28 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/b79cf397a369815730838e6e94ff038a.pdf 4052bf684bb6c7bc6142db8755f6f412 PDF Text Text $1 D0i ~'ion . ree v1 Your Progressive News Source _. BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY March 2003 ~ Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �March 2003 Cover Siory this must have felt. People often forget that the people on the street are like all of before she passed away. us. We all have similar needs, I was very grateful for this similar problems, and we all live in gentleman's kind treatment. I the same strange world. People really needed it right then. I knew .often treat panhandlers like litter this gentleman, and I knew he had that needs to be swept from the a hard life. The fact that he took a streets. But the only difference, even a brief morpent to help generally speaking, between console me was something I'll panhandlers and those people who never forget. complain about panhandlers is this: A month or so before this the panhandlers live in poverty. encounter, I had spoken with When my grandmother another homeless man who had just passed found out aw~y, I was that his dad "I knew this gentleman, and I knew able to get a had passed he had a hard life. The fact tliat he call on my away. He cellphone had learned took a even a briefmoment to help about her console me was something I'll never of this .condition unfortunate forget" and drive news the home in day after his father's funeral. His time to see her. The gentleman I .relatives had tried to get into knew whose father passed away contact with him by leaving couldn't afford a phone or a car or messages at the shelters he usually a regular place to stay where he t frequented, but he got the message could receive messages. He lived too late. I can't even imagine how Panhandlers need change by Andy Erickson One afternoon, a couple days before Thanksgiving, I was walking downtown when I got a call on my cell phone from my sister. She told me that my grandmother wasn't expected to live through the hight. My grandmother had been sick, but this was unexpected news. Standing on 7th and Vme, I suddenly felt very far away from my family who lived six hours away in Illinois. I wanted to try to get home to see my grandmother before she passed, and according to my sister, that could happen any time. As I was processing all of this, a panhandler I knew asked me how I was doing. I told him about the phone call. He patted me on the back and said he was sorry. He encouraged me to go home. I did. I walked to my car and drove the $ix hours to see her one las~ time in poverty. Some people will say that the panhandler's situation has to do with much more than just economics. They' ll say that panhandlers are drunks, drug users, lazy, or criminals. These are stereotypes. And besides that, they are traits that pretty well span economic divides. To be sure, some panhandlers ba:ve a drug or alcohol problem. But I know many panhandlers who are sober, hard working, and very kind. Panhandlers are poor. That's why they're asking us for money. They panhandle to pay for shelter. They panhandle to pay for storage for their belongings. They panhandle to pay for food and clothing for their kids. They panhandle because their government assistance doesn't last the entire month. They panhandle because minimum wage jobs don't Change.... cont. on page 6 I -l=learts in the ·Right Ptace with the WAGES Campaign by Lynn Williams Who will hire me ifl increased access to education for "Protect Ohio's don' t even have a Ohio Works First (OWF) Families; Keep your Heart GED? Being allowed recipients; exemptions from work in the Right Place! (on OWF) only 5 to 10 requirements & time limits for Support WAGES!" hours each week to domestic violence victims, the (Work After Good attend GED classes is disabled & grandparents raising Education is Success) was not enough time for grandchildren on OWF; fair & the Valentine's Day theme me." She told the equal treatment regardless ofwhat ofthe Cincinnati Welfare state legislators county a recipient resides in; and Rights Coalition tour for listening to her, "making work pay" with a State state legislatoi:s on ' "Please support Earned Income Tax Credit. February 14. Senator A two-day Mobilization allowing recipients to Louis Blessing, Rep. count their full work Conference & Lobby Day to Tyrone Yates and Rep. requirement of30 promote WAGES is being planned Catherine Barrett attended Catrina Weber discusses the WAGES campaign with hours each week for for March 11 & 12 in Columbus. Blessing Senator Louis tbe tour meant to expose education!" For more information contact the state legislators to the The tour was Cincinnati Welfare Rights Coalition Bethany House, stated, 'We need a held as part of the statewide stories ofmothers and children at (513) 381-4242. affected by state policies governing State Earned Income Tax Credit WAGES Campaign their Jives. for these families to help them pay ("Work After Good bills. Many of our families are the The tour started at the Education is working poor, but minimum wage Contact Center, moved on to the Success") of the Ohio jobs just doesn't cut it. It takes a Peaslee Child Care Center and Empowerment ended at the Bethany House Family job paying at least $12.00/hr. to Coalition. WAGES Shelter. pay for a 2 bedroom market rate offers specific At the Peaslee Child Care apartment in Cincinnati. f'hey solutions to help Center in Over-the-Rhine, state would· have to work more than 80 better the lives of legislators were toured through the hrs. per week at minimum wage to low-income families, afford that. Plus tl).ey have children some ofwhich would child care and presented with valentine bags labeled with the to care for. They want to work, cost the State of Ohio WAGES theme. At Bethany but they still can't make ends meet. nothing, but would House, the legislators learned A State Earned Income Tax Credit significantly benefit about how state policies are driving would help." low-income Laura Goodell (right) gives tour ofPeaslee more and more women and At Peaslee Child Care, households. Neighborhood Center Child Care. Ohio Legisla­ children into homelessness. Linda Catrina Weber stated, "I want to WAGES tors (l.eft to right) Catherine Barrett, JYrone Yates Howell-Perrin, a staff person at get my GED so I can find a job. advocates for and Senator Louis Blessing GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS - �STREETVIBES Local l\Te1vs March, 2003 Family Faces War by Jimmy Heath Last month,"my 19 year-old nephew Jerin shipped offas part of an Army Reserve Engineering Unit. The job ofthe 478th Engineering Battalion, should there be a war in Iraq, will be to clear roads and bridges for advancing troops. The whole idea of war and killing as a way to resolve disputes in a civilized society seems like a ridiculous and primitive notion. After thousands ofyears ofhuman existence, and experience, we still haven't found a }May to live with each other peacefully. We know there are bad guys out there who will continue to do bad things unless there is the fear of death or exhile hanging over them. Saddam Hussein is like an evil villain out of a comic book, a repressive and brutal dictator responsible for mass killings ofhis · own countrymen. His hobby is collecting horrific weapons, for who knows what purpose. He leads his country by fear and intimidation. Yet, the idea of war and the justification of killing do-es not sit well with me at all. And we all should be concerned about the militarization of our foreign policy. Secretary ofState Colin Powell sat before the United Nations with information about the Iraqi regime that was news to everyone including the UN Arms Inspectors; fuzzy satellite pictures ofsupposed mobile cl).emical weapons labs and a cryptic phone recor.ding of"terrorists" talking to each other, allegedly plotting to hide chemical weapons. Secretary of State Colin Powell called the France/German plan to increase weapons Page 2 inspectors "a diversion, not a solution" to disarming Saddam Hussein. The U.S. push for military action against Iraq has further agitated a bubbling fiustration over U.S. global dominance. Said Dominique Mois~ deputy director of the French Institute oflntemational Relations in Paris, "This is the first major crisis of the post-Soviet era. There were crises before, but they all took place when the Soviet Union existed and there was a glue to bind us. Todaywe disagree fundamentally and there is no glue." But the United States ~ unpatriotic and unsympathetic tc the memories of those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001 . But I think that war is a poor tribute to the loss of all of tho~e innocent lives. We are led to believe tha we are fighting a war against terror. But the "terrorists" have regime, no assets, no borders, m discernible faces. We don't kno· where they are. This is the kind situation th doesn't see: possible to resolve wit) without wru Either choic is bad. It's like trying t find aBin Ladin in a haystack The is doing Pfc. Jerin Rutherford monetary ci everything to of war is get ready for war, including staggering. The Congressional shipping young men like my Budget Office has estimated tha1 nephew to -the Middle East region. the costs of deploying forces to · Anti-war feeling is running Persian Gulfis between $9 billio high all across Europe. German and $13 billion. Prosecuting a VI Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder won would cost between $6 billion a1 re-election last year largely on his $9 billion a month. (A.single en anti-war message:. ~-ArlFF11ree:n11ccihtr---.,.nnitif:<tss!ttilli'eKG~Ql.l:i!'1t~l mill ion!) polling company said 81% of the After hostil~ies end~~o bring my nephew and the rest of French surveyed were not the U.S. forces home would tani convinced by Powell when he presented the case against Iraq at between $5 billion and $7 billior the U.N. About 77% of French Further, the cost of an occupa · citizens polled last month opposed following combat o · s cot a war in Iraq. Russia and..C · a out $1 billion to $4 continue to share France's doubts billion a month. The other cost of war is about a war. And, not since the Vietnam lives. How many soldiers will di War, have we seen such massive How many innocent civilians wil public protests in the U.S. against be killed? How much of a coum war. Hundreds of thousands of will we need to blow up? No people have gathered to protest in matter what the reasons; oil, cities across this nation and the terrorism or the dismantling of a world. President Bush says that he dictatorship, I just want my is not deterred by anti-war protests. nephew back home. Protesters risk being labeled as Streetvibes Vendor Code Each vendor must sign and agree to abide by the following code of conduct ... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual donation. I agree not to ask for donations of vendor. Falsely stating intent or otherwise mismore than $1. I also understand that I will be representing is a violation of a city ordinance an able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. may be cause for arrest. 2. Streetvibes may only be purchased from the 8. I will always present my badge when purchasing Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless papers, and I will display my badge at all times (GCCH). Purchasing or selling unauthori.zed while vending. Replacement badges are $5 eacl · papers, or from other vendors, will result in 9. There are no territories. I agree that I will not termination from the program. . contest territories with other distributors. I will 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations or attempt not sell on private property without permission. to vend after 12 midnight. 10. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self 4. I agree to treat others with respect - other vensupporting paper created by people who are dors, customers, and GCCH personnel. homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this 5. I will not sell Streetvibes while under the influence effort, I will try to spread the word and write of drugs or alcohol. stories if possible. 6. I will not give a ~'hard sell" or make someone feel 11. I understand that failure to comply with any of threatened. the above statements will result in termination 7. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I reserves the right to terminate a vendor at any am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I time as deemed appropriate. ~ill be honest in stating that all the profits from �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Homeless News Digest for a camp that provides the best option currently available to a lot Compiled by Molly Rhodes of homeless people. "It's a or people who don't want to earn practical alternative for many their way in society." Homelessness in Atlantic (who) would be sleeping in It also doesn't include City, NJ, has reached such a doorways and under bridges," people who get free lunches, at level that it's even warranting Portland city staffer Marshall least according to businesses in coverage in places like Gambling downtown Omaha, NE, which Runkle, who works with the Magazine, which describes a Portland camp, told the Bee. "At are angling to get a local lunch growth of single women and the end of the day, it's a group of program moved from a popular female senior citizens in the homeless people taking outdoor mall to a less visible city's homeless population. The responsibility for their own lives location. Proponents of the plan notable shift in the homeless and trying to help improve the lives point out that the indoor location population has been attributed to a of others." would be warmer and provide number offactors, including Apparently "finding joy access to restrooms, while gambling addictions, domestic and profit through demeaning homeless advocates caution that abuse, and the increased cost of other human beings," specifically the needs of homeless people maintaining a home. While single should be taken into account before homeless human beings, is not a women make up about 13 percent the program is moved simply to get felony, at least not in the eyes of ofthe nationally recorded homeless it out of sight ofvisitors. "It's a Southern California judge who population, inAtlantic city they important to remember that 11-(e will dismissed felony charges of made up 20 percent last year, or battery and soliciting against have homeless people in our 600 out of 3,000 people who four men who made the community, whether or not we can sought shelter at the Atlantic City Bumfights video. The men had see them," Rev. Stephanie Rescue Mission. Just over 50 of bee11 accused of soliciting homeless Ahlschwede ofDietz Methodist those women were ages 62 or men to fight each other, then told the Omaha World-Herald. "I older. videotaping and selling the results, think Omaha looks our best when Key ·West, FL, has according to the San Diego Union­ we are visibly living with and become the latest in a growing Tribune. More than 300,000 caring for our homeless people." list of cities that have instituted people are believed to have In the course of tackling anti-homeless laws in the name purchased the $20 tape over the the homeless problem in of promoting tourism. Last Internet. The four men still face Birmingham, AL, advocates month, city commissioners created charges of conspiracy to stage an tried to record exactly who that a " no-panhandling" zone in the illegal fight, and three face population is made of and what downtown core, so now anyone conspiracy to commit battery. services they most need. Last caught sleeping outside or asking month, 30 volunteers for the Three ofthe men involved in the for money in that area gets up to a fighting have also filed civil suits Metropolitan Services for the $500 fine and 60 days in jail, Homeless hit the city streets, armed against·the filmmakers. A note on according to the Austin American with cigarettes, scarves, gloves, the video's website, Statesman. While homeless blankets, socks, muffins, pens, and www.bumfights.com, reads, advocates in Key West and across paper in the hopes of enticing wary "Despite all this nonsense, we at the country argue that such laws Bumfights would like you to know homeless people to talk to them are in violation of free speech and and complete a survey, according that the video is still for sale, and as assembly rights, city officials, with to The Birmingham News. The long as there is a 1st Ammendment a healthy push from downtown in this country it's gonna take a volunteers visited streets, parks, business organizations, counter that bus shelters, and abandoned helluva lot more than that to shut without the laws tourists don't houses, anywhere homeless people us down." They are currently want to visit their streets. Other not in emergency shelter might stay working on a sequel. cities that have recently passed for the night. Last year, MBSH Sometimes, it takes a similar laws include Santa Monica, major fire for officials to see the recorded 1,900 homeless people, a CA, Providence, RI, Fresno, CA, figure they guessed was only about homeless problem right before Huntington, WV, Eugene, OR, and half of th~ total population. their eyes. Such was the case in Las Cruces, NM. Key West is also Morristown, NJ, when a fire Plans for a tent city i,n the home of one of the most started by a homeless man's candle Sacramento have been stymied progressive anti-discrimination reignited debates about what to do by the city's refusal to grant a laws, including the protection of permit for any kind of overnight with homeless people who don't transgender people, which find their way into shelters and camp on public property. . promoted the " One Human Family" Homeless advocates have not given instead stay on the streets. Mayor city slogan for which it is known. John Delaney, Jr., points out that up, however, especially when the Explained city commissioner Tom the city has plenty of shelters; and alternative to a camp, living on the Oosterhoudt, who sponsored the streets, has led to the deaths of at suspects that rules about sobri~ty anti-homeless law. "'One Human · least three homeless people in the and curfews are keeping people Family' does not include criminals city last year, not to mention a away, according to the Daily handful of other suspected Record News. Yet simply blaming homicides that have not been homeless people who don't want to confirmed by the Sacramento follow the rules and sweeping them We'd like to bear " County Coroner's office, according out ofvacant buildings and lots will from IJOUto the Sacramento Bee. A letter do nothing to solve the problem, from the city's pointed out Professor David C. Parks and Send letters or Recreation Department denying the Listokin at the Center for Urban comments to: permit stated that allowing Policy Research at Rutgers Stre;tvibes@Junoieom, ~, camping would interfere with parks University. "We don' t know or write the Coalition office meant for ""occasional recreational exactly who they are and why they attn: $treetvibestetters, visits" from all residents. Yet in go where they go," Listokin told 1506 Elm Street cities like Portland, OR, officials the Daily Record . "If people had Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 have learned to make exceptions such a good sense of it, there may Page 3 not be a homeless problem." After more than a decade without a direct venue to listen to the problems of homelessness in Min~eapolis and St. Paul from the people who experience it, city and county officials got to hear the stories and needs of hundreds of local homeless people. The forum was organized by County Commissioner Gail Dorfman as a way for officials to try to find new solutions to homelessness, according to the St Paul Pioneer Press. Yet finally hearing .all the various problems did not mean officials were in any better position to make people's lives any better. As one participant put it toward the end of the long day, "Are we wasting our time? The non-violent technique does not depend for its success on the goodwill of the oppressor, but rather on the unfailing assistance of God. Cesar Chavez Wish List Can You Hel-p ? Streetvibes newspaper is published monthly on a shoe­ string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the H-0meless. € a n you help us with some of tb,e followillg items? * Blank CD-RW Disks - For Streetvibes. Write Us!· If you can help, contact us at: Streewibes, clo Greater € i ncinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street, Cinc.innati, OB 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com �ST R EETVIBES March, 2003 · Page 4 Se.lling Streetvibes by Patricia Payne - I'm a young black female going from place to place selling Streetvibes. Streetvibes helps me to meet new people and to learn about the homeless. I have met a lot of homeless people and have explained to them what our goals are, and how Streetvibes has helped me learn about other people's situations. I take selling Streetvibes seriously, and I try to represent the good vendor. I meet by Dwight TzJ.rnei a lot of people who don't have faith in what Streetvibes is all about. I like selling Streetvibes because we have a lot of discrimination in this city and that makes me even more determined to stay focused and maintain my work for Streetvibes. In closing, Streetvibes has also helped me to have a better outlook on people and their lives. I thank God for gi,ving me this opportunity. Woman's City Club National .Speaker Forum 2003 nr;... - A political essayist and social critic, Barbara Ehrenreich has tackled a brave and diverse range of issues in books and magazine articles. She is the author or co-author of twelve books including Fear ofPalling: The Inner Life of the Middle Class, and Blood Rites: Origins and History of the Passions ofWar. She has written for dozens of magazines, including Ms., Harper's, The Nation, The New Republic, The Atlantic Monthly and the New York Times Magazine. She has also appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America and the Charlie Rose Show. In Barbara Ehrenreich's most recent book, she turns her eye on the view from the workforce's bottom rung in Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. Determined to find out how anyone could make ends meet on $7 an hour, she left behind her middle class life as a journalist to try to sustain herself as a low-skilled worker for a month at a time. Despite the advantages of her race, education, good health and lack of children, Ehrenreich's income barely covered her month's expenses. The Woman's City Club of Greater Cincinnati, founded in 1915, supports the exchange of ideas and information to encourage · involvement in the community. The National Speaker Forum is the annual fundraiser for the club and raises the majority ofthe annual operating capital Tuesday, March 18, 2003, 7:30pm, Plum Street Temple -downtown, Tickets are $15 purchased in advance by calling the wee, $20 at the door. Extra! Extra! Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each m on th! Call 421-7803 for more information about how ave smgm Streetvibes will work for --~=~-~~~ _.,.-~~~__,_,_."'--_ your business- • I To see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your ha nd and eternity in an hour. WUliam Blake Rockdale Temple has annotinced the release of latest in its s eries of Communit y Resource Cards. The new one, printed in Spanish, is customized for the needs of Cincinnati's rapidly growing Hispanic/ Latino population. The tri-fold, plastic cards are funded by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati as a project of Rockdale Temple, in consultation with Bienstar, Su Casa and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to the His panic Resource Card, the Resource Card Project has also produced cards for senior c itizens, the homeless, and public school and Catholic school students covering the Tri-s tate area. Cards can be ordered from: ~he cc 5300 Hamilton Avenue, #210 Cincinnati, Ohio 452 24 or send a fax request to: (513) 541-0099 �STREETVIBES March, 2003 When I Boarded The Midwest Know Your Express To Washington DC, On Rights And next I dare turn to September 11 words I wrote in 1993: "The by Daniel C. Maguire When I boarded the Midwest Express to Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, at 8:00 a.m. (Central Time), I had no idea that the definition of power on planet earth would be rewritten within the hour.. I read the paper, enjoyed a nice breakfast, and felt quite secure. Why not! I was a citizen ofthe "world's last remaining superpower." This "superpower" was pouring into its "Defense" budget some thirty million dollars an hour, nine thousand dollars a second to keep me safe. As we neared Washington, the pilot announced that Reagan National airport was closed and we would be heading back to Milwaukee. Within minutes he reported that the airport in Milwaukee was also closed and we were to land at the closest airport, Columbus, Ohio. Cell phones and television at the Columbus airport told us the news, that our superpower status was a myth. In a superpower, the president would not have to hide out in Louisiana and Nebraska because of"credible evidence" that he could not return to the Capital; the congress would not be running from the Capitol Building; schools and businesses throughout a superpower could not be forced shut; I would not suddenly be looking up into a sky where no airplane would dare fly. These were the facts of this new world order. The Defense Department could not defend us - pdts main temple, the Pentagon - from a hatred and a mode of power that we had never known before. It was not Pearl Harbor revisited. The bombers had left no return address. The instinct to retaliate with bombing is an anachronism. Fewer than twenty men had brought us to our national knees and raised the biggest question facing us in the twenty­ first century, posed by a little girl and reported in the press: "Why are they killing themselves and killing all those people?" The Guilt Gap The government's answer was that we are good and love freedom and these people are bad and hate it. That vapid answer came from an arrogant national culture that has lost its talent for healthy guilt. The hatred that could so easily paralyze our nation has a history, and as Teilhard de Chardin said, "nothing is intelligible outside of its history." absence of pity is the root of all evil." Can we sit now in our First World comfort at a table with a view of the golf course, and ignore starvation in the Third World and joblessness and homelessness in our cities? The prophets oflsrael would answer "no." In Jeremiah's words, there is no hiding from the effects ofguilt and morally malignant neglect: "Do you think that you can be exempt? And finally, Cottn't'Cavour ofltaly said that ifwe did for ourselves what we allow our country to do in our name, we would be jailed and hung as scoundrels. These were not the voices heard in the National Cathedral on September 14. Our Guilt and This Stunning Hatred · Afiluence and comfort dull the optic nerve. The poor world sees us differently. Draw a circle and cut me out of it and I will see sharply what goes on there. The attackers pinpointed the reasons for their outrage. They struck at what they saw as the twin towers of our indifference and at our haughty military heart. They see our nation as an arrogant, spoiled five-hundred-pound gorilla that pollutes and then scorns treaties to end pollution, that was built on slavery and practices racism and Express .... cont. on Page 7 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 t he police, as well as some local : It, : laws that might be ofinterest to the ~;· ~· homeless population. If you are a ~ J!-.r homeless person or if you work ' ~~~'l.t-.e. 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. Watch for the return of Streetvibes TV Streetvibes TV is a live program created by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Media Bridges. Watch as our panel discusses the issues surrounding homelessness today. Check your local cable listing for broadcast dates and times.... · Jimmy Gipson Painting, Repair and Remodeling Specializing in downtown and Over-the-Rhine Free Estimates Call 421-7803 �STREETVIBES Change.... March, 2003 to give cash, these suggestions will probably make the interaction go cont. from page 1 rather smoothly. pay enough. They panhandle I do want to say a little because higher-paying jobs are more about a couple of these difficult to get when you 're points, though. I think the part of homeless. They panhandle because the pamphlet that states, "The they need the money in a way that streets of Cincinnati belong to many ofus will never understand. everyone" should be stressed. The Recently, the City of streets do belong to everyone ­ Cincinnati and even Downtown panhandlers. "Wherever laws have banned Cincinnati, Panhandlers panhandling, courts have Inc. teamed are citizens of together to consistently struck them down. Cincinnati, create a Panhandling is a protected form too, and they campaign are allowed offree speech in this country, called, "Put the same rights. and nothing short ofa your change as everyone constitutional amendment can where you can else. In fact, change that" panhandling is make one." The essence of itself protected the campaign is that giving to by the constitution. Wherever laws panhandlers is bad, but giving to have banned panhandling, courts charities that help the homeless is have consistently struck them good. They've hung posters in down. Panhandling is a protected downtown shop windows and form offree speech in this country, passed out pamphlets to people on and nothing short of a the street. constitutional amendment can The pamphlets detail how change that. to say "no" to a panhandler. The However, aggressive pamphlet says things like: panhandling is not legal. • Make eye contact or Aggressive panhandling is acknowledge the person with a characterized by such actions as nod blocking another's path? dem~ding • Politely say "no " or money, touching or following "sorry" and remember that someone, or similar actions. If a assistance is available. panhandler does any ofthese things, it is illegal, and you should • Walk with confidence. The streets ofCincinnati belong to call the police. Aggressive everyone. behavior should not be tolerated. But please don't treat non­ • Aggressive panhandling is illegal. If you feel threatened, confrontational panhandlers as seek out a uniformed Cincinnati criminals. Simply flying a sign or Police Officer or a uniformed DCI holding a hand out and asking for Ambassador. change is not considered aggressive •Ifyou want to help as far as Cincinnati law is financially, donate to your favorite concerned. charity. The thing that I don't like I think these are fine about the "Put your where you can suggestions. If you don't have any make one" campaign is it's main idea: that giving to panhandlers is cash to give, or simply don 't want Page 6 wasteful. The posters show a Low Income and Housing panhandler with a cardboard sign Coalition (NLIHC), a worker that reads, " Give me change, and I earning the minimum wage would may never get off these streets." In have to work 99 hours per week in a press release about the campaign, order to afford a two-bedroom Cincinnati City Councilmember Pat apartment at fair market rent. In other words, a DeWine said, person would " We are sensitive to have to earn $12.43/hr in the sometimes order to live ir very real needs of Pu,t your change where that apartmen1 panhandlers, while working you can make o ne. but giving only 40 hours Glv~ moAey where It <:arr b"! used eff'l'ct1vdy • to th\>St> or9llnliations th;lt :provld~ tbe ro!'.an$ tG h~p money to per week. t~ !hdMd.iMIS !MV<? off ilw si~t~. panhandlers And the doesn't help problem has them, and it been getting doesn 't help worse. the city." Between 2001 and 2002, the Both the posters amount one Mr. and would need to earn in order DeWmesay that giving to afford a money to two-bedroom panhandlers apartment at doesn't help fair market them, but they rent increased 14.9% here in don't say why it doesn' t help Cincinnati, them. As I've according to noted before, NLIHC. panhandlers I Tue-actual value of The pamphlet created by Downtown are most minimum likely living in Cincinnati, Inc. poverty, so it wage keeps getting worse, ifhousing continy,es doesn't make much sense to say that giving them money won't help. to become less affordab).e,-ftl'rcfif I suspect they just thought this was the economyingen;;l continues a clever way to try to get people to in the direction it has lately, stop giving, and if no one gives to panhandlers will not be able to leave the streets with any ease. panhandlers, it was probably Reversing these trends will, of assumed, panhandlers would go course, take much time and effort, away. but these things need to happen i( But that's not going to we want to raise people out of happen. Panhandlers have been poverty and eliminate the need for here ever since people have been panhandling. poor in Cincinnati. The only way Until these things happen, to significantly reduce the number of panhandlers in our downtown is we need to give a little more to effectively change the amount of thought and care to the people our population that lives in poverty. living on the streets. We can't just stop giving to panhandlers because The only w~y to eliminate we're tired of seeing them on the panhandling is to eliminate the streets. Poverty isn't something w NEED for panhandling. can sweep under the rug. We need One barrier to getting to give panhandlers something people off the streets is the they've been asking for since minimum wage. In 1969, the they've appeared on our streets: federal minimum wage was $1.60, an amount that seems small, but in change. 2002 dollars, that's $7. 74. Since then, the actual value of the minimum wage has been decreasing. Right now, the minimum wage is $5.15/ hr. That can't buy a lot. Especially if one is working for a temp agency, which will take a big chunk out of a paycheck. People working full time at a temp agency can sometimes go home with $25 after an eight-hour day. Andy Erickson, Greater Cincin­ Another big problem is the nati Coalition for the Home­ lack ofaffordable housing. Right less, Civil Rights worker now, according to the National �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Express .... cont. from Page 5 yet shuns the United Nations conference on racism in Durban, South Africa. They noticed that the genocide of black people in Rwanda did not stir us to action. They believe we would have acted differently if Swedes or Irish were having their throats cut. Those outside the afiluent circle are stunned at our ability to lock into caricatures of others. We don't say that Timothy McVeigh represented Irish Catholics but the Taliban and bin Laden somehow symbolize Islam. When they see us getting ready to repeat the Soviet madness in Afghanistan, a writer from that land agrees that bin Laden is properly compared to AdolfHitler and the Taliban are well compared to Nazis, but the people of Afghanistan, with a huge preportion of widowed women are best compared to the Jews in concentration camps. They would love to be free of that tyranny. Those outside our world hate us for ignoring this and threatening slaughter, to be masked as "collateral damage." Very relevant to September 11 , many Muslims see us as incapable of an even-handed policy in the Middle East, a policy that would defend with equal vigor and equal 'financial aid, the existence of a safe and secure Israeli state and an equally safe and secure Palestinian state, each with territorial integrity. There is no other solution, but those who hate us see that our leaders do not know that. The Muslim world has a nation-transcending unity that we little understand. The UMMAH, the community ofbelieving Muslims, melts borders between races and nations. That is why so many African Americans were drawn to Islam. All Muslims feel the pain ofthe reported half million innocent children dead in Iraq due to our sanctions. I see it as the surest principle in all ofethics that what is good for kids is good and what is bad for kids is ungodly. They grieve over those children ­ sacrificed to what end? - as we grieve over our dead in New York and Washington. They marvel at our ability to kill as many as a quarter million young Iraqi soldiers in the GulfWar - young people like the students I teach at Marquette University - while leaving our announced target in control. (Surely "the mob" would have been more kind and effective. If Saddam were the problem, they would have "whacked" him rather than slaughter his children.) The problem goes beyond Islam. The poor of the world see an absence of pity in our economic policies. There are 1.3 billion in absolute poverty, 70 percent of those being women. Forty million people die yearly from hunger and hunger-related causes. This is like 320 jumbo jet planes crashing every day with half the passengers being children ,as Clive Ponting points out in his monumental book A Green History of the World. The poor of the world are not dumb. They notice, as the United Nations points out, that 82.7 percent of the world's income goes to the top 20 percent, leaving 17. 3 percent for the rest of humanity. The poor notice ~hat this does np,t~ngage U.S. politics or economics. We are the biggest actor on the world scene at the moment and they note a cold absence of pity, and they hate us for all,of this. Solutions George Kennan once compared large nations to dinosaurs with brains the size of a pea. When struck they thrash out, destroying much and helping little. The Bush Administration seems intent on living out this image. Bombing the victims ofthe Taliban will do no more good than bombing the children of Iraq who had been forced into the.army. Building a new ·Magin9~ hne of missile defense is tragically comedic. Tightening security at the airports as we should have done years ago is as late as it is inadequate. (Biological, chemical, and small atomic weapons are probably already in preparation.) All these are efforts to plug the faucet. What is needed is to tum off the faucet. The faucet is perceived injustice in the Middle Page 7 East, the need for separate states purely innocent and that their for Israel and for the Palestinians. hatred ofus is "unfathomable. " The faucet is the disastrous But the fact remains that the maldistribution ofwealth in the solution to the problems of poor, world and the proliferation of enslaved, or occupied people is not starvation. nuclear physics. All that is needed The religions ofthe world is the moral and political will. The need to rise to the occasion - they poetic author of Deuteronomy put have not done so thus far. Religion this exasperated plea into the is a powerful motivator. John mouth of God. "I have set pefore Henry Cardinal Newman said that you life and I have set before you people will die for a dogma who death, and I have begged you to will not stir for a conclusion. choose life for the sake of your Nothing stirs the will as the tincture children." We can't seem to do it. ofthe sacred. Religions so far in The hope now is that with our this exploding crisis have mainly military power embarrassed and fulfilled their Prozac function of our vulnerability terrifyingly clear, soothing the pain. This is good and fear might be the penumbra of all religions are into the purveying wisdom. of comfort and .hope. But the DANIEL MAGUIRE challenge of prophetic religion in specializes in Christian ethics at Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Marquette University and has increasingly in "engaged" published articles in Cross Buddhism and Hindu.ism is to Currents, Commonwealth, Linacre "speak truth to power," to Quarterly, Hastings Center Report, "conscientize" power, and to and Theological Studies. discomfort power. This they have He is also the author of not done. seven books. We can pretend that we are ; "... and send out the layoff notices with a nice American flag motif" �ST REETV I BES March, 2003 Page 8 My Letter of Hope husband. Itwillmakeallyourbad Aid to Poor Faces Tighter Scrutiny by Paula Normon 1 hope to deal with this emotional problem and not let this relationship with crack cocaine kill me. I hope to remember what it was like. I'm trying to do this crack breakup thing, but with this relationship you can find yourself going back: Thinking t hat it will be better this time. Guess what! ? It's not! You have to face the same old crap. I mean, at first everything is fine and going the way you want. You 're in control. But it starts all over again. You forgot how controlling this relationship could be, how demanding, ungiving, uncaring. But wait, let's go back. Let's remember the first time or the second rime or the third time, etc. When you said I'm going to get out ofthis relationship, all it does is make me do things I don't want to do . It tells you it's OK, you can steal for us. Steal from your mom, your kids, your friends, your feelings go away. OK, now don 't make me mad . Do what I ask and I'll leave you. I won't be there for you and all the crap you've done. You know what I mean and you don't want that, you wouldn't like those feelings. That's why you have me, I'm all you need. So come on get on your knees, bent over. So what if he's a friend, so what if he's kin. So what ifhe smells. I'll make it all go away. I'm all you need and you'll never get enough of me. Sleep? You' re not sleepy. You' ll never get enough of me. You don 't need food. You' ll never get enough of me. You don't need music. Sell it. You never get enough of me. SO what if you haven't taken a bath in weeks, you don't need one. All you need is me. I'll take care of you. You ' ll never get enough of me. You ' ll never get enough of me. Never enough. So what if you are killing yourself I ' lJ never be enough. Never. You Can Change by Mary Ann father for ten years. When I again saw him for the first time he had Back in the late eighties to changed. Julian is a kind, caring nineties my mother fell in love with and good hearted man. God bless you, Dad. When I got home I saw a man, his name was Julian. I didn't like him because he was an my Stepfather. He's happy with his alcoholic. We didn't do anything changed life, I am sure. He cares as a family because he stayed drunk more about his life now, and his all the time. My mother didn 't go family. My Father does a lot now out like normal couples - it hurt me than he did before. so bad, I left town. I couldn't stay I.asked Julian to adopt me there and watch him destroy his but he said he couldn 't. Ifhe · and my mothers life. Before I left could, he would. I wish that he town, I told him, "please get help if was my father. 1. love him like a Dad. Ifl ever need him he will you love my mother. Don't destroy your relationship with her. always be there for me. I miss my My mother loves you, we love Dad a lot knowing I can't see him you." Even though I left in every day, because we live in October, 1990, I haven' t seen my different states. by Robert Pear President Bush's budget proposes new eligibility requirements that would make it more difficult for low-income families to obtain a range of government benefits, from tax credits to school lunches. Arguingthat much ofthe federal money intended for poor people is diverted through error and fraud, the administration wants to require families to supply more proofoftheir income and living arrangements before they can qualify for aid. Critics, including some local officials, said today that the extra steps would deter eligible poor people from applying for needed assistance. 1'be Bush budget would also replace one ofthe largest federal housing programs with a block grant to states, which could redirect some ofthe money away from working poor people in cities. Mr. Bush said he wanted to shift money and responsibility for this and other social welfare programs, including Medicaid, to the states. About halfofthe 28 million · children in the National School Lunch Program receive free meals because they come from low-income families. But John H. Rice, a spokesman for the federal Food and Nutrition Service, said the government had found that the number of students certified for free meals was aboµt is percent higher than the number who appeared to be eligible, according to Census Bureau data. The Bush administration wants to require families to produce evidence oftheir income, like pay stubs or tax returns, to get free school lunches. Now parents report their own income, and a small sample is checked by school officials. When the government tested these tough~r requirements in eight school districts last year, there was a 20 percent decline in the number of children approved for free lunches. Many federal, state and local programs use school lunch data to decide who gets billions of dollars in Scrutiny.... cont. on page 18 National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing - Project (t\IFfCl<OP) · 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelessci vilrights@yahoo.com Call Andy Erickson (513) 421-7803 While we make every effort to provide a forum for those without a voice, STREETVIBES and the staff of THE GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, is not responsible for statements, and do not necessarily endorse the opinions of the people whose writings are represented here. f{ ob~rt s T r-4 c.. k J 1 S OM/'MevJS C- 0.-~ Support your local Streetvibes Vendor! !ft" I ' ' .. ..,,,._.... . ! ART by Sara Williams, age 9, of Over-the-Rhine ~- .... Your vendor keeps 80 cents ofevery dollar..... �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Volunteer Opportunities at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition /or . the Homeless would like to advertise in our paper, we offer very competitive rates for ads that reach about 15,000 people per month. Our dream volunteer would be a self-motivated volunteer that would like to fundraise for our organization. This could include asking your friends and family for donations to researching and writing grants for our excell~nt programs. The Streetvibes newspaper There are numerous project is always in need of people opportunities for volunteers at the interested in connecting with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for vendors and helping them write the Homeless. We are willing to articles on social justice/poverty work with each individual in issues, poetry, or personal stories. choosing a service opportunity We need help in t'lie that is rightfor them. The afterno?ns at the front desk,. following are a few ofthe areas in answen~g pho?es and handl~g which the Coalition could use transactions with ourStreetv1bes your help: . Vendors. Thi~ ~erson w~l ad~ress Designing a web site for ~he needs ~f v1s1tors, h~vi~g_ direct our National Civil Rights contact with hom~less md1viduals Organizing Project. 'Ihls would. and should be available one include working with the afternoon a w~ek. Americorp Vista volunteers on how . There is ai_~ays a ne~~ for ~elp w1th bulk ma1h;ngs. Maihngs to prevent further criminalizatio.n ofhomefoss individuals as well as mclude the annual report, quarterly newsl~tter, Md v~ous capitol pre:venting the increasing hate· crimes against them. , campaigns. .. . . If you are mterested m To enhance our Streetvit>es program, we are searching for v~lu~tee~ng at ~~e Greater volunteers to solicit advertisements Cmcmnat1 Goaht1on for the , Homelessi please .c?ntact the office from local businesses. Ifyour business or a business you know of at 421-7803~ or visit JJS al l 506 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine. Page 9 We Can Be Proud! Judge MARK PAINTER Ohio Court of Appeals The Most-Published Hamilton County Judge Ever! Our own Judge Mark Painter has reached a milestone­ 250 of his decisions have been published nationally. He is the most-published Hamilton County judge ever. and one of the most-published ·ohio judges in history. .Judge Painter has: • Served on the Court of Appeals for seven years. after 13 years on Municipal Court. His opinions have been recognized as legal precedent more than 2000 times­ in cases, textbooks, and encyclopedias. •Written 52 articles on appellate practice, sentencing, DUt. contempt, and legal ethics. He writes a monthly column on legal writing for Ohio Lawyers Weekly. • Taught 85 seminars for judges, lawyers, and police officers, and is an Adjunct Professor of law at U.C. • Authored the textbook Ohio DUI Law. now in its 12th edition. His other book. The Legal Writer: 30 Rules for the Art of Legal Writing, was published in June. www.judgepalnter.org Local Schizophrenia/Schizo-affective Research Study * Financial Compensation * 45 years and over * Symptoms of depression * 1 3 visits (513) 861-3109 ext 4187 or toll free (888) 267-7873 ext 4187 The GCCH wouid like to thank these Starbucks locations for their generous donation of coffee and pastries: 11379 Montgomery Road (513) 469-1111 3366 Erie Avenue East Hyde Park (513) 533-34()2 . 7896 Montgomery Road (513) 891- 7740 18" X 24" poster print: Washington Park, Over­ the-Rhine, Winter 1999. · Each print is individually signed by OTR photographer Jimmy Heath. Purchase benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. Posters are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: Peaslee Neighborhood Center Attn: Photography Program 215 East Fourteenth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or call (513) 621-5514 for more information �STREETVIBES March, 2003 0 Page 10 • A ainst ·Wa 1n r q Naval Yard. Another rally was held here but had not ended by the time the end of our march had arrived. Large demonstrations were held throughout the world this day. Many US cities organized protests locally; three hundred at Indianapolis's Monument Circle and several hundred at Cincinnati's Fountain Square. SAM Sunday, back in troubled Cincinnati. May Peace prevail on earth. photos and story by Berta Lambert Washington, DC - Here we come! Bush is at Camp David so we are coming to town to do democracy's work. Three hundred in all; two hundred and sixty in three busses and forty or more via van or car. A proposed war against Iraq we will come to protest and prevent. With hundreds of thousands offellow citizens, young and old, from cities and rura:I plains country-wide we petition the government for no war. 9AM Saturday, January 18thm 2003, we arrive at the mall next to the Capitol building. It is sunny and cold by day's end. Many will envy fellow protesters in San Francisco. Many signs and banners, both serious and satirical were displayed, and large puppets and street theater were also present. Cincinnati organizers for the Coalition to Prevent War in Iraq served us well by allowing time for citizens to wander before the l IAM rally, and we could start collecting the many handouts, for example. FEBRUARY ISTH, STOP THE WAR and pamphlets announcing ANSWER 's large New York demonstration, or we could buy THE MILITANT. The rally had a chorus of many good speakers, among them Jessie Jackson and Ramsey Clark. A 2 1/2 mile march followed; Independence Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, right on 17th Street and then a sharp right on to M Street, ending at the Washington - - - - - - The idea of absolute freedom is fiction. It's based on the idea of an independent self. But, in fact, there's no such thing. There's no s_e lf without other people. There's no self without sunlight. There's no self without dew. And water. And bees to pollinate the food we eat.... So tbe idea of behaving in a way that doesn't acknowledge those recipr.ocal relationships is not really freedom, it's indulgence. Peter Coyote �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Page 11 " chronic homeless" - those helpless cases, usually the mentally ill, substance abusers or very sick ­ by Joel Stein member~), but a Time survey of the who will probably be homeless for The Liberals tried. They eight jurisdictions that have good life. The study found the chronic gave money. They watched boring statistics shows that this population homeless make temporary shelters news specials. They held hands all has grown significantly and that its their long-term home; they tak~ up the way across America. They fastest-growing segment is 50% ofthe beds each year, even even pretended to laugh at composed offamilies. though they make up 10% of the sketches with Robin Williams, Billy Homeless parents and their ·homeless population. Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg. kids made up roughly 15% of the Culhane's idea appeals to But at some point in every case load in 1999 - or, if you count conservatives: it has had proved one-way relationship, pity turns to every bead, about 35% of all results in 20-year-old projects resentment, and now even the homeless people, according to the across the country; it gets the really liberals are turning on the Urban Institute, a liberalD.C. think hard-to-look-at people off the homeless: San Francisco has voted tank. The Time survey suggests street; and it saves money, because to reduce their benefits 85%; Santa that population bas since increased administrative costs make it more Monica, Calif, passed laws - registering year-over-year jumps expensive to put up people at a preventing them from sleeping in in either 2001 or 2002. These shelter than to give them their own the doors of shops or receiving families mainly consist of single apartment (sheltering a homeless food from unlicensed providers; women with kids, whose greater person on a cot in a New York City Madison, Wis., is handing them a housing needs, compared with shelter, for example, costs on record number of tickets; Seattle those of single people, make them average $1,800 a month). It's banned the sale ofmalt liquor and more vulnerable to rental i~creases similar to the problem faced by Thunderbird in Pioneer Square as than are single people. hospitals, where the uninsured use its initiative to shoo away the Even as the problem ambulances and emergency rooms alcoholics. worsens, there's little appetite in as a very expensive version of Sensing an opening, the Washington for the large-scale primary care. Bush Administration has decided solutions the Democrats have been Culhane's finding is also to make the homeless problem a advocating for 40 years: creating attractive in its simple ifunspoken target of compassionate affordable housing and logic: because the mentally ill were conservatism, which got pushed strengthening programs that attack put out into the street after the back after Sept. 11, when the causes of poverty by finding public discovered the abuses in conservatism was everywhere but people jobs, teaching them skills, mental hospitals and JFK passed compassion was available only for giving them transportation to jobs, the attack victims. And it's putting getting th.em off drugs, providing its central domestic doctrine to the medical care - essentially trying to test on an issue on which the fix entire lives. Some homeless Democrats have been unable to experts are beginning to wonder show much progress. whether building shelters only It's a good choice, not only exaggerates the numbers: they because the expectations are so argue that poor people who low after decades offailure but wouldn't otherwise be homeless also because it is unassailable in its are attracted to shelters as a way of immediate need. quickly tapping into government With a freak-show assistance. economy in which unemployment . "It didn't take long for 6% a 50% increase has reached people to figure out that this was a since November 2000 - but way to scam the system," admits housing prices have stayed at or Andrew Cuomo, the Secretary of near historic highs, the number of Housing and Urban Development homeless appears to be at its (HUD) under President Bill highest in at least a decade in a Clinton. Given all this failure and wide range of places across the disgust, Republicans could deal U.S., according to Bush's own with this problem however they homelessness czar. "It's wanted. The first GOP member to embarrassing to say that they're pick up on this was Susan Baker, up," says czar Philip Mangano of who had the ability to get the the number, "but it's better to face White House's attention because the truth than to try to obfuscate.'' she's the wife of James Baker, chief You don't see homeless of staffto Ronald Reagan, people as much as you did in the Secretary of State to Bush's father ' 80s because the one great policy and, more important, the guy who initiative ofthe past 20 years has ran W. 'selection-after-the-election to move them from grates been campaign in Florida. into the newest form of the Baker is co-chairwoman of poorhouse, the shelter. Even · the National Alliance to End though cities are building shelters Homelessness, a cause in which she as fast as they can, the homeless became interested in the early ' 80s, are pouring out of them again, when she got involved in returning to the grates. Homeless organizing D.C. food banks. Baker numbers are notoriously unreliable read a 1998 study by University of (many people may be counted Pennsylvania professor of social twice or not at all, and some work Dennis Culhane that homeless advocates include people suggested that the most efficient who move in with family solution to homelessness was to provide permanent housing to the T e Real ce o Homeless es the 1963 Community Healt h Center Act which deinstitutionalized ' 430,000 people, the plan really amounts to building much nicer, voluntary mental hospital. Three weeks after Bush named Mel Martinez his HUD Secretary, Baker landed a meeting with him. She sold him Culhane's research, arguing that with just 200,000 apartments, the Administration could end chronic homelessness in 10 years. The meeting went so well that the plan became Bush's official stance on homelessness: the 2003 budget has four paragraphs promising to end chronic homelessness in a decade. Bush reinstated last spring the office ofhomeless czar, a position that had been dormant for six years, tapping Mangano to be head of the lnteragency Council·on Homelessness. He is liked by members ofboth parties and fits Bush's theme offaith-based compassion. A former rock manager who represented members ofBuffalo Springfield and Peter, Paul and Mary, Mangano says his Faces .... Cont. on page 16 Peaslee Neighborhood Center is a peaceful place.... and a place where young people learn while having fun... �STREETVIBES Page 12 March, 2003 The Peace Village by Steve Sunderland The tragic loss of the .Columbia space shuttle, the rising tensions about Secretary of State Powell's presentation on war with Iraq, and the ongoing extreme tension over North Korea's moves for recognition raise my awarene~s about how fragile life, pe~ce and justice can be at this time. However, the war in Cincinnati is fully attracting my attention and raising questions in my mind about whether peace anywhere is possible if we cannot have peace in our city. The "war" in Cincinnati is a deadly one, involving both the taking of life by drug dealers in increasing numbers, plus the threatening of neighborhoods that have drug dealers and youth crime running rampant, and, the steady and serious withdrawal ofpolice services precisely at the time that crime is on the rise. Peace in our neighborhood is unpredictable, threatened at any moment by intimidation oflocal citizens by drug-related criminals, and slow responses to citizen calls for help from our local police. I do not want to underestimate just how serious this situation is and is likely to become if the current trends in criminal behavior and police incompetence persist. We; citizens ofCincinnati, are being asked to watch the destruction ofour city, especially the persistence of drug zones that are not the subject of police intervention in any way that is timely and effective. Working for peace with our communities and police has seemed to backfire: just when we thought there was a commonly agreed upon peace treaty between the communities and the police, with timetables; common goals, mutual respect, and a call for a new and radiq\l form of collaboration, we find, instead, a steady police slowdown of activity in "hot spots," an avoidance of taking any leadership on · community-police problem solving methods, and a statement by the police union head, and unchallenged by our mayor and city manager antl police chief, that the police should "go slow." Recent crime statistics released by our local newspaper read like Isrnel and Nigeria: serious crime is way up and arrests are ·way down. At a recent meeting of our community council leaders with leaders from the city, including the police chief, mayor, and city manager, the issue ofbad police methods leading to the rise in violent crime, was brushed ·off. " We are a work in progress," said members have extended themselves, following our riots, to the Colonel in charge of changing educate their congregations, the problem solving method of schools, classmates, and the police action. "There must be a average citizen. Team members stop to emotional policing," an have come up with trusting angry citizen suggested to the city methods of sharing stories of manager, "a policing where the failure and success in connecting police can decide, because they are and respecting the difficult jobs of not liked, they can slow down." being a police officer. Peaceful The city processes have been proposed manager said for citywide methods ofworking that more is together. These have been being done ignored by the city administration and will be and the police. Now, the Peace done. But no Village faces the hard task of timetables, moving to a different dimension deadlines, or ofnon-violent understanding and forms of protest. accountability I welcome your ideas and were made involvement on what should be clear. done and done soon. Like other communities in conflict, war, and The distrust, the options for peaceful peace efforts and just solutions are running out will not stop. along with the emotional interest Citizen in finding non-violent solutions. community I am convinced that an angry and councils and their leaders ~ loud movement for peace and justice will get the attention of are becoming Dr. Steve Sunderland directs a Posters for Peace session more aware our citizens and elected officials. order to save our neighborhoods. of the methods used in slowing .I am sure that there can be realistic down and stopping cooperative It is amazing to sit in meetings with timetables for working together. I methods of peace keeping. One city administration: elected know I must sound like every other officials, and those who have been city council representative has peace activist at this time that is begun to wake up to the realization appointed to lead important city saying that we n~ed " ... to give agencies and hear that pitiful sound peace a chance." Watching my that the Cincinnati Police are not neighborhood crumble, the loss of using the major policing methods of excuses for the lack of that have worked in other large supervision of professionals. sleep and hope on the part ofloved cities. Nor, it is now clear, is our Where is the anger from our ones, the despair of the youth for policing driven by the timely and officials that our neighborhoods are any alternative, and the dull looks strategic collection ofinformation having to be fought for by moms, in the eyes of so many police, I fear oncnme. for my city, and your city, too. The Cincinnati is not immune from community further violence even though we has been hold the sad honor of being the igno.rant of last city with an urban riot. The how destruction of a neighborhood information must be seen as important to about rising grieve as the explosion of a crime can be rocket, or, the loss of life in any used to ~ar. Now, especially. now, is the mobilize time to commit to peace right police and here, right now, in Cincinnati. community Stefanie and I went to talk groups. It is with Greg Baker, assistant city nothing manager for CPOP (Community short ofa Problem Oriented Policing) and miracle that Lt. Col. Richard Janke, citizen crime Cincinnati Police Department watch and in charge of CPOP for the groups have police department. We went not suffered with anger in our hearts and grief violent acts on the part of about our latest murder the night kids, workers, and others who criminals. Yet, there bas been before last just three blocks away. expect a peaceful and just intimidation by the criminals, community? Where is the anger at Both Baker and Janke have been suggesting that if the intimidation the incompetence ofthe police and working on the creation of CPOP doesn't work, there will be the leadership ofthe police for but we have not seen one shr~d of vio.Ience to back this up. their work to this point as the allowing our neighborhood parks, This intimidation and the planning group is in total privacy. comers, stores, and schools to inaction of the police will not stop become havens for drug deals? Baker is an articulate spokesperson the peace and justice effort. A for the City and maintained that The Peace Village is one small and hopefully increasingly nothing is ready because the parties part of this city that is alive to the strong group of citizens, drawn to the suit that led to the police­ possibilities of cooperative work from across Cincinnati, are coming ma.king a difference, even in community agreement have not together to develop our own form horrifying conditions. Team agreed on just what CPOP is and· of police supervision, community data collection, and media sharing. We want a broad based peace movement in our community, ready to march on City Hall, ready to sit outside our district police offices, ready to publish our own statistics about the amount of time it takes to react to a crisis, ready to seek state and federal intervention in . > �ST REETVIBES March, 2003 should be. " Going slow," Baker said, "is a way of getting it right before it goes public." We pushed him to tell just how far along the process and he refused to give us any hard date, suggesting that there were still intellectual differences about whether CPOP is mainly about better policing or a better use of all of the city's agencies in reducing crime and improving the quality oflife ofthe citizenry. But Rome continues to burn as drug killing continue along with intimidation oflocal citizens with a downtown in arrests and a growth in crime. Baker made the point that all of the present work to improve crime reduction lay with the good Lt. Col. Janke. Baker made it clear that pressure on the police was not the only place vyhere pressure was important: all of the parties, the Black United Front, the ACLU, and the Ctiy all needed pressure to complete a fi nal design of CPOP. And pressure is what top city administration and some in the media are putting on the police as we learned that the police chief is making 3 5 meetings with every police group to get them more motivated to fight crime. Janke, a spirited defender ofthe police as well as a philosopher ofpolicing, urged us in no uncertain terms to let the police take the necessary time to create and roll out CPOP. Acting a bit offended by the pressure we were bringing, he suggested that the police are both more aware of what is happening than we think and less able to stop what is happening than we think. The sum ofwhat he was saying that was important is that the police, too, are frustrated by the spike in crime and the reasons for it and what to do about it. Janke gave the clearest support of a partnership model between the police and the community that I have heard to this point. He was clear that CPOP was needed, a big change in information gathering and sharing was needed, and a connection to the assignment of police to "hot spots' based on this data was needed. But "it is just not ready, yet. " We argued for three hours for the sake ofmaking it clear that our neighborhood is becoming a · permanent war zone. Both officials · heard us, saw our frustratio~, and sought to suggest that the city was readying some kind of multiple offense to battle the criminals. I shared with Baker some information provided by one ofmy students on the long term progress of the Chicago police and community with a form of CPOP. I urged Baker to look at their web site to see that remarkable difference with our own police department's home page. I am astounded that other cities have not only developed working partnership models, and, information gathering and sharing methods that connect to crime reduction, but that these processes are effective and totally untried in Cincinnati. We left our meetings feeling as many peace workers must feel at this time: war is hell and tiring! The battle to rid neighborhoods ofurban warfare requires levels of sophistication in informat~on and deployment of people, as well as motivation and leadership, along with creativity in partnership, that are nothing short of massive. Drug control of our neighborhood, casualties from killings, and the general intimidation ofthe citizens, takes their toll in the abandonment of people and vitality in a community. Stopping the criminal trends, reversing the spirit of hopelessness, and joining in a common struggle for peace and justice requires in our little town, the public cooperation ofpolice and citizen. Dr. Steve Sunderland, professor ofSocial Work at the University ofCincinnati, is the Director of the Peace Village, A group ofindividuals from the national and internaional community commited to examining all issues Qfpeace in the world. Dr. Sunderl,and also heads up Postersfor Peace which engages people in expressing their visions ofpeace, in their own words, through the creation ofposters. . Page 13 ART, MUSIC, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES! Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 East I 4th 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 ofOver-the­ Rhlne or the West End is welcome! All sessions are FREE, including instruction and materials. No previous artistic experience necessary. Contact Brenda Z. at 621-5514, or peaslee bz@hotmail com for more information. Photography - Teenagers and young adults are invited to learn basic photography skills through introductory courses provided at Peaslee. Writing - Any young person in the Greater Cincinnati area may submit poems and/or articles via email at peaslee bz@hotmail com for publication in Streetvibes. Content should be related to homelessness, social justice, or poverty-related issues. The Center also offers classes in creative writing and "Rhyme-n-'R ap" poetry, sharing sessions. OTR Steel Drum Band -Learn how to play the steel drums! Participants will learn steel drum technique, rhythms, and how to ~ead music. Ages 9 and up. Call '.For New Arts Advisory Comm~ttee Members! - The Arts Advisory Committee is looking for representatives from the neighborhood and the arts and business community. This Community Mosaic Art-Project ­ committee helps to formulate the Community members are coming direction and development of together to make mosaic art for the Peaslee's arts programs._ Over-th~Rhine neighborhood. Stop by buddy's place at 131h and Looking For New Staff - Peaslee Vine Monday -Friday 2:30-4 :30, is a1sQ looking for new music and Saturday 11 :00-1 :00. Children instructors for the piano. This is a must be accompanied by an aault wonderful opportlinity to get Groups inter~sted in participating involved in teaching music to should contact Brenda Z. at Peaslee children in a fun ana rewarding to schedule a special group time. setting. Anyone interested should contact Brenda Z. at Peaslee. Your life and my life flow into each other as wave flows into wave, and unless there is peace and joy and freedom for you, there can be no real peace or joy or freedom for me. To see reality- not as we expect it to be but as it is- is to see that unless we Jive for each other and in and through each other, we do not really live very satisfactorily; that there can really be life only where there really is, in just this sense, love. (Carl) Frederick Buechner · "You know, if money DID.grow on trees, I might be more sympathetic to the environmental movement." �STREETVIBES Art & Poetry March, 2003 Page 14 The Weighted Hour Be Yourself The Bottom Line by Michael Henson by Bruce Wilmer by Michael Nelson There is an hour The world would like to change Sin on our streets, when the world is too weighted for us to bear. Death in our city, you; When the minutes press on us The bottom line is, There are pressures all around. Life shows us no pity. like the stones of Salem. You must decide just who you are, An hour when the slant light falls to ash. Then firmly hold your ground . When the red-eyed liar gnaws at the ear. Women cheat on husbands, When there is no end to the drone of engines. Men cheating on wives, You have an image ofyourself, The bottom line is, And there is no end to the sad parades. An ideal sense ofyou, And hour when anger clots the lungs. more pain in their lives. And to this vision you must always When there seems to be no hope. Struggle to be true. Then I look to the lonely crow. Kids killing kids, There, in his cold rooms You know what you are good at, Cops shot everyday, The bottom line is, high above the red tips of the maples And you know where your talents We all need to pray. above the strung powerlines lie, above the cell phone towers. But if you are ruled by others, He is a black ship in a vast bottle. Your uniqueness could pass by. People watch violence, He works his wings in short bursts against the wind, See ladies quite nude, then coasts for a time, Remember, there is much to learn, The bottom line is, Our morals are crude. works in a burst, then coasts again. But all new things aren't good. Wisdom lies in what you've Then I want to think myself the crow, eagling across a broken heartland . Our leaders are weaklings, learned, And what you have withstood. Far below me, Our court systems fail, the asphalt ribbons and the bulldozer scars. The bottom line is, So, be yourself and don't allow Far below me, DoesTruth ever prevail? The world to take control. the suburban checkerboard, Preserving you identity, The bottom line is, The end may b€ Far below me, near, the gash of abandoned factories. ls life's precious goal. The bottom line is, Far below me, Mankind shall know fear! the rivers that choke with the runoff ofthe poisoned farms. Far below me, the .s~all _men who. walk ~een fields ~tting sma}l \Vhi.te.b!llls.. () Far below me, . strip malls and theme parks. Far bel~w me, the broad separate roqfs of the houses on streets that meander like the tunnels of the mole. Far below me, the close-packed roofs of the projects. And I am sad, for I see nothing that looks like home. byjh The horizon is wide by Tryna R Moore and far off. Through the void, the outstretched hand At the line where the sun sets, directs you to the icy, blind stare. what ifI choose not to help I see the gray fences ·Fearful, glassy, scratched and marred . but instead to look away? and the leaning stalks of corn. Retarded plea, old recital, tedious. and for those who are in trouble The Light leans to the earth's back door. I want to go.... I do not pray? I search the dusk if I run frQJll my brother for my brothers Beneath the su1face of this rounded gem, when he only asks for help? and my sisters. speaks a chorus of screaming violence. ifinstead of lending a hand to him I call them There is a smell. I choose only to help myself? in a voice I want to leave, keep on walking. what kind of creature would exist of husks and gravel. only to do harm? Life is Like a chicken wire fence, what kind of heart saw danger in hope trapped beyond the reach, the distance ofthe eye and the illusion .... but never rang the alarm? Wire pressing back the flesh. what if I take all of my money and throw it frivolously away? Then, our fears grow like fruitless vine. on abuses ofthe body Clinging to the cracks and concrete, sex, liquor, and cocaine? in that place, beyond the Fence. what ifI never gave a dime " Sorry, I don't have anything to give." to help someone who was down? what if I always focused on me and ignored the problems that surround? I pray the one who reads this will not feel that .it describes any aspect of their being for they know that they have tried. Life Is Like a Chicken Wire Fence what if.. . �STREETVIBES March, 2003 My Prayer For You by RickAshcroft 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 ljned with gold, And may alJ your dreams, somehow unfold. May each ofyou find success along the way, And may your road to recovery start each day, For tomorrow is not pr<?rrused, it is said, May relapse never enter your head. Always stop and think, from where you came, May your troubles never remain the same, May you find peace of my at heart, God has given each of us a new start. So my prayer for each ofyou js 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 ofluck to each of you. An Eclectic AmeriCorps Poem Secret Alcoholic by Charlie I'm here at the mountain that I have to cross, Ifl can 't get over, I know I'll be lost. Though not broken hearted, but not happy it's true, And I'm not a poor man, I'm just like you. I have a problem, like many folks do. I'm tied to a bottle as I write to you. The place where I'm standing, I've been here before. I couldn't cross over, I'm riddled and torn. I know about drinking, the harm it will do. And I try·to hide me from folks just like you. There's no starting over, but I'll stumble through. It's hard to explain but I'm worse offthan you. But I'll keep on climbing, till I reach the top. And thank you for reading, I pray that I'll stop. For I AM NO BETTER than the one on the street. Remember I said this, one day when we meet. Art& Poetry Page 15 Taking a Stand on Iraq Sp eak Out by Lawrence Ferlinghetti And a vast paranoia sweeps across the land And America turns the attack on its Twin Towers Into the beginning of the Third World War The war with the Third World And the terrorists in Washington Are drafting all the young men And no one speaks And they are rousting out All the ones with turbans And they are flushing out All the strange immigrants And they are shipping all the young men To the killing fields again And no one speaks And when they come to round up All the great writers and poets and painters The National Endowment of the Arts of Complacency Will not speak While all the young men Will be killing all the young men In the killing fields again So now is the time for you to speak All you lovers ofliberty All you lovers of the pursuit of happiness All you lovers and sleepers Deep in your private dreams Now is the time for you to speak 0 silent majority Before they come for you Lawrence Ferlinghetti is San FranCisco sfirst poet laureate (J 998) and the owner andfounder ofCity Lights Bookstore. This poem first appeared on the City Lights Web site (http://www.citylights.com/) . Shutter Speed Change creates the opportunity For serendipitous events. While the fluctuation of events Passes us passers-by, We, ourselves can know Only one thought... Who am I presently? Then, the next thought. .. Who am I about to become? I sit and turn into a stone And eventually the stone splits And a flower grows from the creVIce, The flower ofmy incipient being. The evanescence of our existence Becomes the bane of our present reality When once we resolve to stop listening And follow the mercurial nature of the wind Getting up a little slower.... by Ste ve Shockley �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Faces .... Cont. from page 11 life changed in 1972 when he saw Franco Zeffirelli's Brother Sun, Sister Moon, a movie about the life of St. Francis. For Mangano, who calls himself a homeless abolitionist, ending chronic homeless is a moral call. "Is there any manifestation of homelessness more tragic or more visible than chronic homelessness experienced by those who are suffering from mental illness, addiction or physical disability?" he asks. Building permanent housing for the chronically ill is in fact a long-standing Democratic initiative . .In 1990 New York Governor Mario Cuomo began building "supportive housing" projects with attached mental­ health services; there are now more than 60,000 such units across the country, funded by a combination of government and private organizations. While the buildings are not licensed like mental hospitals, nurses, social workers and psychologists keep office hours. That's the compassionate part. Here's the conservative side: Bush isn't spend1ng any money on this. While IDJD already spends 30% ofits homeless dollars on permanent housing, all the Administration has added so far for its new push is $35 million, scraped together from within the existing budgets of three departments. To give a sense of how much that means in Washington budgetary terms, $35 million is equal to the money set aside to help keep insects from crossing the border. Although last month HUD touted the $1. 1 billion in the budget for homeless services as the largest amount of homeless assistance in history, it's about the same as the amount set aside before Newt Gingrich's Congress made major cuts. And the Administration, more quietly, also announced a 30% cut in operating funds for public housing last week. Congressman Barney Frank, ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee (which oversees government housing agencies), is not kind about the Bush Administration's intentions. "They are just lying when they say they have a housing program," he says. And ofthe additional $35 million pledged to end chronic homelessness, Frank says, " it's not only peanuts; it's taking the peanuts from one dish and putting them in another." In fact, in October the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that, if it becomes law, will cut $938 million from the President's budget for rental vouchers, one of the government's main methods of paying to house the homeless. The old-school Democrats are also upset at the philosophy behind Bush's plan, which they argue is more interested in getting the homeless out of view than in solving their problems. "The largest-growing sector is actually women an,d children," says Donald Whitehead, the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, the oldest and largest advocacy group on this issue. "A true strategy needs to include the entire population." Andrew Cuomo, founder of HELP USA, a national, nonprofit shelter provider, says the administration is merely redefining the issue so as to appear to be doing something. "What makes you say that a guy who has been on the street for five years and is a heroin addict is any more needy than a woman who is being beaten nightly in front ofher children?" he asks. For his part, Senator John Kerry, a Democrat running for President, has proposed legislation that would add 1.5 million units of affordable housing to address the fact that America's population has grown 11% in the past decade while rental stock has shrunk. . According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which lobbies for government housing, for the fourth year in a row there isn't a single jurisdiction in the U.S., with the exception of places in Puerto Rico, where a person working full time for minimum wage can afford to rent a one-bedroom home at fair-market value. Without a federal plan that has worked, cities have lost patience, concentrating on getting the homeless out of sight. In New York City, where shelter space can't be created fast enough, Mayor Mike Bloomberg has proposed using old cruise ships for housing. New Orleans removed park benches in Jackson Square to discourage the homeless; Philadelphia launched an ad campaign asking people not to give to panhandlers; and in Orlando, Fla.,. a new law makes it a jaiJable offense to lie down on the News & Editorial sidewalk. Polls in San Francisco, where the streets are clogged with the homeless who lose the nightly lottery for limited shelter beds, indicate that homelessness is a major concern. Billboards show residents holding cardboard signs that read, I DON' T WANT TO HOLD MY BREATH PAST EVERY ALLEY Voters last November overwhelmingly passed Proposition N, which cuts handouts from $395 a month to $59, providing food and shelter instead. The proposition was proposed by Gavin Newsom, 35, a member·ofthe city's Board of Supervisors who describes himself as a liberal. Newsom's proposal was supported by a $1 million campaign and was so controversial that Newsom felt compelled to travel with police protection as Election Day approac~ed. To his critics who contend that Proposition N doesn't do much to help the people whose assistance he's taking away, Newsom says, 'We never said N is going to solve homelessness." Two weeks after the proposal became law, Newsom announced a mayoral bid. Even in Miami, where homelessness has been reduced because of a 1997 court settlement that forced the city to decriminalize it and develop an elaborate system for dealing with it, citizens are demanding that the streets be cleared. New laws prevent sleeping on the beach and building shelters too close to one another. "They want to hide us with all kind of zoning tricks and such," says Steve Silva, 50, who makes $7 and a 5% commission selling _Miami Heat tickets and lives in a shelter. "But it's a Band-Aid on a sucking chest wound, man." Likewise in Dallas, where the problem continues to worsen, the homeless complain of cops delivering wake-up calls from their car loudspeakers by blaring "Wake up, crackheads! '' and handing out vagrancy tickets. "It doesn't make you want to go> and rejoin society," says Gary Jones, 36, a laid-off welder. "What's lower than writing a man a ticket for sleeping on the street? If he had somewhere else to go, don't you think he' d be there?" David and Gina Christian and their four children have avoided the streets by staying in a 600-sq.-ft. apartment at the Interfaith House in Dallas, which provides three months' housing to Page 16 100 needy families each year. David, 34, lost his job fixing rental cars in Austin after Sept. 11 when the tourism industry fell apart. Gina, 36, wasn't making enough as a nursing-home temp to cover the family's expenses. The Christians hocked everything they owned-their TY, the kids' · PlayStation, J?ad's tools - to follow David's old boss to a new job in Dallas. When that business fell apart too, David sold the tires from their two cars to pay for their nightly meals ofrice and beans. "I was reduced to begging. I felt degraded, like I was less than human," Gina says. "When I was a child growing up in Watts, there was a 10-month period where we were homeless. I didn't want that for my family." Interfaith has found David an $8-an-hour job as a mechanic at a Texaco station, and now that the Christians are not paying rent, they are able to save a little money. But time at Interfaith is running out. The program already broke its own rule QY letting the family back for a second stay. Given that so many are without a home but have tempor(\ry shelter, the real policy debate is no longer about whether society is responsible for keeping people out ofthe cold - we have agreed it is - but whether.it is obligated to give them somewhere permanent to live. By fighting to end chronic homelessness; the Bush Administration argues that we need to give houses to those who are incapable of providing for themselves. The others will have to weather the storm in a shelter, if it can be built fast enough. Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression ofthe views and opinions ofour readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those ofthe Streetvibes staffor the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. �ST RE ET VIB ES FRAC News Digest NEW 2003 FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES RELEASED March, 2003 Greenspan announced that he disagreed with many of the arguments offered by the Bush Administration for the tax cut package. Mr. Greenspan said that the economy probably do.es not need any short-term stimulus and that the rising budget deficits would have an effect on long-term interest rates and an impact on the economy. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/ 12/business/ 12FED.html (Adobe PDF) (from Federal Register Vol. 68, No. 26, February 7, 2003) The Department ofHealth and Human Services released the 2003 poverty guidelines. The guidelines are adjusted each year to account for inflation and serve as the baseline for determining eligibility NO CONNECTION for means-tested programs. For BETWEEN FEDERAL F'OOD example, various percentages of PROGRAMS AND OBESITY poverty are applied to determine (United Press Intemational, eligibility for the National School January 29, 2003) · Lunch Program e.g. , 130 percent This article analyzes a paper for free lunches), the Food Stamp published by the conservative Program, and others. For the 48 American Enterprise Institute that contiguous states and D.C., the said federal food assistance guideline is $1~'400 for a family of . programs for low-income people four. Amounts vary by family size. are contributing to the obesity Amounts are slightly higher for epidemic. When asked to explain Alaska and Hawaii. For the entire how increased consumption, a goal poverty guideline table see:http:// of the food stamp program, aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/ negatively affects recipients or 03poverty.htm contributes to increased obesity, author Douglas Besharov BUSH ADMINISTRATION "appeared reluctant to comment on PROPOSALS TRANSFORM his report" and said only, "of FEDERAL PROGRAMS course it is negative. " Robert FOR T':\E POOR Greenstein, of the ·center for (Washington Post, February 9, Budget and Polfoy Priorities', said 2003) that there has been recent research The Administration is seeking to specifically looking at whether tip control over social services to food stamps cause obesity and has the states, reduce the funding of found that t hey do not. Research some programs, and require more by economist Diane Whitm.o re of proof that low-income people are the University ofCalifornia at eligible for assistance. These Berkeley found that 70 to 80 proposals are the ideological heirs percent of all food stamp recipients to the Congressional attempts at had to spend more on food than "devolution" in the mid-1990s. their benefits are worth. Whitmore http ://www.washingtonpost.com/ said her research suggests wp-dyn/articles/A.4560 l­ Besharov's icleas would lead to 2003Feb8.html "worse nutrition, and not better." http ://www.upi.com/ ECONOMISTS ON view.cfm?StoryID=20030129­ PRESIDENT BUSH'S TAX l 00634-4288r CUT (Economic Policy Institute, February l 0, 2003) The Economic Policy Institute released an economists' statement signed by 10 Nobel laureates and 450 economists from around the country who oppose the adoption of the Bush tax cuts on the grounds that they will not create jobs and growth in the near-term and will lead to chronic deficits. http ://www.epinet.org/stmt/2003/ statement_signed.pdf (Adobe PDF) FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN GREENSPAN DESCRIBES PROBLEMS WITH TAX CUT (New York Times, February 12, 2003) Federal Reserve chairman Alan LACK OF TRANSPORTATION, ACCESS TO GROCERY ~TORES, COMPROMISES HEALTH (Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC, February 9, 2003) In Southside, Brookhill Village and several other neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina, there are few grocery stores nearby, and many residents do not have cars. Residents are forced to shop at smaller grocery or convenience stores in the area that charge higher prices and offer a smaller selection · of foods. The Observer mapped the addresses of 97 supermarkets in the Charlotte area. In south-central Charlotte there are no supermarkets near the main strip that is easily accessible to News & Editorial thousands of residents. National studies show that there are fewer supermarkets in predominantly black neighborhoods. People who shop with food stamps usually buy fewer nonperishable items and impulse items, the things that bring stores their biggest profits. Another study found that for every additional supermarket in a predominately black neighborhood, people's intake offruits and vegetables increases 32 percent. http://www.charlotte.com/rnld/ observer/news/5140765 .htm See the entire.Charlotte Observer series on accJsho grocery stores: http://www.d'la~lotte. com/mld/ charlotte/liviiiifspecial_packages/ nowhere_to_ shop/ SCHOOL LUNCH INCOME VERIFICATION PLAN COULD DENY MEALS TO TOUSANDS OF NEEDY CHILDREN IN SOUTH FLORIDA (Miami Herald, Miami, FL, February 6, 2003) The Bush Administration's plan for income verification in the National School Lunch Program could remove thousands ofchildren in south ~lorida from the program. Local nutrition officials cautioned against assl;lming,there w~s fraud in the prqgram. They say that many families are removed from the program because of failure to respond by the deadline, or they' re intimidated, don't understand, or the verification letter isn't received. These problems are of concer~ in south Florida with many immigrants and high poverty. http://www.miami.com/mld/ miamiherald/5116038.htm EDITORIAL: " DON'T PLAY KETCHUP WITH SCHOOL LUNCHES" (Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH, February 10, 2003) This editorial calls school lunches "the single mdst reliable source of daily nutrition for many children and the only for some." It also cites analysis of census data showing that when poor and near­ poor households are compared to the number ofchildr.en certified for free lunches there is a near-perfect match. http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/ opinion/daily/0210ketchup.html CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA SEES DRAMATIC INCREASE IN FOOD STAMP USE (Charlotte Observer, February 8, 2003) The Charlotte, North Carolina area has seen dramatic increases in food stamp participation over the past 2 Page 17 Yi years. Local social services officials believe that most ofthe new applicants are first-time recipients. In the 15 county Charlotte region, food stamp enrollment rose by more than a third. Food stamp use in the Carolinas grew faster than in much ofthe nation - South Carolina had the fifth-highest increase in the nation and.North Carolina saw the 20th largest increase (as of October 2002). "It reminds me ofthe times back in the 1970s when we had that severe recession," said one Charlotte·social worker. http ://www.charlotte.com/ml_d/ observer/news/5135058.htm MINNESOTA GOVERNOR CUTS $20 MILLION FROM HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Star Tribune, Minneapolis, MN, February 8, 2003) Minnesota Governor Pawlenty cut more than $20 million from the state's Health and Human Service department to help balance the budget. Among about 20 health and human services programs that will be affected, the WIC program will see $3.5 milli,on in cuts. State Senator Byckx ~pur~y call~~ th~ : WIC c~ts "ironic,;, saying that a week earlier the governor was ­ talking about restricting foods that could be bought with food stamps, and "now he's cutting a program that provides nutritious food and does nutrition counseling to people who receive food stamps." The elimination ofafterschool programs produced another $5 million in avings. http ://www.startribune.com/stories/ 587/3641050.html To subscribe to the weekly FRAC News Digest ; http:// capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ Ben Winter Food R esearch and Action Center 1875 C onnecticut Avenue, NW Suite540 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone (202) 986-2525 fax Email: bwinter@frac.org �STREETV IB ES documented a dramatic increase in ordnances outlawing life sustaining activities.such as sitting, sleeping in by Donald Whitehead, National parks, or. feeding the hungry. Colition for the Homeless Separately, any ofthese issues are cause for great concern - but Executive Director combined, they are frightening. The recently published U.S Conference ofMayors report NCH believes that there has documents that homelessness has never been a better time to launch increased by 19% in the United the "Bringing America Home States. From Alaska to Campaign." The Bringing America Washington, the number of Home Campaign is designed to homeless families has increased by address the root causes of an average of20%-including a homelessness. The centerpiece of startling 40% increase in New York the Campaign is an omnibus bill City. In addition to record that will be introduced by increases, we are faced with Representatives Julia Carson and additional cuts to federal housing John Conyers. The bill is programs. The Department of revolutionary, an attempt to finally Housing and Urban Development reduce homeless by addressing recently announced a cut in public systemic causes. The Bringing housing operating subsidies. Both America Home Act addresses the House and Senate propose homelessness in a comprehensive drastic cuts in the number of manner that is a change from recent piecemeal approaches that have section eight vouchers. Welfare reform, often touted as a success only resulted in maintaining because of roll reduction, is now homelessness rather than ending it. seeing many people who were able The act and the larger campaign are to transition offofpublic assistance very ambitious, extremely necessary, and will require an returning to welfare. State budgets, already strapped as a unprecedented combination of result ofthe administration's advocacy and grassroots organizing. massive tax cut, are facing I often visit shelters and additional shortfalls due to the soup kitchens when I am asked to continued woes on Wall Street. Even foundations, one of the major speak in cities across the country. support systems for nonprofits, are My visits to shelters keeps me beginning to experience shortfalls. grounded and remind me that I didn't come to Washington to be an In addition to serious insider. Last week, I spent three concerns in housing, the economy, and medical issues, public opinion days in a shelter disguised as a aboQt poor people - especially regular guy. I talked to men, women, and children and realized homeless people - has shifted that from their stories, not one of dramatically. Many cities, them met current guidelines for responding to pressure from the permanent housing under ffi.JD­ business community, have begun McK.inney guidelines. Most ofthe crackdowns. In the report "Illegal people I spoke to could be to be Homeless," NCH Reflections Scrutiny.. .. cont. from page 8 Page 18 M arch, 2003 operations for the child nutrition programs in East Baton Rouge Parish, La., which serves 44,000 other types ofassistance like subsidized child care and health care. lunches a day to school children. Barry D. Saclcin, vice In one pilot project, at Oak president ofthe American School Park and River Forest High School near Chicago, the number ofchildren Food Service Association, whose members run feeding programs, said approved for free lunches dropped the Bush plan "would turn us into 50 percent. At schools in Morenci, accountants and auditors and take us Ariz. , the number dropped 36 away from what we should be doing: percent. serving nutritious meals to children." Diana Gonzalez-Sumpter, The Treasury Department is the fooa service director in Morenci, equally determined to crack down on said that parents had made honest what it says are erroneous payments mistakes in some cases. A few under the earned-income tax credit families, she said, had deliberately program, one ofthe nation 's biggest understated their income. antipoverty programs. Ms. Gonzalez-Sumpter said At present, the government she supported the verification estimates, $9.3 billion ofthe $30 requirements because she had billion paid out each year in tax "strong feelings about the credits to low-income working stewardship ofpublic funds." But families may be a result offraud or she said that the requirements honest errors. In 1999, the Treasury deterred some eligible people, including immigrants, from applying says, 27 percent to 32 percent of claims were paid in error. for benefits. President Bush is asking "It would be a nightmare for Congress for $100 million and 650 L. Mann, director of us," said Nadine considered victims, victims of different things from domestic violence to the economic downturn to bad public policy. As I was leaving the shelter, it dawned on me that if the same policy had been around eight years ago, I would have been a victim also. It's time to "Bring America Home." Bill holds promise for homeless; The Las Vegas Sun endorses the Bringing America' Home Act Tens ofthousands of homeless people in this country are surviving day-to-day through the goodwill of churches, volunteer organizations, and kind individuals. They are also sustaining themselves at soup kitchens and shelters run by local governments. Some areas offer excellent programs that include health care and counseling. In other areas the only hedge against starvation and the elements is the proverbial flophouse. Nowhere is the need fully met. In Las Vegas, for example, there are a few hundred beds and an estimated 10,000 homeless men and women.· Inconsistencies from city to city are the result ofvarying abilities - and varying desires - to give. What's long been missing as the nation's homeless population increases every year is any consistent federal involvement. The sporadic federal grant for a homeless program here or there is insufficient, as proven by the fact that every sizeable county and city in the country has a growing homeless population. The programs in place are a godsend in the sense that they' re all that stand between life and death for many homeless people. This country, however, should be doing much new employees to identify potentially erroneous claims in advance, before money is paid out. The Internal Revenue Service has tried such procedures, with people who reapply for the tax credit after' having claims denied in prior years. In a report to Congress last month, the ombudsman, Nina E. Olson, the national taxpayer advocate, said that some legitimate claims for the tax credit were " erroneously denied." Moreover, she said, some taxpayers who pressed their claims found themselves in an "endless loop" of audits and delays. Ms. Olson, a tax lawyer, emphasized "how complicated it is for taxpayers and IRS employees to determine eligibility" for the credit. The documentation requirements create a hardship in large cities like New York, where many of the working poor live in rented rooms and pay their rent in cash, Ms. Olson said. The General Accounting Office asked 21 tax examiners at the more for the fathers and mothers, the veterans, the kids, and the senior citizens who are filling the ranks of the homeless. The greater percentage ofhomeless people, with a little more help, could get off the streets and again lead fulfilling lives. This has been proven in every credible study ever done ofthe homeless. We support the "Bringing America Home Act" that will be introduced in the next session of Congress. Representatives John Conyers Jr. ofMichigan and Julia Carson ofIndiana have collaborated on this legislation, which is just what America has been needing for the past several decades. The bill would provide money to assist local governments with their homeless programs. Affordable housing, job training, vouchers for child care and public transportation, emergency funds for families facing eviction and homeless centers are some of the services the money would provide. Already this year, 48 people in the Las Vegas Valley have succumbed to life on the streets. Most local programs do what they can, but the need is overwhelming. With a consistent source of federal support, the majority of homeless people could again begin having goals beyond survival. National Coalition f or the Homeless 1012 14th Street, NW; Suite 600 Washington, DC 20005-3471 Phone: 202. 737.6444 "• Fax: 202. 737. 6445 Email: info@liationalhomeless.org Website: http:// www.nationalhomeless.org Internal Revenue Service to evaluate five sets ofdocuments filed in support ofapplications for the credit. "For none of the 5 scenarios did all 21 examiners agree, and in some cases, the examiners reached widely varying judgments about whether the evidence was sufficient to support a claim," the accounting office said. The block grant proposed by Mr. Bush would replace the nation's largest rental assistance program., known as Section 8. States would get the money, $13. 6 billion a year, which is now allocated to 2,600 local housing authorities. Local officials scorned the plan. "Who needs an· extra layer of bureaucracy?" asked Elizabeth C. Morris, chief executive ofthe San Diego Housing Commission. "States would take 5 percent to 10 percent ofthe.money for administrative costs, so there might be less for low­ income families." http://www.nytim es.com/2003/02/ 05/politics/ 05POORll1ml?ex=J045443258&.ei=l&en =f37d520fdl 958e60 �STREETVIBES March, 2003 Page 19 A World of Websites by Carolyn Messaros First this month, here's that important government (subsidized) housing information again: In the address bar, type in: http:// www.hud.gov/ and when you get that front page, slide up to the top right and click on search/index. You ' 11 get an alphabetical listing ­ go down t6 "S" and find " Section 8 Program." Click on that and go down to the bottom of the text area. There's a place there where it says "Learn More.." In that, one link says " property search" which connects you to pages that ask you to fill in the state, then city and other information, and which then connects you to actual apartment locations. If you need a map, too : http://maps.yahoo.com/ is one place to find locations. NEXT: The business at hand is county websites in the tri-state, presently, some more ofKentucky. (There's at least one person out there somewhere who needs information on Kentucky!) Th~ primary thing searched for, as before: official or semi-official access.to county commissioners. Fourteen ofKentucky's 120 counties are within the 50-mile range (one ofthem on the "fringe"). Fifty miles into Kentucky, of course, is going to bring one into some sparsely populated areas where there is less "need" ofgovernment. Some of the fourteen have no "official" websites that could be readily found. There are private, business, historical, and other websites brought up in a search, but not access to the government. In addition, some ofthe fourteen have no county commissioners. How then to find out something? Well, just about any group of people will have at least the equivalent of an attorney, a sheriff, and a judge (that's the foundation ofthe principle oflaw and order). One can probably ask any that can be found (or the state legislator might be able to provide some help). Of cours.e there's likely to be someone in charge ofthings ­ evidently ifthe population is small enough a Judge/Executive can manage it. No offense meant, but he/she may very well know 98% of the registered voters personally. Here's Kentucky, the three from last month repeated in their proper alphabetical setting: Boone County: http:// www.boonecountyky.org/ - on the left look for "Elected Officials." County seat: Burlington. Bracken County: no official-like site found. Also, no commission found - Judge/Executive only. County seat: Brooksville (not names ofPresidential Departments seat: Georgetown. and Secretaries keep popping up in Trimble County: http:// Brookville). the news, possibly the most www.trimblecounty.com/gov.htm. Campbell" County: http:// important one to check out is: However, no commission found, www.campbellcountyky.org/, on Judge Executive only. County http://www.state.gov/ which is the left look for "Elected .Officials." seat: Bedford. Colin Powell's State Department. County seat: Newport. NEXT. ... People without other To be brief at this time: Carroll County: http:// http://www.whitehouse.gov/ means (homeless or not) can often www.carrollcountyky.com/, on the access the internet from a local government/ lists all the left in the link click on library or computer cafe - and the departments (and the people in governments; but, no commission charge), a section for the vice­ library is likely to be free (cafes found, Judge/Executive only. may very well cost some money, president, various councils and County seat: Carrollton. offices, and more, some ofwhich is but in some cases it may be worth Gallatin County: no official-like worth.a separate mention, but not it). site found. Also, no commission The library is likely to be at this time. Click on the person's found, Judge/Executive only. name, then on the departmental free to properly registered patrons County seat: Warsaw. link right under the cabinet in good.standing, including people Grant County: http:// without telephones. The public member's name on the biography www.grantco.org/-there's an page that comes up. library (there are also university email service there; but, no http://www.un.org/ is the libraries) in these parts has well commission found - Judge over I 00 terminals available for main page for the United Nations Executive only. Couqty seat: public use in the downtown branch which will eventually connect Williamstown. alone. Although there are time someone to a number of different Harrison County: no official-like limits, someone who "works at it" places some of which is worth a site found. Also, no county separate mention, but not at this can accomplish quite a bit, with a commission found, Judge/ key point being sincerity more than time. Click on "Welcome" to get it Executive only. County seat: in English. anything like "computer Cynthiana. For someone who feels lost knowledge." Kenton County: http:// the governmental maze, here in NEXT... WAR ON TERROR www.kentoncounty.org/, on the left listed separately is one ofthe On February 7, 2003, the look for "Elected Officials." federal government, again, raised "governmental explanatory County seat: Covington. services" created to help people the "alert status" for the country Mason County: http:// find things - this rides around the from yellow to orange. It seems www.masoncounty-ky.com/ and reaSOQable to be posting some internet: http://www.firstgov.gov/ there is both a commission and a and it may be of assistance to more or less pertinent additional Judge/Executive in this.county. someone lost in 'the United States government siteS7 County seat: Maysville. Possibly "a most important" government. Owen County·: no official-like site NE:X:T·AND LAST:" · _··.· the ~verage government site found. .Also, no county person would be the Center for There's nothing much to commission found, Judge/ review separately from last month, Disease Control: http:// Executive only. County seat: the three Kentucky counties being www.cdc.gov/ Owenton. That Department of listed in with the rest and the IIlJD Pendleton County: no official-like housing directions being at the Homeland Security that issues the site found. Also, no commission alert status is: http://www.dhs.gov/ beginning. The buses, and found, Judge/Executive only. Another site that may be of especially United Way, belong to County seat: Falmouth. general interest is the Federal other groupings. Robertson County: no official-like Burea':l ofInvestigation (FBI): PS: if one would really like site found. Also, no commission http://www.fbi.gov/ to explore the world it's hard to found, Judge/Executive only. An interesting "not exactly" beat the library web: http:// County seat: Mount Olivet. sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb/ and governmental site on counter­ Scott County: no official-like site intelligence can be found at: http:// note, there's no "www" in that. found . Also, no commission found, www.cicentre.com/ Hope everyone has a good month. Judge/Executive only. County Although a number of for V.endor: 80 cents here Your ollar es· Printing and Production: 20 cents The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our office at 421-7803 for more informa­ tion about the program. Many thanks for your support. �Need Help or Want to Help? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. ~HELTER$: Women and _hildren YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 859-431-8717 Women's Crisis Center 859-491-3335 SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, tr.ansitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) 357-4602 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith 471-11 oo Hospitality Lighthouse Youth Center 861-1111 (Teens) St. John's Housing 651-6446 HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 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 961-2256 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline .820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6660 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living 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 Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental . Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile 352-2902 Health Van House of Refuge Mission 221 -3619 Legal Aid Society 241 -9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) . 423-4673 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2003 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Panhandlers need change Pg 2: Family Faces War Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Selling Streetvibes Woman’s City Club National Speaker Forum 2003 Pg 5: When I Boarded The Midwest Express to Washington DC, On September 11 Pg 6: Panhandlers need change Continued Pg 7: When I Boarded The Midwest Express to Washington DC, On September 11 Continued Pg 8: My Letter of Hope Pg 9: GCHC Pg 10: 500,000 Protest Against War in Iraq Pg 11: The Real Face of Homelessness Pg 12: The Peace Village Pg 13: The Peace Village Continued Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & Poetry Continued Pg 16: The Real Face of Homelessness Continued Pg 17: FRAC News Digest Pg 18: Reflections Pg 19: A World of Websites Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Andy Erickson Brendan Goodwin Pat Mitchell Steve Shockley Mary Taylor Virgil Tuttle Elaine Coffy Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Brendan Goodwin campaign Elaine Coffy FRAC GCHC Georgine Getty Homeless News Digest Iraq Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath Mary Taylor Midwest Panhandlers Pat Mitchell Protests Steve Shockley The Peace Village Virgil Tuttle Voting Wages War Washington DC https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/82f3425b5f6116b7ee0743aa15bb6ba0.pdf 219f45964c0ffdac5033b35f14a4f0bc PDF Text Text Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �• ree ----- December I 2003 ------­ Two Cincinnati Homeless Pe rish in House Fire by Jimmy Heath Clara Young, 44 and Gerald "KY" Cash, 5 1, a homeless couple who were re.cently forced to leave their downtown bridge encampment, died last month in a fire at a vacant building in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Clifton. A homeless man is now facing charges for a fire that killed the two homeless people. Anthony Gilliam, 42, is charged with two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of murder. When firefighters arrived at the building they found heavy flames on two floors that were spreading quickly to the third floor. Firefighters thought the building was empty but used a thermal-imaging camera and found two people - a man and a woman - on the second floor. The female victim, Clara Young, was unconscious when she was taken to Cincinnati's University Hospital. She died several hours later, police said. Cash was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital. Witnesses and neighbors said the victims occasionally stayed in the building because they were homeless. Investigators said they · learned during a preliminary investigation that Gilliam was in or near the building when the fire started . Gilliam was later questioned by police and arson investigators before he was arrested and charged . Gilliam might have been playing with matches or might have kindled a fire to keep warm. The fire's cause is still undetermined. . It's also possible the couple found a way into the building and started a fire to keep warm . Temperatures that evening dipped to 49 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The couple apparently had been homeless for several years. They were rousted from a riverbank camp in Kentucky and moved across the river to Ohio where they set up camp under a Cincinnati bridge. Newly enacted tresspassing laws targeting the homeless living under Cincinnati bridge's eventually led them to the abandoned house in Clifton. Cash and Young were among five homeless people who sued the city of Cincinnati in federal district court in 200 1 after their belongings were removed and House in Clifton neighborhood where homeless couple perished thrown away from a camp under the Fifth Street viaduct. Young and Cash are the third and fourth homeless people killed in southwestern Ohio in the past two years, said Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. One person was beaten to death with a brick in a downtown Cincinnati park, and another was set on fire in Springfield, she said. Firefighters knew the victims, said the District Fire Chief They had made EMS runs on them in the past. Gilliam was charged with murder under a statute that does not deal directly with intent, but instead looks at committing a violent act that results in a death, said Jon Esther, a spokesman for Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen. Technically, Gilliam is accused of causing the deaths as a result of the arson. Gilliam is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $2.2 million bond. Join Us For Homeless Memorial Day, December 22 Homeless Memorial Day will be held this year on December 22 at 5 : 3 0 p.m. in Washington Park. Every year, homeless individuals, friends, families, and advocates from around Cincinnati gather to remember those homeless individuals who have passed away in the recent year. A list of those who have died is read aloud and friends and family are asked to comment on that person's life, remembering them, but also realizing the significance of a human life. Annually, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless gathers people together on the shortest day of the year to call attention to the horror of homelessness in our community. Adovcates from all around the country gather on or around this day to remember those who have died in their respective cities. Oftentimes homeless individtials pass away with no one to remember or morn them. Homeless Memorial Day seeks to remedy that by gathering family members, shelter workers, and concerned citizens together to I i -l ' J Photos from Homeless Memorial Day, Washington Park, 2001 quietly remember. At sundown, p·eople will . circle around a burning barrel fire and take a moment to remember the homeless individuals who society has forgotten . . A litany of names will be read and candles lit in remembrance. A brief, non­ denominational service will be conducted, followed by an opportunity for sharing memories about the people who have passed away. Last year over 50 people gathered in Over-the-Rhine's fort Washington Park to remember those who have passed away ·<>m Cincinnati streets. Everyone is welcome to attend Homeless Memorial Day. This is a great opportunity to show your support for the homeless ' people of Cincinnati and to share your grief over the continuing tragedy of homelessness. For more information, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless; 421-7803 e 0 eess �,. ON A SCALE OF ONE TO A HUNpRED, I :r HOW MUCH DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CITY'S TREATMENT OF CINCINNATI'S HOMELES.S? ------------------------------- 1 Will ooNATE: [fil I s20 I I S4o I I s10 I I sao I Is1ool He's only 18 months old and already he's trapped in the cycle of homelessness in Cincinnati. His mother needs an· affordable place to live and a job with a living wage as she escapes a life of domestic violence. The current treatment of homeless individuals in our city means that he may never be able to live in a home of his own. There are 25,000 people in Cincinnati that experience homelessness each year. More than one-third of those are women and children. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless believes that by addressing the root causes of the problem through education, advocacy and coordination of services, we can · end homelessness in our city. The more support we have from the community, the further our efforts reach. Please cut the coupon and pick a box. It could mean that one less child will have to live in one. Send your donations o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless ------------------------------------- STREETVIBES December, 2003 - Page 2 �Reflections on the Season our lounge filled up until it was coffee. They made phone calls and standing room only. I couldn't tried to pull things together. In our make enough coffee and hot tea to ·lounge, all of the complexity of life keep up. People came in chilled to played itself out in endless cycles: the bone. fiustration, hope, companionship, by Georgine Getty, This is homelessness in Executive Director, Cincinnati. Greater Cincinnati Homelessness is cold . gratitude. Coalition for the hands and feet. It's love, hate, anger, compassion, need, generosity, fear and Homelessness is . empty bellies. It's Homeless complicated because "the looking for work. It's On November · ·· homeless" are first and foremost scraping together bus people and people are never cold. On the weather fare. It's worrying simple. reports, newscasters in about getting sick thick, warm sweaters and having nowhere 13, 2003, it got really Georgine Getty playfully cnmplained This holiday season, I hope · to go. that every Cincinnatian will take a moment to contemplate Of course, about the chill with · homelessness in our community. grins. For the people at home, the that's not the whole picture. In our The solutions may not be easy, but end of summer meant an lounge, people joked, laughed and they do exist and we must work mconveruence: scrappmg icy go·ssiped. People of all colors and towards them. Please contact us at windows, wearing a few more languages gathered to exchange 4 21-7803 to find out how you can . . . . layers, turning up the heat. I saw a different picture. On the first cold day of the year, information on where to find jobs, help. Together, we can end dry socks and free coats. They ate homelessness in Cincinnati. muffins and drank gallons of Vendor: 80 cents here Your Dollar Goes... · Printing .and Production: 20 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. Each vendor must sign and agree to abide by the following code of conduct... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 Vendors must not tell customers that the money voluntary donation. If a customer donates more they receive will go to GCCH or any other than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep organization or charity. Also, vendors must not that donation. However, vendors must never ask say that they are collecting for "the homeless" in for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. general. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their Cincinnati Coalition for.the Homeless (GCCH) badge. Vendors must present their badge when costs 20 cents. Papers will not be giveq out on purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. STREETVIBES . ' cost $5.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from is returned to GCCH. GCCH. Never buy papers from, or s ll paper to 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the other vendors. first weekday of the month at lpm. The month's 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items paper will be released at this meeting. If a at the same time they are selling Streeh!ibes. v ·e ndor cannot attend the meeting, he or she 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, should let us know in advance.. If a vendor does customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. not call in advance and does not show up, that 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the influence. the day of the meeting or the following day. Five 7. Vendors must not give a "hard sell" or free papers will be given to those who do attend. intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct This includes following customers or continuing to may result in termination from the Streetvibes solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. terminate any vendor at any time as deemed 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in property of GCCH, and must be surrendered stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. upon demand. December, 2003 Page 3 �Motto : Sta n d Ta l l, Sta n d· Straight Foreve r by Ms. Mary Gaffney Well, this is the 12th month and the last month in the year 2003. I'm looking back over the past months, especially regarding the homeless. You know my feelings for the homeless; they are my brothers and sisters. Regardless of their color, creed, or nationality, they are all the same in the eyes of God. I pray daily for the homeless that something good will come out of their struggles and the hardships that they are expenences. On a recent Friday night, I visited Good Samaritan Center in Hamilton, Ohio. They have a Rehab Center for the homeless, and who did I see? There were some of my homeless friends who were previously living under a bridge in Cincinnati. They are now involved with getting services at Good Samaritan Center. The five people recognized me and this was a joy. - I'm thankful to know that what little I do is helping; ev n it is ju t a smile, or whatever. l' m'thankful of my heritage, my ancestors who were, in a way, homeless themselves. My grandfather was named John Wesley, whose father was an African. He came to 96 Island in South Carolina with his father and five uncles and six sisters. At the end of slavery he took the-name of Logan because he had traveled with an Indian named Chief Logan. There in his travels he met my Grandmother, who was Indian. A White man named Miller came to the camp and took my grandmother and her mother to his home in North Carolina. He gave them the names, Mary Angeline; and her mother, Cordelia Miller. He didn't put them out with the slaves, and they continued to carry the name of Miller: if he hadn't taken them this way, they would have been homeless too. After meeting Mary, John Wesley married her and they eventually raised thirteen children. I am one of the third generation of Mary and John. My grandfather was, in a way, homeless. He prayed, and with the help of some white people he was able to find a place for his people to worship. It took them 25 years (from 1865-1880) to raise enough money to b*y the land froni some white people, Mr. and Mrs. Levitt, who were letting them just use the land. The new church was named Sheer Creek African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Many slaves and other homeless came to worship at the church. My grandfather and grandmother came to Cincinnati in REVt:REND JOHN WESUY LOGAN June 7, 1853 • Moy29; 1929 1917. Here they joined Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where he was assistant pastor until 1929. My grandmother was a deaconess until 1939. Six generations of us attended St. John's. Even with limited education and for the most part, no college, my ancestors had made it through those times. Some of them were homeless but with the help of a lot of people nothing hindered them in their struggles. Many were rewarded with children and MARY ANGELINE LOGAN September 7. 1860·December16. 1939 grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some have become doctors, lawyers and entered the field of education. Yes, some became ministers too. This is why I talk to, and like being around the homeless. I want to tell them not to give up. With the knowledge that we all have shared probfoms, through a pat on the back. Even in the midst of yoµr own problems, they can help you to believe. This is why I am so thankful as this year comes to a close. Thankful to my God, who is my ma er, friends regardless of their struggles, how can teach you a lot about life. Many things that you might not have the opportunit know. To you my fellow men and women, I say to you, may each of you have a most blessed, peaceful and happy holiday. And as the New Year dawns, be thankful and remember the homeless, because they are still precious in the eyes of God. Merry Christmas and Love! Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 Empowering our "We 're not asking you to sell your soul to the company. We 'djust like to rent it.for a while." STREETVIBES December, 2003 neighborhood children through peace, art and education Page 4 �I ·: < , . . ' '· . . ' •' · " . · . '."'· . · . , ... : ' :'...... Homelessness: how you can help medical, dentistry, writing, child care, counseling, tutoring, or mentoring. by Andy Erickson, Education Coordinator On the evening ofMay 21, a team of homeless advocates and Streetvibes vendors searched parks, bridges, doorways and alleyways looking for homeless people in order to gain an accurate picture of homelessness in our community. We found 193 men, women, and children sleeping outside. We found 1, 018 sleeping in shelters. That's 1,211 people that we found without a home in just one night in Cincinnati. There's no reason to think that number will be any l ss during the holiday season. The best gift we can give to the people who are sleeping in shelters and in the streets is to join the fight against homelessness in Cincinnati. You can do a lot or you can do a little, but we all need to do something. When we do nothing, we allow homelessness to continue. We allow 25,000 people to experience homelessness at some point during the year here. We allow children to comprise 32% of that population. While the causes and solutions to homelessness are complex, there is much that an individual or community group can do to help. No matter what your skills, interests, age, or resources, there are ways you can make a difference for some of the men, women, and children who are homeless. Volunteer work, advocacy efforts, financial or material contributions, and continued self-education are all important and needed as we work our way to a solution. .· : , .. - Awareness-raising events Andy Erickson Below are some suggestions you can use to bring awareness, r sources, and a positive difference to the homeless. this holiday season and beyond. Volunteer The Coalition for the Homeless has over 45 member agencies with varying needs for volunteers. Contact the Coalition to find out where you can help. Voice of the Homeless Speaker's Bureau Invite a homeless or formerly homeless individual to speak at your organization. The Coalition for the Homeless believes that education is key to ending homelessness. Learn what it's like from someone who's been there. A small fee of $35 is required, all of which goes to the speaker. Awareness-raising events such as "sleepout nights for the homeless" are a great way to educate and raise money for organizations that help the homeless. The Coalition for the Homeless can provide speakers and other help for such events. Offer professional skills directly. Direct service providers may be able to use many services and skills, including secretarial, catering, plumbing, accounting, management, carpentry, public relations, fundraising, legal, Become a member of the Coalition for the Homeless Continue to educate yourself You can become an Read Streetvibes regularly! individual member of the Homeless Visit the websites of the Greater Coalition for $35 . You will receive Cincinnati Coalition for the our mailings, newsletter, and a Homeless Streetvibes subscription. (www. homeless. cincy.com), the The Coalition for the National Coalition for the Homeless and other area services Homeless will continue to work hard this (www. nationalhomeless. org), and holiday season to educate and the Nation11l Student Campaign advocate on behalf of the homeless. Against Hunger and Homelessness Please join us in our efforts in any (www. studentsagainsthunger.org) way you are able. Your support is for more information about greatly appreciated this holiday homelessness and how you can season. Together we can work to help. Use what you learn to . educate others. An educated public end homelessness with respect for the dignity and diversity of our is a compassionate public! homeless citizens and the . Homeless Awareness Week community that we all live in. Homeless Awareness Week is the week before Thanksgiving · Buy Streetvibes Food or Clothing Drives Contact organizations in town that help the homeless. Find out what they need most, and hold a drive to help them out ! · week and is sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless. Many schools choose to hold awareness-raising events during this week. Invite a speaker, have a sleepout, volunteer, have a food drive, or create other events for your school to participate in. Find out what other schools and organizations are doing, and work with them, too - there is power in numbers ! rom Badged Ve n d o rs O n ly! Streetvibes Vendors are required to sign a code of conduct and agree to abide by all the rules of the Streetvibes Vendor Program. If a Vendor misrepre­ sents or breaks the rules, she/he may be removed from the Program. To report a Vendor, call 421-7803. ext. 16 Authorized Vendors always wear a Badge! G E 0 R G V' E N D 0 R I N E Front Streetvihes vendors are '- Dinner serving line, Marion House, Colorado Springs paticipants in a program at the Coalition for the Homeless National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (513) 421-7803 STREETVIBES December, 2003 that allows them to distribute the Streetvihes newspaper for l 17 East Ill'- Stl"'lfl!Ct Chttitt.n;11ti, OH 45202 (5U) 421 -�)3 FaJ:: (51J) 4ll-78U Stmhi'i ��tOtO..OOAI Ph m1 a $1.00 donation. The money used to purchase the paper goes to the individual vendor. Vendors are not employees of the Coalition for the Home­ less. Jtendors are not fundraising for the Coalition for the Homeless. ··sack of Badge Page 5 �The Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderland -- I am sitting with an email from team members, Dan and Ruth Britt, and wondering what they are feeling this morning: I just took a momentary break from my work. Maybe it is the sad song playing. I don't know. But, the news that my son called with last night is settling into my chest. His Guard unit is to be mobilized on November 15. After a few weeks of advanced training at Fort Lewis in Washington State and then again in California - as he put it, fighting an army that is trained to portray the enemy - he and his girlfriend Desiree will be shipped to somewhere just outside Baghdad for a year's tour. This is not theory or philosophy or politics. This is that skinny little kid who cut his forehead when he fell off his bike. This is the little boy who ran before he could walk. This is the quiet teen who read books in the back seat as we traveled from state to state on family vacations. This is the amused young man who will always slide in a zinger when you least expect it. Softly, undetected, if you are not paying attention. This is their choice. They enlisted in order to get some schooling paid for. At that time, Iraq was on the horizon. There is a part of Aaron that wants to go for his buddies, he says. I think it most likely that a part of him wants to "prove himself' in that ancient arena that we as a civilization cannot seem to move too far away from. I would abandon all my personal beliefs and take his place in a nanosecond. I made him promise to restudy the sections in his manual on "ducking"_ I will come to understand the burden of those who wait. I have seen young people like Aaron in the peace programs at Clark Montessori high school. Clark's faculty designed a two week intersession for some students who want to look more deeply at "Peace and Social Justice,'' and another session for those students and teachers wanting to explore "Service Learning." Thanks to assistant principal, Ynetta Harper, and counselor, Mari Lorenz, I was able to join in conversations as well as to assist in the invitations to · members ofthe Peace Village with one group, and with the strong support of assistant principal, Marta Donohue, I was able to meet with a very large group of students and teachers. Entering this high school of quality is always surreal: very STREETVIBES young people are walking and sitting in comfortable classrooms as if they are knowledgeable about what is really happening in our world and so they take a major role in teaching about these important and too abstract concepts. Many of these students live in "war zones" in Cincinnati or come from countries "at war." Their posters and discussions wake us up to . many of the realities facing very young people who seem so assured and self confident. "Clark is my real home,'' one bright eyed student,. dressed in a red jump suit declared. "I do not know any other peace,'' Dr. Steve Sunderland he added to other youth nodding their agreement. "BUT WHAT DO TIIESE STUDENTS KNOW ABOUT PEACE AND JUSTICE?" I wondered. They had heard stories of great courage and insight from very brave people in our Peace Village and city: the editor of a newspaper for the homeless, members of the Children's Hospital diversity team, the leader of our only all female social justice chorus, a minister from Nigeria's war tom community, the boldest columnist from our freest weekly newspaper, and others, too. "BUT WHAT DID TIIEY KNOW, REALLY, AB0UT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PEACE AND WAR, JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE?,'' I kept asking myself Our conversation started at 200 miles per hour as the students grabbed at whether or not what they had learned was connected to Clark as a place of"community." What seemed like it was going to tum into a group cheer leading session quickly became an invitation to violence. "Clark is not a community for me,'' said one bright young male to a equally bright young woman who was extolling Clark's openne­ss. Another student raced in with: "Ah, you're just a racist." He said this quietly, as if he were just stating an obvious truth. But the December, 2003 subject of his statement leapt from her seat in those nanoseconds we hear about and ran around the table, her voice already at its highest level, her hand raised in what we were sure to see as the first blow of this seminar. She stopped so close to his face that her eyelashes seemed to touch his and she screamed: "Define your terms!" Just as quickly, the confrontation was over as we . discussed just what had happened. We were all dazed by the emotion, by the transformation of our discussion into acts of war, by the uses oflanguage among friends that also had hidden the fears and horrors of much that had been learned all week and were still being learned. I was so impressed that the quality of the continuing conversation was maintained at an honest level, even though there were bruises to be healed. One student, the one who had reacted to the name calling, walked me to the next group, and we shat=ed....whati was like to be in conflict. I cannot believe that this student is more than 14 or 15, or, that she has had someone call her a racist name, or, that she normally responds so quickly and passionately. Her lovely smile and gentle eyes covered a ferocious portion of her personality. "This was a great program,'' she said, as we walked together carrying the posters, "I got a lot." I wondered about what I was doing, suggesting to students and teachers that "peace" could be deeply discussed at a time when conflict in our city and world are so overwhelming. One young man said to me, "You are just too intense about peace. How come?" I thought he was asking the key question. These young people may be going to war to die ! Do they know what they are doing, where they are going, why they are being told to go and do they have any choice? Who is laying out the basics of peace for them, connecting these. basics to our beliefs in freedom and peace with justice? What are we saying to these youngsters as adults that · say that their contribution may be a waste of their time and, or their lives? Who wants to go through the wall of teen age emotionality and sadden, frighten, depress, and awaken the seeds of peace in them? Why does it seem to me that time is running out? Why does it appear that we are trapping poor, minority, Peace Village and ignorant young people in what has been a discredited game of mis­ education? Who and when are we going to tell these young people that the real "fires" are not in California alone but in Cincinnati and Baghdad? "The more you tried to hold it back, the more sweetly and irresistibly it arrived. " The first Northside Peacemaker's Dinner arrived on the wings of great joy. Over 100 people were honored with t-shirts, a certificate and a delightful meal, all of the desserts provided by neighbors. Northside has been battling the urban storms for the recent past and the toll has been serious in both loss of life, the destruction of property, and the migratiof!-, in and out, of many people. Who knew if a "peace" dinner would bring anyone? Slowly, the over 225 filed in, took name tags, put their desserts on a long table, and sat in tables of 8, greeting and celebrating their good fortune at being named and/or being there to honor. We ate in shifts and no one minded the short wait; music by a dear old friend, started and accompanied the meal, and then the tables were cleared for the award ceremony. A proclamation was read by one of our council people, Dave Crowley, who had been a peace :ep Bosnia and the Peace Corp, and then the names were read and certificates given to each person who had been nominated. Old aru! young came forward to a joyous applause, a noisy and appreciative sound of caring, as each person, with a smile of delight, grasped the paper with their name. The ceremony ended with a group of 15 elementary school children coming up to receive their award. How slowly and gingerly they came, these kindergarteners and first and second graders. How serious was the look on their faces, and how proudly their teachers and parents beamed. For a moment, peace flew in and filled the church we were in, making it a holy and joyous place. We could see our "heroes" moving toward each other, bowing to the appla{ise, and laughing that "winner's" generous laugh. 3 hours later it was over and a group of recipients cleaned the hall, divided up the remaining cake, and held onto the last flickers of the sweetness of the day. And what does my heart tell me is peace? Have I found the words and sounds of love that are realistic and fantastic, two qualities that my faith says are necessary for the long day by day drift or pulls of Peace Village.... · cont. next page Page 6 �Peace Village .... cont. from page by Molly Rhodes In mid-October, homeless people in Portland lOoked to create what no other self-run homeless encampment.in the country has: a 1O year lease with the city. Officials in Dignity Village, a two­ year-old transitional community for homeless people that's run by homeless people, presented the city of Portland with a plan in which the village would upgrade many ofits facilities and expand its services for homeless people in exchange for the city providing financial support and protection from eviction from their current site. The proposal came in response to the city's demand for a solution to the village's safety and hygiene problems if they didn't want to face immediate eviction. However, a lot of the ideas brought forward by Dignity Village were ones they had already acknowledged would be needed to make their model a success. Upgrades to Dignity Village would include replacing make-shift structures with wood-frame strawbale houses, adding community gardens and a "shop" for distribution of donations, and offering employment training workshops. Dignity Village would also partner with other social service agencies in the area to provide needed medical and housing assistance to its residents. While the city has yet to formally respond to the request for the 10-year lease, even officials who support the idea of a self-run transitional center are hesitant about one that's supported by Portland taxpayers. ''I'm not going to dismiss the model they've created but I'm nervous about a model that calls for the city to support it," Portland Commissioner Erik Sten said in an interview with the Portland Oregonian ( www. oregonlive.com ). "The idea of the city paying Dignity Village's bills is a big leap from where we are now." Yet Dignity Village officials counter that their plan is the best for the homeless people they are trying to help. "We want the people who come to stay at the 6 Al are all there, arguing in their wonderful game of peace. I can hear them singing a chorus of, "peace can come at any time and with music, too;" Hector is whistling a lullaby. We are slowly cruising and Marta and Marty join hands and sing abo)..lt a time, this time, when we floated right into the harbor and they were waiting with baskets of chocolate. Merrell is there, thinking that there might be a. better compass created, using Harriet's old one but with his addition of a pointer. We are the peace boat, alive to the changes in our . understanding of climate and context, enjoying the ride, honoring those on board and those who are waiting and those who could not make this ride. We are dying, too. And we see that this is also a part of today. Perhaps, just as it was so surprising for Nelson to live to be president of his boat, we may be surprised a to what we do in this moment of declaring peace. Ynetta says she sees a bird and hopes it is a dove. Don't we all? the oar-less arms? I am surprised, repeatedly, by the faith in those on board that we are really going somewhere toward peace. What a courageous guy Village to be working their way out Noah must hav.e been to take two of the Village into permanent of everything and cruise toward housing,'.' said Dignity Village peace! My wonderful students chairman Jack Tarafi in a press remind me that the ark has to be release from the village. "We're strong and with room enough to not trying to be an alternative to allow for peace, too. Each student good permanent housing, but we knows stories of failed trips, are an alternative to the doorways crashes, and many have had 'the and the streets." nightmare of hearing waterfalls To further compound the ahead, perhaps down that finger of problems for Portland's homeless a waterway or this one. I am no population, a year-old "sit-lie Noah. Although, I, too, enjoy ordinance;' bars people from rainbows every chance I get to see loitering downtown, and levies one. I suspect that we have not heavy fines or jail time against. been told that Noah was blind and anyone who refuses. The. that the rainbows and the ordinance was passed by Mayor passengers were partly figments of Vera Katz behind closed doors, a his joyous dreams for another· move that outraged neighborhood chance at peace with justice. My activists and led to this fall's . friend, Annie, is on board and is Obstruction as Nuisance Festival. guiding us with herdog, Jessica, A group of about 20 homeless toward a peace without anger at activists camped at various sites color. Sarri is here, too. And, Sam around the city over the course of knows winds and rain and dreams the weekend, according to the of a place where both are prized as Dr. Steve Sunderland, Portland Mercury professor of Social Work at (www. portlandmercury.com). The friends. Ed is on the front of the boat and he has designed a flag that the University of Cincinnati, idea behind calling the event a is the Director of The Peace festival was to bring to light one of· is so pretty that everyone wants to Village, a group of make the sign of Ed's peace. The the many loopholes in the law, individuals from the national children are here and there, some including one which allows people and international community even swimming with these great ,to lie, sit, or stand in one place in committed to examining all smiles of trust. Look, there is downtown for as long as eight issues of Peace in the world. Steve; the old captain, who has hours as long as they are attending Dr. Sunderland also heads explored so many streams and a festival. Every eight hours, the oceans. And, his friend, Jimmy, is up Posters-for-Peace which Obstruction as Nuisance Festival there with his camera, holding off engages people in expressing would relocate,· thus skirting the taking any pictures until the llght of their visions of Peace, in edge of the law. compassion is just right. their own words, through the The festival focused its creation of posters. moving location to land in front of Emmanual, Hector, Naamah, and businesses that had been pafticularly supportive of the new Library With a View... anti-sitting law.and have a low Photo by Jerome Manigan tolerance for homeless people. The Public Library of Cincinnati · and Hamilton County system consists While city officials continue to of the Main Library and 4 1 branch libraries. It is ranked among the best claim that the anti-homeless in the country and ranks among the top ten circulating libraries in the ordinances are the only way to .get United States. In addition to a total holding of 10. 3 million items, the homeless people off the streets, library offers free computer use with Internet access, book clubs, homeless advocates point out that lectures, and theater and music performances. The price is . charging homeless people with right . . . FREE ! If you have a library card, use it; if you don't have a misdemeanor offences if they card sign up for one today. And remember; Information is power. violate the ordinance only keeps them out of shelters, as many shelters do not accept people who have recent criminal records, including misdemeanors. For more information about homeless issues and future demonstrations in the Portland area, see www. crossroadspdx.org. . · · Write Usl We'd like to hear from you .... · Send letters or comments to: Streetvibes@Juno.com, or write-the Coalition office, attn: Streetvibes letters 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati Ohio 452 2 . • STREETVIBES I 0 December, 2003 Page 7 . · �Homeless Civil Rig hts S uccesses, 2003 - City police were making it a practice to In the past few years there selectively enforce a law that have been a number of successful prohibited "obstructing a highway" responses to the criminalization of homelessness in the United States as a way to force homeless people off of streets, sidewalks, and and other civil rights violations medians. This resulted in a class against homeless people. As action lawsuit that was eventually homeless individuals and advocates settled out of court. ·In response, in Cincinnati seek solutions and the city.proposed a "Sidewalk· responses to the city's Behavior Ordinance" that banned criminalization efforts (bridge sleeping on sweeps, public panhandling sidewalks registration, and etc. ), it is established interesting to "zones" look at past around accomplishments restaurants, in homeless civil banks, rights across the ATMs, and country. other Chicago, IL prenuses. Last month, it Advocates was reported attempted that the city of Elizabeth Linville to work Chicago had with the city to halt the passage of tentatively agreed to settle a this ordinance but were eventually lawsuit filed in 200 1 on behalf of forced to use political action to get· those who had been ticketed or their message known (sit-ins at. city . arrested for panhandling. A 199 1 hall, testimony at city council ordinance in Chicago classified hearings, and lobbying of panhandling as disorderly conduct, an offense that carries fines as high constituencies such as student groups). Advocates were unable to as $500. Those who have been stop the passage of the ordinance, ticketed or arrested for but they were successful in getting panhandling in Chicago may be eligible to file a claim for anywhere more fu1;1ding and other proactive responses to homelessness included from $50 to $400. Philadelphia, PA by Elizabeth Linville Pti (J" : - · - · �" e. ource Cards A ,YO , . y Committee PO in the law. An additional 6 million rewarded $8 16,000 in back wages. dollars was given to social services Cleveland, OB In February of ·in the city, the city assisted in 2000, the City of Cleveland agreed developing long-term strategies to that, while police could still arrest address homelessness (an outreach individuals for disorderly conduct, · hotline, more outreach, and they would not "arrest or detain any individual, including homeless additional shelter beds), a d a police protocol was written to individuals, for performing oversee interactions between police innocent, inoffensive acts such as and people experiencing_ sleeping, eating, lying or sitting in homelessness (this involved giving or on public property." Previously, verbal and written notices to the city had instructed its police relocate, contacting outreach force to remove homeless workers to offer alternatives to individuals from the sidewalks, individuals, and stopping regardless of what they were doing. enforcement of the law ifthere are The agreement was the result of a no shelter beds available). Many lawsuit filed by four homeless advocates still feel the police find people, the Northeast Ohio ways to work around the Coalition for the Homeless, and the requirements of the Sidewalk American- Civil Liberties Union. Ordinance, but, in general, their For further information advocacy forced the city to about civil rights battles across the recognize the importance of country check out the reports stronger social services in helping published by National Coalition for people move away from a life on the Homeless (http :// the streets. www. nationalhomeless. org/) and New York, NY In 1998, 198 the National Law Center on formerly homeless individuals won Homelessness & Poverty (http: // a lawsuit against 2 business www.nlchp.org/). In many of these improvement districts that were cases,)ndivi uals were not able to employing them for $ 1/hour to completely halt a city's work as security and cleaning staff. . criminalization efforts; they were The districts promised the work successful, though, in raising would help people out of awareness across their cities, homelessness. Some individuals forcing their governments to look worked over 1,000 hours at_this closer at' the root causes of below minimum wage rate. Ajudge homelessness, ancthelpin declared the districts in violation of homeless individuals receive the minimum wage laws. In 2000, financi l settlements they deserve. ·after a settlement on an appeal of Hopefully, Cincinnati will add to the case, homeless workers were these successes in 2004. , · ................. Ofiio Box 1746 Cincinnati, Qhio 4 201-1746, or submit a prisoner's name and jail number at cleves1947@yahoo.com .Finding pen-pals for people incarcerated in jails . thro(Jghout Ohio. Rockdale Temple has announced the release of the latest in its series of Community Resource Cards. Our New Address Still Downtown, still in Over-the-Rhine! The new one, printed in Spanish, is customized for the needs of Cincinnati's rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino population. The tri-fold, plastic cards are funded by the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati as a project of Rockdale Temple, in consultation with Bienstar, Su Casa and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless & Streetvibes 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (5 13) 421-7803 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. In addition to the Hispanic Resource Card, the Resource Card Project has also produced cards for senior citizens, the homeless, and public school and Catholic - school students covering the Tri-state area. Cards can be ordered from: ... cc 5300 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 541-0099 STREETVIBES December, 2003 45224 #210 - or send a fax request to: • Page 8 �What C i n c i n n ati c o u l d d o to h e l p h o m e less i n d ivi d u a ls by Linda Corey My name is Linda Corey and I am currently living at the Drop Inn Center in Over-the­ Rhine. In the next year, I would like to see the city of Cincinnati take a building in the downtown area and refurbish it into a better homeless shelter. I would like to see a medical staff at the shelter 24 hours a day. Also, I would like there to be a career center at the shelter that could help people get on their feet by providing GED classes, career coaching, and job listings. I would like to see a staff at the shelter that is all well qualified to deal with people living with homelessness. I used to live in Florida and in Orlando. They just opened a Homeless Pavilion there. This emergency shelter has no limit on the length of time a person can stay and has a day care, Head Start program, Boys and Girls Truly man is the king of beasts, for his brutality exceeds them. We live by the death of others. We are burial places! I h ave from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look on the murder of men. Leonardo Da Vinci Club, and a coalition office that helps with employment issues. Residents are able to sleep on mats on a floor that is heated in winter and there are 200 transitional beds available. 1 In Jacksonville, they have a Mission House run by Jan Flager, a man who has been trying to fight the city's anti-panhandling ordinance and law making it illegal to sleep and perform life sustaining activities in public. In exchange for clients helping with daily chores, the Mission House provides showers, bus tokens, daily laundry, and meals. If you agree to attend church on Sunday you get a free tent and a cheeseburger from McDonalds. They also have a van that takes you each day to a temp service that provides you with work, like construction or landscaping, and pays you the same day. There is a clinic annexed to the Mission House that can help with any medical needs clients might have. I wish that Cincinnati would look to these other cities for more creative options to help homeless people. Holiday Gi ! 18" X 24" lithograph : Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine, Winter 1999 - photograph by Jimmy Heath. Each print is individually signed. Purchase benefits the children's Literacy Through Photography program at Peaslee Neighborhood Center in Over-the-Rhine. Prints are $10 each, plus $3 for shipping. Send your order and check to: Peaslee Neighborhood Center Attn : Photography Program 2 1 5 East Fourteenth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or call (513) 621-5514 or visit the website for more information: www.jimmyheath. org Write Usl We'd like to hear . from 'JOU- •• Send letters or . comments to: " m' ' Sheetvibes@Ju or W-: . the o�,, .com, on :1 ; c .; ,; Streetvibes Letters, I I 7 East I. 2th Street Cin innati 'oh1i1' 4s o2 attn: · �· "*--> STREETVIBES December, 2003 G CCH News Page 9 �/ Bum Fights to Bum Life: Air Cavalry._ while-seniing a 1 3 month t r in Vietnam. H was -i-ep o e EXpl Oiti ng H om el es s P awarded both the purple heart and pa rt 1 1 . __..----· ( - released in the spring of 2002. It is interwoven with street fighting among teens, and shows: * a homeless man's hair being set on fire; * a man who smokes crack and defecates on the sidewalk; * a man who pulls out a tooth with pliers; * a documentary segment in the production entitled "Bumhunts" depicts an Australian man dressed in the safari wear of Steve Irwin from Crocodile Hunter, creeping up on sleeping homeless people; gagging and tying them; and then marking their sleeping bags and body parts. . Billed as the star and formidable anti-hero is "Rufus the Stunt Bum," who voluntarily rams his head into fast-food restaurant signs and breaks his best friend's leg in a dangerous brawl. The truth is: Rufus Hannah is 47 years old. Honorably discharged for injuries obtained in combat training in 1 982, he has been homeless ever since. Rufus and his friend Donald Brennan are featured first and foremost in the video, sporting huge "BUMFIGHTS" tattoos on their foreheads and knuckles. Donald (age 53), was also honorably discharged from the US Army in 1 970. He was a member of the 1 st · From the National Coalition for the Homeless WASHINGTON, DCAfter facing seven felony and four Misdemeanor charges, the filmmakers of "Bum Fights" are now serving sentences of 250 hours of community service and three years probatiori. Nevertheless and shockingly, now banned in some countries, and condemned on the floor of the U. S . . House of Representatives, the sequel "Bumfights 2 : Bumlife" was released this fall. The producers, Ty Beeson and Ray Laticia, sold the website and video rights to a pair of businessmen in Las Vegas, Andrew LaPica and Tommy Bell, for $ 1 . 5 million, before the sequel's release. Beeson and Laticia made millions not only off the video, but from merchandise, including thousands of sweaters. Hailed by radio "news" host Howard Stern as, "I'm shocked and I'm not shocked by much. You gotta see this!" Sales soared to $6 million in one month; their website promotes it as "the fastest selling independent video series" . • The original, "Bumfights: Cause for Concern," was 1A a silver star, one of the I 00 000 ' veterans, who have served their country and are now homeless. Both men, like many featured in the video may be considered alcoholics, mentally ill, or suffering from drug problems, another large demographic of society's most vulnerable population. Both Hannah and Brennan have civil suits pending against the producers in California. Though the website explicitly states, "No Bum Footage," on the page explaining procedures of sending in home recordings for money, an intern at the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) proved otherwise. He emailed the producers explaining to them that he dressed up like a cop, tackled sleeping homeless people, tied them up and gagged them, kicked them a few times, and then painted them. He also assured them that he had paid $5 to each homeless person and got them to sign release forms, after the attacks that is. In the same day he received their response: "Sounds great. Send it in. By the way, show love to the bums. We love the bums." This sort of assault, paying after the incident, is still chargeable as an assault, and this solicit'1.tion of such illegal acts is an important legal question. So what began as two kids goofing around trying to make some money has turned into a "loose-knit terrorist network of pranksters." Leaving us to only wonder: How deep does this run? The NCH calls on U. S. Congress for a General Accounting. Office (GAO) investigation into the nature, and the scope of hate crimes and violent acts that occur against p ople experiencing homelessness. In addition, calling upon federal, state and local authorities to launch a full investigation into the making and distribution of"Bumfights 2 : Bumlife." It was illegal the first time and NCH finds it hard to believe that Part II will stand up to a full investigation. "These horrific acts of violence threaten the lives of the over 3 . 5 million women, men, and children experiencing homelessness each year," says Donald Whitehead, executive director of NCH. The GAO study would examine perpetrator behavior and beliefs, while addressing prevention, education and law enforcement strategies. This request has been endorsed by over 400local and national organizations. For more information please visit www. nationalhomeless. org/ hatecrimes for an editorial, and two articles about the history of the "Bumfights" video. nlay, December 13. 2003 3:00 pm SL · Francis S h Church 1615 Vine Sreet er of Libeny &' Vine Streets (N'/'{ Over-th ne) · Featurig: The aer-the-Rhine Youtlr Steel Drum -.Btiiid Peaslee Piano YI/ayers - other Peaslee __ Ron 's Joke. . . Can I see anf!ther s woe, and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another 's grief, and not seek for kind relief? WUliam Blake guesf, lil;tist Firelytes Sfe/ft(1'Ftiln Band and . m1ssio n ·Dea . Peaslee Neighborhood Center Music Programs are funded in part by The City of Cincinnati, The Keyboard Club, and . J:IJe Louise Taft Semple·· Foundation .1fe for the January 2004 edition of STREETVIBES is . n ···· A lady walks into a drug store and tells the pharmacist she needs some cyanide. The pharmacist say's, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?" The lady explained that she needed it to poison her husband. The pharmacist's eyes got big, and he said, "Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband ! That's against the law! Then the lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife and handed it to the pharmacist. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, "Well now, you didn't tell me you had a prescription." submitted by Ron Carter, former outreach coordinator at the Coaltion, also vendor CE. 0. STRE ETVIBES December, 2003 Page 10 �. . D EAR R EAD E RS ! Send us you r Vendor Stories Th roug h O u r Eyes Do you have a favorite Streetvibes Vendor that you would like to tell us about? Send us your stories or comments to: Reflec loris on Homelessness Streetvibes@j uno.com or Streetvibes 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati. Ohio 45202 The GCCH would like to thank Starb u cks for their generous donation of coffee and pastries. Apnfad"'� Mdlru4f�.Hf!h 5ilwl.J ile {irarlv for• Help build a powerful , resident led organizationl The book, Through Our Eyes, a collaboration of Cincinnati s Mother ofMercy High School and the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless. . . . & Vi ne Street Block Through Our Eyes: Reflections on Homelessness takes The Republ i c Street you on a experiential j ourney of learning by high C l u bs are fig hti ng for the rig hts of low- · school students as they leave their s burban 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 . i ncome res idents i n Over-the-Rh i ne and they are going strong. Block c l u bs are form ing i n other parts of the neigh borhood, too. 381 -4242 or stop educate other high school students and the larger com­ Cal l the Contact Center at munity about homelessness· through stories of homeless by and formerly homeless individuals, reflections, art­ learn more about how you can get i nvolved work and photography. The books are available from with these res ident led organ izations . the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless for $ 10 each, plus $2 shipping and handling. Make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1 1 7 East 12th Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202. For more information call (5 13) 42 1-7803 Extra! Extra! Advertise in Streetvibes! Reach thousands of downtown workers each month! Call 421-7803 for more information about how advertising in Streetvibes will work for your business.... STREETVIBES Decemb er, 2003 1 227 Vi ne Street i n Over-the-Rh i ne to ,, 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 C incinnati ' s homeless and covers a person's basic rights when interacting with the police, as well as some local . \ laws that might be ofinterest 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 t\ brochure for yourself or your " agency, please call 42 1-7803, or stop by the Coalition office and pick fj f �"Go A way You Obnoxious Bums " Article Elicits Outrage From A ctivist Mr. Dillon has that they are as Should you find a job mother, a father, a brother, or a Community valuable humans as anyone, and outside this institution, you arefree friend. Please consider removing Mr. The Clarion, the student · to leave. But you cannotjust go Dillon from your student body and apparently far less harmful than Mr. newspaper of Sinclair Community back to being a panhandler. . ... I issuing an apology in your paper. Dillon may be. I've long held College in Dayton, Ohio, recently ran am sick ofwatching crack-hen;ds Sincerely, Georgine Getty, Sinclair Community College in high an editorial, which advocates among piss on walls of buildings and Executive Director, Greater regard for manifesting the vision of other things, killing the homeless as a eating out of trash cans. Cincinnati Coalition for the David Sinclair, but I find the article, Homeless its publication, and the College's Mr. Johnson, apparent tolerance for such "But someone cares for solution to panhandling. People who have no choice those people, " I keep hearing people tell me, but I don 't believe it. but to be homeless have no choice but to be public. To punish them for Ifpeople caredfor them, I am writing you out of utterances abhorrent and concern. As a 23 -year-old college irresponsible, as well as counter to graduate who has spent six years the values the College claims. this heaps inj ustice on top of indig­ they would have a place to stay and nity. As one Santa Monica woman people to help them out. Ifyou are working directly with the homeless, I who is homeless wondered, "When on the street beggingfor money would like to raise a strong obj ection does it stop? Are we going to push then obviously your support to a recent article in The Clarion expulsion or at least suspension of homeless people off the face of the network is wearing thin. entitled "Go Away You Obnoxious Mr. Dillon. His words may indeed Bums." While I understand and be criminal, such as yelling "fire" in support the freedom of the press, I a crowded theatre, but if not, they are earth? I do have a right to exist. I Add in thefact that most of have the right to food, clothing and them are hardcore drug addicts, shelter because I live." you begin to believe a line must really see how be drawn when Though no one should ever I hope you take appropriate action, which would, I think, the hateful, ignorant and malicious. Sincerely, Bob Moore, Executive have to sleep in a park or beg for futile caringfor violence is Director, Interfaith Hospitality food, making those acts into criminal and helping advocated against Network of Greater Cincinnati offenses, subj ecting them to ridicule those individuals anyone, especially or threats ofvioence does not help really is. against a group about an article that was published in already so Sinclair's student newspapers by All I!m the homeless. I am extremely concerned Here are excerpts from the editorial saying is that marginalized. student Jonathan Dillon. The by Jonathan Dillon, Editor. . . . next time you are Hate crimes editorial, "Go Away You Obnoxious Bums" reeks of an ignorance and If one more homeless bum driving and have against the asks mefor change in the Oregon the opportunity homeless have hatred that I am appalled to see District, I may have to start to run over some steadily increased printed in the publication of an institute of higher learning. running them over when I see them obnoxious bum in frequency each on the street ... who 's been year, and though I The particular segments begging you for obj ect to much advocating the killing of homeless polite andfriendly, and if they don 't money as wng s more in the article, individuals is especially frightening. recognize me they tell me that their you can I respect the right I highly advise Mr. Dillon to brush car broke down. If I am familiar, remember, why for your students up on his journalism ethics, or they simply explain how poor and not swerve? Fun, fun, fun. to express their opinions. To repeat perhaps speak to a professor or wretched their life is, and want to Hear are some of the responses from my point, a line should be drawn at professional j ournalist for some know if I 'm a good enough person the community about this art_i cle . . . . advocating violence, especially guidance on the principles of good to spare·some change. Dear President Johnson: They wander up, act very I am writing to My personalfavorite during this week of National editorialism. I also highly advise that Homeless and Hunger Awareness. I Mr. Dillon take some time to educate annoyance is crack-head Phil, also express my disgust with Jonathan find it particularly heinous that a himself on some of the serious issues known as the muffin man. He Dillon's article regarding college utilizes tuition money (and surrounding the homeless population walks up and down the Oregon, homelessness. taxpayer money, for that matter) to and some of the socioeconomic and promote such unwarranted violence personal obstacles that make toward other human beings. transitioning back into mainstream saying "Excuse me, you got some Ohio was rated the 4th most changefor a muffin ? " I'm going dangerous state to live in the country society a challenge for many to let you in on a little secret, he if you are homeless. This is because doesn 't want a muffin he wants ofhate crimes committed against crack. .... people experiencing homelessness. COHHIO, call for the resignation of In the past two years, one man in the newspaper faculty advisor, Bruce at Sinclair should take this incident very seriously, because although we When Ifirst started In response to this grievous wrongdoing, I, in support of homeless individuals. I feel that the administrators hanging out down there, I had Cincinnati was hit over the head with Dawson, and for the expulsion of the some pity.... but now Ijust look at a brick while he slept in the park and student editor, Jonathan Dillon. I all wish to support the First them with disgust I see these one man was lit on fire as he slept in hope that I can trust you to take Amendment, this type ofreckless people every day, they give me the a doorway. In addition to these two appropriate action on this matter. publishing has no merit within the same line every day, and they murders, countless acts of violence Thank you for your time, Katie scope of good, informed, including theft, lighting- belongings McHugh Connolly educational, and newsworthy on fire, rape, and beatings have Dear President Johnson: journalism. expect me to pay them every day. · Why don 't these people get occurred. In almost all cases, the ajob.... ? perpetrators of these crimes were .... Simply killing the I write to express my disgust Please let me know what and disappointment regarding the your plans are to deal with this upsetting situation. homeless would be the easiest way young men with homes, people j ust article by Jonathon Dillon advocating to handle the problem, but since like your Mr. Dillon and his mistreatment of the homeless. In Christa Zielke, ECO Campaign there are too many moral issues audience. fact, Dillon went so far as to Director, Cincinnati I understand and embrace with this I believe I have a better Ifyou are homeless, you have a predetermined amount of advocate murdering them. Although this may have been with tongue in Please contact the President of that words have power and that this cheek, this indeed happens all too Sinclair Community College and power should not be taken lightly. In often in many cities across the voice your opposition to this the First Amendment. I also realize solution. time, say around six months, to an institution of higher learning, I country. It's not too far-fetched to victimization. You can reach the find work and a place to live in would hope that the focus would be imagine a disturbed, angry, intoxicate President of Sinclair Community order to be a contributing member on debunking myths that dehumanize young person taking this advice to College by using the following ofsociety. a segment of our population and Shouldyou fail to comply with this, you are put into a facil!ty heart and carrying it out. Dillon, the methods: focusing on sustainable solutions to a paper's faculty sponsor, the College, President Steven Lee Johnson - national problem. its Board, and you would all share in president@sinclair. edu When columns like Mr. where you do city beautification work; for which you are paid a Dillon's are printed, word becomes small stipend as well as given food action, hate becomes normal and and shelter. people literally die. Someone loses a STREETVIBES December, 2003 the blame. Working with the homeless every day as I have for many years, I know from far more experience than 800-315-3000 Sinclair Community College 444 West Third Street Dayton; Ohio 45402-1460 Page 12 �O h i o Cou l d Loc k l a n d Hig h S c h ool St u d e nts B e n efit F rom U rb a n E n g ag eme n t P rotect Expe rie nce . by Jackie Acus, Lockland High School Student their whole life story to a group of teenage students they didn't even know. They did this in my eyes, to make us realize how much drugs can really mess you up, no matter who you are. Their stories really touched me and I really commend these ,women for doing what they are doing and talking to us young people to try to make a difference in our lives. Also, the tour guides in the Drop Inn Center were all very great. Everyone there in my opinion has a heart of gold willing to do whatever to do to make Over-the­ Rhine a better place to live and visit. Thank you to everyone that made my experience something that I will never forget. It was. a very wonderful experience going downtown last week. I really enjoyed helping out at the ·soup kitchen and getting a tour of the Drop Inn Center. I believe that after that day I now view Over-the-Rhine much differently. I used to believe that all that as in the Over-the--Rhine were criminals and drug addicts. But when I was serving at the kitchen I had conversations with some of the homeless people and others that came in through the line. I was touched and surprised on how nice, polite and thankful these people were. I expected people to be rude and nasty. I realized then that a lot of those people were on their way to work by Laura McDonald, and that these were just regular Lockland high School Stu,dent people going through hardship in On October 23, I spent the their lives. I felt so good to be day doing community service in able to help them that day and Over-the-Rhine. Being a junior hear their thank you's. from Lockland High School, The Drop Inn Center also everything I saw and experienced touched me a great deal. There touched me deeply. Even growing was a place for people to eat, up the way I did, I still could not sleep and get clean from drugs. I believe most of the things I saw. met three ladies there that touched First off, I spent time with me more than anything on the pre-schoolers and kindergarteners trip. We went to the ladies side -0f at Rothenberg Elementary. What the rehab center and met three , surprised me most about those women there struggling with drug children was how old their eyes problems doing everything and were at such a young age; how anything to stay clean. Mrs .. Love streetwise they were; just how and the other two women made much they acted like highschoolers me think a lot. These women told when they hadn't even become a · Sara s Art. . . . $> F n 0 ....,. · .i .t> ::s ' l o._,, . •. ,0 '"' - • it \=l. {( f )) ) ) ! ) ' STREETVIBES December, 2003 true child yet. The second place that we went to was the Drop Inn Center. This is the place where I really connected with some of the people in Over-the-Rhine. I have been so close to being somewhere like that before,_ mostly because (and I'm · not afraid to admit it) my family is poor. If it hadn't been for my grandmother taking us in, my parents, sisters, brother and I would be on the street. I by Lynn Williams, Ohio understand why most people are Empowerment Coalition . there: no money, no job, too many Organizer medical expenses, and houses cost . too. much, all different. Many of The Ohio Empowerment the women are there to get away Coalition has launched its Family from abuse: mental, physical and Violence Option (FVO) emotional. I can relate to those Campaign to get a bill introduced people; most of them have in the State Legislature that would forgotten, or so much has protect domestic violence victims. happened to them that they The FVO would ensure that couldn't afford anymore. public assistance recipients are I don't understand why no screened for past and present one thinks to help these people. domestic violence abuse by How many of the homeless on the caseworkers trained in domestic streets were at one time heroes, viofence. The FVO would also either in time of war or just a ro!e­ model for a younger person in their ensure that recipients receive referrals and support services. youth? There are so many people Furthermore, domestic violence out there that cannot be anything because of a simple thing called victims would be eligible for money. Why can the government ·exemptions from OWF work care so much about the rich and the requirements and time limits that middle-class, and not so much put their families at risk. about the poor and the homeless? I The FVO is important to know they are trying to create a low-income families. Studies better economy, and not just for the · have shown that as many as 60% wealthy, but also for the ones of women receiving welfare have without so much money. been victims of domestic violence I hope that one day compared with 22% of women in everyone will realize that the world the general population. Forty does not revolve around the states have adopted the FVO as affluent, but more so on the part of their welfare laws. Ohio penniless. has not. Instead, Ohio allows counties to decide what services they will provide for domestic violence victims on public assistance. Counties are not mandated to require any special services under Ohio Works First except to screen recipients for statistical purposes! The result has been a hodgepodge of 8 8 policies, some excellent, some dismal. The .FVO would mandate a statewide policy that protected domestic violence victims in a more fair, humane and equitable manner. Endorsements are important to show widespread community support for this issue when we meet with state legislators. Please sign the below endorsement & mail to ·Contact Center, 1 227 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or fax (5 13) 3 8 1-4022. For more information or to find out how you can get involved in the FVO Campaign call the Ohio Empowerment Coalition toll free at 1-877-862-5 179. Domesti c Vi olence Vi cti ms in P overty · · Page 13 �C H I LD O F TH E U N IVERS E The Other Side of the Des k by Anonymous I firmly believe that mother universe will provide all that I am in need of to sustain this life of mine. Each of us can harness the talents and energies to accomplish everything we set for ourselves as a goal. We are each in the space and place we belong in. Where we are and where we are headed is already pre-destined. . It has been determined by the seeds we have sewn-in this life and by those of the past. Its success depends on how well we attend to the crop we have planted within us. when in doubt we must speak truthfully. . . . . . .in all matters love every one_ with a open hand . . . . . . even when it is painful to do so . . . . . .look into tomorrow and. do what is for the good of all . . . . . . . including you Great care should be taken of what you manifest. Do not speak or act anything negative into existence . . . Knowin ly refrain from these activities. Another Day H om eless by Gregory Payton Please understand my fear . I'm the only one standing here When I woke up, I didn't know what to do I do remember I prayed to you This time and place is new to me There's no instruction for me to see Please God, can I hold your han_d At least I won't-be lonely as I stand. My feelings and goals are hard to do ;But God, deep in my heart, there really for you _ Their paths you make and choices you give Ate those that I chose to live You are my master, I am your servant I seek you. I submit to you Even without you in my view With your grace and mercy everyday I can face fear and doubt in every way As everyday goes past My faith in you, I know will last Thank yo.u God in every way Thank you God just for today Your lack ofinspiration Has been the foundation And source for my creation Of this display offrustration I developed a fascination When I cam to the realization That my current situation Was in need of transformation Not just me, my whole nation The entire population Overcome with the temptation To ignore their obligation To help others through donation But with the combination Of sharing tliis information And acti on, if we hasten I will be filled with elation Instead of agitation When we finally bring about the termination Of suffering selfishness and discrimination. 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, nervous-dumbAnd thought of the courage it took to come, To the other side of the desk? Have you thc,mght 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. ,i r · inforniati lt Jif $Uh!1litting your /poetry or art to · +s TREE'fe:VJBES �eet!J,';§J�ilti.clin A Tri o I n a Gazebo One N ig ht by Dan Gibbons ·I hear their magic, their music ever so faintly, A rhythmic tap, tinkle, a complex jingle. It wafts as softly to me as a summer whisper From an angel granddaughter surrendering to sleep. An alto fiddle song brightens my midnight silence, While the plung-De-plung-plung guitar blends and fills The hearing spaces with gracious supporting strums. Twang-a-pluck, pluck, twang a anjo tempts me to Come- Find- Dance ! Dance the ageless reel ! Brindle leather boots tap, hop in rhythm, On the work worn wooden planks of a real America. I want to dash, leap dance into the midst df this trio And throw my head like the morning-fresh horse. But I stay back, embraced all by the night To watch, listen, and solitary dance While this trinity of musicians melodically soars, Celebrating each other and their-our music. Lorig stood I, but never did- I leap into their midst. It would seem a noisy pratfall in St. Paul's Cathedral, Or a sticky. hand on Michelangelo's ceiling to do so. I thank God then and now that I happened On this S!Ilall band that soft midnight this summer. Their magic, their music, still live for me; "Can hear it?" Grace Thank you Russ, Judy, Warren and Barbara. Never surrender a smidgen ofyour specialness. STREETVIBES December, 2003 A rt & Poetry Page 14 �Memorial Day, A Battered Women's P rayer Dear God I am only a broken down shell. My bodies all battered, And I don't feel so well. I've got a lot on my mind, maybe that will heal in time. I can't show any emotions they're all locked inside. I've lost my self-esteem, But not my pride. I feel like I have no friends or no family to help. So that leaves me with me alone with myself I need some help God, I can't do this alone. Help me start all over to stand tall and strong. Heal my body All I feel in pain, Heal my mind with all of this strain. I have so many questions I don't know were to start. the answers are hidden deep within my heart. So carry me God help me get on my feet . Show me the way, Don't let me give in to defeat. Amen Shaddon U p U nti l Now by Robert Manassa I once thought life was a bowl of cherries, It was so full of fun along with a lot of merriness. But once I sat down and found myself thinking, That how wrong I was, I was surely sinking Now that I can think again I'm becoming a better man I now know that life's not peaches and cream I can surely say I've been redeemed. 2003 Sidney, Ohio b y Michael Henson Wal k A Little P l a i ne r Daddy Walk a little plainer daddy, Said a little boy so frail I'm following in your footsteps And I don't want to fail. Sometimes your steps are very plain. Sometimes they are hard to see; So walk a little plainer daddy For you are leading me. I know that you once walked this way Many years ago. And what you did along the day I really like to know. For sometimes when I am tempted, I don't know what to do. To walk a little plainer daddy For I must follow you. Someday when I'm grown up You are like I want to be. Then I will have a little boy Who will want to follow me. And I would want to lead him right And help him to be true. So walk a little plainer daddy For we must follow you. I never ever knew what life was all about Now I'm laughing, singing, praying. I'm so full oflove oflife That I also shout In the cemetery south of town: families walk quietly among the tombstones. Everywhere, little stiff flags beat in the wind, each flag fastened to a small brass star. This is my father1 s first year to wave his small flag. He is so new here the grass has not taken hold and the small yard of his grave is marred with dandelion and chicory. He would not like this at all, I know. Someone has left a broken knife on a headstone nearby so I borrow it to dig out the weeds. Someone, soon, will round up the weeds. Someone, soon, will seed the grass. But I dig anyway. This is my first year to have this duty and it seems right, at my father1s grave, to putter and stay busy. In a little while I have finished with the weeds so I brush the grass clippings from the face of the headstone and I sit. I sit for a long quiet time near the graves of my father and mother. The sky here is a blazing blue and the air has a tang of herbicide. Up the hill, the silent tracks of the New York Central. Down the hill, the rattling waters of the Great Miami. I never knew this up until; now. Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath Merry Christmas from the homeless STR E ETVIB ES December, 2003 A rt & Poetry Page 15 �.! , ·. .... " ' . . -: ;. . • -,, I • ' '· . :-.. J . . "' · ·, : . . . . . _. . "'· . ' . ' . . .· · ' Sittin g o n o u r Hands Bush bashing is so easy, isn't it? Watching him re.ad to school kids at warm and fuzzy photo-ops - while the Republican-dominated House is busy cutting 30 percent from the funds needed for his "Leave No Child Behind" bill - elicits a knowing smirk. But that smirk can look a lot like Dubya's. Easy as it is, Bush­ whacking is not good for us. The cheap moral righteousness it buys us may be the number one reason keeping us from doing the more useful things we could be doing: writing a check to a food bank, volunteering at a shelter, becoming politically active. Here's the rest of my top ten reasons why I - well, okay, we - choose to sit back and smirk more often than is good for us. 2. I mused at the Spare Change News office the other day that maybe PATRIOT Act surveillance might be a good thing - if those cameras were aimed at the shelters and street corners where the poor struggle to live a decent day to day life, so those in power could see the suffering their policies cause. But, said those who heard me thinking out loud, the Busbies know what is happening. They just don't care. Instantly I was boomeranged back to a conference I'd been to, where intellectuals were resolving to stop writing complicated prose, and start talking clearly to their fellow citizens instead. Perceptions and voting patterns would change, some said, if people only knew how things really stood. But that . !' . ..- : . .· :' , ·. . . ; · ·. by Susan R Horton . ... . . , .. . - . •, ,. , ' central point in David Reiff's A Bed winter, she went out in the fall and gathered all the nuts she could find Crisis. A battlefield reporter and stored them in the garage. during nearly every war fought in However, when she went to put the the last ten years, Reiff' s nuts out, she disc.overed that they'd experiences in Afghanistan and all rotted. Her intervention Bosnia especially prompted his ensured that more squirrels than book. We in the West, he says, are usual went hungry that winter. touched by the iconic photo of the 9. As workers with thin wallets, we white humanitarian worker cradling believe that to do a lot, you have to the starving black child. But not all have a lot. Only a Bill Gates can the needy, and not all refugees, are make a difference. British novelist innocent children. Many are adults Charles Dickens' cold-hearted who have political opinions; who capitalist Mr. Dombey suddenly may in an earlier round of ethnic becomes a soft-hearted and giving war have been victimizers man after his fortune is made. But themselves. When the UN before Dombey had made his headquarters in Baghdad was fortune, it wouldn't have made bombed recently, we were puzzled: much difference if he had been Why would anyone want to bomb soft-hearted, because he' d have UN peace workers? Closer to had little to give. And if Scrooge home, that homeless person may be hadn't been, well, Scrooge, for crotchety and short-tempered. most of his life, he couldn't have Human beings and their complex become a philanthropist at the end situations swamp and sap our urge of it. to do something. . 1 0. We all know someone who is 6. When our inaction makes us struggling financialiy: wrestling uncomfortable, we ease our with addiction, mental illness, or consciences by assuring ourselves homeless or on the verge. We may that there are others who are better have tried to help, and found our at helping than we are. Reiff calls help insufficient, unappreciated, or those people who do what we only ena ling. Our lurking fear is don't "Designated Consciences." that some people may be 7 . As idealists but also pragmatists, unhelpable; some problems we convince ourselves that our unsolvable. My top ten list here will help only serves to take the pressure off the government, which stock no food pantry; house no refugees. But, like liberals should be doing the work of alleviating poverty and suffering. everywhere in every moment in Faith-based charity, we think, is a history, I believe that clarity, government hand-off, a shirking of explanation and honesty are-well, responsibility. Why participate in at least, something. Maybe even a that, we ask? prelude to action. 8. Or, we suspect that our Reprinted with permission of Spare meddling may only make things Change News, Cambridge, worse. A friend's young daughter Massachusetts, USA. had so much compassion for the squirrels storing nuts for the For the Night: Humanitarianism in discussion ended exactly where ours at the newspaper did. The problems we face can't be solved with knowledge; they're matters of power. By offering case studies of community actions by everyday folk that have changed people's lives for the better, Robert Putnam's new book Better Together proves that this notion is not necessarily true. Our conviction that it is one reason we don't do more. 3. Most of us who buy this paper are liberals, or left ofliberal. That means we have compassion. But it also means we have great faith in the power of explanation: of talking about and analyzing problems. Nothing wrong with that. But we come to believe that talking about something is somehow doing something. Or we believe that urging others to do something is doing something. Those in the newspaper business talk about "putting legs on their editorials" : doing something about the problems being written about. Too often, we don't. 4. Turning the pages of our daily newspapers and seeing the suffering faces ofAfghans, Iraqis, Liberians, or at the photos of homeless men and women sleeping . under park benches, we suffer compassion overload. So much suffering; so little aoility to help . We give up; turn the page. 5. Since we are idealists, we tend to idealize those who need help. Then, we are disappointed when we discover those who need help turn out to have thorny . personalities and opinions we hadn't counted on. This is a Leaders hip Strips C uba Trave l Am end ment Against the Wil l of Co n g ress In a move that defies the will of both chambers of Congress, the congressional leadership last month stripped out an amendment _ from the Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill that would have allowed travel to Cuba. The · move came during the conference committee on the bill behind closed doors, provoking outrage among groups and individuals across the nation that have been working to end the counterproductive travel ban. The Senate voted 59-36 to adopt the amendment while the House voted 227- 1 88, for the fourth consecutive year. In the most egregious twist, sources on the Hill said that the Cuba provision was stripped out before the conferees even formally met, so there was no opportunity for STREETVIBES passed the House by a wide bipartisan margin. There is absolutely no reason the provision them to vote on whether or not to remove it. should be removed from the "We believe that stripping Treasury-Transportation out this amendment behind closed· .Appropriations bill. To do so doors casts doubts on the merits of would be a direct act against the our democracy at a time when the will of a majority of Congress and embargo is purported to encourage majority ofAmericans." Pressure from a White democracy in Cuba. What kind of House-eying Florida's electoral a message do_es this send?" asked votes-was cited by congressional Mavis Anderson, Senior Associate leaders as the reason for the at the Latin America Working change. "It's clear that the White Group. Going into the conference House isn't listening to the will of committee, many of the legislators the majority ofAmericans, who support ending these senseless who had worked to pass the restrictions," said Philip Schmidt amendment urged their colleagues to respect the will of Congress and from the Latin America Working Group. "The administration retain the provisions. believes that gaining a few votes in In a statement last week, Florida is worth angering a broad Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) said section of the rest of the nation. "Suspending enforcement of the . Cuba travel ban passed the Senate This thinking could backfire on them." From www. lawg. org by a wide bipartisan margin and December, 2003 We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all. . . . Dorothy Day · . Editorial Page 16 �Adventu res i n P oetry.: Farewel l to Edwa rd Tel l er by Wes Browning Last month Edward Teller died, and I was reminded what a truly monumentally shallow guy I ani. You should all know wh0 . Edward Teller was. In case you've forgotten, he was the so­ called father of the H-bomb, who may also end up being called the father of the forthcoming anti- . missile system. Either of those two facts would make him an extremely important figure in modern history, but what do I think about him? I'll tell you what I think about him. I think he didn't have good manners. Thafs what I think about him. It's all because I'm so incredibly shallow and the fact that I only care about what happens to me. OK, that's not entirely true. I am interested in the events in Liberia, even though I have never been there and have no personal connection to the place. But, on the other hand, would I be so interested if the new president there wasn't named President Blah? I think not. So that example only proves again how shallow I' am. I am so shallow, I am more interested in how shallow I am than in whether Seattle gets ·an espresso tax or not, or whether the police will make marijuana use a higher or lower priority than unlicensed flag pole sitting, for example. I am so shallow that · yesterday when I was talking to someone about Issa9uah I got wrapped up in trying to guess what people from Issaquah should call themselves and it ended up being the high point of my day. You know, if you're from Seattle you're a Seattleite, if you're from New York you're a New Yorker, if you're from San Francisco you're a San Franciscan, if you're from North Bend, you're a Bender. What are you if you' re from Issaquah? An Issaquant? An Issaquator? I didn't really want to know, I just wanted to make up answers for an hour or two, but the guy I was talking to got annoyed and shut me up after a minute. That sort of thing happens a lot when you're as shallow as I am. One time in college I was required to take a physics lab course. They gave me things like Bunsen burners and oscilloscopes and expected me to perform serious physics experiments with them and prove that I could be the next Edward Teller. Instead I set fire to stuff and tried to make cool designs on the oscilloscope screens. Later they let me at an air table, one of those tables where you can slide things around almost without friction. I took the hockey pucks they provided and crashed them repeatedly into each other. It was great until one of them fl e w off the table and nearly beaned the lab instructor. Boy, what a snoot he turned out to be. · You'd think I had nuked a city or something. Speaking of nuking cities, did I mention that Edward Teller also had a hand in getting Roosevelt to set up the Manhattan Project? So he wasn't just the H­ bomb daddy, but he was also kind of at least a godparent to the regular A-bomb:- Talk about your weapons of mass destruction. But I'm so shallow I won't even try to judge Teller for that. Nor wquld I try to judge him for any his other well-known traits, such as that he was a good piano player, or that he kicked ass at table tennis, or that he was a great teacher. One night years ago, at a time when Teller was in Seattle promoting his anti-missile ideas, I was homeless and happened to be walking dejectedly along a path on the UW campus when a group of five or six men in suits came charging straight toward me, shoulder to shoulder. I was in danger of being run over. I had no time to get out of the way. But the guy in the middle of the pack, the one with the bushy eyebrows, looked me right in the eye and yelled, "GET OUT OF MY WAY ! !" It was Teller. Fortunately, the reporter following next to him separated from Teller at the last minute so they could pass around me. Now, finally, Teller himself is stepping aside for all the rest of us, too late. --������-- Support your local Streetvibes Vendor! Your vendor keeps 80 cents of every dollar..... Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. Cesar Chavez Cleaning Supplies '"' t: 15 bmcj Sup iies ! ost;I ' tamfl ' fl fl.Pies fopiei:n <:·paper,,and other . upplies * 11 "Must you smirk at all ofyour former employees? " STREETVIBES December, 2003 Page 17 �Words fro the Eva ngel ist . . . . Labor ofLove meals. They also shared a ministry The day began gray and of food, fellowship, music, overcast. There was .a hint of rain testimony, and prayer from Nast in the air. However, · men, women, Trinity to Washington Park, where and children began to form a line Clifford Jones ofAnother Class outside the doors ofNast-Trinity Productions provided a variety of United Methodist Church on Labor music and sound for what turned Day. They were there because the . into quite a beautiful day. Hearts for J e sus Ministry with the From the women singing in help of many volunteers, a the kitchen of Nast Trinity to the monetary donation from a member . youth and others doing outreach in '" of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Washington Park this event was a Commerce, and special dishes real "labor of love". On the day prepared by people from the Over­ which labor was being ceiebrated the-Rhine community; was and many were taking a "holiday" preparing to serve a meal. these folks performed a "labor of After coordinating a love" to those in our community successful meal and outreach in who are less fortunate. The words A twelve year old young Washington Park on the 4•• of July, "thank you" and "God bless you" man came forward for prayer, and Jannette V Johnson, Founder of could be heard tumbling from the the youth who surrounded him the Hearts For Jesus Ministry; was lips of the young and old as plate demonstrated the love that Christ asked to come and minister in after plate of food was distributed said would show all men who are Washington Park again on Labor in the Fellowship Hall ofNast­ His disciples (John 13: 34-35). The Day. So with the help of some Trinity, until there was none left. same "labor of love" that the faithful friends and co-workers in Over in Washington Park there was Apostle Paul commended the ministry, and youth from the a special performance by Regis "K­ church at Thessalonica for Greater Cincinnati/Northern Drama" Jones and Big Steve, two exhibiting to one another (Thess Kentucky United Church of Christ young local Gospel Rap artists. 1 :2-3). After praying for this young Racial Justice Youth Ministry; Ms. Then there were some testimonies man, his mother, and other siblings Johnson and company served 729 and a call for prayer. who were present; the youth turned My Vis i o n fo r C i n c i n n ati· by Brian Garry My vision is a bright future for Cincinnati where all those who are currently excluded from the system become included as valuable parts of the decision making process. My vision for Cincinnati brings all the people together as O.N.E. O.N.E. Stands for Opportunity, Neighborhoods, and Equality for all. · Black and white will be paid equally All people young and old, abled and disabled, black and white, gay and straight, male and female, rich and poor will be given equal opportunity and equal treatment. We are all God's Children and as such no one has the right to tell us that we don't belong or are not valuable, or are not apart of, or that we are inferior. For, if any of us do not belong or have no right to be here then none of us belong and none of us has the right to be here. The train that we are driving carries saints and sinners, losers and winners, whores and gamblers - it carries lost souls. Our dreams will not be thwarted. Our faith will be rewarded. I stand with those not listened to, the down-trodden, the disenfranchised, the disinherited, the damned, and · money on our priorities, our children, the poor anci the working class. We will employ the people the despised. in the neighborhood and they will We believe in helping run the construction done in our people. We help people help communities. We will achieve this vision themselves. When people need · help we are there for them. We call through active citizen participation. this the City that Cares. The Many people feel that the system has nothing for them, that even Homeless will be taken care of when they voice their concerns and Homelessness will not be opinions they are not listened to. criminalized. We will attack and We believe people are eradicate poverty instead of poor strong and smart and have answers people. to our city's problems. We ask the City That's why we want to start Administration to see the world through our eyes. Those of us who a Community Support and Advocacy Organization. In this struggle month after month to pay city-wide, all inclusive rent and make ends meet. We ask for understanding of our plight, not organization; each community will support other communities in their . blame and judgment and endeavors to improve their condemnation. neighborhoods. We will see Our Vision is for a happy crossover in support between what city. Money does nm make a have traditionally been exclusively · person happy, but when a person's black or white and rich or poor basic needs are met, they are free to pursue all the activities which neighborhoods. We must stand up to the plate and advocate for each lead to happiness and spiritual other, for it is· only in this way that fulfillment. we will achieve unity of purpose The time for begging for and action. what is rightfully ours is over with. Further, "those whom much We are coming in the house; we are has been given; much is required". tired of the field. We are tired of The rich and powerful, the knocking. We will open the door businesses, must share. Those of ourselves and Damon Lynch and I us with slender resources must be will be sitting in those seats of included. We must get our slice of power, but we will do things the pie. We must have a citywide differently - we will do what minimum wage as do other cities in benefits the people. I will spend to me and said he must become a part of our group. Lives were changed that day as a result of this collaborative effort of the religious and business community. Together we can "labor in love" to make a difference. His Humble servant, R. Lewis Sutton, Sr. The Evangelist A.W. O.L. Ministries (513) 349-5119 the U.S. This will raise the quality oflife for those le s fortunate and add to the economy because the poor and the working class will be able to stimulate the economy by making more purchases with their newly acquired increased standard ofliving. I was born and raised in Bond Hill at 1765 Catalina Avenue. I am the 3rd son of Pat Garry, formerly Pat Crum. She was the past President of the Bond Hill Community Council. I am a single father of my son, Keegan. The power of example is the strongest power on earth. It was through a living, breathing example of Rev. Maurice McCracken that I was to become what I am today. I still aspire to live up to the highest standards which he set through his example to me. The principle of Love ·above all else is the highest principle higher than Truth because somet ng may be true but to say it might not be loving to say it so I must place love first, above all else. The second principle is service. Service is the expression of Love. Love of God and Love of all Life. Givers never lacl\. Jesus said, "give to those who ask", I must be generous in my poverty. The third Principle is kindness and respect. I must be kind and respectful to all people, even to my enemies. 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 December, 2003 . Editorial --------...-� Page 18 �F RAC News (Reno Gazette­ Journal, Reno, Nevada, October 28, 2003) This editorial highlights the benefits to the local economy and to needy, low-income residents gained from greater utilization of the federal Food Stamp .Program. The Food Stamp and federal nutrition programs make "food available for families who might fall through the cracks." Food stamps also bring federal funds into Nevada that generates two dollars in local economic activity for every food stamp dollar spent. The editorial raises the challenge to reach people who are eligible for benefits but do not receive them. http://www. rgj .com/news/stories/ html/2003/ 1 0/28/5 53 1 0 .php ECONOMY and Action Center FOOD STAMP PARTICIPATION INCREASES IN AUGUST 2003 TO MORE THAN 22.3 MILLION PERSONS; IS ALMOST 5.5 MILLION PERSONS IDGHER THAN IN JULY 2000 (FRAC Analysis, November 5, 2003) As high rates ofjoblessness continued, more states improved access, and the effects of the food stamp reauthorization improvements continued to be felt, participation in . he Food Stamp Program in August 2003 (the latest data available) increased by 3 1 2, 6 1 4 persons from the previous month, to 22, 3 5 1 ,854 persons, according to FRAC's analysis of preliminary monthly data from USDA In the last six months the caseload grew by an average of more than 267,000 persons per month. In the 1 2 months before that, the average was 144.000 per month. The August 2003 level of Food Stamp Program participation represented. a rise of about 2 . 66 million persons compared to the August 2002 level, almost 4.6 million persons compared to August 200 1 , and nearly 5 . 5 million persons since July, 2000. http://www.frac. org/ html/news/fsp/03 aug. html SURVEY FINDS EXTENSIVE POOR NUTRITION AMONG LOW-INCOME INFANTS AND (Los Angeles Times, November 3 , 2003) A national survey of 3 , 000 infants and toddlers, ages 4 months to 2 years, presented recently at the American Dietetic Association found that infants as young as 7 months drink soda, toddlers eat French fries more than any other vegetable, and many children go an entire day without eating fruits and vegetables. By the time many children are 1 9 to 24 months old, they are having a dessert, sugary drink or salty snack such as potato chips at least once a day. Nutritionists find the results particularly alarming because of the extent and early age of poor nutrition among young children. Children in low-income families who receive benefits through the Wom:en, Infants and Children Program fare even worse. [Lynn says this is due to low income, not because of the program] The survey was conducted for baby food manufacturer Gerber Products Co. http:// www. latimes. com/features/health/ la-he­ kidfood3nov03 , 1 , 5 297 1 5 2. story (free registration required) STREETVIBES FOOD STAMP PROGRAM IN NEVADA HEL S LOCAL from the F ood Research TODDLERS EDITORIAL: GROWTH IN EARL SHORTENED LUNCH PERIODS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT CHILDREN' S EATING HABITS (Sun, Bremerton, WA, November 3, 2003) Cole Middle School in Denver has sixth-graders scheduled to eat lunch at 9 : 3 8 in the morning. "It's too early," says Karen Evans Stout, an associate professor of education at Lehigh University, who has attended and studied more than 2,000 school lunch practices. When children go long periods between meals they tend to snack on unhealthy foods and develop eating habits that may lead to a lifetime of obesity. Nutritionists, educators and researchers are examining the effects on children of early lunch schedules and short lunch periods. In a study entitled "How Long Does It Take Students to Eat Lunch?" researchers found that students should have at least 20 minutes at the table to eat and socialize. At some schools, lunch is offered very early in the day because of scheduling conflicts caused by staff shortages due to budget cuts. http:// www. thesunlink.com/redesign/ 2003 - 1 1 -03/features/health/ 302883 . shtml · NEW YORK PUBLIC ADVOCATE PROMOTES FOOD STAMP RESTORATIONS FOR. LEGAL (Public Advocate, New York, NY, November 2, 2003) New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and several city officials and anti­ hunger advocates showed support of recent Food Stamp Program restorations that make all qualified legal immigrant children eligible for benefits. "It is my hope that every eligible immigrant child take advantage of this federally funded program - it is their right," IMMIGRANTS December, 2003 Gotbaum said. More than 800,000 New Yorkers who are eligible for food stamps do not receive them. This press release also contains contact information for Gotbaum's office (where translation services are available), Community Food Resource Center, and other groups serving immigrants. "[I]t is important that all American families - whether they immigrated to America last·year or decades ago ­ are able to obtain food stamps," said Joel Berg, Executive Director of the New York City Coalition· Against Hunger. http:// www. pubadvocate.nyc.gov/press/ 1 1 0203 . shtml . UTAH RANKS WORST IN THE NATION FOR FOOD INSECURITY, ACCORDING (Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, UT, November 4, 2003) Utah had the highest percentage of households that were food insecure in the nation according a U. S. Department ofAgriculture report on food insecurity for 2002. About 1 5 .2 percen.t of all Utah residents were food insecure. The national average was 10. 8 . Despite the fact that unemployment in the state has dropped, emergency food providers are seeing an increase in demand for emergency assistance. Gina Corina, _executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, sees the increase in demand at food pantries as troubling and points out that such assistance is not a solution: "It is not the answer to hunger. It's a one- or two-time thing." http:// www. sltrib.com/2003/Nov/ 1 1 042003/utah/ 1 0809 1 . asp TO USDA REPORT USDA TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS FOR CALIFORNIA FIRE VICTIMS (Los Angeles Times, November 3, 2003) In the wake of the wildfires that spread across many parts of southern California, local and national officials announced measures meant to help those whose homes or businesses were destroyed or damaged. The U. S. Department of Agriculture will provide emergency food stamps for victims of the wildfires. [Editor's note: emergency food stamps are a one-time allotment available to all victims of a disaster under circumstances broader than the usual income and asset eligibility requirements.] http :// www. latimes.com/news/local/la­ me-main3nov03 , 1 , 1 1 50832.story (free registration required) THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS CAN CONTEST DENIAL OF FOOD STAMP AND OTHER PUBLIC (U. S. Newswire, October 29, 2003) Thousands of needy New Yorkers denied public assistance, food stamps or Medicaid b.enefits after January 1 , 2002 are being notified of their right to .contest the denial through a state action hearing. An order signed on October 24th by the U. S . District Court, Southern District of New York finds that all applicants who were sent a standard notice stating that the· reason for denial was a "failure to provide complete information" are eligible for a new hearing. Many needy New Yorkers were denied benefits illegally through the City's Eligibility Verification Review (EVR) office that was set up in 1 995 by former Mayor Giuliani. http ://releases. usnewswire. com/ GetRelease. asp?id= 1 02- 1 0292003 ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FRAC School Breakfast Scorecard - On an average day in the 2002-2003 school year, more than 6. 7 million low-income chil­ dren ate school breakfast - double the number in 1 990 - according to the annual School Breakfast Scorecard released by FRAC on November 6th. More than three out of four (78 .3 percent) of the 97,674 schools that offered school lunch also offered school breakfast during the 2002-2003 school year. This ratio was a record. By an­ other measure, however, progress has stalled. For at least 1 2 years, since FRAC began analyzing these data, the number of low-income children eating school breakfast as a proportion of those eating lunch had risen. From the 200 1 -2002 school year to the 2002-2003 school year, however, the ratio of 42.3 children at breakfast to every 1 00 at lunch remained unchanged. The FRAC report includes state-by­ state breakdowns. The web site is http://www.frac. org To subscribe to the weekly FRA C News Digest go to: http:// capwiz. comlfraclmlml Ben Winter Food Research and Action Center 1 875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 540 Washington, DC 20009 Email: bwintet@frac. org While we make every effort to provide a forum for those without a voice, · S TREETVIBES 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. FRA C News Page 19 �Need Help or Want to Help ? If you need help or would like to help Mt. Airy Center 661 -4620 Vol u nteers· of Amer. 381 - 1 954 please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members (Youth) 357-4602 Caracole (AIDS) 76 1 - 1 480 Friars Club 381 -5432 Drop Inn Center 721 -0643 Haven House 863-8866 I nterfaith 471 - 1 1 00 Hospitality Lighthouse Yo uth Center 861 - 1 1 1 1 (Teens) St. J o h n 's Housing 651 -6446 HOUSIN G : 721 -4580 Excel Development 632-7 1 49 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 632-7 1 86 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Health Va n 352-2902 House of Refuge M ission Madisonville Ed . & Assis. Tender Mercies 721 -8666 Center 961 -4663 221 -5491 241 -9400 271 -5501 Mary Magdalen House 721 -48 1 1 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621 -6364 TREATMENT: Men Peaslee Neighborhood C h a rlie's 3/4 House 784- 1 853 Center P rospect House 921 - 1 6 1 3 P roject Connect Homeless Starting Over 961 -2256 TREATMENT: Both N . A . Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 3 5 1 -0422 C . C .A.T. 381 -6672 Ta lbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-49 1 -4435 VA Domici l iary 859-559-50 1 1 D I C Live-In Program 721 -0643 421 -2437 citizens. Join the fight to end Cincinnati homelessness; contact the Greater Appa l achian Identity Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Center at (5 13) 42 1-7803, 1 1 7 East 12th Beech Acres Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Center for I ndependent Living Options 357-5720 Kids The Emergency Food Center 471 -4357 Travelers Aid 72 1 -7660 Un ited Way 721 -7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Wom e n M IDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels 863-3 1 84 621 -5991 . 231 -6630 · 872-9259 (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) Salvation Army 863- 1 445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 241 -2600 Open Door C h u rches Active i n Northside 62 1 -551 4 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 meeting the needs of all of its 591 -2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961 -0600 • 558-8888 ·- Hamilton Co. TB Control 381 - 1 1 7 1 A I D S Volunteers of r Point ReSTOC OTHER SERVICES : Great r Cincin nati Coatitfol'!l Por The Hom less Mental Health Access Legal Aid Society Cincinnati is an inclusive community, ... · 946-8600 Health Board 369-0004 First Step Home through emergency shelter, 421 -7803 Hamilton Co. Mental 241 -0504 F u l l C i rcle Program 721 -0643 member groups serve the homeless Coalition for the Homeless M i a m i Purchase TREATMENT: Women is a membership organization. Our Goodwi l l I nd ustries 771 -4800 OTR Housing Net. Tom Geiger House 96 1 -4555 Formed in 1 984, The Greater 24 1 - 1 064 Fransiscan Hai rcuts 651 -6468 Home less Mobile C M HA Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 241 -2563 Foodbank Anth ony House SHELTERS: Women and 381 -4242 Emanuel Center Freesto re/ SHELTER: Both listed below. Contact Center Community Action Agency 569- 1 840 Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Famil ies/Sing les) , 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 December 2003 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Two Cincinnati Homeless Perish in House Fire Pg 2: GCHC Pg 3: Reflections on the Season Pg 4: Motto: Stand Tall, Stand Straight Forever Pg 5: Homelessness: how you can help Pg 6: Homelessness: how you can help Continued Pg 7: Peace Village Pg 8: Homeless Civil Rights Successes, 2003 Pg 9: What Cincinnati could do to help homeless individuals Pg 10: Bum Fights to Bum Life Pg 11: GCHC Pg 12: Bum Fights to Bum Life Continued Pg 13: Lockland High School Students Benefit from Urban Engagement Experience Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Sitting on our Hands Pg 17: Adventures in Poetry Pg 18: Words from the Evangelist 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 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Brendan Goodwin Andy Erickson Elizabeth Linville Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Jerome Manigan Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Brendan Goodwin Cincinnati civil rights domestic violence Edward Teller Elizabeth Linville FRAC Georgine Getty Jerome Manigan Jimmy Heath Mary Gaffney Memorial Day Peace Village poverty Words from the Evangelist https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/8cd345dfaf2eecfa682db29a39eca65f.pdf ecf38c6cbe887501ab0af5a4e0887df6 PDF Text Text June, 2004 STREETVIBES Mother’s Day Luncheon kicks off a week of awareness-raising events Cincinnati’s Mayor Luken proclaims May 9 – 15 “Homeless Awareness Week” by Andy Erickson Education Coordinator Last month, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and its member agencies held a week’s worth of events during the officially proclaimed “Homeless Awareness Week” in Cincinnati. from the Lee Chapel Praise Dancers. A lot of work went into this event, and all of it was donated. GCCH absolutely must take some space to thank Concordia Lutheran Church for donating the space, and the nearly 30 volunteers from Adath Israel Congregation, Summit Country Day School, and Caracole who helped the event run so smoothly. A very special thank-you goes out to The week was kicked off on May 9 with a Mother’s Day Luncheon for some of the families residing in our local shelters. About 100 people attended the event. Guests were treated to a lasagna dinner from Betta’s Italian Oven, gift bags, door prizes, free family portraits, and a performance the anonymous donor who paid the entire bill for the caterers and the gift bags. The Mother’s Day Luncheon coincided with a similar luncheon held by the Columbus Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. While the celebration of Mother’s Day was certainly the main point of these events, the two events were held at the same time in each city to make another point: that homelessness is a significant problem for families in our area and across the nation. Nationally, families have become the fastest growing segment in the homeless population. According to Homeless in Cincinnati, a study conducted by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) and AIR, Inc., nearly 6,000 families experienced homelessness during the year 2000. Because of the large number of homeless families in Cincinnati, the number of homeless youth is also high. According the study, 8,000 children experienced homelessness during the same year. On May 10, GCCH showed Dark Days, an awardwinning documentary about people living in abandoned train tunnels in New York City. The film gives a truthful and often very personal presentation of homelessness and the living conditions these people must endure. Though the film in itself is quite good, the story that surrounds the making of the film is also interesting. The film’s director, Marc Singer, had never made a film, nor even used a camera before he made Dark Days. Because he had little money, the film’s subjects agreed to double as the crew, creating lighting by “borrowing” electricity from the city, working the sound, and even fashioning carts that could move along the railroad tracks in order to provide the film’s moving camera shots. Briefly, Singer ran out of money and ended up living in the camp himself. The film does end on a happy note, though, thanks in part to the New York City Coalition for the Homeless. The film won several awards at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival, including best cinematography and the audience choice award. Over 15 people participated in “Panhandling for Justice” on May 11, the third event in our Homeless Awareness Week. Panhandling for Justice took place downtown during lunchtime. Participants educated the lunch crowds while carrying cardboard signs that stated facts about homelessness like,“1300 people will be homeless in Cincinnati tonight,” and “Ohio is number four in hate crimes against the homeless.” Participants also passed out literature informing the public about the decision of Homeless Awareness... Cont. on page 10 Cincinnati City Council Votes To Extend Panhandling Registration by Jimmy Heath Last month Cincinnati City Council voted 5-4 to extend a law that requires people to register and get a license to panhandle in the City of Cincinnati. The law was intended to curb aggressive panhandling and create an image of a friendlier and safe downtown Cincinnati for would-be shoppers, workers and tourists. In a survey of downtown visitors and workers nuisance begging tied with parking as the number one complaint. The renewal of the law, first enacted a year ago, was supported for extension by Council members Jim Tarbell, David Pepper, Sam Malone, Pat DeWine and David Crowley. “It’s hard to find a good reason to be against it,” said Council member DeWine, saying that the law has discouraged panhandling. “Let’s not change something that works.” Council members Laketa Cole, Christopher Smitherman, John Cranley and Alicia Reece voted against the renewal. Council member Chris Smitherman said he viewed the law as an infringement upon freedom of speech rights. The city had the option to include an outreach component in the ordinance when the law was first enacted a year ago. Mayor Charlie Luken said at the time that he would veto the ordinance if it included outreach because he felt enough money is already given to social services in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Panhandling License outreach money was removed from the original Panhandling Registration proposal and the law passed Cont. on page 3 with strict rules for Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw - Administrative Coordinator Andy Erickson - Education Coordinator Elizabeth Linville - Civil Rights Coordinator Janice Faulkner - Receptionist Mary Gaffney - Receptionist Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor, Layout and Design Photographer Jimmy Heath Cover Detail of Homeless Awareness Quilt, sewn by Susan Smith. Photo by Jimmy Heath Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://homeless.cinci.com Page 2 addiction and A Journey I Needed To Make experienced struggled with them through the by Jimmy Heath, Streetvibes Editor As a teen, I struggled with fitting in at school and making friends. I wanted to belong to the cool group of kids even though I wasn’t sure what that meant. What is cool? I had all the skills to be successful in school. And sometimes I bordered on being a nerd. But I picked the schoolyard rejects, troublemakers and dopers as my friends and companions. I learned to skip school. I learned to smoke cigarettes and talk back in class. Jimmy Heath We were always on the edge of disaster, it seemed. We barely stayed out of trouble, which was mostly a testimony to our resourcefulness and our ability to lie. We were on a constant mission for dope and alcohol and a place to hang out while we fashioned our adventures. The Vietnam War was in full swing at that time. Jimi Hendrix was still alive. The Woodstock Music & Arts Festival drew half a million people to Max Yasgar’s farm in New York. The Doors were blowing our minds, along with Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. I learned to play rock and roll, spending time banging out rough cords on an old Supra electric guitar. I discovered wine when I was sixteen, after a friend and I stole a bottle from the neighborhood corner store. We guzzled the pilfered fifth of cheap Petri Port wine in an alley near my home. It was horrible stuff, but we drank it anyway. By the time our bottle of rotgut was drained we were both staggering drunk, barely able to stand up. I dragged myself home, stumbling up the stairs to my bedroom. The heavy effects of the alcohol overcame the spinning room and nausea and I eventually passed out on my bed. In spite of the sickness, I went back and did it again. I had successfully established a lifelong relationship with alcohol. As a youth, I experimented with all of the illegal drugs that were available at the time too. The drugs that were coming out of California were state-of-the-art; Orange Barrel LSD and Window Pane acid from Berkeley, opium from New York. Hashish and pot. There were drugs everywhere. It went with the music, the hair, the clothes, the attitudes. I eventually learned to outgrow most of my youthful indiscretions and drug-induced behavior, but my alcoholism remained with me for most of my adult life. I was nearly middle-aged when decades of drinking started to catch up with me physically. The years of alcohol abuse began to eat away at my body. Nine years ago this month I faced my lifelong alcohol addiction and got hope and sobriety at the Drop Inn Center’s recovery program for homeless men. I often tell people that the Drop Inn Center saved my life. The Drop Inn Center provided me with a choice that I didn’t think I had. Alcoholism is a widespread disease, affecting about 7% of American adults ­ nearly 14 million people in the United States. Liver cirrhosis resulting from alcohol abuse is one of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. At least seven million American children have alcoholic parents. No one knows for sure what drives a person to alcoholism. Alcoholism runs in families, and children of alcoholics are four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics, but children of drinkers do not always become alcoholics. Child and adolescent psychiatrists know these children are also at greater risk for having emotional problems than children whose parents are not alcoholics. (There was never booze of any kind in my house growing up. Liquor was totally foreign and forbidden in our strict Catholic household.) Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic, meaning that it lasts a person’s lifetime, it usually follows a predictable course, and it has symptoms. Alcoholism doesn’t discriminate by color or class or social standing or education. Almost everyone has knowledge of, or has had a relationship with someone who has many twists and turns. Addiction destroys human beings and their families. Addiction hurts not only the addict, but everyone around them. Addictions are not about will power. The problems facing addicts, alcoholics, and their families are miserable, disgusting, and sometimes infuriating. The situation is often hopelessly discouraging. The road to sobriety is paved with difficulties and pitfalls. It was a hard and painful journey that I made into the Drop Inn Center nine years ago, staggering through my life with the disease of alcoholism ­ homeless and without hope or the will to live. Threat of death by alcohol did not scare me. I thought that was the way I was going to die, and there was nothing I could do about it. But because of the Drop Inn Center I am alive today. The Drop Inn Center showed me how to get sober and stay that way. They also led me on a journey of discovery in the community of Over-the-Rhine, a place where I continue to live and learn each and every day. How does one describe getting their life back? It is hard for a recovering addict to explain. It is a spiritual thing, and comes from deep inside. But ask my friends and family about me during my addiction and they will describe what hell must have been like. The cost of addiction can’t always be measured by economics or loss of life – it is what we do to our loved ones that is one of the greatest tragedies. Now sober for nine years, I continually ask myself how I can give something back to honor this gift of life that was freely given to me and many others who have looked for help at the Drop Inn Center. I’m one of many lucky ones who have survived an addiction, saved by a homeless shelter in Cincinnati. My sobriety is a gift to remember and celebrate every day. I don’t spend a lot of time regretting the past or my lost youth. It was the journey I needed to make to get to where I am now. Buy Streetvibes From Badged Vendors Only! Streetvibes Vendors are required to sign a code of conduct and agree to abide by all the rules of the Streetvibes Ven­ dor Program. If a Vendor misrepresents or breaks the rules, she/he may be removed from the Program. To report a Vendor, call 421-7803. ext. 16 Streetvibes �How do I know? I used LETTERS to be one. Now I’m a prison activist. From Readers reform Linda Tant Miller Dear Friends, Am I the only one who realizes that the stage was set for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners on the day that Saddam was put into a cell with pictures of his dead sons and friends? I am no fan of Saddam’s, but he is a human being ­ although just barely - and rubbing anyone’s nose in the fact that their children and friends have been recently killed, absolutely constitutes psychological abuse. Everyone seemed really proud of the fact that Saddam was being mentally tortured - apparently with the approval of the White House and the U.S. as a whole. It’s not a huge leap from there to the physical abuse of other Iraqi prisoners. The abusers probably thought their actions would meet with the same approval. Besides, abuse and murder of prisoners is a routine American practice and most USAR MPs are police and corrections officers in their civilian lives. They’re just performing business as usual, only in federal rather than state or local uniforms. Stop Execution We would like to pose the following question to your readership – Should the State of Ohio Execute Greg Lott? Please consider the issue of mental retardation. The US Supreme Court recently barred the execution of the mentally retarded. In 1986 Lott was assessed with an IQ of 72. Recently experts have tested Lott based on his IQ and his adaptive skills. One expert says his IQ qualifies him as mentally retarded, while a second says his adaptive skills qualify him as mentally retarded. Since neither expert finds both qualifiers, the judge says he’s not mentally retarded. What do you say? Please consider the issue of innocence. The victim lived 10 days after the attack. He identified his attacker as a very light complexioned African American man with long straight hair that he knew from the barbershop. Mr. Lott does not fit that description. When shown a picture of Mr. Lott, the victim said he was not the Panhandling Registration is a part of DCI, they fund the Cont. from page 1 panhandling, including no panhandling at crosswalks, after dark or near ATM’s. Panhandlers who use a sign and don’t request money verbally are exempt from the ordinance. The panhandling license is free and requires registering at the Health Department and a police check. A trained social worker with the Cincinnati Health Department, the agency charged with registering and processing panhandler registrations, works “full time” registering about 3 panhandlers a week. Violators face jail time and fines for not being registered. Downtown Cincinnati Inc, (DCI) a non-profit organization representing downtown businesses, provided $25,000 for an outreach worker, which they have since renewed. Since that time, Brent Chasteen, the DCI outreach worker has been very successful in getting people off the streets and into treatment, housing and other programs. Council member David Pepper side-stepped this important detail, stating that since the city outreach. Some council members said the law has benefited downtown businesses and has connected panhandlers who might be homeless, mentally ill or substance abusers with social service programs. “Some people who didn’t have a home now have an apartment,” Council member Pepper said. Council members seemed to be in agreement that registration wouldn’t eradicate panhandling downtown. But there was much debate about the overall effectiveness of the legislation. Opposing Council members said the law has only bumped panhandlers from downtown Cincinnati to other neighborhoods. Some said they thought the city’s panhandling problem was a little better, but weren’t convinced it was because of the registration. Cincinnati police have made 155 panhandling arrests in nine months, including some people who were arrested multiple times. One man was arrested 16 times by Cincinnati police. No criteria for the success of the panhandling attacker. Could Greg Lott be innocent? Please consider the issue of attorney error. Evidence of Mr. Lott’s innocence, which the defense finally discovered in 1991, has never been presented in court. The defense failed to make timely use of the evidence; therefore, it has NOT been reviewed by the federal courts. Could it change the outcome in the courts? Should Greg die because of these errors? Please consider the issue of prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecutor told the jury that Lott showed intent to murder by bringing lamp oil into the house during the robbery. They said the victim did not own oil-burning lamps. This was damaging to Mr. Lott’s case. It was later revealed that the prosecutor knew of a police report noting oil-burning lamps in the house. Would that have changed the minds of the jury? A three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decided to stay Greg Lott’s execution to give federal court time to consider whether there are grounds for a new trial. It seems obvious to us – Mr. Lott deserves a new trial. The Staff of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center ­ Kristen Barker Alice Gerdeman, CDP Eunice Timoney Ravenna registration were ever developed so the true effectiveness of the ordinance is unknown. Is it successful if a high number of people register, or if there are no registration applications or arrests does this imply that there are no panhandlers or that the law is a success? A lawsuit against the ordinance is still pending, based on both the national and state constitution. According to lawyers, you cannot pick a specific group of people and require that their speech be registered. The city lost this very lawsuit about 3 years ago when trying to ban panhandling outright. Meanwhile, the dialog by Council infers that the program is a great success. “We don’t know why this works, but it does, so why mess with it? This is like a delicious pot of chili we are all enjoying, so why would you go back and ask, ‘can we remove the onions?’” said Council member DeWine. City government leaders in Dayton, New Orleans and Memphis, which already have registration requirements aimed at curbing aggressive panhandling, say success depends on how strictly the law is enforced. District 1 Police Captain James Whalen, who testified during the discussion of the ordinance, said he expected enforcement to be low. Officers would rather see the panhandlers get some help rather than spend time in jail and waste police resources, he said. “We can arrest all the people we want, but if they go back out on the streets then we still have a problem,” Council member Laketa Cole said. Georgine Getty, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless said that, “Outreach to panhandlers has proven to be incredibly useful in curbing the number of panhandlers downtown. This is because it addresses the root causes of poverty behind panhandling. Registration, on the other hand, is a costly, detrimental, unconstitutional layer of bureaucracy that is stigmatizing to panhandlers and further alienates them from the services they need to become self-sufficient.” Streetvibes Mother’s Day Brunch This letter is just a few words of appreciation for being there for homeless families. My name is Gail. I have three boys aged 13, 12 and 7. I cherish their lives, and due to circumstances me and my children are homeless. But thanks to Interfaith Hospitality they have a place to sleep and try to have a normal child’s life. I believe children are resilient and they are stronger than adults and they seem to adapt to situations better. The Mother’s Day Brunch was very uplifting and comforting. Going and seeing families in the same situation was very difficult. At one moment my tears were uncontrollable because my heart was so heavy and grateful that someone cared enough to think of others rather than themselves. Thank God for the Homeless Coalition. Please know that you are appreciated; never stop what you are doing for mothers and children. Page 3 �ON A SCALE OF ONE TO A HUNDRED, HOW MUCH DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CITY’S TREATMENT OF CINCINNATI’S HOMELESS? I WILL DONATE: $1 $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 He’s only 18 months old and already he’s trapped in the cycle of homelessness in Cincinnati. His mother needs an affordable place to live and a job with a living wage as she escapes a life of domestic violence. The current treatment of homeless individuals in our city means that he may never be able to live in a home of his own. There are 25,000 people in Cincinnati that experience homelessness each year. More than one-third of those are women and children. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless believes that by addressing the root causes of the problem through education, advocacy and coordination of services, we can end homelessness in our city. The more support we have from the community, the further our efforts reach. Please cut the coupon and pick a box. It could mean that one less child will have to live in one. Send your donations to Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Page 4 Streetvibes �Panhandling for Justice spreads awareness about homelessness by Elizabeth Linville On Tuesday, May 11, students and local advocates took to the streets of Cincinnati in a “Panhandling for Justice” event as part of Homeless Awareness Week. The event, which the Coalition for the Homeless has organized the past two years, featured individuals walking through the downtown business district with signs displaying facts about current issues and passing out flyers. This year participants focused on a variety of issues: the panhandling registration, the release of “bumfights” videos by major retailers such as Amazon.com and Elizebeth Linville and Rachael Richardson Panhandle for Justice near Best Buy, and proposed downtown’s Fountain Square federal cuts to the Housing Choice Voucher program. cuts have been an issue tenants are required to pay, and The panhandling throughout this year. The it may force housing authorities registration was a timely issue, Federal Budget for 2005, to shift their assistance to higher as city council was near voting released by the Bush income families. Our city, like on renewing the Administration in the rest of the country, cannot legislation in the February, calls for afford to see these cuts at a time Cincinnati City huge cuts in the when more people than ever are Council Law funding for housing experiencing homelessness. Committee (see assistance vouchers. The “Bumfight” videos story page 1). The Housing Choice have become a large issue this Participants in the Voucher Program past year. These hate videos are “Panhandling for (commonly referred being produced showing Justuce” event to as Section 8) homeless individuals fighting, Elizabeth Linville spread the word that performing bizarre acts, or allows families to the registration, which was engaging in self mutilation and reside in market-rate rental enacted in an ordinance last injury to each other. The housing and pay 30 percent of year and is now up for renewal, their income for rent, while the individuals are paid with small is unconstitutional and amounts of money, food, or voucher covers the rest. The unnecessary. Requiring alcohol. At first the videos 2005 budget proposal will hurt someone to register to were mainly being sold online by the program in a variety of panhandle violates his or her ways: it will reduce the number independent dealers, but now first amendment right to major retailers such as of households that will be freedom of speech. Amazon.com, Barnes and assisted by a voucher, it could Housing Choice Voucher increase the amount of rent Noble, and Best Buy are also selling these videos. Participants in the Panhandling for Justice event circulated flyers asking people to contact the CEOs of these corporations (see following list) to tell them to stop selling the videos, which encourage violence against individuals who are homeless. Amazon.com – Jeffrey Bezos, CEO (206) 266-1000, Best Buy – Susan Busch, Corporate PR, (612) 291-1000, Barnes and Noble – Stephen Riggio, (212) 633­ 3300 Some citizens were receptive and interested in the facts displayed and handed out during this event, while others seemed unwilling to pay attention to the plight of our country’s poorest individuals. One participant reported a woman telling her to “stop making me sad,” when approached with a flyer showing a homeless child. Both reactions are evidence that the “panhandlers” at least made some sort of impression on the individuals that they encountered during this event. For further information on any of these issues, please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 513-421-7803 or check out any of these websites: www.homeless.cincy.com, www.neoch.org, www.cohhio.org, or www.nationalhomeless.org. Cincinnati from the Point of View of a Chicagoan by Natasha Matusova Racism and classicism are inherent in society; compassion seems not to be. The state of Over the Rhine seems to embody this. Few outside the community seem to Don’t be Squirrelly! ET VIB ES Streetvibes own way, try to make a small dent. I am scared, though, because I fear that that inspiration will fade as I start having to deal with my life again, and getting an A on tomorrow’s test will become more important than helping others. I cannot say that I won’t try, because, as Bonnie Neumeier told us, “ You got to keep on keepin’ on.” (Natasha visited Cincinnati as part of a one week service learning trip with Northwestern University, Chicago) RE Rhine was so much worse; in a way, it was so much greater. No one that I know of has stood against the gentrification of my neighborhood. No one has spoken out for the rights of the residents. No one has really fought. But to delve into the history of Over the Rhine, is to delve into a history of a unified struggle. Buddy Gray, Bonnie Neumeier, Jimmy Heath among many others have fought for the neighborhood and its people. So what does this all have to do with me? It has everything to do with me because I have been inspired. It has everything to do with me because I now want to take action. Although I could never hope to make the kind of difference the aforementioned people have made, I will, in my ST Buy Streetvibes! actually care. Its richness lies in its culture and history, but this is of no consequence to the poor and the homeless. That is what I learned this week. Being from Chicago, I never really expected to be touched. I figured it couldn’t be any worse than what I see every day. The first time I stepped on Vine Street, I thought, “ man, I wish my block was this lively.” I didn’t think twice about it. I just knew that Over-the-Rhine was starting to feel the effects of gentrification, just like my neighborhood was. I quickly realized how naïve I was. My neighborhood, with its fake gangs and small time drug dealers, had so much less in common with Over the Rhine than I had lead myself to believe. In a way Over the Support Your Vendor Page 5 �students “absolutely love him,” says Charles Strobel, who started the campus as an outreach ministry for the homeless in 1995. After Pancoast’s class, many go on to take classes in computer and job skills or earn their GED. term options.” North American Briefs Two men are facing compiled by Patty Lane Stressed-out city charges after a brutal attack dwellers nationwide are finding a new way to get de­ on a homeless man in An Ohio woman is stressed. No need to head to a Louisville, Kentucky. Police taking on a tremendous tell WAVE-3 News that Clifton spa or vacation spot to journey one step at a time. recharge. Some are finding Dale Agnew, 53, was sleeping Kim Denmark is walking that by becoming temporary in an alley behind a Salvation across America to draw Army shelter when two men attention to welfare reform “street bums” they can regain attacked him. After punching, their perspective on life. It’s and the plight of the all part of a program called homeless. During her journey kicking, and beating Agnew with a trash can and a crock she hopes to gather enough “street-retreat” designed to cleanse the spirit. The pot, the men then allegedly signatures to get her on the Peacemaker Center, a group stripped the homeless man of floor of Congress, where she his clothes and sodomized him that follows the tenets of Zen, wants to present one million with sticks, boards and bottles. has been organizing retreats on signatures to ask for welfare the streets of New York for He was then stabbed and other reforms. “I want it repeatedly. Agnew suffered to come to the top of the more than 10 years. Pretending to be homeless has head trauma, broken ribs, and agenda, not the bottom,” she a cost. For $150, small groups a lacerated colon and rectum. tells the Athens Banner At one point his injuries Herald. She puts in about ten of about 10 people hit the streets with no ID and no appeared so severe that miles a day to reach her goal money. The “retreats” last investigators were preparing of 2,704 miles during her 52­ murder charges. His condition anywhere from three to five month trek. She wears an days. “You don’t know when is improving and he remains orange jump-suit filled with you are going to get your next signatures of those she has met hospitalized. Friends of the victim say he posed no threat along the way. On the road meal. You rely on asking people on the streets where the to anyone. The shelter’s she eats and sleeps at the free lunches and shelter can be director is calling for more to mercy of volunteers and be done to protect the communities who have given found, and you find they are homeless. “That’s the reason very generous,” says Zen her support throughout her teacher Francisco Lugovina. we need the Salvation Army trip. and other overnight shelters,” On April 8, Detroit Retreats have also been held in says Brenda Mattingly. She Montreal and London. A police dispatched bulldozers veteran of the program calls it hopes the community shares to destroy a shack that had the outrage she feels. “We feel an exercise in bearing witness been the home of Ralph everybody here is an asset to to the joy and pain of the Thomas, 56, for more than universe. ten years. Thomas, 56, had an our community and are hour to gather what belongings worthwhile people. We don’t In a verdict this week, see a dividing line as to who a jury in Ontario, Canada he could from the shanty he recommended special clinics built out of plywood, blankets, should be protected and who shouldn’t.” and tires on a vacant lot. be established to stop the A former Vanderbilt spread of tuberculosis. “This breaks my heart,” According to The Globe, half University football coach is neighbor Eloise Nash told the using his own life experiences of the province’s homeless Detroit Free Press. “Where is to help homeless people in population is already infected. he going to go?” Over the An inquest into the deaths of Tennessee get back on their years, Thomas had turned his feet. Fred Pancoast volunteers three people who died of TB shack into four clean and tidy his time in Nashville, teaching wrapped up this week with the rooms with a wood burning release of the jury’s stove for food and warmth and classes once a week to help down-and-out men and women recommendations to prevent a laundry system with a learn how to rebuild their future deaths. The jury also clothesline. Although his recommended public health lives. He tells The home is gone, Thomas says he’s alright, and he has a place Tennessean, “All of us have departments track and analyze had our tough times in life, TB screening results with their to keep his possessions. An new public health information and I’ve had mine. A lot of outreach coordinator for an people have helped me and I organization that assists system. All workers and want to help back.” He begins volunteers in shelters and elderly people in southwest his life skills classes by asking homeless drop-in centers must Detroit brought Thomas some his homeless students to open sandwiches, clothes and an also be screened for TB before up about their lowest point. being hired. But homeless invitation to a homeless advocates expressed Eventually he gets them to shelter. “He may qualify for describe how they got there some additional financial disappointment that the jury and then brainstorm a list of failed to address stopping TB. support,” says David They suggest moving the ways they can escape from Esterbrook of Bridging their situations into better, Communities. “We’d like to homeless out of overcrowded more productive lives. His shelters and putting them in talk to him about some long­ Homeless News Digest Page 6 Streetvibes affordable housing to help stop the spread of the disease “If SARS was not a wake-up call on this issue, then what will be?” Cathy Crowe told The Globe. Crowe, a nurse who works extensively with the homeless, is infected with TB. Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, a $500,000 federal grant will help homeless people get the health care they need. “We’re able to quadruple the number of people we can see,” Lisa Glenn, director of Health Clinics told News 8 last week. The clinic treats about 1,200 people a year, but the grant will allow 5,500 people to be treated. Giving homeless people access to health care will ease up Austin’s emergency rooms for real emergencies. “There are patients with nine emergency room visits in a six-month basis,” says John Gilvar, of the city’s Community Health Centers. “They go back on a routine basis for ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and they are taking up space and costing the community a lot of money by using the emergency room.” He says the grant will help take the city’s homeless health care issue in Austin to a new level. In addition to medical care, the grant also allows patients to receive dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse care. 20 YEARS SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-5514 �Many Sides To Everything by Mary A. Gaffney I’m writing this during the month of May. School will soon be out for the summer, and we will be welcoming the cicadas for their 17 year visit. Whether we want it or not the cicadas will visit! To my homeless friends and buddies, to the ones that have found employment, I would like to say that God is Good. Just keep on believing, my friends, and to the ones who are still looking for help, hold on. Today I’m thinking about the late Gentria Lynn Thomas whose life was ended recently. There are many sides to everything, to every life. The question is, have you really taken to the time to study the person? granddaughter was working on a drawing and in a clear voice Gentria Lynn Thomas Gentria asked if she could have came several times to the Homeless Coalition office. The it. On her second visit to the office she got another drawing first time she came in I had my from my great-grand daughter. 11 year-old greatLater that granddaughter evening, my with me. She grand daughter sometimes was with me at comes to the home, watching office when television, school is out. where we heard I want the news of her to see the Gentria life of the Thomas’s death. children and the I remembered people that how Gentria come into our Miss Mary Gaffney smiled and office. I want talked quietly to her to learn how this child when visiting the to be kind to them, and never office. She would smile and her forget that homelessness can eyes would light up. I had to happen to anyone. explain to my grand-daughter On this particular day, what had happened, and to she met Gentria Thomas and remember Gentria’s visits, the they spoke to each other. My Homelessness; The Threat We All Face by Crystal Evans Cambridge MA As I stood on the steps outside of Youth On Fire* I looked around at the crowd. We were all there that morning with the same goal: to abolish poverty, defeat the forces of racism, militarism and economic exploitation, and create a world we all can live in together in peace with economic and social justice. Cars honked and people shouted in agreement with us. On April 3, the statewide March to Abolish Poverty reached Cambridge. Two weeks prior, I met Eli Beckerman, the local coordinator for the march. He had come to Youth on Fire in search of speakers. I had agreed to speak and also volunteered to help out with final details that needed to be taken care of before the march. I spent the days leading up to that Saturday morning helping to make signs and a banner to carry during the march, designing and distributing fliers all over Cambridge, and thinking through what I would say when I addressed the crowd. Becoming a homeless activist was the last thing on my mind when I ended up homeless in February, 2003. At that point I was more worried about day­ to-day survival, where I would sleep and how I would find food. I could barely manage my own life, not to mention advocate for others. I never expected to end up homeless. I had always thought that most homeless people were “homeless by choice” and that if they really no matter how hard we tried it wanted to help themselves they just wasn’t enough. It seemed could. I was 19 when I got in a like every service/program I car accident in February, 2001, applied for ended up with a ended up with a broken neck budget cut. It felt like there and a traumatic brain injury, and was no way out. suddenly found myself unable But after 11 months to hold a job due to cognitive bouncing around the shelters and neurological problems. I and staying on the streets I didn’t have family to support finally got the call I had been me—I was on my own. waiting for. I moved into my Not being able to hold a apartment in January. At that job also meant I had no health point, being an activist against insurance. And, without poverty only seemed natural. insurance, I couldn’t get I shared my story with medical care or rehab for my the crowd. Afterwards, we injuries. I battled with the state headed through Harvard Square of New Hampshire for months holding signs with messages trying to get Medicaid but was like, “Housing is a Human denied every time. By the fall Right,” “Poverty Equals of 2002, I had lost my ninth job Violence,” and “Economic and couldn’t afford rent. Not Justice For All.” Along our knowing what else to do, I left route we passed several of the New Hampshire and headed to places I stayed—shelters, store Boston, knowing there were more shelters and better medical care there. I figured I’d only be homeless for a couple of weeks. Weeks turned to months. I could get medical care in Massachusetts, but housing was a completely different issue. The Section The Know Your Rights 8** waitlist froze in April of Brochure is now available at the 2003 and subsidized housing Coalition’s office. The brochure waitlists were three years is a legal guide for Cincinnati’s long. homeless and covers a person’s It didn’t take me long basic rights when interacting with in the shelters to realize that the police, as well as some local there were very few of us that laws that might be of interest to were truly homeless by the homeless population. If you choice. All it can take is a are a homeless person or if you loss of a job, a fire, domestic work with homeless people and violence, or a sudden illness would like to obtain free copies or disability to become of the brochure for yourself or homeless. Most of us were your agency, please call 421­ doing everything possible to 7803, or stop by the Coalition get out of our situations, but office and pick one up. gift of the drawings and the way she spoke. I want to say to everyone; don’t be quick to judge anyone, because first of all, you need to look beyond the person in front of you, and understand the problem and secondly, don’t be quick or harsh to judge. Any one of these circumstances could befall you at anytime. No matter how wealthy you are, you can still have all the problems. I always say be kind to the homeless and the lonely, because we can be up today and down tomorrow. Remember, we are all God’s children and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to be kind to one another, regardless of race, creed or color. He loves us all. See you next month, if the creek don’t rise. doorways, alleys, and other homeless programs. A few homeless people thanked us for marching as we walked by them. I was glad to be an active part of the March to Abolish Poverty. Many people expect the poor to help themselves. By uniting together as residents of Massachusetts, we bring awareness to how budget cuts are impacting the poor and homeless, and remind people that we are all at risk so we all have to be in this together. * Youth On Fire is a drop-in center for at-risk youth in Cambridge. ** Section 8 is a federal housing subsidy program. Crystal is an active member of Youth On Fire and other local non-profits. You can read about her experiences at www.beinghomeless.com. Reprinted from What’s Up Magazine Know Your Rights Brochure Available! Streetvibes Page 7 �The Peace Village by Dr. Steve Sunderland seeming “cheapness” of the Breaking out of my own death of African American numbness: The past few weeks males. The riots of 2001 have been ones of great stopped the city for a week of confusion and numbness for me. horror and reflection that many I have felt inundated with of us thought would bring us unbelievable events: out of the patterns that had a) The Gibson movie as new reinforced averting our eyes to seeds of hate; the ongoing brutalization of b) the revelations of Richard certain communities and groups Clark about the deafness to in our city. An innovative warnings about September 11th; healing process was initiated, c) the testimony of Clark and “The Collaborative Agreement,” national security advisor, Rice, that called for new methods of about what was “known” by her communication within the and others; police and between the police d) the increasing death toll of and the community. Police Americans and Iraqis and the procedures were found that seeming unraveling of the could reinforce “community” effort to work for peace; policing with a different e) the decision of the Sharon government to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza, AND the explicit support of president Bush for this plan and the failure of Sharon to convince his own political party; f) the American acknowledgement and support of the Israeli policy of assassinating opposition political Dr. Steve Sunderland leaders; g) the unresponsiveness of the perspective on participation of world community to the the general citizenry in the genocide in the Sudan coming policing process of identifying at the same time as the “hot spots,” and working anniversary of the similar “collaboratively” to bring the genocide in Rawanda; good will of the police and the h) the 50th anniversary of community together as a team. Brown v. Board of Education at This process does not exist as the same time that resegregation of this date even though of the nation’s schools millions of dollars have been continues unresponded to by the used to promote the process. branches of the federal Our city is becoming government; numb, again. Healing has i) Cincinnati continues without stopped. The killings by police any addressing of the causes of have changed but community the riots of 2001 while police residents are killing each other procedures, under criticism by a at record levels. federal monitor, are unchanged MY KEY FITS WHAT? along with the attitude of Who has a good answer “racial profiling”; and, to the lock without a key? j) recent news coming out of Who can lift the fog and Iraq suggest new levels of help see the clouds? suicide by American armed What makes sense when forces while pictures of despair is the name of the drug? humiliation of “prisoners” has Yet, there are young brought the president and the people holding fasts for the secretary of the department of hungry in our city. defense to the point of Yet, there are apologizing “for the torture” to international students who are the American armed forces, the making their countrie’s plight Iraqi prisoners and people, and known. the American people. Yet, there are Christians When I started the Peace and Jews from high schools Village three years ago, the willing to meet and learn about focus was on promoting healing the “other.” from the riots by taking action Yet, there are Islamic to face the taboo areas of our people willing to open the door, city and culture that have one more time, to discussion allowed the numbing of our and the answering of the police and community to the questions of fear. Page 8 Yet, there are courageous editors and writers willing to not let the homeless die without some shred of respect for their lives and their deaths. A mural of elders in our most dangerous neighborhood shows hands touching in love. Little children paint pictures of an underground railroad riding a rainbow of hope. Finches grow their four little ones to the point that they can fly as the cats scowl. Peace can happen and is happening. Taking the Peace Village as an antidote to the language of numbness: What helps under these conditions of “war” on the peace processes? What can any person do to make a difference, stand up to the waves of violence, and, take a position of conscience? The suspension of the laws of war (Geneva Accords), following the attacks of September 11, have deeply invaded our common culture of what is acceptable in both language and action. Fighting terrorists without understanding the sources of terror is basically a national panic attack. Devoting billions of dollars for revenge on some “enemy” blinds our confusion with evil. Holding “suspects” from our war in Afghanistan for months without access to lawyers or judges increases the fear that our enemies will do the same and that there is no real rule of law for anyone. A policy of murdering “suspected” terrorists without any thought of bringing them to justice is international capital punishment and the ultimate torture without trial, review, or appeal to anyone. And, we support our allies in this same corroding behavior: we are breaking down the layers of decency and acceptance of the rule of law. Standing aside, without strong protest about the genocide in the Sudan and, through the absence of agreed upon AIDS funding, makes us a part of a world of evil that keeps slapping us in the face. Yet, the Peace Village is moving with gentleness and a resolve to make language and action converge in compassion. We are engaged in actions that highlight reflection about the numbness of our local, national and international events. One commitment is to reflect and change mis-education about Jews, Christians and Moslems amongst youth and adults who are able to work through their fears of the other religions. Here is a little of my own Streetvibes reflection on the actions that are emerging connected to the movie, “The Passion of Christ,” by Mel Gibson. The Gibson movie laid down a barrage of hateful messages about Jews, while providing a fictional version of the Gospels, and temporarily threatening the possibility of mutual respect between Christians and Jews. One part of me wanted to just let the movie go by and not comment: “This too shall pass.” But talking with Cincinnati youth and elders of both religions about their mutual ignorance and fear of each other only made it clear that the movie has given us a door for discussion about what may be behind the religious images. Religious hatred builds from fear and fear is what is dominant in the discussions of the major religions. Holidays are celebrated or known about, within and without the religion, without knowledge of connections to each faith. Rarely have people felt welcomed in another person’s sacred churches, temples, and discussions. Very few people have ever visited a church, synagogue or mosque if it is not their own religion. My old friends, Sam Joseph, Ed Irvin, and my new ones, Hans Klee, Barbara Dragul, Lama Aloosma, and the youth have counseled me to go into this area with caution and modest expectations. Both groups of religions have done a very good job in blinding each group to the strengths within and between the faiths. Opening a door and making a bridge for mutual respect and the creation of friendship will take action and patience. But the violence of doing nothing in a violent world is not my choice; yet, the numbness of shock of deep-seated hatreds continues to plague my consciousness. Dr. Steve Sunderland, professor of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati, is the Director of The Peace Village, a group of individuals from the national and international community committed to examining all issues of Peace in the world. Dr. Sunderland also heads up Posters-for-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions of Peace, in their own words, through the creation of posters. �Dad Remembered Homeless It has been about 4 years since I wrote an article for Streetvibes. But today as I was riding my bike with my 4 year old son on the back in a bike seat, I ran into two street vendors who were so full of joy as I approached them. They reminded me of my wonderful father, Joseph E. Martin who use to be a street vendor. In 1999, I wrote an article in Streetvibes, “A MAN FOR THE HOMELESS—MY WONDERFUL FATHER.” My father spent his whole life as a single father raising 7 children by himself, and helping the homeless people in Cincinnati. I still see some of the homeless people who used to live in his house selling Streetvibes. My father was a self-employed contractor who provided not only room and board but jobs for the homeless in Cincinnati. Since 1999, my father had to eventually sell his house and move into a senior citizens home. When I visit him, I can see how much he misses his house and helping the homeless. Due to the fact that he is getting older, he has trouble taking care of himself. But if he could, he would buy another house and continue to help the homeless. I know that there are many like him in Cincinnati who we do not even know exist. My Dad never sought recognition but he deserves it. My wife and I work as Registered nurses, I work at Mercy Fransican hospital in Western Hills and she works at Deaconess Hospital up in Clifton. Over the years, my Dad has taught me alot about homeless people. As nurses, we take care of many as patients. There are so many reasons why people end up without a home. Many lose their jobs or fall prey to alcoholism or divorce. No matter the reason, it is a serious issue that must be dealt with in Cincinnati. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless does so much to address the needs of the homeless but so much more is needed. Reverend Maurice McCrackin did so much when he was living as a voice for the homeless. I feel privileged that I got to know him and share the gospel with him. It is nice that St. Joseph Catholic Church is honoring his life on June 11-13. There are many who have shared his passion for the homeless and his desire to fight for the less fortunate. My father was one of them. This story I write for him, in honor of a wonderful father and a good role model for the citizens of Cincinnati. I miss seeing him in his house and helping the homeless. I miss going to his house to pray with the homeless and the many special people who I got to know. In fact, many got the courage through prayer to put their lives back together. Many of the homeless who stayed with my father, learned from my father roofing and painting, and started their own businesses and bought their own house. Though my Dad, does not own a house anymore, he still has a big heart for the homeless. God has called me to give the gospel to teenagers and college students in Cincinnati and throughout the world. In 2002, I visited South Korea to attend a World Mission report as a part of a Korean Missionary Journey Team. As I walked the streets in Seoul in the mornings, I saw many homeless people just like here in Cincinnati. Though many Koreans could not speak English, I got a chance to share breakfast with a few in South Korea. Dad, I love you very much and I am proud to be your son and for what you have done for the homeless. In the same spirit of Reverend Maurice McCrackin, God gave you a special gift, it was not wealth or fame, but a big heart for those who were less fortunate. Jesus once said, “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you can find.” The kingdom of heaven is filled with those who are less fortunate. Jesus also said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Our nation is most blessed when we serve and care for those who are less fortunate. We must not forget our brothers and sisters. We must help them by remembering the words of Jesus and listening to his voice. We must remember that what we do for the homeless, we do for Jesus and to serve his purpose of going to the streets and inviting them into his kingdom. May the people of Cincinnati join the fight to end homelessness through prayer and sharing God’s love with those who are in need. Shepherd Andrew Martin University Bible Fellowship Church, Cincinnati IRS Warns Charities Against Engaging in Political Campaign activity. Using an example of a Activities sponsored debate or forum, the Last month the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a news release reminding charity groups to stay out of partisan political activities during this election year. This year’s notice was very early in the political season, providing another indication that the presidential sweepstakes are already underway. Organizations tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. The IRS notice explains that it uses a facts and circumstances test to decide whether an organization is engaging in prohibited political IRS said if the debate or forum shows a preference for or against a certain candidate it becomes a prohibited activity. Debate or forum sponsors can be seen as providing preferential treatment by giving the candidates spun questions, not giving each candidate the same opportunity to answer, and not asking a broad set of questions that covers many issue areas. It is important to note, however, that charities can engage in a number of nonpartisan election related activities and should not shy away from doing so. Using the same example of a candidate debate or forum, the IRS said a charity could legally host such an activity. National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project (NHCROP) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (513) 421-7803 Streetvibes Page 9 �Homeless Awareness... Awareness Week, May 14, was Cont. from page 1 reserved for our Homeless mainstream stores to sell the Awareness Music Bum Fights videos, the Bush Administration’s decision to cut Extravaganza. Performers housing vouchers, and the City included Christ of Cincinnati’s vote to renew Emmanuel Church the panhandling registration. Choir, Jake Speed, You can read more about these Divine Sisters, issues elsewhere in this edition Stepp’n Out, Tribe of Streetvibes. of Levite, and Soul On May 12, GCCH held Mission Chorale. a book club discussion of John Media Bridges Grisham’s The Street Lawyer. filmed the event, The book, though fiction, and we will report speaks eloquently about the the date and time real-life violations of homeless of its broadcast individuals’ civil rights. While Mother and Daughter get ready for a photo portrait at Homeless Mother’s Day Brunch homeless advocates believe that when that information losing your home does not becomes available. mean losing your rights, GCCH staff would politicians and others who like to thank the perceive the homeless as undeserving – or even worthless nearly 100 people who attended the – often disregard homeless event for their people’s rights when creating kindhearted charity public policy or dealing with – over $500 was homeless issues. The Street Lawyer follows Michael Brock, donated to the Coalition for the a lawyer who makes a change Homeless during from working in a large this event. GCCH corporate law firm to working would also like to at a legal clinic for the thank Jerrold homeless. He quickly learns how often – and how severely – Dowell for pulling this event together. homeless people’s rights are The violated in today’s society. Homeless We reserved May 13 for Homeless Mother’s Day Brunch before arrival of the guests Awareness Quilt, our “Armchair Advocate Day.” created by Susan Smith, On this day, we encouraged toured each event. The people to stay home and use Homeless Awareness their time to learn more about Quilt is a beautiful the issue of homelessness. interactive quilt, People were encouraged to complete with doors that investigate web pages, books, open to reveal facts or movies related to about homelessness and homelessness. We also asked fabric that can be pulled that people take actions to resolve current problems facing from different pockets to reveal famous the homeless and at-risk quotations. populations, such as the Mayor Luken proposed cut in housing officially proclaimed May vouchers, the renewal of the 9 – 14 “Homeless panhandling ordinance, and the Awareness Week” in sale of Bum Fights videos. The last day of Homeless Cincinnati. Lee Chapel Praise Dancers perform for guests GCCH Executive Director Georgine Getty uncovers the Homeless Awareness Quilt sewn by Susan Smith (see cover) Page 10 Streetvibes �Streetvibes Vendor Julie Walker and her grandson, Jalyn at one week old. Three months later he is still on oxygen, but he is doing well at 7 pounds! “Thanks to everyone for your support!” There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. - Chinese Proverb Proclamation from Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken honoring Homeless Awareness Week Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 1. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 30 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. Vendors must not tell customers that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. - Washington Irving Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories. - John Wilmot Take motherhood: nobody ever thought of putting it on a moral pedestal until some brash feminists pointed out, about a century ago, that the pay is lousy and the career ladder nonexistent. - Barbara Ehrenreich Berta’s Art Corner Streetvibes Sunlight on a spigot Page 11 �ReSTOC Holds its 26th Anniversary Celebration & Dinner ReSTOC (Race Street Tenants Organization Cooperative) held its 26th Anniversary and Appreciation Dinner on May 2 at Elder High School in Price Hill. Residents, volunteers, staff and board members, and supporters joined together to celebrate another important year at ReSTOC, an Over-the-Rhine neighborhood low-income housing cooperative. A donated dinner of lasagna and other food items was provided to guests, along with entertainment and a progress report from Andy Hutzel, director of ReSTOC. Various volunteers and ReSTOC board members were recognized and honored including former director Jennifer Summers. Some of ReSTOC’s achievements this year included: • Serving as a meaningful volunteer site and learning experience for over 2,000 volunteers visiting Over-theRhine from suburban neighborhood’s. • Completing the renovation of 5 vacant, historic buildings into 25 affordable, family housing units in Over-the-Rhine. • Providing housing to 25 formerly homeless men and women. • Continuing to provide decent, quality housing for over 100 lowincome households. • Beginning a resident block club program with the Contact Center that empowers neighborhood residents to take back their streets.. ReSTOC is a low-income, racially integrated, community housing developer in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. ReSTOC was chartered in 1978 when the Drop Inn Center Homeless Shelter volunteers quietly but steadily worked to rehab several buildings; both abandoned and occupied, and ultimately saved a building from deterioration and three tenants from displacement. Founded as a co-operative in 1978, ReSTOC continues to have a Board of Owners that is at least 51% lowincome co-op tenants. ReSTOC’s history of development is born out of a grassroots initiative to create community ownership of housing. ReSTOC has always had a strong volunteer and community base. ReSTOC continues to utilize sweat equity on every development project. Much of ReSTOC’s development in the early years was done solely with private fundraising and volunteer labor (unit-by-unit, year-by­ year). ReSTOC has grown and changed over the years, developing larger projects and accessing many resources to continue a mission of providing quality, permanent housing. ReSTOC also continues its private and volunteer development with various programs. The 90 people attending ReSTOC’s 26th Anniversary Dinner represented a diverse group of people in support of decent, affordable housing. Thanks to those who attended and to the following sponsors: Tony Maas and JTM Meats, Coca-Cola, Elder High School, Busch Bros. Elevator Company, Cincinnati Central Credit Union, Clifton Ave Motor Service, Nu-Blend Paints, Southern Ohio Plate and Window Glass Corp Dinner is served Guests enjoy dinner entertainment The Vine Street Stompers perform during the ReSTOC 26th anniversary and appreciation dinner, held at Elder High School. Page 12 Streetvibes �The Rocking Chair by Marc D. Goldfinger She was leaning over the railing at the luggage conveyer. That was the first time I had seen her in over two years. I had my luggage in my hand and came around her from behind, surprised that she hadn’t seen me yet. Wondering why she hadn¹t seen me waiting for the luggage by the belt. I came up and tapped her on the shoulder. “Oh. I didn’t see you. Did you already get your luggage?” I hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Mom. It’s so good to see you.” “Did you get your luggage already? Dad is waiting outside.” I carried my bag and walked next to her. The terminal doors swished open. The humidity stained the air. My father was waving to us. He was smiling but he looked sad to me. Something was different about my mother too. Maybe it was just me. This was the first time I had seen them since I had kicked my heroin habit. After thirty-two years of shooting dope some things were bound to be changed. I walked up to my father. Hugged him. He hugged me back. Everything felt strange. Maybe it was me. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” my mother asked. “Tomorrow night,” my father said. It was a brand new Buick. My father always did like Buicks. It seemed like a long ride to the condo from the airport. Everything seemed different than I remembered it. We made small talk as we rode. The kind of talking that you don’t remember later. I felt like smoking a cigarette. I needed a meeting. I watched the Florida landscape slip by. A man with shabby clothing held a sign as he stood at the exit of the interstate. The sign said, ‘Will work for food. Please help.’ I looked at all the cars around me, passing the man standing by the highway. The air-conditioning blew cool air on my face as we passed the man with the sign. The sweat was beaded on his face. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” my mother asked. “Tomorrow night,” my father said. They took me out for lunch at a kosher deli. More small talk. About different relatives. Who was sick. Who wasn’t sick. How hardly anyone went to the pool anymore. How everyone at the condo was getting older. Or dying. I had a corned beef sandwich with pickles. My mother had a salad. My father had liver and onions. He only ate a little bit of it. I remembered he never really liked liver and onions that much. When we got back to the condo I called the NA helpline. I needed a meeting. I felt numb and couldn’t process what I was feeling. My father and I went out to the pool. We were the only ones there for awhile. He had an old white sailor’s cap on. It was pulled down and it made him look like a boy with gray hair and wrinkles. He smiled with sad eyes as we talked. One other person came out to the pool and talked with us for awhile. He had been a stockbroker. He still played with stocks and my father talked with him about the market. I looked around the pool. There were six metal tables, about fifteen straight-back chairs, and about 25 chaise lounges on the patio by the pool. There were close to eighty condos in this section of the complex. It was 92 degrees. There were three of us at the pool. A few days ago some teenagers had been swimming at the pool. The police came. On most days the water is still. My father and I went back in to change. Mom was sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair. She called out to us. “When is Stella and Irv coming in from the cruise?” My father glanced at me. “Tomorrow night,” he answered. “Oh,” she said. And kept rocking. I changed into dry clothes. My father went to lay down and take a nap in the living room. Other than when company came over that was the only time anyone ever used the living room. I looked around the den. I had moved in there when I had first gotten out of prison. My parents had gone to a show the first night that I was there. My father had an old prescription for narcotics in the fridge and I ate them all. I passed out with a cigarette in my hand. Left a two inch burn in the den rug. It was a new rug. It was ten years later. That night, after supper, I went out to a meeting. No one showed up except for me. I read recovery literature and walked back to the condo. It was just me and my mind. The company couldn’t have been worse. My parents were already in bed by the time I got home. I turned the light out and listened to the fan on the ceiling spin. It was right over the bed. I imagined what would happen if it were to fall on me while I slept, still spinning as it dropped. The imagination is limited when it comes to the real. Things get left out. The morning light crept under the shade. I got up and went to the bathroom. Then I prayed and meditated. There was a meeting near the apartment today that I knew would happen but I was afraid Streetvibes anyway. For me, the alternative to meetings was unacceptable. My mother was sitting on the back porch rocking in the chair. They had closed in the golf course out back with new condominiums. I missed the vegetation that had surrounded the course. My father walked into the room. “She rocks all the time since the sickness. She asks the same questions over and over. I don’t know what to do so I just let her rock.” There were tears in his eyes. I walked out to the porch and asked her if she wanted to come in for breakfast. “In a little while,” she said. There were tears in her eyes. “Are you all right?” I asked. “Yes, I’m all right,” she said. She didn’t look directly at me. She stared out at the golf course. There were so many tears in her eyes that I didn¹t know what was keeping them from spilling down her cheeks. I put my hand on her shoulder. “Is there anything I can do?” “Let me rock,” was what she said. I walked back into the den. My father was sitting there. There were tears behind my sunglasses that he couldn’t see. I felt an impulse to keep them from running down my cheek. My father was crying. “Let her rock,” was all he said. So we did. Reprinted from BIGnews, New York City, June 2004 Page 13 �As the Crow Flies Inadequate What Shall I Render? by Michael Henson by Lisa Weber by Robert Manassa, Streetvibes Vendor It smells like something Straight had just died. through the mists of morning, Down on hands and knees, he rises, I search the rug. leaving the branch of pine where he has waited. My fingers rake the plush. He crosses the eroding field of corn, Under these nails the irrigation ditch, There is some dirt and blood, and the pale road of gravel, but no hope. and sets his course, straight, Digital and vacant, over the water tower and the village hall. a voice reaches me. Field after field, he flaps over Solace to silence. broad rectangles of soybeans It reminds me how close I am, then the smaller rectangles to becoming a simple whore. of the swelling suburbs. He crosses the malls and golf courses, I want to tear that need places barren as a sea of plastic, from my skin, and does not look down. to expose what lies beneath. He crosses the black ring of the beltway It just gets muted by choked with tractor trailers a desperate quiet and the parkway that even scares me. planted thick with SUVs. I bring my knees to the floor, To his right and to his left pass come eye to eye. the towers of the cell phones Rolling and rolling, the radio stations covering myself with and the star-headed towers of the television. something, He slides an updraft over the factories more pure. humming and yawning with the start of the shift Something perhaps, human. and the dark somnolent mills still sleeping under a blanket of dust and abandonment. The morning light blazes at the flanks of the corporate centers in their pools of chilled asphalt. But he does not look to the right or the left, nor does he veer to either side. He flies steady and true, straight across the apartment complexes straight down the lanes of the tormented projects The Bottom Line straight to the throbbing center by Michael Nelson straight to the pierced heart of the city. Sin on our streets, Death in our city, The bottom line is, Life shows us no pity. Be Yourself by Bruce Wilmer The world would like to change you; There are pressures all around. You must decide just who you are, Then firmly hold your ground. You have an image of yourself, An ideal sense of you, And to this vision you must always Struggle to be true. You know what you are good at, And you know where your talents lie, But if you are ruled by others, Your uniqueness could pass by. Remember, there is much to learn, But all new things aren’t good. Wisdom lies in what you’ve learned, And what you have withstood. So, be yourself and don’t allow The world to take control. Preserving you identity, Is life’s precious goal. Page 14 Women cheat on husbands, Men cheating on wives, The bottom line is, more pain in their lives. Kids killing kids, Cops shot everyday, The bottom line is, We all need to pray. People watch violence, See ladies quite nude, The bottom line is, Our morals are crude. I don’t have fine clothes, nor jewelry I don’t have a high position given me, I don’t even understand my missions, I can’t make a decision What shall I render? I can’t truly say I’ve done things right, I don’t even pray both day or nite, Sometimes I just plain forget, I wake up the next morning feeling regret, What shall I render? What shall I give in exchange for my soul? Am I going to far? Am I being too bold? I know God shed his precious blood for me, If I don’t have anything to render, Am I truly worthy? What shall I render? Diversity by Wanda (OTR Resident) The money people are attacking my home. On the west, they’re tearing down homes and the symphony wants Washington Park, in the name of cultural diversity. On the east, the business men and the rich landlords push for a ballpark and intervening districts, in the name of economic diversity. On the south, the downtown council wants to expand north and change all the streets to two-way, in the name of diversity. In the center is my home and yours, the poor, working poor, handicapped, homeless, all live and survive, day to day. The powers want diversity. We already have it. They should help, not attack. I will stand up for the right to live where I want, I won’t be in the middle of diversity. Our leaders are weaklings, Our court systems fail, The bottom line is, Does Truth ever prevail? The bottom line is, The end may be near, The bottom line is, Mankind shall know fear! Streetvibes Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ Streetvibes@juno.com �A queen bee, wrapped quite securely from the neck down in a cocoon of silk, hanging on a spider’s web, asked a passing drone what he thought of her hair. He replied, “Oh, you are a tangled mess!” She said, “What did you say?” But by this time the drone had passed out of earshot, so the spider answered her for him, “Your Majesty, he was simply referring to the quality of my workmanship and showing your Highness the utmost respect simultaneously. He simply inquired, ‘How do you do, your tangledness?’” “Oh, that’s much better.” * A blind man, after completing his research at the Library of Alexandria, Egypt, leaves and is traveling down the road. Up ahead on the other side he hears an animal trainer with his elephant having fun with a group of blind men. After having each feel a part of the animal he asks in turn what he thinks the creature is. The one who felt the tail says he thinks it’s a snake. The one who felt a leg says, “A tree trunk.” The one who felt its side says, “The side of a house.” The lone blind traveler listens and laughs. A passing stranger asks him, “What’s so funny?” The lone blind traveler replies, “It’s quite simple and easy to deduce what the unseen creature is. It produces more #$%* than we will ever know what to do with. It takes up a great deal of space. And it’s capable of trampling down much in meadow, forest and town, but eventually leaving plenty of room for new growth. The unseen creature is obviously a Republican. THE VIETNAM VETS SANGHA Life Is Like a Chicken Wire Fence by jh Through the void, the outstretched hand directs you to the icy, blind stare. Fearful, glassy, scratched and marred. Retarded plea, old recital, tedious. I want to go.... Beneath the surface of this rounded gem, speaks a chorus of screaming violence. There is a smell. I want to leave, keep on walking. Then, our fears grow like fruitless vine. Clinging to the cracks and concrete, in that place, beyond the Fence. “Sorry, I don’t have anything to give.” “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” - Albert Einstein Numbness settles in and the world breaks down To a question, a begging and violent question about you And me, caught in the ice with fire all around, and A dog barks at a baby that is learning to walk just As hands hold the dog, caress the baby, and release: WHO WILL GIVE PEACE A CHANCE? 10,000 posters later, the question Is fixed in the tombstone, attached to The unbeating heart, twisted In the pictures of a travelogue to hell, tangled Among the bodies making a pyramid, a child’s Game gone to lynching, hanging from a tree, caught In tape, on video, “Hello, Mom.” and fused In the future memory of another child-warrior, imprisoned In the smiles of the lost. I read in Jane’s book that awareness Can happen by opening a door in A story so horrible that the only way out Is in, through, around, crawling in the s@#$ Pile to find the understanding. The child went in, The adult emerged. Join hands, friends, and help Me look for the door in, out, deeper, above and Into understanding and love. The vets have taught forgiveness, patience, and Holding the heart in our breath as a way of releasing The wisdom of our suffering. Now, many of my brothers and Sisters are crying, losing hope, forgetting the old skills of ringing Our world bell of being awake. That ringing in my ears is also the bell of hope. Can you hear it? The Peace Village Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath by jba Race Street, Over-the-Rhine Streetvibes Page 15 �Ursuline Academy Students Explore Homelessness in humbled, educated and grew Cincinnati spiritually from the Ursuline Academy is founded on a long history of educating young women in the tradition of St. Angela Merici. St. Angela (1474-1540) believed that it was only through the education of young women that society would take on Christian values and attitudes necessary for change. Her belief in the role of women was counter-cultural and futuristic and began a movement that has become world wide, know as “Ursuline Education”. Homelessness is a problem not only in the world, but in our country - and in our city. But what can we do about it? Over the years Ursuline Academy has hosted a “Shantytown,” a threeday awareness-raising event in which students construct and sleep in cardboard “shanties.” Each evening there are activities, guest speakers and musicians, and a fund-raising dinner to help combat homelessness and educate people about this very real problem that affects thousands of people. With the recent controversy over the rights of the homeless in Cincinnati and elsewhere, we will have special interest in learning the facts about homelessness and why this social problem causes such extreme reactions from people. Ursuline Shantytown participants with Streetvibes guest speaker Grady Cook (l) up in a home similar to mine. It struck me how foolish I had been and that what these people were faced with sometimes dealt with things beyond their control. I’ve learned not to judge or associate people with certain groups, for everyone is an individual with their own story to tell. by Maeve Elder I was surprised at how much I was affected by my Shantytown experience. I helped organize the event and I go to the Drop Inn Center frequently. I’m not unfamiliar with the homeless. Shantytown (reflections written But the fact is that I am by Ursuline students particpating unfamiliar with homelessness. in Shantytown) Spending three days in a Shanty was difficult for me. I by Holly Fields hadn’t been aware how much Shantytown was one of simple comforts meant to me. the most eye-opening I was no longer able to go into experiences that I have my room and relax in solitude participated in for quite some because I was living at school, time. Never have I been so a place always bustling with thankful for what I have, or activity. Sometimes it felt so felt so humbled by the oppressive that I couldn’t just presence of others. go home. I was forced to Homelessness was a way of life somewhat unknown to me. think about how it would feel I had little background on this if I didn’t have a “home” to means of living and had never look forward to at the end of three days. been faced wit it. Upon I struggled with the fact hearing the stories form the that I had relatively no control men and woman of the Drop over my situation. Inn Center and the Greater In this case, I had Cincinnati Coalition for the committed to participating and Homeless, my previously I couldn’t just give up and formed ideals changed leave, but there were moments drastically. I had a certain when I wanted to. For people opinion of homeless people, who are really without a home, and instantly after the talks, I felt ridiculous and ashamed for getting out of the situation they are in isn’t even a my way of thinking. These concrete option. were people just like me. As some one who often Many of them had had a shies away from asking people positive family life and grew Page 16 for favors, it was humiliating to have to ask people for money, fully aware that I couldn’t pay them back. My experience with Shantytown completely changed me and while opening me up to the experience of being homeless, it compelled me to analyze my own needs and values. I will not claim that I have been acquainted with homelessness in a real form, for that is certainly not the truth. I have, however, been forced to step out of a comfort zone, which I didn’t even know existed, to learn more about an experience I had previously claimed to know a lot about. by Elizabeth Brandel I entered the chapel at the beginning of Shantytown with a few goals – to get a break from my hectic schedule, to meet new people, and to learn more about homelessness. Despite the fact that I achieved all my goals, the experience affected me more than I could have ever imagined. I was Streetvibes experience. I bonded with my fellow upper-classwomen as we ate together at the Drop Inn Center. We saw, together, tears welling up in people’s eyes as they told their story. We were moved and changed. For myself, it made me thankful for what I have. I found a new love and respect for my family and friends. Throughout the entire Shantytown experience, I grew closer to people, especially to my friend Jenny. We sat in our box and talked for hours about our lives. The experience gave us the opportunity to simply talk, and share our story. As one of my best friends, I had not been able to tell her things due to our busy schedules. However, I have learned that you have to make time. Life is short, and you are in control of how you spend it. I have learned to let my guard down and cry with people I normally don’t. I am typically a person who doesn’t let people “in” or show my emotions that much. I sobbed at Shantytown. This may not be a big deal for many people, but it was for me. Shantytown affected me emotionally as well as gave me time to find myself and let others find me as well. It was a refreshing experience and made me a happier person at Ursuline Academy. I would recommend this experience to anyone who needs a break and is in search of something more – of yourself, your friends, your life.... Ursuline.... cont. next page �by Alexander Zaitchik If the president wasn’t so forthright about his disinterest in the world, it would have been hard to believe him last month when he said the abuse in Abu Ghraib prison “doesn’t represent the America I know.” But who can doubt him? To represent the America George W. Bush knows, there would have to be explosive snapshots of Iraqi detainees lounging by the Abu Ghraib pool, barbequing ribs and snorting primo Bolivian coke off empty cases of Coors Light. There would have to be shocking reports of prisoners with family members on the Iraqi Governing Council being handed sweetheart deals on professional sports franchises and energy firms. Of course, if the President were more of a newspaper-reading sort of feller, he wouldn’t have been so shocked by the pictures. As a tough-on-crime Texan, he would have recognized such treatment immediately, perhaps even feeling a little swell of pride. If he’d ever put down the Bible for a broadsheet after his conversion, he’d know that “Texas prison” is one of the most feared phrases in the language - and he’d know why. When he sat down in front of Arab TV audiences last month to explain the true American way, he could have pointed to an October, 1999 story in the Austin American Statesman that detailed how female prisoners there were regularly kept in portable detention cells for hours at a time in summer heat with no water. “In fear of more time in the cages,” the article explains, “many women submit sexually to their oppressors and are raped, molested and forced to perform sodomy on their captors.” And in 1996, if Bush hadn’t so busy handling the transfer of $9 billion in public funds over to the University of Texas Investment Management Company, the governor might have had time to read about the videotape that surfaced that year depicting prison guards brutalizing inmates in the Brazoria County Detention Center in Angleton, TX. The tape, which was originally shot for use as a training video, showed riotclad guards beating prisoners (arrested on drug violations) and forcing them to crawl while kicking them and poking them with electric prods. Had Bush cleared a little time to watch this video, he would had an easier time digesting the images out of Abu Ghraib, and thus saved himself those few moments of humiliating supplication in front of all those Arabs, based as they were on the faulty assumption that those pictures “weren’t America.” If only some governor’s aide had told him in 1999 about the hunger strike at the notorious Terrel Unit facility in Livingston, TX, where death-row prisoner Michael Sharp said before his execution, many guards “think it is their patriotic duty to torture and brutalize prisoners.” If only he had not been so busy reclining in box seats at Rangers home games, the governor might have known that prisoners’ attorney Donna Brorby had described Texas’ super-max prisons as “the worst in the country,” where guards reportedly gas prisoners and throw them down on concrete floors while handcuffed. Then the president might have been better equipped to recognize his country in those pictures. Considering all the downtime the President has spent in the Lone Star State since 2000, he might have even heard about the 2002 conclusion of the 30-year legal battle Ruiz v. Johnson. In its write up of the case, the Austin Chronicle reported the words of Texas Judge William Wayne Justice, written after hearing lengthy expert and inmate testimony on prison conditions: Texas prison inmates continue to live in fear. More vulnerable inmates are raped, beaten, owned, and sold by more powerful ones. Despite their pleas to prison officials, they are often refused protection. Instead, they pay for protection, in money, services, or sex. Correctional officers continue to rely on the physical control of excessive force to enforce order. Those inmates locked away in administrative segregation, especially those with mental illnesses, are subjected to extreme deprivations and daily psychological harm. But no, the abuse at Abu Ghraib does not represent any America that George Bush could possibly have known about. The America he knows never sets foot inside prisons. It just owns them and fills them and builds them. Anything that happens after that, well, it might as well be another country. Alexander Zaitchik can be reached at: zaitchik@nypress.com Ursuline Students from Ursuline and Moeller joined together for an educational activity which drove home the importance of food distribution throughout the world. We ate soup and bread, and afterwards listened to Mark Teegarden from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. That night we slept for the final time in our shanties, this time on an even colder night. Shantytown really made me think about the lives of the homeless on a much more personal level. The most influential part of the three days was realizing, in comparison to the real thing, I had a cardboard shanty to sleep in - most homeless people are outside completely vulnerable to the elements. I had friends to bring me lunch. I had my shantybuddy to help me bundle up and keep warm. The hardest part of Shantytown for me was the uncertainty. Where would my next meal come form? How would I get my homework finished? I found that the most underestimated part of homelessness is the difficulty to go about daily life if you don’t know what the next hour will bring. Shantytown made me appreciate my life so much more, and it made me realize that homelessness is an issue I want to help dissolve. Livable wage and affordable housing are important concerns in this country. I may not have all the answers, but at least I have some experience to guide me in the search. Abu Ghraib - Doesn’t It Ring a (Prison) Bell? from page 16 by Kasey Wilson From April 26th to the 28th, 25 Ursuline academy students temporarily experienced homelessness during Shantytown. We constructed cardboard “shanties” outside of the school to sleep in for two nights. We were told to only bring the clothes on our back and necessary toiletries outside of the school to sleep in for two nights. The first night, we visited the Drop Inn Center and toured the building. We ate dinner with the residents and talked with homeless and formerly homeless people. That night, we slept in our shanties, thankful for the warmth on a chilly night. During the next day, we begged for food and battled sleepiness during school. The second night, Ursuline hosted an Empty Bowls Night. Streetvibes Page 17 �What Sinclair Doesn’t Want You to See on ‘Nightline’ Last month, ABC’s Nightline broadcast read a list of U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq. But some viewers weren’t able to see the program: The Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns several ABC affiliates, announced that it would not air the Nightline segment on its stations. A statement on Sinclair’s website explained: “While the Sinclair Broadcast Group honors the memory of the brave members of the military who have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, we do not believe such political statements should be disguised as news content. As a result, we have decided to preempt the broadcast of Nightline this Friday on each of our stations which air ABC programming.” Sinclair’s rationale for the censorship of Nightline is explicitly political: “Before you judge our decision, however, we would ask that you first question Mr. Koppel as to why he chose to read the names of the 523 troops killed in combat in Iraq, rather than the names of the thousands of private citizens killed in terrorists attacks since and including the events of September 11, 2001.” A response statement from ABC said that the network did broadcast a list of the victims of the September 11 attacks on the one-year anniversary. This is not the first time that Sinclair’s conservative political leanings - 98 percent of its 2004 political contributions have gone to Republicans (MediaChannel.org, 4/29/04) ­ have led the company into journalistic controversy. In February, a Sinclair news crew was sent to Iraq to cover the “good news” that was allegedly going unreported in the rest of the media (Baltimore Sun, 2/18/ 04). And shortly after the September 11 attacks, Sinclair executives required stations to air editorial statements in support of the Bush administration (Extra!, 11-12/ 01). Sinclair controls about 60 TV stations, including eight ABC affiliates, some in substantial population centers: WSYX— Columbus, Ohio KDNL— St. Louis, Mo. WXLV— Greensboro, WinstonSalem, High Point, N.C. WEAR— Mobile, AL & Pensacola, Fla. WLOS— Asheville, N.C. WCHS— Charleston & Huntington, W.V. WGGB— Springfield, Mass. WTXL— Tallahassee, Fla. It’s possible that some Nightline viewers, faced with how many American lives have been lost in Iraq, may become opposed to the war. It’s also possible that others will see the show as an argument for fighting and winning in Iraq, so that these deaths will not have been in vain. Journalists, however, should not decide whether to report the reality of a war depending on what they assume the political reaction might be. The American people need full reporting on the situation in Iraq - including the toll in U.S. and Iraqi lives - so that they can make an informed judgment on whether the war’s goals are worth the costs. Sinclair may claim that it honors the memory of the dead members of the military. It evidently prefers, however, that they should be remembered without being mentioned. “Harsh Methods” Aren’t Torture, Says the NY Times from FAIR-L (Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting) The New York Times, revealing the interrogation techniques the CIA is using against Al-Qaeda suspects, seemed unable to find a source who would call torture by its proper name. Last month’s article, headlined “Harsh CIA Methods Cited in Top Qaeda Interrogation,” described “coercive interrogation methods” endorsed by the CIA and the Justice Department, including hooding, food and light deprivation, withholding medications, and “a technique known as ‘waterboarding,’ in which a prisoner is strapped down, forcibly pushed under water and made to believe he might drown.” The article took pains to explain why, according to U.S. officials, such techniques do not constitute torture: “Defenders of the operation said the methods stopped short of torture, did not violate American anti-torture statutes, and were necessary to fight a war against a nebulous enemy whose strength and intentions could only be gleaned by extracting information from often uncooperative detainees.” The article seemed to accept that the techniques described are something other Page 18 the Convention, “torture” is: than torture: “The tactics “any act by which severe pain simulate torture, but officials or suffering, whether physical say they are supposed to stop or mental, is intentionally short of serious injury.” The inflicted on a person for such implication is that only purposes as obtaining from him interrogation methods that or a third person information or cause serious physical harm would be real and not simulated a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has torture. committed or is suspected of The article quoted no having committed, or one who said that the CIA intimidating or methods described ...a technique coercing him or a were, in fact, third person, or torture. Yet it known as would have been ‘waterboarding,’ in for any reason based on easy to find human which a prisoner is discrimination of rights experts who strapped down, any kind, when would describe such pain or them as such. The forcibly pushed suffering is website of Human under water and inflicted by or at Rights Watch made to believe he the instigation of reports that “the might drown.” or with the prohibition against consent or torture under acquiescence of a public official international law applies to or other person acting in an many measures,” including official capacity.” “near drowning through Noting the Convention’s submersion in water.” The article did quote the reference to “consent or acquiescence” would have been Geneva Conventions’ prohibition against “violence to helpful in evaluating the claims made by officials in the article life and person, in that the U.S. can skirt particular...cruel treatment and prohibitions on torture if torture” and “outrages upon detainees are formally in the personal dignity, in particular, custody of another country. humiliating and degrading In fact, the Convention treatment.” But it did not quote the definition of “torture” Against Torture, which the U.S. signed in 1994, explicitly under international law, prohibits sending a person contained in the 1984 anywhere “where there are Convention Against Torture, substantial grounds for which makes it clear that believing that he would be in psychological as well as danger of being subjected to physical methods of coercion torture.” are prohibited. According to Streetvibes The Times might have looked back to its own archives on the subject to find critics of U.S. detention policies. Some of the information included in the May 13, 2004 article was first reported on March 9, 2003— except the original story quoted Holly Burkhalter of Physicians for Human Rights, who decried the lack of a “specific policy that eschews torture.” It also noted critics’ assertion that “transferring Qaeda suspects to countries where torture is believed common— like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia— violates American law and the 1984 international convention against torture, which bans such transfers.” While the article did impart important information about the tactics being used by American agents to interrogate terrorist suspects, it’s also critical to know whether these methods violate international or domestic law. By relying solely on administration officials to define what torture is and what the U.S. government’s legal obligations are, the New York Times failed to provide the context necessary for readers to make an informed judgment. CONTACT: New York Times Daniel Okrent, Public Editor mailto:public@nytimes.com Phone: (212) 556-7652 Toll free comment line: 1-888­ NYT-NEWS �Food Research and Action Center News (FRAC) (“Farmers’ Markets To Accept Surging Food Prices (“Food Prices Surge,” The Washington Post, May 2, 2004) The price of many basic food items has been climbing steeply, and the trend is expected to continue through 2004. Milk, meat, eggs, oil, and produce prices are rising nationwide, marking the first case of serious food inflation in years. The price increases are due to a stronger economy, increasing fuel costs, and bad weather here and abroad. One measure of the price of groceries shows a 10 percent increase in a year. There is some evidence price increases now are moderating. http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wp­ dyn/articles/A57945­ 2004Apr30.html Some School Lunch Programs Exceed Federal Fat Content Guidelines (“What’s For Lunch?,” Pasadena Star News, May 2, 2004) Five school districts in Los Angeles County were found to exceed federal guidelines for fat content in their school lunch nutrition programs. The school districts have stated that the data were outdated and have corrected their lunch menus to be in compliance. The survey was conducted by the California Department of Education, seeking to discover if the state’s school lunch programs were contributing to childhood obesity rates. State superintendent of public instruction Jack O’Connell noted that, “For many of our students a school lunch is the only healthy meal of the day,” and “while most California schools are doing a good job in providing healthy meals, we can do better.” http:// www.pasadenastarnews.com/ Stories/ 0,1413,206~22097~2123533,00.html States’ Tax Receipts Rise, Leading To Some Surpluses (“States’ Tax Receipts Rise, Leading To Some Surpluses,” The New York Times, May 4, 2004) Thirty-two states across the nation are reporting budget surpluses for fiscal year 2004, according to a survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax revenues have been stronger in recent months than the same period a year ago, giving many states their first consistent increase in three years. However, the surpluses are small, and tax collections are not rising fast enough to keep pace with increasing Medicaid, pensions, and education costs, which account for the bulk of state budgets. As a result, 33 states faced projected shortfalls in their 2005 budgets. In recent years most states compensated for the lost revenue by cutting programs, raising tuition and fees, or borrowing. http:// www.nytimes.com/2004/05/04/ politics/ 04TAXE.html?ex=1084248000& en=296ffe9566be8e20&ei=5062 &partner=GOOGLE Obese Kids More Likely To Be Bullying Victims And Aggressors (“Obese Kids More Likely To Be Bullying Victims And Aggressors,” SFGate.com, May 3, 2004) A study of by Queens University in Ontario found that obese children are more than twice as likely to be bullied at least once a week than their peers. Obese children are also more likely to be bullies. The study underscores that obesity endangers not just a child’s physical health, but emotional as well. The findings support similar research conducted previously in England and a study in the U.S. that found obese children, due to health problems and teasing from being overweight, rated their quality of life as low as did child cancer patients. http:// www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/ article.cgi?f=/news/archive/ 2004/05/03/ national0904EDT0479. DTL&type=health Oregon Anti-Hunger Efforts Win Federal Praise (“Hunger-relief Efforts Win Feds’ Stamp Of Approval,” Salem Statesman Journal, May 6, 2004) In 1996-98, Oregon had the hungriest households in the nation. The state’s efforts to fight hunger through raising food stamp participation shot its participation rate to 84 percent in 2001, one of the highest nationally. Undersecretary Eric Bost of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a recent visit in Oregon lauded the state’s efforts, emphasizing the continued need to raise participation rates. He spoke of the administration’s commitment to “ensure that eligible people participate in all of our nutrition programs.” Bost also mentioned that food stamp eligibility is not tied to welfare, a misconception many families had after Congress put time limits on welfare cash payments. Having enough food is important for schoolchildren as well, who otherwise have difficulty learning and growing, said a state human services official. http:// news.statesmanjournal.com/ article.cfm?i=79681 Only 1 In 3 Eligible Connecticut Children Has School Breakfast (“Let’s Take A Walk And Talk About Hungry Children,” Hartford Courant, May 2, 2004) Connecticut may be the richest state in the country, but it ranks 44th for its participation rate in the school breakfast program. Only a third of the children eligible for free and reduced price lunch also eat a school breakfast. Less than half of Connecticut’s schools even serve breakfast. End Hunger Connecticut! is advocating legislation requiring all schools with a large percentage of lowincome students to offer breakfast. The legislation is part of other anti-hunger efforts in the state, where food banks like Foodshare serve increasing need every year. The state will hold a 3-mile Walk Against Hunger. http:// www.ctnow.com/features/ lifestyle/hc-susan0502.artmay 02,0,6159537.column Billions In Public Aid Going Unclaimed In New York City (“Let feds, state help you, say Betsy & Marty,” New York Daily News, May 4, 2004) Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz held a news conference at Brooklyn Borough Hall last Friday urging borough residents to take advantage of billions of dollars in federal and state aid going unclaimed in the city. 835,000 New Yorkers who are eligible to receive an average of $1,100 each in food stamps every year are not doing so. Also underutilized is the Women, Infants, and Children program that gives an average annual benefit of $431 to pregnant women and new mothers to meet their children’s nutritional needs. Less than half of the 525,000 eligible women in the city who qualify get the benefit. http://www.nydailynews.com/ boroughs/story/189776p­ 164196c.html Farmers’ Markets To Accept Food Stamps Streetvibes Food Stamps,” NBC4.TV News, April 28, 2004) Food stamp participants may now use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at select Los Angeles County certified farmers’ markets. While most farmers’ markets have traditionally accepted food stamps, the EBT card, which works like an ATM debit card, “presented a unique challenge,” said Pompea Smith, director of the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. The use of wireless point-of-sale devices now gives poor families access to farmers markets and fresh produce. The California Department of Health Services hopes that raising awareness about the Farmers’ Market EBT program and its convenience will raise food stamp participation among eligible families in Los Angeles County, says Smith. http:// www.nbc4.tv/news/3247752/ detail.html Obesity Found Among New York City Toddlers (“One-Quarter Of Poor NYC Toddlers Are Overweight,” Yahoo News, April 28, 2004) A recent study found 22 percent of 2- to 4-year olds enrolled in a food & nutrition assistance program for low-income New York City residents are overweight, with 18 percent close to being obese. The toddlers are enrolled in the New York City Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a branch of the federal WIC program for low-income families. The study suggests that steps against obesity should begin at a very young age. The author of the study, Dr. Mary Ann Chiasson, also pointed to the problem that low-income families are generally limited to buying inexpensive foods, which are often unhealthy. Healthier foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive. http://story.news.yahoo.com/ news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid =751&e=2&u=/nm/20040428/ hl_nm/nyc_toddlers_dc To subscribe to the weekly FRAC digest go to - http:// capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ Helen Yuen Food Research and Action Center 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 540 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 phone (202) 986-2525 fax Page 19 �357-4602 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Center 241-2563 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline 351-0422 C.C.A.T. 381-6672 Talbert House 684-7956 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 DIC Live-In Program 721-0643 TREATMENT: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 TREATMENT: Women First Step Home 961-4663 Full Circle Program 721-0643 HOUSING: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Housing Net. 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 721-8666 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services, Inc 751-9797 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Friars Club 381-5432 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Haven House 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John’s Housing 651-6446 Need Help or Want to Help? MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels (Food Bank/Soup Kitchen) 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 New Life Baptist Mission (Soup Kitchen) 896-9800 Hope House (Homeless Families/Singles) 423-4673 Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 June, 2004 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Draws Attention to Cincinnati Families Homeless Awareness Week Cover Story BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY STREETVIBES $1 Donation � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2004 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2004 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Mother’s Day Luncheon kicks off a week of awareness-raising events Pg 2: A Journey I Needed to Make Pg 3: Letters from Readers Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Panhandling for Justice spreads awareness about homelessness Pg 6: Homeless News Digest Pg 7: Many Sides to Everything Pg 8: The Peace Village Pg 9: Dad Remembered Homeless Pg 10: Homeless Awareness Continued Pg 11: GCHC Pg 12: ReSTOC Holds its 26th Anniversary Celebration & Dinner Pg 13: The Rocking Chair Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Ursuline Academy Students Explore Homelessness in Cincinnati Pg 17: Abu Ghraib Pg 18: What Sinclair Doesn’t Want You to See on ‘Nightline’ Pg 19: FRAC News Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Elizabeth Linville Janice Faulkner Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Susan Smith Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Abu Ghraib Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Arts & Poetry Cincinnati city council Elizabeth Linville FRAC GCHC Georgine Getty IRS Janice Faulkner Jimmy Heath Mary Gaffney Mother’s Day Ney York Times panhandling Prison ReSTOCK Susan Smith The Peace Village Ursuline Academy https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/cc7f630cf802000d3101c4794820618d.pdf 636c4ce26d806e2868393d4765ae3bd4 PDF Text Text August, 2004 STREETVIBES National Voter Registration Day Held at Drop Inn Center Last month, the Drop Inn Center shelter in Over-theRhine, along with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and volunteers from the Community of Good Shepard participated in National Homeless Voter Registration Day. Ohio and 16 other states participated in the national event. Volunteers conducted the registration drive at the Drop Inn Center for clients and anyone else who needed to register to vote. With nearly 800,000 without a home on any given night nationwide, organizers are hoping to register tens of thousands. In the 2000 election it only took several hundred votes to affect the outcome in Florida. “With Ohio gaining attention in the national media as a major swing state this election year, it is important that homeless individuals, and other disenfranchised groups of people register and go out to vote on election day,” said a representative of the Homeless Coalition. “We hope that efforts such as this registration drive will help keep Ohio from becoming the ‘Florida’ of the 2004 election.” It is a common Mary Harrington (right) completes voter assumption that individuals without a permanent Whether a person is a minority, is poor, or does not have a address are restricted from voting, but under home, as an American citizen, the United States he or she has the right to vote. A voting residence is a Constitution, place that an individual returns every American citizen - without to on a regular basis. This can be a shelter that a resident stays regard to at frequently (even if it is only personal several days out of the month), property - has the right to vote. transitional housing, or an outside area (under a bridge). Many homeless Many homeless people, however, individuals who have felony while qualified records are also told that they to vote, are unable to register cannot vote. Only convicted felons who are in jail cannot due to the many vote. Those who have served policy and legal their sentences must simply rebarriers placed register to be allowed to vote. before them. registration card Georgine Getty, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless stated that, “A lot of times people think that you need a home to vote. This is simply not the case – voting is the right and duty of all citizens. This year more than ever people need to know that their voice counts, especially in this election, especially in this city.” There was an election type atmosphere at the shelter with bunting, balloons, and snacks for participants. The last day for registering for the upcoming presidential election is October 4th. by Jimmy Heath Artists, curators and critics argue that all art is political - the status quo is either reinforced, rejected or rendered invisible. Despite the current administration’s dismissal of the anti-war movement, more and more Americans are choosing to publicly declare their opposition to government policies. As American civil rights and basic freedoms come under increasing attack from within all levels of government, artists are raising their collective and individual voices. Artists are coming out with their own visions of dissent. In the old Mockbee Building on Central Parkway, over 100 artists gathered to display their art and speak to their truth about the war in Iraq, racism and violence in an art show first organized last year by Dr. Saad Ghosn, a professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati and artist Eric Triantafillou. The 2003 SOS art show was such a success that they decided to make it an annual event. The show last summer featured almost 60 local artists. The Patriot Act, Cincinnati’s unresolved civil unrest and decreasing tolerance for dissent made Ghosn and Triantafillou want to continue to encourage artists’ social commentary. In addition to visual art, the programs included poetry reading, a panel discussion, music, plays, videos and movies. “Just the number of artists participating this year says something,” says Ghosn. Also an accomplished artist, Ghosn has several pieces featured in the show. “A true artist is someone who can see beyond the immediate. They can see in a pure way. Most schools don’t teach that, most galleries don’t let you do that.” photos by Jimmy Heath Art Examines Politics Triantafillou is familiar with the danger in making challenges that Dr. Saad Ghosn are political in nature. Last year banners were torn down. he displayed a banner on the “How do we keep it Essex Art Studio in Walnut going – this work – this Hills protesting suppression of spreading of ideas? Art civil liberties. An unidentified connects people and encourages person tore the banner down. them to participate. We need Triantafillou hung the banner people to put their heads up again, along with a second together in this way, for peace banner featuring an image of and justice,” said Dr. Ghosn. President Bush. Again, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw - Administrative Coordinator Andy Erickson - Education Coordinator Elizabeth Linville - Civil Rights Coordinator Janice Faulkner - Receptionist Mary Gaffney - Receptionist Streetvibes Jimmy Heath - Editor, Layout and Design Photographers Jimmy Heath, Berta Lambert Cover Donna Gordon (left) completes her voter registration 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 Shaking the Money Tree by Jimmy Heath mean the bums down at City In spite of everything Hall? Was he making reference being closed on the Monday to the vagabonds in Cincinnati following July 4th, including government who try to squeeze the government, the banks, and every dime out of the public? most of downtown, the City of Did he mean the sophisticated Cincinnati decided to keep the panhandlers in suits who run downtown parking meters open our City? for business. Parking at The radio listening downtown meters is normally public fell for this stupid drivel; free on Sundays and holidays. all you had to do was take note What happened? of the remarks from callers to I don’t want it to seem the live broadcast. The attitude like I’m nitpicking here, and towards Cincinnati’s poor is not this isn’t really about some confined to the boardroom and lousy downtown parking government office or radio meters. For me, it is just station. It makes itself affirms the greed and apparent when the public misplaced priorities of a is provided an City government who opportunity to blame routinely turns a blind someone. (I’m sure if eye to poverty and the Wally’s tirade was homeless, but somehow Jimmy Heath directed toward city always manages to find a government instead of way to shake the money tree. the hapless “bums,” the But it got worse on that listening public would have Monday, July 5th. I made the jumped on that bandwagon mistake of turning on the radio too.) in my car, looking for the news I find it tedious and lame on the way to work. to blame everything wrong A local conservative under the sun on poor people. radio station spent nearly an Most of this nonsense is wornhour and a half spewing hate out and untrue, like the old about “bums” and panhandlers “welfare-Cadillac” fable. You in downtown Cincinnati. Wally, know the story - it’s where dirt the host of the show, was poor people take their meager perturbed by all the “rich bums” public assistance checks and making $80 a day begging from buy Cadillacs instead of taking the unlucky and fearful public. care of business. The irony was not lost on me. We have heard this Cincinnati city government sickening radio prattle before continues to be the biggest too; the same station last year panhandler around; bilking tax­ spent a week on a pretend paying citizens out of millions homeless round-up, with all the of dollars by subsidizing “hilarious” variations on the nefarious market-rate theme including luring “bums” development projects, parking with “40 ounce beers” and a garages and a billion dollar free one-way bus trip to the riverfront development. This is edge of the county. Outraged the same local government that citizens who called the station digs for quarters from parking were ridiculed and hung up on. meter revenues on a holiday Too bad those callers didn’t weekend. realize how much their Wally included in his indignation added entertainment low-brow tirade a description value to a cruel radio show of his recent trip down Main prank. Sadly, most of the Street and how desolate it was callers on both these occasions on a Saturday night with bars supported “eradication” of the empty and storefronts vacant. “bums.” That’s because people are sick So who do we blame for of all the bums, he said. Did he the City’s wretched disregard of the poor and the cruel public attitude toward the underprivileged? Is poverty simply the downside of capitalist policy and practice? Is this disregard a symptom of police brutality and racism? Is it ignorance, meanness or greed? Is it all of these things? No one wants to take care of the poor. It can be an ugly and depressing business. People who work in shelters and other places serving the poor are not getting rich on their career choice, and the work can sometimes be frustrating. But there are great joys in this work too, and that is why people give up their lives to it. The so-called “bums” are human beings, rich in life, character and spirit – we have much to learn from each other. As long as we degrade other human beings in order to feel better about ourselves or look for someone to blame for society’s ills we will never reach our potential as a human culture. It takes guts in this City to speak out for the poor, even if it is simply a matter of human decency. The City continues its quest to deny the existence of the poor. Yet many of the City’s ills are born from the mistreatment of the lessfortunate, trapped by poverty and a scornful popular media. Cincinnati was named one of the meanest cities in the country for its mistreatment of the poor and the homeless. No one who works close to the street is surprised by this characterization. Plans for a “vibrant” downtown have no room for poor people. The City struggles with a dying downtown. Many plans have come and gone over the years, with little thought given for the reasons why the City is a ghost town on weekends. I have to stop writing now so I can go feed the parking meter. I’d rather not pay the $14 parking ticket, but I will give the City their lousy quarter. Help STREETVIBES Celebrate 100 Issues! How has STREETVIBES touched your life? Streetvibes will soon be celebrating its 100th issue and nearly 10 years of publishing in Greater Cincinnati. Do you have a Vendor story or thoughts on this milestone that we could share with our readers? Do you have a favorite story from a previous issue? Please contact us at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 117 East 12th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 - or send us an email. We would love to hear from you! Streetvibes �36% of Cincinnati’s homeless once served our nation Who are the Homeless? Why are so many of our honored veterans on the streets? What can YOU do to help? I WILL DONATE: $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $150 There are 25,000 people in Cincinnati that experience homelessness each year. Who are these individuals? 36% of the homeless on the streets of our community are veterans, yet only 13% of Ohio’s population are veterans. Why are so many of our past veterans living with no home? Here at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless we are working to end homelessness for ALL individuals through education, advocacy and coordination of services. We are looking to find systemic solutions and real change that goes farther than the generous services our kitchens and shelters provide. This summer we are honoring past heroes, celebrating our freedom, and hoping for an end to the struggle overseas; let us not forget those who struggle here in our community this very day. Please consider a tax deductible contribution today and help create positive change in your city. Send your donations to Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Streetvibes Page 3 �We Showed Up At The Table But It Felt Like We Were In The Wrong Room 3CDC Presentation of Plans for Washington Park at Over-theRhine Community Council, June 28, 2000 moved over and disregarded. We always see projects that serve the more affluent get more attention. The specifics of implementation are drawn up and seen on the page, money is found, and people in positions of power say, “Go by Bonnie Neumeier with our blessings.” Our Long Time Washington Park vision gets lost on the page. Resident of Over-the-Rhine It’s always hard to find When City Council resources and programs to abolished the Planning serve the poor and working Department of the City of class people, and especially Cincinnati it took away a public now at a time when our space and process to hear government is waging war in neighborhood concerns IRAQ. Bonnie Neumeier (center) at Cincinnati Public School Board meeting regarding neighborhood plans, We showed up at the at least a place we can publicly table, but it feels like we were there will be in their time, on broader area of Over-the-Rhine. voice challenges and concerns in the wrong room. We were You can’t just decide from on and hope for reconsideration. not in the room where decisions this planet, a time when they too can sit at the councils of high that something’s got to go Many residents and are being made about our choosing.” to make way for your plans neighborhood organizations neighborhood. The 3CDC has been busy without the people involved at again showed up at the table to I was fortunate to hear planning in rooms where we the “councils of choosing”. wrestle with developing a Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, a have not been invited. And we We need the continuum comprehensive plan for our long time activist and historian now are last on the list of of care from shelter to community, even though we had from the Civil Rights public bodies 3CDC has been permanent affordable housing a good plan of l985 that never Movement, founder of Sweet approaching to get approval of to be intact in this reached implementation. We Honey in the Rock on a Friday their plans for Washington Park neighborhood. If we believe in pour our hearts out and speak night (June 25th, 2004) when area, the sites for SCPA and diversity; both racial and with a diverse voice EVERY Cincinnati Women’s MUSE economic diversity, then we TIME, AGAIN AND AGAIN Choir sang her Liberty or Death Washington Park School, and about what we dream about and Suite for their spirituals concert designs for housing in the area. need to work harder at finding It feels like a template is ways that people in all our envision for our neighborhood COME STEPPIN’ IN already worked out and the grid diversities can co-exist. That (jobs with livable wages, FREEDOM’S NAME. We affordable housing is secure and schools with solid educational definitely need some steppin’ in is dropped on us from on high. And you come to us on the neighborhood organizations are programs, housing; both rental freedom’s name. The last song same night that the fate of not sacrificed for a vision that and alternative home ownership of the suite was entitled Rothenberg and Washington disregards their importance or models that we can afford, WHEN? WHEN? WHEN? Park neighborhood schools are disrupts their painstaking years green spaces that we can enjoy, Within her composer notes Dr. of commitment and service to neighborhood serving Bernice Johnson Reagon writes being decided upon at the Cincinnati School Board our neighborhood. We need businesses that we can work for about this song: “This is the meeting. I want to believe and concrete drawings and and shop in, services that we’ve question that is for all time resources for the low-income worked hard to develop and and any time you find yourself imagine a time when people in this city, particularly those housing piece of our that meet our needs and treat us a part of a society or a struggling at the bottom of the neighborhood plan. A lot has with dignity and respect.) community, but because of changed in the housing picture It always comes down to some bias or stigma, you watch economic ladder, are seen, are respected, are valued, are not in this neighborhood since City POWER, THE INEQUITIES as others take steps and move blamed for poverty and Council passed it June 26 th of OF POWER. Who has the through doors that are closed oppression. When will we be 2002. Market rate developers power to set an agenda and get to you. Even as we exercise seen as assets? need to be challenged to do the resources to support it? our right to choose, there are The beauty, the strength, affordable housing as well as The little people always get so many people waiting and the fierce determination to keep partner with groups who do stepped on, pushed out, and struggling and wondering if on keepin’ on in spite of affordable housing so that obstacles is astounding to me. affordable housing is not lost in There has been much work and the planning. Neighborhood development going on here over people need to witness progress the 30 plus years I’ve lived here on the affordable housing side through grassroots efforts. You of the equation. We need our cannot only hold up Music Hall public schools, Washington as the cultural anchor. Park and Rothenberg, to get as Neighborhood people identify much attention as SCPA. with many peoples’ Steppin’ in freedom’s name in organizations as anchors. You this neighborhood means justice cannot discount those needs to be had for the people organizations and decide their who’ve called this home for fate. We are fortunate to have years and want to reap the organizations like Drop Inn benefits of development in Center, Tender Mercies, concrete ways that serve our Emmanuel, ReSTOC in the interests as well. WHEN? Washington Park area, and WHEN? WHEN? WILL WE Jaylyn’s mother and sisters and brothers would like to thank everyone many other associations and SIT AT THE COUNCILS OF for all their prayers, gifts and all the nice things they have said. Thank people’s organizations in the CHOOSING? you! - Mr. Jaylyn Dudley, submitted by Julie Walker, Streetvibes Vendor Page 4 Streetvibes �Independence From Homelessness As I sit here at my desk by Mary Gaffney thinking about the meaning of Hi there, my Streetvibes Independence Day, celebrated readers and friends of the Homeless Coalition. Hope you with parades and picnics, I wonder what these words mean had an enjoyable Independence Day. I want to thank all of you to the homeless. Sitting here I saw the look on who purchased some of their Streetvibes last faces, of month. The disappointment program really when the job they helps our were so grateful vendors; it gives to have was taken then something away from them. of their own. One of my There are visitors lost his still some people job and on top of out there who that his pay has insult our been delayed. For vendors with Miss Mary Gaffney some reason he nasty remarks, didn’t even get but to those who are kind, I paid. You would be surprised thank you and may God bless at some of the personal you. problems my friends are confronted with and at times they feel they are at the end of their rope, and some don’t care anymore. I find time to talk with them, regardless of their problems. I have been asked why I always speak about my homeless friends in my column. They answer, I’m proud to say, is that I‘m around them five days a week. Even if they have had a rough time, a bad day, they always treat me with respect and courteousness. If you render kindness, you receive kindness. But to answer the question, I say, will always say, that these are my friends regardless of their circumstances. You cannot judge a book by its cover, and you may have to look more than one time. Still, you may have to stop and study what you read. It could be history, science, or whatever! It really made my day when I recently ran into three of my friends who I hadn’t seen in two years. They ran up to me calling my name! Ms. Mary! They told me they were working now. I had known them when they were homeless. At that time, they didn’t have a cigarette or anything! They had to sleep at the Drop Inn Center or Washington Park. Remember, it doesn’t cost anything to recognize someone, to smile at a stranger on the street. May God bless each and every one of you. Columbus Loses Major Shelter pressure building on The Open by Elizabeth Linville, Shelter, the shelter’s board Civil Rights Coordinator researched options for On Friday, July 1, relocation and other ways to Columbus, Ohio’s The Open continue providing services to Shelter closed to residents for homeless men. In May of 2000, the last time. According to its they were lucky to receive a website, The Open Shelter was donation of $450,000 that “the only ‘24-hour emergency allowed them to purchase the walk-in shelter’ for men in building located Central Ohio.” The on the Sciota shelter had been Peninsula which, open since 1983 and the board hoped, was unique in would provide Columbus for more stability and having no admission keep the shelter requirements for its open. residents. Unfortunately, Since the late The Open Shelter, nineties, The Open Elizabeth Linville like many non­ Shelter has profits, has faced financial struggled to keep its doors difficulties during the past few open. According to The Open years. Two years ago, it lost a Shelter’s website, in 1998 the majority of its funding and was City of Columbus created the forced to sell the building (to Sciota Peninsula Relocation Task Force to assist in the relocation of The Open Shelter from the Sciota Peninsula area, a prime location for development near the downtown area. With city the city of Columbus), sign a lease with the city, and cut its daytime hours. When the lease ran out last month, the shelter was finally forced to shut down. There is speculation that the prime reason for the loss of city funding which led to the shelter’s closure was the organization’s refusal to relocate to another area of Columbus. The Community Shelter Board (which administers city funding) sited the reason the shelter’s refusal to meet “community standards” as the main reason. These standards include clean bed linens, private areas for meetings between staff and clients, and a good relationship with the surrounding community. It is uncertain whether the shelter could have remained open if they had decided to relocate to another area of the city. The shutting down of this important shelter to central Ohio is a warning for us in Cincinnati. Currently, the development group, 3CDC, is working on a plan for the redevelopment of Washington Park. The Drop Inn Center, located so close to the park, will obviously be affected by this plan, although at the moment it is difficult to tell exactly how. The Open Shelter will remain a presence in Columbus, providing outreach and advocacy services for the homeless community, as it has throughout its existence. Homeless men across the city of Columbus will miss its primary mission: providing shelter Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! Streetvibes Page 5 �Interview with Ernest Hubbell by Georgine Getty When I first met you, you were under the Clay Wade Bailey bridge (August 2003) with a whole bunch of folks. How have things changed since then? Well the coma. That changed my whole life. People started caring about me. You were in a coma? What happened? I was drinking and with my Diabetes, it caused a sugar back­ up. From sleeping outdoors I had Pneumonia and it all caught up with me. How long were you in the coma? About a week, but I stayed in the hospital for about two months. I had a tracheotomy. It was unusual. In the hospital, I had visions and dreams. I saw Jesus, but I had real bad dreams too. I felt like I was right in the middle of a chapter. Jesus told me he needed a friend. It was, like, real to me. Even when I came out of the coma, I was faced with the problem of “is this real?” The paranoia kicked in and I tried to escape. After I realized it was no longer a dream, I was o.k. But I kept seeing this Jesus guy. I thought I was going to heaven, but Jesus told me to be patient. What happened when you left the hospital? I met Sharon and Curtis (from PATH. PATH is a team of outreach workers who specify in clients with mental health needs – ed. note). They got a hold of Debbie (from Tender Mercies, which provides housing and individualized supportive services to homeless persons with histories of mental illness. – ed. note) and they got me into Tender Mercies within a week. And then I met Arnetta (Case Manager at Tender Mercies) and they welcomed me in and took care of all my needs. . . like clothes. And then there’s Sally. She took care of my hygiene needs. Bob’s been encouraging my rehabilitation and making me exercise. He makes sure I don’t forget appointments and is a personal friend. Ed makes sure we have food. All of the staff is so nice, they’re good people. John makes sure that you’re taken care of. If you have a complaint, he takes care of it. He tolerates everyone. He tolerates me, I’m paranoid, and he comforts me. Marcia (Executive Director) invited me to help get benefits (for Tender Page 6 Mercies) and talk to people and she welcomed me out there. That really made me feel like I was somebody. When I got there, I couldn’t walk, I was short-winded, obesity. They really took care of me. I work for Stacy now at the Commissary (inside Tender Mercies). She took me to the Golden Coral. Then there’s Miss Gales, the psychiatrist. She gets me medicine to help me sleep because of the nightmares and she never scolds me. They really care about me. The volunteers feed me. I’ve never gone hungry there. Ernie Hubbell How’s your health been lately? the Homeless Coalition is always I’m recuperating. It’s been better. I have Diabetes and I take there if I need to buy papers (Ernie is a badged Streetvibes medication for the pain and the vendor – ed.note). They don’t do sleepless nights. I have some mental problems with Depression services or anything, but they and Paranoia. I stopped drinking. were there with us under the I eat better and have a place to Hello My Name Is... sleep. I socialize with a lot of people now and I’m building my ...Ernie Hubbell strength back. Are you from Cincinnati? Half my life. I’m from Michigan originally but I plan to stay here the rest of my life. I love Cincinnati. What do you like about Cincinnati? There are caring people here. It’s friendly. I come from a cold town and the people here are very friendly. I’ve never met anyone in Michigan who would go up under the viaducts and try to bring people to programs like Tender Mercies. What are your hopes for the future? To manage my own life and begin to do things on my own. Hopefully I’ll get a part-time job when my legs heal up. I’ve been going to the Lord’s Gym and working to make my legs strong. The Lord’s Gym (corner of 12th and Race) is very special. I go to church on Thursday night for Bible Study. My preacher is Larry and his wife Carol are like a mother and father to me. If I need something, they always give it. They’re from the Vineyard church. What would you like the readers of Streetvibes to know? That the people at Tender Mercies are very special. If you have physical or mental problems, you can go there. If you need a nice church or anything, you should try the Lord’s Gym. Also bridge and stuck it out through the protest and they represented us in the courts. They spoke really well on our side. Thank you! Originally from Michigan, but a long-time Cincinnatian, Ernie became homeless a little over a year ago when his “money ran out and his job ran out.” He started drinking because his girlfriend left him. At first he lived with a friend, but then his friend got a girlfriend and he had to move out. At that time, he met the people who were living under the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and joined them. Ernie was present during last summer’s bridge protest and followed the group into court where he observed the proceedings and lent his moral support. Shortly after, Ernie lapsed into a Diabetic coma that lasted a full week. He currently is recuperating and rebuilding his life at Tender Mercies in Over-the-Rhine. Streetvibes Letter... Dear Editor, I could hardly believe my ears! Now we are going to rebuild Fountain Square? Moving the Fountain a few feet to the center of the area? How many millions? The way we have money to blow on insignificant stuff you would think that everyone had a job, housing, ample food, health care, new bridges, enough police, resurfaced roads, etc! Mike Shryock, Madeira Newspapers are unable, seemingly to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the collapse of civilization. - George Bernard Shaw It’s amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day just exactly fits in the newspaper. - Jerry Seinfield Streetvibes 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 �A Letter To City Council About The Freedom Center Dear Councilman Smitherman, Thank you so much for extending to me a free invitation to view the Underground Railroad Freedom Center before its opening to the public. It is my understanding that proponents of the facility have already approached you requesting your vote for city funding of this Center. It was wise for you to tour the so-called Freedom Center with certain members of the community before committing to vote in favor of spending tax dollars to keep such a facility running in the future. It also provided me with an opportunity to develop an informed opinion as to whether or not this facility will live up to the expectations of the African American community. Thanks to your invitation, I have come to a reasonable conclusion. That conclusion is that the Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an extreme disappointment that will in no way satisfy our thirst for a building meant to commemorate, celebrate, and memorialize our struggle (and, indeed, continuing struggle) for freedom. The Underground Railroad Freedom Center - as it now stands - makes no effort to tell the whole truth regarding slavery, the racism that would have us slaves still, and the undying resolve of African Americans to fight against such bonds. It is totally devoid of any depiction of the murder, raping, and torture of our people. It leaves out the story of runaway slaves that were killed enroute to freedom, and it gives more than its proper amount of credit to white abolitionists, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War. An entire half of the museum is used to highlight the plight of freedom struggles other than our own (including mention of suffrage, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, the Jewish holocaust, etc). The children’s section of the facility is actually more inspiring than the adult section. The whole thing is just an utter disgrace. It is my opinion that those responsible for what makes up the content of this Center (including and especially Mr. John Pepper) clearly want to present a story that will make white visitors comfortable notwithstanding any denial of the truth or betrayal of the African American community. In short, what has been marketed as a tribute to our struggle is in actuality a sugar-coated, white­ washed version of what we as African Americans have gone through and continue to go through. I personally left out of the Freedom Center more disheartened that when I went in. If African Americans in Cincinnati don’t respond with righteous indignation toward the belittlement of our plight, we are no freer than the original slaves who never dared to travel the Underground Railroad. I, therefore, urge you, Mr. Smitherman, not to spend a penny of City money funding what amounts to an insult and a lie. Yours in the Struggle, Amanda E. Mayes Co-Chair, Coalition for a Just Cincinnati Mr. Smitherman did not respond. The main problem with city funding of the Freedom Center is that whatever funds are earmarked for this facility will have to come at the expense of something else. I seriously doubt that those funds will come from the police budget or from money planned for other development on the Banks. This funding will likely come from the part of the budget set aside for city services in our neighborhoods (and especially those that aid the poor.) - Amanda 3CDC – What Is It? goal of raising $50 million in by Vera Zlatkin private sector capital to help As 3CDC reveals its fund Center City Projects. plans for the developing Over­ 3CDC will also work closely the-Rhine and the Washington with the Cincinnati Park area, more and more people are asking this question; Development Fund, a community development What is it? What is 3CDC? financial institution focused The Cincinnati Center principally on housing.” City Development Corporation The list of the 24 (3CDC) was created in July 2003. It is a private non-profit Board of Directors members of 3CDC reads like a page corporation whose initial focus from the Fortune Five is the implementation of Hundred CEO’s of development projects in three Cincinnati. The members are key areas of downtown, mostly made up of male white Washington Park, Fountain wealthy heads of Cincinnati’s New parking garage being built at Central Parkway and Vine Street Square, and the Banks on the largest corporations, such as riverfront. Company Joseph A. Pichler corporation, which makes it a Proctor and Gamble, Cinergy, The following leads the working group separate entity unto itself. That American Financial Group, and information was taken directly charged with development in means that it is able to make from the 3CDC website - http// The Kroger Company. The Over the Rhine. You will find decisions and to take action Chairman of the Kroger www.3cdc.org/. the entire list of the Board of without first getting the Capital and Operating Directors and their titles at the approval of City Council. How Funding above website. much power does 3CDC really “The city of Cincinnati The above information have? Will the general public has committed to invest $100 calls to mind a number of have any say in plans for the million over five years to questions and concerns, for development of our Downtown support Center City plan example how was this board areas? Will 3CDC continue as a projects. This amount is selected and by whom? corporation after the consistent with its historical Considering that one of the development is completed? If annual capital investment in members of 3CDC’s Board of so, what will their purpose be? City development projects. Directors is also chairman of In the meantime the Funds will primarily come from The Kroger Company which is displacement of disadvantaged Downtown and Over the Rhine receiving millions of dollars people continues and Tax increment Financing (TIF) from the city for the building of privatization; that is, corporate districts. In addition, Over the its Vine Street garage, is it control of public properties and Rhine is eligible for possible that certain city institutions is becoming the Empowerment Zone funds and officials have been making norm. Federal Community backroom deals that will allow The phrase, “Knowledge is Development Block Grants. Big Business to determine Power” may be trite, but it is The private sector will public policy? true. create the Center City Vera Zlatkin 3CDC is a private Development Fund, with the Streetvibes Page 7 �The Peace Village enthusiasm for teaching about peace for disabled people. We did posters in ways that are most unusual in that those who could not speak in any language I could understand made clear to their helpers what they wanted to be written or drawn on the cardboard. Suddenly, it was clear, and powerful, and energizing. “We want our rights, our FULL rights,” each poster said in one form or another. I hope sometime you get to meet Linda and her group. Recently, I have had the good luck to meet with about 50 young people who have agreed to use their summer as interns in the organizations that work with the poor, the hungry, the crazy, and the victimized. We met as part of a “reflection” activity at Xavier by Dr. Steve Sunderland I want to honor some people who are working for peace that is out of the spotlight, out of the glare of television, out of the minds of average citizens who read newspapers and watch television expecting that the reality of our community and world is adequately portrayed. Tracy Kidder, in his latest book, Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World (2004). Random House, asks Farmer why he continues to make “house calls” in rural and mountainous Haiti when he could be back at Harvard teaching and doing research. Farmer explained: “”...people from our background—like you...like me—we’re used to being on a victory team, and actually what we’re really trying to do...is make common cause with the losers. ...We Dr. Steve Sunderland want to be on the University. The purpose of our winning team, but at the risk of turning our backs on the losers, no, meeting was to give each person a chance to draw their most powerful it’s not worth it. So you fight the learning from their first four weeks long defeat.” Haitian people who are very sick matter just as much as of service in our poorest communities. Most of the youth Americans in the upper class, were from area high schools, public Farmer is saying to an audience of and parochial, and from some of small and dedicated people who our colleges. Funded by the continue to work in conditions of Mayerson Foundation and staffed such meager resources as to shock by outstanding teachers, the youth anyone who has a sensibility of met with me to draw and talk. We caring. Why has Haiti been so shared about the reality of our thoroughly abandoned? The city’s profound neglect of the poor questions stares out at us like a and the ways in which each person candle on a desert, a pin prick that learned that simple and vital illuminates such a little part of the actions made a great deal of surrounding darkness about the difference. We saw and heard people and issues somehow about children who were as hungry surviving in the darkness of for food as they were for smiles, courage and anonymity. human contact, and someone to Linda Kunick is president of People First. Linda is one of the play with. We saw posters and heard stories about the need for most articulate peace workers I “patience” in listening to stories know even though she is learning and trying to make sense of them. disabled. She is working for the Stories from the poor indicated rights of people who have serious disabilities from cerebral palsy and some important trust placed in the listeners, a trust that each person other causes. Her organization’s did not want to abuse. “No matter mission statement proudly states: what you have done,” a poster with “We believe that all people with a person sitting in a chair covering disabilities should be treated as their head talking to someone equal and be able to speak up for sitting and listening on the floor, “I what they want. By serving as will respect and love you.” leaders and working together as a The posters were signs of TEAM with all members of the the dying of many Cincinnatians community.” Linda invited me to from the “normal” culprits of do posters with her group of 15 addictions, poverty, little useful people recently based on our parenting, and rejection. No one successful experience at a prior could look at the pictures and not meeting of disabled people. Linda want to ask: “Why do we want to is a peace maker with enormous Page 8 waste the talents of such impressive youth on these people?” Yet, if you could have been there, you would have heard the resolve in these young voices, seen the courage in their eyes, and saw another generation of activists who are on a journey neither their schools or their parents know a lot about. These young people know the victory of small acts of genuine caring. They do not expect anything in return as they know they are not in the “business” of caring. The lesson they have learned about our society is one that is priceless: the celebration of human happiness, caused, witnessed, honored and tenderly accepted, is the special gift, the inoculation of the potion of happiness that may yield the deep understanding of humaneness. There is a moment in the movie, “Gandhi,” when Nehru brings news to the fasting Gandhi that the violence against the police has stopped and that the people are putting garlands of flowers around the necks of the police. Gandhi, starting to cry, turns and says: “Perhaps we have gone overboard.” The humor breaks Nehru and he opens his heart of tears, too. This moment reminds me so much of Saad Ghosn, a Lebanese American peace worker, poet, artist, and professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati. Looking into Saad’s face is to look deeply into his gentleness and his resolve that peace, like tears, is always ready to surface when the touch is right. Saad organized the second peace exhibit for artists of Cincinnati, encouraging the 100 or more artists to bring their finest work about peace. The art was shown in a semi-converted old factory that is now a series of two exhibit halls. Only minimal repairs have been finished and the art was placed everywhere on these old and hardened walls. Each weekend night and afternoon, poetry readings, musical offerings, and panels on some topic related to peace were offered for free. At the opening, the artists and those who wanted to hear descriptions of the art by the artist, walked the building. About 50-75 of us walked from painting to sculpture to television to hear, see, and welcome what each artist offered. I had come earlier in the day to put up some posters of mine and some posters from different projects I have facilitated plus a very large picture from Israel of a gigantic tank with balloons and flowers emerging from its turret. This picture was completed by six Israeli high schools students who had worked with Rabbi Kelman’s rabbinical students in one of the few Reform Jewish High Schools in Israel. It adorned the wall, fairly Streetvibes shimmering with joy and it was diagonally across from Saad’s harrowing works. It is very hard for me to imagine brutal presentations coming from such a gentle man. Saad has Gandhi’s beautiful open face, large soft eyes, and a voice that rarely is above a whisper. A little smile, impishly, is often on his lips as he shares such deep gratefulness for participating in this event. Yet, Saad knows violence and truth and drives the observer to the point of having to either face his work or turn away in shock and hopelessness. The theme of “innocence” is at the base of his work on display. One picture is split in two with the bottom part being the heads of little dolls hanging, dangling in the space he has let them fall to, while the upper part of the picture, above a platform with toy soldiers in black, he has three figures: Money, Power, and Religion. Seeing the doll heads is very difficult but nothing compared to the next picture. Here, is a large structure, we see the broken bodies of dolls, all painted black, and mixed together in a death pile that is too unbearable for me to look at for long. Saad has titled this work, “Turning Their Bodies Into Oil.” But artists cannot leave the battleground with only despair. There is the humor of the hanging sculpture of Bush riding a bomb like a cowboy riding a bull that leaves us laughing. And, there is the remarkable beauty of so many paintings of the dead that seem to imply that maybe, just maybe they are sleeping a simple and acceptable peace. I find the artist leading me into the picture to see what could have been if violence was not our culture’s choice and then, it is easy to see the beauty in the human form not touched by war, bullets, blood, and danger. The human form becomes an expression of love in all of its colors, now twisting to reveal the shape of the body in play, now showing the body extending a finger or toe to touch a loved one. There is more to life than war even though we are swimming in the polluted waters of it. Dr. Steve Sunderland, professor of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati, is the Director of The Peace Village, a group of individuals from the national and international community committed to examining all issues of Peace in the world. Dr. Sunderland also heads up Posters-for-Peace which engages people in expressing their visions of Peace, in their own words, through the creation of posters. �The Fourth Annual Public Forum on Homelessness THE IMPOSSIBLE WILL TAKE A LITTLE WHILE: Living and Acting with HOPE in Difficult Times Wednesday, October 13, 2003 8:30am to 5pm Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial Wayne Brehm Room 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio Presented by The Columbus Coalition for the Homeless In Partnership with The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, Otterbein College, The Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council & The Interprofessional Commission of Ohio Featuring PAUL LOEB as keynote speaker This forum will focus on advocacy, through the work of volunteers and professionals, for the needs of marginalized people - particularly those who are very poor and often homeless. The attendees will hear presentations by one of the country’s leading proponents of citizens living, acting and working for a more justice and equitable society for all people. “Paul Loeb brings hope for a better world in a time when we so urgently need it.” ­ Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity For more information about Paul, see www.paulloeb.org Poverty – The New Slavery ibe s Streetvibes etv to subvert the possible improvements required by the working class. The vast majority of the upper class donates large amounts of both time and money to superfluous charities that look good on paper, and provide various write-offs, but do not make a valid improvement in anyone’s standard of living except their own. Though it may look good to save the ozone, or protect baby seals, or donate money to save the rain forest, what have you done for society? You donate money to political campaigns that promise to be tough on crime, and end deficit spending. In reality, you mandate a further separation of the classes. Very few rich people deal drugs. If you live in an environment where your only potential way to pay for the necessities of life are either a dead-end minimum wage job, or to break the law by selling drugs, what do you chose? Quite often those who choose the latter do not have an reading. Advertisements prey on the need for acceptance, by getting a new car, name brand appliances, specific soda pops, etc, until those who cannot afford these unnecessary items steal them. The drug trade is a violent world, and survival is a game with no true victors, only victims. Perhaps the time has come to look for a more rational approach in our dealings with each other. How many people subsist on wages that are inadequate? How many people live with no health insurance? How many jobs are being outsourced to foreign countries? How many times have you bought a pirated CD or videotape? Can you look in the mirror and honestly tell yourself it’s OK? Do you really think giving a person 25 to life in prison for a petty crime is justice? Feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts or ideas.... e Str by Gary Hallford, California State Prison Solano 6-140L PO Box 4000 Vacaville, CA 95696-4000 Whether you find yourself struggling to make ends meet on the street, working for a major corporation at minimum wage, or as an enlisted member of the military, one constant remains: it is virtually impossible to pay your rent, afford any form of public transportation, pay for medical care, to obtain competent legal representation in civil or criminal cases. Education above state mandated Minimums? Adequate job training to progress into a better lifestyle? Very unlikely... The sad truth in the matter is that with the exception of the air we breathe, everything costs money. Too many people in the middle and upper-classes consider the working class to be a drain on their continued supremacy, and act both publicly and privately education that provides any opportunity for advancement. This country’s prison system is full of under-educated poor folks that chose instant gratification rather than ethical conduct. Whose fault is it? Partly, it’s due to an education system that is a complete failure to the students, and the taxpayers. Some of the blame rests on the politicians that mandate maximum sentences ­ three-strikes laws - and remove functional programs that might possibly improve a former prisoner’s chance at success after release. Also, you have local political agendas that unfairly distribute tax dollars for the sake of road repairs and other needs, by using the prison system as the county’s population. (Lassen County, California has 30% of its population in prison.) And lastly, part of the problem is a lack of personal responsibility throughout society in general. From the President, down to the local junky, personal responsibility is at an all-time low. The point is, that this country has become totally deluded with the “gimmee, gimmee, gimmee” attitude. Too many young people are more adept at video games than Support Your Vendor Page 9 �More Than Just a Home by Charlotte Ruddy, Peaslee Neighborhood Center Volunteer. Countless times I’ve questioned the life I’m leading and whether I approach my days with the right mindset. It seems too easily that we loose sight of what really matters. Within a materially “privileged” environment I’ve come to realize just how naturally we get trapped in the rhythm of our own rat race. And what is essential to the heart, and to our very livelihood…the raw, wholesome, simple things…like compassion, laughter, and friendship, become overlooked by petty cravings, for bigger and better “things”, that are oh-so­ short-lived in their fulfillment. The “priorities” in my life have been under reconstruction for as long as I can remember. I found myself wavering through the tides of adolescence and the mass media’s misleading influences. However, with every new experience I’d encounter along my soul search, I tried to find a fresh perspective, a new outlook on life that would keep me attuned to the loveliness all around us. Even in our seemingly disoriented existence, I’ve always found it possible to uncover that ‘universal happiness,’ an uncomplicated sense of beauty, wherever I happen to be called upon. On a last minute’s notice this summer, I was blessed by the opportunity to escape from my middle class life, to serve needy Mexican families in a ‘colonia’ bordering Texas (where thousands come empty handed, with the hopes of crossing the border into the U.S.), with my fellow senior high youth group from Friendship United Methodist Church. Our objective was to demonstrate God’s love by providing two families with sturdy structures they could call home. However, going into this trip, not only could I not foresee just how crucial our material resources are needed around the world (that we take for granted and consume so carelessly), but Page 10 even more gravely, could I not imagine how much joy and beauty there was dancing through a community, referred to by many as the “underprivileged”. I’d had experience working within underserved communities before, however as we traveled across the border to Mexico we’d enter into an unfamiliar level of poverty. From first glance one could find the dirt roads, dust whipping through the Photos by Charlotte Ruddy air, undomesticated dogs roaming free, trash layering demonstrated through our the earth’s surface, and the expressions of a deep desire to homes…made of recycled offer our help and for these families to graciously receive it. With the language barrier (Spanish vs. English), we became fully engaged in our universal behaviors…such as smiling, waving, playing with the children, and showing kindness and gratitude. These are essential elements in any environment, in any setting. The two families, whom we were building homes for, were living with minimum resources; i.e. lack of drinking water, no plumbing or electricity, and little access to food. However, these basic needs never appeared to get in their way of the small joys of the day, such as watching their children play and enjoying a tasty plate of beans. My group’s family consisted of a mother, Sara, who was probably in her mid thirties boxes, borrowed wood, and and her 3 year old daughter, truck tops. It could be hard to Celina. Celina, who was find beauty in land that looked rambunctious and friendly, with so hungry for life, like trying to her twinkling eyes, lift hopes in a war zone. was the force However, this drawing the youth disheartening perception was group and her radically revitalized as soon as family together. we came in contact with the While we worked people; saw their smiling faces, on their new home, their loving embrace for family, Sara stood at the and their appreciation for door frame of their everything life offered them…a temporary shelter joyfulness unknown to me. It and attentively, was so beautifully simple, like patiently watched life was intended to be. With us, while her tender, open arms, they accepted daughter, Celina, us into their community, even would tease us and though we were foreign in their play, just as any humble eyes. And so, with each other high spirited, day of straining physical labor cheerful child. also came an emotionally, Most of our day intimate time of building was spent relationships. hammering nails Although we came from into boards to practically worlds apart…the create the walls of core of our existence was their home. As the faithfully the same. This was week progressed, Streetvibes not only did we see the house take shape but also we saw an unspoken bond between the volunteers and this family. It’s hard to explain how you can be so attached to people we’d only known for one week. Even though in the end, this simple structure we built for this family was just sturdy walls, a tar roof and a linoleum floor…what was created was much, much more. What I learned from this experience was that what we considered some of the “essentials” of life are not always necessary to finding joy in a day. Meals shared with the family, a piggy back ride for Celina, a smile shared with Sara all made us celebrate the human spirit and our brief time together. I hope that I continue to carry their passion for life in my heart. This life lesson they gave to me was just as great, if not greater, than what we left for them, the permanent shelter they now call home. �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Patty Lane The Salvation Army in Flatbush, New York, wants to help house the homeless by building them a place to live. According to the New York Times, the Army wants to build a nine-story, 117-unit shelter but residents groups have been protesting the project for months. Their biggest argument: the facility is too big for the area and fear it would unfairly tax local resources. “There isn’t a ninestory building in the community. So the largest building in our community is going to be a homeless shelter,” State Senator Kevin Parker tells the Times. He says he has received hundreds of letters from angry residents. In June he sent a letter to Mayor Bloomberg to oppose the shelter. Alfred Peck, the Salvation Army’s director, describes Flatbush as an ideal location for the shelter. “The reality is that this is a family shelter, providing services for other New Yorkers who have fallen on hard times,” he says. The plan calls for the Salvation Army to occupy the shelter under a nine-year lease. Opponents are calling for a moratorium on shelter construction and a focus on lowincome housing. Police and homeless advocates are hitting the streets and back alleys of Oakland, California after a series of vicious beatings of local homeless people, one fatal on those living on the streets. KTVU reports a 52-year-old victim died after a weekend beating. He may have been sleeping when a group of unidentified men assaulted him at a makeshift campsite. Other homeless people witnessed the attack. “It is pretty cowardly for a group of people to viciously attack an obviously defenseless person,” Sgt. Bruce Brock tells KTVU. “He was a completely innocent victim.” The man died from a blunt force trauma. Two weeks ago, three local teenagers were arrested for severely beating a homeless man with a board. At least two other victims have been hospitalized from recent attacks. Witnesses told police that the suspects in the most recent death were between 16 and 20 years old and did not live at the encampment. As the city of Calgary grows, so does the number of people living on its streets. An indepth survey of the Canadian city revealed a total of 127 people on the street. Research shows overall growth is at 49-percent (for a total of 2,597 people). Of those, 77 percent were male, 23 percent female, and there were more than 100 families. Lack of affordable housing is a problem, and so is government funding cuts, according to Alderman Bob Hawkesworth. “The fact that the province canceled housing programs in the early nineties in my view has been a contributing factor to the growth of homelessness,” he tells CFCN. Homeless agencies are calling on the government to step up funding for low-cost housing, increase the assured income program, and raise Alberta’s minimum wage. Commissioner Addie Greene, who led the effort to open the center. But not everyone is convinced this will solve the homeless problem. “It’s not a perfect solution,” says Lisa Lickstein, a volunteer coordinator for the project. “It’s a comprehensive program with broad-based support. It’s a nice start.” Life could get tougher for New York City’s homeless population as the Republican National Convention heads to town in late August. Service providers fear searches and requests for ID will keep many of the city’s homeless from obtaining free food, clothing, and even a place to stay and pray. “They’re basically going to shut us down,” Mary Bivona, case manager with Catholic Charities, tells the weekly City Limits. Planned street closures and security checks will cut off the homeless and low-income clients from essential services. Between West 31st Street and West 33rd, from 7th to 9th Avenues pedestrians will need a “business related purpose to enter,” according to the mayor’s office. Providers have been meeting to discuss the problem. Some solutions include distributing homeless ID cards, providing more shelter beds, or opening up city parks for sleeping. “It’s going to look like pretend, make believe,” a 55-year-old homeless man tells the Weekly. “Like, ‘Oh, we don’t have homeless people here; we take care of our own.’ It’s all bull#*@%.” Lynn Lewis, co-director of the advocacy group Picture the Homeless, says she’s concerned about their rights. “We are primarily concerned about making sure that people’s civil rights and liberties are not trampled on,” she says. “Let’s have some common sense. There are a lot of homeless people here; they’re not going to evaporate.” A new action plan is being drafted in Newark, New Jersey to help find homes for the area’s homeless. The Newark Advocate reports this comes the morning after volunteers conducted a late-night count of the homeless under bridges, at rest stops, and along alleyways. Members of the Licking County Housing Initiative found at least 66 people sleeping in unsheltered areas, like cars, on porches or anywhere they could find a makeshift roof. “This is not a problem that will go away,” housing coordinator Jonda Clemings tells the Advocate. “This is a problem that we will deal with one step at a time.” Time allotted for each person to stay in a shelter is limited, and the cycle of finding a permanent home begins again. Executive Director Debbie Tegtmeyer says they need a more detailed plan to offer to help people gain permanent housing. Advocates drafted plans to help both families who need homes and those who are homeless and have a substance abuse, mental illness, or other debilitating problem. Possible action plans include outreach and emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing. New plans, like finding quality childcare for homeless parents who have jobs and need baby sitters, and providing transportation for homeless people who find jobs and need to commute, are also options. Palm Beach County will open a 12-bed assessment center in October allowing homeless people in need of emergency assistance to receive care right away. The emergency assessment plan will provide them with medical care, diagnoses, and referrals to other programs for additional help. Of the estimated 4,000 homeless in Palm Beach County, close to 500 live on the streets and 263 need emergency housing. “It will provide same-day access to a bed,” Sheila Smith, executive director of the Palm Beach County Homeless Coalition, tells the Post. “Oftentimes, it Berta’s Art Corner... takes days to get a Over-the-Rhine waterfall, detail of mural in dead-end alley bed, and by that just off north side of Elder Street, between Race Street and time it’s too late for some people. Goose Alley They get lost.” Members from the group presented their plan to county commissioners recently. “Once the county commission sees the success of it and the county sees the success of it, a lot of people are going to step up to the plate and we’ll be able to build a facility like the one in Miami,” says County Streetvibes 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 1. Streetvibes will be distributed honest in stating that all profits go Streetvibes.... This program has helped for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 30 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers 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 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 Help STREETVIBES Celebrate 100 Issues! How has STREETVIBES touched your life? Streetvibes will soon be celebrating its 100th issue and nearly 10 years of publishing in Greater Cincinnati. Do you have a Vendor story or thoughts on this milestone that we could share with our readers? Do you have a favorite story from a previous issue? Please contact us at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 117East12th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 - or send us an email. We would love to hear from you! �Peaslee’s 20th Anniversary, December 14th, 2004 by Bonnie Neumeier It was a dream-filled day, December 14th, 1984. Everlene Leary and Kathleen Prudence (two of several mothers of children at Peaslee when it closed as an elementary school in spring of l982) stood on the porch of Peaslee surrounded by community supporters, and handed over a check to buy the former school so that the neighborhood could keep Peaslee as an educational resource in Over-the-Rhine. Three years before, the community had fought to keep Peaslee as a neighborhood school. We lost that fight, but these women and their supporters had turned defeat into victory. The Board of Education finally sold the building to the Peaslee coalition to develop it for the community. We finally had the keys of hope in our hands. When anniversaries come around, it’s important to lift up and honor the valiant effort that women with the support of the Over-the-Rhine community and a broad based coalition from around this city waged in order to liberate Peaslee for the people’s use. It’s important to remember our strong roots and continue with that spirit and resolve. Each new dawn we wake up and commit ourselves to breathing life into the programs and possibilities that Peaslee holds for our neighborhood. We carry on by respecting and understanding deeply the story of our roots. This spirit needs to live in our bones. On this journey we need to learn how to integrate new challenges, energy, and possibilities, never forgetting the founding story and what neighborhood women made possible and why. We were clear from the very beginning that Peaslee would approach education differently and that Jerry Lawson, school board member, handing over the keys to Kathleen neighborhood persons would Henson - board member Everlene Leary is on the Peaslee porch also. always be a part of the glad that we are celebrating the got my identity here.” decision making. We want This sense of power 20th anniversary. When I think programs that encourage and within contributes to the back, I never thought about support people to claim their possibility that people beauty, their strength, and their having a 20th anniversary. We collectively can claim their made it! We are still serving voice. We believe we can be sense of shared power here in the neighborhood. That’s actors and creators of our own important because we fought so Over-the-Rhine. With this history. We do not have to be shared power we can dream big hard to get Peaslee. This was victims to poverty and my first time getting involved in and spread our sense of truth, oppression. We want Peaslee peace and justice, not only in always to be about finding ways anything. I stay involved our own neighborhood, but because I like what we are to support people in building beyond into the world. their own sense of pride, power doing here. Sometimes when THANKS FOR you go to Peaslee and see the and accomplishments. I asked children’s faces, those faces Everlene Leary about this STANDING WITH US make you want to keep on upcoming importance of OVER THE YEARS… going. I found my voice here at Peaslee’s 20th birthday. She IN SOLIDARITY WE Peaslee. I was always proudly declared: ALL CAN TAKE PRIDE somebody’s Mom, Danny’s “We are continuing to IN OUR UPCOMING wife, and I found my self here serve children and at Peaslee. I got a name now. I 20th ANNIVERSARY. neighborhood people. I’m just CBS Slants the Voucher Debate by FAIR-L (Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting - Media analysis, critiques and activism) http://www.fair.org/activism/ cbs-vouchers.html On its June 28 broadcast, CBS Evening News debuted a new campaign feature called “What Does It Mean To You?,” an attempt to contrast John Kerry and George W. Bush’s positions on major issues. But the first installment’s discussion of public school vouchers presented a slanted view on a very controversial topic. The report began by profiling Catherine Hill, a grandmother raising her brother’s seven-year-old twins. As correspondent Byron Pitts explained, “For three generations, she believed in public education, raising her children, grandchildren and a host of relatives’ children in the same neighborhood school where she volunteered. But times have changed.” Pitts explained that Hill is now taking part in a voucher program in Washington, D.C. that “would give some 1,600 public school students the opportunity to go to a private school on a $7,500 voucher.” He continued: “But the future of any federally funded voucher program will depend on who voters choose in November.” As Pitts explained, Bush favors such vouchers programs, while Kerry does not. CBS then aired brief comments from a public school principal in support of increasing public funding for schools. The report made little effort to be balanced, giving significantly more airtime to the voucher-supporting grandmother (nine sound bites) than to the anti-voucher principal (two sound bites). But worse, the CBS report presented no real information about voucher programs. Instead, viewers were left with a choice: either vote for Bush and support a grandmother who wants better for the children in her care, or side with Kerry and the school administrator. As Pitts put it at the close of the report, “As for Mrs. Hill, she says the voucher program won’t just give her children a choice... It will give them a chance.” In place of such emotional appeals, CBS might have included evidence on the academic benefits of vouchers— benefits that research show have been mixed, as a 2001 General Accounting Office survey concluded (Associated Press, 10/1/01). CBS might also have looked more seriously into D.C.’s voucher program. As the Washington Post reported earlier in the month (6/11/04), “The D.C. voucher program did not receive enough applicants from public schools to fill all the slots available, and some of the children who will receive the federally funded tuition grants already attend private school, officials said yesterday.” Surely there are substantive questions to be Streetvibes raised about a program that is attracting few applicants among its intended population. Pitt’s suggestion that public school students could go to private school “on a $7,500 voucher” is misleading. According to the liberal group People for the American Way, half of D.C.’s private schools cost $10,800 or more per year. With a maximum voucher amount of $7,500, private school attendance would still be out of the reach of many lowincome families. (For more, see: http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/ dfiles/file_230.pdf) It is refreshing to see CBS devote attention to serious campaign issues that separate Kerry and Bush. But if they really intend to show viewers “what it means to you,” they will need to be more informative and even-handed. CONTACT: CBS Evening News Phone: 212-975-3691 email to:evening@cbsnews.com Page 13 �The Other Side of the Desk HOPE Free Troy Pitts & Michelle Whyte Life is becoming short and by Anonymous hard, Have you ever thought just a nights are cold and long. wee little bit, No where to go, no where to Of how it would seem to be a sleep, misfit, And how you would feel if you I’m feeling death beneath me. Crying out for help, had to sit, but no one’s around. On the other side of the desk? Sad and alone.I feel like going home. Have you ever looked at the Will someone Hear, Listen, man who seemed a bum, As he sat before you, nervous— Open up their Heart Cause living on the streets is dumb— tearing me apart. And thought of the courage it Finally I hear a Voice come took to come, from Above, To the other side of the desk? Telling me to Stay positive and Have you thought of his dreams that I’m Loved! Reaching out for his Hand, that went astray, right then, I have to take a Of the hard, real facts of his stand. every day Before I sleep I say my Prayer, Of the things in his life that Hold my head up high: make him stay, On the other side of the desk? I Pray to God to let Me live because I ‘ve got to stay Did you make him feel that he positive was full of greed, I Pray to God to let me Stay Make him ashamed of his race Strong, or creed, Ask for forgiveness for what Or did you reach out to him in I’ve done wrong. his need, I Pray to God for Better Days, To the other side of the desk? cause now I see the Err of my Ways. May God give us wisdom and Look Up, Stay Focused, lots of it, Be Strong and of Good And much compassion and Courage! plenty of grit, Blessings and Peace be upon So that we may be kinder to You those who sit and All People You Reach. ON-THE-OTHER-SIDE-OF­ THE-DESK. I was deep into bondage, And the master was me. I sought out destruction, And from this world to be free. I was ruled by my fear, And I ran from the pain. The pain of existence, In a world that’s insane. I covered my feelings, I chose to forget. I was numbing myself, With a drug that was wet. I fell deeper and deeper Into an abyss, a black hole. I was quenching my spirit, And I was selling my soul. But then I hit bottom, And in the mire I was stuck. I was all out of excuses I had run out of luck So I bowed down my head, And I tried hard to pray. But my mind was blank, I knew not what to say. And then I cried out, From the depths of my soul. Oh dear God up in heaven, I now surrender it all. Then He answered me gently, With a tear in his eye. I have been waiting so long, From your heart, to me cry. Now He wakes me each morning, And He guides me each day. If I yield to Him all, And don’t stand in His way. Sands of Time My Inspiration by Jeff Branham by Jeff Branham Remember how so all alone, we always used to feel. With the lights all on, but no one at home, when the torment was much to real. We always said that we didn’t care, that we were slowly dying. But when the pain was just too much to bear, We realized that we were lying. We took ourselves to the ultimate low, where we can stay no longer. And after the emotional flood had had its flow, we knew that we must get stronger. But now a brand new happiness, can be both yours and mine. And all the things we can afford to miss, will be lost in the sands of time. The things of which I write about, are the things within my life. From the joyfulness that makes me want to shout, to the pain that cuts like a knife. From the love that is void and unrequited, to the love both sure and true. From being overwhelmingly excited, to the morbidity of feeling blue. Things such as the way things used to be, and things that have touched my soul. These are the things that are dear to me, in this way, my story is told. This is the way that I feel a part, as I write without reservation. I write down what is inside of my heart, for this is my inspiration. Page 14 by Bob Jones He has given me directions, And a reason to be. I’m blessed with a spirit That’s happy, joyous and free. Now each morning I kneel Thanking Him from my heart. For the salvation He’s given A re-birth, a new start. And each night I look back, And I speak to His Son Saying: Thank you Dear Lord, For another day that is done. SLOW DANCE Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round Or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight Or gazed at the sun into the fading night? You better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last. Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask “How are you?” Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, Do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head? You’d better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last. Ever told your child, We’ll do it tomorrow And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die ‘Cause you never had time To call and say “Hi”? You’d better slow down Don’t dance so fast Time is short The music won’t last. When you run so fast to get somewhere You miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away... Life is not a race. Do take it slower Hear the music Before the song is over. I seek only the knowledge, Of His divine Will for me. And the power to carry it out, To help others and be free. Streetvibes Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ Streetvibes@juno.com �Against Culture Unfinished Business Will the new advances in technology that herald the new millennium bring with them greater understanding? Did the Microwave oven herald the end of world hunger? Have they found a pill that will uplift the human heart? No, the miracle that always saves mankind is the one described in the miracle of the loaves and fishes from the Bible. In these times when greed is, indeed, not only justified, but celebrated, it is even a greater miracle when people find it in their hearts to share. In those times, we discover that our true wealth is that heart which, when we open it up, we find, is limitless. And our true poverty, is, certainly, our endless clutching at those things which will disappear before our very eyes, those things which, at the time of our last breath, will reveal themselves as being, truly, without substance. The Bullet 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 our wreck And blow ashes in our eyes by Warren Perkins You are not who you listen to You are more than your issues Your skin color is not who you are You are more than your genes. More than the sum of your parts More than part of a whole Time changes 1/4 and 2/5 have no power Everything is the same 1/4 of something is a whole upon itself You are complete You are more than your race You’re more than your ethnicity You have a ship You are the Captain Heed the Call by Robert Manassa Hush – Someone’s calling your name If you don’t listen, then who’s to blame? The fault is yours and yours alone. He’s been calling since the day you’ve been born. It’s not the voice of a neighbor or next door It’s the voice you’ve heard before Why won’t you hear? Could it be ‘cause of the word, fear? Can’t Go Home 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 yourself be true. You don’t have to suffer anymore By now we should know Someone died on the old rugged cross That someone is Jesus He settled the score Heed the Call. Shutter Speed by Mecello Barrar Lord, why am I walking your streets at night? Did you know that homeless days started with a homeless night. Rain pouring down on my head, but where can I go? I know one place where I cannot go, and that’s home for sure. Cause for some reason they wanted me gone. Will tomorrow be a better turn? Cause I can’t go home. This homeless life can’t be true. Whatever happened to my life? How did it ever come to this? Wasn’t poor nor either rich. I be down on my knees just asking the Lord to please give me a place to sleep. People looking at me like I’m dirty because I’m all on the street. Living in boxes and buildings make what I can to feed the children. Wife die 2 years ago. Hard to explain to my baby boy that mama won’t be back No more, And we can’t find a place to call home Can’t find a job And we forced to be gone. Lord, all I ask of you is to open the hearts of all your children. Make them help one another. Stop looking down at my kind, and give just a little change. Before it’s somebody in their lives living this homeless life... by Jimmy Heath I tried to domesticate the bullet, To lead her to the truth, To wash her copper with perfumes And replace her gun powder with sweets. But she refused to be unlocked, And remained dripping pus, With poison in her breath. Iraqi poet Owl in the City, downtown Cincinnati Streetvibes Page 15 �Surge in Homeless Families Sets Off Debate by Leslie Kaufman In small cities like this one and big ones like Kansas City, Mo. and New York, families are knocking on the doors of homeless shelters in growing numbers. Inside a faded yellow-brick Victorian on a block near downtown here, dozens of families know of the increase firsthand. Behind the front door, the 11 rooms of the Landon House Shelter are packed with homeless parents and their children, often exceeding the 48-bed capacity and requiring the staff to roll out cots. In the communal kitchen, someone is always cooking, and the refrigerator has eight different gallons of milk. Children wander in and out screaming for peanut butter and jelly bars and fruit punch boxes. Behind the house is a courtyard where mothers gather to smoke while the children run in circles. “We are always full,” said Darlene Johnson, executive director of the shelter. “Pretty much bursting out of the seams.” With its rents near record highs and wages stagnant, this wind-swept Plains city of 60,000 about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis has seen the number of families requesting shelter climb by 45 percent in the last decade, to an average of 124 families a night. The number of homeless families in Minnesota tripled to 1,341 in 2003 a night from 434 in 1991, when the state first started conducting surveys every three years, and most of the last increase came in rural areas like this one. And Minnesota is not alone. It is hard to count homeless families, because by their very nature they drift from relatives to shelters to friends’ homes. The nationwide count most often cited comes from the Urban Institute, a research group in Washington that surveyed homeless assistance providers in 1996. It found that at least 1.4 million children and 2 million adults were homeless, but that number has surely grown as cities like Columbus, Ohio; Philadelphia; St. Louis; and New York have all reported surges at their homeless shelters for the last two or three years. Some experts on homelessness say the numbers are growing because of the widening gap between low pay and high rents. But others say the federally built homeless shelter system, which helped pay for welcoming surroundings like the Landon House Shelter, has become too attractive for poor families to resist. Federal officials, who do not dispute the national growth in homeless families, say both theories appear to have merit. But they say the lack of consensus on the precise cause makes it hard to deal with the increase. “In places where good data is kept, it is clear that the numbers of homeless families are increasing,” said Phil Mangano, executive director of the White House Interagency Council on Homelessness, the federal agency that coordinates government programs related to the homeless. But a lack of hard research, Mr. Mangano said, has prevented the Bush administration from advocating any solution, even as the government has begun efforts to reduce chronic homelessness among single men. “It is an urgent problem,’’ he said, “but we have learned that an ad hoc reaction may make it worse.” Family homelessness first emerged as a national problem in the mid-1980’s. After a public outcry over the wretched conditions endured by many such families living in crumbling converted hotels, President Ronald Reagan in 1987 signed the McKinney Act, which gave states money to build emergency shelters and help such families. In the years since, billions in federal dollars have financed an explosion in the number of such shelters. In 2003 alone, the federal government spent $1.3 billion on more than 3,700 local programs that run shelters. Yet the demand for such beds has hardly slaked. Some liberals have expressed concern that these shelters have done little more than hide a shameful epidemic from public view, while conservatives have argued that they have become an expensive magnet for poor families who are unhappy with their living situations and are seeking government help. Yet, almost everyone agrees that the number of families knocking on their doors continues to swell. Kato, Street Newspaper Vendor (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Kato has been a vendor of Hecho en Beunos Aires for about six months. I’ve been living on the streets for seven years now, after losing my automobile spare parts business, which went under when the system began to punish the pockets of ordinary workers. First, people couldn’t afford cars for going to work and ended up using bikes and then the same worker was in turn replaced by a machine and ended up unemployed or on the streets. No one sells anything to anyone any more. This year there will probably be 15-20% more people on the streets as this present political system is awful. The socio-economic system destroys you as you have nothing basic - no flat, no job, no partner. Last year, I had a partner but the booze - cheap litre boxes of wine - always led to arguments. Drink and drugs do your head in and of course you become violent. The magazine has helped pull me away from booze, which I’ve been drinking since I was very young and left my family. The police used to be dangerous but now they’re better. In the old days they would take you from the plaza and stick you away for 24 hours, to hide you Page 16 from the public. Now the dangers on the street vary. In Buenos Aires there are lots of races and attitudes and it’s a place with little prejudice, but there are still problems of marginalization and aggression. People let themselves be sucked in to being excluded as they have no culture that tells them otherwise. The only culture they get is through media but the mass media are leading readers and viewers towards a kind of cult of ignorance and irresponsibility. What I see is that where there is culture, there is space for people to be accepted. But where it is missing, whether the person in question is a lawyer, doctor or street cleaner, people ignore you completely. Selling the mag is like when I had my own business as it lets me affirm something about myself. You can get a bag of food once a Streetvibes month- rice, pasta, beans, lentils, oil and nothing else. But to be honest food isn’t the main problem in Buenos Aires. The fast food places throw loads of food away and we collect it. Selling the magazine gives me more than just food and that is important. For more information, email Patricia Merkin at pmerkin@hechoenbsas.com. �Iraq Insurgency Larger Than Thought Contrary to U.S. government claims, the insurgency in Iraq is led by well-armed Sunnis angry about losing power, not foreign fighters, and is far larger than previously thought, American military officials say. That number is far larger than the 5,000 guerrillas previously thought to be at the insurgency’s core. And some insurgents are highly specialized - one Baghdad cell, for instance, has two leaders, one assassin, and two groups of bomb-makers. Although U.S. military analysts disagree over the exact size, the insurgency is believed to include dozens of regional cells, often led by tribal sheiks and inspired by Sunni Muslim imams. The developing intelligence picture of the insurgency contrasts with the commonly stated view in the Bush administration that the fighting is fueled by foreign warrior’s intent on creating an Islamic state. “We’re not at the forefront of a jihadist war here,” said a U.S. military official in Baghdad, speaking on condition of anonymity. The military official, who has logged thousands of miles driving around Iraq to meet with insurgents or their representatives, said a skillful Iraqi government could co-opt some of the guerrillas and reconcile with the leaders instead of fighting them. Even as Iraqi leaders wrangle over the contentious issue of offering a broad amnesty to guerrilla fighters, the new Iraqi military and intelligence corps have begun gathering and sharing information on the insurgents with the U.S. military, providing a sharper picture of a complex insurgency. “Nobody knows about Iraqis and all the subtleties in culture, appearance, religion and so forth better than Iraqis themselves,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Baggio, a military numbers squared with his spokesman at Multinational Corps headquarters in Baghdad. findings in a study of the insurgency completed in Iraq. “We’re very optimistic about One hint that the number the Iraqis’ use of their own is larger is the sheer volume of human intelligence to help root suspected insurgents - 22,000 ­ out these insurgents.” who have cycled through U.S.­ The intelligence boost run prisons. Most have been has allowed American pilots to released. And in April alone, bomb suspected insurgent safe U.S. forces killed as many as houses over the past two 4,000 people, the military weeks, with Iraqi Prime official said, including Sunni Minister Iyad Allawi saying insurgents and Iraqis supplied information “Nobody knows about Iraqis Shiite militiamen for at least and all the subtleties in fighting under one of those air strikes. culture, appearance, religion the banner of a radical But the better and so forth better than cleric. view of the Iraqis themselves,” said U.S. Guerrilla insurgency also Army Lt. Col. Daniel Baggio, leaders come from various contradicts a military spokesman at corners of much of the Multinational Corps Saddam’s popular Baath Party, wisdom about headquarters in Baghdad. including it. “We’re very optimistic about lawyers’ the Iraqis’ use of their own groups, Estimates of prominent the insurgents’ human intelligence to help families and manpower root out these insurgents.” especially tend to be too from his low. Last Military Bureau, an internal month, a former coalition security arm used to purge official said 4,000 to 5,000 enemies. They’ve formed Baathists form the core of the dozens of cells. insurgency, with other attacks Most of the insurgents committed by a couple hundred supporters of Jordanian militant are fighting for a bigger role in a secular society, not a TalibanAbu Musab al-Zarqawi and like Islamic state, the military hundreds of other foreign official said. Almost all the fighters. guerrillas are Iraqis, even those Anthony Cordesman, an Iraq analyst with the Center for launching some of the devastating car bombings Strategic and International Studies, said the figure of 5,000 normally blamed on foreigners ­ usually al-Zarqawi. insurgents “was never more The official said many than a wag and is now clearly car bombings bore the ridiculous.” “Part-timers are difficult “tradecraft” of Saddam’s former secret police and were aimed at to count, but almost all insurgent movements depend on intimidating Iraq’s new security services. cadres that are part-time and Many in the U.S. that can blend back into the intelligence community have population,” he said. been making similar points, but U.S. military analysts have encountered political disagree over the size of the opposition from the Bush insurgency, with estimates administration, a State running as high as 20,000 Department official in fighters when part-timers are Washington said, also speaking added. on condition of anonymity. Ahmed Hashim, a Civilian analysts professor at the U.S. Naval War generally agreed, saying U.S. College, said the higher and Iraqi officials have long overemphasized the roles of foreign fighters and Muslim extremists. Such positions support the Bush administration’s view that the insurgency is linked to the war on terror. A closer examination paints most insurgents as secular Iraqis angry at the presence of U.S. and other foreign troops. Many guerrillas are motivated by Islam in the same way religion motivates American soldiers, who also tend to pray more when they’re at war, the U.S. military official said. He said he met last month with four tribal sheiks from Ramadi who “made very clear” that they had no desire for an Islamic state, even though mosques are used as insurgent sanctuaries and funding centers. “‘We’re not a bunch of Talibans,”’ Anthony Cordesman paraphrased the sheiks as saying. At the orders of Gen. John Abizaid, the U.S. commander of Mideast operations, Army analysts looked closely for evidence that Iraq’s insurgency was adopting extreme Islamist goals, the official said. Analysts learned that ridding Iraq of U.S. troops was the motivator for most insurgents, not the formation of an Islamic state. The officer said Iraq’s insurgents have a big advantage over guerrillas elsewhere: plenty of arms, money, and training. Iraq’s lack of a national identity card system ­ and guerrillas’ refusal to plan attacks by easily intercepted telephone calls - makes them difficult to track. “They have learned a great deal over the last year, and with far more continuity than the rotating U.S. forces and Iraqi security forces,” Cordesman said of the guerrillas. “They have learned to react very quickly and in ways our sensors and standard tactics cannot easily deal with.” Death Toll of U.S. Forces in Iraq Reaches 900 Last month a roadside bomb exploded north of Baghdad, killing one U.S. 1st Infantry Division soldier and bringing to 900 the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since the beginning of military operations in March 2003. Major Neal O’Brien of the 1st Infantry Division said the most recent soldier killed was on patrol in a Bradley fighting vehicle in Duluiyah, 45 miles north of Baghdad, when the bomb detonated shortly after midnight in late July. On the previous day, two U.S. Marines and two U.S. soldiers were killed in action in Anbar Province, a Sunni- dominated area west of Baghdad. A count by The Associated Press put the number of American soldiers killed since the war began at 900. Counts of the number of U.S. service members killed in Iraq vary, with some already exceeding the 900 figure. Streetvibes The Pentagon’s latest casualty update, put the death toll at 893 service members, plus two civilian Defense Department employees. There have been five military personnel reported killed since the last Pentagon update. Page 17 �FRAC News Child Care Subsidies, Poor Families, Face Uncertain Futures (“Child Care, Up in Smoke,” New York Times, July 8, 2004) The TANF reauthorization bill has stalled in Congress and along with it, provisions expanding child care assistance. Currently only 15 percent of eligible children receive federal child care assistance. Without child care help, low-income parents are at greater risk of losing their jobs and returning to welfare. The U.S. House of Representatives proposed only $1 billion in new money for child care in its welfare bill, which would have made the backlog worse by the end of the decade. But U.S. Senator Snowe of Maine got the Senate to raise the figure to $6 billion over the next five years. However, the bill is unlikely to move this year. States have already started dismantling their child care programs due to budget shortfalls and inadequate federal subsidies, turning away eligible children and cutting payments to child care providers. Public’s Opinion on Food Pyramid Sought (U.S. Department of Agriculture, July 2004) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Venemen announced that the public is invited to comment on the configuration of the new food pyramid, strategies to improve awareness about the food pyramid, methods to help consumers personalize the system, strategies to improve educational messages, interactive tools to illustrate the messages, and communication media for delivering the message. A public meeting is slated for August 19. The food pyramid is being revised along with the Dietary Guidelines. The final release of the new food pyramid and related customer material is set for early 2005. Medicare Calls Obesity an Illness and Opens Door for Coverage (“HHS Announces Revised Medicare Obesity Coverage Policy; Policy Opens Door to coverage Based on Evidence,” U.S. Newswire, July 15, 2004) In a change in Medicare policy, barriers to obtaining Medicare coverage for anti-obesity treatments have been lowered, announced HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson. The new Medicare policy classifies obesity as an illness. By law, Medicare covers “medically necessary services for illness and injury,” and prior policy specifically said obesity was not Page 18 an illness. The announcement allows the public to request Medicare to review scientific evidence to determine if a treatment related to obesity could be covered. program participation had increased 300% in the pilot schools. Approximately 80 percent of teachers reported fewer complaints of hunger from students in the pilot program. High Gas Prices Hit Poor Workers Hard (“For many lowincome workers, high gasoline prices take a toll,” Motorway News, July 12, 2004) With gas prices averaging $1.89 per gallon nationally, low-income workers are particularly feeling the effect. Poor workers often live farther from new jobs due to the location of affordable housing, have little access to public transit, and drive older, less fuel-efficient cars. Denise Quenneville drives 30 miles each way to earn $7 an hour, but must spend $23 in gas every two days to get there. For the working poor like Quenneville, the gas price hike amounts to “a palpable pay cut.” South Carolina: Church and State Link Raises Concern (“Government, churches work together,” Charleston Post and Courier, July 13, 2004) The government is recruiting churches for the fight against hunger in South Carolina. The state’s Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the state’s food stamp program, established a Faith-Based and Community Initiatives office last year to enlist more churches to open food pantries and afterschool snack programs, or provide transportation to welfare­ to-work participants. DSS has turned to churches because budget cuts have left the agency with too few social workers. The Low Country Food Bank receives some of its food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and distributes food to scores of churches. In turn, the churches often offer spiritual guidance. Critics are concerned about linking services and religious messages and say government should not cut funds to trained social service professionals. Summer Camps Offering Healthier Menus (“Kids’ summer camps clean up menus,” The State, July 12, 2004) Meals are getting healthier at summer camps. “Honestly, it’s better than the food I get at home,” said 15­ year old camper Gabe Wolff as he dug into a salad. Camps are responding to pressure from parents and public health officials who are concerned about childhood obesity. “Ten years ago a camp with a salad bar was an anomaly. Today it’s really the norm,” said Jeffrey Solomon, executive director of the National Camp Association. The move toward healthier menus helps camps stay competitive. As many as one quarter of campers demand vegetarian options. Camp counselors see a difference when children consume less sugar and caffeine. New York: School Breakfast Participation Up 300% in Pilot Program (“Academics & Breakfast Connection Pilot: Interim Report on New York’s Classroom Breakfast Project,” Nutrition Consortium of New York State, June 2004) A pilot program that serves free breakfast to children in their classrooms has been found to increase participation in the School Breakfast Program, and decrease student absenteeism, tardiness, visits to the school nurse, and disciplinary referrals. The Academics & Breakfast Connection Pilot (ABC) program was implemented at the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year in 19 schools in upstate New York by the Nutrition Consortium of New York State. The interim report on ABC found breakfast Minnesota: Economic Recovery not Affecting Growing Food Lines (“No summer vacation for hunger in Minnesota,” Workday Minnesota, July 13, 2004) Sue Kainz, a top official of Minnesota FoodShare, says that despite the claims of a growing economy, food shelf usage is still increasing around the state, mainly in suburban areas. Many working families with children are having a tougher time making ends meet, contributing to a fifteen percent increase over last year’s shelf usage. The demand is intensified during the summer because school breakfast and lunch programs are not available. Kainz remarks the end of school causes children to lose their “food safety nets.” San Francisco: Restaurants Accept Food Stamps (“Restaurants on food-stamp menu,” Sacramento Bee, July 4, 2004) Elderly and disabled food stamp participants who are unable to cook for themselves may now use their Electronic Benefits Cards (EBT) at participating eateries in the San Francisco restaurant meal program. In one recent month, San Francisco restaurants had 11,000 foodstamp transactions totaling roughly $58,000 in federal Streetvibes benefits. The program is the first of its kind in California, which now joins 18 other states with restaurant programs for seniors, disabled or homeless persons. Food stamp advocates support the program but also have concerns. “We’d hope you’d be able to get culturally appropriate foods,” said George ManaloLeClair, legislative director at California Food Policy Advocates. He also worries that, if people see food stamps used at fast-food eateries, it would reinforce a misconception that food stamp recipients are buying junk food. Rhode Island: Summer Food Demand Outstripping Food Bank’s Supply (“Low in the food chain,” Providence Journal, July 7, 2004) “We’re running out of food,” says Bernie Beaudreau, executive director of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which distributes food to 435 member agencies across the state. The Food Bank hit a record the past year, giving out 7.9 million pounds of food, an increase of 1 million pounds over the previous year. “I’m tired of eating cat food,” said one elderly man who asked for assistance at a food bank in Olneyville. The food shortage is partly caused by reduced donations from large supermarket chains. Working Poor Emerge as New Class (“Inside Story: America’s New Class,” Times Record News, June 27, 2004) A new class of American workers is emerging — what economists call the “working poor.” For the working poor, expenses caused by illness or a car repair can leave nothing to buy food, even with a full-time job. People are working more, but higher-paying jobs have been cut due to a poor economy. The expected new jobs are mostly low-paying. In Texas, one in two children live in or on the edge of poverty. They are not “poor like you see in the movies,” because they have electricity, water and food. But they may have gone without them the month before or the food may have come from a food bank. To subscribe to the weekly FRAC News Digest go to: http:/ /capwiz.com/frac/mlm/ For questions, comments, and news tips, please contact: Helen Yuen Food Research and Action Center 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 540 Washington, DC 20009 (202) 986-2200 x3019 Email: hyuen@frac.org �Mass. Elderly Homeless Rate Jumps by Samuel J. Scott, BIGnews The number of elderly homeless people in the state has increased by 9 percent over the past four years, according to a study conducted by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA). The survey, which was conducted in February and released recently, found 1,077 elderly people living in emergency shelters, transitional housing and hospitals throughout Massachusetts. A 2000 study counted 938 people. “We need to expend every effort to ensure that no one’s ‘golden years’ have to be spent within the dependence and impoverishment of a homeless shelter,” said MHSA Executive Director Joe Finn in a statement. “The models to appropriately house these homeless elders exist. Let’s just do what it will take to make it happen.” MHSA’s survey found that 775, or 72 percent, of the homeless elders in Massachusetts live in the Greater Boston area. In addition, 38 percent of the elders counted in the survey are veterans; 7 percent were older than 70; 17 percent were women; 64 percent had a physical disability; and 51 percent suffered from a mental illness or disability. Je’Lesia Jones, a Politics vs. People by R.V. Murphy The two Americas that political pundits talk about both converged on downtown Seattle July 19-21. The National Governors Association held its annual meeting at the Westin Hotel. Corporate sponsors such as Microsoft, Nextel and Armgen picked up the $150,000 tab for the three-day event. Another America that included disabled and elderly people searching for better health care, political advocates, labor leaders, the homeless and the disenfranchised were meeting only a few blocks away at Westlake Park and Steinbrueck Park. Inside the Westin, speakers included former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Homeland Security head Tom Ridge. Those outside could hear Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, one of the few Congressmen to vote against the US invasion of Iraq, The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’ Gerald McEntee, and John Boonstra of the Washington Association of Churches. On Friday night, interested parties could cough up $5,000 to share a steak dinner with six Republican governors at the El Gaucho. On Saturday morning, about 100 young people, some not even in college yet, gathered at Seattle Central Community College and marched down Capitol Hill to Westlake Park. Thirteen Seattle police escorted them on motorcycles, making a ratio of about one cop for every nine marchers. “We heard about [this march] on the Internet,” said one recent high school graduate, who didn’t want to give his name. “With what’s going on in Iraq, young people have to become spokesperson for the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), said “the report is disturbing because the elderly are our most vulnerable people.” “We are dismayed that homelessness is on the rise among the elderly,” she added. Jones said the reported increase came during a time when the state legislature had cut an EOEA program that helped find elderly people places to live. “Governor Romney requested full funding of the Elder Residential Assessment and Placement Program [for this fiscal year], but the state legislature refused his request,” said Jones. However, Charles Rasmussen, a spokesperson for House of Representatives Speaker Thomas Finneran, dismissed the charge. “I think it’s somewhat shortsighted to put all the blame on us like that because of a cut to one program,” he said. “We can’t spend money we don’t have.” In addition, Finneran is working on improving the economy and the availability of housing in Massachusetts, according to Rasmussen. Despite the budget cut, however, EOEA is still doing what it can to help homeless elderly people, according to Jones. “We will certainly do everything we can to come to their aid,” she said. The National Governors Association Annual Meeting active.” show his support). Those students joined The NGA Convention isn’t about 2,000 other activists at open to the public. Seattle Police Westlake Park. That group blanketed the block around the marched another half-mile, with Westin all weekend and all whoops, hollers and chants as marchers moved through preset they circled routes. NGA behind the spokesperson There was a large sign, Westin Hotel Christine on 6th LaPaille told “Billionaires for Bush, the best Avenue. The the Portlandparade based website president money can buy.” included indymedia.org dozens of that “NGA Another young lady dressed as events are AFSCME members in closed to the bright green t- if she were dining at Bill public because shirts, antiof security Gates’ private reception later George Bush concerns and signs almost because the that day held a sign reading, two numerous association is to count, and a private “Corporations are People assorted other organization colorful that exists to Too.” As she walked along she costumes. advocate Some exclaimed, “I’m a corporation. policy of the positions.” marchers’ While the Thank you for paying all my observations NGA admits dripped with other media, income tax.” irony. There Real Change was a large was turned sign, “Billionaires for Bush, the down for a press pass because it best president money can buy.” is an “advocacy newspaper” in Another young lady dressed as if the words of NGA press secretary she were dining at Bill Gates’ Jason Feuchtwanger. private reception later that day Organizations like indymedia held a sign reading, question the influence corporate “Corporations are People Too.” sponsors like Microsoft and As she walked along she Starbucks CEO Orin Smith, one exclaimed, “I’m a corporation. of the featured speakers, have Thank you for paying all my over the governors. income tax.” After the march, the scene The refrain of “Put People at Westlake was reminiscent of a First” (which happened to be the high school pep rally the night event’s sponsor) was often heard before the big game — though and pleas for a governor, any the “big game,” for many, will be governor, to come meet with the the November election. marchers went unheeded. (On Delivering the mantra that the Sunday, there was a breakthrough average person’s voice counts, in that regard as Pennsylvania Kucinich exclaimed, “You’re the governor Edward Rendell came state, you make it real. You make out to meet with members of it feel. You’re the people that Americans Disabled for Attendant build the roads.” Almost on cue, Program Today (ADAPT) and two people arrived wearing Streetvibes George Bush and Dick Cheney masks, wearing prison uniforms and a ball and chain attached to their feet. At times like this, the governors located just a few blocks away were practically forgotten. “I came down here looking for some literature on how to get rid of Bush,” said Joanne Brown, a Seattle resident. “I was looking for some literature about what’s really going on. Not what the media portrays.” In 1991, when the first George Bush was in office, Brown had two jobs including one as a hostess in a Smith Tower restaurant. Until recently, she’d been homeless. She has grown to be highly skeptical of those in power. “Bush said that Iraq wasn’t going to be another Viet Nam,” she said, holding a sign that read “Bush Must Go.” “I never thought it would be until he said it. She said she plans to become more politically active. After the Westlake affair began to wind down, about 400 members of ADAPT, many in wheelchairs, headed to Steinbrueck Park for a rally. ADAPT was lobbying for governors to sign a resolution favoring home care for the disabled and elderly rather than forced institutionalization. Some ADAPT members camped across the street from the Westin on Sunday and others blocked the street with chants for the governors to sign their resolution. On Saturday night, the 30­ odd governors who came to this year’s convention attended a private reception at Bill and Melinda Gates’ home, culminating in a moonlight boat ride on Lake Washington. Reprinted from the July 22, 2004 edition of Real Change, Seattle, WA. Page 19 �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? If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 357-4602 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 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 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 381-4242 241-2563 Contact Center Emanuel Center Freestore/ Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts 651-6468 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 The Emergency Food Center 471-4357 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Women Helping Women 872-9259 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 $1 Donation August, 2004 STREETVIBES BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY Cover Story Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless You Don’t Need a Home to Vote... Serial Number � 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 August 2004 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: National Voter Registration Day Held at Drop Inn Center Pg 2: Shaking the Money Tree Pg 3: GCHC Pg 4: We Showed Up at the Table But it Felt Like We Were in the Wrong Room Pg 5: Independence from Homelessness Columbus Loses Major Shelter Pg 6: Interview with Ernest Hubbell Pg 7: A Letter to City Council About The Freedom Center Pg 8: The Peace Village Pg 9: Poverty-The New Slavery Pg 10: More Than Just a Home Pg 11: Homeless News Digest Pg 12: Vendors Pg 13: Peaslee’s 20th Anniversary, December 14th, 2004 Pg 14: Art & Poetry Pg 15: Art & Poetry Continued Pg 16: Surge in Homeless Families Sets Off Debate Pg 17: Iraq Insurgency Larger Than Thought Pg 18: FRAC News Pg 19: Mass. Elderly Homeless Rate Jumps Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Elizabeth Linville Janice Faulkner Mary Gaffney Jimmy Heath Berta Lambert Donna Gordon Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF 3CDC Allison Leeuw Andy Erickson Art Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert CBS Columbus Donna Gordon Drop Inn Center Elizabeth Linville Ernest Hubbell FRAC Freedom Center Georgine Getty Homeless News Digest Iraq Janice Faulkner Jimmy Heath Mary Gaffney poverty Slavery The Peace Village Voting 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/7bbf9f5c8c4be14f3f6715d3a4532428.pdf 5144c74938938d36804a069c21cf9829 PDF Text Text Today•s Youth Find No Room at the Inn Christmas wishes shine through the lighted sign on St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic House. Photo by James Heath. Attacks on Street Papers Strike at the Core of Our Freedoms Commsnlary /Jy 81ian Davis, Edi/or, Cleveland Homeless Grapevine In the two decades leading up to the ,United there were rumblings of change. The literature of change was the pamph)et. Jt was cheap to construct, and easy to print. This form of literature carried the words of Thomas Paine, Phillip Livingston, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. Many of these pamphlets were sold on the streets, usually for two shlrllngs. Pulitzer Prize winning author, Bernard Bailyn, called It the "Literature of revolution," and John Adams said that pamphlets and newspapers were the vehicle for "enlightening'' public opinion about the authority Engfand had over the colonies. Today we are seeing the beginning of a movement to return power to disenfranchised Individuals. This movement unites races and regions of the country In a struggle for equality. The literature of this moverT)ent is the street newspaper. Newspapers written by homeless and low income people give a voice to the voiceless, and enlighten the public about the authority of corporations over Sta~ Revolution, Page 3: News: Cincinnalian Fasts for Justice in Honduras Page 4: Mr. 'T' Gives Hope al Showerhouse Page 8: Slleelvibes looks Back al 1997 Page 12: Homeless Man is One in a Million Page 13: Nationwide: Flamingo Hole/ TakenOver in Santa Monica, CA Page 14: Announcements and Classified Ads our life. They are cheap to produce, and provide an avenue for some financial benefit from the sale of the papers. What the media ignore or obscure with sports, entertainment, and business, the street newspapers explore, investigate, and evaluate. While we no longer respect the power of the media, it still exists. Pamphleteers in the 1770s Ignited a revolution. In the late twentieth century, the medra had the ability to change the verdict of a jury, and end the career of a politician, and even end a war. Street newspapers attempt to forward solutions and change public opinion In a peaceful manner. Jello Blafra, leader of the rock group, Lard and the Dead Kennedys, said, "Do not hate the media. become the media." In 40 cities across North America, this Is being done. The street newspapers act as the mouthpiece for a movement, and are just beginning to educate our communities. "Free Speech" Continued on page 13 Christmas Reminds Us of Our Own Wonderful Life "But, if we could for that brief moment, as in that movie, get a chance to view the past and future lives of those we love and care about, viewed before our birth, without us, and after our deaths, I wonder what our responses would be? If we could only have a glimpse of what our lives mean to those we live with, live for, and are In love with, the ones we care for and for that matter our place in the world. Truth Is, there will be a gap without you. Oh, sure, the Boss would replace you, your mate would probably find another, but, It would not be you. The world would not be the same without you. Just as If caffeine Is taken out of coffee. is it then really coffee? Not In It's pure state or true state." Read Ille Full Story on Page 5 by Donald Whitehead As we approach the Holiday Season, some of 1:1s reflect on the past year's accomplishments and triumphs. Some reflect on the year's sorrow and disappointments. Still others reflect on Biblical times and the story of the Birth of the Baby Jesus. I am one of those who reflect on the Birth of the Baby Jesus, and also the young teenage Mary and Joseph as they struggled to find a warm place to rest. As I reflect, I am reminded that things haven't changed much for Joseph and Mary's age group­ there's still no room at the Inn. The ranks of the homeless continue to grow younger. We have seen a sharp Increase in the number of Individuals that are under 22 who now have to depend on shelters and homeless programs. "Many of those we see.now are young women with babies," according to Gail Holle)', Drop Inn Center shelter advocate. She agrees that the population grows younpr every day. "I can't believe the number of teenage boys that we a re beginning to see," says Holley. Mrs. Holley also pointed out the increase in teens migrating from other cities with even fewer shelter beds. In some cities like Philadel­ phia and Minnesota, there are no shelters for single adults although they still remain the largest segment of the homeless population. There are some experts, like Homes for the Homeless in New York, who have come up with astonishing numbers related to the average age of the homeless In America. According to Homes for the Homeless, the average age of a homeless person in New York Is 9 years ofage!! That figure Is a little lower than the average age in Cincinnati, but astonishing none the less. The trend has been well documented by David Dietz, new director at St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House. "Yesterday I spent two fruitless hours on the phone trying to find a bed for an 18 year old who had been sleeping on the street, only to then greet a 19 year old at the door. We do our best at St. Francis-St. Joseph but we don't have any staffed trained to provide for younger men's greater needs of attention and support." Since this trend was just brought to the attention of our staffat Streetvibes, we have been trying to track its causes. Homelessness severely Impacts the health and well-being of all family members. Compared with housed poor children, homeless children experience worse health: more developmental delays; and lower educational achievement (Shinn and Weitzman, 1996). In addition, homeless children face barriers to enrolling and attending school, including transportation problems, residency requirements, Inability to obtain previous school records, and lack of clothing and school supplies. Parents also suffer the ill effects of homelessness and poverty. Homelessness frequendy breaks up families. Families may be separated as a result of shelter policies whJch deny access to older boys or fathers. Separations may also be ca1,1sed by placements of children Into foster care when their parents become homeless. In addition, parents may leave their children with relatives and friends in order to save "No Room for Youth" C o ?>t inued on page 10 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine 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 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 coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots 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 Whitehead, Outreach Coordinator Frank Corrine, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor Support Carolyn Meszaros, Vendor Support Photographers James Heath Writers Tim Burroughs Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis James Heath Lemuel Israel Paul Larkin Carolyn Meszaros Bonnie Neumeier Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders Hillary Schwab Tess Donald Whitehead ZacWillette Lynn Williams Carmen Ziegler Vera ZJatkin Volunteer Editors Malaka Sanders Jeff Summers Kimberly Tenai 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 c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Quote of the Month "You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a .r.· " ilre... Pag e 2 Food Stamp Recipients Caught in Legislative Crossfire Organizing Update .by Lynn Williams "Soon as victory is in hand, they tum it around, snatch it away from you, and put everyone in limbo,'' stated Cassandra Barham when she heard that the November 18th decision on food stamps was canceled. Just when it looked like a sure victory for recipients across Ohio, it was left hanging in the air. Eight members of the ten member Joint Commit­ tee on Agency Rule Review (or JCARR) had been supportive of letting recipients and their families keep food stamps if under a sanction. When it looked like a victory, Arnold Tompkins, Director of the Ohio Department of Human Services, introduced a measure that would cut the food stamps for the adult portion of the stamps, although allowing children to keep their stamps. The vote that was supposed to happen November 18th in the JCARR committee was postponed until December 16th. In the meantime, because the issue has not been resolved, families under sanction will continue to lose their entire household's food stamps if the adult is sanctioned. Postponement of one month makes a tremen­ dous difference for the families who will lose their entire food stamps! The news media tried to blame the victim, saying adults would be cut off If they were "uncooperative" with the work requirements. In a letter from Arnold Tompklns to the Welfare Rights familles' assistance cases will result in homelessness, increased pressure on already strapped food banks and soup kitchens, and great hunger. Theressa Taul, member of the Welfare Rights Coalition, is dismayed. "Why are food stamps getting cut? They are hurting children, hurting families. Has America completely turned its back on the poor or what? Why are they trying to let people starve?" She goes on, describing how her family has suffered deprivation in the past. "I know what it's like to have no food in the house. To wake up In the morning and wonder how I'm going to feed my children today? It's awful to see your children fighting over the last piece of bread in the house." Kay Boyd, WRC member and a grandmother who takes care of her two small grandchildren, is equally outraged. "As far as the sanctions go, it's going to put a lot of Innocent children on the street. There are going to be situations where parents cannot comply, such as taking care of a sick child. If you have a small baby, you're going to be trouble. How terrible to be on the street without food and with a small baby to ta'ke care of...people will be dying." Kay continues on. "They need to start training the caseworkers. They need more adequate training. They need to know what the new rules are so they don't mess up families' cases." Kay Is speaking from experience. The Welfare Rights Coalition held a press "In the meantime, because the conference on November 14th at the Elm Street issue has not been resolved, Food Stamp Office to bring public awareness to this families under sanction will con­ issue. Passerbys on the street who were coming to pick up their stamps were very upset. One woman tinue to lose their entire cried out, "I knew nothing about this! No one told household's food stamps if the me at the welfare office!" When I asked her to speak In front of the cameras.• ·s he shied away. "They adult is sanctioned " might retaliate against me and my children. I can't Coalition, he stated that recipients need "only get on the News." She nevertheless stayed on to comply" with their Personal Responsibility Agree­ listen. ments which they help design. In reality, in many Recipients who are members of the Welfare instances, sanctions have nothing to do with the Rights Coalition are willing to put themselves and willingness of recipients to work! Many sanctions their families on the line! They are willing to are occurring because of caseworker errors: phone continue to speak out against these cruel laws of calls that are not acknowledged by caseworkers, punishment! Families across Ohio will be affected, "lost" paperwork, notification letters that are never and thousands of poor children. "People are going sent out to give recipients a chance to appeal a to have to do their homework and fight against these decision, and caseworkers who do not know the new sanctions. It's going to get a lot worse unless we do rules. These situations are not mentioned by the something!" cried out Kay Boyd. mainstream news media. Instead, myths are perpetu­ Advocates have until December 16th to ated that recipients are cut off because "they don't continue calling and ~ricing members of the JCARR want to work". This feeds into the sentiment that Committee. Urge them to accept policy that does they then don't need to eat if they won't work. The not sanction food stamps for the entire household. mainstream media and OOHS work hand and hand Adult members should not lose their food stamps. If to Influence public perceptions of the very poor. one member of a family is cut, the whole family will The idea that welfare recipients have not worked or suffer. Urge Committee members to maintain this do not work is untrue; nationally, 70% of recipients one last safety net for families: food to survive! have a work history and leave welfare for work in two years or less. Phone Numbers of JCARR Members Mr. T ompklns' notion that recipients have input into planning their Personal Responsibility R.ep. Donald Mottely, Chair- 6 14/644-6008 or 937/859­ 4763 Agreement is not happening in practice. Reports Senator Gary Suhadolnik, V. Chair- 614/466-8056 or 216/ from recipients tell a different story. Namely, that 846-6666 caseworkers make the decisions and then require Senator Karen Gillmor- 614/466-8049 or 419/992-4783 recipients to initial what the caseworker has already Senator Merle Grace Kearns- 614/466-3780 or 937/323­ decided for them. The recipient is then expected to 1581 comply with all of the "agreement" that is mandated Senator Greg DiDonato-614/466-6508 or 330/339-7 187 from above. Senator Leigh .Herington-614/466-704 1 or 330/626-1200 Arnold Tompkins has come up with a compro­ Rep. Joan Lawrence-614/466-6711 or 6 l 4/965-2820 Rep. George Terwilleger-614/644-6027 or 513/722-3344 mise that will eliminate the adult's portion of food Rep. Dan Brady-614/466-3454 or 2161281 -8999 stamps, which in most cases, equates to $100 in Rep. Michael Verlch-614/466-5358 or 330/369-2537 food stamps. The idea is to soften opponents who were concerned about children. Well, it has not softened the opposition! This compromise Is still Stale Legislative Addresses going to harm poor families, including the children. Ohio House of Representatives It Is goingto reduce the overall amount of food Riffe Center available for children because adults are going to eat 77 South High St. out of necessity. Food is not a luxury! It Is a basic Columbus, OH 43215-4276 essential to survival! Postponing this decision Is cruel. In the Senators: meantime, families will continue to be sanctioned Ohio Senate and lose all their food stamps, as well as cash Statehouse assistance. For caseworkers to make "mistakes" on Columbus, OH '43215--4276 In �STREETVIBES The ,-,, '!tOti"~ Hon1e/ess Grap evine p age 3 Cincinnatian Fasts for Justice in Honduras by Marlin Eisen One of the fundamental principles of human rights actJvism Is the Importance of bringing out the truth - for the vlcdms, survivors and their families, and to establish accountablllty. The question that we often face Is "how best do we work to bring the truth to light?" As of this wridng my brother, Matthew Eisen, and Fr.Joe Mulligan are on the 27th day of a fast In front of the United States Embassy In Honduras ­ trying to do their part to exhume the truth about the death of a priest Matthew Is part of an effort, which has attracted a headline article in the Cincin­ nati Enquirer ( 11/25/97), to find out the truth about Fr. James Camey. Fr. Camey was a Catholic priest, from Detroit, and worked as a chaplain to a rebel column in the Central American country of Honduras. In 1983 he " disap~red". He may have been picked up by Battalion 316, which received tralning and aid from the CIA Fr. Camey's famlly has petitioned the United Stat.es government for Information, they've even walked the halls of Congress and met with Administration officials searching for someone to bring the truth to light, but stlll... nothing. WHY? The United States government is often a vocal supporter of "Truth Commissions" when it comes to other countries; unfortunately, it has a very different approach when It comes to dealing with the truth concerning knowledge of, and potential complicity In human rights violations committed by its own agents. The U.S. government has continued to drag its feet In releasing Information about the fate of human rights vktims and survivors and of U.S. involvement - including the case of Fr. Camey. The relevant • Matthew Elsen In El Salvador. Photo by James Heath. H.R.2635). For more lnformadon contact Amnesty lntemational's C incinnad Satellite Office at 73460'43. Hatthew ancl Hartin Bsen, graduates ofXaYier University, both have /Neel ancl worked Jn Over-the- Rhine In the past., helping with rehabllitadon of housing for the homeless. Hartin now works in the Washington, DCoffice ofAmnesty lntt!rnatiom/. Hatthew volunteers with CR/SPAZIn Honduras ancl works ata youth center. Analrsis "The U.S. government has con­ tinued to drag its feet in releas­ ing information about the fate of human rights victims and survi­ vors and of US. involvement ­ including the case of Fr. Carney. " Anti Poor Laws Span Centuries by Hillary Schwab documents remain "classified" - shrouded in secrecy and beyond the reach of the public, the survivors, and the victim's families. WHY? The release of these documents, "declassification," Is being demanded from many citizens groups, like Amnesty International, and thousands of Individuals - like my brother. Matthew Is speclflcally asking that the relevant documents concerning the case of Fr.Joe Camey be reviewed by Secretary of State Madelaine Albright and Attorney General Janet Reno. How long Matthew and his colleague, Fr. Joe Mulligan, condnue their fast and protest. how long they condnue starving for justice, how lotlg this standoff will condnue is unknown. What will It take for the U.S. Embassy in Honduras and our officials In Washington DC to address this Issue? All previous attempts to gain information have resulted In the release of redacted, or blacked­ out, documents - like those you may see on a TV show. It is time for all of us to say "NO" to the Washington bureaucrats who have kept the truth from the public and from the victims, the survivors, and their families. We can bring the truth to light The U.S. Congress has before It a bill call the Human Rights lnformadon A1:;t which would dedas­ slfy, or release, documents about Guatemala and Honduras. Most bills of this nawre don't die by being voted down - they die by being overlooked and Ignored by Members of Congress. If the Human Rights Information Act Is to pass and If Fr. Camey's bmily Is to finally find out the truth after 1-4 years ­ we will all need to get Involved. Help bring the truth to lighc contact both your Senators and your Representative asking them to co-sponsor the Human Rights Information Al:;t (S. 1220 and Anti-homeless laws are the most recent in a long line of laws designed to control the poor. Such l~ws began In England In 13'48 after the Black Plague killed off a large number of workers. This new scarcity of labor allowed the remaining workers to finally be able to demand decent living wages. Landowners, feeling threatened by the new freedom and success of the working class, enacted Statutes of Laborers, which crimlnallz.ed wandering. confined workers to certain places, and fixed their wages at low levels. Lawmakers claimed that these laws were necessary to preserve the public order, but In fact they were just a way for economically and politically powerful people to exert control over the lower classes. In the 1500s, the number of poor, unemployed people In England rose significantly. This increase occurred for several reasons, Including a dramatic rise In the populadon of England, the ending of wars which left many unemployed ex-soldiers, and the new practice of forcing settled peasants off the land to raise sheep. To deal with this new population of poor people without jobs, the English government enacted more strict vagrancy laws with greater penaldes. These laws permitted arresting individuals who seemed suspicious of undesirable, to protect against possible fuwre crime. The government enacted the first Elizabethan Poor Laws In 160 I, making local governments responsible for the poor people In their communl­ des. The laws required appolnanent of overseers who controlled most aspects of the of poor people's lives. These overseers sent poor people to work­ houses, where they were forced to work In unfavor­ able conditions. The poor laws had another negative effect: they led to ~ctment of vagrancy laws by local governments to keep poor people from migrating to their cities. In 1662, the Law of Settlement and Removal was enacted, addressing the local governments' concern. The law allowed local officials to call any newcomer before them to convince them he would not become a public charge. If he could not do so, the local officials could remove him to his place of birth or last place of residence. American vagrancy laws started In colonial dmes, and mirrored the and-poor laws In England. These laws allowed local officials to remove poor people to their last places of residence. In this way, localldes attempted to avoid the problems and needs of the poor, by fordng poor people out of their jurlsdicdons. This behavior such as "ic:leness," and they were enforced arbftrarily and In a discrimina­ tory manner agalnst disfavored classes of people. They also Indicated the manner In which state and local governments, which recognized the problem of the growing number of unemployed, people, c;hose to deal with the poor. Instead of enacting legislation to Improve the slwations of these people, govern­ ments hoped to push them out of their cldes with unfriendly laws and the guarantee of police harass­ ment In the urly 1900s, some states even went beyond vagrancy laws In their persecudon of poor people. New York, New Jersey, and ulifornia all enacted ..pauper statutes" which criminalized the knowing Importation of poor people Into these states. The U.S. Supreme Court indicated Its disapproval of these laws In 19'4 I, when It struck down a California pauper law In Edwards vs. Ca/lfomla. This opinion, coupled with more and more legal criticism of both vagrancy and loitering •Anti Poor History" Continued on page II �STREETVIBES The l 11 )lute\ Homeless Grapevine Page 4 Mr. T Gives Hope at Showerhouse 11 11 Interview with Theardis Ishman by Lemuel Israel SV: All of us who frequent the showerhouse call you Fred. I didn't ever know your real name until just today. I also understand that your friends just call you T. How old are you? Tl: 57. SV: 57? OK, now, you work here at the place I've always heard called the "showerhouse". What is the official name of this place where the homeless come to take their showers and get a fresh change of clothes? Tl: Mary Magdalen House. SV: How long has the Mary Magdalen house been around? Tl: It was opened in 1988. Two or three people got together over at Saint Mary's parish and they wanted to open up a facility for homeless people. The homeless came to the church so oft.en wanting to use the restroom, the phone, and seemed to be in need of a place to clean themselves up. So, they got together and came up with the Mary Magdalen House. They bought two buildings and put in these facilities on the first floor. It's been doing pretty good. It's '97 and business has picked up over the years, especially, since all of the cut­ backs and so forth. SV: Oh yeah? So your saying business has picked up in the sense that more and more people are In need of these facilities from the lack of having their own place to take a shower? Tl: Yes. STREETVIBES Services SV: I can remember when I first came to the Mary Magdalen House, I was staying at the Drop Inn Center. I would hear people talking about the showerhouse. They would say things like, "Why would I take a shower here when I could go to the showerhouse. Over there I can get a shower and a fresh set of clothes to wear for the day, and the ones I'm wearing will be cleaned and waiting for me the next day when I come again?". I think that is an excellent idea! I sure would like to thank the person personally who thought of this idea. This is some­ thing that has become very valuable to the homeless community. Tl: I agree I 00% with that statement. Every once in a while he stops by. So, you might get a chance to meet him. SV: What is his name? Tl: Gamer. Jim Garner. SV: Is he a priest, or a lay person of the church? Tl: No. I guess you could say he is just a concerned Samaritan. They were members of Saint Mary's who had an open heart. SV: Well, they are making a difference In the community. How did you get the job worldng at the Mary Magdalen House? Tl: Well, as so many of us do, I found myself homeless one day and ended up at the Drop Lnn Center. I spent about three months there. Walking around everyday and having nothing to do, I decided to volunteer at the Mary Magdalen House 'cause I didn't see many Blacks there. It was just a way of doing something with my life Instead of running from soup kitchen to soup kitchen, day in and day out. Not really having any work or anything to do except walking from one block to the next, I wanted something better for myself. I didn't care whether I got paid. Just to be doing something was important to me. I didn't want my life to be wasted. I came in 1990, around April or May and I've been here ever since. SY: So, you've put in seven years of service. And you say it was just something for you to do to have a sense of worth and make a contribution somewhere? Tl: Yes. I felt they needed the help and I had the time and the desire to do It. We've become a pretty close~knit family over the years. SV: Can you tell us some of your most cherished moments or situatlons you've found yourself In while serving the needs of the homeless here at the Magdalen House? Tl : Well, the joy that I find is when you see a person come in and they're down on their luck and we're able to help them by giving them some fresh clothes, get 'em cleaned up, with a nice haircut and stuff and they come back and say they got this job. It's the joy. It's the joy...you know what I'm trying to say? It's kinda hard to put into words. it's a glow that: the person has, the joy in their heart,...and you're able to share In that joy. That gives a person a sense of accomplishment, you know, like you are doing something good. SV: Well, I think you are doing good here. When I first started selling STREETVIBES, I was living in the Drop Inn Center and came to the showerhouse regularly. There was a noticeable difference In my performance on days that I didn't shower and put on a fresh set of clothes. I believe it was more of the way I felt about myself than the way In which I was pel"ceived by the purchasing public. There were times when people would even question me as to whether or not I really was homeless, and not just trying use homelessness as a scam. This is because we don't expect a homeless person to look neat and clean! I don't think anyone could disagree with the fact that when we are clean and fresh and have on dean clothes we have a whole different atdwde. We have a different way of carrying ourselves and talking with people and walking through society. There's a certain level of confi­ dence I had knowing I didn't have to worry about the way that I smelled or that my clothes were dirty or had an appearance of being unkept. Like I said, sometimes people couldn't believe I was homeless because I was so well kept up in my appearance. Fl: You see? That says something very good about Mary Magdalen! When people feel that way, It makes me feel great! It's gotten to the point with me, when I see someone that needs cleanin' up, I ask them will they come to Mary Magdalen House and clean up. SV: So, you're a missionary of a sort, huh? Fl: Heh-heh-heh. SY: Goin' out and bringin' 'em in! Fl: (Laughing joyously) Yeah! That's what it's like. The facilities are there and we're very fortunate because we have a great group of volunteers who help us, and also the donations. The people in Cincinnati are most very kind and caring people, because if It wasn't for donations we wouldn't be able to exist. They help in donations in all ways. Money, clothing, and the toilet articles that we need. This Is a blessed ministry. SY: Yes, it is a blessing. I quite often hear the people out in the street remarking how much of a blessing it is to them as far as how you all are conslstendy there for them and how freely you all are giving of yourselves to them. · ­ Tl: See, that constandy makes you feel good 'cause you count on these people to make It. And then there's new people who say," well, I didn't even know this place exlsted!". It just makes you feel good. So often they come back and tell you they've had success; they've found ajob_, they've got an apartment, things like chis. It's so wonderful to see a person who comes In so down and now Theardls Ishman, Mr. "T", works at Mary Magdelen House which provides clothes and showers to the homeless. Photo by James Heath. they're on the rise again. This good feeling never leaves you. You know this could happen to anyone but it doesn't have to destroy you. SV: Racism is said to be a cause of homeless­ ness. What are the effects of racism that you see? Do you see or experience any of the effects that racism has had on homelessness as far as blacks and other non-Europeans living In Cincinn1tll Tl: Well, it very well may have, but I don't have any answers. (Sadly and quietly speaking) I wished I did. It looks like racism ls going to be around for a long time. As I say, I don't have an answer nor do I know what percentage of those who come here are affectS of racism. SV: It doesn't have to be exact, but, what would you say is the ratio of Black and other Non­ Euro-Americans that frequent the showerhouse to the Euro-Americans? Tl: Huh? Oh boy! I would say, to be modest, about seventy-five percent Black and twenty-five percent White. SV: It's Interesting to me to see that the figures concerning the ratio of the Black/White population Is approximately 440160, showing the population as majority White, while the home less people in need of your services is 75% non-White. We always try to deal with the subject of racism as honestly as we can so we can make people aware just how racism plays a role In the creation of homelessness. Now, I would like to shift gears and ask you another question. Fl: Go ahead. SV: What are some of the problems that you encounter with the homeless populace that come to Mary Magdalen House. Fl: As far as what? SV: As far as when they come here to Mary Magdalen House, what kind of experiences do you... Fl: I don't want to put anybody down. SV: I'm not asking you to put anybody down. I just want you to tell me what kind of problems do you see the homeless going through In Just day to day survival. TI: Some of the problems I see the homeless having? SV: Yeah. Let me see If I can give you ~n example: Some of the people are out on the street because their marriage broke up and one of them had to leave the dwelling they both lived In together. Now, all of a sudden the place Isn't big enough for both of them and someone has to go. Another scenario could be like this: A person has a mental disorder that isn't disordered enough to keep them "Showerhouse" Continued on page 14 �STREETVIBES 1/1(~ 111 \f(j{(·\ Ho1neless Gr:ipevine Christmas Reminds Us of Our Own Wonderful Life by Mark Saller P.iPc 5 ..., STREETVIBES Sou/2Sou/ (Tu I:'46 a.m.) Well! The ho lidays are among us again, Christmas and New Year's....Christma.s.... I don't care what people say, It's the most fesdve dme of the year. And, people do change for the better. I don't care if It's once a year, It's all good. Decoradons, donadons, and gift-giving and receiving, Christmas shows and movies.... Speaking of movies, one of the most profound movies I've seen yet ls-guess-" lt's A Wonderful Life," although right now (or any dme for that matt.er) It doesn't always seem that way, especially at those d mes when the ends don't meet or justify the means and when nothing seems to work. It's A Wonderful Life: The husband, father, and provider lost faith In him.self, sank into despair, lost his job and the wife and children wouldn't have a Christmas. Yeah, what a wonderful life. How many children and wives will have Christmas this year? How many families will have a home for the holidays? And, what about you? This year will you be ungrateful In that you have a home? And, perhaps, a lot of us will feel like George Balley In the movie, wandng to jump off a bridge instead of facing the shame, pain, and heartache, of letting down the ones we love and care about. Yes, It does hurt. And, we may see the hurt In their eyes. We may even experience the low feelings o n the scale of I to IO; and, that bridge, then, doesn't seem like a bad Idea. But, if we co uld for that brief moment, as in that movie, get a chance to view the past and fuwre lives of those we love and care about, viewed before our birth, without us, and after our deaths, I wonde r what o ur responses would be? If we could o nly have a glimpse o f what o ur lives mean to those we live with, live for, and are In love with, the ones we care for and for that matter o ur place in the wo rld. Truth Is, there will be a gap without you. Oh, sure, the Boss would replace you, your mate would probably find another, but, It would not be you. The world would not be the same without you. Just as If caffeine Is taken out of coffee, Is It then really coffee? Not In It's pure state or true state. There Is no two of you, and It Is unforwnate we don't get those glimpses. And, from time to time we do feel those pains. However, I can say this, life Is better with you In It because of the smile you have, the beauty yo u possess, even those personality traits and habits that we all have that sometimes Irks us or Wms us off, and when you express your heart, mind and soul. Life, our lives, may not be like in the movies, where we are rescued In the nick of time. But. I will tell you this, at Chnstmas time Angels do fly low. They will walk on two legs and speak to you. I am willing to bet many of us will meet o ur ..Angel(s)" this year. Whether we believe or accept that is anothe r matter; even whethe r we recognize one is. But, the Angels will be present, as they have been througho ut o ur lives. Today I visited an "open house" at 126 E. O lfton, the beginning of Sharp Village. Angels: a lot of people who didn't have to get Involved but were moved to Invest dme, energy and money Into something for somebody that many of them will never know or meet. And, I know there may be people who wish they could do this and that for others; but, this year wu just too consuming. I'd like to say, " Hey! It's 0.1<. You did what you could with what you had. Thank you." A lot of people wlU quesdon the motives. Some wtll even provide one or two of those for them with lltde or no concern for truth or feelings. But, It Is done and will continue to grow. Christmas season: bills, bills, and more bills. Oh, what joy Christmas brings. When It's over, the New Year begins. And, I know C hristmas Is a dme of longings and pain for some of us, especially me....All the ones I've missed, being single and unemployed, and home­ less. What is the kind of Christmas I'd like to have? I would like a Christmas Mark Salter where I can fill the hearts and empty spaces of those who are In my life today. To be able for one day and night to spend the dme relaxed, sitting back cozy with a her, enjoying a feeling of togetherness (after spending days of being of service), watching videos, with a letting the feelings of intimacy grow, just grow. No expectations nor demands and nothing but just being together. Christmas for some of us has changed; our hearts have been hardened by struggles of everyday living. the realities; and, for others, It's just too painful. It will be a dme filled with prayers, tears, wishes and hopes, churches, plays, toys and smlles, commercials, rehearsals, mistletoes and trees, Pngfe bells, rock & roll, R&8 and Rap, country songs, jazz & blues, Xmas sales and ''wishing wells" all with "be on top" and all those Ho Ho's and goodnlghts. Yes, truly for me It will be a delight, because for me, today, It's truly a wonderful life. For if I'm given ano ther day, It Is a day I get to use to wo rk towards bettering myself. It's a chance to help others, a chance to experience being In love and learning when "her" Is In love wtth me. A chance to see children grow and homes renewed and saved. And, for all of you that can save to celebrate Christmas, that's O.K., Christmas will be celebrated for you. Just don't look down on us because some of us really need the holiday, simply because it's the only time of the year when most people will even think about us. I thank God because It Is a wonderful life, and I get to live It one day at a time. f, .;":,ijl\#IBf Winter Brings Thankfullness by Paul Larkin The big picture, that Is life, Is beginning to come a lot more clear for me. The cold, bitter temperatures have set In, and winter is upon us. I must first say that I am very thankful for having a place to live. It may not be the greatest place in the world, but It beats the street, and a spot in the nearest abandoned building. I am thankful for having a place to exerdse my thoughts, and to think of the next move I should make to Improve my situation. There are going to be many ups and downs, but I niust deal with them and move forward. Praying each day has been the most positive tool for getting to whe re I'm at, and It will continue t.o carry me through. The weekends that I do not work my job, I spend doing volunteer work. It ls good to stop worrying about yourself for a while, and concentrate on someone e lse In need. A lot of dmes, you not only help that person, but they help you In rewm. It is a two way street most of the dme, and this gives yo u a good feeling Inside. It ls amazing what can be done with just a little bit of effort, and a whole lot of caring. for this I am thankful as we ll. Watching and observing the thtngs going on around me allows me to create an Image and an Idea about different days, and different circumstances. It is nice to be able to think about them and put them Into writing. Being homeless, my attitude has surely changed on many aspects of life. I try to look at everything In a positive aspect. Negativity only seems to create more problems. It keeps me in one place, and prevents me from moving forward. As long as I follow my heart, and do what I feel Is right. Jesus, the Almighty God, will carry me through anything. Even In hard situations that I do not fully unde rstand, the Lord will be there as a light, to make everything all right. God does no t do anything by mistake. I must condnue to use my experie nces In a posldve way, and Improve on my situation. I am thankful for what I have, and the ability to move forward. Gratefulness Hard to Come By by Tess December is upon us, the elections have passed and he's been gone a year. Have we forgotten the feelings of June 18th, 1997? ...The UW OTR.? Coalition is to report back to the Cincinnati City Council Finance Committee this month on the status of their not-for-profit pursuits, by-laws, search for an EXEC-Director and where the $1 SOK went? Life these days Is confusing. Unsettled thoughts surround me and there is too much to worry about. Perhaps writing about gratefulness will he lp get me out of this slum-PITY-bump-dme In my life. Gratefulness Is a noun and Is defined as follows: I. Warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or beneftts received: thankful 2. Expressing or actuated by gratitude 3. Plea.sing to the mind or senses; asreeaJ>le or welcome; refreshing A noun Is any member of a class of words distinguished chJefty by havtng plural or possessive enclngs, by funcdonlng as subject or object in sentence construction, and by designating persons, places, things, states, or qualities. It is easy to be grateful for things and so difficult to be grateful! A wise man once said, "gratefulness has its own resources.'' I suppose this means that each of us is responsible for our own level of gratefulness; therefore, a source for our family, friends' and neighbors' sense o f gratefulness. O H! I forgo t that the sense today Is that we are only responsible for o urselves. Remember the GRATEFUL DEAD? What does this mean? I began a gratefulness journal Thanksgiving Day, 1991 . However, looking back Into this journal I have discovered that It wu then, as It Is now, extremely dlfOcult for me to acknowledge gratefulness as a significant part of my daily life.... I look down rather than up cry rather than laugh gossip rather than praise am mean rather than sweet hide rather than go out.... I am afraid. �STREETVIBES . 1 The Tri State s Homeless Grapevine WORD ON THE (Untitled) by Kyshada Thomas STREET Arts and Poetry The Way I See It by Kyshada Thomas Now, the way I see It is that if you succeed you will be somebody; but, if you fail you become a nobody. The way i see it is there's only one way at the world, that's my way; but, I can't tell you how to live yours. The way I see it is I'm gonna always live in poverty; but, if I better myself I will have riches. The way I see it is I ain't nobody until I have my queen; but, she has to be strong, too. The way I see it is me startin' a business for my kings and queens to run; but, if I don't teach them, they will lose it. The way I see it is the only way to prove "The Man" wrong is to get an education; but, we can't do that unless we start our own schools. The way I see it is too many people struggled for me to have a chance to do what I want; but, if I don't do right, they all fought for nothing. Now, that's the way I see it. The _Night Before Xmas by Ron Car/er It was the night before Christmas and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse The stockings were hung by the chimney with care Because we knew the little fat guy would soon be there When out on my lawn there was such a clatter I jumped up to see what was the matter Then to my wandering eyes what did I see But little old Santa just peeping at me He said, "Break out the hot chocolate and tum on the light Don't you know that it's cold out here to­ night." So he parked his Rolls by the old oak tree Then came in to have a chat with me We sat down and rapped for an hour or two Then he said, "Ron I have work to do." He filled all the stockings with Xmas joy Even left a gift for old Leroy- A Homeless Gent I see every day Selling his Streetvibes down the way­ After Santa had done what he had to do He turned and said, "Now I'm all through." Santa then jumped in his Rolls and drove away And from a distance I heard him say Have a Merry Xmas and by the way I'll be back again next Xmas, OK. I know the rules; But, failed to follow. If I don't do the right thing, I've just bought more time. Thought of time when I could run, But, thought of Mom and the results. I go day to day Not worrying about what can go on. Hope to find someone To help with my troubles.... Can't really express myself, 'Cause staff just don't care. Have to find help From the modern-day shrink They really can't help, just sit and listen. Then the cycle starts all the way over. Can't trust no one like before.... Take the anger out when you play sports. ...Tired of being in this crooked system; But, have to do the time for the things I did.... See my people every Sunday for now; But, soon I'll be home to see the outs. Just a few more to go and I'll be free, Loving everyone that seemed to love me. Woman of the Nineties by Denise Crew I am a strong woman. I wonder if I may be too strong for my own good. Many men have slipped away from me. Those who do not soon tire of my do it yourself attitude, grow impatient with my "'go get' all by myself' way of life. Feeling needed bolsters the ego of the insecure male.... Need you? Yes, my dear strong man, I do. I cannot allow my love for you to leave me a helpless silly, frilly, or a brain-dead fluff-head. I cannot continue to sit looking for someone, anyone, to bring the good life to my door. Allow us to take pleasure from small things, share the good times, work out the hard times. Become my friend, lover, mate, my emotional and spiritual equal; allow me to want what it is I want as I search for it in my own gifted way. Should I choose to share my life with you, rest easy; I will dedicate all of my love -pour myself in-to you not because you expect it or demand it of me, but simply because I am a woman of the nineties and it pleases me greatly to do so. Page 6 The Transitional Man by Denise Crew Bring me back from the wasteland where I hav~ been sent to, sort out the pain another has plunged into me, my mind, my body, my soul. Kind and gentle you are. And, I'm too filled with my own pain to see how much you think of me. You allow me to take from you my pleasure and I take it in my own way and in my own convenient time. To live once again I must draw from you all that inspires me satisfies me and vindicates me. ........And, I'm so sorry. The Brotherhood of the Pipe by Carmen Ziegler The Brotherhood of the Pipe Is bigger than you know The KKK has no power Compared to the blow A secret society, members Uncounted Blind determination Obstacles always surmounted Nothing ele$ matters To those who heed the call On the edge of the gutter Fated to fall There's only one requirement To join those that smoke Nothing matters But one more toke No shame or self respect is needed Sell you body or foodstamps Just to feed it Dues are very steep To those that are in too deep Onward crack soldiers Marching to the war With the cross of addiction Inhale and die once more Herry Christmas by Mary Ann Lederer. Hollday cards featuring this artwork and more are a.i~'.I available through the Over-theRhine Community Council at 381-2956. �STREETVIBES 711e Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 1 Shutter­ bugs Are Big Shots at Peaslee by Ma/aka Sanders It's the kind of shooting in Over-the-Rhine that never seems to make it to the mainstream pages.... Over at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, two innovative youth photography groups have started up- maybe your kids would be interested. The Peaslee "Shutterbugs", under the direction of Steve Elliot of Finneytown High School, and Jimmy Heath of the Drop In Center, is a group for the 8-1 I set that gives children some e xperience taking pictures, and helps them team the basics of photog­ raphy. Jimmy expressed that the kids seem to enjoy it, "We just give them the cameras and let them go crazy!". The Shutterbugs meet once a week on Peaslee's "Fun Friday". The teen program Is a little more intense- and a lot more ambitious. The teen group, headed up by Donna Mayerson, a professional photographer with Photo of Keith Oliver, 17, taken by Brian, age IS , of the Shutterbugs. her own studio, is a year long program whe re the teens deal with the light, color, and other factors of a good photo, with a goal in mind: to be a part of an exhibition. In May the group's work will be dis­ played at the Images Center for Photography in the Pendfeton Arts Center, a non-profit gallery in Over-the-Rhine; ya know, so that they'll get some "exposure" (thank Brenda Zechmeister of Peaslee for that pun....). The teen group Is In need of more students, so if interested, please contact Peaslee at 621-551 "4. Both groups were made possible by a generous g~t by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Please Support Our Advertisers HEATH PHOTOGRAPHY JIMMY CINCINNATI - (5 1 3) 564-9856 E-MAIL - JIM'MY_HEATH®JUNO. COM iii ~~!~afl!!f~ Cllf~ord Jones Representltlft The Game (Untitled) by Kyshada Thomas by.Kyshada Thomas Can't be athletic like Michael Jordan But, to the ones we serve we are important. Can't kick rhymes like 2 Pac; But, have to get paid out on the block. Always ready for a late night creep; On the block all night can't get no sleep. Every day have to Quote my nigga "P." My mama say I won't liVe long--l'm sick, 'cause I idolize Scarface and Al Capone. You wake up thinking about crack; And, you go to sleep with your pockets fat Can't leave my spot, can't you s~e; 'Cause these pheens been good to me. Comin' up like Notorious Big, Punks talkin'­ mess-you have to split their wigs. forgot the rules of being sensitive 'Cause that thuggish life is what I live. Being closely watched by the police; Servin' the narcs and they still can't touch me, 'Cause its about who you know not what you do--1-ocked down for a while I'll be out in a few. Got a lawyer that's like Matlock; After court today I'll be back on the spot Servin' up short dub sacks of A·I (Making extra money is so fun!). After I make it big thing~ ain't gonna be the same; I got one question: Can you stand "The Game"? Wakin' up thinkin', will I diel Askin' the Lord one question, "Whyl" Born to this wortd, all I know is the streets; Every time I tum aroun<t I see the police. They stop me just to pat me down; When they find nothin' they look like clowns. Why you after mel I don't sell dope! I live in the ghetto, and I still can't cope. Walk the same streets day in, day out­ Ain't sold no drugs, but still got clout. Autumn Leaves by Paul Larkin It's a cold, wet winter's day. Leaves rustle aimlessly about the city streets. The temperature drops a degree an hour. The land is ever changing in its looks. It has been one of those "gray days," where you feel alone-chilly cold. As the day passes, people come and go, hustling by along their way. The holiday season is upon everyone, and there are many plans to be considered. These are the things that I have seen and thought today, and for this I am thankful. 8075 Reading Rd.• Suite 1 • Cincinnati, OH 45237 Res. (513) 761-3464 • Bus. (513) 821 -3332 Voice Mafl: (513) 230-6353 AMember of TravtltrsGrouP'f" Ai, llldtptndtnt "P'""""'" el Prlllitttca FMMClll S1mct1 Re11<esemtnQ: Prlmet:tca life lnsinnct Como311YIE~ Ofkes: OuMll; Georgia WHITEHEAD BROTHERS PRODUCTION 1540 ELM STREET CINCINNATI OHIO 45210 COMEDIAN,PROOUCER PHONE (513) 381-0584 Friends and Neighbors of Over-the-Rhine An Organization Seeking Justice for People in Cincinnati's Most Endangered Community ANOTHER C LASS PRODUCTION Oise-Jockey Service CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 �STREETVIBES The 111 Stott~\ Homeless Grapevine Page B Streetvibes Looks Back on 19! I Chose Honest (Part One) by Gregory Payton My name Is Gregory and I'm homeless. When I became Homeless I wasn't ashamed, I was confused. I knew I needed a job and a place to llve. I really didn't know what to work on first. I needed some­ thing to eat so that's all I could think about. I wanted help but not pity. I wanted guidance and direcdon, not laughter and insults. I wanted con­ structive criticism not destructive criticism. So I searched. I learned early fn life that there's only two kinds of peopre that share with you. So f tlad· to t:ake a chance. I asked a guy If he knew where I could get something to eat. He replied," at the store.~· I said , ''oh" and walked away. I knew then I had to decide. Honest or dishonest. That was easy (honest). So I walked a little and thought a little. And tried again. I asked again rather quickly because of the need to eat. This time I asked a woman. She pause d and asked me, "are you homeless." I paused and, being somewhat embarrassed, said yes. She asked "are you from Cincinnati." I paused again wondering where this conversation was leading and said," yes, but haven't been here In a while." She said It showed. I asked how whlle looking at my appearance. She said, "don't be ashamed to say you're homeless.'' I said I was gathering information, being thankful she wanted to share. "First do you know where the Drop Inn Center Is located.'' I said, " no, what is It." She said it's a center that help homeless people downtown. "You might be able to eat and sleep." I perked up asking where downtown. She said, "do you have any money." I said I don't. She looked in her purse and handed me a dollar bill and a pack of crackers, and said catch a bus downtown, ask the driver where the center is exactly located and eat one cracker every seven blocks I passed on the way. thanked her and the main man upstairs (GOD), happy that I met someone that was willing to share, Instead of laugh. On the bus doing what I told made that pack crackers feel llke a meal. When I got to the center and knocked on the door a lady opened it and asked "what do you want sir''. I said "if possible some­ thing to eat". She sa.ld "step Into that line" before I left she said thank God. I quickly did while moving closer to food. Before I got to the stack of trays a man asked me my name and age. Wondering why after I gave It to him. I didn't think about it long because I was given a drink and then a plate of food. I thanked the ladies while moving toward some dessert. When I got to the end I gave thanks and February 0 0 0 , . • 30 said I will enjoy this. When I sat down I started eating fast for some reason maybe thinking that they might come back and get what they just gave me. Then It hit me, stop and thank God for I'm already eating. I did that fast too. Once I finish eating, I decided I should say some grace just In case he didn't hear me the first time. After that they told me to go to the front and sit down. A few minutes later, a man came up front and welcomed us ancf gave a speecn on tfie poliC:y of the center, then tumed on the television, I asked the man next to me was he homeless and he replied, "everyone In here Is buddy." I looked around and then asked him where are all the people going to go when this place closes. He said Is this your first time, I said yes, he then told me they gave shelter when you're homeless also. I looked up and thanked God again. While I was standing In line receiving a number for a place to sleep, I asked the guy behind me, do they give jobs here. He laughed and said they do everything here. I turned around after I got back to the bench. I said at least I made another day. And I thank God. It was a few minutes before I went into the other room when I decided to ask around about jobs. I talked again with a man, and he told me to sell the Grapevine newspaper. I asked him about it some more and he said when you're homeless, they help you get a vendors license and you help the homeless by spreading the word of homelessness. And then I asked him how I get paid and he said that's the part. I told him, that's what I want to do. He gave me some lnformadon and who to talk to about It. He then said he had to leave. I said, while not trying to get in his business, that it's night and late, why do you have to sleep on the street. He stopped came back and said when you sell enough papers, you'll make enough to get an apartment and a down payment of deposit. Then he turned and left. I looked down to make sure I still had my Information. Then I looked up and Thanked the main man (GOD). Honest Greg. Future vendor of the Homeless Grapevine. Thanks for a Great Year! We at Sa-tvlbes would like to thank all of our vendon, .-den, writers, volunteer edltJOrs and supporten for all of your efforts toward maldnc this paper a wccea We couldn't do It without all ofyoul Eviction Court Looks Down on Poor by Tim Burroughs The legal process contributes significandy to the process of displacement. Although the court may not buy low income apartment buildings, raise the cost of rent, or force people to move, It Is designed to favor those who have resources and power. Observations of court proce­ dures revealed an environment unlikely to result in a fair outcome. The Municipal Hearings Court, where eviction cases are held, creates an intimidating environment for the defendant. I recendy sat through a morning of eviction proceed­ ings. For those who haven't had a chance ·to do this recently, here Is how It went: The process involved a court magistrate who acted as the judge. She was sitting at the traditional seat, elevated significantly above the floor level, with two other court room workers on each side of her. Again. the two were above the floor level, although lower than the women "In charge.'' In front of the judge's platform were two podiums with microphones. This is where the landlord and possibly a lawyer stood (at the right hand of the judge) and then to the left of them the resident stood. Already subject to eviction under the law, the charged resident had to face a position of Inferiority. The environment commu­ nicated a sterile, callous, legal manner with which cases were going to be dealt. Feelings of huma.n compassion were not revealed. Unequal representation characterized the procedures of the Municipal Hearings Court. Both the landlord and the residents were expected to show up at the court date. If the resident did not show up cases were dismissed and the eviction process continued. Many of the landlords, espe­ cially the large land holders, had with them a lawyer. An attorney was there representing CMHA. Three residents out of the 15 to 20 showed up to defend themselves against CMHA and none of them had a lawyer. In another case a lady showed up to defend herself, but the landlord did not. She was asked to come back another day. The lady waited an hour to be heard and then she was turned away until the next week. If she had not shown, the eviction process would have continued. When the landlord missed, she had to arrange to come back later. Court procedures were done systematlcally. Al­ though there are several cases each morning. the systematic nature of the process disregards the individual and the specific circumstances of their situation. The landlords are called up first and all their tenants are dealt with before the next landlord Is called up. From my perspective, it looked as If each landlord had done this many times before. It was very hard to hear, even tho1.1gh I was in the front row. There Is a specific set of questions and answers that are gone through for each eviction case. I could not catch them all...several people went through the process in a . shortdme. The systematic style of dealing with peoples' homes leaves little room for an understanding of the consequence the decision will have. The court is not interested in knowing how long you have lived In the neighborhood, how many children you have, or how you lost your job. Rather, if you are behind In rent, the judge says, "The landlord has the right to ask you to leave." If a resident Is behind in rent, unless the landlord has compassion, one should not look to the court. All tn all, there seems to be no need for a judge tn eviction court, a computer could evaluate the data and determine If, by law, the resident may have a home. Low Income Individuals experience a severe disadvantage because of their socio-economic status. There is no accounting for financial or health conditions. Until changes a.re made, we have a system where evlctees In Cincinnati have little Incentive to show up for their own hearing. · Apri I �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 9 17 Over-the-Rhine Developers Give Tenants Notice on Walnut Street by Bonnie Neumeier There's a project called THE MIDDLE EARTH CONSORTIUM whrch recendy was selected for funding through the City's Housing Round Ill. The Over-the-Rhine Community Council was approached by Mr. Jay Voss from Middle Earth Properties aboutthis project and requested our support. We could not support this project because it involved displacing low-income tenants. It was portrayed as a test case for mixing low in.c ome rental units into market rate rental buildings. This project, Involving various for profit corporations and limited partnerships, is rehabbing 8 buildings within one block area around 14th and Walnut "Being Asked to Leave Your Home Is Never Good News ... " Streets. The buildings will contain 53 residential units~and 4 store fronts. Six of the 8 buildings will have only market rate units (I bedroom/$400 a month; 2 bedroom/$500 a month; 3 bedroom/$600 a month). The remaining two buildings will have only one low Income a piece, rents set at $150 below th!! market rate units. So out of 53 units of housing. ONLY 2 will be somewhat affordable to persons of low income. How fair of a mix Is this? We are losing more low income units than we are maintaining. fNe have never been on the "gaining" side since the 1985 O TR Compre­ hensive Plan called to protect and preserve the 5520 low income units that were occupied at that time.) The number of low income tenants currendy being displaced by this project is greater than the token amount of low income units being planned for this so called mixed development. At the very least. if this project was trying to show good faith effort in advocating a successful economic mix, the number of occupied low income units needed to be pre­ served, and those tenants temporarily displaced due to renovation be offered and made to feel welcomed back home to a newly renovated apartment with affordable rents. One of the buildings in this project is 1410 Walnut Street. Urban Sites Management (Bill Baum and Jim Moll) took ownership in January 1997. Tenants remember beingtold not to worry, they would not have to move. But a letter came to their doors In mid July stating the following: " ...we continue to discover major problems with the building that were not originally anticipated. At this time we feel that Its in your best Interest to vacate the property so that improvements to the building can proceed In a safe manner. BEING ASKED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME IS NEVER GOOD NEWS, THAT IS WHY WE WANT YOU TO HAVE UP TO 60 DAYS TO VACATE.". In this building there are six tenants being displaced and one other tenant who was evicted a short time ago. It's a hardship on all of them and the news quite shocking. It is not easy to find an affordable unit. Those who are elderly, facing many health problems are finding a much harder time. Finding a place that will accept their animal friends is tough. No one was talked to about being able to come back once renovation was complete. All of them were encouraged to meet with Mark Brunner, The Over-the-Rhine Foundation, who works with the Anti-Displacement program, offering Section 8 units, as if that eases all the disruptions that the tenants are faced with. Anxiety is high....the 60 days is too September short a time. Because this project Is using federal dollars from the City the tenants are eligible for Relocation Benefits. Relocation benefits were never discussed. Certain procedures have to be followed so that th~ rights of the tenants are protected. Scott Stiles from the Relocation office of the City was surprised their office had not been alerted of this situation by the Department of Neighborhood Services, nor by the developers themselves so that displacement Issues can be reviewed and monitored and tenants' rights protected. The Appalachian folk who have called Walnut Street their home deserve better than this. It's not fair to take our land, our buildings, and force our people to move. In the words of one tenant "I might not have cash, but I'm not trash". Real people experience real pain when they are displaced from their homes. At this point it is hard to trace the particulars of how each of these buildings became more vacant than occupied. But I know they did not become vacant by accident. It's not only this project, but alot of real estate activity has been taking place in this area, displacing the mosdy Appalachian commu­ nity huddled close around the Appalachian Identity Center. I can't walk down Walnut Street and not notice the change. When I stand there long enough to ~p the sitl!atlon, and look deep Into the eyes of those who still are holding on, gathered la their everyday supportive circles, I listen ...and what I hear are their heartbeats mourning the many "used of been" stories and a quiet anger that knows some­ thing is going down wrong here, because what is going down is not for them.. More on this story next issue. These buildings at 141 0 Walnut Street are slated for .improvements. They have been occupied for decades by Appalachian families. Photo by Berta Lambert. Support Your Local Vendor Tell A Friend About Streetvibes The Eviction by Vera Zlatkin She sits alone on the stoop clutching her litde girl, wat.chlng dewy eyed as men carry her belong­ ings to the curb piece by piece, box by box. And she wonders how this could be happening. She thought she had more time. She had heard that after someone got an eviction notice, they had a month to move. " Mommy's so sorry, Angel," · she whispers softly into the child's curls. "Mommy really didn't know." The men had come half an hour early. "Why aren't you packed?" one of the men demanded. " Do we have to do everything?" " I, I didn't know you were cc;mlng,'' she stammered. "Nobody called." "Can't you read?" he snapped. "The date Is on the eviction notice!" He took a piece of paper from his pocket with her name, address, the date and an official looking stamp. Then he tumed and nodded to his men. They had brought a number of boxes in with ' them, and at his signal, they began to pull things from her cupboards and dump them Into the boxes. She was too numb to protest or-argue or plead or even to cry. Her mind was in a fog as she walked to the bedroom and began to pack clothes in a large duffel bag. Then she went to the kitchen to fill a shopping bag with food while the baby girl looked on. And so here she sits wat.ching as the man passes by with a box. She asks, "Can't we just stay June She stands and secures her duf­ fel bag onto her shoulder, picks up her daughter and her shop­ ping bag, and together they ven­ ture out onto the streets. And thus the "Welfare Mother'' joins the ranks of the destitute and the homeless. one more night?" He shakes his hea~. "No, lady, not one more minute." He walks, to his car and returns with a padlock. "But we have no _place to go," she pleads. He shrugs. "You should have paid your rent lady," he says coldly. 1' 1'm just doing my job." He turns back, walks to his car and drives away. "I don't understand," she whispers to the air. " I just don't understand. Why did th.ey cut my check? I called work and explained why I couldn't come In." She had called and told them that her baby­ sitter was sick and she couldn't leave her little one alone. She thought they had understood, but she didn't have a doctor's excuse, and by law they could make no exceptions. So they sent her a warning letter one day, and the next day cut h~r check. She stands and secures her duffel bag onto her shoulder, picks up her daughter and her shopping ­ bag. and together they venture out onto the streets. And thus the "Welfare Mother" joins the ranks of the destitute and the homeless. �STREETVIBES 11 1\' 1· 1 ·<-:r ', Hon1e/ess Grapevine P.ige 10 1997 Looking Back Report: Homeless Man Left to Die in .Back Alley by Pal CliHord The Cincinnad Police Internal Investigation Section released a report on April 21 regarding the death of Mr. Ottaway Washington. Mr. Washington was a homeless man who died Jn an aJJey next to Tender Mercies, on the night of November 30, 1996. The report sustained charges against Officer Stephen Fromhold for not summoning appropriate services for Mr. Washington. The following is a summary of the events of that night from the Interviews con­ ducted in the Internal investigation. On November 30, 1996, at approximately 10:30 pm, Victor Tayfor was making his rounds as a security worker forTender Mercies, an agency which provides housing for those with mental illness. He encoun­ tered a homeless man who was unresponsive and blocking a fire exit. Officer Fromhold was working the streets of District One that night. He was "flagged down" by Mr. Tayfor as he traveled east on Twelfth Street. Mr. Taylor was concerned about the person who was lying In a doorway off of a nearby alley. Officer Fromhold and Mr. Taylor responded to the doorway where Mr. Washington was lying. He was not wearing any shoes. The officer believed, from the condition of Mr. Washington's socks, that he had been walking without shoes for a period of dme. His personal papers were lying next to him. The officer nodced a "small nick" on his forehead. "My first lndlcadon was that there was an odor of alcohol about his person and that he was Intoxi­ cated." He would not respond to any of Officer Fromhold's verbal requests. He used his flashlight to tap the bottoms of Mr. Washington's feet. He "didn't come around." The officer put his hand by Mr. Washington's mouth and felt for any breath. He was breathing. The officer returned to his vehlde to retrieve a pair of latex gloves. Officer Fromhold returned to Mr. Washington, t.ook hold of the lapels of his coat and sat him up aplnst the wall under a smatl overhang which would keep his upper torso from the rain. The officer began to shake Mr. W ashington in an attempt to rouse him. "He opened his eyes momenta.riJy_and looked at me and moaned something to the effect of 'get ' and raised his hand." Mr. Washington did not say anything else but "his eyes remained open a brief period of dme and he just stared at me. ''I interpreted that as he didn't want any help so I rested him against the wall. He looked at me for three to five seconds then started nodding back out." Mr. Washington closed his eyes and went to sleep. The officer believed that Mr. Washington knew that he was a police officer and that he didn't want any help. Mr. Taylor, the security guard, claims that the officer then said that the "truck" would be by later and "get" Mr. Washington. Officer Fromhold denies any reference to a "truck". The officer left the scene believing he had resolved the sltuadon. Later, Officer Fromhold heard the radio dispatch from another officer requesting a supervisor for a DOA He went to the scene and assisted in placing Mr. Washington's body in the scout car. He went to the Drop Inn Center to determine if they were familiar with Mr. Washington and, if so, to Land Grabbers Threaten Newport Residents by Gregory Payton Newport City Officials are saying that 202 safe, sanitary and decent public housing units on the riverfront must be demolished. The residents have to be moved from Booker T. Washington, McDermett, and Peter G. Noal Housing Projects. Newport Housing Authority paid Comerst0ne Housing to come up with a plan. This plan was paid for with money from the Housing Project Fund normaJly used for repairs. Cornerstone has tried a series of falsehoods to attempt to justify the "neces­ sity" of demolishing this public housing neighbor­ hood In the way of greed and development. Cornerstone said, "The city must destroy its public housing because federal funding to maintain '7he Mayor has /old Mr. Slade Iha/ he 'doesn't wan/ any public housing in Newport"' and operate It will soon be eliminated." Cornerstone said Newport must demolish the housing because condidons are so bad that the units are ..unusable for housing purposes" and cannot be made habitable. Cornerstone said, "The housing must be destroyed, and the land taken, not to make anyone any money, nor to allow economic development, but for the resident's own good." A spokesperson In the community that opposes this plan Is Kenneth Slade. Mr. Slade is banding together with other residents In trying to loate the next of kin. The worker at the desk told the officer that Mr. Washington should have been In bed # 19. There was no one there. The lnvesdgadon goes on to say that the temperature that night was 53 degrees and that there was a light rain with overcast skies. The Death Record from the Hamilton County Coroner's Office lists the cause of death as acute bronchitis and perlbronchltis. The laboratory report Indicates that Mr. Washington's blood alcohol content was .38. In a letter to the Homeless Coalition, Safety Director Kent Ryan assured us that the Onclnnati Police Division strives to provide the highest level of consistent service and holds Its officers accountable for their actions." Lt. Demosl of Internal lnvesdgadon reported that Officer Fromhold received an Admlnistradve Insight which will go Into his personnel file. The report concludes, "It has always been the Police Division's policy to 'err on the side of mercy.' Officer Fromhold realized that he did not possess the skills necessary for a medical evaluation. He had the duty to summon appropriate services." In the wake of this ~dy and the Investigation, the Greater Clnclnnad Coalition for the Homeless Is convening a meedng with representadves of the Police Division, Fire Division, Hospital Emergency Room Sta.ff and homeless agencies to ensure that an Incident of this kind never happens again. fight the city. But the ball Is rolling and the power of eminent domain is coming. Through the power of eminent domain, the government can remove land from private use to augment the supply of public land or to modify land use through urban renewal programs. The units at Newport are well maintained and managed. The project has been recognized three years In a row as outstanding by the Department of Housing and Urba.n Development. Millions of dollars of taxpayer money have gone towards improvements and modernlzadon In 1990s. The Mayor, a champion of development, and the other members of the Newport Ho using Authority Board have voted to demolish. The Mayor has told Mr. Slade that he "doesn't want any public housing in Newport." Mr. Slade also let him know many of the tenants are elderly, disabled, poorly educated, without stable work history, and have poor credit. If Newport's proposal goes as planned, it will enrich the city and private development at the expense of everyone else, you the taxpayer and the aboYe residents. Your prime real estate north of 4th street. near the site for the proposed aquarium, will be the site of many evictions. So once again, big business, big developers and your leaders roll on over small people for the sake of the profits from conventloneers and tourists. July No Room for Youth Continued from page them from the ordeal of homelessness or to permit them to continue to attending their regular school. The break-up of families Is a well-documented phenom­ enon. In New York Oty, ~of residents In shelters for single .adults had children who were not with them. In Maryland, only 43% of parents living in shelters had children with them. And In Chicago, 54% of a combined street and shelter homeless sample were parents, but 91 % did not have children with them (Shinn and Weltzmann, 1996). The Increase has also been associated with new public policies, welfare reform and the early effects of sanctions as factors In the growth of young mothers entering homeless shelters. The lack of affordable housing Is another contributor to this populadon's Increase. Others factors are the lack of livable wage )obs and the lack of staff and shelter beds to address the needs of younger adults facing homelessness. One agency that does provide beds for 18-22 year olds Is the Lighthouse Transldonal Living Program. The Lighthouse program, which has been severely hampered by funding cuts, has had to downsize beds. In fact, since July, the program has had to tum down 130 people looking for shelter between the ages of 18­ 22 years of._ "The Transitional Program offers much more than just beds and clothing. It offers the suppordve services and life skills training that allows the Individual to make a smooth transition Into Independent llvlng." offers Donna Fletcher, Director of the Lighthouse TransldonaJ Housing Program. The Lighthouse program Is the only program that provides this age group with the much needed Independent living skills. Advocates hope that this problem can be recognized by legislators before these numbers Increase any further. "Since members of this population group represent the future of our nadon, It is our nation that we put at risk when Ignore there needs," wams Ms. Fletcher. �, STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Don•t Make the Homeless Into Criminals· STREETVIBES Editorials and Letters by Zac Willette, National Coalition tor the Homeless By definition, a person who Is homeless lives in public. A lack of housing forces those who are homeless to so in public what everyone prefers to do in private. This Indignity is one of many reasons the National Coalition for the Homeless seeks to end homelessness - permanendy. Unfortunately, it has also become the batdeground for the most funda­ mental defense of people who happen to be home­ less: the right to exist. In cities with an admitted lack of day shelters and few jobs that pay a livins wage, people who are homeless sometimes rest at bus stops or on side­ walks. Yet, Tucson, Arizona, has made it unlawful to be at a bus stop for more than 30 minutes, and police in Seatde, Washington, have been instructed to fine or arrest people who are homeless for sitting on the sidewalk. In cities with an admitted lack of affordable housing, people who are homeless are forced to carry their worldly goods With them wherever they go. In response, Beverly Hills, California, has made it a crime punishable by fine or jail time, to set baggage down on the sidewalks, and in Georgetown ~ trendy part of Washington, DC~n archaic part of the District Code is being applied to fine or arrest people for storing property (including people themselves) in doorways. There is an estimated 24 .million people on the waiting list for public. housing in this country. Despite this fact, the city mothers and fathers of Dallas, Texas, and many other cities across this country (including Phoenix, Jacksonville, Columbus, Boston, Austin, New Orleans, Lons Beach, Virginia Beach, Adanta, Sacramento, Tulsa, Miami, and Buffalo) have made it illegal to camp or sleep in a park. To punish people who have no choice but to be public for being In public heaps Injustice on top of indignity. As Santa Monica womari who Is homeless wondered, "When does it stop? Are we golns to push homeless people off the face of the earth? I do have a right to exist." Welfare Reform Causes Food Shortage at FreeStore/FoodBank by Gregory Payton Changes are being made everywhere. The FreeStore/FoodBank, one of many places, must make adfustments to meet the needs for homeless and low­ income. Below is a count of the 1996 and 1997 Thanksgiving distributions. Drastic numbers show an increase in single persons and ho·useholds being served for the holidays: 1996 (3 days) November 24, 25 and 26: 1997 (2 days) November 24 and 25: 183,015 pounds of food to 3,140 180, 170 pounds of food to 3,212 households or 8,393 people hou$eholds or 8,838 people Page 1 J The FreeStore has realized they now have to be more creative In gettlns more donations from major corporations. They are explaining about the "Good Samaritan" law which states: if food is given in good faith, and it is in good shape when It is stven, then there is no liability to the giver. And, it can be tax deducted and most of all It's the right thing to do for the communities. The flaws In the effort to criminalize homeless­ ness are as numerous as they are obvious. Though no one should ever have to sleep In a park or beg for food, making those acts Into criminal offenses does not, in any way, help the people who are forced to ''commit" said offenses. These city ordinances (and similar state laws) ar.e misguided because they seek to hide homeless people, not to end homelessness. They are unjust because they seek to punish people for being poor. They are, In effect, persecution because people who ar:e homeless do not have the option to rest, sleep, and set down belongings in private. People who are forced to live on the streets have very few choices: Are these cities asking people who are homeless to choose NOT TO EXIST!? Though it is easier for cities to attack homeless people than to attack the root causes of homeless­ ness, it wastes scarce resources and human time, energy, and dignity. It costs much less to secure permanent housing than to put people In prison. Even shelters (still more expensive in the long run than permanent housing) cost less than Incarcera­ tion. furthermore, these ordinances and laws demonize poor people, feeding negative public sentiment to target people who experience home­ lessness, rather than the root causes of homelessness itself. In addition to Its other effects, the criminalization efforts tear the focus of both home­ less people and their advocates away from long term, permanent solutions in order to fight for the right of people who are homeless to simply exist Our greatest victories In combating these new civil rights attacks will only secure an already inhumane status quo. Instead of wastins everyone's time playing Keystone Cops, why don't we sit down at the table with our best and most sufficient resources to permanently end homelessness. Anti Poor History C ontinue d from page 3 loitering statute which punished people for failure to show Identification upon pc)lice request. This case, decided in 1983, ended police use of vagrancy and loitering statutes to harass the poor. Unfortunately, the end of these laws has not led to an era of government sympathy for poverty and homelessness. lawmakers continue to create laws that persecute people without homes by criminalizing activities necessary to a homeless person's existence, such as sleeplng in public places and panhandling. In some ways, these laws are more dangerous than their predecessors, in that local charters In this state often preempt California state laws, began a slow trend against these kinds of laws which sinsfed out the poor for differential treatment. A broad success finally came in 1974 in Papachrlstou v.s. City ofjaclaonvllle, In which the U.S. Supreme Court declared the vagrancy ordi­ nance void for vagueness. In addition, the court stated that the law did not give fair notice and encouraged arbitrary arrests and convictions. After vagrancy laws were abolished, the police used equally vague loitering laws to harass people who did not account for themselves to the police's satisfaction When approached. In Ko/ender v.s. Lawson, the Court struck down as too vague a law, making It harder to contest local anti-homeless­ ness laws, and accelerating the adoption of anti­ homeless laws by many localities. Although the times of arresting people for idleness and loitering are supposedly over, the similarities between these laws and current and-homeless laws are strikin& Also comparable Is the motivation for the two types of laws: local vagrancy laws often forced newly arrived poor people out of the city, so the city would not have to address their needs. Similarly, localities now attempt to force homeless people out of their cities through incessant harassment, Instead of trying to create real, lasting solutions to the problem of homelessness. Word Search by Gregory Payton Scramble s by Ron Carter D N N A E 0 v w 0 F L A K E L I L M T s 0 s G N I s T F I G 0 E J 0 y E I B K L D L y s H T N u c s s c E y R K s c R F c 0 L E B B H R 0 c E H H E T R D R E M E R E K c 0 T N s I T E M R A J s T I Find these words in the puzzle: Stockings Sadness Snowflakes Alone Christmas Chestnuts Jackfrost Merry ~ Cook1es Lights Reindeer Home Meat Gifts Holly Cold Tree Love Toys joy Try to unscramble these holiday words: MASCTRHSI NATSA LENO DULDPRH SOTY EERT WSON NAM RHCSTl LOARCS Answers o n page 15. �STREETVIBES /!1() !11 All I Needed Was a Chance by Gregory Payton wtien I was homeless, I had nothing. I didn't know what to do. I had nobody, I was a nobody. And, I cared for nobody. Nothing to look for, nothing to go to, I looked at reality and I couldn't face It. So, I ran; l wanted to escape. So, I used drugs to ease the pain of the world I didn't like. I didn't look In mirrors to see myself, because that was reality. Then one day, it happened. I asked God why He did this to me. I didn't wait for an answer; because, like I said, I was running. I didn't know, then, but He sent out his angels. First I wanted to do something different, because the pain was becoming too great. I couldn't take it. So, I listened and I stopped the dope. Because I was out of money and ideas to get more. Then I listened and found a way to live without it. So, I continued to listen. Then I found hope, and I held on dght I listened and I found out I could live again. The world was starting to look different. · I was told to do some things and go some places. I started to trust some people. On the way I said, thanks, God, and asked, Is there anything I could do for You? I didn't get an answer; but, I wasn't running, either. So, I said to myself, If You can help me, I c;m help someone else. Then I asked, how, and I answered, what would I want? I got a hand up; so, I started grabbing and pulling. I didn't care who I helped up; because, God wasn't choos­ ing, He just done It Today, I look at the homeless and say, let's go together, let's be together, and let's try together. I asked when I should do this and the answer was, every day; I asked who, and that was anybody; I said where, and that answer was where ever you are; I asked how long, and that answer was the restof my life. After all, I had no life when I started. I just had to trust somebody. I trusted people that cared about me (homeless). When I chose to do what they do, I found out that they trusted me. And, they let me know in a special way. They invited me to come go with them. And, I did. They invited me to sit and share dinner at a very special time. At dinner they gave me something. The "they" of whom I speak was the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. The dinner was an annual event. What I received was an award. The award was the Jimmy Render Award. You ask who was Jimmy Render and I will tell you, he done a lot more than me. He touched a lot of homeless people. He cired, shared, loved to do whatever he could for homelessness. I like to talk, but when I received that award, I couldn't say anything. I finally thanked everyone. And, I thought about some people. God, my angels (people), Jimmy Render, and buddy gray. Today I feel I have been blessed. I see reality as God would want me to see. I am somebody. I have a goal, that is to end homelessness in a drug free city called Cincinnati. I learned to go for the stars, and it's all right to land on the moon because I tried with God's will. I thank God that he made me (Somebody). Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be malled to you each Issue. Streetvibes I 506 Elm Street Clnclnnad, OH '45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless--Streetvibes. Ifyou have any questions., call '421-7803. )tote\ Homeless Gr:ipevine Page 12 Homeless ·Man is One in a Million by Gregory Pay/on Today, I see homelessness growing at a quick, steady rate. There are many reasons homelessness exists. When talking to one homeless gendeman, I discovered a unique story, as he explained why he was homeless. The gendeman's name is jack. jack has a good job, working at a pretty good restaurant. He started there as a dish washer, and has since climbed the ladder to food preparation. He feels really good about the accomplishments he has been able to make since starting his job. jack then went on to tell me a little about his past He has been convicted twice for drug use, and has gone through a treatment program to help him get his life back together. He has gone two years and eight months without using drugs, and has recendy joined a church. He grac.iously asked me to stop by the church, where he sings In a choir. I wondered with all of these things going so well, why he was still without a home. He explained that his pay check goes towards old bills and child support. By the time he's through with that, there Is little left for food, much less an apartment I asked jack what his biggest need was, affordable housing, or just a second chance with society. jack did not have many good things to say about society. Jack feels that society treats some people different, and wrong. He wondered why football and baseball players get a second chance, and in some cases a pay raise, after they have made some of the same mistakes. Society accepts them without condition. jack is upset that he does not get the same opportunities as those mentioned. They all have nice homes, while jack is having a rough dme finding an affordable apartment. These people do not need Section 8, the homeless do. I asked Jack what he Intended to do in the future. He responded, "I'm going to keep telling my story, and remain homeless until I can find some affordable housing." He had a disturbing look in his eyes, so I asked him what he thinking. He said that it is one thing to commit a crime, and serve your time, but you sho1;.1ld not have to pay for that mistake the rest of your life. It is something that he, and many others have a hard dme understanding. When he looked up, after telling his story, he simply said, "I'm just going to keep praying." I thanked Jack for his time, and wondered how long it would take society to realize that Jack is just one of the million. P.S. jack, you're in my prayers, Merry Chris~ mas! was Who Said Living Clean Can't be Fun? by Donald Whilehead Before coming to recovery, many using addicts have reservations. One very common reservation is that once they become clean, they can no longer have fun. If any of you reading this article and have that reservation, please let it go. Not only can you have fun, you can have more fun than ever before. The following story is just one example of how recovering addicts are enjoying life like never before. Erle S. has enjoyed sports and coaching for some time. In fact, he was recognized for his efforts with inner-city youth. This year he decided to take on a bigger challenge-coaching adults. Erle, along with several other sports minded recovering addicts, got together to form Cincinnati's first Recovery Basketball League (RBL). The RBL currendy consists of six teams, Hirsch Recreation Center, The Drop Inn Center, Prospect House, Starting Over, The House Of Hope and a Twelve Step Fellowship Team. The level of play in this league has exceeded all expectations!! Many athletes in the league have been world class at one time or another In their lives. If you attehd one of the RBL games on Saturdays beginning at 2;30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. you won't see Michael Jordan or Penny Hardaway, at least not in person, but you will see some exciting basketball games, You will see dunks! behind the back passes! half court buzzer beaters! and hard­ nosed defense. What you won't see in this league is fighting, profanity, or players under the influence. If you are an addict with reservations about having fun clean, come o ut an watch these guys. They are definitely having fun. While this league enjoys fine play and good intentions, it still needs support The league has been largely funded by team coaches thus far and desperately needs outside support. Funding is needed to help furnish uniforms, pay for referees and pay for individual and team trophies. We hope that those reading this article will help squash the myth about having fun In recovery. In January leagues wishes to expand and include other recovery houses and other 12-step teams if you have an Interest in becoming a part of fun in recovery please contact Donald Whitehead at 421-7803. 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 Tl1e T11 Sto/1'\ Hon1e/ess Grapevine Flamingo Hotel Taken Over in Santa Monica California Advocates Establish the Independent Nado n of Flamingo Ho meless activists chained themselves to the boarded up Flamingo Hotel In Santa Monica, CA. on November I4 to protest lack of available shelter for the ho meless In their city. Santa Monica re lies on cold weather homeless shelters operated by the county and does not run Its own shelters. Afte r November 18, If there is a 50% chance of rain o r if the temperature Is expected to drop below ~. the county opens Its 24 winter shelters. Shelters are open full time from Dece mber 16 through February 28. Below is the te.x t of an e-mail sent to Streetvibes abo ut the event sent from advocate and street newspaper e ditor, Jennifer Waggoner. The Independent Nation of Flamingo (aka. the squat at the abandoned Flamingo Motel in Santa Monica, California) is settling In and working on the details of self-management. Fifteen or so rooms have been opened and cleaned, and are giving shelter to a growing number of people In need. About 40 people are estimated to be living at the Flamingo as of last night. A common room for food and supplies has been established, a portable outhouse donated, and jugs of water made available. A building engineer has donated his services, and made an Inspection of the building yesterday. He determined that It Is basically structurally sound and Is free of vermin. More will be known as additional rooms are opened for new residents. There have been no further threats of arrest by police In the past few days, perhaps because of the widespread coverage the Flamingo continues to receive locally, as well as on the Internet. A member Santa Monica, CA of the Santa Monica City Council. Mike Feinstein (Green Party), was among the people who paid a visit to the Flamingo yesterday. Even the large mainstream Los Angeles daily, the LA Times, provided a sympathetic article (which In the case of the Times, means that they did not portray protest­ ers as lunatics.) One of the residents of the the Flamingo posing. In his words, as a "member of the public" said he questioned a member of the Santa Monica Police Department regarding their Intentions toward "the homeless people at the Flamingo Motel." The Page /J STREETVIBES Nationwide cop replied that this was a " political protest by an organized gro up, not just homeless people." Leaving unchallenged a.II of the offensive assumptions In that statement, It seems reasonable to conclude that the city knows that deploying police ag;i.Jnst people with nowhere to get out of the rain­ who are organized, do have cell phones and comput­ ers~ould have se rious polltlcal fallout. What everyone is wondering Is how, o r whether this will change on Tuesday, when the County says It will . open the official cold weather shelters. These shelters by the way, are located in National Guard armories and o nly open when the temperature ls scheduled to drop below 40 degrees F, or a 50% chance of rain is predicted. Last night, the Flamingo held its first commu­ nity meeting to discuss Issues from safety with candles, the question of the future of the squat and how to keep it going. the issue of police and so on. Meetings will continue as people discuss how to o rganize a functioning society within this fragile environment. Much cleaning also still needs to be done and repairs condnue. First Amendment Continued from pa ge I The Homeless GrapeY!ne, In Cleveland, was started to give homeless people a voice. It is organized by people on the streets, and has assisted many people in getting off the streets. We proviae confidence and hope for a better future. Many of our vendors successfully make the transition to a permanent place and a job with benefits. We provide a forum for all poor people to express themselves, and we have made an Impact In Cleve­ land by breaking some of the stereotypes. The U.S. Appeals Court In the Sixth Circuit, declared that our paper Is no different than a hot dog. The three Reagan/Bush appointed judges, said that the City of Cleveland could Impose the same restrlcdons o n o ur vendors as they Impose on hot dog vendors. Ho t dogs are not a vehicle for social change, nor do they carry any political message. The o nly lasdng Impact that a hot dog has is · CLEVELAND HOMELESS GRAPEVINE increasing an individual's cholesterol level, leading to future heart problems. Each vendor now has to pay a $50 license fee t o sell the Homeless f:1rapevlne. Before a vendor makes a dollar, they must ventllre down to City Hall with two photo IDs and $50 In hand for a license. Then, after they are Issued a license, they have to choose where they are going to sell. In the end, they not o nly have to submit to the e xorbitant filing fee, but all the sidewalks are no longer available to them. We still have not figured out the purpose for the license. We are not selling food that may be poisonous. AJI of our vendors are badged, and distinguishable from the other vendors on the streets. They only sell newspapers on the street, nothing else. Each one of them have signed a code of conduct as well. We wonder If the city is worried that people will receive a calnted paper. The Honw/ess Grapevine exhausted its appeals through the judicial system when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Its case. Despite forty years of previous rulinp to the contrary, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that licenses did not violate the vendor's First Amendment rights still stood. We are In a strange time In our judiciary when all previous decisions are up for rehearing. Here is what Justice Dougfas said In 1943 In writing the Opinion for Murdock r.s. PennsylYa11/a, "It is true that the First Amendment, like the Commerce Clause, draws no distinction between license d taxes, fixed sum taxes, and other kJnds of taxes, but that Is no reason to shut o ur eyes to the nature of the tax and its destructive Influences. The power to Impose a license t.ax on tile exercise of these freedo ms, is indeed as potent as the power of censo rship, which this court has repeatedly struck down." Now we are pursuing local executive and legislative avenues for relief fro m this ordinance. At the same time, we are coordinating national legisla­ tio n to pro tect street newspapers across the country The power to impose a license tax on the exercise of these freedoms, is indeed as potent as the power of censorship...Justice Douglas, 1943 from the dicatets of the local Mayor or City Council. Curre ntly, there are 22 "poverty lssue" papers in the U.S. sold on the street. whose vendors could potentially be forced to buy a license as happened In Cleveland. The re are also a potential 7 new and emerging newspapers, whose vendors may be subject to a license fee If the papers happen to confront or alienate the local administration. We hope that supporters of street newspapers and free speech will contact their local U.S. Repre­ sentative and urge them to support a national ban on licensing street newspapers. This Is not a Democratic or Republican Issue, for Democrats usually support free speech, and Republicans want "to get the government off your back," especially entrepreneurs who are maldng the transition bade Into the work force. A license restricts free speech, and brings government Into areas In which It has never ventured. This might seem like a small Issue, but the right to speak to the public Is a cornerstone of the Bill of Rights. Poor people are Ignored by the teievtslon and have only limited access to radio. Major newspapers are too busy covering sports, entertain­ ment. and business Issues, to worry about poverty. The street newspapers are the last avenue in which to read the voices of the poor. WithotJt some protection we risk alienating and keeping the voices of the poor out of the debate. The lack of the poor's Input, has led to many horrible decisions In the past 30 years. Freedom of speech ls worth preserving. For mo re Information on the efforts tX> protect free speech, contact the Homeless GrapeYine. at (2 16) 24 1-1 104 or e-mail at neoch@bbs2.rmrc.net. For Your Information US Constitution: First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercise therof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peace­ ably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. STREETVIBES T-Shirts! Only $5 each! STREETVIBES ' . /ltlfll< /t• ' lrl,l/lc \!flt' 100% Whlle Collon Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts are available at our office at I 506 Sm Street. Please stop by and see us. �- .... STREETVIBES T/1e Tn State's Homeless Grapevine Building Torn Down for New Project Page 14 Buddy's Place Dedicated November 15 by James Heath Building B of the Laurel Homes Project at Liberty and Linn was torn down last month as part of a renovation project. Photo by James Heath . The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Author­ ity tore down a controversial building last month as part of the Laurel Homes Renovation Plan. CMHA argued that a combination of safety concerns a.nd the fact that the small unit size was in small demand targeted it for demolitions. Planners for the project would rather have a courtyard in place of the building to boost community space. The Laure l Homes Resident Council opposed 11 the demolition arguing that better screening proce­ dures for prospective tenants should be used to counter the safety problems. In addition, they argued that the building could be reconfigured for larger units. The building contained approximately 30 units. The Laurel Homes Renovation Plan will reduce the net total of units In the project, re placing one bedroom units with larger family size units. O ver a hundre d people came out to the memorial held o n the anniversary of the tragic death of Buddy Gray. About a dozen housing rehabbers and homeless advocates addressed the crowd on the importance of continuing the fight for affordable housing. In the late 1980s, the building at 1300 Vine Street, was targeted for demolition by the city. Buddy Gray and ReSTOC believed that this building should be saved, especially in a neighborhood where low-income housing was so desperately neede d. Homeless shelters were over capacity, and transi­ tional housing was at a premium. This project at 1300 Vine St. was a dream of Buddy's, and on November 15th, 1997, it was named in his honor. Many friends and co-workers of Buddy Gray, braved the cold and wet weather to attend the dedication of "Buddy's Place." "Buddy's Place," will establish 20 units of permanent housing for formerly homeless individuals, and will serve as a model for other communities around the nation. This is a fitting testimony to Buddy, and his dream of continuing to provide low-income housing to our brothers and sisters who are homeless. Showerhouse Continued from Page 4 11 Institutionalized, so they must live with a parent or guardian and then somehow that parent or guardian dies and leaves thern without what they need to continue living on their own. Now, they are out in the streets fending for themselves, living from shelter to shelter or worse still, from abandoned building to abandoned building. Fl: Well, yes. Yes! It's a number of things. There are just a lot of variables. It's neve r just one thing that creates a problem for someone who becomes homeless. Yes. That's it in a nut shell. Like you say, one can get displaced for a number of reasons. Homeless people come from all phases of society. You can find yourself homeless because of fires, drugs, racism, even you can find yourself homeless from a bad attitude that keeps you from being productive in a positive way. So, to me it's a combination. Like Murphy's Law states if anything bad happens a homeless person has probably experienced it. SV: Do you see any way In the near future how these problems can be resolved In a way so there will be an actual decrease Instead of the increase you are noticing today~ Tl: A-a-a-h-h-h! That's another good one. think anyone that's positive would like to see that there's hope at the end of the tunnel, and possibly there Is. SV: The reason why I asked this question is because I think you have a unique point of view as opposed to the person driving by in their car on the way to the suburbs. They need your understanding. Tl: M-m-m. Yes! Well, we do give tours of the place, so, anyone who wants to come In and see how the facility Is run, we invite any and everyone. We certainly depend on donations, so, anyone who wants to open up their heart for any type of dona­ tion; bleach, detergent. deodorant. underwear. These are things we run out of quickly. It's a fast tum over. We need bath towels, wash cloths. These are things we go through very quickly. SY: What about socks? Tl: Yes. Socks. SY: What about any other items such as clothes, coats? Tl: U-hu'h. Ye... Well, we certainly can use any and everything of this sort. Pants, coats, winter coats, thermal underwear, socks, as you say, sweaters, hats, toboggans or whatever you call those funny hats, a.nd believe it or not, we can use money tX>. SY: OK. I want the readers to pay close attention to what Theardis is saying concerning what you can do to make a difference, even in the smallest of ways. If you have more than you need of any of these things, bring them in to the showerhouse and show your charitable nature to those In need. By the way Mr. "T", what is MARY MAGDALEN HOUSE'S address? Tl. 1221 and 1223 Main Street. We're on the first floor. SY: What Is the zip code? Tl: '45210. SY: And what is the phone number. Tl: 721--4811. SY: I have maybe one or two more questions. How did you personally bec~me homeless? You "like Murphy's law states if anything bad happens a homeless person has probably experi­ enced it." don't have to answer this question If it is too painful or sensitive for you. Tl: Well, I was In a drug Infested building. The landlord and I didn't see eye to eye, so, he had me arrested. Later he had the charges dropped because it was untrue. It kind of woke me up. Like I said, he had me locked up, and then they turned me loose. It took about a week to get everything squared away. By then he had set all my things out and I became a candidate for the Drop Inn Center. Through the blessings of the Father, like you and everyone else, I heard talk of the Mary Magdalen House, and I came around and showered. I liked it and I've been here ever since. SY: OK. My brother, if there was anything that you could suggest to the community as a whole, concerning homelessness, what others can do to help, besides all of the donations you need, what other things can a person do to help make a difference? Tl: As I say, we use volunteers. Maybe there's someone who would like to donate three or four hours a week o r ~·1ery other week, whatever. We try to work with our volunteers and whatever hours they have that is flexible. We want it to be conve~ nient for them. We open at 8: 15 in the morning and we close at '4:00. We go to lunch at noon and open back up at I: I Spm. Anyone that has some time or articles to bring in are welcome. We're open on Saturday's till noon. We're closed on Sundays. SY: So, actually, your open six days a week. Tl: Yes. . SY: That's a real blessing. Tl: If people were to see the line we have on Monday morning, they'd wonder why we're closed on Sundays. However, we do need a day of rest. SV: Yes, by all means. Your job has a certa.in level of intensity. I've been here at times when you yourself had to act as sort of a security man and keep things in order. (Theardis is laughing heartily) I see that you get your respect down here. You keep.the order. And one of the things I like about you being in the position you are in is 1?ecause you've been where the now are. Like you said, there is a majority of Black males coming In here and when they see another Black male in the position you have, there is a sort of respect in the fact that you've been homeless and are able to relate to their pain and suffering they are going through. You.also know that feeling sorry for them is not what they always need. There's also the need for what some might call "tough love" to be shown. Tl: That's right! I think everybody is an individual and you know, what works for one may not work for somebody else. You have to keep going till you find what works. But, certainly a fresh, clean body puts the mind in a proper perspective of thinking positive. They have the desire and say to themselves, "Well, I'm going to go out and get this job!". It's almost like willingly. And when you can get someone into this attitude, you really believe in them succeeding 'cause you can see it. You..re gonna have rejection, but, somewhere down the line they're gonna be accepted. SY: I truly believe Mary Magdalen House is doing a lot towards helping a person becoming accepted back into society that has been rejected. want to thank you 'T' for your time. This is your lunch break and you could have been resting or eating your lunch, yet you took the time to do this Interview for STREETVIBES. I'm going to let you go so you can get back to work helping others to get back on their feet. Let me get out of here and let you get your last few minutes of solitude before the madness breaks out once again. Tl: Why thank you. ('T' is really laughing now.) SY: I know you've got a rough afternoon coming up. Tl: Thanks for this interview. �STREETVIBES rhe 711 State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES. Announcements Please send your announcements to Streetvibes Announcements, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax them to 513-421-7813 by the 20th of each month. December 1 Contact Center Toy Sale: Starts, Lasts through December 23. December 3 Streetvibes Planning Meeting, 5 PM, Homeless Coalition Office, 1506 Elm Street, Call 42 1-7803 for info. December 4 Christ Church Forum on Homelessness, 12 NOON, STREETVIBES Classified Ads 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 $1 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 o ur readers. Othe rwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there ls an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes I506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 Scramble Answers from page 11 CHRISTMAS SL8GH SANTA NOEL NOEL RUDOLPH TOYS TREE 318 E. Fourth Street, Room 306, call 381-4994 for info. Page IS Over-the-Rhine Residents. Call 62 1-5514 for info. Features OTR Steel D rum Band. December 7 December 16 St. Francis Xavier Medal Presentation to Rev. Maurice McCracken, Brunch at I I am, Main Dining Room, Xavier University, $10, call 745­ 320 I for info. Welfare Rights Trip to Columbus for Hearing Before JCARR Committee on Food Stamp Cuts, Leaves at 7 AM, Call 381 -4242 fo r info. December 9 Deadline for January Streetvibes articles, poems and classified items. Welfare Rights Coalition Meeting, I 0:30 AM, 1641 Vine Street, Call 381-4242 for Info. December 11 Public Hearing on City of Cincinnati 1998 Budget, 6 PM, City Hall Council Chambers, 80 I Plum Street December 12 Homeless Think Tank Meeting, 7 PM, Drop Inn Center Shelter, Call 4 21-7803 for more info. December 20 December 21 Homeless Memorial Day, 4 PM. W ashtngto n Park Remembrance of those who died o ri •h P ~ 1 cc Call 421-7803 for info. December 23 Happy Hanukkah! First Evening l f qd '• December 3 I .) December 25 December 13 Merry Christmas! Peaslee Holiday Concert, 3 PM, Salvation Army Chapel, 120 E. Central Parkway, $3 or free for December 31 music an Loo I or Wo Streetvibe5 (the band). We like to party. R&B, Oldies, Blues/Jazz, Reggae. Helpln the homeless to help themselves through free enterprhe. Call 421-7803. position wanted Childcare Spec!allat Looking for fulltlme work as a child care specialist. Has one year experience -ricing with children In a daycare. Attended Withrow Chlldcare Program. High School Graduate. Call Julian Gardener at the Drop Inn Cent.er, 721-0643. Laborer Looking for a laborer? Has worked at Riverfront. Is willing to do any kind of work. Call Sonia Craig at the Orop Inn Center, 721·0643. Elderlx or Children Looking for a community oriented Job dealing with elderly or children. 3 year oul1:each worker/ counselor aide at YHC,A. 13 years typing. Computer and cashier experience Including Windows, Lotus, Any Word Processor. Call AnJall Madyun at the Drop Inn Center, 721­ 0643. STREETVIBES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $1 per line. Ramadan. First Day. (Muslim b sc ends Sales Representative Looking for position as sales representative or management. Has good bookkeeping. typing and supervl$0ry skills. Has experience in retail management, customer service and 5ales. Is avallable to work Immediately. Call Dea Harrl5 at 552-9351. Resta ur ant Work Responsible older man able to work any shift. Has had experience as a cook .-nd as a janitor. Would prefer work as a busser at a restaurant as well as work as a J~1 dish wash" r " •H• very deper11fablt '" ava ilable in u nt:d;.u Please contac.l W Ir Powell at SJ I · 84C t help wanted "~ Continge ncy Fee Lawyer Not afraid of Catholic Church or PUCO. Send office hours and na me of law sc hool on letterhead paper to 1111 Elm Street. No. 432, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Streetvibes Wish List VCR to Show Streetvibes-Episodes to Groups Blank VHS Cassettes Adobe Photoshop Software for IBM to save scanning costs Volunteer Copy Editors and Stories Advertisers to help support the paper Call 421 -7803 if you can help! SNOWMAN CHRIST CAROLS Call 421-7803 for info. Streetvibes Vendor C·ode 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 ofStreetvibes will be purchase d 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 "ha.rd sell" or make someone feel threatened. S. I agree that I wlll 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 o r that I am collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help In this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories If possible. 9. I understand that the failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. 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" $I 0 per month Two Business Card Size 4" x 3 112" $20 per month 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 tion at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Onclnnati, OH 45210 �- STREETVIBES 1 711e !11 Slote s Homeless Grapevine Page /6 .Vendor Strives to Make Home a Better Place 11 11 Vendor Profile of Azariah Israel by Carolyn Meszaros A life-long resident of Cincinnati, Azariah has been selling Streetvibes for several months because he believes the lnforn"iation in the newspaper is Important and needs to be spread around town. It's part of his contribution to making "home" a better place to live; "home," Azariah says, is the most beautiful city In the world-he's been both north and In the south--and he doesn't want to go elsewhere to live. He didn't find the newspaper all by himself, a brother and a coalition staff member engineered him into the project. He also sings and plays in the Streetvibes Band, any one of several wind instru­ ments, but he first mentions "saxophone." He would like to see the band a success in the area (west of the mountains and south of the lakes). One of nine brothers and sisters, four of each, with mother still living (but not all family members are In the immediate Cincinnati area), Azarlah is polite to the "nth" degree, soft-spoken, and evi­ dences the gentle, friendly, interested-Jn-life soul of artists in conversation. Indeed, he has Interests In many different aspects of what Is considered art including drawing, woodworking and carpentry, home or domestic arts such as cooking and sewing, and arts and crafts in general. Other activities have included helping to organize a peace rally called the West End Peace Rally In 1988, which was an annual event for about five years directed to helping inner city youth cultivate their talents and direct them into peaceful living. At the time there were many violent deaths among local young people and the project was backed by the City of Cincinnati and was considered Azariah Israel Baptist heritage, the name is a name In the Bible, in the Old Testa­ ment Book of Daniel, and Israel was taken as a reference to the before-slavery ancestry of his people. His goals in life include earning an adequate (living-wage) income from his various artistic efforts right around the extended area. especially in the immediately tri-state vicinity. Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production: 20 cents Where Your o ar Goes We're sure he'll quietly be in other "activist" adventures and are glad to have him involved In the organization. Streetvlbes 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 around channels on us. Slreelvibes TV November This show focused on Public Housing Issues In Cincinnati. The guests were.Don Troendel, Director of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and Maria Pesante, CMHA Resident and Vice Chairperson of the CMHA Board. Channel 10 Saturday, December 4, 1997, 4 pm Friday, December 12. 1997, 11 am S/ree/vibes TV December 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. Thanks for your support. This show will focus on AIDS and HIV issues in the Greater Cincinnati area. Channel 7 (SB Basic In most of Hamilton Count¥) Monday, December I 5, 7 pm live Channel 10 Friday, December 19, 11 am Monday, December 22, I0 pm Saturday, December 27, 4 pm p? e 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: Women and Children Alice Paul House (abuse) 241-2757 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. Alry Center Volunteers of America 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 SHELTER.: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn <;:enter (singles) Friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) Interfaith Hospitality Network 761-1480 821 -5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 244-7226 Ughthouse Youth Center St. john's Temporary Housing 961-4080 651-6+46 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies (Mental llQ Tom Geiger House 721-4580 241-9683 241-0504 369-0004 381-095.4 721-8666 961 -4555 TREATMENT: Women O.D.AAT 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: Both N.A Hopellne AA Hodine C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 OTHER SERVICES AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnad 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Centerfor Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 961-0600 Cincinnati Health Network 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. 63.2-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control 357-4602 Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 221-3679 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Le~I Ald Society Madisonville Ed. &Assistance Ctr. 271 -5501 Mary Magdalen House 721 -4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Dally Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Travelers Ald 721-7660 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 559-6656 Women's Crisis Center 491-3335 � 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 December 1997 Vol 1, issue #12 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 December 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: <br />street paper rights<br />anti-homeless laws<br />food stamps<br />Mary Magdalen House<br />Peaslee Neighborhood Center<br />housing policy<br />eviction<br />free speech Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tim Burroughs<br />Ron Carter<br />Pat Clifford<br />Denise Crew<br />Brian Davis<br />James (Jimmy) Heath<br />Lemuel Israel<br />Paul Larkin<br />Carolyn Meszaros<br />Bonnie Neumeier<br />Gregory Payton<br />Mark Salter<br />Malaka Sanders<br />Hillary Schwab<br />Tess<br />Donald Whitehead<br />Zac Willette<br />Lynn Williams<br />Carmen Ziegler<br />Vera Zlatkin Bonnie Neumeier Brian Davis Carmen Ziegler Carolyn Meszaros Denise Crew Donald Whitehead eviction food stamps Gregory Payton Hillary Schwab homeless James (Jimmy) Heath Lemuel Israel Lynn Williams Malaka Sanders Mark Salter Pat Clifford Paul Larkin reform Ron Carter shelters Tess Tim Burroughs Vera Zlatkin welfare Zac Willette https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/bf612dd08effa7583c1a8f5a841383c7.pdf 4ad7b1feb71074e67c73ae351605bb26 PDF Text Text e s emorial Remembers ineteen Letter Gives Thanks for ac• Fr1endshi by Bonnie Neumeier Dear Mac, by James Heath On the celebration of your 90th birthday we knew that each day you were here with us it was a gift we treasured. Over the years we slowly witnessed your body, legs, eyes and heart giving you troubles. But you would not let these troubles trouble you. Your determined will reached out even to befriend the pain so that it would not control your life. It was not going to stop you. The energy you mustered up to put your ailing body at places your spirit wanted to be amazed us. We won't forget the day you shocked us at buddy's memorial march. We were not expecting you for you were so sick and flat on your back the night before letting us know your regrets you could not make it. When you wheeled into the park in your chair, covered with a blanket, with face pail and thin, your presence was a healing soothing salve which moved us deeply. I remember the night just after Easter in '93 we carried you up the dark staircase, to keep watch through the chilly night, getting a few winks of sleep, to be awaken by the sound of the bulldozer, already spraying forceful water hoses up to the second floor where we were holding out to make our last attempt to save the housing owned by Phillipus Church from being turned into a parking lot. Mac, you so much understood our fight to save low Income housing. You believed what happened In Over-the-Rhine was a thermometer of what could happen in other low income communities. You held up our effort as a lightening rod, wanting it to spark the hearts and minds of citywide people, preservationists and politlclans to do the just .a nd right thing for the poor and oppressed. In the midst of sound principled actions we would risk together, there were always those moments of sweet support. On that day when we were carried off to jail. The sexes were held In separate holding cells. Four men and one woman. I won't forget how I called out to you, buddy, Wilbur Page 3: Page 4: Page 5: Page 12: Page 13: Page 14: News: City of Miami Settles Homeless Dumping Case Whal Is Your New Year's Resolution Santa Lands at Local Family Shelters Freedom loses Its Meaning tor Cleveland Homeless Working Poor Trapped in Homelessness Announcements and Classified Ads Rev. Maurice McCracken attended the Homeless Memorial Day Vigil on December 21, 1997. He passed away on December 30th. Photo by James Heath and Berta. and you responded in kind with singing voices. That sweet support lifted me. Mac, you gave our effort such consistent support over the years. Your friendship felt very special. We knew you held us In a speclaJ place In your heart. You were with us at City Hall time and time again. Your voice for the homeless and 111­ housed was relendess. You fasted so that we might win negotiations with the City in regards to replace- See "McCracken" Continued on page 2 Memorial Service for Rev. Maurice McCracken Saturday, January 17, 1998, 2 PM, Mount Aubum Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, December 21st, advocates for the homeless, shelter providers and neighborhood activists gathered in Over-the-Rhine's Washington Park to commemorate homeless and formerly homeless men and women who died on the streets of Cincinnati in 1997. Mourners gathered around a barrel fire as the names of the people who died were read. Everyone who knew an individual who died was provided with the opportunity to relate a personal story or anecdote. The symbolic and somber nature of this gathering was also on the minds of the participants: How can human beings die on the streets poor and homeless, in this, the world's richest nationl It Is dearly a quesdon of misplaced morality. As this country experiences an economic gold rush, poor folk freeze in alleys, die because of the lack of proper health care or even destroy themselves out of desperation. As each year passes, and the list of names read at this memorial grows longer, we must begin to look in our hearts for solutions to these problems. The solution does not come from money or government but from humans taking care of, and really ca.ring for, each other. These are the names of the persons who died homeless or were formerly homeless: Willie Hudson, William Waddell, Vernon "Chico" Stanford, Henri Robinson, Ronnie Smith, Eddie Edwards, "Lee Ann", Alan "Chief' Lynch, Ray Worst, Dale Lyons, Vanessa Fisher, Jackie Bamer, Antoinette Slaughter, John Quinn, Beth Ann Hill, Tony Shaw, Eric Gagnon, Rob West. and Sandra Lewis. Will Cincinnati Nuke Its Children? by Tom Mulroy In its off-handed, nonchalant way the City of Cincinnati has allowed yet another atrocity to be committed against its poorer dtizens..'.in this case the 500 over-the Rhine and Mount Aubum children attending classes at the Rothenburg elementary school. Recently the city issued a permit for the construction of a microwave relay tower about fifty feet from the comer of the Rothenburg school. My first thought was that the people trying to. run the city would have to have been living in a vacuum to be unaware of the intense ongoing debate in the scientific community about the health effects linked to microwave exposure. Lawsuits are pending filed by cell phone users who have come down with brain tumors. Some years ago the Soviets were able to sicken much of the staff of the U.S. embassy in Moscow by beaming microwaves through the building. All evidence suggests that children are the most susceptible to the harmful effects of microwave exposure. Surprisingly the fault is not entirely with the city. Councilman Todd Portune's office was quite helpful on the subject. The major culprit in this case is the Federal T elecommunicatlons act of 1996. Prior to the federal law City Council had voted a moratorium on new microwave towers. The federal law however specified that local govemments could not take health considerations into account when deciding on the placement of microwave towers. This seems like the functional equivalent of the tobacco industry pushing through legislation preventing local governments from taking health into consideration in deciding whether to make schools non-smoking areas. There are notification requirements for the zoning variance required by microwave towers. One requirement is that adjoining landowners be notified. The adjoining landowners are primarily absentee owners and didn't complain. Since Rothenburg Elementary is across the street the school was not notified. The appropriate Community Council was also required to be notified. There is, however, some question about the border of the Over-the-Rhine border. I have seen maps issued by the planning commission that show the site well within the OTR area. All the OTR Community Council members I have spoken to believe the site to be within the OTR area. The Zoning Commission however states that the area in question is in the Mount Auburn area and so the Mount Auburn Community Council rather than the far more activist OTR Community See "Will Cincinnati Nuke Children" Continued on page 2 �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 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 coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots 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 Donald Whitehead, Coordinator Frank Corrino, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor Support Carolyn Meszaros, Vendor Support Photographers James Heath Writers Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis Ron English Alex Grabtree Tom Hayes James Heath Richard Kiefer Aaron Lawrence Carolyn Meszaros Tom Mulroy Bonnie Neumeier Gregory Payton Sue Watlov Phillips Shelley Rothenbusch Mark Salter Elizabeth Shockley Don Stark, Sr. Streetvibes Inquirer Two Bit Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Volunteer Editors Pat Clifford James Heath Bonnie Neumeier Editorial Policy: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, com­ me nts 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 do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for thP. Homeless I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421 -7803 fax (513) '421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Quote of the Month "Be Kind" Microwave Tower Located Right Next to Rothenburg School in Over-the-Rhine. Photo by James Heath. Will Cincinnati Nuke Children C·ontinued Continued from page I Council was notified. Mount Auburn had no objection to the tower. The debate over the harmful effects of micro­ waves resembles in many ways the debate over the . harmful effects of tobacco. Microwave exposure is defended by scientists in the pay of a multi-billion dollar Industry. Industry sponsored studies are insidiously skewed to defend the industry that subsidizes the studies. Those underfunded critics of microwave exposure who are not stifled by the industry still present convincing statistical evidence. Why then would the city allow the building of a microwave tower so close to an elementary school without protesting loudly or better yet challenging the constitutionality of the telecommunications act's ban on discussion of health questions? The con­ spiracy minded among us would like to blame the City Council for having a genocidal attitude toward the poor. Possibly the same office in the defence department that sponsored the Infamous U.C. Hospital whole-body radiation tests in the I950's is paying off the city for the right to study the effects of harmful radiation on small children. Unfortunately the answer is much simpler...apathy. Except for vigorous protests against microwave towers in the Columbia-Tusculum area there seems to be very litde awareness of or interest in the issue. There is no requirement that the city council or the school be Informed of the erection of a tower near a school. Councilman Portune's office only knew about the tower because some concerned parents called his office when they saw the tower going up. I haven't seen any mention of the Rothenburg elementary school microwave tower in any other publications. Greed is another Important element in the equation. The towers can only be situated on commercial or church property. The typical lease pays between one and five thousand dollars a month and runs for fifty years. So lucrative are the leases that some churches are said to have allowed the building of microwave towers disguised as bell towers. McCracken: From Page One ment housing when we lost the Milner. You helped us evict the Governor's furniture from his office in Columbus so that we might make a point about the mean spirited cut off of General Assistance. You always stood with us when Drop Inn Center and ReSTOC were under political attacks. The list is long. You were always there for us. Your presence was powerful. You possessed a gende strength. We listened to your stories and learned from your long life. We marvelled at your memory and how you could pull up so many quotable quotes. Your mind so sharp, taking every opportunity In circles you encountered to put the challenge out there that we need to work for a kinder, gender nation where all people could live free and with dignity. You humbly ... -:cepted the St. Francis Xavier medal on December 7th at Xavier University and spoke so eloquendy and challengingly on so many of the issues that were dear to your heart and life. We from Over-the­ Rhine were so happy to celebrate with you that day. We felt proud of you, but somehow you made us feel proud of ourselves, too. For when you speak you call up the long history of struggle and freedom which connects us to a spiritual source that deepens our conviction that someday justice will roll down like the rivers. When many of us last saw you, on December 21st in Washington Park for the annual remembering of those persons dying homeless on the street, we were not thinking that you, MAC, so soon would be joining your sisters and brothers whose names we called out that day. Thank you for being with us around the fire barrel . I shall not forget that hug. And I know that when you went from this world to the spirit world on December 30th, our Over-the-Rhine effort e mbraced you with welcoming arms with a hug from buddy. We trust you are resting in peace but be assured your spirit is in our hearts. And we know our lives and our neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine benefitted a hundredfold from having you sojourn with us. We shall not forget you. Many of us are graced with poems that you wrote on occasions of our birthdays or special anniversaries. We enjoyed singing and partying with you. And thanks too for all the phone calls and visits you made to check in about our health or our families lives. Most of all, Mac, thanks for your years of friendship, personally and commu­ nally. You were always there for us. with love, Bonnie Neumeier For the Over-the-Rhhe Peoples Movement �. STREETVIBES 1 The Tri State s Homeless Grapevine Ohio ·Empowerment Coalition Resists Food Stamp Cuts by Lynn Williams Cincinnati members of the Ohio Empower­ \ ment Coalition left early in the morning of December 16th, in a last effort to stop the JCARR Uoint Committee on Agency Rule Review) from voting through acceptance of an Ohio Department Of Human Services policy to cut off the adult portion of food stamps when sanctioned. We went knowing that the JCARR was heavily in favor of this sanction. H.B 408, Ohio welfare policy for families that was signed into Law in July, made no mention of cutting off food stamps to children or adults if under sanction, only that food stamps would not increase. We already had a partial victory. JCARR had voted to not cut food stamps for an assistance group under sanction. Arnold Tompkins, Director of the Ohio Department Human Services (OOHS), un­ happy about the JCARR members not supporting him in cutting off food stamps for children designed a compromise. Even though we lost this issue, it was very close. The final vote was a tie: 4-4. It required another vote to overturn the OOHS policy of sanctioning adults with the loss of food stamps. What was very encouraging for us was the fact that the legislators who sided with us stated they did so after hearing testimony from our side. Senator Greg DiDonato made the motion to overturn the OOHS policy, saying he has changed his mind after listening to our testimony! We had enough influence to sway four legislators to vote against the OOHS policy!! The vote was 4-2 with 4 for us when the JCARR hearing en~d at 12:30. The four legislators who voted for us were Senator Greg DiDinato, Represen­ tative J. Donald Mottley, Senator Leigh Herington, and representative Michael Verich. When a reporter questioned Rep. Joan Lawrence about how the last two committee members would vote, she retorted, "They aren't here , but I know they will vote on my side." (That is, with OOHS policy). The final two deciding votes were from non-present legislators who had until 5:00 PM to vote. Cassandra Barham a WRC member later commented, " It was like (Cincinnati) City Council, with legislators walking out on us while we were testifying!" Right before the vote, the J~RR chair asked the representative of OOHS if she had any final comments on our testimony. She had the final say and refuted nearly all the truths we had spoken out about. Even though 374 assistance cases of single­ parent households and 14 2-parent households HUD Starts a National Homeless Hotline by the Slreetvibes Inquirer You've read or heard of the new national "homeless hotline," 1-800-HUD- I0 IO? Forget it. According to the information we were able to obtain (some may or may not still arrive in the mail), the number is to be used primarily for volunteers calling in and donations, although it can possibly be used as an emergency number for services by a homeless individual at a loss somewhere in the United States. The number is for the Homeless Outreach Information Center in Maryland (suburban Washing­ ton). Reportedly, there is someone on duty to answer the telephone after 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (which, of course, is much earlier in the day according to Pacific Coast Time). According to the information given, if a homeless person calls the number, the individual answering the telephone will connect that person to an organization that will help the homeless person find an organization close to the area the person is in. If anyone wishes to write to this gro~p. the address is as follows: Homeless Outreach lr1forma­ tion Center, Post Office Box 7189, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20898-7189. (after a massive termination's oftwo-parent families) occurred in Hamilton County in October alone of this year, she testified that no loss of food stamps had occurred in Ohio during October or November due to sanctions. She also refuted our testimony that many recipients do not know they can win a hearing if they appealed. She did not understand our testi­ mony. We had stated that many times recipients do knot know when caseworkers make mistakes on policy rules. Cassandra Barham had testified, "People are coming to us who have been sanctioned by mistake, but how many people are out there who don't know their caseworker made a mistake? They don't think they could win an appeal against the authorities. So they don't bother to try." One of the legislators questioned the OOHS Legal Advisor who testified. Why, If OOHS knew the federal government did not require children to lose their food stamps under a sanction, did OOHS adopt such a harsh policy? If the Feds did not require it, did OOHS initially wa.nt to cut off children from food stamps? The OOHS official was at a loss for words. Welfare ·Rights Coa.lition members believe OOHS officials knew full well what the government require­ ments were, but OOHS wanted to use as large a stick as possible to punish recipients into compliance (or submission). Other members of our statewide welfare rights coalition, the Ohio Empowerment Coalition, testified at this hearing, Including Logan Martinez of the Miami Full Employment Council (Dayton) and Mark Stansberry of Columbus. They spoke out on the effects that food stamp cuts (and all the sanctions) would have on Ohio's poorest citizens. Gregory Page J STREETVIBES News Payton of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition and staff at Cincinnati's largest shelter, spoke fervently against the cutting of food stamps and the other sanctions, as well. "At the Drop Inn Center, I see mothers and children coming in who are on the streets with no place to go. What do we do about them? The family shelters are·full and have waiting lists." The Drop. Inn Center is a shelter for single men and women without children. Margaret Hulbert of United Way and Lisa Hamler-Podoloski of the Ohio Food Policy & Anti-Poverty Action Group testified strongly against the food stamp cuts. The Ohio Empowerment Coalition held a successful Press Conference before the Hearing in the Statehouse Atrium. At least three TV stations, the Associated Press, and two major newspapers did interviews with members of OEC. The TV stations filmed our skit, "The Christmas Carol" with Cassandra Barham starring as Scrooge (Mr. Tompkins). "The Columbus Dispatch" reported on our play depicting Arnold Tomkins as Scrooge. Even though we didn't "win" a complete victory on the food stamp sanctions, the Welfare Rights Coalition and Ohio Empowerment Coalition made a powerful impact. Recipient voices were heard, and swayed the vote to a tie. Because of our united testimony on this issue, and the many calls and letters from our supporters to JCARR, sanctions have been softened. Families will not lose all of their food stamps. We will continue to monitOr these sanctions and work for policy changes that are a hand up, not a big stick to beat down. City of Miami Settles in Homeless Dumping Case from the Homeless Grapevine On December 18 Mayor Xavier Suarez signed a resolution approving a settlement with the Ameri­ can Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ending a nine-year lawsuit filed on behalf of a class of 5,000 homeless persons who sued the city of Miami In 1988 for violations of their civil based on their homeless status. The Settlement Agreement is the result ofthe collective efforts of ACLU Attorneys on behalf of the homeless plaintiffs, the City Attoneys' office, and numerous other community leaders, homeless activists, and homeless persons over the last two years. The Agreement provides for: (I) police training regarding the circumstances a.nd rights of homeless people; (2) a protocol for law enforcement contracts with homeless be arrested for merely living in public; (3) the creation and maintenance of records regard­ ing police contracts with homeless persons that ensures that people without shelter cannot be arrested for merely living in public; (4) an advisory committee to monitor compliance with the Agree­ ment; (5) a $600,000 compensation for homeless persons who were injured by the unconstitutional conduct that was condemned by the federa.I courts; (6) attorney fees for the plaintiffs' lawyers. The Agreement must still be approved by U.S. District Court Judge C. Clyde Atkins after all affected plaintiffs have an opportunity to be heard. "This is a landmark settlement recognizing that homeless persons cannot be denied fundamental constitutional rights simply because they are homeless," said cooperation ACLU attorney Ben­ jamin S. Waxman, who has worked on the case for the past nine years. The settlement reached showed the best of what can be accomplished when two sides of a dispute work together to find common ground to accomplish a mutual goal and may serve as a model for how other cities treat the homeless. The lawsuit Pottinger v City of Miami Charged that the city's policy was to arrest and harass involuntarily homeless residents of Miami based on little more than their public presence, for the purpose of driving them out of the city or otherwise rendering them invisible. The case was tried in 1992 before the honorable Federal District Judge C. Clyde Atkins who found that the city of Miami's mistreat­ ment of homeless persons violated various provisions of the bill of rights and ordered that the city estab­ lish two safe zones·· (sleeping. sitting. standing. eating. etc.) without fear of arrest or police harassment. The city appealed the ruling to the eleventh circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Adanta which sent the case back to Judge Atkins for a determination whether, based on projects undertaken by the newly formed Dade county community homeless trust to assist homeless persons circumstances had changed to render the court's injunction unnecessary. Following another extensive hearing In 1994, Judge Atkins concluded that while the homeless trust's programs had certainly improved conditions for homele.ss persons in Dade County, there were still involuntarily homeless persons living on the streets who were being arrested based on nothing more than their homeless status. The city appealed this rl!ling. This time the court referred the case to the eleventh circuit Mediator and directed the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement. This is similar to a City of Cleveland policy that was challenged in 1993. The three homeless people settled this lawsuit in I997 with the named plaintiffs each receiving $3 ,000 from the City. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 4 Streelvibes Asks: What Is Your New Year•s Resolution? STREETVIBES Services Interviews by Mark Saller Photos by James Heath This month, Streetvibes writer Mark Salter interviewed three homeless or formerly homeless people and asked them what their plans were for 1998. Don Sawyer Program Coordinator for the Live-In Drug Treatment Program atthe Drop Inn Center Q. How are you today, Don? A Tired. Q. Where are you from? A I was born in Cincinnati. Q. Tell us a little about yourself. A. I used to work at the Milner Hotel. When they tore it down, they tore down my job and home. I am an alcoholic. I came to the Drop Inn Center and went through the program (live-in alcohol and drug rehabilitation program). I had been drinking for 40 years; I thought it was about time I quit. I made it through in seven months, graduated, then started working here. I worked as a floor worker, then cook, and now program coordinator. Going on four years, clean and sober; it works if you want it to work. Q. What would you like for people to know about you? A That I'm a good guy and I try to help others if I can. Q . Name one thing you do for yourself. Tony Smith (Mark's note: This interview was done the day after his 45th birthday.) Q . How do you feel, Tony? A. I feel alright now that I have a purpose; that is, to save money. I came here (to the Drop Inn Center) by myself, a choice I made to get my life in perspective. I consider this a safe haven. My fiance uses crack. I chose not to, so I left home. Q . How do you feel about yourself? A. I have mixed feelings about myself; also, I have things I know I need to do, but never seem to have enough time to do it, like see my kids. Q . Where are you from? A. Originally from Newark, New Jersey (East Orange). I visit there once a year; but, I prefer Cincinnati because it's laid back, a slower pace; and, not to mention, I need to stay away from old people, places, and things, bein' that I used heroin; I don't use any more. Q. What would you like for people to know about you? A Basically, I'm a good guy and a hard worker, and that I would do anything for anybody within reason. I had a good marriage and came from a good family; my wife is my best friend. Q. Name one thing you are doing for yourself and others. A Staying clean and working as much as 70 hours a week. For others? I help them get jobs. Q. What are your dreams? A I have dreams of remarrying a woman who's not In active addiction or simply does not indulge. Also, one who wants something more and someone good out of life. Q. What is your New Year's Resolution? A. My New Year 's Resolution is to move into my own apartment and keep working with the blessing of God. M. S. Thanks, Tony. Don Sawyer, Coordinator for the Live-In Drug Treatment Program at the Drop Inn Center. for all. A Help others help me. Q . And, finally, what is your New Year's Q . Name one thing you are doing for others. Resolution? A.. Working at the Drop Inn.Center Live-In A. Stay clean one day at a time and have all Program. my guys graduate. Q . Do you have a dream? Thanks, Don. A. No more hunger or homelessness, and jobs Faye Palmer (Mark's note: Faye is a Drop Inn Center resident who smiles and says "Hello" to everyone). Q . How are you today, Faye? A Fine. - Q . Where are you from, Faye? A. I'm from Nancy, Kentucky. (A small town Faye Palmer some distance away.) Q. Will you tell us a little about yourself? A. I am 61 years old, divorced; I have one son and six grandkids. I had a 4-way bypass in July of this year. I like playing pool, watching TV, and I like to walk. I work at Frisch's, and I love it. I've been there off and on for four years. I love helping other people. It makes me feel nice. I used to be [in nursing] and am certified as a nurse's aide. I am waiting for my health to get better so I can continue in my field. Since my surgery, I can't lift anything heavy, and sometimes a nurse's aide is required to lift heavy things. I like the Drop Inn Center because it gives me a chance· to see how people live(d), when I never knew or experienced homelessness until now. Living here teaches me to not take life for granted. I came here because of a disagreement with my roommate, then the surgery, and ended up here. Q. Name one thing you are doing for yourself. A Working. Q. Name one thing you are doing' for others. A Being a friend and trying to be a friend to all the girls here. Q. Do you have a dream? A My dream is to be as healthy as I can be and as happy as I can and hopefully to get myself a nice used mobile home. Q. What is your New Year's 1 Resolution? A. Be the best I can be at whatever I do whether I'm a waitress, cook, or nurse's aide. Just be the best. Thank you, Faye. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 5 Santa Lands at Local Family Shelters by Shelley Rolhenbusch As you reflect on the past year; what are the memories that you most cherish? This year I have memories which will last a life dme. Just before Christmas, with bells in hand and Santa at my side I went with the Project Connect T earn and U. C. volunteers to deliver gifts to twelve shelters for the homeless. Pencil boxes filled with school supplies, food coupons and books; Then wrapped with care and lovingly held by a big fuzzy bear. The children giggled as Santa pulled up; His big red truck was spattered with Cincin­ nati muck. That didn't discourage the children a bit; As they run to his side waiting to sit. "Oh, Santa," they cried, "We're so glad that you're here. We've been good little children all through the year." The children waited patiently all in a row; As parents stood by absorbing their glow. As Santa said good-bye we saw a tear in his eye. The children were homeless yet they still believed; This the reason Santa and his helpers strive to succeed. I am lucky. Helping homeless children in need is part of my job. I work for Project Connect which provides educa­ tional services for homeless children and youth. With the help of many communit)' volunteers and donated Items, we were able to provide presents for almost two hundred children living in shelters for the holiday. The project Connect Team was also able to enjoy a.Christmas dinner with children at Over-The­ Rhine Community Center. Children were dressed in their best and were dazzled by the magician who provided entertainment before the dinner. Protests Launched· Regarding Public Assistance by Carolyn Meszaros Protests and rallies objecting to the curtailment of public assistance continue both locally in Cincinnati and In the Ohio capital city, Columbus. Verification of client compliance with new proposals, among other things, has renewed public actions by both individuals and organiza· tions who frequently defend public assistance recipients. Only a percentage of homeless individuals and low income individuals are affected. Social and economic fluctuations make It impossible to determine what, if any, repercussions might be. But, with enough reductions in cash In hand among affected public assistance recipients, It is assumed that there will soon be an Increase in the numbers of homeless people and others needing help from non-public sources. Among the key issues is the "verifying" aspect of the matter. Protesters believe there is sufficient poor casework - lost papers, Inaccessible personne~ etc. ­ to warrant public action, there being enough govemmen· tal mismanagement to cause unnecessary hardship In many cases. On the other hand, some caseworkers and social service organizations have long held the idea that the original grants themselves are insufficient to meet essential needs (proof being in band-aJd welfare pro­ grams). As a result of this most recent action, welfare rights officials have been told by at least two of the legislators, including the committee chairman, that they have changed their positions from the more hardline approach toward the clients (public assistance recipients). Although the Ohio Legislators were not scheduled to be In session until January 6, 1998, committee meetings were still being held in December of 1997, notably in this regard the Joint Committee on Agency Rules and Regulations OCARR), with a meeting scheduled for December 16. (One of the committee members is from the Greater Cincinnati area; see below.) In anticipation of the hearing/meeting. the Welfare Rights Coalition and friends planned a "Street Action" in Cincinnati for December· 12 and a group trip to Columbus for the 16th. The Ohio Empowerment Coalition, Ohio's statewide welfare rights organization, scheduled a press conference at the statehouse for December 16. The scheduled public activitie.s also included street theater and carols. In general, the essence of the matter involves several points, Including some new procedures in the human services department, a thing called sanctions a~d food stamps, as well as verifications and compliance. Reportedly, policy has been in effect since December I. Reportedly, it is statewide administrative policy, in which case information should be readily available in human services departments in all 88 counties as well as district human services offices In both "communications" offices and in the information offices of at least the appropriate elected officials. A check with the Hamilton County Human Services Department as well as the state district office (on 8th Street) and the governor's constituency services office on December 16 (the day of the scheduled welfare rights activities in Columbus) found no information readily available on a simple Inquiry about an explanation regarding the "sanctions." A call to a number given for a legislative member of the committee netted a message recorder. The available Information on the committee lists five state· representatives and five state senators from various parts of the state, Including both northeastern and southwest.em areas. The person listed nearest to · Oncinnati geographically Is Rep. George Terwilleger (722­ 33+4, a local call from Cincinnati). The committee chairman is listed as Rep. Donald Mottely of West Carrollton (Dayton), and the nearen state senator is listed as Sen. Merle Grace Kearns of Springfield. Current lists distributed are not necessarily up to date as state legislature Information personnel have a replacement name for one of the senators, who reportedly resigned December 6. The other committee members are listed as Gary Suhadolnlk, Larry Mumper, Greg DIDonato, Leigh Herington, Joan Lawrence, Dan Brady and Michael Verich. All state government individuals can be reached with local telephone calls by calling state Information. In Cincinnati, state information is 852-3 I 00 (in the telephone book at the beginning of the State of Ohio listings). Support Your Local Vendor Tell A Friend About Streetvibes Children thrilled with Santa at Tom Geiger Guest House. One of twelve stops at shelters made by Project Connect, Cincinnati Public Schools Program for· the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. After dinner Santa took the time to hand out presents to all the children and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. As you begin the year remember to take time and reflect on the memories you are creating for yourself and those around you. American Dream Eludes Homeless Woman in Ohio by Richard Kieler Mindy Menton is trying to survive a divorce. When she developed psychological problems • her husband asked for a divorce. Since she was in treatment, he told her to trust him and he handled everything legally. She lost her home and her money In the divorce proceedings. She has been homeless for six months now because she followed her former husband when he moved north from Forida with their children. Menton is 37 years old , 5'7 tall and has blond hair and blue eyes. She likes children. She used to own and operate a successful day care center down in Florida called "Mindy's Munchklns." Because of her psychological problems she Is no longer able to run a day care business. She had the American Dream. Her husband worked in sales for General Motors. She was a suburban wife and mother and she was a self-employed business woman. Her worst nightmare has come true. She lives life in hell. But things don't always necessarily get better. She remarried recendy. Menton thought she was moving to greener pastures. Her new husband woke up one day and decided to rob a bank. Now he is in jail. Menton said , "This is a riches to rags story. This a woman who should be being paid $1 ,000 dollars a month in alimony wandering around sleeping in front of churches." "My husband wanted the woman in the long evening gown with the long glass of champagne on his arm at the business functions. He didn't want to have to be visiting the mental hospital and he used it (my psychological problems) to his advantage." �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 6 WORD ON THE Heaven's Grocery Store STREET Arts and Poetry Life's Meaning Cleo's Dream by Denise Crew One day while I lay praying The Lord did speak to me A message filled with so much love It brought instant peace to me I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. ~ne day I saw a sign that read, " Heaven's Grocery Store." As I got a little closer, the door came open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing inside. I saw a host of angels: they were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, "My child, shop with care." Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store, and all you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for more. by Ron Carter Listening & learning Engaging in positive thinking Finding the way to succeed Enjoying what you have accomplished Winter Winds by Denise Crew The winter is my foe yet you embrace it as a friend; you've come to me for reasons I don't understand. Should I stop, or accept this as wonderful? What is the attraction Or is it infatuation? Do you intentionally enter my secret spaces opening doors of forbidden places to bring about the pounding of a resounding echol I know all too well Winter is my foe further isolating me from me but most of all putting distance between me and you. Hey, Mom and Dad, Look--No Life!! (The tide of. this a rticle is to be sarcastic.) . To be nice is to be stupid because o bviously being nice ls not working. This story is about drugs: not just o ne drug. but all drugs. In a survey that was taken the later part of the year 1997. It's a fact, seniors in High School, high schoo l. I re peated High School thre e times to get your attentio n. Your future is testing drugs. All drugs: Alcohol, Mar ijuana, Stimulants, Cocaine, and Herion. Oh, and it's O K to start with cigarettes, because their use is increasing too. Hey Mom and Dad, we use to ask, do you know where your children-are? Now we w ill ask, do you know what your children are doing? O K, guess what? They are not doing drugs in classrooms. So let's ask: where are they do ing it? I can see it now - a future president saying he lit his crack pipe , but he didn't inhale. He put LSD in his mouth, but he didn't swallow it, or a judge who o nly had one double before he heard a murder trial. I think you understand, so I won't keep going. In your busy schedule, can you make time to go see your child in jail? Or maybe a mental institu­ tion? Or even a grave yard? Mom, Dad - Drugs don't just kill the user. It kills us all... Streetvibes Online http: cincy. com/gcch 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. I could not see beyond it Even when I looked around So clean, so smooth I walked it without my feet on solid ground For two who love and care for He always found a way To keep a watchful eye oe'r them While I earned my daily pay First I got some patience; love was in the same row. Further down was understanding; you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith. I just couldn't miss the Holy Spirit, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some strength. and courage to help me run the race. By then my basket was getting full, but I needed some grace. I didn't forget salvation, for salvation that was free, So.... I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. My life's near complete I am so satisfied He kept a watchful eye oe'r me and placed a good friend by my side She is like no other I've met in my whole life So strong and independent I feel her zest for life I worry and I wonder Yet the truth the blind can see She too is a blessing A gift for only me Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill. for I thought I had everything to do my Master's will. As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and I just had to put that in. Fo r I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin. Peace and joy were ple ntiful!; they were on the last shelf. So ng and praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself. Then I said to the angel, " No w, how much do I o wel" He just smiled and said, "J ust Take t hem e ve rywhere you go." Again, I smiled and said,"How much do I r eally owel" He smiled asin and said, " My child, Jesus paid your bill a long time ago" STREETVIBES Sweat and T-Shirts! Author Unknown Only $5 lor T's, $10 for Sweats. Subscribe to Streetvibes STREETVIBES if,,· I r1 ',1u :· , Homeless Gt .1pevme Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless--Streetvibes. Ifyou have any questions, call 421-7803. ;_ .. The voice said please be patient For with great power - I am here To smooth out the rough road you walk And clear a path right here .· ....,.... - . . . -:·· 100% While Collon Shirts and long Sleeve Sweat Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts and Sweat Shirts are available at our office at I506 8m Street. Please stop by .and see u~. . ·t ,, . -· '· ~ �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 1 Union Donate·s a Roof Over Some Heads Story and Photos by James Heath On a recent cold and windy Saturday morning. Butch Stockelman, Business Agent for the Roofers Local #42, along with his crew of roofing appren­ tices, donated materials and time to Install a new roof on a ReSTOC apartment building in Over-The­ Rhine. The Roofers Union conducts an intensive 3 year training program that allows apprentice workers to work full time in the roofing industry during the week. On weekends, these apprentice roofers and Butch and his instructors bring their expertise to a building that serves as an opportunity for "real world" training. Also, this is a way to give some­ thing to a community in need. Thanks to Butch Stockelman and his crew, the benefits of this project extend to both the Roofers Union #42 and ReSTOC: apprentice roofers gain experience and training and ReSTOC receives a badly needed new roof free of change for a low­ Income apartment building. The crew of three instructors and six appren­ tice roofers completed the project at 1424 Republic Street in OTR in one day, installing a new roof that will last for up to 20 years. Roofer Butch Stockelman helps lead a crew to roof 1424 Republic Street In Over­ the-Rhine. Photo by James Heath. The Henchman by Johannes Van Din/er A Short Story from Spare Change: New England's Journal of the Streets-Of and For the People . (Editor's Note: This Is the second work of fiction we have published by Van Dinter. He is currendy residing at the 17 Court Street Shelter and writes from the heart about what it is like to be without a home.) It was a perfect weekend for late August in the Northeast. A cloudless sky, bright sun and tempera­ tures in the upper seventies. In Boston, throngs of people were filling up the Common. They knew that the summer was nearly gone and the cool and windy fall days would seen be here. The schools would soon be open, a nd life would become more serious. So on this weekend all they wanted was to enjoy their free days outdoors. The last tourists of the season were also in the park, patiently walking in large groups, following their guides, the Park Rangers, who (boringly) were explaining the history of the Common, the statues and surrounding buildings. Most of these tourists however didn't seem to be much Interested in lectures, rather they seemed to want to explore the Commons on their own. The majority put their focus on several old Vietnamese women, who were poking into garbage cans with short tree branches, trying to find empty bottles and cans between the debris. When found, they put their prey into large garbage bags slung over their tiny shoulders. When one of these bags was filled to capacity, they deposited that bag Into a shopping cart to be transported to a nearby supermarket and cashed Into nickels. These old women were not the only persons searching through the garbage cans. Many times per day an array of characters from the silent and somber homeless to the mentally disabled went through them. The Commons has hundred of different sized benches, which on this weekend were occupied to capacity by thousands of people from different backgrounds. There was an exception to this; however, several benches were occupied only by a single person, mosdy the homeless, simply because ~one of the general public wanted to be seen sitting next to a person who was poorfy dressed, mentally disabled or simply depressed. In other words, not looking or acdng like the main stream of the population. Somewhat strange in a so-called equal and classless society, with exception for the different economical classes. Money after all rules our society. More or less like a religion and success in life is all that it's about today. The people, most of whom were simple minded, were partly brainwashed by the old American saying. "You see wh!lt you get and you get what you seen." The media in this country for instance, rarely mentions the so-called lost classes. The near invisible people, the outcasts of society as they seemed to be looked at by them. Only a handful of stories are emerging now and then. Mainly for humanitarian reasons. The fail ure of success and total poverty, seem to be major sins. No one ever speaks about these classes and when they do it usually isn't done in a friendly or brotherly way­ Even for those who have been in the main stream of society and who are now bankrupt or impoverished by bad luck, divorce, drugs or alcoholic addictions. They are not able to climb back up the economical ladder out from the hole in which they had fallen Into. One of these, a man In his early fifties was sitting by himself on a bench he had occupied every day since the beginning of the summer. He had chosen this particular bench because no trees were near-by and so he did not have to worry about the flocks of birds and treir droppings. Pigeons he disliked the most. In his mind they were the lowest IQ'd birds in the Common. Once he fed them bread and the sparrows would be between them and every time the sparrows would be able to get the pieces .first, fly off with the pieces, only to return In second to grab more from the pigeons who were sdll looking around trying to find the pieces he had thrown at them. He also liked his bench, because from Its position he faced the sound of the bells from the State Street Church. however, he was a bitterly depressed man, not just because he was in this awful situation, but also because he had started to hate society in general. He had observed the crowds everyday and the more he watched them, the more they seemed to look like herds of animals in his eyes. They totally ignored him, he felt as if he was nonexistent. Yes he was homeless, now but was sdll better dressed, better educated, and had lived a more exciting life than most of the general population had. He was mad at the crowds because they were so dumb he thought, to fall prey to all the slick tricksters taking advantage of chem. There were dozens of gypsy women from Eastern Europe making bundles of money, by approaching couples handling the male flowers, then when that person thanked her, asking for a two dollar contribution to help American Indian children. In order not to embarrass his date, the majority of males gave or handed out money to the gypsies. When they took breaks they talked in their foreign tongue, laughing and counting the money they had made every few minutes while smoking at the same time. It sure was a gold mine for them, he thought. He was also annoyed at the perfume sellers with their bottles of fake perfumes and colognes ripping the public off at an amazing speed, and because everyday there were other sellers, they would approach him several times a day. You also Please See "The Benchman" Continued on page 14 Please Support Our Advertisers Jimmy Heath Photography Cincinnati • (513)564-9856 E-Mail. jimmy_heath@iuno.com Friends and Neighbors ot Over-the-Rhine An Organization Seeking Justiae for People in Cincinnati's Most Endangered Community �STREETVIBE.S . ' . The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Finding Myself a New Life And How To Live Again by Elizabeth Shockley You couldn't have told me five years ago that I would have ended up at the door of the Drop Inn Center for any help. Not me. You see, I was out partying with some so­ called dear friends. However, when the money, the alcohol, and the drugs were gone, they had no use for Liz, so they put me in the street in the middle of the night. I a complete mess. I was only going to stay overnight at the shelter; it was around the Christmas holidays in 1995. And, you know - I ended up staying for five to six months. Buddy (Gray), Gail (Holley), and Kathy (Nolan, more recently working at a shelter in Kentucky) talked to me as if they had known me all my life, and I give a lot of gratitude to them for helping me find myself and getting in touch with my Higher Power and AA anti NA programs once again. After staying for almost six months, I worked and went to AA and NA meeting$; and I saved my money through the 50-50 plan at the Drop Inn Center while I was staying there. I was able to accept responsibilities and get on with my life. I got an apartment through ReSTOC, a low-income housing corporation connected with the Drop Inn Center (which helps with the homeless.) You see, I was not only homeless, per se, but also "lost." So, I want to thank my so-called friends for that night and for my new life - for throwimg me out in the middle of the night. There is more in me to be forgiven than in any of you. I think I must be rather like the woman who loved much because she was forgiven much. And, as my grandma always says, "God loves you and so do I." I'm going on two years of recovery today, "one day at a time." And, by the grace of God, I truly want to thank God, whom I choose as my Higher Power, the Drop Inn Center: ReStoc, AA a.nd NA, and the prayers and love from my mother and grandmother for my new life today. Happy New Year. Thank you. Trying to be Domestic! In the Midst Of Confusion I Am My Brother•s Keeper was by Aaron Lawrence I was twenty-five years old. Having been on my job for only six months, I was promoted to head of the Maintenance Department. They gave me a gas card and put me in charge of a crew of six, with access to two company trucks and unlimited time. I could get a truck and come and go as I pleased. That made the job very easy. During this time with the company I got a few small contract jobs. I met a young lady who had three kids, a girl and two boys. Our relationship was great even though the kids weren't mine. She worked a part time job when she wanted to. As time went on, she moved in with me; the kids would come and stay on the weekend. We started doing more and more family-oriented things, meeting more ofeach other's families, becoming a bigger family. I never knew why we could only have the kids on the weekend. We moved one more time and the kids came home. She would go off and stay for one or two days at a time. This became very disruptive and confusing. In the midSt of ;di of this, I met a couple more people in her family, and one of them was famous and prestigious. During these meetings, there were disruptions and confusion. Duffie bags with something in them were being moved in and out of the house. Nice sums of money were changing hands. She won custody of the kids, and we moved one more time. I spent many a night sleeping and waking up to :>. peculiar smell in a smoke filled room, not knowing what "crack" was or what an addict was. Opening up one of the duffle bags, I found out what crack was. Not knowing she was addicted, waking up to see her take a hit would make me fascinated as to what made her so fascinated with it; this would make me take that first hit. That's how I became an addict, with my drug of choice as crack. Over the next few years, often in treatment centers, I found out about AA and NA. I am learning about a program that will help me work to get clean, stay clean, and deal with the disease that allows certain issues in my life to lead me back to this drug. by Ron English To Abraham Swanson and Reverend Davis and to Bibleway Church of God in Christ and to Calvary Methodist. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I have had a dream of hope for freedom, ·of love of man rejoicing, of salvation against devil's sin and temptation of not having peace, of trying to find peace and love with Jesus the Almighty Saviour, of people praising their souls so they won't go to damnation, of preacher's respect, for honoring the Almighty Saviour, God, Lord, Kings of kings for all mankind. ....Of gracefully develop respect for leadership, of Adam's sin and the devil's hatred for Eve to bear Adam's child and to live in the garden of Eden. ....To find love and happiness and to build a world of peoples living together worshiping almighty God, Continued on page 9 . Page 8 . Looking to lmpr,ove in 1998 by Gregory Payton I look back at 1997 and tha.nk God because I feel as if I let Him come into my life once again. I knew it was a God, because everybody told me it was one. I went to church and prayed before last year. But, last year I needed Him more than I ever did in my life. I've been struggling all my life; but, I struggled with life itself last year. I had some close calls, and I came through them. I didn't struggle with anything ma~rially. I struggled as I tried to live without dope - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Dope, for me, was some­ thing I needed to alter my mind so that I could face life, as I saw it through my eyes. I also struggled with the dope I could hear; this is something you could only understand if you did the stuff. In 1997 I met people like myself, and I got help from them because they listened to me when I told them about my struggles. Besides the m, I think God was liste ning, too. I learned how to pray because I took the time to do it. However, I must say, it was easy because I prayed for the things I wanted and God gave me the thing I needed. I know you wonder why I use the word "easy." I can only reply that I paid attention, waited, and prayed; and, He sent or put someone or something in my life. All I had to do was seek f:lim and desire Him, and God was there. I never saw God, but God allowed me to see and feel His messages. After this happened, my struggles became mere events or challenges. All I had to do was remember who was with me. After feeling God's presence and seeing His works, I now feel as if I have a whole lot of trust in God. One of the things I learne d in 1997 was that I was not the only one who needed God. There are more people to think about than just me. I learned about an idea called "selflessness." Selfless people have no regard for themselves or their own interests. I le;i.rned that it's okay to think, help with, share in, and care about the needs of other people. Some­ times I just listened, like someone once did for me. On every first day of the year, it's a tradition to look back and remember the past year, while at the same time making a resolution for the new year. My resolution for 1998 is as follows: I want to be a better listener; I want to pray a little more; I want to reach out and help more people. I want to continue to reach my goal and dream: to end homelessness in a drug free city called Cincinnati. I thank God for 1997 and for helping me make it to 1998. Happy New Year. PS: I'd like to lose another thirty pounds, too. Th~ MINlM\1\frt WAGE CookBool< �STREETVIBES The ~ri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 9 Addiction and a My God's Gift: Call to Life An Instinct of by Don Slark, Sr. Faith STRE-ETVIBES , Addiction, to me, is a call to life identical to the experience of being born. At birth, nature in her loving relationship with us answers a whole and decisive "yes" to the invitation of life. In addiction we answer for ourselves. If the answer is no, we continue on the path of the living dead. If we say yes, we recover our lives, the gift of gifts, and we grow. The disease of addiction is not a physical or mental disease. It is much more a spiritual disease ­ a disease of life -with various components attached to it. These components are physical, mental, psychological, social, financial - the list is unending. Nothing is left untouched once this disease establishes itself in the human spirit. It's a discon­ nection from within that with time effects a discon­ nection with everything that the diseased person touches and loves. I said very little throughout of what we now call co-dependents: the family and friends of the addicted person. Yet, these wonderful people are present throughout. Since this is a spiritual disease, the method of transmission is also spiritual. It is transmitted through love. The-spouse, the lover, the child, the parent, the relative, and the friend do not need to have a physical contact with the disease or with the diseased person. To become a co-dependent, all that one needs is to have a loving relationship, a caring relationship, with the addict. In fact, it is my experience that the co­ dependents' pain is greater still than that of the physical alcoholic and drug addict. It is greater · because it is all spiritual and, therefore, deeper. Another significant factor that maximizes the pain is that the co-dependent finds no relief from it. The alcoholic and the drug addict can always get high and, in that fashion , experience temporary respite from the pain. The co-dependents of this addict would have, without a doubt, paid their dues. As a result, they, perhaps more than the addicts themselves, have a right to recovery. Efforts to procure treatment for the families and friends of addicts are being made. We can only hope that opportunities of treatment for them become greater still. If our society is to become more humane and loving, we must find some way to offer treatment In a caring and effective way. One thing is for sure: caring attention to the treatment of this disease will contribute to the preservation of the addict's life. At the same time, it will tum a sometimes sick and tarnished world to health and brilliant gold. Blessed are the addicts.... Brother's Keeper Continued from page 8 praying for the joy that they go to heaven so that they won't go to hell. I am my brother's keeper. ....Of miracles because I believe in them, of their honor and their respect for sister's love and their mother's respect, of understanding what is wrong them 'cause my heart is a pain of wondering ·about them, of my hopes of salvation, freedom of speech one brother to another, of wishing all the happiness for them, in the world peace be with them, let freedom ring, marriage of brothers and sisters of God in Christ Bible, peace be with you, let freedom ring. ....Of temptation overcoming, having peace of job, worhsipping nothing but your love and your loved ones here on earth, so that you may grow stronger, having your eyes on nothing but Jesus Christ for him to come down and take us to heaven away from damnation and not to die. Soul2Soul by Don Slark, Sr. It is a fact as old as life itself that we first become aware of the outside of things before the inside. The baby, once again, is a good example of this phenomenon. As the process of growth take,s place, the baby, little by little, turns inward to contemplate himself. He first discovers his body ­ his outside self. He then connects with his feelings, his imaginings, and his thoughts. Lastly, and only if fortunate enough to reach a desirable maturity, he discovers his soul - the part of him that is spirit. , Again, the disease of addiction is very much a spiritual disease. It's a disease of life. Consequently, its devastation is centrally located in that place where life is found in us. To reverse its direction - that is, to recover - one must replay the experience that takes place from birth on. In the beginning, the process was unconscious. With time, it surfaced into consciousness. In the recovery from addiction, the same process takes place. The instinct of love is an unconscious experi­ ence, not conjured up by the individua.I. It occurs spontaneously, independent of the addict's will and intention. The consciousness awakens, and the It is a truth that penetrates be­ yond anything that the human being could ever know... hopeless addict asks for help. The response, indirect as it sometimes may be, is inevitably loud and clear. It is a promise of help and a guarantee of hope even for him - th~ addict - who considered himself hopeless. With that, we embark on the third stage of recovery. This is where the addicted person is told the truth about himself. For the first time in his life, he is told that he is powerless over alcohol and drugs. In the beginning of the recovery process, the addict establishes first a communication and a connection with God - life inside of himself, for those who don't believe In a God. Second, he connects with the world around him, with life outside of himself, another human being. Now, he is ready to establish a deep spiritual connection with himself. This connection is beyond any other the addict has ever known. It is a knowledge that surpasses all previous knowledge - of his name, his way of being, his taStes, his dislikes, his way of feeling, or his way of thinking. The addict now receives, as a gift for the connections he made with life and with his·peers, the knowledge that he is powerless. It is a truth that penetrates beyond a.nything that the human being could ever know about himself. He receives the communication and the impetus to admit, to accept, that he is powerless over drugs physically, mentally, and spiritually. He is powerless physically because his body can't take drugs; they have become a poison to his system as it Is constituted. He is powerless mentally because his mind and his feelings cannot handle drugs; the addict becomes nonfunctional or, rather, falsely functional, not only when the drug is ingested, but even when the drug is merely contemplated prior to ingestion. And, finally, he is powerless spiritually because the drug disconnects the person from his very spirit after it enters the body, from the thing in him that makes him alive and that gives him life - his very self. Yet, there ls still more. As a direct consequence of making the first two connections - with life and-then with a human Don Stark, Sr. Photo by James Heath. being - the recovering addict is told a still deeper truth about his ·nature. The addict is told that he is not only powerless over the drug, but that he is also powerle.ss over God and life, over others, and over things. Finally, he is told that he is powerless over even himself. In learning this liberating truth, he is urged, with love and caring, to admit it and make it his own, to connect with it as he connected with his pain. Why is the concept of powerlessness so essentia.I to the struggle toward spiritual recovery from addiction? Very simply stated, powerlessness is so important for spiritual recovery because it is so essential to physical recovery. We can't know spiritual realities. They are beyond our grasp. Our only access to the spiritual is through the physical ­ the only level of reality that we can know by seeing and touching. Remember, the disease Is not in the drug. Rather, the drug is the symptom, the outward and visible sign of the real problem, which is found within the individual. Since the addict becomes physically sick from use of the drug, he finds out that he is sick from something else. In the caSe of the drug, the addict begins to recognize that It is a tool that allows him to exercise power and control. If the addict gets up In the morning and fears the day, all he has to do is pop a pill or down a drink, and the problem is fixed for the moment. Eventually, the addict begins to recognize that as long as he attempts to fix his life - that is, to exercise control over It - he rapidly begins to lose it. The addict feels that God has given up on him. Yet, all the great religion.s say that mankind's prayers are, in fact, always answered: "Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him." In brief, the relationship that life and God have with us is one of love and caring. It is a gift that makes us precious and, as a result, all the more fragile and powerless. In time; provided the recovering addict is willing, the gift of the God of his understanding will be revealed to him. Not only will he know a relief, but, he will be healed and at last be made able to live. May the God of your understanding walk with you throughout the new year. " ...Just for Today...." �STREETVIBES The 111 \tot(:.'s Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES Editorials and Letters Cincinnati Should Save Washington Park and Gazebo by Two Bil - As I walk past the gazebo I think, "That's all they have." In fact, that's about all "they" will ever have unless some rather Ignorant and ruthlessly forceful Individuals manage to flatten the rest of "the old city," in which case there won't be any "they," either. The statement Is not meant to be snooty. I come from Dayton, which through some obscure but quite possible logic was started where three smaller rivers and a creek meet. all of which natu­ rally overflow in a good rain onto some portion of the flood plain. The community did have the good sense to build reladvely litde on the most immediate parts of the flood plain, letting that sit, instead, as parkland. There's quite a bit of parkland near downtown Dayton and beyond, maintained and prettied up now and then out of practicality rather than out of any wise social or archltectual planning. And, In many cases the expanse of green space is ofdefinite sociological and psychological benefit. The same thing is not readily possible in or near downtown Cincinnati for several reasons. Consequendy, every inch of "green space" apart from the few blades of grass growing between the cracks in the sidewalk here and there is valuable. Trees and flowers don't naturally grow in pots; they merely manage to survive to some extent that way, and while some life is better than no life, it is an unnatural view of nature, no matter how well kept. The gazebo is a pretty thing in a pretty setting with enough pigeons and squirrels around to make Washington Park at least a reminder of the natural world that is fast disappearing from the entire area. To stir up everything with construction Is of ques­ tionable value, like a bandshel; this is not a social benefit. And, I speak knowledgeably about "bandshell": Dayton maintained a bandshell, a big one, for years on a part of that flood plain described above in an area called Island Park. And, people have gone to events there, such as Fourth of July celebrations, by the thousands. But. several things need to be kept In mind 1n regard to the activity; namely, things like the fact that the park Is part of a flood plain. People have sat on the river bank to fish or meditate; the connection to the natural world remained. Admittedly, Cincinnati has avallable some marvelously arranged notions of the natural world, provided one wants to get on the bus or in the car and travel to'them as If they were something apart from the real world that's the foundation of our existence. Why I'm In Cincinnati Is beside the point here. The fact is, I am here, and there are only three small areas of "green space" In my immediate area: the patch of grass and shrubs that runs down the middle of Central Parkway for a couple of blocks, the suburban type atmosphere around the police station, and Washington Park. To someone who spent a lifetime In a big city where people sat on the riverbank and fished, stood on a woody, grassy hill and watched the fireworks across the river, and took "nature pictures" almost downtown, the three patches of grass around are precious jewels. And, I can leave, but some people won't Page 10 Citizens Should Start Now to Capture City Hall by Tom Mulroy This past election the people of Cincinnati got precisely what they deserved...the same o ld city council. However this time the most pro-develop­ ment and anti-people members of council banded together to strip Mayor Qualls ( the biggest vote getter in the election ) of all chairmanships and other powers. Under the leadership of Phil Heimlich (whose vote per dollar ratio slipped considerably this election ) and a majority assured by the two lowest vote-getters in the election The City Council Gang of Five have declared themselves anointed by some higher power to run the city. Never mind that their combined vote counts fail to Indicate that they represent a majority of anything but the nine­ member city council. This is business as usual in a company town like Cincinnati. People figure that big money will determine everything. What use is there In working for candidates? This sheep-like thinking eXtends even to the people who work everyday to improve the condi­ tions of the poorest citizens of Cincinnati. Prior to the last election I asked around among people who I know care about the poor and the homeless. The only candidate who everyone agree upon as being worth election was Forest Buckley. A tour of Over-the-Rhine the day before the election showed a whole lot of posters for Tarbell, the bald headed darling of the developers. didn't see more than one or two posters for Forest Buckley. And this was in the heart of the area that would benefit most from having a friend on city co uncil. During the ave rage year activist in Over­ the- Rhine spend hundreds of man hours testifying before and protesting against a city council which contains no one who is unashamedly friendly with their concerns. If the same amount of effort had been spent working in the last campaign there might be one person on council who would work with the advocates of housing for the poor and related issues. With the gang of five fi rmly entrenched, activists for the poor face the worst two years in Former Student Remembers buddy gray by Eric Fryxell Today marks the anniversary of the passing of Buddy Gray, one of our city's great leaders, killed by a mentally ill man he had helped. Although the headlines he created In this newsoaoer were often controversial, It is clear that he was motivated in his successful activist career by the highest visions of justice and compassion. Buddy has influenced me gready for many years since we met in April 1981 on my first day of exploring Over-the-Rhine for Mr. Powers' 12th grade government course. (No one else in that big Indian Hill class chose Over-the-Rhine for their neighborhood project.) The first person I met that sunny day was Dan O 'Connor as he posted block club meeting announcements around Old St. Mary's Church. He referred me to the neighborhood office, the Drop Inn Shelter, and to Buddy, whom I later followed along Republic Street and nearby alleys to the Voices newspaper office, through the Drop Inn, around that part of town familiar to me only from attending concerts so often ~t Music Hall. But this was different. Even now in Minneapolis years later, I remember emerging from suburbia Into the vivid sounds and smells, the crowded cluttered pathways, the closeness of the beautiful run down brick apartments, the bustle of human activity - all recent memory. There will be plenty of reasons to go down to City Hall and protest. He re's a novel idea - How about we start acting like we have good sense. Let's at least try to get a sympathetic city council. The time to start is now. W e nee d to set o ur sights o n the 1999 elections. There is a prece dent for such early action. In Washington D.C. in 1978 an organization called Target '80 was formed by conservative Republicans. Their goal was to assure that the most liberal Democratic senators were not reelected. They targeted I 0 senators and seven failed to be re­ elected. The organization supported people they liked and brought out all the negatives they could dig up o n the targeted enemies. You may not like conservatives but that doesn't mean you can't steal their ideas...especially the ones that work. Target '80 eliminated tJ\e ability of the Democrats to over­ ride vetoes in the Senate and led to the eventual Republican majority. We need our own organization. If we're in the mood to steal let's call it Target '99. This is a perfect time to start Four members of Council will be forced to retire under the term limit law, so there should be four relatively easy targets right there. Liberals who lost last time should be interested in participating. Forest Buckley intends to run again and his staff intends to stay together. Some ener­ getic new people should be encouraged to run. Even a small informal group such as Target '99 should be able to get some new names in the news and Into the mind of the electorate. And when electio n time comes we may be able to tum out the o ne thing that can win elections that money can't buy...volunteers...election workers...foot soldiers. Meanwhile Target'99 can be researching and exposing the machinations of the Heimlich Gang. Two years of negative advertising may have a wonderful effect. making me excited and a bit apprehensive. But within that first day I was at ease, having met so many stimulating. friendly neighbors working hard for their vision of a better place to live, a purpose that seemed to bring diverse people together into a vibrant community. (How different from growing up in Indian Hill, where although I knew many good people, I had never witnessed such fervor outside of a school football game, nor had been drawn Into something larger than life, like the concepts of justice and community, like the work of political activism and running a shelter.) Alone with his colleaeues Bill Kasherslcv. Bonnie Neumeier, uerald, and many others, Buddy was a beacon all over his neighborhood. Through his Invitation, I served supper at the Drop Inn, learning to be comfortable with "street people," engaging in many conversations while doing the dishes, teaming the rocky history of the place. (At Stengers' on Vine Street, I watched the first landing of the Space Shutde on TV.) Buddy and Bonnie spoke to my class later that spring; and I joined them for my first political rally, holding hands and singing for the TV cameras, protesting the closing of Peaslee School. Buddy's spirit touched everyone and Infused passion Into his fellow workers. His ability to speak and organize against the status quo for the cause of his community was a refreshing example of the democratic Ideals of our city and nation actually in process, rather than just engraved In another mission statement or Statue of Liberty. Since moving from Cincinnati In 1981, I kept in touch with Buddy, who was always dose to me In Continued on page 16 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine by National Coalition for the Homeless SlaH by Two-Bil Word Search R A E y w E N "Too many holidays" is certainly not a rare thought. An example of an attempt to do something about the matter has already been made into a law ­ namely, the creation of "Presidents' Day" out of the minor holidays of Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday to commemorate (as a matter of justice, perhaps) all of the U. S. Presidents. Enterprising local public officials could also carryout some small actions toward such an end. Even if they're not interested, systems could be devised (let's pretend it might start to happen) where there could be consideration for things that are now "celebrated" without there being a declared "closed" day. One way to approach the matter would be to enact something either officially or legally to make "holidays" amatter of "time periods" - the official term would be "holiday time period" or "holiday time" rather than "day." I.e. "Thanksgiving Time" rather than "Thanksgiving Day." · The "time periods" would consist of different designated lengths - two days, half day, etc. - that would be appropriately determined. Again, there's a notion that's already been established in regard to such things as "moments of silence" and "long weekends." If someone wanted to become picky or fancy, there might even be special designations such as "Meditation Time" (referring to an hour to be set aside to commemorate or remember a certain event.) Such a system (and the ruling or enactment of it) would require some clarification of "time off." Presently, there are often distinctions such as authorized unpaid as weH as authorized paid sick leave and vacation time. This refers to time off from work, calculated at different percentage rates. Sometimes one must use a week of vacation in place of sick leave, making it impractical to even consider using vacation for something of choice, like an important, yet short, religious holiday. Regardless, all of this seems to be a matter deserving at least some thought, if not action. E D N E L A s E p 0 T A B c s B E E T E p c E T ...... \ u x H Good Luck Streetvibes Dear Streetvibes: I'm so glad to see that there's a Cincinnati version of this paper and this concept. It's one that I support mightily. I was in Chicago recently and found the enclosed article. May you find the same success. Sincerely, Christopher Harris, MD (Editor's Note: Dr. Harris enclosed material from Reader, Chicago's Free Weekly. Dr. Harris is affiliated with Children's Hospital Medical Center in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology.) E p H x u B E A y K 0 R R 0 L w c s T E N 0 A I I 0 I D p s s L s M I L w 0 R K E E E y R A u N A H G I E w E s 0 .. •' .' . B I L L s J L This year marks the I0th anniversary of the signing of the McKinnney Act. It is an occasion worthy of our reflection. This article examines how we have fared in our efforts to address homeless­ ness, what we have learned, and where we need to go to close this grim and shameful chapter of this nation's history and to ensure that homelessness is not part of America's future. This was written to jog the memory of those who have forgotten and to educate those who never knew, to combat the short­ sightedness of current policy-making. and to renew the call for a national response to end homelessness. The massive increase in homelessness that this report documents is a stinging indictment of a failed approach. The research and interviews presented here remind us that homelessness is neither inevi­ table nor acceptable. In Cincinnati, as across the nation, homeless­ ness has its roots in the simultaneous decrease in affordable housing and increase in poverty. Cincinnati affordable housing shortage emerged in the mid- I970s. In 1975, Cincinnati had a surplus of 12,700 low-income units: by 1986, that surplus had turned Into a shortage of 16,900 affordable units (Center On Budget and Policy Priorities, 1992). Between 1970-1980, the number of SRO's in downtown Cincinnati dropped from 2, I04 to 994 (Community Ministry Committee, 1987). At the same time, stagnating wages and the erosion or reduction of public assistance put housing out of reach for many poor households in Cincin­ nati. Between !975 and 1992, the value of the average welfare grant (AFDC) for a family of three In Ohio decreased by 37% (Center on Social Welfare Policy and Law, !993). In 1997, the average welfare grant (TANF) for a family of three in Cincinnati fell $170 short of the amount needed to rent a two­ bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent (Nationa.I Low Income Housing Coalition, I 997) The reduction in the va.lue of public assistance is one of the ~ontributing factors to the areas increase in poverty: between 1980 and 1990, the poverty rate of the Cincinnati area doubled from 12% to 24% of the population (Applied Information Resources, 1993). In 1990, 42% of Cincinnati's children under five years of age fell below the poverty line. Public assistance in Ohio has also been sharply reduced for low-income individuals. In 1991, Ohio cut its General Assistance program in half by reducing benefits by 32% for most single individuals and time-limited benefits to six months out of a 12­ month period. In 1992, 18 months after the GA reported an increase in demand, 83% of the shelters reported an increase in demand, and 63% of the rent assistance programs reported an increase in demand (Applied Information Resources, 1993). Scramble by Gregory Payton J 0 Page 11 10 Years Of McKinney There Are Too Many Holidays!! "The food pantry will be closed Tuesday­ Legal Holiday." And, what, exactly, is the exceptional reason behind the great commemoration of whatever legal holiday it is? · For example, why, exacdy, is anyone celebrating New Year's Day? St. Patrick's Day...? At least there probably WERE some very good reasons for the assorted doings about such and such a day at one time; but, are those reasons still valid? For example, since New Year's was mentioned: Ancient Chinese proverb (it seemingly is/was) says, "Pay all debts before New Year begins." Well, if, as of January I someone has managed to pay all debts, that's a lovely reason to be celebrating. However, that really doesn't seem to be very close to any sort of universal condition. If the notion involved has some relationship to notions about "getting rid of the past," that's not possible. One can easily substitute the words "office", "school", and "important services" for the words "food pantry" in the opening statement. The point is that the· "holidaying" of others can become an actual matter of life and death for the homeless - a grave situation to many, and a sizeable inconve­ nience even to the well-to-do people. This seems to be an excellent time to take a good look at the whole matter of holidays. Now, some people may disagree with the following analysis, and everyone is certainly free to disagree. But, if anyone has a better idea, the rest of the world should certainly be advised of it. As a people, as a nation, we really should not be dealing with any more than perhaps three or four "holidays" a year. That's plenty if one accounts for all of the personal interest days one may have: vacations (which are considered to be holidays, too) and religious meditation days (i.e. Easter), not to eQ~ time off for snow days and sick leave. The latter, wlilch are not-exactly "holidays", are also legitimate reasons for the pantry to be closed.. It is in the best interest of society as a whole (since there are hundreds of millions of Americans believing in the importance of various events) that, apart from our own personal interests, none of us should be expected (or inclined) to keep in mind, look to, figure in, plan on, etc., anything except three or four exceptional "celebrations." These events should be more or less common to all of us. How­ ever, there should be opportunity to commemorate privately things important to us both individually and as members or "parts" of groups. Obviously, my few paragraphs will not redesign calendars, alter established activities, or even persuade the food pantry or office to open on "holidays." I cannot change thoughts about issues such as holiday pay; but, as individuals we can act according to this concept as much as possible. . by Ron Carter Find these .words in the puzzle: NewYear Broke PayBills LoseWeight School Work Overtime Diet Exercise Help Sales Taxes January Calendar Debt Job Returns Listen Hope Try to unscramble these holiday words: WNE ERASY TYRAP MESIT ERSQUA DIM GHTIN ONUTCWOND STSMERREA ROUWC SAOTT IONTOSERLO BRAELECITON Answers on page 15. ·. � 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 January 1998 Vol. 2, issue 12 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Issue covering:<br />Homeless memorial<br />Rev. Maurice McCracken's passing<br />Food stamp cuts<br />Washington Park<br />Public assistance protests 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 January 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ron Carter<br />Pat Clifford<br />Denise Crew<br />Brian Davis<br />Ron English<br />Alex Grabtree<br />Tom Hayes<br />James (Jimmy) Heath<br />Richard Kiefer<br />Aaron Lawrence<br />Carolyn Meszaros<br />Tom Mulroy<br />Bonnie Neumeier<br />Gregory Payton<br />Sue Watlov Phillips<br />Shelley Rothenbusch<br />Mark Salter<br />Elizabeth Shockley<br />Don Stark, Sr.<br />Streetvibes Inquirer<br />Two Bit<br />Donald Whitehead<br />Lynn Williams 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 Newspaper 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>. Aaron Lawrence Alex Grabtree Bonnie Neumeier Brian Davis Carolyn Meszaros Denise Crew Don Stark Donald Whitehead Elizabeth Shockley food stamps Gregory Payton James (Jimmy) Heath Lynn Williams Mark Salter memorial Pat Clifford protest public assistance Richard Kiefer Ron Carter Ron English Shelley Rothenbusch Sr. Streetvibes Inquirer Sue Watlov Phillips Tom Hayes Tom Mulroy Two Bit https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/11e4f613bdda55b9f579b37bc0f0a355.pdf d6454d43a595681b86cb208332f43e76 PDF Text Text Streetvibes Celebrates A Birthday Looking Back Twenty Years: January 11th 1978--The People Move Streevibes Staff The staff, writers., vendors and supporters of Streetvibes would like to thank all of our loyal readers for helping us make it through our first year of existence. One year ago, Streetvibes first hit the streets. We are very proud of the progress it has made; since our humble beginning. we have come to distribute almost '4000 copies per month. We currendy have over 200 subscribers, and we have had 145 vendors attempt to sell Streetvibes at least once. Of the 145 vendors that have given Streetvibes a chance, many have become regular vendors. Among these regular vendors, Streetvibes has had a I00% success rate; all vendors who have tried to sell Streetvibes and have continued to do so on a regular basis have gone on to find permanent or transitional housing. In the second year of Streetvibes' existence, we hope to continue its growth by increasing our distribution to I0 ,000 copies per month by February of 1998. The attainment of this target will allow us to reach our other goals: to have Streetvibes become completely self sufficient by opening a Streetvibes office run by hired staff and to increase our vendor services. We are extremely grateful for the many volunteers who have been a part of Streetvibes. Our doors are always open for those who wish to find a way to give of themselves. Lasdy, we thank all of our subscribers - you have made all of these accomplishments possible. We hope that the quality of our little paper contin­ ues to improve. If you are buying Streetvibes for the first time, we hope you enjoy our paper and realize that by reading it you are helping to improve the lives of other human beings. Contents Page3: Page 4: Page6: Page B: Page 12: Page14: Page 16: _. News: EBTCards arive in Cincinnati. Tender Mercies open new building. Streetvibes Poetry. Streetvibes Celebrates Black History Mon/h News from around the world Announcements and ClassifiedAds Need Help Want Help Years ago on a cold blizzardy Friday night a momentous event occurred whkh has gone down in our Over-the-Rhine history as THE PEOPLES MOVE The ShelterHouse Volunteer Group, operators of the Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse, consciously planned and organized a secret. "illegal" midnight move from its second home at 1324 Main Street to our current location at 217 W . 12th Street, which had been owned and not too long vacated by the Team­ sters Union. This group decision of conscience f. was made deliberately to get out of a dilemma we believed to be inhumane. Our story unfolded like this.Drop Inn Center began in 1973 as a volun­ teer people's program in a one room storefront at 171 I Vine Street, a much needed place' in our neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine for men who were homeless and suffering from the disease of chronic alcoholism. As numbers grew and government money secured to build a program and hire paid staff, Drop Inn moved to a five room place at I324 Main Street in 1974. In the following couple of years the program got into the hands of social professionals who were not based in our neighborhood and had different ideas about the direction of the program. The community was angered when a decision was made without community input to dose the Drop Inn on weekends in Spring of 1976. We were angered further by talk of eliminating the overnight shelter and running a daytime program only. The winter hawk would soon be upon us and we did not want to see our people freezjng to death out on the streets or in abandoned buildings. People had to be alive first before any hopes of recovery from chemical addiction. This pushed us into organizing a grassroots effort to reclaim our D rop Inn Center, we named our­ selves the ShelterHouse Volunteer Group. We were determined to keep the shelter open on weekends even if we had to do it ourselves. And we e nded up doing it ourselves with food donations we husded and use of only two of the five rooms. During that winter of 1976-n the ShelterHouse Volunteer Group raised more grievances and these conflicts resulted in the professional staff quitting. On March 31st, 19n the community, through the ShelterHouse Volunteer Group, took back control of the Drop Inn Center and have been running it seven days a week ever since. Those were hard times, for when we got control the funds were withdrawn and it took a long lobbying effort to get those state funds restored. From that day forward we would stand firm on the principle that neighborhood people had the right to staff and run their own shelter. And residents of the shelter had the right to participate and give their strong voice to the operations of their ~ry home. AND EVEN HARDER TIMES WERE TO COME Within a very short time the Health Department threatened to close down the Drop D rop- Inn­ Center has chang\e a lot since the midnight m o ve Inn Center. They claimed our kitchen and building had 36 code violations even though this very same kitchen two months earlier was approved for a food license. We were given no reasonable time to comply. Many of the major building violations were the responsibility of the landlord, Leslie Fox, who for years neglected the building and now in much need of repair. We were being blamed for the slumlord's neglect. We marched to City Hall and pleaded with City Council to not carry through with the close down orders. We were willing to comply with the orders, but we needed more time. The inspectors came in like storm troopers. When we had complied with all orders, new violations were cited. Inspection after inspection, and we still could not pass the test. It was clear to us that we were selectively being harassed by the Health Depart­ ment. We would never pass inspection because the powers at be did not support community people running a corrmunity program at Drop Inn Center - we were not professional enough in their eyes. By this time we were feeling the c.r unch of overcrowdedness. We were getting nowhere with the landlord. Nowhere with passing inspections. Rat holes, water leaks, sewage backup were every­ day problems. Conditions in the building were unlivable for persons homeless sleeping there, many on the hard cold floors. We could not see surviving another winter in this rundown place where icicles dangled from the walls in the back storage room. The requirements demanded of our shelter by the Health and Building Departments could never be met by the I324 Main Street facility. We started dreaming of a better and bigger facility. We wanted a place big enough to house men AND WOMEN. �STREETVIBES T/~c Tn St,11e's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES The Tri Slo le 's Homeless Grapevine 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 coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. The Streetvibes Committee meets monthly to plan our issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a convnent, please call 421-7803. Staff Donald Whitehead, Coordinator Frank Corrino, Vendo r Support Ron Otrter, Vendor Support Photographers James Heath Writers Stacey Adams Raymond Avrutus Frank Carrino Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis John Dietz Matthew Eisen Mike Fontana Sherri Franklin Darlene Guess James Heath Max Johnson David Miller Leonard Odom Gregory Payton Mataka Sanders Mark Salte r The Shadow Don Stark, Sr. Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Sonny Williams Volunteer Editors Pat Clifford James Heath Bonnie Neumeier ·TammyEackles Malaka Sanders Becky Renalo Katherine Servantas Editorial Policy: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, comments or editorials. 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 do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless I S06 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 4S2 I0 (S 13) 421-7803 fax (Sl3) 421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com'gcch Quote ofthe Month "Ifyou just believe all things are ossible" Page 2 Hamilton County Sends 11 11 Troubled Boys To Ranch by Mike Fontana Arizona Boys Ranch has three sites in the Arizona desert between Tucson and Mesa, near Phoenix. They focus on "troubled" boys from ages 8-18, including those whom they describe in their literature as "emotionally disturbed." As of Thurs­ day, December 18, 1997, 20 boys from Hamilton County had been placed at the Ranch. Representa­ tives from the Ranch and other agencies. Local referrals to the Ranch come from the Hamilton County Juvenile Court System, the Hamilton County Department of Human Services, and the Hamilton County Community Mental Health Board. These entities pool taxpayer funds of $12 million through Hamilton County Family and Children First Management. The focus of Family and Children First Management is to place kids in community-based (as in their own communities) and keep families together, neither of which the Ranch appears equipped to do. According to the Ranch's own literature, parents are invited to visit only once a year, for football homecoming weekend, and letters and phone calls from kids to parents are allowed on a ''weekly" basis. Hamilton County spends approximately $122 per day for each boy referred to the Ranch. According to the agency's own 1997 annual report, the Ranch collects 97 cents of every operating dollar (over $20 million in FY 1997) from govern­ ment sources. ~ccording to the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger Ouly 1994), a 17-year-old Fulton, Mississippi boy drowned while trying to escape from Arizona Boys Ranch. In its November 14, 1996, edition, the Los Angeles Times reported that "On June 22, 1994, Lorenzo Johnson went AWOL and drowned in a canal after being pursued by three staffers." Out of this incident, the Mississippi Department of Human Services ceased referrals to the Ranch. According to the March I0, 1996, edition of the Arizona Republic, a California family filed a million-dollar lawsuit against Arizona Boys Ranch. The suit alleges gross negligence in training and supervision of staff. It was filed after an Arizona Boys Ranch staff member allegedly o rdered a boy to put his foot in a bucket of hot water. Parents claim that the boy was burned so badly he required a skin graft. In its September 25, 1996, edition, the Arizo na Re public reported that the Arizo na Department of Economic Security renewed the license of the "controversial" Arizona Boys Ranch over protests by Arizona Children's Protective Service social workers who had visited the site. One allegation made by social workers was that an Arizona Boys Ranch staff member had broken a young man's thumb. The Los Angeles Times, November 14, 1996, story continues by saying that Arizona Children's Protective Services "alleged 30 cases of abuse" "including one that claimed a boy was hit on the head with a shovel." The state of Arizona was able to substantiate 13 of the abuse allegations against the Ranch. The Times states that "As a result, Alameda County, California pulled S9 kids out of the program..." A Gannett News Service story, dated June 17, 1996, places the number of kids withdrawn from the Ranch by Alameda County at "67." The Gannett News Service story quotes a letter written by Alameda Chief County Judge Wilmont Sweeney which states that, "I detennined that there was systematic child abuse by ABR staff as an intrinsic part of their rehabilitative program." Arizona Boys Ranch conducted its own investigation of the allegations, which concluded that n aforementioned incident of a boy being forced to put his foot in boiling water "had merit." Another issue at the Ranch appears to be an unwillingness to separate different populations of residents. The Los Angeles Times reported staff describing one guest at the Ranch as having "killed a lady." Others were described in the article as " being charged with strong-armed robbery and grand theft auto" and "assault to attempt great bodily injury." The story notes that " ...at last count, there were boys representing SS gang affiliations." Yet according to its own literature, the Ranch also takes boys who are "School Failures," "emotionally disturbed," and "Pre­ Delinquent/At-Risk." According to the Gannett NeW's Service, June 17, 1996, Alameda County "hired University of Tennessee psychologist William Murphy to look at the sex-offender programs (at the Ranch), but he largely was denied access. Even with limited access, Murphy learned unqualified counselors conducted therapy sessions mixing offenders and victims. 'It does not appear that there is any recognition of the controversy surrounding this or the significant issues involved clinically when one mixes victims and offenders in a sex offender/victim specialty group,' (Murphy) wrote." The same article quotes Arizona Boys Ranch President Robert Thomas as affirming that the Ranch does "occasionally get" sex offenders and victims. "'We don't call it sex offender treatment,' said Thomas. 'We call it socialization, and it's part of the overall treatment. You can't put kids in little boxes and say he's this, he's that. Everyone wants to find little boxes to put youngsters in."' This attitude would seem to substantiate a willingness to place sex offenders with sex abuse victims. The Gannett article also quotes " Donna Noriega, who oversees juvenile programs for the Arizona Supreme Court." Ms. Noriega states that "'We never know who Boys Ranch has contracted with until the (complaint) calls start coming in...They're not licensed (in Arizona)' to conduct sex-offender therapy." Ronald Davidson, a consulting psychologist with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, says in the same Gannett article that "W e had one Illinois kid (at Boys Ranch) when I did my review. He said he had been physically abused, and we pulled out." In terms of outcomes for Arizona Boys Ranch services, I mosd y found Ranch materials which talked about it changing boys' lives. The only outside view I could find on the subject was from the January 22, 1997, edition of the Arizona Repub­ lic, which told the tale of a 16 year old boy who was killed in a shoot o ut with police just three weeks after his re lease from the Ranch. Free Testing Offered The Early Prevention and Intervention Project (EPIP) will be offering free anonymous testing and counseling for HIV, at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Office located at I 506 Elm Street. EPIP is a collaborative project of the Central Community Health Board and the Drug and Poison Information Center. This project provides prevention, education, and counseling for persons in chemical dependency treatment or at high risk for substance abuse. For questions about the counsel­ ing and testing dates call EPIP offices at 961-9930. Ask for Uz ,Priscilla, or Paula. �STREETVIBES Tt:p T11 St jre'~, Homeless Grapevine p 1ge 3 STREETVIBES News They•re Here.'.. EBT Card Comes to Hamilton c·ounty by Lynn Williams The 1996 federal welfare law requires all states to have the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card by 2002. Ohio is starting to implement this requirement. In Hamilton County, food stamp recipients will be required to get their "Ohio Direction Card" sometime between January and July of 1998. Required, that is, if they want to continue receiving food assistance. If you have concerns about when you will be required, call 946-5526 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When a recipient is required to make the changeover, she will receive a notice in the mail of the training date. If you receive an appointment date and can't attend at that time, you can call 9461582 to reschedule. Some Saturday trainings will be available. All new food stamp applicants will automatically be enrolled in the training and receive Loveland Residents Win Eighteen Month Battle To Save Park by David Deitz Loveland voters won a victory when The Drees Company announced their decision to return the deed to the Simpson Farm. The 4 I acre farm was acquired by the City in I994 to more than double the size of Loveland's Philips Park, but in a turn-around was sold to the Drees Company for a condo project in 1996 after residents circulated an Initiative Petition to dedicate the farm a "Conserva­ tion District". , In response to the petition drive. city council met behind closed doors with the Drees Company and then declared a public emergency, selling the property to Drees in a special session of council. The initiative petition passed overwhelmingly at the polls, but a judge later upheld the emergency sale. Citizens were unthwarted, and when Drees asked for the necessary zone change for the condo project, again turned to the ballet box. The zone change was soundly defeated and Drees was then faced with only being able to build single family homes on _fairly large lots. Drees has now opted out of the purchase agreement which leaves Loveland residents who battled for eighteen months to save the parkland, smiling. The residents still face the huge legal debt they incurred defending their right to vote and encourage fellow voters to help pay down the bill, but offer proof to the contrary for those who say you can't fight city hall and unpopular development. The Human Services Department has begin placing the new EBTCards their Ohio Direction Card. ,Each recipient will select three grocery stores where she can "load" her benefits each month. When she first gets her card, she will have to wait 72 hours (3 days) before she can use it. If she tries to use it earlier than this, the card will "lock," so that the card will have to be reserviced again at the Welfare Department. She will need to call the 24­ hour Helpline at 1-800-944-3273, not her case­ worker. When she gets her card. she will oecide on 5 numbers (that she alone knows the combination of) to use on the EBT machine to access her benefits. This is her "PIN" number. The idea behind this is, that it will make it much harder for her food "stamps" to be stolen. She alone will know the PIN combination and anyone else whom she authorizes. The EBT machine will state how much she has in her benefits "account" when she dials in her PIN number. It is recommended to also save food receipts from stores, which will record the amount currently available to use. If, at any time, the card becomes " locked", she will need to go back down to the Welfare Depart­ ment to have her card serviced. She must then wait another 72 hours to use her card again! Cards can become "locked" if the wrong PIN number is used a third time in a row. The Ohio Direction Card can ONLY be used in Ohio, and only in counties that are currently EBT card ready. You will not be able to use it over the border in Kentucky. You will be out of luck' if you work in Kentucky and live in Ohio, and rely on food "stamps" for your meals! You will be out of luck if ·you travel to other states in the country. especially if you will be gone for any great length of time. It is possible that your benefits can be exchanged to food stamps, but this will be permitted only after you call the Help-Line and explain in great detail why you need this special assistance. It is not likely this will be allowed too many times without drawing down a full-fledged investigation of your household and your travel destination. All groceries that currently accept food stamps are given the option of having the EBT machine installed in their store. Stores that have this will have a sign posted of a lighthouse, reading "Ohio Direction Card. In large stores, some check­ out lanes wilt also have this sign to show which aisle the food stamp recipients can use. Hopefully, food stamp recipients will not be singled out and further stigmatized by this system. by stores having only one check-out lane designated for recipients! There is also ~oncern that some outdoor vendors, lacking electricity, who sell fresh produce, will not have access to the machine. These vendors offer highly nutr··ious produce af"ld food stamp recipients should have access to it. We have also had concerns about the elderly with poor eyesight, or anyone with incorrectable poor vision, will not be able to use the card. We have been assured that anyone with this disability will be permitted to stay on food stamps. If they are denied this right, they may request a Hearing. They will have a right to keep their food stamps, and all efforts must be made to ensure they get it! The Federal government appears to be particularly eager to require the EBT system be used throughout the land. We can only wonder what kinds of corporate interests a.r e invested in this major change. Who is going to be making huge profits with the government's blessing? Eventually, all government assistance programs are expected to use the electronic transfer system. Let's just hope the computer systems don't go into overload and massively breakdown. Coming To America The Big Issue, a London -based paper is ready to print it's paper in Los Angeles by April. Members of the North American Street Newspa­ per Association (NASNA) fear this publication will infringe on and threaten the current street papers territory. Jennafer Waggoner, editor of Making Change, a Los Angeles street paper, points out "...with TBl's lack of communication and planning, TBI violated the INSP charter they helped to create. Provision 7 of the· ISPN Street Paper Charter forbids the competative challenge on an existing street newspaper, the likes of which TBI is currently mounting against Making Change''. Although NASNA sources admit that " a respectable percentage of articles in TBI are advocacy related. Tim Harris ( Chair of the NASNA Executive Committee). after a visit two years ago to TBl's London offices, has commented that he was impressed with the quality of services TBI offered to vendors and the number of groung­ level staff that had been hired from among them" (Paul Murphy). The real argument seems to be one of David vs. Goliath. The street papers that boast NASNA membership are mostly written by the homeless, from their perspective and have limited resources and distribution, whereas, TBI is seen as a large corporation with nearly unlimited resources. It's papers "persue business with a socially respon­ sible edge" (Paul Murphy), �STREETVIBES ---:: -. ~, ." '- Homeless Grapevine How To Get Free Food From AQuality Resturant Page 4 STREETVIBES Services by RaymondArtivus The following information is a survival strategy for having a full belly. Do not abuse my system! Ifyou can aHord to buy food after paying rent. do so. Those pretending to be poor and eat at one time! needy who really aren't may have the reality of Walk into your city's finer hotels. poverty thrust upon them in their next life, perhaps Every large hotel has a good restaurant, in a foreign country. Amen. whose workers are not as far removed from your own economic situation as you Every day, restaurants throw out enough might think. I'm sure that more than one food to feed both you and many other people who, restaurant employee takes food home for just like yourselves, are hungry but don't have the the family, for example. money to pay for their food. I( you go to I0 restaurants and With a $ 7 or $8 investment - spare (shudder!) get no food - this shouldn't change actually- for a 3-liter plastic container happen- change your image. Buy (gasp!) a with a tight-fitting lid, sold in hardware stores, and business outfit or two at the local thrift by acting humbly and politely, you should get enoughstore -again, for spare change. Tell the free food to feed both yourself and those who thrift store manager that you need the depend on you. Here's how. clothing for job interviews and that you're Knock on the back door of any restaurant broke. You may get a discount or free after the mealtime rush (If the place has no back clothing. But never steal ! door, or if no one answers, go in the front door. Showing up in good clothes (which I've done this.) you could wear only for food gathering Just say you're hungry, "ma'am" or "sir'', purposes) makes you look more respectand would (s)he please give you some leftover food able. Middle-class looking people usually that will otherwise be thrown out. If the person get a better, more willing response from refuses, ask to speak with the manager. If you're others than do those who look like told to, "scram", merely say, " God bless you", in a bumslobs. Anything you do to improve nice voice, encouraging them to have guilt pangs, andyour appearance may help your chances of perhaps making it easier for the next person who getting free food (actually, even if I dressed tries to get fed for free from that restaurant. well, I would ~till look like a beatnik). If you have small children, taking a child or You do people a favor by allowing them to be generous. It costs a restaurant worker nothing two with you will generate symathy and should to give you food that would normally be thrown increase the amount of food you receive. out. And I'm sure we all have had a minimal In November, 1996, President Ointon exposure to religion, i.e. by helping poor people you signed an Executive Order making organizations that get into heaven (this is not the only item the feed the homeless and hungry eligible for all Federal Creator considers, but I sense it is a very important cafeteria leftover food that would otherwise be factor in the Final Analysis!) thrown out. Even though you're not an "organiza­ lf you're able-bodied, offer to mop the tion," show up S or I0 minutes before breakfast or floor in exchange for a meal. This can tum a " no" lunch ends at your nearest Federal building's cafete­ into a "yes''. and if you mop up for a few minutes, r ia. and see what you can get for nothing. Whatever you do, don't argue with anyone! you may be rewarded with more food than you can Don't create a scene. .That would sour everything eat. Sometimes, you are fed anyway and are not for others, including for XQY the next time. Talk in a asked to work. If you go to a restaurant at, say 8:00 p.m, reasonable tone. Ask for the supervisor. If you get and it doesn't close until 11:00 p.m or so, and you fed, fine; if you don't. just go to the next place. are refused food, ask if you should show up a few Lunch buffet places usually have many leftovers. At the end of the day, there is usually very minutes before closing time to mop up. If you're traveling, or have no container for litde left in any of the more delicious bowls, but your food, just ask to work for food. If the person there should always be something that the restaurant shakes their head no, negotiate, say something else. staff can pour into your container. Beggars aren't supposed to be choosers, but Encourage personal interaction. You may be fed. If you can, go to a different restaurant one hippie place gave me a lot of zucchini squash; I every day of the week. Vegetarianism places and don't like that particular vegetable. so I asked not to eateries staffed by hippies are often good for many be given any more of it when I went there again. free meals. Often, your container is f~led with They happfiy obliged. more than you can eat in a day - so you'll have to Again, vary your routines. Go to more than manage your own leftovers. one place that will help you out. If they're friendly, Be sure to clean your plastic container after3Sk them for free food more often; if they serve you each successful free.food foray. I was once refused but aren't friendly, go less often. Go where you get food because my container was dirty. Oeanliness is service with a sincere smile. And always, always, say, very, very important to restaurants (ever heard of "Thank you" and/or "God bless you," except if the Board of Health?). you're atheist or an agnostic. Then say something Vegetables ~ be refrigerated within two like, "Thank you very, very much, and when you hours after they're cooked, or hanrlul bacteria will need a favor, ma'am. I hope someone gives it to grow. If your container has veggies in it, don't let it you." stand at room temperature! If you can't refrigerate Eat well! it. eat all you can within two hours, dump out or give away the rest. wash out your container, and go Raymond Avrutis, currendy unemployed, coout again when you're hungry. authored, " How to Maximize Your Unemployment Don't go to fast food joints. They only Benefits: Complete Information for All SO States" make sandwiches to sell them, and at the dose of (Garden City Park. NY: Avery Publishing. 1994. 216 business, they make 'em only as fast as people order PP· $8.95. l-800-S48-S7S7.) Mr. A.vrutis, who holds a BA in sociology from American University them. But you can go to a donut or bagel shop and an MA in sociology from New York University, did his field research in Washington, D.C. and kind, you may get a bagful - more than you can and ask for free donuts or bagels and coffee. The worse they'll do is say no, and if you're gende and nice Crews Continue Work On Tender Mercies Expansion. Tender Mercies Expands Program by John Dietz Do you know someone who needs a home? Does this person have a history of emotional or mental disabilities? If so, Tender Mercies can provide housing for him or her. Tender Mercies is a non-profit housing agency located in Over-The-Rhine. In February 1998, TM will open its new housing facility at 2S W . 12th Street. This newly-rehabbed expansion building is designed to house thirty-nine adult males and females. Its unique features include handicapped­ accessible rooms, 2.._hour staffing and kit.chen facilities. Tender Mercies exists to serve homeless persons with histories of emotional or mental disabilities by providing them with housirng and related services. To fulfill its mission, Tender Me rcies is convnitted to the goals of security, dignity, and community for its residents. In addition to housing, Tender Mercies offers professional, individualized supportive seTVices including medication monitoring, financial planning. living skills and stress management. For more information, call John Dietz or Chris Engle at 9n-4473. �STREETVIBES ~;"~ -. Food by Mary Ann l11derer If an evil person wanted to destroy the United States from the inside, he could simply alter the food supply: I) by destroying the nutrients in the food (nutrients give us our vitality) and 2) by adding a large variety of chemicals (drugs) which wouldcombine in the body in billions of unpredictable ways. Number I would weaken; number 2 would poison. This method is guaranteed to create an increasingly inferior society with slowly accelerating problems, a myriad of new diseases, brain damage and learning disabilities, ·w eight problems including obesity and other eating di.s orders, a drug epidemic, immune deficiencies, lack of emotional control over anger, fear, and hatred, depression, and more. Slowly America would destroy herself.Now that is exactly what the major food companies have done to America. Slowly and increasingly over the last fifty years, some of our most prosperous citizens have made a fortune destroying our food. Each generation of Americans has more problems than the last, as the cumulative effects of devitalized drugged foods are\genetically inherited. America is now producing "kids without conscience" and their kids will be even worse A large percentage of the U. S. population is employed in the food destruction business. Most Americans are " hooked.. on processed or junk food. Most have no idea what good healthyfood is. WHAT IS HEALTHY FOOD? Quite simply, healthy food is WHOLE LIVING FOOD. Whole food is still alive (or as near alive as possible). Eating directly from the garden is best. The human race survived throughout history by eating directly from the land. Every minute that the food leaves its source, it loses its vitality, its vitamins, its minerals, its strength. EAT FROM THE GARDEN! RULE#I : EAT WHOLE LIVING FOODS. All the drug programs, diet programs.teaching programs, and crime programs will not have lasting solution until people return to eating fresh foods as Nature intended. Processed foods - which include all over-cooked foods, canned foods, frozen foods, partial foods - are pure junk. You might aswell eat plastic. RULE #2: DON'T EAT PROCESSED FOODS. RULE #3: EAT ORGANICALLY GROWN FOODS, foods free of drug additives. Fruits and vegetables should be grown in drug-free soils, richly composted, and free of chemical pesticides. Animals (if you are not a vegetarian) should be raised on drug-free foods. So RULE #4 is: NO DRUGGED FOOD. So many children are born with drug addiction problems, not because their parents took illegal · drugs, but because their parents ate the legal foods obtained in the supermarkets and most restaurants. Do not buy frozen, canned, or packaged foods.Ask in restaurants to what extent the food is prepared from scratch. Legally obtained drugs are the predecessors of fuwre drug problems. Addicted adults were hooked long before they ever took illegal drugs, by the enormous number of drugs accumulated in their bodies. RULE #:4 Eat a broad diversity of foods, though not all at the same meal or on the same day. Over time try each and every fruit, vegetable, grain, bean, seed, and nut available to you. No food has all the nutrients you need. Eat a wide selection. Therefore, RULE # 4 is DIVEl(SITY. EAT A BROAD DIVERSITY. RULE #5: Seek to know the truth about how your foods are grown and treated. If you feel you must eat animals, then be sure they were treated kindly and raised naturally. Be sure they ran freely. Eating anything raised with cruelty can only lead to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems. Understand how your vegetables are grown. The sooner they are eaten after being picked and harvested, the better for your health and well being.The source of all food is the earth. How is our food grown and treated~ RULE #5: TRY TO S1 .r.~\ Hon1e/ess Grapevine TRACE THE HISTORY OF THE FOODS YOU EAT. Understand and appreciate the source of food. Then RULE #6 is: EAT SIMPLY, SLOWLY, AND DO NOT OVER-EAT. Simple meals are easiest to digest. Relax. Take your time. CHEW. Meals should be attractive, delicious, and healthy. ENJOY AND BE GRATEFUL THANKS FOR OUR FOOD. There are so many wonderful books with a wide variety of nutritional philosophies which are available in the high quality natural food stores and public libraries. RULE #7 is: OPEN YOUR MIND to whole new experiences and a wonderfully improved life style. So strongly do I believe that devitalized­ drugged-dead-processed foods are destroying the bodies, minds, and hearts of Americans, and particularly of each new generation of children, that I am conducting my own personal boycott. I neither allow these products in my home nor do I purchase them under any circumstances. Moreover, food processing companies will not change - they will not produce healthy fresh drug-free foods ­ until the people of our nation join together and demand it. Only when Americans replace their three junk food meals each day with a diet of whole living foods will the bodies, minds, and spirits begin to revitalize. However, time is running out. As children can nolonger sit still in our classrooms, as youths are shooting each other over a mere article of designer clothing, as the rape rate soars on college campuses and elsewhere, and America is nolonger on the forefront of intellectual progress, this situation must not be taken lightly. We must each endure th initial struggle with drug·withdrawal from an addictive diet. We must tum our lives and our nation around. And we must return to the intimate relationship with the earth that our ancestors had. We must team to live in harmony and peace with our planet. WHATS GOOD TO EAT~ The diet of history is grains, beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables.and fruits. I've heard it said that there are not enough food choices on a vegetarian or plant based diet, so here are a few suggestions: GRAINS: Amaranth, barley, brown rice(short,' medium, long),buckwheat, toasted buckwheat groats (kasha), bulgar wheat, kamut, millet, oats, quinoa, spelt, teff, whole wheat berries. BEANS: Aduki, black, black eyed peas, garbanzo (chick peas).great northern, kidney, lentils, limas, navy, pintos, soy. SEEDS: Sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, pinenut, ' flax. NUTS: Almonds, Brazil, hazel, peanut. pecan, walnut. VEGETABLES: Artichoke, arugala, asparagus, beans (green, pole),beets, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, burdock, cabbage(green, red, savoy), carrots, cauliflower, celery, celerycabbage. chard, cilantro, com, cucumber, daikon, dandelion, eggplant, endive, escarole, garlic, ginger, greens (collard,kale, mustard, turnip), herbs (basil, chives, dill, mint.oregano, rosemary, sage. thyme), kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce (bibb, Boston, greenleaf; iceberg, redleaf, rOl'Tlilin), mushroom.mushroom-portabella, mushroom-shitake, napa, okra, onions(green, red, yellow, Spanish, vidalia, white), parsley, parsnip.peas, English peas, gingersnap peas, peppers (green, banana hot,jalepeno, red, yellow, orange), potato (Idaho, red, sweet, Yukongold), radichio, radish, rapini, rutabaga, snowpeas, squash(acom, butternut, spaghetti, yellow, zucchini), spinach,tomato, turnip, watercress, yams. Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, mung bean sprouts, lentil sprouts,sunflower sprouts. Many grains, beans, and seeds can be sprouted. Seedweeds: Arame, hijiki, kelp, kombu, nori, wakame. FRUITS: Apple (braebum, fuji, gala, golden delicious, grannysmith, ida red, jonathan, macintosh, rnutsu, paula red, red.delicious, rome, winsap). apricot, avocado, bananas, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, grapefruit, grape (black. concord, green.red), kiwi, lemon, lime.mango, melon (canta­ loupe, honeydew.Indiana, crenshaw, watermelon), nectarine, orange, tangelo, tangerine, papaya, peach, pear (bardett, bosc, d'anjou, red), persimmon, pineapple, plum. pomegranate, raspberry, straw­ berry. Dried fruits: apple, apricot, fig (black mission, calimyma),currant, date, pear, prune, raison. Pages SAMPLE MEAL SUGGESTIONS (Meals may be in the order you prefer. The fruit meal does nothave to be the first meal. Find your own comfortable lifestyle.) DAYI : BREAKFAST: Fresh fruit and/or dried fruit. LUNCH: Raw salad with dressing. MILLET: I cup dry Millet 3 cups water I chopped onion I chopped carrot Bring to boil and simmer on low flame forapproximately 40 minutes Season with Tamari Soy Sauce. Sprinkle I tsp. or tbsp. of granulated Lecithin oversalad or millet. SUPPER:Raw Vegetables for dipping: Oean and cut carrots, celery.broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, or any vegetables. --Bean Dip or Spread Soak I cup of dry Gar­ banzo Beans (Chick peas) or anybean in 3 cups of water over night or for noless than 6 hours. Add onion, garlic, parsley and cook until tender, approxi­ mately 2 to 3 hour Place in blender and puree with: Sesame Tahini - I or 2 tbsp. Spices: coriander, nutmeg, thyme (or your choice) - I tsp. each Tamari Soy Sauce to taste Note: If you're in a rush, simply dip the fresh vegetables in the Sesame Tahni and forget the beans; forget cooking and eat! Or forget the Tahini and just eat the beans. DAYl: BREAKFAST: Fresh fruit, banana, your choice. LUNCH: Raw salad with choice of dressing. Lentil Stew or Soup: I cup lentils with 3 or 4 cups water Add vegetables: onion, garlic, carrot, what­ ever. Bring to boil and simmer for I hour. Add Tamari Soy Sauce as desired. Note: Never add saJt or tamari to beans until almosttotally cooked. Salt will slow down cooking time.) SUPPER: Salad with choice of dressing. GRAIN: Cool< any grain, brown rice, for example. Boil one cup of rice in two cups of water for one hour. VEGETABLES: Place small amount of olive oil or sesame oil infrying pan. Saute onion and garlic and any vegetables you like Add grain to mixture and continue sauteing. Add a little Tamari Soy Sauce and spices of your choosing. Sautee a little more. Sprinkle with a few pine nuts and serve. Note: Tamari Soy Sauce should be used with the same concern as salt depending on individual health needs. ECONOMICS The meat industry currently receives enormous government subsidies, in spite of the fact that nutritionists advise peopleto eat far less meat and far more vegetables. Not only is our meat industry horribly unhealthy, but it is perhaps the cruelest institution ever on the planet. The torwre of animals for profrt is immoral and unconscionable. Were the government to subsidize organically grown vegetables and fruits instead of meat, we would all be much healthier and happier. For many people the cost of healthy food is too high. However.grains such as brown rice, millet, and barley and beans such as chickpeas, black beans, pintos, navy beans, soy beans, lentils.and split peas are actually not as expensive as meat. Fresh vegetables are often less expensive than canned and frozen ones.and fruits are less expensive than most desserts and soda pops. Healthy food is a birthright. It is an essential ingredient in the making of healthy happy people. And since it is notaffordable for many, it is a political issue. We must stand up and demand healthy food for all of us. For more information on healthy diet. nutrition, cooking, vegetarianism, call 929-236] �STREETVIBES The Tn State's Homeless Grapevine . Page 6 WORD ON THE America You Just It's ADream STREET Don't Seem To . by Belinda la/ham Arts and Poetry Understand by Darlene Guess Martin Poem by Bea/rice BurseWooten CounneyEvans Shawn/el Evans Von Shae James David Smith Marched for peace Always worked hard Respected people Told people not to fight It was good that he changed the laws Never lied Loved all people Understood people Took care of poor people He had a dream that white people and black people could live together America you just don't seem to understand America you just don't want to see. I thought I lived in the land of the free. How could this be so, Regardless of your income rent is too high and pay is too low. The pfaces I could afford, most decent people their dogs they would not board. Tonight where do I tell my children to lay their heads, That tomorrow they might not be fed. I'm not looking for things to be free, An equal chance is all I need. I want to pay my way, But rent is too high, even you would have to say. If we can rescue other people in other lands, Why oh why, can we not rescue our own, Why oh why, can we not provide them with a home. . Let's not close our eyes, While men, women, and children die. A dream coming true is a joy to life a hope a far sought vision given breath but if I dream and it passes away not truly to belong just the taste of a sweet longing How sweet the taste has been For if I dream and it passes each memory will linger in sweetness but if I dream, and this is a dream I am not ready to be awaken for whether it passes or stays I right now enjoy the dream Let me sleep Do not awaken me Homeless People Have Feelings Too by Ron Caner You know that Roses are Red And Violets are Blue But do you ~ow That Homeless people have feelings too Equal rights for all Reasoned with people Kind to people In 1968, he was shot Never mean Homelessness is not by choice, If it were something to choose most people would choose to be rich of course. · Concerning our Vendors you see on the street Let's get together help our neighbors and friends until this disgusting situation ends, Making sure it doesn't happen ever again. Selling their papers to get something to eat Or even a place to stay from day to day Do somethin•go.-----Speak out­ ----~Reach out While trying to rebuild their self esteem And waiting for that Precious Dream Great speaker Justice for all And want to be treated the same as you So Joe So That some day someone will open the Door And there will be Homelessness no more Responded to people's needs Peaslee Neighborhood Center's writing group wrote this poem in response lo a story about Manin Luther King Jr. by Denise Crew So self described, reaching for a dream Living in the moment because there is no promise for your tomorrow Not a word about love, and commitment Nor of being the one for anyone, shall pass your lips Sweet maneheld from the Grim cold street, I give you room to grow I see in you what no one else can see Can you stop cursing that barking dog to all damnation Get a grip on your actions, stop seeking a reaction from women you meet Feed your ego if you must, Do the dramatics if you must. But stop the destruction Strive to survive, drive the vehicle of life you've led. into your next action for reaction, in attraction Spi.rit Of Over­ the-Rhine by Sonny Williams, 1997 \Black, Latino, White 12th Street is the People's right. Cincinnati rulers tried to shut it down, but the Homeless rebelled in that town. Letters of support from N.Y.C. Spirit of Soweto is the national call, It's Right to Rebel Down with displacement, Gentry out of 0.T.R. �STREETVIBES Tre Tn St1Jre ' ~ Homeless Grapevine Page 1 °' It~ '")/(ae 11 1U"'- &/wed ~""'4# ie¥u ?i'M ~ & CoRPoR~ WELFAR~ CAl>ILL.AC 1U"'- 7~ ~ 1flatd g'eca"4e ~ ~ p~ 41«1. ?"OIUHeli ~ Paid tor by Friends ofJustice Walch Women on Track Helping empower people through sewing. "Sam .....! trust you 're keeping up with the payments." The Shadow Reviews ''Amis/ad'' I highly recommend this work of art for those who respect their history and culture. It is not recommended for Arnold Schwartenegger fans, who I think should be jailed for acting. The star is Djimon Housou, who portrays Joseph C inque. His performance is unforgettable. Morgan f reeman does an outstanding job portray­ ing Theodore Joadson, a Northern abolitionist. The film tells the story of 53 brave Africans who killed their captors. As a skeptical country and world watched, their case was tried before the United States Supreme Court. The movie touches upon an important factor that no one will discuss ...._ how Black people sold their own brothers into slavery. The only difference today is that we sell one another out for a Lexus, Mercedes Benz, position etc. The movie shows that working collectively with faith and hope, the impossible can be possible. I was disappointed in the long drawn out courtroom drama. That element prevented it from entertaining the audience. I wrote some­ thing years ago that best describes this movie; "What I like or dislike isn't important, what's important is that my success be in making the world a better place". We as African Americans must support Amiscadbecause it is an important and positive movie and the story must be told. I would like to thank Debbie Allen and Steven Spielberg for not ignoring Black history. Dnly$5each 100% While Collon Shirts and long Sleeve Sweat Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts and Sweat Shirts are available t our office at I 506 Elm Street. Please stop b and see us. We Should Just Start Over by Frank Carrino That this government for the people, by the people, of the people , shall not perish from the earth, shall be changed to for the govern­ ment, by the government , and of the gov­ ernment, shall continue on indefinately. There are so many laws a person cannot go a day without breaking one. The government is so enmeshed in it's own web that it must create a committe to untangle a committe, to investigate a committe and so on , with each committe there must be a well paid staff that does little or nothing who sit around in tailored suits, polished fingernails , styled haircuts and stand around trying to look important to justify the high salary they tkink they deserve. We the people are the govern­ ment but this has slowly changed to where the peopleare the servants and the goyern­ ment is the master. The best thing to do is junk the whole thing and start from scratch which will take hundrd years or more to reach the level of incompetence that now prevails. Streeetvibes Wish List The staHand friends ofStreelYibes would like to thank each and evefY person who has contributeditems to our wish list. Your kindness has contributedgreatly lo what we believe is a wonderful/project. The Following is a list of items we stil badly need. Adobe Photoshop Software for IBM to save scanning cost Zip Drive VCR to Show Streetvibes Episodes to groups Volunteer Copy Editors Stories Advertisers to help support the Paper A Vehicle to transport vendors and members of our newly forming speakers buruea, New Ideas 727 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cincinnati, OH -45203 513/333-0288 Jimmy Heath Photography Cincinnati. ­ (513)564-9856 E-Mail - jimmy_heath@iuno.com Friends and Neighbors of Over-the-Rhine 1e~~s~~IM p~ Ue ~·.i U4t ~~ Clittord Jones Represent11lve 8075 Reading Rd.. Suite 1 • Cincinnati. OH 45'"37 Res. (513) 761·3464 • Bus. (513) 821 ·3332 Vo:ce Mail· (5131230.6353 A ~ltmbtr orTta1't:trsGroup An 1'1tt ptlldlAC rtPrtW!Ullift o4 '"mtflC.I F111andll Sel'W'Ut RcpftHn11t1~ · Ptimtntl lli! l:"•Wfinct Comu'""~ !1~11\''t Otticu· 0. ;;- 6to:Ol'J A ..... OT H E U ('L,\.l-'l-i PROI >t "CTIO~ Disc-Jockey Service CLIFFORD JONES (513) 761-3464 Whitehead Brothers Productions Inc. orAll Your Entertainment Needs 81-058-4 or 221-1537 Let us entertain you •' �STREETVIBES T,1-:e Ti. ~f . .'re 's Homeless Grapevine PageB Streetvibes Celebrates Black History Month Where Are We Now Is America Making The Grade ???? ANight To Remember by Donald Whitehead! It has been 30 years since we lost Rev. Or. Martin Luther Kjng Jr. to an assassins bullet in Memphis Tennessee on April 4th, 1968. It was the assassins belief that, to kill the dreamer was to destroy the D ream As we celebrate Martin Luther King day around the country many wonder if the assassin may have been right. This article is an attempt to find an answer to the question on the minds of many African-Americans today: How close are we to Or. King's dream becoming a reality? In order for us to answer that question, we must first examine "The Dream". As on many occasions historians and journalists have condensed Dr. King's dream, in order to make it more socially acceptable. Children today learn parts of Or. King's dream, they are spared the seemingly more contro­ versial parts. The immortal words, "I Have a Dream" will always be associated with substantial gains of the sixty's Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened doors that have seen many African-Americans achieve parts of the American D ream His call for the end to the war in Vietnam and an equal distribution of wealth are less frequendy mentioned in writings about Dr. King and his great accomplishments. In this article I will try to examine other parts of Dr. King's dream let us first address the most popular part. On many days in America, freedom does ring from the prodigious hilltops ofNew Hampshire, freedom rings from the mighty hilltops ofNew York freedom rings from the heightening Alleghenies ofPennsylvania, freedom rings from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. And not only that. some days freedom rings from the Stone Mountain ofGeorgia, freedom rings from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee, freedom rings from every hill and molehill of Mississippi, from every mountainside, freedom does ring. America has come a very long way towards making those immortal words a reality. Yet on close inspection we still have a mighty long way to go. While acts of institutionalized racism, like the infamous tapes from the board rooms of Texaco still occur in today's America, they are now met with outrage and are not simply business as usual. While African-Americans are still the number one victim of hate crimes in America, these actions are usually performed by individuals or loose-knit groups of hatemongers. While organized hate groups still exist, their membership and effectiveness has fallen on hard times. Today racist are of the more subde variety. They hide behind loan denials, fair lending discrimination and red lining, instead of the pillow cases of the fifties and sixties. On many days litde black girls and litde black boys walk hand in hand with litde white girls and litde white boys. Dr. King would be pleased about a lot of what has transpired in America, but we still have a long way to go. It is still an uneasy feeling to be an African­ American in today's America The other less publicized part of Dr. King's Dream, the struggle to end poverty, continues to be far from reality. When D r. King was assassinated he was planning the Poor People's Campaign and a March on Washington. The batde to e nd poverty, a noble cause indeed, has proven to be an even bigger challenge than racism While African-American people were unified in their efforts to end racism, something that effects us all, unanimity ended when whispers of economic equality were heard. Dr. King would be astonished by recent trends in this country. As some of our people have moved up the economic and social ladder others have been left behind to "pull themselves up by the bootstraps". Poverty continues to di.s proportion­ ately affect African-Americans. More and more African-Americans are finding themselves homeless in the richest country in the world. Recent trends in legislation have placed the blame for poverty on those that are in poverty. In a sane, civil, intelligent, and moral society you don't blame the poor people for being poor. "I predict that 25 years from now America will be just as embarrassed about home­ lessness as we are about racism", said Andrew Young, former member of congress, United Nations Ambassador.for Jimmy Carter and two term Mayor of Adanta, Georgia and Dr. King's right hand man. While we constandy hear about the economic boom that America is experiencing, the boom has some­ how avoided most of inner-city America. Shordy after Dr. King death we did see an end to the Vietnam War. War still plague much of the world. On the eve of Martin Luther King Day young men stand alert poised for yet another encounter with Saddam H ussein and the people of Iraq. This conflict pales in comparison to Vietnam, however people still die and Martin would not be pleased. This part of Dr. King's dream has pro­ gressed. Vietnam has ended but the need for bloody conflict has not. Hopefully, in our lifetime, we will find a way to setde conflicts without the loss of lives. To grade the progress of Dr. King's Dream would be impossible on a normal grading scale; the scale must be expanded to include an I for incom­ plete. America still has a lot of unfinished business when it comes to the first part of Martin's dream The day will come when there be an equal amount of CEOs of all races. Soon we will be able to stop documenting hate crimes. There will be a time when my walk across the street is not accompanied by the sound of automatic doorlocks. I truly believe that America will become a land of harmony between people of all colors. The other part of the dream can receive a conventional grade. It is hard to believe that we haye failed so terribly in making this country equal along economic lines. Not only have we failed, we continue to slip farther apart. As the gap between CEOs and workers continues to increase, housing becomes out of reach for more and more of America. Affordable housing is becoming more and more scarce with each new housing reform law. Welfare reform will set this nation back farther than any single piece of legislation in the history of America!! An Fis the grade possible for the other part of the dream In conclusion the assassin was wrong, the dream did not die. Although it is incomplete in parts and fajling in others, America still has a chance. Let us just pray that we don't wait too long to exercise it. by Don Stark, Sr. It truly brings me great pleasure to share with the many readers of Streetvibes the joy I received when I was asked to attend the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on January 18, 1998. This event was sponsored by The Committee for Outreach to African Ameri­ cans, Diocese of Covington. My counselor and friend, Mr. Thomas lee, was a guest speaker in the program The scripture that was so well read by Mr. lee was Revelations 4: 1- 11. I must say that I was somewhat scared when I first ar rived, and it was because I didn't know just how I would be accepted in such a very large Catholic diocese. After the program opened and the welcoming prayer was given by Bishop Muench, plus the readings as well as the wonderful gospel groups that were there, I truly felt apart of the celebration. I could feel the love in the church, and it was a joy to see so many walks of life come together with so much love. My highe r power is just that, a power greater than thyself. I would like to thank Sr. Ruth Kettman for inviting Mr. Thomas lee, and I would like to thank my friend and counselor for giving me the honor of going to such a meaningful event. Thank you, Mr. Thomas Lee. and may your higher power bless and keep you always. Struggles by Gregory Payton God help open my eyes. I struggle with the term Black History Month. Just twenty eight days to teach, remember and to be thankful for a few things. Things like freedom, civil rights, voting rights, human rights, fair housing, educa­ tion, voices from the past, that say, "free at last, f~ at last, thank God Almighty, free at last.". I look at today and I cry- you ask why. They wanted fair housing. where is affordable housing~ They wanted voting rights; how many times have they changed precints, and voting districts, to help who, and to take the power from who? When we think about civil rights, we look at rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, I say one thing look at the homeless and see the numbers growing in the United States. We look at human rights- no, let's look at the humanitarian; after all, he or she stands to protect and ensure human rights. Humanitarian means a person devoted to promoting the welfare of humanity, especially through the elimination of pain and suffering. When will we open our eyes? God help me. Next month: Struggles II �STREETVIBES The Tr )r The Pain Of Drugs Leonard Odom (Photo By James Heath) This article is co-authored by an alcoholic and drug addict, who share a room together at their recovery center. It's a great pleasure for the both of us to share with other addicts our story. The addicted person is in great pain. It is a pain that he/she doesn't share with anyone because he/she is already convinced that nobody experienced life in quite the way he/she does. As far as the addict i.s concerned, the people he/she comes into contact with, whom he/she observes on the streets, in the supermarkets, in his/her home, all seemed to have found the key that he/she thinks we all must find in order for life to work. Little does he/she realize that life, once given, works by itself . .. except when someone decides to take matters into his/her own hands and becomes convinced that finding a magic formula will solve life's problems. Our addict is now an adult in his teens, in other cases he's aged 20-90. This spiritual disease knows no race and no age. It can appear anywhere, anytime, and in anybody. From an imperceptible, invisible, and at times unconscious, beginning in the spirit of the person, the disease gradually progresses by surfacing to the emotions and the mind. At whatever the age this occurs, the addicted individual is now more and more alienated from his/her feelings. There are some feelings he/she doesn't like and doesn't think he/she should have. He/She has the same feelings, and he/she experiments with ideas that cross his/her mind. In his/her way of looking at things, some thoughts are justifiable and others are not. In the latter case, he/she believes he/she should simply not have them. A recovering alcoholic's thoughts and feelings only increased his/her guilt and low selfesteem No, the addict never shares this strangeness with anyone. A mistake... but an understandable mistake when you consider that the addict, as much as he/she would like to unburden him'herself, decides to retreat into an ever-increasing and destructive silence. He/She has to do this because there is no word to express the pain that he/she feels. The addict is, by instinct, keenly aware on the level of experience that his/her pain is inexpressible. If a friend were to ask him'her, "What's wrong?" he/ she couldn't answer except to say, " I don't know." For a lot of us, and especially for the addict, not to know, not be able to express in human words, is tantamount to being out of control, to being odd, which invites the sneer, the judgment, the conde~ nation ... the alienation of the rest of the human race and ultimately the condemnation of oneself. So the addict doesn't share his/her pain. As a result, the pain intensifies. By now, he/she is a walking time bomb - going through the motions of living, but really unliving, disconnected from the very situations and people with whom he/she is interact­ 11,_: ' _) Homeless Grapevine ing. It's a little like being dead while alive. The worst of the worst. Not only is the drug a strain, the drug is the connection that makes all other connections with people, places, events, or things totally unmeaningful and inconsequential. The process is fascinating. From seeking out isolation to avoiding connections that don't work and cause pain, the addicted person makes a connection with a drug that takes him'her out of his/her isolation by making other connections painless, to immerse him'herself finally into an isolation so terrible that only more of the drug can conceal and remedy. The addict declares war with the tools used by the disease itself. They are lies, hate, concealment, denial, manipulation, violence, crime, and destruction of the unlimited kind. May the God of his/her understanding comfort him'her in his hour of need and show him'her the way of life. Time To Face The World With My Higher Power By My Side by Mark Saller Well, it's finally come down to the wire; graduation is six months nearer. Now I will put to use the coping skills I've developed from the program - living life on its own terms. Perhaps there are some people who fee! that if one is in a program, one had it made, or those people may think to themselves, "Wait until they got out. I bet they feel it then." Who knows? I've watched others who have had jobs and clean time, and I have seen those who have had no drug addiction problem whatsoever. I have also seen active users, and I prefer not using. I can seem to do without the stress that seems to burden the recovering addicts and some of the holier-than-thou attitudes of those who have not experienced drug addiction. I am not address­ ing anyone's issues nor taking stock and inventory of another; I'm just sharing my observations, the ones that have helped me. It would be unfair to name one person who has helped me thus far, indirectly and directly. Thank you to all of you. The thing that bothers me is that people criticize the Drop Inn Center program openly and verbally. Yet, never once have I heard them openly and verbally criticize themselves. Go figure. To me, this indicates that these people think they are perfect and have all of the answers. Yet, if that was truly the case, they'd be I ) running a program or 2) wise enough to know everyone on this planet that was born, without any guide books. We should all do the best we can when we have the capacity to do so. We should all recognize that everyone is a reflection of each other. Think about those days when you're feeling down. Or the days when you feel good and have energy. Or those days when you make shortcuts or other days when you don't mind the long form. Multiply them by a million and double it; for any given day you'll meet someone who feels like you felt yesterday, who thought as you thought yesterday, or vice versa. This is just in observation. I used to think like that; I used to think, "I can run it better than they can," until I Page 9 STREETVIBES Sou/2Soul Whereis the Safety Net I am a forty-seven year old female who has had, on a couple of occasions, needed to use the welfare system. The first time was when I was nineteen and bore my first child out of wedlock. had moved away from home at that point and needed money for survival because I had no job skills. Having a desire to do more for myself in a round-a-bout way led me to marriage. My marriage ended up in an abusive relationship. I stayed at this marriage for ten years and it ended up being either get out or be killed. I had lived in Virginia when I was married To get away, I sold everything so I could get back to Cincinnati. I was frantic. By this time, I had two small children to care for and I tried to find help from anywhere I could think of, includ­ ing the Red Cross. I ended up staying at the Salvation Army for a limited time. They only allowed people to stay three weeks and then you were out. Because of my need for money and a place to stay, I applied for help at the Welfare Department. I didn't fee! bad about applying because I had been working at jobs since I was IS and a half years old. I had worked summers since dlen when I was a teenager. I always viewed welfare as a tool you could use whenever situations arose warranting the need for welfare assistance. Not being a person to stay home for any long periods of time and having worked since I was IS and a half, I looked for jobs and job-training pro­ grams. Previously, before I went to Virginia with my husband, I had taken a year of nursing training at Bethesda Hospital. I had already taken a nursing exam while in Virginia, but that was the same time I had a broken arm from my abusive relationship. They thought it was a "motor dysfunction" and tried to deny me entrance in the school for this reason. I persevered and got in! In Cincinnati, I saw an ad for the WIN Program. They offered professional skills and training positions. They offered the nursing profes­ sion as an option and I took it. WIN helped finance the schooling. Another program, CETA. also helped by providing school uniforms, books, shoes, and even buying my graduation uniform and cap. I graduated! It took a year and a half for me to finish, but I became a licensed practical nurse. I graduated August of 1982. I was pregnant at the time with my third child. I graduated on Thursday, and I was offered a job at Jewish Hospital on the following Saturday! However, I didn't take the job. It was only for part­ time work. and I couldn't feed my family on part­ time work. I was afraid I would lose everything, including health benefits, if I took a part-time job. Back then, going to job-training and working was voluntary. It wasn't required in order to get welfare assistance. I just had a lot of drive to go out and do something. I started applying all over the city and finally got my first job at Manor Care Nursing Home. It paid $6.95 an hour and was full-time work. When I took the job, I immediately lost all of my benefits. It was quite a transition for me. Our family lost its health care coverage because the job did not provide it. I remember there were times when I said I wished I was back on welfare because of the medical needs of my children. Fortunately, my children were healthy most of the time. It did hurt my oldest daughter in her schoolwork. She did not Continued on page 14 Continued on page 11 �-- --- - - - - STREETVIBES ~. ·· - '..··' STREETVIBES Editorials and Letters Police Need Better Training Hon1e/ess Grapevine Advocates Promote Increased Housing Opportunities January 7, 1998 To the Editor of the StreetVibes I am writing you in regards to the newer police officers who are coming into the force and replacing the old school officers. I am writing to you with both respect and concern. The police force here in Cincinnati is creating a ~ster through lack of training in diplomacy, a new 1~erance, and a Robo Cop mental~._ They are bu1ld1ng the foundation for an explosive atJnO­ s~here. The problem with our youth is bad enough without Cincinnati's finest resorting to physically and verbally abusing our children while in custody, under restraints. There are some officers who are currently doing this, and they include officers from a variety of different racial backgrounds. ...... I mourned for Officers Jeters and Pope; they were good men and what happened to them was appalling. However, taking it out on everyone else is not the answer. We must come to an under­ standing on what is acceptable restraint and force ­ this is Cincinnati, not Nazi Germany. Too many cases are arising with the police having to make a disclaimer. Sincerely, Sherri Franklin 1750 Fairmont Cincinnati, OH What Makes A Good Drug Rehabilitation ,, Program _? by Mark Saller What makes for a "good" drug rehabilita­ tion program? or a successful one? I think that, in essence, they are all good. However, a place of " recovery" is different where recovery is possible and growth inevitable. The Drop Inn Center has a live-in drug treatment program that lasts for six months and has only one requirement to stop using. Three people graduated in November 1997 and are still going strong. Truly, no matter how good or bad a drug tteatment program is, not everyone graduates. Yet, three graduates at one time is something to behold. I suspect the counselors and program coordinators feel responsible for the ones that leave, perhaps even questioning themselves, "What did I do wrong?" or "Could I have done more?" Although their professionalism tells them that it's not their fault, they still have feelings. They prob­ ably don't even care about recognition; the mere knowledge that a person sought, found help and that the Drop Inn Staff was able to assist that person can mean a whole lot to all involved. It's your choicde. If you come to the Drop Inn Center for help, you will receive the help you desire because help is here. An Editorial from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless President Ointon is expected to release his Administration's fiscal year 1999 budget request to Congress on February 2. 1988, for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The budget request includes important increases for housing and community development dollars. The President will request an increase for HUD Home­ less Assistance Programs from $823 million to $958 million. The impacts on local communities of the HUD budget should not be underestimated. HUD's housing and corrrnunity development programs have been the key to success for many local programs. Indeed many corrrnunity-based services and pro­ grams would not exist if HUD funding was not available. Local communities take advantage of these federal opportunities for increased home ownership, dece nt rental housing, increased employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. For example, Tender Mercies utilized funds from the Stewart B. Mc Kinney Act (a HUD program) to create more units of permanent housing this year for people who are mentally ill. Their efforts will ensure that over two dozen homeless people have a supportive and caring place to stay instead of wandering the streets of Cincin­ nati. The fiscal year 1999 HUD budget request allows the Department and Its local partners to build upon these successes and embarl< on helping new families. For example, the President has requested I00,000 new rental assistance vouchers34,000 of which will be used to house homeless persons and 50,000 set aside for welfare to work programs. The budget also includes increased public housing operating subsidies. Adequate funding for public housing authorities will help house families with the most need. Operating subsidies are supposed to cover the difference between manage­ ment and maintenance costs and the rents paid by low income residents. The budget request continues and moderately expands programs that are vital to enabling corrrnu­ nities to better address their housing and convnu­ nity development needs. Many families making minimum wage in our convnunity continue to need housing assistance. Rental assistance will enable families moving to work and from homelessness to have a place to call home. Local programs are working. Federal pro­ grams that support our efforts and encourage partnerships with other state and local efforts are critical. We are optimistic that the President's 1999 budget will help us continue our work and that it will be supported by Congress. You can Subscibe to Streetvibes for $12 a month Call or write us at 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati Ohio 45210 or call us at 421­ 7803 Make any Check payable to Streetvibes P.7gc 10 The Government Continues to Play The Shell Game by Max Johnson Let me tell you a litde secret about a con game played by the Federal Government. It is called Block Granting or turning control and decision making over to the locality. It is a big lie, because in the end the Feds don't think a bunch of Yahoos from Iowa can decide where millions of Federal dollars go. We have played this con for the last two years and have been stung. We were told that there was a new sheriff in Washington and money for homeless services would be distributed to the country based on local decisions in what was touted as a "Community Gaps Analysts" process to deter­ mine which projects were funded. What it turned out to be was a summer of folly to distract us from the real work that needed to be done-getting American citizens into housing. While the homeless and the local providers were busy filling out surveys 3nd ~uating programs, the Congress was taking the Housing out of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and removing the word entidement from our dictionaries. First, they told us that money would be set aside for communities based on their need. Since we do not accurately keep track of the need how would this be possible. Also, some of our local communities deny they even have homeless people so how would that need be reflected. The formula for the amount of money was secret so that we would not get our hopes up. Next, we are told that we can use this money for new or expanding programs and those programs that are requesting a renewal of funds. The only problem is that we were not allowed to see the audit of the existing programs. We did not know what impact the existing programs were having on reducing the homeless population. Our only infor­ mation was from the programs that were asking for renewal funds. " Did you serve your community over the last year, Homeless Shelter Xt' They answer, "Yes we did and we did a darm fine job. Can we have some more money?" Then we go through the time of identifying the largest gaps in service. We ask for submissions of grants in areas that we see as those of the greatest need. We (the homeless of Cleveland) rank the programs in order of importance, and submit that to Washington. When it comes back we see that the rankings did not mean anything. Not all projects were funded and many projects, including some of our highest priority projects, were skipped and lower projects were chosen. We say, "A pox on your house you faux block granters." We will never again fall for your "local control" tricks. We will ask for the check first and we will give you the details later about how we spent the funds. Pass the money on to those on the streets and we will make it work. Don't tempt us with community oversight, and then go back to business as usual. If you want homeless input then you better damn well use our decisions. We get enough of government lying to us from local politi­ cians and case workers.,need, how would this be possible?,the results We have better things to do than evaluate programs-like standing in long lines for food, checking on affordable housing opportunities, and looking for work in a job that pays the same as our parents made when they graduated from high school. �STREETVIBES The Tn Stute 's Homeless Grapevine King's Image Whitewashed? by Ma/aka Sanders Word Search stubborn extremists of what the whole country new was right. At least that's the message I got from school, the mainstream media. and others who, in not talking about his whole vision for a new world effectively whitewash his image. Is it any wonder that today's kids prefer the strength of Malcolm X as compared to this watered­ down visionary~ Another negative effect of this whitewashing is the grave disservice it does to today's activists; one in glorifying past activists after they're dead and only highlighting their gains without the benefit of the whole picture (knowing only what they got as compared to what they wanted and why), the status quo asserts that all the battles are wt:7f1 and that today's followers of King, the anti-poverty, anti­ war, and anti-racism (or, basically, anti-status quo) activists still kickin' around today ( and here in OTR!!!) are simply "radicals" disrupting things. Or, as Ani Difranco sang. " ...they'll sing you right to sleep and then they'll screw you just the same." Also, by popularizing them after their death, people are encouraged to forget that only a small segment of the population helped to bring about lasting change- because with that knowledge could possibly co me the will to fight now. At present people feel that "things'll never change" l:iecause we don't have the numbers that "they had then"; but when ya look at how folks are organizing all over the country, ya see that that's simply not true. So let the great myth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. be put to rest : his goal was not simply to integrate African-Americans into the status quo, but to challenge it (lest we forget that integration at that time was one huge challenge to it...). King was a radical And for those present day radicals out there, let his words help sustain you. "We must come to see that human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work time becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do the right thing." Ha/aka Sanders can be e-mailed do the Homeless Coalition at homecoa/@primax.net G I N s u 0 H K N B E M 0 D E E I L T B R I G H H Al G N I T 0 c C H B T s IC N KWO R c Ml y R E V A L s 4 L TT 0 c y 0 B 0 p p 0 R T U N E D U C A T 10 Continued from page 9 get adequate eye care, and we found out she needed glasses. My third child now needs glasses. Besides eye care, we didn't get dental care. I couldn't afford it. I'm sitting here toothless as I say this! I stayed in that job for two years. Then I started working at another nursing agency in 1984 for $9 to $11 an hour starting out. I'm very thankful that I could rely on welfare assistance to complete my nursing training. I'm thankful that I didn't have to worry about basic survival while trying to finish my job training. It would have been much harder if I would have had to do a work requirement at some minimum wage i<>b while trying to complete it. and take care of three small children at the same time! Now they are making it much harder on people! They are punishing these people by putting them out into the work force at any job paying minirn.tm wage! The system is very corrlortable about putting people in jobs with no future, and even mothers with 12 week old infants! It's very upsetting for me to see all these work forces coming in here who think people will be happy with a minimum wage job and no health beneftt.s. You're just working for the sake of working if you take a minimum wage job. The syst.em is creating a short fuse for people. The sanctions are saying, "It's OK to put people out on the street, but your kids will get their food stamps. You won't have a place to cook your kids' food, but they will get their food stamps. You, of course, will not eat!" It's hard enough for a single mother to successfully uphold her household, let alone if she has an infant three months old. It's irresponsible of the government to make these mothers work. A mother wants to take care of her children. What kind of care can you get from a mother working all night, trying to go to school for her G.E.D. to better herself, and then trying to nurture and care for her children in the time left. Many single mothers, especially those living in poverty without support netWOrks of family & friends, won't be able to handle it all. Do you know how hard it is to find quality child care for your children, especially infants~ Who will be taking care of these infants when their parents will be forced to leave them with someone else~ To support yourself and your children, you must get a skill. You have to be allowed to get education and training to be able to get independent of the system I'm thankful for the schooling I was able to get while on assistance. I've landed many excellent jobs in nursing homes and through private duty. My present job pays $1 S an hour; with the potential to make $18 in a nursing agency. The government is being very short-sighted to not allow the work requirement to be fully used for getting an education & job training. Interview with Pam McBride . January 1998 by Gregory Payton K K R F T s v T A R J u 6 G s G E L N E ~ "Safety Net" Ravings of a Mad Womyn With the observance of Martin Luther King Day this year, as in recent years, there was lots of press coverage on King day events, Coretta Scott King's activities, and pundits and newscasters discussing lots of old film of lots of old speeches by King, Or should I say one old speech. Ya see, it's not just mere oversight that explains why the words, " I have a dream my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." are well known to every American, but not the words, "And one day we must ask the question, 'Why are there forty million poor people in Americat [ it's over twice that number now...) And when you begin to ask that question, you are raising questions about the economic system, about a broader d istribution of wealth. When you ask that question, you begin to question the capitalistic economy. And I'm simply saying that more and more, we've got to begin to ask questions about the whole society. We are called upon to help the discouraged beggars to life 's marketplace. But one day we must come to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restr ucturing." In fact, these " news" accounts often get so nostalgic, they make it easy to forget that everyone wasn't on King's side, in fact most weren't. We now know that the FBI followed King very closely throughout the 1960s.; in October of 1963 King's home and office were bugged, and in November, the SCLC wiretaps were activated in Atlanta and New York. In the book, The FBI an Martin Luther King Jr., author David B. Garrow talks about Hoover's plans to plans to plant a beautiful woman in the SCLC office in order to entrap King. In explaining these actions, the author wrote, "Though nowadays most reformers would prefer to ignore that point,... the enemies chosen by the FBI were the same targets that much of American society would have selected as it's own foes. American popular thought long has had strong themes of nativism, xenophobia, and ethnocentrism These very same qualities were writ large in the FBI.". So in presenting the only one of his goals, institutional integration, achieved in his lifetime as his o nly cause andby ignoring most people's fear of his actions at that time (even that of , what he called, 'moderates' who he said in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" [ 1963) • " ... are more devoted to order than justice... who constantly say, "I agree with you in the goal(s) you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action.") King is presented, not as the revolutionary that he was, but as sort of a nice guy who had to convince some Page II Scramble by Ron Carter opportuns EDUCATION Try to unscramble these HOUSING h.oliday words: LYCHING SLAVERY itUNOEYAW RACIST REFEREOST BLACK OERSOSRC WHITE VAOTINLSA YMHA FREEDOM LESRVARTJOA VOTING EROCTS KKK CTATNOC JIM CROW AA NE/LOTH RIGHTS A.C. T.C 19-­ 19-­ ANSWER ON PAGE 15. �STREETVIBES ~. :. ~. News From Chicago Federal Judge Wayne Anderson will hear closing arguments on a motion for a temporary injunction on Wednesday designed to stop the City of Chicago from discarding on the personal prop­ e rty of homeless Lower Wacker Drive residents. Judge Anderson is likely to rule in the case following closing arguments on Wednesday, January 2 I. The homeless people flied the motion after the city allegedly vio lated court-supported, temp<> rary procedures for off-street cleaning of Lower Wacker Drive on December I, 1997. On that date, police and sanitation worke rs conducted a "sweep" of the homeless, told them to leave without their belongings, and used racial slurs and threats of arrest to intimidate them In violation of the agreement, homeless people were not allowed to move their belongings. When people tried to leave the scene with their property, it was taken out of their hands. City workers allegedly discarded blankets, important documents including a marriage certificate, asthma and diabetes medicines, and personal remembrances including family photos. In January, I996, homeless residents of Lower W acker Drive flied a class action lawsuit against the City of Chicago alleging that the city's "sweeps" violated their rights by seizing and/or destroying their personal property. In March 1996, lawyers for the homeless and the C ity of Chicago developed court-supported temporary guidelines for carrying out cleanings of Lower W acker Drive. Pursuant to the guidelines, the city must · Provide 12-hour advanced warning of the sweeps by posting signs and making verbal an­ nouncements under Lower W acker D rive. · Give homeless people the opportunity to move their belongings fifty feet from the area to be cleaned. Possessions not moved will be discarded. Prohibit Streets and Sanitation cleaning personnel from disposing any possessions moved by the homeless individuals The homeless have been organized by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH). CCH believes that housing is a basic right in a just society. With the current cr itical shortage of affordable housing in C hicago, CCH supports the right of homeless people to live on Lower W acker Drive. Through systematic research and intensive organiz­ ing of homeless people, CCH is working to end homelessness in metropolitan C hicago. CCH focuses on the root causes of the problem, including a serious shortage of affordable housing, the increasing scarcity of living wage jobs, and a lack of health and supportive services for poor people. News From Washington State Inquiries into Washington States Workflrst plan have revealed many problems with the state's welfare reform plan. Many of their DSHS social workers were poorly trained in the new program and find themselves unable to address client's needs. In addition, client's have found industry unwilling to provide jobs with livable wages. "By flooding the wo rkforce with people who can be hired without fai r wage or benefits, and simultaneously removing the safety net of welfare and Medicare, welfare " reformers" and employe rs will be able to offer less to workers everywhere. Put in classic supply and demand terms, there aren't e nough jobs for all those who must be moved from welfare to work. This makes workers less valuable and they will be t reated as such."(Real Change Vol. 5 N o. I, Jan 1998 Hearing Faults Workf.ire) ' ..:.-' Hon1e/ess Grapevine What to Do For Fun If You're Homeless Well John and Joyce spent Chr istmas under the Detroit Street bridge. I walked to John's 'stick'. The homeless substitute the word stick for home. "I said Hi, Joyce and John s houted Hi there as I crawled through the ho le in the fence and walked up they slope to whe re I saw a mattress surrounded by garbage and r ubbish. John and Joyce tell me Christmas is depressing. They say people would pull up in cars and vans Hi Me rry Christtnas and hand them bags of groceries, cooked dinners usually cold and shopping bags full of clothes. Joyce says none of the clothes flt. The only thing that frts out of about fifty pieces of apparel was a red knit skull hat in which she was still wearing. We went to the comer where people were passing out Christmas lunch and we got one for each of us. A little brown paper sack, like you take to school when you were a kid with you're lunch. Two hot dogs, ketchup and mustard packets were in it and then we got this other good stuff. Joyce reached somewhere underneath the mattress they lived on this mattress. Clevelands Homeless Grapevine The British Are Coming!!! Yet another aspect of ho melessness has gone corporate. Street newspapers. The Big Issue, glossy paper started in England and sold by homeless people has landed on the shores of Los Angeles. Having already spread throughout Europe, South Africa, and Australia they have turned their greedy little eyes on here. The paper calls itself The Big Issue leaving people (especially advertisers) with the impression that the big issue is homelessness. Yet homeless issues by their own admission is only about 20% of the paper's content and homeless people are an even smaller percentage of the paper's multi­ national staff. The vendors, who are charged per issue to sell this product, don't reap any of the economic benefits of the millions that are brought in annually through the vendor charges, advertising sales, and foundation support. Instead, the Big Issue has established their own foundation so as to dole out grants and gifts in communities (countries) where they plan to set up shop. If they have this kind of money, why can't they pay the salespeople (ven­ dors) a living wage with benefits, etd You can bet their advertising staff are paid and paid well. The Big Issue is about big bucks pure and simple. Dishing out a few nickels and d imes to some ho meless people doesn't change that and doesn't make them any less of a "Poverty Pimp" . They are exploiting homelessness to sell their advertising and homeless people as a cheap (charged) labor source to sell their product. For The Big Issue to claim, as they do, that they lift people out of poverty through the sale.s of their paper is nothing short of bullshit. No street newspaper can claim the vendors leave poverty with the money they get from selling the paper. That kind of life is right up there with "the wealthy panhandle r" and "the Cadillac-driving AFDC recipient ". Paoe 12 0 STREETVIBES Nationwide Everything they needed could be reached fro m there. They were C hristians. We've got two toothbrushes. Both John and Joyce's teeth are rotting and they say they never use them. They offer me the two new · brushes, after all they say you've go t teeth. We share a laugh. Then they continue their inventory. I got a little plastic razor, it would take about thirty of these to get rid of this beard. Joyce pulls out a really fancy bar of soap, the kind they have at hotels. She says she likes the way it smells. A little bit later, John describes life's philosophy. You are born - you live and you die. And I'm just putting in my time. That's what you do between being born and dying, he explained. It's all meaningless to me. Who cares? Joyce speaks of loneliness. One night Joyce wakes John and he says well what are you waking me for? She looks me straight in the eye . She was upset 'Tm lonely, will you talk to me~" So I looked at her and oh! all right let's have fun it's Christmas, I'll talk to you. So we talked about how much fun people were having in the cars, trucks and vans hurrying to and fro probably in a hurry to make it home this C hristmas day. Joyce and I can taste the depression and despair in our th roats. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Bob .. .. The inevitable consequence of this corpo­ rate move is the liscencing of the sale of homeless street papers and thus less opportunity for homeless people to vend them. Street papers in their simplicity benefit everyone involved. The organization that publishes them gets to present to the gene ral public homeless and poverty issues from a perspective/depth that will never be in the mainstream press or even the alternative press. Homeless and poor people have an opportunity to positively express themselves through writing, artwork and poetry and to see their works and feeling out in the convTitmity, while at the same time others are able to panhandle with their dignity intact. The general public gets the best benefit of all: They get to learn about an issue that people seem to universally agree is tearing this country apart. And they get to learn about it without the barrage of cOl'TVTlercialism and sensationalizing so comnon in the mainstream media today. ''The Big Issue" corporate approach to this important social contract severely threatens to kill it. Please don't buy one and please write them at The Big Issue, Fleet Ho use, 57-61 C larkenwell Road, Farringdon, London EC I MSNP o r e-mail them at London@bigissue.co.uk and tell them that their exploitation of poor people will never sell he re. Volunteers Rewarded On December 17 in the Veteran's Adminis­ tration Hospital Auditorium, 75 V. A Standown emloyees and volunteers received an a.p preciatlon award - a pen with "Standown '97" on it from Judy Bacon, Chairperson of the Standown Committee. Thanks for serving at least 1,000 homeless men and women in the T ri-state area, including '400 veterans at the Drop Inn Center. �STREETVIBES --;.-.: ~-. ,, . 1 • '- Hon1e/ess Grapevine Body of Disappeared U.S. Priest May Be Exhumed in Honduras by Paul Jeffrey Tegucigalpa, Honduras, January 14 (ENl)­ Honduran human rights activist hope to dig up the body of a U.S priest who disappeared here more than 13 years ago , Berta Oliva, director of the Committee of Relatives of the detained and Disappeared in Honduras (COFADEH), told ENI that her group has received information that will allow it to locate the remains of James Cam ey, a priest who disappeared in September 1983 while accompanying a guerrilla column that entered Honduras from neighboring Nicaragua. Oliva said three people have approached her group in recent weeks with new information about Camey's whereabouts. All three contacted COFADEH following a 45-day fast late last year in front of the embassy here. That protest, conducted by three U.S. Catholics who demanded that the U.S. gover nment release classified information regarding Carney's di.s appearance, generated renewed interest in the case throughout Honduras. Oliva refused to name the new informants. She said that while they approached COFADEH independently of each other, they all agreed on the spot where Cam ey was buried, O liva declined to identify the location where Carney is allegedly buried, though she did admit that it was located in the eastern province of O lancho. "We've got to be very careful how we manage the informa­ tion about Father Carney," she told ENI. "There are a lot of military officers with desi res to rise in the ranks who would be negatively affected by these revelations.". O liva's concern for the safety of the informants appears well founded. In the last two years, several former low-ranking military officers have been killed in what appear to be incidents of common crime. Yet according to Ramon Custodio, president of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras, many of the dead were "living archives" who were assassinated to prevent them from revealing secrets from the government's "dirty war" during the eighties. Oliva said that one of the new informants is a former soldier who partici­ pated in the capture and torture of Ca.rney. Oliva revealed that members of a Honduran army unit participating in "Operation Patuca" - a counterinsurgency operation designed to capture carrying U.S. $50,000 in cash, and that members of the unit which captured him would be allowed to split the money among themselves. " Yet following Camey's capture, the head of the patrol didn't keep his word," Oliva stated. "Some members of the patrol are still angry." . Oliva said the former soldier's testimony collaborates that of Florencio Caballero, a former member of the Honduran army's elite U.S.­ trained counterintelligence unit, Battalion 3-16. Before his death in exile in Canada last year, Caballe­ ros had testified that heard from associates that Camey had been thrown alive into the jungle from a military helicopter Oliva said that at least one of the new informants reported Carney was tortured on the ground and then thrown alive from the helicop­ ter, but that army troops then landed the aircraft to make sure the priest was dead. He was reportedly buried on that spot. Oliva said the former soldier also revealed how his unit participated in raping and torturing women members of the guerrilla column before killing them. Oliva indicated that one of the new informants possesses a map that indicates the exact location where Camey was buried. It is reportedly beside a river, though Oliva llefused to reveal which one. Besides Carney, a Jesuit who submitted a resignation letter to the Society of Jesus on the eve of his departure into Honduras, Oliva said three other guerrillas are reported to be buried at the site. She said one is possibly Jose Maria Reyes Mata, the leader of the hapless guerrilla group, which Wcl.S affiliated with the Central American Revolution­ ary W orkers Party. O liva said COFADEH is con­ tinuing to investigate the information. When that is finished, O liva said they will follow established legal procedures and contact the judge in whose jurisdic­ tion the burial site is located. " But doubt the judge will want to he lp us," Oliva said. "So we'll ask the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights to instruct the Department of Criminal Investigation to protect the area.". Such protection necessary prevent tamper­ ing with the evidence, Oliva explained. Oliva also said COFADEH planned to contact Camey's family for medical information that would help identify the priest's remains. She said her group would invite foreign forensic specialists to Honduras to conduct the exhumation. Oliva has. already had initial conve rsations about the matter with one of the persons who supervised the exhumation of Enersto "Che" Guevara in Bolivia last year. Oliva said she hoped the ex humation could get underway by April at the latest. "After that, the rain will make the area inaccessible until at least August," she said COFADEH has carried out the e xhumation of three of the 184 persons that the Honduran government's national convnissioner for human rights, Leo Valladares, claims were "disappeared by government security forces dur ing the 1980s. Cam ey is one of the 184. Oliva is the widow of another of the 184 disappeared. Her husband, T ornas Nativ Galvez. a professor and union organizer, was kidnapped June 11, 1981, fro m the couple's home in Tegucigalpa. Oliva was beaten and knocked unconscious dur ing the kidnapping. C OFADEH has also taken a leading ro le in demanding that military officials res ponsible for the disappearances be punished. Currently, 13 high-ranking Honduran military officers are fugitives, wanted by Honduran courts for human rights violations committed during the 1980s. Oliva predicated the exhumation of Camey will, " put to a test the political will of the new government" of President Carlos Flores, who takes office here on January 26. Human rights activists are worried Flores will thwart their efforts to bring military officials to justice. The Camey case plays a major role in a new report by Valladares to be released simultaneously in Washington and Tegucigalpa later this month. The 200 page report, "In Search of Hidden Truths", will criticil:e the Ointon administra­ tion for its "exceedingly frustrating" response to Valladares' request four years ago for U.S. docu­ ments on six disappeared persons, including Father Camey. The U.S. government has released more than 3,000 pages of declassified documents related to the Camey case, but most have been heavily censored, and are characterized in the forthcoming Valladares report as "scant, fragmented, and vague." P.1,ge IJ Solutions by Brian Davis In our on going communication with our readers, we have heard the criticism that we only complain about the problems and do not offer any solutions. So in an effort to address the concerns of our readers in 1998 we are featuring a series called Homeless Solutions in cooperation with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. The staff of the Coalition will take on this issue with the assistance of homeless people to put forth ideas that if implemented would show a reduction in the homeless population. ISSUE I Stability First Services Second This seems such a simple concept, but it is rarely followed in the current landscape of social services. N o matter how many services are thrown at an individual they rarely stick if a person does not have a stable place to live. All locaJ se rvices need to establish a person in a long tenn stable place to live first and the n treat them for their disability or health concerns. As an American citizen, we should expect o r demand a minimum level support. N o matte r if a person is lazy, rude, a criminal, smelly, ugly or dumb, they still have a r ight to life and othe r liberties oudined in the Declara­ tion of Independence and the C onstitution. If a person lives on the street they are being denied a right to life. Therefore all services need to esta.blish housing or long tenn shelter as their primary focus, and build support services around the housing. The housing rnJSt be a healthy environ­ ment that allows an individual to grow to indepen­ dence. The housing cannot be contingent on the services. Stability should be the primary focus for the County, and services revolve around the housing. Specifkally, areas such as the Alcohol and Drug System need place people in stable housing then treat their addiction. Currendy, the treat­ ment is offered for a period of time, and then the person is released back into the world. If Alcohol­ ism and Drug Addiction are truly a disease, then why don't we treat it as a health issue. A policy of releasing an individual back onto the streets after treatment is a waste of resources, and bad public policy. Bad News From Massachusetts My Higher Power The demise of rent control in Massachu­ setts has had a dramatic effect on homelessness in that state. Many landlords are now choosing to evict current residents when their leases expire and rent to new tenants at exhorbitant rental rates. This move has affected residents of all ages as well as families. Many residents report being forced to move after 2S years of occupancy in the same place. Despite Chapter 239, (a just cause to evict law) a record 7, 158 evictions were filed in Suffolk County Housing Court last year alone. An increase in the minimum wage and/or bringing back the rent control laws is viewed as the only viable permanent solutions. Subscribe to Streetvibes Streetvibes can be mailed to you each month for a very reasonable $12 per year Please send a check or money order to The Greater Cincinatl Coalition For The Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati Ohio 45210. Continued from pace 9 thought about my life now. I can't criticize any program simply because miracles are being reborn in them every day. To my knowledge, there has not been any group of people entering a program and seeing it through to the end. It would be grand if each year programs could boast group graduations. You can't blame the programs or the coordinators; you can't even blame the people for not making it. If you do, you are wrong and for that, I'm sorry because it means that there is a hard lesson left for you to learn. This, again, is only my observation. God is the ultimate authority. God is looking out for us when we can't look out for ourse lves. My graduation occurred with the help of everybody at the Drop Inn Center. I could not have made it without them. However, first and foremost, I thank my higher power, God, for being God. �STREETVIBES -·he '1i St 1te's Homeless Grap evine Page 14 Drop-Inn-Center Wins Title Congratulations to the Drop-Inn-Center for the recent victory in the inaugural Recovery Basket­ ball League Tournament. The Drop-Inn-Center team lead by player coach Donald Whitehead won a hard fight championship game against a feisty N.A squad led by Player Coach Courtney C. The D.I.~ team made up of D.l.C alumni and other supportive individuals also claimed the regular season Recovery League Championship with an almost perfect 9win I loss record in I0 regular season games. The Recovery league will begin the second half of the season on February 14th with an All-star Game. The Game will feature the Recovery League All-stars -Vs- Lexington Recovery All-star Tearn. The regular season will begin February 2 1st. The league hopes to expand to I0 teams for the second half of the season. If you have a team that is interested in joining this league please contact Donald Whitehead at 42 1-7803. The cost of the league is $30 per team The Drop-lnn_center has come a long w ay since the"M idnight Move" (Phot o by James Heath) People's Move Continued from Page One We wanted a warmer, safer, dryer place. W e wanted out from under this landlord who refused to do needed repairs. So we started scouting around the neighborhood for a building large enough to meet our needs. (We were not interested in going out to Lunken Airport where it was suggested we look. We were determined to find a place in our own neighborhood.) Of all the buildings we looked at, the former Teamster Union Hall at 2 17 W . 12th Street had the best possibility. We started negotiat­ ing with the Teamsters on a rental leas~ agr~ment. We kept the site quiet for we knew this location would be controversial, being one of the top spots for future profit-making development so close to Music Hall. But it was our top spot for a home for the homeless, and that was top priority. We were not making headway fast enough with the Teamsters, and feeling the moral urgency to get out of the unsafe environment, we plotted THE PEO PLES MOVE for midnight on January 13th, 1978. We did not plan for the blizzard. Though the blizzard made the move more treacher­ ous, it was a blessing in disguise.. It gave us time to get somewhat settled in before the City discovered we were there. The City's reaction to our move was to wage a vicious campaign to close us down. On January 20th we were forced into court. The Building Department ordered our immediate eviction and our leadership was threatened with cr iminal charges. That day with 14 inches of snow on the ground and zero temperatures, the 120 homeless residents of. the shelter were waiting with intense anxiety their fate as buddy gray on the witness stand defended our decision to "illegally" move into our new home. The prosecutors grilled him unmercifully. The Spirit moved with us that day. Judge Outcalt ruled on behalf of the homeless. It was a victory for the people. THE PEOPLES POWER RAN THROUGH OUR VEINS T HAT DAY As I reflect on our courageous action twenty years ago I can still feel the peoples power that ran through our veins that day. It was no small feat to do what we did. Many people, including the resi­ dents, staff, neighborhood and community-wide volunteers, participated in the midnight move. We were taking control of our lives and detennining our own history. We were actors, not victims. We were powerful, not powerless. We were hopeful'. not despairing. We were risk-takers and not afraid to stand our ground. We stood our ground despite obstacles and determinedly weathered many torrential rains that came pouring down on us as a result of the location we chose and the City feeling threatened by our i>eoples action. Inspired by the Spirit of our peoples just anger I wrote this song during that rumultuous time in our history. 1rs TIME YOU REALIZE THAT WE ARE ORGANIZED CHORUS: It's time you realize That we are organized And our spirits can't be killed By your lies and underhanded .... deals We've worked ·t oo long and hard To have our program busted By your cold e ncrusted...bureaucrats. You claim you understand But still it's NO to our demand As you debated, studied more Flooding waters drenched our floors. Just look at where your money goes To f0< up stained glass windows And you pay your Manager More than double what we asked for. Does this say that one man's pay Can mean more to you today Than a YES vote for a place For hundreds of people to stay. Now that Donaldson has staged To care for animals in a cage We know that monkeys in a zoo mean More to him than homeless people do. On a cold and blizzard night We moved into an old union site Our Peoples Move was bold and wise Ha-Ha...we caught you by surprise. You tried so many dirty tricks To trap us by your code-stick Your midnight raids and fire drills Failed at the Board of Appeals. Every move that you did make Help~d our cause, was YOUR mistake Every plot that you designed Brought more people to our side. Your underhanded Master Plan To force us fol ks from our land It will never go your way Cause we will fight you day after day. There are many more chapters to our Drop Inn Center story. My hope is that we continue to remember the fighting spirit that was a part of our beginnings...and never lose sight of that. The story and the spirit needs to be passed on so those who join our effort along the way can feel and claim in their own veins the power of the people and carry this struggle forward...so that someday all our sisters and brothers will be afforded a safe and decent place to call home. I believe to remember and honor our peoples history reminds us that where we are today was made possible by those who labored and loved before us. Our participation in this important work is our ticket on the Freedom Train which has been going down the track for centuries. Once aboard we must continue to tell the stories of people seeking justice and freedom. by Bonnie Neumeier (This story is dedicated to all those who gave their hand and heart to The Peoples Move.) �STREETVIBES T11e Tri Sr J1e ' ~. Homeless Grapevine FebruafY 7 STREETVIBES Announcements Please Send your annoucements to Streetvibes Announcements. 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati Ohio 45210 or fax them to 513-421-7813 by the 20th of each month. FebruafY4 Streetvibes Planning Meeting, Spm, The Homeless Coalition office 1506 Elm Street, call 421 -7803 for more info FebtU8fY 4-5 "Building Support for More State fonding: Affordable Housing, and Homeless Programs." State wide conference sponsored by the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio at the Hyatt on Capitol Square. Columbus Ohio for info call 614­ 280-1984 STREETVIBES Classified Ads The Odd Cookie Awards for reading will be presented at the Cincinnati Black Book Fair at the C incinnati Convention Center. Guest Speaker will be Edna Howell of WIZF FM radio station. FebruafY8 The A Philip Randolph Institute is sponsoring a Black History Month program and tour of the Randolph Exhibit. Tickets: $5 ($2 for age 17 and under). For more info, 621-8882 FebmafY 14/h The Over-the-Rhine Steel Drum Band will perform Saturday, February 14th at l:OOp.m at Memorial Hall. For more info., call the Peaslee Neighborhood C enter, 621-5514. FebruafY 16 Entertaing Angels a Paulist Press Movie about the life of Dorothy Day. The movie will be followed by a discussion on the Catholic Worker Movement! Xavier University Campus, Alter Hall Kelley Audito­ rium 7:30 pm. Donations beniflt ST. Francis/ St. Joseph Catholic Worker House. Labol'W' Band looking for wortc Streetvibes (the Band. We loke to party. RAb. Oldies. Blues. Jazz. Reggae. Helping the Homeless. Hetp themselves king for laborer? wortcecl at Rivwfront. s willing to do any kind of ork. Call Sonia Craig at DroiMnn-Center, 721· 3 Scramble Answers from page 11 UNITED WAY LegalAid FREE STORE RED CROSS SALVATION Army Travelers Aid ReStoc Contact Center AAHodine C.C.AT orChilclren for sale Native American Cookies: orders beind accepted: R. C. James (fax) 891-8663 .rientatecl · ·Icing forjoba Community du.ling th etderty or c hildren. 3 ear outreach wortcerf ounseler aide at YMCA. 13 years typing Jelll>eri·enc,e. Computer Cashier experience udlng Windows, tus, and any word cesser. Call Anjul adyun at 721-0643 Construction - · Workers .'. Do you have a High School Diploma. GED or do yo need to obtain your GED? Do You Want to earn a special trade would learn a skittecl trade? Local Union trades are now taking applications for apprenticeship programs. Starting pay $8.00 to $ 11.00 an hour depending on the Trade. (pay incntase every year. For more information stop by the West End Community Council 15•43 John Street Cincinnati Ohio 45214 or call 381-4280. Degreed successful grants admlnistratorlwriter - 0 commissioned, r.... lance position as same; ten percent commlsion per award. Contact J. Janus Jr. (fax) 891-8663 Native American Hispanic female seeks sit down slow paced factory position; physically c hasHenged. (fax) 891 ­ 8663 STREETVIBES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $1 per line. Ca/1421-7803 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 $I voluntary donation. I agreenotto ask fer donations more than $1. I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not use abusive language or force some.one to give a donation. I will not give a " hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. S. I agree that I will not supply copies d FebruafY 19 1998 Stand Down Planning Committee Meeting 12 pm at the Drop-Inn-Center. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Please help us recreate last years success. FebruafY 19 The Annual joint meeting of the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless. I :30 pm at the Drop-Inn-Center. Discussion on the simillarities in our struggles. We will also be joined by Micheal Stoops from the National Coalition for the Homeless. Febma,,21 Tentative date for the CMHA Homeless Coalition Strategy Conference. The Conference will be held at the CMHA leasing office at 1621 Western Avenue ~2pm. The Conference wil;I explore ways to speed up ithr transition to Public Housing Februa,,21 Homeless Think Tank. 2 pm at the Drop­ inn-Center. Sales Representative mUSIC call 421-7803 Streetvibes is now accepting Classified Ads For items for Sale, Apartments for.Rent and other non personal items. The rate is only $1 per line, approxiamately four words per line. Classified ads are due by the 20th of each month. People living 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 recieved before the ad will run. No refunds will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there is an error, notify us after the first printing. You will given an extra month of ad time. Hail the ad copy to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati Ohio or fax to 421-7813 Page /5 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 Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that the failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. Looking for a position as a sales ,..,,_,.c:ative or Manapr. Has excellent bookkeeping skills. Has experience in retail managen-.t, customer service and sales. Is available to wortc immediately. Call 0ea Harris nt-1976 Resturant Work Responsibte older pnan looki111 for position In a resturant. Has extensive experience as a cook, diswasher, and maintenance person. .He is very dependable and available • help wanted Condnseng F- Lawxer t afraid of the Catholic Chwch or PUCO. Send office ho..-s and name of law school on letterhead paper to I 111 Elm Stnet No. 431 Cincinnati Ohio 45210 Qftke Worker Seeks 10­ 30hour s.it down job o n Bus line. Either Ohio Or Kentucky. Contact Box lStrMtvibes 1506 Ehn Call Wiley Powell at 831-8404 Stneet Cind Oh 45110 Streetvibes Radio Hour On WAIF88.3 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 is co-hosted by Mary Burke, Pat Oifford, Gregory Payton and Donald Whitehead. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories in this paper·and eclectic musical selections. Here are the next show dates. WAIF88.3 fm Saturday. January I0, 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 S ize 2" x 3 112" $I 0 per month Two Business Card Size 4" x l 112" $20 per month 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 tion at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Bm Street Oncinnati. OH 45210 �STREETVIBES- -.~-=' '. ~· ... '. Hon1e/ess Grapevine Page 16 Vendor Profile: Shalom Davis by O,onald Whitehead Up to this point we have featured adult Streetvibes Vendors. As a matter of fact we only had adult vendors. A couple of weeks ago a very bright articulate young man came to the drop-inn­ center were his Mom worked and saw a copy of Streetvibes. He talked to longtime Streetvibes vendor/writer Gregory Payton. He asked Gregory a question that we had never encountered before at Streetvibes, "Can children sell Streetvibes? " This question was not easily answered. After all this would probably set a precedent for Street Newspa­ pers, we hadn't heard of it being done any where else in the country. We were forced to examine the mission of our paper. The mission of Streetvibes is to empower people, be a voice to the voiceless and help individuals begin to earn an income again. Chidren are becoming an ever increasing segment of the homeless population, they are certainly voiceless at times. I asked several people Shalom's question. Should children be allowed to sell Streetvibesl I recieved many different opinions. It became apparent that the question would have to be answered by me, noone was willing to make the decision for me. After careful! consideration I reached a decision. Any person who lives at or below the poverty level Check us out, We're on TV! Streetvibes 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 around channels on us. Shalom Davis Streetvibes first Child Vendor Should have the opportunity to share in the success of Streetvibes. We have decided to let Shalom or any other child sell Streetvibes as long as their parent or guardian agrees with the code of conduct and they abide some additional rules to protect them. Children will not be allowed to sell Streetvibes during school hours or after dark. We prefer that they be accompanied by a parent or Adult. Shalom and the rest of Streetvibes were featured on the 19 in the morning show we hope to show the tape at the next Streetvibes meeting lease ·oin us. Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production: 20 Where Your Goes SHELTERS: Women and Children 241-2757 Alice Paul House (abuse) 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvation Army 431-8717 Welcome House SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America 241 -5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (singtes) Friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) Interfaith Hospitality Network 76 1-1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 244-7226 Channel 10 Saturday, February 7, 1998, 4 pm Friday, February 13, I998, I I am Slreelvibes TVFebruary February show will be filmed on the streets. We hope to interview individuals who have suffered harassment because of there homelessness. The show will have interview from people willing to speak up about the abuse that to often is associated with the everyday life of those living on the street. Channel 7 (Sb Basic in most of Hamilton 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. Thanks for your 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. Streetvibes TV January January Streetvibes was a rebrodcast of the June Streetvibesa program. This show was called faces II it was our second program that showed people that have recovered from homelessness and have gone on to lead happy productives lives. The show guest were Glen Collins a Representative from the l.R.S: Darlene Guess Director of the Bethany House Shelter. Gregory Payton Streetvibes vendor and writer , and Don Sawyer director of the mens treatment program at the Drop-Inn-Center. The show highlighted the personal journey of these four individuals from homelessness to housing. The show also featured the first live performance from Streetvibes the Band. Ughthouse Youth Center St. John's Temporary Housing 961-4080 651-6446 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies (Mental Ill) Tom Geiger House 721-4580 241-9683 241-0504 369-0004 381-0954 721-8666 961-4555 TREATMENT: W omen 0 .0.AAT First Step Home 24 1-7343 921-7324 TREATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both NA Hopeline AA Hodine CC.AT. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820...2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-501 I Monday, February 16, 7 pm Channel 10 Friday, February 20 I I am Monday Februa~y 23, 10 pm Saturday February 28, 4 pm Please help us make our T elivision Show better. If you have a subject or would like to be a guest please don't hesitate to give us a call. At 421-7803 or fax us at 421-7813 OTHER SERVICES 421 -2437 AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Center for Independent Uving Options 241-2600 591-ll46 Churches Active in Northside 961-0600 Cincinnati Health Network 569-1&40 Comnunity Action Agency 381-4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Conmunity Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank n 1-4000 Goodwill Industries 621 -7149 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bel. 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control 357-4602 Health Resource Center 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van lll-3679 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 27 1-5501 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way 559-6656 VA Homeless 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 February 1998 Vol. 2, Issue 13 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Page 1: Streetvibes Celebrates A Birthday Looking Back Twenty Years: January 11th 1978--The People Move Page3: News: EBTCards arive in Cincinnati. Page 4: Tender Mercies opens new building. Page 6: Streetvibes Poetry. Page 8: Streetvibes Celebrates Black History Month Page 12: News from around the world Page 14: Announcements and Classified Ads Page 16: Need Help Want Help 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 February 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Stacey Adams Raymond Avrutus Frank Carrino Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Brian Davis John Dietz Matthew Eisen Mike Fontana Sherri Franklin Darlene Guess James Heath Max Johnson David Miller Leonard Odom Gregory Payton Mataka Sanders Mark Salter The Shadow Don Stark, Sr. Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Sonny Williams 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>. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF addiction Brian Davis Darlene Guess David Miller Denise Crew Don Stark Sr. Donald Whitehead Drop Inn Center Frank Carrino Gregory Payton HIV James (Jimmy) Heath John Dietz Leonard Odom Lynn Williams Malaka Sanders Mark Salter Matthew Eisen Max Johnson Mike Fontana Pat Clifford People's Move Raymond Avrutus Ron Carter shelters Sherri Franklin Sonny Williams Stacey Adams Tender Mercies The Shadow vegetarianism welfare https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/c09bca00b4b9a10a4ac6912938a74018.pdf d79d49c78b9d5a66076d6d486a13871e PDF Text Text Landlord Attempts Demolltlons Again and Again and Again... by Andy Hutzel Clifford Rydell, owner of 1105-09 Broadway, has again applied for a demoliti.o n permit to destroy three of his. buUdings for a parking lot. This is the third time Mr. RydeH has tried to demolish them (fegaUy) since he acquired the buildings in r991. He tried in 1991, f994, and now rn 1·998. Mr. Rydell is well known for his mass evictions of I.ow-income residents in the adjoining Huntley Apartments upon its acquisition at the same time. It's his way of ..making a difference''. The.i r were two hearings in front of the City Historic Conservation Board this month, as the buildings sit in the OTR South Historic District. Although staff recommended on both occasio ns to deny the "certificate of appropriateness" for the proposed demolition, the Board gave an extension to Mr. Rydell each time. This despite the fact that the buildings remain OJJen to the weather with missing or deteriorated roofs (since 1'99l) and Mr. Rydell admitted he onfy wanted to demolish the buildings from the outset for a profitable parking lot, not to mention the insults against the residents of the neighborhood. The community must stand up against this injustice. The Conservation Board has granted a six month delay in order to seed alternatives. One · alternative is for the community to take control of :#~~~~~~:~::::;;~:::::::;~*=:::~m~~~. Buildings at 1105-1109 Broadway by Jimmy Heath remain unlniiablted as.owner"'i11iimpts demolition. Photo Are The Homeless Becoming More Vlslble? Contents WESTCO Struggles Building a· Movement Word on the Street Run for City Coun'c il The Odd Cookie Awards Editorials & letters Puzzle Page Page4 Pages Page 6 Pages Page9 Page 10 Page 11 Ravings of a Mad Womyn News Nationwide Cleveland News Page 12 Page12 Page 13 Annoucements and Classifieds Page 15 Yes, according to preliminary Welfare Reform Studies and interviews with local Cincinnati home­ less-shelter staff personnel. Shelters are as full as ever and there are increasing numbers of homeless families. Approximately 35% of the women with children interviewed in she.lters are there due to tightening restrictions on Welfare and so-called sanctions. Sanctioning, for example, involves restrict­ ing people from Welfare benefits or subsidized housing because they did not follow through with appointments or other obligations. Reasons given by the client for the lack of follow-through was the inability to find child care, unanswered phone calls at the Department of Human Resources, or lack of transportation. Individuals may also be ineligible for subsidized housing because of money owed for past rents. or even drug related criminal records. These sanctions result in poor persons, especially families, bei ng forced to live on the streets or crowded into homeless shelters. A recent New York Times article cites a growing presence of homeless people on the streets of Manhattan because of the easing of restrictions against hanging out on the streets in so-called 'public' places. These are chronic homeless individu­ als that avoid the crowded shelters in New York City. Some of the homeless in that city avoid the shelter systems, chose not to seek housing or assistance and have learned to be as unobtrusive as possible. Major crackdowns had sharply reduced the presence of the homeless in that city for a time, while homelessness in Ohio continues to be a growing concern. The State of Ohio is playing it's part in creating the new wave of homeless people with restrictions on we lfare for people who are seeking help from the system. Now families are left with nowhere to go except the shelters. In this county, new ways are being found to waste the taxpayers money- previously low-income subsidized housing projects are being torn down to make way for market-rate housing, while families seek shelter at over-crowded shelters. Ohio is now enjoying a windfall in money saved by these restrictions while innocent children, desperate families and disabled persons suffer. Photo on page five ••• �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine 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 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 G~eater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending home­ lessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. The Streetvibes Committe~ meets monthly to plan our issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a comment, please call 421-7803. Staft" Donald Whitehead, Director Frank Carrino, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor Support James Heath, Admin istrative Coordinator p~ James Oimmy) Heath Writers Junior Baughn Ron Carter James Heath Gail Frazier-Holley Andy Hutzel · Lemuel Israel Berta Lambert Judith Mendriski Patrick Mosolf Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders Donald Whitehead Volunteer Editors Pat Clifford Lemuel Israel Tammy Nettles Bonnie Neumeier Malaka Sanders Editorial Polley: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, comments or editorials. 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 do Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless I506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (S 13) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Page 2 Bring on Britain• s Street Paper By Brian Davis, from Cleveland's Homeless Grapevine What is the big deal with the Big Issue? Whi le there are currently 40 homeless street newspapers in North America, the street newspaper industry has exploded in Europe with approximately 90 papers from Scotland to St. Petersburg, Russia. There is a newspaper sold by homeless people with its main office in London, England called The Big Issue. It has a couple pages reserved for homeless issues, but features many entertainment and current-event type stories. It is a smaller Ufe magazine with some progressive thought thrown in , and its sold by homeless people. It is slick with splashy headlines and a solid base of advertising. (The Grapevine in Cleveland and Streetvibes in Cincinnati allows vendors to make most of the profit-about 80 cents per issue.) The Big Issue allows the vendors to make 40 pence. They buy the paper for 40 pence and sell it for 80 pence. They sell a ton of papers each week. This is a big business. The Big Issue supports a foundation that supports other social service organizations. The paper is not an organizing paper, but a solid job for homeless people. The paper has a wide audience, and it is pretty easy to sell. The Big Issue has expanded to Edinburgh, South Africa, Australia, and many cities throughout t~e mother country. They now have decided to come to the Los Angeles market with its over 8.5 million possible customers and its burgeoning home­ less population. The one problem is that there is a new, small street paper based out of Santa Monica that publishes every other month that may be hurt by The Big Issue. Santa Monica is just outside of LA. This has caused quite a stir in the street newspaper movement. 1997, the North Ameri­ can Street Newspaper Association was born. The group has taken on this issue as a primary focus over the last two months. I say 'forget it and move on.' There are far bigger problems to tackle than attempting to control other media outlets. If this was actually a grassroots street newspaper that focused on local issues about poverty then there might be a cause for some action. But not in a huge city like Los Angeles and not with a paper that has very few stories about homelessness. I think that it can only help the street newspaper movement. I say come to Cleveland. We would love to have England's Big Issue. Both of our papers would improve. The Big Issue would have to cover local stories if they wanted to compete with our paper, and we would be forced to improve the look of our paper to compete with The Big Issue. There are enough homeless people to support both papers in Cleveland, and there are enough to support 6 to 8 papers in Los Angeles. I feel as though if there were more businesses that attempted to hire homeless people, the world would be a better place. Make no mistake, The Big Issue is a business venture first with a twist of social concern to add a little flavor. Those people who want to trudge through a bunch of advertisements to read about the night Diana died or the Resur­ . rection of Sid Vicious' musical career will pick up The Big Issue. Those who want to read the words of homeless people and find out about what is going on in the homeless community but don't mind the somewhat archaic layout style will but the papers that are like the Grapevine. Those who want to provide some direct assistance to the homeless and very low­ income people will buy both papers. I have a sneaking suspicion that this frenzy that has arisen because of The Big Issue has a lot to do with a back-handed way to thrust a litmus test on the North American street newspapers by the most progressive elements of our movement. In many progressive move­ ments there are those who want their com­ rades in arms to be "pure." They wake up in the morning after the battle is won with those who have stayed true to their convictions and have taken the moral high ground. In the homeless organizing move­ ment, the extreme progressive element wants only those people who live, breath, and eat poverty. They want the white-male dominated, corporate, morally bankrupt system to fall. They isolate themselves from those peopfo and organizations t hat "sleep wit h the enemy." Organizations that survive by using corporate dollars or are o rganized like the big bad multi­ national corporations w ith a white-male at the head look too much like the perceived enemy. The problem with all of this is t hat th ere are not enough of those organizations of such high character in existence. They isolate them­ selves to the point that there are only a select few that can pass the purity test. Those select few who can pass the test are so battle worn from fighting for every single cause with a fol k song attached to it that the movement peters out and dies. The reason that the multinat io nals are kicking our asses is t hat they have one single thing in which they rally around - money. Everyth ing revolves around the mo ney. If an organization wants to be a part of the dub, all they have to agree to is that profit is the reason for existence. From selling medicine to prison oversight to art to ice cream, all of the corpora­ tions have profit in common. A_ writer in the Nation noted recently that the system of keeping the progressive move­ ment weak could not have been designed by conservatives to work better than it does. There are thousands of organizations that fight -for women's rights, trees, homeless people, children and animals, and never do they meet at a common table. If progressives are ever going to succeed they have to ·come together and stop putting up barriers to forming alliances. We have to figure out what we have in com­ mon and send t hat ship into battle. {A side note: The t r ue progressives hate when organizations use war metaphors. It is cold, violent and demonstrates a clear lack of understanding and ill will toward the women of the movement or something like that.} I say bring on the British. They are not the competition for most North American papers. They competition to the so-called "alternative media." Our grandfathers in the progressive movement fought against the monopolies of Morgan and Rockefeller, and today we are fighting to corner the market on employing homeless people. We have room for all who are fighting for human rights - no matter how that manifests itself. See related story on page 13: 11 Homeless Industries••• 11 �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Over-The­ Rhine Residents Celebrate Through Song at Nast Trinity Church. Photo by Jimmy Heath Neighborhood Celebratlon by Rev. Bruce Hinckley Celebrate the week that's past and gear up for the week ahead at Nast-Tri nity United Methodist Church, Sundays at 6 PM The community is building on a wide variety of gifts from many lives to lift up our gratitude in music and song. We're taking time to recog­ nize with joy, that higher power in our lives. The Sunday afternoon celebration is Nast­ Trinity's gift to the neighborhood. In it we reflect many faith traditions and we open up th e time to receive everyone in their own way. The six o 'clock event just began in February and welcomes help from all in the community. Music is our main thing but much more will be added to a multi-media time together. We need musicians, technicians in sound and lighting, poets, actors, greeters, ushers, singers, and performance artists. Whoever you are and what ever you do we need you to help us celebrate. We aim to have a good time as we greet the week ahead with energy and enthusi­ asm. All of us look to the future with hope for better things in our lives and this is the spring­ board we're going to use each Sunday at 6. If you want to sing in the choir arrive for practice at 5:30. If you have special ideas or gifts to offer to the celebration call Bruce Hin ckley at 721­ 7339 o r 38 1-0298. We're having a lot of fun and you don't want to miss out. Nast-Tri nity United Method ist C hurch is located at 1310 Race Street, across from Music Hall on Washington Park. Thanks For The Mllllon Bucks; Now Get Outl by Farr Carey MAHT VISTA Coordinator After over a year of struggle to win money for repairs for her bu ilding, Thelma Hairston and her two children face the threat of eviction from their two bedroom apartment at Milliken Apartments. In early September, Hairston received a notice from the court awarding "possession" and $142 to the Milliken Apartments Management Company despite her success in winning $1.1 million dollars in repairs for the building. The eviction action was sta.rted by t he National Housing Partnership (NHP), the nations' largest owner of HUD-subsidized housing, with 85,000 units. NHP has since "sold" the building to Milliken Affordable Housing, Ins., a NHP spin-off created to take advantage of federal T itle VI grants for sales. Boston 's HUD office refused to process t he sale at first, because the purchaser was a "sham non-profit," but their decision was overruled by HUD's Washington office. Deserves A Medal "This is probably the most outrageous case of t enant harassment I've seen in 25 years The nation 's largest subsidized landlord is evicting a low-income mother who just won them a million dollars for repairs. T hey shou ld give Thelma a medal, not an eviction notice!" said Michael Kane, Director of the Mass. Alliance of HUD Tenants (MAHT). Hairston joined the Milliken Apartments Tenants Association in the Spring of 1996, when the MAHT got involved. Milliken Apartments was for sale under the Title VI Preservation Program, and tenants were in a position to make some changes in the building. Many were concerned about the physical condition of the building: water seeps into the apartments, every t ime it rains, soaking tile and ca rpeting. Tenants chose Hairston as the president of t he tenant association t o hold the owner ac­ countable fo r repairs. Over the next year, Hairston worked closely with the tenant steering committee and MAHT to develop some solutions. U. S. Representative Barney Frank became actively involved, writing letters to HUD an d funding agencies. At first NHP and their sham purchaser refused to meet with residents. Meanwhile, the Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants obtained a grant for the tenant association, which was used to hire architects to asses needed repairs. Last summer, tenants got HUD and Congressman ­ Barney Frank to bring the purchaser to the table. Page 3 The te nants eventually secured $1.1 million addi­ tional do llars for repairs in th e building. This is the only known case in the country where HUD actually increased the Title VI grant amount over the amoun t originally approved . Management Wages W ar on Tenant Leader Hairston has played a vocal role in her leadership of the tenant group by raising security issues, criticizing management practices , and ex­ pressing concern about the condition of the building. But the real trouble began in June 1997. The Tenants' Association demanded that HUD cut over $1 million in Title VI grant funds scheduled for windfall profits for the "seller," and to invest the funds on needed repairs instead. In an article published in the Herald News, Hairston was singled out and open ly criticized by then-Milliken site manger Ellen Fisher. Soon afterwards, Hairston rece ived a "Thirty Day Notice to Quit." Management alleged that she had failed t o pay the correct amount of re nt fo r a period of three months and that sh e had mis­ reported her income. But Hairston 's rent is paid directly to the management office by the state. The record shows that management error led to a $142 underpaymen t by the state. Instead of settling the matte r with Hairston, manageme nt hauled her into court. Owner to Tenant: Out on the Street! In August, Hairston appeared in court twice without legal counsel, as she could n't afford a lawyer. She agreed to pay the disputed $142 to settle the matter. Management refused to accept the money and said they just wanted he r off the pre­ mises. Despite the evidence presented, an d Hairston's willingness to comply, th e judge ruled in favor of the management and Hairston was issued a court order in mid-September. Very few tenants in the buildi ng we re aware of the severity of the situation unti'I a tenant associa­ tion meeting in September. Managem ent showed up uninvited, and tried to announce that they were responsible for the recent funding successes. V\lhen Hairston asked them to explain the meaning of t he court order, they told her she had t o be o ut of he r apartment by the next day. Tenants Outraged The tenants present at the meeting were outraged. Mary E. Conforti, a forme r president of the Milliken Tenants association and 24-year resident of the building, was shocked at the actions taken against Hairston . "She worked so hard fo r t he build ing to get the mo ney for repairs and no one can un de rstand w hy they are evicti ng her." "There are many people who have bro ken house rules and are creating proble ms who should have been evicted but are still here. Manage ment is not pushing to get them out," added Ed De pin, also a former tenant association president and 17-yea r resident. Neighbors and MAHT Fight Back Tenants initiated a petition opposing Hairston's eviction, and demanded a apology t o Hairston and the Tenants Association. T enants and MAHT staff circulated th e pet itio n and secured over I00 signatures. "If t he people d idn't think she was a good tenant and doing a good job, they wouldn't have signed the petition," Mr. Depin added. MAHT staff assisted Hairston in obtaining a lawyer through legal services. The lawyer was able to put a hold on the eviction until a new cou rt date could be scheduled in March. In the meantime, MAHT has asked HUD to get involved to punish National Housing Partnership's "sham" buyer for this obvious case of tenant harassment. �, STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Bulldlng a Movement by Patrick 'Tree' Mosolf What would a better world look like and feel like? Many of us have been exploring this question, and are beginning to try to put our vision into reality. Out of this desire for a better world for all people is born a movement. This article explores the dynamics of a healthy movement of people. It asks the question: "What are the attributes of a healthy and successful movement for social change?" In particular, the focus is on the internal dynamics of a movement - the structure of it and the relationships between the people in it. A reader may be surprised to read something written about such a large topic by a person who is so yo ung and inexperienced. Isn't such an attempt a bit presumptive? In response, I say that these ideas are offered humbly, and should be treated with constructive criticism. At the same time we should be wary of discarding the ideas of the young. Sometimes the young, who are less socialized into the systems of the world, are more flexible in perceiving creative solutions to our problems. The best movement will balance the experience of the old with the imagination of the young. What is a Movement? A movement, at its most fundamental level, is a group of people who share some or many over­ lapping goals. A movement also refers to the specific configuration of relationships between people in the movement. On a more structural level, it is mani­ fested in the existence of institutions like the Peaslee Neighborhood Center and the Drop Inn Center. It also refers to a set of overlapping beliefs which are made material in various forms of media like speech, song and the Streetvibes newspaper. Finally, a movement is a series of actions taken together, and a sharing of time and space. Communication - Because the primary material of a movement is people and their relation­ ships, it is not surprising that communication is extremely important for the success of a movement. First, I want to establish that some forms of commu­ nication are more effective in accomplishing the goals of a movement than other forms of communi­ cation. Many people are resistant to this idea because they are purely relativistic in their approach to life, or because they think that this implies some kind of uniformity or conformity in communication. A person who is a relativist can be addressed by insisting that there are values in the world such as the preservation of life. These values are inherent, and come from the needs of people - such as food, shelter and nurturant social relations. Further, effective communication does not mean enforcing conformity to a set of rules. In fact, communication which helps to strengthen a movement can take many different shapes and styles, and represent diverse cultural traditions. Communication could be compared to an art - there are many great artists, but their art is extremely different despite the skill each artist expresses. The most basic skill in communicating and understanding is recognizing one's own thoughts and feelings. Even if one has an eloquent style of speech, this is not helpful if a person cannot understand their own motives and feelings. This skill of recog­ nizing what one is feeling/thinking, and hence what to communicate, is ongoing. To see beneath the web of thoughts on the surface may require that a person slow down, and listen carefully to their own body and mind. Once one develops this skill, one can begin to critically evaluate what one feels, and decide what and how to communicate it. Especially when disagreements occur, it is helpful to slow down during a conversation. It seems t hat many discussions escalate into arguments partly because of an increase in the pace of the exchange. Under these circumstances, a person will not be as likely to choose their words carefully, and negative emotions may become overwhelming. Accelerated exchanges indicate a desire to dominate the other persons viewpoint, and are marked by frequent interruptions. Slowing down may sometimes involve listening to an extended statement from another person. Slowing down may also mean accepting that a resolution will not occur on that day, or even in a week. However, it does pay off in stronger relation­ ships, which are the foundation of a movement. Tolerance - Because a movement becomes strong when it involves the work of many people, it becomes necessary to tolerate different viewpoints . As activists we have probably developed strong beliefs about the world. The strength of our conviction, however, becomes an obstacle when we alienate or exclude people who could help the movement. People with different beliefs can cooper­ ate in taking certain actions, and perhaps along the way they will come to some understanding. Diversity within a movement is also helpful because people with different beliefs can teach us something about the world. Further, discussions with people who think differently than we do challenge us to more carefully articulate our viewpoint. Also, it is more likely that a wider pool of ideas will generate the most effective strategies for accomplishing our goals. A final advantage of diversity is that .it makes a movement more appealing to people outside the movement. Outsiders who sense a dogmatic approach will likely be repelled if they are not completely in line with the dominant ideology. Because a movement can accomplish more with a greater amount of human power, a movement should be configured in such a way as to welcome people who are not yet involved. In this way the most people can grow to the greatest understand­ ing. Power inside a movement - It is important to realize that we are not immune to issues of power because we desire social change. We may wish to avoid the issue by hiding behind ou r "good inten­ tions" of changing the structure of power in the wider society. This wish is strengthened by the difficulty of dealing with and understanding issues of power. But the movement to change power structures must begin at home. It is helpful to distinguish between two kinds of power - structural power and natural power. Structural power is created by specific social structures - usually hierarchies. In a corporation, the CEO's power is created by the existence of the hierarchical structure, which was created thousands of years ago and is only manifested again in the modern corporation. The CEO's power is main­ tained by both the cooperation of other people in the hierarchy, and by the flow of resources into the corporation. The CEO's power does not come from their own attributes but from the pre-existing structure. Natural power comes from skills which a person develops over time and which are voluntarily respected by their peers. This person may not be able to dismiss a person, but they have power because of the respect others have for them. Natural power may take the form of charisma, communicative ability, conceptual understanding, a strong work ethic, and healthy psychological development. Different people have differing amounts of natural power and it may be repre­ sented in different areas. One person may be an excellent communicator while another may be very well organized. At this point I should reveal that I am not in favor of hierarchical forms of power. Ideally, people with structural power also have a great deal of natural power, but often this is not the case. Further, our experience shows that class, race, and gender, not the amount of one's natural power, often determines how much structural power one has. Perhaps worst of all, hierarchical structures maintain the unskilled status of persons lower in the hierarchy. The executive director is not willing to let others in an organization learn his/her skills because this eliminates the executive director's reason for continued on page 7 Page 4 Ohio Empowerment Groups Fast to oppose Unfair Sanctions The Ohio Empowerment Coalition organized an Ash Wednesday fast, the Ohio's Fast for Justice, across Ohio to draw public attention to the harsh­ ness of Ohio's Works First sanctions. On February 25th , concerned citizens fasted for 24 hours in solidarity with the poor who have been 'punished' by the state welfare policy. In Cincinnati, an action was held in front of the Department of Human Services in Downtown Cincinnati. More than I 00 people attended the rally to express opposition to the harsh sanctions. Music , street theater, and speakers roused the crowd!! The Miami Full Employement Council, Dayton area coalition member of the Ohio Empowerment Coalition, led an action at the Jobs fair in Dayton, Ohio. Speakers included, among others, Logan Martinez of the Miami Full Employement Council, City Commissioner Bootsie Neal of Dayton, Rev. Steven Camp of the Faith United Church Of Christ and a representative of Montgomery County SCOPE Advisory Council. They spoke out strongly against Ohio's sanction policy and its disastrous effect on poor families. In Akron, the American Friends Service Committee fasted in solidarity. The Empowerment Center of Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless of Cleveland, an Community Organizing Center of Columbus joined the fast. Currently sixty-four organizations across Ohio are endorsing this campaign to oppose Ohio Works First Sanctions. We continue to urge other groups to endorse this campaign. Our next steps will be to send letters to each state legislator and arrange meetings. We encourage people to call and write area legislators, and join us in meeting with the legislators. If you are interested, call OEC area coalition for more information on ways you can· get to fight the sanctions!! Help Wanted Now Hiring Floor Staff and Maintenance Drop by or Call Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse 217 West 12th Street Over-The-Rhine 721-0843 �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine The Vlslble Homeless... Page 5 Get Involved With Your City by Richard Kiefer, Cleveland Volunteer oppo rtun it ies are availab le in the homeless community. If you fee l like ex pe riencing commun ity service first-hand, don't be scared. A homeless shelter can, in truth, be one of the most boring places on earth. A few hours spent volun­ teering at a soup kitchen can really make a diffe r­ ence, Don't worry, you can feel like you are acting out your faith . Homeless people are shunned in public and often brighten cons id e rably w he n someone finds time for them and treats them w ith decency. No one can solve the problems of home­ lessness , but if people get invo!vcd in t heir neighbor­ hood they can change a little co rne r of the world. Continued on page 13 Sleeping on the street while buildings stand vacant. Photo by Jimmy Heath WESTCO Struggles With Culture Clash In Price Hiii by Andy Hutzel Having been involved in homeless and hou sing struggles in Over-the-Rhine for several years, I had been following the efforts of other community groups in other neighborhoods to get accounts of their struggles. The following story was writte n after a conversation with Ma rgaret Singer, fo rmer director of WESTCO-West Eighth Street Tenant Cooperative in Lower Price Hill. In the end, I found the struggle for housing in Lower Price Hill just as political, and lacking in the desperate need to acknowledge housing as a basic human right for all as in OTR. As a comm unity o rganizer w ith Santa Maria Services, it didn 't take long to recognize the need fo r additional safe, affordab le housing fo r low­ income peo ple. Margaret discuss ed this with other commun ity workers and they decided t o create a low- income housing group t hat would be grassroots, asking the res idents to contribute to the rehabbing of vacant units in exchange fo r affordable rents . It wou ld be a comm un ity-based effort t hat woul d make a mod est attempt at add re ssing a desperate situat ion in t he neighborhood. So WESTCO began in 1989 with help from resources such as buddy gray, ban ks, and a local loan fun d. T he "struggle" was qu ickly realized. Building acquisition began slowly, residents attempted t o make repairs, and the budget was very tight. The daily tragedies of addiction and poverty became more apparent. But WESTCO persisted o n. Eventually I I buildings were acquired and contrac­ tors worked with residents to rehab the units. It was in 1996 that the local media covered a story of I 00 Hispanic individuals (most from Guatemala) living in a single building in Lower Price Hill that was owned by a private landlord. The city, after discovering this, inspected the site and immedi­ ately shut the building down, evicting the families. After finding these families in a desperate situation, Margaret, who happens to be fluent in Spanish, began referring those who sought help to various places for assistance. The need for housing was immed iately apparent. As 2 buildings were being acqu ired, 2 families Hispanic families offered to help repair the units if they could live in them for a modest rent. The apartments were eventually brought up to living .standards. The apartments were clean and in good repair, a lo ng way from wh at the families had experienced previously in Lower Pri ce Hill (and Guatemala). But it was only days later, w hile Margaret was on vacation , that the building and fire inspectors were called by somebody in the neigh­ bo rhood to inspect th e bu il ding. After going thru t he entire buil ding, they ordered the building to be vacated . It became apparent to those at WESTCO t hat there was resentment among some in t he neighborh ood for these new res idents. The fam ilies were forced onto the street s again . The day to day operating struggle of the cooperative continued. The pove rty was ext remely visible among differe nt cultures and races. Giving witness to cr ises we re a dai ly o ccurrence. A number of Hispanics sought o ut Margaret for her ab ility to communicate and assist in th eir situations. Where had t hey come fro m and how did they get here? They were escaping a vi o lent ho me land, requesting political asylum (5-6 mo nth process), seeking t o live simp le lives without th e fear of repressio n. In dividuals were spe nding their life savings to reach this place of opportunity, willi ng to suffe r t o get here and stay he re. Over time, W EST CO assisted several people with housing and th e new residents helped rehab the units , paid rent, and participated in the mission of WESTCO. But life in Lower Price Hill wasn't easy. T he Hispanic residents were of a differen t race and culture, enter ing into the lives of many people who have experienced displacement and broken prom­ ises. Being asked to share what little land resources t hey had access to (as they saw it) didn't improve the situation. The community council, as leaders in the neighborhood , were not in favor of supporting or accepting this new group and most neighbors responded in the same manner. Accusations and Support Your Lo­ cal Vendor Tell A Friend About Streetvibes harassm ent fo llowed. Rumors spread that "drop in centers " fo r Hispan ics were being planned, with WESTCO involved in their development. Open resentment and anger began to show itself on a daily basis as fa lse threats of being "taken over" spread. At one point, WESTCO was thought of as rec ru it­ ing these "i nvaders" from forei gn lands to Lower Pri ce Hill. Th e intens ity grew - vandalism, int im idation ­ t o the point t hat made people reevaluate their posit io ns and roles. One night in September 1997 Margaret was driving to her home in Lowe r Price Hill with her daughter in t he back seat. As she t urned a corner, the next thing she heard was her rear window shatte r all over the back seat and onto her daughter. It was t hen t hat she knew she had t o leave W ESTCO and Lower Price Hill. T he mi sun­ derstandings had grown too great, w hile sol utio ns and alternatives were not being provided by city o r commun ity leaders. One major problem Margaret had was ga ining su pport from th e local comm un ity co uncil. The community council had plans for the neighborhood of Lower Price Hill and wou ld develop it as t hey wanted to. Margar et and WESTC O ran into opposition from the co mmun ity council on several projects and qu ickly became disheartened by t he politics of low-in come housing. With re sident s openly crit icizing WESTCO staff, t hose in leade rsh ip positions in the comm unity did littl e to alleviate the hard feelings . Although Margaret has since moved on, WESTCO continues to operate a grassroots low­ income housing cooperative in Lower Price Hill. I imagine the real tragedy is having to witness poor people battling poor people. Th ose with few resources wanting to hold on to what little they have. Histories and pasts full of violence, evictions, displacement, unemployment, etc. The broader injustice of the situation, the violation of basic human rights, is not being dealt with truthfully. The politics involved in lo w-income housing can be paralyzing. The situation of /ow-income communities at the whim of wealthy business people, a political system that caters to the wealthy, and a national inability or unwillingness to deal with the suffering of the poor is all too real. In th e end, creating division among the poor with few alterna­ tives can and does lead to violence. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine "Thirty Days" /)y Josh Gray So I have to vacate within thirty days If I don 't stop fighting for my rights If I don't change my ways. The Other Side of the Desk So I guess you think this letter Puts me in my place Well I guess were not communicating Because that's simply not the case by Anonymous So you don't thin k that I have rights That I am entitled too. That you can push me around and shove me down. Just someone you can screw. 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? So now you want to reel me in, and be the catch of the day. Well you're dead wrong, cause I'll stay strong I'll have it no other way. 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? Now that we've been educated You'd better get out of our way. We've been empowered, it's not just me. We all plan to stay. 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, 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. When people look at the homeless­ What do they see? a "faceless" group up to No Good? people- who fall between·the cracks! "those 'poor' crazies" begging for money a "mist" of drunks, weaving in and out of existence­ "addicts" ruining their livespeople not getting a chance to prove them­ selves Are they really People? They ARE all up to No Good! "Faceless! Shameless! Nameless!" Why can't we "hide" them! They ALL should be Locked UP! Why don't they go home? Where can they go? HOM E'S - a place I want to run from! A lonely, desolate spot! Streets littered and dirty with- Low rent, sleazy, trashy, corner stores selling joy and happiness!!! by Ron Carter Oh give me a home that I can call my own A place I can go if I want to be alone Oh give me a home that's filled with love That was sent from the angels from above Oh give me a home in a peaceful place Where the sun is always shining And you can see a silver lining Oh give me a home where I can lay my head On a nice warm comfortable bed Oh give me a home and I'll be grateful to you And I would pass on this blessing to someone else that needs it too. Once Was Enough by Denise Crew YOU HAD NO REAL WAY OF KNOWING THE FIRST TIME I HEARD YOUR VOICE ALL THAT HAD BOUND ME SIMPLY FADED FROM MY WORLD We know there will be a fight But we're tried & true And this time we'll be the driver Turning every screw. I KNEW .......... AND ONCE WAS ENOUGH FOR ME Choices (for all the comrades who have had to make real ones) by Judith Mendriski Oh, Give Me A Home So you've made your threats and your demands But I have one for you. You've thirty days to change your ways And the evil things you do. by Gary Hicks Homeless Page 6 to decide for writing a poem rather than going to a be-there-or-be-square event. to place proofreading as a priority over getting to read your stuff and blessedly it works out that you can do both-this time. to run ragged when common sense demands your health for the struggle. to be open, accessible-or even to try when everything points to the need to hide out and silence is given the dignity of being politically correct. to decide, period, when hedging is in vogue, and there really is a good chance you'll make a mistake. maybe a big one. there's nothing quite like figuring out the ways in which to kick imperialism dead in its ass. THE LONG CONVERSATION THAT T URNED MY ALL INSIDE AND THEN OUT SEEMED ONLY A MOMENT IN TIME FEELING YOUR SOUL TOUCH MINE WARMING MY SOUL I .KNEW .......... AND·ONCE WAS ENOUGH FOR ME TIME WHICH TO BE SO LONG AGO YOU BECKONED ME POURING ALL YOU HAD TO GIVE GENEROUSLY, UNCONDITIONALLY, INTO THE VERY DEPTHS OF ME I KNEW......... . AND ONCE WAS ENOUGH FOR ME LOOKING DEEP INTO YOUR BABY BROWN EYES YOU SWEPT ME AWAY FOR THE FIRST TIME FEARING NOT YOU BUT, WHAT SAY MINE LONE DID ENTWINE I KNEW.......... AND ONCE WAS ENOUGH FOR ME SINGING THE SONG OF LOVERS REMEMBERING THE BEAUTY I COULD ON'LY SEE IN YOU RELEASING THE PASSION LOCKED, DEEP WITHIN ME SURRENDER DID WE TO THE FREEDOM OF ECSTASY AND I KNEW......... . ONCE WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR ME (DEDICATED '!°O GEORGE HENDERSON) �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine -•Movement ••• • continued from page 5 being. For this reason, unskilled people remain unskilled. In the best movement, people would be encouraged to increase their skills at all levels. This way, the natural power of both the movement and the people in the movement would be increased. This is not intended to imply that there are not natural ·power differen:es between people. In our society, which distributes its resources very un­ equally to the poor and rich, African American and Caucasian, female and male, vast differences in capability result. However, in the best movement, those with natural power would devote their ener to the advancement of the whole movement, instea of working for their own advancement. Given that it would be difficult to fully explore the issue of hierarchy here, it may be necessary to propose some guidelines for making hierarchical structures less hurtful to a movement. When a movement becomes solidified in institutions like ReSTOC or the Drop Inn Center, they often take on hierarchical forms. In these circumstances, the people with more structural power in the hierarchy need to act in such a way that reinforces the dignity and importance of other people in the organization. Further, the organization should be structured in a way to allow all employees to increase their skills, t develop new forms of power. Finally, all people in the organization should be included as much as possible in the process of making decisions and guiding the organization. If these steps are taken, th movement will be strengthened in spite of the existence of hierarchical structures. Issues of power are important to consider in order to strengthen a movement. As people who want social change, our aim should be to empower each other as much as possible. This may involve questioning traditional power arrangements. Conclusion - I've only been able to touch on a few of the complex aspects of a movement for change. But the fundamental thesis of this article is that the internal workings of a movement are extremely important in determining the success of the movement in the context of the wider society. Thus, we need to direct our attention to the featu res of the inside of our movement. By doing this, we can establish a strong foundation with whic to realize our vision of a better world. STREETVIBES Sweatand T-Shirts! Only $5 for T's, $10 for Sweats. STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grope·<ine 100% White Cotton Shirts and Lon Sleeve Sweat Shirts Xl Purple logo T-shirts and Sweat Shirts are available at our office at 1506 Elm Street. Please sto p by and see us. Page 7 Bringing Home Housing Strategies by Donald Whitehead As the pilot announces "we have just reached our cruising altitude of 30,000 feet" I gaze out my window at the sight of endless rows of clouds as far as the eye can see or the mind can imagine. I am overwhelmed by feelings of peace and serenity. How wonder­ fully uncomplicated life is at 30,000 feet no pending wars, no housing crisis, no homeless hate crimes, no sex scandals in the White House. I begin dreaming of a kindlier gentler World, housing for all, no racism, no hunger, no... just then I am startled by the captains next announcement "Ladies and Gentlemen we have been cleared for landing please make sure all packages are stowed beneath your seat or in the overhead compartment, fasten your seat belts and make sure all tray tables are in the upright position." In Albuquerque it does not take very long before reality brings me out of the clouds. I am handed an article that talks about a campaign to displace a homeless shelter. Incredibly, I have been on the ground for ten minutes and already I am confronted with homeless discrimination. My mission here is to learn about the pending crisis in subsidized housing. I am here as a guest of the Corporation for National Service, the Administrators of the Vista and Americorps Projects. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless will supervise a Vista volunteer to help in homeless prevention. This position will be part of a Nationwide group of organized HUD tenants called the National Alliance of HUD tenants (NAHT) NAHT was formed in March of 1992, NAHT is the first national membership organi­ zation of resident groups advocating for the 1.9 million lower income residents in privately owned, HUD assisted multi-family housing. NAHT goals are to protect affordable housing; develop tenant self-empowerment; promote tenant ownership and control; and make HUD accountable for its constituents: HUD tenants. We have tried to share with our readers the seriousness of the housing shortage in th is country. Affordable housing in this country is under an assault of historic proportions. React­ ing to the 1994 congressional elections, the Clinton Administration has proposed radical measures to de-fund, deregulate, convert to "market" rents, and replace 3. I million units of public and subsidized housing with a smaller number of housing " vouchers". Congressional Republicans and the Clinton Office of Manage­ ment and Budget have proposed even deeper cuts ahead on the road to a balanced budget. Taken together, these proposals threaten millions of low income families with mass displacement and the literal destruction of t he enti re national system of affordable housing. This loss of ho using has al ready begun to strain an already stretched homeless provider com­ munity. The upcoming project with NAHT and The Corporation for National Service will help the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less to begin much needed prevention strategies in an effort to end Homelessness in our city. ANQTHER CLASS PRODUCTION Oise-Jockey Service ·cuFFOAO JONES (513) 761-3464 Community Celebration. live Music! Every Sunday -6PM Free of Charge Nast-Trinity United Methodist Church 1320 Race St Cincinnati 721-7339 11 11 In Memory of Mac Who Believed In Human Rights For Everyone & Who Founded Justice Watch••• Because 'Everyone' included Prisoners and Former Prisonors. Jimmy Beath Photography Cinci.nnati - (513)564-9856 E-Mail - jimmy_heath@juno.com Friends and Neighbors of Over-the-Rhine An Organization Seeking Justice for People in Cincinnati's Most Endangered Community Subscribe to STREETVIBESI For only $12 peryear you can have STREETVIBES delivered to your home every month. National and local Stories on Issues regarding homelessness and the poor. News, Information, Personal Stories and more, written every month by homeless and formerly homeless persons.•• Send Check or Money Order for $12 to: Streetvibes C/O Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 �STREETVIBES 11 The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page a Nead A Good Job? Run For City Councll 11 by Raymond Avrutis If you're homeless, unemployed, or have a BA or better and are performing menial work (i.e., are underemployed), run for public office on the platform of wanting a good job, and of helping the poor. I'm serious! In 1996, I collected 337 petition signatures to get on the ballot for City Council but was thrown off the ballot because only 228 of the signatures wer~ "valid." I needed 250 valid signa­ tures (but no money was required as a filing fee), to register as a candidate. Incorrectly, I assumed that having 130% of the required number of signatures would put me on the ballot; obtaining 150%, just to make sure I had the minimum, would have been adequate. Learn from my mistake! Get 150% of the signatures you will need to run for~ public office you wish to run for. This need not be a "big-time" federal job, such as Congressman or Senator, but you should find plenty of jobs that pay salaries, as City Councilperson, State Representative, Mayor, even Dogcatcher if you have the ability to catch stray dogs. Go places where people congregate to get your petition signatures, i.e., outside of supermar­ kets and public sidewalks in busy commercial areas. Problem: The $ I00 to $250 it costs to file for, say, City Council (if your city requires a cash payment and not signatures to get on the ballot), is more than many people can afford. You may have to panhandle many spare coins that you put into a bank and DO NOT SPEND until you have enough money to file your papers. Or, distribute your platform and ask for spare change. People may be impressed by your being a different type of panhan­ dler. ward - even at a homeless shelter), and you 5) are a with the problem of people tortured to ,confess registered voter who has 6a) filed enough valid signa­ when they were .reaHy innocent, the founding tu res, or who has 6b) paid the filing fee, or both if fathers simply enacted the fifth Amendment to the required in your jurisdiction. . . . . . h ... - . . U.S. Constitution, stating that no one need test:1fy Establ1s ment po 11t1c1ans, sometimes acting .. , . ·If . . f . d th ff agamst one s se .. th rough th eir B th b r nen s, w1 11 try to row you o the ba11 ot, d . .h . . . . .. ut tru s can e 1oun wit ·out torturing even 1f you have enough vahd signatures , etc. How can S f th . . . ...i· • · , peep 1e. ome o e peop1e m your 1ur1su1ct1on - .. h a home Iess person have a Iega I resi d ence.1 t ey wi1 1say. h d . h k . . ..... bl. . b . b hb r c arge wit · eepmg me pu 1c trust may not . e A sk at t he Board of Elect1ons . . . · . . ot e1ore simply incompetent, but may be liars. th1ev·es and and after you file - about this. Many civil servants, as corrupt people who themselves belong in jail (see distinguished from elected officials, are honest in telling next suggestion). you what your rights and responsibilities are, if you just 5. Cocaine only grows in a few p:laces in ask politely. Remember, as a citizen, you have the right B 1. . C 1 b" d p p h c . . o 1v1a, o um 1a an eru. ropose t at ongress to run for any pubhc JOb for which you are qualified, and d 1 1... (. ) d . 1 an station ·ec a·r e war on tue coca me pant the bureaucrats in charge of the election machinery have a1rcra . ft . ff th W C f -s ..iL - earners o · e estern oast o ouu 1 the ~ obligation to answer your questions honestly. America, whose job it wiH be to s·end over .airplanes In fact, after interviewing a public servant, you to drop: I) defoliant. 2) insects that eat on1y should ask, "Is there anything of importance I didn 't ask coca(ine) plants, and 3) seeds of plants that effec­ that you believe I should know, or that would help me tively choke off the coca{ine) plant's abi'lity to get on the ballot?". flourish. If you face a legal challenge, you may repr,esent Send over a spy-in-the-sky satellite, with yourself in court. Much better is having a lawyer help infrared detectors that sense where the stuff is you: from a homeless organization, the ACLU. your growing. Keep up the good work until there are local law school (or even a law student); a friend who is zero, as in, "zero tolerance", coca(ine) plants a lawyer, or the local branch of the Legal Services growing on earth. Corporation. Then free atl cocaine prisoners, giving them Write out a platform of what you would do if jobs or training with money formerly used to you got elected. Here are some suggestions: warehouse them. Peo.pl1e with relatives who are or I. Find a way that poor, unemployed or homeless have been in jail may tend to vote for you. people are being treated poorly, then propose to either Finally, have a program to ,gjve food and change their treatment if you are running for a job that other necessities to dispossessed South Americans. sets policy, or to ask for legislation to rectify the Have fun, and good 'luck! "If you don't have a campaign man­ ager, don't worry. Ididn't." If someone gives you $I 00, take $5 and give the rest to charity... When I solicited signatures, I didn't ask for any money and wasn't offered any. That's all right with me. I'm not beholden to any special interests. In my campaign literature, which I didn't distribute because I had been kicked off the ballot, I refused to accept money from welfare and food stamp recipients, and my literature stated that I would accept a $5.00 maximum contribution per person (implying $10.00 from a couple). You will need an address for your cam­ paign. Get a PO Box. If you don't have a "campaign manager", don't worry. I didn't. No law says you must have one. You may act as your own manager. If someone gives you $100, take $5 and give the rest to charity. Don't let yourself be bought off. Keep your check receipts to show later that while you cashed a $100 check, you sent a $95 check to a charity. If you are offered a job you want when you're an official candidate, by all means accept it! But don't drop out of a political race just because you have a job. You can be fired just as fast as you were hired. The power structure may have offered you a job just to tempt you to drop out, lulling you with a false sense of security. Take part in debates! And ask your local newspaper to endorse you. Maybe you can better your economic situation and improve your commu­ nity. Oh yes, if someone else is running as a homeless candidate, run with him or her claiming you can represent the poor more effectively. Go to your local city hall - NOW; filing deadlines are often in the winter and early spring ­ and ask, "What elected jobs are available on the ballot? What is required of someone to become a candidate? What do these jobs pay?" You have the ri~ht to run for any public job you please, jf: I) you are a U.S. citizen, 2) aged 18 or older, who has, 3) never been convicted of a felony, who 4) meets the residency requirements (usually one year living in the state/county/city or situation. Example: Increasing the unemployment insurance tax on employers, so that maximum weekly benefits can be set at 2/3's of the state's average weekly wage, adjusted annually. This suggestion was first proposed by the old Social Security Board during WWII and was first recom­ mended as legislation by president Eisenhower in 1954. More than 40 years later, the Federal government still hasn't enacted this long overdue reform. If your state legislature says, "we've already done this" (a few states have), make sure that aH industries are included in computing this weekly maximum. You see, a few states that claim to have the 2/J's maximum count only the lowest-paid workers in their taxing formula, so benefits are still kept lower than they should be - often by $I 00 a week, or more. 2. Buy modern textbooks for the schools. Volunteer to commit civil disobedience by staging a sit-in at the local Board of Education with a teacher. Have his or her students carrying their ancient textbooks. All you want is the same exposure to quality education that rich people now receive. Make sure you get newspaper publicity for this action! 3. Hire grant-writers to apply for every potential benefit from every possible federal and state program that can help poor or homeless people. A large amount of money doesn't get spent each year, simply because the Feds and the states don't receive applications. Shame! 4. Require that all elected politicians in your locality - including yourself - submit to an annual truth serum injection, and answer one simple question, "Who takes bribes or is otherwise corrupt?" Also, administer truth serum annually to every member of the narcotics police. You may be amazed at the corruption this will uncover. Hypodermic needles were not invented in the 18th Century, much less truth drugs. Faced Raymond Avrutis was elected a Junior Class Senator and also Senior Class Presi­ dent at American University in the late I 960's. Struggles II by Gregory Payton God, when you open my eyes, t see peop1e struggle, for who you say? For them and somet;imes others; for what? A need, a cause, a wish, a dream. The most important thing I have and I need is a desire. Something I have to do anything, and to be somebody my desire is good, my intentions are great. , My motives I check eve'ryday. Desire, intentions, enthusiasms. AH these I need. But most of aH your guidance, your order, your direction on the way. I like to start and yes with your strength and mercy finish. I like to began by saying. Take me, show me, 'lift me, and ho1d me. For I want to betong to you. It is by your wiH that I am here, that I am seen, and that I am heard. Please lead me. The journey can be great for I known you ar,e greater. If it is a trait I wiU follow if it is a path, I will make it today J know t am not alone. Your :purpose for me 1do not know, Yes indeed I chose to go. If no one is tlhere I know you are. Sometimes it's lonely at the top, and when I try to do right. Sometimes it's ~ one'ly when ,J am behind and I don't know what to do.. But I know who to ca.II, I know who to look for. and today t know who to pray to. Yes I struggle wit my eyes open my desire is to you my jo-umey is yours you give me hope please show me freedom. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 9 Aren't You T:ired? by Mark Salter The Odd Cookie Awards by The Shadow The 1998 Odd Cookie Awards was held at the Cincinnati alack Book fak on February 7, 'I '998.. This was the first time for these Awards which wiH become an annual event. The pro­ gram wiU be aired on Warner Cab1e TV. Ms. Edna How.eH of the WIZf FM radio station has been very 1instrumenta~ and supportive in promoting this unforg,e ttable event. Ms. Edna HoweU and freddi.e Suggs, of Talk Magazine wer,e 'S pecta,c ular guest speakers. The Odd Cookie Awards is reading award for chi.idren. To be eligible for the Odd Cookie Awards children must belong to dle Odd Cookie Book Club. The mp reader was Randi L Bipps. She won the Odd Cookie Award, $ IOO cash, the Odd Coo'ki,e Book, and a free photo session with Cfatties Moorer, pho~ographer, an Odd Cookie T-sbkt and a pass to The Odd Cookie Play. The s.e cond winner, Asia B'l adanon, won the Odd Cookie Award, $75 cash, the Odd Cookie Book. and a free photo session with Clatties Moorer. The third winner, Robyn Jones, won dle Odd Cool~i<e Award,, :$ 50 cash, the Odd Cookt,e Book, and a free photo s ession with Clatties Moorer. The nominees were pres,e nted widl Certificates of Achiev,e ment in readin,g. The nominees a4so included Ryan Po,p e. Marquis Foster, Mia N:uby. Justin Powell and Rashad Shabazz. Terry Taylor ~eceived a Certificate of Achievement for writing. 1 1would like to give s;pecia:I dianks to Mr. 1 Ronnie X. B:lack who founded The Odd Cookie Book Club. The nominees and winners were selected from his 5th grade class. The students were required to read various books that he selected. write a rev;iew of the book, and answer questions to be sure they understood the matenial. Mr. Bfack is a Sth and 6th g,r ade teacher at Bond Hill Elementary School. He has been teaching since 197·9. Jf I could give an award away for be,ing a dedicated school teacher he woutd get one. Un1 ike s·o many scho:ol teachers and prindp.les who perpetrate, Mr. R,o nnie X. B1ack is dedicated to educating and inspjring our chitdren to r.ead. 1 Mr. Ronnie X Bfack and I dis·ciussed The Odd Cookie Book Ctub ,in December but, unfortunate~y. on Januairy 3rd h e was in a head­ on coHtsion accident on Central Pankway. De~ermined to stiill make The Odd Cookie Awards a success, Mr. Black attended the Awards Program ,o n crutches. His body was wounded, but not his spirit. I wou1d also :like to give speda' thanks to Mark Pastor and Bomani Tyehimba for another successful 8fack Book Fair for the City of Cincinnati; and Mr.. Cfatties Moorer for donat­ ing his talent as an artistic photographer.. We are entering a wot.Id of computerized automation whe.r e mach,ines and numbers are more important than .o ur children. There i:s nothing mo,r e important thao ,o ur 'children.. let's prove that by sup,p orting and promotin,g The Odd Cookie Awards. I remember a movie titled Jacob's Ladder, and what an interesting movie it was. You had to see it from the beginning and pay close attention. I wou1d like to share this memory as best I can. Believe it or not, there was a message in it, one which I hope to never forget. It started with Jacob on a hospital bed during Vietnam. He hac;I been mortally wounded, and whatever consciousness he possessed, brought back an .image, of his only son who had died while he was on a tour of duty. It began there with a flash back of his son being struck down by a car, in his absence. From there the story began, and Jacob found himself in a world of chaos with men ,in b'lack suits trying to capture and kill him -even amongst all the insanity of the picture, his mind perh~ps . Ther,e were moments, when trying to regain some sanity or even clarity, that he found himself in session with a psychotherapist, who gave him bits of insight during the insanity and chaos. Finally we get to the crnx of the storyline, where Jacob informs the therapist that men are trying to kill him. 1t was one line that the therapist sa.id that stuck with me and urweiled the whole meaning of that movie. He said, "What you think is evil and trying to take you, is very likely angels coming to take you home." Jt was then that reality hit Jacob and his memory came back to him. He realized he was on his death bead, and had not come to terms with his feeHngs of not being there for his son. Where feelings of guilt, shame and pain had set the tone and perception of his mind as he lay dying, it was only when he accepted that he truly loved his son and just wasn't able to be there and that he had no ,c ontrol ove·r past events; only then did he recognize the "men" as angels. I hope it ,came across to you, because I know that our fee'lings can set the tone for our perceptions. Guilt can make us paranoid, and 'lying makes us distrustful of others as well. I guess cliat's what it means to '"I. . ~eep our L~ 1ouse m ord er" or " dean house"- getting rid of excess bagga,ge. What are you feeling as you read this? Why do we become so defensive? The way we feel makes a difference in how we s,e e the world around us. k can hefp or hinde.r us. Cripple or fre.e us. But sometimes the fear .o f being free keeps us from being fr·ee. Free to have a nice -day. We may even feel we don't deserve it, because of all the latent guilt. shame or even pain from the losses, for whatever the ireasons were. Today :I'm 37 yea.rs old, and I'm tired of the pain. I'm tired of !lhe suffering- especially that I've created for mysetf. Aren~t you tired? �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine In his farewell speech President Eisenhower said, "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence wh ether sought or unsought by the military­ industrial co mpl ex. The potential for disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.". THE PURPLE TURTLE (THE JANGLE OF JINGOISM: CLINTON'S MURDEROUS POLICY vs. IRAQ) by: Berta Lambert The rhetoric of the war hawk: "age-old appeasement", "slack-jawed college students", " rogue nations", "human shields on military sites", "cheat and retreat game", "remove Saddam Hussein" (the latter an endorsement of the murder of a head of state despite a 1975 congress_ional law specifically outlawing such a deed). Of course the U. S. Chief Executive would bomb all military targets of value, i.e.: communications, command and control installations, the Mukhabarat or general intelligence service , the Special Security Organiza­ tion, and the Republican Guard. No people here, only bureaucrats, technicians, and soldiers who one should understand don't have families, wives, husbands or children. Targeted also are: suspected sites of weapons of mass destruction , atomic production facilities, missiles, chemicals and bio-tech labs. Never mind that not so "smart bombs" will be delivered by the planets largest producer of these tools of war. Since the combination of dumb and smart bombs might not always destroy only physical targets there just might be "collateral damage" or plainly speaking, the death of thousands of civilians. The pre-bombing rhetoric suggests Iraq has " ... 5,000 gallons of botuli, ... 2,000 gallons of anthrax, 25 biological-filled scud warheads, and 157 aerial bombs, "which one writer suggests U.S./ British policy can save the world from by "...making a congenitally duplicitous Mideastern Caligula abide by his promises". Not mentioned " ...the two dozen deve lop ing countries now have weapons of this kind." or that six of them are in the Mideast region. Nor is it said Israel is in defiance of 69 UN Security Council resolut ions and has been protected fro m 29 more by U.S. veto es. But, one would bomb Saddam Hussein's Takrit i clan. One-and-a-half million child ren have di ed in Iraq since the early shooting in the continuing Iraq war. The cold-blooded among us say the sanctions­ caused death are Hussein's fault as will be our bombing of his country. Th is is the illogic of those who would make war. If a person were to hold a gun to another person's head and demand the second party strip naked, and if the first party said if the second party did not comply then it would be t he second party's fau lt if t he first party shot the second party, no jury would find th is reasonable. W ar is peace, peace is war. Or is it, tolerance is racism , racism is tolerance. The would be warriors - Albright, Cohen and Berger are shown th e illogic of their bellicose ways by t he Ohio State University community. The January 1998 issue of t he Pro~res sive Magazine in a two-page editorial about November's media war blitz gave a' sense of how out-of-joint the public discussion is, wherein: the liberal view is Hussein should be killed, the centrist view bombing is right and the conservatives say land invasion. At this moment UN Secretary General Koi Annan appears to have struck a deal which pre-war voices decry as not the product of diplomacy but the threat of force. On the Outside looking In, ''Judge and Ye Shall Be Judged" By Gail Frazier-Holley This is what people all over the United States do. Many people judge and comment on th.ings that they nothing about, and being homeless is just one of the issues. Homelessness is caused and created by many different factors. All the people that gather daily into the many shelters all across the world gather for one reason only, and that is that "they need help". Now there are also different reasons why they are there - they may have been involved in domestic violence, fire, mental illness, just released from prison, or alcohol or drugs, or just are fed up with being "sick and tired" of being sick and tired. There are everyday struggles that sometimes makes us feel that we are :losing our minds". They just need someone to listen to them and guide them in the right direction for a more peaceful and enjoy­ able life, if possible. I don't have all the answers to why people feel the way they do, nor do I have the answer to the question that has been asked by many: Do I think homelessness will ever end? But people stand from the outside looking in and try to analyze. Misunderstanding can and has caused great pain for individuals that somehow landed into homeless ness. Un less we have walked t he walk and talked the talk, we need to get some understanding and learn to love and help those less fortunate than ourselves. So before we set out to judge others let us at least try to be a little more understanding and show compassion. In Romans 12:3, Jesus said: 'For I say...to everyone who is among you, do not think of yourself more highly than he ought to think'. This is what Jesus said; this is what I say: 'the only time we should look down on someone, is when we are picking them up'. Page 10 Quallty OF Life We in the city of Cincinnati should be ashamed ·of not stepping up and speaking out for the poo r and anyone living close to the poverty level. How can we stand by and let sanctions go unques­ tioned. We all are one o r two checks away fro m th is kind of treatment. You can not stand by and th ink that th is can not happen to you or someone in your family or even a neighbor. Mistakes are being made every day and the consequences are painful. Every citizen of Cincinnati should have a chance at improving their quality of life. We are letting attitudes and mistakes run peoples lives. We are letting someone's decision's cause domestic violence, homelessness, and more crime. The people over­ seeing these mistakes and acts of cruelty can not be given this power. Who is in charge of training and education? You teach change, not force change. Can we expect more of this from these legislators. We must stand and fight with a vote. This is a city, not a plantation. I say drop the whip now. These are people not slaves. This is 1998, not slavery. Stand against sanctions of welfare reform Gregory PaYt:on Subscribe to Streetvlbes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street C incinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Ci ncinnati Coalition for !he Homeless--Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call 42 1-7803. letters To Streetvibes Dear Streetvibes Collective: February's issue was a blockbuster! Ms. Neumeier's story was a real inspiration (as was its content too, of course). Congratulations on one year. Enclosed is a check for a year's subscription. I wou ld also love to help out with copy editing as is requested on your wish list most every month. My address and phone numbers follow. Sincerely, Chris Hudson To Whom It May Concern: My name is Mona Malik and I am a fourth year student at the University of C incinnati's Schoo l of Social Work. Grego ry Payton came to my class a few weeks ago and shared his life story with us. This was my first time speaking to anyone who has ever been homeless and he truly touched my heart. Not only is Gregory an excellent writer, he also has exceptional speaking skills. I learned so much from Gregory that I shared his story with my family and friends. I just wanted to congratulate you all on your excellent work with Streetvibes, and thank you for helping Gregory so he could get the opportunity to enlighten myse lf and my classfellows. I think it wou ld be t o your causes benefit to send Gregory to o the r schools and organizations to bri ng people to the reality of the situations of the home less in C incin­ nati. It is amazing how ignorant I was on this issue. I have gotten a subscription to th e newspaper and am really enjoying the articles. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Mona. From the Editor: Thank You, Mona. Streetvibes and the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless appreciate the kindness and positive response shown to our vendors. Many of the vendors take the time to share their stories so that other people are informed and educated about the issues surrounding homelessness. Ve ndors like Gregory show the public the human side of these problems - the wasteful tragedy of homelessness in our country. Streetvibes and the Coalition is currently in the process of developing a program, called The Speakers Bureau, that invites homeless and formerly homeless vendors into public forums, such as schools, churches and civic grou ps to speak on their lives and these issues. The Speakers Bureau will hopefully bring these messages of hope to many mere people. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 11 tioned; they were terminated completely. A Tufts University study," Are States Improv­ ing the Lives of Poor Families," released on February 23, 1998, cites sanctions as being an ineffective and detrimental method in helping recipients reach economic stability. Sanctions are making it more difficult for Ohio's poorest families to move out of poverty. Among the 50 states and District of Columbia, Ohio has recieved one of the worst ratings by the Tufts University study. Ohio is placed in the bottom 14 worst states for welfare policy that helps families reach economic well-being. Pam McBride, a former recipient, stated, " this system is creating a short fuse for people. The sanctions are saying its okay to put people out on the street. People are not going to be able to take the pressure." The Ohio Empowerment Coalition is opposed to sanctions completely. However, we realize that the requirement to sanction recipients in some manner was mandated by the federal government. At this time we are urging our state legislators to change sanction policy as much as allowable under Federal Law so that TANF dollars are coming to Ohio. We are advocating that our state legislators change the following sanctions: Bobby Lyles. Photo by Jimmy Heath Bobby Lyles celebrates 17 years on the job at the Drop Inn Center Bobby Lyles, Recovery Program Coordinator at the Drop Inn Center and Recovery Hotel celebrates 16 years on the job this month. Bobby first came to the Drop Inn Center as a floor worker in the early days and since has risen through the ranks. Bobby remembers well those early days: volunteers worked most of the shifts because there was not enough money for paid staff workers. Volunteers and the few paid staff had to work hand­ in-hand in order to keep the shelter open and serving the needs of all of the homeless people that came to the shelter on a daily basis. The faces of the homeless have changed too, recalls Bobby. "The shelter population at that time was mostly older, white street alcoholics. What was then known as 'hobos'." Bobby remembers the ongoing struggle with the city and the state over funding and law­ making issues concerning the homeless. "We were always going to City Hall and Columbus, fighting for money and our rights," recalls Lyles. "It was important that everyone stuck together through the rough times to provide basic needs and rights-doing the right thing for other people-basic fundamental rights. We were made to feel good about doing the right thing for human rights. It wasn't always perfect. There were up's and down's. But when it came to the residents, everyone was I 00%," says Lyles. p E L 0 A M N 0 T 0 p L F B p 0 N G 0 H c w E R A c 0 I 0 s 0 0 R 0 D A D R H M s E wN A 0 w N M c E I N p s 0 A I N E L D p R N N R A A 0 M G E s y y G N I w 0 K G 0 I Second Punishment: Three month's loss of: cash assistance, adult portion of food stamps, child care & job search. Third Punishment: Six months' loss of cash assistance, adult portion of food stamps, medicaid for the adult, child care and job search eligibility. For each additional sanction, the household will continue to be sanctioned for a six month period or until compliance. The Ohio Department of Human Services released data that 9,549 households were under sanction between October I - January I, 1998. Between that same period, the number of house­ holds dropped from the roles (called "caseloads reduction") was 13,822. Based on OOHS statistics, it is estimated that 69% of caseload reduction was because of sanctions. In Hamilton County, 50% of the caseload reduction was due to " closings for unknown reasons". These families weren't sane- Find these words in the puzzle: p R I E I First Sanction (Punishment): One month loss of all cash assistance, adult portion of food stamp, child care eligibility & job search eligibility. >A minimum cut in cash assistance instead of cutting full cash benefit >Food stamps remain the same >Job search be allowed >Also, the sanction should only last until the recipient complies. >Sanctions households should not be allowed to be counted in caseload reduction numbers. >In addition, we urge the State Legislators to lobby the Federal Government to completely remove sanction policy from the Federal Law. OECMeeting Thursday March 12 I0:30 a.m. at Sullivan Gardens Community Center 755 Remick St. Columbus, Ohio A Mother's Story of Sanction My nname is Robin Sutherland and I live in Wiinton Terrace. I use the Metro bus for transpor­ tation and it was hard getting getting my children back and forth every day on the bus. I found two separate home providers in Northside for two of my children, but I could not find child care for my two year old. I was sanctioned because I refused to leave my child home alone. I was doing the right thing as a mother to not leave a two year old home by herself! My caseworker said this wass not a good enough reason. She sanctioned me. This was wrong. Because I was being a responsible mother to take care of my three year old I was punished. Scramble Search Word by Gregory Payton s What Are Sanctions??? March Spring Womens Day Flowers Growing Gardening Baseball Picnic: Showers Bloom Rain Plant Seeds New Care Warm Play by Ron Carter Try to unscramble these sports-team related words: ENBLSGS MRAS IDRRSAE OLSCT ANTGIS LASLDA NGSKVll TOWASINGHN OOSBRNC NAS OCSICANRSF Answers on page I 5. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 12 Ravings of a Mad Womyn a monthly attempt to chip away at the rule of the Establishment... by Malaka So tell me, just when are you planning to wake up? Open your eyes and see that you do not live in a "free" world? That just about everything you've ever been told is a lie? No, n_9J all welfare recipi­ ents live in the inner-city, many live in quite large homes in quiet neighborhoods and can downsize you out of existence. No, not all criminals are in jail or are on death row, many run the jails. No, Saddam Hussein isn't the biggest holder of "weapons of mass destruction"- can you guess who is? But knowing the truth about these three situations isn't enough - when will you ·become truly conscious and see the connection: that both the domestic and foreign attacks, in a massive war on the poor, are simply the outgrowth of an imperialistic white power structure that only has it's self interests in mind? As this government isn't in the least bit legitimate (that is it doesn't truly represent the masses they, with the help of the media, manufacture consent; because their interests will, more often than not, conflict with yours-which means that you will suffer, no matter what color you are. However, if you are a poor person of color, your suffering will come fastest and with the most intensity and, often you will be scapegoated for the suffering brought to the others. Still proud to be an American? Let's begin with "welfare reform" shall we? This subject got a lot of hype (including lots of media images of the Black mother with ten kids...), and a bill to, "get people to work" was quickly passed at the federal level, and made way for the harsh mandates at the state level here in Ohio, which include taking away all cash, most food stamP.s, and childcare benefits from families that don't, "'comply" with various requirements. In every article in the mainstream press locally (The Enquirer, Post and I would include City Beat) when talking about "non-compliance'', always cited the work requirement as the example of why families are cut. Of course, this isn't the reality. Your perception ofreality is being manipulated­ recognize this. At the Welfare Rights Coalition (where I work) the reason most women (that's really who we're talking about) give for being, "sanctioned" is their refusal to submit to a paternity test. In instances of domestic violence (which is more prevalent in low-income-communities), it 's obvious why a woman would not want this man to know where she and the child(ren) live. The Welfare Law Center, in their 1996 publication, Welfare Myths: Fact or Fiction? accurately states that, "Even if their were .no deadbeat parents, most poor children would still be poor, and most children who need TANF would still need it." So, then the question becomes, what does establishing paternity for the state have to do with a singl e mother being an effective parent anyway? Why are poor WC?men being targeted for this action, when studies show that since poor women don 't usually get wit rich men, there is little financial benefit to this intrusion? Of course, when looking at the facts, it's seen that people who receive public benefits and the grassroots organizations that represent their interests were (and continue to be) kept out of the decision making process as much as possible. Now, can you really hold on to the illusion that "welfare reform" was done to aid poor people? How does taking away childcare, for example, help a family to "self-sufficiency"; if the parent was working, they can't now, if they weren't, they can't start! This was done for middle class people (those lazy, greedy, poor people are the real problem!)- to distract them from the reality of capitalism at work: which has meant for them a decrease in real earnings in the past 20 years, more downsizings and lay-offs, and a higher cost of living which results in, for example, families that have never had financial trouble going into debt to send their children to college. The Congressional Budget Office disclosed in 1992 that 77% of before tax income growth of U.S. families went to the top I%. But the economy's booming you say, after all, that's what my favorite corporate­ owned mainstream paper told me. Booming for whom, I ask? Then there's crime, ahh, crime. "Put the fear of crime into them. Splash crime on the front page of every _newspaper. Make it the lead in every broadcast.", Dan Pens wrote in, The Sellin~ of America, on how the media maximizes fear. Your perception of reality is being manipulated­ recognize this. Study after study has shown that violent crime has been decreasing since 1991, which isn't surprising since the population is aging. The same age group (youth) are still committing most crimes, but now there are less of them (well, us, I'm 18). All of the polls that are always cited that show crime to be one of the nation's biggest fears don't reflect reality, but again, our perception of it. People, young African-American men caught in what Stokely Carmichael called the "poverty cycle" of being, "denied good jobs, and therefore stuck with a low income and therefore unable to obtain a good education with wh ich to obtain good jobs," are the most likely victims. By the year 20 I0, it's been projected that most Black men (2/3) will be behind bars. Why? Because of laws like mandatory minimum sentencing, which doesn 't allow a judge to decide a case based on it's individual merits, "Three Strikes, You're Out" legislation all over the -country that put people away for life for petty theft, and of course,-the biggestreason why Black men are in jail, the racist, classist, drug laws that give someone with possession of particular type cocaine jail time, and someone else, with the same stuff, in the same amount just of a different type, a fine . When the larger societal factors are added, that our sanctions against South American countries encourages their increased growth of the coca plant (it's the only one that's profitable), the CIA's involvement with saturating the inner-city with the drug, and again, few economic opportunities for many coming out of poverty (and all that it means in this country) it's easy to see that this more covert institutional raci sm is nothing but entrapment of poor, Black men. The "correctional facilities" in this country are nothing but warehouses of the poor and who, if felons, cannot vote, will be in a colonial situation, much like that of the inner-city, where the decisions are made for them by the white power structure that runs the country. Did I say, "runs the country"? I meant, "runs the world". Most of us have heard a lot lately about Hussein's alleged store of biological weapons. Your perception is being manipulated- recognize this. The "Revolutionary Worker", a prominent alterna­ tive weekly, stated, "There seems to be little actual evidence that Iraq has significant amounts of such weapons..."The massacre in Iraq, don't forget, this is a third world country, is nothing short of imperial­ ism at work. Joe Urgo, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War Anti-Imperialist (WAW Al), spoke to this, " ...when thousands of us vets read about imperialism we knew what it was, because we did the murder, torture, and rape, and imperialism gave us the explanation why. Just like the Gl's that went to Panama, the Gulf War, and Somalia ...they too must figure it out. Many...talk about Continued on page 14 Wisconsin last Welfare Checks Printed The Governor of Wisconsin, Tom my Thomp­ son was at the control button of the printing press that printed the last batch of 50 Welfare checks, signaling the end of the Aid to Families with Depen­ dent Children program in that state. The checks, the last of I, I 00 checks issued to serve families in the state of Wisconsin, will be replaced at the end of the month by the new Wisconsin Works program. Albuquerque Residents Protest Homeless Shelter by Troy Goodman, Albuquerque Journal . , ·: ' - • ,1.-.. _· Wells Park residents didn't let snow and cold temperatures Saturday stop them from protesting the existence of a homeless shelter in their Albu­ querque neighborhood. About I0 people gathered at the Wells Park Community Center for th e "Human Defecation and Urine Press Tour" to talk about problems they say are caused by homeless people. Many of the homeless, they say, often use St. Martins Hospitality Center, a private, non-profit shelte r on Third Street a short distance from the Community Center. After the gathering, a few resi dents escorted news reporters to a First Street appliance store, in the shadow of Interstate 40, and next t.o a shanty town th at borders the Downtown railroad tracks. Feces lay on the sidewalk in front of the store. Jeffrey Rich Munoz, a member of the W ells Park Neighborhood Association, said he bel ieved it to be human feces . The neighborhood association and many business owners believe the homeless attracted by St. Martin's are responsible for public defecation, crime and vandalism in the area from Mountain Road to the interstate, and from the railroad tracks to 12th Street. The group has launched a campaign to close the shelter and convince city councilors to locate homeless shelters in other parts of the city. "I agree with what (St. Martins) is trying to do," explained Andy Gutierres, who owns a pawn shop in the area. "But if the city wants to spend billions of dollars redeveloping this area, they have to get rid of the transients." Tony Louderbough, executive director of St. Martin's, who didn't attend the news conference, said in a phone interview that his group of social workers and homeless counselors don't want to be in the business of providing overnight lodging. The center's primary mission is to provide meals for the home­ less, counseling, and job assistance. Yet, the area's other homeless shelters just can't hold the increas­ ing number of transient individuals and homeless families, he said. "We want out of the she lter business," Louderbough said. "But it's more inhu­ mane not to do it." St. Martin's, which costs about $375,000 a year to run, receives about a third of its operating money from the city and the rest from health-care sources and non-profit organizations, Louderbough said. �STREETVIBES The!riState's Homeless Grapevine ( Better Late Than Never by Brian Davis The business element of downtown Cleveland sought to clean up the city. They built a number of playgrounds for suburbanites and tourists with money to have a reason to come to Cleveland. We built a Science Center, a new sports complex, and that crown jewel, that legacy to the kingdom of Mayor White, that great glass pyramid known as the Rock' n 'Roll Hall of Fame. For the past twenty years, we had sent all our mentally ill, drug addicts, and those too poor to be able to afford a stable place to live to that empty shell known as Down­ town. Little did the business element know that they would want that area back someday. It was painfully obvious that it would be difficult to attract people downtown if they had to step over people sleeping on the streets and turn away from the faces of poverty begging for some change. Despite the messages that poor people were the cause of all our problems, some people clung to the doctrine of our holiest of men that commanded that we care for the poorest among us. With visibly homeless people seeking answers and finding only stream grates, visitors to our fair city came away with a sense of fear, apprehension, and sadness. Business got together to forward a policy of out of sight/out of mind. Get rid of the visibly homeless people and the problem is solved. First, we believe, that the business leaders sought the assistance of a "man of the people," Michael White, to clean up the streets. We alleged in a lawsuit that was settled out of court that the city implemented a policy of kidnapping and dumping homeless people out of the area and off of a busline. This policy was stopped after our lawsuit. There was also a great . deal of attention paid to pan handlers and various groups attempting to get a handle on the situation. Also, the Mayor placed the Grapevine (Cleveland's homeless newspaper) vendors in the same category as pan-handlers and targeted both for elimination. We at the Grapevine believe that he ordered police to begin to ticket our vendors for selling the paper without a license. This is a unique strategy that had not been tried in the 30 other U. S. Cities where street papers are sold, and was rather ingenious. It was the same strategy that was used effectively against the Black Panthers in the I 960's. They did not dispute the fact that our vendors had a right to distribute their words. They limited their enforcement to the commerce that was taking place on the streets. They said that commerce did not enjoy the same constitutional protections as speech, and the city has a legitimate interest in regulating commerce. But we won at the district level. Despite how much Mayor White has said that he found our vendors so courteous and admirable, he chose to appeal the decision. He could have dropped the issue, but he made the decision to dedicate staff time to appealing the case. In the Appeal, the decision was reversed, and Mayor White had the upper hand. The U. S. Supreme Court refused to hear our case, and so the Mayor won. He could have gotten so much "personal pleasure" by doing "a little thing" like sitting down with the homeless who run the paper and "making a small potential difference" in their lives. He could have decided to not rub our noses in the court's decision, and instead acted as a leader to come to the best outcome for all. Instead Mayor White sat down in a closed door meeting with me (no wit­ nesses) and said basically, "It is my way or no way." He was willing to exempt the fee, but our vendors had to get a city issued license which meant follow­ ing all the rules and restrictions associated with a license. Then he mat up with one of our vendors, we will call him Greg, the day before his inauguration in Cleveland Heights. This vendor was actually kind and courteous. A couple of points of clarification: I. The vendor was not homeless when he met the Mayor, 2. The Grapevine is not a magazine, 3. The vendor did not say that he had not worked in years, 4. And finally, this vendor that the Mayor met is typical of the professional men and woman that we attract. Greg, who avoided the harassment from the Cleveland polic~. sold his paper in Cleveland Heights, usually without incident. Greg was held up as an example of the best of what Cleveland has to offer. A formerly homeless person who fled Cleve­ land for the better business environment of the suburbs was featured in the Mayors speech champi­ oning Cleveland. When all the facts are presented, the speech has an ironic tone. Greg, (who is not that young) did show up at the Mayors office. He has been interviewed twice, but after almost a month has not been offered anything. One positive outcome was that the Mayor did not carry this political stunt further by inviting the media to see if Greg actually showed up. He also did not offer his new friend, the stereotypical poverty job like cleaning out the Police horse barn or street cleaner. I have yet to understand why he chose the Grapevine, a newspaper that he has basically tried to shut down for years, in his speech. Why were we singled out of all the organizations on the long Mayor White "Coal for Christmas" list? Did he feel he could score political points by stressing his concern for homeless people in the holy setting of Olivet Institutional Church? The White administra­ tion has had only contempt for homeless people, ad has shown an unwillingness to actually take the lead in reducing the homeless population. I do have to say that the City Hall staff has been amazingly willing to assist the Grapevine. They have treated the paper very professionally and with a refreshing degree of respect. In fact, I was sur­ prised how they were willing to balance the Mayors demands_ with tbe...needs .of the p_aper. I hope that after we let it be known that someone in City Hall was accommodating to a homeless org;rnization they won't be fired. The city has not come forward with a plan yet, but we have done all that we can to negotiate something that our vendors can live with and the city will accept. We did get another ticket in January from the police, and we still do not have the ability to buy a license. If the police routinely take it upon themselves to issue tickets to our vendors at this time, how can we expect a system created by our government bureaucracy to license our vendors to ever work? We will abide by the decisions if the U. S. Court of Appeals, but we have little hope of it working. Cleveland's Homeless Grapevine 'Get Involved' continued from page 5 Remember not to have any preconceived assumptions about homeless people. Don't push your faith. Don't throw money at the problem. Do take time to hear a story and try to be a patient listener. Do dress in less expensive clothes. Some homeless shelters attract street crimi­ nals who will waste your time. They are not really looking for help, just a hand-out. Nevertheless, volunteering is still all right for youngsters if they are accompanied by an adult. The world is an imperfect world. Expect to do volunteer work which is practi­ cal. If you have skills such as dishwasher, truck driver, cook - you can make a difference. A home­ less shelter needs the help of all of its volunteers. Page 13 Homeless I ndustrles Not An Oxymoron by Jennifer Waggoner This year, street newspapers all over the United States are discussing the impact that the negotiations between Making Change and The Big Issue will have on the face of the street newspapers and homeless people. The issues that these two street papers have been confronting are heralded as the lightning rod of the street paper movement. Making Change is a newspaper written and sold by homeless people in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Upon the publication of the second edition of the paper, The Big Issue, (London's top rank entertain­ ment magazine > sold by homeless people) made public its plans for a TBI version in Los Angeles. This move sparked a controversy in the street paper move­ ment and has burned holes through the North American Street Newspaper Association. The move into Los Angeles was initially viewed as hostile by the smaller paper edited by a 28 year old formerly homeless woman who jumpstarted a former failing paper into Making Change out of the cab of her pick-up truck that she was living in. Jennafer Waggoner had attended the NASNA conference in Seattle during September, financed by two national homeless groups. The Big Issue, who had sent a representative to observe the conference, said that they had no plans for the US. Previous plans for the US had failed in major cities like New York and San Francisco because other street newspapers existed there. The Big Issue is a member of the Interna­ tional Network of Street Newspapers and in its charter under the number seven, it states that no INSP member will enter the selling territory of another street paper. Internet traffic and confer­ ence calls ensued with debates centered around the ethicality of TBI entering Los Angeles under such terms and whether or not Los Angeles was a big enough market for two street papers. The two street papers are currently in negotiations, although INSP and Big Issue are still silent about the Charter issue. The larger issues that enter into this debate, is the corporatization of homeless services and its impact upon homeless people. Widespread home­ lessness is a social issue that is hitting the legal system on all levels. The poverty spectrum is no longer limited to ethnicity. It is a combination of environmental, social, business, political and health ­ physical/mental issues all wrapped into a giant web. It has become a municipal problem, a state problem, a national problem and an international problem and is visible on all levels of society. This is why Waggoner feels that homeless services should no longer be about serving homeless people, but incorporating homeless people into the process of becoming the policy makers and planners for relief efforts. "If it is about product, anyone could have homeless people out selling things like toothpaste or laundry deter­ gent. It's about having a voice". The Big Issue, however feels that its mainstream media entertain­ ment approach creates a product that is profitable for a person to sell to derive an income and is a socially acceptable alternativ_e to begging. The Big Issue donates its profits into a foundation that provides social services to its vendors. Of the 550,000 homeless in London, the Big Issue serves approximately 7,000; and the Big Issue distributes approximately 300,000 magazines a week to prove its mainstream acceptance. Making Change would like to be sure that such a large takeover of the LA market does not in fact drown whatever chances it may have in serving the homeless population through the street newspaper tool. The Street Paper Movement at large is a challenge to multi million dollar social service agencies who have created a vortex for corporate begging and have traditionally squelched the smaller more grassroots initiatives in the larger grants funding circles. Street Continued on page 14 �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 14 "Homeless Industries Continued from page 13 Junior Baughn at the Drop Inn Center. Photo by Jimmy Heath Junior Baughn I live here at the Drop Inn Center. I take people on tours and tell th em how the Center is run. It makes me feel real good that I can tell people how we run the place. I have a lot of friends here. These people are like brothers and sisters to me. For we all cut up and tease each other. I have been living here at the shelter for seven years. I have gone on trips with people here at the shelter. And it makes me feel real good that we can stand our ground fo r t he homeless. I haven't touched any drugs or alcohol in ten years. I quit smoking five years ago. This makes me feel real good about myself. And I am going to keep looking up, for there . is nothing to look down on ... Editors note: Junior is a permanent resident of the Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse in Downtown Cincinnati. He enjoys giving tours of the Drop Inn Center and likes receiving letters. Write to Junior: clo Drop Inn Center, 2 I 7 West I 2th Street Cincinnati, Ohio, 452 I 0 ' "Ravings••• II Continued from page 12 imperialism ...like it was a policy of the government. Like somehow this government could decide not to be imperialist ....'We'll vote for change, they govern­ ment in a world where the U.S. is the biggest among powerful nations, squeezing the life blood out of oppressed peoples ...U.S. troops will continue going 'round the world and we will be complicit in our silence or our confusion ." The facts are that the U.S. governme nt is the biggest manufacturer, distributor, and user of "weapons of mass destruc­ tion" - the only user of nuclear weapons! Combined with the economic sanctions that are starving them , this "War of Shame II" (VVAW Al) is genocide of the Iraqi people and a message to the other major powers, as written in the "Revolutionary Worker" (2-22-98), "that it (the U.S.) still controls the oil lifeline of the imperialist world economy" With that in mind I encourage everyone to find out more, and do more. Be aware of the forces at work to keep you silent- your silence is deadly. (Activist alert: Our efforts have not been in vain- Wilford Berry, the poor, mentally ill man on death row still lives! Let's keep the pressure on the state!) Ma/aka Sanders can be emailed at homecoal@primax.net. Newspaper generate an inco me practically indepen­ dent of the charity circl es and combine Freedom of Speech and entrepreneurship to create a way to get an immediate income in a crisis situation such as homelessness. In cities ac ross the United States like Los Angeles, where municipal governments hav~ enacted a vari ety of laws that target homeless people; it will be interesting to see the impact the Big Issue will have upon American political opinion of homelessness. Already in Los Angeles and in Santa Monica, two major court battles over "Free Speech Vending" papers coming into these areas. Making C hange, a street newspape r which has the tin iest of ope rating budgets will struggle to keep afloat in a world where the market place encourages a capitalistic approach to small business ventures. "Everyone ke eps asking me why our paper isn't reaching the same goals as the Big Issue and it comes down to two things, we are really young as paper and we have no money. Geezuks , we are a homeless paper, it kindamakes sense. If we were left in a pristine environment, we may have been able to produce what the Big Issue provides for it's customers and its vendors. Now we have to do more with what we have and we have to do it by April, when t hey begin publishing. What that means to us, is that we will now have to "compete" with another paper. Solving homelessness shouldn't be about competition, it should be about working together. I am hoping that what we are negotiating will ensure that our paper won't go under, despite thei r presence her e. The Big Issue is plan ning on McDonaldizing the street paper market by offering their paper in every city. We in NASNA were hoping that there could be a street paper in every city by the year 2,000. Some of us were hoping t hat homeless people would be enabled to do it, not to have it done for us, like what always happens. They provide an income, we provide an income and a voice. Who is to say which is better? Sales or Social Justice? If they have come here to help the homeless, I hope we don't lose the voice of the homeless.'' For information , contact: Jennafer Waggoner, Editor Making Change ...a community newspaper empowering the poor and unhoused with an income and a voice ... (310) 289-7446 John Bird, Executive Director, The Big Issue ­ (310) 587- 1537 Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Looking for a place to call home? Call the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority A«ordsble rent that never exceeds 30% 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. Tim Harris, Chai r, No rth American Street Newspaper Association, Real Change of Seattle (206) 441-3247 Robert Norse, Commercialization Sub Committee, North American Street Newspaper Association, Street Shit Sheet of Santa Cruz - (408) 423-4833 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine - ANNOUNCING A new Group at AVOC... For Heterosexuals living With Aids M. 0. M. S. Mothers Of Murdered Sons need your help. There is 80% starvation in Haiti! Non-perishable food items are needed for Haitian Children and families. No dona­ tion too large or small. Monetary donations are also needed. Call 351-7854 for more information. Are you looking for a broader knowledge of the challenge of living with HIV/AIDS? Would you like to meet people who share similar experiences and hear their coping strategies? Are you looking for peers with who ou can discuss and plan for the future? COME MEET WITH US STARTING ON ~5/!fJ B~Jazz,Reggae. Helping the homeless to help themselves tfvough free enterprize. Call421-7803. for sale Streetvibes is now accepting Classified Ads for items such as Help Wanted, Items for Sale, Apart­ Native American cookies; orders being accepted: R. ments for Rent and other non-personal items. The C.Janus, fFaxJ 891-8663. rate is only $1 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 recei¥.e,d befor:e:__,.......,.--'-'.Dllrta~ntrseelr"-2~30 · hoursitdownjobonbus the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if line, within 2 miles ofthe _ there is an error, notify us after the first printing. riverineitherKentuckyor You will be given an extra month of ad tim e. Ohio;non-medkal Mail the ad copy to: temlinology,non.filing Streetvibes cabinetofficewortc;social services, sales. public 1506 Elm Street information..crafts,and Cincinnati, OH 45210 otherbackground,some or fax it to 4 21- 78 13 computer experience; position wanted contact Box 2, Streetvibes, 1506 Elm St., Cincinnatt Bengals Rams Raiders Colts Giants Dallas Vikings Washington Broncos San Fransisco 4521Q. 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. Elderly or Children Looking for a community orientedjob dealing with elderly or children. 3 year ourteacb worker/ counselor aide at YMCA. 13 years typing. Computer and cashier experience including Windows, Lotus, Any Word Processor. Call Anjail Madyun at the Drop InnCenter, 72 l.o643. Degreed. successful grants administrator/ writer seeks commissioned, free lance position as same; ten percent commission per award. ContactJ.Janus,. Jr. (FaxJ 891-8663. Native Alllerlcan­ Hispanic female seeks sit down,slowpaced industrial FACTORY' position;physicaly challenged. (Fax) 891­ 866i. STRE.ETVIBES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $1 per line. Call 421-7803 for info. Streetvlbes 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 tollected. Future issues .o f 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 by Myron Dear Homeless•••accepts letters. Please send your questions to: Myron 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45Z 10 We wlll attempt to answer all letters in a Where: AVOC "Gray Room" When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays 6:30 PM to 8:PM More information: Susan or Judy 421-243 Streetvibes fthe band). We like to party. R&B, Oldies, from page 11••• Dear Homeless••• cfo Streetvlbes Band Looking for Work Scramble Answers Page /5 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 Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that the failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. timely manner. Sales Representatbre dishwasherorcook. ls Looking for position as sales representative or management. Has good very dependable and bookkeeping.typing and available immediately. Please contact Wiley Powellat83 l-8404. supervisory skills. Has experience in retail management.. customer service and sales. Is available to work immediately. Call Dea Harris at 552-9351. Restaurant Work Responsible older man able to work any shift. Has had experience as a cook and as a janitor. Would prefer work as a busserat a restaurant as well as work as a office hours and name of law school on letterhead paperto 1111 Elm Street. No. 432, Cincinnati, O H 4521Q. Streetvlbes 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, Pat Clifford, Gregory Payton and Donald Whitehead. 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, March 14th, 1998, noon to I pm Advertise In StreetvlbesI 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 z·xa 11z· s10 per ftlOlllll Two Business card Size 4·xa 1/Z. szo per 1110111111 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 tion at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 �STREETVIBES TheTriState's Homeless Grapevine Page /6 Vendor Prof:lle: Stree·tvlbes TV Aaron Pitchford 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. fdeas shoutd address subiects related to homeless­ ness and poverty in our city. We are always inter­ ested in viewe·r ideas, so piease give us a calf... 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 Cabfe changes programming and channels. Streetvibes TY March Schedule Aaron was born in Chicago and raised in Ctncinnati, Ohio. Aaron has a six year old son. Aaron heard about Streetvibes through another vendor. He figured it would be a good way to help get his life back in order. Aaron also plays the guitar. Aaron said, "I took about four lessons then began to teach myself'. He has played on subways and at airports to make money to help support himself. Aaron is a very pleasant person and hopes to overcome his homelessness soon. Aaron has been working at a temporary job services with hopes of find ing a regular job through a job training program. Good luck Aaron, I'm sure you will reach your goals. We at Streetvibes wish you well. Ron Carter This month•s show address tss.ues of subsidized housing and housing in the US. Channel 10 Saturday, March 7, I 998, 4 PM Friday, March J3. t998, t I am Friday, March 20, 11998., 11 AM Monday, March 23, 1·998, tO PM Saturday, March 28, 1998, 4 PM Streetvlbes Wish List Streetvibes is pubHshed monthly on a shoe­ string budget. 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 can... >Adobe Photoshop Software·for tBM to save scanning costs >Zip Drive Channel 7 LIVE Monday, March 1·6, 1998 7 PM >VCR to Show Streetvibes Epi's odes to Groups >Volunteer Copy Editors and Stori.es >Advertisers to help support the paper Where Your -"---­-1 ' Goes Vendor: 80 cents > Fax Machine , : 1 >Decent Typwriter >Computers for Streetvrbes layout and writing Ca 1421-7803 ifyou can help! 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 coflecting for a p.rivate charity, please call our o·ffice at 421-7803. Thanks for your support. Need Help or Want to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coali.tion Member Agency for Sheker, Treatment, Housing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call, the Homeless Coalition at Lighthouse Youth Center St. John's Temporary Housing 421-7803. Alice Paul House (abuse) Bethany House Salvation Army W elcome House S HELTERS: Women and Children 241-2757 557-2873 762-5660 431-8717 CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies (Mental Ill) Tom Geiger House SHELTER: Men TREATMENT: Women City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Vol unteers of America 241-5525 241 -0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 38 1-1954 9·61:-4080 65 f-6446 HOUSING O.D.A.A.T First Step Home TREATMEN:T : Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 721-4580 241-968.3 24~-0504 369'- 0004 38 l-0954 721-8666 961-4555 241-7343 921-7324 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (singles) friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) Interfaith Hospitality Network 761- 1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 244-7226 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Tarbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820-29'47 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 49 t-4435 559-501 1 OTHERSERVICES AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421 -243.7 Appal:achian Identity Center 62 f-S99 I Center for Independent Living Opti.o ns Churches Active in Northside Cincinnati Health Network Community Action Agency Contact Center Emanuel Community Center Freestore/Foodbank Goodwill Industries Hamilton Co.Mentar Health Bd. Hamilton Co. TB Control Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van House of Refuge Missi.o n Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. Mary Magdalen House Oral Health Council Our Daily Bread Peaslee Neighborhood Center Travelers Aid United Way VA Homeless Program Women's Crisis Center 241-2600 591 -2246 9611-0600 569-1840 3'81-4242 241 -2563 241-1064 771-4800 621-7149 632-7186, 357-4602 352-2902 221-3679 241-9400 271-5501 721-4811 621-0248 621-6364 621·-55"4 721-7660 721-7900 559-6656 491-3335 � 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 March 1998 Vol 2, Issue Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Page 1: Landlord Attempts Demolitions Again and Again and Again... Are The Homeless Becoming More Visible? Page 4: WESTCO Struggles Page5: Building a Movement Page 6: Word on the Street Page 8: Run for City Council Page 9: The Odd Cookie Awards Page 10: Editorials & letters Page 12: Ravings of a Mad Womyn News Nationwide Page 13: Cleveland News Page 15: Announcements and Classifieds 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 March 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Junior Baughn Ron Carter James Heath Gail Frazier-Holley Andy Hutzel Lemuel Israel Berta Lambert Judith Mendriski Patrick Mosolf Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders Donald Whitehead 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>. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF affordable housing Andy Hutzel Berta Lambert city council Donald Whitehead Gail Frazier-Holley Gregory Payton James (Jimmy) Heath Judith Mendriski Junior Baughn Lemuel Israel Malaka Sanders Mark Salter Patrick Mosolf Ron Carter social movement street papers the visible homeless vendor profile welfare reform https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d998ccae980f1d9749f4d748ce8818cf.pdf d1b1058d16e236224c5992f8c21456b4 PDF Text Text Welfare Policy Changes Are Encnutaged Update from the Hamllton CountyHuman Sen1ces Planning Committee Contact Center Staff update ­ The Human Services Planning Commit­ tee has agr eed to support several policy changes or at least look into policies that the Welfare Rights Coalition urged be adopted. Policies include: The Committee supports eliminating a mandated exit level for being able to get child care subsidies. They support dropping the 150% of poverty level for exit . The Committee supports dropping the sanction on child care subsidies from the state sanction policy. Members were unanimously in sup­ port of this policy being changed. This means that if a household is under sanction, they would not lose their child care subsidy if they are working (and complying). HSPC will be Contluned on page 10 OEC Calls For Emergency Repeal of Sanctions w ith their state legislators in their home districts. We are advocating that sanction policy, in addition to the emergency repeal and moratorium, also include the following: by Lynn WI/I/ams The Ohio Empowerment Coalition calls for an emergency repeal of the harsh sanctions under Ohio Works First. The OEC, at its March 12th meeting in Columbus, also de­ cided to call for a moratorium on all sanctions being issued in Ohio until legislators reconvene to revise sanction policy. We are urging each area coalition of the OEC to set up meetings Walled Community Homeless Dog Shelter Recovery Native-American Struggle HCHSUpdate Word On The Street Nationwide Interview Editorials Crossword and Games MadWomyn Cleveland News Vine Street Debate Classifieds Page2 Page3 Page3 Page4 Pages Page6 Pagel Page Page JO Page11 Page12 Page13 Page14 Page15 a · a minimum (reasonable) cut in cash assistance instead of harshly cutting the full cash benefit. · food stamps should remain the same instead of cutting the adult portion. If food stamps remain the same, this is still an allow­ able sanction under Federal law. (Formerly, food stamps increased with a cut in cash assistance.) · child care subsidy should not be cut; this will allow sanctioned recipients to con­ tinue working. · job searches continue to be allowed so unemployed recipients can still actively look for employment. · a sanction should end as soon as a recipient complies. Federal law does not dictate length of sanction. · sanctioned households should not be counted in caseload reduction numbers, as this encourages caseworkers to apply sanc­ tions instead of trying to work out solutions with recipients. In addition, urge your state legislator to advocate that Federal legislators completely remove sanction policies against recipients from the Federal welfare law. We have recently learned that the "official" OOHS sanction numbers for Ohio are wrong. Sanctions are much higher than the· "offici al" count. For some unknown reason, many sanctions have been counted in the "case closings" category instead of documented as sanctions. Representatives of the Welfare Rights Coalition and O EC plan to meet with OOHS officials to get a clearer picture of what OOHS is doing and to voice our concerns. If you are interested in meeting with your legislators on the OWF sanction policies, call one of the OEC local coalition members in your area. For more information: Cincinnati, Contact Center/Welfare Rights Coalition: (5 13) 381-4242 Columbus, Mark Stansberry of the Community Organizing Center (614) 231 ­ 9654 or Shirley Peoples of the State Organiza­ tion of Client Advocates (614) 252-2160 Cleveland, Marcelle Kidd of the Empow­ erment Center of Greater Cleveland (216) 241-5926 Dayton, Logan Martinez of the Miami Valley Employment Council (937) 274-7703 Warren; Geneva Reed (330) 397-7678 Findlay, Sharon Weis of Hope House (419) 425-4673 �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES TheTriState's Homeless Grapevine Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, for and about the homeless. It is compiled by the Greater C incinnati Coalition for the Home­ less. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and then sell it fo r a dollar donatio n to get back on their feet. All vendors sign a code of conduct before being given a badge. T he G reater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, age ncies and individuals committed to ending home ­ lessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. T he Streetvibes Committee meets monthly to plan o ur issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a comment, please call 421 -7803. Staff Donald Whitehead, Di rector Frank Carri no, Vendor Support Ron Cart er, Vendo r Support James Heath, Administrative Coordinator Photographer James Oimmy) Heath Writers Ro n Carter Brian Davis James Heath Andy Hutzel Lemuel Israel Berta Lambert Paul linden Judith Mendriski Patrick Mosolf Gregory Payton Mark Salter Mataka Sanders The Shadow Donald Stark Penelope W elz Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Volunteer Editors Pat C lifford Lemuel Israel Paul linden Pat Morris Tam my Nettles Bonnie Neumeier Mataka Sanders Editorial Policy: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, com­ ments or editorials. W e will print every­ thing we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Please se nd all material to t he following address: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813 . e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Page 2 Want a Walled Community? Move to Onel by Eunice Timoney-Ravenna, resident of West McMicken Many residents of West McMicke n Street were quite surprised last year to find a sign posted next to our steps asking for o pinions on their closure. Of course, many of us called in o ppo sition. With the quick thinking of Carrie Jo hnson, residents were able to support the o pposition by a petition. We, the residents, heard little after that because we were excluded from the dialogue. As stated in John Hamner's {Public Works Director) report, the Klotter Homeowners Asso ciation who proposed the closure sought neighborhood support from CUF (Clifton, University, Fairveiw) even though Klotter is within the boundaries of OTR. Both the W . McMicken Improvement Association and the O ver-The-Rhine Commu nity Council o pposed the closure. Resident spoke out at the Public Works Committee meeting on March 16. It seemed obvious that the decision had been made before anyone spok~. (Cissel and Stern were fo attendance, Portune and Yates were absent.) T he report to close the steps was to be approved and filed. Resi­ dents were still determin ed to have their voices heard and planned to attend City Council on Wednesday, March 18. Being misinformed by both Portune's and Yate's office, we arrived too late, and only two of us · were granted two minutes to speak. O ur concerns are clear. W E USE THE STEPS, and no matter how much money you have cannot buy a city t hruway closure. If crime is a problem, seek creative alternatives from the police or other criminology specialist. DON'T ISOLATE NEIGHBO RHOODS. Isolating one neighborhood street from another is not practical in the long term. Isolation will not help community relations, is not wise for city planning, nor will it have any long term effect on crime statistics. Isolation is a reaction that is not well thought out. In fact, this isolation; removing the steps, is a form of classism which is devisive and dangerous to ~ny form of community. At­ tempting to limit access from a low-income street to a mid/high income street is a form of segregation. Economic segregation already exists in Cincinnati between urban and subur­ ban residents fo r many r easons. But if one has chosen to live on Klotter Street or Conroy Alley, one has chosen low-income neighbors. Simply because Klotter Street has been gentrified and Conroy Alley aspires to, doe~ not warrant privilege to those residents. Although City Council has made a decision, the topic is not yet dead. We plan to raise the discussion again at the Council Meeting on March 25. Also, a prayer service on those steps is in the making; and many media sources have helped to keep this topic alive, including: the Post, Channel 5 News, W CIN Radio and Streetvibes. Thanks for your interest and support. The K/otter Street Steps UPDATE-Since the original writing of this article the fight has continued. After repeated attempts to be heard at committee meeti ngs we decided to again to speak to City council at large. ORCC, residents, NAACP, Lincoln Wear, and many other concerned folks are trying to keep this issue alive and call for a re-vote. T he Klotter Street argument of safety issues is true, but whose safety are we talking about? I believe this issue of safety fo r the residents of Klotter Street is about fiscal safety, not physical safety. In the Klotter Street Ho meowners Associatio n Proposal they state that what is at stake for the City of Cincinnati is an investment of more than three quarters of a million dollars of taxpayer money they spent to improve the infrastructure of Conroy Alley which, by the map I was given, has merely ten houses on it. In bold print, the proposal states "Crime prevention is far and away the most important issue needing resolu­ tion, to allow continued prosperity of the Klotter/Conroy neighborhood." For me, prosperity is more than dollars signs. For me a flourishing successful neighborhood is based on neighborhood relations, social activism and civic responsibility. Having the City again pour more tax mo ney to make a walled community meets none of my criterion of a prosperous neighborhood - but rather isolates gentrified areas creating more economic segregation. T his is an insult to taxpayers whose money is spent to guard a few private inves­ tors on Klotter Street. T his is an insult to the police by saying the only way to promote safety is to wall yourself off. We ask City Council to reconsider, and be creative to­ gether so that security measures can benefit the larger community as we ll. We thank everyone for their support on this issue. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 3 Dog Shelter Welcomes Homeless Peopl e? San Francisco-In a twist in dealing with homelessness, an animal shelter is volunteering to provide overnight lodging for homeless adults alongside the dogs. The city's chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which recently opened a $7 million shelter, is seeking to work with an agency to offer adults nightly shelter in "dog apartments." "It would give our dogs a chance to know what it would be like to have an ove rnight roommate," said the pres ident of the San Francisco S. C. P. A , Richard H. Avanzino. "For the homeless people it's an offe r t o get the m off the street and give them shelter with a dog buddy who will be their best friend overnight." The organization has proposed the plan to six agencies in the city. The S.P.C.A. shelter, the privately fi ­ nanced Maddie 's Pet Adoption Ce nter, opened last month and is not t he standard animal shelter. It has "home style" quarters for dogs and cats, with television sets, Persian rugs, skylights, couches and tables. The shelter also provides obedience training and toilet training. "What is missing from the equation," Mr. Avanzino said, "is having an overnight room­ mate. That's where the idea comes in." Any agency that works w ith the shelt er would have to provide cots. Because the shelter was not designed for humans, the accommodations will strictly be for overnight stays. The homeless people will niot bathe, eat or receive clothes there. Homeless people w ith their ow n pets would also not be allowed to stay the night. The homeless coordinator fo r Mayor Will ie L. Brown Jr., Terry E. Hill, said he had not seen the proposal and could not co mment on it. "I don't understand the concept," Mr. Hill Said. "So I have to speak to the Mayor before I can take a position." The Rev. Cecil Williams of the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, which has 4 1 programs for the homeless, said the idea had merit. "The rooms look very livable, and probably they're bett~r than most rooms for homeless folks ," he said. "Dogs and animals tend to get more love and care than humans, especially those that are on the fringes of society, like the homeless." An estimated 15,000 people live on the streets, in cars or in shelters here. When he took office here in 1996, Mr. Brown said homelessness would be a top· priority. A year later he said the problem "may not be solv­ able." Mr. Brown and other of:lcials have offered proposals that include the mildly odd and the ridiculous. In the fall, Mr. Brown began a crackdown on homeless camps in Golden Gate Park and suggested borrowing a helicop­ ter from Oakland that was equipped with heat­ sensing equipment to detect campsites at night. Next, a member of the Board of Supervi­ sors encouraged chopping limbs off trees where the homeless had taken refuge. In a shift, the supervisor later recommended that supermarkets donate old shopping carts to the homeless. Advocates for the homeless see the S. P. C. A plan as another strange idea. But at least, they said, it is not intended to hurt the home­ less. The director of the San Francisco Coali­ tipn on Homelessness, Paul Boden, said the animal shelter was nicer than a shelter for the homeless that the city recently opened in a building in China Basin. In that shelter, 600 people share space with roving raccoons and o ther nocturnal creatures. Some homeless people, Mr. Boden said, are quite likely to take advantage of the S. P. C. A offer. "It's condescending, it's weird and it's a little creepy," Mr. Bo den said. "But there's nothing punitive about them saying, 'Well, if people want to come here and stay with the animals, they can. The more you think about it, the more bizarre it beco mes, because of the statement it makes that the nicest shelter in tow n is going to be the one for animals." Progression of Recovery by Don Stark Sr. Now that the recovering addict, (such as myself) is a fu nctioning human being again; now that he has connected with life within himself and with life around him, (his proper nature and destiny), the road to growth in recovery is wide open and without limit. This unlimited characteristic of recovery should come as no suprise when one reflects on the experience of the disease itself. One hears with frequency recovering alcoholics and addicts speak of "having hit my bottom." In general, "bottom" refers to the moment in their addiction that was the most painful...in fact, so painful that it motivated them to seek help. The story of myself, when I first entered treatment, best illustrates this wretched experience. Things began, I must admit, at my botto m, at my loss of worth and consistency. Even the drug want working anymore. It ju ~t seemed to give me more pain. If only I could have been certain that life and living wouldn't get an worse. There didn't seem to be any end to it. That's why I wanted to die and would just as soon have been dead. But even the thought of death was less consoling. It just added to the despair. For certain, the pain experienced in addiction is such that one reaches "bottom" only to find that there is no bottom. Rather, the disease leads to a bottomless pit. Hence, the indescribable despair. Similarly, the experience of reclaiming one's life is with out ceiling. It is without end. Recovery from the disease is not a recovery from some physical ailment like smallpox wherein one recovers a smoothness of skin. Nor is it a recovery from a mental incapacity in which one becomes able to distinguish sanity from insanity. Rather, it is a recovery from a spiritual disease in which one is in the process of reclaiming one's very life. Like life, this recov­ ery defies conscription, limitation, and prior dimensions of an kind. Like life, it is eternal and infinite. It is the real hope, finally, of an echo that the addict has heard in the bowels of his soul, however faintly, since birth-an echo that made him know beyond knowledge that His gift was without limit and that He was made to have it all. In a very real sense, the real hope of recovery is found in the real possibility of finally becoming the God that his nature calls him to be. "Called to be the Son's of Go d ...and true heirs of the Kingdom ..." (Romans 8: 14­ 17). At last t he recovering .person sees the reality o f his calling. It is a call to be the recipi­ ent of life, first, and then to be the giver of life. The human being, through the experience of living o ut his humanity which includes life at its worst, becomes, in a word, divine. He be­ co mes the God of his world! To speak of the progression of what I call spiritual sobriety is not easy. As for all things spiritual, there exists no accurate words. Allow me to speak around the concept with the o nly wo rds that I have. When considering spiritual so briety, I reflect on those things that make for the most perfect happiness that man can imagine. They consist of those realties that answer to the secret yearnings of the human heart- those yearnings that never leave us, that are always present however much they seem out of reach most of t he time. From personal experience, I believe that life, to be whole and fully nurturing, must be creative, exciting, loving and humble. Not surprisingly, these four ingredients are ob­ served to be the main arteries around which growth in recovery takes place and thrives. This growth does not o ccur instantaneously. It is gradual and progressive like a journey in which one advances mile after mile toward the final destiny. Subscribe to Streetvlbes Subscriptions to Streetvibe s can be pur­ chase d for $12 per year. Plea.se se nd a che ck to the below addre ss and the pape r will be mailed to you e ach issue . Streetvibe s 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Ple ase make che cks payable to the Gre ater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home less--Stree tvibes. If you have any que stions, call 421- 7803 . �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 4 History Repeated - Oppression of Native-Americans Occurlng Today by Andy Hutzel Last month several Over-The-Rhine residents had the opportunity to hear a Native-American named Chris Interpreter speak about the ongoing destruction of his Navajo (also called Dineh) people and their land in Big Mountain, Arizona. Issues of dis­ placement, demolicion, the interests of big business, and ultimately oppression, are operating in an attempt to "relocate" his Navajo people. It is such a desperate fight for survival, not just for Chris and his family, but for the generations of Navajo who have lived there for over 1,000 years. Genocide is a commonly used term to describe the recent situation. Chris gave a history lesson to us, describ­ ing his ancestors, their struggles, and way of life. One significant event occurred in 1864 when the US Government forcibly removed nearly I0,000 Navajo in what became America's first concentration camp - Fort Sumner. As a result of this ethnic cleansing, thousands perished form illnesses brought on by physical and spiritual diseases and malnourishment. It ended after 5 years only when "taxpayers" became angry over learning of the corruption going on among the white soldiers. Would history be repeated? In I 882, Chester Arthur created the reservation, calling it "worthless land." In the I 900's, the government forced children to assimilate into society, thus losing their native languages and culture. The 1934 Reorganiza­ tion Act created the Bureau of Indian Affairs and "Tribal Councils." The Act was actually the brainchild of the mining companies in a long range plan to make the people disappear and get the land. In I 964, the "Bennet Freeze" Act passed by Congress made it illegal for the Navajo people to repair their homes, increase livestock, or build new structures. These would all have a negative impact on the N avajo people. But in I974 the " Relocation Act" passed in Congress as "a group of mining and power companies deceived the US gov­ ernment into thinking there was a range war between the Navajo and Hopi tribes. These mining companies convinced the US govern­ me nt that the solution was to evict everyone who lived in the areas they wished to mine." As in 1864, another I 0,000 Navajo people have been forcibly relocated (displaced) to Sanders Arizona - site of one of the worst nuclear accidents in the country - with radia­ tion and pollution causing further suffering and death. They now have the highest rate of birth defects in the country. Congress spe nt a half billion dollars to section off (displace) the Navajo's with the Relocation Act. Chris says "relocate" means "to make disappear" to business and Congress people. As decades of compromises were reached by the government and the Navajo and the Hopi people, the interests of coal, oil, uranium, and natural gas destroys that history in a heartbeat. The I00+ year-old Navajo Hogans or "permanent homes" have become so-called barriers to progress. Peo ple will lose their land, homes, and their souls - ultimately their lives. "The Odd Cookie 11 Play The Odd Cookie, a children's musical, is taken from the book The Odd Cookie. It is a story that only life itself can inspire. This great musical captures the spirit of an age and tells a contemporary story that touches a generation. The result is a triumphant experience, a musical event that moves the audience with excitement and humor. It fills the heart with joy until it is ready to burst. Chris Interpreter Photo by Jimmy Heath Oginga Khamisi, radio talk show host for Ta/king Drum, on WAIF FM says that the show But despite all of these efforts at reloca­ tion, a few hundred families have stayed and are determined to fight for their ancestral lands. Chris is one of those who chose to stay. Chris and his uncle struggle each day. He witnessed his aunt being dragged from her home by the police when he was 7 years old. Having to attend a boarding school, Chris and other Navajo's were called "prairie niggers." Harassment is common today. They are watched constantly by the police and con­ fronted often. He has witnessed the sacred homes of his family being destroyed. Some have set up cardboard boxes next to their destroyed homes because it is illegal to build/ repair homes which have stood for over I00 years. So how did President Clinton add ress the situation? ln l 996, he signed the Navajo-Hopi Resettlement Act, allowing the forced relocation of the thousands of traditional Navajo remaining on their land ! ., A 79 year-old Navajo woman testified before the United Nations..."from where I stand, I believe the land was stolen. Our livestock are stolen. Even our very being is being stolen as they threaten to throw us off of the land. They put fear in our hearts and this is the way they are killing us. This land that I am sitting on, this earth here, there are many minerals underneath that could bring wealth to people. That is why they crush me with their laws to tell me that I do not belong here. For these reasons, I am resisting. I was born here. Big Mountain is my mother. I cannot just walk away from my mother...The rights which we request are only the minimum granted to all people under the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights." Having seen much of the Midwest for the first time, Chris can't believe how we ignore so much suffering. Being able to relearn some of his native language and culture brought pride back into his being. But only 2 years into this struggle, feelings of despair often overwhelm him. Witnessing oppression and destruction of people on a daily basis affects a person. And he emphasizes business has bought our rights from under us - we are losing o ur voices. Chris challenged us on "what are our respon­ sibilities? First we just need to wake up! And ultimately it is to recognize and tell the truth!" For more information coll the Big Moun­ .'toin Hotline at (612) 361-5964 is already a legend. Mark Pastor, co-owner of Black World Products International, says that The Odd Cookie is "the best musical that I've ever seen." Mr. Ronnie X '31ack, school teacher at Bond Hill Elementary School, says "The Odd Cookie should be mandatory viewing for all children." Andrea Ross plays the Odd Cookie. Justin Haley plays the Vanilla Cookie. Karama Butler plays the Chocolate Cookie. Each child was superb at performing their character. William Jackson does the choreography for the Ants. Mr. Donnie McFinley does a fantastic job of directing this great production. He also designed all the costumes and the props. Mr. Donnie McFinely has designed wardrobe for the movies Rage in Harlem and The Shawshonk Redemption, as well as several other Hollywood movies. Mr. Donald Whitehead, Director of the Greater Cincinnaci Coalition for T he Home­ less, says ''The homeless in America have become a national crisis. It is an honor and privilege to accept the proceeds from the play, The Odd Cookie, for the homeless". America can become a stronger nation by eliminating this crisis. Support the homeless by support­ ing The Odd Cookie play. The Odd Cookie will be held at The Arts Consortium, April 4th and 5th, I 998, at 5:00 PM each day. The cast also includes Joseph Stevens, Steve Bester, Nathaniel Heffman, Kyle Hughes, Maurice Brooks, Katie Mullalley, Neriah Holley and The New Prospect Baptist Church Youth Choir. Tickets are $8.00 per person through Children's Classics by calling 221-51 I 4. Tickets at the door from The Arts Consor­ tium will be $I 5.00 per person. The Odd Cookie, the play, was written by The Shadow and Mr. Donnie McFinley. Also directed by Donnie McFinley. Support Your Local Vendor ... Tell A Friend About Streetvibes ! �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page s The Vlslble Homeless... "Sanctions" from Page 13 their lifetime eligibility. Cuyahoga County is currently debating whether to send women to work when a child is six months old. The State has exempted mothers with children under I year old. The County may not accept this exemption, and require women to enter the workforce six­ months after giving birth. In Cuyahoga County, there were 2,334 families sanction during the months of October 1997 through January 1998, accord­ ing to statistics compiled by the Federation for Community Planning. The report stated, "the most common reasons cited for sanctioning OWF participants are for Child Support; noncooperation and for failing to show up for Job Club after having signed the self-sufficiency agreement." Update from the ~H_ amllton Counb Human Services Plannlng Commltee Contact Center StaH update The Human Services Planning Committee has agreedto support several policy changes or at least look into policies that the Welfare Rights Coalition urged be adopted. Policies include: the Committee supports eliminating a mandated exit level for being able to get child care subsidies. They support dropping the 150% of poverty level for exit . · The Committee supports dropping the sanction on child care subsidies from the state sanction policy. Members were unanimously in sup­ port of this policy being changed. This means that if a household is under sanction, they would not lose their child care subsidy if they are working (and c;:omplying). HSPC will be urging the state legislators to make this policy change. This issue will be worked on at the next Sub-Committee on Child Care on April 7th 3 P.M. at 4Cs. WRC member Malaka Sanders com­ ments, "How does taking away childcare on a sanction help a family to "self-sufficiency? If the parent was working, they can't now; if they wern't, they can't start~" The HSPC · has agreed to discuss including domestic violence victims in an alternative work category. This issue will be discussed at the next HSPC meeting on April 23/ Thursday. We have advocated that domestic violence victims be placed in this category so their work requirement can be flexible. The "work" requirement could include getting abuse counseling and finding housing. HSPC is also considering policy that would allow a recipient to quit a job before being fired,"Job quit versus job fire." A firing is bad on a person's employment record and would hurt the prospect of getting another job. The WRC supports policy that would allow a recipient to quit a job if the job is not working out and not be sanctioned. Next meeting of the HSPC will be April 23, a Thursday, at I 0:00 AM. at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services. The meetings are open to the public. Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Looking for a place to call home? Call the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority ... Affordable rent that never exceeds 30o/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/Fairmou~t West End Winton Place For more information, call 421-8190 today. �, STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 6 Words From Maryann lam I am my daddy's little princess I wonder where he is I hear his voice in my head I see his face in my dreams I want for him to be there when I wake up I am my daddies little princess I pretend that he is with me now I feel his love for me I touch his picture in distress I worry if he is alive I cry because I feel rejected from him I am my daddy's little princess I understand why he couldn't tell me I say that he is on his way home I dream about how it was before I try not to cry in public I hope that he returns soon I am my daddy's little princess Downtown Downtown is full of garbage Downtown is full of crud Downtown isn't fit for a dog Downtown is so depressing It makes me wanna' cry The trees are full of death, not an ounce of life I hate it here, I wanna' go away I wanna' go someplace far T he police barely care about over here Nobody's important enough I don't feel safe in this place Yet I know the people are nice I need a better neighborhood Where everyone's my neighbor And they can call me their's I need a place with sunshine fi elds full of green grass and t rees Where I can roam free of any danger And fee l a happiness t hat I have known before. Spirit Eyes by Penelope Welz We are souls Traveling the universe Separated at birth Into bodies on the earth With earthly eyes We cease to see The e~sence of you The essence of me With spirit eyes I see the real you Not black, nor white But the color of~pure light Hi, my name is Maryann. I was born and raised in New Jersey, and my life wasn't easy growing up. I have been in and out of domes­ tic violence. relationships since I was 17 years old; I have been homeless off and on since 17 because o f the relationships I had. Three years ago I met a wonderful man, his name was Jesse, and he proved good for me. He done a lot for me that no other man did. When he passed away June 22, 1997, I said to myself what am I going to do now I am homeless because of his death? I let everything go, I came to Cincinnati to start a new life. I prayed to God every night, and I met a loving, caring, man, his name is Mark, in Cincinnati. He has a warm and caring heart; besides Jesse, Mark is the best thing that ever happened to me. If I didn't come to Cincinnati, Mark and I would have never met. I came to Cincinnati and started to sell "Streetvibes"- that's how Mark and I met. When Jesse passed last year I thought that I was not going to love again, but I was wrong. Praying to God every night has helped me through Jesse's death. I came to Cincinnati to start a new life. When I came to Cincinnati, I stayed at the Drop Inn Center for a few days. I met Mark at the library, where we occasion­ ally .met by chance because I was selling Streetvibes, where we became friends; and eventually I fell in love with Mark because he is kind and has a good heart and t he way he walks ...he is a caring man. I never met a man like him. It was not easy for me because he lived somewhere else. I left the center and found an apartment. Mark is a angel from God. Mark and I are doing wonderful. I am so glad that I am sharing life with Mark. My life has changed so much in the past year, my life is full again and I am so happy. Man's Glory By: Bernard Waters T he glory I was born to seek Is t he glo ry I shall find. For each man seeks glory on·e and every kind. No r shall t here ever be another such as me. Perhaps you wonder If that glory will be Somewhere I hope to see. But since I came to VISTA that should be the glory I seek In the work that I put forth In the service of my VISTA term Within that time limit Should be that glory That I Seek Presented by: The HarMony T earn at the 1998 VISTA Training Graduation: Bernard Waters, Wanda Houd, Sam Smith, Josh Grey, Regina Gardner, Michael Ballenger. Do• You Know Me? Do you know this guy? Weil I do, and I'm here to tell you he's back. Those who know him may wonder where he has been if not in full-time ministry, and those who don't may wonder just the same. Take a seat and I will tell you a story. The guy I'm going to tell you about went away from the army of God. He laid aside his full armor and attempted to fight the battle of grief over the death of a loved one alone. Then came the battle of marital discord, financial instability, job security, and the battles went on and on. His fellow soldiers attempted to help, but t he enemy was st ronger than they knew. This was a battle for the most high. Prayer warriors from all over began to come together, and the power which was unleashed on the enemy was remarkable. T he result of this unleashing of power was the reawakening of a soldier. The guy this in the picture began to win some battles and with the victories came the remembrance of past battles won in the name of God. When Rodney Sutton returned to active duty there was not the confinement and discharge which occurs in man's army when an a war soldier returns. He was granted a pardon by the most high and greeted with joy by his fellow soldiers. Now that I am back by the grace of God. I would like to develop a program which I would like to call "A Way O f Life Ministries," (AWOL) I would like to help other soldiers of the Lord who have went AWO L. If you can help me with o rganization, donations, sponsorship, office space, etc. please call 2 10-4 18 1. In His SerYlce Evangelist Rodney Sutton, Sr. Help Wanted Now Hiring Floor Staff and Maintenance · Drop by or Call Drop Inn Center Shelterhouse 217 West 12th Street Over-The-Rhine 721-0643 �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 7 Ranch, stated that Contreraz had been coop­ erative and fulfilled his role on a work crew. " His performance was positive and without jncident," the report said. Contreraz spoke with his probation officer by phone and was informed that he would have to stay longer than first indicated at the Ranch. At that point he refused to pick up leaves. Because ANOTllRR CLASS PRODUCTION Contreraz refused to walk, a staff member Olsc-Joclley S..W:. carried him. Contreraz refused to do exercises CLIFFORD JONES with other boys and staff put him in isolation. (513) 781-3484 When Contreraz struck his head on the bed, the staff put him in a "control position," or restraining hold. Contreraz threatened to kill the staff members once put in the hold and bit t hem. Contreraz calmed and asked to use the bathroom. Before he could reach it, he def­ ecated on himself. Staff members carried Contreraz back to his barracks, stripped him, and put him in the shower. They then dressed him and took him to the dinning hall. Before Nast-Trinity United Methodist Church letting him eat, they asked him to finish his 1320 Race St Cincinnati 721-7339 exercises. Contreraz reftJsed. According to the report, staff: "continued to help him" with his ,,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __, Community Celebration. live Music! ANOTHER DEATH AT ARIZONA BOYS RANCH. by Mike Fontana Sixteen year old Nicholas Contreraz of Sacramento, California, died on March 3, 1998 at the Arizona Boys Ranch. This is the second death at the ranch in less than four years. At least I 3 substantiated cases of abuse have taken place there during the same time period. Approximately 20 Hamilton County boys are currently placed at the Ranch by FCF Manage­ ment, using taxpayer dollars. According to the March 7, 1998, edition of the Arizona Republic newspaper, initial reports from the ranch to authorities indicated that Contreraz had died during "recreational activity." Secondary reports from the Ranch stated that Contreraz had refused all day to walk or participate in activities. A third, written report from the Only $5 for T's, $10 for Sweats. ,,,,,-------::::::: STREETVIBES TheTriState's Homeless Grapevine Every Sunday -6PM Free of Charge exercises. The report did not specify what the "help" entailed. Contreraz asked for water but refused to walk. The two staff members carried him to the water and splashed water in his face. At that point, the staff reportedly realized Contreraz was not breathi_ng. Contreraz had just passed a physical from an RN earlier that day. Arizona law enforcement and child protective services officials were still investigating the death as of 3112/98. An autopsy was also being conducted on Contreraz. State officials reporte d t hat they had received a complaint that Boys Ranch staff was abusing Contrera. Santa Cruz In late January the Citizens Police Review Board and City Council that appointed them upheld the Santa Cruz police slaying of "Happy" John Dine without public hearings or an independent investigation. Dine, a disabled man who had frequently marched in homeless protests, had been targeted by some police officers for his outspoken hippie manner downtown and was shot twice after allegedly brandishing a toy gun [see Street Spirit De­ cember 1997 and January 1998]. The Board's decision was taken without a formal vote after several months delay with no criticism for the police chief and district attorney, who issued a still unrepudiated statement sixteen hours after t he shooting, that the Board found to be false. On March 15th, SCPD shot a second man, Brian Andrus, five times front of his wife at the door of his home. Santa Cruz activists are gathering signatures for the initiative to repeal the Sleeping Ban. Contact Homeless Unite.d for Friendship & Freedom (HUFF) 309 Cedar St. #14B, Santa Cruz 95060 ph: 408-423-4833 fax: 408-429­ 8529, e-mail: wmnofstl@cruzio.com 100% White Cotton Shirts and Lon Sleeve Sweat Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts and .Sweat Shirts are available at our office at I 506 Elm Street. Please stop by and see us. More Natlonal News On Page 10... In Memory of "Mac" Who Believed In . Human Rights For Everyone & Who Founded Justice Watch ... Because 'Everyone' included Prisoners and Former Prisonors . Ci~cinnati ­ (513)564-9856 E-Mail· jimmy_heath@juno.com Friends and Neighbors of Over-the-Rhine An Organization Seeking Justice for People in Cincinnati's Most Endangered Community Subscribe to STREETVIBESI For only $12 per year you can have STREETVIBES delivered to your home every month. National and local Stories on Issues regarding homelessness and the poor. News, Information, Personal Stories and more, written every month by homeless and formerly homeless persons... Send Check or Money Order for $12 to: Streetvibes C/O Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 �• STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 8 STREETVIBES INTERVIEW Donald Whitehead by: Lemuel Isreal SV: There are a lot of people who have been reading this paper for a while now and still don't know who Donald Whitehead is. They've seen your name in a lot of articles as author of those articles, yet know nothing of the regular columnist who they enjoy reading so much of. So, just for the record can you tell us what you do with the National Coalition for the Homeless? DW: The National Coalition for the Homeless? SV: What I mean is The Greater Cincin­ nati Coalition for the Homeless, which is a member of the National Coalition for the Homeless. DW: Well, basically, I'm just one of two staff people, I guess I have the final responsibil­ ity on all the projects we do here. Our educational projects, the coordination of services, and the advocacy projects that we do. It's my responsibility to make sure that they get done, basically. SV: You've been with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless now how long? Is it three years? DW: It's about three years. When I first began, I began as a vendor. I sold, at that time, The Homeless Grapevine. . SV: That is the same as the STREETVI BES of today? DW: Yes. SV: I notice that we always put on the paper, under the title, 'The Tri-State's Home­ less Grapevine. Now, who's idea was it to get the newspaper as a Cincinnati based opera­ tion? (Interviewer's Note: ThP STREETVIBES newspaper formerly known as the CINCIN NATI HOMELESS GRAPEVINE originated in Cleveland, Ohio as the HOME- ' LESS GRAPEVINE. With the help of the Cleveland editorial and production staff, Cincinnati now runs its own homespun street newspaper for the homeless. Thank you very much, Northeastern Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, for your tireless effort to bring a blaze of hope to us folks here in the South­ western Ohio Region!) DW: I would have to give the credit to Pat Clifford. SV: Pat Clifford is the person whose position you now hold, correct? DW: Yes, Pat held this position up until January fifth of this year. SY: What was your position with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless before you became the director of the opera­ tions here? DW: Well, basically my title then was Outreach Coordinator. I was pretty much in charge of all the projects that were outreach projects. The paper, and getting stories, actually putting the paper together was my responsibility. The talks, the TV show, and the radio show were all my responsibility. SV: So, you've actually been able to reach out to the community and inform all of us about the plight of the homeless as the Out­ reach Coordinator. How successful are these outlets you are speaking of? The STREETVIBES TV show, radio show and STREETVIBES street newspaper? DW: It's somewlhat put homelessness back on the radar screen. Other than some of the negative things that have been said on TV about the homeless, the true picture disap­ peared from the radar screen. As a matter of fact, when I got here, the ·office was basically an answering machine. So what we've done, and it's not just been me, it's been a variety of a lot of different people, is we've brought homelessness back to the front page. Aware­ ness of homelessness has increased. There's been a lot of people working hard for a lot of years to do things for the homeless, but there's been that sector of the population who did not get that message. I think what we've don~ is increase the ability for, not limited just portions of Cincinnati, but most of Cincinnati to know about homelessness. SV: That's the "Don" still not willing to toot his own horn but would rather give recognition out to everyone else, but I want to let you know that this man is a tireless worker who will sacrifice a lot of his leisure time working here in the office making sure ;he paper gets out on time, making sure people are contacted that need to be for whatever event that's going on. All in all, we do appreciate your attitude as far as the fact that this is a team effort and not a one man show. I need to let our faithful readers, listeners, viewers and supporters of STREETVIBES know that a lot of these activities that are being sponsored by the Coalition for the Homeless here in Cincinnati ar<.: being spearheaded by Donald. A lot of the r"ort that you see in the STREETVIBES newspaper comes from Donald Whitehead, whom I affectionately call "The Don". He is the ruler here. He's sitting on the throne and yet he's willing to share his seat with everyone who's willing to pitch in and get their hands dirty. This is truly a case in point where ". ..he who will be a servant of all will be the greatest of all." One of the things that I've constantly observed at Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is the sincere desire and effort of the volunteers who come in. Talk to us about your volunteer support group. DW: Well, we've had some wonderful volunteers! Just to name a few if I can: Kim­ berly T enni did a lot of volunteer editing for the first year, Katherine Sevantes who is one of our volunteer editors, Tammy Nettles who just started, Bod Holby, Becky Renaldo. All have come in and done volunteer work as far as editing. Although the ultimate responsibility has lain in my hands and Pat's (Pat Clifford) hands before, a lot of what happens with the paper as far as the editing and some of the typing that is done, a lot of the volunteers are responsible for a lot of the work that is done. And those are just some of the volunteers. There are a lot of volunteers from different agendes that also ar.e a big part of what we do nere. Jimmy Heath is a staff person now, but, during the first year of STREETVIBES he volunteered his photographs which .were a llig part of the paper. Bonnie Neumeier volunteers her time as a story writer and an editor. There's been countless others: Jennifer Summers, Andy Hutzle. We always get a couple of stories from the Welfare Rights Coalition. Some of the people in the live-in treatment program at the Drop-Inn Center. All of t hose people have..., you know, so it's not a one-man-thing. It's a lot of people working together. And nobody except myself gets paid for doing this paper so it is a big volunteer effort. So. Malaka Sanders I didn't .;ay, Ron Carter, Gregory Payton, I could name about seventy-five peo~le and you probably wouldn't have enough space in your article for seventy-five people but, ... SY: Well, that's just like you to continue giving credit .to whom credit is due. I'm sure that all of the people you've ~e-ntioned are appreciative of you recog­ n1z1ng them. Yet I know that this effort is not for gaining recognition for any specific individual. DW: Definitely not! SY: The whole Idea is.... , what do they say the definition of charity is? It is when some- one gives of themselves and doesn't expect anything in return. And that takes me to another point that I wanted to make that even goes beyond just the newspaper itself. You have many jobs here besides the newspaper and outreach programs going on now. The charity organizations in Cincinnati. My experiences with some of them have been genuinely very, very good. The effort that is being made by a lot of the nonprofit social organizations in Cincinnati, who are a part of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, can be categorized as being truly charity organizations because of the peoples efforts which are tirelessly and selflessly being continuously employed in constructive ways. However, I know that there's the downside. What I want to do before we get to the end of this interview is to see if we can come to some· solutions to the downside. First of all I was wonder­ ing if we could talk a little bit about the problems. There are some that I'm aware of and there are some that I know you are aware of more than I. My reason for putting some of these problems out here is that the readers of STREETVIBES need to know and see both the positive and the negative sides, as there may be someone out there who will be willing to pitch in and help bring about some of the solutions to the overwhelming problems we face everyday, concerning homelessness and �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Donald Whitehead, Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition fo,. the Homeless poverty in Cincinnati and all around America and yes, even around the world! My reasons for bringing up these problems is not to knock organizations, but that maybe we can put the problems out here where we can all see just what is going on. Then, through dialogue, as well as an active apprpach, we just may be able to solve some of these problems. One of the problems that is very, very evident is a lack of money. OW: Yes! SV: Can you address the state of affairs - concerning the finanCial situation that is going on with the Coalition as a whole and the limitations imposed due to the lack of proper funding? OW: Well, there are a lot of limitations and a lot of them are related to finances. First, you can never do as much as you actually want to do to help the homeless. You work within the realms of the constraints of your budget. There's a lot of programs that we would definitely like to implement however we don't have the funding to do them. Funding for all of our member organizations is drying up. There's welfare reform, there's public housing reform, basically most of the funders have their priorities mixed up. The funders I'm speaking of being the Federal Government's legislators have their priorities mixed up. Because of that, funding is being cut off in a lot of different places. And not only is funding being cut off, we've made some critical mis­ takes in housing. Legislation back in the early eighties with the Reagan administration stopped funding public housing. When you stop funding public housing you increase homelessness. When homelessness increased, when it became a big blip on the radar in the early eighties, we started putting money into shelters. However shelters aren't the answer. The answer is housing and supportive services. The biggest answer is to put money into housing even though we have to have shelters right now because the homeless population is increasing. We would definitely be better served to put money into housing. Until we start funding housing at the levels t hat hap­ pened before the Reagan administration we're going to continue to have a homeless problem. And not only do we need that housing, we also need supportive services. A lot of people, even if you gave them a house, wouldn't be able to get out of homelessness. That's a reality we have to face and sometimes we try to shy away from those realities. Because of some of the other conditions that they have, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and lack of education, those people need some other services. Until we start creating a model like some of the models that we have here, like the Recovery Hotel, the perfect model, and some of the exhale devel­ opment mentally challenging facilities which supportive services offer, until we start doing that on a regular basis, we're going to always have a homeless problem. Unfortunately, we're not going to see an increase in funding for that problem until we start seeing some kind of tragic occurrences. Until we start seeing families freezing outside, because that's who's being denied shelter right now, families! Until we start seeing a wholesale increase in crime, those priorities aren't going to change. What I'm basically saying, we won't get a change unless something horrific happens. That's an unfortunate reality. And that's what usually happens with social justice. SV: I 'have a question for you dealing with the employment situation. You look in the newspaper and you see a lot of jobs available. Why is it that we still have so much unem­ ployment? . OW: First of all, there's a misconception with unemployment because the unemploy­ ment statistics are statistics they use only for people that apply for unemployment. That's not actually how many people are unem­ ployed. The jobs we see in the·paper, ...there's a lot of barriers to those jobs. A lot of them are skilled positions, probably ... I don't know, maybe a third of them are skilled positions where you need more than just basic high school education just to do that job. You need some kind of other training or secondary skill. Another barrier is transportation. A lot of Page 9 those jobs are in Mason or Blue Ash or some other area where you can't get to through public transportation. That's why a lot of those jobs go unfilled. The other reason is basically most of those jobs that you see are service related positions that are generally low paying, generally have no benefits attached and generally have high turnover. A person can't survive on those types of jobs. Fair market rent in Cincinnati for a one bedroom apart­ ment is seven dollars an hour. Most service related jobs don't pay seven dollars an hour. While, they have jobs that provide minimum wage, what we need is livable wage jobs. SV: So your saying livable wage comes out to about seven dollars an hour. Is that for a single person you' re saying, or... OW: That's for a single person. SV: Just for a single person?! OW: Right! Fair market value for a three bedroom family is more like nine do llars an hour. So for a family... SV: That would be like a man and his w ife, and a boy and a girl? OW: Right. Or, even a woman and two children, or a man and two children, or a man, woman and one child. A three bedroom apartment, well, a man and two children of different sexes need separate bedrooms and he needs a bedroom or a family with enough children which requir~s three separate bed­ rooms. So, it would be a three bedroom home. That takes at least nine dollars an hour and over nine dollars an hour actually. That's what the fair market rent is. SV: That's the fair market, but they're not being very fair out here in the real world. OW: (Cynically laughing) Ha! SV: What hope do people have? While we're getting knocked off of welfare, without the hope of getting one of these seven dollar or nine dollar an hour jobs?! What hope do we really have?! Is there any shining light for the future? What I'm trying to ask, can you paint us a prettier picture than you're paintin' here? As far as for the numbers of people who are increasingly showing up in the soup kitchens and the homeless shelters? OW: Unfortunately, to paint a prettier picture would be deceiving because there is no pretty picture. This is reality! This is what's about to happen. This is what's happening! While people are being forced into jobs, those jobs aren't able to sustain them for any length of time at all. So those people that are being forced into those jobs are destined at some point in time to end up in a homeless shelter, or homeless and in the street or in a doubled­ up situation because they won't be able to afford the Housing. They can afford the housing for a short period of time, but sooner or later it just doesn't level out. They don't have en_ough money or they just have to sacrifice. They'll either have to pay the rent this month or eat this month. That's what people are being forced into. That's the real picture! That's reality! To be continued... Look for more of the Interview with Donald Whitehead In next month's issue of STREETVIBES. I I "I �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Urban Ministry's morning homeless facility­ now struggling to survive in a truck parked near the Transit center. More info: call Perusha at reports 650-843-0333 X3663. We need .to get Involved to make a difference. We, the people of America, want a better world to live in, but some of us have no interest in making this happen. If you want something you have to also give a little in order to get what you want. You do this by voting in the elections, attending open neighborhood meetings, responding to issues of concern from flyers given to us from street vendors or even through the mail. Our voices can be heard but we first have to speak out when given the opportunity to do so. Don't just sit around and think about what could have been if we had taken action: We can make the difference, so let's get together and take Spike Lee's advice and Do The Right Thing!! Ron Carter Natlonal News from page 7 (Callfornla) San Jose: Food Not Bombs successfully challenged a merchant/police smear campaign against the homeless on March 22nd, when they picketed the home of a resident whose quotes had been used by the San Jose Mercury News in a March 16th story; De Blackman ( St. James Square Neighborhood Association). The "round the bums up" story focused on St. James Park, where Food Not Bombs serves food in spite of police harassment, following complete fencing off of the downtown Cesar Chavez park and a misdemeanor downtown sitting ban {Steer Spirit 5/97). Food Not Bombs can be reached at: 408­ 257-9424 (contact: Lennox). Also fighting for shelters in San Jose is the Community Homeless Alliance Ministry (408­ 345-2353). Palo Alto: There has been only one ticket under the city's I 0-block sit/lie qan, according to Food Not Bombs worker Perusha Obluda-due in significant part to the large protest against the law at City Council and a candlelight civil disobedience on University Avenue last spring. Authorities in the city of 60,000 (with an estimated 150 homeless population) barred Victor Frost, a local homeless man, from setting up a weekend First Amend~ent camp­ out protest at City Hall in search of a city­ sponsored or tolerated campground. Low-key police pressure has apparently reduced the visible homeless population downtown. Rains and official indifference have washed away the San Francisco: Judy Appel, Coalition on Homelessness attorney, notes t hat the Parks and Recre­ ation Department has ste pped up pressure· on the homeless with daily sweeps in Golder\ Gate Park. Mayor Willie Brown's 'bumbasher' squad is giving its victims five minutes to move, or if they aren't on the site, t hey will take people's left-behind survival gear and discard it. Victims are responding with small claims and administra­ tive claims against the City. COH activists turned an anti-homeless attack on "shopping cart theft" in Supervisorial hearings by Supervisor Amos Brown into a partially­ successful proposal to Lucky's Supermarket to set up a donated shopping cart program for the poor. Police have reportedly slowed their seizure of homeless shopping carts, though Civic Center Parks and Recreation squads have stepped up. COH receives about I complaint a day about police tow-aways of vehicular residences, (i.e. vans and cars that folks use to sleep in), has approached the Police Commission to put a moratoriumon on the tows, and has asked the Mayor's qffice to set up a special permit program for folks to be able to stay in vehicles. COH has been in neg~tiations with the city since the fall of 1996 to use a lot where people in vehicles can have a community, secure some basic amenities, pay rent, and be free from police harassment. A Port of San Francisco site has been identified. Fall hysteria generated by Ken Garcia's Chronicle article denouncing the homeless in Golden Gate Park as arsonists, parolees, and drug users, has resulted in a fencing off of a portion of the park. Citations in the park have decreased, but citations of folks in nearby doorways has increased. No real discussion is happening in law-making circles of criminalizing the poor so COH has put forth a Covenant Campaign to neighborhood groups seeking other alternatives to addressing homelessness other than calling in the police. An emergency shelter in an industrial area of 400-600 beds was recently opened after N IMBY pressure closed three successful community shelters. Meanwhile the winter death toll has increased through the winter, in part because of the police policy of confiscating homeless prop­ erty. For info on the Covenant call COH at 4 15-346-3740. Candlelight vigil for police victim Mark Garcia, 7 pm Wednesday April 15 at 7PM at St. Peter's Church at 24th Steet and Alabama to support family and demand justice. • Buena Park (Southern California) Reverend Wiley Drake of the First Southern Baptist Church reports ground­ breaking for a church shelter there which finally secured a conditional use permit after a two-year fight with the city, in which he was jury-tried and found guilty of four misdemean­ Page 1o ors for housing homeless people in his church. Drake has refused to evict the homeless, though he has directed people not to sleep in their vehicles in the parking lot and use his church's indoor facility instead. The city's draconian sleeping ban (even on private property) has driven many homeless into unsafe places. Info: contact Drake at 7 14-552­ 720 1. ·san Diego Since March I5th.homelessness support­ ers have held a Vigil for Year Round Shelters outside City Hall seeking shelter for an esti­ mated 2000 homeless of San Diego's 4500 homeless population. Due to activist pressure, "illegal lodging" arrests under the arcane 1872 state misdemeanor law 647i-have been dropped. A hunger fast by Urban Safari's Larry Milligan shamed the city into opening two 24-­ hour restrooms, which it had refused to do in spite of years of urging. Forrest Curo's Street Light paper has been publishing monthly for over a year and covering local protests in vivid detail. Contact Street Light, 917 E San Diego 92 10 I ph: 619-338-9.081 Sacramento Loaves and Fishes is now feeding without harassment (Street Spirit 4/97), but new security guards hired by the city carry fire­ arms. The local homeless paper, Hom~e.ward 'is in its 5th issue. Eddie Harris of the Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee may be planning protests at the California's Homelessness and Housing Conference in early May against the City Council's new law barring the holding of "Will Work for Food" type signs on freeway entrance ramps. Call Harris at 1-9 16-442-7376 for more info. [Next month: Eureka, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, San Rafael, and Berkeley/Oakland + more!] Subscribe to Streetvlbes Subscr ipt ions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $ 12 pe r year. Please send a check to t he below addr ess a nd t he pa pe r will be m a ile d t o yo u each issue. St reetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable t o t he Gre ate r Cincinnat i Coalit ion for t he H o m eless--Streetvibes. If yo u have a ny quest io ns, call 421 - 7803 . �STREETVIBES TheTriState's Homeless Grapevine Streetvlbes Crossword Page 11 by Paul linden 1 "Welfare Polley... " from Page One urging the state legislators to make this policy change. This issue will be worked on at the next Sub-Committee on Child Care on April 7th, at 3 P.M. at 4Cs. WRC member Malaka Sanders com­ ments, "How does taking away childcare on a sanction help a family to "self-sufficiency? If the parent was working, they can't now; if they wern't, they can't start!" The HSPC has agreed to discuss includ­ ing domestic violence victims in an alternative work category. This issue will be discussed at the next HSPC meeting on Thursady April 23. We have advocated that domestic violence victims be placed in this category so their work requirement can be flexible. The "work" requirement could include getting abuse counseling and finding housing. 60 64 Answers to this month's puzzle on back page.. _.Indicates clues from March Issue Across 1. HOUSING PROVIDERS• 2. DOWNTOWN STREET 7. DOWNTOWN STREET 11 . MONTHLY EXPENSE 14. GUIDED 15. TOO 17. SHOCKING WATER SNAKE 19. BRIT STREET RAG • 21. POSITIVE EXPECTATION 22. RELIGIOUS SEASON 25. DOWNTOWN STREET 26. BROADWAY LANDLORD • 29. URBAN VERMIN 32. DOWNTOWN STREET 33. SPANISH GREETING 35. IRISH FATHER AFFECTIONATELY 36. KIND OF POWER BY 5 DOWN * 42. MOUTH PART 43. WESTERN STATE'S CAPITAL 45. DOWNTOWN STREET 46. REALLY WIDE SHOE 47. SIBLING'S DAUGHTER 48. STUBBORN EQUINE 49. FLIGHTLESS BIRD 50. EYE PART 51 . GERMAN RIVER 53. ESKIMO BOAT 55. DOWNTOWN STREET 57. PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRY 59. 2000 LBS. 60. ALIEN'S INITIALS 61. GOV. THOMPSON'S STATE • 64. FORMER W . GERMAN CAPITAL 65. UNIVERSITY'S NEIGHBORHOOD Down 1. PLWA RESIDENCE• 3. CELEBRATED 16YRS AT DIC• 4.... 5. STREETVIBES WRITER'S NICKNAME* 6. COLLECTED ANIMALS HOME 8. LYRICAL POEM 9. PRICE HILL CO-OP • 10. LONG-HAIRED OX 12. WHITEHEAD DREAMS AT THOUSAND FEET* 13. HEART OF IT ALL 16. KITCHEN 18. PERMITIED BY LAW 20. ATLANTA'S TIME ZONE 21. STREETVIBES PHOTOG • 23. HESTON'S GUNNERS 24. DOWNTOWN STREET 27. GLORIOUS GOAL 28. CLEVELAND STREET RAG* 30. BOOT BOTIOM 31. U.C. ANIMAL 34. FALSEHOOD 35. HOUSING LOSS • 37. METAL TELLER w Find these words in the puzzle: M A L p H 0 I T E G E G y E T s L A A s s s 39. MORE PAY 40. BEATS KING 41 . CLASS TALK 44. BEAT U.C. 48. XAVIER TEAM AFFECTIONATELY 52. INERT GAS IN COLORED LIGHTS 54. FLIGHTLESS BIRD 55. SLEAVELESS OVERSHIRT 56. MIDDAY 57. 2NDMO. 58. JUICE'S JUDGE 59. GRATUITY 62. _0NLY 63. BUSINESS GROUP (ABBR.) HSPC is also considering policy that would allow a recipient to quit a job before being fired,"Job quit versus job fire ." A firing is bad on a person's employment record and would hurt the prospect of getting another job. The WRC supports policy that would allow a recipient to quit a job if the job is not working out and not be sanctioned. Next meeting of the HSPC will be April 23, a Thursday, at I 0 AM. at the Hamilton County Department of Human Services. The meetings are open to the public. Scramble Search Word by Gregory Payton A D N u s c H u R c 0 R A B B L H I T 0 E G G s R C .A N D s B B R E G s T E K B I R T H L 0 0 F L 38. COFFEE POT B 0 E s v A E A B R D A y s I R p A Candy Colors Easter Eggs Basket Baseball Palm Sunday Birthdays Good Friday Passover White Rabbit Church April Fools by Ron Carter Try to unscramble these popular Movie related words: OULS ODOF YENOMATLSK MAOBR IWNST OCKYR OYRGL TITANCI OGDHTREFA ANTICTLA ITCY TTONAP Answers on page 15. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 12 Ravings of a Mad Womyn a monthly attempt to chip away at the rule of the Establishment by Ma/aka It seemed to the mad womyn that just the truism expressed in the title was more relevant than any book tide in popular culture (if middle class Black wimmin are, ''Waiting to Exhale" over some man, like Terry suggested, then their low-income sisters are in need of a good boo-hoo over what their families will be subjected to under the snatchin' of the safety net by high-income men...) The book.For Cryin~ Out Loud:Women's Poverty in the United States, edit.ed by Diane Dujon, a former welfare mama and welfare rights activist and Ann Withom, a professor ofsocial policy. is a collection ofessays by activists, economists,and experts from all over the country, with varied socioeconomic backgrounds, givingtheir very "radical" views about the welfare state: that every family has a right to eat,a place to stay.and enough resources to live in stabiftty; that government (especially in a capitalistic system that creates poverty) has a responsibility toaid low-income people; and that the interests of the workers at the bottom ( the parents raising children with governmentaid) are the same interests ofall workers. VVr""1 Most liberalswould agree with those first two points, butwhataboutthatlastone: what interests do the employed share with "WOmen"on" welfare? In fact,don't"they" undermine our interests? Rrst,a bit of history. The animosity between the employed and unemployed has notalways existed, in fact, it was paid workers, as early as the 30's that fought hard for benefits for both groups- to reduce their vulnerabilityto exploitation. As Diane Dujon wrote in her essay"We'reAll V\brlcers","The Great Depression served to edueate the suddenly unemployed working class to the fact that people are impoverished by outside forces that impact their lives. This universal understandingfoStered a change in the debate from blamingand reformingthevictim tothinkingabouthow to change the strucrures ofour society." It can't possibly besaid enough that the reason most peoples' real earnings (that is, how much can acrually be done with how much we make) continue to plummet in this country is because I 0% percentofthe population continues to hold 90% ofthe wealth- not because 5% of the population receives a negligible amount of aid (between 1­ 4% of the national budget- depending on if food stamps, subsidized housing and Medicaid are included and most folks in this population don't getall of these!). And which population does your government and mainstream media ...vorkfor? I'll give ya one guess. Allright, but some ofy'all are outthere sayin',"I have .children and I work. It's hard.but I manage". Sandy Felder, in her essay'Welfare:the basement of the wage scale" responds that while it is important for all to appreciate this sentiment, it is also important for the employed to fight the realfight, "the challenge is_to create a society where people can work and also care for their children...create well-paid jobs and also have health care and day care..." lsn'tthatwhatunionsfightfor? Here's somethin seemingly ironic the same attitudes faced by welfare rights activists,"They're tryin toget over on us","They'reaskingforto much" or"Why should they receive those benefits" are the same ones faced by, you guessed it, union organizers. In fact, in an economic climate where most employees are one or two checks away from needing aid themselves, Dujon asks,"Don't they know that sometimes it's your employer that decides whether or notyou applyfor welfare!' "What about unemployment?" you ask. well it has limits.To receive it you must make a certain amount, work a certa.in number of hours, and a certa.in length of time. So even though a significantamount of the workforce are low­ wage. part-time, or seasonal- too bad. Also, unemployment doesn't provide nearly~ much as what you were making did, regardless as to why you're unemployed. And of course. unemployment runs out- then what? Now ya know why some of us refer to welfare as a safety net: now the question is, who's ever really safe- so safe that you can watch it be dismantled? Welfare rightsactivists and conscientious union leaders around the country are fighting for compassionate reform because they,like Felder,realize that,"a rising tide raises all boats". Or, viewed in lightof the"reform",withou an insured basic livingstandard we 're all more vulnerable to exploitation by those at the top! This is class war plain and simple. and the fact that most low to middle income Americans are in solidarity with those at the top is simply a sad commentary on how pervasive the propaganda system (the media) is -WAKE UP!!! And when all ofus, as voters allow welfare to be cu thereby undermining our own wage base and standard of living. it sort of begs the question, "How low will we digou own basement?" Hope a storm doesn't come through ... (the book is ·available from South End Press at 1­ 800-533-8478. For more info about local welfare rights organizing.give us a call over at the Contact Center, 381­ 4242 or come to our monthly potluck. atnoon, the Ist Thursday of the month at 1641 Vine- see ya there...) Corrections: The book quoted in last month's "Ravings of a Mad Womyn" wasThe Celling ofAmerica Also,Joe Urgo's quote should have appeared as follows,"...when thousands of us vets read about imperial­ ism we knew what it was, because we did the murder, torture. and rape, and imperialism gave us the explanation why. Just like the Gls that went to Panama,the GulfWar, and Somalia...theytoo must figure it out. Many...talkabout imperialism...like it was a policy of the government, like somehow this government could decide not to be imperialist...NOT!Wake up and smash those illusions. In a world where the U.S. is the biggest among powerful nations, squeezing the life blood out ofoppressed peoples, U.S.troops will continue going'round the world and we will be complicit in our silence orour confusion. The local contact (or WAWAI is Sonny Williams at 241-8014.· Malaka can be reached by email at: homecoal@primax.net Jame.s James is a homeless man who is 40 years old. James was interviewed at the Mary Magdeline House on Main street in Over the Rhine. This division of the Franciscan at St. ·john provides a safe place to take showers and to wash clothes for homeless people. James described the current job market as improving after about three months of reduced job referrals from the temporary employment agency where he works. James has been living at the Drop In Center for about three months during this slow period but he said " I never give up because things will get better". " Most homeless people able to talk among themselves to share information about jobs and services. Most people think homeless people do not care about anything but this is not true"he said. Even though James 1-ias not had enough income to find decent housing he has re­ mained current on his child support payments. James also plans to be out of the Drop In Center in a few months. Written by Nathaniel Johnson, Streetvibes Intern I Remember Do you? •• by Gregory Payton Thirty years ago, April the 4, the plans were in the making for the Poor People's Campaign, a plan to help both needy white and black Americans. But that came to a halt because Dr. Martin Luther King was killed. Today I feel I know why and I would like to tell you about it. I am not a scholar or historian so you can relax, it's just my thoughts that I write about. D r. King was just a man but he had a conscious, he expressed what he thought out loud. It started with the bus boycott, after that he then went to jail in an attempt to end "Jim Crow" laws. Dr. King's actions helped to bring about desegregation . Next came the "Civil Rights Act". This was a law that would guaran­ tee equal rights for all citizens. regardless of the color of their skin. This includes the right to vote. Dr. King, with the help of many others- · white and black, was successful in changing the so called American Way . T he thing that strikes me the hardest is the fact that I can look back and see that the churches and schools were involved. Black and white college and high school students were involved. "These H~ro.e·s --w II Be The Students... " Martin Luther King I read a few things that I know Dr. King would want us to remember. Dr. King. you awoke a new spirit of social inquiry throughout the land to the benefit of all Americans. Never before in the United States had such a large body of students joined in a struggle. Dr. King wrote to his fellow clergymen from the Birmingham jail that one day the south will recognize the real heroes of the struggle for freedom. These heroes will be the students, young ministers, church elders and everyday people. These people helped carry our nation back to the great wells of democracy that were dug by the authors of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Today I wonder what the Poor Peoples Campaign was all about. In my heart I know that it must have been one of the greatest movements of all time. People from every race and denomina­ tion were joined together because they all felt that the change was needed. Dr. King prepared students to look at the needs of all people.. Sadly , I know it was inevitable that some people would target Dr. King for death be­ cause of the movement he was leading. I also look at others that had to die through con­ spiracy like Malcolm X, the Kennedy's and buddy gray. All these people stood for the people. It makes me wonder where did all the students go that would be ready to make social change. What are they teaching the children about the poor and homeless. I remember, Do You?. �-----------------------~----~----------------------------------------~--- ­ STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 13 Cleveland's Homeless Grapevine Cuyohoga County from Brian Davis, of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Cuyohoga County will be signing its Partnership Agreement with the Ohio Depart­ ment of Human Services on the last week of March. Cuyohoga's welfare plan includes a mandate that all applicants have a drug test within 90 days of applying for assistance. If they are unwilling to comply. to a drug test, they will not be able to.get Ohio Works First . assistance in Cuyohoga County! Cuyohoga County also plans to count the months that a household is under sanction as part of their time clock ticking on welfare. In one month alone in 1998, Cuyohoga County sanctioned 1500 households! Of those households, 1400 have not returned to Ohio Works First. Mark your calendar now for the OEC Statewide Grassroots Welfare Empowerment Conference: MAY 15th & 16th, Columbus, OH. The Conference will have informative workshops, great speakers, and entertain­ ment! A brochure will be sent to you soon. For more information call the OEC rep. in your area. .Trubull County Welfare Rights Coalltlon by Geneva Reid The Trumbull County Welfare Rights Coalition held "Welfare Reform Round Table II" on March 20th. They had very good attendance. A lot of information on Ohio Works First and the EBT card was given out. Panelists included Jerry Vandegrift of Trumbull County Department of Human Services JOBS Program, Jean Maurice of the Department's Income Maintenance, Dan Subula of the Department's EBT card, and Pat Duricy of Northeast Ohio Legal Services. The next Round Table will be April 7. Trumbull County will be one of the last counties of Ohio to convert over to the EBT card. Trumbull County will also be one of the last counties to complete a Partnership Agree­ ment with the Ohio Department of Human Services. Geneva ~eld a meeting with Trumbull County Commissioner Michael O 'Bryan to discuss when Trumbull County will complete its county welfare plan. She plans to be included on the Trumbull County Human Services Planning Committee when it is formed. Ohio Works -first Levies Sanction Agal~st Fa ml lies by: Jean £ laddi e OWF recipients receive a" Sanctions" notice from the Department of Entailment and Employment Services. It explains that some sanctions are assessed on a three-tier sched­ ule. The first time someone in the family does not comply with a requirement, a family will their OWF check and can lose their cash benefits and possibly foodstamps , for at least three months. If there is a third violation, the family loses it's cash benefits and possibly its foodstamps for at least six months. In addi­ tion, adults may be ineligible for Medicaid. The letters detailing the sanction at this time do not mention the status of Medicaid or other non-cash assistance. Many sanctioned households assume that a sanction means all benefits are cut, which is not usually the case. The three-tier punishment method is .disregarded if a family member quits their job. Under the sanction rules, if any adult who is required to work quits their job " without just cause" the entire family will lose their cash benefits, and possibly foodstamps, for six months. This six-month sanction will occur even if the violation was the family's first. The Department of Human Services is also requiring a drug screen within the first 90 days of applying for cash assistance. If they test positive they will be given treatment. If they refuse treatment they will be sanctioned. At this time, the family is punished - twice when they are sanctioned. A family can only receive assistance 'for 36 months in their lifetime. When a fami ly is sanctioned the clock continues to tick. A fam ily that receives a six month sanction will also lose six months of Ohio Works First (OWF). which replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), is Ohio's latest attempt at reforming welfare. Although rules for welfare have changed repeatedly over the past year, this latest law went into effect October I, 1997. In addition to new rules, Ohio Works First creates stiff penalties for families, called sanctions. A sanctions is punishment for not complying with the new Ohio Works first requirements. Under the new rules, an entir:e family will be sanctioned if any member of that family fails to comply with requirements that are set forth by the department of Employ­ ment and Entitlement services. For example, Julia and her two children were penalized when her husband refused a II n work assignment. The family had no car and, since they lived in Medina county which has no public transportation, getting to work was hard. Julia walked to her job as a janitor, but her husbands job was farther away and he could not find a way to work. Julia's entire family lost their cash OWF benefits. Julia was told that the benefits would not be reinstated until the "total household was in compliance" or one month whichever was longer. In order to be eligible for public assistance benefits, each adult or minor head of household must sign the Ohio Work first Participation Require­ ment contract. The contract requires OWF recipients to work or volunteer at least 30 hours per week in order to keep their public assistance - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - , benefits. The contract stresses that any work or volunteer absences must be for "good cause", must be reported within one hour, and ·the reason for the absence must be documented in writing. Failure to do any of these, will result in a sanction. Sanction also result when OWF recipient miss a meeting with their caseworker, or for not complying com­ pletely with child support require­ ments. One individual's family was sanctioned for quitting a job without just cause. He was burned at the fast food store that he was working at. He claimed that it was unsafe working conditions. The fast food shop refused to comment for fear of a worker's comp~nsation claim, and so the Department of Human Services declared the indi­ vidual had quit w ithout just cause and he was sanctio ned. Sanctions... continued on page 5 Answers to Streetvlbes Crossword From Page 11... i I �STR EETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page J4 Two-Way Vine Divides Neighborhood Two-Way Vine Street Conversion Raises Concerns Among Residents And The Over-The-Rhine Community Council Slot}' and Photo by Jimmy Heath In March of 1974, Richard Winbush was struck down w hile walking on a green cross­ walk light by a car that also had a green light. This accident occurred at the infamous "Five Points Corner" {Findlay, McMicken and Vine). Richard Winbush spent almost two years at General Hospital .and eventually died from complications due to the accident. That intersection, with mis-timed lights, had taken many victims. A movement to change Vine Street in order .to make it safer for the neigh­ borhood began with that incident 25 years ago: Vine Street was made one-way, Five Points Corner improyed somewhat, new traffic lights were installed, and most crosswalks in Central Over-T he-Rhine were repainted. As it stands, Vine Street today is still dangerous: Many trucks use Vine Street as a thoroughfare to Liberty Street arid eventually 1-71. Many cars pass through Central OTR from Downtown Cincinnati to points north during rush hour. It is a continuing challenge to keep our school-going children, seniors and disabled persons safe while crossing this busy street. Developers and some landlords want to return Vine Street to two-way under the guise of economic development. Some business owners on Vine Street have been convinced by these developers that Vine Street operating 'two-way' will be good for their businesses. On the other hand, some might argue that conges­ tion is not good for business; "If I need to travel from point A to point B, I'm not going to go out of my way to get stuck in traffic. And I'm not going to pullover and go shopping if I'm stuck in traffic," says one commuter. "If I really need to travel by car to Downtown, I'll use 1­ 71, Reading Road or Central Parkway. I'm not going to use a congested Vine Street through . Over-The-Rhine." Because of a myriad of physical restric­ tions on· Vine Street, many on-street parking spaces will have to be given up and used to accomodate traffic flow for a two-way conver­ sion. Police and Fire services have also ex­ pressed some concern over the two-way plan because the movement of emergency vehicles may be difficult. And the City's Traffic Engi­ neering Department feels that given present day traffic flow, congestion is inevitable. Problems include the halting of traffic for left.­ hand turns. Statitics show that busy two-way traffic in a residential/business thouroughfare will also result in more automobile accidents and increased danger to pedestrians. A signifi­ cant number of bus stops along present day Vine Street will have to be eliminated because of parking restrictions during peak hours and the necessity for maintaining loading zones for trucks. Public transportation (buses) for low­ income persons, senior citizens and school children is important and necessary to the neighborhood of Over-The-Rhine. Also, are taxpayers willing to continue to subsidize business interests in OTR? Who will pay for this street conversion other than this City's taxpayers? Is this expensive conversion also good for the taxpayer living, working and shopping in another community? Another aspect is the result of the change on other neighborhood businesses on adjoining streets in OTR, especially the Findlay Market area. If the theoretical Two-Way Vine is good for Vine Street business, wouldn't that diminish busi­ ness opportunities on adjoining streets? A recommendat.ion in a report by the Urban Land Institute, a Washington DC based­ urban development think-tank, started the recent debate over the Two-Way Vine initia­ tive in a report to the City. (The Urban Land lnsitute group flew in for a one week stay at an expensive downtown hotel, gave a cursory glance to the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, and submitted a report on how to 'improve' the neighborhood of OTR, which included a recomendation to convert Vine Street to two­ way). Another report, developed and written in 1995 and initiated by the City's Public Works Department to look at this issue, was completed by an independent consultant hired by the City, to determine the feasibility of the conversion of Vine Street to two-way. The report determined that a two-way conversion would not be a good idea: the change " ...will also result in more accidents, more congestion, less curb side parking, and an increase in the potential for more pedestrian accidents. At the same time this analyses could not verify the effects of street direct!on on business and economic development opportunities." [Pflum, Klaumeier and Gehrum Consultants, Inc.] This extensive report was rejected by our City Council, and the Public Works Department was ordered to come up with alternatives once again for looking at the issue of convert­ ing Vine Street to two-way. Late in 1997, a Vine Street Task Force was formu lated, composed of Vine Street residents, business owners and concerned citizens. Task Force members were given the job of looking at the issue again and formulating a plan that would find a way to make a two-way conversion. Many Task Force members were led to believe that they would be given a chance to lo~tl the alternatives for Vine Street including keeping it one-way. But the meetings contin­ ued to center around how two-way Vine alternatives could be implemented. Keeping Vine Street one-way as a safety or tax-sav· measure was not considered as e alternative to the ~ s Force members were direct-e-d-roTook only at two-way alterna­ tives. Although the Task Force members were in agreement over making Vine Street safer for neighborhood residents and traffic, while keeping costs of improvments within reason, some of the Task Force business representa­ tives rejected Vine Street as it is today. And the City representative made it clear that looking at alternatives to one-way was the only purpose of the Task Force. One Task Force member resigned because he felt that he was there only to rubber stamp decisions that were going to be made regardless of the Task Force recommendations. He felt that residents on the Task Force were there only to appease neighborhood objections to a two-way con­ version plan, and that he was, along with other residents on the Task ~orce, only tokens. The Over-The-Rhine Commun ity Council has continued to make it clear that it is opposed to the conversion of Vine Street fo r the many reasons given previously. Residents fearing this loss of a voice on the Task Force as to how their neighborhood should be treated in regards to this issue recently began a campaign to make City Council aware of its objections to two~way Vine. Petitions and flyers have been circulating around the OTR neighbor­ hood rallying support for keeping Vine Street as it is today: One-Way. Some business-interest Task Force members have managed to come up with an idea for a two-way alternative despite neigh­ borhood and resident objections.The Public Works Department will submit a proposal to City Council sometime early this summer. �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine ANNOUNCING A new Group at AVOC... For Heterosexuals living With Aids M. 0. M. S. Are you looking for a broader knowledge of the challenge of living with HIV/AIDS? Would you /Ike lo meet people who share similar experiences and hear their coping strategies? Are you looking' for peers with who ou can discuss and plan for the future? Page 15 Dear Homeless... by Myron Dear Home less...acce pts letters. Please Mothers Of Murdered Sons need send your questions to: your help. There is 80% starvation Myron in Haiti! Non-perishable food c/o Streetvibes I506 Elm Street items are needed for Haitian COME MEET WITH US STARTING ON C incinnati, OH 45210 Children and families. No dona­ ~/!B We will attempt to answer all letters in tion too large or small. Monetary Where: AVOC "Gray Room " time ly manner. donations are also needed. Call When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays 351-7854 for more information. 6:30 PM lo 8:PM a More Information: Susan or Judy 421­243 Ba n d Looking 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 Renr and other non-personal items. T he rate is only $1 per line, approximately four words per line. Classified ads are due by the 20th of the month. People below the poverty level will be allowed five free lines for six months to advertise their skills or products to our readers. Otherwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there i:-. an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 Scramble Answers from page 11••. Soul Food Money TalkS Rambo Twins Rocky Glory Titanic God Father Atlantic City Patton for sale N a tive America n cookies; orders being accepted: R. C. Janus. (Fax) 891-8663. position wanted Office worker seeks 20-30 hour sit down job on bus line, within 2 miles of the river in either Kentucky or Ohio; non-medical terminology. non-filing cabinet office work; social services. sales. public Information , crafts, and other background, some computer experience; contact Box 2, Streetvibes, 1506 Elm St., Cincinnati, 45210. Laborer Looking for a laborer! Has worked at Riverfront. Is will ing to do any kind of work. Call Sonia Craig at the Drop In n Center, 721­ 0643. Elderly or C h ildren Looking for a community oriented job dealing with elderly or children. 3 year ourteach worker/ counselor aide at YMCA. 13 years typ ing. Computer and cashier experience including Windows, Lotus. Any Word Processor. Cal l Anjail Madyun at the Drop Inn Center:-n1 -Oo4r. Degreed, s u ccessful grant s administrator/ writer seeks commissioned, free lance position as same; ten percent commission per award. Contact J. Janus, Jr. (Fax) 891-8663. N ative Am erican­ Hispanic female seeks sit down, slow-paced · industrial FACTORY position; physically challenged. (Fax) 891­ 8663 . STRE.E.TVIBE.S provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only$ I per line. Call 421-7803 for info. Straetvlbes Vendor c·ode of Conduct Each vendor has to sign the following code to be able to sell the paper. l. Streetvibes will be distributed for a $1 voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $1. I also understand that l 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. l agree that l will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that l will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. l agree to treat others with respect. l 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 l am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that l am collecting for the "homeless" in general. l will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or former ly home less. To help in this effort, l will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. l understand that the fai lure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no long~r being able to distribute Streetvibes. ' Sales Representative Looking for position as sales re presentative 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 552-9351. &.ttaw:ant W ork Responsible older man able to work any shift.. Has had experience as a cook and as a janitor. Would prefer work as a busser at a restaurant as well as work as a dishwa.s her or cook. Is very dependable and avai lable immediately. Please contact Wiley Powell at 831 -8 404. office hours and name of law school on letterhead paper to I I 11 Elm Street. No. 432, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Streetvlbes 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, Pat Clifford, Gregory Payton and Donald Whitehead. 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, April I lth. 1998, noon to l pm Advertise In Streetvlbesl 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" $1 0 per month Two Business C ard Size 4" x 3 112" $20 p er month 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 tion at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 452 10 -- �STREETVI BES The Tri State's Hom eless Grapevine Vendor Proflle: Terrlal Pratcher Streetvlbes TV The Streetvibes TY 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. T errial has been a regular vendor for Streetvibes since July of '97. She is the mother of six children and one on the way. T errial graduated from W ithrow High School in 1981. She is a former resident of the Drop Inn Center. T errial says she was formerly chemically dependent and has been clean now for a year. Hang in there Terrial, keep up the good work. We can always count on Terrial to stop by the office at least two or three times a week to pick up more Streetvibes to sell and she is pretty good at it too. She always comes in to the office with a big smile on her face and in a hurry to get more Streetvibes out to her customers. I had to almost tie her down to get this profile on her as she has a lot of energy. Well Terrial, we hope you have a happy and healthy baby. Al~o. we hope all of your goals and dreams come true. Don't give up the ship, Terrial! Page 16 Streetvlbes TV Apr/I Schedule This month's LIVE show address issues of Welfare Reform... Channel I0 (rebroadcast)s Saturday, April 4, 1998, 4 PM Friday, April I0, 1998, 11 am Friday, April 17, 1998, I I AM Monday, April 27, 1998, I0 PM Saturday, April 25, 1998, 4 PM If you have any ideas for future STREETYIBES TY 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... Streetvlbes Wish List Streetvibes is published monthly on a shoe­ string budget. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If you can help out with some of the items on our wjsh list please give us a call... >Adobe Photoshop Software for IBM to save scanning costs >Computer Monitor Channel 7 LIVE Monday. April 20. 1998 7 PM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ consult your local TY directory. >VCR to Show Streetvibes TV Show Episodes to Groups >Volunteer Copy Editors and Stories >Advertisers to help supp~rt the paper > Fax Machine r >Decent Typwriter Vendor: 80 cents >Computers for Streetvibes layout and writing C a ll 42 1-7803 if you can he lp! Printing and Streetvibes has a minimal Production: 20 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. Thanks for your support. 8 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 omen and Child ren Alice Paul House (abuse) 241-2757 YWCA Transitional Living Program 28 1-5770 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 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (singles) Friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) 761-1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center St. John's Temporary Housing HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies (Mental 111) Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: W o m e n O.D.A.A.T First Step Home T REATMENT: Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over T REATMENT: Both NA Hopeline A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary OTHER SERVICES AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 244-7226 961-4080 651-6446 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 369-0004 381-0954 721-8666 961-4555 241-7343 921-7324 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 421-2437 621 -5991 Beech Acres 23 1-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside 961-0600 Cincinnati Health Network 569-1840 Community Action Agency 381-4242 Contact Center 241-25 63 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. 271-550 I 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way 559-6656 VA Homeless 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 April 1998 Vol 2, Issue 15 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Page 1: Welfare Policy Changes Are Encouraged OEC Calls For Emergency Repeal of Sanctions Page 2 Walled Community Page 3 Homeless Dog Shelter Recovery Page 4 Native-American Struggle Page 5 HCHSUpdate Page 6 Word On The Street Page 7 Nationwide Page 8 Interview Page 10 Editorials Page 12 Mad Womyn Page 13 Cleveland News Page 14 Vine Street Debate Page 15 Classifieds 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 April 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ron Carter Brian Davis James Heath Andy Hutzel Lemuel Israel Berta Lambert Paul Linden Judith Mendriski Patrick Mosolf Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders The Shadow Donald Stark Penelope Welz Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams 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>. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF addiction Andy Hutzel Berta Lambert Brian Davis Donald Stark Donald Whitehead Gregory Payton James (Jimmy) Heath Judith Mendriski Lemuel Israel Lynn Williams Mad Womyn Malaka Sanders Mark Salter Native American Patrick Mosolf Paul Linden Penelope Welz Ron Carter The Shadow the visible homeless vendor profile welfare reform