, too. I had the feeling that we needed a peace conference, a peace poster session, a peace feast, a way of connecting with the gun bearers that would alleviate their fears. Some one of us brought chocolate chip cookies and tried to give them out as we marched. All gifts with the exception of reaching out in peace were refused. Some of you have followed my involvement with the Veterans' Sangha that I have attended the last two Summers as part of Thich Nhat Hahn's retreats. I feel very privileged to have been a part of the discussions between vets, Jimmy Heath photo Vietnamese people, war protesters and friends of this group. This Summer some rare discussions and beautiful writings were shared. Several of the participants have given me permission to reprint their writings that were prepared just for and during this last sangha. They were difficult writings to create, read and listen to. And, I am sure that some in our Peace Village will find them difficult to read and react to. Yet, I urge you to do both. Healing Eyes The firefight had been close, fierce and deadly. Both sides now continued the battle from a slightly greater distance, leaving the space between them (No Man's Land) littered with the dead and wounded. Above the din of weapon's fire, the acrid, smoky air was filled with the anguished cries of "Doc, Medic!" I was already inside that ungodly space, between opposing forces, tending to those still alive; fully aware that I had an equal chance of dying from "friendly" or enemy fire. I slithered like a snake, on my belly along the slippery, monsoon soaked ridgeline, searching for survivors. As I pulled myself around a tree stump I recognized an FNG (f@#$ing new guy). He'd been with us less than two days; I didn't even know his name. There he was, splayed, flat on his back, · staring at the sky with the top of his head missing. His gray matter unceremoniously oozing toward the muddy jungle floor. "Surely, he's dead," I thought, but as I pressed my fingers against his carotid artery to check his pulse, his eyes rolled and locked onto mine. I was so startled I abruptly sat up, oblivious to the bullets whizzing around me. The rest of the world ceased to exist as I focused on this man. His eyes remained riveted on my own and they were speaking worlds to me. I sensed incredible pain, sorrow and fear. Additionally, he seemed to be asking, "Why?" I was acutely aware of having a dialogue. yet no words were spoken. In robotic fashion I retrieved a "Large Field Dressing" from my aid bag with the intent of somehow containing his exposed cerebellum. As I began to put the dressing in place his eyes became bright, fierce and pleading . . . screaming through the void, "Please, let me go!" His request pierced my soul, and without further thought, I slowly tightened the tie straps around his throat. Within moments his body went limp, his eyelids closed of their own accord, and I knew he was at peace. The battle continued to rage. I saved as many as possible; and when it was over ten days later there were 11 of us remaining out of an original 1 50 men. Those eyes have haunted me, resided within and become my own for the past thirty five years. I ' ve held onto all that sadness and despair. It was also carried by my father (a WWII vet) arid it emanates from many of the Vietnam vets I've encountered. Those feelings of loss and hopelessness dominated my way of perceiving the world. Throughout the past three decades the same question has plagued me on a daily basis, "What gave you the right?" I consciously, deliberately took one man's life; something antithetical tc both my morality and my mission ·_ I had gone to Vietnam for the express purpose of saving lives. How could I ever again claim to be a peaceful, non-violent person? My self-hatred exhibited itself as rage; toward others, the system, but primarily directed at myself. I was absolutely unable to develop meaningful relationships with others because I felt so unworthy. My inability to "let go" nearly destroyed me. All the self destructive behaviors in which I engaged were designed to hide from, bury, if not kill the memories. Cont. Page 7 �Page 7 STREETVIBES November, 2003 by Molly Rhodes More than 50,000 workers are expected to benefit if a proposition to raise the minbnum wage wins the approval of San Francisco voters this November. Proposition L would raise the city's minimum wage from $6.75 to $ 8.50 an hour and therefore put an additional $ 100 million into the pockets of low-wage,.often immigrant workers who keep the city running, according to the campaign website. Proponents believe the wage increase will not only help out the workers who serve food, clean offices, park cars, and guard buildings, but also benefit smaller, local businesses that these workers will have more money to support. The official campaign kicks off this month, with a fundraiser centered on a production of Joan Holden's adaptation of Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting by In America, byBarbara Erhenreich. Erhenreich will also be on hand to show her support for the effort to give lowwage workers a better chance to afford the city in which they.live. According to the San Francisco Minimum Wage Coalition, even with the minimum wage increase, a full-time, full year employee would make $ 1,473 a month, compared to the average San Francisco rental cost of $ 1,554. To truly be ale to afford to live in San Francisco, an individual would have to be making $ 19,7 18 a year, or $9.48 an hour. Even a homeless guy is still a guy. And what guy doesn't like a sports lounge? It's a theory that seems to be working for a new day center in Oakland, Calif., where more than 60 homeless men can be found hanging out and watching classic pro-basketball games on leather couches as they wait to shower, do their laundry, and chat with friends. The center, which is open three days a week for five hours a day, also offers food and drink, though no alcohol, according to the Alameda Times-Star (www.timesstar.com). The idea for the center's sports theme came from Tom Abdenour, an athletic trainer for the Golden State Warriors, who was looking for a way to give back to the community and provide a service that homeless people would actually be attracted to. The CHAMPION (Care and Helping Assist Men Prosper in Our Neighborhood)·Guidance Center is run by people who are themselves homeless, with the help of staff at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. "I can actually relax here," one center user told the Star-Times, as . he pointed to the door, "because there is no relaxing when you're out there." · Cops in Key West, Florida, had a lot of explaining . to do after they broke up a homeless camp that was legally allowed to exist. Although the city council recently declared such camps illegal, the city is careful to following rulings in other Florida cities that found it illegal to remove homeless people from camps unless the city already provides adequate alternatives for basic life-sustaining "activities"- in this case, sleeping. In a related lawsuit, a local homeless man is suing the Monroe County Sheriff's Department after he was arrested for sleeping outside, even though there no other sleeping arrangements made available to him. Key West officials are currently looking into areas where homeless people would be safe to spend the night and not at risk for harm or th ft of their personal belongings, according to keysnews.com. Canadian officials are hunting down the operators of a website that showed homeless people being humiliated for entertainment. The now-defunct site, which claimed to offer "the most offensive experience on the Web," had videos of a woman urinating into a bucket, of people kicking a homeless person, and of hot coffee being splashed on a homeless person, according to !he Montreal Gazette (www.canada.com). Homeless people said they were paid in cash or beer when they agreed to be part of the video. Investigators said it will be hard to trace the owners, as the website is no longer up and running. An audit of New York infestations, but also peeling paint and mold- yet cost as much as $3,000 a month. Much of the blame for the city's poor use of money rests at the feet of a 2000 court order that requires the city to provide same-day shelter for anyone who equires it by 10 p.m. on any given night; landlords could then charge whatever prices they ·wanted as the city was under courtorder to find an immediate placement. Now, Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to change the system to require hotel contractors to bid competitively on shelter and housing contracts. With the new bidding system, it is hoped landlords will no longer be able to hold the city hostage to _high prices while offering only sub-standard housing options. Yet some homeless advocates also worry that the new bidding system will delay shelter placement and leave some of the neediest homeless people quite literally out in the cold. A self-sufficient village for homeless people in Berkeley, California is slowly creeping toward becoming a reality for the city's growing population of homeless families. The latest hurdle for the Ursula Sherman · Village was a pair of underground storage tanks that posed an environmental hazard and had to be removed, according to the Berkeley Daily Planet (www.berkeleydaily.org). This after the site was almost shut down completely because of potential air quality risks due to the proximity of industrial centers i West Berkeley. Yet even though Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency hasn't even broken ground on a project conceived more than four years ago, the nonprofit continues to remain optimistic about the plan for a selfcontained village for 40 homeless families and 80 individuals. They already have the money to build the first phase of the project, two homes that would house about 35 families, which they hope to stait building in January. A planned community center near the site remains unfunded. In Cleveland, the fear inherent with living on the City's homeless ervice programs streets can legally protect a man found that the city often who's caught carrying a loaded misspent millions while gun in an airport. So werit an supplying substandard living argument in defense of Robert Igoe, a homeless man whose fawyers used an Ohio concealedweapons statute that says fear of being attacked while doing legal business is a legitimate defense even if you are carrying a weapon under "dangerous circumstances." loge's fear was legitimate because, as a homeless person, he is constantly subject to harassment and the threat of bodily harm; his options. In 2002, the city spent $96 million to get more than 4,000 people off the streets, often into homes that were overpriced and/or infested with rats and roaches, according to the Office of the New York City Comptroller, as reported in the Cybercast News Service (CNSNews.com). Some of the homes that were barely above tenement standards- not only "legal business" was a trip he was making to get a copy of his transcript to continue his college studies. Yet the jury rejected the defense of loge, who was arrested while carrying a loaded semiautomatic handgun at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer (www.cleveland.com). "Sleeping on Public Square, OK, I can give you that - you might have reason to fear," one juror told the Plain Dealer. "But in an airport, post-9/11? There's no justification." Peace Villag_e Cont. from Page 6 None of my actions were successful; those eyes continued to possess me. The latest chapter of my journey began some sixteen months ago when my seventeen year old son died unexpectedly. My whole world changed; and doors opened which previously I'd perceived as being sealed shut. I started to nurture compassion, understanding and acceptance within my world. I realized that life is simply a lesson and I have a choice as to whether or not I learn from its experience. On some level, I had chosen to remain a victim, controlled by the past. For the first time Thay's teachings were being integrated on a visceral level. This past week I had another encounter with the nameless dead soldier. We met around 3am on a muggy night while I was walking in the woods trying to·quiet my soul. Our eyes locked and I felt myself drawn into a world far greater than my own. His sadness and despair were absent, replaced with a deep gentleness and a questioning. I breathed in deeply, focusing my awareness and the message became , clear, "You're forgiven, can you do . the same for yourself?" Today I am becoming aware of the vitality returning to my own eyes; they express more gentleness and love. I am following what my son has encouraged since he crossed over. "Dad, you need to look at the world with a different pair of eyes." · · 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 ofposters. -? �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Dear Streetvi bes ... ' I read your newspaper for the first time about a week ago. · I'm not claiming I understand all the issues involved, but I do sympathize, having gone through a similar situation myself. This is a letter or short story, if you will, that I want published. Also, keep my name out of it. Please. This was not created in my spare time for the fun of it. It was very real. In each of us, there is a search for ourselves, whether we look in a mirror or the people that we surround ourselves. Over a year ago, I made a decision to give away everything I owned, that some would say was whimsical or without forethought. I didn't understand why, until last night, that for a brief moment, my own existence no longer mattered; transcending the heavens and earth. For a long time I felt I had nothing, when I had everything. Yet in those seconds, I stood alone in front 9f my bedroom window, while smoking a cigarette; I got my halo and wings. In an instant, that moment changed my life. I saw myself as a good person who can contribute, without having the material possessions of life. It was the most difficult concept to comprehend, especially from a person who wanted for nothing, with the exception of love. I'm a whole person, for the first time, and didn't know quite know what to do, so I started writing this letter to Streetvibes. I was born to a prominent Cincinnati family. My mother was an alcoholic, who emotionally, mentally, and physically beat me. Looking to my father who blamed me for his own decisions. After a divorce, becoming a single mom, trying my best to do things .on my own, my life took a tum for the worse. I had to move in with my mother, and for independent individual such a myself, this was like being moved to a dog house. My mother hadn't stopped drinking; I didn't appreci ate it when my sister stole medication, so she could prolong her drinking ability. They hadn't stopped trying to hurt me and I'm 29 years old. After listening to my father, then my mother arid sister tell me how wrong I was for divorcing a physically abusive husband, the demands of a baby, who by the way is the best gift I ever gave · myself and love more than words could describe; the lack of family support, coming to grips with a disability, I walked out the door in June, 2002 for 4 days, because I couldn't take the public abuse, when my mother would yell "go be homeless", while I fixed my roller blades in the middle of the night. My father didn't know what to do, only "let's hear what you have to say, then I'm going to drop you off at the comer". I had lost custody of my son in the spring of 2002, had no money and no clue to where I was going. I walked and walked, not knowing where I was going, playing it off like I was trying to find a boyfriend, who I had loved very much, even though the . relationship had been over for quite some time. I had blisters on my feet, and would cry because I didn't have anyone, or implied that I should go to a psychiatric facility, because I was lost and confused. Yet in those 4 days I learned a lot and considered myself fortunate, because I got a place to sleep in someone else's apartment, having just met at a bar. Nothing happened, they were kind people, who I had forgotten to thank for a warm place to stay, a shower, and food. During one of those 4 days,. I had invited myself to the Walnut Hills fire station, doing my best impression of a lost puppy dog. They were extremely courteous, and then there was the Cincinnati Police. I was escorted to the Homeless Shelter at about 2:00 AM, where I spent the night on the floor, having missed the 7: 00 PM sign in time for a mattress pad. During the early hours of the morning, someone was thoughtful e ough to cover me with a jacket, so I wouldn't be cold. I woke up, and wandered,away in the wee hours_ of the morning'to enjoy the day. I eventually went to my sister's apartment, where I lived for a few months, sometimes sleeping on the front porch, to avoid my mother. It didn't last for long, I moved into my mother's, until her continued bullying, pushed me out the door. I'm lucky, I don't live on the streets anymore. I've moved up. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment, that has a futon pad, a space heater, a couple of blankets, While we make every effort to provide a forum for those without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse the opinions of the people whose writings are represented here. Page 8 Editorial · some clothing, and a refrigerator. It even has a pink bathroom, with running water. I live off a 220 volt via an extension cord, that actually is illegal. I'm really not supposed to be living there, but it's a roof over my head. My neighbors have been friendly and helpful, and without them could not have survived, not too mention a few others. During this time, I h ve gotten to see my son. We had a wonderful time, reading, playing at the park. I was lucky. I'm lucky because I can order carry out, have a place to get out of the elements, some place to call home. I can't truly say what it is to be homeless, nor could I say what is it to go without food or a shower on a daily basis, or to live in the freezing cold. I know what it's like to be alone and afraid, not knowing ' where to tum, where to go. I value my home, that little place I hope to see family and friends. I don't care what it looks like to someone else, and it shouldn't matter to you. I'm living a rich life, and if I lost it tomorrow, where would I go? Eve Prisoners A vocacy Ohio Committee 3- incinnati, Ohio. .45201 -1 146; a prisd 'r's na;n .. . and jail number i ,, c'eves1 947@ ya oo.com l� rinding\''R n-pals5 l r.peop !ocarcerated in jails; ' throughout Ohio. · �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Reflections F rom O u r Da i ly Bread and serve the food line and wash the dishes. Others who care send money to keep the lights and heat by Joeline Lecture _My friend and I have been Tuesday volunteers at a place that shows the true meaning of care and and air conditioning running to continue the comfort and . hospitality so appreciated by all. When you enter these concern; Our Daily Bread in Over­ doors, you leave the fear, worry the-Rhine. It is a kitchen that and sadness on the doorstep - and serves a hot meal to close to 400 feel welcome to share the people. fellowship of people who really do That meal depends on the care. There is no judgment, no generosity of others who care to asking why, but simply believing donate the food. Picking up the that every person present is food depends on others who care valuable. In our imperfect world to set time aside to bring it to those there are a few things we who plan and prepare the meal. understand or feel sure of - but this Serving the meal to so many in a we know; God blesses this place of few hours depends on others who goodness and all who come to care to come every week to stand serve or be served. Makes a Great Gift/ 18" X 24" lithograph: the-Rhine, Winter Washington Park, Over­ 1999 by Jimmy Heath. Each print is individually sign d by the photographer. Lost Hope that was me out there, with no By Booger Love hope of getting off of the streets, When you lose hope in life some find hope in drugs, alcohol and they hold on to it. It's hard to let go of it. The only thing they don't lose hope in is the life they live every day of drugs and alcohol. That is the only hope that we have for now. As you can see, hey, it's all the hope we got . Losing hope is bad, but you've got to have hope in something. What else can we do? Nothing. You see, we are drug addicts and alcoholics who need help . But no one will or wants to help them. Yes, they have got to help themselves before any one else can help them, but before they do that, they have to see that someone cares enough to want to help. They think that if no one else cares, why should they care. So give them that hand up because you might need that hand up someday yourself So when you see someone down, give them that hand up, o.k.? Because you might need it one day. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe by Kaniaulono Meyer So say to yourself, what if Purchase benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee not having a home to go to out of Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. the cold. So look up before you Posters are look down on someone, see how lucky you are that you' re not out there yourself Take time to make time; just talk. It helps a lot. You will hear lots of stories. Some are sad. Some are bad. But that is how it goes with everyone. That's life. Ain't it true? This is part of my life story. I live a hell of a life. I am homeless in my heart and always will be. $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: Peaslee Neighborhood Center A tn: Photography Program 2 1 5 East Fourteenth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or call (513) 621-5514 or visit the website/or more information: www.jimmyheath. org �< . \ , } Page 10 STREETVIBES November, 2003 Pictu re the Homeless by Elizabeth Linville Picture the Homeless was founded on the principle that Unit (EAU), a key access point to temporary shelter for homeless homeless people have civil and human rights regardless of our race, creed, color or economic status. Picture the Homeless was founded and is led by homeless people. We refuse to accept being neglected and we demand that our voices and expertise are heard at all levels of decision making that impact us. We oppose the quality of life laws that criminalize home­ less people in any form by the city, state and national govern­ ments. We work to change these laws and policies as well as to challenge the root causes of homelessness. Our strategies include grass roots organizing, New York state law that all home­ less individuals be given a place in a shelter. The first stop for those from all five boroughs is the EAU, an intake center located in the Bronx. From there, families can wait until after midnight to be assigned to a temporary, overnight shelter and must the EAU, children must suffer city. This action was crucial in through arduous commutes to their moving New York's Department of schools. Additionally, the dirty Homeless Services to form an conditions and unhealthy food at Advisory. Board of homeless the EAU leave many children too individuals focused on improving sick to attend school. This survey social services in the city. has led to the following recommen­ More recently, the organi­ zation is focusing on improving the overnight placements by 6 PM; issue 10 day passes to take children In 2002, they surveyed families in to school when a 10 day shelter the EAU and released the results to placement is made; clean the the public. The survey indicated building; create a homework and EAU each day to process can take days, even weeks, and the conditions inside horrendous. accomplishments include securing a major legal victory in federal court to stop police from enforcing laws that harass homeless individuals, There is an abundance of rodents, each morning from their overnight placement to the EAU and then to school. There is no place at the EAU for families to bathe, play, do their laundry, or work on home­ work. For many homeless families, simply trying to get the assistance creating a pamphlet to educate they need is making their lives individuals about their rights, documenting the NYPD' s practice of violating the civil rights of incredibly difficult. Picture the Homeless has made great efforts to document and homeless people, and creating a change the situation in the EAU. legal clinic for homeless individu­ als. Currently, the group is fighting to improve the conditions of New York City' s Department of the Homeless' s Emergency Assistance play area; and increase the supply the EAU were, in of low-income housing in New general, not able York. to be successful In a country where home­ students. Many less individuals are often ignored, have to wait until Picture the Homeless has suc­ late at night to be ceeded in gaining the attention of sent to an over­ their city and affecting real change. night placement It will be interesting to see what and are not their efforts will accomplish next. sleep. Parents Elizabeth Linville School age children must commute York City. This organization's that children in getting enough tired children lie on the floors, and the food often makes people ill. homeless individuals living in New get children and families into education of school age children return to the the building are dations by Picture the Homeless: who are passing through the EAU. shelter. This fought many battles on behalf of tax travel in order to find housing. It is press, raising awareness across the find permanent founded in 2000 and has since with my York City has a difficult road to from al) five boroughs are placed in management and Picture the Homeless was . . . A homeless family in New located in the Bronx, and families pictu,res were then released to the work with case educating homeless people about their rights, public education, changing media stereotypes, and buiUling relationships with allies - Picture The Homeless Mission Statement. "See families in New York City. the conditions at the EAU. The No press is allowed into the build­ ing to see the reality of homeless family ' s lives, so the organization gave cameras to a family working are required to wait in line each morning at the EAU to receive a pass to take their children to school, a process which wastes time and creates unneeded stress on homeless families. Be­ War is an invention of the human mind. The human mind can invent peace with justice. Norman Cousins cause there is only one EAU, ,, __ Our New A ddress Still Downtown, still in Over-the-Rhine! G reater C i nc i n nati Coal ition for the Homeless & Streetvi bes 11 7 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (51 3) 42 1 - 7803 through the system to document cut you can afford a pool in your own backyard.,, �Page 11 STREETVIBES November, 2003 Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church was the scene of the final touch-up actress Piper Davis received from make-up artist prior to responding to the director's Th roug h Ou t Eyes Reflections on call: Lights, Camera, Action! Homelessness Photo b Jerome Manigan The book, Through Our Eyes, a collaboration of Cincinnati 's Mother of Mercy High School and the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless. . . . Through Our Eyes: Reflections on Homelessness takes you on a experiential journey of learning by high school students as they leave their suburban comfort zones to explore the world of the inner-city homeless of Cincinnati. A collaboration of Cincinnati's Mother of Mercy High School and the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless, Through Our Eyes attempts to educate other high school students and the larger com­ munity about omelessness through stories of homeless DEAR R EADERS! Send us you r Vendor Stories Do you have a favorite Streetvibes Vendor that you would like to tell us about ? Send us your stories or comments to: and formerly homeless individuals, reflections, art­ Streetvibes@juno.com work and photography. The books are available from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless for $10 each, plus $3 shipping and handling. Make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for th.e Homeless, 117 East 12th Str et, Cincinnati Ohio 45202. For more information call (513) 421-7803 Help build a powerful , resident led organizationl Streetvibes 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati. Ohio 45202 The GCCH would like to thank these Starbucks locations for their generous donation of coffee and The Republic Street & Vine Street_ Block pastries : Clubs are fighting for the rights of low­ income residents in Over-the-Rhine and they are going strong. Block clubs are forming in other parts of the neighborhood , too. 11379 Montgomery (513) 4_69-1111 Road 3366 Erie Avenue Call the Contact Center at 381 -4242 or stop by 1 227 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine to learn mo re abo ut how you can get involved with these resident led organ'i zations. or - East Hyde Park (513) 533-3402 7896 Montgomery (513) 891- 7740 Road ' �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Page 12 Ameri ca's Fam i l i es i n Red Alert by Lynn Williams Ohio Empowerment Coalition To chants of "One, two, three, four" "Stop the War on the Poor !" the Cincinnati Welfare . Rights Coalition rallied at the Cincinnati Federal Building on September 26 to urge Congress and the President to spend $87 Billion on family security programs in America. The President has proposed spending $87 Billion on the Iraq war effort & "rebuilding" Iraq. The W RC issued a Family Security Act to publicly state that America's Families are now in a Red Alert because of high unemployment, high poverty rates, lack of affordable housing, child care, and lack of health insurance. Congress should be helping families in crisis right here in America. The $ 87 Billion would go a long way to help alleviate her poem, "America Has Turned Its poverty on the Home Front. Back on the Very Poor". While At the same time that police officers across the street President Bush wants to prolong the intervention and military patrol of Iraq, he has proposed reducing programs: Medicaid funding for poor & disabled Americans, cuts in Veterans' benefits, cuts in housing vouchers for Americans, and reducing funding for child care and TANF funding. There is a "War on the Poor" right here in America Participants in the rally signed "billion dollar bills" to list what they wanted the $ 87 Billion to help provide. Carrie Eagles stated, "43 million Americans do pay for more health care in America. Ohio taxpayers will be paying $2.6 Billion of the $87 Billion. $2.6 Billion could instead provide Health Care for 1 Yi million children or 350,000 adults in Ohio. I want a say in how my taxpaying dollars are spent !" Katy Heins, lead organizer of the rally, urged people to call and write Senator Voinovich and DeWine of Ohio. "Let them know what you want your tax paying dollars to provide. Let them know what you want $ 87 Billion of taxpayer 's money to be used for. They need to hear from YOU !" She further stated, "New poverty rates have just been released today by the U.S. Census. They show, sadly, that the official of children in America in poverty is the Welfare Rights Coalition, read may not survive. Goodfolk, come together now, let us all stand hand in hand Protesting the oppression of the poor throughout our land. Our voices must cry out as one, or silenced we may be. Let us shout from every roof-top, "our children will live free. " Our children need to learn Our children need to eat. They need homes to live in They need shoes on their feet. " The Welfare Rights · up from 1 1 . 7 in 200 1 . The number Vera Zlatkin, a poet with The Contact Center and Welfare Rights Coalition crew Jails are more important, they keep the poor in line. Those people now in power have declared war on the poor; Proclaiming us the enemy of all that's rightfrom shore to shore. They even put a "Contract" out on our very lives The time has come to rally or we this country ! I want my dollar to families are truly in a Red Alert." "America has turned its back on the very poor. The people who are in control are closing every door. They took away the money to help us get back on ourfeet. They would rather see us begging for handouts on the street. As the homeless grow in number, the rich grow richer still. Our grandmas and our grandpas go all day without a meal. Jobs are disappearing; our schools are in decline. not even have health insurance in now 1 2 . 1 million. America's kept close eyes on us, Vera read bravely, her voice ringing out clear and strong with rising indignation: many of America's low-income poverty rate is now 1 2. 1 percent, Zach Fisher of the Contact Center speaks out . Coalition thanks everyone who endorsed and came out in support of the Action. For more information on how you can get involved and next steps call the Contact Center at 5 1 3/38 1 -4242 or 1 -877-862-5 179. Vera Zlatkin of the Welfare Rights Coalition National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 1506 Elm Street Ci nci nnati , OH 45202 homelesscivi l right.s@yahoo.com Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (513) 421-7803 �Page 13 STREETVIBES November, 2003 It Makes You . Wonder by Mrs. Mary Gaffney Being of African and Indian and hear the news too; you would suddenly stopped me and asked, be surprised what children are "Why is it so hard here, that the thinking. We like to say they are homeless were supposedly born in the children of tomorrow, but they the land of the free, home of the are also the children of today; Michael Gaffney, an Irishman, who brave, and all men are equal?" comparing the past with what is These people have no one to help going on in modem times - it make you wonder. Indian name. The name Gaffney ' came from a man of Irish descent. descent, and my great grand of her heritage, my Grand daughter I have a little hi tory of daughter, who at times comes to came to the state of South me with questions and problems Carolina. "Spartanburg District" them, I told her, or keep them with what is happening in today's was changed to "Gaffney", a little some don.'t even world, has seen and talked with the town named after him. He died like them. homeless. Since I am around September 6th, 1 854. homeless people and she spends When In his will, the slaves were some of the land time with me, I want her to know to be given a portion of the land by owners left land about the lives of different people, his wife, and during those times for some of the some who are not able to have slaves carried the names of their slaves to live on, homes or the owner, who carrying their nice things was Gaffney. owners name into that we have. My grand the future, I told First, she daughter's her that there are wanted to great great only so many know who great things that people my ancestors grandfather's can do for the were. And name was homeless. then, who are Vernon her ancestors, Gaffney. His question she had her father, father's name was can the and her great was Plea homeless find a grandfather? Gaffney. place to call their I explained Vernon got own, like what that our grandfather's Miss Mary Gaffney The next married to slave owners did Alma Bonner for their slaves? great grandfather were American­ who was also African and Indian. It makes you Indians. He also had brothers named wonder when 1 1 William Gaffney and Sherman year-olds put Then she asked how she and the family got her name. Gaffney was not an African or d these questions to Gaffney. During the long discussion you. They see Vernon Gaffney and Alma Bonner . a ney The Men of the Savage Nation by Gray Dog These are men who want '" ' very far. He lost a job he never to sound so strong and dangerous . welfare, union members, addicts, should have had doing TV football They' re pretty small people after immigrants, the list goes on. But coverage for saying something he all. Dope boys like to seem strong environmentalists, people on to sound strong and dangerous. not too far. They are not angry at never should have said. And he's and dangerous, so do school yard Teenage boys_want to sound or contemptuo s of rich people, checked into a treatment center for bullies. The dope boys rule their strong and dangerous, but these religious hypocrites, Republicans, an addiction, a reluctantly admitted comers ; the bullies rule the school are grown men. Well-paid, well­ business interests, normal people, addiction, to OxyContin and other yard. The men of Talk Radio rule regarded. They speak with white people in general. pain killers. the AM airwaves confidence, they miss no steps. Vermin. Moron, Idiot. I feel for him as I do for any No one gets over on them, they Piece of crap. Sick. Just some of addict. But he1ll not have to look take no guff, allow no the names you might lie called if for transitional housing when he1s you disagree with Michael Savage, finished. equivocation, brook no nonsense. They are the men of Talk Radio . . . I won't say I know them He1ll not have to face living probably the. nastiest of the group. His real name is Michael Wiener, on the street. He' ll not have to but his real name doesn't sound wonder who watches the kids while all -I don1t want to know them strong or dangerous, so he goes he completes his program. He' ll all. The few I know disturb me by his invented name and calls his have it tough; he' ll have a career to enough. show the Savage Nation. I don1t rebuild. But I listen. There is know what e hopes to add to our But I can1t help but something compelling about them, national discussion by labeling his so I listen. Probably too much, for opponents such names, but he the more I listen the more I am does make a dangerous sound and devoid of compassion, now he disturbed. Because, at bottom, when he escalates from calm voice asks for mercy, calls for these are disturbing people. to a rant in sixty seconds. What compassion. Okay, we can give (Going even further to the bottom, do you do with vermin? You kill that. Be' s spent years mocking the them. What do you do with crap? idea of treatment, belittling the idea · You flush it away. Is this what he of help for the addict. We can also means by a savage nation? He's already called for putting peace activists into immigrant, the union worker, the internment camps. He was fired addict the same mercy and now humbled Rush Limbaugh, j ust from his TV gi,g for wishing death compassion you expect for to name a few- all offer a steady on a caller. What else would he yourself. emotional discharge of anger and have his savage nation do? radicals, feminists, pacifists, And now we witness the downfall of Rush Limbaugh. Okay, so he hasn1t fallen (513) 621-5514 ask for it in return. From now on, North, Michael Savage, and the and contemptuous of liberals, Ci nci nnati , O h i o 45202 Rush, show the welfare mother, the Radio--Sean Hannity, Oliver of contempt. They are angry at Peas lee Neighborhood Center . 2 1 5 East 14th Street Over-the-Rh i ne addicts on his program. Merciless not here to diagnose.) all are men - white men) of Talk strong? remember the times he has mocked - I think they are disturbed, but I am These men (yes, nearly But are they really so Can it be that hard? So these are just two of the men of Talk Radio, who combine hardness and hypocrisy, who seek Empoweri ng our neighborhood children - through peace , art and educati on �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Wa r Zone A Song of Wind Ar t & Poe try Page 14 KI LLIN' T I M E Is It Enough? byjh . by Belinda Latham Submitted by Dr. Steve A cold night when the wind pulls Sunderland down the stars. We keep watch in our kitchen and Gather your daughters and sons hear Round up all your guns. the wind rattle the black branches Head down to the WalMart, of the trees. The fighting's about to start. It sets loose shingles; they sail ' . it's Killin' Time again. across the yard like black, winged Carpet Bombs birds. Chemical alarms It flaps out the jackets of old AK47's, M- 1 6's, bullets, bombs magazines and granades, and they prattle down the street. It-snows the petals from the cherry lights in the sky, little boy about to die. tree in the park Tune into CNN and bangs the trash cans over the the show's's about to begin. sidewalks. It's Killin' Time again. I think of the crows It's Killin' Time again. bobbing and h_uddled on their politician's lying, narrow perches sons and daughters are dying, and of the deer in their stands of bullet to the back of the head, willow another dream is dead. and of the refugee It's Killin' Time again. who staggers across the spine of a Who's keeping score? Balkan mountain Who's winning the war? and of the homeless Is it NBC or CNN? pressed into doorways Epiphany Is it the politician who's lying? or tunneled in the deepest by Robert Bhlnchard Is it the soldier who lays dying? chambers of the alleys, Is it the mother who sheds a tear, each of them pierced by the wind Dawn pinked but briefly the desert child who cowers in as by a nail. in the eastern skies, fear? The wind does not invade the dark 'til it surrendered to the blue. In the end does it even matter who rooms of the mole Sleepy street lights dimmed wins? with his walls, of earth and closed their eyes, or his ceiling of grass. it was the time to make it through. We're all just Killin' Time. He digs and snuffles in the dark and the wind is no more to him Staccato accents bleated than a rumor. to traffic's roar and smoke, He hears it as one, well-insulated, silencing the soft shuffle of feet. might hear a fight in the street, Broken men in broken shoes or a noise of traffic, listened and in turn spoke, or a distant war. of their epiphany in the street. But all other things of flesh shrink under the cut of the wind. If I Can Help "I found a loaf of wheat bread," They hunker down, by Robert Manassa_ pointing to a door, search out holes for hiding. "I got us some sardines to share." Possum-still, they move so little, If I can help someone today Here were loaves and fishes we would think them stones. If I can help someone who is lost reverently eaten by these poor, We listen in our kitchen, barely find their way in a communion of brotherly care. moving, If I can offer someone a helping and hope ourselves safe. hand The day was slowly passing But the Serbian wind mocks us. Somej:hing, or anything to in its concession to the night, It searches out each crack and understand the world wound down still to rest. seam. A single star was shining It whistles in the chimney like a . Things in this life aren't always brightly as flowing light, great, clay pipe. easy surely, tomorrow, again would be It presses against eacli pane of So let's stop thinking, and living blessed. glass fancy-free to tell us, how thin are these walls, Complaining will never, ever help Reprinted with permission of how near we are to naked. All you need i,s to make that first Robert Blanchard and Spare step Do I love you enough Enough to accept you not liking me Do I love you enough Enough to speak the truth Do I love you enough Enough to speak out of a pure mind Do I love you enough Enoug to accept you rejecting me Do I love you enough Enough that the word I speak will bring joy to your soul Do I love you enough Enough for you to love Around the stirring dust and broken bricks bullets fly, and men cry, Taking cover behind the wall, falling to the ground in pieces, Shattering the quiet noon, Crushing the wounded innocents, Scattering the gathered crowd, Screams of anguish, and broken bone . . . The battle rages on for seconds and hours. The quiet injured lay in wait as medics assemble the scattered remnants, and remove them from the urban neighborhood . . . Bubble Coat byjh Tiny head, poking through the padding. Arms stiff, Like a clumsy robot. Twirling about the ax.is, of chaos and shame. And acts that embarrass even a hardened man. A monster, a child, in death, even then, lost. Twirling then, about the broken axis. And always returning to the same. The shame. Like a clumsy robot. Dead. · · by Anna McCree Change News, Cambridge, MA, USA If you need a true friend I'm ready to aid you until the end Remember, all you have belongs to God He's the King of King's and the Lord of Lord's · Lost liberties, Gained generations, Restricted rights, Consuming confrontations,. Segregated selections, Integrated intelligence, Mass mutilation, Dedication deprived, Liberating leaders, Celebrated successes, of our African American Ancestors �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Art & Poe try Page 15 Lost Souls U nity A nother by David M. Meyer The more I try to be something else The less I begin to be If I would just learn how to be myself Then life I would truly see · Although people want me to be, Just what they want me to be The bottom line is what they must seek For truly I have come to learn To learn the righteous Live and the wicked bum Everlasting life for you, Everlasting life for me, The key to finishing this race Is simple unity In the Lord we are free . . .. by Christopher Moore They roam the land by day and night In no certain direction until it's just right. Very cautious and scared most always confused, In search of a friend or somewhere to be used. A home is in need but not all will be blessed. Some find shelter to the streets with the rest. Their bellies are empty in search of some food, Bodies get kicked and hopelessly abused. Age plays no favor nor does the sex, Your world too could end up in this mess. Most won't face up to it because it's not them, But sometimes I wish we were all thrown in. Then most would realize what the whole pictures about, And open their hearts to the homeless no doubt. People don't realize their blessings in disguise, If you don't help the homeless you' ll find yourself wise. Another night living on the street Strug ling to eat Lookin' for heat It's the middle of January That's an incredible feat Another night livin' in pain Robbin' _somebody, that's lame Getting in da' game Will things ever change? Nope. They still the same Another week and it still ain't easy Clothes worn. out, dirty and greasy Money ain't comin ' , dinner still measly But I ' m gon' make it through Another day, believe me From Big Ro n by Anthony Watkins I feel the need to reach to teach. Folks, I be even worse if I never spoke just choke the insight, things. I write is true but you will. Feel what I do to you true never under estimate the opposition never think folks just thinking that leads to wig splittin' , bullets spitin' at you, true, sometimes 5 just don't know what to do live for self. Move in stealing mind on my wealth breaking your health, why hurtful. Action, this is survival of the fittest mentally and physically sense I'm the one, I get animosity, hell, you won't stop me, I rise everyday like the sun. Soldiers Song by Gary Lehmann A soldiers eyes slam open interrupting the dead of the night like a bayonet in the belly. Ancient fears, forgotten features. His lady brings him water. It'll be all right now, honey." Shutter Speed Meat Celebration, Findlay Market For infor111,ation on submitting your RP �, , : art · to StkEFllFVIBES emaU ­ Streetvilles@juno.com by Jimmy Heath ( �News & Editorial STREETVIBES November, 2003 Apathy? Not Q u ite by Rod Owens It confidently declared that it would "form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessjngs of li rty for ourselves and our posterity." And with that brief utterance, We the People simultaneously willed into being both the Constitution of the United States of America and American democracy. The very foundation of the American political institution has always relied upon its citizens to continue articulating their will in the promoti<:m of public welfare. Voting is the principle avenue in which we exercise our will. When we do not vote, we become voiceless-, bound within a system where others determine our welfare and public policy and can potentially morph from the liberator of individuals and groups to their oppressor. By forfeiting the most essential privilege as citizens, we become political slaves, powerless in securing liberty for posterity or ourselves. Some critics with an eye towards the democratic health of American politics warn that many of us are losing our voice in this system. They recognize tha:t a majority of Americans between the ages of 1 8 and 30 simply do not take part in this primary aspect of democratic participation. It is a trend that has been developing over the past 40 years. They foresee this crisis as the inevitable breakdown of democracy--or is it? The imperative question is: Why aren't young Americans voting and how does this relate to record numbers of this group still engaged in community transformation? The Center for Information and Research on Civic Leaming and Engagement (CIRCLE) reveals that Americans between the ages of 1 8 and 30 are now the largest group of legal voters in the nation, and the least likely to vote. Poor political engagement among this demographic has been traced back to the 1 972 elections, when people between the ages of 1 8 and 2 1 were first eligible to vote. The Committee for the Study of the American Electorate explains that from 1 972 to 1 998, turnout by 1 824-year-olds declined by almost 35 percent. Moreover, during the November elections of 2002, with key races pending, less than 1 3 percent of young Americans were predicted to cast their votes. Even the controversial Presidential elections of 2000 saw two-out-ofthree young Americans forfeit their vote. In a report released by the Carnegie Corporation, current trends reveal that since 1 960, each new generation has voted less than the generation before. In addition, as each group of young Americans progress to higher age brackets, they still vote less than the bracket they replaced. Critics predict that we are on the verge of creating a permanent non-voting class. Though we may understand how young Americans are becoming less politically engaged, the most important consideration in this puzzle may be related to why young Americans are less active. A report complied by Harvard University's Institute of Politics exposes that young Americans' disillusionment with American politics might be having a direct impact on their democratic participation. According to the report, 64 percent of those surveyed do not trust the government to do the right thing most or all of the time. 74 percent believe that politicians are motivated by selfish reasons while seven percent strongly agree that political activity is worthwhile. Some experts point out that recent events including the Iraq War are contributing even more to young Americans' perception of the . government as corrupt, untrustworthy, aggressive, and insensitive to their needs. . .__ ....r Former U.S. Senator and sociopolitical commentator Eugene McCarthy once declared, "Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important." Yet, what if young Americans do understand the game to such an extent that they consciously tum from political engagement to something they feel will create the most effective change? Maybe they're tired of playing dumb and direct community action is the most fulfilling choice for them? Though young Americans may be the least politically engaged generation in recent history, they have proven to be the most socially responsible generation, committing themselves to community empowerment through service, advocacy, and activism. The Harvard report also discloses that 86 percent of young Americans agree that volunteering in the community is easier than volunteering in politics. Overall, 85 percent prefer community service to political engagement as the better way to solve important issues facing their communities. Moreover, 60 percent prefer service to political engagement as the better way to solve important issues facing the country. CIRCLE also reports that over 40 percent of young Americans are volunteering and concludes that this group is more likely to volunteer than any other demographic of Americans. Young Americans' dedication to community as their B erta's Art Cor n er Page 16 means of social transformation is evident through their work in living wage campaigns, community organizing, tutoring, working with homeless outreach organizations, protesting and demonstrating, working with health education groups, and other initiatives. Perhaps it is the personal interaction with those they are empowering that motivates them. Perhaps results are clearer and more rewarding than traditional political engagement. Yet despite these beliefs, the most lasting and effective change will come when young Americans unite their passion for community empowerment with the political institution that has power to establish the policies to support lasting change. In the end, despite the apparent inadequacies of the American political system, it is still our best means to ensure the general welfare. "Politics is one of the only ways to truly make a difference," explains Hannah Kane, a senior at Emerson College in Boston. "Though I am often disillusioned with politicians, I still believe in the American political process." Michael, a student at a local Boston college, is active in the community and also still sees the importance of democratic participation. "I think every generation is great in their own way. Today's young adults are smarter than ever before. We will face new challenges and we will meet them." Reprinted from Whats Up, Boston, MA, August 2003 2003 Cincinnati Baseball Bench, "Johnny's Bench " Artist: Frank Stanton 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. �S TREETVIBES November, 2003 News & Editorial Cincinnati A dvocates A ttend DC Conference by Georgine Getty, Executive Director, GCCH The National Coalition for the Homeless sponsored its annual conference, Bringing America Home, October 6 through October 8 in Washington, D.C. The focus of this conference was the Bring America Home Act (HR 2.897), which strives to end homelessness by providing housing for all. The Bring America Home Act starts at the grassroots and works up, instead of flowing from the top down, stated Dr. Bob Erlenbusch, chair of the Bring . America Home Campaign. The Act would provide for 1 .5 million units of housing by 20 10, quality health care access for everyone, a universal living wage, and civil rights for people experiencing homelessness. Erlenbusch went on to critique the current administration, stating that for the cost of one day of war in Iraq, 1400 low-income housing units could be built. Further, the administration has MY RESPONS ll11 L11l ES steadfastly refused to support a National Housing Trust Fund. Erlenbusch then blasted the administration's de-funding of long-term solutions to homelessness in favor of focusing on the "chronically homeless." Erlenbusch called this initiative "too limited in scope" and "watery." Phillip Mangano of the Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness disagreed with Erlenbusch on several points, stating that the administration has made chronic homelessness a priority, but has not focused exclusively on the chronically homeless. Mangano further challenged the National Coalition for the Homeless to create INQUDEO 11UDGETING. FOR EVOCATION, HOUS ING. TRANSPORTATION AND HEALTH CARE... state "advocacy councils" to teach cities how to more efficiently tap into federal dollars. He stated that he would love to see states and cities sitting at the table with the federal government and working together for solutions. Finally, keynote speaker Stuart Acuff, Organizing Director of the AFL-CIO, brought the crowd to their feet by asserting "no one has the power to deny dignity to any of God's children." He spoke of the power of people linking arms together for a common cause and how we are all in this struggle together. The National Coalition for the Homeless Annual Bringing America Home Conference will be held in Washington, DC. The conference included workshops on health, civil rights, education/child/ youth/family, economic justice, and Legal Strategies to end homelessness. Around 300 advocates from across the country attended the conference . .· ...AS waL AS NEGOTI ATING WITH STATE, LOCAL AND FEOERAL AGENCI ES. I WAS ON WELFARE AFTER MY HUS8ANO t>I Et>. Page 17 Support your local 5-treetvi bes Vendor! �STREETVIBES November, 2003 Turn ' Em O ut about who's in power if you don' t by Michelle Spatz vote. · Page 18 on his way to reaching it. Currently, about 40 of the Amid the political cynicism "It is important that we 60 residents of Dignity are challenge of finding a legitimate home address to write on their registration card. A home address of today, it is ref eshing to meet a have the homeless registered to registered voters. People living on is also required for services such as person who is optimistic, vote so that we may elect officials the streets often have difficulty the Oregon Health Plan and food enthusiastic and shows a genuine that understand and are obtaining political information. stamps. concern for our community. sympathetic to issues other than As outreach coordinator "Residents of Portland and In the past, McCarthy has those solely concerning big arranged for politicians such as of all cities need the opinions and and treasurer at Dignity Village, business and wealthy Americans," Oregon Secretary of State Bill feedback of people from diverse Tim McCarthy is such a person. he said. Bradbury and Multnomah County backgrounds, places and socio­ Commissioner Serena Cruz to economic situations to have a He speaks to students from Within Dignity Village, the elementary school to college, tent city for that is home to speak at Dignity Village about functional and just community," business groups and other approximately 60 residents, political issues and to answer according to McCarthy. Despite organizations about issues McCarthy encourages political questions. surrounding homelessness, activism. He attempts to convince Many obstacles arise, numerous obstacles, he is working to help make this a reality with the emphasizing the fact that no one is all people that their votes count however, in the effort to increase encouragement of local politicians, immune to homelessness. and encourages awareness of voter registration among the including Cruz, City Commissioner political issues. He hands out homeless. One of these obstacles is Erik Sten and Mayor Ve a Katz. cards to anyone at Dignity who is the obvious need for a home in the small town of New not registered to vote and asks address. Washington , Ohio, McCarthy said thein to simply print their riame. From the time he was a newly registered 1 8-year-old voter he has believed that it is a person's Those living at Dignity are And finally, his message to us all: "Get registered to vote. It is your duty and your privilege:" able to use the Dignity Village Reprinted from street roots, civic duty to vote. He makes the 1 00 percent of Dign_ity Village address, but those who do not live Portland, Oregon point that "you can never complain residents registered and he is well in such a community face the It is McCarthy's goal to get " B umfights" Seq uel Release is a Cause for Alarm much. You gotta see this." separate reality with fiction and in- times during filming. In the end, Attention then spread like brushfire tum has fueled youth violence. But homeless people are usually beat each other for food, beer, and to nearly every major national this video isn't fiction. Kids get the hopeless of justice or protection. money. One bloodied homeless media station and paper, and within idea that this harassment is ok, man pummels his foe into a public a week it had gained international older teens realize they probably toilet. Another homeless man tears attention as people in Europe and won' t get caught, and twenty year four yea: study ( 1 999-2002) on by Christopher Herring In front of a camera, they The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) released a out his teeth with pliers and rocks. the Middle East started placing in olds concoct projects in which they hate crimes and violence Others allow teenagers to urinate orders over the net at too can make money off of similar committed against the homeless on them and scrub them with a www.bumfights.com. Sales rose exploitations. Like the producers of and noticed an alarming trend in mop, while tied to a tree. sharply to 300,000 copies of the a new video in Canada, with a $ 1 9 .99 videotape in a few weeks, abuses. This report can be found flashy website like bumfights.com on www.nationalhomeless.org. In filmmakers from featuring these along with other merchandise called "Crazy Pricks." This video many cases, young people - in degrading and blatantly exploitive including thousands of "Rufus the includes scenes of twenty year olds some cases, packs of them - were sequences into their latest project Stunt Bum" sweaters. driving around in their SUV asking responsible for the attacks. In the Nothing could stop four released this month; "Bumfights 2 : The legal course turned out homeless men for directions, past four years 2 1 2 hate crimes and Bumlife," not even four to be more of an annoyance to the punching them, and then driving violent acts have been reported. Of misdemeanor convictions, seven filmmakers than any sort of barrier, away laughing hysterically. the 2 1 2 attacks, non-homeless felony charges, three civil lawsuits, and maybe not even that and condemnation on the floor of considering the extended media So it is no surprise that two most recent cases that occurred last attackers have killed 1 23 homeless people. The oldest seventy four years old; the youngest four the U.S. House of Representatives. coverage it gained from the eight- August involved camcorders. In Already banned in some countries, month process. As the case Chicago, four teenagers videotaped months old, homeless people have many will consider this sequel just disintegrated each step of the way; themselves beating up and urinating been p lted with paint balls, as alarming as its predecessor. charges dropped and downgraded, on homeless people. In Cleveland, beheaded, set on fire, clubbed with the four filmmakers ended up teenagers videotaped themselves 2 by 4s, doused with lye, stabbed, sentenced to a three-year shocking homeless men in their and other varieties of execution; The original, "Burnfights: A Cause for Concern," was released in the summer of 2002. It too is probation, $500 fine, and 250 genitals with stun guns. '.'I' ve never indiscriminate and vicious solely interwoven with "ruckus" of high hours of community service for .the seen anything like it in 1 8 years, ·because these people have no school kids, and shows a man homeless. I wonder if·the two except on TV," said Sgt. Ray home. setting his hair on fire; a man who would consider this sequel viable Burner, whose seen the tapes of the smokes crack and defecates on the hours. I pity the social worker that Cleveland incident. "Did you ever trend, long-awaited sequel, and the sidewalk; and a segment of a man gets stuck with these two. see the movie 'Jackass?' Well, start-ups of look-alike production that's essentially what we' re talking companies, the NCH along with about." over 400 other organizations are tying, gagging, and marking People like myself may now In response to ttiis serious sleeping homeless men. Billed as even participate in this profiteering. the star is "Rufus the Stunt Bum," Though the site said explicitly "No who voluntarily rams his head into Bum Footage," If I had learned one have a cell phone to call 9 1 1 , many Accounting Office (GAO) fast-food restaurant signs and thing it was that these kids never breaks his best friends leg in a really mean what they say. I are not considered rea onable . witnesses because they suffer from extent of violent acts against dangerous brawl. recently emailed the producers alcoholism or mental illness, police homeless people. As of now, no explaining to them that I dressed don ' t specifically track hate crimes one really knows how far this When the controversy Homeless people don't requesting a U . S . General investigation into the scope and started, its burden was of little up like a cop, tackled sleeping against those experiencing problem reaches into our culture. concern to the now millionaires of homeless people, tied them up and homelessness, and all the while But in a country where such the "fastest selling independent gagged them, kicked them a few municipalities across the country lucrative abusive business is legal, I movie of all time" according to co- times, and then painted them. I, of are passing anti-vagrancy/homeless often wonder what Howard Stem producers and Las Vegas natives course, insured them that I paid laws pushing the most vulnerable finds so shocking. Ray Laticia and Ty Beeson. each $5 and got them to sign population into the shadows and For the full report on how the film was release forms, after the attacks that isolated situations. In the case of is. In the same day I received their the original "Burnfights," no Stem exulted the movie as response: "Sounds great. Send it investigation was ever sought until "Jackass to the extreme . . . I ' m i n . By the way, show love to the a nurse had realized that Rufus · for the Homeless and can be reached at shocked and I ' m not shocked by bums. We love the bums." Hannah and his friend had been cherring @ nationalhomeless. org. Sales were steady until famed "news" radio host Howard Some say that kids can't admitted to the hospital several made, legal proceedings, and press reports visit www. nationalhomeless.org Chris Herring is a 1 9-year old Civil Rights Intern at the National Coalition �Page 19 STREETVIBES November, 2003 F RAC News USDA AWARDS $4.6 MILLION IN COMMUNITY FOOD BENEFITS REACH ABOUT food boxes went to 780,000 people can qualify through USDA to $52 MILLION (Times-Dispatch, during the fiscal year, representing accept food stamps. Being able to Richmond, VA, October 1 5, 2003) One-time disaster food stamp · a total increase of 82 percent over accept food stamps "can increase a the past seven years. Steve store's annual revenues by 5 to 20 assistance to needy Virginians Randolph, of the Oregon Food percent,'' says Terry Haan, ORGANIZATIONS (U.S . affected by Hurricane Isabel in B ank, cites welfare reform, Speedline co-owner. Department o f Agriculture, . mid-September may total about recession and middle-class worker http://www.pizzamarketplace.com/ October 1 6, 2003) $52 million (currently $45 .9 million layoffs in the last couple of years as news story.htm?i= 1 7 1 1 4 PROJECT GRANTS TO 28 Secretary of Agriculture Ann has been accounted for) when all reasons for the spike in demand. Veneman announced 28 grants localities complete their application http://www.oregonlive.com/news/ MISSOULA HUNGER totaling more than $4.6 million to processes. Electronic benefit oregonian/index.ssf?/base/ SUMMIT IN MONTANA non-profit organizations in 20 transfer (EBT) cards containing a front page/ FOCUSES ON COORDINATED 1 065873679272280.xml SOLUTIONS (Missoulian, states as part of USDA's one-time allotment have already Community Food Projects been distribut d to 1 22,000 Competitive Grants Program: households to serve people who SOUP KITCHEN IN HARLEM About 35 nonprofit agencies "These grants invest in innovative lost time from work, food, or OFFERS HEALTHIER FARE, involved in anti.,hunger efforts in community-based projects that will property as a result of the storm. NUTRITION EDUCATION Missoula County organized the also provide access to nutritious In the seven days when disaster (Columbia Spectator, Student Missoula Hunger Summit to food for those in _need,'' said food stamp claims were being Newspaper of Columbia University, discuss coordination and long-term Secretary Veneman. The accepted, jurisdictions in the October 1 3 , 2003) efforts. Participants will discuss Missoula, MT, October 2003) announcement came as part of a Richmond area received thousands The Community Kitchen of West coordinating food distribution, World Food Day Symposium in of new applications and approved Harlem in New York City, which is transportation barriers for clients, Des Moines, Iowa. World Food 90 percent of them. Richmond run by t.he Community Food collecting data and the underlying Day is celebrated every October 1 6 took 1 8,500 new applications; Resource Cet?-ter, serves healthy causes of hunger. A permanent i n recognition o f the founding of Henrico County took 6,030; meals made with a nutritious Missoula County Hunger Council the United Nations Food and Chesterfield County took 5,675; balance of food groups, has a food will be formed as a result of the Agriculture Organization. The and Hanover County took 1 ,5 80. pantry offering fresh fruits and upcoming summit and a second press release contains a list of Regular food stamp recipients vegetables, and runs a culinary summit scheduled for January organizations that won awards, automatically received replacement training program. The Community 2004. The council will address listed by state. benefits totaling more than $4 Food Resource Center tries to long term issues associated with http://www.usda.gov/news/ million. combat hunger and poverty by hunger. The summit is fun ed by a releases/2003/1 0/0358 .htm http://www.tirnesdispatch.com/ improving nutrition and access to grant from the Montana Faith­ servlet/Satellite ?pagename= nutrition. The group's programs Health Demonstration Project and OVERALL W ELFARE RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD range from food stamp pre­ Altria Corporation. Part of the SPENDING SHIFTS FROM B asicArticle&c= screeners throughout the city to Altria grant is also aimed at the CASH ASSISTANCE TO MGArticle&cid= 1 03 1 77 1 554645 _ CHILD CARE, OTHER outreach concerning nutrition development of a coalition to programs for children. improve nutrition for area seniors. SERVICES (New York Times, FOOD BANK USE IN October 1 3 , 2003) http:// http://www.missoulian.com/ OREGON INCREASES lO www.columbiaspectator.com/ Statistics complied by the U.S. articles/2003/1 0/1 1/news/local/ PERCENT IN ONE Y EAR vnews/display. vIART/2003/10/ 1 3/ Department of Health and Human news05.txt (Oregonian, Portland, OR, October 3f8a68cb3cbb8 Services show that welfare 1 1 , 2003) spending has shifted from cash According to the Oregon Food SOFTWARE FOR PIZZERIAS assistance to child care, education, Bank, demand for emergency food HELPS DETERMINE IF A training, transportation and other News Digest go to: boxes j umped by 1 0 percent VENDOR CAN ACCEPT FOOD services designed to help low­ http://capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ between July 1 , 2002 and June 30, STAMPS AND THEREBY income people get and maintain 2003, the fifth straight year of INCREASES REVENUES (Pizza jobs. Money spent on noncash Ben Winter double digit increases in demand. Marketplace, Press Release, assistance j umped from 23 percent Food Research and Action Center The number of Oregonians October 1 4, 2003) of total spending in 1 997 to 56 1 875 Connecticut Avenue, NW receiving food stamps has also The Speedline company, which percent in 2002. Sharon Parrott of Suite 540 increased by 1 2 percent over the makes marketing software for the Center on Budget and Policy Washington, DC 20009 same one-year period. Some pizzerias, touts the latest version of Priorities notes that, while the child (202) 986-2200 x30 1 9 phone 406,000 people in the state now its software by pointing out how it care, transportation and other (202) 986-2525 fax receive food stamps. Emergency will help a vendor determine if it Email: bwinter@frac.org The web site is http://www.frac.org · services now available have been a To subscribe to the weekly FRAC great help to people trying to hold down low-paying jobs, "[f]alling caseloads amid rising poverty are cause for concern." More than 34 million Americans lived in poverty in 2002, up from 3 1 .6 million in 2000. At the same time welfare t Vendor : 80 cents caseloads dropped by 800,000 people. "While cash assistance caseloads were falling by half,'' said Mark Greenberg of the Center for Law and Social Policy, "state child care caseloads were doubling, to about two million. Politically there is much more support for child care than for cash assistance." http://www.nytimes.com/2003/ l 01 1 3 /politics/1 3WELF.html (free registration required) IN VIRGINIA, TOTAL DISASTER FOOD STAMP Printing and Production: 20 here Your ol lar oes . . . The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our: office at 421-7803 for more information about the program. Many thanks for your support. �nt to H If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Mt. Airy Center · Ip? 661 -4620 Vol unteers of Amer. 381 -1 954 SH ELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) 357-4602 761 - 1 480 Friars Club 381 -5432 Drop I n n Center listed below. 721 -0643 Haven House 863-8866 Women's Shelter (Toll Free) 872-9259 1 -888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 . Welcome House 859-431 -87 1 7 Women's Crisis Center 859-491 -3335 SHELTER: Men City Gospel I nterfaith 471 -1 1 00 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 861 -1 1 1 1 St. John's Housing 651 -6446 HOUSING: CMHA Excel Development 632-71 49 Miami Purchase 241 -0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 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 558-8888 632-71 86 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221 -361 9 Legal Aid Society 241 -9400 271 -5501 Tom Geiger House 961 -4555 Mary Magdalen House McMicken Dental TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House 784-1 853 Prospect House 921 -1 6 1 3 Starting Over 961 -2256 TREATMENT: Both 820-2947 N .A. Hopeline A.A. Hotline 351 -0422 C . C .A.T. 381 -6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491 -4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-501 1 D I C Live-I n Program 721 -0643 OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421 -2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621 -5991 at (5 13) 42 1 - 7803, 1 506 Elm Street Beech Acres 231 -6630 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Center for I ndependent Living Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Point Hamilton Co. TB Control Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Full Circle Program 721 -0643 Formed in 1 984, The Greater 946-8600 Mental Health Access Center 241 -2965 Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Health Board 381 -1 1 71 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961 -4663 381 -4941 421 -7803 ' Hamilton Co. Mental 72 1 -8666 241 -0490 House Coalition for the Homeless ReSTOC 241 -5525 St. Francis/St.Joseph Goodwill I ndustries 771 -4800 Tender Mercies Mission (Veterans) 241 -1 064 Fransiscan Haircuts 651 -6468 Homeless Mobile 721 4580 Garden St. House Joseph House 241 -2563 Food bank Caracole (AIDS) Hospitality 381 -4242 Emanuel Center Freestore/ Homeless members SHELTERS: Women and Chi ldren YWCA Battered Contact Center Options Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621 -6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Ceinter 62 1 -551 4 P roject Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center Travelers Aid 471 -4357 721 -7660 U nited Way 721 -7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-31 84 Salvation Army 863-1 445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 241 -2600 Open Door Churches Active in Northside 721 -48 1 1 591 -2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961 -0600 Community Action Agency 569-1 840 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 November 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Standown- Reaching Out, Sharing Resources Pg 2: Home for the Holiday Pg 3: Buddy Gray; He Changed Lives Pg 4: Remembering Buddy Gray, 1950-1996 Pg 5: Homeless Awareness Week Pg 6: The Peace Village Pg 7: The Homeless News Digest Pg 8: Dear Streetvibes Pg 9: Reflections from our Daily Bread Pg 10: Picture the Homeless Pg 11: Through Our Eyes Pg 12: America’s Families in Red Alert Pg 13: It Makes You Wonder The Men of the Savage Nation Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Apathy? Not Quite Pg 17: Cincinnati Advocates Attend DC Conference Pg 18: Turn ‘Em Out “Bumfights” Sequel Release is a Cause for Alarm 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 November 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Elizabeth Linville Linda Pearl Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Advocating Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Brendan Goodwin buddy gray Cincinnati Dc Conference Elizabeth Linville Food Research FRAC Georgine Getty Holidays Homeless Awareness Week Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath Linda Pearl Mary Gaffney News & Editorials panhandling Peace Village Reader Mail Streetvibes https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/54fdf16fb7fc5e3547b5f5829f167070.pdf 2390a898e1efd5722f899891d57fac24 PDF Text Text November, 2004 STREETVIBES Remembering buddy gray From Streetvibes November 2002 by Jimmy Heath November 15th is the sixth anniversary of the shooting death of our good friend Buddy Gray. It was one of those moments in my life that I will always remember. I’ll never forget the details of that day, the horrible reality of the incident that took his life. My friend Donald Whitehead called me at work on that Friday morning and gave me the news that Buddy had been shot to death. The phone dropped out of my hands in disbelief and shock. I left work immediately and caught a bus back into downtown and Over-the-Rhine to join my friends at The Drop Inn Center, trying to figure out what had happened. I was hoping in my confusion for some sort of kinship with the strangers on that bus, some relief, some recognition of my shock, some assurance that everything was going to be alright. Certainly the whole city had heard what happened to Buddy? I wasn’t alone, was I? It was a long, lonely ride on that crowded bus into downtown. Walking to the Drop Inn Center from the bus stop on that bright, sunny morning, I saw the late morning edition of the Post in a paper rack that coldly announced; BUDDY GRAY SHOT DEAD. How could a man, a man that had helped so many, be dead? I thought that he couldn’t be killed. He had 100th ISSUE caught inside each one of us. Like a deadly, choking pressure that begins in your gut and pulls at your heart and bends your back. Why do these horrible days become so indelibly etched into our memories? I guess, that is the irony of the heart, of being human. All these memories make us into what we will eventually become rescued me but could not save himself. The mindless bullets had entered his body and destroyed his flesh. Until that moment, until I saw that indifferent headline in the paper rack, I hadn’t accepted the reality of Buddy’s death. At that moment the truth finally sunk in. Buddy was gone. Taken by violence. I worried about Buddy’s friends and loved ones who were grieving what had happened, and I was dreading the grief I was about to witness at the Drop Inn Center. Access to the Drop Inn Center where Buddy was shot was restricted but Buddy Gray (left) and the late Rev. Maurice McCrackin somehow I made my way through later in life. As Buddy’s life was a the front doors. The cops were long gone and the remnants of what part of me, so was his death. The memory of Buddy’s had happened had been cleaned up. work brought words of comfort and Buddy’s assassin had been arrested on the scene and taken away to jail. admiration from all across the Buddy’s body was being taken care country. And his work and spirit of at University Hospital. Staff and continues to live on to this day. I friends who were not at the hospital see it everywhere, in the buildings, in the people, and in the work he were gathered together at the Drop left behind. This is his legacy and Inn Center. It would be a couple it is what keeps me focused. I hope days until the details of what had happened during the shooting came in the coming years I am up to the task. I hope the good memories of to light. my friendship with Buddy will At that moment though, always remain vivid. there was the grief. The pain was Donald Whitehead joins the NCH as Executive Director From Streetvibes, February 2002 by Jimmy Heath Donald Whitehead has joined the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) as the newly appointed Executive Director. Formerly, Mr. Whitehead has served as a program supervisor at Goodwill Industries and as Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. A Cincinnati native, Whitehead is breaking new ground by becoming the first AfricanAmerican and first formerly homeless Board President, and now Executive Director of the NCH. The National Coalition for the Homeless is the oldest homeless advocacy group in the nation. Its governing board represents 35 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. “NCH has a strong record in advocacy for the homeless, from the McKinney Act to the Community Investment Housing Trust. NCH has continuously steered America towards real solutions to this countries biggest failure,” Whitehead said. Whitehead will direct four focus areas; housing, income, health and civil rights for the homeless. Whitehead hopes to lead a real grassroots effort to end homelessness. “I’ll bring empathy to my work at NCH,” says Whitehead. “I know what it took to end my own homelessness.” For the last 6 years Whitehead has worked in the community as an activist and an advocate for homeless persons. When asked how he felt about leaving Cincinnati to work in Washington, Whitehead said, “I’ve received so much support from so many people and groups here, from the Drop Inn Center, ReSTOC, and many others. I have a great deal of gratitude and I have mixed feelings about leaving too. It’s going to be tough. I’ve had a real healing relationship with all of my family here in Cincinnati. I hope to develop a more inclusive environment for homeless people to get involved in their own advocacy.” Streetvibes 100th Issue Timeline February, 1997 – First issue of Streetvibes published, independently of Cleveland’s Homeless Grapevine. Pat Clifford, director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, remembered the legacy of buddy gray on the first cover. The first printing of Streetvibes was 300 copies. May, 1997 – Streetvibes features a story on the opposition by neighborhood service providers to the proposal for a new Reds Stadium in the neighborhood, fearing its impact on Over-theRhine residents and housing. July, 1997 – Congress finalizes welfare reform, imposing time limits up to five years for continued welfare benefits and granting states greater freedom to impose their own standards for welfare recipients. September, 1997 – All homeless shelters in the city are full. Streetvibes becomes a founding member of the North American Street Newspaper Association and representatives attend the second annual conference. October, 1997 – Streetvibes features an article about the plan to move the location of the Cincinnati School for the Performing Arts (SCPA) to an area near Music Hall, raising concerns about forced relocation of the Drop Inn Center. December, 1997 – ReSTOC, an Over-the-Rhine low-income housing co-operative, breaks ground on buddy’s place. The building provides housing for homeless individuals. The Reverend Maurice McCrackin passes away. TIMELINE continued on page 4 Donald Whitehead 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 Rachel Lawson - Civil Rights VISTA Kate McManus - Civil Rights VISTA Janice Faulkner - Receptionist Mary Gaffney - Receptionist Cover Streetvibes vendors, volunteers and staff.... Streetvibes Jimmy Heath - Editor, photographer 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 Letter From the Director Dear Streetvibes Readers: Happy 100th Issue! To prepare for this landmark, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the rest of the staff of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and going through the last 100 issues to help piece together the timeline. I was amazed by the journey of this paper from humble, one-page insert in the Cleveland Grapevine to the publication you hold today. I was also touched by the incredible amount of time, energy and talent that has gone into Streetvibes over the years. Even more important than our growth, I was also struck by how Streetvibes has stayed true to itself. Streetvibes continues to be a place for the real story of homelessness to be told by the people who are living it. These stories may slip through the cracks of more mainstream papers, but they come through in Streetvibes with honesty and clarity. I would be remiss if I let this opportunity go by without thanking the many people who help make Streetvibes come to life each and every month. First, there is Jimmy Heath, editor of Streetvibes, who puts in countless hours and enriches each issue with his writings and photography. It is under Jimmy’s guidance that Streetvibes has been honored as one of the top street newspapers in North America. Andy Erickson, who runs the vendor part of the paper, recruits new vendors while ensuring that our current vendors have a voice in the running of the paper. Our vendors, who put a face on homelessness with each paper they sell and are out there in rain or shine for their customers. All of the contributors to Streetvibes who take the time to tell their stories and share their artwork. And finally, the readers of Streetvibes, whose dedication to justice over the years helps Streetvibes continue to grow. Thank you to everyone! I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to support this remarkable paper! Sincerely, Georgine Getty, Executive Director, GCCH The View From Within by Jimmy Heath Streetvibes Editor We are proud of Streetvibes and how it has made an impact on the lives of our vendors, the community and the people who support our street paper. Streetvibes brings a unique message, a voice for those left behind - a perspective that without Streetvibes, would go ignored and unheard. When I first came to Streetvibes, I was not a writer or a professional journalist. I didn’t know what it was to put together a news style publication. I’m still learning everyday. It’s not just about the nuts-and-bolts of everyday newspaper publishing. My lessons come from a unique and important point of view; the everyday lives of our community poor and the vendors who sell and write for the paper. Through the telling of these honest stories from the Jimmy Heath street, I have learned many valuable lessons. These lessons have been the most important and personal of all because they continue to teach me my responsibilities as a human being living in a community - a community where, even after 40 years since the civil rights movement, people still struggle to be heard and recognized and respected. A community where poor children are left behind. Where low-income senior citizens are lost and hidden from sight. I’ve learned about what it means to give charity, watching other people interact with the poor. You can see the best and worst of people when you observe them in charitable acts. I’ve learned what it means to have power, both political and economic, in a poor inner-city community. It is amazing to watch how this power plays out in the lives of my neighbors. How access is denied, where the cries for help go ignored. Although I can’t forgive them, I understand where uninformed white people get their perspective. It’s an unspoken power that comes with birth. But ignorance does not absolve us of our responsibilities. We need to stop and think and make an effort to learn and promote change from within ourselves. People ask me all the time, “What can I do to help?” The first step is education. We hope that Streetvibes provides a beginning to this selfexamination. I am struck by how many good people I meet everyday who have distorted notions of who and what the homeless are. All of us are victims of stereotypes. We are constantly bombarded by the media, movies and TV with portrayals of the homeless as winos, bums and crazy streetpeople who yell at fire hydrants and invisible adversaries. This is a sad commentary on our society. People are willing to listen and learn, yet are honestly surprised when their stereotypes are shattered. Some of this comes from lazy thinking – we let others do our thinking for us because it is too hard, too painful, to do first-hand exploration of these serious issues. We want it hand-fed to us, as painlessly as possible, even at the expense of truth. What we don’t Streetvibes 100th Issue know first-hand is suspect – all of it. We are not born with these notions of racism, sexism, classism; our ways of thinking are learned. These are serious lessons coming from a small street newspaper project, put together on a shoe-string budget and with plain spoken words from the street. There is much to be learned from simplicity and honest expression that speaks to truth. I have gotten more out of this work than I have given. I guess that is what education means. The learner is always on the receiving end of the gift of daily lessons. We hope that Streetvibes continues to give readers the truth about the issues of poverty and homelessness. We hope that as we move past our hundredth issue, we all continue to learn that positive change comes from listening to everyone, including the voices from the street. Our newspapers are abused. We are told that they are irreverent, coarse, vulgar, ribald. I hope they will remain irreverent. I would like that irreverence to be preserved in America forever and ever— irreverence for all royalties and all those titled creatures born into privilege. We like to read about rich people in the newspapers; the papers know it, and they do their best to keep this appetite liberally fed. - Mark Twain �Save the Date You are cordially invited to attend the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless’ Annual Dinner HOMES, DIGNITY AND HOPE ­ A 20 YEAR CELEBRATION December 9th, 2004 6:00 pm @ Xavier University, Cintas Center Keynote Speaker - Dr. Ron Arrundle Director of Social Work College of Mount Saint Joseph Including Dinner, a Silent Auction, Raffle, Prizes, Awards, and Entertainment For tickets, please send $25 to GCCH at 117 E 12th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Make checks payable to GCCH and write ‘ticket’ in the memo.... (If you are a service provider, please send $20 for your ticket. The discount is our way of saying Thank You!) FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 421-7803, EXT. 16 Reserve a table for your church or company for $200 (10 seats) Sponsor dinner for a homeless individual for $25 Donate an item for our silent auction Streetvibes 100th Issue Page 3 �TIMELINE Homeless News Digest compiled by Patty Lane and Jimmy Heath Two men in Ohio have been indicted in the beating death of a homeless man. According to the Columbus Dispatch, a third suspect is discussing a possible plea deal and may testify against the other two. Daniel Fetty, 38, was found naked in a trash container October 2. He died at a Columbus hospital just hours after being found. Police say he was beaten with boards and bricks. Acquaintances of the victim say he had just begun making salads and washing dishes at a restaurant and was saving for an apartment. The killers, both of Waverly, were indicted by a grand jury on aggravated murder charges. This is the first slaying in four decades in Waverly, a city about 60 miles south of Columbus. All three men are being held on $1 million bond. An Arizona resident who was once over her head in debt is teaching a group of homeless people lessons of financial hardship and credit repair to keep from making the same mistakes. Darlene Salle selfpublished a book called I Owe, I Owe, So Off to Work I Go, and tells the Arizona Republic she never forgot her painful experience. “The book has sold well, but I wondered what else I could do with it,” Sallee said. She created an evening financial class for Central Arizona Shelter Services, a Phoenix homeless shelter helping them with everything from the basics of budgeting to credit repair. CASS Development Coordinator Bill Manson says it’s been great for clients. “Darlene has been very good and receptive with our clients. She doesn’t talk down to them at all. Her classes bring a level of awareness that truly makes a difference.” Sallee provides all her own materials for class, since there is no budget to cover it and also gives each participant a free copy of her book. “I just try to give them tools to get them to think about money and priorities,” Sallee says. “People have wound up here not because they’re stupid or want to be in the system, but because something serious happened. I just feel like it’s a gift to be able to spend time with people who are really trying to get Page 4 out of the system. I know how hard it is to get out when you’re at such a low point, but I feel like I’m making a little dent.” A Hawaii judge has ordered a homeless man to curb his shopaholic ways after the man racked up debt and committed forgery. Leon W. Grant was living at a homeless shelter but according to Deputy Prosecutor Mark Simonds, “was spending a great deal of money on clothing…. He was known for his Tommy Bahama shirts.” Grant was two months away from completing a drug treatment program and clearing his record of forgery and theft charges when he was terminated from the program last October. He was later indicted on federal bank fraud charges and spent time in federal detention before being placed on five years’ probation. The 44-year­ old Wailuku resident was found guilty of 19 counts of seconddegree forgery, second-degree theft and attempted second-degree theft in 2001 cases. He was charged with writing bad checks on his own and others’ Bank of Hawaii accounts. Grant said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which affected his drug use. The judge warned Grant that he would face harsher penalties if he reoffends. “And no more shopping at Tommy Bahama,” the judge said, “until you’re financially stable.” A federal jury in Los Angeles deadlocked last month on charges that a homeless woman bilked a government Social Security program intended to help the elderly and disabled. Dessie Robinson, 55, was scheduled to return to federal court Nov. 30 to be retried on 24 felony fraud counts, said Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. Robinson, who contended she has diabetes, heart trouble, ulcers and a hearing problem, was accused of defrauding the government of $17,525 by cashing monthly disability checks and then requesting and cashing duplicate checks. Robinson, who was arrested at a downtown homeless shelter in July, alleged that authorities improperly targeted her and 20 other people in a Social Security probe because they are black. Federal authorities denied the allegation. The St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office used dental records last month to identify the body of a homeless man found in the woods near Point of Rocks last week. The body of Richard John Neumann, 49, of Duluth was found Oct. 4 by a passer-by in the woods near Eighth Avenue West and First Street. “We identified the remains through items found at the scene, which led us in the direction of Mr. Neumann,” said Detective Sgt. Bob Erspamer, head of the Duluth Police Violent Crimes Unit, which routinely investigates deaths in the city. “The investigation then showed that neither friends nor family had seen Mr. Neumann since sometime in mid-August. With the help of family, we were able to locate dental records.” Because of the body’s decomposition, neither the cause nor manner of Neumann’s death could be determined. The death of a homeless man whose body was found in a vacant lot has been ruled a homicide, Milwaukee police said last month. An autopsy determined that Rex Robert Baum, 49, died of blunt force trauma to the body, police Capt. Eric Moore said. A passer-by spotted Baum’s body on a Tuesday afternoon near South 1st Street and West Lincoln Avenue, said Sgt. Ken Henning, spokesman for Milwaukee police. No arrests have been made in the death, Moore said. An Elizabethtown women’s group is headed to the Louisville Wayside Christian Mission to get a feel for what it’s like to run a soup kitchen. After the experience, M.O.R.E. for Women will be ready to open the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen at 34 Dee St., off East Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. The kitchen will serve local homeless and other needy people, the elderly and anyone who is just lonely, said Nelle Thomas, who heads the group. Volunteers will provide music, activities and an opportunity for social interaction. The first of these meals will start at noon Nov. 20 at New Hope Community Church’s fellowship hall. The second one is scheduled for noon Dec. 18. “If there is a good response, we could very well do it on a long-term basis,” Thomas said. M.O.R.E. members, who are looking for more volunteers, have passed out fliers advertising the kitchen to local motels, cash advance businesses and laundromats — all places sometimes frequented by people in need. Streetvibes 100th Issue continued from page 1 January, 1998 – Donald Whitehead assumes the position of director of the Homeless Coalition. Streetvibes raises circulation to 2,000 copies per month. April, 1998 – Over-the-Rhine residents rally against changing Vine Street to two way because of safety concerns. Cincinnati City Council rules in favor of the business community to make Vine Street two-way. May, 1998 – National Coalition for the Homeless launches the National Civil Rights Organizing Project to document human rights abuses of homeless people. June, 1998 – City of Cincinnati’s panhandling ordinance is ruled an unconstitutional limitation of free speech by a district court. Jimmy Heath, administrative coordinator of the GCCH assumes duties of Streetvibes editor. Previously, the production of Streetvibes was divided among the staff and volunteers of GCCH July, 1998 – Despite concerns expressed by low-income housing advocates, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority applies for Hope IV funding to demolish and rebuild Lincoln Court housing project. August, 1998 – National shortage of affordable housing documented locally; 48% of Cincinnati’s low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing. November, 1998 – 3rd annual Standdown is organized by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Veterans Administration. The two-day event provided opportunities for homeless people to receive medical attention, legal services, food and clothing. December, 1998 – The annual Homeless Memorial takes place in Washington Park, remembering the homeless who had died in the past year. February, 1999 – Laurel Homes joins Lincoln Court as a Hope IV project which will cause a loss of nearly 1300 units of low-income housing. TIMELINE continued on page 5 �The Zen of Streetvibes Vending From Streetvibes, June 2001 by Jimmy Heath Jimmie Gipson is typical of many of the Streetvibes vendors. He’s clean cut, well spoken, and challenges the stereotype many people may have of a homeless person. He is a man who has been down on his luck and has struggled to find his way. But Gipson finds enjoyment in his work as a Streetvibes vendor. He plies the sidewalks of downtown Cincinnati looking for a good place to sell his stack of Streetvibes papers. A good spot for selling has to meet several criteria; it needs to have a steady stream of passersby (lunchtime hours are best) and the folk walking by need to be somewhat sympathetic. “I like the challenge of getting the attention of people who are trying to ignore me,” says Gipson. “Once I get them to listen to me, and I show them what I have, they will almost always buy a paper.” Gipson has also developed relationships, not only with customers on the street, but business owners. “I have a couple of businesses that will let me sell on their property,” Gipson says. “As long as I ask and I don’t create a nuisance, people will let me sell the paper at their business.” When Gipson goes out with his Streetvibes, he makes good money. Sometimes $10 to $20 dollars an hour. He says he has sold over 600 of the papers in just over a month. A lot of people just give him money, or let him keep the change. Jimmie Gipson says that some of the vendors have disputes over territories and street corners, but it doesn’t bother him - there are plenty of good spots for selling Streetvibes in Cincinnati. “Can I interest you in a Streetvibes TIMELINE newspaper to help the homeless?” says Gipson to a businessman walking by his post at 5th and Vine Street. Creating an Alternative Media Empire There are nearly 50 street newspapers published in the US, written or sold by homeless and formerly homeless people. Some of the papers vary widely in content, philosophy and format. And they come in all sizes from simple two page newsletters reproduced on a photocopier all the way up to mainstream, stylish full color magazines with runs of over 100,000 per month. The Streetwise newspaper in Chicago is one of those high-end street papers. It has slick full color printing, major advertisers, celebrity interviews and a full-time Zen cont. on page 13 To My Fellow Readers by Ms. Mary Gaffney Thanks to our regular customers, who each month purchase Streetvibes from my homeless friends, helping them help themselves. I have been writing monthly for the paper and you all know by now the concern I have for our friends, the vendors. I, the staff of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and the Streetvibes editor, Jimmy Heath, wish to thank each and every one of you for supporting this paper. This month celebrates the 100th issue of Streetvibes. That’s 8 years and 4 months that the paper has been published and been available to the public. With your purchase of the paper each month you have helped support the homeless and lowincome people who work so hard to sell the paper. This has helped in so many different ways, providing food, shelter and their other needs. We say thank you, thank you for your kindness and concern for your fellow man. As the winter months begin to filter in, bringing cold nights, the little donation you have made toward purchasing the paper will keep them and their family warm. May God forever bless you. Until next month, remember, it doesn’t take much to give a smile to someone. Regardless of creed or color, as I always say, we are all children who are placed in the same garden of life. are down or don’t care or even when they are a little bit happy. I can always talk with them and give them a smile. Some even call me “mom,” “granny” or “Miss.” I answer them and tell them to keep the determination, for there’s a brighter day ahead, if you just keep the faith. On a Thursday of last month, I was a guest at a Xavier University luncheon called “Reaching For The Stars, 2004.” The event honored emerging Cincinnati leaders, young men and women who had a determination and a faith. Some of their work was not easy, with climbing and walking on the road of life. I know at times that the people had a rough spot in their road, but were able to go around it, and now have caught the glimpse of reaching for the stars by gaining some position in life. May, 1999 – GCCH forms the Speakers Bureau. The Bureau organizes homeless people to share their stories with groups, schools and churches throughout Greater Cincinnati. September, 1999 – Demolition of Laurel Homes begins. Jimmy Heath is given a fellowship with the Congressional Hunger Center; Tom Billman assumes Streetvibes editor duties fulltime. November, 1999 – Stop The Clock campaign to fight Ohio’s welfare cuts begins. Protestors demand that Ohio adopt the federal option of cutoff after five years instead of Ohio’s current three years. January, 2000 – GCCH becomes a regional civil rights site for the National Civil Rights Organizing Project. February, 2000 – “Artists for the Drop” organize a benefit concert in support of the shelter’s efforts to oppose the School of Creative and Performing Arts plan to relocate the Drop Inn Center. March, 2000 – U. S. Census Bureau attempts to count homeless people in Cincinnati ­ the census count is disputed because advocates say the numbers are inaccurate. Miss Mary Gaffney The Sun Will Come Out From Streetvibes, March, 2003 – by Ms. Mary Gaffney To the readers and purchasers of Streetvibes paper, welcome to the third month in the year 2004! While sitting here by my living room window, one minute it is snowing, the next minute it is raining. Before I get up from my chair, I look up and see the clouds parting, and there is a little bit of sunshine. Before I can turn around, lo and behold, the clouds are gone. The sun was out, bright as ever, with strong rays of warmth. I began to think that this was like life, especially like the lives of my homeless friends. Oh, you might sat, “there she goes again!” Yes, because I enjoy being around them. For six years, off and on I’ve been with them, helping them and getting to know them. And I really know them; even when they continued from page 4 As I first stated, there was first darkness and dreariness. Before you know it, there is the sun shining bright. I know the sun doesn’t shine bright all the time. If it did, could we accept it? If you could take a moment and think of the life of my friends who need help. How they have to accept life, good or bad. There is sometimes no work, or other things, but they try to remain happy. I always say, it doesn’t take much to give a smile, and if they approach you, take the time and opportunity to speak to them. You never know what is in the future. We are all the children placed in this garden of life who must brave hard weather, wind, rain and storms. Remember, for every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Until next time remember, God love you and me – all races, creeds and colors. Streetvibes 100th Issue April, 2000 – Bonnie Neumeier is forcibly removed form the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education board because of her opposition to the SCPA plan which includes relocation of the Drop Inn Center. May, 2000 – Streetvibes begins extensive coverage of opposition to globalization, examining the effects of free trade on homeless sand impoverished people. June, 2000 – Alicia Beck becomes executive director of the GCCH after Donald Whitehead leaves to become director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. Streetvibes remembers the sixth year anniversary of the demolition of the Milner Hotel which resulted in the loss of 115 units of low-income housing. TIMELINE continued on page 6 Page 5 �Fire Cat Review The Fire Cats are a group of advocates dedicated to fighting poverty and criminalization who live right here in Cincinnati. This month, they are joined by their Fire Cat chums from Columbus. Fire Cat Orange: Chipotle traitors! You guys don’t appreciate the deliciousness of the burrito bol. Yummy (gives evil glances to Fire Cat Grey and Fire Cat Black). Fire Cat Magenta: The awesomeness of the burritos is almost enough to overlook the evil of McDonald’s. Chipotle: Fire Cat Orange: I love Chipotle! I enjoy the burrito bol with lots of corn. Lots and lots of it. Lots! Fire Cat Turquoise: I’ve never had a bad burrito. They are all good. The tacos are good too. Fire Cat Magenta: Yeah, Chipotle’s is pretty good. I don’t like the corn too much, but the cheese is the best part. I think that’s the reason people keep coming back. Fire Cat Grey: Burrito bol’s not cool Go for the calories, go for the fat. This should be the official meal of the Fire Cat! Fire Cat Blue: Too bad they’re owned by McDonald’s – they are delish, but did y’all see Supersize Me? Yikes! Fire Cat Black: Yeah. . . that takes away from the deliciousness. Save me from the wrath of Fire Cat Orange! Reality Shows: Fire Cat Blue: The Next Greatest Champ is so good. It’s about boxers and they’re not very good at boxing, but they’re supposed to be good at boxing and there’s lots of scheming. Plus, Eye of the Tiger (which is also the Fire Cat’s theme) is the theme song. Sometimes, there’s a musak version of it that plays during montage scenes. Fire Cat Black: I though “Wife Swap” was just a Dave Chapelle sketch. Fire Cat Orange: I enjoy VH-1’s Surreal Life. Flava Flav and Brigitte are crazy in love. Or just crazy. Fire Cat Turquoise: The Real World used to be really good, but it’s not anymore. Now it’s just irritating. The presidential debates are kind of like a reality show. Fire Cat Magenta: Does Best Week Ever on VH-1 count? I think Fire Cat Review it does, so that’s my favorite. Oh, and I really like Made on MTV. The high school nerd/beauty queen episode is awesome! Fire Cat Grey: I am still waiting for the Fire Cats reality show. Now there is a show where the ratings would not be low. Fire Cat Orange: The new Real World is kinda good. I hate Road Rules! Fire Cat Blue: Is Clear here? Things that have Piqued the Fire Cat’s Interest: • Lost – the new so good/pointless show on ABC. • The Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates – who will reign supreme? • Cookies. Always. • Apple disposal remedies, ie: muffins, pie and coffee cake. • The 100th Issue of Streetvibes – put that in your pipe and smoke it Charlie! • Secret Machines – an Out of Town thang. • CSI, Monk, Law and Order – pick your crime show poison and also Arrested Development, Scrubs, Sex and the City and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. T.V. is the balm for the busy feline activist’s soul. • The Virgin Suicides and other good books. • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s release to DVD • “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keyes – perhaps the worst song ever to be unleashed since “Lady” by Styx. Hate in Corporate Over-the-Rhine From Streetvibes, April 1997 Chamber of Commerce and its commentary by Berta Lambert clean-up subsidiary, Impact. Marge Hammelrath and Jim Jennifer Sizer’s mother is a Tarbell have for nearly 20 years recent president of the Over-therepresented the under-the-rock Rhine Chamber. She is the public persona of the anti-poor and antirelations person for the infamous buddy gray attitudes of the art-bar Damon Lynch III’s so-called ULI corporation speculators of Main coalition and she is the PR person Street. for both the OTR Chamber and Jim For several years, the old Verdins Pendleton Art Center guard conservatives have been (Verdin is responsible for the supplanted by the overt guerilla phallic Corporate Bell Tower vis-à­ activities of Chris Frutkin, Jennifer vis his Verdin Bell Company). Sizer and Peter Calloway. For None of the rascals named nearly two years these folks, along above is and OTR resident. Peter with their greed-ideology friends Calloway, however, is a resident. have disrupted the meetings of the His personality seems driven by 30 year-old Over-the-Rhine this current fashion of right-wing Community council (ORCC). It entrepreneurial spirit beliefs. At had been necessary in recent ORCC’s October meeting he was months to move its meeting place, videotaped thanking buddy gray’s appoint a sergeant-at-arm, tighten its still very open meeting process, video tape its meetings, and on several occasions request additional police presence at its meetings. Chris Frutkin is the nephew of the wealthy Ed Burger. He is in his 30’s and an owner of several properties in the neighborhood. As a yuppieentrepreneur, he is a board A No Way Buddy Gray sticker member of the Over-the-Rhine Page 6 friends taking down the hate-filled No Way Buddy Gray stickers and announcing the existence of a No Way Buddy Gray organization. The reader will find it useful to know that the sticker with a telephone number remains on post throughout the city is a third generation effort. It was preceded first by a gray and black silver dollar sized Stop Buddy Gray sticker, and then by a fluorescent green or sometimes reddish hand sized circular stick-on. If you called the number on the most recent sticker, which was disconnected by 10AM the day buddy was shot, you were invited to push 1 or 3 for separate hate messages. The recordings consisted of lies, misinformation and inferences of improprieties. Frutkin, Sizer, and Calloway bear the moral responsibility for the hate campaign and the climate of fear for buddy’s personal safety. Within twenty-four hours of buddy’s death, new stickers appeared in Over-the-Rhine which read, “Where there is a Wilbur, there is a way.” Wilbur was the name of the man who shot and killed buddy gray. Streetvibes 100th Issue TIMELINE continued from page 5 August, 2000 – Streetvibes begins printing full color on the front and back page. ReSTOC rehab project on Vine Street comes under fire from Cincinnati City Council. Hart Realty, the largest property owner in Over-the-Rhine, opts out of Section 8 housing program resulting in a continued loss of low-income housing and paving the way for further gentrification in the neighborhood. September, 2000 – Ohio welfare cutoffs begin. Plan for relocation of the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is approved by the Cincinnati Public Schools Board. October, 2000 – Streetvibes adopts magazine style format. November, 2000 – Nader campaigns in Cincinnati. January, 2001 – Preliminary reports of Greater Cincinnati Homeless Study is released. February, 2001 – Tom Billman steps down as Streetvibes Editor. Dam Marschner assumes full-time editor duties. March, 2001 – Covington Kentucky City Government battles against proposed Life Learning Center, a multipurpose service center for homeless people. Dan Marshner becomes Streetvibes editor. April, 2001 – Homeless Think Tank is developed to provide input to the Continuum of Care funding process for homeless services. May, 2001 – Civil unrest, after the shooting death of an unarmed teenager by a Cincinnati policeman shatters Over-the-Rhine and other lowincome neighborhoods. June, 2001 – Streetvibes celebrates five years of publishing. August, 2001 –. Streetvibes Editor Dan Marschner leaves for the Peace Corps. Jimmy Heath returns as Streetvibes editor. TIMELINE continued on page 7 �Sweeping of camps halted by the homeless From Streetvbies, October 2003 by Andy Erickson A little over a year ago, Don lost his job, his threebedroom house, his two cars, and then his wife and his kid. “I lost everything that ever meant anything to me,” he said. That’s when Don started sleeping under a bridge. “When I first moved under this bridge,” Don says, “I begged for trash bags from a city building. I wanted the place to look half-decent. I filled 13 garbage bags. I didn’t want to be an eyesore.” But “eyesore” is exactly what the city labeled Don’s camp Don Henry (left) speaks to Andy Erickson of the Homeless Coaltion when they threatened him with eviction. On July 15, police “resulted from the official policy, broken windows, they are not officers arrived at Don’s camp to custom, and practice of the City of solving any problems, except post “No Trespassing” signs. The Cincinnati to engage in a pattern of perhaps the “cleaning up” of an officers took pictures of the people depriving the constitutional rights overpass – until someone moves who lived in the camp and told of homeless individuals.” back in. them to be out within 72 hours or The city went to great The City’s approach does be charged with criminal trespass. lengths in their attempt to remove nothing to prevent homelessness or “What is the issue with the camps from underneath downtown lessen poverty. The City rarely public seeing me here?” Don bridges. In June, a meeting shows any desire to attack the root asked. “I guess they drive by and between the Mayor’s office, police causes of homelessness – like rising see that I’m a disgust to their ways officials, the Governor’s office, the unemployment or rising housing of thinking. But I’m not bothering Ohio Department of Transportation costs. They just want to move (ODOT) and Downtown anyone. They say that I’m a people from under bridges. When distraction, but someone could be Cincinnati, Inc. took place to come camps are swept, the people who up with a plan to remove camps distracted by the new stadium. lived there move somewhere less from under bridges. The meeting Should we tear that down?” visible, and then the City is happy ended after the representative from because the homeless are out of Don and his fellow bridgemates responded to the order ODOT insisted that, despite the sight and out of mind. fact these people were camping on by erecting an eight-foot by fourSocial service agencies in ODOT property, ODOT had no foot sign facing the busy the area are trying a different legal right to remove them. But intersection where his camp is approach. Outreach workers stress located. The sign read “Don’t hide the city was determined, and finally the need to first build a relationship got ODOT’s permission to do what with people, earn their trust, and the homeless. Help them.” They it wanted with the camps then called on people to join them then help them get into the services underneath the bridges. for a 24-hour vigil ending at 1pm they need. This approach works, City officials often invoke on Friday – the time that the order but it takes time. Uncompassionate “quality of life issues” or the to vacate would take affect. approaches like the sweeps of “broken windows” theory when Don didn’t realize what homeless camps (and the recently they talk about camps like Don’s. kind of effect his impromptu passed legislation that helps the city The “broken windows” theory protest would bring. Supporters put more panhandlers behind bars) honked as they drove by, delivered states that if we fix broken only make matters worse. windows, clean up litter, erase donations, stopped to talk, and Don says he knows the carried picket signs. Social service graffiti, and remove the visible people of Cincinnati are generally homeless, like Don, from public workers met with Don and others compassionate people. “There’s a sight, the quality of life in the City at his camp, placing some of them minister who comes down to talk will turn for the better. into services they needed. And at to me every Sunday,” he says. “I The problem with this 1:00 on Friday – when the police tell him not to give up on me. One theory is that Don isn’t a piece of were supposed to arrive – Don’s day I’ll get out of here.” litter. He’s not a broken window, lawyer arrived instead with a Don plans to stay under his temporary restraining order against and he’s not graffiti. He’s person bridge for a little while anyway. the police and a lawsuit against the who’s lost his home and is living in He’s earning that right. And he public. He obviously shouldn’t be city. wants to make sure people see that. treated the same way we would Don happily signed the Especially other homeless people. deal with a broken window. The necessary papers. The lawsuit “I’m not really doing this for me,” theory makes Don a scapegoat for could possibly overturn many of Don explains. “I’m doing this to the City’s problems. the actions that the city has taken help all the people who live out Don knows this. “Why are here.” against the homeless in the last two people messing with me when they years. So far things are working could be having a meeting about The filed complaint asks out. On July 21st, Judge Dlott how we could solve the drug that the new and old panhandling extended the restraining order for problem? Or how we could stop ordinances be declared 20 days. On August 11th, another people from killing each other in unconstitutional, and that the city hearing will be held to determine Over the Rhine?” he asks. be barred from performing sweeps the fate of the bridge sweeps, the When the city attempts to of homeless camps. The complaint panhandling ordinance, and the treat people experiencing also states that the panhandling way the city will treat its homeless homelessness as if they were laws and the threat of sweeps citizens in the future. Streetvibes 100th Issue TIMELINE continued from page 7 November, 2001 – Streetvibes remembers buddy gray on the fifth anniversary of his shooting death. December, 2001 – The long awaited Cincinnati Homeless Study is released by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. January, 2002 – Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken asks the City Solicitor’s office to examine ways to tighten restrictions on panhandling, years after previous ordinances were deemed unconstitutional and were overturned. March, 2002 – ReSTOC’s new rehab project leads development on Vine Street. April, 2002 – In a GCCH campaign thousands of citizens tell Mayor Luken that they support Streetvibes. The Civil Unrest of April 2001 is remembered in photographs. June, 2002 – Protests against Hope IV development project, which threatens displacement of low-income families, continues. July, 2002 – Nearly 400 people gather in Covington Kentucky to march and protest treatment of the homeless, which included sweeping of homeless camps on the Ohio River and destruction of personal property. September, 2002 - Huntington Meadows housing complex lowincome residents face eviction for redevelopment project. Georgine Getty becomes Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. November, 2002 – Citizens gather in the alley where Timothy Thomas was killed. The April 2001 shooting death of Thomas sparked three days of protest and civil unrest. January, 2002 – Streetvibes TV plans its return to regular broadcasting. April, 2003 – ReSTOC celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing housing for lowincome citizens. National Coalition for the Homeless ranks Ohio as the fourth most dangerous state for homeless people. TIMELINE continued on page 10 Page 7 �Move Homeless From Under Bridges Streetvibes, October 2003 story by Jimmy Heath On Wednesday, September 17th, Cincinnati City Council voted on a resolution allowing the city and police to immediately remove homeless individuals living under bridges and highway overpasses. The city has already erected no trespassing signs in areas used by the homeless. Although the areas are public property, according to the city solicitor the city has the right to remove individuals who pose a “public safety threat to themselves or to the general public.” Although loosely defined, the “safety threat” is being used by city council to move homeless people from areas that might be in clear view of the general public, thereby tarnishing the city’s image. The author of the resolution, Councilman Chris Monzel, was outraged when he saw a person defecating in public while driving in his car with his family. Monzel said more needs to be done. “It’s a public health issue, a public safety issue,” said Monzel. “I just believe the current situation in this city is unacceptable.” An encampment near the Spring Grove Avenue exit from Interstate 75 has been there undisturbed for about five months, Monzel said. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless has been working to help coordinate outreach to people living outside and under the bridges. Working with the police and social service agencies, many of the homeless have been moved into programs or housing. A temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott expired over a month ago, and many of the homeless people already have left the camps. Attorney Jennifer Kinsley filed a lawsuit in July on behalf of Don Henry, a homeless man the city attempted to evict from beneath an overpass at Third Street under the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. Kinsley, who continues to represent the homeless, promised to fight in court the legality of any new city sweeps. A variety of people spoke against the current resolution during the public speaking portion of the City Council meeting. Elaine Coffey gave an emotional response to the resolution, “I’ve been homeless too, and I know what it is like. Why don’t you do something about the dope dealers that are loitering on my street? Why aren’t trespassing laws enforced against them?” Roger, a man who is currently living under a bridge in downtown Cincinnati told council, “We are human beings, just like you all.” Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Life Under a Bridge Streetvibes, October 2003 by Jimmy Heath It’s truly the American dream unfulfilled; living under a bridge, in a camp on the river, or in a clump of bushes near the railroad tracks. Not exactly the future we would hope for ourselves or our children or anyone else for that matter. How and why does a person’s life reach the point of homelessness? And why, when there seems to be other options available, would a person choose to live outdoors in 10 degree weather, in the rain, the snow, exposed to not only these cruel elements, but an unforgiving society? What drives a person to live outside of the so-called social order? The answers are as diverse and complex as the varied personalities that make up this sometimes forgotten and ignored segment of our society; the homeless. There are issues of addiction and mental illness, which brings with it fear and apprehension and distrust of the systems designed to reach out to the person needing the services. Social service agencies are pushed to the breaking point, hard pressed to find staff and time to devote to gently persuading folks to come in off the street. And for those reasons, and more, the answers are never simple. To bring the homeless in out of the weather requires an approach that respects the individual nature of each person. If their perceived needs aren’t met and there is mistrust, they may Page 8 feel fearful and run. Blanket solutions and ultimatums are not the answer. What works for one, will not work for another. There is a fear by the sidewalk traveling public of engaging homeless people. Observe the homeless man holding the sign at a downtown corner as people pass and react. You see fear in the general public manifest in many ways. Most commonly, the homeless person is ignored, others increase their distance, and sometimes people react in disgust and even anger. There is certainly a serious and hurtful disconnection between the general public, politicians and homeless persons. I was passing through Fountain Square one day, and I observed an interaction that some young men were having with a homeless man who had asked them for spare change. The men entertained themselves by throwing some loose change on the ground, laughing while the disoriented man chased after the rolling coins. I didn’t know who to feel sorry for; the simple-minded men who entertained themselves at some poor Coalition for the Homeless said, “the people who live under these bridges are among the most challenging for social services to find, engage and assist. The outreach network in Cincinnati grows stronger and more committed every day. However, when homeless camps are swept, it gives homeless people one more reason to mistrust the system and frustrates the outreach workers attempts to keep necessary contact with people.” Over the past month, the Homeless Coalition has worked diligently with social service agencies, police and homeless individuals to propose sustainable solutions to moving people out from under bridges. “We all agree that human beings should not live under bridges...The city has conducted sweeps before. This city still has people living under bridges,” said Getty. “If we continue unfortunate’s expense or the man chasing the nickels. There was the radio talk show host who called for a “homeless roundup” to remove homeless people from the city because they are “nothing but drunks and derelicts.” Part of the perception problem is driven by public discussions. A Cincinnati City Councilman recently spoke in disgust and outrage that he and his family had witnessed a homeless man defecating in public. This Council member sponsored and succeeded in passing an ordinance that called for the immediate removal of all homeless persons living under bridges and highway overpasses. This, in spite of recent and successful collaborations between Streetvibes 100th Issue to sweep people away without treating the reasons that they became homeless in the first place, we will continue to have people living under bridges.” There continued to be much discussion among more compassionate members of City Council as to whether the current proposed resolution would just make life harder for people living outside. “Out of sight does not mean the issue of homelessness goes away. It does nothing but move them from one place to another place,” said Council Member Laketa Cole who voted against the ordinance. “It seems to be an overreaction to the whole problem of homelessness,” said Council Member David Crowley. “I view this issue as almost one of mean-spiritedness.” “I don’t think it is mean spirited at all,” said Mayor Charlie Luken, in defense of Monzel’s resolution. “What we are talking about are aesthetics. We are not talking about changing anything but the way it looks,” said Councilmember Minette Cooper in opposition of the ordinance. “It’s the city’s responsibility to stand up and protect properties, especially properties they own, for all the citizens,” Monzel said. “The lack of compassion showed by the five city council members who voted for Monzel’s resolution tonight was absolutely shocking,” said Georgine Getty. “We don’t need more laws,” say homeless and advocates. social service agencies, the Homeless Coalition, and the police to move people out from the bridges in a humane manner. We can all agree that people should not be using outdoors spaces as a public toilet, but the continued passing of ordinances shows little depth in the analyses of the homeless condition. No one should have to live outside, without the simple life sustaining things, like a shower or a stove; things we take for granted. In my neighborhood of Over­ the-Rhine, I have witnessed many visiting suburban folks partying on Main Street relieving themselves in our alleys and behind our buildings. The tourists leave their drink cups and beer bottles scattered on the ground and in our parking lots. They walk on Main Street, the so-called entertainment district, with drink cups in hand, while neighborhood folks and the homeless continue to be harassed and ticketed for the same infractions. The middle-class gentry who live in our neighborhood use the small patch of grass at our community enter as a toilet for their pets. Our neighbors and community and the homeless see these disparities, and they understand what it means. The message to the poor is “get out!” and for those spending so much money, it’s “go about your business.” It is no wonder that there is so much fear and distrust on the part of the homeless in Cincinnati. Apparently, it isn’t enough to be a human being. Maybe living under a bridge isn’t such a bad idea after all. �Homeless Men receive Settlement from City Of Covington From Streetvibes, February 2004 and clothing were taken. One of Rights Organizing Project and In June of 2002, hundreds by Jimmy Heath the men lost a litter of kittens and from the National Coalition for the Northern Kentucky service Three men met last month family photographs. No notice was Homeless, and the Greater providers and advocates. near the Covington riverfront levy, given to the homeless residents and Cincinnati Coalition for the In late December of 2003, close to the Ohio River bank their property was not held but the City of Covington decided to Homeless assembled for a campsite they once called settle with the claimants home. Present were their and on January 23rd, at the attorneys, Robert site of the injustice, the Newman and Covington homeless campers received lawyer Linda A. Smith. their settlement checks. The men were among Each of the men received eight who sued in U.S. $1,000 checks, handed out District Court in by attorney Robert Covington after city Newman, against the workers removed their backdrop of the Ohio River riverfront camps in April where the campers once of 2002. A lawsuit was made their home. They filed in federal court in will receive another $1,000 May 2002 alleging the each later from attorneys’ city of Covington violated fees. the due process rights of “There’s now a the individuals who lost nationwide precedent that their personal property. cities cannot take the Homeless advocates said property of homeless most of the 30 men living people without notice and on the riverbank were destroy it,” said Cincinnati away at work when the civil-rights attorney Bob Covington city workers Newman, during a press Philip Folk, attorney Robert Newman, Delbert Thompson, Charles Singleton and removed their belongings attorney Linda Smith gather at riverfront campsite for press conference. Claimants Folk, conference at the riverfront from city property site. “It’s a fair warning I Thompson and Singleton each received a check for $1,000. without notice. think, to Covington and During a “sweep” of thrown away. City officials, any other city that homeless people Homeless Rally and March to homeless camps, Covington city including Covington Mayor Butch Covington City Hall to support the are human beings just like workers removed and destroyed Callery, described the riverfront everybody else and they have the claimants and to draw attention to property of individuals who at the camps as a “health hazard and an same constitutional rights as a the plight of the homeless. The time considered the Ohio River eyesore.” City crews were ordered march was organized by the homeowner, so we’re very happy bank their home. Items such as to remove any objects that looked about that.” individuals who lived on the sleeping bags, medication, tents like housing or bedding. riverbanks, the National Civil Katie Fischer, National Low Income Housing Coalition, reads Streetvibes Mary Burke, Director of the Over-theRhine housing network, reads Streetvibes Bill Faith, Director of the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio reads Streetvibes David Knoll, chair of Standdown, reads Streetvibes Captain James Whalen, District One Cincinnati Police, reads Streetvibes Pat Clifford, General Coordinator of the Drop Inn Center, reads Streetvibes Streetvibes 100th Issue Page 9 �The Peace Village The recent conference of the Peace Village on “Ending Hunger in the Peace Village,” on October 2nd, featured student teams sharing their visions of how their schools, or college programs, could reduce hunger by teaching their fellow students about the needs of the hungry in our city. “Teaching” meant being clear that peace could not be available to a hungry person because they had to spend their food budget on uninsured medical treatments, or that tightly stretched dollars had to be spent on prescription drugs that were not covered by limited or non-existent fringe benefits, or that the weekly part-time wage could not adequately cover food and the basics of housing, utilities, or insurance. One by one, each team shared with the conference the ways in which this “message” would be delivered. Each team hoped that the information would spur both interest and action. Gathering cans of food for the Free Store/food Bank, or a related pantry, would be the result of all of the efforts. But something bigger was also on the table. What students are teaching and learning is the twin lessons that hunger has no place in our city and that students can do something very important to reduce it. Teaching peace through a goal in reducing individual and family hunger places these students into a discussion that has been largely invisible in our community. We have not taught the reasons for hunger being so extensive or for the rising need of our citizens, many of them working one or two low paying jobs, for relief from the stark reality of hunger. Our students have not been asked to think about the hard choices facing an increasing number of families who are choosing, if choice is the right word, to keep the family together through reducing the food budgets during the emergencies arising from money just running out by the end of the month. Our students are not learning about how they can encourage hungry children to eat federally supplied breakfasts and lunches in ways that do not increase stigmatization of the children. Sharing the plans for action and learning opened up the Dr. Steve Sunderland possibility of community wide approaches that will make a local difference in each neighborhood or school community. More than collecting cans or dollars for cases of food, a consequence of this program will be the deepening of each person’s knowledge about the power of young people to organize for peace in their schools and communities, irrespective of race, economic class, gender, and religious perspective. These student leaders have already asked themselves the critical questions of what is the important information so necessary to change indifference about peace due to hunger into action for peace based on joining energy and resources. Stopping hunger is a form of learning about how to stop conflict and victimization. Reducing hunger through programs of assistance also reduces ignorance about the ways in which society maintains a cruel relationship with the weakest members of our community. The joining of young people to such a peace effort will alter some people on a permanent basis. Seeing hunger as humanmade by choices our society makes to ignore, trivialize and punish large number of citizens, forces a kind of teaching on the young students that will shift their interests into social justice. Bringing the mission of this effort down to personal involvement may encourage the kind of further teaching and learning within the school that leads to wider participation from other students and teachers. Can students teach peace? We are all realizing that teaching for social justice is within the power of youth. Teaching for us means to study the issues of hunger and how they can be realistically addressed in our educational institutions within a limited time. The consequence of this teaching is action at the level of consciousness that is at a deep and important level. I applaud our new teachers and their passion for a society that can learn about needs and do something about it. The connections between old and new teachers was evident throughout our day and in our closing ceremony. A student from Ursuline Academy gave us some inspirational final words as a counselor from Aiken led us in a chorus of “We Shall Overcome.” On the table, where people were leaving, there were cans of food brought by students and teachers for the Free Store, cases, really of generous hopes and beliefs. We are off! TIMELINE continued from page 8 May, 2003 – Report on the Panhandling for Awareness Campaign organized by the GCCH and the Cincinnati Youth City Council. June, 2003 – Streetvibes reports on the new effort by City Hall to curb panhandlers by requiring them to get a license. August, 2003 – Homeless people living in camps under Cincinnati bridges are ordered to move out. Homeless gather to fight the eviction. Community shows its support of the homeless. November, 2003 – GCCH’s Annual Standdown event is held in Over-the-Rhine’s Washington Park. January, 2004 – GCCH Annual Dinner is featured in this month’s Streetvibes. February, 2004 – Homeless men receive settlement from City of Covington after city workers removed their riverbank camps and destroyed personal items. April, 2004 – Hundreds gather in Cincinnati to protest one-year anniversary of Iraq War, joining millions of protestors around the world. May, 2004 – Downtown’s Fort Washington Hotel is slated for upscale condo development which will result in more loss of low-income housing. June, 2004 – Cincinnati City Council votes to extend controversial Panhandling Registration ordinance. July, 2004 – The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) fast tracks its plan for development of the Washington Park area of Over­ the-Rhine resulting in another threat to the Drop Inn Center shelter. August, 2004 – The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Drop Inn Center begin campaign to register homeless voters. September, 2004 – New GCCH homeless education packet is piloted in Cincinnati schools. November, 2004 - Streetvibes celebrates 100th issue! Page 10 Streetvibes 100th Issue �Curtis Norvell finds healing at Drop Inn Center Program From Streetvibes, October 2001 by Lisa Bridges “Life has taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us, and a bit of bad in the best of us, but we are all children of God, and we all have a right to be here. I invite who ever reads this little article and is not satisfied with the way you’re living I need you to know, we no longer have to remain stuck. One thing this addict/ alcoholic do know is I had to be ready! And only I knew when Trey was ready. Me, myself have lived my life on a wire without a net. Funny thing about fear, it kept me from the rooms of recovery and today fear keeps me from returning to the horrors of active addiction. Like Martin Luther King Jr. today, Trey has a dream. Thank You God!” - Curtis “Trey” Norvell LB - What is the biggest change in your life since you have started the program at the Drop Inn Center? Trey - “I’ve stopped fighting….meaning: completely surrendering to the simple program (of NA and AA.) And it has taken me so long to do this.” LB - What has your experience offered you at the Drop Inn Center? Trey - “It has offered me a sense of freedom from active addiction and alcoholism. Also, the opportunity to sit back and reflect on life in the past, the present, and what I want to accomplish in the future.” LB - Where do you see yourself in the future? Trey - “In one of two places: either in broadcasting (which Trey has already completed some schooling for), or starting a program for young men ages 18-25. Trey got really excited about a program for young men. Offering them a strong since of encouragement and empowerment. “It is a difficult age for a sense of belonging, and I want to be able to be there for these men. I have noticed since I have been living here, I have been approached by many young people who have questions, and need support and encouragement.” LB - What has been your biggest learning experience? Trey - “I know what other people meant at all the other treatment centers that I went to. You have to REALLY, REALLY want it and today I really do. I don’t want to drink or drug anymore. And today, I feel and understand this surrender.” Cathy Johnstone of COHHIO reads Streetvibes Spencer Wells of COHHIO reads Streetvibes Tom Stricher, of The Other Place, reads Streetvibes Streetvibes 100th Issue 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.... This program has helped 1. Streetvibes will be distributed honest in stating that all profits go 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 cannot 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. 8. Vendors must never sell doorto-door or on private property, unless given permission from the owner of that property. 9. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. Failure to comply with these Rules and Regulations 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 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. 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 organization, 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 100th Issue Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! �Zen cont. from page 5 professional staff. There are over 200 homeless and formerly homeless vendors hawking the Streetwise newspaper at any given time. One thing all of these papers have in common is that homeless vendors not unlike Cincinnati’s Jimmie Gipson sell them and keep the profits. They write the stories and are involved in the editorial process. There are many ways to measure success in the street newspaper business. Streetvibes, and the street paper movement, has become the alternative voice for people whose voice has gone unheard for so long. When the mainstream media fails, the street newspaper succeeds. Street newspapers tell it like it is without the confines of advertiser politics. That is one of the real successes of street papers like Streetvibes. Homeless people can especially speak their mind where before, they would be ignored by the mainstream media. Advocates for the poor also find a voice in the street paper movement and use the network extensively for getting the word out about local community and national issues. Legal Alternative For many cities, including Cincinnati, the street newspaper movement grew out of the need for creating an alternative to panhandling. Although the First Amendment right to free speech protects people who are peacefully engaged in panhandling, the City of Cincinnati took measures to strengthen a 1992 aggressive panhandling law. Jimmie Gipson says that he used to be a panhandler himself. “Some of those guys make good money,“ says Gipson, pointing to a nearby panhandler. While homeless advocates and the ACLU were disputing the anti-panhandling issue in the courts, the idea for a street newspaper for Cincinnati was developed as an alternative. For several months Cincinnati’s Streetvibes was a one-page supplement to the Homeless Grapevine, a Cleveland, Ohio street newspaper. Using Cleveland’s Grapevine newspaper as a model, Streetvibes published its first full issue in February of 1997. In the spring of 1998 the proposed antipanhandling ordinance was ruled unconstitutional by the US District Court, thereby legalizing peaceful panhandling. These days, Jimmie Gipson competes for a share of the street with panhandlers, but he doesn’t mind. The New Success Because of the panhandling legal dispute, making profits as a business was not the impetus for publishing Streetvibes. The paper was also developed as a program to help people get back on their feet. In the publishing office of The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, vendors gather to socialize, drink coffee, and discuss the issues of the day. The vendors purchase their papers and head out to the streets. There are countless success stories surrounding the history of the Streetvibes newspaper. Many vendors have sold the paper for years and have come to rely on it for their livelihood. Others use the program to find a way out of a temporary situation and move on. “We work with the vendors to help them reach their personal goals,” says Alicia Beck, [former] Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Traditionally, the GCCH staff has worked with vendors to help them meet their goals. “We are in the process of hiring a full-time staff person to help the vendors with their needs,” says Beck. “Our goal is to develop vendor support groups that will identify issues for the vendors, provide educational opportunities and health services. We will be able to help vendors with referrals for housing and other types of assistance.” The Streetvibes newspaper is an empowerment program for homeless folk who are looking for a way to get their lives back. “I really enjoy selling Streetvibes,” says Jimmie Gipson. “It makes me feel good, like I’m doing something that matters.” The Challenge The most difficult aspect for Streetvibes vendors is consistency. Many of them live on The Lost Boy Hello, my name is Reggie. I’m back in treatment for the 48th time not because I’m homeless, but also because I have a drug addiction. Homelessness doesn’t have a color or age or place. I’ve found out in my 16 years of being homeless that it doesn’t classify who a person is. I’ve met some of the nicest people that were homeless. Sleeping under bridges and not knowing where they were going from one minute to the next. It’s only ignorant Streetvibes 100th Issue the streets because they suffer from circumstances that prevent them from following a regular schedule. Lack of housing affects many different areas of somone’s life: no place to store their things, nowhere to take a shower, few safe places to rest. Selling Streetvibes is a great alternative for homeless people because they make their own hours. The best vendors come as close to consistent sales as they can; they sell in the same general area to repeat customers month after month. Jimmie Gipson hopes to use the money he earns from Streetvibes to improve his situation: “I like this job. My dream is to make enough money to get a place of my own. In the meantime, though, I’ll just keep meeting people and letting them know about life on the streets.” Jimmie continues, “I want to thank the people for encouraging and inspiring me by wanting to help and feeling that they are doing their part. I keep telling them that their support is very necessary for improvement of the homeless problem. Editor’s Note: Special thanks to vendor Jimmie Gipson, whose generous donation of his time made this article possible. To learn more about vendors or for more information, contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803. people that don’t understand and can care less about homelessness. I’ve lost my dignity, my family, jobs, money, and most of all I lost contact with the little boy that was born March 19th, 1966. The little shy kid that got A’s and B’s in school. The kid that everyone liked. The kid that never went to jail or stole anything until he lost his self in the dark alleys. Long and lonely streets of crack cocaine. I’ve never had a chance to feel what it is like to live free and be happy without a mood altering chemical in me. Page 13 �Mourning the Morning The Other Side of the Desk by Rachel Lawson (My sophomore year of college I visited West Africa and was inspired by an individual and this was written in dedication of Agiee-the silent hero) Anonymous Have you ever thought, just a wee little bit, of how it would seem to be a misfit, and how you would feel if you had to sit, on the other side of the desk? She always sat in the dark I assumed it was because it was cooler in the daytime heat of Africa Until I noticed her sitting in the dark at night She was so close to the wall trying to blend in, trying to hide I smiled, ignorant and turned on the bright and revealing light It’s amazing how the light captures fresh bruises, new black eyes, scratches, and wounds My memory flashed back to all the times she hid in the dark And reality hit and I finally knew why I quickly became a hero I would tackle whatever and whoever did this and the abuse would stop now All she had to do was tell me who She told me her pain And I told her my plan As the result of being raised in a different culture I had a desire to disrupt this routine of being abused The only problem was when the morning arrived The mourning said I don’t want you to come to my culture and disrupt what is accepted The mourning said I would only cause more bruises The mourning was praying for that comforting night And the morning willed me not to tell The mourning asked me to do nothing She said every slap in the face wasn’t that bad It would heal I should just forget about it and not let it affect my journey In the end it became my journey From the dark to the light The day when the sun can shine rather than trying to hide in the dark My journey to understand why the sun hides And the morning mourns Have you ever looked at the man who seemed a bum, as he sat before you nervous – dumb – and thought of the courage it took to come, to the other side of the desk? Have you ever thought of his dreams that went astray, of the hard, real facts of his every day, of the things in his life that make him stay, on the other side of the desk? Did you make him feel that he was full of greed, make him ashamed of his race or creed, or did you reach out to him in his need, to the other side of the desk? May God give us wisdom and lots of it, and much compassion and plenty of grit, so that we may be kinder to those who sit, on the other side of the desk. Death by Detachment The Bullet Iraqi poet I tried to domesticate the bullet, To take her with me to school, To teach her the alphabet And have her speak But she is made of black clay and stuffed with canned blood I tried to domesticate the bullet, To take her to the water-spring, To the fields of dew. But she has consumptive lips That love to kiss the lips of death To rummage or wreck And blow ashes in our eyes. I tried to domesticate the bullet, To lead her to the truth, To wash her copper with perfumes And replace her gunpowder with sweets. But she refused to be unlocked; and remained dripping pus, With poison in her breath. Page 14 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. Streetvibes 100th Issue The Work of the Dead by Michael Henson In every life cut short, so many things are left undone. The dishes stacked and crusting in the sink. The dogs unfed. Three new strings on the guitar, the others still in their wrappers. The bedroom half-painted, one side fresh and glossy, the other a map of patching plaster islands. And the oil that really ought to be changed. And the letter unsent: it only needs a stamp and someone to walk it to the mailbox. And all the work of love: words and gestures still bundled in their little proud houses and the keys lay right on the table where we left them. And even the nation, this sprawling, addled nation: Such a tangle of dropped threads, interrupted projects, failed promises. Who will beat down the hammers of greed? Who will untangle the knots of deceit? Those whose lives have been cut short are crowded into their darkened theater where they watch us bawling and arguing like actors in an ancient drama. They watch us closely, for they want to know who will take on the unfinished work of the dead. �Bush is my Shepard Acquainted With The Nite Bush is my Shepard, I am in want, He maketh me to lie down on park benches, He leadeth me by still factories, He restoreth my doubt in the Republican Party, He guideth me in the path of the Unemployed for his parties sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of soup kitchens, I am hungry. I do fear evil, for thou art against me; They Cabinet and Senate, thy do discomfort me; Tho didst prepare a reduction in my wages; In the presence of m creditors thou anointed my income with taxes, So my expenses overuneth my income. Surely, poverty and hard times will follow me all the days of the Republican administration. And I shall dwell in a rented house forever. by buddy gray i am one acquainted with the nite, from my growing years in the country, to my adult life in the inner-city. i began with the very dark – unless moonlit nites, with people all asleep. And crickets – thousands it seems – chirping their screeky, leggy noises, and occasionally – in the wee hours of the nite, long distance soulful whistle of the train, blowing for a crossing – long and deep. Then to the city, at first hard to sleep, since, it seemed, there were always people and machines that never sleep. All beneath my 4th floor window – echoing between the concrete, or hot-muggy polluted summer + poverty, stress. Many nitely screams of our city’s women being battered, on lonely, unsafe, nite streets – or echoes imprisoned in an apartment with an abuser. Cops – often siren-maniacs – racing dangerously down dark, skinny, populated streets. Going the wrong way down one-way streets, chasing one individual. The flood of the voices and cars of the well-to-do in evening gowns, oblivious to the social stress. Ending their social event – in the wee AM hours – from Music Hall across the street, just before dawn – the whirring, brushing sound – of the city’s street sweeper. Through many all-niter work projects at the shelter, or sleepless, tossing nites, i’ve heard and seen it all. The Bottom Line by Michael Nelson Sin on our streets, Death in our city, The bottom line is, Life shows us no pity. 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. 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! Relatively by Derek Landers Relatively speaking he was my husband to my mother’s mother and the son of another Reich polished boots and martial mannerisms were his yet he knew no order Relatively speaking he was my father’s father and the son of a people dispossessed from their homes and heritage held hostage by the geography of North America and the ties of the delta bayous he knew pain Relatively speaking she was wife to my father’s father and the daughter of a kidnapped African women and a Frenchman’s contempt for that women’s humanity Jim Crow she’d come to know she knew not who she was Relatively speaking I am their mongrel progeny I span the waters of their existence uniting four continents and no one Relatively speaking I am alone Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath Kroger Company got a tax-payer subsidized parking garage - Over-the-Rhine got this lousy rock Streetvibes 100th Issue Page 15 �TREATMENT: Both 820-2947 N.A. Hopeline 351-0422 A.A. Hotline 381-6672 C.C.A.T. 684-7956 Talbert House Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In 721-0643 Program TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 921-1613 Prospect House 961-2256 Starting Over TREATMENT: Women 961-4663 First Step Home Full Circle Program 721-0643 HOUSING: 721-4580 CMHA Excel Development 632-7149 241-0504 Miami Purchase OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 381-1171 ReSTOC 721-8666 Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge 751-9797 Services, Inc 761-1480 Caracole (AIDS) 381-5432 Friars Club 721-0643 Drop Inn Center 863-8866 Haven House Interfaith 471-1100 Hospitality Lighthouse Youth Center 961-4080 (Teens) St. John’s Housing 651-6446 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 1-888-872-9259 (Toll Free) 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvation Army Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis 859-491-3335 Center 357-4602 SHELTER: Men City Gospel 241-5525 Mission Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House 241-2965 (Veterans) St. Francis/St.Joseph 381-4941 House 661-4620 Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) 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 OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of 421-2437 Cincinnati Appalachian Identity 621-5991 Center 231-6630 Beech Acres Center for Independent Living 241-2600 Options Churches Active in 591-2246 Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 381-4242 241-2563 Contact Center Emanuel Center Freestore/ 241-1064 Foodbank Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental 946-8600 Health Board Mental Health Access 558-8888 Point Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. 271-5501 Center Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 McMicken Dental 352-6363 Clinic 621-6364 Our Daily Bread Peaslee Neighborhood 621-5514 Center Project Connect Homeless 357-5720 Kids St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food 471-4357 Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping 872-9259 Women MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 863-1445 Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door 868-3276 Pantry New Life Baptist Mission 896-9800 (Soup Kitchen) Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) 423-4673 $1 Donation November 2004 STREETVIBES BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY Celebrating the 100th Issue Streetvibes Timeline The Best of Streetvibes Serial Number Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Inside � 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 November 2004 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Remembering Buddy Gray Pg 2: Letter from the Director Pg 3: GCHC Pg 4: Homeless News Digest Pg 5: The Zen of Streetvibes Vending Pg 6: Fire Cat Review Pg 7: Sweeping of camps halted by the homeless Pg 8: Move Homeless from Under Bridges Pg 9: Homeless Men Receive Settlement from City of Covington Pg 10: The Peace Village Pg 11: Curtis Norvell finds healing at Drop Inn Center Program Pg 12: GCHC Pg 13: Zen Continued Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & 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 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Rachel Lawson Kate McManus Janice Faulkner Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry buddy gray Camps Covington Curtis Norvell Donald Whitehead Drop Inn Center Fire Cat Review Georgine Getty Homeless News Digest Janice Faulkner Jimmy Heath Kate McManus Mary Gaffney Over-the-Rhine Rachel Lawson The Peace Village https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/74b3bcc609cc679a9bf26ad75db64d38.pdf b4225bbf560b30122db75a68d0031321 PDF Text Text November 2005 STREETVIBES Just Add Affordable Housing – For a Greater Cincinnati by John Lavelle On September 13th, voters in the city of Cincinnati voted overwhelmingly to nominate Cincinnati City Councilman David Pepper and State Senator Mark Mallory for the November 8th general election’s mayoral ballot. Each candidate is considered a moderate Democrat, so it will be up to each of them to distinguish themselves from each other. With both candidates receiving almost an equal number of votes, citizens expect a close race focused on the issues. Certainly, two issues on Steetvibes readers’ minds are the topics of homelessness and affordable housing. Let us take a brief look at the platforms and records of the two candidates: David Pepper When approached by the Affordable Housing Advocates earlier in the year about meeting to discuss the issues surrounding affordable housing, both candidates were eager to do so. AHA talked with David Pepper back in January, educating him on the purpose of AHA, the history of affordable housing in Cincinnati, and the current housing and wage crises. They expressed a desire to see stronger leadership and a David Pepper better relationship with citizens who all too often are unaware of their options and caught up in city bureaucracy. Pepper was receptive to the discussion and listened very openly. Certain parts of his platform reflect this, addressing the need for a living wage and more affordable housing. On his website, Pepper discusses his record on encouraging economic growth, stating that “key tasks remaining on this agenda include a comprehensive effort on affordable home ownership” (davidpepper.com/record.php). He makes mention of “affordable housing” many times throughout his “Neighborhoods Plan,” particularly on page 27, where he acknowledges citizens’ problems with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and demands greater accountability from their leadership so that residents can be better served. It should be noted as well that Pepper supports merging different subsidized housing programs in one entity (instead of both CMHA and the county, for example), a position not supported by many affordable housing advocates who feel this may limit choice for consumers of public housing. Under the “Economic Plan” on his website, Pepper states that the city must encourage employers to pay a living wage with benefits, reaching out to ex-offenders and highschool dropouts (page 32). Pepper has a history of active engagement with groups such as the Society for the Advancement of Reformed Felons (SARF) and has been very supportive in assisting this population into stability. Not all is peaches and cream with Pepper, though. In May 2003, he voted in favor of the panhandling ordinance, ardently supporting its subsequent renewal in 2004. The panhandling ordinance requires the registration of panhandlers who must then carry a license to panhandle, legislation that homeless advocates condemn as a violation of both the 1st Amendment and individual civil rights. Pepper talks affordable housing and living wage, but does not go much further in his comprehensive plans than quick mentions. Hopefully the coming month will shed more light on his stance on these important issues. Mark Mallory Mallory met with the Affordable Housing Advocates in early August, discussing his own thoughts and ideas. During the meeting, he expressed an interest in infill building and policy that mandates that a certain percentage of housing be affordable; this is a platform long shared by affordable housing advocates. He specifically noted Potterhill Homes – a company that makes high-quality, affordable modular homes – as an example of a great option for affordable home ownership. He was also interested in more accessible housing for those in need of assisted living. Furthermore, Mallory agreed with AHA that resources be focused on the needs of renters and rental properties, recommending that emphasis be placed on treating citizens who rent as assets to the city. Finally, Mallory supported restoring the city planning department, the lack of which has frustrated advocates and developers since its dissolution. During that meeting and throughout his campaign, Mallory has stressed strong leadership and sustainable solutions to the city’s numerous problems. He appears to look beyond the surface of Cincinnati’s problems. Being able to look at the systemic problems is key to addressing a major issue such as homelessness. Mallory speaks for himself as having this capacity and the necessary leadership to boot. He cites his ten years of leadership in the state capital as evidence. In 2003, Senator Mallory worked with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio to successfully restore $4.7 million in Emergency Shelter Grant funding and $5.5 million in Transitional Housing funding to the state budget. All that was necessary was a call to Mallory, who quickly understood how many people depended on this funding and was able to do the Mark Mallory necessary politicking to restore it within a week. Overall, it seems that each candidate would be able to have a profound effect on the city, given their qualifications and platforms. On November 8th, the citizens of Cincinnati will have the chance to decide who will lead the city for the next four years. Ohioans Need a Raise! by John Lavelle Did you know that Ohio is one of two states – the other being Kansas – with a state minimum wage below the federal level of $5.15 per hour? That’s right, Ohio’s minimum wage still remains at the level at which it was set in 1990: $4.25/hour. Some 500,000 Ohioans work for this minimum wage, the majority of them women. Most are not even the stereotypical minimum wage workers: 15 year old high school students flipping burgers for gas money. It is estimated that around 71% of these minimum wage workers are over the age of 20. Currently, there is a campaign to put a referendum on the November 2006 ballot that Email: homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com would raise the state minimum wage to $6.85/ or Phone: 513.421.7803 x13. hour, indexed to increase every year with inflation. Not only would this effect minimum wage workers, but experts expect the increase to raise pay for all low wage workers (the “rising tide lifts all boats” theory). In order for the referendum to appear on the ballot next year, proponents must collect 322,899 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters prior to August 10, 2006. Volunteers will be out at polls on Election Day, November 8th, Some 500,000 Ohioans work for minimum soliciting signatures and raising awareness. If wage, the majority of them women. you are interested in volunteering in the coming months, please contact John Lavelle, Civil Rights Advocate at GCCH, and will connect you with organizers. 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 Mary Gaffney - Reception Melvin Williams - Reception Susan Smith - Volunteer Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor Photography 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://cincihomeless.org Page 2 Victory Won for Human Service Provider Community and the People they Serve by Georgine Getty October 19, Cincinnati City Council unanimously voted to restore Human Service funding to over 50 local agencies serving low income and homeless individuals in Cincinnati. They also voted to restore the Human Service Advisory Committee (HSAC) process. For over 20 years, human service agencies have received 1.5% of the General Fund. This funding goes to myriad groups working with senior citizens, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, families and youth. For the duration of this funding allocation, the HSAC has been the vehicle that recommends how funding is allocated. This volunteer committee evaluates all applications for human service funding and rates them based on their effectiveness at meeting the needs of vulnerable populations. In November of 2005, Mayor Luken and City Manager Valerie Lemmie cut human service funding to zero, stating that human services were not core city services and that they did not warrant city support. After an overwhelming response from citizens (over 300 people showed up to testify in favor of human service funding at each of the public hearings), Council restored partial funding at a rate of .06%. Some of this funding did not come from the General Fund, but was rather siphoned off of CDBG funding, dollars used to create fair, accessible and affordable housing. Many agencies received no funding at all and were forced to lay off employees, end programs or close their doors altogether. The “1.5% Coalition” consisting of agencies affected by these cuts as well as concerned citizens and faith groups, formed in December of 2005 to work to restore city funding to human services. They also focused on restoring the HSAC process of allocating funds, determining as a service community that this process was fair and objective. The three-party motion to restore funding was put forth by Crowley (D), Smitherman (C), and Monzel (R) on October 12 and was referred to Finance Committee, with support from Reece, Cole, Pepper and Malone. It states: * We acknowledge that that the needs of our citizens go beyond just safety, peacekeeping, and sanitation. Therefore, we are making a commitment to continue our long and proud tradition of providing support for Human Services in the City of Cincinnati. * We have a Human Services Policy that prioritizes funding based on the severity and urgency of various problems. These priorities include helping to fund programs for people who are homeless, atrisk youth, and citizens with disabilities. * Last year due to budget constraints, the Mayor and City Manager proposed eliminating the 1.5% earmarked for Human Services. Fortunately, Council was able to make some budget adjustments in order to restore half of the original amount. We want to send a clear message that funding Human Services is a priority, and that we support the restoration of the full 1.5%. The human service community commended the passage of these motions. In a letter recently sent to Council candidates, signed by over 35 executive directors of local human service agencies, the case was made for restoration, illuminating four key benefits of city funding: * It leverages millions of state and federal dollars to benefit Cincinnati. It is estimated that agencies leverage $4 from outside sources for every dollar invested in them through city funds. * Homeless, sick, victimized, hungry, hurting and often hopeless people get the help they need to move forward with dignity and hope * It alleviates the problems of caring for indigent, abused, mentally ill, and sick from the city. * Social services agencies collaborate, share resources and work for lasting and systemic change. Mayor Luken, however, was unhappy with the decision, stating that he wanted to go on record as opposing the approval of these motions. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 16­ 22, 2005 The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is seeking willing participants to organize sleepouts/shanty-towns and/or food/ clothing drives for National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Below you’ll find a brief description of the event. Co-sponsored by: National Coalition for the Homeless and National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the sponsoring co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During this week, a number of schools, communities and cities take part in a nationwide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Schools and/or Facility members interested in participating are asked to contact their local representative. Cincinnati: Kelly Carr, Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 513-421-7803 ext.11. 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 A 37-year-old Boston homeless man was shot to death as he stood on the steps outside a Roxbury apartment Friday night, less than a day after he was released from jail. Jose Gonzalez had just rung the doorbell to Beverly Julien’s second-floor apartment on the 2900 block of Washington Street when he was shot in the chest, according to Julien, who described herself as an acquaintance of Gonzalez’s, and a Boston police officer familiar with the case. Julien said she normally looks out her front window before deciding whether to open the door, but she thought it was her boyfriend ringing so she went straight downstairs. She was at the top of the stairs when she heard the shot, she said. She cracked her door open, she said, and saw Gonzalez lying on the steps. She ran back up to her apartment and dialed 911, she said, keeping her eye on Gonzalez from the window until police and paramedics arrived at around 9:40 p.m. “I kept watching his chest and his belly” for signs of life, she said. Julien lamented that if she had looked out the window she might have caught a glimpse of who killed Gonzalez. In Coquitlam, BC Canada, homeless men in the Tri-Cities may face a tougher time getting a bed in a shelter this winter Salvation Army has had to cut back the number of temporary beds at its New Westminster shelter from about 30 to 20 to meet building codes and a spokesperson said he won’t know until later this fall whether he will be able to accommodate more Tri-City homeless people when winter sets in The Army currently picks up about four men a day from Port Coquitlam and drives them to the New West shelter and back. That number usually increases to about seven men in winter, although some people are turned away But Capt. Dave MacPherson said he’ll only be able to accept more homeless if requested to by the Fraser Health Authority and some longer term renters move out of the building “We’ll take as many as we can,” he promised Sally Ann, which used to rent space in New West’s Garfield Hotel, is now buying the building to knock it down and build a permanent facility. The Army is working with the Royal City to refine details for the project, which is expected to cost about $8 million, including land costs, and is getting support from provincial and federal governments. The army also runs the 10­ bed Stevenson House, for a total shelter bed count of 33, of which four are set aside for Tri-City people Sally Ann is also working with Tri-City churches to come up with a strategy for taking in local homeless if temperatures drop below -4 C Last year’s plan to house local homeless on mats on a church floor fell through, so the Salvation Army let them stay in the basement of its New Westminster church Still, there are never enough beds and last year the Army turned away 10 homeless a night, MacPherson said Last spring the Salvation Army closed its PoCo office after plans for a shelter, second stage housing and services fell through. In Austin Texas The Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center in East Austin looked like it was set up for any trade show last month. Booths advertising various services enticed participants with free T-shirts, nonprofits were collecting signatures and the line to get in snaked around the corner. But this was a different kind of convention. Everyone was there to help the homeless get back on their feet in some way. For the past six years, Stand Down Austin has helped homeless veterans. A “stand down” is a military term for a retreat. Now, the nonprofit is reaching out to all of Austin’s homeless community. It’s organized as a one-stop-shop with a number of different services and organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, American Red Cross, Health and Human Services, Caritas of Austin, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and The Salvation Army. “This is for homeless individuals where they can come access many resources in one day, versus having to do that over the course of weeks and sometimes months,” chairman Andrew Miller said. The one-day event allows the homeless a one-stop shop to have all their needs met. Men and women received food, clothes, haircuts, health care, employment assistance, ID badges, legal counseling, pet vaccinations and housing assistance. Many of Austin’s homeless population aren’t looking for a handout, but a hand up. Alice Cooper wants to help the hungry men of London, even if they don’t want pizza. According to the U.K. website Playlouder.com, Cooper is pitching a reality TV show in which he will save a homeless man from the streets of London. “It will be about a guy who is sleeping in downtown London and life is totally gone for him,” Cooper reportedly said of his new show. “He’s just a bundle of rags. We find out how he got there and reconstruct his life. That would be great TV.” Apparently Alice will search the gritty parts of London for the “right type” of homeless man. Maybe he means the kind who wears ghoulish makeup, likes to play golf, and wants to open sports bars, just like Alice. After wrapping up a U.S. tour, Cooper heads to England for the month of November, ostensibly to tour, but perhaps to pound the pavement in search of the right “derelict.” In Alexandria, Va. Fran Becker used to daydream about how she’d spend a million dollars to fix up the homeless shelter she runs in Alexandria. Now, she gets to turn her dream into reality. A family that made its fortune in the Alexandria real estate market gave Becker one million dollars six months ago. Carpenter’s Shelter currently offers classes, counseling, tutoring and similar programs. Becker tells The Washington Post that the bequest will help her expand these programs, transforming the shelter into a comprehensive center of learning. So far, the money has been used to set up a scholarship program for clients who want more education. The shelter also has been renamed the Hubert N. Hoffman Junior Center for Homeless Families, after a member of the family that established the Hoffman Family Trust. In Bagley Twp., Michigan, police responding to a complaint of cats and dogs being Streetvibes kept in a rented storage unit on Old 27 South suspect the owner of those pets is a homeless man who also may have been living in the storage unit. State Police troopers from the Gaylord post removed two dogs and cats from the storage unit off Old 27 south of Gaylord after MSP troopers received anonymous information the domesticated animals were being kept in one of the units. Investigators indicated the 43-year-old Gaylord man who had been renting the storage space since Sept. 25 also may have been living with his pets. Although a report of the incident has been turned over to the prosecutor for review, investigators indicated they did not believe the man would be facing charges of animal cruelty. According to the MSP incident report, investigators could hear dogs barking from inside one of the units when they arrived at the scene. After opening the locked door, troopers found two German Shepherds and two cats inside the storage unit, which was reported to have had an overwhelming odor of urine and feces. Bowls of water and dog food were found inside the building, as was a couch with blankets and pillows. In Huntsville, Alabama a man Eugene Mercer, 58, described as mentally ill and reportedly armed with a knife, was shot and killed last month by police. Police searched for an escaped Madison County jail inmate and came upon Mercer’s campsite under the Interstate 565 overpass. The escapee, Bobby Ray Bickers, 36, later was captured. Police spokesman Wendell Johnson said he wasn’t sure if the city’s mental health officer had been called to help deal with Mercer. “It might’ve all happened too quickly for that. We won’t discuss further details until all of the facts are known,” Johnson said. Sherry Birney, a chaplain advocate for Huntsville’s homeless, said she had met Mercer many times at his campsite. She said when he became frightened or distressed, he would become aggressive in his speech. “He isolated himself under that bridge for years,” she said. “Herman isn’t the first and he won’t be the last paranoid schizophrenic person living on the street that police will have to deal with.” She said officers need training in how to deal with the mentally ill. “Rather than shoot him, why not back away or call the mental health officer or at least get the police dog to tend to him?” she said. Page 3 �Santa Rosa, CA council weighs homeless crackdown Show your support! Get your STREETVIBES T-Shirt Today! (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 Homeless encampments along the rail corridor and creek beds of Healdsburg are a public nuisance, police say, and the city should adopt stricter laws that will help kick people out. Over the last year, Healdsburg has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people living on public and private property where uncontrolled cooking fires, trash and the lack of sanitation are taking a toll, Sgt. Kevin Young said. At one of the most popular transient haunts on Foss Creek, firefighters have been called to extinguish numerous blazes. Last year, a homeless man died of alcohol poisoning, Young said. “The human waste and garbage we find down there fills dump trucks,” Young said. “Some of the camps are unbelievable.” Police are proposing an addition to the municipal code to make overnight camping in makeshift tents, hammocks or in cars an infraction punishable by a $100 fine, Young said. A second offense could lead to 30 days in jail. Advocates for migrant farmworkers ­ among the largest group of illicit campers - said that a more rigorous law would not solve the problem of homelessness. Nancy Palandati, an attorney for California Rural Legal Assistance in Santa Rosa, said people would merely sleep elsewhere. She said Healdsburg and other Sonoma County cities should follow the lead of Napa County, which provides housing during the harvest that draws thousands of people, many without homes. Threatening workers in the region’s key industry with fines or jail is wrong, she said. “On the one hand they say you can come here and work,” Palandati said. “But you can only seek work in this way. And by the way, once you’re done with work, we don’t want you around.” The city has been working on its overnight-camping law for several years, trying to resolve issues connected to homelessness, public safety and litter. It cleared a portion of the Russian River bank near Memorial Beach in recent years and has battled dumping on many public easements. Now, much camping appears to have moved to the rail corridor near Grove Street. There, in blackberry brambles, homeless people have erected shelters with plastic sheeting and wood floors. They wash clothes in a shallow creek and keep a small vegetable garden. Bicycle frames, old couches and beer cans litter trails. City Manager Chet Wystepek said it is illegal to camp without a permit, but the proposed law defines certain illegal activities, giving police clearer enforcement authority. For instance, it describes camping paraphernalia like bedrolls or cots, and specifies banned activities such as cooking or digging. �Katrina uncovers the forgotten queues at America’s soup kitchens It is a little past noon on a sweltering day a short ride from downtown Detroit, one of the last gasps of summer before the brutal Michigan winter settles in. Already the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, run by friars from a nearby monastery, is winding down. People tend to get in line for food early. A couple of dozen people, largely but not exclusively African Americans, finish their lunches in a clean but spare dining hall. A large wooden cross is propped up in one corner and photographs on the wall show the facility during the depression. This is a rough neighbourhood. Alison Costello, the former fine-dining chef who manages the kitchen, keeps her eyes fixed ahead of her on her way home to avoid looking too hard at the drug houses that line the street. Many of the people at the tables have the worn appearance of the chronically poor and homeless, others are younger and wouldn’t attract glares; many have lowpaying jobs and simply struggle to make ends meet, part of a swelling class of the working poor. The soup kitchen serves around 800 people daily for lunch. The summer months are the busiest. In the winter, numbers thin. Some regulars find places at shelters and would rather go hungry than lose them. Others have no proper footwear and risk frostbitten feet if they do make the trip. “I drove in here yesterday and I saw all these people streaming in to the soup kitchen, and I thought ‘there is so much suffering in this city’,” said Brother Jerry Smith, who runs the soup kitchen. “I see the abandoned buildings and factories on a massive scale. I have to keep looking for signs of hope. Sometimes it’s pretty demoralising.” This is the America most don’t see. It has taken a catastrophe to rekindle the national debate on poverty in the US. The wretched images of the poor left to struggle on the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, with no means of escape, provoked widespread shock. But the conditions exposed by the hurricane are not confined to the south. After barely registering as an issue for a decade, poverty is back on the political agenda. We had all seen the evidence of “deep, persistent poverty” on television, President Bush said in an address after the hurricane struck; poverty that “has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunity of America.” According to the US census bureau, poverty has been on the rise for the past four years, despite a robust economy. The number of people living in poverty increased last year to 12.7% of the population, some 37m people, the highest percentage in the developed world. Since Mr Bush took office an additional 5.4m have slipped below the poverty line. In 1970, the rate was 11.1%. Almost 8% of white people are classified as below the poverty line and almost 25% of African Americans. “Katrina merely blew the mask off the face of poverty,” says Agostinho Fernandes, president of the Gleaners Food Bank, which supplies food to soup kitchens and emergency food services in the Detroit area. “Why did it take a disaster for our leaders to respond?” In Detroit, 34% of the population live in poverty, including almost half the children under 17. In the neighbourhood of Highland Park, once the home of Chrysler and now all but abandoned, shops are boarded up and the bones of burnt out buildings haunt the streets. Local community workers are fighting contractors from other parts of the city using its streets to dump rubbish. Detroit’s population has plummeted from 2m to 950,000 in the past 50 years, largely because of white flight to the suburbs after race riots in the 1960s. There have been cuts in police and fire departments, the city is crimeridden and schools are a shambles. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen has become accustomed to dealing with the mentally ill after budget cuts caused the closure of local mental health facilities. Community workers are sceptical about whether America will see another “war on poverty”. “What the president says doesn’t mean much to me,” says Genevieve Clark at the Hunger Action Coalition in Detroit. “He is speaking for the moment to make people feel warm and fuzzy today and then he will move on to something else.” There is perhaps good reason for cynicism. Items on the agenda in Washington include the extension of tax cuts on investment income and repealing the estate tax, both aimed at the wealthy. Also proposed are tens of billions of dollars of cuts to services like food stamps, federal student loans and Medicaid, the health insurance for the low-income Americans. The president’s vow to pay for reconstruction in New Orleans without raising taxes means further services are likely to be cut. Democrats have also attacked the Bush administration for suspending the minimum wage requirement for companies working in the hurricane-hit region. The minimum wage of $5.15 an hour has not in any case been increased since 1997: adjusted for inflation it is at its lowest level since 1956. Rarely, if ever, has poverty continued to rise so long after the end of a recession. The median Streetvibes household income in the US has stagnated for the past five years at around $44,400, the longest period on record. Globalisation is forcing US companies to keep prices low to compete and many manufacturers are closing factories and shifting production overseas: 2.7m industrial jobs have been lost since 2001. Many of those workers are moving into lower-paid service jobs. Unions are weak. The pressure on wages at the bottom is creating a new class of the working poor. Valerie Bland, 33, a single mother, fills a supermarket trolley at a food pantry in Detroit run by a local community group called Focus:Hope, which also provides training to get people back to work. Her job as a nursing assistant doesn’t pay enough to cover the bills and buy food for her infant son. “I would be struggling without this program,” she says. “I am still penny-pinching but this takes some of the stress away.” Welfare to work reform in the 1990s tilted benefits in favour of people with jobs, leaving a less effective safety net. Healthcare costs continue to rise at doubledigit rates. The numbers without any kind of health insurance grew last year to 45.8 million people. Yet the rich continue to get richer. For the first time in the census, the top 20% of earners in the US took over half the total income. The bottom 20% took just 3.4%. Only the top 5% of households enjoyed real income growth during the year. A recent survey released by market research firm TNS said the number of millionaires in the US has reached a record 8.9 million, rising for the third successive year. Mr Bernstein says: “With the Bush re-election, it’s hard to make a case that there is a high political cost to ignoring or even exacerbating our poverty problem. Inequality promotes greater inequality because once you have disenfranchised a generation then their progeny is facing ever higher barriers and it’s that much tougher to get out.” The question for many is how long poverty will remain a topic in Washington. Katrina made New Orleans a magnet for charity. “It slammed the door shut on us,” says Mr Fernandes at Gleaners. “Organisations like ours were feeding the impoverished in the south before the storm; we were feeding them through the storm; and we are feeding them after the storm.” Page 5 �Valuable to The Family walking the streets for place they can by Ms. Mary Gaffney call home. disappointed, with outfull Greetings to my readers and time employment. Some stop here purchasers of Streetvibes each for coffee and warmth; others nap. month; and to my homeless friends, On Special Wednesday, a especially those in Over-Rhine, some wonderful lady; Susan of the residents at the Smith, visits us and Drop Inn Center, in brings a most delicious vacant buildings, dinner with all the hallways and allys. trimmings. And she While sitting here brings, on Thursday’s at my desk as usual, my and sometimes mind turns to Monday, loaves of Thanksgiving and Miss Mary Gaffney bread which my Christmas and families homeless friends are gatherings and dinners. Here at the Coalition, on my desk, is very grateful to receive, and will say Thank You. This makes you think; in a bucket of chicken, or sometimes, all of the stress and strain of their day, seafood. During the holidays, there is a they take the time to greet you and roomful of family who has shelter and thank you. Thank you Streetvibes a way to prepare their food. customers, for supporting my But what about the ones who homeless friends with your purchase. have no home. They will eat if they Until next time. can eat at regular places, but are Senate Plan to Cut Food could have meant a loss of benefits Stamps Dies Senate Republicans have dropped plans to cut the popular food stamp program, as the chamber’s leaders scrambled to assemble a $35 billion spending cut measure to implement the budget plan it adopted in April. After protests from Agriculture Committee members Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and James M. Talent (R-Mo.), panel Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-Gad.) dropped more than $500 million in food stamp cuts from a farm and food subsidy measure that came in to a committee vote in October. The cuts for 300,000 working families benefiting from more generous eligibility rules in some states. The development on food stamps illustrates the political sensitivity of the upcoming debate over the spending cut bill, which would spread the $35 billion in cuts over five years. Various House and Senate committees are conducting behind-the-scenes talks to devise spending cut plans to implement the budget. The conservative-dominated House plans to up the ante to $50 billion in cuts as it votes as early as tomorrow to revise the budget. The Senate has no such plans. A Call to Greater Cincinnati Poets For the 2006 annual Book of Poems and Drawings on Peace and Justice 1) Call for poems from any poet from the Greater Cincinnati area 2) Poems to relate to themes of peace and justice 3) Poet may submit up to 3 poems 4) All submissions will be considered. The editors will be looking for quality, inclusiveness, and appropriateness to the themes of peace and justice. 5) If space becomes limited, priority will be given to poets not published in previous books 6) Poems selected will be illustrated in B&W by Greater Cincinnati artists (one drawing per poet) 7) Poems and illustrations will be printed in For a Better World 2006, a book to be available April, 2006 8) Book will be launched and available for sale at SOS ART 2006. 9) Poets included in book will be invited to read their poems at SOS ART 2006 10) Proceeds from sale of book will finance publication of future similar books to accompany annual âœSOS ART events. (Note: this is the 3rd annual book) 11) Submission deadline: February 3, 2006 12) Please send submissions in full text and as a Word attachments by e-mail or by US mail (on a floppy disk) to: Saad Ghosn (saad.ghosn@uc.edu), 216 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, Oh 45229 Page 6 Mark Your Calendar Invitation to Justice Watch Dinner Justice Watch Saves Lives and Money Saturday, November 12th, 2005 5:30 PM Keynote Speaker G. Michael Payton, Esq., Executive Director of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission St. Joseph Parish Hall, corner of Ezzard Charles & Linn Streetvibes For more information please call 241-0490 Tickets are $25 each, or $160 for a table of ight Across the country, more than 600,000 prisoners are released each year. A medium Security inmate in a conventional prison costs taxpayers about $25,000 per year and %67 return to a wasteful life of crime and prison. Justice Watch offers residential support to men coming out of prison would otherwise be homeless. A Justice Watch resident costs only $2,250 to house and only %13 return to a wasted life of crime on the road. Nearly One Third of Food Stamp Recipients Lived in Rural Areas; Cuts Would Harm Rural Poor A new analysis by the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire shows that 22 percent of Americans and a full 31 percent of the nation’s food stamp recipients lived in rural areas in 2001. Three in five rural residents who received food stamps lived in the South. “Many of America’s rural families struggle to make a living,” said Cynthia M. Duncan, the director of The Carsey Institute. “In these rural communities, as in many of our cities and suburbs, food stamps provide crucial supplements to low income families’ budgets.” In 2001, 7.5 percent (4.6 million) of all rural residents received food stamps, compared to 4.8 percent of residents of urban areas. Nevertheless, 10.6 million rural residents were living in poverty. The lower number of food stamp recipients indicates that many eligible people did not participate in the program. Among other important findings, children accounted for 43 percent of the rural population that depend on food stamps, but only one fourth of rural residents. The Carsey analysis stresses the importance of Streetvibes food stamps to rural America and says that Congressional cuts would likely have significant adverse effects on the lives of poor rural Americans. 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 �75% of American Workers Lack Decent Wages and Benefits Interview with a Streetvibes Vendor Alford-44- from Columbus, OH tvib es The beverage industry will soon start a multi-million dollar ad campaign to publicize its new policy on soft drink sales in school vending machines. Pilot TV commercials will feature parents talking about the policy. Susan Neely, president of the American BeverageAssociation (ABA), said that the ads are designed to raise awareness about the industry’s efforts “to contribute to the larger societal challenge” of childhood obesity. This year, many state legislatures considered, and in some cases passed, legislation banning or restricting soft drink sales in schools. The newABApolicy allows diet soft drinks in middle schools, and up to 50 percent of vending slots in high schools to have carbonated soft drinks. The Center for Science in the Public Interest urged the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration to require the beverage industry to put a health warning on sweet carbonated soft drinks. “Neely is no stranger to issue campaigns,” reads this Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s story. ee Soft Drinks in Schools: Beverage Industry to Promote Its New Plan track. Today, he sells between 15 and 40 papers a week, for which people “very generously” contribute between 5 to 10 dollars each. What isn’t spent on rent gets invested back into more papers, keeping his business moving. When asked what he’d like to say to the public, Alford said he’d like the paper to get everyone’s support, specifically support in providing new and improved shelters for the homeless. The shelter situation as it stands now is not adequate to house the 150-200 homeless Cincinnatians per night that frequent them. Alford’s success is a great example of the difference a little bit of support can make. Through the sales of Streetvibes alone, he was able to make a living for himself with the help of a program that has aided many in getting on their feet. Your support through the purchase of this paper is greatly appreciated, and makes a real difference in reducing homelessness. of good jobs would have fallen 25 to 30 percent, despite large increases in the capital stock per worker and significant technological progress over the period. Moreover, the decline in the underlying ability of the economy to create good jobs is likely an underestimate since this calculation does not control for the larger capital stock or technological advances, both of which should have made it much easier for the economy to produce good jobs. The study also found that 26.6 percent of the workforce is in a job that pays poorly and offers neither health insurance nor a pension. This is close to the share of Americans in bad jobs in 1979 (27.9 percent). “How Good is the Economy at Creating Good Jobs?” was based on analysis of data from the March Current Population Survey (CPS). It is the first in a series to explore recent trends in job quality in the U.S. economy. Str by Neil Maclean Every day at 11AM, at the corner of 7th and Vine a smiling face greets me. I know him only by his first name, Alford, but his story is one of courage, determination, and strength. It is a story I am proud to tell. For the past 3 years now, Alford has sold Streetvibes newspapers on that same corner, in front of the CVS. It is a venture that’s enabled him to move from sleeping on the streets, and shelters, into his own apartment in College Hill. Alford’s story is one that is painfully familiar and a lesson for many of us. His story is an illustration of how a simple twist of fate can put any one of us on an unexpected path. After a car accident left him unable to drive his cab, Alford found himself homeless and wondering where his next meal would come from. It was only after he found Streetvibes that Alford was able to get his life back on Only 25.2 percent of American workers have a job that pays at least $16 per hour and provides health insurance and a pension, according to a new study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The report, “How Good is the Economy at Creating Good Jobs?” found that between 1979 and 2004 the share of American workers in good jobs remained unchanged at about 25 percent, despite strong economic growth over that period. (The report defines a “good job” as one that offers at least $16 per hour or $32,000 annually, employer-paid health insurance and a pension.) In the last quarter century, the U.S. workforce has become older, more experienced and better educated, but 75 percent of workers are still struggling in jobs that do not provide health insurance, a pension and solid middle-class wages. “The U.S. economy has failed to convert long-term economic growth into better jobs,” said John Schmitt, CEPR economist and author of the report. “Despite huge improvements in the average educational level our workforce, most American workers still don’t have a job that pays a decent wage and provides health insurance and a pension.” Since 1979, inflationadjusted GDP per person increased 60 percent, but the percentage of workers in good jobs remained unchanged at about 25 percent. If the workforce had not experienced dramatic improvements, the share Support Your Vendor Buy Streetvibes “Don “Don’’t Leave Home W ithout IIt...” t...” Streetvibes Page 7 �Bush Must Keep His Promise to America of Bold Action to Address Poverty Hurricane Katrina swept America’s hidden problem of poverty into public view. Those with means by and large had hightailed it out of New Orleans before the storm hit, leaving the poor, the elderly and the infirm to cope with the subsequent floodwaters as TV cameras rolled. Their desperate plight seemed a metaphor for the needy in America - left stranded to fend for themselves amid a tidal wave of want and poverty while the more fortunate cruise to safety. A new report from The Brookings Institution reinforces the notion that many a city, Milwaukee included, can see themselves mirrored in New Orleans. The report notes the similarity among Milwaukee, New Orleans and some other big cities in the concentration of poverty. The report serves as a reminder that, in a speech from New Orleans on Sept. 15, President Bush had promised the nation “bold action” to tackle poverty, which, he said, “has roots in a history of racial discrimination, which cut off generations from the opportunity of America.” It’s now four weeks later, and that bold action has yet to materialize. Instead, cruelly, Congress is talking of moving in the opposite direction, cutting programs for the poor to pay for hurricane relief. His chief tactic to date - tax cuts mainly for the wealthy - has not worked. The ranks of the poor have widened under that policy. His strategy should include breaking up concentrations of poverty, which lead to bleak neighborhoods where commerce struggles, job opportunities shrivel, crime rises, mental and physical health suffers, schools deteriorate, housing decays and hope shrinks. Before the hurricane, some 38% of New Orleans’ poor residents lived in poor neighborhoods - the second highest share in the nation. In Milwaukee, which ranks ninth on the chart, 27% of poor residents live in such neighborhoods. The 1990s did see a marked reversal in the concentration of poor people. Bush should strive to build on that trend. Among the report’s recommendations Bush should adopt ­ • Expand the federal Section 8 program, which gives the poor vouchers to use for rent in private dwellings. • Push a program encouraging tax credits to builders of affordable single-family homes. Bush has actually proposed this program. Trouble is, he hasn’t pushed it. • Aim federal affordable-housing funds at low-poverty neighborhoods. • Expand the earned income tax credit and link the amount to housing costs. Simply, Bush must keep his promise to America of bold action to address poverty. In Spirit Though you don’t live next door, though you’re five states away, You’re still here in my thoughts every week, every day. When events of the day cause this soul to despair, just the sound of your voice makes them easy to bear. When I don’t have the luxury of feeling your soft touch or taking in your scent, which I appreciate so much, I need only look back at the times we have had to wonder if I’ve any right to be sad. You’re truly a blessing. I want you to know that I care for you deeply, wherever I go. - Benjamin Heller ­ 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 Know Your Rights Brochure Available! The Know Your Rights Brochure is now available at the Coalition’s office. The brochure is a legal guide for Cincinnati’s homeless and covers a person’s basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local laws that might be of interest to the homeless population. If you are a homeless person or if you work with homeless people and would like to obtain free copies of the brochure for yourself or your agency, please call 421­ 7803, or stop by the Coalition office and pick one up. Page 8 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. Streetvibes �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 �Habitat for Humanity chapter raise awareness about Pov­ erty and Homelessness to people about Habitat for Humanity. The group raised about $200, one-third of which will go to More than 20 University of local a local Habitat affiliate and the Idaho students experienced “A Night additional two-thirds will go to Without Comfort” last month at Habitat’s hurricane relief, Peton said Friendship Square in Moscow. The event began on a Friday Students from the UI campus eveninng and ended at 4 a.m. chapter of Habitat for Humanity spent Saturday when cold winds and few a night on the streets without people forced volunteers to pack up accommodations talking to passersby and head home, she said. about their organization to raise “A lot of people don’t know community awareness and provide exactly what Habitat is, so we get to educational information about poverty inform them a little bit,” Habitat housing issues and homelessness. Treasurer Levi Carter said. “Standing out here makes Habitat for Humanity is an you think about what people without international nonprofit organization any housing would do,” said Rosanne that works to eliminate substandard Peton, president of the Habitat housing and homelessness. chapter at UI. Volunteers and “partner Students spent the night families” work together to build or around an informational table, talking renovate homes. Materials are by Jason Moll provided by individual and corporate donors. Mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that is used to build more houses. “It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” said Anne Buike, the group’s adviser. “We work in partnerships with families.” The Moscow chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently purchased a piece of property for development and is waiting for proper permits before moving forward. The event was coordinated with National Make a Difference Day Saturday, a day when people are encouraged to go out and make positive changes in their communities. “I think this is awesome,” said passerby Rober Revich, a UI sophomore in electrical engineering. “I was kind of involved with something like this back at home.” Peton said the group saw peak traffic between 9 and 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity at UI was formed by students in 2003. It received its official charter from Habitat for Humanity International in 2005. “I think we accomplished our goals,” Peton said. “A lot of people came by to ask questions or give donations.” The group raised more than twice what they expected. “This is a great place for people to get a little bit of information out,” said passerby Mike Hudson, a Moscow community member. “Moscow may be the most giving little town in this area.” Senate Fails Again to Raise Minimum Wage Senate proposals to raise the minimum wage were rejected last month, making it unlikely that the lowest allowable wage, $5.15 an hour since 1997, will rise in the foreseeable future. A labor-backed measure by Sen. Edward Kennedy would have raised the minimum to $6.25 over an 18-month period. A Republican counterproposal would have combined the same $1.10 increase with various breaks and exemptions for small businesses. The Kennedy amendment to a spending bill went down 51-47, and the GOP alternative 57-42. Under a Senate agreement, they would have needed 60 votes for approval. Kennedy, D-Mass., said Hurricane Katrina demonstrated the depth of poverty in the country and he pointed out that a single parent with two children working a minimum wage earns $10,700 a year, $4,500 below the poverty line. He said it was “absolutely unconscionable” that in the same period that Congress has denied a minimum wage increase, lawmakers have voted themselves seven pay raises worth $28,000. But Republican opponents, echoing the arguments of business groups, said higher minimum wages can work against the poor if they force small businesses to cut payrolls or go out of business. “Mandated hikes in the minimum wage do not cure poverty and they clearly do not create jobs,” said Sen. Mike Enzi, RWyo., who offered the Republican alternative. Kennedy noted after the vote that three of the four Republicans who supported his amendment, Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Mike DeWine of Ohio and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island are up for re-election next year. “Candidates that are out campaigning know the power of this issue,” he said. The fourth Republican supporting Kennedy was Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. White House spokesman Scott McClellan, asked about Kennedy’s measure, said President Bush “believes that we should look at having a reasonable increase in the minimum wage. ... But we need to make sure that, as we do that, that it is not a step that hurts small business or prices people out of the job market.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said minimum wage workers “deserve a pay raise “plain and simple,” no strings attached.” “It is appalling that the same right-wing leaders in Congress who have given themselves seven pay raises since the last minimum wage increase have voted down the modest minimum wage increase proposed by the Kennedy amendment,” he said in a statement. Enzi’s proposal would provide tax and regulatory relief for small business, permit tips to be credited in complying with minimum wage hikes and expand the small business exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act. It also would have put into law a “flextime” system, opposed by organized labor as an assault on overtime pay, under which workers could work more in one week and take time off the next. Both proposals, amendments to a fiscal 2006 spending bill, needed 60 votes to pass. Kennedy, who has campaigned relentlessly for a minimum wage increase, picked up Unusually High Summer Demand for Shelter In Rutland, Vermont, homeless shelters were experiencing an unusually high demand during the summer. Occupancy usually declines in the warmer months when homeless people move to campgrounds and other outdoor areas to live. The Open Door mission in Rutland and Burlington’s Committee on Temporary Page 10 Shelter has been full for more than a month. Officials are reviewing their records to see what is driving the increased need. Rita Markley, head of the Committee on Temporary Shelter, says she’s seen a rise in the number of women who are homeless. She also has noticed a trend in the number of people who have been laid off from full-time jobs. A shortage of affordable housing also is the major problem. Lack of affordable housing contues to be a barrier for poor people, the results which is becoming homeless. Federal guidlines are that housing should not cost more than one-third of your housing. Streetvibes one vote from the 46 votes for a similar measure in March. Last month he modified his proposal, which originally called for a $2.15 increase over 26 months, in hopes of attracting more Republicans. The first minimum wage of 25 cents an hour was enacted under President Roosevelt in 1938. Congress has since voted eight times to increase it, including under Republican presidents Eisenhower, Ford and George H.W. Bush. Congress approved the last increase in 1996, with the second stage, boosting the rate to $5.15, taking effect in 1997. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages higher than the national level, including Washington State at $7.35, according to the Labor Department. Twenty-six states are the same as the federal level; two: Ohio and Kansas are below; and six do not have state laws. Also, Sens. Jack Reed, D­ R.I., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, proposed adding $3.1 billion to the administration’s $2 billion request this year for emergency heating assistance for low income families. “We’re about see a second tidal surge from Katrina and Rita,” with rising energy costs, Reed said. The Peace Village by Steve Sunderland The Peace Village will be back next month �FRAC Nutrion and Food Report categorical eligibility (“Cat El”) for During the week of October Temporary Assistance for Need 3rd, Senate Agriculture Committee Families (TANF) households to those Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) announced proposals to cut spending that receive TANF cash payments rather than services only. The cut is for food stamps, conservation and part of the “Budget Reconciliation” commodities programs but package that the Chairman postponed an October 6th planned announced in preparation for an mark up until the week of October October 6th markup that has been 17th; USDA reported on food postponed until on or about October stamp caseload increases for July 2005; state food stamp directors held 19th. The FY 2006 Budget Resolution directs the House and their annual meeting in Greensboro (NC); western states representatives Senate Agriculture Committees to cut testified about priorities for the 2007 $3 billion in five-year spending from programs under their jurisdiction. Farm Bill at a USDA Forum in The House and Senate Budget Oakland (CA); and many people hard hit by Hurricanes Katrina and/or Committees have until October 26th to act on packages that combine the Rita sought nutrition assistance. recommendations from Agriculture Outlook: Members of and other authorizing committees. Congress will be home for a district The House Agriculture Committee work period for the Columbus Day has yet to announce its reconciliation week. Anti-hunger advocates and plans. allies are planning visits and calls to In explaining his package to urge Members of Congress to nutrition advocates and other abandon budget reconciliation and stakeholders at a meeting on October instead broaden relief for those in 5th, Chairman Chambliss did need. A Senate Agriculture underscore his support for the Food Committee mark up of the FY 2006 Budget Reconciliation could occur on Stamp Program and his intention to hold the Food Stamp Program cuts October 19th—right on the heels of to his proposed level. The the October 17th and 18th National Chairman’s package also cuts Call-In Days that FRAC and allies conservation and commodities and are sponsoring to protect the Food extends a dairy program. Stamp and other human needs Nonetheless, the Chambliss programs. Astonishingly in the wake package of nutrition and other cuts of Hurricane Katrina, conservatives proved so controversial that the may seek even deeper budget cuts October 6th mark up was cancelled than set under the FY 2006 Budget less than 12 hours before it was Resolution passed this spring. slated to start. AP reports, “Democrats are fighting attempts to Senate Agriculture make cuts in food stamps and Committee Chairman Saxby conservation programs at a time Chambliss (R-GA) has proposed cutting food stamp spending by nearly when people are coping with hurricanes and drought. ‘Right now $600 million over five years by the difference between life and death adopting the Administration’s FY for many Americans is the food stamp 2006 Budget proposal to limit start the day….Congress established the school breakfast program with a program,’ said Sen. Max Baucus, Dpilot project in 1966 that provided Mont. ‘We should not, we cannot, free or reduced-price meals to cut the very nutritional programs that children from low-income families. are literally saving lives.’” Some school systems began offering a free breakfast to all of their students “The Coalition on Human as long as 10 years ago, according to Needs, as the broad alliance calls the nonprofit Food Research and itself, sent a letter Thursday to all Action Center, a D.C.-based members of the Senate and House organization that works to eradicate urging them to ‘oppose cuts in hunger in the United States. Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other (Source: “Breakfast at school,” by vital assistance that would lead to Kathryn Sinzinger, Common reduced help for low-income people, Denominator, 10/3/05, posted at and to focus instead on policies that http:// will help people move out of poverty.’ www.thecommondenominator.com/ Spurred by conservatives lead by 100305_news1.html). Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), chairman “Many children in Evanston of the House Republican Study schools jump-started their weeks Committee, Republicans are with milk cartons and sack coalescing behind spending cuts to breakfasts. On Monday, Evanston/ pay for hurricane damage. In a Rose Skokie School District 65 expanded Garden speech this week, President the School Breakfast Program into Bush said federal relief should be six schools: Chute and Nichols accompanied by cuts and that he middle schools and Dawes, Kingsley, would work with lawmakers to Lincoln and Park elementary schools. identify offsets. Conservatives have Oakton and Washington elementary identified increased Medicaid coschools already had the program…. payments, Medicaid block grants, Recent studies support Krugly’s and increased Medicare premiums as observation that students who eat potential offsets. On Wednesday, breakfast perform better in school. House Budget Committee chairman Breakfast has been proven to Jim Nussle (R-Iowa) suggested an increase a student’s ability to focus across-the-board 2 percent cut on all and it decreases behavior problems in discretionary spending. the classroom, according to a USDA Beginning today, all students study. According to the 2004 School enrolled in D.C. public schools can Breakfast Report Card prepared by get a free breakfast if they show up the Food Research and Action for school 30 minutes early. That’s Center, 7.1 million low-income the word from school system officials, children participate in the School who say the ‘universal breakfast’ Breakfast Program. That was a 5.2 program is being launched with the percent increase from the 2002-2003 hope of replicating results of school year.” numerous studies that show academic Prepared by Food Research and achievement improves, tardiness and Action Center, 1875 Conn. Ave. truancy rates drop, and student NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202­ behavioral problems decline at 986-2200; www.frac.org schools that feed their students to Book Review: Destination Nowhere by John Siscoe The destination of choice is Molvania, a little-known and overlooked country in Eastern Europe. It is, among other things, the world’s number-one producer of beetroot and the birthplace of the whooping cough. The population staggers about, half-nauseated by industrial fumes while in the bleak countryside a band of famished goats (and criminals) rove at will. The food is inedible, the folk dancing interminable, the local customs unspeakable, and civic discipline invisible. Here is a country with no past worth remembering, a present to be avoided and a future — perhaps it’s best not to speculate about the future. In any case, a visit to Molvania will make your present woes seem paltry indeed. I was all set to pack my parody of the excellent but bags until I realized that relentlessly perky Lonely Planet Molvania does not exist. Guides (or anything by Rick However the authoritative (and Steves): “Tourists tend to be a only) guidebook to Molvania little wary of Western Molvania, does. Comprehensive, up to date, perceiving it as little more than illustrated with alarming an arc of polluted factory towns photographs and detailed maps, full of high-rise tenement housing Movania, A Land Untouched by and even higher crime rates. Modern They are of Dentistry Molvania: A Land Untouched course, contains all by Modern Dentistry right.” that you Every Written by Santo Cilauro, Tom could ever traveler’s Gleisner and Rob Sitch stand to heart must know about Overlook Press: a Jetlag warm to a Travel Guide this country where Paperback, 176 pages, $13.95 preposterous the eternal yet oddly flame at the plausible country. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Created by three burns only from Tuesday to Australians, Molvania (a Jetlag Saturday, where the famous Travel Guide) is a pitch-perfect revolving restaurant (Gastrodizzi) Streetvibes can take up to six months to complete a rotation, and where municipal buses “run frequently and can be hailed by simply waving your hand or, during peak periods, a small handgun.” Then there’s the dining experience at the renowned Tzoyczec Restaurant, where “you can sit in the garden and order roast suckling pig or lamb. Of course you’re unlikely to get it, as the place only does buttered rolls.” No, it’s too tempting to go on quoting from this superb parody. Better that you check it out yourself. For me, I haven’t laughed so hard since I lost my traveler’s checks in Ljubjana and had to walk all the way back to Trieste. In the rain. This is a wonderful book. 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 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. 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 (70 cent profit goes directly to the vendor) Homeless Coalition 25 Cents Printing and Production: 25 cents (this cost does not cover expenses) 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 Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! �New Orleans. Create a tour with high-profile experts on global warming, the politics of by Paul Rogat Loeb infrastructure, America’s economic audiences that would have been far series of interconnected questions: What are the costs of neglecting and radical divides. Include voices more resistant just a few months As the New Orleans America’s core infrastructure, like from the city and those now exiled. disaster recedes from the headlines, before. But like the post-9/11 the Bush administration’s $71 Challenge Americans to think again reflection, this newfound concern citizen activists face a choice. We million cuts in the budgets for about why the disaster happened, won’t continue automatically. It can focus exclusively on other maintaining and repairing the and what how we can best proceed needs a context in which to bloom. newer issues. Or we can work to levees? How do we challenge a in its wake. After 9/11, author Vicki make the disaster one of those key pervasive cronyism, where being We could also use the wake Robin and some colleagues created turning points with the potential to the friend of a top Republican up call of the disaster to take a what they called “conversation transform American politics. fundraiser places similar approach with one of the cafes” (www.conversationcafe.org), If we think back to the 9/11 the former head of the International most difficult challenges it raises-the which brought together people of attacks, which have shaped Arabian Horse Association in impact of global warming. differing beliefs to reflect on how to American politics ever since, a brief charge of America’s national Focusing just on that one move forward from the tragedy. window of critical reflection opened disaster responses? What are the overarching issue, we could hold Though their outreach was relatively up in their immediate wake. Middle high-profile local forums about the East experts critical of U.S. policies limited, the cafes offered a powerful hidden costs of choices of destroying swamps that traditionally increase in extreme climate events experience for those who had op-eds in our largest like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, acted as buffers to tropical storms? participated, and a model to build newspapers and appeared on How do we address America’s droughts and forest fires; about on. Imagine if we extended these network TV. Ordinary citizens widening economic and racial impacts on public health through the conversations on a broader scale, mourned the victims, while asking migration of disease-carrying divides, embodied by those left mixing brainstorming, exchange of what would make the attackers so behind in the rising floodwaters? insects like the mosquitoes that perspectives and emotional embittered they’d be willing to How do we rebuild a devastated carry West Nile virus; about the sustenance. In a time when it’s easy murder 3,000 innocent people. New Orleans in a way that it won’t impact on agriculture of changing to feel overloaded, paralyzed with The next day, when I spoke about just get flooded again, while weather patterns. These could “compassion fatigue,” Robin sees a possible root causes, with even honoring the right of return for feature scientists, journalists, chance to create “containers where more frankness than usual, at a religious leaders, businesspeople those outside the sleek tourist people can grieve, process, see community college in the zones? like alternative energy experts or overwhelmingly Republican suburbs deeper truths, have new creative At what level of disaster do we representatives of insurance ideas.” just north of Dallas, the companies increasingly hit by take seriously the costs of global Another model comes from response was amazingly receptive. warming, and begin joining other climate-related property casualty community discussions that But by a few weeks later nations in acting on it? Can we do losses. The goal would be to use transformed Nebraska’s tax codes visible public questioning had any of this while giving $120 billion the window of concern opened by forty years ago. In the early 1960s, largely ceased. Most Americans a year in tax cuts to the wealthy and Katrina to foster serious discussion a group of University of Nebraska accepted the Bush administration’s fighting a $100 billion-a-year Iraqi in communities that aren’t normally economists used the University’s definition of a war of absolute good exposed to it. war? And how can we keep our versus absolute evil. John Ashcroft statewide network of adult hope for change alive in a time of Finally, we can complement education extension offices to warned that anyone who disagreed so much disaster and human pain? local conversations with organize workshops, county by was an “ally of terrorism.” The coordinated national discussions. The US has never faced the county, where people could discuss space for reflection had closed. comparable destruction of one of As David Disregard Kellick writes different ways to make a highly New Orleans has revealed our major cities, so we’re all in new in The action http:// regressive state tax system more far too much about the cost of this www.thenation.com/doc/ territory. We need to resist Bush fair. The existing system had long administration’s priorities to administration proposals to lift 20051024/kallick), New York City weighed disproportionately on similarly strengthen Bush’s current wage and environmental citizen groups came together in the standing. Republican cheerleaders family farmers and low-income wake of 9/11 to create the Labor protections, give no-bid contracts residents. Now, involving local are trying their best to spin its to companies like Halliburton, and Community Advocacy Network to organizations such as the Farmer’s lessons as a mandate for even pay for rebuilding by slashing other Rebuild New York (LCAN). Their Union, Farm Bureau, and the greater mistrust of all government, members met among themselves to social programs like Medicare, as if our sole hope lies in survivalist Grange, the economists invited Medicaid, child welfare programs, determine their joint priorities, then people to see for themselves how a individualism. But no matter what and student financial aid. But if pushed, with some success, for range of approaches would affect they do, the legacy of this disaster more equitable directions for post­ we’re going to have a chance of them and their neighbors. “If creates a political liability for this succeeding in offering more 9/11 reconstruction. (Their people just really had a chance to administration, proactive alternatives, we’ll need to suggestions for the displaced Gulf look at the numbers,” one of the highlighting their lack of sound Coast communities are available at involve some of those ordinary and faculty members recalls, “we felt environmental policies and support often apolitical Americans who www.goodjobsny.org) Major they could come to an intelligent for critical infrastructure, their watched in horror as the labor, environmental and social decision. But they had to have a replacement of experience with justice groups could similarly meet floodwaters rose. context to analyze the system, and political cronyism, and their and talk out issues like where to this seemed a perfect use of heedlessness of America’s growing We could complement the generate the funding for educational networks that were economic and racial divides. The reconstruction, how to balance more intimate discussions with already in place.” danger is that the disaster’s most visible public forums. During the protection against future floods with The workshop leaders far-reaching lessons will be quickly height of the nuclear arms race, rebuilding the devastated pursued their task without laptops, forgotten, as the voices of the city’s communities, how give displaced Physicians for Social Responsibility computerized spreadsheets, exiles grow quiet and fresh crises scheduled multi-day forums residents the maximum possible interactive Websites, or any of the and issues dominate the news. throughout the country to focus voice. The more we can clarify our other tools that would now make a We can change that by own priorities, the more effectively public attention on the nuclear comparable process far easier. But helping our fellow citizen’s wrestle threat. They involved a variety of we can articulate them to others. participants examined who was with the legacy of the disaster while If we reach out broadly getting a free ride, how to make the high profile speakers, including it remains strong in common enough, progressive activists Nobel laureates, talking about the system more equitable, and the memory-to give it its due as one of impact of the nuclear arms race wouldn’t control the direction of the likely results of specific policy those iconic moments with the attack from every perspective they resulting conversations, but we’d changes. Local and statewide power to transform political life and could muster—the likely immediate have a chance to talk to others of media amplified the debates. It individual hearts and souls. For death toll in the wake of a nuclear differing views and reflect on our took a half-dozen years of follownow America is still wrestling with attack, technological escalations own. From my experience, the up education and debate, but what happened and why, with what that were reducing the margin for disaster has opened up a space Nebraska finally passed a far more it will mean for those now exiled, human error, the arms race’s where citizens ordinarily resistant to progressive graduated income tax, with how the disaster affects our economic cost, and alternatives for key questions about our nation’s which a Republican governor common future. From my own de-escalation. The events direction are suddenly far more signed into law. recent talks in the heart of red state mobilized large numbers of citizens receptive. Whether that opening The issues embodied in America, the disaster has led many and got major media coverage leads to a new wave of citizen Katrina’s destruction of New to begin to rethink core wherever they were held. They engagement or closes with Orleans are more difficult than a assumptions about this country’s played a significant role in distraction and time depends on the single state’s tax codes, but could priorities. Through the lens of New challenging the arms race. We opportunities for reflection and be addressed through a similar Orleans, I’ve been able to raise all could adopt a similar model around participation we can create. process of discussion exploring a sorts of challenging issues to Hard Conversations About the Big Easy Streetvibes Page 13 �A Broken Heart by Booger Love Up Life’s Hill with my my little Bundle When your heart is broken it leaves you sad and crying day and nightly when you love by Emily Dickinson Up Life’s Hill with my my little Bundle If I prove it steep — If a Discouragement withhold me — If my newest step Gone you walk around all alone with en empty heart as everybody can see your eyes Older feel than the Hope that prompted — Spotless be from blame Heart that proposed as Heart that accepted Homelessness, for Home — It has happened to me Happen to you from sunup to sundown, broken hearts Comes around every day it leaves you sad in every way, when you heart breaks Who Goes Home? G.K. Chesterton In the city set upon slime and loam They cry in their parliament ‘Who goes home?’ And there comes no answer in arch or dome, For none in the city of graves goes home. Yet these shall perish and understand, For God has pity on this great land. The Shearers by Henry Lawson No church-bell rings them from the Track, No pulpit lights theirblindness— ’Tis hardship, drought, and homelessness That teach those Bushmen kindness: The mateship born, in barren lands, Of toil and thirst and danger, The camp-fare for the wanderer set, The first place to the stranger. They do the best they can to-day— Take no thought of the morrow; Their way is not the old-world way— They live to lend and borrow. When shearing’s done and cheques gone wrong, They call it “time to slither”— They saddle up and say “So-long!” And ride the Lord knows whither. And though he may be brown or black, Or wrong man there, or right man, The mate that’s steadfast to his mates They call that man a “white man!” They tramp in mateship side by side— The Protestant and Roman— They call no biped lord or sir, And touch their hat to no man! Men that are men again; who goes home? Tocsin and trumpeter! Who goes home? For there’s blood on the field and blood on the foam And blood on the body when Man goes home. And a voice valedictory . . . Who is for Victory? Who is for Liberty? Who goes home? Swim at Your Own Risk The roses beauty by Jesse James by Booger Love I brok a a thousand hearts with this smile, baby But I broke my own, so many times, I can’t count. So I stay alone. Otherwise it’s pain, and suffring for you. You’l pray for rain, But it comes up Blue If you want to take a chance, just remember, I warned you. You beauty is in your smile. It shows in your eyes and when people see you they They turn their faces to the west And leave the world behind them (Their drought-dry graves are seldom set Where even mates can find them). They know too little of the world To rise to wealth or greatness; But in these lines I gladly pay My tribute to their greatness. Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ email your writing to Streetvibes@juno.com Page 14 when she is far away her beauty is here to stay it doesn’t do away the beauty is deep in you heart, it shines in your eyes when you smile, it glows like They carry in their swags perhaps A portrait and a letter— And, maybe, deep down in their hearts, The hope of “something better.” Where lonely miles are long to ride, And long, hot days recurrent, There’s lots of time to think of men They might have been—but weren’t. will know that you are the beauty of the of the rose and they see it everyday even Streetvibes the sun and moon the beauty of the rose will forever shine in you �by George Ferrel Broken Glass Bless me, my father, help me to grow Don’t le me go astray Thru your Divine wisdom, help me to know Your way to Judgment Day by Evanne Fisher I’m so Angry I slam the door The glass breaks. It falls to the floor Like sleet from the sky. Like the shattered pieces of my life, The broken glass lies at my feet As I look down, I see all of my hopes and dreams Splattered there amongst The glistening pieces of glass. I reach down to pick up the pieces of my life, The glass cuts my hands, Blood everywhere Dripping Flowing into the vast darkness Where I’ve chosen to live. I have no need of riches My treasures come thru you Thru life’s pitfalls and ditches Help me know what to do In The Darkness Hiding in the darkness of the night, This is how I’ve been forced to live my life In the blackness I conceal, All my problems that are real Afraid to let my feelings show, Afraid to let anyone know The pain I have been forced to endure, Is not as easily hidden as before As the problems continue to grow, I contemplate just letting go This is a battle I can not win, So why should I bother to post-pone the end Shutter Speed Lead me to those whom I may help and those who might help me With love and understanding that is beautiful Open my eyes to see And in those times I’m tempted Forgive me should I fail Make me from Satan’s grasp exempted On Angels wins to Sail! by Jimmy Heath Where Are We Going? by Michael Henson I do not know, but there are children on the road. Some bear weapons, sleek in the barrel, solid in the stock. Some bear books. Some bear empty bowls. As they march, they grow and some grow tall and they have the strength of the willows that lean over the river and some grow frail as the cattails that line the ditch. We plod along with our housey burdens and the children run ahead and some run into the long distance remote and indiscernable as dust. Others run for a span. They drop to the side of the road. They watch us from the willows with their solemn saucery eyes. They want to know, Where are we going? Abandoned building on Race Street, Over-the-Rhine 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 363-1060 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 November 2005 Happy Thanksgiving From the Homeless 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 November 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Just Add Affordable Housing- For a Greater Cincinnati Ohioans Need a Raise! Pg 2: Victory Won for Human Service Provider Community and the People They Serve Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Vendors Pg 5: Katrina Uncovers the Forgotten Queues at America’s Soup Kitchens Pg 6: Valuable to the Family Senate Plan to Cut Food Stamp Dies Pg 7: 75% of American Workers Lack Decent Wages and Benefits Pg 8: Bush Must Keep His Promise to America of Bold Action to Address Poverty Pg 9: Xavier University Cintas Center Pg 10: Habitat for Humanity Chapter Raise Awareness About Poverty and Homelessness Senate Fails Again to Raise Minimum Wage Pg 11: FRAC Pg 12: Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Pg 13: Hard Conversations About the Big Easy 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 November 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Alison Leeuw Monique Little Kelly Carr Andy Lawrence John Lavelle Mary Gaffney Melvin Williams Susan Smith Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF affordable housing Alison Leeuw Andy Lawrence Bush Cincinnati Columbus FRAC Georgine Getty Habitat for Humanity Hurricane Katrina Jimmy Heath John Lavelle Kelly Carr Mary Gaffney Melvin Williams Minimum Wage Monique Little Ohio Peace Village poverty Santa Rosa Schools Senate Susan Smith Wages