7 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/2d24a43b74bc48afc72afe2d1b9c5d3b.pdf 4548fe2167aac151925a7c6b2b5434e7 PDF Text Text December 2005 STREETVIBES woman direct her question to me and what was it about that Kroger she disliked so much. Was it the selection or the poor lighting, or simply as she asked “the people asking for money outside?” Yes, I would not direct my distaste for SHOP... Cont. on Page 10 photo by Kelly Carr walked out of the store thinking about the interaction. I admit the Kroger on McMillan has no by Kelly Carr selection and the building could use a facelift but I was waiting in the checkout line at I would not direct my distaste for that particular Kroger when this bubbling smiling white lady in a Kroger on the folks loitering outside. So I fur coat bounces up to me with a beaming smile wondered why did this wealthy looking white and asks, “Don’t you just hate this Kroger?” Looking around to see whom she is talking to, I realized she was addressing her question to me, the only other white woman in the store. The Kroger she was referring to is on McMillan Avenue by Peebles Corner and I was a bit taken back by her question. She asks, “Did I scare you?” I said no, but mentioned I didn’t understand her question. She then asks, “Well, don’t people ask you for money outside?” Was she referring to panhandlers? I was immediately disturbed, considering how well she was dressed and considering her disgusted facial expression as she asked the question, I was offended. I replied, “No one has ever asked me for money outside, but corporations ask me for money everyday. I feel harassed more so by advertisements than panhandlers and I would rather give an individual a couple dollars than support the exploitation of millions for cheap plastic crap.” The well-dressed white woman did not say anything to me after that and I Shop This Extreme Poverty and Homelessness in Nicaragua by John Lavelle There’s a sign on a wall just off the road as you near La Chureca, the municipal garbage dump in Managua, Nicaragua, in the heart of Central America: it reads “Prohibido Botar Basura – Alcaldia de Managua” (“It is prohibited to litter – Mayor of Nicaragua). After my friend Bill points it out to me we cannot help but chuckle a little bit. That very street is lined with massive amounts of garbage, mainly the result of being jettisoned off the trucks meant to contain it as they enter the dump. We walk down a couple of streets in the northwestern edge of Barrio Acahualinca, the impoverished neighborhood that borders the dump, taking a look at where people live and the high volume of trash and sewage running down the middle of the street, just trying to observe and soak in the atmosphere. Finally, we decide to head over to the entrance of the dump, not really knowing what to expect, but hoping for something to grasp on to. There are pockets of gangs that periodically occupy the road as we pass; I thank God that Bill, my six foot, nine inch compañero is accompanying me. Then I wonder why fear is my natural reaction. After all, I am not entirely familiar with their situation; why do I automatically assume that I am in some kind of danger? Have I already judged them and deemed them a threat to me based upon the fact that they have little money, look differently than I do, and gather together on a street corner? Isn’t that the very reaction to the people in the inner city of my home, a reaction that I have come to greatly resent? Being consciously aware of this, I try to look at the situation from a new perspective. We stop at the top of the hill leading down to the dump, unsure of how to continue or if doing so would even be a good idea. Bill and I make small talk with the guys our age, who are throwing rocks into a mango tree, trying to prematurely jar loose a few pieces of fruit, a few pieces of food. They seem pretty friendly and just carry on with us, asking us the usual questions as we exchange similar small talk with them. This is where Juan enters my life. We are talking to the security guard about his work there and his perceptions, when a young man, a resident and worker in the dump by his appearance, offers to show us around. In response to our glances of uncertainty, the guard assures us that the dump is safe – easy for someone with a double-barrel shotgun to say – and we begin to follow our new compañero to the entrance of the dump. After introducing himself as Juan Francisco, a worker in the dump Nicaragua Cont. on page 8 Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director Allison Leeuw -Administrative Coordinator Monique Little - Education Coordinator Kelly Carr - VISTA Andy Lawrence - AHA Coordinator John Lavelle - VISTA Mary Gaffney - Reception Melvin Williams - Reception Susan Smith - Volunteer Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor Photography Kelly Carr, Jimmy Heath, John Lavelle Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org Page 2 Neighborhood Schools, Children and Citizens The idea of a new arts school than building a new structure in an Need Respect located close to Music Hall in Over­ undesirable area. Relocating the the-Rhine came from Erich Kunzel, by Jimmy Heath conductor of the Cincinnati Pops The Cincinnati Public School Orchestra and a longtime supporter board is wasting millions of local of SCPA. taxpayer dollars on Over-the-Rhine Meantime, there continues to public school relocation and land be backing by supporters and 3CDC purchases. to move the SCPA nearer to Music The latest plans call for Hall, which is pushing Washington streamlining and Park Elementary reconstruction of Overfurther away from the the-Rhine neighborhood Washington Park/ schools as part of a plan Music Hall area of restructuring headed 3CDC has said it will up by the non-profit help provide a new Cincinnati Center City location for Development Washington Park Corporation (3CDC). Jimmy Heath School south of Over-the-Rhine Liberty Street on schools need attention and our property now occupied by 22 children deserve state-of the-art buildings known as Mercer facilities. But there are problems and Commons. Police reports show that continuing conflicts. Recent plans call the Mercer Commons area is one of for another school for Washington the worse for crime. But Steven Park Elementary but not at its Leeper, CEO of 3CDC, says that he planned location on the south side of is not sure that this is a fact. The Washington Park in OTR bordering police reports for the area show Central Parkway. Last year otherwise. The stats show that this designers/architects had come up area is much more dangerous and with a plan and detailed drawing of crime ridden than the present location the new school on Central Parkway, in the Washington Park area. but now, thanks to 3CDC, this plan is Another problem with these shelved and the study has become plans, say parents and neighborhood wasted money. residents, is that all of this has gone There is over $30 million on behind closed doors, with no dollars going into the new School for public input about the future of the the Performing and Creative Arts, schools and opportunities for our (SCPA) now located in the old kids. Walter Reinhaus, president of Woodrow School on Sycamore in the OTR Community Council said, the eastern area of Over-the-Rhine “To do this right, CPS has got to now known as Pendleton. involve more voices than just 3CDC The private money raised will and they haven’t been, especially go toward the development and since they decided not to pursue construction of a combined home for fixing up Rothenberg.” the School for Creative and Presently, the old Rothenberg Performing Arts (SCPA) and Schiel School, just north of Liberty, stands Primary. The facility for 1,350 vacant. The school is quite students would include improved substantial in size and has the ability classrooms, and specialized space for to provide adequate parking. There practice, performances and displays. is room for a green space and there is The new building would replace a playground and basketball court SCPA on Sycamore Street, now nearby. serving grades 4-12 and located in The historic Rothenberg Over-the-Rhine, and Schiel, now School would require extensive rehab serving kindergarten through third but it would be cheaper for taxpayers grade and located in Corryville. school to the Mercer Commons area, as proposed by 3CDC would require the demolition of 22 historic buildings, most of which are housing, in addition to the construction cost of a new school building on the site. Rehabbing the old Rothenberg School would save taxpayers an estimated 8 to 20 million dollars. There is no reason that an historic building like the now-closed Rothenberg School should go undeveloped and made into a stateof-the-art facility for Over-the-Rhine children. But the Cincinnati School Board has committed itself to the 3CDC plan of relocating the school to the Mercer Commons area and has no plans for Rothenberg School. They are not concerned about the demolition of historic buildings and apparently no concern for the spending of taxpayer dollars. The CPS has already committed nearly 4 million dollars to the Mercer Commons relocation plan. The buildings were bought from John Barrett, Chairman of Western & Southern and a 3CDC board member. The current plans for Over­ the-Rhine schools is bad for taxpayers, bad for the neighborhood and bad for our kids. Certainly, they are not listening to the citizens – the parents of our neighborhood children. Ken Jones, an architect & OTR resident says, “They sold it [Mercer Commons] to the school board for $4 million claiming that’s the amount of money they had in it. Well that may be what they had in it, but it didn’t add anything to the value of these buildings, so in my estimation the school board paid more than it’s worth.” Pendleton residents say the school board is making bad decisions about a school relocation that will drastically change the neighborhood, ignoring citizen inputs and conducting private negotiations with private groups behind closed doors. Write Jimmyheath@yahoo.com The now abandoned Rothenberg School on Main Street in OTR Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expression of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Jimmy Heath Madison’s newest print publication, Homeless Cooperative, has been available for about a month, its vendors working from the corners of various intersections along State Street. The paper has received quite a bit of press attention, a testament to the promotional efforts of its creators to build community awareness about their project. A Madison ordinance, passed just three months ago, essentially precludes legal panhandling in downtown pedestrian areas. There is also a rigorous regulatory system in place which restricts street vending in high-traffic downtown areas to “handmade goods.” How, then, are Homeless Cooperative hawkers able to legally distribute their paper on State Street? The panhandling ordinance was sponsored and shepherded through passage by downtown Madison Ald. Mike Verveer, who doesn’t think the ordinance “will come into play at all.” However, the city’s vending ordinances for State Street and other areas of the Mall Concourse specify that the sale of only handmade items is allowed (per a specific set of licensed conditions). According to Warren Hansen, the city’s street vending coordinator, the Homeless Cooperative doesn’t fit. “A newspaper is not a handcrafted item; it’s mass produced,” Hansen says. Hansen points to an email he sent two months ago about this issue as the best synopsis of the city’s regulations. It’s a response to a question from a State St. patrol officer regarding the legalities of selling the Homeless Cooperative on the street. “What most of our officers try to do is to try to remind people of what the ordinances are,” says MPD Capt. Mary Schauf of the Central District. “The reality is that we all have times when sometimes it’s nice to get the helpful reminder from the officer or whomever. Obviously if the behavior continues, the expectation would be that the officer takes an enforcement action. The officers have the discretion to give a warning, but in the long run we have an expectation that the public complies with our ordinances.” Beyond the regulatory specifics, Mall Concourse vendors need to be licensed by the city, as well. And “to my knowledge,” the organizers of the Homeless Cooperative “have not applied for a license,” Hansen says. Mel Motel, one of three editors in chief at the Homeless Cooperative, says the group that organized the paper “had a couple meetings with Warren Hansen. We ascertained that since we have ‘$1 donation accepted’ on the banner, as long as vendors aren’t saying anything explicitly” about selling the paper, it would be no problem. It appears, then, that the city is treating the Homeless Cooperative in much the same way as the Socialist Worker and street musicians. But will the typical State St. pedestrian view it similarly, given the marginalization of the homeless? What if someone claimed “donation accepted” is tantamount to panhandling? The Dallas City Council postponed a vote last month to hire an architectural firm to design the homeless assistance center that voters just approved. Mayor Laura Miller asked the council to delay the vote because homeless czar Mike Rawlings had to go out of town and could not attend the meeting to answer questions about the project. The council scheduled a Dec. 5 briefing on the proposed $1.6 million contract to hire Camargo Copeland Architects of Dallas to design the facility in the southeastern part of downtown. Council member Bill Blaydes said Tuesday that he would not support the contract because he wants the council to move the project out of downtown. The council voted on the downtown location in April. Council member Mitchell Rasansky said he wanted to move ahead now that voters approved $23.8 million in bonds for the facility on Tuesday. “We’ve come such a long way on this. I’d hate to see it postponed more,” he said. Ms. Miller agreed. “We’ve got to get this moving forward,” she said. In Chicago VA officials estimate there are 93,000 homeless veterans and Illinois has the nation’s third-largest population of homeless vets, about 20,000. A lot of them are there in Chicago. Last month, officials from several veterans’ organizations were trying to get as many as they can to the Chicago Armory at 1551 N. Kedzie. In Las Vegas area homeless people were offered a range of free services - from medical and dental checkups to haircuts, legal help and voter registration. The annual one-stop event was called Las Vegas Stand Down for the Homeless. About 200 volunteers, more than 40 social service agencies, and doctors, nurses and medics from the Nevada National Guard were on hand. Judges from several local jurisdictions also were there to hear misdemeanor cases and process warrants for nuisance crimes like trespassing and loitering. The event was organized by the Southern Nevada Homeless Coalition. Event Chairman Brian Brooks says he thought drew as many as one-third or more of the valley’s estimated eightthousand homeless. In San Francisco John Panzer, once homeless, sat in his room in the Empress Hotel in this city’s seedy Tenderloin district with the prince of Wales and the duchess of Cornwall, who have several homes. Talk turned from the plight of the homeless to fear of flying. “Are you going back today?” Panzer said he asked the couple. “Camilla said ‘Yes, and it’s a long flight, and I really don’t like to fly,’ “ said Panzer, 42, a former fundraiser for nonprofits who fell into the grip of crystal methamphetamine and lost his home and his job. “I said, ‘Charles, put the lady on a boat.’ He tapped me on the arm and said, ‘Well, we had a boat, but they took it away from us.’ “ Panzer grinned, still savoring his surreal moment as he stood under the awning of the Empress Hotel, so nattily dressed in a dark suit and tie that some reporters had initially mistaken him for part of Charles’ entourage. “Here I am, formerly homeless, a recovering drug addict, chatting with the prince and the duchess,” Panzer said. On a crisp sunny Tuesday, Charles and Camilla finished the West Coast leg of their eight-day American sojourn with a visit to the hotel, a 90-unit facility where subsidized rooms as well as on-site medical help and counseling have been made available to those leaving shelters. After an hour long morning visit with residents, the couple left San Francisco with their 16-member entourage and some members of the British press on a chartered 757 jet. It’s unlikely that Charles and Camilla, who spent the previous two nights staying at the Fairmont Hotel, had any encounters with San Francisco’s truly homeless, who can be aggressive panhandlers. (An anti-panhandling initiative that outlaws the practice in certain areas passed here in 2003.) About 6,200 people here are homeless, according to Trent Rhorer, director of the city’s Human Services Agency. Prince Charles, who heads up the Prince’s Charities, a collection of 16 nonprofit organizations, has been involved in issues of homelessness and has encouraged businesses to take a role in helping the homeless transition into the work force. The prince “wanted to see a cutting-edge place” designed to help the homeless, said Marc Trotz, director of Housing & Urban Health for the city and county of San Francisco. New York City and state officials announced last month that they had committed $1 billion to build subsidized housing with on-site social services for the mentally ill and other populations at risk for becoming homeless. The money will be spent over 10 years and will go toward building or renovating 9,000 apartments in the city alone, officials said. The announcement, coming one day before Election Day, appeared timed to benefit Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has been aggressively wooing liberal supporters of his Democratic rival, Fernando Ferrer. (Bloomberg won the reelection to Mayor.) Nevertheless, the size of the commitment earned it praise from advocates for the homeless and for subsidized housing across the country. “There has never been this huge an agreement,” said Carla I. Javits, chief executive of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, Calif., that provides seed grants and technical assistance for supportive housing projects nationwide. “This really leads the nation, and we hope it will inspire others.” Streetvibes In the last two decades, supportive housing has come to be seen as a cost-effective and humane solution to keeping mentally ill and disabled people off the streets. In 1990 and again in 1999, New York City and New York State teamed up to provide money for such projects; permanently subsidized housing that includes services like mental health and drug counseling. Together, those agreements created 5,300 apartments citywide, and private-sector and other efforts added about 15,000 more. These apartments have been central to controlling homelessness in the city, advocates say, but they still do not nearly meet the demand. In June 2004, the mayor promised to reduce street homelessness by two-thirds, in part by building 12,000 additional units of supportive housing. At the time, the mayor found money for 3,000 new units; with this plan, he would fulfill his pledge. Advocates for the homeless praised Mayor Bloomberg not only for the size of the new commitment but also for its inclusive nature. Previously, supportive housing has been for single mentally ill people. The new agreement opens such housing to other vulnerable populations, like youths who are getting too old for foster care and families with one mentally ill parent. On any given day, nearly one thousand people in Sioux City, Iowa have no place to call home and until now there haven’t been any fundraisers in Sioux City supporting homeless shelters and homeless services. But homeless services have helped people like Jerri Anderson get back on her feet. Today 49-year-old Jerri Anderson lives on her own but that wasn’t always the case. Back in 1992, Anderson was suicidal and found herself homeless after the emergency shelter she stayed in closed their doors. “I didn’t have anywhere to go so I went back to Shesler Hall in 1992, if they hadn’t taken me back I don’t know where I’d be,” Anderson said. Shesler Hall is a home for women with special needs. A home that helped Anderson back on her feet. “Being there from ’92 to 2003 enabled me to be on my own now,” Anderson said. While Shesler Hall helped Anderson gain her independence nearly 1,000 Sioux Cityan’s find themselves homeless, some without anywhere to go, except the cold. Kip Aaleta, area homeless person, added, “It was real hard, I didn’t know what to think, there’d be nights I’d wake up shivering and I didn’t know what to do.” Bob Fischer of Wayzata, Minnesota doesn’t believe anyone should be forced to sleep outside in the winter so he came up with Bob’s Sleepout. “Bob’s Sleepout is an event organized about 10 years ago to bring awareness and get people involved around the affordable housing and homeless plate in the Minneapolis suburbs,” Fischer explained. The way Bob’s Sleepout works is people camp-out one night during the winter to get a glimpse into what homeless people endure on cold nights and money is raised to help homeless people through free-will donations. Page 3 �Public protest leads to u-turn on vendor’s ban from shopping center Show your support! Get your STREETVIBES T-Shirt Today! (Back shown here. Shirt not actual size) Only $15 We will send your Streetvibes T-shirt to your door ­ All proceeds benefit the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Streetvibes newspaper. Call 513.421.7803 x 16, or come in to our office at 117 E 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine Page 4 Streetvibes by Carrie Briffett A popular Big Issue vendor banned from selling the homeless magazine at a south Wales shopping precinct has been allowed back into the center, after protests from local residents. Howard Brown had been vending at Bethel Square shopping center in Brecon for two years when the manager told him he could no longer sell there because it was “private property”. But local residents were so outraged at the decision that they began writing to their local paper, The Brecon And Radnorshire Post, and boycotting the shop at the center of the incident in protest. Brown said the dispute began last month when the center’s manager asked him to move because the bakery Greggs had objected to him selling outside its shop. But when Brown moved further down the arcade, half an hour later the manager approached him again. “He said he thought we had come to ‘an amicable agreement’. And I said, ‘We have. I’m not outside Greggs.’ He told me it was private property and to leave.” When The Big Issue contacted John Michell from King Sturge, which manages the Bethel Square shopping center, he said that the manager of Greggs had complained because of concerns that customers would be hindered from coming in and out of the shop door due to Brown’s position. But Michell added that Brown is welcome to sell inside the center anywhere where he wouldn’t be an obstruction. He said: “Only if someone is being offensive or dangerous, affecting a health and safety issue like obstructing fire exits, would we move them on. W e certainly would not have any policy against The Big Issue. In fact we encourage all sorts of local charities and so on in our centers. I would say categorically that we wouldn’t issue instructions to one of our managers to remove a vendor.” And many residents will be glad to hear that. One letter printed in the paper called Brown “unfailingly courteous” and added: “Should you choose to publish the names of the businesses who have objected to Howard’s presence we would be grateful.” Another reads: “Much as I enjoy the excellent selection at Greggs, I have decided to take my business elsewhere and hope that other customers do the same, hopefully then, the management of Greggs will see sense, apologise to Mr Brown and ask him to return.” During the dispute, Brown vended opposite the center and said that although it had not affected his sales, it meant he had no shelter from the rain and cold weather. He said: “Lots of people came up to me and said how petty it was – even people who don’t buy the Issue. My sales even picked up for a couple of days, although they are back to normal now. “I have a good rapport with the customers and even people who don’t buy the magazine. And I would like to thank those people who have written in support.” Dave Ormonde, vendor service worker for The Big Issue Cymru, added: “I’m glad that common sense has prevailed. This has shown how popular Howard is in Brecon and the good will its residents show The Big Issue. It seems one complaint was just taken too far and it should never have been a problem.” �Diamond in the Rough, a Story of Mother Who is Homeless back right before I was thrown out of all time low, I was miserable because my baby Daniel James and that’s but Hopeful the program. I could not take care of my kids the when I went to see him for the first by Janny Castillo In early 2000 I was living in a three bedroom subsidized house in Antioch. I was deep in my addiction then, cooking and selling crank. The money was good and Christopher, my 5 year old had pretty much everything he wanted. I was pregnant with my second child. My friend who was also using asked me to move in with her so she could help me stop. It didn’t work; I continued to use and on April 28th baby Jordan was born with drugs in his system. At the hospital, Child Protective Services (CPS) took him away from me. When I was released I had to lie to my older son Christopher. I told him his brother was sick and that he had to stay in the hospital. When I was pregnant with Chris, I was able to quit using until he turned 8 months old. I was very naive about my disease; I told myself that I needed the drug to lose weight only to get heavily addicted again. I was devastated and full of guilt. CPS allowed me to have supervised visits with Jordan once a week for one hour. To get Jordan back, they told me I needed to get on ACCESS; a waiting list for residential programs. I entered into a drug rehab program. I was very scared, the whole drug rehab program was new to me and I had no idea what people were talking about. I was there about 45 days. It was a rollercoaster ride of getting up at 6:00 am, doing chores and talking about my addiction all day. The light at the end of the tunnel was getting Jordan I had been assigned to escort way I was supposed to, providing a resident to court. She came back stable housing was always on my intoxicated and with a bottle of mind. It was so hard at the shelter; it alcohol. I was exited from the was like reaching a new kind of program for non-compliance. No bottom. The kid’s play area was a one had told me I had to follow folks litter box for stray cats. Ninety to the bathroom. I tested clean but I percent of my AFDC check went for still had to rent and other leave. I dues. My kids It was so hard at the shelter; it was remember how and I lived off painful it was of $100 a like reaching a new kind of bottom. to have to put month. The my son in the The kid’s play area was a litter box for shelter car that was provided one taking him meal a day and stray cats. Ninety percent of my away from me they had to AFDC check went for rent and other again. I broke feed 100 down women and dues. My kids and I lived off of $100 a emotionally. children. We From were subjected month. The shelter provided one meal there I went to to selling candy another a day and they had to feed 100 women to make residential money for the program called and children. We were subjected to shelter. If we Walden didn’t sell, we selling candy to make money for the House. were written Thankfully, one up. shelter. If we didn’t sell, we were of my friends I couldn’t was there and take it, the written up. helped me stress of living through it. The in this program was a little better; it taught environment was too much, I started me how to use recovery tools to stay to use again and moved into my clean. After 30 days CPS returned sister’s house. I had no choice, we Jordan to me. I successfully moved back to the shelter and after completed the program on awhile to back again to my mother’s. November 25th, 2001. That same Christopher was emotionally day I was able to pick up my older devastated; changing schools and son, Christopher. friends constantly was taking a We moved in with my mother tremendous toll on him. for a while but her apartment was too In October 2002, I found small so we had to go to a shelter in myself pregnant again, still using and Baypoint. My self esteem was at an living in a motel in Pittsburg with Christopher. Jordan was living with his father who had taken custody of him. Motel living was difficult; the rooms were full of other addicts. I never knew when my son’s next meal was going to come from. Welfare paid the rent for only 4 weeks. I could not see myself bringing another baby into this life. I made plans to give my baby up for adoption. I had a family picked out who could not have kids and could give him everything I couldn’t. My third son was born on July 1st 2003. He tested positive for drugs and had to stay in the hospital for the first 8 days of his life. For the first four days he could not be held because he was on an IV and in an oxygen hood to help him breathe. I had not had any prenatal care and his condition was a direct result of my use. I didn’t want to see him because I wasn’t going to keep him; I was scared of becoming attached and not being able to go through with it. I called the adoptive parents who told me they could not adopt him because they did not follow up with their attorney. Alone in my room I sat thinking, at 2:35 pm, I named Streetvibes time. I touched his little hand and caressed his foot. I knew then that I was going to keep him. I ended up back in CPS court who assigned me to yet another 90 day residential program. I had to complete the program if I wanted to have my baby returned to me. On July 21st I was arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamines. I was booked and fingerprinted and was released under the supervision of a friend. I was so scared and ashamed that I stayed away from my mom and son for four days. I realized I could not live like that any more. On August 25th 2003, I stepped into the beginning of my new life; I became a resident at the La Casa residential program in Martinez. It was hard being at that program knowing my son was less than 8 blocks away but it also made me stronger. I loved it at La Casa; finally I began to understand what people had been saying about recovery. I don’t know if they said it better or if I was finally able to listen and understand. Things began looking up. La Casa gave me something none of the other programs gave me. They gave me HOPE. I was assigned a great counselor who understood me and helped me to heal. Everyone who worked there was in recovery and I related to them all. They give me a sense of peace and strength that had been missing in my life. December 5th at 3:05 pm, Daniel James was returned to me. I waited 5 months and three days to hold my child in my arms and I vowed then it was for good. I moved to a transitional house in Richmond that was on a dope track but I did not use. Through my therapist I applied for a transitional house with BOSS which is where I am now. Daniel could not sleep in Richmond and suffered daily with asthma and colds. The first night we stayed in Berkeley he slept all night, and since being here, his health has improved dramatically. Christopher is allowed to spend weekends with me and I am able to visit Jordan often. On Thursday, April 21st I celebrated 21 months clean and sober. I have been asked to chair a meeting in a local detox center where I will share my story with beginners. I feel good about myself but I know I still have a long way to go; the difference is that I am not turning to drugs any more, instead I have hope. Mother to mother: “It took me a long time to realize that using drugs is not a way of life. I share my experience to offer you a sense of hope. I feel your pain, I know your hurt but in recovery there are always happy endings.” Page 5 �New Year Brings Hope Street Citizens around to simply avoid the…sound by Ms. Mary Gaffney Year. Things will be better in 2006. Greetings to all of you who As you begin a new way of life and have purchased Streetvibes in the to those who may vary off the path, 12 months of 2005. I bid you a Merry Xmas and a successful New get back on the path and you will find the door of Year in 2006. As you success opening for buy this little paper each you. month, maybe you did Think of the Christ not realize that the Child as we celebrate $1.00 bill helped to His birthday each feed an empty stomach, year. Mary and keep a roof over Joseph were homeless someone’s head, etc. Miss Mary Gaffney and denied a decent Regardless, it helps. room. There was no To all of you, room at the inn. A dirty stable was my homeless friends, my best His shelter. He could have been wishes to you in the coming New better over this ordeal. He went through His birth and all the ordeals 20 YEARS of his life. Even carrying His own SERVING THE cross to Calvary. But still He did NEIGHBORHOOD not know malice at the end. He did all this to save us. My homeless friends, there is a brighter day ahead. Keep the faith and keep on walking on. Remember, God loves you. The Homeless Man by Angela C. Empowering our neighborhood children through peace, art and education Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 East 14th Street Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 A homeless man Scavenges In trash barrels And envies People who look down on him With scorn As they hurry home To their evening meals. He crouches In a rat infested corner, Content to be with creatures That don’t cringe At the sight of him. (513) 621-5514 A Call to Greater Cincinnati Poets For the 2006 annual Book of Poems and Drawings on Peace and Justice 1) Call for poems from any poet from the Greater Cincinnati area 2) Poems to relate to themes of peace and justice 3) Poet may submit up to 3 poems 4) All submissions will be considered. The editors will be looking for quality, inclusiveness, and appropriateness to the themes of peace and justice. 5) If space becomes limited, priority will be given to poets not published in previous books 6) Poems selected will be illustrated in B&W by Greater Cincinnati artists (one drawing per poet) 7) Poems and illustrations will be printed in For a Better World 2006, a book to be available April, 2006 8) Book will be launched and available for sale at SOS ART 2006. 9) Poets included in book will be invited to read their poems at SOS ART 2006 10) Proceeds from sale of book will finance publication of future similar books to accompany annual âœSOS ART events. (Note: this is the 3rd annual book) 11) Submission deadline: February 3, 2006 12) Please send submissions in full text and as a Word attachments by e-mail or by US mail (on a floppy disk) to: Saad Ghosn (saad.ghosn@uc.edu), 216 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, Oh 45229 Page 6 by George Herrell “Private Property, No Trespassing,” was the sign that greeted me at the door, however, it was raining, it was late and the fact that it was “cold” made sleeping under the bridge where I’d spent the previous night out of the question. Besides, the building had been vacant for years. And so, ignoring the sign, I entered and sought out a place to dry off and get some rest. There was no heat but the shelter from the rain and chilling wind came as a welcome relief. Empty beer and wine bottles as well as newspapers spread out in several areas to serve as padding on the concrete floors told me that I wasn’t the first person to seek shelter here, but for the time being I was alone. Soon the silence and relief combined with exhaustion lulled me into an almost comatose sleep. Does that sound like a passage from some fictional mystery novel? Well, on my behalf, as well as thousands more like myself, I wish to God it was. For us, the desperation of homelessness is only too real. Not knowing from day-to-day how or when you’ll eat or where you are going to sleep. So often, people take those basic ‘creature comforts’ for granted. For a homeless individual, going a day without a meal is not unusual and often the closest thing we can find to a comfortable bed is a park bench. Sounds delightful, huh? Of course, there are homeless shelters and soup kitchens, but only too often, the number of those in need exceed their capacities and unfortunately, those numbers are growing. Often people think of the homeless as being lazy or illiterate, but in most cases nothing could be further from the truth. Many of us are merely victims of circumstance or have simply made poor choices in the past. Some suffer from mental disorders or chemical dependency. I’ve met homeless individuals who are highly intelligent. I myself am only one semester away from having my associates degree in business management and culinary arts and was a Dean’s List student in college. I’m a hard worker and I take great pride in a job well done. I’m a poet who has aspirations of publishing a book of my works and yet, I’m homeless all because I made some poor choices and as a result, I’m now a recovering addict, an exfelon who happens to also have both physical and phsycological limitations. When I was younger, I used to shun those people who slept on park benches or in doorways along the streets, who always seemed dirty or were always begging for change. I often found myself avoiding eye contact or walking the long way Streetvibes familiar? There’s a saying that goes, “There but for the grace of God go I”, and I’m here to tell you that there’s truly no better teacher than experience. I’m a Streetvibes vendor and whenever people pass by I’ll greet them, at times they’ll simply look at me then look away. Sometimes they won’t even bother to look; a lot of times they refuse to even acknowledge my greeting, often appearing annoyed; they often seem afraid of what that acknowledgement might cost them. Don’t get me wrong. I realize that no one person can help everyone that the meet who’s in need, but it doesn’t always have to be ‘monetary.’ Sometimes a cordial greeting of a few words of encouragement will do wonders. Thank God for those caring individuals, such as Mr. Randy Sandler of the Cincinnati art Galleries, Mr. Terry Peirano, motorcycle officer of the Cincinnati Police Department, Brother Al of St. Francis Seraph church, just to name a few individuals always willing to offer a helping hand. Yet, the question which stands out foremost in my mind is why is it that large metropolitan cities with their billion dollar stadiums, five star restaurants, hotels, museums, etc, have such a problem housing their underprivileged citizens? As I walk around the city of Cincinnati I see a multitude of empty buildings just rotting away. Those whish are eventually renovated become condominiums, office spaces, (as if we needed more), etc. If they’re good enough for those uses, couldn’t a few of them be used to shelter those who have no place to call home? This is the season that we celebrate a homeless family, their child being born in a manger in a stable among the farm animals because there was no room for them anywhere else. The gifts we share are meant to represent the gifts given to that family by the three wise men who were foreigners to that land. All I’m asking is that when you’re out purchasing and delivering your gifts this season, take a moment to take a look around you and when you see those who are less fortunate than yourself, give them the gifts of love and understanding, a kind word, a smile, a moment of acknowledgement. Moreover, offer them the gift of hope. Authors Note: I wrote this story on 10/27/05, just after seeing my daughter born in University Hospital Labor and Delivery ward. I wish the world were full of more people filled with the compassion that I’ve seen in the people who work there. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them and to wish you all a safe and very Merry Christmas! �way in which certain War Made Easy things areThehammered on: that’s a Internet can be sort of a big cul-de­ sac. The capacity to reach beyond tipoff. We’re in the agenda-building that circle, even if it’s a big circle, is by Timothy Harris period with Iran, not intensively, but limited. There can be a very delusional quality to the Internet. it’s there. We need to look at the Propaganda. The word When it comes up against the tone and the frequency of brings to mind Soviet-era broader society, it doesn’t apparatchiks, deep in the bowels of references to “how there’s a bad the Kremlin, writing the “news” for country out there doing bad things,” compete. MoveOn has three million members, and that’s the good Pravda. Things are different here. If how intolerable it is. news. But it’s also the bad news, RC: I think it was Jacques jubilant Iraqis tear down a statue of because three million isn’t that Saddam Hussein in the aftermath of Ellul who said that the voice of many. It makes people feel good to “liberation,” every broadcast outlet propaganda is indignation. see stuff they agree with in their Solomon: Yeah. There is in the country can be counted on to inbox, but that’s not enough. this kind of moral high ground that air those moving images again and RC: It seems that there’s is postured upon by the mainstream again, completely of their own pundits quite often. Certainly by the this comfortable narrative that you volition. President and Vice President. It’s a can choose to believe and be part And when that image is of the mainstream. It’s very holier-than-thou, kind of “we’re staged by U.S. Psy-Ops seductive, I think. good, they’re bad, and because (psychological operations) Solomon: It’s a numbing they’re so evil we need to take personnel, that story will break as process, and the anesthetic has a action.” well, but with a much smaller lot of political utility. It’s been said RC: One reading of your megaphone. If you really want to that those who believe absurdities book might be that the people are know what’s happening, the simply easy to manipulate — that a make injustice possible. So that information is mostly available. handful of tried and true techniques there’s the layer of illogic that, you That’s the good news. know, “there are weapons of mass have worked very well for a long The bad news is that the destruction — oh, there aren’t, but time and probably always will. But major media are willing you seem a little more hopeful than it doesn’t matter.” Or, “Oh, well collaborators when it comes to the there wasn’t a connection to 9-11, that. Why? selling of war. Norman Solomon’s but just for good measure, we may War Made Easy: How Presidents as well go to war so that we don’t Solomon: Well, if we can and Pundits Keep Spinning us to have another 9-11.” analyze the scam, we can take Death (Wiley, 2005) is a sobering And then there are the emotional away some of the power, and that analysis of how we are moved to was really, in many ways, the basic walls that are refurbished constantly war. In 17 chapters with headings by the news media. You know: reason I wrote the book. I think like “America is a Fair and Noble mystification perpetuates deception. here’s a war, cut to a commercial. Superpower,” “This Is About Here’s a war, we’re telling you It does. It’s not like these people Human Rights,” and “They Are the what a war is, when actually we’re are geniuses. They just have some Aggressors, Not Us,” Solomon just giving you video images that basic techniques down in terms of explores our recent history from messages that are put out. In many convey almost nothing about a war Vietnam forward to reveal how compared to what it is. There are respects, the messages can’t stand media and government work the layers of information blockage, fear, the light of day if there’s a critical myth-making machinery to vantage point that can be brought to paralysis, and psychological simultaneously appeal to our best bear. So I think that as powerful as numbing that add up to a fantasy and worst instincts. version of war. We don’t know shit the war propagandists are, they’re Real Change caught up to also vulnerable to being debunked if about war, even though ever since Solomon when he was in Seattle 9-11 there’s been a constant flow we can directly challenge their this month speaking at the Elliott of war coverage. techniques. Bay Book Company. RC: One theme of your RC: Part of the problem is Real Change: I think a lot book is that a common thread in of Americans would be surprised to that powerful media interests often American warmaking has been an have the same perspectives and hear that they live within a expansion of empire. I’m reminded interests as powerful corporate propaganda system since, as you of Thucydides, where Pericles talks interests. Is media reform here say, the very thing that makes it so about how the demands of empire really possible, or do we simply effective is its invisibility. What are are difficult, but once held, need to build other alternatives? some of the red flags that people Solomon: Well, I think we dangerous to let go. Athens thought should look for? of itself as a benevolent empire as Norman Solomon: Well, the need to build alternatives and well. What would letting go of that directly challenge mainstream terrain is filled with red flags, but mythology, and that claim to media. We need to raise the we take them for granted. That’s empire, really mean for America? question, “Why the hell isn’t this part of the challenge. War What would that look like? information in the mass media?” I propaganda is indistinguishable Solomon: It would be a don’t think we know the limits of from routine news coverage. The redefinition of who we are, in terms essence of propaganda is repetition, creating a more democratic media. of self-concept and certainly We need to find out what’s and we live in a state of media possible, but there are pretty severe behavior. If you have your boot on siege. I think that as human beings somebody’s neck, over time there we tend to respond to what’s in the institutional constraints at a daily is — consciously or not — a real newspaper or a large network. atmosphere. It’s a sort of a disincentive to taking your boot off. RC: Some people argue constant ambient noise that makes that the Internet has the potential to They might be in a position to lash war drums sound normal as time back. You know, what’s implicit in goes on. And I think part of what’s rival television’s power to shape so much media coverage is that important in response is to see how public debate. Do you agree? Solomon: Like any medium, might makes right. And when manufactured these messages are, you’re in a country that has the that they’re not simply the result of the Internet has its limitations. Pentagon behind the policy, that’s a When you look at examples of people looking out for our best pretty comfortable position to take. Internet activism, like MoveOn, or interests. Empires don’t have limits, even the even the Dean campaign, the Streetvibes U.S. empire in 2005. And frankly, I don’t think it’s a moral constraint that is keeping the U.S. out of even greater horrific military action. There are the realities of finite numbers of troops and capacity to wage war. RC: My sense is that, despite everything, the war in Iraq has become very unpopular. You hear talk now of having reached a “tipping point.” What do you see? Solomon: Well, the war is simultaneously unpopular and quite viable politically. The Vietnam War went on for years and years after it had become quite unpopular. There were more people saying they were against it — even saying they thought it was immoral, according to some polls. And yet the momentum is very difficult to stop. And that’s where the cowardice of members of the Senate, for instance, comes into view. I mean, I live in California, and people who live in Washington, as well — we have senators who are appalling in their refusal to deal with this war. Feinstein and Cantwell and Murray are all making a lot of humanistic noises, having a kind of a liberal constituency to some significant degree. And yet, it’s perceived as easier to not push the envelope. And so there’s a lot of huffing and puffing about tactical issues on the war. Meanwhile, we have a military budget of, ballpark, half a trillion dollars a year now. We have a country being bled, literally and figuratively, and there’s very little leadership coming from people in public office. I think that progressives are too nice. Why are we letting these senators off the hook? It’s almost like we’re not existing in our own historical period and taking responsibility. We’re in Groundhog Day in many respects. I do a lot of talk shows and occasionally some people say, as though it’s a profound comment, “Well, you know, Iraq is not Vietnam.” And I say, “Okay, Iraq is not Vietnam, but the United States is the United States.” Norman Solomon is executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, which “makes frequent communication possible between independent policy analysts and working journalists. IPA promotes the inclusion of perspectives that widen the bounds of media discussion and enhance democratic debate.” www.accuracy.org Reprinted from Real Change News Page 7 �Nicaragua Cont. from page 1 Dear Friends: I have just received a letter from Dr. Lawrence E. Carter, Jr., sanitation workers having sex with of twenty-one years of age, he Dean, Martin Luther King, Jr., prepubescent girls and paying them International Chapel, Morehouse proceeds to give us the tour of the entire dump: the neighborhood that with nothing more than bottles and College, that I am to be a recipient cans. has no name, the massive mounds of the “Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award. To say that the situation in of garbage, the workers, the The award will be presented at the La Chureca is desperate would be people, his life. National Underground Railroad As we start walking around, an understatement. It is a dire Freedom Center Museum’s awards example of a neglected people I notice that Juan has several ceremony “celebrating the showing living in extreme poverty. Perhaps homemade tattoos on his body, of the Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A the saddest aspect of the situation is Legacy of Building Peace” most likely the result of gang activity. I ask him if he feels secure that the majority of the workers in exhibition on Thursday, December the dump are children. One image living in the dump. He responds 1, 2005, 11:30am-12:30pm. that stays with me is the sight of a that the gangs are generally non­ Dr. Carter writes, in part: violent, and since there is little drug child of five years old or younger “The award will be conferred upon rummaging through piles of broken or alcohol activity – no one has you for your distinguished money for either – there is not much glass, learning from his mother commitment and leadership of which ones can be sold and which violence or theft. The main drug American education for peace. I problem involves the “gluesniffers.” ones are to be discarded. would also like to recognize you for The sights at the dump are Mothers will often give their young your extraordinary effort for healing intense and filled with emotion. The and building community on the heels children cheap jars of glue when people on their hands and knees they cannot afford food because it of the civil unrest in Cincinnati.” digging for unsoiled cans. The is an inexpensive way to get high I am both surprised and honored to older men fighting with cows over a receive this award. and get rid of hunger pains. However, it expedites malnutrition, newly discovered pile of rotted In peace, tomatoes in a mound of garbage. destroys their development, and Steve Sunderland, Director, The boys in the barrio running up to Peace Village creates painful addictions. us with smiles on their faces, simple We walk among the shanties, and Juan explains that the tops in their hands, and discolored growths on their skin. Their hair dump is where you go when you straight blond, discolored from the have nowhere else to go. There, natural black because of their you can live off the land, picking extreme malnutrition. The young through the trash for income and child hunched in a doorway with a sustenance. Many sell what they jar of glue raised to her nose and find: cans, bottles, glass, wire, mouth. She looks me in the eye batteries, and even used toilet and asks me questions that I cannot paper. They sell them to the hear and don’t know the answers sanitation company for meager sums; a three foot tall bag of clean, to. I cannot help but see clear glass might sell for around 8 parallels to the systems of poverty córdobas, or 50 cents American. and homelessness that exist in the Most residents of the dump United States: people on the edge rummage for discarded food, their of society, governments that brush main source of nutrition, as well as the vulnerable aside, and the the main cause of disease. ghettoization of races and classes. Children born into this poverty begin picking through trash This article is an abridged version of a longer and more in order to support their families thorough paper written by the between the ages of 5 or 7. Juan author... tells us how young girls are For a free electronic copy, immediately thrown into please email John Lavelle at prostitution. The most stomach churning stories he recounts involve homelesscivilrights@yahoo.com. Cold Weather Upon Us: This past month has seen our first taste of really cold weather. We cracked the 200 persons served level last month and eventually reached 239! It’s also becoming more crowded in our lobby during the day. However, volunteers have been helping to keep spirits up by hosting activities, bringing in plants and serving extra snacks. Please Support Our Funding Drive: Thirty-five percent of the Drop Inn Center budget is generated by donations during our Annual Holiday Drive. If you believe in what we are doing, please help show your support by contributing to the drive at any amount you are able. We rely mainly on many small donors to help us make it through. Join in yourself by sending a check to the below address or donating online at www.dropinn.org under “Donate Online”. Thank you in advance. Drop Inn Center 217 W. 12th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 721-0643 Got The Vibe? This beautiful, original artwork depicts the vibrant role that Streetvibes plays in downtown Cincinnati and neighboring communities. Created by local artist and activist Mary Ann Lederer in collage form, this colorful 18" X 10" reproduction can be yours to own for only $10. Commemorating Streetvibes 100th issue, proceeds from this limited time offer will go to support the Streetvibes Program and Vendors. Page 8 Streetvibes �Visit the Greater Cincinnati Coaltion for the Homeless website at - http://www.cincihomeless.org Visit the Streevibes archives at - http:// www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes.html Streetvibes Page 9 �SHOP... Cont. from Page 1 that particular Kroger toward the folks asking for money outside. I would direct my distaste toward Kroger. Because I think it is economically racist of Kroger to provide predominately white suburbanites with a respectable building and broad product selection while neighborhoods like Corryville and Camp Washington have a Kroger of lesser quality. So, if she had asked, “don’t you just hate this Kroger?” without the statement about panhandlers, I might have said yes, but she did and I thought the question to be racist and gross. I know flower boxes on Vine Street and art on the Metro Buses does not change the fact that people are suffering economically and a better Kroger won’t change the perceptions of some of our neighborhoods. However people, all people, disserve respect and quality goods regardless of the neighborhoods’ demographic. And I do not mind loiterers or panhandlers: what bothers me are corporations like Kroger who provide the least quality of service for poorest neighborhoods and all the other corporations that do not pay their workers a livable wage. More so, what I find upsetting are rich racist bigots treating the poor like criminals who deserve less. Maybe this weekend I’ll panhandle outside the Hyde Park Kroger, cause don’t you just hate that Kroger? The Digital Dump based BAN. “We’re talking by Rosette Royale about carcinogens. We’re talking One man’s junk, the old about birth defects. We’re saying goes, is another man’s treasure. But when that one man talking about issues that are long­ term, that will persist and affect is the developed world, and another man is Nigerian, the junk the people on the ground for a — a seemingly never-ending flow long time.” And that’s the place where of largely inoperable computer the majority of e-waste resides: parts — becomes nothing more on the ground. The report details than toxic waste. piles of computer monitors, hard How much junk are we drives, and keyboards piled in talking? Every month, it’s unlined and unmonitored estimated that 400,000 dumpsites in Lagos, oftentimes computers or monitors arrive in situated near groundwater. Nigeria, with upwards of 75 Leaching from this digital detritus percent of these electronic is barium, émigrés far beyond beryllium, the point of repair. “We shouldn’t cadmium, lead, and Combine all this disproportionately mercury, all of electronic waste — burden anyone which are well or e-waste, for documented in their short — and you because of their toxicity to humans. currently have a race or ethnicity Most Lagotians, one-square-acre or status in life unaware of the mass of toxic trash with toxic toxic chemicals’ that towers 300 presence, attempt feet, rivaling the pollutants. If to eradicate this height of the Statue waste happens electronic eyesore of Liberty. And here, if we enjoy by periodically yet, except for the the product here, burning the eNigerians who waste. That glance at it every and it becomes action, the BAN day, most of the waste here, let’s report notes, world may not deal with it at makes a number of even know such ehome.” the chemicals even waste exists. more hazardous. That While “The Digital Dump” unknowing has come to a definitive end, however, thanks to may be news, the issue of toxic trade and BAN’s opposition to a recent report entitled “The the practice are not. BAN is the Digital Dump: Exporting Re-use primary watchdog group for an and Abuse to Africa.” Released international treaty called the late last month by the Basel Basel Convention on Action Network (BAN), the 43­ Transboundary Movement of page report is unflinching in its Hazardous Wastes and their assertion that the developed Disposal. Since its ratification in world’s desire to get rid of ewaste at low cost is amounting to 1992, Gutierrez says166 the highest of costs for the people countries have agreed to Basel Convention tenets. “Surprisingly, of Nigeria, especially for citizens the United States is the only in its largest city, Lagos. developed nation that has not “E-waste is toxic waste,” ratified it,” says Gutierrez. says Richard Gutierrez, toxics Agreeing to the convention policy analyst for the Seattle­ Page 10 “Don “Don’’t Leave Home W ithout IIt...” t...” means agreeing to an amendment that stipulates, in effect, that a developed nation shall not send its hazardous waste to a developing nation. Since the U.S. hasn’t ratified the convention, it is free to send hazardous waste to any poor country it chooses without legal ramifications, a practice borne out in the fact that 45 percent of Nigeria’s e-waste comes directly from the U.S. (Europe accounts for another 45 percent; the remaining 10 percent hails from countries such as Israel and Japan.) For the U.S., ratification equals responsibility, says Gutierrez, “and right now, they don’t see that it’s profitable to be responsible.” Instead, the U.S. and others in the developed world tend to cloak their irresponsibility with claims of altruism. “A lot of e-waste is entering Africa under the guise of reuse and bridging the digital divide,” he says. With responsibility lacking on the federal level, Gutierrez says that it’s up to the states to take charge. Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation program director Suellen Mele says the process has already begun. Mele says that her organization has been working with the Department of Ecology, local green groups, and even companies such as HewlittPackard to craft a bill that centers on a concept called product stewardship. The concept binds manufacturers of products to accept financial responsibility for the recycling of televisions, desktop computers, and laptops at end-of-use, when consumers bid outdated electronic goods adiós. “There’s just a much better way of dealing with an old computer or TV. than shipping it to a developing country,” says Mele. The proposed bill, she says, will be presented during the state’s 2006 session, which begins in Jan. In Gutierrez’s eyes, such state initiatives place power firmly in the hands of U.S. consumers, while protecting citizens of foreign lands. “We shouldn’t disproportionately burden anyone because of their race or ethnicity or status in life with toxic pollutants. If waste happens here, if we enjoy the product here, and it becomes waste here, let’s deal with it at home.” Reprinted from Real Change News 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 �Florida: Thousands Hit by Hurricane Wilma Rush for Emergency Food Stamps (“Florida Food Program Attracts Thousands,” msnbc.msn.com, November 9, 2005) Tens of thousands of Hurricane Wilma victims in Florida applied for emergency food stamps last week. At the Orange Bowl, the line in the hot sun stretched for blocks. People actually ran to get in line, some of them pushing baby carriages, as officials started taking food stamp applications in Palm Beach County. “What’s striking is these are people who normally aren’t considered poor enough to qualify for food stamps but who now are in serious trouble.” Flora Beal of the Florida Department of Children and Families says, “This is for those people who because of the hurricane have had their financial stability pretty much destroyed.” Jenny Gonzalez, a teacher’s aide with three children whose home was damaged and who applied for food assistance for the first time in her life, is one of those people. “To recover has been really hard after the storm, so it’s really great that they are helping us,” she says. State officials report the emergency food stamp program is expected to help four million Floridians. A qualified single person is given a $152 one-time debit card that can be used at select grocery stores, and a family of four gets about $500. Op-Ed: Reducing Poverty Starts with Halting Tax Cuts for Wealthy and Preserving Programs for Poor – Not the Other Way Around (“Poverty Rising under Bush; Will He Really Take Action?” lsj.com, November 6, 2005) Donna Rich Kaplowitz, Community Advisory Board member to the Lansing State Journal, writes that President Bush “has lavishly promised to rebuild New Orleans and even acknowledged that poverty in the U.S. ‘has its roots in a history of racial discrimination.’” This acknowledgement is belated but welcome. The number of Americans below the poverty line decreased by 2.29 percent annually during the Clinton administration, but has increased by 4.33 percent annually in the Bush years. The poor have gotten poorer, but the rich have gotten richer. Even in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration intends to finance $70 billion in tax cuts, half of these for the wealthy, by borrowing and by cutting programs for low and moderate-income families. If the president “were truly committed to reducing poverty in the United States, he could begin by halting his tax cuts for the wealthy, and ending programming cuts for the poor.” http://tinyurl.com/eyeq2 Federal Government Must Attack Child Hunger (“Vermont Children Need Security of Food,” burlingtonfreepress.com, November 9, 2005) There are 55,000 adults and 21,000 children who are food insecure in Vermont, according to USDA. Since 1999, the number of Vermont households unable to provide food for their children has doubled. The state has experienced the largest increase in the number of households with the most severe category of hunger of any other state in the last six years. Robert Dostis of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger says, “people’s income is not keeping up with their expenses and they are averting food money to heat, rent and other things.” Many households are living on the edge, with parents who cannot afford adequate diets and skip meals to allow their children to eat, Dostis noted. It is a sign of deep poverty when children go without food at home and rely largely on breakfasts and lunches at school. To alleviate this situation, this editorial in the Burlington Free Press urges to reject the House of Representatives’ cuts to the food stamp program; to increase funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Plan; to provide nutrition education in schools; and to ensure that all 40,000 eligible Vermont students receive free school and summer meals. http://tinyurl.com/d8u8u More Than a Million North Carolinians Are at Risk of Hunger (“Poverty Continues to Rise in North Carolina,” rdu.news14.com, November 4, 2005) Poverty continues to spread in North Carolina. State food banks describe this as a situation “quickly becoming a crisis.” North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for food insecurity. More than a million North Carolinians are at risk of hunger. “One-point-two million people statewide live below the poverty line . . . so it really could be someone next door who needs food assistance,” said Lindsey Graham, a representative of North Carolina food banks. http://rdu.news14.com/content/ your_news/raleigh/ ?ArID=76610&SecID=17 Report: Capital Gains Tax Extension Would Overwhelmingly Benefit the Rich in Every State (“IRS Data on the Capital Gains Tax Cut in Each State ,” cbpp.org, November 7, 2005) While making a decision about the reconciliation tax cut bill in coming weeks, Congress will focus on whether to extend the reduction in the capital gains tax rate that was enacted in 2003 and that is set to expire in 2008. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities published the IRS data table, “The Distribution of Capital Gains Tax Cut Benefits in 2003, by State,” to show who would benefit. The table shows the percentage of tax returns filed in each state that reported incomes of less than $50,000, and the percentage of tax returns from households with income above $200,000. The data also displays the proportion of the total tax savings from the capital gains rate cut that was received by each of these two income groups. In 2003, 70.7 percent of all filers in the nation had annual income below $50,000, but this group received only 3.2 percent of the benefits from the capital gains tax cut. In contrast, those with incomes above $200,000 represented 2.0 percent of all filers, but received 80.5 percent of the capital gains tax cut benefits. http://www.cbpp.org/11-7­ 05tax.htm Georgia: Signs of Tension between Katrina Evacuees and Local People in Streetvibes Need in Atlanta Worry Charities (“In Wake of Katrina, Some Local Poor Feel Shunted Aside,” ajc.com, November 6, 2005) Sixty-three-year old Mary Berry became homeless when her lease ran out and a car accident left her without transportation. Her placement in senior citizen housing was delayed, and she had to spend weeks sleeping on friends’ couches. Berry asked for help from more than a dozen charities, but was told that many of them were helping only Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Homeless and needy people interviewed around Atlanta “say they’re angry the evacuees are getting the kinds of help they’ve requested for years, but been denied.” They point to longer lines and closed services. They say Katrina victims are showered with sympathy and help. “It’s unclear how much the efforts to help evacuees have made life tougher for the local needy. Numerous agencies and charities say a boost in donations and volunteers have let them serve both populations, but for some longer lines.” Several local service providers say the majority of needy and homeless people have not been hurt by the evacuee relief efforts. People are still getting their food stamp and welfare benefits, and most of the homeless can still stay at a shelter if they want to. But some providers see why tension between the evacuees and local needy persons has grown. Philip Bray, president of the Safe House Outreach in Atlanta, says some days have been so crowded that some people left without getting food. The charities in Atlanta worry that the evacuees from afar may, in the long run, when special help ends, join the city’s chronically poor and homeless. “They’re going to see what it’s like to be in Atlanta with no public housing and no affordable housing to replace that, and minimum wage at $5.15 an hour,” said Elisabeth Omilami of Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. “In the long-term, we will find out what the commitment really is . . . How do we really feel about the poor?” http://tinyurl.com/ct5xb The Peace Village by Steve Sunderland The Peace Village will be back next month Page 11 �Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati All Vendors Sign and Agree to a Code of Conduct Coalition for the Homeless and Report Any Violations to GCCH - 421-7803 Streetvibes.... 1. Streetvibes will be distributed Vendors must not tell customers earned. This program has helped for a $1 voluntary donation. If a customer donates more than $1 for a paper, vendors are allowed to keep that donation. However, vendors must never ask for more than $1 when selling Streetvibes. 2. Each paper purchased from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) costs 25 cents. Papers will not be given out on credit. Old papers can not be traded in for new papers. 3. Streetvibes may only be purchased from GCCH. Never buy papers from, or sell papers to other vendors. 4. Vendors must not panhandle or sell other items at the same time they are selling Streetvibes. 5. Vendors must treat all other vendors, customers, and GCCH personnel with respect. 6. Vendors must not sell Streetvibes while under the influence. 7. Vendors must not give a “hard sell” or intimidate anyone into purchasing Streetvibes. This includes following customers or continuing to solicit sales after customers have said no. Vendors must also never sell Streetvibes door-to-door. 8. Vendors must not deceive customers while selling Streetvibes. Vendors must be honest in stating that all profits go to the individual vendor. that the money they receive will go to GCCH or any other organization or charity. Also, vendors must not say that they are collecting for “the homeless” in general. 9. Vendors must not sell papers without their badge. Vendors must present their badge when purchasing papers from GCCH. Lost badges cost $2.00 to replace. Broken or worn badges will be replaced for free, but only if the old badge is returned to GCCH. 10. Streetvibes vendor meetings are held on the first weekday of the month at 1pm. The month’s paper will be released at this meeting. If a vendor cannot attend the meeting, he or she should let us know in advance. If a vendor does not call in advance and does not show up, that vendor will not be allowed to purchase papers on the day of the meeting or the following day. Five free papers will be given to those who do attend. 11. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in termination from the Streetvibes vendor program. GCCH reserves the right to terminate any vendor at any time as deemed appropriate. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH, and must be surrendered upon demand. The mission of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA) is to support a street newspaper movement that creates and upholds journalistic and ethical standards while promoting self-help and empowerment among people living in poverty. NASNA papers support homeless and very low-income people in more than 35 cities across the United States and Canada. Streetvibes Vendor: 75 Cents (75 cent profit goes directly to the vendor) Homeless Coalition 25 Cents Printing and Production: 25 cents (this cost does not cover expenses) Page 12 The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) was formed in May of 1984 for one purpose: the eradication of homelessness in Cincinnati. What started out as a coalition of 15 volunteers meeting weekly in an unheated church basement has since grown into a Coalition of over 45 agencies and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to improving services for homeless individuals, educating the public about homelessness and empowering homeless individuals to advocate for their civil rights and housing needs. Streetvibes is a tool of GCCH used to help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness. On the one hand it is a selfsufficiency program geared towards the homeless and marginally housed individuals who are our vendors. Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 30 cents per copy and sell it for a suggested one-dollar donation, keeping the profit that they have hundreds of people find and maintain housing. The vendors also sign a code of conduct stating that they will behave responsibly and professionally and they proudly display their official Streetvibes badge while selling the paper. Our vendors put a face on “the homeless” of Cincinnati and form lasting friendships with their customers. On the other hand, Streetvibes is an award-winning alternative newspaper and part of the international street newspaper movement. Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues, Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless individuals. Streetvibes enjoys a loyal reader base that respects the honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and challenges facing the people of Cincinnati. Streetvibes is a member of the: The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites street papers sold by homeless and people living in poverty from all over the world. INSP is an umbrella organisation, which provides a consultancy service for its partner papers and advises on the setting up of new street papers and support initiatives for marginalised people. Where Your Dollar Goes... The Streetvibes program maintains a minimal overhead cost so that our vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Please call our office at 421-7803 for more information about the program. Many thanks for your support. Streetvibes Don’t be Squirrelly! Buy Streetvibes! �The Real Rosa Parks African-American activist in Atlanta named Sonya Tinsley, “when people by Paul Rogat Loeb Women’s Political Council distributed who work for social change are We learn much from how we present the initial leaflets following Park’s presented as saints—so much more our heroes. A few years ago, on arrest. Without the often lonely work noble than the rest of us. We get a Martin Luther King. Day, I was of people like Nixon, Randolph, and false sense that from the moment they interviewed on CNN. So was Rosa Robinson, Parks would likely have were born they were called to act, Parks, by phone from Los Angeles. never taken her stand, and if she had, never had doubts, were bathed in a “We’re very honored to have her,” it would never have had the same circle of light. But I’m much more said the host. “Rosa Parks was the impact. inspired learning how people woman who wouldn’t go to the back This in no way diminishes the succeeded despite their failings and of the bus. She wouldn’t get up and power and historical importance of uncertainties. It’s a much less give her seat in the white section to a Park’s refusal to give up her seat. intimidating image. It makes me feel white person. That set in motion the But it reminds us that this like I have a shot at changing things year-long bus boycott in tremendously consequential act, along too.” Montgomery. It earned Rosa Parks with everything that followed, Sonya had recently attended the title of ‘mother of the Civil Rights depended on all the humble and a talk given by one of Martin Luther movement.’” frustrating work that Parks and others King’s Morehouse professors, in I was excited to hear Park’s undertook earlier on. It also reminds which he mentioned how much King voice and to be part of the same us that Park’s initial step of getting had struggled when show. Then it occurred to me that involved was just as courageous and he first came to college, getting only a the host’s description—the story’s critical as the stand on the bus that all ‘C,’ for example, in his first standard rendition and one repeated of us have heard about. philosophy course. “I found that very even in many of her obituaries— People like Parks shape our inspiring, when I heard it,” Sonya stripped the Montgomery boycott of models of social commitment. Yet said, “given all that King achieved. It all of its context. Before refusing to from responses to talks I’ve given made me feel that just about anything give up her bus seat, Parks had been throughout the country, most citizens was possible.” active for twelve years in the local do not know the full story of her Our culture’s misreading of NAACP chapter, serving as its involvement. And the conventional the Rosa Parks story speaks to a secretary. The summer before her stripped-down retelling creates a more general collective amnesia, arrest, she’d had attended a ten-day standard so impossible to meet; it where we forget the examples that training session at Tennessee’s labor may actually make it harder for us to might most inspire our courage, hope, and civil rights organizing school, get involved, inadvertently removing and conscience. Apart from obvious the Highlander Center, where she’d away Park’s most powerful lessons times of military conflict, most of us met an older generation of civil rights of hope. know next to nothing of the many activists, like South Carolina teacher This conventional portrayal battles ordinary men and women Septum Clark, and discussed the suggests that social activists come out fought to preserve freedom, expand recent Supreme Court decision of nowhere, to suddenly take the sphere of democracy, and create banning “separate-but-equal” dramatic stands. It implies that we act a more just society. Of the abolitionist schools. During this period of with the greatest impact when we act and civil rights movements, we at best alone, at least initially. And that involvement and education, Parks recall a few key leaders—and often change occurs instantly, as opposed had become familiar with previous misread their actual to building on a series of oftenchallenges to segregation: Another stories. We know even less about Montgomery bus boycott, fifty years invisible actions. The myth of Parks the turn-of-the-century populists who as lone activist reinforces a notion earlier, successfully eased some challenged entrenched economic that anyone who takes a committed restrictions; a bus boycott in Baton interests and fought for a public stand, or at least an effective Rouge won limited gains two years “cooperative commonwealth.” Who one, has to be before Parks was arrested; and the these days can describe the union a larger-than-life figure—someone previous spring, a young movements that ended 80-hour work with more time, energy, courage, Montgomery woman had also weeks at near-starvation wages? vision, or knowledge than any normal Who knows the origin of the social refused to move to the back of the bus, causing the NAACP to consider person could ever possess. This security system, now threatened by a legal challenge until it turned out that belief pervades our society, in part systematic attempts to privatize it? she was unmarried and pregnant, and because the media tends not to How did the women’s suffrage represent historical change as the therefore a poor symbol for a movement spread to hundreds of work of ordinary human beings, campaign. communities, and gather enough which it almost always is. In short, Rosa Parks didn’t strength to prevail? Once we enshrine our heroes make a spur-of-the-moment decision. As memories of these events on pedestals, it becomes hard for She didn’t single-handedly give birth disappear, we lose the knowledge of mere mortals to measure up in our to the civil rights efforts, but she was mechanisms eyes. However individuals speak part of an existing movement for that grassroots social movements out, we’re tempted to dismiss their change, at a time when success was have used successfully in the past to far from certain. We all know Park’s motives, knowledge, and tactics as shift public sentiment and challenge insufficiently grand or heroic. We name, but few of us know about entrenched institutional power. fault them for not being in command Montgomery NAACP head E.D. Equally lost are the means by which of every fact and figure, or being able their participants managed to keep on Nixon, who served as one of her to answer every question put to them. and eventually prevail in mentors and first got Martin Luther We fault ourselves as well, for not King involved. Nixon carried circumstances at least as harsh as knowing every detail, or for harboring those we face today. people’s suitcases on the trains, and uncertainties and doubts. We find it was active in the Brotherhood of Think again about the hard to imagine that ordinary human Sleeping Car Porters, the union different ways one can frame Rosa beings with ordinary flaws might founded by legendary civil rights Park’s historic action. In the make a critical difference in worthy activist A. Philip Randolph. He prevailing myth, Parks decides to act social causes. played a key role in the campaign. almost on a whim, in isolation. She’s Yet those who act have their No one talks of him, any more than a virgin to politics, a holy innocent. own imperfections, and ample they talk of JoAnn Robinson, who The lesson seems to be that if any of taught nearby at an underfunded and reasons to hold back. “I think it does us suddenly got the urge to do segregated Black college and whose us all a disservice,” says a young something equally heroic, that would Streetvibes be great. Of course most of us don’t, so we wait our entire lives to find the ideal moment. Park’s real story conveys a far more empowering moral. She begins with seemingly modest steps. She goes to a meeting, and then another, helping build the community that in turn supported her path. Hesitant at first, she gains confidence as she speaks out. She keeps on despite a profoundly uncertain context, as she and others act as best they can to challenge deeply entrenched injustices, with little certainty of results. Had she and others given up after her tenth or eleventh year of commitment, we might never have heard of Montgomery. Parks also reminds us that even in a seemingly losing cause, one person may unknowingly inspire another, and that person yet a third, who may then go on to change the world, or at least a small corner of it. Rosa Park’s husband Raymond convinced her to attend her first NAACP meeting, the initial step on a path that brought her to that fateful day on the bus in Montgomery. But who got Raymond Parks involved? And why did that person take the trouble to do so? What experiences shaped their outlook, forged their convictions? The links in any chain of influence are too numerous, too complex to trace. But being aware that such chains exist, that we can choose to join them, and that lasting change doesn’t occur in their absence, is one of the primary ways to sustain hope, especially when our actions seem too insignificant to amount to anything. Finally, Park’s journey suggests that change is the product of deliberate, incremental action, whereby we join together to try to shape a better world. Sometimes our struggles will fail, as did many earlier efforts of Parks, her peers, and her predecessors. Other times they may bear modest fruits. And at times they will trigger a miraculous outpouring of courage and heart—as happened with her arrest and all that followed. For only when we act despite all our uncertainties and doubts do we have the chance to shape history. Paul Rogat Loeb is the author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, named the #3 political book of fall 2004 by the History Channel and the American Book Association, and winner of the Nautilus Award for best social change book of the year. His previous books include Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time. See www.paulloeb.org To receive his monthly articles email Page 13 �Me!! My Life by Robin Remy by Janet Sharp Me (Mother) Through my addiction I Manage to be a Mother and only by the grace and mercy of God I made sure of the essential things In my sons’ lives in order for them (1) to become men, and (2) to be able to survive. My life always changes, New details to find out, Family secrets known and unknown, My temper to keep under control. Find a way to hide from the world, Learn to listen more and talk less, Find a way to keep my mind active. Me (Friend) I’m a good listener. I have very profound advice. Always willing to share even my last. I must have been a good friend, Because my friends have been with me for the last 30-40 years. So much to do, So little time, Finding some balance in my life. One of these days I’ll find that balance. When, I don’t know. Me (Robin) I’m a giving person. I’m a no-nonsense person. I’m very strong with inner strength. I have a lot more to give from my spirit and my soul. Feel Blue by Toni Bell I feel blue. . . not like the bright pretty sky. I feel blue like the dark blue sea. Oh God, Thank You by Karen Bowman For saving me when I did not know how to save myself. For rescuing me from the grip of crack, from the grip of a rapist. For jamming the gun that was placed at my head. For keeping me alert after the blow that was placed to my jaw. For protecting me on the nights I walked through alleys And abandoned houses looking for a place to sleep. For directing me to N Street Village and placing the right People in my life. For being on earth as you are in heaven. For loving me, Oh God, Thank You. There is a rumble in me, Not a rumbling like a raggedy car, But a rumble from a distant storm waiting to erupt As soon as it arrives. I yearn to blossom like a flower When it blooms, releasing my Petals and fragrance through all My spiritual rooms. I want to bloom away the gloom That sometimes invades my soul. I want to be free to be me. by Booger Love Under an Azure Blue Sky Listen to your heart, it knows right from wrong let it guide you through all the wrong in your heart life that makes you sad and cry, listen to your heart by Andrea Hayfile Under an azure blue sky That’s so clear, not a cloud in sight I stand With the white sand hot beneath my feet Sand so fine, so soft, so clean And with the smell of the ocean All salty and sweet I think How there is such perfection in this Moment and I marvel at the beauty of this place. But, as I listen to the crashing Sound of the waves as they Find their way to the stony shore That waits My spirit is not safe. I am uneasy As uneasy as the furious ocean waves And with the rise and fall of each Sound, I long for peace and I search my soul and pray That one day I will become as marvelous as this place. . . Page 14 it will make you strong, happy everyday it won’t let you go astray, so listen to your heart everyday, listen to what it has to say, for you to do want to be sad and blue? listen to your heart, let it guide you, listen to your heart, it will make you strong listen to your heart, there are so many people Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ email your writing to Streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes will lead of astray. Your best friend can be your enemy, listen to your heart, it knows right from wrong, let it guide you, listen to your heart it will make you strong, look inside yourself and listen, listen to your heart. �Jonah in Nevada Day Walk by Michael Henson by James Morrow He did not go to Nineveh. He went instead to the west. When the bus broke down outside of Reno, he took that for a sign and hitchhiked into the city. Two beers, four beers, he watched the work of the strippers. Six beers, eight, he had become such a curse a pair of bouncers grabbed him at each arm and launched him into the street. Ten beers, a dozen and he was swallowed by oblivion and lay cramped in the belly of amnesia for three days. He woke in the desert with the sun straight above him like a spike. His skull was drumming and his mouth was caked with salt. His backpack had been stolen and some fist had gifted him with bruises above his eye and in the arcades of his ribs. His face and arms were blistered by the withering sun. He stared at the empty road and tried to conjure which way would take him back to where he had derailed. Aching, broke, and splitting with thirst, he could not then discern the working of the unreadable winds of Mercy. What now? he thought. What now? Off in the distance, jackrabbit small, a car shimmered toward him. - Daylight holds less mystery than nights beneath the moon but the sun holds inspiration and openers and light that ends too soon. The light of the sun is always now, the moon’s always secondhand it seems nighttime mysteries grow large like a retelling of a retelling. A new song is possible everyday although the night is not Evil as all things are neutral even unto the human will. Much to grow into to seek the sun when one has been one with the night to turn away from closeted secrets and walk once more in the light I never before found daylight to be so great and profound wonderful to be beneath the sun after so very long underground. A Poem by Brenda Lee It’s felt in the heart It’s felt in the soul It seems like everything’s under control It feels so good It feels so nice It feels like everything is as smooth as ice But then one day When it falls apart That’s when God will mend your broken heart. At the age of 15, Brenda s boyfriend was jumped by a group of boys on his way to her house. She felt responsible and was filled with guilt. Her cousin trying to make her feel better introduced her to drugs. Putting Down Roots by Terrance O. Edgar Sr. Let us rejoice at this breaking of the earth to build upon this ground that will house many. Shutter Speed by Jimmy Heath May all that will live here when complete live in peace and fellowship as one community. May the children that will play children’s games be safe from all negative vices that plagues so many of America’s town and cities. Putting down roots that will be a home to the homeless once housed. Housed for it is a right of all upon this earth to have a roof over their bodies. The cold, the rain, the heat the streets should not be conditions for one to be placed in without a home. Putting down roots so that memories can be made so that they may be remembered, of all the ones that will live here when the time arrives. Putting down roots, the roots that will bring forth branches and leaves. And as we are all that tree, it’s limbs, it’s leaves, it’s roots. Putting down roots. Kweisi Mfume - former CEO of the civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He stepped down from his NAACP presidency in January, 2005. In April 2001, Mfume visited Over-theRhine neighborhood of Cincinnati after the city’s civil unrest . Streetvibes Page 15 �357-4602 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel 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 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 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 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 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Center 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? 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 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 363-1060 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 December 2005 Happy Holidays! BUY FROM BADGED VENDORS ONLY STREETVIBES $1 Donation � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2005 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2005 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Shop This Extreme Poverty and Homeless in Nicaragua Pg 2: Neighborhood Schools, Children and Citizens Need Respect Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Vendors Pg 5: Diamond in the Rough, a Story of Mother Who is Homeless but Hopeful Pg 6: New Year Brings Hope Street Citizens Pg 7: War Made Easy Pg 8: Nicaragua Continued Pg 9: Xavier University Cintas Center Pg 10: The Digital Dump Pg 11: Florida Thousands Hit by Hurricane Wilma Rush for Emergency Food Stamps Pg 12: Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct About the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Pg 13: The Real Rosa Parks Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Alison Leeuw Monique Little Kelly Carr Andy Lawrence John Lavelle Mary Gaffney Melvin Williams Susan Smith Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alison Leeuw Andy Lawrence Florida Georgine Getty Government Homeless News Digest Jimmy Heath John Lavelle Kelly Carr Mary Gaffney Melvin Williams Monique Little Nicaragua Peace Village poverty Protests Rosa Parks Schools Susan Smith War Wilma Rush https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5a2f863242b103080cf28773eeb1fec7.pdf 043d4d004f2aa1c222fdc8ac0c7124d5 PDF Text Text December 2006 STREETVIBES cover story 3CDC, Affordable Housing and Over-the-Rhine As winter sets into the Tri-State and people everywhere celebrate the re-opening of Fountain Square, 33 men and women have been evicted from their homes in Over-the-Rhine to make way for 3CDC development. 1316 - 18 Race Street Across the street from Washington Park the thirty-three residents of 1316-18 Race Street find themselves out in the cold. Technically designated a boarding house, this SRO (Single Room Occupancy) has been in operation for over 40 years, housing people for approximately $250 ­ $320 per month. On October 1, all of the residents of 1316-18 Race Street received their eviction notices. Development corporation 3CDC had offered to buy the building, but only if it was vacated. The owner of the building served notice to the residents, leaving it in the hands of the building manager to place the residents in other housing. The building is finally vacated and boarded up. “This is an alarming trend that we’ve seen before with 3CDC,” stated Georgine Getty, director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. “They will only buy vacant buildings so they can claim they haven’t displaced anyone, but that’s disingenuous. They are making the landlords do the dirty work, then swooping in and buying up these buildings.” Getty adds that 3CDC is in the process of developing 90 units in Over the Rhine by Spring of 2007, but plans to make only about 5 of these units affordable to the current residents of Over the Rhine. “This is in clear violation of the Over the Rhine Comprehensive Plan which calls for affordable housing and mixedincome development. When you add in that 3CDC receives thousands of dollars in subsidy from the government per unit, it really is unjust.” As for the residents of 1316-18 Race Street, they were offered a service fair on October 20 to find them new housing, but due to the specific nature of the SRO they currently occupy, many found this attempt futile. “The problem is that this is very unique housing serving a unique population. Relocation is extremely difficult,” stated Getty. Gordon Dean, a Vietnam Veteran and resident for 17 months is angry. “I want these rich folks to just go back where they came from and leave us alone.” Mr. Dean has found a new place in Walnut Hills, and is moving with the help of the VA who will pay his rent for 3 months. Mr. Dean has fared better than others. One woman, with the help of her cousin, moved into the Drake Hotel, another boarding house in Bond Hill. The rent there is twice as expensive as the rent at 1316-18 Race Street and she wonders how she will be able to pay it with only her wages earned working temporary labor jobs. Further, the Agency Spotlight: Tender Mercies Tender Mercies began in 1985 when Father Chris Hall took care of two women released from Summit Behavioral Healthcare and placed at the Drop Inn Center. Father Chris found them a place to live, got them benefits, paid their rent, bought groceries, and checked on them daily. Tender Mercies now has six buildings in Over-The-Rhine with 150 Single Occupancy rooms, offering transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons with mental illness. Some people have lived here longer than anywhere else including the hospital or the streets. We break the cycle of hospital, streets and jail. This winter someone with a mental illness who is homeless may come to your doors looking for housing. To make a referral, call Mary Grover, Community Resource Manager, at 639-7042. An application appointment will be set. Acceptance into Tender Mercies is a process. We do not offer emergency shelter. We offer transitional and permanent placement. Tender Mercies is here to serve homeless persons with mental illness and treat our residents with dignity, security and provide community and belonging. If you have any questions, please call Mary Grover at Tender Mercies, 639-7042. Drop Inn Center has confirmed their first intake of a displaced resident of 1316-18 Race Street on October 19, and they fear that this will not be the last. “This is just really sad,” said Pat Clifford, General Coordinator of the Drop Inn Center. “We had 230 residents last weekend, since it started getting cold. 3CDC is concerned with homeless people in Washington Park and at the Drop Inn Center, and they block attempts to create permanent supportive housing, yet they are making new people homeless through their actions.” Clifford is referring to the Drop Inn Center’s recent attempts to develop 40 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless people in Over the Rhine. These attempts were frustrated when 3CDC vowed to “actively fight” the site location for the housing. On October 1, residents were offered $75 to leave 1316-18 Race Street on October 21, two weeks before their 30 days would be up. Many took this money and left early, on a very cold Friday night. Because this is a privately owned building, residents are not technically entitled to a reasonable relocation allotment. This practice flies in the face of commonly accepted relocation practices. Residents have lived rent free for the month of October. One resident, who preferred to be known only as “Joe” indicates that the loss of this building is more than just an irreplaceable hit to the affordable housing stock in Cincinnati, it’s the dissolution of a community. Joe, who worked as a machine operator before he was laid off, found out about his eviction a week before he lost his job. He is currently staying at another area shelter. Some critics of 1316-18 Race Street claim that this is a building full of criminals. Crime statistics to this building are spotty, but most point to minor offenses such as open container violations and jaywalking. Ultimately, safety has been proven to increase when residents of a community are safely housed and provided supportive services. Some residents of 1316-18 Race Street do have past criminal records; this is why it is so difficult for them to find jobs and housing. “People look at this place as a building of unemployed people. It’s more than that. It’s a family, it’s a community. You don’t just displace people, you displace emotions and temperament as well.” Joe added that he has lived at 1316-18 Race Street for 3 years and enjoys its access to bus lines, local grocery stores and restaurants. “In the future, profiteers need to find another way to make their profits other than coming into communities that are already devastated. You’re just moving people into poverty somewhere else,” Joe concluded. The residents gathered perhaps for the last time on the steps of their home and shared their thoughts. On the one hand, the sentiment was clear that they just wanted to get it over with, especially the manager who has lost a lot of sleep trying to make sure his people have a place to go. On the other hand, there was a lot of sorrow at leaving their family and many residents were concerned about the cold, and the upcoming holidays. “It’s really depressing, you know?” said one young woman who lived in the building. “The holidays can be hard enough, but it’s really depressing when you’re moving and losing all your stuff.” Joe sums it up best, “Everyone doesn’t need a condo to make this a good neighborhood. They’ve scattered my family. Everyone gets a dollar off our misery and we’re tired of it.” Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless �Streetvibes Streetvibes, the Tri­ State’s alternative news source, is a newspaper written by, for, and about the homeless and contains relevant discussions of social justice, and poverty issues. It is published once a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. GCCH Staff Georgine Getty - Executive Director John Lavelle - Administrative Coordinator Lynne Ausman - VISTA Andy Freeze - Education Coordinator Susan Smith - Volunteer Melvin Williams - Reception Linda Pittman - Reception Matt Cohen - AHA Staff Streetvibes Jimmy Heath, Editor jimmyheath@yahoo.com Photography Jimmy Heath, Berta Lambert Cover 1316 - 18 Race Street, boarded up for rehab. Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, and photos. We will give preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes, delivered to your home each month, can be purchased for $25 per year. Address mail to: Streetvibes Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-7803 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com web: http://cincihomeless.org Page 2 Finding the Holidays in Something Deeper by Jimmy Heath (jimmyheath@yahoo.com) I think getting older is a gift for me; a reward for the long road traveled. I remember back to my youth thinking that I knew everything. After a few gut kicks and traveling the path of rude awakenings and self-destructive behavior, I started to learn that I wasn’t the only person in the world. “Pass me another beer!” “Move aside wanna be hippies.” “My hair is long and I dress and I act the act...” Boy, did I have a lot to learn. Many years later I’m still searching for a better understanding of the people and the world around me. There is hardly a thing that hasn’t crossed my life experience. All of this experience, even the bad, has helped me to wish for something better and deeper; God, and the meaning of life. Too bad I didn’t begin the search thirty years ago. I guess that’s part of my journey too. I wish that I could find the power that goes beyond the body. How elusive! I meditate and I find quiet time to think about my position on earth, and my relationship with all things alive around me. But I’m still rude and anti­ social at times. I still search the physical world for self-gratification. After I curse under my breath, I regret it. When I make fun of someone I feel ashamed. I go to church now and pray with my fiancé, Brenda. I look at myself and ask for clarity. I meditate on almost everything; the blowing leaves and the winds and the sky and the sunshine. I know of a great power around me, a power that anyone can harness. I would imagine the discovery of the “source” would change everyone’s life. But you can’t sit and wait for it to come to you. The answers are right in front of me. I try to take the time to Jimmy Heath pause and understand the position of the homeless person, for example. Why are some so angry? Would they see it someday and make changes in their lives and help the lives of others? I feel regret when I walk away feeling that I had not done enough. We are not so different. We enjoy decent food and housing. We all want security and respect. We are all the same and are connected by the all encompassing spirit of a life that underlies and connects us to an elusive mystery. Void of TV’s, houses and high-priced cars the needs of the body become unimportant in the spiritual place. What is this place? Are there trees and birds or just a different level of living that does not include the body? When we are dead we are traditionally buried in the ground. Where did the life source from that body go? What are we without the physical body? Nothing, or everything? We are all centered on the surface, the body. Look at the struggle for riches, the material things, as we discard the restrictions of life in this body and instead try to practice the joy of helping others so that we may reach our own understanding and peace. I don’t think these are two different places; the body and the spirit. Certainly we can practice our lives in a spiritual way, with kindness, calmness and serenity during our brief stay in the physical body. Rich folk, don’t despair, there is hope for you yet! And for all of us. Watch the world as it passes you by. Don’t miss an opportunity to show a little kindness. Get rid of the rage. Stop honking the horn because you are aggravated. Listen for a moment when a stranger on the street speaks to you Find kindness in youself, or make it. The Firecat Review The 2006 Election Firecat Chameleon: I’m glad the minimum wage passed. Now maybe I can get a living wage. Firecat Silver: I want a living wage. Firecat Beige: Me too. Chameleon: I felt efficacious at the polls. Firecat Blue: I’m not writing down “efficacious.” (Firecat Red walks in) Chameleon: Any thoughts on the election, Firecat Red? Weird how what you voted for passed? Firecat Red: Yeah, except Wulsin. I wish it was a presidential election. Then maybe we could have gotten that guy out of there. Beige: Disorienting, isn’t it? I thought it was interesting that Heimlich and the jail tax lost. Isn’t that his thing? Silver: Pepper’s hot. Beige: He looks really silly in the CityBeat. Silver: Where? (flipping through CityBeat) Chameleon: Pepper…Hot…get it? (ironically begins to choke on soup) Quick, someone do the Heimlich! Silver: I’m going to miss smoking in bars. Blue: Uh-huh. Beige: I feel bad for smokers, but it will be nice going to bars and not having to do laundry afterward. I go to bars in Lexington and I’m like, “Why don’t I smell bad?” Blue: (discussion of Firecat Beige’s super powers of letter writing) I missed writing down almost all of that. Silver: We should tape record this. Beige: No, then we’d have a record of ALL that we say. Silver: I didn’t know Streetvibes was the 3rd largest newspaper. Blue: No, 3rd best in North America. Silver: Says who? Blue: The North American Street Newspaper Association. Beige: Why is Streetvibes so dynamic? Blue: Firecat Reviews… and when we get a Sudoku puzzle all bets are off. Chameleon: Grapevine sucks! Streetvibes (alluding to Cleveland’s street newspaper) Blue: We’re not talking politics anymore? Beige: Can Schmidt be our new nemesis? All: YES. Firecat Favorite Political Stuff: A recap 1. Fishsticks vs. Shrimp: Cranley vs. Chabot 2. Tazing 8 year olds: Chabot vs. Cranley 3. Playboy “Call me, Harold”: Corker vs. Ford (Tennessee) Firecat Beige: Corker won because he hates gays, loves babies, and he’s white – and it’s Tennessee. 4. Brown vs. DeWine on Meet the Press: Firecats were embarrassed to be from Ohio. 5. Chabot being turned away to vote for insufficient ID. 6. Cranley checking his cell phone during his concession speech. 7. Blackwell’s one and only “my daughter’s hot” ad. �Homeless News Digest Compiled by Jimmy Heath San Francisco, CA. - Hundreds of people in need lined up for free clothing at the first ever Homeless Jubilee in Golden Gate Park’s Lindley Meadow. Coats, shoes and other apparel were available to keep people warm before winter sets in. Participants also heard some music, got a free meal and a bit of spiritual advice, if they wanted it. More than 30 ministries from across the Bay Area sponsored the afternoon event. Orlando, FL - A group opposed to a controversial new ordinance limiting homeless feedings in downtown Orlando plans to take their protest to City Hall. Earlier this year, city commissioners passed an ordinance on group feedings in certain downtown areas like Lake Eola Park saying they cause a rise in crime. The ordinance requires a permit and limits them to two per year. A coalition called Stop The Ordinance Partnership (STOP) says the ordinance is unconstitutional and wants it repelled. Buffalo, NY - Two grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs will enhance services to homeless veterans in Batavia and Buffalo. One of them, for $828,322, was awarded to Cazenovia Recovery Systems of Batavia. The other, for $102,134, was awarded to Altamont Program of Buffalo. Both locations will offer job training and referrals, as well as mental health and substance abuse treatments. The grants were announced by R. James Nicholson, secretary of veteran’s affairs. New Orleans - With temperatures dipping into the 30s, advocates for the homeless are concerned that a lack of shelters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina will leave many people who live on the streets dangerously exposed to the cold. When the temperature or wind chill is forecast to hit 38 degrees or lower, New Orleans officials try to move homeless into shelters. But two of the city’s six major shelters are closed and another one is getting back on its feet only now after losing its roof. A spokeswoman for Mayor Ray Nagin said the city is aware of the problem but has not pinpointed any new shelters. Advocates estimated that the homeless population stood about 65­ hundred before the storm and now is at least three-thousand. There are about 450 beds in shelters now compared to 11-hundred beds before the storm. Vicki Judice, director of programs for UNITY of Greater New Orleans, the lead agency for the local network of homeless service organizations, said the city’s available shelters already are turning away people every night. LOS ANGELES - Hollywood tough guy Kirk Douglas brought seasonal cheer to thousands of Los Angeles’ homeless, leading an army of volunteers serving up Thanksgiving meals. Douglas, 89, most famous for his role as the slave who leads a revolution in “Spartacus,” joined around 400 people helping to dish out turkey dinners to homeless people at the city’s skid row. “What a wonderful day, people from all religions and all colors,” said Douglas, who was joined by his wife Ann. Other celebrities included actors Minnie Driver and Tony Danza, who were joined by Los Angeles city mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Fresno, CA - A federal judge ordered Fresno officials to stop seizing homeless people’s property without warning as a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union proceeds against the city. The civil liberties group says the police and sanitation workers violated the constitutional rights of thousands of homeless people in the last three years by defining their property as trash and bulldozing their encampments. Advocates for the homeless said the order by the judge, Oliver W. Wanger of Federal District Court, would help cement homeless people’s property rights. James Betts, a lawyer for the city, argued that forcing Fresno to log and store belongings would be a burden because the city did not have the space, money or manpower to handle the volume of items. Palm Beach, FL - Homeless, disabled Eddie Montry spent Thanksgiving on a median at a busy intersection in suburban Boynton Beach, begging for money. “I’m thankful for all the good people in the Boynton Beach area,” he said after some reflection, the wind from a passing tow truck ruffling his curly red hair and beard. For the police who put up with him; for the people at the bank who tacitly permit him and his girlfriend to sleep under their drivethrough awning; for the grocery store people who look the other way when he comes to bathe in the bathroom sink; for the Taco Bell people who, if he’s had a bad day, will feed him for free. He interrupted himself to limp into traffic and accept a crumpled dollar bill. People eyed him. He cut a funny figure on the corner, with his Santa cap, his red-blue-and-white­ striped shirt - “my holiday outfit,” he said - and his message, lettered with care on one of those real-estate signs you can pluck from a Dumpster, which read: “BEING HOMELESS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE.” “It can,” said Montry, 44. A lot of people refuse to accept that, he said, and he understands. He remembered how he felt back when he was working, driving a dump truck 12 hours a day, and he would see a beggar on the corner. In one of life’s little ironies, he would rumble past them and sneer. Then it sort of came apart at the seams, he said. He had a thing for cocaine, his arrest record showed. Got into some bad fights with his wife. Drove without a license and went to jail. He was on a bus full of prisoners that crashed, he said, and dislocated his shoulder and busted his hip. By the time he got out of the hospital, his wife was gone for good. He couldn’t drive and couldn’t work and couldn’t pay rent or hire a lawyer, he said. He was wandering near Okeechobee Boulevard when some other homeless guys introduced him to “flying signs,” which is what they call what he does on the corner. The terrain around this shopping center - the grocery store, the retention pond, the flock of white ducks, which he feeds every night ­ has come to comprise his entire universe. Just a few paces from his corner, which is all the distance he can manage to walk at a stretch, is the shopping cart full of his possessions: a little charcoal grill, a 5­ inch, battery-powered TV, some blankets, two pillows and a change of clothes. During a regular day he ties a tarp over it all and tucks it out of sight. Streetvibes But this was Thanksgiving. He had left his grill out under the bank awning. “I bought some turkey legs, and they’re thawing out,” he said. Somebody had given him a bag of fresh biscuits and if the day went well, which it was, he and Sheri, his girlfreind, would wash it all down with a four-pack of Natural Ice. But at least the weather was good. He glanced at the sky, toward which, at that moment, who knows how many families were directing their prayers for the less fortunate, for the Eddie Montrys of the world. Austin,TX - From 2005 to 2006, more than 6,000 homeless people lived in Austin with about 1,500 that were homeless children. On any given day, the ARCH Shelter downtown is full to capacity, but it’s a temporary shelter. Now community leaders are looking for permanent solutions. John Covington carries a heavy load. It’s not the bags he’s got, but the sting he feels from others because of being homeless. “Most of them are afraid to make eye contact and stuff,” Covington said. “Does it make you feel invisible when people don’t want to give you eye contact?” Covington said: “That’s one thing half the time. Sometimes when I’m depressed, I fell invisible because a couple of hundred people walk by me.” Covington has been homeless for 10 years. He worked manual labor for 25 years, and one day when a boss refused to pay him, he just quit. Now he sells cans to make money. A decent place to live would be even better. “I got a sleeping bag and a tarp,” Covington said. “One of the paths that we’re looking at to try to get a hold on this is the housing first model. What we do is get a person that’s homeless, we get them into housing and then we start providing them services that can help them stabilized,” said Rick Rivera with the Austin Area Homeless Task force. Homelessness even affects big cities like Los Angeles. Last month, the city filed a lawsuit against a hospital accusing it of dumping homeless people on LA’s skid row after treating them. In Austin, Covington says he once attended college and wishes people wouldn’t judge so quickly. “We’re all a little bit different,” Covington said. The community realizes it will take a lot of work to solve the problem of homeless people. Covington says in the meantime, he just wants to be treated like everyone else. Page 3 �Dark humor brightens life in battered New Orleans the rebounding crime rates to the tourists who take by Ellen Wulfhorst NEW ORLEANS, - A Hurricane Katrina evacuee walks up to a woman in a bar and says, “Want to go back to my place?” “I’d love to,” the woman replies. “So would I,” the man says. In New Orleans, struggling to get back on its feet more than a year after Hurricane Katrina, stand-up comedy and satire are surging in popularity, as survivors of the storm turn to humor, the darker the better, to cope with their plight. Navigating government bureaucracies, battling over insurance claims, and watching politicians roll out recovery plans that are never put into practice have all whetted what was always a large appetite for the ridiculous and the absurd. “After the storm, I came back and wondered what kind of crowds we would get and what kind of mood they would be in,” said Mike Strecker, who tells the joke about the evacuee’s pickup line in his comic routine. “The crowds are larger, and they’re so much more responsive. “It’s a release just waiting to happen,” he said of the mood in his audiences who have returned since Katrina burst the New Orleans levees and flooded the city. Among the new additions to the comedy scene is a satirical newspaper, “The New Orleans Levee,” with the motto: “We Don’t Hold Anything Back.” The free paper pokes fun at politicians and officials who are supposed to lead the post-Katrina rebuilding effort, said publisher Rudy Vorkapic, 42. “This isn’t making fun of New Orleans. This is making fun of people who are failing New Orleans,” he said. “This is born out of frustration.” Launched this fall with a budget of just $5,000, the nascent newspaper is almost breaking even and attracting thousands of viewers to its online edition (http://nolevee.com ), Vorkapic said. Unlike comedy by professionals such as those in the televised “Comic Relief” benefit for Katrina on Nov. 18, local humor is rooted in storm experiences, said Mike Strecker, 43, who works in the communications department at Tulane University. “Before the storm, if you had a tree fall in your front yard, you had a story to tell. Now when somebody asks, ‘How did you do in the storm,’ you say, ‘Good, good, we got nine feet of water and we can’t find Grandma, but we were blessed,” he said. Local comics make fun of everything from the so-called devastation tours of storm-ravaged neighborhoods. “Comedy isn’t the jokes,” said comic Bill Dykes, 40. “It’s your experience and how you tell it.” The number of amateur comics showing up at “open-mike” nights has grown from a handful to dozens, said Dane Faucheux, 27, a local professional comic. “Before Katrina, people would think, ‘I can’t get up before an audience,’” he said. “Now, who gives a crap?” Not that he finds the trend surprising, he added, in a city where T-shirts mock the initials of the New Orleans Police Department, with the slogan “Not Our Problem, Dude” and the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the slogan “Fix Everything, My Ass.” “We’re a city who throws parties for funerals. That’s how we deal with grief,” said Faucheux. The interest in comedy has Dykes and Rodney Tate, 39, who moved to New Orleans after Katrina to build sewer lines, trying to open a ull-time comedy club. “It would be therapeutic for New Orleans,” Tate said.”People need to laugh.” Free Speech in Harvard Square, Massachusetts, USA? by Paul Rice A book vendor who was arrested this year in a potential violation of his First Amendment rights has had his case turned down by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, even though the organization’s New York chapter has been active in similar cases. The vendor, Gary Kibler, had been selling books on a table in Harvard Square for about three hours when police arrested him for selling books without a permit, using a table that took up more than 25 percent of the sidewalk. According to measurements taken by Spare Change News at the time, the bookstand was only taking up approximately 9 percent of the 28-and-a-half-foot sidewalk. “The state, when it regulates what [vendors] do, are allowed to ask for permits,” said John Reinstein, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. “[Kibler] asked us to represent him, and we elected not to.” “The people running tables in the Square that I’ve asked don’t know anything about permits,” O’Brien said. He had noticed over a dozen tables set up throughout Harvard Square, with no police interference. There are also Harvard Square businesses in violation of this law – Toscanini’s at 1310 Massachusetts Avenue, only a block away from where Kibler’s stand was located, takes up approximately 40 percent (or six and a half feet) of the 17-foot sidewalk, according to measurements taken by SCN. According to the Cambridge Licensing Commission, the entity that licenses outdoor seating for restaurants, Toscanini’s meets their size standards. The Cambridge Police Department could not be reached for comment in time to make this paper’s deadline. Reinstrin advised him to ask for a week’s continuance, and the judge granted the request. Kibler was scheduled to appear in court on June 26 to provide evidence that his First Amendment rights were violated, but the Massachusetts chapter of the ACLU turned him down on June 20. Asked whether this will slow him down, Kibler didn’t mince words. “I’m taking it all the way,” he said. “My fundamental rights have been violated.” When Spare Change News approached Kibler for an interview on June 21, the reporter noticed Kibler having a conversation with a Cambridge police officer. Kibler was explaining his situation to the officer, while the officer nodded. When Kibler finished, the officer told him he believed he was doing the right thing and wished him luck, then the officer continued down Massachusetts Avenue, walking his afternoon beat. More homeless in Wyoming CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Despite Wyoming’s booming economy and low unemployment rate, the number of people seeking help from homeless shelters and similar services is growing. The Casper Star-Tribune surveyed emergency shelters, low-income housing providers and clinics for the homeless across the state. The newspaper reports shelters statewide are serving more women, children and families than they were two years ago. City officials and shelter managers across the state say many communities lack money for homeless services. Wyoming now relies almost entirely on federal dollars to care for the homeless. Meanwhile, state government hasn’t implemented the recommendations of its own homelessness survey completed in May 2005 that called for increased state funding. The state survey called for $150,000 to fund a permanent, statewide organization to track homelessness and produce an annual survey. It also called for better cooperation among state agencies, nonprofit groups, Indian tribes and shelters. Page 4 Lara Azar, spokeswoman for Gov. Dave Freudenthal, said the recommendations haven’t yet produced action because “I think the governor feels that they have not yet had the time to fully mature.” Richard McCullough, outreach worker for the homeless in Cheyenne, said he made 337 contacts with the homeless in all of 2005 but has already made more than 400 contacts this year. “People always ask me, ‘Do we have a homeless population?’ “McCullough said.”It’s time to get past that. Yes, we have a homeless population.” According to last year’s survey, completed by the Wyoming Interagency Council on Homelessness, half the homeless people in the state are women and children and more than one-third of the homeless are members of homeless families. More than 50 percent reported that Wyoming is their permanent place of residence. Other survey findings include that a quarter of the state’s homeless are veterans. And while American Indians make up just 3 percent of the Streetvibes state’s population, they are 19 percent of the homeless. The survey cites substance abuse, physical illness and mental disabilities as the major causes of homelessness. About 80 percent of homeless women reported they had experienced domestic violence, and many said it was a prime reason for their being homeless. A lack of housing in many areas is also a significant factor, according to professionals around the state. “This is not the stereotypical profile of homelessness,” said Lynne Weidel, co-chairwoman of the Wyoming Interagency Council on Homelessness. “These are fellow Wyomingites. They are women and children. They’re our people.” Buy Streetvibes �Homeless Woman Dropped Off on City’s Skid Row, City Attorney Says LOS ANGELES - In an unprecedented under investigation on suspicion of discharging crackdown on a practice experts say is shamefully homeless patients onto the streets instead of into common around the country, a major hospital chain the custody of a relative or shelter. was accused by prosecutors last month of ridding The legal actions filed against Kaiser last itself of a homeless patient by dumping her on month include criminal charges of false crime-plagued Skid Row. imprisonment and dependent-adult endangerment, A surveillance camera at and civil claims involving the a rescue mission recorded the treatment of patients and laws demented 63-year-old woman on discharging them. wandering around the streets in a “They have violated every hospital gown and slippers last ethical obligation under which March. they operate,” Delgadillo said, In announcing the criminal “and they have also broken the and civil charges, City Attorney law.” Rocky Delgadillo said a Kaiser Diana Bonta, vice Permanente hospital put the president of public affairs for Patient wandering the streets woman in a taxi and sent her to Kaiser Southern California, said the neighborhood even though she had serious, untreated health problems. “Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, part of Kaiser Permanente, the largest HMO in the nation, will be held accountable for violating state law, its commitment to its patients, its obligations under the Hippocratic oath, and perhaps most importantly, principles of common decency,” Delgadillo said. No U.S. hospital has ever been prosecuted on criminal charges of patient dumping, said President Bush’s homelessness chief, Philip F. Mangano. Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said patient dumping is a widespread practice. “We need to hold hospitals accountable, but also work with them to resolve these issues,” he said. Kaiser’s Bellflower hospital, which discharged the woman, is among 10 Los Angeles-area hospitals the legal action unfairly demonizes Kaiser, which she said has taken steps to see that no more of its patients are left on Skid Row. “It’s a big disappointment,” she said. “They’re taking one isolated case and saying, ‘This is what hospitals do.’ In reality, hospitals are trying our best to take care of all people, including and especially the most vulnerable.” Bonta acknowledged that hospital officials had called a taxi to take the woman to Skid Row, but added that they had called ahead to a shelter there to let workers know she was coming. Kaiser could be fined in the civil case and be hit with penalties including restrictions on its practices if convicted of the criminal charges. Police have long suspected that medical centers and outside law enforcement agencies were using Skid Row as a dumping ground for the homeless. Skid Row already has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of homeless people, in part because of its cluster of shelters and services to help them. The woman found wandering on the street, Carol Ann Reyes, was taken in at the Union Rescue Mission. Its director, Andy Bales, said Reyes is being cared for. Advocates to test homeless feeding ban in Orlando ORLANDO, Fla. Advocates for the homeless say they’ll test the Orlando ordinance banning the feeding of the homeless. Ben Markeson is a member of Stop the Ordinance Partnership, a homeless-advocacy group. He says the group will go to Lake Eola Park on Friday to pass out food. The City Council passed an ordinance in July forbidding the feeding of the homeless in city parks, and set up a designated feeding area on city-owned property. The homeless who camp near the feeding site were recently evicted by Orlando police. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the anti-feeding ordinance. Streetvibes Page 5 �Boys in the Alley My brother and I are looking out of the window. The one that overlooks the alley. Where we played during the day. But tonight we have spotted rats from the second floor. They were a problem. One ran right below the window. Plop! My brother just missed one. We had small pumpkins we were dropping on the rats. Dropping these on the rats. She looks at my father. He looked back. Mom says I don’t know why you rented this apartment. His reply is your mother is just up the street. She looks at him with disgust. We try to go back to what we were doing. Mom will have none of that. It’s time for bed boys. It is hard for me to get to sleep. The day before we had been in the alley with Mr. Cox. Grannies third husband. He is a preacher. Although I never heard him preach. He had a fellow with him and out of this shed he brought it. The most wonderful thing I ever saw. A wagon! A wagon with wooden spokes, metal around the wheels. A wooden tongue and a flat bed. I was envious. The man was moving things around on it. I wanted that wagon. It looked old. One of a kind. I dare not ask We were not allowed to do things like that. All I could do is stand there watch and wish. So tonight knowing that I could not have that wagon. I was thinking of a way I could get one. As I drifted off to sleep that was what was on my mind. The next morning as I was waking up half dreaming. Half awake. A dream as if it was real. In the dream I had built a wagon. Using paint lids for wheels. The more awake I became. The clearer it became that it just would not work. Something happened that morning. In my mind I started assembling a wagon in my mind. If I had the parts I was sure it would work. That started something. Let’s call it my gift. To see how things should go together. By now Gene was awake. We were already talking about today. We were going to grannies apartment. Mom was up. She had my two sisters in the kitchen downstairs. Breakfast smelled good. Eggs, bacon and biscuits. I reached for Gail in the highchair. She banged on the table in front of her. Mary was squirming in her chair. My sisters were so different than us boys. They were always with mom. Gail was about two or three. Mary was four. Gail’s hair is blond and fine. Mary’s hair is auburn thick and curly. It went in every direction. Gene enters the room. Always the general. Come on eat so we can go. Mom says where are you going? To grannies Gene replies. I nod and run out of the door. The ally is old. I can tell because it is made of cobble stone. The curb is that stone kind sparkles in the sunshine. The buildings that are not apartments are not painted. They look dark brown to black. Then there is the houses on right on the left are fences and gates that lead to houses. At the end of the alley there are stairs leading up to McMillan Hill. We were not allowed up there. We are at grannies. Lots of stairs. A steep climb for small boys. My brother knocks on the door. My uncle Bruce answers. He is a few years older than Gene. They go off together. I see my uncle Red. He is called that because of his hair. It’s red. I go and stand in front of him. Red what is that I ask? It’s a guitar he replied. A guitar I repeated. He strums the shiny strings. The notes I can hear each one of them. The sound is so soothing. Can I try I ask. Red says yea go ahead. I drag my fingers across slowly trying to hear each note again. Red asks would you like to hear a song. I shake my head up and down. Jesting yes. Sixteen Candles is the song. I am very impressed. I always looked up to my uncle. Forty five years later after his death I would own an old guitar belonging to him. It is one of my most cherished possessions. We stay for a while then leave. Back in the alley we go to the lot next to our apartment. There are mounds of dirt. It was dumped there, or left by people who torn down a building. At least that was my brother’s theory. The kid next door wants to come out to play. We see him at his door. He doesn’t come out every day like us. He is a little different. For one thing he has two thumbs on each hand. His speech is off a bit. My uncle Bruce calls him monkey boy. Luckily not to where he would hear. Grannies would get him good if she knew. I don’t make fun of him because I stutter some. I get very uncomfortable when people laugh. Anyway today he gets to come out. The mounds of dirt make a perfect place to play army. This will go on all day. That evening my uncles show up. They are going to do something about the vermin. I’m sure mom has got something to do with this decision. Gene had gotten wind of tonights events earlier than me. He had fashioned spears using mop sticks with nails sticking out of the end. Vicious weapons for vicious times. The rats had to be stopped. I have a vision of us to this day. A five and seven year old in louse fitting shorts, printed buttoned up shirts wide open. Those shoes that refuse to wear out. You know the ones taps everywhere little boots. Yes we were killers. Rat killers. Not that we ever killed a rat. Or for that mater ever seen one up close. Backed by uncles we were at least willing to try. My uncles went about there business. Mixing noxious potions of poisons and broken glass. Mixing it all in milk cartons. Then pouring it all down the rat holes. Then they set rat traps. Big traps. Using bacon as bate. Then burning the traps getting rid of any man sent. Later that same night the uncles began throwing rocks in the air. Throwing them as far in the air as they could straight up. A strange thing began to happen. The bats began diving for the rocks. About then mom called and we had to go in. The rat killers had to go to bed. Soon after all that settled down. One day everyone went into a panic. My mother had a terrified look on her face. What I wondered. What was going on? My dad was angry he was angry a lot. He seemed different this time. He also looked scared. Soon the house was full of people. My mother by now was holding her head and crying. My brother stepped next to me and said Mary is missing. I went flush. Mary can’t be missing. The girls never leave the house. They play inside with mom. The search was on. The whole family was there. Not one person wasn’t doing their part. The search went on for hours. Everyone was getting tired and frightened. My brother and I went downstairs to the kitchen. There were two rooms down there. The kitchen of course and mom and dads bedroom. We pretty much never went into their bedroom. But today we walk right in. The day before mom was trying dresses on Visit the Greater Cincinnati Coaltion for the Homeless website at - http://www.cincihomeless.org Visit the Streevibes archives at - http:// www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes.html Page 6 Streetvibes the girls and those skirts with the big ruffles. They were mint green, pink and starched stiff. I noticed something move. Gene looked at me. He saw it to. We walked over to the bed and begun removing the starchy stuff. We both gasp. Mary looked up oblivious to the uproar going on around her. They had checked the room but not under the dresses. She had tried on the dresses and fell asleep. All were relieved. That summer was completely comfortable. In two years or less my father will brutalize my mother. They will divorce. Somehow my father will get custody. My father’s mother will come to live with us. The comfort I knew that summer with my family close. My brother is my best friend. Will never be the same again. But for now this summer we were just boys in the alley. Vendor Spotlight David Watkins by Andy Freeze David Watkins is a very friendly gentleman. One would know this if you ran into him selling Streetvibes or if you saw him in our lobby. David always has a smile on his face and wants to know what is going on in your life. David has been selling Streetvibes for approximately 3 years. Streetvibes has helped him financially. He also details cars and uses Streetvibes as a second job to increase his income. A few of the things David enjoys most about selling Streetvibes is that he gets the opportunity to talk to people about the issues of homelessness and the events occurring in Over-the-Rhine. He also meets new people each day. David’s goal each month is to be the top vendor. He hopes that by selling papers he will push others to understand what is really going on in Cincinnati. You can usually find David selling his papers on court street by the DMV. David says, “Streetvibes is a great paper and everyone should actually read it, know about homelessness, the Coalition, and Over-the-Rhine.” �Homeless vets to get chance to rebuild Frederick, MA- Way Station, a Frederick-based mental health nonprofit organization, has partnered with government agencies to start a transitional living program for homeless veterans. In a ceremony the shelter officially opened and dedicated a 10­ bedroom duplex house in Hagerstown for veterans in the Welcome Home Program. “Our slogan is we don’t leave anyone behind,” said Bob Simpson, veteran’s program manager at Way Station. A retired Marine, Mr. Simpson has worked with homeless veterans for many years. Those who are accepted into the program must be motivated to improve their lives, he said. “Our job is to clean them up, help them with their mental health issues,” he said. “I hope we can maybe make a small dent.” Ten veterans will initially live in the house; move-in is still pending final approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Simpson said. Sixteen veterans will be able to live in the house once additional funding is acquired, according to a Way Station press release. The residents must be clean and sober for at least 90 days before they move in, Mr. Simpson said. Stays will range from about seven months to two years and residents will ideally have saved between $1,500 and $2,000 when they move out. Case managers will assist veterans with employment preparation, counseling and obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if needed. Several agencies collaborated with Way Station so they could acquire and renovate the house, including the VA, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Washington County Gaming Commission. Dogs and cats comfort the homeless and others who ‘don’t have a lot’ Seatle, WA - -Just before Halloween, Urlina Nozlic sat in the basement of the Union Gospel Mission holding Pumpkin, an orange cat, on her lap. Kiki and Brano sat quietly next to her in cat carriers in downtown Seattle. “We have a special rapport,” she said of the furry brood. She has to. They all live in her car. “It’s a good thing I have a 1992 Buick LeSabre,” she said. It is Saturday afternoon, and Nozlic is waiting to see one of three veterinarians and an assistant who donate their time every other week to the furry friends of the homeless and the very poor. In the basement of the Union Gospel Mission men’s shelter in Pioneer Square in late October, a few people tell hard-luck stories — and the comfort provided by the cats and dogs they clutch. Near Nozlic and her cats sits a blind man holding the leash of a 13­ year-old brown terrier. Witton Rabon says Buster is the last of his litter. “He’s a survivor,” he says. And so it seems is Rabon. The dog, like the other animals, is quiet, resting his aging head on the floor at Rabon’s feet. There are those who volunteer at food banks to nourish people in need. And there are those, such as Dr. Stanley Coe, a retired veterinarian, who nourish the souls of people by volunteering to keep their best friends — and sometimes only companions — healthy. Dr. Larry King of Lien Animal Clinic in Seattle explains to C’zar Carter of Seattle what should be done for some swelling on his dog, Skipper, at the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic at the Union Gospel Mission men’s shelter in downtown Seattle. “It seemed like there was a need to provide the service,” said Coe, who has run the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic for 20 years. The pets “probably give some people a reason to live.” Nozlic said she would try to raise the money to care for her cats even if the clinic were not available. “They’re my friends,” said Nozlic, who said she’s been homeless since losing a job as a stagehand in March. Upstairs in the mission, Eli, a 55-year-old woman who lives in a small, subsidized studio at the Yesler Terrace housing project, stood in line for free pet food and medication for her cat, Choo Chool. Eli, who did not reveal her last name to protect her privacy, is one of about 40 people who typically come to the clinic each Saturday. Choo Chool means “tassel” in her native Bulgarian, Eli said. “When I first got him, he’d jump on the drapes and hang there.” She said she would have committed suicide if not for the clinic. “I suffer from chronic depression and fibromyalgia, which means I have constant muscle pains,” she said. “My daughter won’t have anything to do with me, so I’m alone.” Referring to her black and white pet, who she says is a “tuxedo cat,” she said: “It’s because of her that I have to get up and leave the house and take care of her. She seems to know when I’m sad.” Last year, the cat developed an infection in her eye and could no longer see. She said Coe, who used to be a co-owner of the Elliott Bay Animal Hospital, operated on Choo Chool for free at the hospital. These days the cat’s eye has reopened and can see just fine. The non-profit clinic, supported by donations and volunteers, was started by veterinarian C.W. “Bud” Doney in 1983 in the basement of what was then a Christian coffee shop and drop-in center. It was across the street from the mission at Second Avenue South and South Main Street, and Doney ran the center until he died of cancer in 1986. “I read in the paper that his wife didn’t think the clinic could keep going, so I called her up and said, Streetvibes ‘Let’s do lunch because we can probably figure something out,’ “ said Coe, who has kept the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic going ever since. Among the 15 volunteers, mostly veterinarians, who keep the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic going is Don Rolf, who used to train dolphins and whales at Sea World. He has volunteered at the clinic for 20 years. Twice a month, he drives to the shelter in Seattle from Centralia. Why does he do it? “The bond between the people and the pets seems to be a comfort” to the owners, Rolf said. “I think maybe because they don’t have a lot.” Page 7 �Letters Send your letters, edi­ torials or comments to Streetvibes, 117 East 12th Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45202, or email to Streetvibes@juno.com Letter from Texas prison inmate Berta’s Art Corner Corporate entrance, Cincinnati, 525 Vine Street, 2nd floor. Quotes... “It is not necessary to advertise food to hungry people, fuel to cold people, or houses to the homeless.” John Kenneth Galbraith To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. Johannes A. Gaertner We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear Albert Barnes Beauty is unbearable, drives us to despair, offering us for a minute the glimpse of an eternity that we should like to stretch out over the whole of time. Albert Camus Page 8 Streetvibes On the Sunny Side of the Street by Chris Miller Seattle - “Go ahead, I won’t tell anybody,” Jonas says to the young man with a low baseball brim walking by onto the pedestrian walkway to the ferry terminal. The man pulls his hat lower but can’t suppress a smile with the half-shake of his head. “For some people, maybe they just can’t smile, maybe they’ve got loved ones in harm’s way, some it takes four years to notice, recognize what it is that I’m doing out here,” Jonas says. Most downtowners, though, are expectant to trade jokes, jibes, and smiles passing Jonas standing at the southwest corner of First Avenue and Marion Street. Some hurriedly head onward to the ferries. “Hope you win the race!” he bellows to the ferry-catching runners. “Injected humor,” he dubs it, and calls out to one woman passing by, “When will you marry me?” She pauses, turns, and smiles. While greeting pedestrians on the street corner, his “smile” sign is a painted, gold-lettered rainbow proffered as equal parts subtitle, stage prop, and street-level PowerPoint visual aid. Five years now the staunch Chippewa from “the Great Lakes States” who declines to give his last name has been a sight more regular than rain — totaling a personal smile-streak of 43 bright days to the city’s mere 33 drizzle-dim days of 1953. He most recently completed a 20­ day stretch this summer. The smiles actually brighten the brainchemistry of gray Seattle, as long as they are genuine, or so-called Duchenne smiles, which crinkle the skin around the eyes. Anything less than an eye-crinkler is a polite counterfeit. “There are so many people walking around downtown like they’re the last person on earth!” Jonas decries. “People in Seattle just need to put that smile on and wear it around.” A spate of copycat smile-signers have spread the request around downtown in homage to the success of his idea. “He works eight-hour days just like all of us and he doesn’t have a [cardboard] cutpiece, he’s out there entertaining people,” says a young woman who works nearby. Her coworker estimates his smile success rate at 90 percent — he puts it at 99.5 percent. How? An improvisation of compliments and jokes makes up his “tireless, never-ending” patter, and operations are donations-only. “It’s the toughest, most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s not about me, it’s a way to do something for everyone else out there.” Jonas calls his work his “anti-depressant.” An epileptic with Parkinson’s, he moved to Seattle in 1991 with a wife and kids for a job, then became addicted to heroin. Now he’s hooked on smiling. “I’ve lost all: kids in foster care, wife remarried. I got no means, nothing, but I got tired of flying a sign saying ‘I’m broke, I’m hungry.’ No chin-dragging on the ground for me.” This attitude helps Jonas let his message of peace — what he calls the “most natural thing in the world” — reach thousands of passersby daily. “There’s so much negativity in the world already right now — I pray every day. I don’t go to church, I pray all day long, and Creator is with me always.” A last word from the Sultan of Smile: “Go on, take a smile home with you, maybe you’ll find it when you wake up, or pass it on, but somebody’s going to need that smile later.” �Many Attend buddy gray Memorial On November 15th several hundred people attended a memorial in Over-the-Rhine to commemorate the life of activist, buddy gray. Killed ten years ago by a formerly homeless man whom buddy had helped over the years, the spirit of his commitment to low-income housing and taking care of the homeless is still alive and active today. The large group of friends and mourners first gathered at buddy’s place, on 14th and Vine Street The buddy’s place building represented a major struggle. The building had been half destroyed by a fire and needed extensive renovation. The city wanted to see it torn down. After several years of restoration by contractors and volunteers, the twenty unit building for exhomeless people opened. The first floor storefront of the building is now occupied by Miami University’s design and architecture programs. buddy did not see the building to its completion. Bonnie Neumeier The march began from Miami University’s space in buddy’s place. There was a hard rain for the marchers to Washington Park and a change of plans were made. The large group squeezed into Nast Trinity Church’s sanctuary on Race Street. There were photos and other memorabilia on display at Nast Trinity and chili-spaghetti with cakes for dessert. Speakers included Marion Spenser, Jack Gray, buddy’s brother and friend Bonnie Neumeier. Michael Stoops and Donald Whitehead of the Nationl Coalition for the Homeless spoke at the memorial. There was wonderful music from members and friends of the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement. buddy founded the Drop Inn Center, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, local and national offices of the Coalition for the Homeless and others. Countless individuals benefited from the non-profits that buddy and many others helped to establish. buddy’s fight for social justice and peace in the world continues to this day. Jack Gray, buddy’s brother Marion Spenser Michael Stoops, of the National Coalition for the Homeless Streetvibes Page 9 �Voters Wanted Change by Gary D. Bass Executive Director, OMB Watch Clearly voters said it was time for a change. But will change occur? And what type of change will it be? Election exit polls indicate the top issues on the mind of voters as they voted for the House were the economy, corruption and scandal in government, and the war in Iraq - and in that order. Eighty-two percent of voters responding to exit polls said they voted the way they did because they thought the economy was an important issue ­ and those votes didn’t go Republican. While Bush may have thought the past tax cuts for the rich would resonate with voters, they didn’t. This may be because of stagnant wages and the growing gap between the rich and the rest of us or because voters may recognize that we cannot continue to mortgage our future with a national debt that now stands at $32,000 for every American family and growing. Three of four voters also said corruption and scandal in government was either an extremely or very important factor in how they voted. No doubt the revelations about the Mark Foley scandal just before the election had a huge impact. But Foley represented a broader set of problems and frustration with how our government operates. The abuse of power exhibited in the Jack Abramoff-Duke Cunningham-Robert Ney-David Safavian ever expanding circle of cozy deals is but one example. The mosaic of corruption and scandal also comes from a government that has put special interest and party interest above public interest in so many of its actions. This includes powerful corporations shaping federal policies (energy policy and oil industry, health care and the pharmaceutical industry), and appointing representatives of industry to regulate the industries they represent. It also comes from a Congress that treats appropriations and tax earmarks as normal business, a president that abuses power by infringing on civil liberties and increasing government secrecy, and a Congress that has too little transparency. These are all part of the corruption and scandal picture the public wants addressed. It appears the House Democrats have a good jump on addressing these voter concerns with a blueprint for legislation to be tackled in the first 100 hours of the new Congress. It includes: Addressing corruption and fiscal responsibility by “breaking the link between lobbyists and legislation” and committing to “pay­ as-you-go, no new deficit spending” rules; Implementing the recommendations of the independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission; Raising the minimum wage; Making health care more affordable for all Americans, negotiating for lower drug prices under Medicare, and promoting stem cell research; Broadening college opportunity, and cutting interest rates for student loans in half. Moving towards energy independence, and “rolling back the multi-billion dollar subsidies for Big Oil”; Guaranteeing a “dignified retirement,” and opposing attempts to privatize Social Security. This is certainly an ambitious agenda. And incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D­ NV) has talked about the importance of transparency and open government. We concur. But while disclosure is vital, strong rules, oversight, and enforcement are essential. And, of course, the specifics of the Democrats plan will be what really matters. We hope the 100 hour agenda is put in the context of a broader goal: putting us on the path to fiscal sanity - certainly not an easy task given recent policies. While pay-as-you-go rules are a critical element, it’s not the entire solution. National priorities must be realigned so that government spends the public’s money on the common good. This must be done in a responsible manner so as not to continue mortgaging our future. Our elected Cincinnati, OH - According to Georgine Getty, Chair of the 1.5% Coalition, the watchdog collaborative over city human service funding, the City of Cincinnati human services funding has been cut in half. Milton R. Dohoney, Jr. City of Cincinnati City Manager presented the Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) an amount that is to appear in the budget $1.2 million dollars, somewhere between .2% and .3% of the general fund. A setback to the government commitment to human services as a priority in ifs funding plans, the total impact to HIV clients who rely upon the whole array of agencies funded is unclear. . HSAC was challenged to divide this money evenly and, in doing so, not have any substantial income to any agency or prioritize the funding. Consequently, the committee decided to fund the Tier 1 agencies, but only at 80% of their original funding. According to the 1.5% Committee the other agencies ranked in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 agencies were eliminated from the budget completely. According to Getty, “these agencies are needed, necessary and important. As we know, we are all connected in a web, and the cut of make and they did the best they could. The Coalition is developing three points in its response to the cuts. 1. Mayor Mallory is scheduling a series of public hearings about the budget. Supporters, agencies and clients are encouraged to attend these meetings to demonstrate support 2. An information sheet is now being developed highlighting the impact of these cuts on the community 3. The 1.5 Coalition has always said we had two goals: to restore the funding to 1.5% and to preserve the HSAC process. It has succeeded in one of these goals. The HSAC Committee has been forced to make hard decisions, but at least it was they who made them and not a lead agency or politician. leaders must recognize that this requires fair and progressive ways of raising the necessary revenue to meet our national priorities. This is not to shun the need for spending cuts, but to put it in perspective. Cutting spending to the bone leads to inadequate and inept governmental response such as with Hurricane Katrina. We must have a government that responds to public needs, both before and after crises. Democrats will face difficult choices and a lot is yet to be decided about their path. For example, they must fix the Alternative Minimum Tax, a tax aimed at the rich but because it was never indexed to inflation is now hitting the uppermiddle class. This fix will be costly and may prove difficult to do within the confines of pay-as-you-go rules. Another issue will likely be the minimum wage. If firebrand conservatives take over the House Republican leadership - an issue all should keep an eye on - they could push hard to include special interest favors, such as further tax breaks for the wealthy, which could undercut any progress being sought by minimum wage legislation. Strengthening homeland security is another daunting task before the new Congress. For example, we need a comprehensive regulatory approach to address chemical plant, nuclear plant, and port security. As we move forward on strengthening homeland security, basic civil liberties must be protected - and Congress should revisit policy changes that have infringed on such civil liberties. Now the governing must begin. The president and the new Democratic leadership have been in dialogue - a constructive sign. However, it may not be sufficient to overcome the partisan infighting that has dominated our nation’s politics. OMB Watch will continue working with Democrats and Republicans alike in our pursuit of a more open and accountable government that promotes fairness and equity. We hope the new leadership in Congress will provide fresh views and leadership in moving towards this vision. City Of Cincinnati Human Services receive Bush Looking Haggard agency hurts us all.” Adds Getty, “I know Severe Financial Hit any that HSAC was given an impossible choice to by Dr. Wesley Browning Page 10 For more information contact Georgine Getty, Executive Director. Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. 513-421-7803, 117 East 12th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Streetvibes Many weeks ago we enjoyed Ted Haggard’s pronouncement that President George Bush is not Satan. Years before, the evangelical leader Reverend Ted Arthur “I Did Not Have Sex With That Male Whore And Never Used That Meth” Haggard made a key endorsement. George Bush needed to win the presidency in 2000. “He is a good, honorable man and I, for one, totally believe his denials of wrongdoing.” Haggard was only being Christ like in his love for his male flesh merchant. His frequent payments of $200 to his for-hire boy toy were not for sex. They made Haggard an instrument of God’s Love to a poor struggling sinner. Likewise, when he bought unwanted meth from his drug-dealing hooker it was just a kind way to give without demeaning the recipient. Who needs happy endings, when they’re on the Way to the Lord’s Eternal Happy Ending? �Bed race highlights homeless concerns Superman, Batman, the X-Men and even Scooby Doo raced to the rescue last month to help fight homelessness. For the third annual Great City Rescue Bed Race, more than a hundred people dressed as superheroes and raced beds on wheels around a track. It was to raise money for City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter. More than 25 teams of five raised more than $25,000 through corporate sponsorships and grass-roots fundraising. Each team had to construct and decorate its own bed on wheels and push them around the track at Landon Middle School to compete for the best times. There was also an obstacle course and costume competition. A wide variety of superheroes were represented for this race’s theme. There were Care Bears in a bed adorned with cottony clouds. Scooby Doo and his gang raced in a bed made to look like the Mystery Machine. Traditional superheroes like the Justice League raced against Pixar-inspired superfamily, the Incredibles. Even real-life heroes were represented with an Army tank bed, which ended up winning for fastest bed. The residents of the McDuff Avenue area dressed as the Super Jaguars and posted a track record time of 1:13. Considering the real NFL team’s 5-4 record, team member Eugene Garcia said, they might be just as fast. “I don’t know, the real Jaguars haven’t tested us yet,” he said. The top overall winner was a team of University of North Florida nursing students dressed up as Ghostbusters. Nursing student James Tesh said they spent more than 50 hours working on their version of the Ecto-1 ambulance, complete with a stereo playing the theme song, but the work was all worth it to be able to help the cause. Dallas nonprofit buys building for homeless DALLAS, TX - The Central Dallas Community Development Corp. last month completed the purchase of a downtown Dallas building that will be converted into apartments for the homeless and low-income residents. Construction on the project will begin next year. The 15-story, 167,000-square-foot building at 511 N. Akard St. will be redeveloped into 209 apartments, ground-floor retail and two floors of office space. The project will have 200 apartments that will be used for affordable, work force housing. Of those, 50 will be set aside for homeless individuals. Nine of the units will rent at market rates. Central Dallas CDC has secured nearly $14 million in funding for the project, including $1.75 million from the city of Dallas and $12 million in low-income, housing tax credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The estimated total cost for the project is $23 million. “Dallas currently has less than one unit of permanent housing for every 25 homeless people that need a home,” said Larry James, president and Something strange in your neighborhood? Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters team of University of North Florida School of Nursing were overall winners in the Bed Race. The annual event was a fundraiser for City Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter. More than 3,000 people are homeless in Jacksonville, and Robin Wilson, publicist for the City Rescue Mission, said the shouts of “Get a job!” from passersby aren’t going to solve the problem. Wilson said many of Jacksonville’s homeless work full time, but a lack of affordable housing is forcing many to the streets. Housing costs in Jacksonville have increased more than 15 percent a year since 2004. Valerie Wrenn, director of development for City Rescue Mission, said the hard work that went into the race will help raise awareness about the problem and possibly inspire others to contribute their time or money to the cause. “We get money all of the time, but something like this really shows that people care,” she said. CEO of Central Dallas Ministries. “We firmly believe that providing our homeless neighbors with a place of their own will allow them to address the most significant problems that forced them onto the streets of our city.” Central Dallas CDC is a nonprofit organization started by Central Dallas Ministries to increase the affordable housing in the inner city of Dallas. Central Dallas CDC is co-developer of the project along with Dallas-based McCaslin Development. “King of the Hobos” passes away An Ohio man who was known as the “King of the Hobos” has died. Maurice Graham began riding the rails at age 14 in 1931. He died last month at a rehabilitation center in Napoleon. He was 89. Services were held in Toledo. What is the Hobo Convention? The National Hobo Convention is the largest gathering of hobos, rail-riders, and tramps, who gather to celebrate the American traveling worker. When and where is the Hobo Convention? The National Hobo Convention is held the second weekend every August in Britt, Iowa How can we get to the Hobo Convention? Britt, Iowa is located 31 miles west of Mason City, Iowa. Route 18 travels through Britt. Greyhound Bus Services mason City. Clear Lake Municipal Airport offers flight service. Can we still ride a freight train to the Convention? Freight train riding is illegal! Train service to Britt, Iowa is sporadic at best. There are 2-3 trains daily in either direction. While we don’t condone freight train riding, we recognize that there will be individuals who will choose to travel that way. Please be careful. What is there to do at the Hobo Convention? Aside from the scheduled events, there are many opportunities to visit with local townspeople and hobos and share stories and music and poetry. Are there any real Hobos at the Convention? There are many former and current hobos who join us at the Convention Are there any hotel or camping facilities at the Convention? There are hotels in Mason City and Clear Lake, Iowa. There are also primitive (no services) camping available in Britt. Where do the Hobos stay? Most of the hobos stay at the hobo jungle, located on the Northeast side of town, by the railroad tracks. Who runs the Hobo Convention? The City of Britt runs the Hobo Days Celebration, The Council of Hobos handles the business of the convention. The Hobo Foundation operates the Hobo Museum and maintains the Hobo Cemetery. Can we drink at the Convention? The Convention events are located on public property. Local laws do not allow for drinking alcoholic beverages on public property. There are a number of taverns located in Britt. Can anyone become Hobo King or Hobo Queen? To be elected King you must be a true railrider. You must pass a committee of hobos who will test your worthiness to run. How can we trace a loved one who was on the rails or possibly still on the rails? You may contact the Hobo Museum for more information. Call 641-843-9104. During Hobo week, you may ask at the Hobo Jungle. How can we get someone buried at the Hobo Cemetery? Contact the Hobo Foundation for information at 641-843-9104. How can I donate to the Hobos? You may donate to the hobos at the hobo jungle during Hobo Week, or you can donate financially or with memorabilia at the Hobo Museum 641-843-9104 “Don “Don’’t Leave Home t” Without IIt” Streetvibes Page 11 �Albany hosted homeless summit Albany, NY - Faced with what seems like a rising number of homeless, the city of Albany organized a local summit meeting to try to find answers. About 70 people were invited, and so far more than 40 have said they’ll come, according to Marilyn Smith, the Albany public information officer. Capt. Ben Atchley of the Albany Police is took the lead in setting up the meeting. This past summer the city closed a squatters’ settlement, “Camp Boondoggle,” in a remote part of Simpson Park, displacing a number of people who had lived there in improvised shelters. Later, the Albany Helping Hands homeless shelter off the Pacific Boulevard overpass reported it was having trouble accommodating all the people seeking shelter there, and city officials increased the authorized capacity of the place. Both events helped focus new attention on homelessness in Albany, Smith said in the invitation to attend. Invitations went to groups or people who provide some kind of service to homeless people. “It is time for all of us who provide help or services to the homeless to look for more effective solutions,” the invitation said. It also said the conference will be a chance to “learn about the services we provide, address areas of concern, and begin to form an integrated approach to getting these individuals the housing, jobs, supervision, and other help that will end their homelessness.” Terry Holderness, captain of the special operations division of the Fontana, Calif., Police Department and an expert in ending homelessness, also is expected to attend. kicking a homeless woman in Berkeley last year. Jarell Maurice Johnson, 19, of San Leandro and Derrell Lamont Morgan, 19, of Berkeley were each found guilty in September of seconddegree murder for attacking Maria King, 49, at about 1 a.m. Feb. 8, 2005, behind a secondhand clothing store near University Avenue and California Street. King died at a hospital 12 days later. Doctors said the beating was so bad that her brain shifted 5 centimeters. King was a university graduate and a legal writer from Illinois who injured her back while trying to move a desk after moving to the Bay Area. She quit work, became permanently unemployed and her on the streets. At a hearing in Oakland, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Horner sentenced both men to 15 years to life in prison. Neither will be eligible for parole until after they serve at least 15 years behind bars. The two men attacked King “for the simple reason that they could,” Deputy District Attorney Ben Beltramo said after the jury delivered its verdicts in September. The prosecutor had argued for firstdegree murder convictions. An apartment manager who witnessed part of the attack saw what he described as “two people kicking an object as if they were kicking a soccer ball,” Beltramo said. their roles in the attack, authorities said. Johnson had a history of attacking homeless people “for no reason,” including a couple in Oakland in 2003, Beltramo said. Johnson smashed a bottle over the male victim’s head, and the couple testified about the incident during this murder trial, the prosecutor said. Morgan’s attorney, Walter Pyle, argued during the trial that his client wasn’t involved in the attack. “The jury has spoken in this case,” Pyle said today. “Nevertheless, I continue to believe that young Mr. Morgan was not the second assailant, and I will pursue on his behalf whatever remedies are available under the law.” Jackson, MS - Only just over a hundred poor and homeless people showed up at the Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, Thanksgiving Day. That is fewer than normal. Gateway Director Rex Baker, a former television reporter says churches will feed the needy on Thanksgiving when they don’t other days and that is one reason for the reduced number. Baker says to run the program for the needy means, in his words, “My life makes a difference. You can come here every day and find somebody who needs help. And, it feels good to help them and leave with a sense of fulfillment.” Gateway exists on donations and is located in the heart of the inner city in Jackson on South Gallatin Street. Gateway Rescue 2 sentenced in fatal beating of homeless woman Mission Feeds attempted suicide twice. She lived in Johnson was arrested at the Oakland, CA - Two men were a residential hotel in Oakland before scene. Morgan was arrested several sentenced last month to 15 years to Homeless a dispute with her landlord landed months later. Both bragged about life in prison for fatally beating and Where Your Streetvibes Dollar Goes Streetvibes Production 25 cents Vendor Profit 75 cents Page 12 Streetvibes Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor badge. Vendors are private contractors who DO NOT work for, or represent, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homleess. All profits go directly to the vendor. �Program helps homeless veterans reclaim their lives Lexington, KY - If you asked Ken Banta to share his life story, the 51­ year-old would probably tell you his fall from combat medic in the Army to homeless alcoholic is not unique. He might show you the large scar that stretches across the middle of his belly. Or the two thick scars, one hidden under his gold-and-silver watch band, below the palms of his large hands. All were attempts he made at cutting his ties to life. And it’s also likely Banta would tell you he’s thankful his life was spared because he knows not everyone is so lucky. “I’m not supposed to be here,” he says solemnly, gazing at the reminders on his wrists. “I was so down and out — down emotionally — that I either had to seek out help or die.” That period in his life, when Banta says he hit rock bottom, was more than two years ago. It’s been nearly a year and a half since he took his last drink. Today, Banta is one of four men living in a new wing for veterans in recovery at Central Christian Church’s St. James Place. The 38-unit residence, which opened in September, is a supportive housing program subsidized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and run by the Foundation for Affordable Housing Inc., which is affiliated with Central Christian Church. The rooms, which resemble those in a college dormitory, each have a single bed, a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, sink, and microwave and a private toilet with shower. “It’s not very big, but I’m grateful for what I got,” Banta said of his room, still littered with moving boxes. Banta arrived in September at the residence, tucked away on Deweese Street, after he graduated from the Homeless Veterans Transitional Treatment Program at the VA Medical Center’s Leestown campus. To date, there have been five veterans in the program, said James Kemper Millard, president and chief executive officer of the Foundation for Affordable Housing. But one veteran fell out of the program and returned to rehab. Part of the residents’ leasing agreement is that they remain drug- and alcohol-free. Most, but not all, have already gone through some type of treatment before their arrival, Millard said. The veterans are given job training and assistance. When they feel ready, they’re free to move out. Millard, who became president shortly after the wing was built in May, says homeless veterans are often “ignored by our community.” The Department of Veterans Affairs estimated in 2003 there were 313,087 homeless veterans in the United States. In 2004, the figure was reported at nearly 200,000. Kentucky had 963 homeless veterans in 2005, according to a department report. The Foundation for Affordable Housing estimates there are more than 400 homeless veterans in Fayette County. “It’s a critical situation that we have,” Millard said. “What are we doing as a community to help the warriors who came back and they’re not whole?” Banta’s rough patch in life came around 1987, when the Bryan Station High School graduate returned to Lexington from a yearlong company tour in Korea after 12 years in the Army. A nasty divorce left the father of three depressed and he began drinking. He didn’t see the point in returning to the Army, so he became a nurse, which is what he had done during his last six years in the service. But he began drinking heavily. “I would never come to work drinking, but I would go to work hung over, and that’s just as bad,” he said. He was eventually fired and his nursing license was revoked. Rather than getting his act together, Banta fled to Ohio, where he began working as a nurse again. But he eventually let that license lapse and was out of work again. “That put me on the road to homelessness,” he said. For Banta, homelessness led him to make the change. He got tired of living in his car (before he totaled it and lost his license for a DUI), living under bridges in the summer and bouncing from shelter to shelter in winters. Another drunk found him outside one day, bleeding from Downtown Partnership to use parking meters for city homeless donations The partnership plans to use old parking meters throughout downtown as donation coffers for Baltimore Homeless Service Inc. City officials hope the program will decrease panhandling downtown. As part of the program, dubbed Make A Change, the partnership will collect parking meters that are being replaced by new high-tech meters that accept credit cards. The old meters will be painted bright green and display the phrase, “Give your change to make a change for homeless people.” They will be relocated in pedestrian areas downtown, away from parking spots to avoid confusing them with actual parking meters, city officials said. Nine meters will be installed at first. The partnership also operates collection boxes for the homeless that can be found inside downtown businesses and hotels. Baltimore Homeless Service will receive all donations collected from the meters and collection boxes. The new meters are part of a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Baltimore City, according to city officials. plunging a steak knife into his stomach. It was time to get it together. “See, there gets to be a point where you gotta hit rock bottom before you’re ready to give in,” Banta said. “I had hit several bottoms — like losing my marriage, losing my job, losing my nursing license. But they weren’t enough for me. For me, it wasn’t until I became homeless — without a job, a car, a driver’s license, without any hope at all.” Banta sought help. There were the temporary programs — five to be exact — but none of them worked. Then he enrolled in the program at the VA Medical Center’s Leestown campus. He hasn’t had a sip of alcohol since May 20, 2005. He started working toward getting his nursing license back, which he thought would require him to jump through “hoops bigger than Rupp Arena.” He will appear before The Kentucky Board of Nursing in December to learn what stipulations will be placed on his license. He realizes he will have to tell his employer about his past. He’ll have to attend a nurse support group and submit a drug test to “anyone who wants it.” But he welcomes it. He wants to put his life back together. Although he could stay at St. James Place for two years, Banta hopes to leave in six to 18 months. “You wouldn’t have wanted to know me a year and a half ago,” Banta says. “It’s taken me several years to put all of this together. But I’ll be able to hold my head up and say ‘I did the right thing.’” Boise Restaurant “Cazba” Serves Meals To Homeless Boise, ID - On Thanksgiving Day, one Boise restaurant opened its doors to the homeless for a turkey meal and some holiday cheer. The Cazba was rockin’ as staff and volunteers served more than a thousand turkeys to those in need. For a decade the owners have helped the homeless to an elegant meal. One of Cazba’s owners says why he started this tradition. ”My parents overseas, we are from Iran, they used to feed once a year about 5,000 people and that’s a big production,” says Max Mohammadi. “I do 500 and I think that’s pretty big.” Mohammadi says the event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, and he hopes that people in the Treasure Valley won’t forget about the homeless this season. Officers From Other Cities Accused Of Dumping Homeless DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach’s police chief said he’s fed up with his neighbors. He said officers from nearby police agencies are dumping homeless people in his city. The Daytona Beach Coalition for the Homeless is where the homeless from Daytona Beach and surrounding areas come for services. It’s no secret that Daytona Beach has more than its fair share of homeless. Now the chief says other cities are making it worse. Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood alleges his officers have caught other police departments, Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach Shores, dropping homeless people off at the Daytona Beach city limits. Chitwood has said in the past that he intends to lock-up all transients if they don’t agree to go and get help with employment or medical conditions. He said it is an issue that has been around in Daytona for a long time. He just seems to be the first one to address it. “Did one of our sergeants catch somebody dropping someone off on Silver Beach? Yeah,” Chief Chitwood said. “Don’t just drop them off on the corner; drive them to where they have to go.” Chitwood is already training a special task force of his officers to be able to deal with homeless people with mental and drug problems. Local social services said they simply do not have the money or the facilities to deal with all the homeless in the area. Streetvibes Page 13 �Homeless For Christmas Homeless Poem All alone he sat, on the sidewalk cold, Ragged coat, beaten hat, stooped over, looking old. He asked for change for a coffee and a smoke, Of all the people passing by, who thought him just a joke. He was just another homeless guy, another bum on the street, On the street, he’ll probably die, right at the Christmas shoppers’ feet. It’s the time of good will to men, when, for all, we’re supposed to care. We hear that time and time again. Why then was he still there? On the dirty side of town, Where does this man go? On his sodden way down? Nobody knows about his past, nobody knows his sad story. Why has he gone down so fast? All the way to ruin from glory. I came upon him on the street and put five dollars in his hat, Right about then, we began to talk, I joined him where he sat. “Do you have a smoke?” he asked as I sat down, Soon he was enjoying his smoke, there on the dirty side of town. He told me the story of his life, about the trail of abuse and neglect. How his soul “died” when he lost his wife, how his family he began to reject. He finally hit rock bottom. He had nowhere else to go. Where the booze had finally got him, what then? He didn’t know. I said, “I know how you feel, helpless and alone.” “You need a bed and a hot meal, and someplace to call home.” I’ll send you to a friend of mine, he’ll help you on your way, And the bus fare I will lend, you go and see him today.” “He runs the South-Side Mission, on the other side of town,” “You talk to him, he’ll listen. Get him to show you around.” I gave him the change for the bus and heartily shook his hand, I thought, “He’s the same as one of us, throughout this great big land.” As I watched him go down the street, I wondered to myself, “will he come back?” Will we ever again meet, on the better side of the tracks?” I realized it was getting late, I had to get to a Christmas Party, I hurried to make my appointed date, for eggnog and turkey hearty. As I hurried on through the snow, I wondered to myself, “Where does all our compassion go? Is it put upon the shelf?” At this Christmas time of year, Let us think of those who are with us all the year. The homeless, the hungry, the destitute, who live on our streets each day. Let us show them a better route, where they can find their way. It’s Christmas time, Do you care? Will you help another one? Come on people, show you care. Do what the Master would have done. Just think, if that was you, sitting on the sidewalk cold, Wouldn’t you want some help too? Or would you rather die in the cold? by Charles Hice A homeless man lays helpless at nite; no friendship in sight. He cries to Jesus ‘please help me’! An opened letter inside not just a man. Heart is twisting and turning because some people have hurt him. If you can not help him and aid him then at least you can leave him alone. Please dont hurt him. Someday soon he will die and go home. by John McKay Withey She left her home in her early teens, In torn shirt and faded jeans. Looking for the love she was never given, Away from her family she was finally driven. She sits by the fountain every day, Her lovely young face looking cold and grey. Her sad blue eyes slowly searching around, Looking for coins dropped on the ground. With pleading eyes she holds out a hand, In pouring rain for hours she will stand. All she wants is a lttle respite, And something warm for her teeth to bite. Uncaring people pass her by, They see her plight and wonder why, So young a person has no home, And around the streets aimlessly roam. Addicts and prostitutes, she knows them all, They tell her the dangers, if her pride should fall. Often tempted, her back to the wall, When deep inside she hears a call. Her bed is a box propped in a door, Often her body is tender and sore. But when she sees those ever so younger, She forgers the pain caused by hunger. Up to the skies she will often look, Remembering words she read in a book. The meaning now she can clearly see, ”Suffer little children to come unto me”. WHY? by Vera Zlatkin Why do you hate me? Is it something I did, or something I said; Is it the way I look or walk or talk; Or the color of my skin? Why do you hate me? Is it the cloths I wear; is it my hair: my size, my shape, my smell; Or what you believe I am? Why do you hate me? When you see me walking toward you, Why do you turn your face away Forbidding me to greet you? Why? Why do you hate me? Is it my age; do I talk too much, Or have I remained silent too long So you never got to know me. Why do you hate me? Do you perceive me as something less than Those you deem to be acceptable But how can you judge me? How can you hate me, When you don’t even know me; How can you judge me as less? Am I so much different than you? Why do you hate me? I don’t hate you. STAND by Billy Ray Sanders Be careful if you stand against something, in which you do not believe. Talking with your mother about all your fears. Talking to your lover revealing that your queer. Caution the lines are taped. The walls have ears. An American with a different color skin. Is to be locked away, from which there is no reprieve. Oh I can hear what is in the wind. Our freedom is being tested again. 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 Page 14 Streetvibes �Acquainted With The Nite Elves in the Nite by buddy gray by buddy gray i am one acquainted with the nite, From my growing up 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 – 1000’s it seemed – 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 – echo-ing between the concrete streets and rows of tall brick buildings, Voices in Stress, or High or in Terror, Fighting intoxicated, or children playing late on concrete, Or hot-muggy polluted summer and poverty stress, Many nitely screams of our city’s Women being battered, On Lonely, unsafe, nite streets – or echoes imprisoned in an apartment with the 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 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. June 1995 This has been typical of my life 8AM to 5 ReSTOC, Housing 7 – 4 AM DIC Working late on DIC bills, $ etc. MY LIFE by buddy gray Then time to go home But 3 vehicles need moved To prepare for street sweeper Can’t afford $29 ticket Then finally getting to move My clothes chest to Sort out my clothes Time for personal tasks When streets are quiet And all else is asleep Elves in the nite My Life is so HELLIOUS with battle and demands of services that when there is a brief letup – an evening with no pressing battle – my body and mind, can’t believe or accept it. i have to talk to myself and say there is no immediate crisis tomorrow we can relax and rest for a brief bit without worrying March 12, 1995 Found written on yellow note paper June 5, 1991 5:00 AM Found in yellow pad On the occasion of buddy gray’s 10th anniversary of his tragic death, Bonnie Neumeier, a long time friend and co-worker, compiled 27 pieces of buddy’s writing, edited and wrote a foreword to a book entitled FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES: Selected Writings of buddy gray. Bonnie said: “There is no better way to celebrate buddy’s life than to share his raw and passionate words with the public. Let buddy’s words inspire you to keep on keepin’ on morning by morning for the cause of justice and peace in our world.” If anyone is interested in having a personal copy of this book please email Bonnie at bonnie49@zoomtown.com. All proceeds of this book will go to support Drop Inn Center and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing. A minimum donation of $10 is the suggested donation. Afraid of Truth I want you back! Holding on Do You Know? Love Blues Love Her Heart Break The White Man Just A Little Reminder Within Yourself Just Please Is There a Reason? Thoughts From a Drama Filled Mind Why not love me I Love You? Singing Dancing Eating and Loving Dirty Words I Miss You Hard If lLove Is Poem All I Did Wrong Love Is The Reason Love Is Leave Him This Is the Real End My Dad Drunk I Loved Her Poem Pain Goodbye And Life Goes On Un American by Billy Ray Sanders Food Banks So, it’s off to the food bank one more time, Hours of waiting in that long, long line. Every month you make this trip, Ask yourself, is it worth it? Half-dead vegetables and second-hand food, You rarely get anything that’s any good. Canned food and that horrid Kraft Dinner, We all know that stuff’s not a winner. All around us food banks close, They say, to ease the financial load. But what about the load of hunger we bear? What about us? Does anyone care? We need food, to live we must eat, Even those who live on the street. Because Welfare rates are so low, To rent, our food money must go. What will replace the food banks that close? We need to be making more of those. So I’m off on my monthly trip to the city, Believe me, the picture’s not pretty. I’m hungry because there’s no food, I am sick because the food is no good. This is the life of a person who’s poor, Is that all there is? Is there nothing more? Streetvibes Endless wars on the side of right. Justice only for the ones in sight.. Children paying with there flesh. From Harlan County to the west. To Africa and Asia the stories told. Torture made legal in America you know. With our leaders truth is made loose. The pain is the same to much to bear. No caskets in sight are they not there. Writers! Submit your Poetry to STREETVIBES ­ email your writing to Streetvibes@juno.com Page 15 �569-9500 Formed in 1984, The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a membership organization. Our member groups serve the homeless through emergency shelter, transitional living facilities, permanent housing, medical services, social services, soup kitchens, and mental health/addiction services. The Coalition also consists of individual citizens who want to take an active role in ensuring that Cincinnati is an inclusive community, meeting the needs of all of its citizens. Join the fight to end homelessness; contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at (513) 421-7803, 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 SHELTER: Both Anthony House (Youth) SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Garden St. House 241-0490 Joseph House (Veterans) 324-2321 St. Francis/St.Joseph House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Center 661-4620 Volunteers of Amer. 381-1954 SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome Hse. 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Tom Gieger Guest House 961-4555 If you need help or would like to help please call one of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless members listed below. OTHER SERVICES: AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati 421-2437 Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 Emanuel Center 241-2563 Freestore/ 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 HOUSING: CMHA 977-5660 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 Tender Mercies 639-7042 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? Foodbank 241-1064 Fransiscan Haircuts 381--0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 946-8600 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Hamilton Co. TB Control 946-7601 Healing Connections 751-0600 Health Rsrc. Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-5491 IJ & Peace Center 579-8547 Worker Center 621-5991 Justice Watch 241-0490 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assis. Center 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Mercy Fransiscan at St John 981-5841 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 NAMI (Mental Health) 948-3094 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen 961-1983 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect, Homeless Kids 363-1060 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 Services United For Mothers 487-7862 Travelers Aid 721-7660 United Way 721-7900 VA Homeless Worker Center 621-5991 W omen Helping Women 872-9259 MIDDLETOWN/HAMILTON (Butler County) St. Raphaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Ye ar si nP ub lica tio n! December 2006 3CDC, Affordable Housing and Over-the-Rhine cover story 10 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 2006 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2006 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: 3CDC, Affordable Housing and Over-the-Rhine Pg 2: Finding the Holidays in Something Deeper Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: Free Speech in Harvard Square, Massachusetts, USA? Pg 5: Homeless Woman Dropped Off on City’s Skid Row, City Attorney Says Pg 6: Boys in the Alley Pg 7: Homeless Vets to Get Chance to Rebuild Pg 8: Letters Pg 9: Many Attend Buddy Gray Memorial Pg 10: Voters Wanted Change Pg 11: Bed Race Highlights Homeless Concerns Pg 12: Albany Hosted Homeless Summit 2 Sentenced in Fatal Beating of Homeless Woman Pg 13: Program Helps Homeless Veterans Reclaim Their Lives Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty John Lavelle Lynne Ausman Andy Freeze Melvin Williams Linda Pittman Matt Cohen Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF affordable housing Albany Andy Freeze Berta Lambert buddy gray Bush Cincinnati Dallas Donations Georgine Getty Harvard Holidays Homeless News Digest Jimmy Heath John Lavelle Linda Pittman Lynne Ausman Massachusetts Matt Cohen Meals Melvin Williams New Orleans Orlando Over-the-Rhine Parking Meters police brutality veterans Voters Wyoming https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/30d65194afdbc55f8d6c9e643f6dd3fb.pdf 0c66b59b2507bdce22f29afa8df1a65f PDF Text Text December 2007 Thousands Gather to Protest the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) h.r BritJ11 OeR011i!.u L>urrng die thlrd 'vook of No,-etitbet, pl!1111?$,ltruns, bus­ ses and cars srreamed out of C1ncin11a.u, CovingLon, Daytnn, :tnd hundreds uf other citic.s across the cowu·ry heading for 1hega1esol"ft. Benning. \.eor­ g:ia and the annu:tl protest ag,ai1tSt the U $. J\ rrny Scl\001 of the .~m ori c:IS (SOA), Tho school renarnt?.d the Vlestem One pecson 1s ht on lire "hde.hesleep.' W)C)LherJS sliOI fo<panhandling.T.'woldecrnen :ire anack-~d by three 1 een ng~ c.: 1~ \\i)o -smnsh one in lh<: rac~ wuh acinderblock. rutd anoth1..>r person \v:lkes up ui a OOl'flllaf­ ter being beaten (also \\•hile sleeping) wi1h nbaseball bat llen\lsphere IJ1stiru1e tOr Secu­ riiy Cooperation (WHINSEC') 111 200 I A 2006 NaJioool Cosli~on repon on.VJolent., random, hlle-­ ts a l:Omhat ttaiuins school for l.J16o Amcricansol­ dIers Bfld IS 1he 1.arget Of lilled rut.aeks Of• hoo1eles$ peoplesho,vs a 65 percen1in· creo!>!from2005, mcludingfive mp<;s. si• people se1 on 6 re. :uid 20 murdeis. In oll, 142 .epon<d au:ic~. Everyone at tile fron1 linesofhomelessnessisscared shilfessofv.hal thenext set or oumbc:r-s isgoiogro sh6\v interrogation mcrics. Sleepi.ng_. enn·og, panhan· Despite its see.J~tingly !'ca* oonablc objective. tho. SOA/ dllo_g., lo11t.,l'1n_g ftf)d tfespa<>SU'lg WHINSEC quickly became a h:t\1e been the focus of local 1 >\J1'1f'rica slongei;1s1:ru)(fing.nC11l­ violent·ntaSS pRKes1 nK>vt'tnenl. Tuisycar, lbrLheoyhJee:ntt' rimC..&t•&...,,ts. c;clOOritics. poli­ uc1MS. \1e 1 erans~ cle.f_g}·, acu\•.. 1sis. aod Americans QJ' cort­ science from across the spec­ trum ~sed thc!al'VOIC.¢.';Ofdis ­ sent und call.odoncu aguin for lhe-closureot'd>esclx>0Iand the l'ruled fo reigo policy \vfl1C'b 1t helpsiosupport. thl! 70', so·s, und 901s., .•\ mcricM intervention in 0(tri o~ Congress Plays the Numbers Game as Homeless Folks Burn The ol~oc1Jvo oftl1• schonl l'tonl ELSaJ\fadol' and Ntcara· v.·as io helpprofes.sionalize1.he gua 10Chilc nndA1~1lns find ·ntilicruies ofLati11 /\n1erica by training. 1n thepe.r~1vedlhrearofC001nlu• providing n1S1n \VfJe the i1npl'IUS for Lh~ COlUl!eriosurgency roohniquese t1ain1ny.g1'0und lbr lhe death govemn1l!l11el,bns to elinUnatc tK>m\:JessntS.s'. nnd local p(CSS fraining nt th~ School of Lhe m1ljta1y 1n1ellih>e11t:t,co1n11l9ndo andpsychological w•Jrfure.ond Contfnoi::d on pitgc S havesbo91111the1rsuppo11 oflh.is 1\Jt1enc1tt lbcus\Wh ii:irol1,Jtely I10t11d<ft.: piet1ons o f \llhQ hon1eless poople are. As a result. loc-al ra11ulits\'11th chddten ate lllll()l'lg ensureeducnrion for children honreles!:are more likely toe,x~ :lnjmosity-n1rd louthingluwe sor­ the fusie;1 growmg populouons expet1eocul.g ho o1e l e..~snes~ penenoedeve!op1nen1::d delnys. Wl s:1eachly 010 1-e br.v.etl. racist ofthe ho1neless. \Ve are told throu!')'lolRGreater C1ociJ1nari. l'hey ra.""e.n1einadequatehe:llth aod, ul\r<)rtUl'l4tlely, !l.CGef>L"ilile. 1h111, n3l,onally. ~.-0.000 chil­ iVly Y..'Ock in\!olves.disrov· cam. resulting in hi~1tcrratt$of In the midsiof1hislocal cli· dren v.·ill experience erin_g uud connec11n!; heahh problems They lock mrueoffear.,.J1nte, brutn.biy and IK)n1ele~nc.'$S 1h1syear~ ar1d thn1 pr-esohoolers to resour\.'.:e-s. properou1l'inorl. h:lve lim1h:d focal lcgisJntivc elforts roper­ 352,800 of these children "'" 1detui f).•1ns b.-uriersnnd gaps 1n support systen1s. and endure l'orm econo111ic cle-ans1ng of under theageoffive. scrv1ccs. and spn.~ding mvarc­ high en1orionnJ stressnnd anx1· do....111ov.·o bLL~t1 ess d1s1t1CI$, \\'e kn<)\v 1hc facts litll do nesson these issues. Through c1y. ThC)' oxpcritinccn lossof bo1h 1he House and Sl.Ulate v.•c kno'v ,~flnt these lllcis ac· dtis \\fOrk, 1see tl1~ in1por1anee stn1cture., rotnine,Md stabiIiry branches ofourfede-31 g0vem· 1unlly mean lb1·1he s:1nall chil­ ofkoo,viJ1_g thestarisrics. n.i;nresul1 ord:teitlu!;hly tnobile .mcnr held h~ariogs on dren \~O rcptesen1 thestat1s· TheseSUllt$l iC-$ Ote so $1£:• h\:es. '111ey can have strnincd honlelessaess. ·rhe, hear1n~ tics. forJaoon? oav..eoonsider n1fican1bco111sc lhcyrcprosenl artacbmeots v.~ th their haV"e focus-ed oo ho\v 1be v.1ha1 i 1means to bl: ho1ncless the portion of tlt~ t.onie(ess ~.Jio care.g ivers They endure, in Ste\van B. McKiun~: .~ct. our for 1he1n and lh~i r families, or tmveno voice ruld absolu!dyno chiIdl'ood.situations th:n a mil· nnti0f1·spri n:wy hon-.elessfund· for their fu1ures·1 D<> \l/e kfW)\V choice:. JOril)' ofi\111eticruis rlt\~l'h::tvl! iogMd poli<y prul;roJTI.should v.•h_y dleSO facts :trc so impor­ 14onleles:>$1tt1nuoosareex· to c~Jcntmc.e. all of \vhich put l\Jncaon \I/hen it t!=:reaudlOnzed tri:mcl)· clelnmt.'fllAI io c:h1ldwn innt? PrQj~L C01ulec1V.'Ol'k.S to like Jasol\, ('bildren \vho nre Coutinueil 01111agc 4 Continued on (lrtg' 6 c:ivil,,..nrs tliiltlSS L.111nAmerica Giving Homeless Preschoolers a Chance h)· Rat:flt:I ll1u11111lln Mee1Jason. He-ls three ~ ytw'S-old. 1-le.tov~ IQ1~J~· \vi th his-rkd ball rn 1heshehe.r ,...nere he l1ve:'i. lie s111iles \\'hen he is happy und loves 10 ,give hu~ \Vhen he ls n1ad, hescrean1s. \\lheu be o~d~ tttte:i1uon. hi: j umps and v.ilines, 1-fe doesn•l use\\'t)rds-becaiSe he do~n •1 talk yet. lma,g;.inchim in sclio:ol IDJUSt t\VO yeru-s. We 111ay be v.·e:lt}' (ro1u henfi ng sta11stics about lh)n'IClt.-ssnes~ - We kno"1that th.e average ;tg~ Qf Rhom~lt$ 1ncbvidual in tlusoounrry isrune. \\le QJ'e 8\Yate of LhC, fnc.t that Inside This Issue G u e~~l Colu nl uist • Naonl1Johnson-Davis wrnner of the 2007 Tendre Scbplarsh1p fo r l·lon1eless '\'ou1h - f't1gc .'i A fricnn Boy Soldier· Chi ldhood soldier shares the terrors of being t'Qrced intf) the ntnl)' at age 13 • Page r, 'Ao111C'Jess J\ilc.·n1orinl Day - Corne to Honl'eless Memoria l Day and re­ rnetnl)er lhose \\lh<>have died Lhis your - l~CJgc 8 'fbe F ig hr Agai11si J\ifaty !\'l agdalr.u Rouse · RomeJes'mC""s·s • Learn \vhat is '''O(k1T1g and \vhat is not \Vorking fi·onl National Leaders lightmg hon1elessoess • /'age I J .Mary Magadalen House Gl" >nys in need of help and donations· f-'ag.t l 3 �STREETVIBES Page 2 StREETVIBES Greater C)ncfnnali'• alternative news source+iS'-'a n·ewspap.e fwritt'en by,ior. and about lh;e homeless and cQn~fns r~levant di sc;:ussions ~r social juS-lice-»:a n d , po_v~rtY is•u••. II ts,publish•d once a month bY the Greater Cincinn;;1.t'1 Co~lltlon for .the Homele5s. Becoming a Stt~etv/bes· Vendorls a 'gre,at way rOr hom~le.sS· and 'otherlo\v-. Jncom• peopl• g'et bacJ(<>n' (or •lay on) their lee\, StreetV;~s Vendors·are, glven an 'onenlatton•and sigrra•eode of conduct before beinggiven a Stroetvlbe-s Vendor badge, All ArofilS go dlraclly to the vendor. to The Greater Cinclnttati Coalition ror the Homeless is•a "9rQup Qf sheltet'&, agencies a11d'l ndividuals ·cotninitt~CI to endi~ h.omefess-ness in Cincinnati through 9001dlnalln9 service~. educa~ng.lh& pubUc ·and gressro6ts organl#ng, GCCH Staff 'Georgine Getty . ExecuUve Direotor And~ Freeze· Educ,ition·©oortlin~tor Lynne Ausman· dvir Righ~ Coortlinator Greg .Olkho11Sky - Civ~ Rig~(s Coordinator Tiffany Harmon . Civil Rights eoordlriator Kenneth Cherulyot - AHACoordinator MelVln Williams- F,je.9epUonist Linda Pittman · Receptionist Ai'deUa Woolens - RBC!!PJfOflTSt Susan Smith • Volunte·er Stmtvibes Jimmy Hel!th, Edi~or1 Layout·and lile5jgn P)zojogt11ohecs Berta Lainb&rt, Sleph.Saurber, LYrin Ausman, Greg Olkhovsk'y Vendor Code of Conduct I• sITOCIV!bes"''II be <hs1ribvied for 0!10<killftr (SI) I agreenot lO ask for •»Qre lhan n.dollaror solich donations.for Strectvibcs by any other means. Ifa customerdonates more than SI for a paper.I am allO\\'\!d to keep the dot1atioo. 2. I \i..ill only purclisscp:ipers from 1ho Greater Cin~lnnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), E;tch paper CM be purchased for a cost oF2S ce.nts._ Iwill al\vaYssho\\,.1nybadge v,flen buying paper.; ru1d ifl do not have 1ny h.'\dge 1 cannot l>uy pap.:!1'S. 3. l wrll never buy papers from andlorooll papers 10 other vendors. 4. ragree to tre:1t 311 othcrs-customors.staff. and other vendors-respectfully rv.oill not use abu.9ve lru1g'uageor tbcceso111eo1H~ to buy a paper. I ..:viii not give a ...hardsell,''bcaggJcss1vc. coritint•e t<>3.S\<. :itW.cape.f'SIOO has verbalJyor non~veiballysaid no or makc·SO•nronc ft."CI1hrostcncd. 5. I agree to st3}' offpri\.-ate property "Tien selling St~tvibes. I ,..111 not sell S1ceecvibc.>S dc,')c.)r 10 door. 6. Iundecstandthi::n I am not M emplO)•ccof Streetvibes or GCC.H but a conrrac.ted :1.vorker rcspo1islblc fOrnl)' O\\'ll \\'ell-beingand income 7. I ngree norto setl oddirioonl goods orproduces v.hl!nselIins St.reetvll'.leS.­ 8. 1\i..ill no1~I Strtet\oibusorpurc:ha...~Sircc.tvibcs unck>! lhe influaiceofdrugs or.alcohol. 9. There a.re no ICrritorics a1uong \ltndors. 1will reS)>ecl thespaceofother veado ~ parti cul atl}~ lhe spaceolt\.1endors\..·ho have bl!ei1 nra spot long.er. 10. I understind1ha1 mybadge rs the property of StreervibesandJ "'ill nol deface lt J "'ill prest;n1 n1y bodgc when purchasiogpaper.; and display my badge "ilen sellingpapers: Ift lose niy badge I "';II pay lhtee dollars ($3) for an.e wone. Ifmy badge becomcs nuncdbecause of\VC..->:t1heror use. I \viii ~~ot anewbadi:e forone dollar{$ I ) 11. I undcrstAnd that-StrectviiJCsstrives to bo n paper that covers homelessness and_po\!ffiy issues lulepro\l'iding a-source.ofincome fQr the horneless. 1v.ill try to help 1n thiscftOrtwic't spread the \"'Urd. 12. l \\llll 1101 dooeive lhe public by saying dl:tl .I ant collccting,fOranonprofit charity orthat 1am cotlectiqg fordJe "homeless" in ge00ral. 1";u be hoi1est io SU1.t.i11g that all 1heprofits fi'On1the sate.or Stroctvibes go to .mo. I \lflll notuse the \\'Qr~-t ··c1onatjon." 13. 111ere arespCcinl n 1lcs fQrsclling atFindlay Market. Only tv.u Vi."'lldors may sell at Findlay Marketat a liJ'oe. 0 1he< rules as established by 1 \\ Srreotvibcs ond Findlay Marko!, 14• .I \11iU anend 111011ddy n1ee1ings. tvfoiuhly mcC-'llngs \viii occuroo 1hu first \\\.'tlkd11y of lhe n1onth. The month•s paper \1;i ll be released at this n1ft!ting, J\nyone \\•ho cannot make tJ1e l'nOOting mu~d nwct \..1th . \ndy, tho ~dt»e11tion Coord1nat0r, befor~scllingSu-eetvlbes forthat n1ou1h. 1e11papers wi11 bu given to tilc)scwho ::itta,d tho mcl.:Ung. lS. ltistlia responsibility of each vendor to police fello\\•\rec1dotsot fOmtel'\.1et1dors I will rtpOit v1olal<>rsof thcruJos to GC'CH Thevalue of the paperdependsoo keepingitcredible. 16. 1undc-rstand that 11nyinfracti(ln ofthe above n1eatiooed rules \viJJ result in suspension ofmy prlvilC;b">e tosell S1ree1,•ibesMd po~i ble 1emtina1Jo1t fro1n·the progrnm. Badges and Strcetvibos ~lpcn> ai:e propeny ofGCC"H and must be surrendered upoo di:mand. Where your Dollar Goes • 1'.IYlil~l!l:Mll):f'@ill/1100,\lllfil!l Cover TopoThe ,erowsJ .at the.SOAIWHINSEC protest show":Ylh1tifresp!3Ct(or those wti·o hil've died. Bottom left· Prote·sters pla'ee symbols ofrememb.erenee on tf\e .gates. Bottom fll11tit: Crosses, carrying !Me narnes of victirns·of·SOA graduates. are plaeed on tf.ie fences blocking·the gate to FL Benning. St(eetvibes.aetjlp\s letters, poems, 'Stories, ~s.sa'ys, original graphics; and photos We will give iireferenee to tfiose whoore hOme:tess·or are vepdors.SubscriptiOns to Streetvibes, delivered to·your home eacl'I month, can be purohased for $25 per year. Addrotss majl to· Strootvi~s 117 EaBt 12th Striiet Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-1803 e-maU•·streetvibes@juno.com web: www.cincihomeless.org Member of': " BOS:Cllt 0 75 Cents Goes Directly to Your Vendor GRADY remi11ds you to buy fron1 bad.ged vendors only 25 Cents Pays for Production Streetvibes Vendor IN SP GRADY Nonh n.laricnn Infe"1•6011.U Net;.·ori< o£Stl'tCI PaptJ~S Strtt.t Newspapel· ;\:~so.C·iai ion �STREETVIBES Page 3 Texas: Teen charged in homeless man's death A l5-)ear-oldboyhasbcenchaged"'1thmurder in die bealingdeath I homeless man. and policeare seekinga seooud....,_. The boy, whosenan-.e "'!IS not released because of his age. \\13.S arrested Monday Md booked into JUvttiiledetention, police Sf.'1. John Reid said. The '-icrin1. Eric Raphael McMahon, 48, v.<as w1employed and had be..'llonthoAbileneruea for""""" years, Reid said. JvlcMalm \WSrctircd fro1n theTexas National Guard. policosaid. l>fe y.•as fo1J1d severely be~11 en early Saturday in an alley behind a homeless n1ini.stry center. Doctors removed him from life support die next cl:\)', police said Wi mcsscstold pol 1oc the "'<Iim"'"' assaulted by two males in their lace t(.'(.'l'ISor b'ly 20s, " II seems like asenseless, violent aa by people who ha'-e no mpea for ocher people," Sgt Tim Schmidt saacl. "Ifs JU>I a brural act, seemingly "1"0'-ol<od ­ Police did not release a11y information about a posstble lnobYC. or Idaho: New homeless shelteropens Washington D.C.: One out of every four homeless are veterans Over I 00 people gathered for the opening: day celebration orthelnl<.-•ffaith Snnci u~uy. Boisc·s mS)'Or . DaveBieter,v.'USoneof1.hen1nny people in attendance for the new sl1elter which will provide temporary housing to 140 people each night. Located on \\'est RiverStreetdO\•nlOwn, the lntenaith Sanctuary is the onlyshclterin Boi.setha1 will acceplentirefamiliesas oppcsed toexclUS1vely smale men andwomen. Ton1ght lS the first 1tme that the renovated warehouse will open Th<re... only-poid full!ime .,,.,ioyeesas the •heller rcl1csheavily en vdunteers. Theshchcr,"11 Men abooo $4,000\\0nhof"<cldy expenses and .-aylhu1c 1nthe""""°""" ooovened shelte< """donated. ~looiquolamos. KTV87, 1lfl) Kentucky: Emergency shelter in need of a location 1\ nevv report con1ing out on Thursday has discovered thnt vctcrons make up one in every four homeless people in the Uni1ed Sia1es despite only compiling 11pere<llll orthogoncral nduh populalioo. Yow1ger veterans from Iraq Md Afghanistan are alanni1'81Y inetta<inQ. The Vorer•nsAfTairs Deparunen1 has identified l.500hom<lcss,-.ns frcmthecurren1 wars. The Alliance IO End Homelessness, based the fincingsolus reportoo n<mbers from VermnsAffiWs and the Ce1SUS Biweau. In all of2006, theAlllllnce io End Homelessness CS11ma1cs that 336,627 \'eterans "erehon\dess al SlCN11t point dunng theyear. Data 10 2005 csrimaiod that 194,254 homeless peopleout of 744,313 on any given niah1 were veterans. ln co1nparisoc1, tJ1e VA says 1ha1 20 years ago, the estimated nunlber ofvetcrw'IS v.110 v.-erehomeless on any given night \WS2S0,000 Son1ething need.s to be doneabout lhis incrc.nsingnun1bc:r (Kimberly Hellin11. Yal100Al>, 11n) Just over the river, northern Kent\1cky's only e.merge11cy shelter 1s in dire need for a new location. Fonnorly located on C0"1ngD>. lheshellfl'doseddoon earlier this year as a result ofcomplaints from local officaals and netghbofhood resadent$. Hav1ng a noooriously bad reput..cn makes .....,.. hesitant of adopcirigtheshel•« u.r.....,..e1y,1fme-doesn'1 find a rclocatM>ft site soon 1n CoY1ngt0n and the program cl05eS. then a new program canno1 open in lhe same areA. Covin1.1011has11hYll)'S been the center ofsocial $Cl'YiU-SC11c1es, h isalmo5' a mustthat the shelter be relocated 1n nonhem Kenrucky due to tlte acccsgbtlity Umt uieshehers residenceshave "'th the various social Sl.'l'Viccagencies \\iith.in prox:intity. (AP, The Kentucky Poot, 11/4) Hawaii: Advocates convert tour buses into shelter for the homeless Utu Langi. ahomeless,....,,.,,,.,, f0'"1ded a m:illile bus..,,.._ shelter for the homeless. The lirsa or 18 remodeled buses" exp<Cl«l IO be lam<hed in die ...,.,aming weeb. llooolulu's new~ shelte< bus "'ill dnve to lllCaS "ticrehomelessness isvast and hostindividuals for theewnu1i:, Langi "'nphasizes Iha! the buses do not offer tran.spona1ion. They bring a solution to tho homelessproblen\ shelter. h COSIS about SI0,000 dollars to trMsform just one bus. The state hasall°"c<I halfa million dollarsso support this program for a year. Lruiyi is hoi;1eful to have five buses ru1u1ing by February. •11shouldn't be 1hnt way. But, we' re li\-ing in an ecorlOnucally intensive t1n1e." srud Mack Stahl. a homeless "Qncpaychedtawoyf'rom beingon the bus This is your safecy net.you know Youmay be \\i.th us next ~vedc. and not e"en know1t'' (Marvin Bucnconsejo. KHNL8, I 117) Washington D.C.: Mayor Fenty 1.J1veils housing plans for low-income ~13)-orAdnan 1.-l Fe"t\Y niomcedTuesday plans IO prO\;dc per1'"""'' housmg for the QI)''s chroniaily "'°""-e New York: Center helps homeless mothers and their children The cold \•1eather is stnning to sec in, Md n1any homeless she!""'are opet1irljl. includmgooe thathelps mothefS Olldlheirch1ldm1 ae• bock 00 their feet. Tba1 is the mission of lhe St. Paul's Center in Rcnoscfacr Volun.,.,.ano hopong IO 'P""<l the"'ord befO<e die ....................... The cold WCa1l1cr,. ""'1••s IO set on, and many homeless shellm .-e°"""na.indudirl!!ooo mi helps mothefSand lheirch1lclt<n i:e< bade oo !heir feel. Noc only docs SI Paul'sprovide a wann place to Slay. but it also helps moms"'"'uU3lly fold •job and a place to It ve. Exec~ve Direcaor David R~cri sajd."'We have a1so been able to offer nxuhcrs wi1h children a safe place versus n hotel or 111otcl wflere 1hcy Y.'Ould be staying if ourshel1er w11sn'1in existence." Noven1ber is National I lon1eless A\vareness Month. St. Paul's Cenrcr opened last October and has since welcon1e<I nlOre 1hon .SS n1onis and their homek= 10 afbdoblehousing by making it harder for landlords10 oomen buoldon&~ 1010 lugh­ pric:ed condos and 10 help r101d 500 10"'1houses affordable to low- and nl0dem1e-inco1ne wortters. This OOO'dates IO Fenty's 2006 mayoral Clllll>ai£11, so fund. build "'d preserve 14,000all'ordable housfog units over a four·yearperiod. In July, Fenty said that his administration \VOuld a1locn.1e$ I I 7 million yearly 10 protect ond crea1en1Tordablc ltousins, He alsocalled fora partnership bet"'Cl.'fl tho city and the.interfaith netwcl<k 10 build 5,000 hOm<.'$ as part ofa project to create housing for residents \l.lhO make $25,000 10 $60.000a Y•"' Plnnnil1jl '"1d construction forlhe first childn.n 500 such homes \11111beain nex1 year ill three sices in Southeast and one 1n Nonhcasc Fcnty's plan to eradicate homelessness begins with his Tuesday - (5ylyja Moo:no.\l'ash1ngion l'bsl, 11/14) Louisiana: Homeless camp outside of New Orleans City Hall 1\row1d 250 of lhe city's tM:>meles.s have erected pup-tents the only affordable housing they say they could find slnceI lu1TiCR11e Katnna and crerueda oolony ofdc$pairout11doCil)' Holl E""I)' d:I)' thecomp chants. -Hey, Ray! Howaboutahousetoday! " Mayor Ray N"l!ln saysthathe is \\Orlcing "'; lh lhe ci I)' and agencies 10 h<!lp the homeless find housin& NewOrleans has 12,000 homeless people, up from 6.,300 bcfu<e Kairina, ""'°"'~IO UNITY ofGr.....­ New0.t"""5. agroup th31 helps die homeless. (John Moreno Gon.<llez. ABCNe>1$, 11116) California: Homeless Face Eviction from Sacramento Camp Homelesspooplecampi11lloo a plotofUnioo Pacific land b10v.11 MTenl City \vete facu1s eviction. On any given niah1. n10re thM 100people have beoo staying on the land. \lihid11s loc~ued nearseverith a_nd D strccls 01 the north end of downtown Sacrarnenlo. Police were sec to b\."'Qiner1forcing n c11)! ordinance thatstntes lhnt such t<."flts connot be sot up within city linuts. Trespassers 111esct to receive citations and have lheirbeloosings removed Bdl W11Jiams., a resident of1he cnmp y,f'lo faces C"o'iction. said he docs nol "11'11 eo h'-c in theCllf11)but has ~nlechot<e. A_ .......,ofUn""1 Pw:ilicsmdthemilroad \lo'OUld \lo"Ofk \loilh k>cal authonties IO remove the homelessrrom the land. �STREETVIBES Page 4 The Broken Mirror bJi Jin1111)'' HeaJ/1 The n1an had folD1d a conlfortable and V.'atnl place co sleep in his sisters and brothcr-in-Ja,v·s bascmt:nt. On dte cot inthe basen1ent, he could hea1·Lhe cold \~1ndsof \'linter. It \WIS a soothing, sleepy sound. He fel t like a squi1rel or odler tiny an.intal snuggledup in their tiny hole This \\iartn and cozy spot \\<as the n1an 's con1f)• shelter and hon1e. Fron1thecot resting next 10 the furnace. he heard the v..hirl ofv.•armth arotutdhin\. There \\ICrc cob\\<t.-bS and dust C\'­ el)'"ilere. It was dUS1y anddark do"" dlere, even ~vith dle light<)on. The light­ ing 111ade the place even gloon1ier, re­ vealing the decrepit spirit The stairs from the middle ofthe ba.sc1ncnt \VCrc steep and hard to travel for a 'vobbly rnrut Thete v.-as a frunt ru1d peeling na­ ture to the v.ial lsexposin.g the stone in son1e places. and n1any layers of peel· ing paint, including kitcht."11 yellO\\•and an odd red color. And ntore d11st. There v.<ete old rniscellaneous i1en1s hanging front the dal'k rafters, odd \vi res to no­ v.11ere, nails that did nothing, cob\vebS. Evt."11 v.ith the lights on itv.'9S dark do\\11 there. and theglo\vonly ntade the space gloorniet. There '"as an old v.'OOd and must)•smell to this place. lUldemeath a bright and lively subu.rban honte. His happening. but did notknowv.ftat to do. sister hated tlh! sca1y, sn1elly, old base- except 101oletate ll11s annoying troll liv­ ntent. Her husband \v.tS not bothered, ing in the basentent. because this \V<tS pan ofhis don1ain. It lbe ntan \V3Sspi1iruallyobliviousto 'vas his \\{)rkshop. v.>ith . . . - - - - - - - - - - - , C\'\:.'l)'thing. Duringthe old benches and cans of day. his sister and painI and old tools scat­ broll1ec...n-lawv.'erll IO tered about. work. The drwtk had ·111en1an livinginthe the n1n ofthe house, basc1lll."11trcachcdtOrhis eating the food and bottle and took a good drinking their booze sv~1gofbocY.a;sontething and \V!ltch1ng d1ettTV At the end ofthe day that V.'35 a_ggravi1ting and of concern to his sister he cra,vled back u ~1ai rs. He hadno idea hometohisrefi.1£,c. the of the far-reaching ef­ basentent. fec1sthis,vashav1ngon Hetilli l·le v.•as a 1roll IUs family and himself He ''°iring <11dera bridge. did not see theinll)act ofhis alcoholisn1 l.,oppingout on occa<iiontoscare people and v.Tiatitv,.asdoing,to hi1nsclf and his and oollc.'Ctthe.,tax". S1nelly Md sickly thetrollntan kept up the boozing like it funill;~ Eve1y one else in his fru11ily had re­ v.•asa life n1iss100. At lea<;t he \v.tSOut­ jectedhim, \vith thebooz.ernothaving a of-sight. out-of-mind and that kept hint clue to '"hat v.·~ happening outside of safe for nO\\~ Butthe real curse lived in hi1nand his bottle Somc.'ti1nes the man the mind and body ofthis lonely man in the basentent sensed the lmeasiness v.tio had lost everyone and e"rel)'thing bul d\at did ootstop the driok1ng, brush­ 10 booze. ing those thoughts off like dog dander. The house pets, n.vo dogs. \VOUld "'lost of his f.'Uttily had already rejected bounddo\vitthe steps and greetd1etroll. him. and itv.·as notOlrtoftough love but ThC}• \Wre so pure. thc..~ dogs. and tht.')' annoyance. The man v.<as destroying provided Jo,rev.<ithout nta.lice. They did hi11l.Selfru1d it rnanered to evety011eex­ not careaod they looked at you \\lithout oept dtedrunk. Hisfantily sawv.hat V.'35 judgment. Thisprovided thetroll v.<i.th a ;;,,,,,,y sense ofhope and realiz..1tion; even the dogs \vere s1natte1·than the res1 of us. Yes. the dogis\<el)' snwtin general and \\/ere Einstei:n·like in theirgeniusthought thetroll They only bit the bad people, lltought the ttoll, soeveiything 111u.st be okay v.<ith hint. Evenn1ally, he '"°uld have to get out, because he kne\\' that that ,.,11S already the s the outcome. Eventually, the day carne and hi1 his head so hard that he put a hole in the drywall in the upstairs hall\V3)'. lluough his ~r hekne\V \\ia') finishedin thatplooeand hissister askc.-d hint to leave. So, on \viththebackpack and outdoor he \Vent Do\vrtlOv.'ll \\laS his destination and he sonteltO\Vv.<as eventually rescued by budd)1gray l· Drop lnn Cc:ntcr, He v.<as helped back to his feet and sho\ved hO\V to be sober. ~le got his lifeback. That was in 199S andhehas been sober since. Wl1at a \VOnderful thing, my lift: ha.sbc.'COme, NO\V, J a1n a productive mentberof sociery and life in Ovet-l11e-Rhine. Ji11t1ny H'1>11ld Jo,·c to J1c11r J'''"' 011 lhh·.''fltJFJ'- Ple11.1iie c1111u11e11J.~ '~·rite. to fti'11111 uh1h1 \. fil1111v•heatlr(jj~"'''oo.to111 Left Behind: Homeless Preschool Students Continued front page 1 d1ern 1nto d\e "at-risk.. cate&-01y. StlKlics have shov.11 that early edl»-­ c.arion can have a positive in1pacf on J ~n·sdevelop11lt.'S1L Itgivesh101 aplace to de,relop social skills and healthy at­ 1achn\etlts. 0 1ildrer1 v.110 participate in qua_lity preschool progra_ms shov.•im­ proved healdi. Preschoolattendance can aJlev1ate OOllle oflhe risk factol'S tl1ese children face. ln l'e<'J~ 10Ja~n ·s fan1ily life, hls access to preschool or childcare can greatly affecl his fan1ily'sabilitiesand hntitabons. FrequeittJy. l'IOtneless patents cannot afford childcare, or enroll thent 1n pul>lic preschool due to lackofspace. E"'(,."11 ifchiIde.are orpreschool arc feasible options, it is difficult to obtain reliable and consister1t trru1spo1·1a1jon. When these situations occur. it is tough for aparern 10 find and rnaintau\ernploy­ rtll."llt, JX>tt."lltially v.'Cakcning theirability to find pemment housing. Uodet lhe rvtcKirlr1e_)•-\!entoAct. the federal law that guarantees sel'\rices to the hon1eless, Jason has thesan1erights as his house.'(! counterparts. He has the right to a free, appropriate public edu­ cation. Unfortw1ately fo rCincinnati'snu­ nterous preschoolers experiencing homelessness. many c-01nmlmity agen­ cies and public preschools do not offer 1ransportat1on for all at tlte preschool level. and often do not ha\'e openings to accon1010datethoseyotutg children ''~10 need a place fOr supervision and learn­ ing. to enable their caregivers to go to \VOrk. \Vhileit is importantthatJason goes to preschool so his parents can '"°rk. it is absolutely vital that he goes to pre­ school to prepare for his education. In terms offuture educational outco1nes. povert)• can be extremely detrimental in early chilcl1ood,ar1d 1no<e develcs>men­ tal gains are made duringthis period than any other phase of life. 111e risk factors Jaoon is ex-Posed to make c..'Stablishing, routine and stability in preschool all the mote important Being e,xposed to language. peers. tacrilestin1ulation, and n~ ofleain· ingall helptheat-risl: child bcmorepn.'-­ pared for kindergarten. and thus more prepared to sucooed 111 scl1ool. Scl1ool readiness reducesd1eamou.nt ofchildren v.'ho require special education classes and the nu1nber ofs tudents that must repeat a grade, can increase rates of gtadu.:1tion ru1d college ar1endance. and can decrease juvenile crime and the nun1berofcl1ildren v.tioend upon v.-el· fare as adults. For all of these reasons and home- Words of Appreciation to Everyone at St. Mary's To Father Paul Ro\ve and all of the kind, generous, Christians at St Mary ·s. _I \vould Iike to express my deepest gratitude front nte and nty fan1ily to all ofyou. Back in July on Fathers Day v.+ien I \Vas there, your contributions enabled nte co buy a set of S'.ving,.s fo r my grandchildren. On all of their birthda)'S I had been able to buy then1 presents aod take thent out to Chucky Cheese. Nov.•. during the n1onth ofDecen1ber, I ,viii be using the n1one)' to bU)• Christn1as presen1s. Being a Street\•ibes \•ender has been hard at tin1es, especially trying 10 sell them during the \vinter, Jt has been people like all of you v.•ho s how ac1s of kindness f1·onl your hearts to help out people and nteet their needs. ·r hank you! J \vould like to leave you \vith a Iittle hun1or. There was a guy \Vho \Vent to the zoo to get a job. They gave hint a job and he had to d ress up like a ntonkey, eat bananas, and juntp around in a cage all day. One day he go1 so excited he jun1ped O\•er into the lion 's cage and loudly said, ··oh n1y God! .. 'rhen the lion said 10 the man . "Shhhh' Oe quie t or \Ve both \Viii lose our jobs! " Buy a Streetvibes from Cleo vvho usually sells up in Clifton. less children's access to preschool is parnntowtt to their success in both their present and tl1eir futute. Because they are huntan, they should be given the rights, rmsibiliti~ andexperiencesthat othc:rchildrcn receive, Since v.1csee the outcon1esand consequences of poveny andhoolelessr'k!SS, 11 is i11tpo1'1ant that \\e do v.+iat v.re can to ntake this happen, and see that the Ja,v that protects these chlldn:."n is in f'~dl L-ffect. The law is interpreted in different \Vll)'S. vruyingby state. Sornehavebeen able to take the r\.1cl(jnney-\tento Act to levels that provide abundantly for preschoolers Other areas. including Cincinnati, are still V.'Oric.ing at the state level to figureout \\'3)'Sto do lh1s. Until then. Project Connect v.<i.11 continue to do v.11at 've c.an to give Jason and our preschoolers a chance, �STREETVIBES Page 5 SOA/WHINSEC Protesters Remember Those Who Have died Continued fro nt page 1 squads and dtei:uorsofLaun1-\ menca. hilc the US Anny urgue;s that \\1 SOA/WlilNSEC has been osuocess, ii.flyycrus Oth1.U11ru1rights al)use,s acinss l....alin .America indi<:ate other\vise. GmduruesofSONWHINSECorches­ 1ra1l.!.d thcassassinution ofArchbishop Oscar RomeroofEl Salvador in 1980, the tna.~ac1'e ofsix Jt'Sutt p11c.c:ts. thcir housekeeper. and her daughter a1the U1t1\'ef'Sily ol'Ceuu-aLAtnenca io 1989, the abdu"iion 1111d mur<lcrof6 PC11Jvi311 Univer.sit}• srudents at La Canruta in 1992, ru1<l the 2005 niurde1· of ei£,h1 men1bers oft11e San Jose de 1\partndo J>eoce.Conu11un1ty u1 Utnba. Ovc:r 60,000 soldiers htt'"-' been 1rained.at the sc.hool and thee:<p~rtise \.\'htch 1hey ha..' e .!;i1'rne.1-ed a1 SON \VHINSEC hos allowed 1hem!o llUJl•I union otgrut11'.el'S, religtOUS\\OJkef$. szu. dentleaders. opposition JX>liricalparries, nnd ..:.o unLless oLhers \vho have ad\t()o­ o:ated for the rii;hts of1he lilndless poor in South ::ind Central1\n1erica. btAt1£ll$1 oftlus year ac.1'11nulal iu­ \-csaigntion 1n10 th~Th i rd Bngiulcof thc Colon1bian 1\rn1y result~d 1n 1he :trreS1 ofthJtte--.:>J1tugh rru1kirtg_Colo111hiai11nili­ i al)• officers. These officers \vere cl1al'ged ,vlth pl'o v1dlng.sect1r1t,y and m<.lbilizitlg·troops fQr Diego ~l on l O)'U.. d>e lead•rof die Norte del ValleCar1el nJ1d one.of 1..hc Far·s I0 1t~L-wru ttOO crimimls. Overhalfofd,e.lh1rteen, 0Clice.rsa11ondcd SOA/IVRTNSEC. Major Morn Daza and Colonel Quijano, l\\o'O nn1011g dte 1.hirteeo \Ve<eJnrutJCIO<Sa.tlh.e Wcst­ em 1-lemisphere Institute' for Securi-iy Coope.1·a1101l 1n '2003·1004, 1eacblng, cour5(.-.s on ..pl!::lcckccping" operations rutd ··<1en1ocra:ticsustainn1en1.·• LJpon gtodun1ing J"ron·1 SO.I\/ \VHINSEC. a school poid for by Amet1c.a11rax dollars. Latjn A 1nencrul soldiers have 1hc stamp of t\mericM approval and nre a llen able to operate v.ith itnpurtity ,.vhen 1ht!)' t'd.Um hcutte. This is \vhy lhe mO\'emenl \\lhich lk1111J1trtrut11r,~ 1'h t! letuf ti/t/1e .\'tJ/r.1,u1fi111erul pr1J,\'.!iit1t1 re111e11the.rir1g the l'icti11t\'. began v.i1h onec.ntholic pnest a11d ten o-flus fi1e1\d,~ 5t.'uldutS in viYJI M the Sates' ofJ7t Be1lning in 1990. nowinGludes 1eMol'd1ousand•ol'people_ During each o'fthepast threl' yc~tl1' 15,000· 20,000 peoplehovejoined dial pries~·(Fr. Roy ll<iur!>oois) l1l Coo1'g.ia during the third \~Wkend in Novem~t Those uJvQlved lo lhe tnoveru~ru \.\1·i1e lcncrs nnd visit thcir congrcss:1ncn and \VOmc:n nsking 1he·n1to close dov.'11 lhe ~chtlOI , they sp~tk 01 dleir churches. 'vri1e-lenm;o theed.i tor. and tell eveiy ~ Qf1e the)' k 110 \Vab()ul the school, rot OS so<>n as enough A n1cnC1tns are ll\Vnrc ofdieSONWHJNSEC'sexistenreand hisrQry, d v.~11 be closed. Over J 70 r\ ntencoos l13vescrv1.'<1 a total O( 1nore LhM 78 years 1n rederoJ priSOtl f-ol'c:.omrruttiognon-viol-cntci"vil dl.sobedienceot the Noveniber vigil in tltehopesof mis1ng B\V'~ness. and 1l1e moventl?nt1sge1ttng close lo ttsgoal cr1rryi11g 10111/JX t(1 t/1e g11tes l>/ Ft. lle1111ing. 'fl Ai>lll in 1ho U.S. House of Rl'fln>­ St<llt:ari\rescocuiofffundin_g fordJe.school (13R 1707) had 117 b1-ponisan co­ sponsors and lost by ooly nine votes in Juneo(thisyear \\11tiJe thescl100l '£sur~ vival for MOdlCf)'C:tr'\\'i~ a (liS3ppoinl­ n1en1for those gathered at 1his year·s Vtgtl, the l1\()VeOte1ll·COt1Unues lOgBUl momentum. \\'ith celebrities such as rvtaniu Sheennnd SUS:i11Sar.=1nckan. joining plU­ gressive PJlibcioos Iike DennisKucinidl.. laborru>d rehgiotlS·leaders, andordJJ131')' An-.ericnns-such as}'Oui:selfi•l spread­ uigthe.\\'Ord, 1he \~'esten1 He111ispben; lns1i1u1c.fur Security C00pcration·s: tl:iys are dr.i,ving'°an end. f o( nK>re 111(ol'mn11on oo SO.r\ I WE:ONSEC ond ho\Y)'OU can-gel in­ \'olvedin 1he1ooven1en1 toshuti1do\Vlt, plcnse visi 1V.'\V\V.~\v,org. Sl1ow yolrr su ppo.rt for Hlunan Service £m1ding by letting yot:Lr Cincinnati City Council members kt1ow th.at you st1pport tl1e city fw1d.ing htnnan . services. �STREETVIBES Page 6 Congress and the Numbers Co1ttinucd fron1 pn~e t by Congress. Sutely Lhese heatings ate Lhe time to call <..·vcryonc's attention to the divi­ sive and exnenteelententsthatha\•ebeen increasi ng since 1983 \\•hen hon1el~ness first reemerged across the \Vell, unfortunately, the answet is surely not! Congn..'SS is tOcusing its time and enetg)' on seo1anrics, on hO\\I H"VD cru1 redefine when a fao1dy is in fact hon--.eless andeligible to receive assis­ tance frorn a hoo1eless progtan1setvice provider. Their foe-us is to reduce the cowury. These studies purport to show that by reducing the numbers ofpeople who qualify for services and by leasing as many funky, already existing hotel rooms we can end close to coveting thehousiog needs of homelessness. Surely th<.'Sc h(..-arings v.'Ouldserve as a platfom1 to call out the fact of HUD's $.S2 billion a year reduction in affordoblehousing fundingoompored to 1979; to bring to lisht the904,000chil­ dren in ourpublicschools v.tio have no place to call hon1e; to shO\Y the vast amounts ofdocu1ncntationthatthefed­ eral n1inin1um v.•age is no v.•here near millions of peop l e~ o r to c1nph asi ~ the ('\ct that U.S. prisons have 110\V sur· nu1nl>erofhon1eless frun1hesb)' forcing pass.:.-d trcatmt."llt toc.iliticsas the primaiy them to move from place to place and residenriolweplacesfor mentallyill and docun1ent each n1ove before the)1 are addicted 1>oot people. Surely. these visceral and passion­ ate experiences \VOuld provide the framev.rork for cong.n."SSional represen­ tatives to hear front local cornntunities on v.11at is tequited ofour federal gov­ <.'fllJTicnt ro that \VCnla)' bring.backsome tesen1blanceofhun1anity to our health care. housing. education andim1nigra­ tion programs and policies. Surely. much discussion \VOuld folio,.,. regal'ding the correlation bet\voen federal prioril)• changes in these progran1s and their negative impact on the livL'SOf millions ofpeople. identified a~ hooleless. Another focus in these hearings is or1 how local con1n1ll'1ities can be forced totOIJO\V theasininepn."mi SC expound<.'() by ..theexpens" at the NationalAlliance to End l·lomelessness, Corporation for Suppcu1i're Housing,. and Bush's lnter­ A~1cy Councilon 14ornelessrk'SS. TI-.ey \Yant 30percc:nt ofthe ~1.l c.Kinnt.1• Act•s chuntp change hon1eless funding to be set aside forsupportive housing. \Vhat they should be doi.ng instead is calling fot 14UD IO refund iL~ housingprogl'arn'J. The t<..-dcral govi;.'tTl1Tlcnt oontintM:S to fund studies toshO\I/ hov.•a $52 billion redueb0f1 in housing fundingcan befilled ""ith a $ 1.2 billion allocation of homelessnessfWlding, Thesestudies pul'J)Ort to sllO\V that b}• reduci.ng the nlu11bers ofpeople \vlto qualify for setvices and by leasing as many fimky,alrelldy cx.isting hotel rooms (think robbing Peter to pay Paul), \VC ca.1 er1d ho1nelessness. Fo1·tw1ately, the domesticvioloooe, fan1ily,education, and youth groups 1esti fied as to how scrc\vcd up this perspective is. It Cl"(..._ ates a Byzantine process ofdocun1ent· 1ngpeople"sruffenngand otiseiy instead ofpro,<i.dingthent v.<ith help. l11e ltuly runazang a~ct ofthese hearings \\'3$ thecon&1ant refrain thatv.-c need data-driven planning. You \\'llltt to reduce the nuntb«sofhomelesspeople? Then change hov.• you define \~O is horneless ru1d data will sho,vyou that the numbers ofhomeless p<.'Ople have gone dov.'lt. Or lease currentafibrdable hotcl/apattmerll ll'UIS. displacetesidenlS v.tio are poor then1selves. and then pro­ cJrurn youlll'ehousing horneless people. \\'chavchad th.rec hearings i.nCongress on hon1elessness. but \l/C have had no seriousdiscussionofresaoring themas­ sive cuts to treatn1ent, housing,. educa­ honor increa~ng the n'tinunun1 '\laf;.>e to a Ji,<ablestandard. No discussion ofthe hate thal is increasing and isbeoon1ing moreapartofourdail)' discourse. No looking back at the Ne\VDeal as ape>­ 1ent.ial soluliort Why isjhisso? Oecauscfur lhc rrost part, the ··expe1ts" ''~10 aretesrif)ring are knov.'11 to our representatives and their You want to reduce the numbers of homeless people? Then change how you define who is homeless and data will show you that the num­ bers of homeless people have gone down. Slaffs. 1he)1 have been se1ected for '"hat they '"ill say. They arc safe. Thc.1• are deferential. Instead ofoperungtestin'IOny bysay­ i.ng. "'I than.k you for allov.<i.ng n1e to speak and for all you have don~" '"hat should be said is,"You \VOrk for us, \Ve are your bosses.You' re doing a spec­ taculatly lousy job. We v.•an1 the Ne'v Deal back. todoy." Paul Boden is the e.recutir-e dire<.:lor of the f1'es1er11 l?egiont1f .1f<l1-oc(1CJr Project. a CQQ/ition o.fs<x:ial-j1nitice /101'1elcs:i·ness orga11iza1ions alo11g l}'N! Jf'est Coast. r·<)r111er~v hrJ111eless. Boden isa ''(>:founderand.fo1111erdi­ rectr>ro,fthc San J•rr111cisco Ct1ali1io11 011 Ho111eless11e:;s. tg;I s·1rec1 Ne111s s·cr1·ice: ll'll'll'.Sfl"CC(­ papers.org From African Boy Soldier to American Success: andyour conu11unity,"saysBealt Ishmael Beah's Story Beah spent three years fighling in by / _,j·1 111eA11snw11 ln late Octobcr. lsh1nacl O<.-ah spoke atTheCollegeofMt. St. Joseph 1n Delhi. a suburbofCincinnati. Betit is a nati'reofSierra Leone.asnw.11 collltiy in Africa, and a strong advoc.ale for children·s rights \VOrldv.idc. Al first sight. he is the average l\ven1y-son\ethingyearold adult. You V.'Ould neverin1agine that at the ageof tv.•elve he had experienced ntore violence and death than most people experience ina lifetime. Youv.ouldne\<er unagi11ethat at theageoftl11rteen that he had been turned into a cold·blooded. You would never imagine that at the age of thirteen that he had been turned into a cold-blooded, drug­ addicted killer drug-addic.ted killer and that Ill the age ofsixteen that he \v.tS rescued fron1 the lifeofa child soldier. Bcah's book, A /.,<.)11g U~v G<111e: Me111oir:; ofa Bo);Soldie1: is a graphic and ra\vaccount of,vftat 11 is likebeing forced to fight i.n a v.wthat you do not w1derstand and knov.•nothing about. At the ag,eoft\l/'t':lvc.on his \V8)' ho1nc from atllentsl10,vin aneighboring to\wt, B~hv.a~d1rust intoacivil v.'at. l·lespent the next couple ofn1onths fleeing the goven111tent ru1d rebel arntieshopingto avoid being"recruited·· At thirteen. thegovernn1enl arn1y forced Beah in10 dle ranks. Beah could notsay no to joining. i fhc had, the anny \VOuJd have killed hint ..Being recruited 'vas a v.•ay to stay alive longer. They [lhe anny]mruupulatetheangeryou fool after' yout fanuly ,,1as killed, they dtug you, and the commanders become father figur~ thesoldiersbeconleyourfant.ily thewarbefore he \v.tS rescued by UN ICEF (United Nations Children's .Fund) and taken to a rehabilitation school to begin a new1oun1~·· Atsixteen. Beah \\'35 released by the arn1y and ''ias taken to a rchabilitationcenterv.-hich h<.~ pcd hin1to forgive, to heal, to learn, and IO restorehis faith in hunwury. It took ti.n1e and patienoe. but Beah finally opened up to the people running, the program, retulited \\llth his tutcleandcousins, ru1d soon after ,,1as adopted by a.1 An1erican family in New York City v.~1ere he finishedhigh school. "Being recruited was a way to stay alive longer. They [the aITTly] manipulate the anger you feel after your family was killed. they drug you. and the commanders become father figures. the soldiers become your family and your community," Beah later \Vent on to Oberlin College in Ohio and no'v \l/Orks for Homan Rjg.hts \\'atch. He has a good relationship v.<i.th his cousins (son1e of \vl-'IOll'I r'IOwhve in tl1e UnitedStates) and has traveled back to Sierra Leone. He says d1at '"here he feels rruJy at hon1e. I highly r<.'<Ommcndreading Bcah's n1ernoir. It pro,1ides a rare \<i.ew at the life ofa c11ild soldier. Beah says, "I began v.Tiring this book to gi,•e v.iar a face. I \l/l'Ote this book about hov1 I felt at the time it '"as occurring, not hO\\• I felt v.ihile writing." It tn 1ly is an extraordinarily vivid account of his expenenoes. �STREETVIBES Page 7 National Conference on the Education of Homeless Children and Youth The gro\\ing nu100erofchlldren ex­ pc.ricuclu,g l101uclessness is c.au.o;e iOr great concern around the coun~· as sho\\lll by the large anoodnnceofschooL s t:.ilC, and social se1,'lot: ''-'Orkl.'fS ~•t tl1ls year's.NariooaJ Cooferenceon tl1e Bdu­ cnt.ioll o(l lanteJess Childt-0:1 wd Y(>ulh Conference Three Projeer Con11ec1 staffers front Cincinnati \\•ere-lucky enough 10 .1:-:0 10 Portl.flnd 10 attend NAEHCYthisyear.This isd:ieonly na­ uonal OOllieta'lc~ nddressiug ll1et.oduca­ 1ionn'.Iissuesofchildren and youth ex~ periencing l1omelessness. \\la came 9\\'(I)' huv1ng learned pl<Jlly,uiughtplenly, and.havingdietJUe pti\lil~o.e orwitocssiu,g (>ll~ ot'our you1.h v.in 3 national ll\1.rtrd lbre.'=celle111 schol ~ nn;hip. Noon1i Jolu1son·Davis:. :i loca1 1'.ocn, ,,,.ho llA'> \.-"Xl>..-YJ-eoccd hon1~1..'SSTiess for the lasl five years. rewived $ 1.SOO 10 college s..:ll0lru'$h1p 1tio11I~!'l.~ \1,ot:IJ it1, on all expensos paid trip to Porthmd nlong \vi'tl1lheother·national winners. (PJt.o:-cse sec Nao1n1 's Q\vt1rd \\llnn.ing t-s­ s::cy attached) lt was truly inspiring 10 hc:i.r N"(>tni and 1he o-ther schotarshjp \"1nners fro n1across the oow1U)' offer b<>lh 1hc•rstrcngth :ind ",.;S(!on1a-1tho 3:\"wdsoaremony. N lreu F.essl ~-t~ \\!ho has u1t!l1tored Noonii for y~rs. and se" res 3.5 lhe·ado­ l~scenr n1anager for Projecl Connect. J>rUSQutcd i:t11ho confc.·r~1 c:c on stmte­ gies for.serving:oflll:'lccomprulledyouth. Ktire-o is aruttiQ:naUy known exp.erron unac.compJnicdyouth and can be seen. mosl recently, on 1he docun1enlal)'. / 1111i.)•ihle CJ1i/1lre11, (Tf> ohtaiu c1 ''{.>py q/' the 1·idco, contact p_,.,~/IJl.11 C(1llJl1.'CI UI 363-33110.) .411i1~rit•i1 '.\ Headstm "11l be re3ldhon""1 e:uly nox.t year. 3nd 1n tha rcaull.1-0ri7;ntion, 1here \\i ll be slots earmarked in pre­ schools for cluld1·cn ex1>t:ra1:oc.ing homele=ess. ~\·l c.IGnney \\>:11to ,v)lJ be up for re-­ authoo;i:t1ion after next yc.a r{Elec:don \''eat I) \Ve are V.'Orking hard to niake su11.: 101portan1 1)l'Ovisiorl~ n11.: 1oclud~d. like more mone.y for trnnS)>Ortation to give the la\Vson1e •ee1h. especially in St>e~'/Jt't'/i'ibcsne.xt nl011 tl1for 1nor~ arc::.s ''•1trc 1h1;.-reJS ooonelobby1ng, fQr derwls<>n theMcKinney \'ento authori­ the educational ri!')ltsofthesechildren. zadoo. ·n1p: N11 1111.1l ,,--. Joh11.~1J1,../R"i" "*~' h.u m.-11111r Son1e eren1 news can1e our al 1he conrercn-ct: Students y,·ho are olassitied as hon1eless or utttlCcor~pru) iM duru1gd1c yeJTth~<apply for college. nre l')O\Veli· giblefor a \Vaiverfron1reporting 1heir pA:rtints' 1ncon1e on tho1r 17:\.FS,J.. 1ht1s reducing 3 huge barrier to college.en· 1nlln\l!ltL Mos1hMteless studentS ,.,~11 borrO\V 1110aey to alte.nd college. and, in 1be past, havenot been able to reporl tJ1cir pa~nt'S1ncomc j f 1hcy urc 1.101 liv­ ing with the paren1 a1KI have no scoe55 LQd'le pcrtiJll.!llt firuulonl lnfc:11·11uuio1t /rt1r11 K11r.:'t.r Ff'.tJ/u. l.efl: ·t'hl' Cf11d111u11J di1t!Jtufi1J1t 1/1 tlur '!007 ('Wf~'Y!#Jlur1 a/ 1/1c .NutJ1u1i1l As1.·udfJ1j,u1/fir tlrl! EJ11t'dliM rif f/1J11n:.Jt'SJ.' CililJr'-'" u111/ )'j)"1/1: /.L.Tt!t1Jr<t Sr.·huliln'/1/p "'1"""'JV ttiH1J Joh11.~1J1,..JR"i" "*~' Prrlj«-1 Guest Columnist - Naomi Johnson-Davis Winner of the 2007 LeTendre Scholarship 11te f:,'11cn c<1/11111n1s1.f&t1/11's "'o"''' .. Is t1 Jrl;i/1 .vc/10 0/ s111clc n1. ;\ '11;11u/ Proj<ttt C.'tU1nl'c..'I, acn,;ties.like PPSE(1'ostp0nmgSexu.'ll l11\'0lv~1ne11t) FEA (Future Eclueai.or.;~f J(1hn,¥.<111-/')(1,,;,, N1u1111i is " "e ~f the 1"1.'Ci/J/Cn t l ' u,/' 1/1c 2007 LeJ(rr,dtr. Cuit1u•c·1 J.1 t/ffl!t:i A'url'IJ. Fis.\'/ u, .r1,~1.1~· 11'4-:n i;r. "IJd EU~w P"'Ntt<'. w1dspeak to otherhomelessyoud1. Let Lhc111 knc1w diet~ Is ho1ne1 Tht:y can make i1, can end up living happily ever afler but. 1h~· have 10 have an e<lucit­ ti61l Plcase. pleaseofterrnc this Schol­ 11rsh1p so I can go on ro a higher educa· uori llr1d be..:uni<! on~of I.ht: bes1 1e11ch­ ers and.social ,,urkersa chiJdc:m ha"e The \\.'Orld ueedS 111e and th~, aJ'e de· pendins 1HJt only o.n me butyou also. \\ljrh your help I can be so1ni!body. I t.lln go so111ev.•h1:re and ·r cur' nwki: a difference. J don'l \VMI toend up like n1y brothers- 1njnil because they did Jlot '11h.::cdu<:ati0ttorlil:c my sister ,,~10 had·a ~h1 ld a1a. youngage and does not llllt.'f1dSCh0<1L I \Wltl 10 ru.akcsometl:Ung of 111y rife and 1 need a little. from Le.Tendre 10 do so. Evco ifyo\1don'1 offcrmcd1cschol­ 11rsJ11p, I \viii oonnnue on 1·ov.·ards o highcr l!duClldQu ;u1tl nllikc my vo1~ heard. Educarion is important ood I"'nm tlte \..orld to k110,,1! Thank you so m\1ch f<>r giv1nsrnc the opporruniry10 share n1y story v.~th Americi01). Gea r~up and 1he l)iversify Club. ,")c.'h(1lr1r.rhl11. 1have alsolivodin mwl_Y homesttn.<f Es1ahlis/1ed111 1998in1nen1c>1'J'<!/ sh.olteis. Jus< 111 d1is pastyear Jhavehved ~~11drtJ E. Le1i!1u/rc., /,11sbantl 1lj!i4al'j· 1n l\\'tlvc <:1irl'l::i1:n1 ho1nes. l have lived J'1r111 /,,e1'endtt', .for1ucr /)i1r;c:tor <~{ '''ith classnmtes, teac:hers, friends :ind l '"t1111pcJJ j'f1IOfJ' Educa1lo11/01· tlte stran gc.1~ 1\nybody ,,110 '''Ould ateep1 ( f ;"), Oe1,artuut111 Q,/ ' 1;(/Ut'ittit1tt, ihe n1c 'vas better 1han th.c stn.:-(:t. I long.eel le_f(•n(/re E<luca11011 / •1111</ p1o )rtdi!J' tOr:successand freedo111and kne,vd1ru. . ·'":./1t1lc1r.,•h111 a .1•:11.\' l tJJlt'C! t o .v111d1:1'/~'f cducutton ttnd Cod \\'Cf'e Lhe only \\11.lys u·lto o,y: 1,,,,,,q/e~·\· or /lm•e c;..·pcri­ 1V ao111i ./11/t,1,f or;..JJf11·ls 1oget olrtor1hiscycle. Isttyedinschoof t•nci:il lto1t1tlt~·!J11cJS. and 111adegoodgmdes because I krlC\i/ /tlao1111 n:"·Ci1:etl hcr·au·un·1 011 child ' ''1'S llCVCrtold ".YOU(ll'C bcaotl­ \vitJ1an education rcould 1!,'0 fi1r. J have /\1r)'t.V!l11'1e r 10 i11 l'o,1lantl. o~go11 {If ful.'' or"l lowyou. +- 1l1oseab~t ~a1e- :tJ,,,;ays drean1ed.-0f'be1ng free. I v.·aat 1/1e /'-/(nio1u1J_,-fss1x·tatio11far1114! Ed11­ 1nents r&.Uy aA« t a pel'SQU '''hen they the 1re..-don1 to kno'v'vhi!1-e I ant~ing c:nllon a}' Hon11,:Je ,>1~ ('hildrc11 and gctoldor. to sleep. the freedom to know 'vhere fl..1y bigger is-sues 'incl ud1ng O\)' bo.lo1lglngs :lrl! ttlld the (reedonl to J'IJutli t ""o 1!fcrt'JUJf!. Bt:/(ln' J.,. Ju11-u·in11ln;{ es~·et)'.' homel~gp~ ~tart~d \Vllen I \\'35 sbou1 kno''' I \VOn ·1 be as.kcd 1,0 lott\<C in the thirt'l:en }~e:tl'!i old. I \VUS first sent ro th'3 Olomu1g or the end orrhe \\'e.ek Pree Ligbt11ouse S11t.ofter \vit11 ubttldhcatl My hkctt bird nnd bel11gw1 educa1or1s b'O­ [ (1 Yit:J>c 10 Sal <lo\\11 h~r~ a11U'~rlli! aboul all my problems Md eveiything I motherhad 1akai sc~ssors andcutall the ing.lo af10,vn1e to be free and to help haVebt.oen lhmul;l1it ,.,'Ould ro.ke a lo11g haiT off111y head E\1en though I \\i:tS 01.hel'S fi1ld that lfeedo1n as \\ ell time.l. Naomi·Johnro1,-0~:i.:i sl'ti"·coo...,, oompleu:ly bald. like·a man. I COtltinucd I think that 1\\•ill find v..'hat I need 10 lhe ''orld ot'honlelessness aud.ic has togo toschool because Ikne''' thJ.t my dirough 3 collegaeduefilioiL Lhove al­ rK>lhmt a11 easyjouruC:)i:. In1l.6lSay tl1a1 education \\Ouldbe tl11:! lhiug tl1111 \\l()t.lld \\•ays \V"JJUed 10 £,."O h) collt:ge. I \VOultl you. 1hrouglr i1 illl rhave n1an~~iged to stay fu. take mo O!lt Qf the place 1 kn"'"' 3$ like to n1ajor in special OO.uca1io11 and /\ 'coice for hon1eless you1h­ 1 cuse<l and posit1\•e, Titru is v.·h)• I feeJ hcll...home! have n1y 11lino1 ut s.ueial \\ 0rk. If Nac.)1tti Johrt<;an-Davis I have beeo tO so nlauy scJ1ools in l..cTendre 'vas tooffur rnoaschoJsu'Ship thatI \vould be dio perf1,.'Ct c:andidatefor the.Le'li!n.dre Educanon.Ftutd Scholar· IU)' life tha1 I can't keep count. or re­ diey would not be d1s"llpotnted. I will MLS$ed a copy ot' !llipl 1net11~et nJIthe nrutleS, but l pto1n1~ tf use tht! 1t1oney 10,vard my educ.au\)n S(ree/l'/bes'I Check o uuhe Ihave al\\'3.ys.hndfru11ily problems you l'ISk any ofmyteschcr,; rhcy v•Quld \o,.f)ich\\OOld31.so ;1llown1eroattain per­ ·Stree/1·ihct.r-arch'iye on the lCJI ~'OU that £·a lTI a detem1ined h ard since I ''iasayoW'.lggirL Ine..uhad toys S<lrllll freedom. Sp..>01fically. Iknow tliru Website at . i orpcoploto ploy " iih bo;;idos my broth­ \vork~r. I have 11tru1aged 10 keep edu­ ·a<JOmpUtcr (Ind moocy·furt¢;,.100oks.\\'jJJ htcp;//,V\v\vicfnah6mclcSS.org/ ersand sisters. lo.•ly n10ther and f'ather cation fim and beon lhe honor roll on n help llle-reaC'h 111y b'OO.ls \1tith fev,;er bar.. coj1tei\t/str-ee~., bes:btm1 l'Ci!,ult1rb1t~s. l also pattic:lpntcm n1 ruly huve ne,'er b l!L'l1 ato\Jnd. As a young rie.rs. I \VJIJ ulu111t11ely beable 10 £,."O 01.11 1 �STREETVIBES Page 8 fl<>"""~ J41e,-,wo'fM:;r,t v~~ Z{)(A, V7 d1"' ~on- We cordiall)r invite you to remember those in the homeless community who have passed away in 2007 Please join us for a Luncheon at Nast Trinity Church following the Memorial Service For a list of those being honored please see reverse side Deceased 2007 a;11 Hen~'"" MichaelAufrance Donald Francis Glt."11 Watson Scon Johnson John Eruls Jtdie Martin Catlton Davis Ralph Good";" Judson \\'ard John Watkins Michael Stan1per Stcpht."11 S ilvcmaf,rcl QuenrinScldater Stever1 Rice Michael \Veins, Crosby Knox John Bermen Darrell <)ray Michael Kelly WamerGaffi1ey O;r1eita 14all Maiy Jolmson De\\litt Banle Earl Mann Tooy Bamv.'ell Charlotte Moore Paula Wolfe f\·lagdaleoe Gra.<;er1reed Pat• Biyant f\·larttoSLi 1.h Ralph Hill Anthony Rodt;gues _Kcnnc.'th Stone Mmy Hughes Joe Dietsang �STREE7VIBES Page 9 • y l I Jumbo Ball Abstract by Anthony Williams Berta 's Art Corner Buy STREETVIBES From Badged Vendors Only �STREETVIBES Page 10 A Moment in History Peace Village h,v l>r. .S/e11e .')1111der/a111/ If you have ever been present for dle rnon1eo1 \vheo histo1y haPJX'1S. you will kno\v,vhat I mean ,vtJen l report th al histOI)' happened on the n1oming ofOctober 23, 2007 Alysa Stanton, ascended the shado'vy s tai rs to the second noor at the Freedon1 Center, hun1n1ing a song, looking like an old heaV)•·set slave, dressed in old rags, and presented herselfto an assc1nbly of 300 people, religjousad:n1inisomors frorn Jei.vish()(f;l'l'uzabons fron1all ove1· theoountl)•. sitting in front ofthe SJa,ie f>en. Ms, Stanton S]>Okc in a Southern dialect,partially intelligible, oflhesteps she had taker1, as her grandn101her, to walk front sJa,iery to freedom. Theold v.·on1an v.•as direct in her recounting "It was a fight, a prayer and a victory," ofher S fOI)' ofescape and of \11hat it took co start and keep a fan1ily alive at those tin1es. l·lel'eyesg.lis1ened \~1tJ1 tears of mentory and hope and she ren1inded us ofv.,hat that idea ofsla· very racily meant " It \vas a fight, a prayer and a ' 'ictory,.. she seen1ed to be saying. Suddenly, she v.ias steppingoutof her clothes, pullingson1eofthen1over her head. and revealing herself as a young \Von1an, a child in a lvticky Mouse 1-shil't, and \Ve heard stol'ies of what it \V8S like to grow up as a black child in a Denver neighborhood that had no use tOrAfricanA1nericans, Ms. Stancon's n1en1ories \Vere laced with pain as s he described being or­ dered outofher"'best friend's.. house by the parent and forb idden to play v.>ith thischild "Gctout!;'shcn:me1n­ bered hearing along \\ii th the accon1· panying shame, Her brutal \\lords hung over the g:roup and punched their \118)' through the shock ofher lifting offher shirtand standing before us in a 1a1lored suit, dark blue \\iith v1hitc pinstripes. and recow1ting the stOI)' ofbeing the first African American rabbinical student senttoasmall tov..n in northern lvlichi­ gan for a sun1n1er inte1nsh1p. She described in clear tones the filthy and bug infested roon1she and heryoung:daughter\"''Crcg.ivc.'fl and the open loathing of<:ertain n1e111bers of her cong1·egation. Suddenly. a differ­ ent voice c1nerg:ed from f'lits Sta_nton as she recounted hov.•an older rabbi, \vho had reti red to this tO\vn . be­ friended her and ad\•ised her not to quit. "You \viii team a lot aboul yout­ self. your faith, and your coorage. if youst3)1 and let ntehelp you,.. the \vise advisor told her, ~Is. Stanton continued on in her story and recoun1ed the reali1y ofto­ day. asshe approachc.'S the final years ofhersen1inal)•training.. Stanlingus again. she sang a song of her 0\\'11 ton1posing. "The Je\v." that began: "You a1·e a Je,v... I arn one too, Please don'tjudgc me by he color ofmy skin, please don' t judge nte by the \\IOn1b from \vhich J'vccome, please don't tall n1e Shiksa or other denteaning nan1es. for 1·rn a n1ernbel'ofyour fan1­ ily, J'1n a child ofAbraham,..·• Hersong finished to a tocal silence and then a rolrsingstandingovation that seemed 10 go on for sevel'al minutes. A great s1nile v.·ason her face, reveal­ ing reliefand joy at \Vhat she had ac· con1pl1shed. Bui it \vas l~1story 1hat V.'as sn1iling the broad grin ofjustice. a beaut1ful justice in v,-h1ch a barrier falls. a ne\11 insight is found. heans arc opened and the soul is lifted No one v.•ill forget this expetienceor kno\vd1e intplicarionsofv.,hat v.-e have seen and heard. Ms. Stanton·s song contained a stanui. that hinted at \\<hat \W.S both changed and <:hanging. She sang: ..\Vhen you look into nt)' eyes. knov,­ that thereare othersjust like me. some are lighter, son1e are datker too. son1e have slantc.-d i.1•es and others look like you. Yetyou can reject thent Still the)• chose 10 be Jev1s, like you and like me, \Vh)•? \llhy. can't you see?" What h91>pened at the Freedom. Center that lo,•ely day. \W.S the turn­ ing ofa pan ofa religion CO\vardjus· lice. \Vhy \Ve haven'1 seen J-\frican Dr. Sle~·e St1'1derla11d An1erican orAsian An1erican Je\vish leaders. Jev.•ish teachers. Je,vish rnin­ isters. is no secret to anyone v.<ho un­ del'stands the roleofprej udice 1n re­ lig.iollS history. Religions have beenoneofthe last bastions ofsegrega11on, even as Ja,vs have fallen in schools. public cranspor­ 1ation. and college ado11ssions. The stobbornncss of prejudi ce found scrong roots in religious tradition that has only begun to yield to the pres­ s ure ofyoung and brave people, hke !\ifs. Stanton. She, like Rosa Parks, refuses to give up her..seru.. in a rabbinical sen1i­ nary. She. like Harriet Tubman, kno,vs thai others \viii follo\vherpath once she has gotten through to gradu­ ation. Like Jackie Robinson, she has coo1e 10 den'lOnstrateher faitlt a-; a Je,v and as a force ofspiritual justice as she "shdes tO\l/31'd home.·· Others \vllo arc religious histori ans \\till come to Hebrev.•Union College to study her efforts to becoo1ea rabbi and \VOnder hov.•she was helped b)• herfellO\VStu· dents and facully to achieve her posi­ ti on. Being "fi rst» in socialjustice has carried a very heavy penalty fo1·01any ofthose v.tio have been brave enough to s1and at 1he head of the line. f\·ts. Stanton v.•i II have an interesti ng: and in1po11ru1t book to \mte about ho'vher fai1h b1·oug.l1t he1· 1hrough 1he day to day questioning of her purpose and career choice. J-\ nd. she \viii have an imponant story to live out \vi th her tongregations. Already, she has sha1·ed the beautiful tale ofa southern Alaban1a congregation that nurtured and \velcon1ed her for a yeal' ofgreat learning and faith, Her perforn1ance at the f'reedon1 Cen1er v.•as a kind ofn1id-teni1 repo1•t front the battleground. There have been achieveo1ents that c.anno1 be taken back, There have been unfor­ genable n1on1ents \vhen her vision and cou1·age be<:ao1e 1he e<:hoes of her fru1tily's vision andcourage. \\'henshe clio100 L'1 v.flruever rern.'1.irung steps ate left to grasp her degree, her grand­ lllOther, parent~ siblings, and the cont· 01unity ofJev1s and other love ba.<;.ed faith believers. v..iUstand v.>ith her. an11 in a1't'l'I, sn1iling. ctying. and ren1ernbet­ ing v.tiat it is like to step on the Prom­ ised Land as the first one. Shalon1, Alysa, and tlianks. Posters Bring Light to Our Daily Bread brother-Brother Abdul, one of our guests. Ifyouvisit Our Daily Bread,you ";n Last season one of our Joseph noricea vruiery ofposterson thev.•alls. House volw1teer~ a ~tichigan Struefru1. Rig.ht no\11, fOr instance. mostofthem picture autun1n leaves or anin1als "Aisha is a breath of dressed in l·lallo\veen costun1es(v.-e're fresh air- she lights up a justslirJ>tlybehindlherimeshere). These posters are the legacy ofBrother Jint, room with her personality one ofourk>ng-rimc·voluntC(,"JS v.hohas and smile," ntoved av.•3)1 to Dayton rutd thus can't behereall the tio1e like he used 10. s1ruck up conversruion \\11th Brother When he \v.tS volwtteeringhere. he Abdul afterspotting hint in a ~fichigan v.'Ould bring in ne\vposters all the rin1e sv.-eatshi11. ·runlS out BrotherAbdul is to help brighten up the place, We hang the fatherofAisha. a sopho1norcon the the ones he left us so that he can bev.-ith tean1at the tin1e. The u~an1 \Vas doing quite \Veil- they got as fat as the S'veet us1nspint You 111ight also see a v.<onten•s 16-and when Kathy found outshe""" basketball poster in the \Vindo'v of happy to cape up an lvtSU poster in her Kathy-0ur-Kitchc.'11-~1_1 anagcr•s ofticc, office \vindov.•tOrthev.holedining room What do the ~tichigan Staie Universit)• to see. Spartans have 10 do ,vi tJ1 a food and At the s1at1 of this school year BrotherAbdul hospitality ministry in Over-the-Rltine. cante v..ith a new poster you ask? ·t11e an.S\ver lies \vith ru1other ru1dgreat nev.'S-Aisha had beoo nan1ed by A11gela l'a11cella a captain! lllere \\1a5 a \Vriceup about her and her oo-cap1ains on the rvtSU v.-ebsite. ''Aisha is abreath offresh rur­ shelightsupa roon1 \vid1 herpersonalit)• and smile," the article quoted the Spanans' coacl1as S3)'ing, I don't think v.•e needed to tu1n the hghts on at Our Daily Bread forlhree days afterwwd­ BrothecAbdul's proudsntile \"as all the lightourdining:room needed! 111en, in ntid·Noven1ber Brother 1\bdul came in ,vith aglwnexpression and ne\vsheafof papers fron1 the MSU v.·ebsite. The headline on these ne\\'S stories; "Aisha Jeff·erson To Sit Oot 2007·08 Women's Basketball Season." She·d1on1 theACLinhet nghtknee during an exhibition gan1e. Brother Abdul istakingcon1fo11fton1the praise the coach continued to heap on his daughter in lhesearticles:"(Aisha)does a 101 fo r us, not only talent-v.•ise. but en10tionally, she's our leader...She is such a big personalityon the teant She really is anenergjz.erandagreatperson as 'veil as a great player.·· \Ve' re keeping up the Spartans posterat Our Daily Bread. No setbacks can kec.'P you do\lm forever Our L)ai~y B,.ead is n .food n1ul /10s1>itali1J' 111i11i:i·rry i11 °'-cr·tl1e·Rhi1w. Ci1rc;nnati. U~ se,.ve a t11id-cfa;y t11eal. a11<J 1t'e sel'\'e 111ore 1Jwn 500 1t1eal:i· e~·el)·tlay. 1\!lon<lay through Fritlt1}·. JYe J.1ro1iide J1•ar1u 111enls in n co111/or1able 1>face .forall ll'/10 co1t1e. tJ JJ/ace u ·hert all art i1uri1ecl 10 be a /)(If/ o.f a cott1ttt11ni1y that iscarin,f?. supporlil'c an</ '•·c/cott1i11g. r1~ are al11·a)1:; looking for ''o/1111tee1·s. .for /(}()(/or non·1>eri:i·lwble collectio11s­ 11lease gi1l! ./()(111 or KatltJ1a call at 621·636.J 1oji1KI011t1'1ore. Our Daily Brcatl is locate</at 1730 Race SJrcet. Cinci1111a1i OH. 4S202. �STREETVIBES Page 11 Poverty and Addiction: Big Din the ER by ft.fic/1ael He11so11 m . .e randlauoclrything'"ill likelyconte 1'/ris is a continuing series in son1e\litlereafterclear\needles,stealing, money, stealingson1ethingto tum into ntoney, staying a\vay front lhe la\I/ be· cause of all the stealing you•,,c been doing. getting high, con1ingdo,.,.n front g:euing:high,and g:eek1ng for yournexl liglt food anddi11gs are onthelist. Soop and sha1npoo are not A change of socks? You're lucl...-y just to bealive. So Big D sn1elled. Bad. I kne\v ii because I dro\'e hin1 therein Ol)' car. Es­ pecially his feet, \vhich like restofhint v.-erc large We gol through the intake process okay, thei1·~venl back to the exao1ina­ rion room v.•here they had hint sit at a table and take off hisshoes. Oigmistake. Nobody dies from body odor. It's not pleasant asa bouquet ofdaisies, bul ashan11ful odors go, this oneis n1inor. It beats dte he11out ofhydrogen sul fid~ a b)·-produ<.1 of9:.-"\"8!.~ treatment you can get snift~ any tin1e you drive out Gest Stteet past the rvt11lc1·eek T1·eatolent Plant. Hydrogensulfide is ootonly uuplea'l• ant, it has kno\m physical and ~)'Ch<r logical effect~ including increased risk ofsu1c.ide. As a d1teat to hu1nar1 healLh, B.O. is nothing compared to paint fun1es, carbon ntonoxide, gasoline (or any other·volati Ie organic compound). bunting plasric, burning alnlOStanylhing. Perhaps soo1eone has done son1e research toshov.•a correlation bet\li'eefl sn1elly feet and infection, but itseen1s like a stretch to me, Even those "air \\IMlt'tone of thent So \Ve decided to IJY an altetnate route. It had worked before. A hospi­ S1ree1~·ibes tal, even ifdetoxific.ation is not in their Oig D \vantcd tod(..10X. Hehad bet."11 scope of practice. ifanothercondition shooting heroin for \\leeks -he\\~ not is purring the person at risk, n1ight do nearly as big a Das he once v.•as. l·le shov.'ed n1e anold photo on1is full·bod­ But ifyou tell them it's ied trucker self; youcould see he had been more than 24 hours lost the c."<.1uivalcnt ofmy '"hole body v.-eight in ayearofshooting up. He had since you've used, they been 1elli11gus forv~eeksthat he '"11n1ed figure you're through the off. The police \.vereoo hiscase: he 'vas squaning in abandoned buildings. He worst of it and you're off v.·as selling blood andshoplifting to c:at the list. You're also off and shoot up, so he \Vantedoff. But to the list if you have no detox v.•i1.h no insurance is no eas)' Irick. At that tin1e. the Center for Cont· photo ID. prehensiveAddictions 'rream1ent. v.•as dte detox underdte pretenceoftreating tho only publicly funded detox facilily in that odi(..'£ condition. the 00t.1nty, theonly oneavailableford1e And Big 0 had plen1yofother COO• poor. Good people; they doasoodjob. cbtions. But there are only so many beds. Should I say v...h.ich hospital v.-e lb get intoone ofthose d etox bed~ you tried'? I supposenot ·11te)1' re all preny call and ask.The')''II usually t<~l you no. much the same in this regard and this but callback laier. So youcall back later story \l;l)uld have been preny n1uch the and, no. Lhete·s nothing open yet, bul sarne1n aoy hospi1al 10 the COWltty. call back later. So you call back later But I thought v.-e had a shot. After again,and n1ay~ thistinte, you'II c.on· all, this \V<tS a hospital v.<ilh a religious nect. Olrt ifyou tell th(.."m it's been more affiliation.Jt's theprcfCm.-d h~'))ital for than 24 hours since you've used, they people fron1Sig D's neighborhood. I figute you· red1tough the worst of 11 aod had sorne hope. you'reoffthe 1.ist. You're alsootTlhelist What killed the hope was Big D's if you have no photo [0 .You'reoff'their sn~O. ffyou ·re an addict livlngin a SQl&at list ifyou haven•tpaidyour bill from the last tin1e youtried. \vith no running \\later and your priori· Access to a phone./\ photo 1.0. /\ ties ate your nexl n1eal and yout next v.•ay to pay. How n1any hon1eless ad­ high (and not nec~arily in that order), dicts areorgru1ized v.-ell enough to pull ,vflat \\1e knO\I/ as personal hygiene is all this togcthcl'? Not many, and Big D notgoingto bCC\'(,.'11 a close third. That fresheners" \Whang fron1dten1irrorsin our C!ll'S seeti\ n'IOte dangerous tohealth to n1e. I lhink the real issue is chat body odor smells likepoverty. Herc issome­ one sosorry he can'teven afford soap and asl\O\~et. Povel'Ly sin ells. If\ve have the 11loney, \Wspend plenty ofit to elinti­ nate its sntell front our lives. if \W don't have it,v.-cstink.The ha!Jsofourhouscs stink. Our streetsstink. Lor1g:SL01y short: Onced~oseshoos \Wfe off. it \\<as all over. Icould hearthe nurses dithering in the hall. ·r he one \vhose job it \\'tlS to take blood pr<.'S­ surecouldn'l do il fastenough. Noses \vete ctinkledall around Finally a doc­ torarrived and \\'e \li'eredisntissed \\<i.th a referral toout·patienttrean11ent Out-patit."llt trcatinentl f ora home­ less heroin addict in need ofdetox. I ai-gued, thisdoesn't n\eet.A.n'k!11car1 So­ t ieryofAddictive ~ledicine standards. \Vhat about his hean condition? Nothing. The nurse. \\<ho \Va.$ the only oneto nteet ,vjlh nteon it, listened. She nodded her head and said son1eLhing I don't now remember. but her ntind was n1ade up and she had another priority than Oig 0 and his detox and me and Illy oontplaint. Slle had 10 sptay do\"n Big o ·s !lt'ea togetout lhesn1ell, ·rhat \Vas n10nlhs ago. I lost track ofBigD until Isawhim at thclibr:uy tho other day. He tells n1e he's sober, has ao apa1·tn1ent, has a gitlfr1end,goes to n1eetings. Th.i.ngs are goi.ng v.·ell. He looks healthy. He doesn"t smell bad at til The Fight Against Homelessness: What's Working and What's Not? Steve Ber""t Vice Pr~sidcnt for Progrnrus and Policy National Alliance 10 End Ho111e.lessness n~ete ·s good ne\vs ar1d bad ne\\'S. At the locaJ level, a lotofconu11unities arelooking at the issue[ofhomelessnessl as a problc1n VlCn(..'O((tosolve no\v,It's not just n1anagi.ng the problem. Ith.i.nk now there is n1ote awateness of the problen1.and n-..ore people tal.kingabout hon1elessness thrut fouryears ago. The bad ""~"' is thcaftordabilil)' of rental housi.ng has gotten a lot worse. ~l ote and rnote people a1·e paying a higherperoentageofd1eir ill(X)Ole in rent. foreclosures n1ake dtis \Vorsebecause p(..'Ople \vhO had houses arc no\11 back on the rental marlc:et. Altddunngthela~ four-yeatpetiod, v.·e got less and less help fron1 federal goveou11ent Hon1eless progrnntSare an exception. but aflOrdable housingsup­ pono,rerall is goingdO\Vlthill. Wl~at·s wo1·king is locaJ sttateg.ies are getti.ng n1uch ntore concrete about ho\vto getpeople inlo housing, Shelter isn't SOOd (..'fl0Ugh; \VC·ve SOI tO get people intoapartments.That involvesnot being afra.id 10 take on the har"destptob­ lenlS, likepeople \lifto ha\re been on the s treet a long rin1e or dealing v.<ith the ~lOY ~'))Onsc from oertain commu­ it to scale.We'vegot things that \\'Ork. but \ve need to see rnote co1no1ilolen1 from Congress ondie muchbroaderlevel aboutaffordablehousing, Wcn(..-cd to v.'Qft: tov,1lfd bigscrscr lutioosto nities. affordable housing, \vhich has \Vhatha<;n·1 been ,,io&:ingisdlere·s been ig:noted for the last fi ve yeats. still a longv.·ay to go in ternlSofgeneral public a\vareness. ·11tere are progrants 'Ibdd Cha1H11ru1 that arc ''<>rking. but th(,."Cc's not nearly Division Oireclor enotigjl ofthem.Atthelocal level, people C'ldiolic Cha1ities need 10 continue to gel serious about solving thisproblem. \\'eneedtobring In the p<tSt four years. there has been togedter all lhe differenl entities con· an increased focus on the challenges cemod v..i th this problc1n. like mental faced by people that arc chronic.ally homeless. That's really in1portant be­ en1etger1cy sl:leher sys1ern ha-; causedle 'We've got things that becon--.e a Jong-term hon1e for too n1any work, but we need to see people. Bigger shelters are not the an· S\vcr. _Fortunately. Ibelieve the tide is more commitment from turningand d1a1theernplU1Sis has shifted Congress on the much 1owardo;the cteation ofn1ucl1n\ore pet­ broader level about manenthousing. And that's a great stan. Ho,vever, affordable housing." si1nply a rcnev..l.'d interestin pennancnt health agencies. We need to reach housing. asoppooed to thebuilding-up J)"Opleconungout ofjail, fan1ilies \\lid1 of Lhe shelter S)•stern. is not enough. children. and \\'Ork on prevention of NO\V\li'e really n1ust \\'Ork together to ntakeasignific:w'ltincreasei:n the anlOlDtt hon1elessness. At the fcd(,.'fal h,....-el. \\'C noodto take ofpennanc."flt housinga realif)•- and a priori I)' \Vhen Lhe focus. for so long, has been onemergency shelter, maintaining a long·temt con1n1in1lentto the creation ofpcnnancnt housing is no small task. The causerequires steadf.1Sl leadership toert<;ute reliablefwtding st.rearns a.re 10 We need to collectively work together to make it unacceptable for people to be homeless in our area and in our country. place to build, sus1ain and suppot1 Lhe necessary housing stock.This is going tobe asrruggle: 'fhere ,vjlJ bepressur~ as v.-ell asobstacl<.'S, tosecure the fund­ ing,. therev.111 becon1n1uniries reluctant to welcorne fon-netl)' hooleless neigh­ bors, and there 1113}' be an inclinarion to declare victor)' and ntove on \vith the jobhalf-done \Ve need to collectively work to­ ge1her 10 n'take it unaccep1able for Conriuued on ,,age 12 �STREETVIBES Page 12 How Are We Doing in the Fight to End Homelessness? Continued front ,,age 11 people to be hon1eless in out area and in our country. Locally, it'sg.oing 10 rt.'­ quirealevel ofregional ooUabornrion that 1so·1 cutreotly 1n place. Nationally, it·s going totakea shift in flD1dingprioriries to place a highet valueon the long-term solurion ofhousing.over theshort-tcnn stop-gap ofshelcers. ~l aria Fosc.ari1tis Exetuli\'t Oirctror National l...:1''' Center on Hon1elessness and 1•overt)' ~rer the past four years, advocates teached out actoss a tange of issue ar­ C·a.5 to build coalitions to <.'fld and pf(.,"­ hon1elessness. Pem1anent affordable housing, adequate inoon1es, health and 1nc.'fllal health care. chiId care, educa­ tion -these are all part ofd1esolution. This pas1 year national advoca1es \VOrked closely together in an effort to crnftjointpriociplesandstrategies. Much 1norc collaboration and advocac..-y is needed at all levels 10 build !he political Sltengdl ·~ve need 10 rnake these solu­ tions real veot hon1elessness. Adiversecoalition ca.rne togethet to \~io er'taeto1eo1ofnew federal housing rights toprei.<entdon1es­ 1ic violence sutvivotS from becoming l\rlit·;h:tel Stoops homc.-lcss. aspartoftheVioh."llccAgainst Acting Exttuti\'e Dir·tctor helpi ng to address a National Coalition for the 1'1orutlcss rnajol' cause of hon1elessness fo r V.'OOlen. 1\dvoca1es also reached out 10 chiIdrcn'sandeducation gmupsto push successfully fot expanded educacion tights fot horneless kids, as well as to enforcetheirexisting rights, 1\dvocaC)•also focused 011access tootht.-r"mainstream,,progra1ns, includ-­ i ng public benefits like SSI and food SLanlps. t\ccess to this aidbecarneeve:n more challenging for nlany homeless people as atesull ofl.D. tequiren1ents i1n1:>0sedafterSept. 11 ,200 1.andad-­ vocacy focused on tightinginappropri· ate bal'riers. ln 01any cihes, newcrack­ do\vns cri ntinali zed not only ho1nelessnessbut also punishedgroups tr)ting tohelp. Groups around the councry can1e 1og.ether 10 leatn how to advocate for the human rightto housing in theirconr mun.ities. t\dvocates took the fight 10 1.h e international level,presc.'l'lting,the injus­ tice of U.S. hon1elessness 10 the UN huo\all Rights Cornn'lineeruld to Ille ln­ ter-An1erican Con1mission for Huntan Rights. What v.'Orks is buildingcoalitions across dte range ofisSt1es tha1drive and affect hon1elessness. \Vhat has no1 V.'Orked is fragn1entation, diluting our voices. and fighbngover tero utces tha1 are \vay too small. \Vhat v.rorks is ad­ voc.aces and governn1ent con1ing to· gethet to \\'O&: forsolution.s. \Vha1does not work is enacting lav.'S to"sv.·eep" ho1neless peopleout of sight. We knO\'' ho\'' to end and prevenl l'vebeen involved in dten1oveil1ent for over three decades. but in the last four or five years \Ve havepeople 1alk· ins eloquenlly, 1alk1ng passionately OOout ending homelessnessin America I think that's a \\Onderful thing, \Vhat's also changed is that cities around the counn)•tha1 have longbeen absent pa1·tnets in this 1noveo1er11 ate now pulling up a seat at the table and developing I0-year plans to end ho1nelc..'Ssncss. ,mich \\IC Sec as a JX>Si­ tive deve1opn1eot lfthey con1e up ,vJth a 10-yeat plan, we ·~viii hold then1ac­ countable to it. I v.1sh it oould besooner 1han I0 year~ bu! these things aren't going togo a'vay overnight. ln the ·sos \Ve focused on right to shelter, in the '90s ·~ve focused on the right to housi.ng. Nov.•v.·hat's changed is there is really strong support for pro.. viding peoplev.ith housing \\<ith Sl" port­ ive social services. Our n1oven1eothas becon\e n\01'e professional 1n a good \V3)'. andv.eare doing n1och ntuch 1110re than three hot n1eals and a cot \Ve knO\'' people need housing and dtey needcounseling, 'lltereareso n13ny horneless folks out there, we'te no1 able to provide it to all v.tto \vrutt itor need it, bu!'ve're doing it fora lin1itednun1· ber of folks toshov.•that housing 'vith supportive se1v ices does help end a per90f1·s honlelessness. We're lookingcloselyalthe upoom­ ing presidential c.an1paign as a \Yay to focus attention on poverty We need to elec1 leaders in all races front all poliri· Won1en Act - cal parties \vho ,I/ill ntake ending pov· are located in f.'lC tlw1gpans ofdte ciry making coordination \\<ith otheressc.'fl­ tial services nearly in1possible, and are fat too latge to ensure appl'o priate at­ tention to the needsofi.ndividuals. \\'e also still face significant chal· lenses in ensuring,that people \\<ith dis­ abi.liries haveequal access to progrnnlS Scott ~1cNeilly andsetv1ces and in break1ngdo\\'l'I bar­ Staff:\ttoniey riers to securingorretainingentployntent \\'ashing ion Leg.al Clinic for· the for people who rely onemergency shel­ ter, Homeless Although v.-e're beginning to see Locally.1>assageof1he l>lomeless changes. the delivety ofcase n'lal\age­ Services Refon11 Act of 2005 has pro-­ nlentandothersef'\rices has l>eert far too duceclsignificant changes. HSRA has focused on con1pliru1ce and obedience brought some clarif)•to the rights and and hasn't bc.'<.'n ofthe quality necessary responsibilitiesofpm\iideJSandconsunr to help clients acoon1plish theirobjec­ ers ofservices. l·ISRA also cteated the tives. D.C. lnteragency Council on LookingdO\VTI the road, our hope is 10 see significantprogressonthe Feniy Hon1elessoess"'hich holds oonsiderable promise for addressing the lack ofsuffi­ adminjstration's cornm.itmcntto transi­ ciootconunmityinput in1he planning m tion the District'shomelessservices sys­ administtati0t1ofprogtru\\S and the lack ten1fton\or1e tha1 is tooted inshehet to of coordination an1ong govem111ent one that en1phasizes - and pro\.Jdes ­ agencies ru1dservice providers. pern1anen1housing as quickly as pos· The in\•Ol\•ement of the City siblc, v.<ith adequate suppcrtservices if Administrator's office in developing the and \vhen neoessar)'. Th.is isa huge chal­ Jn1e~ Council ..-1dcootdinatingthe lenge in the District becauseof Ille high CX>St of housing in the private ntarket ·robe successful in such trrutSition, We need to elect leaders there mus t be a s,roatcr investmc.'11t in in all races from all politi­ affordable housing.through both an ex­ cal parties who will make J)<'U'IS1on ofthe Local Rent Suppleolent Prograi11as \\'el.Iastax, zoningand other ending poverty in this private ntarket incentives 10 develop country a priority. hard unj15, On the homelessness preven­ tion side, \\'e are advocating for addi­ effortsofthe variouo;agencies involved tional protec.tions for tes1denL<;ofptot>· in delivering services to hon1elessorat erties v.ttose landlords areopring out of risk residents is \\arking very effectively. the federal Section 8 progran1, so tha1 Although \ VC still have a 'vays to so. they,orthe.District &•ovcm.mcnt, v.ill have v.•e're beginning to see that progra111s an opportWl.iry to purchase theirprop­ 1hat have been subject to the ICJ.J "s er(y and preserve it as affordable. \Ve community input procedures are better also are hopeful that the District's NeM• designed to avoid potential problen1s Con\ntunities h1iriarive,...111 befuithfulto and acco1nplishobjccriv(..'$. its pro1niscoflifting upncighboriioods Tile local conunimxmttoproduction for those v.•ho presently call the neigh­ ofaffordable housing tlU'Ough tl>e Hous­ bol'hood hoo1e, rather than displacing ing Production Tn1st f lmd and Local then1 in fuv'Or ofltigher-inconteresidents. Ren! Supplen1en1 l)rogran1 has been On the federal level, there n1ust be critical to moving people Old ofshelters a re-invcstmcnl i.n the traditional hous­ andoffthestreetsand intohousing. The ing assistance progranlS(publ.ichousing Emergency RentalAssistance Prog.tan'I and the 14ou.o;ing. Oioice Vbucher Pto­ hasbeen imponant in preventingpeople gm111). as,vell as the useofinno\rative front becont.inghon1eless, although 've 1ools such as a National Housing"f'111st need to rcvi(..-v.' \\lflethc."theapplication f 1md. procedures oodeligibilitycriteria are fuir ru1d consisten1 aolOng. the vanous pto­ /?eprinte<l,fi'01tt S'treet S'ense videis. As far as v.~1 at's not v.'Orking, the © S'trect Ne•f'SScn'ice: ••'l1'l1•.s1rocf· facilities \\<here v.1cprovideemer£,t."lll.)' J1tlfxtrs.<)tg shelterare often in deplorable ooodition, Permanent affordable crt)• in this country a priority \Vesimply need leadership in th.is count!)' ... It's housing, adequate in­ comes. health and mental clear to all of us thai 've do have the resouroesto end poverty in thisootmny health care, child care, if \Ve v.•ru11to, but right no"1there'snot education - these are all <'OO•ish political will to do so part of the solution, l\1r. Hon1eless Downtowner: l\1rs. Hon1eless Downtowner: Nan1e-: Chru·IC)• Birlh1,Jace: Rapid City, South Dakota ~ly ra\•orite Downtown S1>0t is... theOld Square ~1y lfobbies nre... softball ru1d traveling I can't resist. Korean Cuisine I cru1 ' t s.tand...hacecrin1es If Iwon the Jotrery 1,,,ould.. .buy a btaJ1d ne\vhorne The one thi1i~ I u·ouJd rhan2e about the world u·ouJd be: WAR If I could have done it all o,·er ngfiiu I \vould nol have...n1ade son1e rc£,on.1ti.ll decisions Lo,·e to 111e is...a CV.'O•\ltay screet Name:Mruy 0 Bi11h11lnc:e: Day!Or\,Ohio f:t,·orite dO\\'ntolvn spot is.,. the ne,vsquare, especially the flatscrc.'<.'fl TV ~ly hobbies a1-e... readingru1d crocheting I can't resist.,.the opportunity totravel I r.a n'I stand it whe11... n1en 1.ie If I \VOn the Jorre1-,' I would...pay offall n1y bills and buy a ne\Vll0n1e 1n ~fy H am,~u 'I'he one thing ' '''ould change about the'''ortd \VOuld be . . . \VAR. 1.f I could ha,·e done it nll over again ''''ould h:t\·e,. neverS,OftC.'fl marric.-d! Lo,·e to 1ne is...oonu11im1ent �STREETVIBES Page 13 (Jr<1l/1er (iit111 c:.nr/11 glt•e.ir a gc11tlc r11n11 lt1ilelrie:~ 111 t11kc n ,t/111Ji1er al lltt! ~ft1rJ11•111gdalcr1 Ht111.se lot;a l e1/ 1111 Mulu .'\/. 111 Q 1.Y!r tlte Rh.i11c. Experiencing the Mary Magdalen House First Hand On ·ruesday Novenlber2011\ I vol· untccr~ at tJ\~ Mary t\.lagdr.Jcn I lou.~ on I'22 1and 1223 Main Streei here in Cincinnati I arrived 31 eight in ~lenlOm­ ing '.1v. horc I \veavt.'<I in be~\•Ccn the honl eless \Vho \\'ere bne-0 up oulS1de ea,getf)•'A'ilitu\g JOrLhi:ck)(>rs10affic& ally open atS: 15 o.rn As I go1 10 the front ofthe line to ootcr the buildi.ng fur ::a brief trnini_ns, a chorusof homeless vo1cesjo1ntl)' yells. '"o lher door....'\s l 1ut.gr.11e 10 lhe odler "We know you're embarrassed, it is okay, thanks for coming to volunteer." door r !\gain embarra5$cdly hear the crowd yell m rne··om•r-Ooot" 1laugh oul IO'Ud- adirUtJJng c1ere-.at and s1upidit)' on myend. 'l'he cro\vd respoJldsin laugh1er as "l'he Lesser" as he proclaimed. Unbe· kno\vnSt to Ol¢ at the time I '.\"'ilS truth­ fully muoduoe(I IO Broiher John Mruun as Lh~te are t \\\) Brother Jc.>hn ·.s tha1 work 01 the Maiy Magdalen House I spt.'flln>OStofn1ytinle\~id 1 Brothet Giancarlo Bonutti, aka thco1her "Br. John... at the frontdesk helping ou1 in ru1y \vay p<lSSible. Br. Giancarlo h·as been employed since April 1 990. Bo~l Br. Jolu1J\fartin wid .ICJT)' S1.'d,b'Wick,currmt cmp.loyce:; ·a t the A·1ary MagdaJen House, have bel!n cniployed :;inc~ 1be bf:£.11111iug io 1988 Before continuing alxlunny experi· er1ci.; itls imPQn~inl co infurm 1hoscaboot \vhat exacl social services tJ1e ~·l ary l\·1~dales1 provide~ for the pt>or ttud homoless. '[be.Mary'l\.fagdalen Housetsanon· p:roti t itgqnt..-y·thatoffersa perso.nal care fucil ily. 111ehomeless CM Sho\11,~r. sbsve, ha,'c d.eir c.lodus lau1 1U~~d.wlcl use.die t-elephOOeall fraeofsen-•iCe. Theho~u:s of operation are fro111 8:00 a.ill until noon t•nd 1:00 p;m, uniii 4 00 p.m., Mondoy through Fndoy. On Salurday's if to $:a)'. "1We \:no \v y ou, rc embar­ rassed.. ir1s okay, thwiks for conung to voluute>.!r ,. Ot1c~ I fLnalJy 1:1trivc :ti th~ they ate OJktU fro111 8~00 a.nLunlll n<)<Jn :ippropriate door on n1y 1hird uy, the and spend 1ha affen1oons closed10 1he public.. bu1devore this rinte to<:le:ming c.rov.'<l responds \ o,tjth ;) big cheer.. r·mg.l11d 10 knQ\V that I brought lhe bllilding. nmuse111cor to others at thee:\-:pense of ·rhere are curroody four full-tinw, Ill)' clumslnl'SS.The firs1 I~11 Ilean1LS f'<;tur pal't-hrne aJld 25 volunll!e.t'S tht1.1 that\'Olun~gexists in various tbn11S, co1npilo 1.ha staff. Over I00 pe.ople :1re including self001b:massn1e11L served doily. J ,vas fi'rst greeted b}· BrotherJohn My-timospootmthoITT>11t dcsl< wilh Jk Giwmulo "'' "'truly "l"'Cial. ·auoojlb­ out lhe morning I \\iitncsscc,i hon1clc:;s 1n..d1v1duals greef and depart Br. Giaocatlo v. ilh huhoesmlles. I1\V.1$ ol>­ ,;005 thm lhO)• """' beyood lhankful for theservices they \vere about to/just re­ c;civccl E''Cl)•bot.ly '''ason a fl I'S{ numc bas1..~ \Vl~t 011e rul0dlet ,~tiicJ.1 herlpedcre· filea ftit:1KUy IS'ld V1elCOln1ng llln•)')pltei-e For the firstcoupleof hour:; \\'e"\\'ere bombarded \Vith guests \vbo- \v.uJied to .:ithcrpic.\: up thei rla~1n.dry or use the shO\\'ers. Jt v.;'3Stl 't w11il ihlngs calnted dQ,\+n 1ha1 I \Vf\£ :1ble 10 g,et St a ancarlo·s undivided attention rutd le-~lfJl about me policies ruKl proceduresof the Maiy Mll!ldalon House Br. Giauc::irlo shares thateveryone is invited io ttse 1.he ~1c1li1jcs ,vid1 th~ exc-d(Jtio11ofuna·cco111panied minorsfur safety reasons. Nobody is tun:ied tl\vay unless Ot¢)•i'rcnbusivc l o 01h:ergucsLS orstatfor ifdley are caught ~1-ealing, 111~re lireslx$ht>v.·crs ror l lldl ou1d 1here isonehandiCapped.sbo,..'er :l' 'flil­ ab)e for ''-'<Utlen. The reason fo r1his is thatO'ICO1m~ko up asigiific;Onl majorit)• of the guests. rn reg3rds {0 hov.• the Mruy Mn.gdali:n rlou~ rec.e1vef;llt!m$, alul(lsrevery it-em is donated. ·rhe on1y itenlSthat the)• purchase:ue ,,irutesoc~ c;lcun under\11,:ear and <leodor311t spqiy soe\'Cl)'one in dte lobby can sl-\are \ \1hen gu~ts cht!C.k 1n a.t the froru desk 1he.ir nan1es are raciorded in a log, as 'vell as \vhru items a.re given l6 ~1ent. 11""1S given out to individuals l\rere­ 1 corded to pre":~nc an inctivi'duaJ from abusing theirpri,•ilC1JCS.. ff.wmcbody coines.in Lhree tnl1esjn oue V.'eek asJ.:.. il'lg f()f tt..ile\\+IOOthbru5h ea.di tiLnt', tJ1~ it is Safe to say that an individual isabus-­ ing tl1eirpriviteges Vibich resullS in de.. 11iaJof ihc item requc$tt.xl Records of­:gueS6v.ithin tl1elaS1 tV•\1 n.c>nd1s are al\.\':lYS kepL As far :t.'i laun­ dry isconcemed~ an individuals' !nun· cby \Viii be kept for up 10 t\VO ''-eeks. Rcroo,•al oflaundl)· pJi,..;lcgescl\n oc­ cur ifguestsf'aiI to en1piyout dt~ r pock· ~iseuireJy.Son1';.'bn1~gla~ is 1~11 i11ti~ poc:ke1of n guest's olothing. 13r0kan glais ctt11encbugerthe volto1reei'S•sifeiy. 1'-1}•coot:ribntions thismorning '.I.Vere app<ec1ared. Helping Br.Gtancadoru1d ~11:.res1 Qfd~Strtffte11iove liiwldty ftl.)111 the baseo1eru, gJOei gue.sis " 'ith smiles. COJl''erse \'iith guests, uss:ist tJ1e handi.. capped to lhoshov.>trs. sitti1™\vjlh Or John ~l anin and learnulgabourdwJ11s· rory of1ht.orga1uzati¢11 In addition to even helpingonelndividunl replace his oldsl1oos v.·i1h Jle\vones were all beau ~ tiful nli!m.oriC5 th..:~ t I\\'i.ll tAk.Ca\\';'o/ v.ith n1e fronJmy t1n1e volunteering at lhe 1 !\.f~uy Magdaltt1 l~Quse. Oh yes, andeven pmvidingoomi­ caJ reliefto chose·tiredguests e:.trl)•in thc OlOming ,.,;1ralsobc-reinembcr<..."Cf' If youare interes1ed 1n volunteering at the Mmy Mugdalen Houso call 5 13·72 1­ •8 II . �STREETVIBES Page 14 Standing with Dignity Untitled by A1ic l1ael G ~f;loa11 _Frightenedsouls out v.inding v.ii.ld Scattlcstret.'15 Like maddened monkson our wa)' to early ~lass, The unbelievingfaithful freezing in feat ar1dbeauty. Softly we tread lestthe fuiy ofinvisiblepolice St.111c j udgemcnt upon our poverty. Slo\\1)• 've steal sidelong glances into the grey pain Of a ne,vday's \VOes. ful'tive and redolent of original Sin. praying fOrour0\\111 invisibilit)•and the Forgett\1lnessof v.-ine. \Vine. d1eCon1n1w1ion ofthe D11m11cd. Theforty-ow1ceSacrnn1entofCain ... Mea Culpa. Mea Culpo, MeaMaximaCulpa. Untouchablcopulc:nce.envelopes us like mystic miasma And the iron-knucklecop isubiqttitousreminder There is no roorl'I ror 1-\ngel-sinners to dtag our rags Through thehallsof Xanadu. One more day is upon us and c-urses and prayers Areg.vbled, indistinguishable in theearsofa Distant Ood. Thctil'l)' nicheof earth fate has lent IJl)•calloused Fee( seen1ssuddenly to tum into son1eoneelse's gold. My lot is to somehow n:i.agjcaJJy vanish like The fugitive hopes and hours ofnte1ting life ..... b,y Pa11l iv111 Ke11rpj; JR S"'lltdinghere withdignity waiting through aUkinds ofweatherselling Real Change Newspaper Waiting for those smjJingcyes hopeful v.'Mting to be helpful to say paper please Can you see thar your generosiry is appreciated? Standing here with dignity I see another kind ofeyes Cold crucl and full of contempt Walkjng past me \vithoutoocing ·1at.:ing the long way around Can yousoe my pain? Do I jerk you out ofyour coccoon.,\vhen Isay hello? do J jerk you back to reality? Standing here \\<ith dignity 1have.rime to retlect on v.i:ly I run selling Real Change Nev.•paper ln ru1olhert.ime and ru1otherplace I have had several jobs J have lost them to accick."Tlt. illness.disease or my big.shot ideas Society deals harshly ";th people "l10 have bigshot ideas ""1erc is the forgiv(..oness? today I am s1andinghere with dignity selling Real Change Newspaper Waiting for those smiling C)•es to say paper please I hope you can see nty gratitude foryourgenerosity. Amen Cabin Fever by Virg/11/11 C111111 Beds by Pa11la there was snoring by nty head, sornoone sneezing it1 Mother bed someone was sobbingoffto the right andson1eoneelsen1oai1ing all tltrough the night son1eone v.•ll'S choking holding back tears v.hileolTto the tell, were the whispersof fears andseveral v.-ere talking out loud in their drea1ns would l get aity sleep? n1aybe son1e so it seen1s Ant I con\pfain.ing'? No Ithink not. As I am grateful forall that I've got \\'ere it not fortl1is roon1 with its forty beds someofthese v..umen by n10n1ing. found dead r m freezi ng. so I tack flannel sheets un<k..'1' the.blinds, disoovcring, the frost has resurrected lite fi nger oils ofsomeone named Litida Twice the precise lettering appears, v.-ell out ofreach of achild"s hand. llie "1ndowoverlooks d1e stteet. I·ve stood the<e, impatient fot mail or visitors, yet this is the first I·ve heatd frorn her. I scan my studio tOrothcr traces, blan:Ung her forthe erratic nails,especially one eye level sctew, dead ce:nter, that no painting hangs from contfortably. 1startto attribute other m.isohicf All ls A Circle Within Me by N a11cy J-YW<I All is acircle within 1ne. I Bill ten thousand winters old. I ant as young as a ne\\•-bom fto\\<er. I an1 a buffalo in its grave. Jam a tree in bloom. All isac:irclev.;thin me. I have seen the v..-orfd through an eagle 'seyes. Ihave seen i( through a gopher·s hole. J have.seen the v.'()rldon fire and the sky \\1thout a moon. All isacirtlewithin 1ne. Ihave gone into the world and out again. J have gone to the edge.of the sky, No\\•all is at peace within 1ne. NO\Vall has a place 10 come home. to her, nUsplaced keysand nigh( knocks, then fearshe may be trapped, the bi ttet cold con1pelling her to contact nte. " I never f;.'Ot out. It nevet wanned up." 1 keep chocking,the pane for furthc..'1' \\'()rd Irem.ind nl)'Self: Itis \~nter eveay..vhere. Outside, Buffalo tnidges past, layered in clothes likeshuckon com. Llkethat scre\v. an actofdefiance, Linda versusconcrete, in reliefofthe v.-ide v.tlite v.•all �STREETVIBES Page 15 To Be, to Become by Kris ~~·c11011 To be, to becon1e 10 believe io yourself the iru1er "roicetJ1at propels youfor.."ard a v.11.tc.·rfall of \\<isdom oflife fears ai1d rejec.ti0t1s triw11phs and tragedies laughterand hope belly botton stuff the n1ainoourse ru bfe'sbanquet forthose v.ishing to attend. grateful arethe n1any v.Tiostandtinn in a brisk breeze head up, eye to eye v.1th the dragon. J-+1ickering stars cancllc..'Slit fron1 yourstrength yourcoumge yoirrhope yourfuith,bu1ningon. Under The Ice hJ' Re11ee11e R1>berls.t>11 Five Dollars Closer to Freedom by Ri11 Stn>11g In Fitzroy Streeteach evening paintedgirls ioskin·Ligin clothes stood \vaiting in thedoor.vays forn1en to ,vnJk by. f'Thirt)•bucks a quickieand no full strip") In Luplon Street. day in, day out. a haJf'..gro\V11 chjld v.ith ancientt.')'CS lookedhopefully for chances tosell all shchad. (Five dollars bought -.hateverwas WMted.) Thc..-y climbed into the battcn..-d ford theirsilentsubtexts underscood, transaction madeand scaled "ith eightyears ofblood (A roundofi;olf, then back to business.) Her practiced hands n1oved robot-like \\•hilcdoing v.tiat he ask(..'() her to. then ashecan1ebenveen her legs she Jay therenu1t1bly. (fhe fear never left her; shej ust stlrffod it do"n.) In thewardrobe. hoddled right. pink rabbit clutched \ViLhin her am'IS, thegirlhid from the raging. c111n1pled notes inhand. ThePoverty line is Like the ice on alarge lake.The first fev.•tin1es you fal.l throu.gh you can useyourbelongings 10 getyourselfa 1e1npotaty lifcline. But year b).•grindingyear ofpoverty can leaveyou living lDtderthe ice forever, seateh1ng io vain fot a v.•ay b.1ck into the lifeofplenty youcan see 111 forn'IS and shadov.'Sthrough the ice abo\'eyou. Alife relived in briefsurreal mentories. Evt."lltually you gi\'C up thcho1:>eofi.·ver being,able to createa \\"fly Old from und(..'f"thc ice. Depression, Despair, Apathy, becon1e yourcontpanions andyour anchors. Freedon1 ofspiri1 ru1d body beco1neeh.JS1ve fOl"60Ueti goals. You v.•andet froo1one air bubble to lhe ne,.,,i. barel)• surviving. ~fany ofthe people v.tio have lived theirentire lives above the ice tty to pret(..'fld that the fon11sand shado\'<'S they see underthe ice are not real people. Real people like Lhe1t1sel\res wi1.h dreantS, talen1s aodaspirations. Because if tl1ey accept a.-; equals the people underthe ice. they are faced v.ith the re.1lity that they. too, could fall under the ice.This idea is 100 threruening for 1nany people. To avoid thed1ough1 Lhat they, too, couldget caught beneath the ice. thcd(,.'l'lY the hu1nanity of those aln..-ady trapped there, Escape fron1 dte ice \VOtld often requires Lhe help ofothetS. rvty o'"" slO\V extricruior1 has been helped by many people from both sides of the ice bonier. butespecially from Lhose beneath. My association \\~th the people at Street L·ifeAn Gallery, Street\\'rites, and Real Chru1ge have not only helped n'k! to \VOtk oty 'vay out frorn under the ice n\yself, but to help to build a roadout from under the ice that others Illa)' also use. Rc1nember to reach Old a hand to help yourfellov.•humans. \\1henever one person looks dov.11on anotheras being less \VOrthy oflife, a little piece of hun1anity is lo.stby tliembotl1. I Shall Ole h)' Elir.ubet/1 R11111ero Tiie 'von1ao con\ing IO\'<ardyou is trying to hang on. You can see it in her eyes, her \vary sick.'1ong,gtance. Tiie 'von1ao con\ing 1ov.ardyou is trying to hang on. Herclothes flap loose!)•in dle \\ind Her red sho<..'S c;.Jash. Tiie 'von1ao con\ing 1ov.ardyou carries the patient rage of her 1110ther and her n10ther beforethat like thrucrackedplasrichandbag. \ ¥riters! Submit yo ur P oetry to Streetvibes - en1ail your ~vriting to Streetvibes@juno.coin Stories and Poetry Are Due The Second Friday ofthe month � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2007 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Thousands Gather to Protest the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) Giving Homeless Preschoolers a Chance Pg 2: Vendors Pg 3: Homeless News Digest Pg 4: The Broken Mirror Left Behind: Homeless Preschool Students Pg 5: SOA/WHINSEC Protesters Remember Those Who Have Died Pg 6: Congress and the Numbers Pg 7: National Conference on the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Pg 8: Homeless Memorial Day Pg 9: Jumbo Ball Abstract Pg 10: A Moment in History Pg 11: Poverty and Addiction Pg 12: How Are We Doing in the Fight to End Homelessness Pg 13: Experiencing the Mary Magdalen House First Hand Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Pg 15: Arts & Poetry Continued Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2007 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Georgine Getty Lynne Ausman Andy Freeze Greg Olkhovsky Tiffany Harmon Kenneth Cheruiyot Melvin Williams Linda Pittman Ardella Woolens Susan Smith Jimmy Heath Steph Saurber Berta Lambert Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Andy Freeze Ardella Woolens Berta Lambert Congress education Georgine Getty Greg Olkhovsky Guest Columnist Homeless News Digest Ishmael Beah Jimmy Heath Kenneth Cheruiyot Linda Pittman Lynne Ausman Mary Magdalen House Melvin Williams Naomi Johnson-Davis National Conference Poverty and Addiction Protests SOA Soldier Steph Saurber Students Susan Smith Tiffany Harmon WHINSEC https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/45ba055966155fc18500f24583842e0d.pdf 14f28488cc2466dec03e53b9afe002d6 PDF Text Text Cunningham Doctrine ~ page 10 A goal for the homeless ~ page 12 STREETVIBES $1 D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 8 • I s s u e 1 4 9 • C i n c i n n a t i ’s A l t e r n a t i v e N e w s S o u r c e Fighting the H8 Hundreds turn out to support samesex marriage By Alyssa Konermann Staff Writer The Drop Inn Center has been controversial since its founding in 1973 by Buddy Gray, the ardent – some would say strident – founder who was shot and killed there by a mentally ill man in 1996. Bortz continues the work of City Councilman Jim Tarbell, who frequently clashed with Gray over his work on behalf of homeless people in Overthe-Rhine. Clifford’s demeanor is less confrontational and more professional than Gray’s but that doesn’t mean the pressure on the Drop Inn Center is any less intense. Gentrification – the displacement of poor people to make room for the development of upscale condominiums, retail shops and Chants of “What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now!” echoed Nov. 15 on the steps of Cincinnati City Hall. More than 500 people — some have estimated the number at closer to 800 — gathered despite the 40-degree weather and relentless rain. The local protest against voters’ approval of Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California, was held simultaneously in 300 cities across the country and at U.S. Embassies in 15 foreign countries. The movement, “Fight the H8,” was organized with the goal of creating a national movement against anti-gay legislation. Cameron Tolle, vice president of Alliance, Xavier University’s LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, queer/questioning) group, took the lead in organizing the protest in Cincinnati, which was brought together in under nine days with the help of others: Jill Benavides, Tina Black, Barry Floore, Chris Gilbert, Lia Hazel, Doug Meredith and Liz Villano. Addressing the rally, Tolle admitted that nine days earlier he was not particularly politically active. This changed, however, when he realized that the LGBTQ community could no longer afford to accept second-class citizenship, but instead needed to unite on a grassroots level and push for change. “For so long our community has not had a voice,” Tolle said. “We have been silent. We have expected that the national organizations and our politicians will protect our rights on a national and a state level. See DROP p.4 See H8 p.11 Mike Pekal (left) and Sam Mischenko (right), lend their voices to the call for equality during a rally at Cincinnati City Hall. Organizers responded to a ban on gay marriage in California. Photo by Andrew Anderson. This Place of Refuge The Drop Inn Center holds fast under growing assault from critics By Gregory Flannery Editor who criticized Bortz for insulting the shelter and the people who work to help homeless people. A mere four blocks from City Hall stands what might be the most unpopular address in Cincinnati – 217 W. 12th St. The building’s official name is the Drop Inn Center. In conversation, social workers often shorten the name to “The Drop.” To the hundreds of homeless people who rely on it for emergency shelter, the building is temporarily known as “home.” But to some, the center is at best an impediment to economic redevelopment of Over-the-Rhine and, at worst, a gathering place for addicts, sex offenders and petty criminals. The Drop Inn Center is a “shame,” according to City Councilman Christopher Bortz, who has spearheaded a legislative attack on the availability of social services in the neighborhood. In an appearance on Lincoln Ware Live on WBQC We shall not be moved Chandra Tully, who has stayed at the Drop Inn Center for a month, has found the Drop to be very helpful. Photo by Andrew Anderson. (Channel 38) in late September, Bortz virtually spat at the Drop Inn Center. “All of us – every single person in this city – should be ashamed of the state of our emergency shelters,” he said. Appearing with Bortz was Pat Clifford, executive director of the Drop Inn Center, �2 The Vibe News Briefs Flu Shots Here’s an easy way to make the season merry – for yourself, your loved ones and complete strangers: Get a flu shot. If you’re one of the millions who can’t afford health insurance, not to worry. The Cincinnati Health Department if offering free flu shots for Ohio residents age 3 and older. If you have Medicare Part B, take your card for billing purposes. Others will be asked to make a small donation. In an average year, influenza and pneumonia result in about 36,000 deaths nationwide. Cincinnati Health Commissioner Noble Maseru reported the first confirmed case of influenza in the city Nov. 12. Here is the schedule. No appointment is necessary. Flu shots are available from 9 a.m. - 4 pm. Monday – Friday Ambrose Clement Health Center 3101 Burnet Ave. 513-357-7300 Monday Braxton Cann Medical Center 5818 Madison Road 513-263-8750 Tuesday Millvale Health Center, 3301 Beekman Ave. 513-352-3192 Wednesday Northside Health Center 3917 Spring Grove Ave. 513-357-7600 Thursday Elm Street Health Center 1525 Elm St. 513-352-3092 Friday Price Hill Health Center 2136 West Eighth St. 513-357-2700 Flu viruses spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses. Most healthy adults might be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you might be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick. Streetwise By Gregory Flannery An arresting response to the housing crisis People are losing their houses. Neighborhoods are blighted by vacant properties. So what does Cincinnati City Councilman John Cranley want to do? Build a new police station for District 3. Last week council’s Finance Committee considered an emergency ordinance authorizing the city manager to apply for $8.36 million from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a federal initiative for redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes and residential properties. But Cranley wants to divert $1.5 million of those funds to build a new police station. So far the idea has gone nowhere. Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls moved to have the committee examine each section of the proposed $8.36 million grant item by item, and Cranley’s idea failed in a 4-4 tie. Joining him were council members Jeff Berding, Christopher Bortz and Leslie Ghiz. Cranley, nominally a Democrat, has consistently worked to limit low-income housing in the city, including a devastating “impaction” ordinance in 2000 that prohibits the development of new affordable housing. But this effort is so wide of the mark that, even if council later approves it, it’s unlikely to meet approval from federal officials. Death and stuff is important Great cities have great newspapers. Great newspapers are opinion makers, setting the tone for public dialogue about important issues. We, however, have The Cincinnati Enquirer, which recently weighed in on the subject of capital punishment. The editorial came during a week in which two men were strapped down and poisoned (the polite term is “lethal injection”) by government employees, with the full sanction of law, one in Ohio and one in Kentucky. “There are always vigils and demonstrations by those who oppose the death penalty,” the editorial said. “But what about the rest of us? None of us should allow such a significant application of public power go by without a thought.” Just so – and therein lies the duty of a newspaper. What is the thought that the editorial would have us hold? “Usually the first execution in an individual state draws plenty of local attention,” the editorial says. “After that the significance seems to wane. They become like space shuttle launches – complicated and important events, but of little interest to a general public that seems to find them routine. That should not be.” That’s it? That’s all the paper has to say? Afraid so. Comes the stirring conclusion: “This editorial is not an argument against the death penalty. It is an argument against indifference to a significant public action, for which we all share responsibility.” Let posterity note that The Cincinnati Enquirer opposes indifference, in matters of space travel and the ritualized killing of human beings alike. Media are what you make of them Not all opinions are created equal, of course. Some are just louder and more obnoxious than others. Last month Cincinnati earned mention by Media Matters for America for being home base for a leading hatemonger. Bill Cunningham, talk show host for WLW (700 AM), is well known in these parts as a horse’s ass. But now he’s attracted a national audience. “While Bill Cunningham might not have the notoriety of Sean Hannity, Michael Savage or Glenn Beck, his record of spewing hate and misinformation is just as steady and just as abhorrent,” says J. Jioni Palmer, spokesman for Media Matters for America. The group listed what it calls Cunningham’s “most notable comments,” including. “Obama wants to gas the Jews” and “People are poor in America ... because they lack values, morals and ethics.” (See “Hammered,” page 10.) Blogs are often the playthings of under-utilized gray matter but in this season progressive and conservative bloggers in Cincinnati are raising money to feed hungry people. The Cincinnati Beacon started the Battle of the Blogs, challenging other blogs to see who could raise the most money for the FreeStore FoodBank. The Cincinnati Blog, Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper’s blog and County Republican Chair Alex Triantafilou’s blog have all joined in, trying to outdo one another in generosity. It’s just in time. The FreeStore has launched the “Hunger is Unacceptable” campaign, a fundraiser for the holiday season. Demand is way up, according to John Young, the agency’s president. In 2005 the FreeStore provided food to an average of 1,387 people per week. In 2007 the average had grown to 2,153 people per week – an increase of 55 percent in two years, Young says. The campaign’s goal is $1.5 million. The FreeStore is open for donations of cash, food or clothes from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays. The address is 112 E. Liberty St. STREETVIBES December 2008 Streetvibes is a newspaper that provides relevant discussions of homelessness, poverty and other related social justice issues. It is published monthly by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@ yahoo.com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes. wordpress.com Streetvibes Staff Editor Gregory Flannery Contributing Writers Margo Pierce, Angela Pancella, Michael Henson, Larry Gross, Alyssa Konermann, Lew Moores, Dede Stoops, Alan Attwood, Brittany Middlebrooks, Terrence Williams, Bill Joiner Photography/Artwork Andrew Anderson, Andrew Freeze, Angela Pancella, Richard Blumberg, DeJong family, Alan Attwood, Berta Lambert, Lynne Ausman, Laura Damasceno Advisory Committee Joe Wessels, Steve Novotni, Andrew Freeze, Georgine Getty, Michael Henson, Stephanie Dunlap, Steve Gibbs The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Programs include Streetvibes, “Voice of the Homeless” Speaker’s Bureau, Cincinnati Urban Experience (CUE), Homeless Curriculum, and Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project. All donations support these programs and are taxdeductible to the full extent of the law. We are members of: Urban, meaningful, alternative holiday The FreeStore helps people in Cincinnati. The Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center’s annual St. Nick Day Sale helps people in places with even greater poverty. The sale features Fair Trade arts and crafts from Third World countries and artwork by Death Row inmates, among a broad collection of socially conscious gifts. Homemade candles and ornaments created by Sr. Alice Gerdeman will be for sale. The sale is from 10 am - 2pm. Dec. 6 at Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 215 E. 14th Street. There’s one more thing you can do to make this season meaningful. At dusk, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, the first day of winter, the longest night of the year, go to Washington Park for Homeless Memorial Day. Remember the homeless people who have died in our city. The program is a candlelight vigil and the reading of the names of the deceased, a simple but civilized act. �STREETVIBES December 2008 Community News Eight Minutes 3 with an ‘Honorable’ Judge finds the system – and legal language – guilty By Margo Pierce Contributing Writer G etting a fair trial in Hamilton County can be difficult because of a lack of commitment by a whole host of people to make it a priority, according to 1st District Appeals Judge Mark P. Painter. A “scathing” review of the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association was “totally accurate,” he says. “The (system) we have here certainly needs to be scrapped, and somebody needs to come up with a better system,” Painter says. “What’s happening right now is not very good. Everybody would agree that the public defenders do not have adequate resources to do the job. I don’t think there’s any question about that. But also the organization and the structure and the way they do things needs to change. It’s mainly a question of money, but even if you have money, you still have to use it wisely and give direction to people as to how to do things.” But his criticism doesn’t stop there. He calls to task elected officials at the state level who have under-funded public defenders – the money is about to run out. After serving 13 years on Hamilton County Municipal Court and for the past 14 years on the court of appeals, Painter has a long-term view of the situation and says it’s not all bad. The system in place is better than it used to be, he says. “We talk about (how) the public defender for misdemeanor (cases) doesn’t have the staff or money to do a good job,” he says. “When I started practicing law, you weren’t entitled to a lawyer, which was, of course, wrong; and it was finally fixed but there wasn’t much any public defense at all.” Judges now are better than they were 30 years ago, Painter says. “It’s not everybody goes out “good old boy” network still exists and has sway in the county, Painter believes scrutiny is essential to bring about reforms. A class action lawsuit by attorney Robert Newman in 2003 charged that public defenders in Hamilton County neglected to ask clients if they could afford to pay fines. They also failed to request indigency hearings that would have made it possible for those without money to stay out of jail. “That was a systemic problem,” Painter says. “It just wasn’t the public defender’s office. There are responsibilities on the judges and prosecutors and on everyone else in the system that something like that doesn’t happen.” For his part, Painter is trying to do what he can to bring about change in the system “Our job is to make sure that we look closely at any case that comes before us to see if there’s any problem with it, if there’s anything where the prosecutor’s hidden the ball or bad evidence is introduced.” - Judge Mark Painter after work and has a beer and talks about the cases,” he says. “That doesn’t happen much any more. Is there some of it going on? I can’t say where it is, but I assume it is – but way less than it was. “We do have much better judges than we did 30 years ago. I think almost any lawyer that’s been around a long time will tell you that.” Acknowledging that the that he has control over. It begins with his courtroom and making sure everyone understands what’s happening – not just the lawyers. “The law is about people,” he says. “They should be able to understand what it is. They certainly should understand what’s happening to them. If there’s a court case and there’s a court decision, certainly they shouldn’t have Judge Mark Painter served 13 years on the Hamilton County Municipal Court and for the past 14 years on the court of appeals. Photos by Andrew Anderson. to get somebody else to read it: ‘I don’t know if I’ve won or lost.’ That’s awful. We try to write all of our opinions in plain language. A lot of the legal gobbledygook is unnecessary and comes from things like the Norman Conquest and things that don’t exist any more, but lawyers keep doing them.” The author of The Legal Writer: 30 Rules for the Art of Legal Writing, Painter makes his case in seminars all over the world, most recently in Kuala Lumpur. His views on breaking down some of the elitism surrounding the law don’t always sit well with his colleagues, but Painter is committed to what he believes is his role in the criminal justice system – making sure “justice” isn’t lost in the process. “As far as in the court of appeals, our job is to make sure that we look closely at any case that comes before us to see if there’s any problem with it, if there’s anything where the prosecutor’s hidden the ball or bad evidence is introduced,” he says. “I think we do a pretty good job of reversing cases when we find there’s something wrong with them. “We reversed one case back, oh, 10 years ago. We thought the defendant was railroaded. I don’t think there was any doubt of it. You don’t know if he was not guilty, but he certainly wasn’t given a fair trial. I met somebody many, many years later (who) knew the guy and knew he was not guilty. She was a nurse who went to law school because she wanted to help prevent these things from happening in the future. “Now we are finding DNA and finding people were convicted wrongly. Most people who are convicted are guilty, but certainly some aren’t. It’s very important to make sure innocent people aren’t convicted. That’s really a tragedy.” The title “honorable” is used in conjunction with the title “judge,” a tradition that seems as archaic as the language Painter is trying to eradicate from the law. Being elected seems to be more of a popularity contest than a test of the qualifications of a judge, so few people earn the title “honorable.” Painter, it seems, is one of the few. “It’s never going to be a perfect system,” he says. “You’re going to get it closer.” Many people work hard to make a difference for the less privileged in Greater Cincinnati. “Eight Minutes” is an effort to learn who they are and what motivates them. �4 Community News STREETVIBES December 2008 Drop Inn Center (continued from page 1) nightclubs in Over-the-Rhine – is in full swing, with the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) acquiring property that once served as low-income housing and championing the redesign of Washington Park, across the street from the homeless shelter. Popular wisdom holds that the city will force the Drop Inn Center to move. But Clifford says it’s not going anywhere. “A lot of people really wish we’d be somewhere else, but there is no other place right now, and there’s no pot of money,” he says. “The myth is we’ve been offered $10 million to move. Some people say, ‘We love the work you’re doing but we wish you’d do it someplace else.’ “Every city that I’ve been to has a downtown shelter. My thing is not how do we move but how do we work to be the best shelter we can be?” Clifford finds himself battling other myths, too – for example, the notion that residents of the Drop Inn Center are responsible for crime in Over-the-Rhine. “Another myth is that we’re responsible for the crime in Over-the-Rhine,” he says. “What we found is our population has gone up in the past two years, but crime has gone down 20 percent in Over-theRhine. We let our residents know that, if they continually “When you’re homeless, they help you to stay off the street. They also help you with drugs and alcohol and domestic violence, whatever problem you have. They have really helped me out.” -Chandra Tully not the place to spend the rest of your life. If you’ve been here three months, we really work with you to get something else.” ‘The ethical core’ The men’s dorm, as seen above, can sleep almost 200 individuals nightly. Photo by Andrew Anderson. get tickets, it’s going to be three strikes and you’re out. Every month the percentage of people who get ticketed, the number who are staying at the Drop Inn Center is 12 percent or 13 percent.” The “three strikes” rule, initiated last summer, was something of a concession to complaints about the behavior of homeless people gathering in Washington Park, which 3CDC and the city want to turn into a kind of promenade for Music Hall patrons and residents of the new upscale condos. “Only one person has tipped the three-strikes rule,” Clifford says. “We have a couple people with two strikes. None of them has been for violence. The vast majority are for open flask (of alcohol). It’s not trying to punish people. But it’s helpful to have the names of people who are interacting with the cops. It can be a counseling opportunity.” More than a flophouse The first goal of the Drop Inn Center is to get homeless people off park benches, out of riverside camps and away from makeshift “shelters” under highway overpasses. “When the Drop Inn Center was founded in the early ’70s, that was the core mission,” Clifford says. That commitment has helped distinguish Cincinnati in its response to homelessness. In many cities, 20 to 30 percent of homeless people live on the streets. But in Cincinnati, it’s 8 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Cincinnati is one of the best cities in terms of having people inside, instead of on the streets,” Clifford says. But that is only the start. “Our first priority is, ‘How can we get you inside?’ ” he says. “Then it’s, ‘How can we get you into transitional housing or supportive housing or recovery programs?’ ” Next myth: The Drop Inn Center is a dumping ground for people who have no place to go, offering nothing but a cot and meals. “When I give tours, people don’t realize all that we do,” Clifford says. “If you think we’re running a flophouse, no; there’s a whole system to it.” The Men’s Recovery Program is a certified six-month treatment program with individual and group counseling, education on chemical dependency, community service, job training and acquiring employment and obtaining housing. The Homeless Individuals Partnership Program provides intensive services designed to help chronically homeless people access support services for mental illness and substance abuse and helps them “Our first priority is, ‘How can we get you inside?’ Then it’s, ‘How can we get you into transitional housing or supportive housing or recovery programs?’ ” -Pat Clifford, executive director of the Drop Inn Center find housing and or government benefits to sustain themselves. In addition to the emergency shelter – which sometimes houses up to 285 people a night – the Drop Inn Center operates 24 units of transitional housing with on-site support services designed to help clients enhance their life skills and find permanent housing. The development of new programs doesn’t, however, diminish the agency’s commitment to Gray’s vision. “We have a counseling structure but we try to work with people where they’re at,” Clifford says. “Our priority is to have them inside. We’re the place you can always bounce back to. You can look at the Drop Inn Center as a dead end or as a place to get started.” Unlike some shelters in Cincinnati, the Drop Inn Center places no limit on how long a person can stay. But that’s not to say a client will be left to languish. “We’re the emergency place to go,” Clifford says. “We’re Clifford is well aware that some view the Drop Inn Center as the turd in the punch bowl, the obstacle to dreams of an Over-the-Rhine transformed into the neighborhood and playground of young professionals with upscale dreams of urban living. Some of the animosity is simply illogical. “It’s like having a hospital,” Clifford says. “Nobody likes to know there are sick people. But getting rid of the hospital won’t stop people from being sick. If there were no Drop Inn Center, do you think there won’t be any more homeless people? “Some of the negativity we get – they don’t like the symbol of the Drop Inn Center. You can’t take it personally. They’re against the (mistaken) idea that the homeless are criminals who need to be excluded from society, that the homeless are dangerous and that by helping them, you’re harboring them.” It’s also important to remember that the facility enjoys widespread support, Clifford says. “We’re not in this alone,” he says. “We have 500 volunteers a month. We have tours for groups of people. We have quite a few people who wish us well.” Some of the most vocal critics of the Drop Inn Center are the people who stay there – hardly a surprise. Who would enjoy staying in a homeless shelter? “We’re never going to not have complaints,” Clifford says. “The fact that we hear complaints is good. As long as we have a process to hear them and makes changes, it’s good. We look into each and every one. People feel comfortable coming up to me and letting go.” “One of the biggest complaints we get is the food – not that it isn’t nutritious or that there isn’t enough of it but that it’s too repetitious. Our food budget has been cut two years in a row. Residents ask, ‘What can we do?’ We tell them to reach out to restaurants and grocery stores.” The one luxury at the Drop Inn Center is a big-screen TV in the lobby. Jerry Springer donated it. Next to the TV is a sign list- See DROP p.5 �STREETVIBES December 2008 Community News 5 Drop Inn Center (continued from page 4) ing some of the rules: “Peaceful behavior is necessary. If you feel uptight, please see a staff worker. Respect and brotherly, sisterly cooperation with one another is absolutely needed.” Clifford has worked at The Drop Inn Center for 18 years, the past 11 as executive director. He is a Cleveland native who lives in Fairview Heights with his wife, Katy Heinz – an organizer with the Center for Community Change – and their 12-year-old son. “My first experience of working with the homeless was as a high-school volunteer,” Clifford says. “You couldn’t really look at the world the same way again.” Next month Clifford will visit India, where he plans to visit the center founded by the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mother Theresa. He sees the Drop Inn Center’s work as a continuation of his Catholic upbringing. “We’re about what I feel is the essence of religion, reaching out to help someone when they need it the most,” Clifford says. “That cuts across all faiths and even humanist beliefs – help the homeless, feed the hungry. That’s the common ethical core. “You can’t put too fine a point on it but you know there has to be more than just our individual efforts. “Another spiritual dimen- sion to what we do is to break down barriers, eliminating the segregation and the fear, trying to challenge society on the barriers of class and race.” Chandra Tully, who has stayed at the shelter for a month, articulates the value of the Drop Inn Center in more personal perms. Recovering from a host of problems that forced her into homelessness, she says, “When you’re homeless, they help you to stay off the street. They also help you with drugs and alcohol and domestic violence, whatever problem you have. They have really helped me out.” Pat Clifford, executive director of the Drop Inn Center, says the agency continually works to move people into housing. Photo by Andrew Anderson. Voters Get Feisty in Year of Change A black president elected, Chabot dumped, greed restricted By Gregory Flannery Editor Maybe there’s something to that old canard about the eternal optimism of the American people. The Nov. 4 election of Sen. Barack Obama not only overcame a long history of American racism but also rendered moot other long established political conventions. He won in spite of a comparative lack of experience – a first-term senator running against a veteran senator long known on the national stage. Lacking a military record of any kind, Obama ran in wartime and beat a war hero. After two consecutive presidential elections racked by charges of vote rigging, he won in an indisputable landslide: 365 electoral votes for Obama, 173 for Sen. John McCain – a margin of better than 2-to1. Ohio, blamed for giving George W. Bush a second term in 2004, voted Democratic this year, and it wasn’t all that close. Obama received 2.78 million votes in Ohio, 51.1 percent of the total. McCain received 2.58 million votes, or 47.4 percent. The independent presidential candidate with the most votes in Ohio was Ralph Nader, who received 40,696 votes, or 0.75 percent. Obama even won Hamil- Ohio, blamed for giving George W. Bush a second term in 2004, voted Democratic this year, and it wasn’t all that close. ton County – and by a bigger margin than in the state as a whole, taking 52.1 percent to 50.8 percent for McCain. That wasn’t the only surprise Nov. 4. Voters in the 1st Congressional District also dumped U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot in favor of Steve Driehaus, a Democratic state legislator. Commercials for Driehaus’ campaign highlighted Chabot’s support of Bush, whose unpopularity largely kept him out of sight during the campaign. (Full disclosure: I am on probation for trespassing during a sit-in at Chabot’s office in 2006.) Chabot, who has served 14 years in the U.S. House, was one of a score of Republicans unseated Nov. 4. The next term of Congress will include 256 Democrats and 175 Republicans. Four seats remain undecided. The election means the next session of the Senate will be 58 Democrats, a gain of seven seats; and 40 Republicans, with two races, in Minnesota and Georgia, still undecided. Of 8.29 million registered voters in Ohio, 5.6 million votes actually cast ballots, a 67.5 percent turnout. In Hamilton County, 70.5 percent of registered voters participated. There were no surprises in the two races for county commissioner, with incumbent Todd Portune, a Democrat, easily winning re-election. Clerk of Courts Greg Hartman, a Republican, won an open seat on the county commission. Portune, once the darling of long-suffering Hamilton County Democrats, had alien- ated some of his progressive supporters by imposing a tax for a new jail last year, which was quickly repealed by voters. Then a controversial deal made by party leaders aimed to let him and Hartman run unopposed this year. that was just too sweet for easy digestion. Cincinnati voters opted for change – but not too much. The local chapter of the NAACP led a referendum to repeal a city ordinance setting up automated traffic- ing interest rates charged by payday lenders in Ohio won by a whopping margin of 63.6 percent to 36.4 percent. The Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio (COHHIO) led the campaign. The referendum restricts pay- Free at last: The grave of abolitionist Frederick Douglass is decorated with news of the election of the first African-American president. Photo by Richard Blumberg. But two upstarts challenged the deal. Chris Dole ran as an un-endorsed Democrat against Hartman, and Ed Rothenberg was the Republican in the race against Portune. They never had a chance, and finished with only about 35 percent of the votes in their respective races. But given the odds, that ain’t bad. Most of the 30,000 voters who backed Dole and Rothenberg likely hadn’t heard of either of them until the party bosses made a sweetheart deal signal enforcement, or “red light cameras.” One might expect voters to enthusiastically come out against traffic tickets made easy, but the outcome was relatively close, with 51.2 percent in favor of banning the cameras. A second NAACP initiative would have changed city council elections to proportional representation. The measure failed by more than 8,000 votes. Usury got its ass kicked Nov. 4. A referendum restrict- day loans to annual interest of 28 percent. The current legal rate is 390 percent. “In a stunning victory for Ohio consumers … voters renounced 13 years of unregulated corporate greed,” COHHIO said after the election. The statement referred to Issue 5. But it might say something about the general mood of the electorate across the country Nov. 4. One can hope. �6 Worse Than Nixon STREETVIBES December 2008 Movie Review W. has left the theater – and soon so will he By Lew Moores Contributing Writer It’s gone. As best I can tell, it’s disappeared from Cincinnati area movie screens. When I went to see the film W. at the Esquire in Clifton at 1:10 p.m. Nov. 19, I was the only one in the theater. By Nov. 19, a full two weeks after an historic presidential election, President Bush had become, at least symbolically, that irrelevant – I watched the film by myself on its next-tolast day of being shown here. It lasted in Cincinnati for a month, its final days at a single neighborhood theater. W. opened in mid-October to mostly mixed reviews across the country. Beyond its artistry, critics postulated that Bush-haters would be disappointed by the film and Bush loyalists slightly surprised it wasn’t a complete hack-job. Full disclosure: I was among those rooting for not so much hack job as caricature – sort of what you might see if you put a camera in the hands of a progressive editorial cartoonist. I didn’t want the provocative filmmaker Oliver Stone’s George W. Bush to be a more sympathetic creature than Stone’s Richard M. Nixon in Stone’s 1995 biopic, Nixon. But he is. George W. is headstrong, yet a ne’er-do-well who bounces from job to job, has a bunch of daddy issues on his journey to outdo George H.W. Bush in the legacy department, and is already long on the road to political infamy even before the start of his second term. His haplessness is kind of endearing, his goofi- W. the film, directed by Oliver Stone was in theaters around Cincinnati for a month, possible showing that President Bush had become, at least symbolically, that irrelevant. Photo courtesy of wthefilm.com. ness likeable. Josh Brolin’s George W. boozes with abandon – lots of Jack Daniels – before he is born-again; his father, the future president of the United States, asks him in 1971: “What are you cut out for, chasing tail?” If one thing becomes something of a running motif, it’s the number of scenes that show W. stuffing food into his mouth and talking at the same time. It’s not pretty. He can’t help himself. A sense of verbal and physical clumsiness comes naturally to him. He announces late in the film that he’s given up sweets, a sacrifice since the start of the war. He spits. He almost chokes on a pretzel. He gets lost temporarily on a road at his Crawford ranch. He is enamored of catch phrases like “axis of evil” and “shock and awe.” In Stone’s Nixon, Anthony Hopkins’s Nixon is culturally clumsy. A hooker (I think she’s a hooker, I’m not sure) tells him that she likes jazz. “Yeah, I like jazz -- Guy Lombardo,” Nixon says. More precisely, Stone’s Nixon is insecure, unloved, dark and, in the end, so very alone. He is a creature of his own insecurities, not so much headstrong as searching for the right combinations and never finding them. He tells his wife, Pat, “They’re out there figuring out how to tear me down. … This is about me, can’t you understand that, Pat?” He doesn’t find the right combinations mostly because of his – and finally his administration’s – siege mentality. It was that, and not so much his policies, that did him in. Remember: His environmental record was good, he effectively ended the Vietnam War and he eased Cold War tensions with both his opening a door to China and détente with the Soviet Union. “We didn’t have to take cheap shots, and we didn’t 1128 Walnut St Pizza by the Slice Tues and Thurs Buffet($7.00)-11AM-2PM Wed-Thur-Fri-Sat 9PM-3AM want to be malicious,” Stone told USA Today in September, before W. opened. “We’re very careful. We didn’t want to go over the line.” Both films are not chronological; they travel back and forth in time, Nixon as a child growing up with a father who talks of taking him to the woodshed, Bush spending his college days as a frat brat, coming home drunk one night and almost getting into a fistfight with “Poppy.” Bush runs unsuccessfully for Congress and vows never again to be out-Texaned and “outChristianed.” Nixon is more verbally crude. Talking about Daniel Ellsberg -- who leaked to the press the Pentagon papers, which chronicled U.S. involvement in Vietnam -- he complains of the “HarvardHebrew boys who leak.” And Bob Haldeman, his chief of staff, refers to New York City, as he apologizes to Henry Kissinger, as “Jew York City.” More to the point, Nixon complains about his failure to win the presidency in 1960 and ultimate failure following Watergate, attributing it to elitism and not going to the “right schools (Harvard).” Both films have their heroes, Colin Powell in W.; John Dean and, to a lesser extent, Henry Kissinger in Nixon. Both have much darker characters – certainly Bob Haldeman and John Ehrlichman in Nixon, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney in W. Poppy, of course, looms large. If anything, he’s a man of some principle. He doesn’t take out Hussein in 1991 because that wasn’t part of the United Nations resolution; he believed in a multi-lateralist approach. So George W. is going to finish the job, show Poppy how it’s done. When Condi Rice, who is nothing more than a sycophant in this film, asks George W. whether his father had ever offered advice on Iraq, he answers, “There’s a higher father I appeal to.” Ultimately, that’s scary. And it’s supposed to be. That’s why I hoped for more caricature in W. The New Yorker’s David Remnick, I believe, was the first media type to point out just before Bush’s re-election in 2004 that Bush is a worse president than Nixon, the most disgraced president ever. And Remnick did it before Katrina in 2005, before full disclosures about Gitmo, the Patriot Act, about torture, the assault on science, trying to scuttle the Bill of Rights, spying on American citizens, the U.S Department of Justice debacle, the environmental assaults, not to mention the latest list of casualties from Iraq. I must be leaving out something. W., the movie, is gone, I think, from area screens. And in another seven weeks so will he be. �STREETVIBES December 2008 Local News Our Radioactive Homeland 7 New book is a guide to the region’s toxic link to nuclear weapons By Gregory Flannery Editor The Ohio River Valley is a victim of nuclear war – and the aggressor is our own government. The area hasn’t suffered bomb blasts, but more than half a century of preparation for a nuclear attack on other countries has poisoned the soil, the water and the air in communities surrounding Greater Cincinnati. That’s the startling conclusion of One Hundred Miles From Home: Nuclear Contamination in the Communities of the Ohio River Valley, a comprehensive study of the region’s role in the development of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Local author Carol Rainey has meticulously documented the reckless yet quite deliberate process by which the Tri-state has been ringed by the toxic and radioactive byproducts of the U.S. pursuit of global military superiority. One Hundred Miles From Home examines the history of six nuclear research, production and disposal facilities: the Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg, near Dayton, Ohio; the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, in Kentucky; the Feed Materials Production Center in Fernald Station, just north of Cincinnati; the Jefferson Proving Ground, in southeast Indiana; the Maxey Flats Low-Level Radiation Waste Disposal, in Kentucky; and The U.S. Department of Energy says, “The new wetlands (in Fernald) are similar to those that naturally occur in southwest Ohio.” It doesn’t point out that uranium won’t be completely removed from the aquifer until 2023. Photo courtesy of www.doe.gov. the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. As early as 1955 – before “For many years the Great Miami River served as a flushing agent for the radioactive and chemical contaminants at Mound.” the term “nuclear” had entered common parlance – a reporter for The New York Times referred to the region as “Atom Valley.” That moniker might once have implied a patriotic pride and trust in a promising new technology, but the legacy 50 years on is one of ecological devastation: * “Officials at Mound in the early years found the easiest way of disposing of liquid radioactive waste was draining it in the river,” Rainey writes. “For many years the Great Miami River served as a flushing agent for the radioactive and chemical contaminants at Mound. As much as 600,000 gallons of wastewater were released into the river every day.” * “In 1990 thorium was found in Silo 3 (at Fernald), leaking radon gas,” Rainey reports. “Radium was also found in Paddy’s Run, which ran through the plant and into the Great Miami River. Thorium has a half-life of 14 billion years.” * Left behind at the Jefferson Proving Ground are 77 tons of depleted uranium and 1.5 million rounds of unexploded ordnance, according to Rainey. “When the Indiana Department of Environmental Management did an analysis … of how much it would cost to clean up the proving ground (to the point where it could be used again), they discovered the environmental contamination was so extensive a complete cleanup was economically impossible,” she writes. The nuclear technology promoted as essential to national defense was developed not only in secrecy but with brute force, with farmers in Fernald and in Madison County, Indiana, given just 30 days to accept government compensation before being forced off their land. Nor did the promise of jobs come without a cost. Illness blossomed among workers subject to exposure to radioactive chemicals, only to be denied by federal agencies. In Paducah, a worker who applied for disability compensation found his claim aggressively fought by the U.S. Department of Energy. “They argued that his illnesses were due to smoking and ‘eating country ham,’ ” Rainey writes. “The court “After his death, his body was exhumed, and uranium was found in his bones 133 times normal levels.” dismissed his claims. He said at the end of his life, ‘It is absolutely futile, like fighting a tiger with a toothpick.’ He died of stomach cancer in 1980 at the age of 58. After his death, his body was exhumed, and uranium was found in his bones 133 times normal levels.” Indeed, the effort to document job-related injuries was sometimes rendered impossible by the very nature of the work. Radioactive contamination was so thoroughgoing that the documents themselves were too hot to handle, as at the Mound facility. “The workers struggling to receive compensation for their illnesses received startling information in 2007, when it was revealed that in 1993 Mound had sent 458 boxes of records to Los Alamos to be ‘de-contaminated,’ ” Rainey writes. Only 40 boxes of documents – less than 10 percent of the total --were eventually de-contaminated. The human cost is one measure of the toll imposed on Atom Valley. Consider, too, the raw fiscal expense. “In the late 1960s Mound officials discovered an extensive amount of plutonium concentration in the special metallurgical building. … To clean up and decontaminate this one building (built in five months for $1 million) eventually took more than $57 million and 29 years,” Rainey reports. The book is not without its flaws. A literature professor, Rainey’s – and her editor’s – inability to master the proper use of “which” versus “that,” a common flaw in freshman composition, is a frequent and annoying distraction: “She was concerned about all the apples which her family ate,” she writes. Then there is the matter of including the Paducah facility at all. The book is, after all, titled, One Hundred Miles From Home – home being Cincinnati. Paducah is, after all, 234 miles southwest of Cincinnati. But as a whole the book is an unsettling and necessary reminder of what we have done and, more important, what remains unfinished, as noted in the preface by Bluegrass poet and environmental advocate Wendell berry. “The history of nuclear technology is now more than half a century old,” he writes. “In condemning it, we are hardly rushing to judgment. Now surely we must ask the question that, on the evidence of this book and much other evidence, we cannot honestly avoid: When great, undisputable quantities of lethal waste are accumulated, at ecological and human and economic costs that are unimaginable, must we not account the whole enterprise a waste and a tragic mistake?” Read the Streetvibes blog for stories between issues at streetvibes.wordpress.com �8 Year in Review 2008 saw struggles new and ongoing. Anti-war protesters lined Clifton Avenue to call for a moratorium in the war on Iraq (top left). Large numbers of voters signed petitions for a referendum to require paid sick days in Ohio (right). Streetvibes vendors were so successful that the paper twice had to increase its monthly print run (top right). The state of Ohio sealed off underpasses to keep homeless people from camping there (center). Students at local high schools and colleges spent the night outside in the annual shantytown experience, experiencing something of homeless life (above). Meanwhile food banks found supplies dwindling as demand for food aid rose (right). STREETVIBES December 2008 �STREETVIBES December 2008 Year in Review 9 An investigation by the Southwest Ohio Workers’ Rights Board found exploitation of Latino workers (top left). A homeless man struck by a hit-andrun driver was charged with jaywalking (top right). A lone city councilman joined advocates for the poor in opposing a proposal to restrict social services (center). College students around the country came to participate in Cincinnati Urban Experience (left). High school students created vibrant murals for the Homeless Coalition (above). �10 STREETVIBES December 2008 Column The Bill Cunningham Doctrine Poor Attitudes Don’t Cause Poverty ill Cunningham of WLW (700 AM), a Great American, unlike you or me, says, “The reason people are poor in America is not because they lack money. It's because poor people in America lack values, character, and the ability to work hard." I don’t know how Cunningham does his research or where he gets his data, but what he says must be true, because Cunningham is a Great American and no Great American would ever say anything false, irresponsible or vicious on the radio for everyone to hear. And he’s not alone. There are lots of others -- Great Americans, I’m sure -- who say the same sort of thing. I don’t know how they do their research or where they get their data, but they speak with great authority; and no Great American would ever use his or her authority to say something false, irresponsible or cutting in the public media. You might not agree with them, but these are Great Americans. Unlike you and me. ***** Suppose what the Great Americans say is true. Suppose it’s all just a poverty of mind. Suppose it’s all just a matter of attitude. Suppose that the problem of poverty could be solved if only the poor could get their act together, get jobs, stay in their jobs, stop complaining the destructive and self-destructive behavior behind in the dust. What difference would it make? What if we declared war on poverty and the poor simply surrendered? We’ll quit our poorish ways, they’ll say. We’ll do everything we’re told. We’ll go to work, no matter what the wages or conditions. We’ll put money into an IRA, cut off our bootleg cable and never again play somebody’s birthday on the Lotto. We’ll eat whole grain organic food By Michael Henson and leave the Pop Tarts on the shelf. If we drink, we’ll about their jobs, stop getting drink pinot noir instead of injured on their jobs, stop fil- some cheap stuff from the ing grievances about injuries corner store, and we’ll never on the job. Suppose the poor let cocaine pass our nostrils or would decide to stop moving our lips. from place to place, move to Oh, and the rap music. a better place, move out of That’s gotta go. We’ll obey all this place. Suppose the poor the laws we can think of and were to get some school- follow all the rules, even the ing, get married, didn’t have ones we don’t know about. sex unless they were Would that solve the probmarried or maybe lem? It would certainly be difdidn’t have sex at all because there is that ferent. For one thing, it would inconvenient result mean mass layoffs of social of producing more -- workers, probation officers and more problematic and deputy sheriffs. (Oh, -- poor people. Sup- wait, that’s already happenpose they were to stop ing.) It would mean life would getting sick. Suppose be easier for supervisors at they were to stop us- Wal-Mart and McDonald’s. It ing alcohol and other would mean Bill Cunningham drugs. Stop gambling. would welcome them as Great Stop hanging out on Americans. But would it mean an end to corners. Stop smoking cigarettes, throw poverty? ***** away the blunts, drop Surely, if we could solve the pipe, the needle, certain behavioral problems, the bottle. Suppose the poor it would mean an end to some Bill Cunningham, radio host on 700 could just get their people’s poverty. The welder WLW is known for his line, “You are a various acts together. turned homeless heroin adGreat American.” Photo courtesy of 700wlw.com Suppose they left all dict, if he gets into treatment B ammered H Michael Henson is author of Ransack, A Small Room with Trouble on My Mind, The Tao of Longing and Crow Call. This column is part of a monthly series on poverty and addiction. and commits to recovery, can pretty well work his way back out of poverty and into the middle class. There are There are a lot of people among the working poor. They live by the Great American values Bill Cunningham says are important, but they just can’t get ahead. plenty of examples of people who got clean and sober, got an education and climbed up the rickety social ladder into something like middle-class life and prosperity. But is getting the poor to clean up their acts, learn middle class values and make a commitment to improve their position enough to end poverty? It might end poverty for certain individuals, but I don’t think it would end poverty itself. For one thing, not everybody who is poor is addicted, mentally ill or otherwise dysfunctional. There are a lot of people among the working poor. They live by the Great American values Bill Cunningham says are important, but they just can’t get ahead. For those who are alcoholic or addicted, just to get sober and get your life straight doesn’t mean you’re going to make it out of poverty. The Big Book’s promises tell us that fear of people and financial security will leave us. They don’t say financial insecurity will leave us. Not every recovering addict or alcoholic is healthy enough or lucky enough or whatever enough to get the kind of job my welder friend is likely to get. And even my welder friend probably won’t get the well-paying, union-scale job he lost at the auto plant that’s moved away. All those social workers, probation officers and deputy sheriffs just laid off by Hamilton County are not likely to find new jobs with the pay and benefits that the county provided. The numbers are against us. There are more of us than there are middle-class slots in society as it is now constructed. It’s been that way for a long time, and it’s not likely to change any time soon. It might even be getting worse. So when we’re asking people to change their poverty of mind, when we ask them to drop their thinking errors and adopt a pro-social lifestyle, let’s recognize that not everyone will get the same benefits from it. Our lives would be better, all of us, if everyone would adopt a life-affirming lifestyle. But that won’t end poverty. Because poverty is bigger than that. The only way to understand poverty is to look hard at the self-sabotaging patterns that the poor get into and which hold them back, but also to look hard at the social patterns that hold them back as well. The only way to understand poverty is to be hardheaded and compassionate at the same time. But I’m not sure that compassion is one of the values of a Great American. Berta’s Art Corner “Standing Tall, reminants of gentrification destroys children’s park” Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio �STREETVIBES December 2008 Local News Fighting the H8 (continued from page 1) Well, guess what? That’s not happening. It is time for us as individuals to realize that we can’t sit by being complacent.” Proposition 8 has an impact beyond California, according to Tolle. “It is something that directly impacts the LGBTQ community on every level, in every state,” he said. “In Ohio, we live in a state that has already declared inequality by banning same-sex marriage and failing to include crimes against LGBTQ individuals under state hate-crime laws. We cannot let this hatred under the law perpetuate any further.” Comedienne Margaret Cho and Dr. Victoria Wulsin, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate in Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, joined the protest. Cho, performing at Taft Theater that evening, was alerted to the protest and immediately rearranged her schedule in order to attend. Both women expressed their commitment to the cause of fighting the inequality codified by Proposition 8. A few counter-protesters appeared at the event, including one individual —with a record of protesting outside Planned Parenthood clinics — who was found to possess a handgun. There weren’t any conflicts between the opposing sides, but because same-sex marriage is such a controversial issue for many, Cincinnati Police monitored the event on horseback to ensure everyone’s safety. Tolle rejected assertions that gay-rights activists want anything unusual. “Those in favor of Proposition 8 claim that extending equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples would be granting special rights that are contrary to the traditional familial structure, which is often rooted in Christian doctrine,” he said. “But (this) protest was not a request for special rights, but rather a demand for equality for all under the law.” As a result of the overwhelming support the organizers encountered in planning the protest, IMPACT Cincinnati, a group created in order to sustain the momentum of conversation and action that began with the Fight 11 the H8, has been formed. The group plans to work with other LGBTQ organization such as Equality Ohio and Human Rights Campaign. The organizers realize that the success of the protest cannot be seen as the end, but rather must be channeled into a greater movement. “This is where it starts,” Tolle said. “This is where we have a voice, and this is where we have power. This is where change starts, and this is where equality starts.” �STREETVIBES December 2008 Sports News 12 A Goal for the Homeless Homeless World Cup is more than a soccer game By Alan Attwood Street News Service Soccer has gone global. Now, at the grassroots level, it is changing lives. The proof will be proudly on show in December in Australia at a unique kind of World Cup. Let’s try a word-association game. Soccer. Names spring to mind at once. Big names: Beckham, Maradona, Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rooney, Zidane. Most of them synonymous with exquisite skills, extraordinary salaries and, in Beck’s case, a recent bizarre stunt involving a double-decker bus in Beijing. The truth is, however, that soccer is bigger than the biggest names. Soccer – ‘football’ in most places outside Australia – really is the world game. It is played on all continents. One reason for this is the simplicity of soccer: all you need for a game, of sorts, is a ball. At a pinch, rolled-up socks or shirts or newspapers bound with twine will suffice. It is a universal language: Players who would otherwise have difficulty communicating can find common ground. And although soccer fans are noted all over the globe for their passion – one theory is that the spectators’ intensity is explained by the scarcity of goals – it is also a unifying force. Soccer brings people together. Not just at the quadrennial World Cup (next up is South Africa in 2010) but also somewhat at the other end of the sporting scale. Every day, every week, in every part of the world, people get together for a kick and a run-around. Perhaps only a couple of people, perhaps many more. The playing surfaces will range from grass to gravel, dirt to dust, mud to matting. Over the past halfdozen years the grassroots side of soccer has grown in size and also become more organized. In Australia, a street soccer program (an initiative of The Big Issue organization) began with a kick-around near a housing estate in inner-Melbourne late in 2004: now it has spread across seven Australian states or territories, with regular sessions held in regional as well as urban areas. Anyone interested is welcome, regardless of age, sex, religion, background or circumstances. In all sorts of ways, everyone has a level playing field – though, to be honest, some of the fields can be more wonky than Wembley. The sessions are social and sporting events, an opportunity for participants to connect with other people. Those who stick with it can aspire to something even bigger, something that will be showcased here in Australia in the first week of December, when the sixth Homeless World Cup is staged (and celebrated in Melbourne – including, for the first time, a women’s tournament. From little things, big things grow. Australian troubadour Paul Kelly was singing about Aboriginal land-rights in the song he wrote with Kev Car- Mid-week street soccer training in Melbourne, adjacent to a public housing estate. Photo by Alan Attwood. Street soccer training in Adelaide, South Australia - Daniel (left) and Matty (cap) compete for the ball. Photo by Alan Attwood. mody, but the words might equally apply to the Homeless World Cup, an event that gives disadvantaged people – individuals who’ve experienced homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment or simply hard times – a chance to be part of a team and to shine on the international sporting stage. Not only will the participants in Australia’s Homeless World Cup be representing their own countries, a great many will also be experiencing their first overseas trip. They will also be boosting the expansion of an event that started, like many a great idea before, with an idea conceived over a drink. The story goes like this. Late in 2001, two men got talking in Cape Town during a conference of the International Network of Street Papers. One was Mel Young, co-founder of The Big Issue in Scotland; the other was Harald Schmied, editor of the Austrian equivalent. Conferences were all very well, they mused, but where were the very people they were trying to help? Talk fests wouldn’t appeal, but what about sport? What about soccer? How about teams from their respective countries, Scotland and Austria, playing a game? A few beers later, the idea had got grander. Why not invite anyone who was interested? And the event could be called the Homeless World Cup. A half later the first one was held – in Schmied’s hometown of Graz, in Austria. Eighteen teams participated; there were around 20,000 spectators. The following year, in Sweden, 26 teams entertained 40,000 people. In 2005, when Australia was first represented, there were 32 teams and more than 50,000 spectators in Edinburgh, Scotland. The growth continued in Cape Town, 2006, and Copenhagen last year. In December, 56 countries will be represented and the spectators – well, pick a number. Melbourne doesn’t pride itself on being Australia’s sporting capital for nothing. Yet even those impressive player statistics don’t do justice to the number of people whose self-confidence has been boosted by street soccer programs here and overseas. Research has shown that, through regular involvement with soccer, participants are much more likely to reconnect with services, find employment, and address their housing or drug issues. The discipline and team-ethos instilled by soccer are positive factors for players beyond the pitches. They are qualities that can help people improve their lives, long after events such as the Homeless World Cup have come and gone. This is apparent in the responses by Australian representatives after the 2006 event in South Africa. They were asked about the impact of soccer on their lives. These are some of their answers: “Sport’s always going to be there for everyone. … When you’re homeless and society turns its back on you, sport’s the only thing that’s there to actually welcome you. “It’s not about being good, it’s not about being bad. Both young and old and those who are talented and those who are not come down and make a team.” “It gave me confidence to look at opportunities and realize I had something I could contribute. … Going to training and working with others gave me a reason to get on with things.” “You’re a family when you’re on the field. You’ve got to share the ball. … You score a goal, you succeed in life. You achieve something.” “I used to be a very outgoing person. As soon as I became homeless it was like I lost all that confidence. I got dragged into sport and all of a sudden my confidence came back because I felt like I was wanted again.” “I used to sit at home and smoke a lot and get wasted. It was getting me nowhere. Being involved with street soccer has given me a reason to get healthy and stay that way.” “I met Desmond Tutu. I played for Australia. I had a free trip to South Africa. Harry Kewell gave us a speech. We got a letter from John Howard that wasn’t a dole form. … Not bad!” Not bad at all. Not everyone, of course, gets to meet Desmond Tutu or represent their country. But – in Sydney or Shepparton, Adelaide or Alice Springs, Bendigo or Bunbury, Port Hedland or Port Augusta – street soccer offers participants goals in addition to those marked out by posts or plastic cones or even a couple of shirts laid down on dirt. No, they’re not big names. Not yet, anyway. But they’re kicking on. Alan Attwood/The Big Issue Australia© Street News Service: www.street-papers.org �STREETVIBES December 2008 Local News Stars in Over-the-Rhine 13 Volunteer leads guests to create holiday greetings By Angela Pancella Contributing Writer ur Daily Bread’s Christmas card this year features stars crafted by our guests using construction paper, markers, gift wrap, stickers and garland. Laura Damasceno volunteered to help our guests with their designs. “I got involved (with Our Daily Bread) through McCauley High School,” she says. “Originally it was for service work to graduate, and then I just kept coming back and bringing people with me. I like the atmosphere and the volunteers who come.” For the Christmas card project, she went into Our Daily Bread’s dining room and asked who would like to help. “First I found the people I was comfortable with, the people I say hello to,” Damasceno says. “And then a lot of people overheard and decided to come and volunteer, too.” She was impressed with the work her volunteers put into O their designs. “They had more artistic ability and creativity than I would have imagined,” Damasceno says. “A lot of them wanted to do more than one. They liked using different materials. They were looking to find markers, paper — they wanted to use it all. They even wanted glitter, but glitter would have been a mess to clean up. They used multiple layers; they ran all their ideas into one.” Damasceno provided guidance based on her own love of art. At one point she reminded everyone, “It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s the beauty of art.” “On the first day a lot of people were just weren’t very confident in the shape of their star,” she says. “Someone had spoken about making a Star of David. I went on the Internet and … I figured out how to make a Star of David through an origami cutout.” The craft supplies that were available proved inspirational as well. “When we used crazy cutter stickers, the stars became Frances Traver holds up designs she created for Our Daily Bread’s Christmas card. Photo by Laura Damasceno. Our Daily Bread, a food and hospitality ministry at 1730 Race St., Over-theRhine, offers a mid-day meal, serving more than 500 every weekday. To volunteer or to donate food, call Joan or Kathy at 513-621-6364. unique to each person,” Damasceno says. “They got into it — using different sizes, different colored paper.” Te project brought out the best in everyone, according to Damasceno. “(The guests) were grateful to help volunteer to return the favor, to return the help,” she says. By spending time working on the project with a small group of people, Damasceno learned more about their lives. “Really, I got to know a lot of stories; they became an open book,” she says. “They are the ones who have a strong faith in God. They’re trying to find themselves. They were on their way to do other things to better themselves. Everyone was very willing to talk and to be open with me. It was a great experience.” Cigarettes for the Homeless On the streets some things are worse than smoking By Larry Gross Contributing Writer ne night last week I was waiting at a bus stop on Main Street, smoking a cigarette. A well dressed young man approached me. “You got an extra cigarette I could have?” he asked. “Sorry,” I replied, “I bummed this one.” This was, of course, a lie. I had just opened a fresh pack. The truth is I’m getting a bit tired of giving away cigarettes to people who appear to have plenty of money. If you’re employed, nicely dressed and appear to have a roof over your head but don’t want to pay for cigarettes because they’re too expensive, keep walking past me. If you O don’t, I might tell another lie and say I quit smoking – perhaps while blowing smoke in your face. But if you’re homelsss, that’s another story. If a person is down on her luck and needs a cigarette, she’ll usually get one from me. This has even been more the case lately as I’ve changed some of my personal smoking habits. I’m no longer smoking in my place of residence. My little studio apartment has become smoke-free. I’m reporting this now only because I wasn’t sure I could pull it off. For many years in my head, I thought writing and smoking went hand in hand. I couldn’t imagine trying to write anything without having a ciga- rette burning in the ashtray on my desk. For a while, it took longer to get my writing done without smoking. Now, some months later, I’ve found that I can do it – and there’s even a side benefit to this: I’m no longer having to clean off cigarette ashes that fall on or into my computer keyboard. I can’t imagine what it would be like living on the street, sleeping in a shelter or calling a park bench your home. When I want a cigarette these days, just like in office buildings downtown and everywhere else, I go outside If you like what you read, but don’t live in the Cincinnati area, you can subscribe to Streetvibes. Call us at 513-421-7803 x 12 to learn more about subscribing to Streetvibes. – sometimes with a favorite ashtray. I don’t do anything else but smoke. I savor the moment. With this new routine firmly in place, I find that I now smoke fewer cigarettes. I no longer find myself running out of them. I’m basically accumulating smokes – and this is good news for the homeless. I won’t be going around downtown handing cigarettes to homeless people who don’t smoke, but if a homeless smoker wants one from me, I’ll pass it over freely. I want to be of some help to them. I can hear some of you saying this is a ridiculous idea. How does giving a nasty cigarette away to a homeless person help him? I can’t think of anything more stressful than being in that kind of situation. I can’t imagine what it would be like living on the street, sleeping in a shelter or calling a park bench your home. It must be god-awful not knowing where your next meal is coming from. If a smoke helps him or her deal with this kind of stress, I’m going to try and make sure I have one on me when he or she needs one. Some things are worse than smoking. They won’t be getting a health lecture from me. They’ll be getting the cigarette. Are you interested in helping with Streetvibes? Are you a writer, poet, artist or photographer? If so, contact Greg Flannery at 513.421.7803 x 12 or email streetvibes2@yahoo.com �STREETVIBES December 2008 Guest Columns 14 The Elementz of Poverty Hip Hop youth center offers hope, a creative outlet and a way out By Brittany Middlebrooks Contributing Writer Within my community, there are black women who are single parents struggling to take care of their children because their children’s fathers aren’t around to help. There are young black men who choose to sell drugs to make some quick money so that they won’t struggle in the time being. Weed, heroin and crack cocaine are the elements constantly around my community. Young women, older women and women in between can be found selling their bodies for drugs in my community. These are the lifestyles and livelihoods that the children in my neighborhood have to mirror every day. The absence of positive role models and influences cause these children to repeat the same cycles. A lot of these women who sell their bodies for drugs also abandon their children. The abandonment causes their kids to only depend on themselves, which causes them to grow up faster than they are supposed to. It’s so easy for underage teenagers to have access to drugs and guns in my community. A lot of drugs being sold in my community are from underage teens. There is a lot of violence being caused by teens because of money. Everybody needs money, and the absence of money can lead people to do whatever they have to do to get it, whether it’s right or wrong. The majority of the people in my community choose the easy way to get money instead of going to find a job. Some of the people in my community can’t even get good jobs because of things they chose to do in their past which messed up their future because now they have felony records. It’s so sad to see someone who keeps trying fail. Eventually these people lose hope on trying to get a job. A lot of these peoples have mouths to feed so they have to find a way to make money. The need of money is what causes the majority of the crime that’s happening in my community. If there were anything I could do about poverty in my community, I would make sure that everyone has decentpaying jobs. I would also create more youth centers for the youth so that they would have something positive to do with themselves. I serve community service in a hip-hop youth center called Elementz. It’s a place for hip-hop and respect located at 1599 Central Parkway. Elementz is the best youth center that I’ve ever came across. Its mission is to inspire and engage inner-city youth through innovative hiphop arts programs, leadership development and community building from ages 14 to 24. This is the place to be if you love hip-hop. This youth center offers dance classes, dj classes, production classes, recording classes, video classes, graffiti classes and my own poetry class. The reason that the center is called Elementz is because it expresses all the elements of hip-hop. A lot of jobs that I’ve had in the past came from this youth center. The reason why I would open up more youth centers like this one is because of the opportunities I’ve received by going to this youth center. I’ve travelled out of town to conferences and met a lot of important people because of this youth center. The center blessed me with the opportunity to help make a documentary, Just Around the Corner, which was shown at the Freedom Center. If I never came to this hiphop center, I don’t know what I would be doing with my life. It’s a positive atmosphere for youth to be in. I feel very welcomed and appreciated when I’m at the center, and I try to give whatever I can to the center so that it can grow more. I never thought that I would Violence It’s my people doing all these dangerous killings and most black men make their living off of drug dealing and stealing. These are some of the reasons why I barely have any feelings. These things are noticeable but still no one tries to stop the violence I don’t always want to hear gunshots; sometimes I just want to hear silence. The police always get the wrong ones and beat them with their guns, so police brutality is not needed. I want the cops to help the innocent people instead of them being beaten and mistreated Some of these cops are more criminal than the criminals on the street. The ones that try to help it’s too late because us teens can’t even be reached. We used to look up to people who really tried to teach. We all looked up to Martin Luther King but it seems that he wasted his speech. Was it me? But we didn’t even listen. And all violence does is leads us black people to prison. actually teach a poetry class. Now I have that opportunity because of Elementz, and I know that plenty more opportunities will come. Elementz reaches out to the youth who don’t have anything good going on in their lives and tries to turn that around as much as possible. I’ve seen dope boys and gang bangers who came to the center and turned their lives around. The reason is people here believe that we can do whatever we want to do in our lives, because we are the future. I’ve also seen teens who constantly get locked up, and once they started going to Elementz, they stop getting arrested, because they stop being around a negative atmosphere. There are a lot of youth who deal with poverty who go to Elementz to get away from what they’re going through at home. I believe that the youth in my community need more youth centers like this one because it relates to the youth who are struggling. I love the fact that Elementz is a place for me to do everything I have a passion to do. I love music and expressing my talent, and this is the place for me to do those things. Every last Thursday of every month we get to showcase our talent. I would love to leave you all with a poem titled “violence.” Street Kids: The Truth from a Survivor Sometimes the streets are safer than home By Dede Stoops Streetvibes Vendor W hat is a street kid? Well this is a short writing or truth I have seen, as I was one. When you grow up and leave the streets, that part of life remains with you and changes you. This is not a life for anyone, especially for kids or teens. But the reality of them on the streets is all too true. Kids go to the streets to get control of their lives, and it is sometimes safer than where they live. How would you define what a street child is? One way the government defines them is “runaways” or “throw away” children. What are runaways? These are children who leave home without permission or, once gone, choose not to return. “Throw away” children are told to leave by a parent or guardian, and no other care is arranged for them. Many on the streets have been “burned by the system,” so they have little trust for people. They refuse to get help because they will be forced to return to their abusive homes. These kids are sometimes abused by more than one person, including people their parents might be dating. Most street kids are escaping from abusive, neglectful homes and family problems. Other things that bring kids to the street are economic and residential in- Due to their age, street kids often can’t get work so they steal to survive and commit other criminal acts. Been there, done that, too. stability. Street kids have little or no trust for people, especially those in authority. This is because of their abuse and the failure of the justice and social-services systems. Street life doesn’t help that. Gangs, pimps, prostitutes and cops beat and pick on the kids, so it pushes them further from society and wipes their trust levels further down from being able to trust anyone. The good thing about street life is the bond kids build with other street kids. It can be a lifelong bond, even though sometimes the lives are short. What makes a street kid’s life short? That life can lead a kid to drugs and alcohol. Another danger is street gangs attacking street kids. Some kids are killed by other homeless people, fighting for or being robbed of what little they have. Street kids also suffer from malnutrition, depression, AIDS and pimps attacking them if they will not work for them. But the hardest part is these kids sometimes can’t take Missed an Issue? Check out the Streetvibes archive at www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes it and kill themselves. This breaks my heart, but I have been where they have and tried suicide myself. Something I learned, as do many other street kids, is no shelter accepts them without a parent. Due to their age, street kids often can’t get work so they steal to survive and commit other criminal acts. Been there, done that, too. Some kids beg to survive or do little chores to get the necessities of life. When these kids do those things, they have little or no self-esteem. When street kids grow up, they have little trust for people. Whenever you see a street kid, remember they don’t want your pity -- just your help and understanding. �STREETVIBES December 2008 Editorial 15 Sometimes the Library is No Place for Kids Who’s responsible for the children? By Terrence Williams Streetvibes Vendor I spend many days in the Cincinnati Public Library reading, relaxing and taking care of my business. While in the library, I’ve noticed that there are a large number of kids present during school hours. Many of them simply sit at the computers and play games all day long. What I can’t understand is why the library allows these kids to just hang out even though they know that they should be in school. I personally know how difficult it is to get an education because I dropped out of high school, but later got my G.E.D.; it was a hard struggle, but I’m glad I did it. Yet I am so disheartened when I see these kids hanging out in there, not getting a proper education. While I think the library should institute a stricter policy prohibiting kids in the library during school hours, that’s not enough. All of us are responsible for this as a community and need to work Terrence Williams, a Streetvibes vendor, is consistently in the top three for sales each month. Photo by Andrew Freeze. together as one to make sure kids get their education. The library is a big part of our community, and with that comes a certain responsibility. For one, the library is there for learning and studying and even entertainment purposes, but it shouldn’t be that for kids who are skipping school to hang out there. At one point I asked a librarian why these kids weren’t in school and she replied, “Some of them are home-schooled.” However, I have never seen any of their parents in there teaching them anything. To me, the library symbolizes education, but it seems it’s turned into a playground for kids who would rather cut school to play games. But as I said before, the library isn’t the only one responsible for this. When I was a kid, if we cut school, and a truant officer spotted us, he would chase us until we couldn’t run another step. Now Cincinnati Public Schools rely on an already busy Cincinnati Police Department to help deal with truancy, so it’s even more surprising to me when I see a police officer sitting at a desk right inside the library not doing anything about these kids hanging out during school hours. I have to wonder how much the schools even care about the high rates of absenteeism and dropout rates in our schools. Yet even if we had the cooperation of the library, schools and police department to get these kids back in the classroom, it’s not going to work until parents start taking more responsibility for their children’s whereabouts. There’s no question things have changed today -- parents working two full-time jobs while still struggling to keep food on the table, leaving little time to be able to give their children’s education the proper attention it needs. But no matter how hard it is, parents must still bear the brunt of raising their children properly. It’s a parent’s job to know where their kids are at all times. If they know that their son or daughter is cutting school to hang out in the library, they should be held accountable. The library is a place where parents and children should learn together, taking advantage of all the resources offered, but not as a babysitter for kids who refuse to go to school. A policy that allows kids to cut school and play games in the library has to change. However, the library can’t do it alone, they are just one part of the larger community that includes schools and parents. If we don’t start working together as a community by ignoring the fact that our kids aren’t in school getting the education they so desperately need, then we will continue down a destructive path of producing kids who lead lives of crime; and we’ll all pay for that in the end. Again, we must work together as a community. This means the librarian, the school attendance monitor, the teacher, the police officer, parents and regular people like me must share the responsibility to make sure kids get the education they deserve. Justice Worker and Friend of Peacemakers Activist Kees DeJong’s journey comes to a graceful end By Bill Joiner Contributing Writer When Kees DeJong died Nov. 6, humanity lost one of its finest and most engaging practitioners. Many readers of Streetvibes will remember Rev. Maurice McCrackin and his many quests for social justice. Some of them will remember DeJong as the person who, when McCrackin was confined to a wheelchair in his last years, wheeled him to many events in the West End and Over-theRhine. DeJong was a close friend of McCrackin’s. They shared common values and a common worldview, and they worked on many common endeavors. Unlike Mac, DeJong thought of himself as a follower, rather than a leader. But DeJong was not a typical follower. When he saw a need, he usually would, on his own initiative, simply step in and fill it. For example, one of McCrackin’s last great causes was the reform of the criminal-justice system and the needs of prisoners. McCrackin realized that men coming out of prison needed a place to live while they got their life straightened out, got a job and became able to live independently. Thus was born Justice Watch and the idea of a transition house. But no resources were available for the house. DeJong became aware of federal funding for a certain kind of academic project, wrote a grant and obtained funds to acquire and renovate a house on Garden Street, making possible the subsequent rehabilitation of hundreds of former prisoners. DeJong similarly filled needs as he saw them in many ways for many people. DeJong was Dutch. He earned a Ph.D. in geology and immigrated to the United States in 1970 to accept an assistant professorship in geology at the University of Cincinnati, where he remained a valued member of the department for 38 years. He was always available and helpful to students. It was perhaps the well known tolerance of the Dutch, or his extensive traveling with his wife Else, that made him a person who didn’t define people by their national boundaries or national origins. He saw all people as part of humanity and of equal worth. And he believed fervently in peace. He never obtained citizenship, but cared a great deal about the United States, and he suffered when its military excesses caused suffering in others. He especially worried about the direction the United States was taking in his last years and realized that our recent election was about the direction the world would take for the foreseeable future. On my last visit, five days before his death, as I left, he raised himself up from what was to be his deathbed, shook my hand and promised to live until Obama was elected. On Election Night he watched Obama’s acceptance speech and said simply, “Good speech.” The next day slipped into unconsciousness and died. DeJong traveled extensive- ly not only for education and pleasure, but professionally as well. He spent time studying geology and doing geological surveys in Europe, Mexico and especially in Pakistan. He was an avid photographer, and digital photography allowed him to take thousands of pictures, which he assiduously catalogued. On my last visit he showed me pictures he had taken at a geological conference in Czechoslovakia, during which the Russians had come in to put down the Czech uprising. DeJong was on the streets with the Czech protesters, and his pictures were of the destruction and devastation that existed. DeJong battled prostate cancer for well over 10 years, but his dealing with it was typical of his character. He gathered others with the disease at the university and in the community so that they could share experiences and concerns. He created Web sites where others could obtain information and where he maintained a diary of his own experiences so that Kees DeJong will be remembered for his quests for social justice. Photo courtesy of DeJong family. others might understand how another person was handling it and perhaps gain strength from how he dealt with it and was able to describe it. DeJong didn’t have the visibility of a McCrackin or a Buddy Gray. Nevertheless, he did much good’ and more important, he touched many lives, affected many attitudes, generated admiration and emulation and made people reexamine their values and priorities. He leaves behind his wife, four sons and several grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply. He will be missed by them and the many who knew him. �16 Vendors Resource Guide STREETVIBES December 2008 Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 25 cents and sell the paper for $1, keeping the money they have earned. The vendors can be identified with a white badge and can be found selling the paper in downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northern Kentucky and area churches. The money they earn helps them meet basic housing, food and health care needs. Not all vendors pictured. Josephine Baskerville Doris Binion Terry Ranson Anthony Williams Nell Williams Grady Cook Cleo Wombles James Davis Jon Darby Dede Stoops Julie Walker Kenneth Stonitsch Antonio Hodge Leonard Jackson Samuel Jackson Riccardo Taylor Berta Lambert Mary Mueller Brandon Nelson Mark Shears Charles Cole Alfred Woolfolk Terrence Williams Raynard Jones Richard Tyree Michael Holley Need Help or Want to Help? Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point...381-SAFE Cincinnati Union Bethel...768-6907 Bethany House...557-2873 Grace Place Catholic Worker House...681-2365 Salvation Army...762-5660 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter...872-9259 Talbert House...684-7965 PATH Outreach...977-4489 Treatment: Women Resources First Step Home ...961-4663 Treatment: Both City Gospel Mission...241-5525 Justice Watch...241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Worker House...381-4941 Mt. Airy Shelter...661-4620 AA Hotline...351-0422 CCAT ...381-6672 Joseph House ...241-2965 Hamilton County ADAS Board ...946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center ...281-7422 Sober Living ...681-0324 Talbert House...641-4300 Shelter: Both Advocacy Shelter: Men Anthony House (Youth)...961-4080 Caracole (HIV/AIDS)...761-1480 Drop Inn Center...721-0643 Interfaith Hospitality Network...471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center...221-3350 St. John’s Housing...651-6446 Housing: CMHA...721-4580 Excel Development...632-7149 OTR Community Housing...381-1171 Tender Mercies...721-8666 Tom Geiger House...961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services Inc. ...751-0643 Volunteers of America...381-1954 Food Lord’s Pantry...621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Soup Kitchen & Pantry..961-1983 Our Daily Bread...621-6364 St. Francis Soup Kitchen...535-2719 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House...784-1853 DIC Live In Program...721-0643 Prospect House...921-1613 Starting Over...961-2256 Appalachian Identity Center ...621-5991 Catholic Social Action ...421-3131 Community Action Agency ...569-1840 Contact Center...381-4242 Franciscan JPIC ...721-4700 Greater Cinci Coalition for the Homeless..421-7803 Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center...5798547 Legal Aid Society ...241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center ...421-1108 Peaslee Neighborhood Center ...621-5514 Project Connect Homeless Kids ...363-3300 Stop AIDS...421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care ...621-1868 Cincinnati Health Network ...961-0600 Crossroad Health Center ...381-2247 Hamilton county Mental Health Board...946-8600 Hamilton County TB Control ...946-7628 Health Resource Center ...357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van...352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic...352-6363 Mental Health Access Point...558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John...981-5800 NAMI of Hamilton County..458-6670 Oral Health Council...621-0248 Catholic Social Services...241-7745 Center for Independent Living Options...241-2600 Churches Active in Northside...591-2246 Emmanuel Community Center...241-2563 FreeStore/FoodBank...241-1064 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart...381-0111 Goodwill industries...771-4800 Healing Connections...751-0600 Madisonville Education & Assistance Center...2715501 Mary Magdalen House...721-4811 People Working Cooperatively...351-7921 St. Vincent de Paul...562-8841 The Caring Place...631-1114 United Way...721-7900 Women Helping Women...977-5541 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center...859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House...859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission...859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth...859-581-1111 Mathews House...859-261-8009 NKY Homeless & Housing Coalition...859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen...859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic...859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc...859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY...859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center...859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary...859-559-5011 VA Homeless...859-572-6226 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels...863-3184 Salvation Army...863-1445 Serenity House Day Center...422-8555 Open Door Pantry...868-3276 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2008 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2008 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Fighting the H8 The Place of Refuge Pg 2: The Vibe Pg 3: Eight Minutes with an ‘Honorable’ Pg 4: Drop Inn Center Continued Pg 5: Drop Inn Center Continued Voters Get Feisty in Year of Change Pg 6: Worse Than Nixon Pg 7: Our Radioactive Homeland Pg 8: Year in Review Pg 9: Year in Review Pg 10: The Bill Cunningham Doctrine Pg 11: Fighting the H8 Pg 12: A Goal for the Homeless Pg 13: Stars in Over-the-Rhine Pg 14: The Elementz of Poverty Pg 15: Sometimes the Library is No Place for Kids Pg 16: Resource Guide Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2008 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Margo Pierce Angela Pancella Michael Henson Larry Gross Alyssa Konermann Lew Moores Dede Stoops Alan Attwood Brittany Middlebrooks Terrence Williams Bill Joiner Andrew Anderson Andrew Freeze Richard Blumberg DeJong Family Berta Lambert Laura Damasceno Georgine Getty Lynne Ausman Joe Wessels Steve Novotni Steve Gibbs Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alan Attwood Alyssa Konermann Andrew Anderson Andrew Freeze Angela Pancella Berta Lambert Bill Cunningham Doctrine Bill Joiner Brittany Middlebrooks Bush Cigarettes City Hall Dede Stoops DeJong Family Drop Inn Center Georgine Getty Gregory Flannery Joe Wessels Justice Worker Larry Gross Laura Damasceno Lew Moores Library Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Memorial Day Michael Henson Nixon Nuclear Weapons Over-the-Rhine poverty Refuge Richard Blumberg Sex Marriage Steve Gibbs Steve Novotni Street Kids Terrence Williams Voters https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/fab3aa9f9862d0dcd2bc4b47e90599bf.pdf 9f71f67228ab2cb0f823e97379b7f5db PDF Text Text D e c . 2 1 , 2 0 1 2 - J a n . 3 , 2 0 1 3 VOL.16 ISSUE 26 (No. 241) ADVOCATING JUSTICE • BUILDING COMMUNITY NEW VOICES: SCPA & ELEMENTZ PAGE 8 GREATER CINCINNATI ENERGY ALLIANCE SPOTLIGHT ON: PAGE 5 VICTORIA MORGAN PAGE 6 THE MOST INSPIRING WORKFORCE CO2: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 3 twitter.com/streetvibesnews PAGE 13 streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL In Unity There is Strength From the Director JOSH SPRING Executive Director O ur theme this year for our Annual Awards Dinner was In Unity There Is Strength. We are very thankful to those who sponsored the dinner, the organizations that purchased seats and tables and to all the many people that came. This was our largest attendance in years. Additionally, we are very thankful for the Newport Syndicate. People said the location and atmosphere was magnificent. The Syndicate treated us wonderfully and worked hard for us, knowing we are not a wealthy organization. We encourage any organization looking to host an event to contact the Newport Syndicate. Our theme,” In Unity There is Strength” represents the motivation behind the creation of the Homeless Coalition over 28 years ago. As homelessness was increasing exponentially, due in large part to trickle-down economics and general oppression of people without much economic means, local organizations working to create safe places for people experiencing homelessness realized that if we only focused on emergency services, homelessness would increase and never end. So they united, created the Coalition, coalescing their power and went after the system. That is who we still are today. We now have 53 member organizations. Can you imagine how many people our Membership represents? Think of all the People that come through the doors of these organizations in a given year, or even a given day. Think about the staff that works for these organizations. Now consider that our Donors are made primarily up of many people who give what they can. When you think about it, we are huge with thousands and thousands of People. If we decide to use it right, imagine our strength. This doesn’t include the many organizations and people we partner with, nor the large numbers of people in our community that support us. If we leverage these voices behind causes- we can accomplish big things. Homelessness is not here to stay. If we collect our strength, we bolster our unity- we can end it. This is not some far lost vision. Ending homelessness is not an ideal we outgrew. We truly can end it. We are so very large. In 2012 we took on big issues. We released a comprehensive study of family homelessness and housing stability. This brought together 40 public and private organizations. We interviewed dozens of families and collected numerous data. We showed that in five recent years homelessness among Cincinnati Public School Children increased by 42%; the category of doubled up, the group of people that go uncounted in nearly every other count, rose by 192%; the number of unemployed people increased by at least 78% in five years; last year 32% of those in shelters in Hamilton county were under the age of 18. We stood by affordable housing because we know affordable housing combined with living wage jobs is the primary answer to ending homelessness. This meant organizing people to stand with the Women of the Anna Louise Inn- against the multi-million dollar Western and Southern. As the justice system failed to lend any justice to the Women of the Anna Louise Inn- we took to the streets and worked to get in the hearts of the public. For years we pushed, and in Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $1.50 donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. address : 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 phone : 513.421.7803 x 12 fax : 513.421.7813 website : www.cincihomeless.org blog : streetvibes.wordpress.com email : streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 winter 2011/2012-through the work of several organizations, most notably the Drop Inn Center, we saw Cincinnati’s first true winter shelter open and 869 different individuals came through its door. We stood with Tenants as forces attempted to run them out of their homes and we worked to empower people experiencing homelessness to vote. We stood against more Human Services cuts and we empowered people to sue the Cincinnati Park Board for creating fake rules behind closed doors, which targeted people experiencing homelessness and poverty. We also purchased the building we had rented for most of a decade. We are so thankful to those that gave to make this possible. We also gave people who have experienced homelessness the opportunity to speak to thousands of people and tell their stories. Dozens of schools were infected with a passion to end homelessness. We empowered People to tell their stories and join the Movement. We did all this and more. We accomplished these things due to a passion for justice and the love of people- all held together by unity. Imagine how much more we can do if we gather our numbers, invigorate our people and bolster our unity with new ideas, new laws, new funds, new systems. What if we take even more to the offensive than we already are? We are heading into 2013- a brand new year. Each of you has a unique gift to offer our Movement. You have passion, experience and wisdom. You know the things we could do as a society to end and prevent homelessness. If you are a Donor- we are thankful for you and in our hearts you are a member as well. We still need your finances and your voice. Funding advocacy and organizing, stereotype-busting education and public awareness is not an easy task. The money does not come in easy or quickly, and seems to go out more quickly than seems possible. So we need you. At the Coalition we certainly have no love for money- as it too often empowers greed. However, we value every penny you give us because we see your heart shining through the penny. We will do our best to invest each penny in change. We are large and we are already powerful, but we can be even more powerful. We need you to keep giving your talents, passions, ideas, energy, finances and more. We need your support. We can garner our unity and show our strength. In 2013 let’s tackle some big issues- as we work to change history. In Unity There Is Strength! -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director ACTION ITEM Presbyterian Action Against the Death Penalty Join exonerated death row inmate, Joe D’ Ambrosio, and father Neil Kookoothe in an intimate discussion of Joe’s journey from an innocent man condemned to death, to a man who reclaimed his freedom and life through his faith in God and help from father Neil. Saturday, January 26th, 3-5pm Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church 103 William Howard Taft Rd. Please RSVP by January 20th 513-281-5945. All are welcome! reception & office administration : Karen Chatman, Chris Fowler, Rubye Goode maintenance : Pete Roper HOMELESS COALITION STAFF streetvibes editor Justin Jeffre executive director : Josh Spring director of education & outreach , streetvibes layout , distributor program manager : Jeni Jenkins director of development : Leslie Moorhead civil rights outreach coordinator : Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED contributing writers : Justin Jeffre, Jim Luken, Ben Stockwell, Jason Haap, Mimi Rook, Christopher Wilkey, Kyle Nunn, Chris Anderson, Olabisi Eddy, David Rosenthal, Willa Jones, Bill Woods, Olivia Caldwell, syndicated writers : Laura Smith photography / artwork : Josh Moore, Adam Nelson, Peter Mueller, INSP. New Voices Photographers. thank you for reading streetvibes and supporting our mission to build community and advocate justice . �LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 3 CO2: The E lephant in the Room JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer PART I ON THE CLIMATE CRISIS. “ I feel like this is one of the major threads. If we pull on this one, it could be the thread that unravels the whole system.” Danny Berchenko As we all know, Streetvibes is a newspaper that focuses most of its attention on people like our distributors, people who are homeless and poor. This article deals with the global environmental crisis. My principle resource was a Cincinnatian who has been deeply involved in ecological activism. What—you might ask—does the world’s environment have to do with the struggles of the poor? Answer: if not everything, then a very great deal. Northsider Danny Berchenko, the outgoing coordinator of 350.org, has been pulling on environmental threads for quite some time. He sees rising global temperatures (caused by so- called “greenhouse gas” emissions) as a problem that can’t wait. The clock is ticking. The ice is melting. The tide is rising. The drought is spreading. Some scientists believe it is already too late to save the planet. Berchenko’s environmental cup is at least half full. He is semi-optimistic. He believes we can stave off a looming global disaster. But we—ALL of us folks of goodwill—must invest a part of ourselves in the cataclysmic fight against an industrial Goliath. In this case, Goliath is the collection of incredibly wealthy companies which extract and burn fossil fuels: the coal, gas, oil industries. THE POOR TAKE THE BIGGEST HIT “On a global scale,” Berchenko says, “the world’s poor are affected most.” He says this is shown clearly in two primary areas. “First of all, the fossil fuel companies are poisoning poor people.” Typically, the polluting industries are found near poor communities. The result is a much higher rate of cancer and heart disease among the poor. “The polluters see the middle class and poor as expendable.” According to Berchenko, when climate-change disaster strikes (like hurricanes Katrina and Sandy), the poor (in the disaster areas) are the ones who have the hardest time bouncing back. And finally there are those staples of life: food and water. “When you look at the issues of oncoming increased drought across the country, this leads to increases in food prices, and that effects poor people the worst.” Indeed. THE SCIENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE--BRIEFLY Berchenko’s organization which is fighting for clean air has a somewhat strange, scientific name. 350 stands for 350 parts per million. It’s a lot simpler than you might think. This is the maximum number of carbon dioxide particles (CO2) that science has determined are safe to be in the global atmosphere. The bad news is, we are already at 394 ppm. And the number is rising…fast. The latest figures reveal that, at the present rate of increase, we will be at 650 ppm by the end of this century. By then, overall temperatures will rise by 9 degrees. Berchenko explains that, during the last Ice Age, Cincinnati was under ice. Since then, global temperatures have risen by 9 degrees. Such a dramatic rise, scientists tell us, will mean the end of civilization as we know it. The way Danny describes it is to say that civilization has grown because our climate has been stabile (relatively) for the past ten thousand (or so) years. We have been able to feed ourselves, and this has created a world civilization that—except in the poorest, driest areas— enables us to know where our next meal is coming from. If there is widespread, ongoing drought, that simple fact will change… drastically. Berchenko explains that the carbon that comes from combusting coal, oil, and gas stays active in the atmosphere for one hundred years. So we are breathing carbon from a relatively early part of the industrial revolution. Vehicles, the worst polluters, were a rarity in 1912. The immense amounts of pollutants that we are emitting today will still be around in 2112. Berchenko warns, “The fact is, we’re not (i.e., government and industry) even looking at seriously curbing our emissions.” Some climatologists, he says, have already thrown up their hands and said, “We’re done. Enjoy life on the planet while you can. We can’t fix this.” WHAT BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT? Danny Berchenko believes, as the Occupy Wall Street movement made clear, that “the climate crisis is yet another result of corporate capitalism.” He finds a common thread among most or all of the social justice issues facing our country and the world. “I see it as a web, so it’s hard to know where to start.” He tells me he may go into a rant at this point. I tell him to go ahead. Danny Berchenko marches in the Northside 4th of July Parade, 2012. . And so begins a very quiet, Photo: Adam Nelson. carefully thought-out, rant. “If we choose to get serious about corporate power.” Who would argue with those addressing the climate crisis, about mobilizing goals? our resources to stop climate disaster, I don’t think the corporate capitalist model YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE CHANGE will survive. I think it’s incompatible with Danny Berchenko acknowledges that there maintaining a livable, sustainable climate.” are many groups and organizations which are He also believes that we must abandon working toward slowing down (and finally the idea of a “growth economy,” a notion that ending) the climate crisis. He is proud to was chastised in the ‘70s by E.F. Schumacher’s have been a part of 350.org. This worldwide award-winning book, “Small organization evolved late in the is Beautiful” Berchenko last decade from the work of a echoes Schumacher today, of college students and “I feel like this is one of the group “We can’t keep growing their teacher, the activist and indefinitely. Growth is author Bill McKibben. major threads . I f we pull what is killing us. It’s In 2007, they organized unsustainable. It’s insane. a national action called “Step on this one , it could be the The growth of the economy It Up,” demanding action on is dependent upon the thread that unravels the climate change. 1000 groups extraction and burning of took part. In 2009, they fossil fuels, because that’s whole system .” helped organize a global day what drives economic action, encouraging the systems.” - Danny Berchenko of participants in the Copenhagen Berchenko goes on to Climate Summit to come up describe how all of our with a binding climate treaty. Those efforts economic indicators, the stock market and the failed. Last year, the group spearheaded the GDP, reflect “only the well-being of the 1%, and campaign against the Keystone XL tar sands not the well-being of society,” (which is the rest pipeline. They put together the largest civilof us, the 99%). “We need to find new ways to disobedience action in a generation at the measure economic well-being.” gates of the White House. Danny Berchenko was one of those arrested. Later, in the fall, THE ALTERNATIVE TO GROWTH AND GREED they surrounded the White House with a Berchenko sites one of his favorite books human chain. Danny was there. Because the and writers, Eco Economics by Herman Daly. opposition industry is so strong and wellDaly talks of “un-economic growth,” growth funded, 350.org is changing its tactics. where the costs outweigh the benefits. Danny “We are working more strategically,” believes we need to transition our economies, Berchenko says, “to take power away from “to rethink them,” in order to solve the crisis the fossil fuel industry, to throw a wrench of climate change. “I don’t see industrial in the works.” The new strategy follows the agriculture surviving without fossil fuel.” example of the anti-apartheid movement in Berchenko sees the need to transition South Africa. There are groups of volunteers back to smaller farms, to more localized food on hundreds of college campuses across the production models, to alternative growing country, seeking to push those colleges to methods like “perma-culture.” He believes disinvest in the fossil fuel industry. The appeal we can still feed the population, but—at least is partly economic, but mostly moral. And here in the US—“we will need to come up with they are gaining media attention. Want to ways to re-incentivize people to go sustainable. help? Type 350.org into the URL line on your Since there will be limited machinery, we will computer or go to the 350 Cincy facebook have to hire people to work the fields.” page. Naomi Klein, author of the groundbreaking -----------------------best-seller, “The Shock Doctrine,” is lining up 30 year - old D anny B erchenko will soon be following a personal with 350.org to fight for this kind of crucial change, Klein writes: “The real solutions to the dream to live and work in C alifornia . C ome J anuary , he will be climate crisis are also our best hope of building leaving C incinnati , but not — he says — abandoning his cause , a much more enlightened economic system — which — one might conclude is : S aving the W orld , one ppm of one that closes deep inequalities, strengthens CO2 at a time . [H e says you can contact his successor , K atie and transforms the public sphere, generates M c C hesney at K atie @350. org ] plentiful, dignified work and radically reins in THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Gun Massacre JASON HAAP Contributing Writer I don’t usually cry over the news - but, like millions of other people - I did when I heard about the Sandy Hook gun massacre. This one felt different, probably because the victims were children, and I am a parent. That Friday afternoon, I kept my eyes trained on the latest headlines, reading everything I could. I watched Obama’s speech stream live online. I watched my Facebook feed fill with reactions. Then, I noticed a pattern. It seemed there were a lot of people asking us to pray for the victims and their families. That’s it. Just prayer. Not prayer and action. Just prayer. It irritated me. I found the notion selfish. I admit there is, in my view, a degree of selfishness involved in all forms of grief. The deceased cannot experience pain any more. We cry, at least in part, for our loss. As a removed audience to this tragedy, I cried because I thought about my own children. There’s that selfishness again. I don’t mean to use “selfishness” disparagingly, either. I just think that grieving people try to find a way to make themselves feel better in the face of senseless cruelty. But prayer doesn’t do the trick for me. If I wanted to try and make myself feel better, I reasoned, then I should engage an action with real results. Prayer would not help the grieving families. It wouldn’t help the surviving children figure out how they could ever return to school again. So I discovered Newtown Youth and Family Services. They are the non-profit agency who provided emergency counseling the weekend after the shooting - and who would most likely continue to be a force for helping people to cope for quite some time. Instead of prayer, I sent them a donation, then hopped on social media to encourage others to do the same. Whenever I saw someone commenting about Sandy Hook, I left a link to the donation webpage for Newtown Youth and Family Services. It made me feel better, and it made me feel like I did something constructive. As our collective consciousness slogged through the weekend, I started to see news stories about how to help - and, invariably, Newtown Youth and Family Services would appear. I took solace in the thought that I picked a good agency. Then, another friend - who does not have any children of his own - asked why I thought an affluent community like Newtown needed any financial assistance. Why not use my donation dollars to support political groups fighting for gun control? This suggestion irked me, at least in part. I did not donate because I thought Newtown was poor. I donated because I wanted to feel like I was helping the kids who survived. It was an incarnation, I think, of my parental instincts, and I stand by my donation. Naturally, however, I am not limited to making only one donation in my life. Perhaps, I reasoned, I should also consider donating to an antigun advocacy group. Then, the gun advocates came out in full force. They said it was “too soon” to discuss gun control, and that such talk was disrespectful. They suggested if we had more guns, and not less, this tragedy would never have happened - as if arming our nation’s kindergarten teachers is a good idea. They always respond to the notion of gun-control as if it’s the same as banning hunting rifles. They create straw man arguments, like asking, if someone pointed a gun at me, if I would want to protect myself or to reach for my smart phone. Then, as more news stories posted about ways to help, I continued to see Newtown Youth and Family Services on the list. But the list kept getting bigger, eventually including special funds so people could send cash directly to those families who had the foresight to set up a public account and to distribute an address to media. In other words, instead of helping an agency that provides service, I can send dollars directly to a family who needs help with “expenses.” I know not everyone who lives in an affluent community is wealthy. People can be “house poor,” and they can struggle to make ends meet just like those of lesser means. Yet, if I had my choice, I’d rather struggle to make ends meet in a wealthy neighborhood than in the projects! There is a difference to the type of financial burdens people bear. I do not mean to question anyone’s motives, but is the best way to help to give money to one particular family as compared to all the others? I couldn’t help but wonder if such funds tap into vicarious parental grief. Perhaps my childless friend had a more reasoned perspective after all. Giving money does not need to be an either-or proposition unless you have limited means. What is the best use, therefore, of any money we’d like to give to support some agency as our own personal responses to the Sandy Hook tragedy? Should we be pumping cash into one family’s account? Should we help an agency supporting children? Or should we take a more global approach, supporting financially those groups which advocate for the root cause - which, in this case, would be more strict gun control laws? Remember, we can oppose semi-automatic weapons and high volume magazines without taking away the right of a deer hunter to own a rifle. That’s why you might consider visiting the web page of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (http://www.csgv.org/). Through research, and public policy advocacy, that coalition hopes to grant people “freedom from gun violence.” Giving to a gun control advocacy group might not feel emotionally the same as reaching out to an organization that helps kids, and it certainly may pull on less heartstrings than contributing directly to the family of a murdered little girl - but, from a more globally oriented perspective, it might be the best way to try and work towards fewer gun tragedies in the future. ------------------------ J ason H aap is an E nglish teacher with 14 years experience . H e is also a politi cal activist who runs and writes for T he C incinnati B eacon , a popular blog . The Fight for More Affordable and Accessible Dental Care in Ohio: Dental Access Now!, a statewide coalition working to bring quality and affordable oral health care to all Ohioans, is actively working to increase awareness of the importance of oral health. OLABISI EDDY Contributing Writer A s the holidays draw near, many individuals are anticipating what gifts they will receive for Christmas this year. For some Ohioans, the song “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” takes on a literal and very personal meaning. Access to quality and affordable dental care is the greatest – and for some unattainable – wish for almost 3.9 million adults over age 18 in Ohio. Access to dental care has been Ohio’s number one unmet health care need for children and low-income adults since 2000, and not enough is being done to address this issue. There are currently 73 designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the state of Ohio, some of them located here in Hamilton County. Being designated a HPSA allows for the establishment of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). While FQHCs offer crucial services to lowincome communities, some of these centers do not offer dental services. People are left to seek care from the various free or sliding-scale fee dental clinics, which often offer very limited services, have long waiting lists, and do not allow for follow-up services. Even for those with dental insurance, co-pays and out of pocket costs can make dental care very expensive. We in Ohio are fortunate to have both child and adult dental Medicaid services. Many who qualify for Medicaid still can’t get the care they need because in Ohio only 28% of dentists accept dental Medicaid (Oral Health Isn’t Optional, Ohio Department of Health 2011) as a form of payment. For many who cannot afford dental coverage, the emergency room ends up being their destination. It’s a very inefficient way to deliver care, with the patient waiting a long time and only likely to receive a prescription for pain killers, antibiotics (if there’s an infection), and being told to go back into the dental care delivery system which did not provide for their needs in the first place. This cycle continues and the health of the individual’s teeth continues to decline, putting him or her at risk of developing a serious infection and/or other serious health issues. For some, not getting the care they need could have deadly consequences. Kyle Willis, a single father from the Cincinnati area, died from an abscessed tooth that ruptured, with the infection spreading to his brain. If he had access to the necessary oral care needed to treat his condition, he would not have suffered from such a tragic and senseless death. Oral health is a part of your overall health. If your teeth aren’t in good shape, then the probability of having other health issues also increases. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and it’s important to keep it healthy. Studies have shown that gum disease increases the risk of having a stroke, heart disease and fatal heart attacks, and disrupts sugar control, which can lead to the development of diabetes. There are several ways to help change this situation; increasing reimbursement rates for dentists, and providing good sound education about oral self-care would help. But the reality is that there are just not enough dental professionals in the areas of greatest need – in those HPSAs referred to earlier. One way we hope to bring more access to dental care is by introducing a new member to the dental team to deliver culturally competent care in the areas that truly need it. This new position THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED would produce competent and professionally educated dental practitioners. We need to work together to bring quality and affordable care to all Ohioans. We need your help! The best way to bring awareness to the importance of oral health is by sharing your story. If you or someone you know has a story of personal struggle in getting dental care, please share it with us. We are making every effort to let lawmakers and the health professionals know that oral health is important to overall health, and your story will make a huge difference. As it stands now, the services currently available for those in danger of losing their teeth are being overwhelmed by need, but hope is on the horizon. As healthcare continues to evolve, we will work to reclaim the mouth as a part of the body and oral health care will be included as part of overall healthcare. One day we will live in a society where everyone can enjoy having healthy smiles, especially with their two front teeth. Until then, we must continue to stress the importance of keeping our teeth clean and healthy, not just for that killer smile, but to maintain the health of our entire bodies. �Cincinnati Living Green The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer “…Nimble city governments often have closer relationships with their businesses , residents and institutions than state and national governments , allowing new policies to be implemented more quickly and decisively .” -Quote from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group website 5 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 the costs associated with “dirty” energy continue to rise beyond easy ability to pay for it, a sure recipe for fiscal disaster. Energy bills account for too much of monthly budgets both commercially and residentially. The high costs create a mentality of scarcity and hopelessness. The few who benefit financially from this scarcity have built a media machine rewarded for deflecting attention away from the monthly financial struggle of the real people who need to pay those escalating costs on utility bills and at the gas pump and also diverts attention away from the taxpayer-subsidized money paid out for these outmoded “fossil” technologies. Fortunately there are also “clean”, cost-saving energy alternatives to this dead-end scenario. The next columns of Cincinnati Living Green will begin highlighting many of the innovative energy alternatives available right here in the greater Cincinnati area. The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance In 2008 Andy Holzhauser saw a PBS show on the Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA) in Massachusetts. While cities occupy only two percent of planetary landmass, they consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. The CEA was created to save homeowners, businesses and institutions money by increasing use of clean energy sources and technologies, reducing traditional energy use and so reducing the city’s carbon footprint. It made sense. Holtzhauser, the founder and now Executive Director for the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), approached policy makers on both sides of the Ohio River about building a similar program in greater Cincinnati. He was convincing; receiving stimulus grants from the cities of Cincinnati, Covington and Florence, Hamilton County in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky, a strong financial starting point for the newly formed non-profit was established. With assistance from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the GCEA financed a study with the University of Cincinnati’s Economic Center and the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, which helped GCEA set an ambitious goal of completing 69,000 local home retrofits and 470 nonprofit {Continued on page 7} S ince the 1970’s the cost and production of energy usage has become a hot button politically, economically and socially. Those who promote what they call “clean” energy, such as wind, water and solar, call other methods of energy extraction “dirty” energy because of the environmental destruction that results. The biggest argument is whether or not our energy usage is destroying the ecosystems that sustain planet Earth. There is no argument that Engaging Community Voices: A Series Of Essays CHRISTOPHER WILKEY Contributing Writer T he essays in this series were written by Northern Kentucky University students and Miami University students who participated together in a service-learning course titled Designing/Writing for Social Change. Students in the course met regularly in Over-the-Rhine over the course of a semester, and had the opportunity to meet with OTR residents and activists while learning about the ongoing stories of struggle and empowerment in an urban neighborhood undergoing gentrification. ------------------------ Dr. Christopher Wilkey is an associate professor in the Department of English at NKU. His teaching and research focuses on the social & political dimensions of language use & literacy education. Committed to linking much of his professional work to the work of social justice and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Dr. Wilkey creates writing courses and research projects that powerfully speak to issues of race and class and attend to the social needs of local communities outside the university. Contact info: wilkeyc@nku.edu Continuing Community in Over-the-Rhine KYLE NUNN Contributing Writer S ince 2004, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) has been revitalizing downtown Cincinnati’s urban core. While attempting to create a diverse, mixed income neighborhood that can be sustained by local businesses, they have focused primarily on high end lofts, flats, condos, and apartments. The middle and upper class—who abandoned Over-the-Rhine—are now desire to return to occupy these newly renovated buildings. The impoverished stayed and built a strong community around the crumbling foundations of Over-theRhine. Now that the revitalization is at full speed, it is important that the new foundations reinforce, not dismantle, the strong community that exists. Cincinnati should listen to the voices in the community and support their needs. You can acquire knowledge of certain fundamental aspects and perspectives in a community by engaging in conversations with the people in it. In novels by Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, they offer insight into the community by yielding the stage to the members of the community. A truly communal view is understood by letting the members tell stories from the porch, barbershop, or local store rather than a distant narration. Watching God, “You got tuh go there tuh know there.” You do not receive the intimate voices of a community through the narration of the news, or some article written by someone outside the city. So when examining the reconstruction in Over-the-Rhine and the companies involved, it’s important to understand which ones really “know there” through involvement in the community. Over the Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) and 3CDC have conflicting visions of development. OTRCH looks to help the people of Over-the-Rhine find affordable housing in a time when almost all renovations are being put towards upper income apartments. They embrace the idea that the lower class should be uplifted and benefited by the revitalization of the city, not left behind. Their articles are full of interviews with members of the community. You can easily acknowledge the love and respect they have for the already vibrant community. Standing for the underprivileged, OTRCH strives to provide anyone in Over-the-Rhine in need of affordable housing a respectable place to call home. With almost all local staff they are all about community. Now when you look at the board of 3CDC you see presidents and CEO’s of big corporations, many of which don’t live anywhere near Over-the-Rhine. Their vision is ambitious and the eyes of developers throughout America are watching. There is a chance for Over-the-Rhine to be the model for reconstruction, but with 3CDC at the As Hurston’s famous character Janie says in Their Eyes Were center of many controversies, the morality of their actions are called into question. They have targeted the underprivileged at Washington Park by making rules against them enforceable by law. The swimming pool and basketball courts were taken out even after the community pleaded with them to keep it. Smoking bans at Fountain square sparked public debate because they built it, but don’t own it. And the biggest cause for concern, which 3CDC might have seen as a necessary evil in the development in Over-the-Rhine, is the displacement of hundreds of people from their homes. It seems that individual freedoms have been and will continue to be compromised in their path of construction. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Both 3CDC and OTRCH, along with the OTR community, want revitalization. But by distancing themselves, 3CDC doesn’t care to “know” the community in the ways that OTRCH does. 3CDC already has their vision set on establishing an upper-class community around money, and their idea of mixed income, affordable housing, and diversity will not include the current residents. I wouldn’t trust to hope that 3CDC will change its mind and decide to listen to the community, or at least not until all their new units are filled. It is the job of the people to stay aware and keep in mind the individuals who have been with Over-the-Rhine through its turbulent times and see them uplifted with it. Let us hear their voice and share their visions, let us awaken their weary dreams as we strive towards our own, and let Over-the-Rhine be praised by all as a moral model for reconstruction in America. Southern Western: a Parody of Western & Southern Financial Group CHRIS ANDERSON Contributing Writer SouthernWestern.net is a website that features a video of a fictional message from “Larry McDonald,” a fictional spokesperson for Western & Southern Financial Group. The video opens with {Continued on page 7} �6 LOCAL Spotlight On: Victoria Morgan LEAH ZIPPERSTEINContributing Writer O n the eve of the Cincinnati Ballet’s twoweek run of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, we thought it would be fitting to speak with the creative leadership behind such an undertaking. Victoria Morgan has spent the past 15 years bringing world class ballet to the Cincinnati stage. She is both the CEO & Artistic Director, which is not too surprising of a position for those familiar with her esteemed background. Morgan began dancing at the age of two in Salt Lake City. She was a principal dancer for Ballet West by time she was 23. Victoria Morgan. Photo: Peter Mueller Needing to expand her horizons, Morgan later joined the San experience really informed my Francisco Ballet. “I danced with aesthetic orientation and dance them for almost 10 years, and my philosophy,” she said. When she eventually retired from dancing it was not an easy transition from pointe shoes to flats. Following stints as a real estate agent and event planner, Morgan returned to the art world as a resident choreographer for the San Francisco Opera. After a decade there, she Morgan playing Clara as a child for Ballet West’s sought out an Artistic Director performance of The Nutcracker. Photo: Unknown Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 position for a ballet company. Enter the year 1997, when Morgan joined the Cincinnati Ballet. “Although the city was new, in many ways it felt like coming home – to come back to the heart and soul of who I am.” To understand more of Morgan’s inspiring backstory and her vision for the future of the Cincinnati Ballet, she graciously spoke to iSPYCINCY in this informative Q & A: iSPY: Who in the dance world has had the biggest impact in shaping the choreographer you have become? Morgan: Balanchine has had a big influence on me — the speed and musicality, his invention and movement patterns. In San Francisco I learned that dance could be many things. Early on in my career there was such a division between ballet and more contemporary dance. Now, there’s such a blending. Dancers are required to be so versatile. I also recall the work of William Forsythe and Jiri Kylian popping my eyes out. I was compelled to move in totally new ways. iSPY: Whether you watch the shows or not, how do you think programming like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance influences how up and coming generations view the classical art form of dance (does it help or hurt)? Morgan: It’s a little bit of both, but I think – mostly – it’s helpful. Dance is a young and feisty art form. It’s forced into relevancy because of the youth of the profession. It’s naive to think that you can stay in Swan Lake and survive into the future. iSPY: If you had to pick, what are your top three highlights from your time with the Cincinnati Ballet? Morgan: 1.) The opening of our new Nutcracker certainly tops the list. It was such a major undertaking. I had never done anything of that magnitude or complication. It wasn’t perfect, but it happened. As the curtain rose on opening night, I was both exhausted and overjoyed. Morgan working with the dancer for “The New Nutcracker” Photo: Peter Mueller {Continued on page 10} February 15 to March 10, 2013 Tickets On Sale Now! THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �7 Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Engaging Community Voices {Continued from page 5} McDonald casually addressing the audience while standing in front of the Anna Louise Inn. He states that Western & Southern “takes pride” in “making money” and that “nothing’s more important than making money.” He then goes on to call the Inn a “waste of good prime land.” The video wraps up with the fictitious spokesman giving a “Western Southern salute to our core values” to a local judge who permitted a lawsuit against the Anna Louise Inn due to a zoning loophole. According to McDonald, the judge is an old friend of the CEO of Western & Southern Financial Group. At issue is a lawsuit filed by Western & Southern to block building permits for renovations on the Anna Louise Inn due to a zoning issue. Western & Southern has attempted to purchase the Anna Louise Inn in the past in order to develop the property. The facility was for sale from 20052009 and while the building was valued at approximately $3-4 million, Western & Southern was only offering $1.8 million for the building. Once the Cincinnati Union Bethel won tax credits and loans valued at approximately $12 million for renovations to the Anna Louise Inn, the building was no longer for sale, and that’s when Western & Southern started interfering. This specific issue is indicative of the social problems that arise with the redevelopment of Cincinnati’s Central Business District: the district is currently home to many low-income residents who feel that they are being deliberately and systematically displaced by these development projects for no other reason than to generate profits. This is a side of the city’s redevelopment that is seldom mentioned in local media. The tone of the video is one of biting, yet comic, sarcasm. McDonald is very dismissive of the mission of the Anna Louise Inn, and of the “lesser people” that it serves, and he does so in a very matter-offact tone of voice. A similar mixture of dry humor and harsh criticism is the cornerstone of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report where host Stephen Colbert parodies popular conservative television pundits by making outrageous and selfaggrandizing claims. In the Anna Louise video McDonald is similarly satirical and sardonic. He acts as though the lawsuit is perfectly normal, and that their critics may have “duped” the audience into believing something that just isn’t true. The message in the parody isn’t subtle at all: Western & Southern is wrongfully suing the Anna Louise Inn in order to make money and Western & Southern does not care at all about the people that the Inn serves. The video does an excellent job of making Western & Southern appear to be out of touch, not just with the issues of poverty and homelessness, but also with their effects on women in particular. The video also does a great job of making Western & Southern appear to value its profits above everything and everyone else. At one point in the video, McDonald, the satirical spokesman, takes a sign supporting the Anna Louise Inn and tosses it aside, while saying that making a corporation richer is the American thing to do because what’s good for a corporation is good for everyone. The video doesn’t take into account Western & Southern’s claim that a new facility would cost taxpayers less than renovating the existing facility, nor does the video mention the $12 million price tag that the renovations on the Anna Louise Inn will cost the city and the federal government. In my opinion, these issues could have been addressed in the video without detracting from the video’s message. As a work of satire, the video is an excellent example of the effectiveness of humor as a tool for social commentary. As a work of political commentary, the video is a bit one-sided. I think that this is a limitation of satire as a tool. Satire that is too kind to opposing viewpoints isn’t very funny. Also, satire that contains too many hard facts isn’t very funny. However, as a tool for softening the blow of delivering controversial or unpopular statements, humor can be incredibly effective. Rhetorically, I believe the video is good for energizing people who are sympathetic to the plight of the Anna Louise Inn, or those who are already critical of the Western & Southern Financial Group. The video has probably done a good job of upsetting those who are allied with Western & Southern, or who stand to benefit monetarily from the redevelopment of the Over-theRhine area. Judging by the attempt by Western & Southern to use a copyright claim to silence the video, I would say the video has made a very real impact on the issues facing the Anna Louise Inn. Green Energy Alliance {Continued from page 5} building upgrades by 2030. The study found that routine energy efficiency upgrades would create a ripple effect of positive outcomes for the region. If those homeowners used the program, they would see immediate cash savings in the first year of the energy upgrade and an average savings of $500 per year for 18 years. Jeff Rexhausen, an associate director at UC’s Economic Center, helped with the study and in an early interview said “Our house is [the greater Cincinnati] community and we have dollars leaking out…the dollars are leaking out because we are spending them on energy. If we saved money on energy, we could spend our money on other things and that would improve our local economy. That’s really what this report is about.” With those findings and local support and funding already in place, GCEA applied for and secured a $17 million “Better Buildings” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant is speeding up GCEA’s mission to transform the energy efficiency market using a three-pronged approach: 1.) Investing in necessary technology, 2.) Workforce development, and 3.) Financing solutions to dramatically increase both the supply and demand in the energy efficiency market. To assess and retrofit that many buildings requires training. The GCEA subsidizes half the tuition cost of a Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification program for those in the building trades wanting to learn these skills. Cincinnati State offers the training through their Workforce Development Center in Evendale. From the original four contractors that GCEA initially recommended in 2010, Jeff Cherveny, director of the Cincinnati State program, says there are now seventy graduates, including 18 contractors with their own businesses, with BPI accreditation. Holzhauser calls BPI the “gold standard” for energy efficiency work. In addition to the technical training, GCEAapproved contractors are also taught the necessary sales skills to promote their services and teach clients about the sales incentives they can take advantage of to decrease their improvement costs even more. The BPI students are taught to explain in simple terms how the recommended improvements will save their clients’ money, the estimated time in which they can expect to see those returns and also Andy Holzhauser Photo: Josh Moore to promote the loan programs GCEA offers, which can help finance the upgrades. GCEA loans lighting had also opened up the guarantee that the measures taken home allowing heated and cooled air inside the house to escape by their approved contractors through the roof. Curless made will save enough money (within the recommended improvements the time frame of the loan) to and saw an immediate increase equal and pay off the costs of the in the home’s comfort level. She loan. In some cases the return on investment will actually be sooner estimates her energy bills are about 30 percent lower than and greater. they were prior to the changes. Heather Curless is the owner GCEA is now a regular referral of Greener Stock, a local resource to her clients for home energy and design center specializing in upgrades. Frequently, this results eco-friendly building products. Shortly after her business opened, in increases in Greener Stock’s business, as Rexhausen predicted she became one of the first to try from the energy study. As clients out GCEA services -- to “walk the see the savings mount up from walk,” as she says. Her home, GCEA work, they often spend built in 1958 in an east side more, using those extra dollars community, had already had for additional upgrades to their an initial energy assessment. homes and businesses. She decided to compare it The word is getting out. As with assessment completed by of December 2011, GCEA had GCEA. It surprised her. While completed 325 energy retrofits. the home was insulated, there By November 2012, GCEA were significant “gaps” allowing had almost quadrupled that leakage, such as the attic space number, completing over 1,500 overhead between her garage and retrofits due to the growth of BPI her home. A change to recessed certified contractors and satisfied THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED customers spread the word. If that exponential rate continues, GCEA will have retrofitted its goal of 69,000 homes far sooner than planned. Currently, there are three suggested loans available on the GCEA website -- Hamilton County’s home improvement program, Eco-Link, Ohio’s Energy Efficiency Loan program and GC Help, which GCEA developed and finances. In addition, there are many financial incentives available for use in conjunction with these loans, making improved home energy efficiency even more attractive. For 2013, Holzhauser will be concentrating on creating, simplifying and promoting more loan vehicles to continue to make it even easier for homeowners to access GCEA’s services. -----------------------M imi R ook is a regular contributor on community gardening . �8 PHOTO ESSAY Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 New Voices Program: Spring 2012, SCPA and Elementz DAVID ROSENTHALContributing Writer D uring the Spring of 2012, twelve junior and senior creative writing students from SCPA and five Elementz artists worked together to interpret the arts programs at Elementz through a series of photographs and reflective writings. This collaboration was one of a series of programs for high schools and community organizations organized by the Northside arts organization, Prairie, Inc. New Voices, the name for these collaborative programs, gives recognition to students and members of the community who work together in a creative spirit to cross boundaries between diverse populations throughout Greater Cincinnati. The combined group spent time interviewing and learning about Elementz programs before beginning a series of photographic exercises. Students and Elementz artists made interesting discoveries about each other including the influence of classical music on hip hop and rap. Photographs of Elementz artists were made in the neighborhood surrounding the previous location of the center on Liberty and Central Parkway and in both the old and new studio spaces. A final photo shoot was produced at the new location of Elementz on Race and Central Parway by using projections of images students had shot of graffiti in the surrounding neighborhood as light sources for portraits. The resulting images are highly personalized interpretations of the students’ understanding of the work and impact that Elementz has on the community. ------------------------ D avid R osenthal is a local artist and an active teacher and curator , working for the past eight years as an adjunct professor of fine art at the U niversity of C incinnati , M iami U niversity and N orthern K entucky U niversity . R osenthal founded P rairie the non - profit arts organization in 2008. P rairie produces photography programs and exhibitions which engage people in their communities through art education . Leighandrea Young By: Aaron Palmer By: Leighandrea Young Graffiti Artists By:Emma Gilkey Javier By: Michael Green Dancers Dancers By: Maggie Arroyo By:Stephanie Moore THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �9 PHOTO ESSAY Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 DANCER By: Natalie Coleman AJ By: Maggie Arroyo DANCER By: Emily Wuerdeman By: Leighandrea Young MARIO By: Maren Machles THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 INTERNATIONAL Victoria Morgan {Continued from page 6} 2.) Discovering the generosity of the Cincinnati community. I’ve been floored by those who love us and take care of us. 3.) Becoming CEO of Cincinnati Ballet. I was mortified, excited, hyped, and completely determined. iSPY: The Cincinnati Ballet season is always a wonderful mix of classical gems with ground breaking new pieces. What’s the process for determining the season outlook and any hints on how the 2013/14 season is shaping up? Morgan: It is a balancing act. We always want 1-2 highly reputable choreographers, and the planning process typically starts two years in advance of the season opener. In my 16th year as Artistic Director, a real structure has evolved. The 2013/14 season is Cincinnati Ballet’s 50th Anniversary, and thus, a landmark year for us. The season will include some great hits from the past as well as works that reflect the unique aspects of what makes us strong. The world premiere of King Arthur’s Camelot will be the crown jewel of our season. With new sets, costumes, choreography and a fully commissioned score, it will Morgan playing Clara as a child for Ballet West’s performance of The Nutcracker. Photo: Unknown be a production unlike any other in the company’s history. *While I should never admit this in writing, my favorites are the mixed reps and our New Works series. It’s through world premieres and inventive choreography that we are a part of the Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 evolution of our art form and can push it forward on a national level. iSPY: The re-imagined Nutcracker is heading into its second year. Were you pleased with last year’s reception of the world premiere, and what are your thoughts heading into opening night for the 2012 run? Morgan: It was beyond my expectation on every level. It’s one thing to see sketches, another to see it in the theater and still another to see your dancers bringing it to life. But even with the warm reception, my job is to criticize everything around me. A lot of things have changed within the choreography for this season. The snow scene is different. There are adjustments to the Grand Pas de Duex. I wanted the reigning couple (the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier) to lead by example, so you’ll see more affection, reverence and consideration. If you watch carefully, you’re in for a great surprise from the Mirlipoo divertissement in the second week of performances. The great thing about The Nutcracker is that you revisit it every ear, and with an editor’s eye you can continue to refine and make it better. iSPY: All things Cincinnati… a.) favorite restaurant; b.) event; and c.) place to hang out. Cincinnati Ballet Dancers and Otto M. Budig Academy Students in Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, Photo: Peter Mueller Morgan: A.) Jean-Robert’s Table. He’s has been so good to us! B.) The Ballet — still the event I love most is going to the ballet. C.) Cincinnati Ballet Center – I spend at least 70 hours a week there. It THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Cincinnati Ballet Dancers in The Nutcracker. Photo: Peter Mueller better be my favorite place! iSPY: What is top on your bucket list both personally and professionally? Morgan: Professionally, the creation of King Arthur’s Camelot, which will appear in our 50th anniversary season. Personally, to fall ever more deeply in love with my husband. iSPY: Any mottos to live by? Morgan: “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” — Sir Winston Churchill. F risch ’ s P resents the N ew N utcracker opened F riday D ec . 14 th at the A ronoff C enter for the A rts . T he show runs until the 23 rd . T o buy tickets or to find out more information , please visit the C incinnati B allet website here : http :// www . cballet . org / performances /1213/ nutcracker �11 STREET VOICE Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 BETTER Better, is everyday above ground Better, is appreciation from everywhere all around... Better, is to upgrade things that are out dated Better, is acknowledging the changes with the reconition that the the cost may be out rated Better, is to make downscaled areas be upscaled and look good Better, is to not to neglect the people, RICH or POOR! I thought this you understood... Better, is being able to enjoy life in the park, the library, church or just on the square Better, is when I can enjoy upscaled living in this life without my pockets going bare... Better, is to be able to enjoy and have peace of mind no matter I hear or what the sound Better, is growing from homelessness into housing and gaining respect from all around.... Better, is for me today even though I have to pay taxes for things I may never understand Bettter, is knowing God is watching us all good and bad all over this land.... THE CAMPAIGN CAROL SING ALONG COME ALL YE CANDIDATES WILLA D. JONES Streetvibes Distributor Come all ye candidates. Start your advertising. Come let the polling start In every key state. Come all ye Fat Cats. Organize your Super Pacs. Oh come let us deplore them. We really can’t adore them. We ought to implore them: “GO GET A LIFE.” YOUNG MEN LOVE YOUR SELFS DECK THE HALLS There are so many young men winding up dead. When there is so much life still ahead. All because of Peer Pressure, Drugs Money, Fast Cars, And such things. Nothing greater than being the head of a Gang. When your parents phone start ringing, Causing their heart to skip a beat, Praying-- Dear God that can’t be my Son lying dead. In the street, You were raised to do and be good, You weren’t raised to run wild in the hood. Don’t be the next young man to wind up dead, Strive for Goals and accomplishments, Make your family Proud instead. Parents will always be there for you, Time to show them just what you CAN DO! OLIVIA CALDWELL Contributing Writer Deck the halls with green soft money. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. It’s a campaign’s milk and honey. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. Now our polls opinions measure. Fa-la-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. While we hustle campaign treasure. Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. HARK THE CAMPAIGN COFFERS RING Hark the campaign coffers ring, So candidates can keep running. Cash in hand for extra polls; Checks to make their media goals. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 LOCAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Contradictions of Nostalgia Driven Redevelopment BEN STOCKWELL Contributing Writer T here is a nostalgic vision of Over-the-Rhine that is popular among many in who have a stake in the neighborhood. Redevelopers-3CDC, the OTR Chamber of Commerce and various related entities such as bloggers and reporters--like to look back to this period as a sort of model for what Over-the-Rhine can be in the future. While creative imagination certainly requires inspiration, this vision, which looks back over 100 years to a golden era, forgets other portions of the neighborhood’s history which included racist riots and, if the rumors are true, the origin of the “Jim Crow” character. (New York Times, 1881:10) In policy and rhetoric, to look back with blinders is to ignore conditions in the past and present. To claim that the problem is crime and blight is to misinterpret and misdirect the public away from the root cause of those conditions: built-in inequality in an apparently color-blind, gender-blind and class blind system. A recent history of this golden era is indicative of the problematic nature of the nostalgia-based redevelopment. This nostalgia for OTR’s history as a neighborhood bustling with breweries and pubs has usurped the Cincinnati area’s position as home to an important abolitionist heritage which includes Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Lane Seminary– interest in underground beer stores have overtaken interest in the underground railroad. While this is nevertheless an interesting history, telling these stories in isolation is part of the process of an ethnic cleansing of the OTR’s past. While we need to look back only ten, twenty or thirty years to hear stories of black struggles and triumphs, the golden age was more than a century ago. Michael D. Morgan’s Over the Rhine: When Beer was King tells of OTR’s roots, beginning in the mid 1800′s and blossoming a few decades later. OTR’s cultural founders, German immigrants, were trained by the struggles in the Rhineland in the 1830s and 40s (OTR being home to a number of “forty-eighters”). When in 1855, nativist Know-Nothing’s launched an assault on the votes, literally destroying the ballots of those living in the GermanAmerican wards, the resulting violence in defense of the right to vote, and really in defense of their lives, is rightly looked on as fully justified. Without the support of the police, the German defense turned offense that won the day is lauded. “German-Americans marched from their fortified positions in Over-the-Rhine and engaged the Know-Nothing’s in a gun battle. The Germans drove the Battalion of bigots from the Vine street bridges” (Morgan, 49). The Miami and Erie Canal, now Central Parkway, served “In 1829, 1836, 1849 and again in 1862, the city experienced tumultuous racial strife. The race riots in the 1800s set the stage for further riots in the next century. Ignorance, hate and competition for resources including jobs and living and recreational space were at the heart of much of the racial tension in Cincinnati.” (Bunch-Lyons, 108). If we are to paint an accurate materialist history of Cincinnati, as any history of an industry as large as brewing surely must, we cannot ignore these other incidents. For the struggle of the oppressed against the oppressor also existed outside of OTR, and the reverberations permeated through the entire city in every case for years, if not decades after. It is impossible to talk about the 1855 riots without also mentioning the anti-Catholic riots on Christmas 1853 which were led by German Forty-eighters and supported by the anti-Catholic Know Nothings. In the years after the 1853 riots “the incongruity of their position was becoming more apparent to these Germans. The anti-foreign side of nativism, which had been submerged by the Know-Nothings in order to secure German support at the polls, now began to assert itself more deeply” (Baughin, 268). What Morgans account lacks is a backing in material conditions and an understanding of ideology that drove the various forces in the period, for Morgan’s history is not just a history of brewing, but one of people. In a discussion on redevelopment in April 2012, Josh Spring, director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, told an alternative history of the area, connecting its settlers to the working class who live there now. “They would have us think that Over-The-Rhine, was 100 years ago, 150 years ago, some sort of romantic place, maybe an art mecca, maybe a place where people ventured, some sort of grand place with beautiful buildings and lots of happenings... Over-The-Rhine was a crunched in, cramped, working class, neighborhood. And it’s sort of always been that way, that’s been the Hey, good lookin’. Asa Franckewitz and Bruce Cromer. Photo by Sandy Underwood. Give your spirits a lift. for the holidays. as the dividing line between the Germans and the KnowNothings–ethnic enclave in the North against reactionaries in the South. This geographic division would be echoed in the 2001 uprising, but sympathies with the minority in OTR would not. Morgan’s book highlights two anti-German riots in 1855 and 1883, but ignores several other 19th century riots which were at least as important to the development of the city. These riots, not having taken place in OTR and not having been directed at Germans, are not relevant to the historical picture that Morgan attempts to paint. But these riots can not be discredited in the story of Over-the-Rhine, which, for better or for worse, serves as the spiritual home for the city’s downtrodden. for country music. presents By Charles Dickens Adapted by Howard Dallin Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 2012 A must-see family favorite for the holidays. “For my money, there’s no better local holiday entertainment.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer Special price for kids and students! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Under 5 not admitted. The Music and Legend of Hank Williams By Randal Myler and Mark Harelik Nov. 3 – Dec. 23, 2012 Featuring more than 20 of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” “Exhilarating!” – Rolling Stone Sponsored by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. Call 513-421-3888 or visit www.cincyplay.com for tickets. Season presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Company. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 neighborhood.” The disagreements over the history of the 19th Century are eclipsed by those over the 20th. Spring continues: “We are then told that in the last 100 years people moved into the neighborhood with lower incomes, they didn’t see the value of the beautiful buildings, they didn’t invest, they brought in drugs and crime, and it fell apart. And in fact, if you go on 3CDC’s website and you read their history of Over the Rhine, you’ll get 2 paragraphs about the last 100 years. And in those 2 paragraphs, the only mention that you’ll hear of people is in regard to poverty statistics, crime statistics, income--you don’t really about people hearts, people’s passions, the way people lived, what they cared about. (2012)” Indeed, of the current conditions of the neighborhood, 3CDC’s website reads: “Despite its pivotal location directly between the city’s two largest employment centers, the central business district and the Uptown 13 LOCAL medical and university community, OTR was becoming Cincinnati’s urban center for crime, poverty and a large concentration of social service agencies. The troubles in OTR spilled over to destabilize the surrounding communities, particularly the central business district. This unstable environment had prevented growth and investment in the city’s core, which has in turn impacted the health of the entire region. In the absence of a major turnaround, the region was in danger of losing some of its largest employers.” (Retrieved December 5, 2012) In his description of the last century, Morgan seems afraid to even acknowledge other recent historical trends as important to the history the neighborhood. After a discussion of prohibition, he writes of “waves of Appalachian migration in the mid-1900s [which] dramatically changed Over-the-Rhine” continuing with “a shift in racial composition that occurred in the latter part of the twentieth century,” (2010:153) tiptoeing around the most impor- tant ethnic group in the current area of OTR. The latter “shift” is the black migration into OTR following white flight and economic decline in the decades following World War II. Morgan’s omission is telling–the entire book is a whitewashing of the history. Of the struggle in the later period he simply states “these stories are as compelling as the story of the neighborhood’s original era, but they are the stories of human struggles in a place that had become obsolete,” (2010:153) choosing to ignore 50 years of history because it is apparently irrelevant. This is a racist and classist erasure, an othering of poor whites and blacks reminiscent of the process of unpeopleing in Orwell’s Nineteen-Eighty-Four, and I believe it is indicative of all of the nostalgic visions of OTR. Morgan skips right over the 2001 uprising, the formation of the Over-The-Rhine People’s Movement, and all the other stories of creation to focus on the only noteworthy kind of development–that which has occurred in the last decade and may offer a return to the German heritage. It would seem that, to Morgan and many others, the history of OTR, is one of German influenced prosperity followed by decline that accompanied ethnic shifts made up of groups who are not worthy to be named. Christopher Kolb encapsulated the psychology behind this thought: “The current residents of [OTR] would seem to be merely an obstacle to Cincinnati’s nostalgiabased future. They directly embody what went “terribly wrong.” They make [OTR] a temporal black hole, a place where the past could not escape the gravity of drugs, violence, and decay, and so was derailed from becoming the future it was destined to become.” [2010:5] As Morgan concludes, the only suitable solution for OTR’s problems must start with the return to its roots in beer culture dominated by “moerlein,” “bockfest” and “lager.” This prognosis fails to reconcile actual conditions present in the area. ------------------------ INTERNATIONAL Ja Meet the world’s most inspiring work force With the financial crisis still wreaking havoc on the world’s economies and job markets, the fact that anyone can become homeless – irrespective of age, nationality or social status– is becoming ever more apparent, as is the vital importance of street papers. LAURA SMITH Inter Press Service www.street-papers.org F or many people in poverty or without a home, selling a street paper can offer a lifeline and act as a stepping stone to greater things. Whether they are on the streets of Glasgow, Cape Town, Melbourne or Milan: every single street paper vendor is part of a global family that shares in a desire to lift themselves out of poverty. More than 28,000 vendors each year work towards this goal by selling their local street paper. The International Network of Street Papers (INSP) unites over 120 of these publications in more than 600 towns and cities around the world. From its base in Scotland, INSP helps its members with start-up and editorial support, staff and vendor training, funding, networking and campaigns to raise awareness of their work. The stories of our More than 28,000 vendors every year sell their local street paper to lift themselves out of poverty. The International Network of vendors are a testament to Street Papers (INSP) unites over 120 publications in 600 cities around the world. Photo: INSP Worldwide, street papers have helped the strength and effectiveness of the street thousands of vendors to change their lives by paper model, which has spread across 40 counallowing them to earn a living and learn new tries on six continents and earns vendors over skills. Some will sell for just a few months, 40 million USD per year. others for decades - however long it takes “I saw many bad things on the streets to get themselves back on their feet. but I also met people who, like me, wanted to change their lives,” says Brazilian vendor Nelson Carvalho, whose drug addiction led to him becoming homeless. For Nelson, selling Aurora du Rua on the streets of Salvador meant more than earning an income: “I have the opportunity to share my experiences with others and show them that people on the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED streets are human like everyone else.” Reaching a combined readership of 6 million per edition, vendors like Nelson are proud to sell the publications. He explains: “Street papers portray people living on the street with dignity and humanity and change the way {Continued on page 14) Ma Ph �14 INTERNATIONAL Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 Meet the world’s most inspiring work force {Continued from page 13} society sees them.” His South African colleague Erica Phillips also believes street papers change people’s perspectives on homelessness. She sold The Big Issue South Africa for seven years after being forced to quit her job when her eyesight deteriorated. “I’ve gained so much and found people that have really supported me. They notice my determination and outgoing personality. I’m fortunate to have many customers who see me not just as a vendor but as a friend.” Without the street paper Erica says she could never have financed her own business, which she recently started. “I hate to think where I would be without this job. I would probably have given up, but it helped me see that there’s hope.” For Charles Yost, a vendor in Portland, USA, selling Street Roots has helped him overcome a lifetime of alcohol addiction: “It got to a point where I was either going to get drunk or sell papers. It’s something I can look forward to. I get to talk to a lot of people. It keeps me out of isolation.” Selling Norwegian street paper Megafon completely transformed the life of Johnny Larssen, who swapped a daily reality of drugs and violence for a dignified job. “When you work as a street paper vendor, you need to look people in the eye, share a laugh, and care about others. If you would have met me few years ago, you would have never believed that I could do this.” For The Big Issue Australia vendor Tapiwa Chemhere, who escaped a life of violence and political oppression in Zimbabwe, it is the customers who inspire him: “If you smile and talk to me, it makes my day. I feel very encouraged. I thank all my customers for helping me.” Worldwide, street papers have helped change more than 250,000 thousand lives for the better. As the INSP network continues to expand, it is hoped that vendors’ stories will inspire others to join the movement. For all the vendors that street papers support, it is the readers who help make the difference. So wherever you go in the world: buy your local street paper. The change is in your pocket. International Street Paper Vendor Week Take part in our international programme of events and activities to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of street paper vendors, and challenge perceptions of poverty and homelessness. At any one time, there are more than 14,000 vendors selling over 100 different street newspaper and magazines titles in 40 countries. They are inspiring people. Join the conversation on Twitter: #INSPiringpeople 007 from puzzlechoice.com Across 1. Young nocturnal bird 6. Fastner 10. Reckless 14. Fumble 15. Look 16. Male singing voice 17. Relating to kidneys 18. Footwear 19. Layer 20. Immerse 22. Urge on 24. Tender 25. Outflow 27. Candy 29. Lofty 33. Device used to shape metal 34. Individual structure 35. Swarm 37. Postage token 41. Form of transport 42. Angered or excited 44. Negative vote 45. Livid 48. Entice 49. Agitate 50. Small island 52. Short hours employment 54. Can make your eyes water 58. Stead 59. Unwell 60. Female red deer 62. The second of two 66. Destroy 68. Den 70. System of five lines in music 71. Boundary of a surface 72. Gumbo 73. Spooky 74. Surface impression 75. Submerged rock or coral 76. Mythical cave-dwelling creature D own 1. Fiend 2. Small bird 3. Lengthy 4. Shoulder board 5. Bank employee 6. Cooking surface 7. Highly excited 8. Single-masted sailing vessel 9. Explosive device 10. Rodent 11. Legal excuse 12. Beer mug 13. Multitude 21. Belief 23. Rostrum 26. Bow down 28. Allow 29. Musical instrument 30. Burden 31. Desire 32. Outfit 36. Wall painting 38. Opposing 39. Wound seriously 40. Funeral mound 43. Danger 46. Sense organ 47. Close 49. Stammer 51. Sartor 53. Tableware 54. Weary 55. Evade 56. Coordinate 57. Reptile 61. Desperate 63. Root vegetable 64. Malevolent 65. Bobbin 67. Trap 69. One of the British armed services, initially SOLUTION #006 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Shelter: Both 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 471-1100 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Treatment: Women 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Treatment: Both People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Northern Kentucky Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Brighton Center 8303 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Advocacy 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton/Middletown 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 558-8888 981-5800 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 First Step Home 961-4663 Anthony House (Youth) 961-4080 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 352-6363 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 15 RESOURCES Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 859-491- 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-2618009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-4914435 Welcome House of NKY 859-4318717 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 Dec. 21, 2012 Jan. 3, 2013 code of conduct All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 Distributors will never buy papers from and/or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 JOHN JOHNNY KERNS GAINES SINCE 12/2009 SINCE 9/2012 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own wellbeing and income. KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. MARK SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 TIM NEUMANN SINCE 7/2011 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 SAMUEL RONNIE JACKSON PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 10/2006 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RICHARD SCHULTE SINCE 5/2012 TAMMY GRIES SINCE 5/2011 TERRY RANSON SINCE 10/2008 WILLIAM W. KENNETH BURDINE BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 SINCE 8/2009 Streetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 50 cents per copy and sell it for a $1.50 Donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, northern Kentucky and area churches. Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � 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 2012 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 21, 2012-January 3, 2013 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: In Unity There is Strength Pg 3: CO2: The Elephant in the Room Pg 4: Thoughts on the Sandy Hook Gun Massacre Pg 5: Cincinnati Living Green Engaging Community Voices Pg 6: Spotlight On: Victoria Morgan Pg 7: Engaging Community Voices Continued Green Energy Alliance Continued Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: Victoria Morgan Continued Pg 11: Street Voice Pg 12: Contradictions of Nostalgia Driven Redevelopment Pg 13: Meet the World’s Most Inspiring Work Force Pg 14: Meet the World’s Most Inspiring Work Force Continued Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 21, 2012-January 3, 2013 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Jim Luken Ben Stockwell Jason Haap Mimi Rook Christopher Wilkey Kyle Nunn Chris Anderson Olabisi Eddy David Rosenthal Willa D. Jones Bill Woods Olivia Caldwell Josh Moore Adam Nelson Peter Mueller Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Adam Nelson Ben Stockwell Bill Woods Chris Anderson Christopher Wilkey Cincinnati Community David Rosenthal Dental Fracking Green Energy Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken Josh Moore Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kyle Nunn Leslie Moorhead Mimi Rook Ohio Olabisi Eddy Olivia Caldwell Pete Roper Peter Mueller Photography Protests Sandy Hook SCPA Victoria Morgan Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/be8372b849f38b87c540dd324456a6d6.pdf ca2e09dd658ab411d4d2c302da65d6ad PDF Text Text D e c e m b e r 2 6 t h - J a n ua r y 9 t h 2 0 2 0 | Vo l . 2 4 I s s u e 1 ( N o . 4 2 3 ) advo cating justice | building communit y Any opinions in this issue are of the authors and don't necessarily represent Streetvibes or The Homeless Coalition. Impeachment Coverage on Pages 2 & 6 This Issue is sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.com Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 12 �2 COALITION NDec o v 226 - N v 19, 2 0 18 || No. N o . 423 393 - oJan 9, 2020 From The Editor: When the Truth Doesn’t Matter Gabriela Godinez Editor-in-chief P resident Donald Trump is officially the 3rd President of the United States to be impeached. While this doesn’t come as a surprise for those in the U.S. who don’t like Trump, it looks like a witch-hunt for his supporters. Many of his supporters refuse to believe he committed any corruption-based crime. This might be because of their blind loyalty to their political party, or because of the bias media they consume. The Republican Party is very good at reaching their voter base through their preferred sensationalized media to spread misinformation, and when they engage with mainstream media, journalists can’t always keep up with all the lies being spread to fact check all of them in time for every consumer to hear it. This perfect storm then creates a different conflicting narrative that makes the truth sound like a lie. It doesn’t matter what the details and facts are, because the Republican Party is united today in their stance that the President did nothing wrong, and they are eager to show their loyalty to their party. In 1999, during the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, Representative Lindsey Graham said, “you don’t even have to be convicted of a crime to lose your job in this constitutional republic…impeachment is about cleansing the office.” This is the same Lindsey Graham that said that he would do everything in his power to make the impeachment process “die quickly” when it came to Donald Trump. This is just one example of how our leaders are working through partisanship rather than to protect the role of president and our democracy. This might be frustrating, but it is not surprising. This should be incredibly troubling to the American people and we need to learn from this and act now, though we seem to be exhausted by the current presidential term. Our leaders are blatant liars, in all branches, and while the focus today is on republicans we should still be paying attention to democrats. This is what we get for being a majority dual party country, instead of thinking of them as “the most fatal disease” as Alexander Hamilton once called them. Is there a remedy for such bias in our leadership? Probably, but it would have to start with the people. We have to hold our leaders to a higher standard than simply choosing the lesser of two evils when voting. We cannot be blindly partisan as our leaders currently are, and we cannot allow ourselves to just roll our eyes at lies. We should not be voting for habitual liars simply because they fit into the party we identify with. No one should have a party be part of their identity; American should be their identity. Unfortunately that is not the reality we live in. We are a painfully divided country and it seems like it is only going to get worse before it might get better. The American people have a very intense distrust of mainstream media, which causes us to end up looking for facts and figures in other places that aren’t trust worthy. Yellow journalism is a term for American press that shows minimal research and instead uses sensationalism and exaggeration to increase profit. This term can be used today almost equally with Fake News, though it has less of a modern political connotation. We need to reject journalism that is being used primarily for driving up revenue, and support independent and well-researched media. It is not reasonable to expect that all Americans will be able to put in the time and effort to read the reports that come directly from the government. Therefore we need to support journalists who do their job well for the sake of the truth not for the sake of a paycheck. We are getting to a place in our nation where we dangerously don’t care about facts. We are beginning to live on very different planes of reality, depending on what we believe to be true. What matters now is not if Trump gets removed from office, because he won’t. Mitch McConnell made it clear when he said that he would be working closely with the White House on this matter. What matters is how we educate ourselves, that we hold our leaders accountable to tell the truth, and how we vote. The founding fathers were afraid of a corrupt president and put in place the impeachment process, but they couldn’t have guessed it would come at a time where facts didn’t matter to the party in power. Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org www.cincistreetvibe.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor-in-chief: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Volunteer Editors: Katelyn Lusher, Chris Wilkey Distributor Program Manager: Sallie Mascus Layout: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper ------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Gabriela Godinez, Jonathan, Emily Green, Bill Woods, Amanda Baker, Casey Miller, Sarah Shearman, Eloisa Lopez, Dr. Mark Mussman, Willa Denise Jones, June Alexander, Kim Greene, ------------------------------------------- Impeached March 3, 1867 S Impeached Dec. 19, 1998 Impeached Dec. 18, 2019 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Photography/ Artwork: Gabriela Godinez, INSP.com, Blake Burrell ---------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition do not endorse candidates for public office. �N o. 39 3 |- N ov 2 N o v 19, 2 0423 18 Dec 26 Jan 9,- 2020 | No. 3 HOMELESSNESS Criminalization Hitting The Fan At National Level Under Trump Appointment Of Robert Marbut To Usiach Jonathan W.R.A.P. T he president threats are becoming a reality, the new head of the USICH Robert Marbut (News Article Link: How A Traveling Consultant Helps America Hide The Homeless). “We don’t use the term shelter,” Marbut says. “We use the term transformational campus.” Marbut does not believe in Housing First but instead believes all individuals experiencing homeless have to be “fixed” before they deserve housing. The “Velvet Hammer, approach” Marbut offers the same basic advice to most cities: Cut the goodies and build a shelter like jails facilities. Pending final approval at a U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness meeting on December 10, Robert Marbut has been appointed Executive Director of the USICH. Before receiving this appointment, Marbut worked as a Texas-based consultant advising cities on how to decrease the size of their homeless communities. Marbut rejects the widely accepted and proven method of housing first, telling Huffpost “I believe in Housing Fourth.” Instead, Marbut follows a set of methods he developed himself, called “The Seven Guiding Principles of Transformation.” Marbut’s approach can be understood by looking at these principles and how he has applied them across the country. The first two principles, “Move to a Culture of Transformation” and “Colocation and Virtual E-integration of as Many Services as Possible” require houseless people to live in close proximity under heavy supervision. He regularly pushes for large shelters, instead of permanent housing. This is in-line with failed approaches from the 1980s. His first major project, Haven for Hope, opened in 2010 with an annual budget of $15,000,000 and room for 1,500 people. Five hundred of those people are required to sleep in an outside courtyard. Haven for Hope also has 550 closed-circuit television cameras and a staff of 40 security guards. Principles four and five are “Reward Positive Behavior” and “Consequences for Negative Behavior,” which Diane Yentel, president of the National LowIncome Housing Coalition, accurately described as “paternalistic, patronizing, filled with poverty blaming/shaming.” These principles fail to account for the structural issues that created the contemporary homeless crisis and instead fixate on blaming poor people for homelessness. The Pinellas Safe Harbor in Florida, which Marbut also helped to design, shows what those principles look like in practice. The shelter is operated by the County Sheriff ’s office out of an old jail, and houseless people are required to sleep on the floor before “earning” a bed with good behaviour. The Pinellas Safe Harbor was described in a 2014 report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture as a “cruel, inhuman, and degrading” choice for homeless people there. In order to make people actually use these shelter-jails, Marbut advised cities to make living on the streets as difficult as possible for houseless people. His sixth and seventh principles are “External Activities Must be Redirected or Stopped” and “Panhandling Enables the Homeless and Must Be Stopped.” Early criticism of Marbut came in 2014, after the city of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida arrested 90-year-old Arnold Abbott and Food Not Bombs volunteers for sharing food outside the downtown library. Said Marbut, “If you give food on the street, you end up preventing people from going into 24/7 programming.” Sheriff ’s department data from the Pinellas shelter indicated that just 7% of those leaving the facility found permanent housing. Marbut employs methods that have been proven not only ineffective but harmful to the very people he is now being tasked with helping. We're no fools! Gentrification harms everybody! Image from Western Regional Advocacy Project. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED N Dec o v 2 26 - N-oJan v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 9,22020 No. 423 �NDec o. 3926 3 | -NJan ov 2 9, - N o v 19, 2 0 18 2020 | No. 423 U.S NEWS 5 Environmentalist Carol Van Strum: “Do not believe anything they tell you” Emily Green Street Roots C arol Van Strum, 78, still lives in the forest she fought to protect. She moved with her family to Five Rivers in Oregon’s Siuslaw National Forest in the 1970s, and soon after, her farm was sprayed from overhead with a compound found in Agent Orange. Her family got sick, and animals in the area were dying. Along with other residents in Lincoln County, she sued the U.S. Forest Service, winning an injunction to stop the aerial spraying of federal forests with toxic herbicides. Thus began her lifetime of environmental activism that continues today with the effort to ban aerial spraying on private timberlands in Lincoln County. During the course of several lawsuits against federal agencies and chemical companies such as Dow and Monsanto, Van Strum obtained an arsenal of documentation – nearly three tons of paper – revealing massive, coordinated cover-ups and fraud among government regulators and the companies they were responsible for watchdogging. The Bioscience Resource Project and the Center for Media and Democracy have digitized her collection and have made it available online to the public. The Poison Papers Project, as it’s called, has served as a resource for attorneys suing Monsanto. It contains documents spanning back to the 1920s and, as a whole, demonstrates how both the chemical industry and its regulators understood and worked to conceal the dangerous toxicity of many products that were approved for use – and in some cases still widely used today. Van Strum chronicled the efforts of herself and her fellow activists in the award-winning book “A Bitter Fog.” Ultimately, her research and activism contributed to the adoption of more sustainable national forest policies still used today. She has also written several other books, and her articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. In 2018, Van Strum was awarded the prestigious international David Brower Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding environmental and social justice work. Street Roots: What’s the most difficult lesson you learned in your activism? Carol Van Strum: I think the most difficult lesson was finding out that our entire system of government, of protecting the environment or human health, is a fraud and that you can’t believe anything that they say. And, it really is a massive fraud. The Environmental Protection Agency’s very name is a lie. And, you know, President Nixon knew that when he established it. He created it to be a buffer between the chemical industry and the people who were getting affected by the chemicals and starting to find out about it, thanks to Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring). I guess we were naive. This was 40 years ago, and the Forest Service was spraying us with Agent Orange. We were getting sick, and we were finding dead animals and deformed animals, and we thought if we just told them about it, they’d stop. (She laughs.) And we found out otherwise, so that was a real hard lesson at that time. In a way, that kind of set the whole systemized, institutionalized lying that now the government, at the very top, indulges in. It’s become so commonplace people don’t even get upset. Well, I got upset. I don’t like “If you can keep laughing at the absurdity and insanity of what you’re fighting, it really makes all the difference in the world.” Carol Van Strum -- Credit: Peggy webster being lied to. What kept you going at times when winning seemed impossible? Well, I guess the opposite of that is, what’s the alternative? Do you do nothing while the things you love are dying? You can’t. Or at least I can’t. So the alternative was always worse than the battle. I have to say, you can’t look at the big picture all the time. You have to take what I call “a wicked glee” in causing some bureaucrat to crap his pants. You have to look for those moments and celebrate them and laugh. That’s so important, I can’t emphasize that enough. What do you think young environmental activists today are doing right? Oh, God, I love them! They’re doing wonderful things that I see. They’re finding their strength in numbers, which is so important. No one person can do this alone. I still feel kind of weird for being singled out as this so-called activist when I was only part of something that was a large group of people. I wrote about it, so I kind of became the point person, but the activism – if you want to call it that – it was a group of people, of really unrelated people. There were loggers, there were tree planters, there were doctors, there were nurses and there were housewives that came together for a common cause. That’s so important, and I see the young people doing that, and I love it! The way they are banding together behind Greta Thunberg, joining classaction lawsuits to force their elders to accept that they’re changing the climate. They’re not accepting the word or the authority of elders bent on destroying the world that they will inherit. I just applaud them. I can’t say that enough. I love them. I’m really proud of them all being able to call bullshit on all of the lies. What are they doing wrong? I can’t really think of anything they’re doing wrong. I think they’re using what they have – that we didn’t have – things like the internet and social media. They’re connecting with more and more people. I think they’re already achieving far beyond what we did, and that’s wonderful. What advice would you offer young activists today? Some of it is what they’re already doing; they’re not being afraid to care. That sounds kind of hokey, doesn’t it? But you have to care. You have to care about something. It doesn’t matter what it is. Once you start caring, then you want to protect, then you become the cornered badger; you’re going to fight, and you’re going to join with others. And that’s what they’re doing. My advice would be: Don’t ever, ever accept the platitudes, the euphemisms, THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED the lies of their elders and those who say it can’t be done or say, “You don’t understand; you’re too young to know.” That’s baloney, and they should never, ever listen to it. The other thing is: Demand proof of every statement coming out of government or industry, or whatever they’re fighting. Whether they’re tracking or spraying or nuclear waste, it doesn’t matter. Demand their data. Don’t take their word for anything. And above all, have fun. Humor is the strongest weapon we have, and you burn out without it. Believe me, I’ve seen too many people fall by the wayside; they just can’t handle it anymore. But if you can keep laughing at the absurdity and insanity of what you’re fighting, it really makes all the difference in the world. Look at Randy Rainbow or the Trump Blimp. Any way you can to point out the nonsense that you’re fighting is so much more effective than any other weapon that you have. So I would say, keep laughing. When you can make people laugh, then you’ve really reached them; they understand. When you look back over your years of activism, can you describe a moment that you feel defined your legacy? For me, after 40 years of feeling, at times, like a voice in the wilderness, proving information to people all over the globe, really, but not seeing much progress. But then this little group comes together in my own county (Lincoln County Community Rights) to stop the aerial spraying of poisons by timber companies. It was so beautiful and so simple, and they won it; the voters voted it through. Then, of course, industry challenged it in court, and I think the most touching moment for me was when Lincoln County Community Rights asked me to be the voice of the ecosystem, the trees, the river, in court. It was such a beautiful thing. I felt like I was standing there with the Lorax or Justice William O. Douglas – he actually was a voice in the Supreme Court for giving nature rights to exist – and to me, that was my proudest moment, being asked to do that. It’s giving a voice to the voiceless. That’s what it’s all about. And I feel very proud that they asked me to do that. I still kind of tear up thinking about it. (Since our interview with Van Strum, a Lincoln County judge overturned the voter-approved ban on aerial spraying within the county, ruling that the state law trumped the local law. Lincoln County Community Rights said it is preparing an appeal. The deadline to appeal was 19 December) Courtesy of Street Roots / INSP.ngo �LOCAL 6 N oDec v 2 26 - N -o vJan 19,9,22020 0 18 | |N o . 393 No. 423 Putting Impeachment In Perspective Bill Woods Board Member A s I write this article, the House of Representatives has just voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Lined up on rigid party lines, the proimpeachment Democrats and antiimpeachment Republicans sound like they are living in different worlds. This major Constitutional decision whether to remove a sitting President from office starkly reveals how polarized U.S. politics is today. In reviewing our political history over the past sixty years, this country appears to be experiencing a low point in terms of government effectiveness as well as public trust. Although Trump currently looms as a bigger than life problem or the elephant in the room, his election in 2016 was the result of negative trends that had already weakened our democratic process. Although numerous factors caused this decline, two trends stand out. Over this period "big money" has become more and more dominant in political campaigns at all levels. At the same time, the constituencies of both major parties have changed dramatically. In the 1960s and 70s, both major parties had liberal, conservative, and moderate wings. While the Democrats elected liberals such as Hubert Humphrey or John Kennedy, they also possessed a full slate of elected Senators and Congressmen from the South. Likewise, one can point to GOP-conservatives such a Robert Taft or Barry Goldwater and liberals like Mark Hatfield or Nelson Rockefeller. Moderates from both parties could also be cited. A typical criticism of that era was that the two major parties were too similar in makeup and views. In retrospect, however, the strength of this situation meant that even within the parties, compromise was necessary. Furthermore, temporary coalitions could be formed among the factions of the Democrats and Republicans to support legislation. Without such inter-party coalitions, it is doubtful that the major Civil Rights Laws would have passed. With this kind of political flexibility prompting working across the aisles, much positive legislative action occurred, and bills usually did not get lost in ideological stand offs between the two parties. With today's rigid, uncompromising political atmosphere, little can get through Congress that requires more than one party's support, and then a veto by an erratic President may have to be overcome. The current impeachment process is a case in point. The Affordable Care Act offers another example. Passed with strictly Democrat votes, once the Republicans took over Congress in 2010, they have spent a huge amount of energy weakening this law and trying to repeal it. It took a number of years to get to today's partisan stalemate. Under President Lyndon Johnson, the Democratic Party was blamed for Civil Rights legislation such as the Voting Rights Act, and the once solid South began to shift to the Republican Party. Barry Goldwater's nomination signaled another conservative shift for the GOP. However, the emergence of Ronald Reagan and his election as President in 1980 and reelection in 1984 brought about the real conservative take over of this once diverse Party. Meanwhile stripped of the South, the Democratic Party became the political home for liberals and moderates. The other force that gradually took hold of both major parties from the 1970s onward is influence of "big money" on elections and the legislative process. Because of an emerging reliance on public relations and TV ads, both parties were beginning to spend much more money on campaigns by the 1970s, and reformers began pushing for limits on all the unregulated big contributions to candidates. From the start, the Supreme Court created legal obstacles with cases such as Buckley v. Valeo that equated campaign donations to free speech. Much later in 2010, the Court put even greater limits on reformers by ruling that corporations were people with the same free speech rights to spend money on campaigns. Although reforms such as contribution limits and the public financing of campaigns have had some success in states and cities that adopted them, "big money" has grown more and more dominant in the political process. Average citizens realize that they have less and less influence on public decision-making, and many people have become disillusioned with government. In part, Trump is a result of voters opting for a loud outsider who promised to "make America great again." This analysis takes us back to the present and the implications of impeachment and the 2020 Presidential campaign. Certainly Trump is a danger to everything positive that this country has ever stood for, and a top priority must be removing him from office. However, this would only be a first step. A lot of thought and energy will be required to put in place the reforms necessary to truly make this country great again. Homelessness Report Amanda Barker Staff Writer E arlier this month, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) issued their most recent report on the criminalization of homelessness. The NLCHP is one of our partners, and the only organization dedicated to studying how the power of law can be applied toward preventing and ending homelessness, and protecting the rights of those individuals who are experiencing homelessness. The report, titled "Housing Not Handcuffs", is the first report released since 2016, and it tracks the growth of criminalization laws across 187 US cities including Cincinnati. It also describes how criminalization policies are ineffective and illegal, and discusses more humane and productive alternative strategies for ending homelessness. The equitable solution is neither criminalization, nor allowing a stratified society where some people are displaced onto the sidewalk, a camp, or their vehicles. Rather, the solution is more and greater access to subsidized and affordable housing. In August 2018, I spent some time in Budapest, Hungary. I was traveling to a youth development project in Csikszereda, Romania. In Budapest, I met with a doctoral student who studies foreign policy at a university in Antalya, Turkey. One day while walking across Ferenc Square, he commented on the “homeless crisis in Budapest” when he saw five men sleeping outside along edges of the buildings. This led to a deep cross-cultural discussion about the issue of housing, the growing wealth gap, and American social service policies. He was shocked to hear that in a nation as wealthy as the United States, many people including families with children and those who work full-time, are not able to find safe and stable housing. He assured me that in Turkey, “everyone has a place to live.” I have not studied housing data in Turkey, but it was interesting to hear his perception of American domestic social service policies. He had never been to the U.S., and was only familiar with U.S./Turkish trade relations. He now probably knows more about U.S. class differences and access to food, housing, and transportation than he had ever intended. The Housing Not Handcuffs report lists what they call a “Hall of Shame,” which are city, or state, wide policies passed since the 2016 report that only serve to sustain the cycle of poverty and homelessness. One example is Kansas City, Missouri, who passed food sharing regulations and then brutally enforced them. In November, 2018, the Kansas City organization Free Hot Soup was sharing food at a weekly gathering in a public park. According to the Washington Post, the city Health Department responded by collecting the chili, soup, and sandwiches being offered to the needy, and poured bleach on the food, stating that the event was not “properly permitted.” Another city on the list is Sacramento, California. I lived in Sacramento for more than 5 years and during that time I helped with food sharing through FnB and the Occupy movement. I also collaborated with an organization that was attempting to secure a location for solar-powered tiny homes designated to house people experiencing homelessness. I witnessed the exponentially skyrocketing rents as the downtown and midtown neighborhoods underwent their gentrification processes. I saw the growing numbers of folks displaced from safe housing to live in camps along the Sacramento or American rivers, or in the parking lot at the corner of C and 16th streets. The City of Sacramento made the “Hall of Shame” list for their THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED repeated aggressive sweeps of the camps, which resulted in the seizure and destruction of personal property and in some instances, even caused injury. One such sweep in May 2019 ended with 30 arrests of people living along the American River Parkway bike trail, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. A misinformed attitude at the Federal level doesn’t help matters on the ground. In September 2019, the Trump Administration’s Council of Economic Advisors released a statement claiming that people who experience homelessness are “too comfortable” to change their circumstances, and that policing is the best tool for moving people off the street. These ruthless and inhumane tactics are not effective at ending the poverty that causes people to experience homelessness. The NLCHP has the data to influence action more inspired than further criminalization. One such solution is called Housing First. Housing First is a model “premised on the idea that pairing people with immediate access to their own apartments- without barriers and without mandated compliance with services- is the best way to sustainably end their homelessness.” Through Housing First, the communities of �NDec o. 3926 3 |N ov 2 9, - N2020 o v 19, 2 0 18 - Jan | No. 423 Bergen County, New Jersey; Rockford, Illinois; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and the jurisdictions in the Southwest Minnesota Continuum of Care have all effectively ended chronic homelessness. Additionally, through Permanent Supportive Housing, Charlotte, North Carolina, saw an 82% decrease in arrests; and Los Angeles County saved $6.5 million in its second year of implementation while also reporting a 70% reduction in the number of emergency room visits from among people experiencing homelessness. In another win as recently as December 16, LOCAL 2019, the 9th Circuit of the US Supreme Court ruled that people experiencing homelessness can’t be punished for sleeping outside when they don’t have anywhere else to go. Pebble by pebble, we are building a more equitable and just society. Here in Cincinnati, we didn’t make the “Hall of Shame” list, but we have a long journey ahead of us. We still face an affordable housing shortage of at least 18,000 units, even though there are almost 29,000 vacant market-rate units currently available. However, our market rate is so high that anyone who 7 works a full-time job at minimum wage won’t be able to afford rent. The Housing Not Handcuffs report documents how in Cincinnati, it is illegal to sit or lie down in some public places; to lodge, live, or sleep in vehicles; to get caught loitering or loafing anywhere in the city; and to beg or panhandle anywhere in the city. We know that further criminalization is not the answer. The Coalition and its partners are actively working to secure a revenue stream in 2020 for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fund will increase resources for affordable housing through creating and preserving housing that meets the income needs of low and extremely low income people. It will also provide housing investments to revitalize neighborhoods that are experiencing de-investment or displacements. Social change can happen, when enough of us are willing to take a stand and demand that governments redistribute wealth to meet the basic human rights of healthy food, safe housing, warm clothing, and clean water. You’ve Got Mail Dr. Mark Mussman Staff Writer C ommonly, an experience with homelessness is often marked by a sense of disconnection. Having a mailbox can change that. Although the Homeless Coalition is an advocacy organization, we do provide a few direct services that enable people to stay connected to family, friends, government, and social service organizations. With the exception of a few holidays, the Homeless Coalition’s lobby is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Our lobby is a place people come to get warm in winter, cool down in the summer, to get a drink of water and commune. Our friendly front desk staff helps people get connected to resources such as the Mary Magdalene House (the shower house), the PATH Team, the Shelterhouse, and housing resources. Even more, people are able to connect to the world at large through a mailbox. More than 3,000 people receive mail at the Homeless Coalition. On a daily basis, more than 100 people come through the door to check whether they received mail or packages. The process is simple, as people who are experiencing homelessness just need to start using our address to receive mail here. They do not need to do a change of address, in fact, that process is blocked for our address because one time someone did a change of address and received everyone’s mail! Once someone has received and retrieved their mail, they will be assigned a mailbox number, which is important to remember. When someone comes back in for mail, they need to let the front desk staff know of their name and box number. Keeping it simple speeds up the process. The importance of having a place to receive mail cannot be overstated. In Ohio, to receive or renew your ID, you must have it sent to a physical address. Although the State of Ohio allows a park bench to be an address for voting, how do you receive mail at a park bench? This makes correspondence impossible without a mailbox. Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services sends SNAP EBT cards through the mail, as well as important documents that demand immediate responses. The Social Security Administration needs to send checks and important judgements through the mail. This is why it is important for people to be able to readily access their mail – it may literally be what determines if someone is able to eat today. If you don’t have an address, you don’t have a connection to services that are needed to survive. Building and maintaining a system for mail has been a monumental task. Through the years, patterns have developed to ensure that the mail is processed and accessed quickly and accurately. This week we have seen the biggest change in the mail system in at least 4 years. Several students from Central Michigan University chose to spend part of their winter break with us in Cincinnati. Typically, Alternative Break trips at the Homeless Coalition involve spending time learning from people in the community. We spend time hearing about the history of Overthe-Rhine from people who have lived here for decades. We talk to affordable housing developers and community activists. Normally, we do some service at soup kitchens and shelters, but this trip is different. The program from Central Michigan University prefers student groups to do projects that are in direct benefit to the community. We thought that revamping the mailroom – in fact, making a mailroom, would help create a better, and more efficient experience. When asked about why the students came on the trip, the responses varied from having gone on a trip before; wanting to learn about an issue they hadn’t learned about; getting exposed to the city-life and homelessness on a larger scale; to gaining a new perspective on the issues of hunger and homelessness. Collectively, the participants had participated in trips in Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arkansas, and North Carolina, on food justice, preservation of public lands, arts in urban schools, and rural poverty. Packaging food, documenting botany, delivering food, demolishing work, planting and harvesting organic crops were just some of the skills the students had learned through these alternative breaks. This project-based trip would hopefully give them skills in office management, construction, design, and problem-solving. The group was charged with making the mail system more userfriendly and organized. Part of that included moving the mailroom from the conference into a dedicated room. But before that could be accomplished, the group needed to determine ways in which the mailroom would be easier for the front desk staff to operate. When you are dealing with thousands of names and hundreds of physical boxes, it can become mentally taxing very quickly. Misfiled letters may result in someone losing access to benefits, so it is essential that the mail system be organized and easily accessible. The students generated strategies to make the mailroom more efficient, such as larger mailbox numbers, color coding box rows, rebuilding and fixing the frame, reorganizing overflow mail, and creating a dedicated mailroom by cleaning out an office behind the front desk. On the second day, we created a temporary mail system, removed the old structure, cleaned, repaired, and primed it. It was a natural wood color, but the participants’ desire to color-code the boxes meant that we needed to prime the mailboxes. There were several issues with the dividers between the boxes that were repaired. Using a circular saw, the participants were also able to create a back for the mailboxes, so that mail isn’t able to fall behind them. This required measuring and cutting several pieces of wood and fastening them to the back of the boxes with screws. The process resulted in a stronger, more organized mailbox structure. As unexpected issues arose, the group worked collectively and quickly to respond and solve the problem. On the third day, they began to paint the boxes to color code them. The color coding will help the front desk staff feel confident that they are in the right area, and give people picking up their mail another way to remember their box number. The group also created large laminated letters to mark each mailbox row. Finally, the group created some tools to help newly received mail get filed accordingly. In the end, the mailroom has become a reality and it will help people receive their mail in a more efficient manner. We are thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to work collaboratively to solve issues that were impeding the mailroom. People experiencing homelessness will be able to benefit from the work the students accomplished this week. Central Michigan University nearing completion of the mail project. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �FEATURED 8 NDec o v 2 26 - N-oJan v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 423 393 9, 22020 At The Crossroads Of Art And Social Justice Casey Miller Street Roots R icardo Levins Morales describes himself as a “healer and trickster organizer disguised as an artist.” Morales was born in Puerto Rico during the anti-colonial movement and spent his teenage years delving into the world of organized activism and protests in Chicago with such visionary groups as the Young Lords and the Black Panthers. He sees his art as “medicinal”; a way to address trauma individually, collectively and historically. Morales’ current organizing efforts beyond the art studio include workshops on trauma and resilience for organizers, creative and strategic training for organizing sustainable activism and mentoring young activists both in his community and nationally. The social justice artist is celebrating 50 years of artistry and activism and he visited Portland in November to attend Portland Jobs With Justice’s annual dinner as the keynote speaker. Street Roots spoke to him about his decades of dedication to both his artistic craft and activism. Street Roots: What do you believe makes a social protest effective and how is this seen in your artwork? Ricardo Levins Morales: It really depends. What are the conditions? What’s the balance of power for a protest in a concentration camp? It’s a lot different than a protest in a workplace. It depends on how much leeway you have and how much organization you have. So there’s no single answer to that. It’s like saying asking what kind of medicine is most effective. What’s the condition of the patient, you know? What artists and activists have influenced you over the years? I learned to do art by copying art. I dropped out of high school, so I never had any formal education in it. One of the main influences on me was one of the Puerto Rican screen printing masters. Screen printing is a highly advanced art in Puerto Rico, where I’m from. So, he was a major influence there. Also cartoon artists and caricature artists, because I started out doing a lot of political caricatures. In terms of activism, there’s a long line of political ancestors. My parents were both involved in the anti-colonial movement in Puerto Rico. When we moved to the States, when I was an adolescent, a major influence was Fred Hampton, who was the leader of the local chapter of the Black Panther Party. We did very creative coalition-building work across racial boundaries. That has still left an imprint on how I think about organizing. Did these two activities cross when you were younger—activism and art? Had you met people like yourself who purposely made art about social justice issues that they were passionate about? When I was young in Puerto Rico, I wasn’t really much aware of other artists. It was drawing: it was just something I did as a little kid and about making up stories. I didn’t really have anything that you could call media access up in the mountains—no TV or magazines. I think the real key for me is not that I [purposely] connect the two, but more that I’ve always drawn what’s important to me. And when I was 5 years old, that was chickens; when I was 8, it was pilots. Now, it’s resilience in the face of oppression. But there was never a moment where I said, “Well, I’m going to connect these two separate things.” It just came up through the roots, the things I cared about at different times in my life. So that’s what’s reflected in my art. Self portrait THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Can you describe your first real encounter with social justice movements? Was it when you moved to Chicago? In Puerto Rico when I was young, we would sometimes go to protests and nationalist events and things like that. As I wasn’t directly exposed to organizing or protest building there, I would have to say yes, it was probably when we moved to the States. That was in 1967, to Chicago. There was a lot going on and a lot of protests, whether it was antiwar, second-wave feminism, the black power movement—and especially the Panthers gaining a presence. There was a Puerto Rican version called the Young Lords organization active in Chicago. It was really an environment of turmoil. How has activism changed since you were younger and first started to participate in social justice causes? A number of ways. I mean, certainly the technology has changed for the better and for worse. When I was first organizing movements, our version of the internet was telephones, leaflets, handouts, papers and bulletin boards. Now, of course, you have various social media networks, though most of them are controlled by hostile corporations, so it’s a little bit vulnerable. Another way [is that] my initial experiences in organizing were with people engaged in a lot of different kinds of organizing work, but they all considered it to be part of one current called “The Movement.” Nowadays, it’s more about people considering themselves part of the immigrant rights movement or civil rights movement or gay rights movement; they’re thought of as different movements. And that’s probably the legacy of 40 years of a nonprofit system that really funds people according to rather narrow definitions of their needs rather than a broad narrative of social change. So, that’s one of the major differences. Another more positive [difference] is that I see young activists coming into movements as they emerge through engaging in art and creativity, like having art builds—where everyone gets together and makes signs or banners or whatever it is that they need. In earlier periods, it was a real battle to get organizers to understand how useful art could be. So you’d say that protesting has become a lot more creative? I’d say that the importance of creativity is a lot more widely accepted. You host workshops on trauma and resilience for organizers. How does grouping with others help solve individual traumas? A lot depends on the health of the organizing effort. If you just sort �NDec o. 3926 3 |-NJan ov 29, - N o v 19, 2 0 18 2020 | No. 423 of step back and look at what a social movement is, the purpose of it really is to restore power to people whose power has been taken away. And that’s also kind of your elevator definition of trauma healing, because trauma is about the loss of power and you need to restore that and restore a healthy narrative about what your experience meant, which gets scrambled when you become traumatized. That’s also the process of an entire people reclaiming their identity and reclaiming their history. They’re really essentially the same process but happening on different scales. Can you explain why you call your art “medicinal”? If I am involved with, say, a local or community group or some group that is trying to organize, the first question— kind of my doctor question, my diagnostic question—is what is keeping this group of people feeling powerless? [What is keeping them] from tapping in and understanding how powerful they are? Not what is the external force that they’re facing, but what’s internal? What is it that people believe that keeps them 9 FEATURED from understanding how powerful they really are? Because the enemies of justice are very well aware of how much power poor people and working people have. We ourselves tend to forget it, right? So then the art that I create is meant to counter whatever that story is, which is as widely varied as any kind of cultural identity can be. Organizing is really a question of shifting people’s stories. And what is your story about yourself? That’s something you can see very clearly with the current president. For example, the way he tries to achieve policies is to first SR_Ricardo Levins Morales_2 convince people about stories. If he can convince people that immigrants are dangerous, then the policies follow that. And that’s equally true with struggling for justice. You need to create a narrative that really allows people to organize and gain support. For example, if everybody in the community believes that schoolteachers are lazy, apathetic, greedy and don’t care about kids, [then] you’re going to have a hard time when you need good contracts for teachers. My basic mantra with organizing is that the soil is more important than the seeds. The stories that people believe is what determines whether your organizing seeds [and] your projects— your initiatives—are going to take root. Can you tell me about the process of creating your art, from conception to final touches? Conception can really come from any place. Inspiration can be that I run across a quote or I want to depict a certain issue or there’s a story that feels compelling that I want people to know about in terms of history. Or I feel like, “Oh, I haven’t used charcoal or I haven’t done crosshatch for a while.” So the spark can come from all kinds of different directions. When I’ve decided to make a piece, then it comes down to sketching initially, or researching if it’s something that requires historical or cultural accuracy. Then I look up the information that I need in order to make it recognizable to the people most directly affected by it so that it feels authentic. The material I use is called scratch board, which is a clay surface on a wood backing. I brush onto it with ink, with black ink usually, scrape it with knife plates to get the textures, and then add watercolor over that. I come out of a printmaking tradition and my art really has that aesthetic to it, but it’s not actually printmaking form. Finally, do you have a favorite piece, and why? Um, no. [laughs] I just finished opening an exhibit of 50 years of my work. The first pieces I had were done as a teenager and, looking at that range, there are posters that were just perfect for a particular moment but really don’t necessarily have much relevance now except as a piece of history. But they’re all my children. They were right for what they were. There’s some that I use more than others. There’s some that I frequently use in organizing workshops, but the posters are really only meant for a small group: it’s only a small group of people that they’re going to be meaningful to. But to them, they’re going to be very meaningful. Courtesy of Street Roots / INSP.ngo Lose Our Fear Training at Central Clinic THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 GLOBAL NDec o v 2 26 - N-oJan v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 423 393 9, 22020 Death And Debt: Ethical Companies Find Ways To Tackle Funeral Poverty Sarah Shearman Reuters W ith average funeral costs edging toward 4,000 pounds ($5,100), dying in Britain has become an expensive proposition - at least for those left behind to pay the bills. When Laura Cunningham's brother died this year, she was still paying for her mother's funeral from more than two years earlier, and had no idea how she would afford another one. Cunningham's story is not uncommon. Even a simple service such as her mother's can cost more than 3,000 pounds. But social enterprises have begun springing up to tackle "funeral poverty", often brought on by upselling of products and services such as flowers and cars that can send grieving families deep into debt. "We didn't have any savings," Cunningham said. "We just work month to month to pay our bills and live basically. We didn't have any money at all." Cunningham did not qualify for government support because she works as a cleaner. But a non-profit funeral director helped Cunningham through with a simple, cut-price cremation for her brother. Glasgow-based Caledonia Cremation is just one social enterprise exploring alternative business models to traditional funeral providers, which are sometimes accused of profiteering. Similar businesses have sprung up in Canada and Australia, including community-owned businesses and funeral services for the people experience homelessness. Poverty With the average cost of a basic funeral at an all-time high of 3,785 pounds, nearly one in eight people in Britain go into debt to bury or cremate loved ones, according to a 2019 study by insurer Royal London. The average debt is almost 2,000 pounds and pushes many into poverty, the annual study found. "It's a nightmare scenario ... with a long-lasting impact," said Paul McColgan, who founded Caledonia Cremation in 2018 after seeing his sister struggle to pay for her husband's funeral. "It's not just a normal grieving process of losing a loved one," he said. "You're dealing with all of that and you are dealing with the worry and torment of not knowing how you are going to pay for it." Caledonia Cremation has carried out about 250 direct cremations, which are carried out without a funeral service and with no mourners in attendance. At a flat 995 pounds with no deposit, it offers a safety net for those who cannot afford a more expensive funeral. Still, about half its customers are not struggling financially. As a social enterprise, Caledonia Cremation will reinvest profits into its mission of preventing funeral poverty, although so far McColgan said it has only just broken even. The cost of a funeral has risen 6% a year – double the rate of inflation – for more than a decade due to rising crematorium fees, a lack of burial plots and the practice of upselling, and Britain's competition watchdog is A woman walks through an old graveyard in London January 30, 2013. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED investigating the industry. It has accused some funeral directors of not being transparent about pricing and of taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable, with grieving customers less likely to shop around. The profit margins of the largest industry players such as Dignity are high by international standards, the watchdog said. Dignity said that since 2016 it has offered more options and price ranges to meet growing demand for lower-cost funerals, including a direct cremation service. Last taboo Compounding the difficulties wrought by funeral poverty is a reticence to even speak of its two main components - death and money. "It's the last great taboo," said Liz Rothschild, co-founder of Westmill Woodland Burial Ground, a natural burial ground in the south of England. "And they come together really poisonously, when you put when you put death and money together," she added. Like Caledonia Cremation, Westmill is registered as a community interest company, a type of social enterprise that reinvests or donates profits and must demonstrate its service to the community – a detail customers appreciate, Rothschild said. Westmill suggests ways for its customers to reduce costs, such as carrying and lowering coffins themselves, but Rothschild said that the business has recently had to raise prices as margins were so tight. Lucy Coulbert, who runs the Individual Funeral Company, said the squeeze was felt across the industry regardless of social enterprise status. While she says big companies that seek to maximise profits are "industrialising funerals", Coulbert does not believe that the social enterprise model is necessarily the solution,calling instead for more government support. Currently it takes weeks for the government to assess and award funeral cost benefits, but Coulbert suggested paying before the funeral could be a simple way to prevent people going into debt. "The market does not need disrupting," she said. "What the market needs is for people to stop thinking that we are here to get money out of people - we're not. "What we're here to do is support somebody, be as transparent and as ethical as we possibly can and let people make their own decisions." Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo �NDec o. 3926 3 |-NJan ov 29, - N o v 19, 2 0 18 2020 | No. 423 11 GLOBAL Rising Seas Threaten Early End For Sinking Village In Philippines Eloisa Lopez Reuters D anica Martinez, 16, grew up in a house that grows taller every few years. Her father raises the stilts of their bamboo hut so water from the sea doesn't reach the floor. They live in Sitio Pariahan, a coastal village in the Philippines that was once an island, and is now without land. Sitio Pariahan, about 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) north of Manila, is sinking about four centimetres (1.5 inches) every year, owing largely to land subsidence from the population's overuse of groundwater, according to experts. Now rising sea levels caused by global warming could soon make this village unliveable, a problem faced by other countries in Asia, where the poorest communities are worst hit. A deep well is the only source of water, and residents use it to bathe, clean, cook and, sometimes, even to drink. Solar panels are installed on many rooftops for electricity, mostly to watch television that's shared between neighbours. On days that power is low, residents pass the time by gambling. Martinez remembers that their village wasn't always like this. She recalls basketball tournaments and grand feasts that their community once held, so popular that visitors from nearby towns would flock to watch performances, and celebrate mass at the church. The court is now fully submerged, and the church that was once filled with devotees is stained with moss. Much of the destruction happened when Typhoon Nesat struck in 2011, bringing waves Martinez said were as big as houses. She saw how the huts were pulled into the sea, one by one, as she and her siblings held onto bamboo poles. Their school was also destroyed, and left only with walls. More than 50 families left and never returned. Now, Martinez and her siblings take a 30-minute boat ride to school, sometimes with uniforms drenched by big waves. "It seems scary to look at, but you get used to living like this," she said. "It's difficult, but also fun." Her parents rely on their boat to make a living. "Without a boat, you are paralysed," said her mother Mary Jane Martinez, who sells crabs her husband catches to the town's market. She said life in the village was getting harder day by day, but she still preferred it to the city. "If you work hard here, you will survive. You only have to jump on the sea to catch food. In land, you can work hard and still not have enough," she said. Her husband, Domingo, said leaving was not an option, because there is nowhere to go. They once tried to rent an apartment in a nearby town, but moved back shortly after. "Our livelihood is here," he said. "If we are asked to move inland, it would be difficult to make a living. What if we become beggars there?" Fernando Siringan, a climate change expert, has studied Sitio Pariahan closely and said some delta areas north of Manila were changing rapidly because land was subsiding and water levels rising at the same time. "What is being projected 50 years from now or 100 years from now for many parts of the globe is actually happening right now at even faster rates," he said. With wildfires plaguing parts of the United States and Australia, and severe flooding in Europe all being linked to global warming, public pressure is rising on cost-conscious governments to find urgent solutions. Danica sees no future in living permanently in what has become like a scene from Waterworld, the 1995 film starring Kevin Costner, where postapocalyptic tribes live on boats and rafts. "Someday I also want to leave and experience what it's like to live inland," she said. Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo Nancy Manalaysay, 54, a church caretaker, cleans a crucifix in a partly submerged church in the coastal village Sitio Pariahan, Bulakan Bulacan, north of Manila, Philippines, November 26, 2019. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez The Martinez family spend time together on the roof of their bamboo hut, which is risen on stilts, in the submerged coastal village Sitio Pariahan, Bulakan, Bulacan, north of Manila, Philippines, November 25, 2019. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez Domingo Martinez, 40, drives his daughters Danica, 16, and Cindy, 14, to school on his boat, in a nearby town in Bulakan, Bulacan, north of Manila, Philippines, November 25, 2019. REUTERS/ Eloisa Lopez A bamboo hut sits on top of concrete structures in the submerged coastal village Sitio Pariahan, Bulakan, Bulacan, north of Manila, Philippines, on November 25, 2019. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 Goodbye Saying Goodbye is such a hard thing to do It's like taking a Rock and breaking glass You Can't fix it It's too shattered It's too broken Shattered pieces of glass everywhere unfixable tiny pieces remaining If you try to pick up the pieces of Glass You may cut yourself Goodbye and So Long STREETVOICE N ov 2 o v 19, 2 0 18 ||No. N o .423 393 Dec 26- N - Jan 9, 2020 SANTA CLAUS Today while watching the news I heard that Santa Claus arrived in a helicopter They also talked about tax cuts and how the politicians were eating out at Red Lobsters What happened to the days when the bells rang for Santa Claus, his reindeer and sled? What happened to the belief in miracles and all the little children went to bed Waiting for that glorious morning to open all the presents that Santa left under the tree Asking questions about how he brought all the gifts down the smoke filled chimney Waiting day and night, trying to be good all for Christmas so we'd be granted the ultimate blessing Looking back and understanding that as a child I was tricked, Santa in a helicopter that's a new lesson to the glass that got broke and is now shattered Without the holiday's Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Goodbye is the final song thankful for Jesus birth just to name a few To the broken glass that became the Goodbye Song Kim Green Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor what else is there to really look forward too Without giving thanks for so many blessings and being So for me Christmas has somehow lost the true spirit and has been misunderstood by all We must always remember God's blessings, don't forget to give thanks and bring back Rudolph the red nose reindeer driving Santa Claus!!!! Willa D. Jones Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor Streetvibes Writing Circle If you would like to submit a story for publication in streetvibes, come join Katelyn Lusher, Chris Wilkey, and Alex McIntosh for a group writing session! THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �STREETVOICE No. 39 Nov 2 N o v 19, 2 0423 18 Dec 263 -| Jan 9,- 2020 | No. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like DECK THE HALLS Hypocrisy Once again the Christmas trees are decorated and lit; the smell of sweets and baked goods are in the air and churches post, “Put Christ back in Christmas!” Maybe, just maybe somebody should put Christ (a.k.a. Jesus) into the hearts and minds of those Christians who did not learn Christ was not a bigot or capitalist! Deck the halls with green, soft money, Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. It's a campaign's milk and honey, Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. Now our polls opinions measure, Fa-la-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. While we hustle campaign treasure, Fa-la-la-la-la - attack ads too. Maybe I got it wrong. Let’s see Jesus (Christ) was a Jewish baby; who was a person of color; whose family was BILL WOODS Contributing Writer homeless; whose mother was pregnant before she got married; and who had to escape into Egypt as refugees--that Jesus (Christ) you say is the reason for the season? Although that is a very simplistic account of events, there was also something about serving the least of these. As a Christian who went to Sunday School quite often as a young person I am confused. We still have no “room” for children; no mercy for the poor; no compassion for those who are marginalized, and no love for each other. And that command’ “Love each other as I have Loved you,” is just sarcastic hypocrisy floating in the air like smog, choking the life out of Hope. Are you sure you ever had Christ in your Christmas? June Alexander Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 13 �PUZZLES 14 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 109 Across 1. Exchange 5. Curved masonary structure 9. Hold firmly 14. Present location 15. Commercial transaction 16. Artery 17. Fury 18. Leg joint 19. Promise solemnly 20. Start abruptly 22. Sodium chloride 24. Challenge 25. Staining substance 26. Heavy metallic element 28. Beam 30. Oval fruit 31. Snakelike fish 32. Consumed 35. Thoroughfare 38. Run away quickly 39. At this time 40. Support 41. Subdued 42. Shrivelled 43. Lubricant 44. At any time 46. Brief period of precipitation 48. Digit 49. Line 50. Water hen 51. Floor covering 52. Exchange goods for money 53. A quick short straight punch 56. Not in favor of 59. Malevolent 61. Musical composition 63. Tied 65. Shaft 67. Public violence 68. Boredom 69. Male red deer 70. Unit of area 71. Taunt 72. Novice 73. Rind Down 1. Small piece of cloth or paper PUZZLE SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD #108 2. Fatigued 3. Debate 4. A secret look 5. Request 6. Payment for the release of someone 7. Remove unwanted substances from 8. Part of a shoe 9. Fuel 10. Raucous 11. Length by width 12. Principal actor 13. Trim 21. Roofing material 23. Large woody plant 27. Furrow 29. Beer 30. Liveliness and energy 31. Tree 32. Afresh 33. Ripped 34. Pitcher 35. Blemish 36. Group of three 37. Theatrical part 38. Conifer 41. Condensation 42. Chronic drinker 44. Historic period 45. Referendum 46. Ancient Roman god 47. Cavity 50. Storage space where wines are stored 51. Arithmetic operation 52. Value of Roman numerals LX 53. Liquid extracted from fruit or vegetables 54. Worship 55. Asian pepper plant 56. Assist in wrongdoing 57. Not any 58. Large marine food and game fish 60. Immense 62. Snare 64. Perish 66. Self NDec o v 226 - N-oJan v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 423 393 9, 22020 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 5- EASY SODOKU PUZZLE NO 4- EASY PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �N o. 39 3 |-NJan ov 29, - 2020 N o v 19, 2 0 423 18 Dec 26 | No. Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children RESOURCES Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside Bethany House 557-2873 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 131 E. 12th Street 45202 1125 Bank Street 45214 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelter: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street 45202 411 Gest St. 45203 Prospect House 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 First Step Home 961-4663 Shelter: Youth 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 471-1100 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Seraph Ministries 549-0542 St. George Food Pantry 2554 Dennis St. 45219 751-8771 St. Anthony Center 1615 Republic St. Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Housing: 15 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Cancer Justice Network 404-3882 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Gabriela Godinez Feregrino, 961-0600 email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 NDec o v 2 26 - N-oJan v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 9,22020 No. 423 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 � 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 2019 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 26, 2019-January 9, 2020 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: When the Truth Doesn’t Matter Pg 3: Criminalization Hitting the Fan at National Level Under Trump Appointment of Robert Marbut to Usiach Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Environmentalist Carol Van Strum Pg 6: Putting Impeachment in Perspective Homelessness Report Pg 7: You’ve Got Mail Pg 8: At the Crossroads of Art and Social Justice Pg 9: At the Crossroads of Art and Social Justice Continued Pg 10: Death and Debt Pg 11: Rising Seas Threaten Early and for Sinking Village in Philippines Pg 12: Street Voice Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 26, 2019-January 9, 2020 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gabriela Godinez Jonathan Emily Green Bill Woods Amanda Baker Casey Miller Sarah Shearman Eloisa Lopez Dr. Mark Mussman Willa Denise Jones June Alexander Kim Greene INSP.com Blake Burrell Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Amanda Baker Bill Woods Blake Burrell Carol Van Strum Casey Miller Donald Trump Dr. Mark Mussman Eloisa Lopez Emily Green Environmentalist Gabriela Godinez Impeachment INSP.com Jonathan June Alexander Kim Greene Philippines Sarah Shearman Social Justice Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/1cecee01aa159fe0b73e807478553bdf.pdf a4235cec3bb8261d3de16a63cabaa0df PDF Text Text D e c e m b e r 2 8 t h - J a n u a r y 1 1 t h 2 0 1 8 | Vo l . 2 1 I s s u e 2 4 ( N o . 3 9 7 ) advo cating justice | building communit y Any opinions in this issue are of the authors and don't necessarily represent Streetvibes or The Homeless Coalition. Article on page 5 This Issue is sponsored by Cecilia and Tom Kloecker Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 12 �2 COALITION Nov 2 o v 19, 0 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Dec. 28- -NJan. 11,22018 397 From The Director: 2018 In Summary And 2019 Plans T he human and financial support you add to our Coalition allows us to remain a vocal, active organization focused on organizing, advocating, educating and coordinating for systemic changes to end homelessness in Greater Cincinnati. In Cincinnati and Hamilton County more people are experiencing homelessness now than ever before. This includes single adults, couples, families with children and youth. Through research, we know that on an average day in 2018 the easily identifiable need for shelter is nearly double the capacity and 88% of families with children who sought shelter were turned away because there was no room. Our member organizations are constantly working and successfully assisting individuals and families in reaching sustainable housing. People are getting housed and receiving needed supports. Street-outreach workers are getting people into shelter. Food, employment assistance, medical and mental health care, detox and spiritual care are being provided. However, if we used all of the currently available resources perfectly, it would not be enough. In Hamilton County, we are short 40,019 affordable homes. 55,601 households or about 150,000 people are trying to fit into 15,581 affordable homes. In the last 15 years more than $2 billion in public and private funds have been invested in housing and yet we are in the throes of a housing and homelessness crisis. As a city, county and community we have spent funds on luxury housing for people who have homes, instead of investing in desperately needed housing for people without homes and on the edge. Currently the City puts almost no local funds into affordable housing, but we give tens of millions of dollars in property tax abatements to large market rate developers and the city doesn’t even asked if they plan to displace people from their homes or if they will include any affordable housing. Developers who displace and provoke homelessness get tax abatements. Of the 50 largest metropolitan areas, we have the tenth highest number of evictions. A person who rents can offer their rent to the landlord, who can refuse to accept it and then get the JOSH SPRING Executive Director Josh Spring Credit: Homeless Coalition court to evict for not paying rent. In addition to the trauma of homelessness, the housing crisis gives bad landlords the opportunity to exploit need by not maintaining properties and providing housing in horrible condition. Over the year we have worked with families who sleep in the living room because the rats or cockroaches in the bedrooms bite, people who can’t use rooms of their homes because of leaks, people with unsafe drinking water because it moves through heating pipes, ceilings that have fallen on children, living without a toilet, tub or stove, living without electricity because of landlord retaliation and on and on. If all of this were not terrible enough, this summer, the City and County decided to invest in criminalizing people living outside. It is now an arrestable offense in Hamilton County to experience homelessness outside on both public and private land. Solving problems like these require a Homeless Coalition that is able to act with the focus always on people experiencing and on the edge of homelessness, and our many wonderful member organizations. We are organizing with Tenants in buildings with approximately 3,656 threatened homes, housing approximately 10,968 people. In the last year this work in partnership with Tenants and our Member Organizations resulted in 823 homes saved for approximately 2,469 people. We successfully convinced city council to continue the restoration of Human Services funding and to increase funding to the Winter Shelter. When a women experiencing homelessness was harassed and discriminated against by an employee of a local Dunkin Donuts, we were able to proactively partner with the owners of this franchise and several others in the area to provide education about homelessness and empathy to all of their management staff through our Speakers’ Bureau program. We have led people experiencing homelessness outside to federally sue both the City and County for infringing upon their basic constitutionally protected human rights. This effort has the potential to not only change how things work here, but to assist people in other cities, states and regions. After much advocacy, city council voted to create an Affordable Housing Trust Fund and with our partners we started a significant effort to establish legislated protections for people who rent. In 2019 we plan to secure significant, permanent funding sources for the currently unfunded Affordable Housing Trust Fund. We will pursue the passage of protections from unjust evictions and the requirement that developers receiving tax abatements do not displace people and instead include affordable housing. We will continue to organize with hundreds of people living in threatened housing. We will fight for the end of the legalized criminalization of homelessness which only serves to deepen the trauma of homelessness. We will focus on joining with our Member Organizations and other partners to figure out what needs to be done on an immediate daily basis for people who currently can’t access shelter. If you are able, please invest in these systemic efforts to end and prevent homelessness. We need your investment. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Gabriela Godinez Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Sallie Mascus Layout: Gabriela Godinez Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper ------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Brian Taylor, Micheal Earl Patton, Bill Woods, Willa Jones, Dr. Mark Mussman, Kim Green, Robert Park, Siqi Cheng, Leah Rutz, Yuliya Milkitin, Kristina McKinley, M.T. ------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Homeless Coalition, pngtree. com, Gabriela Godinez, iStockphoto, pexels.com, ---------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 39 Nov 211, - N2018 o v 19, 2 0 18 Dec. 283-| Jan. | No. 397 COALITION 3 A Turbulent Year DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer A s we continue to fight for affordable housing, livable wages, and housing protections, there are powerful forces who oppose fairness, equality, and equity. Although 2018 has been a difficult year, it has been a time to remember that anything that comes easy is generally not very valuable. From our Education program, our Membership coordination, our Advocacy team, to Streetvibes, we have been working every day to ensure that our mission will be fulfilled: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition is a unified social action agency, fully committed to its ultimate goal: the eradication of homelessness with respect for the dignity and diversity of its membership, people experiencing homelessness and the community. Our Coalition works towards this goal by coordinating services, educating the public, and engaging in grassroots organizing and advocacy. Over the course of the year, the Education program has been focused on quality programming that leads to action. We started off the year in Community Council Meetings, and we are ending the year embedded in student projects from middle school to graduate studies. The year included the first corporate training, which resulted in managers becoming trained from four local stores. The year also saw new faces for the CUE trips, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and also from Baldwin Wallace College. We are already booking new schools for Spring Break, and we are continuing the tradition with other schools that come frequently. We did two educational events, Left in the Cold and Know Your Rights!, at the public library in concert with all of the Homeless Coalition staff. We did this to help the public understand the complexities of homelessness in Cincinnati. Throughout the year, we engaged with many communities through our speaking engagements, social justice walking tours, and Streetvibes shadow activities. We worked with many schools and churches to provide top-notch experiences which give participants a solid foundation, both experiential and the vocabulary, to confront harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about poverty and social services in Cincinnati. We worked closely with one local high school to provide opportunities through their Service Week to learn about the history and struggle in Over-the-Rhine. Following an intense week of speakers and tours, one of the chaperone, a school counselor, gave us this unsolicited feedback: “I just wanted to say thank you so much for working with our students this week. I think this week with the Homeless Coalition was a big eye-opener — I hope that it generates some fierce community advocates. I am so grateful to have community partners like you that make this project work. You have definitely planted a seed with many of our students by giving them the opportunity to see their world through a different lens.” Our advocacy team has been working non-stop to ensure that people are able to stay in their homes. We help organize tenant organizations to create a unified voice to fight back against displacement. Over the year, hundreds of homes have been saved, while the strength of the tenants organizations has increased in private and public housing through the work of our organizers and the tenacity of the residents. When housing was threatened by the FC Cincinnati stadium project, the advocacy team stepped up to help illuminate the issues that were looming. Although FC Cincinnati received CPS and Cincinnati City Council’s unwavering support, the voices of the residents of the West End were heard more loudly. Meeting after meeting, our team worked with residents to craft their message and make sure that it was heard. The solidarity that we were able to create has bolstered our efforts, and will lead to stronger organizing in the future. As the Third Street encampment was threatened, the advocacy team stood up to the business, city, county, and law enforcement officials who schemed to remove people from public sight. The efforts to remove people from the underpass and Third Street were not informed by data, but rather by the whims of powerful people in the city. The leaders made unfounded claims of health issues, yet provided no evidence to back up their claims. While they worked together to skirt existing laws protecting people experiencing homelessness, our entire organization threw ourselves into making sure that people were not mistreated. We collected stories, coordinated services, advocated for housing and shelter, secured a lawyer, wrote legal documents, filed claims, and more. During this time, countless hours were needed to observe the police and city officials, who employed tactics meant to confuse residents of the encampment. Waking them up at 6am, telling them to vacate, but giving them no options, the Cincinnati Police Officers themselves expressed that they were just doing their jobs, and that they understood that there is no room in the shelter. The conditions of the court order required them to follow the order, or they themselves would be arrested. This condition applied to all city employees, including City Council. While we are still embattled in the legal suit to ensure that people have their federally protected Constitutional rights, we continue to aid our member organizations in negotiations, fundraising, coordination of services, and other support. Through membership we are able to take donations to the right location, help them improve their services, herald their accomplishments, get volunteers, and improve their funding. We are able to act as the political voice to our 65+ member organizations, who may have their lips sealed due to funding realities. This year, we were able to secure an increase in the Human Services Fund, including direct city funding to the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Winter Shelter. Advocacy around a Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including writing the motion and legislation to support the fund, was successful in getting a fund established this year. The goal of the fund is to create and sustain affordable housing in Cincinnati, yet it is not funded yet. This year also saw a monumental change with Streetvibes, which gives people an opportunity to become an entrepreneur, by distributing this paper. Our long-term Editor was replaced by a new Editor-in-chief, who has employed new design and content techniques. The process in finding the new Editorin-chief was long and arduous, but has already yielded many benefits. We strive to include new voices, voices that are typically underrepresented in media, and the last few editions of the paper have done just that. The new graphical nature of the paper is eye-catching, and has elicited many positive responses. I am excited to see Streetvibes grow. The Homeless Coalition, and our staff, have quietly received many awards this year. The reward for the work we do is often non-tangible — knowing that we helped educate thousands of people about homelessness, affordable housing, and displacement; knowing that we were able to ensure that people are able to stay in their homes; knowing that our member organizations have the support they need; knowing that people who are just trying to survive aren’t swept under the rug; knowing that the opportunity to earn money through entrepreneurship — these rewards can not be quantified, but each piece helps us to stay engaged in the struggle to eradicate homelessness. Please consider joining the Homeless Coalition, as an organization, or an individual, because you will make our coalition stronger. �4 COALITION N o v 228 - N- oJan. v 19, 2 02018 18 | N o . 393 Dec. 11, | No. 397 How To Respond To Panhandling Hello, I am not able to give money, but I hope you have a great day. I have to keep walking but thanks for saying hello. Seeking Compassion Hi, how are you? Sure, here is a little bit. Have a good day. * Make eye contact * Smile * Have compassion When you meet a fellow human who is asking for help, it may make you feel uncomfortable.This does not mean that person does not deserve the same rights as you. Cities are increasingly criminalizing people who are financially poor with laws, such as making it illegal to sit on sidewalks.This works to remove people from sight, but is not a humane or sustainable solution. To learn more about the lack of affordable housing and inadequacy of services that contributes to panhandling, contact the Homeless Coalition at (513) 421 2701. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 3928 3 |-N ov 2 11, - No v 19,| 2 0 18397 Dec. Jan. 2018 No. 5 COALITION The Tired, The Poor, and The Huddled Masses GABRIELA GODINEZ Editor-in-chief 7 year old Jakelin Caal Maquin was detained by border patrol on December 8th, 2018 along with “163 migrants, including 50 unaccompanied children” according to the Associated Press. There were apparently only 4 border patrol agents holding all these people in one bus on route to a station about 94 miles away. On this trip, Jakelin started to feel ill, vomiting, causing her father to notify the agents that she needed medical attention. According to NBC News, she would receive this medical attention 90 minutes later once they arrived at the station “but by then she had stopped breathing.” At this point in the news cycle we all know what happened. After being transported to El Paso, Texas she died. Still even almost a month later after her death we aren’t completely sure what happened. The general consensus seems to be that she died of septic shock, the third and final stage in infection resulting in sepsis. We still don’t have all the information and most likely never will because of a combination of medical privacy and lack of border patrol communication. Though many were surprised to hear such news, Washington Post reporters Scott Allen and Pamela McPherson, were not. They had sent a letter raising their concerns to the Senate Whistleblowing Caucus. The letter, sent to Chairman Charles E. Grassley and Vice Chairman Ron Wyden, read: “We have conducted ten investigations of family detention facilities, the Karnes and Dilley detention centers in Texas, the Berks detention center in Pennsylvania, and the one closed facility, Artesia in New Mexico, over the past four years. Those investigations, usually prompted by complaints, frequently revealed serious compliance issues resulting in harm to children, which we have documented in submitted reports to CRCL. Our close familiarity with past problems inform our belief that the current immigration policy poses the likely risk of noncompliance with existing family detention center standards that will directly result in harm to children.” In their article, Allen and McPherson include the original letter and describe their lack of surprise of this death. Jakelin Caal Maquin’s death was not a surprise to anyone keeping up with immigration conditions and policies in this country. To this administration, undocumented immigrants are seen as nothing more than disposable dangerous criminals, even the 7-year-olds. This level of dehumanization can be seen time and time again in. We saw it with the detention centers in Texas where underage children were forced to live outside in over 100-degree weather with nothing other than tents to cover them from the elements. Though it’s easy to blame Trump and his administration for the current climate of dehumanization, in reality this is rooted in America’s DNA. America was birthed from murder and colonization as a result of European migration. Europeans looking for a better life and fleeing religious persecution, might I add. Later in the 19th century America loathed the Irish refugee crisis, and wanted nothing to do with Italian immigrants. And don’t forget the 1911 Dillingham Commission Report that said, “certain kinds of criminality are inherent in the Italian race. In the popular mind, crimes of personal violence, robbery, blackmail and extortion are peculiar to the people of Italy.” Sound familiar? Coming back to the modern era, many want to romanticize the Obama Administration. We shouldn’t. It is important to realize and remember that deportation rates were higher under Obama than they are now, and death in detention centers was not unheard of. In 2015, José de Jesús Deniz Sahagun died under suspicious circumstances while being held in a detention center. NPR’s Latino USA reported on this story noting that he had been distraught in the days before his death, having run to the Arizona boarder patrol checkpoint “saying he feared for his life and needed help.” NPR reported that José de Jesús while was chocking, video showed the staff doing nothing to help him. While he asphyxiated, his family member called the detention center to talk to him; the staff told the family member that he was fine. His death was ruled a suicide after an orange sock was found logged in José’s throat. NPR said that ICE released a report saying that in José’s death “the detention center failed to meet several agency standards.” That’s not to say that this administration has done anything to better the “othering” mentality set in motion at the genesis of America. In May of 2018, Claudia Patricia Gomez Gonzalez was shot to death by border patrol agents. In an article published by The Guardian, it is reported “Gómez died in circumstances that remain unclear, in an overgrown lot framed by ramshackle homes.” Originally the agents had said Claudia was a part of a group of “assailants” that attacked with “blunt objects” in an attempt to resist arrest. However, after a neighbor released a video of the incident, a new statement was drafter where according The Guardian Claudia was referenced as “a member of the group” instead of “an assailant”. They report the statement had “some details [that] were changed and there was no reference to ‘blunt objects.’” I could go on forever writing about all the times u nd o c u me nte d immigrants were seen as rabid dogs rather than people in need of help. Migrants are being pepper-sprayed and gunned down at the boarder. Children are being separated from their parents and permanently mentally scarred. There is no humanity at this militarized boarder. There is no compassion. There is no empathy. Yet, the hopeful still come with the American dream in their hearts and perseverance in their hands. We should be outraged by this administration and their dehumanization of migrants. We should be disgusted by these practices. While writing this article in an attempt to remind the public of these other unjust events, another child died. On Christmas Eve 2018, while in US c usto dy, 8-yearold Felipe AlonzoGomez died in THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED circumstances not yet known to the public, though we do know he was diagnosed with the common cold. We need to decide what kind of America we want to live in and unite to have it come to fruition. I implore you to donate to those at the boarder trying to work on this issue. I ask you to raise awareness and not let this lack of humanity go unnoticed. Though change seems like an enormous challenge, you can help by putting pressure on your political representatives to change immigration policies. Finally, I ask you to remember José, Claudia, Jakelin, and Felipe. I ask you to remember all of those who suffered and died in the pursuit of happiness. �GLOBAL 6 N o v 2 28 - N-oJan. v 19, 2 02018 18 | N . 393 Dec. 11, | oNo. 397 A Migrant Turned Saviour of Others Armand Laughy is a migrant from Cameroon. Her own experiences pushed her to campaign on migration issues, shifting from being a regugee herself to becoming an activist. Photo Credit: El Mahdi Hannane/IPS El Mahdi Hannane Inter Press Service S even years ago, when Cameroon began experiencing inter-regional conflict, Armand Loughy, a 55-year old Cameroonian psychiatrist, strapped her youngest child on her back and with her five other children embarked on the dangerous Journey from Cameroon towards Rabat, Morocco’s capital. They fled the deteriorating security situation in Cameroon, looking for a better life. Loughy, who is now also a migrant activist based in Morocco, listened attentively to the on-going discussions during the opening ceremony of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Marrakech. Her own experiences pushed her to campaign on migration issues, shifting from being a refugee herself to becoming an activist—one of the most vocal personalities in the Moroccan civil so- ciety space. “We went through the desert and where the fear consumed us. Many of my fellow migrants got hurt by bandits and died—in the most horrible way with their bodies dumped in the desert,” Loughy recalls. After arriving in Morocco, she faced many difficulties in finding a job before finally securing work at a psychiatric clinic in Rabat. With a well-paying job, Loughy could easily have forgotten her traumatic journey and suffering and moved on. But she chose not to—her decision to start helping migrants came at the right time as Morocco was also establishing favourable policies on how to handle migrants. This policy shift, according to Loughy, enabled her to become “a candle that would light up the darkness of migrants.” In 2014, she founded the Association of Women Migrants in Morocco, working to attract other migrants. Gradually, her association gained respect in the civil society space. “In the beginning, the children of the poor neighbourhood where I was active threw stones at me,” Loughy says. “But after many months of continuous work, I became familiar and respected by locals and migrants.” Her organisation is active in the Sidi Musa district of Salé—about 330 kilometres north of Marrakech— where hundreds of migrants occupy small rooms, either working or begging on the streets, and then returning to the ghetto in the evening. The children of these migrants, some of whom were born in Morocco, until recently had nothing to do. Some accompanied mothers to beg, others played in the neighbourhood all day without any clear future—a painful reality that Loughy and her organisation acted upon. She presented a proposal to Salé’s Regional Directorate of Education and Training, and her ideas were welcomed. Classrooms were allocated within the public educational institutions for migrants’ children. These have now become independent departments with their own teaching staff, and now even teach local Moroccan students. “We are trying to use education THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED as a tool for integration,” Loughy says, adding the association is making a big drive to inform migrants about the importance of education to ensure as many children as possible are enrolled into school. Many migrants, especially those who do not have residence documents, remain sceptical of these types of initiatives, Loughy says. But the hope is that better educated children of migrants can inspire change at home and between communities. Loughy dreams of a united African continent and believes that the best way to achieve coexistence among the continent’s peoples is through education and knowledge. After listening to discussions at the GCM about the tools and partnerships needed to give that dream a chance, she will leave Marrakech to return to spreading education among the children of Morocco’s migrants “We have learnt that when students start living together, then parents can also learn how to coexist,” Loughy says. Courtesy of Inter Press Service / INSP.ngo �N o. 3928 3 |-NJan. ov 2 11, - N o2018 v 19,| 2 0 18397 Dec. No. GLOBAL 7 Former Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi: “We must not fear diversity” DANIELA PALUMBO Scarp de’tenis W hile visiting the boys and girls of the Manzoni Liceo Classico in Milan, Shirin Ebadi urged them to “Never be afraid to follow your dreams, even at the cost of sacrifices or one’s own life, because it is always worth the effort if they are dreams of rights and justice.” At 71 years of age, Ebadi – who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 – was the eleventh woman to be awarded the prize. She was also the first Iranian woman and the first Muslim woman to be recognized by the Swedish Academy. Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Prize for her work in defense of human rights and democracy. In September, the Iranian lawyer was invited to speak by the ACLI [Christian Associations of Italian Workers] in Milan, who were hosting a day of insight and study on the themes of democracy and active citizenship, promoted by the ACLI and Coordination Milanese under the title of “Peace in the City”. Ebadi has lived in London since 2009 and lives in voluntary exile in a secret location. However, she continues to fight for freedom and human rights in her home country. “Democracy has a cost,” Ebadi told us, “and the cost is high. One may pay for freedom with one’s life, but you must never cease to fight. In Italy, you owe your freedom and democracy to the sacrifice of your fathers and grandfathers. And we have to do the same. If people are not ready to pay for the price of democracy, they will never be free. In my country as well, we will have to pay that price.” Her words reflect a thought which Ebadi has always held to since before receiving the Nobel Prize: the Iranian lawyer sees no conflict between Islam and fundamental human rights and has always declared that she does not want foreigners to impose human rights in Iran. Rather, it must be the Iranian people who must lead the fight for freedom, but they must do this peacefully through resistance and the democratic process. Shirin Ebadi was the first female judge in her country before the Islamic Revolution of Khomeini in 1979 eliminated the laws of equality which had been laboriously achieved via the reforms of the White Revolution [series of social and economic reforms carried out by the Shah before the Islamic Revolution] of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Close to 40 years since 16 January, 1979, the day on which Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi left Iran for exile, the country still does not recognize equality among men and women. Even if it has been to simply put an end to imposed economic sanctions which sent the country into a state of severe crisis, the current president Hassan Rouhani has sought to come to terms with the West by resolving the nuclear controversy and promising minor reforms. Ebadi, however, is in no doubt. “There is a statistic which has led me to understand how far we still are from justice on the international level,” she says. “Currently half of all the arms produced in the word are sold and used in the Middle East. Today, Iran is still an Islamic Republic where women are harshly discriminated [against]. More she thinks of the walls that Europe continues to build in order to repel those fleeing from war and famine. “I am grief stricken by the walls that rise between people,” she admits. “Migrants could be an opportunity for development in Europe. If you teach them your language and a trade, then these people can be of use to you as workers. The population of Europe is aging, and too much water over the plant, thinking that it will make it grow as fast as it would in a year: we know that it would die [of overwatering]. A democracy is the same: if it is not watched over by the citizens, it dies.” Short Biography Shirin Ebadi was born in 1947 in Hamadan and, in 1948, her family Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi poses during a news conference to launch a commission to draft before the "International Declaration on Information and Democracy" hold by Human rights group Reporters Without Borders in Paris, France, September 11, 2018. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes than 60 per cent of the students in university are women, but the rate of unemployment among women is three times that among men. In Iran, many discriminatory laws against women have been passed after the revolution of 1979. We are fighting to change these laws. We succeeded, only in part, with the custody law for minors which was changed in 2004 in favor of the mother. However, today a man in Iran can have 4 wives at the same time. Without warning or reason, he can renounce his marriage, but, for women, divorce remains very difficult.” This coincides with the recent killing of the so-called child bride, Zeinab Sekaanvand, who was condemned to death for having killed her husband (in self-defence and as a result of the violence she had been subjected to), despite still being a minor. The appeals of Amnesty International were futile. According to the organization, which is dedicated to the protection of human rights, there have been at around 90 executions since 2005, of which at least 5 occurred in 2018. In jails around the country there are another 80 people awaiting execution who were minors at the time that they committed their crimes. We also asked Shirin Ebadi what you should take advantage of this opportunity. This way, you will avoid further betraying your own principles of justice and democracy upon which Europe is founded. Today, Europe is betraying those virtues.” Ebadi added, moreover, that she did not agree with the common perception that violence against woman is increasing. “Before, women did not have the courage to speak; now, they have become aware of their rights. The violence is the result of a patriarchal society and sometimes the law is wrong. I witnessed courts and judges affirm that violent practices are ingrained in tradition and, as such, must be accepted. It’s not right! When one accepts violence as a part of the tradition of the society in which one lives it perpetuates it.” An issue close to Ebadi’s heart, and one which gives her hope, is young people. “We must watch over children at school. We have to teach them the meaning of democracy,” she reasons. “We need to teach children that the duty of every citizen is not simply to go and vote, but that a citizen must also check the actions of the government. If you have a nice plant, you have to water it every day and check whether it is getting enough sunlight. You can’t pour THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED moved to Tehran. There, she studied jurisprudence in order to become a magistrate. From 1975 to 1979 she fulfilled the role of president for a section of the court of Tehran; however, after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Shirin was forced to abandon the magistracy. After many struggles she was recognized as a “legal expert” and the only possible way for her to continue in her work was to be an advisor to the court. She refused. In 1992, she obtained authorization to operate as a lawyer and opened her own practice. As a lawyer, she continues to deal with cases of dissidents in conflict with the Iranian legal system. She is often part of civil cases in the midst of trials against the Iranian secret service. In 1994, she founded the Society for Protecting the Child’s Rights, a nongovernmental organization whose aim is the defence of childhood and of which she is still the manager today. On October 10 2003, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her book, Until We Are Free (Bompiani) was published in 2016. Translated from Italian by Daniel Carroll Courtesy of Scarp de’ tenis / INSP. ngo �FEATURE 8 N o v 228 - N v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Dec. - oJan. 11,2 02018 397 As smoke clears, capturing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Above) Palestinian demonstrators shout during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest demanding the right to return to their homeland, at the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City, April 6, 2018. REUTERS/ Mohammed Salem. (Below) Palestinian demonstrators run for cover from Israeli fire and tear gas during a protest against U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and ahead of the 70th anniversary of Nakba, at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip, May 14, 2018. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa MOHAMMED SALEM Reuters T he Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed in black and white, an outlook captured by this image of Palestinian youths shrouded by clouds of smoke that block out everything except an isolated moment of protest and defiance. Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem's photograph of a handful of demonstrators in a field of dying flowers and charred grass recorded a new phenomenon in an old war – the weekly Palestinian protests that began in the spring of 2018 along the GazaIsraeli border. The protests pitted thousands of Palestinian demonstrators against heavily armed Israeli soldiers on the other side of the fortified border fence intent on stopping the protesters from crossing or approaching the frontier. What became known as the "Great March of Return" dominated the headlines for months, evolving into a compelling but deadly form of attritional public spectacle, all covered by photojournalists risking their lives to document it. Taking place in a handful of accessible locations at prearranged times, the protests became battlegrounds of image and spin for both sides. The Israeli military published video footage, pictures and social media posts in Hebrew, English and Arabic to support its message that its forces were engaged in "riot dispersal". Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls Gaza, televised images of the Palestinian dead and wounded, and Palestinian protesters posted images from the front lines on social media. The primary stated purpose of the protests was to revive a demand by refugees for the right to return to lands that Palestinians were driven from or fled when Israel was founded in 1948. Israel has ruled out any such right, concerned that the country would lose its Jewish majority. But the immediate factor was Palestinian anger at U.S. President Donald Trump's decisions on 6 December last year to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to begin preparations to move its embassy to the city that is sacred to three of the great monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Trump's move delighted Israel's government, which regards Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish people, but infuriated Palestinians, who claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Gaza. The deadliest day of the protests was 14 May, when the new embassy held its opening ceremony. It fell on a THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED symbolic date for both sides - the 70th anniversary of the creation of Israel. That is a joyous day for Israelis, but an event regarded by Palestinians as their "Nakba" or Catastrophe when they lost their homeland. The Jerusalem-Gaza juxtaposition made headlines at home and abroad, and produced a worldwide split-screen television moment as Trump's daughter Ivanka attended the embassy ceremony, even as Israeli troops killed around 60 Palestinian protesters just over 70 kilometres (43 miles) away. The border protests continued and morphed into other forms. Israelis were angered by another new phenomenon first seen in 2018 the Palestinian 'fire kites' and balloons loaded with petrol bombs by Gaza militants and sent flying over the border. Palestinians continued to call for an end to an Israeli-led blockade on Gaza. The conflict switched to the skies in November when a bungled Israeli commando mission inside Gaza erupted into a deadly gunfight and then the fiercest Palestinian rocket salvoes and Israeli air strikes since the 2014 war. The skies fell quiet again as the year drew to a close, giving way to ceasefires and mediation efforts, as all sides waited for the Trump administration to unveil its long-expected Middle East peace plan. Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo �No. 39 ov 211, - N2018 o v 19,| No. 2 0 18 Dec. 283 -| NJan. 397 FEATURE 9 (Above) A Palestinian demonstrator hurls stones at Israeli troops during a protest where Palestinians demand the right to return to their homeland, at the border fence between Israel and Gaza, east of Gaza City August 31, 2018. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (Below) Mourners carry the body of Palestinian Mosab al-Tamimi, 17, who was killed during a confrontation between Israeli troops and Palestinian stonethrowing protesters, during his funeral near the West Bank city of Ramallah January 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED N o v 228 - N v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Dec. - oJan. 11,2 02018 397 �No. 39 ov 211, - N2018 o v 19,| No. 2 0 18 Dec. 283 -| NJan. 397 11 GLOBAL Where Does Democracy Stand: A Year End Status Report BILL WOODS Contributing Writer A s 2018 comes to a close, what is the status of political reform in the U.S., Ohio, and locally? The end of the year offers a good time to evaluate achievements and failures, and 2018 brought both ups and downs for activists and groups working to restore the health of democracy in this country. With so much of the news media focused on the horrors of the White House, there is a tendency to emphasize gloom when writing about politics. A closer examination, however, reveals some positive results that reformers can celebrate. In Ohio, Congressional redistricting reform won a big victory in May. As 2018 started, the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the other organizations that comprised the Fair Districts/Fair Elections Coalition were preparing their final signature gathering in order to qualify their Congressional Redistricting Constitutional Amendment proposal for the ballot. Suddenly, members of both Houses of the Ohio General Assembly began talking about putting their own proposed Amendment on the May ballot. The citizen Coalition let members of the House and Senate know that they were prepared to attack and to campaign vigorously against any proposal that failed to adequately eliminate gerrymandering. To the reformers' surprise, the Republican majority in both chambers worked with their Democratic colleagues to produce Amendment language that the Fair Districts Coalition could support. Although not perfect, the proposal included enough stipulations to insure that one party gerrymandering would end if the voters approved it. In the proposed new redistricting process, half the members of the two major parties in both Houses must approve the newly drawn Congressional districts. The process also requires public input, and besides public hearings, citizens are invited to submit district map plans to the drafting committee. Further, the proposal calls for compact districts that keep the splitting of counties and large cities to a minimum. With both major parties supporting this genuine reform proposal, reform groups viewed this as a win/win situation, and actively got behind what became know as Issue I in the brief campaign that ensued. Locally, the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and Applied Information Resources held forums, wrote newsletters and letters to the editor, and sought organizational endorsements. Examples of religious community involvement can be seen in the informal support of the Faith Community Alliance, and the formal endorsement of Issue I by Christ Church Cathedral. On May 8th, Issue I won a lopsided victory at the polls. This major reform win in Ohio, plus some positive court rulings on redistricting in several other states constitute the most tangible successes for political reform in 2018. Voting rights is another issue that received a lot of attention both national and locally. With the midterm elections taking place, protecting voting rights and helping people know the stumbling blocks that could prevent them from voting ranked high on the agendas of traditional reform organizations. Furthermore, some non-traditional groups also got involved in attempting to reach populations that tend not to vote in non-presidential election years. Locally, an informal coalition emerged last fall with a focus on voting rights and reaching out to those groups that often have difficulties with the whole voting process. The Ohio Poor People's Campaign, the Faith Community Alliance, the NAACP, For Our Future Fund, Project AMOS, and Applied Information Resources were part of this grassroots effort. Voting certainly was up in the midterms, but too little statistical data is available to measure the impact on reaching those vulnerable voter populations. The last and most disturbing problem confronting reformers is the warping impact of "big money" on our elections. The 2018 midterms provided a dismal example of this impact by ending up as the most expensive non- presidential election in U.S. history. When election costs at all levels were added up, this election cost 5.2-billion dollars. Locally, this provided reformers with a lot of data that showed the desperate need for change. Applied Information Resources, Common, Cause, and the League of Women Voters organized a Halloween event entitled "The Horrors of Money In Politics" to call attention to all the "dark money" that was flowing into Ohio and Cincinnati. Cincinnati took a small but significant step in terms of dealing with money in politics this November. By a large margin, local voters passed a Cincinnati Charter Amendment that restored individual contribution limits to Council and Mayoral elections. Such small steps, however, need to be celebrated in order to take on the bigger battles that must still be waged. Everyone has the right to reproduce Katharina Wasmeier Strassenkreuzer S imone Hartmann is a 57-year old social worker who has been working at the German NGO Pro Familia since 2000. The organisation gives people – and those with disabilities in particular – advice about everything concerning sexuality and pregnancy. Referring to people with either physical or sensory impairments, Hartmann says that “anyone living independently and self-sufficiently will, by and large, make decisions by themselves and will usually have the children they want to have.” But it’s a different story for those with severe or mental disabilities. “They are excluded from the whole topic from the very beginning,” Hartmann explains. Many people with mental illnesses have a legal carer, who is quite often also a parent. This is where the first issue crops up: how can concerned parents support their child objectively and neutrally, instead of making decisions for their child? Hartmann admits that this is “a difficult task for parents”, who often act unlawfully despite having their child’s best interests at heart. It’s a sensitive issue located between power and dependency; a fine line between assistance and freedom. A related sensitive topic is that of forced sterilisation, which was practised until just a few decades ago before it was “superseded by discouragement”, according to psychologist Ursula PixaKettner in one of her studies on the topic. Bullied into using contraception The criteria in Germany for those with mental illnesses looking to have a child are far from optimal. “As far as I’m aware, there is no permanent residential facility in the whole of Bavaria for disabled people with their children,” Simone Hartmann says. She laments the fact that the higher assistance needs are simply unaffordable. That’s why the criteria to get into this type of housing is to have three-month-injections administered, as these act as a guarantee of contraception. Hartmann calls this “a scandal”. “Every institution has the legal obligation to allow a person to have a child, but they’re not carrying through with this obligation,” Hartmann explains. Those who are “relatively happy with the idea of living and having a partner and receiving no assistance” find it most difficult to receive help. In addition to that, they are seen by some as a failure. “Just because it might be difficult having a child is no reason not to have a child,” Hartmann says. While non-disabled people are rarely questioned about starting a family, people are usually more critical when it comes to those with disabilities, and tend to “see what they cannot do, rather than what they can,” Hartmann reasons. The result, says Hartmann, is “discouragement and contraception [being given] without [the individual] having been adequately informed”. While sterilisation is now a thing of the past, healthcare workers will still knowingly or unknowingly exceed their authority and uninformed doctors will still supposedly act above board. So how can the individuals affected defend themselves? “It takes support and courage,” says Hartmann, who is one of the experts who restore such individual’s faith, find support for them and offer comprehensive advice. “I look at the couple’s living situation and then provide them with information,” THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Simone Hartmann, Photo Credit: Anika Maaß she says. “The couple’s finances, applications, abilities, assistance needs and possible changes in the relationship are all factors that will affect a child’s welfare and they also indicate areas where problems may arise. Rather than discouraging or encouraging them, I just look at things realistically with my clients, without allowing myself to judge their ability to be parents. No-one can judge that.” Translated from German by Heather Davies Courtesy of Strassenkreuzer / INSP.ngo �12 The Squirrel Was there But It wasn't known Until The sound Of the Leaves Were Crunching And his long Thick Floppy tail Was spotted And then In a blink Of an eye He Was gone Proceeding with Perfect balance Running STREET VOICE Up the Branches Of the tree Taking a peek At me Every now And then With His Little bitty eyes But the squirrel Was on a Mission To accomplish Its goal To get the acorn At the top of the tree The little squirrel That looked Back at me He got the acorn From the top Of the tree And gracefully KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer N o v 28 2 - -NJan. o v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 Dec. 11,22018 No. 397 No Title Still had connects Same areas went safe Labels cast in them Energy things isn’t what it seems to be. Equitable resources. Not too happy with this Not feelings sense of community Missed old time neighborhood store Keen to reach our destination Leaning on others for their help Respecting each other Listening is a job sometimes CLEO WOMBLES Streetvibes Distributor Contributing Writer Streetvibes Writing Circle If you would like to submit a story for publication in streetvibes, come join Katelyn Lusher and Chris Wilkey for a group writing session! S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �STREET VOICE No. 39 Nov 2 - N o v 19, 2 0 18 Dec. 283-|Jan. 11, 2018 | No. 397 The Haunted White House Mother Goose "It's just a witch hunt, " says Prez Trump, 13 Peaslee Neighborhood Center has a continued partnership with Rothenberg Preparatory Academy, conducing the Girls Writing Circle in the after school program. Both in his tweets and out on the stump. Our circle creates an open and safe space To us it's becoming more and more clear, for girls to express themselves, and be heard As all the scary witches begin to appear. and validated by their peers. Our hope is to give our girls an opportunity to discover and This White House should be living in fear display their creativity, opinions, and voices From major haunting in the coming year. through a process that is grounded in respect and an appreciation for each girl's unique BILL WOODS Contributing Writer gifts. The Joy You Gave Me Thank you For everything you did. You have gave me joy, In my heart. When I’m sad, You have been there. When I needed your help, You have been listening to me, When all the boys Got on my nerves. So you have taught me a lot of things Like--Joy Hope Courage Respect And you have taught me to be patient! MAYA HILL Junior Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �PUZZLES 14 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 188 Across 1. Aquatic bird 5. Leporid mammal 9. Project 13. Judicious 14. Fragrance 16. Musical instrument 17. Song for solo voice 18. Ermine 19. Depend 20. Lustrous jewel 22. Spike heel 24. Fish 26. Spline 27. Ranch 30. Abrasion 35. Spoil 36. Slops 39. Conceals 40. Succulent 42. Slumber 44. Secret look 45. Tusk 47. River embankment 49. Travel a route regularly 50. Bear the expenses of 52. Luxury crafts 54. Wealthy 57. Definite article 58. Roamed 62. Desert haven 66. Edible root 67. Fragrant flower 69. Bad-mannered 70. Report or maintain 71. Greek letter 72. Woody plant 73. Ray 74. Rise rapidly 75. Time period PUZZLE SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD #168 Down 1. Exchange 2. Finishing line on a racetrack 3. Continent 4. Closer 5. Possesses 6. Humanities 7. Origin 8. Electronic communication 9. Civil wrong 10. Assist in wrongdoing 11. Unaccompanied 12. Tonality 15. Book of maps 21. Residue from fermentation 23. Engrave 25. Rules enforced by authority 27. Unguent 28. Measure of alcoholic strength 29. Aromatic herb 31. Strech of turbulent water 32. Proficient 33. Removes the outer skin 34. Catch sight of 35. Female domestic 37. On the sheltered side 38. Impose and collect 41. Make a mistake 43. Kind of humate 46. Unit of length 48. Reverberation 51. Output 53. Cordial 55. Weeps 56. Greeting 58. Breaker 59. Length by width 60. Average 61. Information 63. Certain 64. Notion 65. Oracle 66. Restaurant bill 68. Caboose N o v 228 - N o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Dec. - Jan. 11,2 02018 397 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 390 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 389- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 ov 211, - N2018 o v 19, 2 0 18 Dec. 283 -| N Jan. | No. 397 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 RESOURCES St. George Food Pantry 751-8771 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 411 Gest St. 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 2121 Vine Street 45202 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Starting Over 961-2256 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 471-1100 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Housing: 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Food/Clothing Health 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 15 Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Cancer Justice Network 404-3882 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your 961-0600 business. For more information contact Gabriela Godinez Feregrino, Center for Respite Care 621-1868 email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 N o v 228 - N v 19, 2 02018 18 | N o . 393 Dec. - oJan. 11, | No. 397 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 � 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 2018 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 28, 2017-January 11, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: A Turbulent Year Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: The Tired, The Poor, and the Huddled Masses Pg 6: A Migrant Turned Saviour of Others Pg 7: Former Nobel Peace Prize Winner Shirin Ebadi Pg 8: As Smoke clears, Capturing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Pg 9: As Smoke clears, Capturing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Continued Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Where Does Democracy Stand Everyone Has the Right to Reproduce Pg 12: Street Voice Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 28, 2017-January 11, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Brian Taylor Michael Earl Patton Bill Woods Willa Jones Dr. Mark Mussman Kim Green Robert Park Siqi Cheng Leah Rutz Yuliya Milkitin Kristina McKinley M.T. Homeless Coalition Pngtree.com Gabriela Godinez iStockphoto Pexels.com Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Bill Woods Brian Taylor Dr. Mark Mussman FC Gabriela Godinez Homeless Coalition Israel iStockphoto Josh Spring Kim Green Kristina McKinley Leah Rutz M.T. Michael Earl Patton Migrant Nobel Peace Prize Palestine Pexels.com Pngtree.com protest Robert Park Shirin Ebadi Siqi Cheng Willa Jones Yuliya Milkitin https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/31712c1c3389e454555c81cf6582185e.pdf 34f5c5f3fef850a6f29f43aa5b099858 PDF Text Text December 29th - January 11th 2018 | Vol. 21 Issue 1 (No. 372) advocating justice | building community Photo Essay: Homeless Memorial | 9 This Issue is sponsored by Christ Church Cathedral INSIDE THIS ISSUE At Least 135 People Are Dead | 2 A Christmas Truce | 5 A Brand New Day | 3 "Regionalism" is a Buzzword Designed to Delay Transit Levy | 2 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 D LOCAL From The Director: At Least 135 People Dead ecember 21st was National Homeless Memorial Day. We gathered with about ninety people in Washington Park to honor those who died while without a home and because of homelessness in Cincinnati and Hamilton County in 2017. We honor those we know have passed and those whom we do not know about. This year we know of at least 133 people who died because of solvable systematic problems. The number of people dying because of homelessness in Cincinnati and Hamilton County is rising. In 2016 we knew of 72 people. This year that number has increased to at least 133 people. Homelessness is a systematic problem that shortens the lives of people. The average age of persons on our list was 51 years old. People shared memories, sadness, frustration and a commitment to fight homelessness. We lit candles and each person called out the name of someone who passed. Even with a larger turnout many people had to read multiple names. With enough affordable housing and full opportunity to meet basic needs these 135 important people and the people we don't know about would still be alive. These many people in our city and county have died because as a society, as a local government, and as a community we have not made the necessary D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 JOSH SPRING Executive Director Josh Spring Credit: Homeless Coalition systematic changes to prevent death from homelessness. Can there be a stronger call to do what it takes to end homelessness than people dying from it? 135 people. 135 hurting families, sets of friends and service providers. This was not some predestined ordained time for these folks. It was not " their time to go". The time they died was established by our society, the way we govern, the way we conduct business, and our community's priorities. This is not exaggeration. It’s the truth. We and these organizations and people with us are working to change this and prevent the loss of life from homelessness. As we enter 2018 our Coalition will continue its work to create a Local Affordable Housing Trust Fund to legislatively generate funds to build and maintain affordable housing. We will continue to work for development practices that promote affordable housing instead of eliminating it. We will fight for increases in Human Services spending, decriminalization of homelessness, fund the Winter Shelter, put an end to the "not in my backyard" attitude of many of our neighborhoods, and for the (Continued on page 6) W 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Larry Johnson, Anne Evans Ken Martin Credit: WCPO Maintenance: Pete Roper "Regionalism" is a Buzzword Designed to Delay Transit Levy e know that Metro is in dire straits. If the bus system does not change its local funding source, 20-30% of service will have to be cut in 2019. Fares will have to increase to pay for less service. The system is already running at bare bones as it is. In 2009, on the heels of falling earnings tax revenues from the Great Recession, Metro cut service by 20% and raised fares by 75%. The administration was gutted and open positions were eliminated. Metro’s CEO and other administrators make considerably less than their counterparts in the transit agencies of our peer cities. Over 100 buses are past their lifespan, causing frequent breakdowns and delaying service system-wide. Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. BETTER BUS COALITION Contributing Writer When asked what should be done with Metro, many of our leaders give the same answer but worded differently: Regionalism! The idea is that bringing in more communities to Metro’s service area will allow for better service to places where it is needed and will connect outlying job centers to the rest of the region. This is certainly a great idea; however, dig a little deeper and the idea falls apart given Metro’s immediate needs. One idea put forth is to seek the formation of a regional, 3-state, 8-county transit organization to serve the Greater Cincinnati region starting in 2020. Each county would chip in funding relative to the amount of service provided and we would finally have transit in our entire metropolitan area. “People will be able to have a one-seat ride from Mason to CVG.” Sounds good, right? Wrong. I can’t even get from Clifton to CVG without transferring, and it takes over an hour. Hamilton County has enough pressing transit needs to address before providing new service in other counties. Less than three years is not enough time to form a regional commission crossing 3 state lines. No suburban county will vote to raise their taxes to fund a system that is currently on its knees as it would clearly be a bailout. Pittsburgh’s transit agency, the Port Authority, has embarked on a push for a regional transit system with the 10-counties making up (Continued on page 6) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ----------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Better Bus Coalition, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Mike Brown, Trenton Davis, Jason Haap, Saad Ghosn, Ras Tafari, Kim Green, Bill Woods ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Bill Woods, Ras Tafari, Cam Hardy, Casey Sault, Trenton Davis, Saad Ghosn, Dr. Mark Mussman --------------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 37 2 3 LOCAL A Brand New Day | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 DR. MARK MUSSMAN O ver the course of a year, we have many opportunities to engage students in the struggle for affordable housing, livable wages, and housing protections. These are the three pillars that hold up the fight to eradicate homelessness – without one, we will never move to an equitable and just society. We are always fortunate when a group of students comes from outside of Cincinnati to see what we are doing here, and take back what they learn to their own community. This helps raise the status of the city (here we are, fighting endlessly to Staff Writer These organizations include: First Lutheran Church, St. Francis/ St. John Catholic Worker House, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, Interfaith Workers’ Center, St. Francis Seraph, Power Inspires Progress (Venice on Vine), Overthe-Rhine Community Housing, Streetvibes, and Lighthouse Youth Services. While this is just a small number of our member organizations, the topics that we cover range from food insecurity, housing loss, affordable housing, gentrification, their week-long visit to a city gave them new experiences. Some of the experiences were uncomfortable – like when kids called us a bunch of “… crackers… whiter than a house!” But there was really something special about this group – they were able to take that experience and go deep with it. They immediately began to talk about how the kids must have been hurt by white people, that they see the development in the community and know they are being pushed out, excluded. The students came from a space of empathy and critical to Ohio Avenue. The leadership of the group was phenomenal: they listened; they built everyone up; they helped community members; they addressed issues as they occurred (as appropriate); they worked the entire time to ensure that the other students understood the purpose of the trip. I am always impressed and relieved with the youth leaders that show so many great talents and skills – it gives me hope for the future. Before they leave, I ask them to fill out a quick survey about their experience. Two of the biggest injustices that the students recognized were gentrification and hostile design. They saw how privatization of public spaces was pushing people further from CUE students reflect on the city from Fairview Park Credit: Casey Sault end injustice) as well as, and gives students a different perspective that they may have never seen before. For the most recent Cincinnati Urban Experience (CUE) alternative break, 10 students from Keene State College, New Hampshire, spent the week before Christmas learning the ins and out of community organizing, social service, hospitality, and advocacy. I’ve written about this experience before, but I feel that there was something different about this group – whether it be their passion, their hopefulness, their willingness – they helped me learn a thing or two myself. And for that, I am grateful. Before their arrival, I spend time contacting our member organizations that help expand the students’ horizons while here. CUE students learn about the Homeless Coalition from Mona, Director of Development drug abuse, prison reform, solitary confinement, the death penalty, wage-theft, immigration rights, supportive housing, shelter, day programs, and entrepreneur opportunities. At times, I wish I was recording our activities because I feel that there is so much knowledge to be learned during the week – knowledge from which we can all benefit. I feel this group was different because they were fired up when they got here. Most of them knew very little about Cincinnati, but after I gave them the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement Walking Tour, they were intensely set on understanding the history and contemporary issues we face in Cincinnati. Most of them were from small towns and rural areas, so Credit: Casey Sault thinking – which made my job a lot easier – thank you! From the first day, they began to develop relationships with people in the community – whether it be local pastors, Homeless Coalition staff, Streetvibes Distributors, or people experiencing homelessness. The Keene State students were never timid – they continuously jumped right into any task that was needed. They never asked for thanks. They didn’t complain one time. We even walked up to Belleview Hill Park, and they encouraged each other as we ascended the stairs up connections in their communities. But they also recognized racism and racial profiling as an issue. They saw this through interactions they had with people in the community as well as seeing people of color moved out of Over-the-Rhine (over the years and during their visit). They began to understand the central role of redlining in our current housing crisis. After they understood the historical context, they began to take to heart their abilities to make a difference in (Continued on page 5) CUE students volunteered their time with local agencies CUE students learn about wage theft and ways to disrupt its effects Credit: Casey Sault Credit: Casey Sault THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 �No. 37 2 5 LOCAL The Christmas Truce | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 I MICHAEL EARL PATTON thought of the almost legendary 1914 Christmas Truce after reading Jim Luken’s recent Streetvibes article on the change from Armistice Day – celebrating the end of active combat in World War One on November 11, 1918 -- to Veterans’ Day. While there are many thousands of monuments to those who have fought in wars, there are virtually none to the peace and end of a war. (The World Peace Bell in Newport is one of several similar bells dedicated to peace in general, not the ending of any particular war. Further, it was funded by a private organization and not by a government with the power to wage war.) It is right to honor veterans, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that to have veterans there has to be war, or at least the threat of war. Wars are conducted by governments and continue until the governments directing the troops agree to stop. The one major exception of which I am aware was the 1914 Christmas Truce. This took place along most of the Western Front during the First World War. For literally hundreds of miles fighting stopped from a couple days to several. It was not arranged Contributing Writer home, many of which were published in the local newspapers on both sides. Some accounts were censored, but many slipped through and can still be seen in newspaper archives. The war started in August 1914 and by December the German offensive towards Paris had been repulsed. Both sides dug trenches for protection, which were close enough that one could shout to soldiers on the other side. Pope Benedict XV had called for a Christmas truce, an appeal that was turned down by officialdom on both sides. They thought that killing was far too serious of a business to even pause during the commemoration of Jesus’s birth, who most of the soldiers believed was the Son of God. Even before Christmas most of those in the trenches could see that the fighting was pointless and there were isolated incidents of “live and let live,” that is, not always trying to kill the other guy if he is exposed just because you can. Come Christmas Eve, though, and “live and let live” became open fraternization and even enjoying one another’s DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 3) Farm Ruins company. Sometimes it started with an informal exchange of songs and carols, other times with a joint effort to gather and bury the dead which had been lying in no-man’s-land for weeks. Sometimes there were joint services with prayers in English and German. Groups would exchange items, such as food stuffs and gifts from Christmas packages. Photos were taken of the opposing soldiers together, and there were letters written home about soccer games being played with the Germans on one side and the British or French on the other. And there was more of the such actions were not fitting for Germans and refused to participate. And the generals did their best to turn things around and get back to the killing. They ordered the troops to fire, which they generally did but often only after warning the other side first that they had no choice but to resume fighting. Many troops were rotated out and replaced with fresh troops who had not experienced the weeks of pointless fighting over small tracts of mud. In the movie Wonder Woman Mars, the god of war, is defeated, but that was Hollywood. In actuality those who wanted war got their way and fighting resumed. And resumed again in 1939 when that sulking corporal who had wanted to keep fighting had become the dictator of Germany and invaded Poland. History would have been very different if in 1914 the leaders had worked on negotiating an honorable peace instead of how to resume the war. A friend whose great-grandfather had been part of the American forces and had served in the trenches told me a story that has been in his family for a hundred years. This would have happened in 1917 or ‘18. His great-grandfather was patrolling the trenches when he came across a German soldier doing the same thing. Apparently the Allied and German trenches were connected. This is not surprising given how extensive the network of trenches were and that the front line would occasionally shift a little after an offensive and their own communities. I am proud of the work that we do in Cincinnati. Our social service providers and community members who are working to eradicate homelessness are facing an uphill battle, but the possibility of ending homelessness was echoed throughout the week and, Ammo Trains going to the fort or agreed to by any government but by the troops themselves, on both side of the front. A few months ago I read the book Silent Night: The World War I Christmas Truce by Stanley Weintraub. I had heard about the truce but had thought it was small, local, and that there was almost no evidence for it except stories by a few soldiers. I was very wrong. It extended along most of the Western Front, from the North Sea to the Swiss border. Roughly a hundred thousand soldiers experienced the suspension of the fighting. And it was very well documented through letters same the next day. Not all partook, but most did. The future leader of Germany, Adolph Hitler, was there on the front but just a corporal at the time. He thought take over part of the trenches of the opposing side. These offensives were major in terms of lives lost but extremely minor in terms of territory gained. Anyways, the two soldiers could not see any point in trying to kill each other so they exchanged some chocolate and other items and each went back to their comrades. I told this story to an older friend THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED who had grown up in Germany and he told me that he had heard dozens, probably well over a hundred, of similar stories from former soldiers from both the First and Second World Wars. Live and let live. Here, at least, it was not the soldiers who wanted to kill each other (with some exceptions such as Corporal A. Hitler) but the politicians who had ordered them to do so. There were other, small and short informal truces during the war, but nothing with the breadth of the 1914 Christmas Truce. I will close this look back at the Christmas Truce with a stanza from the 1967 song Snoopy’s Christmas, which sadly I no longer hear at Christmas time. In this sequel to the hit song Snoopy versus the Red Baron by the Royal Guardsmen, Snoopy encounters the Red Baron again, on Christmas Eve. This time his wings ice up and he’s forced to land. Instead of being shot or captured, the Red Baron also lands and greets him, “Merry Christmas, mein friend!” The song continues: The Baron then offered a holiday toast, And Snoopy, our hero, saluted his host, And then with a roar they were both on their way, Each knowing they’d meet on some other day. I know this may be a little late and that not all of you who read this believe as I do, but please accept this knowing that I intend only the best when I say, Merry Christmas, and all the best for you in 2018. I hope, it will be forever emblazoned upon their minds. --------------------------------------- �6 I LOCAL ICE rounds up 50 undocumented immigrants in Northern Kentucky CE agents are no longer handcuffed by Obama’s restrictive guidelines, and undocumented immigrants should be worried, says ICE official. Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 22 people as part of a two-day enforcement action on Dec. 6 and 7 in Northern Kentucky, according to ICE. Of the 22 arrests, 12 were immigration fugitives, according to Florence-based attorney Alexandria Lubans-Otto, who is a liaison to ICE for the American Immigration Lawyers Association of Kentucky. Immigration fugitives either JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) preservation of existing affordable housing as well as implement the most strategic use of the limited funds currently available to fight homelessness. BETTER BUS COALITION (Continued from page 2) Metro Pittsburgh. Talks have been ongoing for years. Additionally, Pittsburgh already has a strongly funded transit system that carries nearly 5 times as many people per day than Cincinnati’s. Their regionalism talks are going well because they are not doing so in order to save the system from collapse. They are inviting their suburban peers to join their already strong network. Our current system in Cincinnati is, at best, embarrassing. Additionally, these 10-counties are all in the state of Pennsylvania, eliminating the need to take into account multiple state laws governing transit. We only have 1 year before Metro goes broke. Unless we can magically find an extra $20 million a year until the regional commission is created, this is a nonstarter. Regional commissions take time to create precisely because of the nature of politics: no one wants to give up or share power, yet a regional commission only works with significant cooperation and compromise from all involved. Many, many years will be needed before this commission is ready to go, if it is ever ready, not including the extra time it will take to pass transit levies in the 7 suburban counties. In the future this will be great to have; in the short and medium-term, putting a Hamilton County transit levy on hold to seek this regional solution will be destructive to Metro and its current riders. Unless the goal is to gut Metro, we must focus on Hamilton County before reaching out to the suburban counties. D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 MIKE BROWN Contributing Writer re-entered the country after being deported or failed to leave the country after being issued a final order of removal. They are not eligible for an immigration bond or an immigration hearing. The 12 immigration fugitives were transferred to Chicago on Dec. 11 where a judge was to sign off on their orders of deportation, according to Lubans-Otto. After processing in Chicago, they will be transferred to a staging area near the border, then deported, she said. Of the remaining 10 detainees, four were subject to detention without bond and six were eligible for release on bond, averaging $10,000 for each detainee. The bonds must be paid in full by money order or cashier’s check. There is an opportunity for detainees to request a custody or bond redetermination by an immigration judge. ICE agents also made about 30 arrests of “removable aliens” whom agents encountered in Northern Kentucky during the lead-up to the targeted enforcement action on Dec. 6 and 7, according to Lubans-Otto. Removable aliens include undocumented immigrants–foreign We will do all of this in partnership with our 60 Member-Organizations who will continue to provide shelter to as many people as seam-bursting space will allow, to provide healthy meals and hospitality, healthcare, showers, fill every limited recovery bed, defending legal rights, to operate and work to open affordable housing, assist people in finding employment and accessing income, to treat mental illness, to keep families together and so much more. But we know that all of our Member-Organizations ultimately envision a day when they are no longer needed because there In Ohio, does anyone seriously believe that the residents of Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties will vote to raise their taxes to support a dying bus system in Cincinnati? I grew up in Cincinnati and I can tell you, 100%, that such a levy will go down in flames. No matter what new service these counties receive from a regional transit agency, they will not support a plan that is subsidizing Cincinnati’s bus system. Period. And that’s just in Ohio! Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties will also have to approve a levy, likely a sales tax, to contribute to the new agency. Their current arrangement of each county distributing millions from their general funds in the form of grants every year is not enough. The amount can vary year to year and there is no permanence which prevents long-term planning. Dearborn County, Indiana? That county currently has zero bus service. What makes you think they will support paying for a regional system when they have no existing interest in transit? The fact is that bringing up “Regionalism” in the debate over fixing Metro is nothing but a stalling tactic. Creating a regional agency will take many years, but we cannot wait. In pushing for regional transit immediately, we run the risk of delaying a Hamilton County transit levy while we try to hammer out a ‘perfect’ solution. Should Metro be forced to make large service cuts as we wait for our political leaders to ‘try’ to create a regional transit agency, those who rely on the bus will face disaster and we will further poison the perception of public transit in the public’s eyes. nationals who may or may not have committed a criminal offense, but are unlawfully present in the United States. Removable aliens also include “green card” holders and visa holders who are lawfully present in the country, but have committed a removable criminal offense. President Obama, starting in November 2014, enforced immigration laws based on priorities of risk to public safety. In Fiscal Year 2016, 13 percent of the country’s 11 million undocumented immigrants were an enforcement priority, 87 percent were not, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Continued on page 12) is adequate affordable housing and opportunity available to all. This is our ultimate goal: a day when a person dying without a home is an impossible thought because homelessness is dead. Please join with us. Transit Levy could aid overcrowded buses Credit: Cam Hardy We do not know why some politicians want to delay the levy even further by talking about regionalism, despite delaying it every year since the start of this decade. There will be no more waiting. We need to act now, not later, not next year, not in a little bit, but now. I look forward to voting on countywide transit in November 2018, and I hope Hamilton County will get the choice to decide before it is too late. Email your elected officials and demand that SORTA act to place a bus levy on the ballot for 2018: THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED County Commissioner Todd Portune Todd.Portune@hamilton-co.org County Commissioner Denise Driehaus Denise.Driehaus@hamilton-co.org County Commissioner Chris Monzel Chris.Monzel@hamilton-co.org Mayor John Cranley mayor.cranley@cincinnati-oh.gov Cincinnati City Council CityCouncil@cincinnati-oh.gov �No. 37 2 JUBILEE CAMPAIGN A Case for Empathy 7 | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 M y family is originally from Bedford, Michigan. My parents are high school sweethearts and grew up a few miles from each other, so all our extended family lives in the same small town. The people of Bedford drive pickup trucks. They hunt. My uncle Rich has a stuffed 5-point buck in his living room that he personally shot. They drive a little differently up there: there’s less people speeding. Less police on the roads. The town is designed in squares with exactly a mile in between each road. People tell me it’s impossible to get lost in Bedford- but I still manage to. The quickest route to Bedford involves driving directly through Toledo, getting off just outside the city, and then taking backroads to arrive at my grandparents on Dean Road. The roads outside Toledo lead past plant after plant. There is a steel factory. There’s a GM factory. Before the crash of 2008, we passed malls and typical little box houses. I remember one specific little strip mall on the way into Bedford across from a BP; it never really stuck out to me until after the crash, however. Now, the drive to Bedford makes my parents disheartened. Many of the houses are boarded up. The streets are poorly kempt- Michigan roads are typically cracked from all their cold weather- but now the infrastructure is frail and waning. The malls and shops are gone. That strip mall across from BP, it’s now a Platinum Show Girls. The BP across the street no longer offers gas- just liquor. I’ve never passed more gentlemen’s clubs than on the way into Bedford. Over the years we’ve driven to Michigan hundreds of times for holidays, birthdays, and to see family- unintentionally we became witness to the changes that have occurred in America these past ten years. My uncle used to work for Fordit’s where his father worked. We got a discount on our first American-made van from his plant. However, during the crisis the plant shut down and now he works at Chrysler. He was one of the lucky ones. He was able to adapt when machines came to the car industry and now works on the machines on the line. My aunt is a realtor. During the crisis, as well as recently, she TRENTON DAVIS Contributing Writer has nearly lost her home. Her livelihood depends on the market. During the crisis, housing prices in neighborhoods like the one I live in went up. In Bedford and many other neighborhoods in the US, they plummeted. Many of my relatives to the north struggle with alcoholism. It’s an unspoken issue in our family. We keep it from the children, and we make sure to watch them during the holidays. It’s a difficult reality. When the plants close up and the jobs move away, the stores and shops follow. The laundromat at the corner and the ice cream shop on Dean are boarded up until a liquor store moves in and sets up shop to fill the real estate void. The community as we knew it disappears with divestment. We saw it first with town populated by houses with pools and hot tubs out back. My parents both possess doctorates, so their jobs never seemed to be in question. My family’s education gave us privilege, and we didn’t have to deal with the divestment in our community that was occurring back home in Michigan. For us, the recession never really hit. Privilege made me oblivious to what was in front of my eyes. During the last election, because of my liberal nature, I marginalized the voice of Trump supporters. It caused rifts in my family. We would speak in hushed tones about which aunts and uncles were supporting that movement. My aunt threatened to divorce her husband if he voted for Trump. That movement was bigotry. That movement was foolish. There Youth in the villageare supported through intentional work Credit: Trenton Davis urban plight, and now we’re seeing it in forgotten rural communities. Per numerous studies on the Great Recession, while the lower half of the income ladder’s wealth was drastically falling, the wealthy were getting wealthier. I was ten at the time, and my family was purchasing a new, bigger house in a subdivision of our was job growth. We were coming out of the recession. America was fine. I possessed animosity towards my family from the north. This animosity reveals something vital. Empiricism is a beautiful version of reality. We can experiment and measure things objectively. It’s a way of thinking that has sprouted so much knowledge. We only examine our own lived experiences, and when presented with facts, we select only the facts that back our version of reality. This creates a divide. Instead of asking my uncle why he was drinking so much, I assumed it was because he was working a lot. Our current way of thinking lacks empathy for those that are experiencing something different than the general “trend”. Empiricism doesn’t have feelings, it is by nature, objective. We need more empathy in our society. We need to care about our neighbors and our families. This way of thinking helps the wealthy and privileged distance themselves from those that are feeling the effects of disasters. We often think of charity as giving money to an organization that does good, and thus, we have created an industry of do-gooders. We call these non-profit organizations. Corporations, when wages rise, can simply divest and take their money to find other sources of labor- whether that be through technology or through a global labor market. We can’t fault the wealthy or the corporations. They are doing what they believe is best. Through empiricism, they can easily justify that they are doing what is right for society. After all, both the wealthy and the corporations offer us jobs that feed our families. However, this gap that our way of thinking leaves behind is ravaging our communities and dividing our society. The Jubilee Campaign believes we need to build an empathetic empiricism. We need to teach methodologies that will help us understand the human costs of innovation and globalism. Our business and urban planning schools should focus on instilling community and equity building. We need resilience. Rise with Jubilee in creating a new economy and a new way of thinking. We need a compassionate, local economy that cares about the people living there. Join the conversation and bring it to people that it matters to, so that we can get investments in our community. If we build strong communities, we will be able to withstand anything together. Homeless: Technology Leveling the Playing Field W hen the Housing bubble burst some time back, I lost my home, wife, and children. Day to day living became my new lifestyle; being homeless was not a part of my plan at this stage in RAS TAFARI Contributing Writer life but as we all know, life happens, and all I had left was my car and my one piece of equipment: my laptop P.C. Out in the Field The going got tough, so I got going, going where? I had to have a game plan, so I could eat, sleep and earn a living, so poof! I turned my car into a mobile office/mobile home/entertainment center. How? I purchased, at a flea market, a THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED car inverter that converted my car battery into A.C. (alternating) current. It plugged right into my cigarette lighter; boom Power. My laptop had Wi-Fi capabilities, a DVD player and a disc burner. My car (Continued on page 12) �RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS Moved by His Faith, Randy Bruins, an Environmentalist, Tries to Always Add Beauty and Justice to the World 8 "S D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 SAAD GHOSN ocial justice is now linked to my understanding of religion," says Randy Bruins. "Growing up I was very skeptical about God and religion, and I was all the time searching for truth. In college I discovered Jesus and the Bible through a friend's church, and later the connection to social justice through a pastor in my church. Since then it has been an ongoing spiritual and engaged fulfilling journey." Bruins' parents were not particularly religious; his father was even an atheist, but one who would quote Jesus Christ when teaching forgiveness to his son. To provide him with a religious education, they enrolled him, nevertheless, in Sunday school at the local Methodist church. Not convinced, Bruins walked away at the age of 13. "I did not think that God existed, and nothing was supernatural to me," he says. "It may have been linked to the sudden accidental death of my father when I was just 11, and to the deep feeling of loneliness I experienced afterwards," he adds. These were the 1960's, the prevailing talks of transcendence; the search for a just, truthful, genuine society; the existential questions raised by the Vietnam war... All still translated to some degree, for Bruins, in a religious question, one, however, that he did not know how to solve. In 1972, Bruins joined Miami University, Oxford, OH and, inspired by the movies of Jacques Cousteau he had been watching, decided to study environmental sciences. Miami University, a predominantly white college, triggered then his awareness Contributing Writer of racism, and reminded him of his own concerns about disparity, having grown up in a separate, wealthy, privileged white Chicago suburb. "I became very conscious of institutional racism," he says. "I realized it was systemic, continuous and not willingly recognized, and I decided to do something about it." Bruins made up a sandwich board sign, front and back, on which he simply wrote "White Racism Lives". He carried it on his shoulders around campus and meant it to be provocative. But doing it alone and with no group support, he quickly felt isolated, and gave it up. He was not good then at creating connections, at forming coalitions; he was just a loner still searching for his convictions and how to express them. A couple of years later, and thanks to a Christian former friend who invited him to join his Christian fellowship, Bruins discovered them through religion and through his new belonging to a church community. "I met people who were pious worshipers, who were living a true and genuine relation with God, one not imposed on them but just motivated by their faith," he states. "It opened my eyes; inspired me to discover and learn the Bible and the Gospels; helped me, after deep and serious searching, find truth; and got me convinced to follow Jesus. I was 24, and it was the beginning of a new phase in my life." Bruins joined then officially the non-denominational and independent Christian fellowship church that his friend had introduced him to, and thus became a welcome What Is the UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The University Christian Church (UCC) is a nondenominational Protestant church which has for Core Beliefs Jesus and the authority of scripture. The essentials of its beliefs are in the identity and meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It sees in everything else room for dialogue, with each other, our culture, the scripture. UCC's Mission is to share the love of Jesus with everyone and to encourage and equip its community members to share it in their home, their work, their life. UCC's Core Practices are: Ritual and Rythm of Life, where a commitment to a lifestyle of faithfulness (within the congregation, the community, home), teaches the faithfulness of God Submission to the Process, where spiritual, personal, relational growth are an ongoing process, God being the one shaping us a little at a time. Generosity, where by giving ourselves wholly, we're following Jesus' example and trusting God's abundance and generosity. Hospitality, where by opening ourselves and our lives to each other, we’re understanding the welcome that Christ extended to us. Patience and commitment in sharing love and developing relationships with each other. and active member of its family. After graduating with a Master's degree from Miami University, he moved to Cincinnati, took a job at the EPA, got married and started a family. He found locally a church, similar to his previous one in Oxford, and joined it. He is now, and for the past 15 years, a member of the University Christian church, also a nondenominational protestant city church which started as an outreach to the University of Cincinnati and Randy Bruin more recently also to the broader community in the same area. Ten years or so ago, Bruins added social justice activism to his own religious mission. "Our previous pastor, Troy Jackson, had begun a PhD in history, focusing on the publication of Martin Luther King's papers," he says. "Through his teachings, he introduced us to MLK, to his stands against injustice, and helped us understand and realize the Bible's general calling for social justice." Jackson also provided Bruins a venue for growing his social consciousness through the Amos Project, a federation of faith congregations in Greater Cincinnati, dedicated to promoting justice and improving the quality of life for all residents. The Project focuses on community issues that impact the poor and working families; it organizes and mobilizes with the most vulnerable, proposing and implementing solutions to their problems. Bruins has participated since in many of its actions: he has helped, for instance, previously incarcerated individuals integrate back society; campaigned actively for issue 44 in order to provide affordable quality preschool education to all kids, in particular those in poverty; worked to pass a levy benefiting senior citizens; protested to bring attention and justice to the case of Sam Dubose, an unarmed African American man, fatally shot by a University of Cincinnati white police officer, during a traffic stop. Bruins is also now part of the Cincinnati Community Coalition which consists mainly of interfaith get together dinners started right after the latest presidential election by Ismaeel Chartier, Imam of the Clifton Credit: Saad Ghosn Mosque, and David Meredith, pastor of the Clifton United Methodist church. Last year he hosted one such dinner at his church using as focus the work of an invited Moslem artist. For many years he has also been working with youth through City Gospel Mission. He reaches out to kids in the transient community of Winton Place, picks them up every Sunday and provides them with a teaching program to help them with their studies. Last summer he invited the youth of a Moslem organization to join the community garden where he lives, giving them plots to plant, and offering them educational programs linking gardening, the environment and spirituality. "Gardening has an inherent spiritual value," he says. "Looking at plants and getting in touch with nature connects one directly with what God has created." In his church, Bruins is actively involved in its interfaith engagement program, reaching out to other religious communities and coordinating the exchange between (Continued on page 11) Religious Peacemakers is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati individuals who use their faith and religious beliefs for peace and justice. Saad.Ghosn@uc.edu is the founder of SOS (Save Our Souls) Art, an organization that promotes arts as vehicles for peace and justice and for a change. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 2 PHOTO ESSAY Homeless Memorial December 21, 2017 Washington Park, Cincinnati, Ohio | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 O n this night, we recognize all those who we have lost due to issues of homelessness. The names of 135 people whose lives were taken by homelessness were read. The memorial takes place as the tree celebrating the life of Joann Burton, who was murdered while sleeping in the park on July 27, 2010. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 LOCAL D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 January 26 - February 17, 2018 For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �11 LOCAL Living in a world with news that some perceive as fake and others see as real No. 37 2 | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 JASON HAAP A couple weeks ago, I shared a media challenge I decided to accept - reading nothing but right-winged news sources for one month. After a couple weeks, I feel like I'm learning some interesting perspectives. For example, I had heard that Breitbart is a haven for white supremacist and Nazi thinking. In fact, when I have shared links to Breitbart on my Facebook page, I've been told that I have just linked to a white supremacist organization. But check out this recent headline: "Steve Bannon Touts Access to Capital, Economic Nationalism at Address to Black Small Business Leaders." That's a weird headline to advance if you are an organization filled with white supremacist Nazis. The article includes details like this: “The central part of economic nationalism depends upon you,” Bannon told the crowd of approximately 200 minority business owners. “It depends upon us empowering the black and Hispanic entrepreneurial community with one thing: access to capital.” Why would a bunch of racists want to encourage minority businesses to have access to capital? Another friend told me that Breitbart has recently taken to "cleaning up its image" so it could go more mainstream. He gave me a link that led to headlines like this: "Blackon-Black Crime: Blame It On The System and Ignore The Evidence." This seemed promising in terms of offering a "smoking gun" about the site's racism. But then I read excerpts like this: Refusal to come to grips with SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) them. He is also part of a justice team which meets monthly to read and discuss books about peace and justice and educate the rest of the congregation about the issues. Their focus recently was racism, also the "other" and immigration. Bruins' church is actually a part of the Sanctuary movement, providing solidarity and support to threatened immigrants. Bruins is also involved in the Rohs Street Cafe that his church started within the building of its Contributing Writer the racial aspects of crime, and instead to accuse the criminal justice system of being racist is to sentence a great many black victims to the consequences of violence. Why should racists be concerned with black victims of violence? Certainly, the position here might not be one I share, but does that make it racist? I'm not convinced. My social media right now is full of people outraged that Trump wants to steal restaurant servers' tips, giving them instead to the owners. Check out this excerpt from a Newsweek item titled "Trump wants you to tip restaurant owners, not servers" (December 7, 2017): This week, Trump’s Labor Department proposed rescinding an Obama-era rule that made the logical point that tips are the property of the servers and cannot be taken by the restaurant owner. The administration’s proposal would allow restaurant owners who pay their wait staff as little as $7.25 per hour to collect all the tips left by patrons and do whatever they want with them—regardless of what diners intended. Restaurant owners could even keep all the tips for themselves, without telling diners. Coming on the heels of the massive tax bills recently passed by the House and Senate, this “reverse Robin Hood” scheme—which will take money out of the pockets of lowwage workers and give it to business owners–is just one more example of “trickle-down” economic policy masquerading as pro-worker reform. Sounds pretty terrible, right? (I only found this piece from Newsweek when researching for this item. Otherwise, I wouldn't have read it. I really am trying only to consume right-winged news!) But I can't help but notice something in the first paragraph: Trump's decision would rescind an Obama-era rule. Why do I not remember how, for most of my life, restaurant owners were stealing tips from servers? And why does the article reference owners "who pay their wait staff as little as $7.25 per hour"? That's the federal minimum wage. I'm not saying I support the wage being that low, but certainly that is more per hour than many servers make. The whole reason we have a tipping system is because most don't even make the minimum wage. Anyway, how does this issue get discussed on the right? Here is an excerpt from a recent Fox News item titled "Trump's Labor Department aims to make tip-pooling legal again" (October 31, 2017): The pending rule change would only “rescind the current restrictions on tip pooling by employers that pay tipped employees the full minimum wage directly.” Meaning restaurants that pay servers the full $7.25 minimum wage, instead of the $2.13 tipped wage, can pool tips. ... The co-founder of ROC United, one of the groups fighting for a $15 wage, said, “It says it’s possible for employers to walk away with the tips and not give them to anybody.” The National Restaurant Association lobby told CBS that removing the restrictions on tip pooling alleviates the “disparity sanctuary in order to create a place for the community to meet, also to encourage fair trade coffee. The church in fact supports a coffee-growing community in Guatemala, and has helped it establish a cooperative to improve the production and the marketing of its coffee and facilitate its sale in the US. Bruins visited that community, participated in the harvest of its coffee and in educational programs targeted to its growth. Every year the church also sends their students to help in different ways, such as digging wells for water, implementing sanitation projects, etc. Working for Social Justice is now an integral part of Bruins' Christian faith. He adds his voice and his hand to fight injustice wherever he sees it, addressing its causes, attempting to right its wrong for a better world. He does it, empowered and enlightened by daily prayer and by Bible studies, alone or in group, always asking himself what he can do to put in practice the teachings of Christ. "We live in a fascinating world," says Bruins. "God created it and infused it with love. As an environmentalist I always try to share with others the beauty of nature, plants, animals... that connect us to God; but also as a humanitarian, the beauty of world cultures and places." “Breakdown Stereotypes” between the ‘front of the house’ and the ‘back of the house,’” since the back of the house employees are not tipped. It seems there might be more to the story than I thought - this rule would not take tips from people earning $2.13 an hour. Instead, it would be an opportunity to distribute them evenly between front- and backof-the-house employees. If both sets are already making the same wage, that does not seem entirely unfair. Also, did you notice that the Fox News item acknowledged the possibility of an owner keeping the tips? Does this make the Fox piece more balanced? Here is the bottom line: for those of us who read the news, our emotional realities are exploited and manipulated by media - and that fact is independent of how accurate our sources are. If you can find it in yourself not to blame news consumers if they read something you believe fake (regardless whether it is or not), then all of us are being played, in a drama the vast majority of us can or will do nothing about in any meaningful way. Instead, we will just feel stress and anger and suspicion, mixed with self-important indignation, and we will target it at one another. This probably drives more business to the news we already read, and the parties we already support. We foster these divisions between ourselves, and feel good about alienating those who disagree with us (or at least feel superior to them), but I still can't figure out the end game... --------------------------------------"We need to preserve that beauty and always add justice to it," he states. Now retired, this is what Bruins would like to continue doing with his wife when she soon retires, and possibly in different places of the world. --------------------------------------- “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 MIKE BROWN (Continued from page 6) For the Obama administration, the highest priority group included removable aliens who were convicted of felonies or aggravated felonies, gang members, and national security threats. In FY 2016, 94 percent of all deportations came from this highest priority group, according to the Migration Policy Institute. On Jan. 25, just days after his inauguration, President Trump issued an executive order saying that “faithful execution” of immigration law “against all removable aliens” is the policy of the United States. “Under the current administration, everyone is a priority,” says Lubans-Otto. Unless specifically exempted, the executive order appears to target all 11 million undocumented immigrants for deportation, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The recipients of DACA–Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals– were exempted from the executive order under the implementing memo from the Department of Homeland Security. However, the administration subsequently terminated the DACA program in September. Without new legislation to authorize it, about 800,000 DACA recipients, who had entered the country as minors, will eventually RAS TAFARI (Continued from page 7) had air conditioning and heated seats that let lay flat at night like a Futon and a Bose sound system. First and goal to go. Logistics Armed with a Mississippihandmade-old-school quilt and skullcap for those knee-knocker nights, a plug-in fan if need be to catch the summer breeze, and his rod and his staff to comfort me (prayer and a pistol), I slept in the valley of the shadow. Morning brought on the day and the game began. I had some key places to park; my best spot was on Ridge Road where I used to live. A friend of mine who had a R.V. pulled my coat to the fact that the WalMart/Home Depot allows Campers, Truckers, and R. V’s to park on the lot all day. No hassles; hell, I would get some movies from street vendors get some popcorn and watch a flick or two to pass time and plan the next day. On the lot was a White Castle and across the street was a Mickey D 's. In the mornings, I would decide which bathrooms to use- Mickey D’s or the Castle (the best coffee in town)- to get the crumbs out my eyes, pop the trunk, grab my kit containing soap, lotion, wash towel, tooth paste, etc. and saunter in and handle my business. Had to get cool with the morning staff so they can be cool with what I was doing. After LOCAL D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 become subject to deportation like other removable aliens. About 12,000 DACA recipients who missed an Oct. 5 deadline, are already subject to deportation. That number is increasing by nearly 100 each day as other DACA permits expire. The stated focus of the administration’s executive order is criminal aliens, but the term “criminal” is broadly defined. It covers not just removable aliens convicted of a felony, but also those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor, charged with a criminal offense, or have committed a chargeable criminal offense, or, in the judgment of an immigration officer, pose a risk to public safety or national security. Also, the “criminal” activity may have occurred at any time in a person’s past. Based on ICE enforcement, there appears to be no statute of limitations. President Trump has “taken the handcuffs off of law enforcement officers who are charged with enforcing immigration laws,” said then-acting ICE director Thomas D. Homan in May. “If you are in this country illegally, you need to be worried,” said Homan. In the US, more than 8 million citizens live with at least one family member who is undocumented. Most of these U.S. citizens are children– almost six million–under the age of 18 who live with an undocumented parent or family member. Edgar is one of the four detainees being held without bond in the Boone County Jail, although his only offense is one citation for driving without a license, says his attorney LubansOtto. For her, Edgar is a typical detainee: young, hardworking, the family’s sole breadwinner, and the father of two children born in the United States, who are cared for by their stay-at-home mother. One child, who is just four years old, has “serious medical issues,” she says. Edgar’s case, including a request for release on bond, will be heard in immigration court in Chicago. But Lubans-Otto is unable to schedule a court date. She has been advised that the earliest date will be sometime in January. Fear of deportation can have significantly adverse effects on the long-term health and development of children. Detention or deportation of the breadwinner, usually the man of the house, can deprive families of the basic necessities of food, shelter, and utilities. Parents subject to deportation may face the difficult issue of whether to take their children with them or risk the possibility of losing custody to child protective services. The organization Supporting Latino Families in Northern Kentucky is organizing resources to address the needs of families affected by the ICE raids. Donations for basic needs can be made here and donations for legal assistance here. Meanwhile, immigration lawyers and activists are trying to better understand what happened in Northern Kentucky–who was arrested, why, and under what circumstances. Preliminary reports indicate that ICE did not notify local law enforcement agencies or seek their cooperation. There are also preliminary reports of pretextual traffic stops, searches without warrants or probable cause, using false pretense and force to gain entry to apartments, assault, a workplace raid, brief detention of a U.S. citizen, and the arrest of a long-term legal permanent resident. The agency responsible for the Northern Kentucky raids was the field office of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations based in Chicago, which covers a six-state region including Kentucky and Indiana, but not Ohio. ICE ERO agents from the Chicago office were supported by one or more ICE Fugitive Operations Teams, which are managed from a national office. [This article first appeared at https://c4ad.wordpress.com/ If you have information about the NKY ICE arrests, please contact the reporter: mbrown.c4ad@gmail.com] that I would go to my car and get my trusted P.C., order coffee and get the paper that would always be there. I liked Mickey D’s because they had free wi-fi, so I would check my emails and the internet to search for jobs and respond to inquiries. I had, at the time, some PC certifications and I had a business card I used to meet potential clients to consult on computer issues. This worked out great and hardly anyone knew I was homeless. I had a garment bag in the trunk so if I needed to suit up I couldlike batman. Room to Grow Using the technology at my disposal (mainly Microsoft Office), Word made letters, resumes, flyers, and folks never knew that I was sleeping in my car. Acrobat Pro turned me into the man on the flying trapeze of business where I communicated with contacts who could not in any way judge me based on the color of my skin or the wrinkles in my clothes. I just kept telling myself to cross my T’s and dot my I’s; spellcheck in word was my secretary and had my back. None was wiser. And email gave me an international address. I used my contacts from Outlook to query people on resources for the homeless. I went online and put in an application for Public Housing and got an Apartment. I connected with a friend of mine who was a professor at a community college and he said re-invent yourself, so now I have two Associate degrees in Networking and Information Technology Security. I hacked a lot of Wi-Fi when I was on the streets to get that info. I currently have a service contract with J-RAB Inc., a public housing advocacy agency for C.M.H.A. residents. J-RAB, Inc. has been able to help me grow my business through training, self-determination and empowerment; which I, in turn, give back to my community. Being homeless sucks and is stressful, but it gave me a new insight to living and surviving a very humbling situation. But it also brought the best out of me and motivated me to change my status. I started from the bottom now we are here! And I bought my whole team with me, I love this tune cause it’s the theme song of my life. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Ras Tafari --------------------------------------- �No. 37 2 | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 CRYING RAIN 13 STREET VOICE WAKE UP YE COWARDLY CONGRESSMEN (Sung to the tune of Looking out the window "God Rest YE Merry Gentlemen") The rain is falling hard, and fast Wake up ye cowardly Congressmen. There are intervals of thunder Your voters show dismay. Slashing ever so often And then it suddenly stops Until the next thunder slash appears They wanted Trump's impeachment To get started yesterday. To save us all from nasty tweets And government decay. Oh tidings of glumness and woe - It lets you know that God is, near Glumness and woe. So take heed Oh tidings of glumness and woe. Listen to his might BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Because thunder and rain, Will, be coming SANTA CLAUS Today while watching the news I heard that Santa Claus arrived in a helicopter KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer They also talked about tax cuts and how the politicians were eating out at Red Lobsters What happened to the days when the bells rang for Santa Claus, his reindeer and sled What happened to the belief in miracles and all the little children went to bed Waiting for that glorious morning to open all the presents that Santa left under the tree Asking questions about how he brought all the gifts down the smoke-filled chimney Waiting day and night, trying to be good all for Christmas so we'd be granted the ultimate blessing Looking back and understanding that as a child I was tricked, Santa in a helicopter that's a new lesson Without the holiday's Thanksgiving and Christmas Day what else is there to really look forward too Without giving thanks for so many blessings and being thankful for Jesus’ birth just to name a few So, for me Christmas has somehow lost the true spirit and has been misunderstood by all We must always remember God's blessings, don't forget to give thanks and bring back Rudolph the red nosed reindeer driving Santa Claus!!!! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 141 Across 1. Part of the neck 5. Database 9. Visual display of information 14. Zeal 15. Reverberate 16. Wimble 17. Birdcall 18. Glows red in a vacuum tube 19. Indigent 20. A physiological need to drink 22. Air current 24. Type of spiny tree or shrub 26. Variety of kale 31. Relative duration of a musical note 33. Large semiaquatic rodent 34. Baffling question or problem 37. Clock face 39. A flock of quail 40. Appropriate 41. Move sideways 42. Regret 43. Approach 45. Bard 46. Provide food or sustenance 48. Misprints 50. Repulse 52. Ornamental framework 54. Clone 57. Orderly 59. Two-channel 61. Mixed food consisting of greens 65. A flat float 67. Cereal grain husks 68. Form of quartz 69. Group of three 70. List of names 71. Cringe 72. Musical instrument 73. Ground forces Down 1. Bird shelter 2. Hawaiian greeting 3. Overwhelming fear and anxiety 4. Carve 5. Edible round flat seed 6. Frozen water 7. Display 8. Restorative 9. Taper 10. Chromaticity 11. Historic period 12. Mississippi tributary, ___ river 13. Attempt 21. Evidence of past injury 23. Baronial 25. Sound 27. Research workplace, in short 28. Obviate 29. Variety show 30. Machine for extracting moisture 32. Type of duck 34. Dialog box 35. Drama set to music 36. Commence 38. Modify 41. A blank area 44. Rodent 46. Fractional monetary unit 47. Form of math 49. Material for starting a fire 51. Mechanical device 53. Underground den of a fox 55. Mistake 56. Domain 58. Edible tuberous root 60. Merely 61. Pouch 62. In the past 63. Jurisprudence 64. Consumed 66. Evergreen tree PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 371 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 140 D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 271 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 270- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 2 RESOURCES | D e c 2 9- J a n 11, 2 0 18 Central Access Point 15 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 St. George Food Pantry 751-8771 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 131 E. 12th Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 Salvation Army 762-5660 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Shelter: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 1125 Bank Street 45214 411 Gest St. 45203 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 2121 Vine Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Parkway Center 661-4620 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Family Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 471-1100 Housing: 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street 45202 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 for 26 issues 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@ cincihomeless.org $100 859-491-8303 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 D e c 2 9 - J a n 11, 2 0 18 | N o . 37 2 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � 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 2018 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 29, 2017-January 11, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director “Regionalism” is a Buzzword Designed to Delay Transit Levy Pg 3: A Brand New Day Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: The Christmas Truce Pg 6: ICE Rounds Up 50 Undocumented Immigrants in Northern Kentucky Pg 7: A Case for Empathy Pg 8: Religious Peacemakers Pg 9: Homeless Memorial Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Living in a World with News that Some Perceive as Fake and Others See as Real Pg 12: Mike Brown Continued Ras Tafari Continued Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 29, 2017-January 11, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Better Bus Coalition Dr. Mark Mussman Michael Earl Patton Mike Brown Trenton Davis Jason Haap Saad Ghosn Ras Tafari Kim Green Bill Woods Cam Hardy Casey Sault Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Better Bus Coalition Bill Woods Cam Hardy Casey Sault Christmas Cincinnati Dr. Mark Mussman Homeless Memorial ICE Immigrants Jason Haap Josh Spring Kentucky Kim Green Michael Earl Patton Mike Brown Ohio Photography Ras Tafari Religion Saad Ghosn Trenton Davis Washington Park https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/79b44b7d5c1f6b1828ba801473462420.pdf 61b627c5666258f02f2471d3741e5e53 PDF Text Text December 30th - January 12th 2016 | Vol. 20 Issue 27 (No. 346) advocating justice | Building community Acting and Honoring the Passing of Important People | 2 This issue sponsored by Katie and Daniel INSIDE THIS ISSUE Jobless Not Homelss | 3 the 1st Push To Dump Trump | 4 Local Woman Pushes Through Obstacles for Success | 7 Possibility of Passing Redistricting Reform In Ohio IN 2017 | 11 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL From the Director: Acting and Honoring the Passing of Important People been in such high demand. In fact, 35 years ago, most shelter beds in this city did not exist, because they did not need to. Shelters were started to keep people alive through the new phenomena of homelessness. We know that homelessness can be ended, because we know it has not always been like this. Many who gathered work for our member organizations and JOSH SPRING D Executive Director ecember 21st is National Homeless Memorial Day. It is the first day of winter and marks the start of the longest night of the year. We joined hundreds of other organizations across the country in coming together to honor those people who died in 2016 because of homelessness. This year we honored the 72 people we know about as well as the people we do not know about who died as a result of homelessness in Cincinnati in 2016.  Our Homeless Memorial gathering was one of the largest crowds we have seen at a memorial.  As each person present called out at least one name, together we held 72 flowers with the names of these important people attached. The average age of those who died because of the systematic and solvable problem of homelessness in our community was only 51.  Last year we compared the number of people we know about who died because of homelessness with that of homicide. The resulting trend line predicted that if nothing changed, death from homelessness in Cincinnati would outweigh death from homicide in 2018. But it happened this year. In 2016 there were more deaths from homelessness than homicide in Cincinnati. In recent years, the number of homicides has been going down. This, of course is wonderful D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org National Homeless Memorial Event At Washington Park Photo: Justin Jeffre and we should do everything within our power to stop homicides. The reason we compare these two numbers is because we can all agree that homicide is a problem that has existed for nearly all of human existence, and while we must work to prevent homicide, we can likely all agree that we will never end homicides. Homelessness, however, to the extent that we see it today and in the forms that we see it today, has only been around for approximately 35 years. It has not always been like this. Shelter beds have not always Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: personally knew people on the list.  We are thankful for the love shown by our service providers and we are thankful to work, educate, advocate and organize together for a day when there is enough affordable housing to end the need for Homeless Memorial Day. Those present called out the name of an important person missing from the circle this year.  Ruth "Cookie" Vogelpol, who was known to so many (Continued on page 10) Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jim Luken, Michael Earl Patton, Malia Pitts, Robert Park, Bill Woods, Jason Haap, Ricardo Taylor, Ron English, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/Artwork: Justin Jeffre, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jim Luken, Malia Pitts, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �3 LOCAL Jobless Not Hopeless: Employment for a New Future No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 O ne recent statistic put the rate of joblessness for men experiencing homelessness at a mere 40% – meaning that 60% of men who experience homelessness have jobs and are working almost every day. This shows how impossible it is for many to maintain steady housing when incomes are so low. There is no place in America where someone can afford a two-bedroom apartment while working full time in a minimum wage job. There is also no where in the country that there is enough affordable housing for everyone who needs it. The Homeless Coalition works hard to ensure that there is opportunity for people to make some money through two programs: Streetvibes and the Employment Pipeline Pilot. Since you are reading this, you know what Streetvibes is – a street newspaper that gives everyone an opportunity to express themselves and to help educate the public about homelessness. Distributors purchase the paper from the Coalition for 75 cents, making $1.25 on each paper. This money is used for food and other necessities, which are becoming DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer self-esteem as they learn to become entrepreneurs in our community. In 2016, one milestone that we reached was the creation of the Employment Pipeline Pilot. This was no easy task, and became a reality when members of City Council, including Yvette Simpson, questioned if we could start a program to bring employment opportunities to people who are experiencing homelessness. There had been stories circulating around social media about cities that have instituted programs that pick up people who are panhandling on the side of the road and offer them the menial, often back breaking, task of picking up litter. These jobs were often only given on a day-to-day basis, and didn’t offer any way to move up. We envisioned something different for Cincinnati. Cincinnati City Council approved the pilot with $50,000 in funds to get the program off of the ground. The city funding was matched 3 or 4 times in private donations (including in-kind) to make sure the program is a success. In the beginning, it was Joseph Jackson shares his feeling about the Pilot Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman more and more difficult to receive as food pantries and soup kitchens disappear. There are Distributors who make over $300 each month – some use the money to pay rent and utilities – but it is still seen as panhandling by the city. An advantage to being a Streetvibes Distributor is that you can set your own schedule and make it to doctor’s appointments and other meetings. It provides flexibility and helps people gain confidence and history. Once they begin the process, they are entered into VESTA, fill out several forms, and Aquashia speaks to them regarding each job that is available and helps them to make a resume. Once participants pass a drug test their application is sent to the hiring companies. going to be run by Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, but much of the day-to-day working of the pilot fell on the shoulders of Aquashia Peterson, an intern at the Homeless Coalition. Aquashia is a third-year Paralegal Studies student at Mount St. Joseph University, with minors in Communications (New Media) and Business Administration. She also is the President of the Black Student Union at the university. She has been with the Coalition since May working on several Aquashia Working on the Employment Pilot Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman projects including the Employment Pilot, Puretz properties, the Homeless Bill of Rights project, Final Fridays at buddy’s place, and the Sam Dubose trial. Aquashia has made great strides with the Employment Pilot and I was able to sit down with her, on her last day at the Coalition, and speak with her about the Pilot. Aquashia told me of many successes of the Pilot: currently, there are 11 people employed with 10 people in line for employment. A couple workers have moved into higher paying fulltime work, including one man who went from working at Building Value to utilizing his Bachelor in Information Technologies at Innovation Labeling Solutions. Another worker has gone from part time at the Cincinnati Parks Department to fully employed with a private management firm. These are just a couple of the many successes of the workers who are placed at Building Value, the Parks Department, and Nehemiah Manufacturing in the West End. People who want to get into the Employment Pilot are referred into the program by a caseworker from many different organizations, who are there to support them through the process. Partners include Beacon of Hope, St. Francis St. Joseph Catholic Workers, Abraxas, PATH, City Gospel Mission, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing/Jimmy Heath House, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Shelterhouse, Caracole, and the Anna Louise Inn. Caseworkers identify people who fit the Pilot well – they will work hard, but often get passed over for employment because of illness, how they look, or their work THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Aquashia, in concert with case managers, worked hard to make sure that people remained employed by connecting them to transportation, whether car pool or bus passes, or to childcare through 4C For Children. She was also integral in making sure one participant, who relapsed into drug use, was able to get the help they needed and then had their job waiting for them when they got better. She has worked to help them overcome the problems they are facing, but she still feels that the biggest obstacle is simply stability – whether it be around housing or family issues. The Employment Pilot has been extended because most of the money is still left. We are really going to miss Aquashia’s bright personality, willingness to help, and kind heart here at the Coalition. One of the people she helped get enrolled in the program is Joseph Jackson, who shared this with us: "The Employment Pipeline Program is a Godsend to me. It’s helped me in every way possible, with my confidence, with my ability to get out of the house and do something useful. In virtually every way that a normal person – quote “normal person” usually operates and goes to work everyday and does productive things – I am able to do now, and it’s because of this program. I really appreciate it; I appreciate all the people that are helping. Thank you!" To learn more about the Homeless Coalition's Education Programs please contact Dr. Mark Mussman at markmussman@cincihomeless.org ------------------------ �4 LOCAL The 1st Push to Dump Trump M JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer onday, December 19, 2016. 6:30 AM. 16 degrees. My friend and I head up I-71 for Columbus. Today the nation's Electoral Colleges will meet at state capitols to officially elect the next President. Cincinnati activist Kate Gallion and I will join others in hopes of helping to convince these “electors” to vote for someone other than Donald J. Trump. When we arrive in front of the Capitol Building we find a scattering to enter the Capitol garage and the building. I pullout of the chain to do a head count. There are around 185 by this time and more stragglers will be joining us over time. Although we remain “mellow,” we are nonetheless noisy. Shouting and repeating a series of chants all along the line. “This is what democracy looks like” is one of the favorites, of course. “Hey hey, Ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!” Of course we are aware that all of our passionate dissent might be Protest at the Capital Building in Columbus, OH Photo: Jim Luken of maybe forty others, most holding hand lettered signs, similar to the ones we made. Almost immediately a man and his wife accost me smiling. His sign is almost identical to mine which reads: “The Whole World is Watching...Do the Right Thing!” The crowd swells. A young woman organizer congratulates us all for braving the cold and for doing something patriotic for our country. She says that the event has been called for by two nationwide groups, the Hamilton Electors and Protect Our Vote. She tells us we must remain on the sidewalk in front of the Capitol because we do not have a permit to be on the grounds themselves. She instructs us that this will be a peaceful demonstration. She tells us, at least three times, that we should remain “mellow,” even if we are stopped by counter protesters (there were none), or police (there were no problems). Then we walk in a long single and double file line around the building to State Street where we march for two hours (some longer) in a block long chain where the designated electors are supposed for naught. Nevertheless, we are all there because we want to express that dissent in public, because we sense the dangers of another reactionary President. And we understand that, in a very real sense, the whole world is watching the United States at this time, the whole world worried about how much worse things might get. We demonstrators, old...young, women...men, white...black...Asian, we all sense that together we can, we must, stand up against this tidal wave of corruption and hatred that is heading our way. Most of us know that this may be just the beginning. The Electoral College: how it works. Monday, December 19, 3 PM. I am home from the rally, sitting at my computer. At the time I am writing these words I have no idea of what exactly will happen on this momentous day, after each of the 538 “electors” in statehouses around the country has cast his or her ballot for the person who would or would not become the next President of the D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 United States. Here's how it works. In in each state a certain number of “electors” form a “college” every four years. The party that wins the popular vote in any state sends its group of electors to vote for its candidate. Ohio was a Red State, going for Trump in the general election, The Buckeye State has 18 of these electoral votes, all are pledged to the President elect. He needs 270 of these votes to win the Presidency. If 37 electors, nationwide, were to defect, they could switch their votes to Hillary Clinton or send the election to the House of Representatives for a decision. Someone other than Trump would become President. This was our hope in rallying at the Statehouse. The thing is, the electors are given a marginal amount of freedom to vote their consciences. By this day, three electors from as many states had already gone public to announce that they were not going to vote for their party's candidate. So it could happen. By the end of today, Dec. 19, we will know. This election season has been anything but normal. We had the first woman candidate running against a Reality TV star, who seems to lack a basic respect for women. Trump had been a polarizing candidate, breeding fear and hate among many of his adherents. He used these emotional “triggers” to inflame passionate hatred of his opponent. A “Yu-u-uge” majority (2.8 million) had voted for the Democratic candidate, believing that Trump would cause catastrophic damage to our country and to democracy itself. Perhaps 37 or more of these pledged electors would feel a conscientious imperative to use the Electoral College system the way Alexander Hamilton had intended, of preventing the will of the people in their respective Red States of electing a demagogue. History of the “Electoral System” Monday, Dec. 19, 7 PM. Stick a fork in it. It's done. The “electors” have done what they have been told to do. Donald Trump will be the next President. The history of using electors chosen by the political parties to decide who will be President is somewhat complex and convoluted. But it can be simplified by applying one word to the arcane equation: Slavery. The use of “electors” to make the final selection of President was dreamed up by the Founding Fathers to prevent the people of the United States, We the rabble, We the unwashed masses, from voting someone who might be a demagogue into office. In addition, many of those Founders were slaveholders in the South, especially in Virginia. White landowners and other white people in the South were a minority of the population. Slaves weren't counted as people, so they couldn't vote. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, it was decided that southern states would find a better balance with the northern states, by counting each slave as 3/5s of a person, increasing the South's “Elector” count by 60%. This was known as the Three/Fifths Compromise. Another disgusting page of US history. Slaves of course had no vote, but their numbers increased the population of southern states, providing them with additional “Electors.” Pretty nifty. So a low white population state, like Virginia, wound up with greater electoral clout than a higher population state like Pennsylvania. In the first 36 years of our country's history, Virginia boasted four of our Presidents, all of them slave-owners, together holding office for 32 of those years. Slavery is long gone. But the electoral system continues to provide low population states, many of which are southern, with the opportunity to determine who lays claim to the White House. Obviously, The Presidency of the US is a national office. Its occupant should be determined by a national popular vote. Footnote As of 2016's election, when Hillary Clinton clearly won that popular vote, there have been four other elections similarly decided. This includes the election of George “W” Bush in 2000. In Bush's victory, often (Continued on page 7) Protest at the Capital Building in Columbus, OH Photo: Jim Luken THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 CPI Games MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer T he Consumer Price Index, or CPI, is the official index used to measure inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) surveys people around the country to find out what they buy and how much they pay. This results in what is often called the “market basket” of goods. It has two forms, CPI-U and CPI-W, which produce very similar results. The superficial implication is that the amount of inflation is the same for everyone, or at least it is about the same. But is this really true? I want to drill down a little and see if we should really be content with how inflation is currently measured. First, and this should be obvious, people with higher incomes purchase more goods than those with lower incomes. This is the result according to income quintiles from 2015 according to the BLS. The BLS does not break the market basket of goods into different consumption quintiles – everything goes into one basket and the CPI measures the rate of inflation for the entire basket. So the goods that the highest quintile purchase have four times the weight in the market basket as the goods that the lowest quintile purchase. If the prices of the goods that those with high incomes go up just a little or maybe even go down, this would swamp possible price rises of the goods that those with lower income purchase. We are on pretty safe ground when we say that those of higher incomes consume different goods than those of lower incomes. Housing is one obvious example – upscale apartments are simply unaffordable for many. Potatoes, rice, beans, pasta, (some) baloneys, and instant ramen noodles are all examples of foods that are comparatively cheap and probably eaten disproportionally by those of lower income -- at least that is how it was with me when I went to college. In other words, are the prices of pasta, baloney, and peanut butter going up faster than the price of 5 LOCAL steak and lobster? Are rents for basic 1-bedroom apartments going up faster than rents for upscale apartments? Are prices for used cars going up faster than prices for new Lexuses and Mercedes? Unfortunately the BLS does not break it down this way. The BLS publishes two different variants of the consumer price index. The CPI-U is the one that is normally reported as the inflation index in the press. It measures inflation for urban consumers, from poor to rich. The other is the CPI-W, which is the index used to adjust Social Security payments for inflation (the “W” stands for urban wage earners and clerical workers). There is a certain irony in This, however, doesn’t address the question about inflation for those who can afford it least – those in the lowest income quintiles. We should suspect that inflation might be different here because, in Cincinnati at least, the lifestyles of those who are comparatively better off are often subsidized. Their housing often gets tax breaks if not outright subsidies – think of the developments in Overthe-Rhine and The Banks. Restaurants at The Banks get special deals to open there. The fare for the streetcar, servicing the new developments and downtown is only $1.00 for two hours, while a bus fare for a single trip within Cincinnati is $1.75. (The bus can take you farther for a single fare, but even if your trip was short you would still pay $1.75. Plus, people who travel further on the bus often are forced to do so because they had to go far from downtown and/or work to find decent housing they can afford.) There is another reason why I think that the CPI may not be accurate for those with lower incomes. As we have all experienced, the prices of electronic goods have plummeted over the past 20 years or so. For example, large flat-screen, high-defini- using an index based on what workers purchase to adjust Social Security payments for retirees. They do wind up being very similar in practice, as seen in this table. This table shows that for a basket of goods that cost an average of $100 in 1982 through 1984, one would have to pay over $230 in 2015. But there is almost no difference between the CPI-W market basket and that of the CPI-U. One would cost $235.06 in 2015 and the other $237.02. The difference is less than 1% after over 30 years. One wonders why go through the bother of a separate index except that because there are tens of millions of retirees and the lower CPI-W is used, the Social Security system saves huge amounts of money. tion televisions that used to cost 2, 3, or even $4,000 now can be had for one tenth that price. This is a 90% cost reduction, even without taking inflation into account. But when the price was in the thousands, it was those who had the higher incomes that bought them. As the prices came down, this put downward pressure on the CPI. At the low end of the market, however, there was not a comparable reduction in the price of new televisions. A $100 small television did not go down to $10. Instead, the low-end style of television almost disappeared. To find a small portable television that could run off of a battery I had to go to a large truck stop – truckers, after all, don’t have THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED room for large screen televisions in their cabs. (I did this to replace my old style portable when broadcasting went digital, instead of adding a converter box.) Yes, televisions have a much better picture than before – whether they are more reliable is another question. Undoubtedly the better picture counts as an upgrade in the logic of the CPI. So this is more television for the money, so to speak. But it is not an actual price reduction, only a virtual one. Something of the same also happened with big price decreases for home computers, video players, and mobile phones which became “smart” phones. The news often report the “core” rate of inflation, that is, inflation without counting food and energy costs. But those non-core costs are very important for those in the lowest quintile who spend proportionally more on food, heating fuel, electricity, and gasoline than those in the top quintile. The mere fact that inflation is often reported without changes in food and energy costs, and the different proportions of these costs among income groups, strongly implies that there are indeed differences in inflation. When I asked a representative from the BLS about this he said that the inflation rate for everyone will be different. That is true, but not helpful. Why gather and report this information at all then? As a general guide it is far better than nothing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. In fact the BLS already have the data – they only need to break down the market basket of goods by income quintile, but they do not do it. There is an experimental index, called BLSE, which attempts to find the inflation rate for those 62 years of age or older. (These data show a slightly higher rate of inflation, but unfortunately the data I received from the BLS do not show the average income of this group.) This experimental index uses the market basket data that the BLS already gathers, focusing on the goods purchased by those at least 62 years old. Something similar could be done by income. This should be done so that we can better see the economy’s effects on those who are most vulnerable. As I showed in my previous article, “The Income Squeeze,” once inflation is taken into account, income was generally stagnant for a few years following the Great Recession. Only in the past 2 or 3 years has it begun growing again. Those in the highest income quintile have, on average, surpassed their income before the recession while those in the lowest quintiles still lag behind. But this assessment is based on the assumption that the same CPI is equally valid for all. The situation might be worse, or it might even be better for those with the lowest incomes. Shouldn’t we stop playing this game and use better data to judge the results of our country’s economic policies? ------------------------ �6 LOCAL D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 (Continued on page 12) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �7 LOCAL No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 Local Woman pushes through obstacles for success MALIA PITTS Contributing Writer Y ou’ve heard the saying before, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” You may have heard the saying from a spouse, friend, or family member when you went to them for advice. You may have even heard it in the early 2000’s when R&B icon Aaliyah made it into a popular song. While most may feel like it’s just a saying, some take it more personally, especially when it comes to their experiences from day to day life. has suffered many setbacks when it comes to being a single parent and trying to attend college, but her setbacks only fueled her drive for success. “I’ve been through more than your average 24-year-old,” she said. “But you know what? I’ve suffered long enough. I told myself that if I want a better life for my kids and I, I need to push through and stop feeling lazy and sorry for myself,” she added. After graduating from Shroder High School back in 2011, Jade had Jade and her Children Credit: Malia Pitts Jade Price, 24, is a local woman who uses the saying for daily motivation. Throughout her life, she planned to attend college to become a sign language interpreter, but love took her on another path. “I moved in with my boyfriend at the time. My mother practically disowned me for it, but I was in love and I followed my heart instead of listening, that was my first mistake,” she said. Jade began to experience a great amount of physical abuse while in her relationship. Her life began to spiral out of control when she used alcohol to help cope with her depression. “I would sit in the house and drink, drink all my problems away so I could be numb to the pain. I depended on him for so much, that JIM LUKEN virtually proven that W actually lost Florida. Had it been proven at the time, Florida's electoral vote would have gone to Al Gore. So would the Presidency. As for today, there are a number of investigative journalists analyzing voter suppression in various Blue States gone Red, like Wisconsin, which Trump won by a very slim margin. We must wait and see how this all pans out. But in the meantime, the arcane Electoral College system has given Jade's Graduation Credit: Malia Pitts (Continued from page 5) referred to as his “selection” by the Supreme Court, there had been a major suppression of the vote in a key state, where his brother was Governor. By now it has been Protest at Trump's Cincinnati rally Photo: Jim Luken I accepted the abuse because I knew I wouldn’t be anything without him,” Jade said. Per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, “nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women, specifically women between the ages of 18-24.” Researchers have also found that domestic victimization is correlated us, as of 2016, a genuine demagogue, a hothead with a very short attention span, and a penchant for petty vindictiveness. The people haven't spoken. Instead, a bad system has shouted: “I'm broken. Please, someone, fix me. (Continued on page 10) Protest at Trump's Cincinnati rally Photo: Jim Luken THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �e 8 WORLD Cross Atlantic: Dave and Raelene compare street vendors’ lives in the UK and US D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 DAVE AND RAELENE COURTESY OF BIG ISSUE NORTH / INSP.NGO Dave sells Big Issue North in Altrincham, near Manchester. Raelene sells the Denver Voice in Boulder, Colorado in the US. In a Skype conversation they compared notes about their lives, interests and what it’s like to be a street paper vendor on either side of the Atlantic. fell on some hard times and a friend of mine introduced me to Big Issue North and I’ve sold it ever since. I’ve been selling quite a long time – about R: Do you have a car? D: No. I use public transport. I’ve not had a car since 1988. That was the last car I had. they are going to do a lot of stuff but never deliver. R: Oh yes. D: I’m 45 and I’ve never voted, A t first glance Dave and Raelene have very little in common. But something that bonds them is their experiences of homelessness - which led to them selling Big Issue North and Denver VOICE magazines respectively. Over a Skype chat, the pair share very candid life journeys and some of the challenges they’ve faced over the years. They both agree that selling their street papers has left a positive impact on their lives. Dave: Is there a lot of street homelessness or begging in your city? Raelene: Oh yeah. There’s a lot of people who will hold up a sign on a street corner saying that they’re homeless, in the hope that someone will throw money out of their cars. And there are people asleep right on the streets in Denver. They just set up tents and after a while the cops will move them on and they will move to another block and start all over again. D: That’s what it’s like here. Exactly the same. And what’s the healthcare like in America, for people like yourself with not much money? R: Well, I’m on disability so I get healthcare from the government. But a lot of people out there can’t qualify to get that. That’s why the jails are very crowded. They would rather jail the homeless instead of finding a place for them and getting them mental health evaluations… Do you ever write for the paper? D: No. R: Why not? Don’t you have anything to say? D: Who would really listen? R: Whoever reads the paper! D: I suppose so. I’ve never thought of doing it. R: Well, all my life they said I couldn’t do nothing. I taught myself to read and write at 28. Now my editor says that I write with such passion because I can talk about the pain and the abuse and the homelessness, and people appreciate how far I came and what I’ve got to say. You can release a lot from inside you if you can let it out. D: Yeah of course. A problem shared is a problem halved, as they say. R: And I like the title – paid author. What was your life like before the paper? D: My life was good. But then I Dave from Altrincham, near Manchester sells Big Issue North. Raelene sells the Denver Voice in Boulder, Colorado in the US. Via Skype, their chat uncovered some surprising contrasts and comparisons of being a vendor in their respective cities. Credit: Courtesy of Big Issue North 20 years. R: Wow, 20 years. I think that’s awesome. When I started selling The Voice, I was sleeping under a bridge. I was a drug addict and the paper gave me a job. They didn’t care that I was homeless, a felon, they didn’t care that I didn’t have a high school diploma. They gave me 10 free papers and a badge. Two years later I broke a 30year crack cocaine addiction and in March I’ll be seven years clean. D: Wow – brilliant. R: Now I have my own home. I’ve got pets, I’m even raising two chickens. I’ll get eggs from them soon. D: A friend of mine used to have one of those baby pigs. R: Yeah? D: But it grew to be a big pig. R: That’s what people don’t realise. They say they’re small pigs, but they grow into big ones. D: They used to have it in his house. R: Do you have your own home? D: I used to but I fell behind with the rent so instead of letting them take it off me, I gave it up, because that way I could go back. R: Right. So do you rent a room? D: I stay with a friend at the moment. R: At least you’re not on the streets. D: I have been. It’s not nice. R: You know what I’m driving? A 1977 Chevrolet Caprice classic. It’s all original. I have automatic windows, cruise control, automatic lock. And it’s got a speedometer that says fuel economy, if you put your foot down too fast that gauge shoots to the right and says, get off the gas, you’re burning it up. My car outlasted the dealership in Denver. They’re no longer in existence but my car’s still going. D: I like driving. I used to drive all over England. R: You see, I never had my driver’s licence until six years ago, in my mid-fifties. And now I just love driving. The gas is cheap. I just got it yesterday for two dollars and five cents a gallon. D: You wouldn’t get that here. It’s a lot more expensive and I don’t miss the cost of it. What do you make of the American political elections? R: It’s a joke. We got a man who has never been in office at all, who has bankrupted his own businesses three times and he wants to run the government? And we got Hillary, who I voted for because she’s been in government, but she’s very secretive. She does stuff that we don’t know about. So this year has been a joke. D: Well, I always got brought up not to trust them, you know? Government people. Because they always say THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and that’s the reason why. R: What is the biggest thing that the paper has done for you? D: It’s given me my confidence back. Just gave me my life back. When I became homeless I didn’t have a lot, like yourself. R: All my life they told me I was mentally retarded. They said I’m incapable of an intelligent conversation after two minutes. I don’t have a watch on but we’ve broke that side of the record because you’ve been understanding everything I say, right? D: Yeah, course I have. Yeah. R: When I started selling the paper, it built the self-esteem up within me and I started getting self-worth, self-confidence. I think that’s the biggest thing it has done for me, to make me believe in myself. D: A lot of people couldn’t do what we do. R: Oh yes. Most people do not have the confidence to walk up to a perfect stranger, start a conversation and try to get them to buy something. D: I get a lot of people telling me their problems, problems with their health, the breakup of their families. I give them a lot of good advice because I’ve been there myself. I’m a bit like the street social worker. R: Exactly. We’re willing to listen to their problems. We’re willing to give them advice from our (Continued on page 9) �WORLD Martha Reeves: “I met Stevie Wonder when he was eight, playing bongos on waste baskets” No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 9 MALCOLM JACK Courtesy of INSP.ngo / The Big Issue UK bigissue.com @BigIssue Motown legend Martha Reeves talks about her strict childhood, performing with her musical icons and how Stevie Wonder got his name. Known for some of the best soul hits of the 1960s, the 75-year-old says, “I still feel like I haven’t reached the top of my talent.” to sing behind Marvin on one of his creations. So I called in the girls I had previously sung with, The Delphis, and we sang behind Marvin Gaye on making sounds and rhythms on the typewriter. He went to the telephone and “beep-beep-beep-beep” became a song. I had to take the phone from T he first thing I would say to myself at 16 years old is to ask if my daddy might let me stay out a little bit later. Living in my father’s house we had rules. Momma would remind me, being the oldest girl of 12 children, that I would have to study hard, and that I would have to do my housework before I could go out for recreation or leisure. My biggest thrill was singing, and going to a neighbourhood house, where Mrs Rogers would let us sing and teach us how to walk on stage and how to carry a microphone and sing with a big band because her sons were musicians. So it would be about getting my schoolwork done and getting my housework done, and then being allowed to go to this house and sing the standards and songs that I was very interested in learning. But the rule was you would have to be in the house when the street lights came on. I didn’t just stroll into Motown, I was invited. The only thing was I didn’t go through the protocol. I was supposed to call for an appointment but I had a difficult time sleeping after meeting William Stevenson [Motown’s head of A&R] at a nightclub where I was singing at the age of 21. I got a card, and after performing I took it backstage, and it was from Hitsville USA. I realised I had been discovered – he said I had talent: “Come to Hitsville USA.” The words rang in my ears. So I showed up Monday morning and William Stevenson looked at me and asked me what I was doing there, he didn’t even remember he’d given me a card. I was told I could answer a telephone that was ringing off the hook. It was like a divine order. I knew how to answer a phone, I knew how to type, how to take dictation with my shorthand skills, and I fitted in very well from the minute he asked me to answer the phone. They asked me not just to come back to Hitsville USA but to become part of that company. Marvin Gaye was a drummer when I became aware of him. One day The Andantes weren’t available DAVE AND RALENE (Continued from page 8) past experiences. I’ve got one friend – they own a jewellery store – they are one of my biggest fans because they watched when I was sleeping under a Motown legend Martha Reeves continues to perform live her 1960s classic soul hits at the age of 75. Hits such as Dancing in the Street, Heat Wave and Nowhere to Run continue to draw the crowds five decades after their release. Credit: Courtesy of The Big Issue UK / marthareeves.com Stubborn Kind of Fellow, and he took that pipe out of his mouth, and the glasses off of his eyes and the hat off of his head, and we saw how attractive he was. He was a gentleman, he was so fine. We went “do-do-do-bow!” and history began with Martha and the Vandellas [below] and Marvin Gaye, as our record, Come and Get These Memories, began to be played on the radio and started to be distributed all over the world. So we were sort of discovered and created together. I happened to be in the A&R department when Stevie Wonder was brought in aged eight years old. I immediately was so in love with him – a beautiful spirited child. He started emptying waste baskets and playing bongos on them. He started him: “Child, you’re going to call Russia.” We went over to studio A and he played every instrument in the room, then finished with a tiny little harmonica out of his pocket. Berry Gordy [Motown founder] said “this kid is a wonder” and that’s how he got his name. When I hear hits like Dancing in the Street or Heat Wave on the radio now, I can be as young as I was when I first sang them. And when I sing them, that’s a different experience. Some people would think after some of the years you would tire and they wouldn’t be fresh but for me it’s total recall. It’s a great moment of happiness and achievement. We were happy to know that other people liked what bridge. They watched when I was on drugs and when I got off of it. They watched when I changed my life over the years and that’s what they like about the paper. And I help to fundraise for The Voice when we do our silent auctions. The last time I went to see them they gave me almost $300 (£240) in silver jewellery for us to auction. I love the worth that people see in me that I can walk out of the store with merchandise and they know it’s THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED we did and cherished the memories and that same spirit that Berry Gordy wanted to put in the grooves of his songs. It was ‘The Sound of Young America’. I can feel as young as when they were first written when I sing songs like Jimmy Mack or Nowhere to Run. I didn’t work with David Bowie but I remember Ready Steady Go! back in the 1960s when we performed with The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Lulu, Cilla Black, Petula Clark. We’ve got history in England. When they [Mick Jagger and David Bowie] did a cover of Dancing in the Street they celebrated a good song. When I saw the video I wanted to be with them, I wanted to be right there in the middle with a coloured dress, and dance and sing with them. When he passed on, I celebrated David Bowie’s life, I love his music. He is one of our loved ones. I felt the same when we lost Dusty Springfield or when we lost John Lennon and George Harrison. There’s a lot of people who have passed on. I take life and death as an act of God and pray for strength. People ask me when I will retire and I say: “When I’ve passed away.” I’ll sing as long as I can and I’ll enjoy singing as long as I can. I don’t think I would tell my 16-year-old self to do anything differently. Because I was overwhelmed by becoming a singer. It was a mindblowing thing, when you’re in front of your relatives and your mother and father’s friends and being put on display – “sing that song momma taught you”. And they actually appreciate it, and family and friends call on you and ask to share in the gift that God gave me. I strove to be a performer, I worked hard about it, I had dreams that have come true. And I encourage anyone else that has dreams and desires: don’t give up on them. I think the 16-year-old Martha Reeves would believe me if I told her I would still be performing over 50 years later. Because I haven’t changed. I’m still the person who’s hopeful. I’m still the person who has a lot of confidence and a lot of trust and a lot of faith. I pray everyone can experience the success in life when they can feel that they have achieved their greatness. I still feel like I haven’t reached the top of my talent. going right to where it’s supposed to go. The first year I did it, I was blown away – that people actually trusted me and I actually got it to where it was supposed to go, you know? (Continued on page 11) �10 LOCAL Crime and Punishment – The Tensing Drama D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 C rimes of racism are societal crimes. It’s not enough just to look at the perp. The whole institutional environment needs to be assessed and put on the stand: our police culture that says it’s OK to shoot rather than stand-down if threatened; that a black person objecting to petty law harassment is inherently threatening and needs to be killed. In the case of the UC cop that shot and killed a driver attempting to pull away from a traffic stop for a missing front license plate, all of these matters are brought to the surface. We get a hung jury (8:4) when even Prosecutor Joe Deters, the champion of killer cops for decades, previously said it looked like murder. Clearly racism is alive and well in Cincinnati. Here’s what should have happened. First, the defense and MALIA PITTS (Continued from page 7) with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior. Even though she was in an unhealthy relationship, she chose to stay, for fear that he would follow through with threats he made. Her depression became worse but with help from a family friend, she was finally able to escape. “I snuck and moved out one day and I never looked back. I moved in with a friend of the family and I slept on their couch in the basement. I never had to depend on myself so it was a very stressful learning experience for me,” Jade said. After a month of being free from her abusive relationship, Jade found out she was pregnant, which scared her since she had trouble supporting herself. With no prior JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) who have experienced homelessness and/or work in this field, passed away on December 17, 2016. Cookie was the passionate and passion-inspiring founder of Our Daily Bread (ODB). Staff at Our Daily Bread have stated ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer always back the shooters? And never question policing policies that have these consequences? Why don’t they advise their members to take risks like backing down and seeking de-escalation and then defend them if brought under administrative sanction? Sentencing arguments: why doesn’t the defense argue for institutional commitments to addressing flawed policing policies in lieu of a heavier sentence? Make every incident a public examination, calling witnesses and supporting evidence. Instead of wasting public money to argue phantom law, the defense should have pleaded guilty and argued sentencing… and plea-dealed for institutional commitments. The trial should have been over in one week. prosecution would (and probably did) stipulate (agree at the outset) that UC officer Tensing did shoot DuBose when he disobediently attempted to drive away from a traffic stop. Then the defense should have either a) made a plea deal for a lesser charge and simultaneously brought suit against the police establishment for derelict supervision and racist policies, or b) gone to trial and subpoenaed local police materials and called witnesses sufficient to demonstrate a racist criminal justice culture that encourages unlawful killings by police; including subpoenaing Joe Deters and his handling of previous cases of police killing unarmed black men. The arguments would demonstrate administrative tolerance and promotion of policing behaviors predictably resulting in unlawful deaths by police organizations both civic and private, such as at UC. Here’s what an honest prosecutor would have done in jury selection. Test for prospective juror: “If in a trial of a killing by police it is shown that a reasonable unprejudiced observer would have judged there was no unavoidable threat, would you convict?” (Yes or No). “Is disobeying a police officer grounds for lethal response? When would it not be? When would it be?” Unfortunately, the best test for racism in a juror is how they vote in a trial such as this, but that’s a little too late. The Police union? Why do they work experience, Jade found it very difficult to find a stable income and housing, but she refused to go back to the father of her children. “My first thought was to abort the child, but then I couldn’t bring myself to make that appointment. After finding out about the pregnancy, it was like a switch turned on in my head, telling me to get my shit together and prepare for this baby,” she said. After being turned down from many job offers and not receiving call backs, Jade felt discouraged. She found motivation, and she remembers it from her mother’s own lips. “My mother would always say that saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again,” every time I went to her about how awful I was at cheer practice. I called her for the first time in a couple of years and told her about my pregnancy and my relationship and how I’m trying to get out there and find a job,” she said. “You know what she said after I told her I couldn’t land a job? She said that same exact saying so I used those words to help push through the days,” she added. Jade continued her search for work, leaving her discouraged attitude behind. In August of 2014, she found work as a front desk agent in at a Hotel in Sharonville Ohio, where she worked long hours with a big belly. “I found out that I was having twins and I was completely shocked, but I was happy because I now have a job with a stable income. I got approved for housing, food stamps and I did it on my own,” she said. Jade didn’t stop there, after having her twin boys Chase and Cobe, she enrolled into Beckfield College for dental assisting, where she later graduated at the top of her class. She now works for Valley Dental Group in Bond Hill, as a dental assistant. She raises her boys on her own with a very stable foundation. “I’m raising them to be young men and to treat woman with respect. I’m blessed to have gotten out of that relationship, my kids saved my life, they helped me get to where I am today. For the women, out there, that are in abusive relationships, please get out and never look back, it will be the best thing that has ever happened and so many blessings and opportunities await you,” she said. Overall, Jade’s experiences stressed one of the most important lessons of all, never ever give up! that “…ODB would not exist without her vision, hard work, leadership and dedication. She was an inspiration to all she met, and a great source of comfort to the thousands of people who have come through our doors since 1985.” Looking to the future, they add, “We are so proud to continue Cookie's legacy of service at Our Daily Bread and know that her light will continue to shine through each meal served and each smile shared.” Our grief and our reflection must lead us forward to action and we need to bring more people into the fold to work with us. Homelessness will end when enough of us create the systematic changes necessary to build enough housing that is affordable to everyone at her or his own financial level. We value the big picture, because we value all of the individuals that are a part of it. As we close out 2016 and make plans for 2017 we ask you to join us in honoring these important people who have gone before us by continuing to commit to work for the end of homelessness. National Homeless Memorial Event At Washington Park Photo: Justin Jeffre National Homeless Memorial Event At Washington Park Photo: Justin Jeffre THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL THE POSSIBILITY OF PASSING CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING REFORM IN OHIO IN 2017 No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 O hio possesses one of the most gerrymandered collection of Congressional districts in the U.S. As a state that is approximately fiftypercent Republican and fifty-percent Democrat, Ohio currently has twelve Republican members of Congress and four Democrats. In complete control of the last redistricting process in 2011, the GOP employed computer skills to draw districts that would give them the maximum number seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Catherine Turcer, Policy Analyst for Common Cause/Ohio, came to Cincinnati on December 16th with a tentative plan that would reform this state's unfair process for establishing Congressional districts. As a leading participant in a series of recent meetings devoted to drafting a Congressional redistricting reform proposal, Turcer described this draft proposal to a group of local reformers meeting at the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church. After the recent election, the attendees were heartened to have a potentially significant reform to promote in the coming year. Turcer explained that the current proposal was not unlike the wording of the Ohio Constitutional Amendment on state redistricting BILL WOODS Contributing Writer that voters overwhelmingly passed in November 2015. For instance, it calls on the same bipartisan commission to draw the new Congressional district lines every ten years. It also requires that at least two members of the minority party on the Commission approve the final product. The proposal to date also new Congressional districts. One criterion strictly forbids gerrymandering, while another calls for compact districts that minimize splitting counties and municipalities. A third criterion requires that the overall allocation of Congressional seats corresponds closely to the statewide political preference of the emphasizes the criteria the Commission must follow in drawing voters of Ohio. Another important criterion establishes a transparent M regarding healthcare. Costs feel outof-control, but most of us don't know details about how doctors charge insurance companies. The exact same service, provided by two different doctors, will not cost the same. That's because medical bills are based on how medical coders interpret doctors' notes and "translate" them into billable codes. But one code, 99211, stands out: this is the extra money your doctor charges your insurance for checking your weight, temperature, and blood pressure at the beginning of every visit. Let's say you visit the doctor for a D: It’s unnecessary because I’d only ask them if they wanted to buy a magazine and it’s either yes or no, isn’t it? R: Well, I don’t care who don’t like me because I like me today. I love me today! And I can’t take up space in my head worrying about what someone else is thinking about me. Let them think what they think about me. If you don’t got nothing positive to say to me I don’t have to stand around and listen to you. D: I just wish them a good day. R: I had a woman that went up to me and I said: “Hi, I work for the Denver Voice.” And she said: “I don’t help people like you.” And I couldn’t figure out what “people like you” meant. I’m not begging. I’m not bumming. I’m not out there lying, cheating and stealing. I’m out here working. So what did “people like me” mean? She went past me and I said: “And you have a very blessed day ma’am!” D: Well, to me that’s just her putting you down to make herself feel good. R: Well, as the saying goes, misery loves company, and miserable people like to make others feel miserable. D: I think you’ve got to be happy. It’s the only way forward, isn’t it? I mean for people who have been where we have been in life. It’s not nice being there, is it? R: No. That’s why I just try and be the best person I can be, the kindest person I can be, the happiest person I can be. I wake up smiling. Every day is a beautiful day to me. Contributing Writer DAVE AND RALENE D: Well, it goes to show you how far you’ve come, with the help of people and yourself. I’ve been there myself. A lot of people – you’ll get this yourself – people walk past and their pace gets quicker. They’ll pull out their phone just to look at it rather than look at you. R: Oh yeah, I’ve seen that – when all of a sudden they see you standing there and they purposely walk around you. I just look at them and say: “Have a blessed day!” ------------------------ In any event, if we paid directly for various services, it would probably change our view on levels of medical care profoundly. For example, when getting an oil change, if the technician offers to give me a new air filter, I know I can do it myself, rather easily, for a fraction of the price. I never purchase those up-charges. If, upon entering the doctor's office, a medical assistant offered to weigh me and take my temperature for $20, I would turn the service down. But that's basically what happens with code 99211 - a doctor's office can earn at least $20 per patient every time they do this. Some insurance companies may pay more. Don't you wonder what would happen if all of us started turning down this up-charge? JASON HAAP (Continued from page 9) process with public hearings and all Commission meetings open to the public. Although the Fair Districts Coalition that drew up this reform will lobby the Ohio General Assembly to put its proposal on the ballot in the form of an Ohio Constitutional Amendment, Turcer believes that the current House and Senate will not take this step. She is convinced that it will have to take the form of a citizen initiative, and such a process will require a great deal of citizen education and coalition building. Turcer's redistricting plan was the most tangible reform that emerged from the December 16th forum. Hastily called by Applied Information Resources, this session was promoted with the slogan "Where Do We Go From Here?" The meeting was designed to get local activists and reformers to begin thinking about a reform agenda for 2017, and protecting voting rights and addressing the warping influence of "big money" on campaigns were also discussed by attendees. "Thinking outside the box," noted one person, will be necessary for reformers during this disturbing and unpredictable time in our country's history.. persistent cough, but not for having a fever. Using the stethoscope on your lungs makes sense. Your bronchitis will likely be treated the same way whether your temperature is 98°, or 99°. In fact, though my temperature has been taken every time I've ever visited the doctor for a sick visit, I usually do not have a fever. My medical records, presumably, are filled with data about my lifetime's unremarkable temperature ranges. What is anyone doing with this longitudinal data? It has never impacted my diagnoses. Naturally, there are people who have probably had dangerously high fevers, but that's a separate matter. I don't think anyone has ever had a 103° fever without being somewhat aware of the fact. Health care profiteering ost people, when visiting the doctor, do not give any thought to medical codes, such as "99211." According to an item published by the American Academy of Family Physicians, this code can be used when service to established patients does not need to be provided by a doctor - such as when a medical assistant takes your weight or temperature. AAFP explains that "reporting 99211 can bring additional revenue into your practice." Whatever your political stance on health insurance, one thing is clear: we have a crisis in our country 11 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ �12 STREET VOICE How to play the game D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 RICARDO TAYLOR ‘I Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor f by design or by chance; you reap what you sow’ Too often the life of the street places the individual in situations, for which they have no experience or resolution. {This is the time when the question arises; how to play the game}. It is these instances that the gut comes into play. It’s that instantaneous decision making, where right or wrong have no meaning; it becomes do or die. Have or be without! {Or so our thinking tells us}. One’s survival is absolutely predicated on the choices they make! Those choices are honed in our thinking, a thinking of survival. The order and rules of the game! How do I get to the next station of my existence? What do I need to do in order to progress to the next phase? Ah! We come to the, oh, so much to speak, that proverbial fork in the road. That place where we scrape from the bottom or lavish at the top! The way we play the game has to be dictated by the change or direction we want for our lives. The changes which are most important for us is simply getting away from those old ways of doing things, which have little or no benefit for the long term. Of course that idea would be easy to construct, yet, the reality of such takes more then a thought! We have to align ourselves with both materials This Is My Dream MR. ENGLISH I Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ’ve been hospitalized in institutions and treatment centers. I do believe my brain needs to be cleansed of all pains of self-consciousness, of negative thinking, from suffering, from misunderstood guidance in order to guide myself into peace and happiness, to overcome my mental disorder, to be spiritually and emotionally stable. I am sick of physical pain and unhappiness with my health. Sometimes I am doing better with the emotional and physical way I feel about my health. I want peace, love in and networks. Accessing the raw materials {monetary, tools of the trade, etc.}, is just the tip of the iceberg and can be frustrating or discouraging. However, with the fortitude and determination there can be accomplishment. The key from my thinking is that after we come to that phase, we have to take on the equally important task of networking; finding those sources of support, advice and encouragement. That phase of interacting with those who are based in the community. my soul and peace of mind for the way I think of my heart and the way I love. And love’s like a concept of whole peace combined with feelings from my soul, together creating feelings of warmth and of emotional thoughts. All in one enormous behavior of my actions made up of personality and the way I feel about myself. This is my mind, heart and soul trying to love myself and be a whole unique person. I can be physically fit to help myself and to live spiritually. I told myself that I am a man trying to be someone that others “Breakdown Stereotypes” This is where our attitudes must change or evolve so that it becomes of, instead of me. Shedding the, oh, so important me and engaging the community as one entity. Personally, I believe that if an individual commits themselves to that change/direction in which they’d truly like to be then it can be realized, once the individual makes the choice of change/direction. ‘It becomes a part of how we play the game.’ The obvious is not always so clear, especially when you live as many street people do, however, change can bring about the unknown and unexpected! When you believe that all the cards stacked against you it becomes hard to see relief, yet, again with that drive to overcome combined with the will to succeed I believe that one can indeed realize a change and all its rewards. It all depends on how you play the game. ------------------------ might enjoy being around, trying to act like it, carry myself like it and try to be a great person and to do things right so that I will feel love in my heart, compassion in my feelings and to do something that will make people happy. I want to do something great and enormous. I want to do something great so that people will look at me and say, “Mr. English is a great man amongst men, standing tall out in the eyes of God. This is my dream, to help all. P.S love, Mr. English “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 Educational Programs Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau We will come to your organization, school, or business Alternative Breaks: Cincinnati Urban Experience College students stay with us and participate in service and learning in the community Social Justice Walking Tours Please sign up for an Educational Program on our website CinciHomeless.org Learn about the rich cultural history, struggles, and collaboration in our community Streetvibes Shadow Experience distributing Streetvibes newspapers and learn fron a seasoned professional THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 PREPARING FOR THE NEW CONGRESS Crackling (Sung to the tune of "Santa Claus is coming to As I raised my window town.") Get ready to curse. The sound was clear Get ready to cry. With the crackling and the movement It's gonna get worse. I'm telling you why. The new Congress Is coming to town. of the leaves through the trees the leaves dropping from the trees to the ground their special noise with that crackling sound I was very pleased with the nature of the leaves They'll take away your health care, And cut assistance for the poor. That had fallen from the trees They'll cut taxes for the super-rich, There’s something special about the leaves And show environmentalists the door. On the ground that make that crackling sound (Repeat the opening chorus.) KIM GREEN BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer MISTAKEN CONTROL TO HAVE CONTROL OVER ONESELF AND WELL BEING IS ENOUGH TO HAVE CONTROL OVER OTHERS LIVING HABBITS NOW THAT’S JUST TOO MUCH STUFF TO HAVE THE CHOICES AND A CHANCE TO VOTE WHETHER RIGHT OR WRONG TO HAVE THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THIS FREE LAND WAS NOT THAT A SONG TO HAVE CONTROL OVER WHAT I DESIRE TO SWITCH OFF AND ON TO HAVE THE BELIEF THAT INSPITE OF MY PAST MY LIFE IS NOT ALL GONE TO HAVE TRIED TO LEAVE MY PAST BEHIND WHERE I HAD NO CONTROL TO HAVE FOUND A PLACE TO LIVE, HERE COMES CONGRESS LORD HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL! TO SEE SO MANY CHANGES, NEW APARTMENTS, PARKING LOTS ALL LOOKING REAL GOOD TO BE AROUND TO SEE ALL THE PEOPLE RICH, POOR AND THE HOMELESS STILL BEING MISUNDERSTOOD TO REMEMBER WHEN I WAS HOMELESS HOW I OFTEN PLEADED TO GO TO JAIL TO GET OFF THE STREET TO KNOW THAT JAIL WAS WHERE I COULD GO TO EAT AND SLEEP ALL FOR FREE I COULDN’T BEAT TO TAKE AWAY HOUSING, RAISING RENT, LOWERING FOOD STAMPS I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND TO KNOW FOR SURE THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD HAVE MISTAKEN CONTROL AND IT’S WIDE SPREAD ALL OVER THE LAND…. WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 115 Across 1. Asterisk 5. Proverb 10. Hit sharply 14. Step 15. Concentrate 16. Heap 17. Halo 18. Keynote of a major or minor scale 19. Not in use 20. Tumble 22. Remake 23. Inert gas 24. Average 26. Straying from the right course 28. Moving very fast 31. Twitch 32. Appear 35. Metal fastener 37. Youngster 41. Paddle 42. Simple crane 44. On the sheltered side 45. Cheer for a great performance 47. Short note 48. Scale drawing of a structure 49. Mischievous fairy 51. Greek letter 53. Kind of something 56. Bicycle for two 60. Main body of a written work 61. Wading bird 64. Flatbottom boat 65. One of a pair used to control a horse 66. Outspoken 68. Wheeled vehicle, can be pushed or pulled 69. Small island 70. Call forth 71. Pitcher 72. Look searchingly 73. Religious doctrine 74. Counter tenor Down 1. Cramp 2. Fuscous 3. Strong and sharp 4. Pragmatism 5. Towards the stern or tail 6. Entrance 7. Skin condition 8. Usher 9. Accompany 10. Leaves eaten cooked or raw 11. Broaden 12. Distribute 13. Adolescent 21. Jurisprudence 25. Square root of eightyone 27. Stack of hay 29. Cultivate by growing 30. Fatigued 32. Weep 33. Organ of hearing 34. Division of geological time 36. Green acidic fruit 38. Unwell 39. Pasture 40. Lair 42. Hemispherical roof 43. Young male horse 46. Wine merchant 48. Cure all 50. Type of hedge 52. Restaurant bill 53. Migratory aquatic birds 54. Expatriate 55. Higher up 57. Slow manner of speech 58. Type of heron 59. Paris subway system 60. Journey 62. Graphic symbol 63. A reason for wanting something done 67. Allow D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 245 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 343 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 114 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 244- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 346 | D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 381-SAFE 557-2873 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 Salvation Army 762-5660 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Shelterhouse 721-0643 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 562-8841 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Parkway Center 661-4620 Prospect House 921-1613 Shelter: Both Starting Over 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 Talbert House Tender Mercies 221-HELP 721-8666 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 2401-, 2411 Reading Rd, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2401 Reading Road, Cinti, Ohio 45202 VA VA Homeless Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry Mercy Franciscan at St. John 351-0422 381-6672 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 721-4700 421-7803 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 $100 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center for 26 issues $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Mary Magdalen House 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 771-4800 751-0600 579-8547 721-4811 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Northern Kentucky Health 621-5300 981-5800 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Advocacy Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 351-3500 977-4489 Other Resources Hamilton/Middletown 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 421-0065 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 977-6800 859-572-6226 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 271-5501 535-2719 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Housing: 15 St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary 859-491-3335 859-572-6202 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 D e c 30 - J a n 12 , 2 0 16 | N o . 34 6 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2000 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2007 MAURICE GOLSBY MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 MYRA WILSON NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 cincistreetvibes.org THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2016 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 30, 2015-January 12, 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: Jobless Not Hopeless Pg 4: The 1st Push to Dump Trump Pg 5: CPI Games Pg 6: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 7: Local Woman Pushes Through Obstacles for Success Pg 8: Cross Atlantic Pg 9: Martha Reeves Pg 10: Crime and Punishment Pg 11: The Possibility of Passing Congressional Redistricting Reform in Ohio in 2017 Pg 12: How to Play the Game Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 30, 2015-January 12, 2016 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Dr. Mark Mussman Jim Luken Michael Earl Patton Malia Pitts Robert Park Bill Woods Jason Haap Ricardo Taylor Ron English Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Justin Jeffre Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Bill Woods Crime Donald Trump Dr. Mark Mussman Employment Jason Haap Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Malia Pitts Martha Reeves Michael Earl Patton Ohio reform Ricardo Taylor Robert Park Ron English Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/d599bb498b5c75a9e8213479ec86013b.pdf 5ba012fcf3e5157eb1bcd4bfe257b4bb PDF Text Text December 4th - December 17th 2015 | Vol. 19 Issue 25 (No. 318) advocating justice | Building community American Non-Profit Brings Joy To Homeless Kids | 9 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Students Become the Teachers | 5 The Animal Hospital Campaign | 3 America’s first studentrun homeless youth shelter | 9 the Connections between Economic Inequality and Big Money Politics | 7 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Justice does not come swiftly…but it should JOSH SPRING A Executive Director woman or a man will walk into a Kroger store today, pick up a specific bottle of baby formula, put it under their shirt and walk out. If caught, she or he will be charged with theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree. In the state of Ohio the judge could decide to sentence this person to up to 180 days in jail, fine them up to $1,000 or both. While certainly the judge may not give the max sentence, there likely will be some time served in jail and/or a fine. Let’s say the sentence is a fine of less than $1,000. This woman or man took the baby formula because she or he did not have enough income to feed their child. The fine will further exacerbate the families’ poverty, lead to more need to shoplift, and could lead to interactions with child protective services, etc. Now at this point, those of us reading or writing this can have the luxury of debating whether or not this action was actually stealing/ theft. I believe there is no moral or logical way to define such an action as this as theft, stealing, wrong, sinful or any other such adjective. The parent in this scenario lives in a system that allows corporations to horde massive wealth, while people suffer and babies go hungry. Morality is on the side of the parent fighting to feed her or his child. But let’s look at this from another facet. Currently we are working with hundreds of people attempting to overcome the same terrible slumlord. This slumlord company is owned by the Puretz family of New York and New Jersey as well as Steve Reinman who works for the town of Lakewood, NJ. They are represented locally by attorney Steve Rothstein of Wyoming. They own 756 affordable apartments in Cincinnati. They have intentionally neglected these many properties, leading to unhealthy and unsafe living conditions. They have treated Residents with animosity. They have done all of this while receiving a $20 million mortgage and approximately $12 million in rent from Residents and the federal government. It is suffice to say that a negligible amount of this at least $32 million, received Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 or to maintain their job in order to keep themselves and their family fed. Every day someone is arrested and or shot on the corner while selling drugs in a systematically bullied attempt to earn an income. Everyday someone is charged with fraud for bouncing a check in an effort to buy food or clothing. Everyday men and women are charged with crimes for asking for help on the street or sleeping in a public space. This list could go on and on and on. But the point is that everyday people are charged with crimes and thusly punished for attempting to simply live. Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Alms Residents’ Association and Homeless Coalition grill out, build strength Photo: Justin Jeffre over the last two years has gone into the properties. We have worked with Residents to form Resident Associations and join a lawsuit filed by the city against the slumlords. Legal Aid has been fiercely representing the Resident Associations. We go to court December 16th. We are working to receive a judgement in favor of Residents that will lead to the improvement and sustainability of these 750 affordable homes. But let’s get back to the original situation in which a parent has been jailed and or fined for taking baby formula to feed their hungry child. Sure you can say, “Well that’s one of the most heart-strings-pulling examples you could use, but what about other examples?” Let’s be clear, this example happens every day in this country in numerous, unknown quantities. Every day people are charged with a crime for driving without a license while attempting to get a job Living-room ceiling of a Entowne Manor apartment after it fell and was “worked” on Photo: Josh Spring And as this happens, companies like the one we are fighting rake in millions and millions of dollars, don’t spend them in the ways they are contracted to, force people into unhealthy living conditions, try every sleazy tactic to keep Resident voices at bay, try to stop inspections, work to intimidate Residents, lie, etc. Even with the Residents, Legal Aid, Homeless Coalition and the City of Cincinnati going after them with the support of many community organizations, the process simply to have the case heard has taken more than a year. So here is the question to ask yourself and those you know: why is it that a parent can take food for their hungry baby and our system very quickly says it is theft and renders a punishment without any inherent consideration for the situation or the systems that caused it and yet a company with millionaire-owners can receive tens of millions of public and private dollars, break legal contracts regarding those dollars, force thousands of adults and children into unsafe and unhealthy living conditions and our system has no immediate reaction other than to keep paying them? Making it such that Residents, community groups and the local municipality have to spend countless hours attempting to get the larger government to see the thousands and thousands of already visible examples of crimes committed by this company. ------------------------ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Dan Moore, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jason Haap, Bill Woods, Manuel Perez, Ricardo Taylor, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/Artwork: Justin Jeffre, Josh Spring, Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, Dr. Mark Mussman, Aimee Willhoite, Bill Woods, Ron English Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL The Animal Hospital Campaign No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 DAN MOORE Contributing Writer T he campaign started earlier in the summer when Edwin, a Peruvian immigrant and an employee at the Animal Hospital came into the CIWC with a strange wage-theft/kickback scheme campaign. He mentioned that there were several others working there, but they were Mexicans and didn’t know their rights (in a somewhat condescending way). He attempted to involve the others but was unable. So I went ahead with Edwin’s wage theft case and was shocked at how quickly and easily the company owner, Stephanie Cable agreed to pay him his wages. This caught my attention. I forget exactly the extent of outreach I did after that, but I definitely visited and talked to a few workers on site at the building. Perhaps a few months later I got a call from Jose Luis, another employee, but this time a current one. He came in and brought his two co-workers, Pedro and Salvador. They had one other co-worker who they couldn’t convince to come down. Whereas Edwin was owed maybe $600, Pedro and Jose Luis had worked for years for the Animal Hospital and were owed tens of thousands of dollars (Salvador was owed substantially less, but wanted to support his friends). They proceeded to show me every single pay stub they ever had received, and then mentioned they had a video. I assumed it was going to be a blur- ry, shaky cell phone video where they caught the boss being rude to them (or something that wasn’t going to help much). Instead what they showed me was almost a candid camera style video with perfect clarity where they each went into to their bosses office, one by one, and asked her to explain how she determines how much they must pay back. She says clear as day something like “I just multiply how much overtime you work by 4 dollars an hour”. It was shocking to see and between the workers unity, their detailed documentation and this video I felt like we had a winning fight on our hands. The first step was having the workers meet with the member committee and explain the situation and develop an escalating plan. We wanted to make sure that we had time to get members involved and grab attention before the case settled. We planned to do a delegation first, where the workers would turn in their keys and quit. The owners had threatened workers with immigration before and there was a rumor that a worker years prior had been deported during this workers comp court case - so they didn’t want to stay at the company while fighting them. We went to the Animal Hospital with Sister Mary, Ellen Dienger from UFCW and a few other community and labor leaders. The boss who greeted us, immedi- ately started lashing out against the workers making less than veiled threats about calling immigration. It was somewhat shocking how much of an ass they were, usually even the worst bosses know when to act nice. In the meantime we worked with Mark Curnutte, at that time the reporter for the Enquirer who was working on Immigration stories, who had expressed interest in the story - but wanted the exclusive. When he met the workers to interview them, after hearing their story, their bravery and the companies immigration threats, he asked them if they wanted to be public about being undocumented. He said either way he’d cover it, but if they were public about being undocumented he could get this on the front page. The workers talked and decided it was worth it, that they wanted to be motivation for other undocumented workers to stand up for themselves. They also decided to file a DOL complaint before the story ran since that could potentially provide them some legal cover if there was any immigration enforcement (the DOL had just recently announced that DOL Wage an Hour would be eligible to offer U-visas for witness’s testimony). A few days passed and we escalated again, holding a picket in front of the animal hospital. I remember 30 or so people coming out, including a significant amount of mem- Protesters speak out against wage theft Photo: Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 3 bers as well. We marched around, made some noise, leafletted and energized the folks who came about the fight. Then the next day the Enquirer article came out - the story was above the fold front page, with a link to see the online video. It generated a lot of attention. The day the story came out the boss, Stephanie Cable, called up the office and I spoke to her. She asked if we could have a cease-fire and I repeated the workers’ demands, which she was now much more interested in hearing. Ultimately she said her lawyer advised her to not settle since there was a DOL investigation. Since the case was so high profile, and since we had ongoing dialog with the local DOL folks, we were able to get commitments from them to expedite their normal brutally slow process. A year or so later they eventually won double back pay for 21 workers - including Edwin. Apparently the company was so badly beaten they didn’t want to argue that they had actually paid Edwin his back wages. The workers remained active at the CIWC for some time, and even bought several thousand dollar’s worth of computer equipment for the Center as a token of their appreciation. I think they got U-visas as well, although I’m not positive. All in all it was an exciting fight that highlighted the rampant exploitation of workers, as well as the courage of those who choose to stand up and fight. It was an honor for me to be able to work on this campaign and celebrate the victories. ------------------------ �4 LOCAL Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �5 LOCAL Students Become the Teachers: Aiken New Tech Shantytown No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer W e recently had a visit from Aiken New Tech High School before they held their Shantytown in College Hill. There were about 45 students who met us at First Lutheran Church here in Over-the-Rhine for a speaking engagement. Willa Jones, one of the longtime members of the Homeless Coalition’s Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau gave her fantastic story of loss and recovery in a short 30 minutes. Willa always does a great job of helping the audience understand the many layers of homelessness, and she does it in a creative way – with her poetry. Pastor Brian from First Lutheran talked about creative ways he has involved the community in the church, including a performance series that helped raise money for local social service agencies. The significance of Aiken’s visit is that they are the Cincinnati Public High School with the highest percentage of students who experience homelessness. Youth homelessness comes in many forms, including doubling up, couch surfing, living in shelters, and even living on the street. Aiken signed up for several events with us that day, and I believe each interaction had a lasting impact. After Willa told her story, Josh Spring, the Homeless Coalition’s Executive Director, and I took a group of about 20 students each with us on a Social Justice Walking Tour. During the tour I learned that some of the students live in Over-the-Rhine, and they were willing to share some of their own personal observations on the changes over the years. As we went through Imagination Alley, one student said how the park had been gated for so long that she could barely remember what it looked like inside. They asked why would people displace families who had lived here so long, when there are vacant buildings that could be used for new housing? I led them to Washington Park where I discussed the history and they saw where Willa had spent many of her days and nights when she was living on the street. It was powerful for them to put a face with homelessness and then see exactly where she had been sleeping during Aiken New Tech with Willa Jones after she spoke Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman cold winter nights. After the tour, the students headed back to Aiken, and Melissa Mosby and I participated in Empty Bowls at Ursuline Academy. Ursuline has always been a strong supporter of the Homeless Coalition, and their event highlight was Melissa’s touching life story. Everyone in the room seemed emotionally connected to Melissa, and the outpouring of love was evident. We left Empty Bowls with filled hearts, and headed to Aiken in College Hill. At Aiken New Tech, we met up with the students who heard from Willa and took the tour earlier. They were huddled around a campfire on the cold night, and Melissa opened up to them and told her story. Emotionally, the students connected with Melissa, and at times Melissa was overwhelmed, taking a few seconds to compose herself. Students from Aiken New Tech listen intently to Willa’s life story Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman After she spoke, the students ran up to her and gave her an unbreakable group hug. The emotions began to run high as two students shared their own powerful stories of homelessness. As one students told their story, other students remarked “I didn’t know that… I didn’t know they went through that!” which made me realize how powerful storytelling is – especially when your audience has built an understanding of such complex issues. Before we left I asked the students if they had heard of Lighthouse Youth Services, and some had, but most had not. I told them about the Crisis Center and how they have a van that will get you to safety. I let them know that there are people out there that care about them, and even many people here, including their teachers and guidance counselors, who want to see them succeed. The contrast between the two schools we visited couldn’t have been more stark, but the outcome of each was one of solidarity and respect for human dignity. Maybe we should do a program with both schools? That night, emotionally spent, Melissa and I talked about how great it was that the students felt comfortable enough among their peers to share something that made them vulnerable. As we left Aiken, I realized how no one could have left that Shantytown without becoming closer to their classmates, and effectively, how we helped build community through our education program at the Homeless Coalition. Aiken New Tech created a short film: http://aikennewtech.cps-k12. org/news/whats-new/new-tech-students-experience-shantytown ------------------------ Aiken New Tech’s short film THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL Marveling at the Weirdness JASON HAAP Contributing Writer T he other day, I wanted a Cuban sandwich, so I decided to head over the Caribe Carryout on short Vine. Disclaimer: I am not a sports fan. I had no idea my evening trip to Caribe Carryout would coincide with a Bearcats football game. The fans were out in full force, but I luckily snagged free street parking only three blocks away. I started walking towards short Vine, likely the only person on the street not plugged into the Bearcat pregame. Since I don’t go to football games, I don’t tailgate. My understanding of tailgating, therefore, is limited. I thought tailgating was where people went to hang out and party before a game, and maybe to continue the festivities after a game. Maybe some people, without tickets, stayed for the whole game but the point was to be next to the stadium, where they could hear the roar of the crowd, and just generally be part of the celebratory game day culture. About a block east of short Vine, there is a very narrow parking lot. By “narrow,” I mean there were spots on the west side of the lot, and a driving lane on the east. The lot did not have more than just that single row of parking spots. The charge to park was $25. As I walked towards Caribe Carryout, I saw people with some grills, and some beer - so I figured all these people would be headed to the football game. I ate my sandwich inside the restaurant. It was good. I had a side Holiday Charity Bash For Homeless Chldren JASON HAAP Contributing Writer T here are lots of opportunities for people to engage charitable giving during the holiday season - from swiping a few extra dollars at Kroger for the Freestore Foodbank, to attending fundraising dinners in support of a favorite local charity or nonprofit. But for William Sprankles, a Cincinnati-based associate with the Center for Transformative Teacher Training and a former administrator from Princeton City Schools, it would be even better if he could turn an evening out with friends into something with a higher purpose. Enter the “Holiday Charity Bash for Homeless Children,” taking place Friday, December 11th at the Elements Event Center in Sharonville. Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 of stew and rice, and selected the jerk chicken stew. I’ll definitely be back for the stews, and I still regret that I did not order an empanada. By the time I left, I knew the game had started, as it was on the restaurant’s television. As I returned to my car, and passed the narrow lot again, I beheld a sight I had not seen before. All of the vehicles (the first several were pick-up trucks) had tents at the back. In the trailer were flatscreen TVs. People huddled around the grill, the cooler, and the TV, standing in a Clifton parking lot to watch the UC game on television. The next stall spot down, this scene repeated. There was another truck. Another grill. Another cooler. Another flatscreen. And another set of people huddled around, in their own independent group. As I looked down the row of parked cars, that’s what I kept seeing. These people were not joining into some kind of public, parking-lot-based tailgating community. Instead, this was a narrow row of cars where people forked over $25 to park. They used their parking spots to set up grills and TV’s, huddled in groups of people who already knew each other. Maybe this is totally normal behavior for a sports fan. Maybe, were I someone who cared one bit about football, I would be excited to see this kind of spontaneous social space. But I just kept marveling at the trouble to which these people had subjected themselves. Instead of inviting some friends to their houses - where they could have a grill, and cold beer, and a flatscreen - these people packed up major household supplies, including electric generation, for the ability to pay $25 dollars to watch a college sports match in a parking lot several blocks away from the actual venue. They did this while socializing with people they already knew, ignoring the people in the next spot down, doing the exact same thing. I guess I have no real point other than to marvel at how weird people are sometimes... “The idea from the event is really generated by two purposes,” explained Sprankles. Primarily, I wanted to support homeless children during the holidays. It’s tough to imagine the thousands of kids waking up on Christmas morning not having any gifts to understand the spirit of love and giving. Secondly, I love to #PartyWithPurpose. Nothing is better than spending time with your own family, friends, and colleagues, with good music and drinks, in the spirit of giving to the less fortunate.” After thinking about how to #PartyWithPurpose, Sprankles created a Facebook event and reached out to people to help spread the word. Disclaimer: in addition to working for Sprankles when we both were at Princeton, I am one of the people trying to raise awareness of this event. For my own part, I generally like the idea of turning a night out with friends into something that also serves others. As this inaugural event continues to form, its potential scope grows. Originally, the event was going to draw area educators together - but the audience has evolved beyond teachers and administrators. The target audience is anyone willing to support a child in need, said Sprankles. “Basically, if you’re willing to give to a homeless child, then I’d love to hangout with you and engage in some dialogue and THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ (Continued on page 7) �No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 7 LOCAL Connecting All the Dots - Robert Reich Makes the Connections between Economic Inequality and Big Money Politics BILL WOODS Contributing Writer R obert Reich is one of those rare people who can connect all the dots. As a professor of economics, the author of numerous books on the economy, and a former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, he ranks as an astute scholar of current economic trends. He is also the Chairman of Common Cause, A citizen reform organization, because he is fully aware of the connections between politics, government policy, and U.S. financial institutions and corporations. “We can’t sustain our current course either economically or politically.” Reich made this pronouncement on a recent visit to Cincinnati to promote his new book, “Saving Capitalism for the Many Not the Few.” Speaking at an event at Joseph Beth Booksellers, he outlined what he considers to be some very troubling economic trends in this country. He then related these economic developments directly to government decisions and public policies. In both his new book and his talk at Joseph Beth, Reich asserts that capitalism and representative democracy are not currently working very well in the U.S. Healthy competition in the market place, a hallmark of a capitalist system, he noted, has been greatly diminished by large corporate consolidations. He cited Cable-services, the airlines, and the pharmaceutical companies as examples of shrinking competition. These growing monopolies, he said, are a result of the government deregulation that has taken place since the 1980s. One of the causes of the financial collapse of 2008, acknowledges Reich, can be linked to the deregulation of banking institutions. Regulations to protect normal banking from financial speculation had been on the books since the Progressive Era of the early 1900s, but Wall Street lobbyists in the 1990s were able to convince Congress to emasculate this law. The former Labor Secretary further revealed that the percentage of funds controlled by the giant banks has actually increased from 25-percent in 2007 to 44-percent today. To Reich, the most harmful trend is the growing economic inequality that has emerged. “We are still the richest country in the world,” he declared, “but the riches are now very unevenly distributed.” From the 1950s through the 1970s, a balance existed in terms of levels of income, but from the 1980s to the present this balance shifted to the point where economic inequality is at an all-time high. In tracing this trend to politics and government, Reich talks about the growing influence of “big money” on campaigns. He also pointed to the decline of organized labor as a protector of average workers. Furthermore, this era of deregulation also brought major cuts in employee training programs and the safety net in general. Reich emphasized that a huge part of our workforce lives from pay check to pay check in what he called an “insecure” work environment. Minimum wage laws have failed miserably to keep pace with the cost of living. A large number of the workingpoor work full time, but their wages still put them below the poverty line. Reich asked whether it was morally acceptable that full time employment can still keep a person in poverty. The only way out of our economic and political decline, according to Reich, is a people’s movement that uses the democratic process to begin to reform both our economic and government imbalances. To reach this stage average people will have to start talking to each other about the serious public issues that confront us. Americans must overcome the polarization that keeps us separated in our little groupings that don’t allow us to see the common good. Although Reich paints a bleak picture, he also expressed optimism to his audience at Joseph Beth Booksellers. His talks with young people at colleges across the country give him confidence that the new generation of voters and citizen activists will be up to the task of responding to the trends that have temporarily caused our economy and democracy to veer off course. ------------------------ Experience as a new member of the Cincinnati Workers Center participating in my first direct action MANUEL PÉREZ Contributing Writer I was a victim of wage theft on two occasions, one of them in construction work and the other one in landscaping. Luckily I was able to count on the support of the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, an organization that over the last ten years has helped hundreds of workers recover over $1,000,000 in stolen salaries. I not only received service from the staff at that time, Director Don Sherman and Organizer Dan Moore; they also invited me to attend their activities in the Workers Center. As a low income worker and needing at least two jobs in order to provide for myself and my family, time was a limiting factor; however, they were in constant communication with me, inviting me to their activities via emails, phone calls, bulletins, etc. Being informed about the Workers Center’s activities, even if I was not able to participate, allowed me to remain interested. Eventually, the restaurants where I worked changed JASON HAAP (Continued from page 6) relationship building. Lots of educators are the first to commit to attending the event, I suppose because they see and feel this type of impact everyday in their classrooms. But overall, anyone willing to support the their schedules and I was free on of the Workers Center was the case in their paychecks. I thought that Tuesdays. This coincided with the of the workers at the Animal Hospithe demands of my companions were weekly meeting of the Workers tal on Hamilton Avenue, who were just, and I committed to participatRights Committee, so that I was able cheated out of overtime by being to start attending. forced to return to the owners the (Continued on page 11) As I started participating in overtime pay that had been included those meetings I realized how important it is for every worker to become involved in an organization that understands his or her reality and needs. Also, I learned about rights, health and safety at the workplace, and this allowed me to get to know other workers who were victims of abuse and wage theft at work just as I was. I knew my solidarity with their struggle. My first experience in a direct acManuel Stands with fellow protesters Photo: Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center tion as a new member cause is welcome.” Of course, with it being the winter holiday season, people are generally more inclined to do something charitable. While making sure children experiencing homelessness get to experience a joyful Christmas morning may be noble, there are other, more impactful needs to be met throughout the entire year. Sprankles is aware of this more expansive need, too “There is a plan evolving behind the scenes to help with the less fortunate beyond the Holiday season, concluded Sprankles. “I’m not sure, but this concept of great people, coming together to support other amazing people, has the poten- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED tial to evolve.” I agree. I love this idea of a #PartyWithPurpose, and I hope Sprankles figures out how to get people together throughout the year for a good time while also doing something good. ------------------------ �8 WORLD In photos: Our home in space Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 The International Space Station seen from above. Photo NASA STAFF WRITER www.INSP.ngo / Reuters A s the International Space Station celebrates 15 years of occupancy, we share photos from NASA depicting life on the largest man-made object in space, orbiting approximately 250km above Earth. The space station has been continuously occupied since November 2000. In that time, more than 200 people from 15 countries have visited. It functions as a microgravity laboratory in which an international crew of six people live and work while traveling at a speed of five miles per second, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes. The station’s solar array wingspan (240ft) is longer than that of a Boeing 777 and reflects the sun’s light as it passes overhead; often appearing as a bright, star-like object moving across the night sky. It might even be mistaken for Santa’s sleigh this Christmas, as it orbits above northern Europe on 24 December. ------------------------ Astronaut Chris Cassidy inside the Cupola using a 400mm lens on a digital still camera to photograph a target of opportunity on Earth, some 250 miles below, on June 10, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/NASA Astronaut Mike Hopkins as he participates in the second of two spacewalks which took place on December 24, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/NASA NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg demonstrates how she washes her hair in zero gravity on July 12, 2013. Photo: REUTERS/NASA THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �WORLD America’s first student-run homeless youth shelter to open in Massachusetts No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 STAFF WRITER www.INSP.ngo / Reuters A group of Harvard students will open America’s first student-run youth overnight shelter in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Y2Y Harvard Square overnight shelter will open in December. On November 6, founders Sam Greenberg and Sarah Rosenkrantz - both Harvard graduates - met with state officials, service providers and members of the homeless community at the First Parish Church in Cambridge to celebrate the creation of Y2Y. Guest speaker U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said that there is an estimated 39,000 homeless youth in the United States on any given night, 20-30 percent of whom are LGBTQ. “We’ve got people who came together and said we’re going to create the right kind of space, the right kind of place for them to be able to come,” Warren said. “The key of what I’m here today to celebrate is not anything we started in Washington. The key is about people Sarah Rosenkrantz and Sam Greenberg, co-directors of Y2Y Harvard Square homeless shelter in Cambridge. Photo: Zengzheng Wang locally saying, ‘I may not be able to fix it all, I may not be able to take on all 39,000 homeless youth, but what we can do is we can make a start right here in Cambridge.’” Y2Y will operate out of the church’s renovated basement and will give guests and volunteers opportuni- ties to “become the next generation’s leading advocates for young adultdriven solutions to homelessness,” Rosenkrantz said. “For so long, this mission statement has felt so far off. There were barriers to overcome, there were hoops to jump through and there still American non-profit brings birthday joy to homeless kids HALEY HAMILTON www.INSP.ngo / Spare Change News T he presents start at the bottom of the stairs at Episcopal Trinity Church in Newton Centre. Stacks of gift bags, brightly wrapped packages, and cardboard boxes filled with toys wind their way up from the lobby to the second floor of the church, letting everyone know that they are nearing Birthday Wishes headquarters. “Yeah, we’re usually about out of room to put things,” said Executive Director Lisa Vasiloff. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Birthday Wishes, founded in 2002 by Vasiloff and co-founders Karen Yahara and Carol Zwanger, is a nonprofit organization with a very straightforward mission: to bring the joy of a birthday party to children living in homeless shelters. What started as a family project geared toward giving Vasiloff, Yahara and Zwanger an opportunity to introduce their children to community service and volunteering - has since sprouted into a multistate organization with regional offices in Newton Centre, Northborough, Woburn and South Hadley in Massachusetts; Pawtucket, Rhode Island and in Long Island, New York. “It was clear that this couldn’t be just a hobby for me… but I never imagined it would become what it is,” Vasiloff said. With 11 paid employees and a network of nearly 500 active volunteers, Birthday Wishes works with over 200 shelters and transitional-living facili- ties in the three states. In total, 34,000 children living in shelters will have attended a Birthday Wishes birthday party by the end of the year. The idea, as signs around the 9 are. But with Y2Y set to open next month, this mission statement has never felt more real or more alive.” Former State Rep. and current Executive Director of the AIDS Action Committee Carl Sciortino said that Y2Y would offer a place for his organization to send their clients at night. “For us as an organization, this is about the intersection of public health, social justice and a basic compassionate dignity for some of our most vulnerable in society,” Sciortino said. “We know homeless youth are ten times more likely to acquire HIV, [so] we have an imperative to provide young adults the compassion, the safety net, the service access, everything we can provide and yes, a warm safe place to sleep at night.” While those in attendance took the opportunity to thank Y2Y staff and volunteers for their efforts in creating the shelter, Greenberg said that the real work starts in December. “The real work starts next month, when there are 22 meals to serve every night. When there are hundreds of dishes to wash, when there are bags of laundry to fold,” he said. “When we open next month, we’ll have a sanctuary to create. We’ll have a movement to sustain, and I think, most importantly we’ll have a future to build.” ------------------------ Newton Centre office remind volunteers, is simple: birthdays equal joy. And joy diminishes trauma. Every month the shelters that partner with Birthday Wishes send the organization a list with the names, ages and genders of resident children whose birthdays fall in that month. With that list in hand, Birthday Wishes party coordinators start planning. All items used for birthday par- (Continued on page 10) Lisa Vasiloff, Cofounder & Executive Director of Birthday Wishes, poses for a picture at the NGO’s main office in Newton, Massachusetts on Wednesday November 18, 2015. Birthday Wishes is a NGO that organizes birthday parties for homeless children in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Long Island, New York. Photo: Alena Kuzub THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 WORLD Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 HALEY HAMILTON (Continued from page 9) ties are donated either by individual donors or local organizations, like Girl Scout troops and churches who sponsor toy drives for Birthday Wishes. “Cakes can be a bit of a problem,” Vasiloff said. “We can’t just keep those in our office.” But donated cakes come from all over, too, be it from someone baking at home, a restaurant or bakery sending extra product or baking specifically for the party. “You’d be surprised at the number of CEOs and VPs who are actually fabulous cake decorators,” added Vasiloff. The Birthday Wishes model is based on the idea that you don’t have to have a lot of money or even a big space to have a really enjoyable time and give children a memorable celebration. Every party is set up with decorations, balloons, music, cake, arts and crafts, a game or activity and, of course, presents. “Each child celebrating a birthday gets about four gifts and every one attending gets a goody bag-it’s important that everyone is given something at the party,” Vasiloff said. Equality is at the forefront of every volunteer’s mind when it comes to planning and executing a Birthday Wishes party. Jill Glazer, who started volunteering with Birthday Wishes in Jill Glazer, a long time Birthday Wishes’ volunteer, assembles goodie bags for future parties at the NGO’s main office in Newton, Massachusetts on Wednesday November 18, 2015. Birthday Wishes is a NGO that organizes birthday parties for homeless children in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Long Island, New York. Photo: Alena Kuzub 2010, works to make sure every goody bag has the same toys and same number of pieces of candy and other goodies. “We joke and call me head of Quality Control,” Glazer said. “But consistency is key - when you give your own kid a party you would never not give everyone the same thing… everyone should be included.” That sense of inclusion sits at the heart of Birthday Wishes’ mission. “It’s really important that [the children living in a shelter or transitional housing] be able to maintain the normalcy of being kids,” said Risa Mednick, executive director of Transition House, a Cambridge-based shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence that has been working with Birthday Wishes for a number of years. “Birthday parties are certainly a part of that, and what Birthday Wishes creates is a festive celebration of children, of their birthdays and their lives.” According to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, roughly 4,300 families with children and preg- (Continued on page 11) Mission- We are an oasis of hospitality providing a safe and pleasant place for persons in need, to shower, shave, brush their teeth, use a toilet, have clothes laundered, have use of a phone and have a place to receive messages and mail. 1221 Main St | Cincinnati, OH 45202 | P: (513) 721-4811 http://www.marymagdalenhouse.org/pages/home.htm Now Hiring Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Assistant - Medical Care Coordinator Health Manager - Family Service Worker - Teacher - Assistant teachers Lighthouse Youth Services lighthouse.org Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati lascinti.org Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us - Change Court Coordinator - Disability and Mental - Legal Assistant - Paralegal - Multiple Openings - Kitchen Manager THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Shelter House shelterhousecinti. org - Shelter Director - Resident Aide - Cook Tender Mercies tendermerciesinc. org - Accounting Assistant �No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 HALEY HAMILTON (Continued from page 9) nant women were in the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance shelter program as of June 2015. Nearly a third of those families were housed in hotels or motels. “These kids live very dark, scary lives,” Vasiloff said. They’re surround- MANUEL PÉREZ (Continued from page 9) ing in a public demonstration across the street from their workplace. I was afraid of what might happen, as this was the first time I participated in a public action demanding justice, and I feared I would be repressed by the authorities, as happened many times in my country when people demonstrated. The day of the action, organizer Dan Moore came to pick me up, as I had no transportation. We arrived at the designated site with plenty of time before the scheduled activity. We looked for parking near the action so we would be able to observe when other people showed up. We were unloading posters, flyers and a megaphone from his car when a local police car came and parked next to us. The police officer got out of the car and came up to us asking, “What are you doing?” Dan greeted him very calmly and explained we would be demonstrating across from the hospital because its workers were being robbed of their overtime, and their owners didn’t want to pay them despite repeated phone calls and letters. The officer said that workers’ wage theft was unacceptable. He commented that we were right to apply public pressure. He said that as long as we respected public property, didn’t block the free movement of passers-by, and maintained order in our activity, there would be no problem. They would be patrolling the neighborhood to ensure our security and in case we needed something. Little by little other people arrived: Animal Hospital workers and their families, faith community allies, and workers, members and staff from the Workers Center. The action started with a brief 11 LOCAL ed by the repercussions of substance abuse, domestic violence; and they’re not living in safe, warm environments. When people think about basic needs, a birthday party sounds small, but those small bursts of joy are important, she said. So important, in fact, that this year Birthday Wishes has hired the Center for Social Innovation at the Boston College School of Social Work to perform a social impact study of the Birthday Wishes program. While the study won’t be released until February, the staff at Birthday Wishes eagerly await the results. “At the end of the party, when people are finishing up the cake and the kids are opening their presents - these are times that are really rare in these congregate shelters,” Vasiloff said. “You have women facing a million challenges and kids growing up in difficult surroundings, but at the parties everyone comes. People can kind of forget about … all the other stuff for a while. We know so clearly that this makes a difference.” presentation by those in attendance. Daniel, as organizer, gave the necessary recommendations for an orderly activity and asked the workers to speak. They explained the reason for their demands and the need for public pressure so they could be heard. The action had a lot of energy and dynamism from each and every participant; we had signs with our demands, gave out flyers to all those who walked by, shouted and raised our voices demanding justice for our companions. The action was successful. We received special support from some customers who came to the Animal Hospital and then joined our activity! I felt the support as well from many people who were walking by and taking our flyers, from drivers who honked for justice and in support of our brothers and sisters’ cause. At the end, one of the workers took the floor and gave thanks in the name of his companions for all the support they had received. We said goodbye, some with a handshake and others with a hug. We left the area sure that we had done the right thing. And we had in our hearts and minds the satisfaction of our accomplishment that day and the hope that, in a not too distant future, there would be justice for our brothers and sisters. The lesson I learned that day was that executing a direct action is a very powerful tool for the workers, because it’s the way of making abuses public. And also that, in most cases, it’s very effective for sharing demands forging solutions. We should not be afraid of demonstrating publicly because it’s one of our rights, and as long as we exercise them, things will change. Our companions from the Animal Hospital gave us an example to be followed: they were not afraid, they publicized what was happening, and despite the threats and retaliation on the part of their employer, justice was done. ------------------------ ------------------------ Citizens taking a stand against wage theft Photo: Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 The way of the Street LOCAL Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ‘The way one lives is often, as not, a mirage’ S tanding on the block; in the middle of the street, or on the curb, it’s all the same. Street life; live like you get down, or get down like you live! Ah ha. So you don’t know? Well, take a moment to stroll with me while we take a tour. We all live with expectations, and we in accord with those expectations are looking for specific results. In the world of the street person, there is consistency of vigilance, you have to always be aware of your surroundings, and your survival mode stays on one hundred, as you know that, any missed opportunity could leave you in straits. Now the last thing we want or need to happen is a disruption in our daily routine, for that would cause both confusion and a setback in our objectives for the day! We know what time to feed, too hustle, and to retire. Any variation in those quests will result in a wasted day! It’s understood by the street individual that every scheduled event of the day is important in order to have a successful day. There is no rescheduling, or makeup in those events, the fact is if we don’t get it when it’s available we don’t get it at all! So, the first task of the day is the feeding. Stomach growling, we have to access that source of energy which allows us to resource for the day. Hunger effects the judgement, causing the mind to become pre­occupied with food, often so much so, that our other survival needs are left unattended. Fulfilling that first objective; stomach quiet, energy up its time to find a hustle! In the life of the street there is always that need to hustle. The small things that are so often taken for granted by most, become the most important in the world of the street life. The shuffling, to and fro, searching for the opportunity in order to access the daily needs; cigarettes, bus fare, what have you, becomes the highlight of your survival. You have to make a few dollars to satisfy the necessities. Finding a day’s work can be a job in itself, yet, with that sense of determination something can be accomplished. It’s that drive and determination which allows for some sense of fulfillment. When you have satisfied that need for a day’s ‘wages’ you feel a sense of accomplishment! So much so, that the small benefit of a day’s success Ricardo Taylor Photo: Aimee Willhoite can be felt when you hold on tightly to the little you may have! Of course celebrations are short lived and the next phase of your daily routine sets you again in motion. For those who reside in a shelter we know that our time is limited and it is of importance that we make the timing so that we can secure our place in whatever facility. For the rest of us, those who live on the street, it’s the waiting game! ‘The waiting game’, so let me explain! If you live outside, a vehicle, an abandoned building, or wherever there is always that need for caution. An important rule is that you get in late and out early! One’s safety and secu- rity depends on detection! Not wanting to draw attention to that spot of one’s security, you safeguard that knowledge by following the rule of no tell or show! So, we get a glimpse of the way of the street, however, we have to realize that your chances of survival, in the sense of one day overcoming the life of the street, requires much more than the just a glimpse! We have to involve our efforts in finding both support and sustained resources! It is here where I conclude that it takes a community to relieve the ills of all our social disparities. ------------------------ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 Ron English, Streetvibes Writer and Distributor, shares his art. Appreciation Ragga Ragga, Ragga Appreciation is a word that can be reckoned with My favorite animal friend Appreciation is something we often times consider a myth The dog that weighs 100 pounds Appreciation is something I give to God each day for my living above ground He has brown eyes and a long nose And for his blessing of putting people in my life so stable and sound The dog that likes me to rub his chin, To understand just what it is that I as a person need to honestly appreciate His head, his back, his feet, his arms and legs And to know that my mission of appreciation will not be a simple piece of cake Through being jailed and being homeless not to mention in the world all by Ragga likes to chase the deer He watches the birds when they are near He likes to take long rides all across the land He likes to go riding in Bam’s and Sharon’s van He likes to play catch ball with me He is so smart and real funny myself I’ve learned to appreciate the hand that God to me has gracefully dealt I’ve learned to never forget the past and look forward to each day even though not promised I’ve learned to forgive but not forget and stop being a doubting Thomas I recognize and therefore appreciate the changes my life have ultimately taken He reminds me of Scooby Doo I’ve learned to appreciate my faults for without them there would be no lesson Ragga, Ragga I’ve learned to recognize my short comings and now I appreciate God’s I love you! Almighty Blessings KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 83 Across 1. Desert haven 6. Batch 9. Solemn promise 13. Monetary aid 14. Self 15. Oddity 16. Measuring stick 17. Section of a journey 18. Projecting bay window 19. Transparent gem 21. Type of roof 23. Draw 24. Podium 25. A light touch 28. Story 30. Compulsory threat or force 35. Turns litmus paper red 37. Couch 39. Electromagnetic radiation 40. Single 41. Divide by two 43. Wear away by rubbing 44. Group of soldiers 46. Intuitive awareness 47. Narrate 48. Main course 50. Cot 52. Golf peg 53. Ecstatic 55. Restaurant bill 57. Obtain 61. Well-founded 65. Overhang 66. Type of tree 68. Pointer 69. Vista 70. Actor’s prompt 71. Dissonance 72. Portable shelter 73. Female chicken 74. Ire Down 1. Fiend 2. Starch resembling sago 3. Occasion for buying at reduced prices 4. Torpid 5. Narrow sea channel 6. Join together by heating 7. Mature 8. Tenet 9. Belonging to us 10. Song for solo voice 11. Grade or level 12. Ship’s cargo space 15. Diplomat 20. Tether 22. Assist 24. Turn aside 25. One of the senses 26. Fruit of the oak 27. Fly a plane 29. Be lazy or idle 31. Narrow fissure in rock 32. Bird 33. Sedimentary rock 34. Fashion 36. Room access 38. Allege 42. Selected as the best 45. Examine 49. Sensory receptor 51. Type of fruit 54. Shade of pink tinged with yellow 56. Mogul 57. Persistently annoying person 58. Speed competition 59. Kitchen appliance 60. Fractional monetary unit 61. At that time 62. Jail on board a ship 63. Misplace 64. Pitcher 67. Litigate SODOKU PUZZLE NO 217 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 317 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 82 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 216 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 318 | Dec 4 - D ec 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House 381-SAFE 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 872-9259 Charlie’s 3/4 House 721-0643 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over 661-4620 First Step Home 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 621-5300 981-5800 961-1983 961-2256 961-4663 351-0422 381-6672 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 421-0065 784-1853 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 First Lutheran Church 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry Mercy Franciscan at St. John 562-8841 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing 271-5501 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 241-1064 Prospect House 921-1613 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Talbert House Tender Mercies 535-2719 591-2246 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 621-6364 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men 241-5525 Shelter: Both Housing: 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 Parkway Center Our Daily Bread St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 15 Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS Health Center for Respite Care 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 351-3500 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center 241-2600 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 621-5514 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place Talbert House United Way Women Helping Women Off The Streets Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 351-7921 631-1114 751-7747 211 977-5541 421-5211 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Dec 4 - Dec 17, 2015 | No. 318 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2015 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 4-December 17, 2015 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Justice Does Not Come Swiftly…But It Should Pg 3: The Animal Hospital Campaign Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Students Become the Teachers Pg 6: Marveling at the Weirdness Holiday Charity Bash for Homeless Children Pg 7: Connecting All the Dots Experience as a New Member of the Cincinnati Workers Center Participating in my First Direct Action Pg 8: In Photos Pg 9: America’s First Student-Run Homeless Youth Shelter to Open in Massachusetts American Non-Profit Brings Birthday Joy to Homeless Kids Pg 10: Haley Hamilton Continued Pg 11: Haley Hamilton Continued Pg 12: The Way of the Street Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 4-December 17, 2015 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Dan Moore Dr. Mark Mussman Jason Haap Bill Woods Manuel Perez Ricardo Taylor Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Justin Jeffre Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center Ron English Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Animal Hospital Bill Woods Cincinnati Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center Cincinnati Workers Center Dan Moore Dr. Mark Mussman Jason Haap Josh Spring Justice Justin Jeffre Kim Green Manuel Perez Massachusetts Non-Profit Photography Ricardo Taylor Robert Reich Ron English Shantytown shelters Willa Denise Jones