A Street Sense Success Story

Several years ago we changed our early morning jogging route and near the end of our run we would pass by the Starbucks on 11th between E & F, which is where we’d begin our cool-down.  The main reason we started walking at this point was to exchange pleasantries with the Street Sense vendor wearing the “Cat in the Hat” hat.  It wasn’t very long before he knew our names and we knew his, Phillip Black.

Phillip, with that contagious smile and friendly demeanor soon became our primary Street Sense vendor, and also our friend.  Of course if you’ve had any interaction with Phillip you know we’re not alone.  You’ll find Phillip in Penn Quarter near 11th & F Monday to Friday, and then at Eastern Market most weekends.  I don’t know where Phillip ranks in total papers sold with Street Sense, but he must be near the top.  Sometimes you have to wait  to say hello, so many people stop to chat with him on their way into the office.

Over the years Phillip has shared with us (both in person and by reading his Street Sense columns) the trials of living on the street, as well as his personal triumphs.  Last year his bid for public housing came through and he was able to get off of the streets.  Not long after that, Phillip gained custody of his two teenage daughters (you should hear him brag about those girls!).  When he moved into the apartment he told us his customers stepped up to provide furnishings and home goods to welcome him into his new space.

And it isn’t just a one-way relationship, Phillip shows real concern for his customers.  When Phillip hasn’t seen Mrs. Columbo for several days he’s quick to ask if she is ok.  When we walk by looking worse-for-wear, his honest compassion comes through.  Phillip isn’t faking it, he is a genuinely nice guy who is putting his life back together.  We have no doubt that Street Sense has helped numerous individuals get back on their feet, but this is the first time we’ve really seen it happen on a day-by-day basis.

The good news kept coming for Phillip.   A few months ago he moved into a house given to him by his aunt, and again his customers celebrated his hard work and good fortune, helping him with gifts.  Phillip is one of the good guys, and we just couldn’t be happier for him.  And starting this afternoon Phillip is returning to his trained craft of being a plumber; he will be working part time weekday afternoons (pick up a current edition of Street Sense to see for yourself! Vol 10, Issue 7, Page 11).  When you talk to Phillip you can see in his eyes that this is it, he is on his way and homelessness is in his past.

So if you pass by 11th & F in the afternoon and it somehow seems a little lonelier, don’t despair.  While we may miss seeing Phillip every day, his story has a happy ending.

Or maybe it would be better to say that his story has a new beginning.

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