RSS FeedBrother, Can You Spare A Dime?
- Acknowledge the homeless person, whether you intend to give money or not. Do not treat them as if they do not exist;
- If you’re going to give, don’t question what the money will be spent on;
- Give food instead of money;
- Hand them a street sense, which lists homeless services in each issue;
- Be safe, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, contact the police.
This blogger is a big fan of Street Sense, and thought this was a good approach to the subject of panhandling. The first tip seems to me to be the biggie (along with the last one, personal safety of course), responding to the homeless when they speak to you. Even if just to say “sorry, not today.” Anecdotally, the one about giving food instead of money doesn’t seem to work in the real world though, as almost every time I’ve tried it, the food has been rejected.
Street & Alley Closures on Sunday
President Bush is scheduled to visit Ford’s Theatre on Sunday, June 24th for the Ford’s Theatre Gala. 10th ST (and the alley behind Ford’s Theatre, aka the John Wilkes Booth Escape Route) will be closed starting at 10 am Sunday morning. This may be of particular interest to the Artisan & Ventana residents who also share that alley.
No word on when the street (or alley) will reopen.
Free Outdoor Speeches Every Friday
Well speeches maybe isn’t quite the right word. This has been going on for years, but just about every Friday you can stop by 12th & G NW to be treated to the free entertainment/spiritual preaching by the members of the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge. Their message isn’t the most open or inclusive, but at least at 12th & G there is no use of amplifiers, and occasionally you get to watch them drag a statue of the Virgin Mary around (if you’re in to that kind of thing).
Passersby, even those who look to be tourists, tend not to shy away from the group. A crowd of a 1/2 dozen or so people are usually outside listening, sometimes many more when the weather is nice. They usually start around 2 pm, and preach until well after 6 pm. Sometimes you see someone challenge their beliefs, but this blogger has never heard of anyone who could over-shout them.
National Building Museum Hosts "The Big Draw" On Saturday (401 F St NW)
Saturday, June 23, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Big Draw with David Macaulay
- Architect and illustrator David Macaulay invites visitors of all ages to shake off their fear of drawing at this hands-on event, which also features caricature artists, face painters, sidewalk artists and more. Free admission. All ages. Drop-in program. No registration required.
National Building Museum (401 F Street)