Street Sense’s Little Helpers

I buy Street Sense every once in a while as I think it teaches a good work ethic to the homeless that produce and sell the publication.

I’ve had these kids approach me. I’ll buy from a homeless person, but I won’t buy from them. I was under the impression that part of the whole reason of Street Sense was to give the homeless something productive to do.

it gives the homeless a job and they must adhere to a strict code to keep the job. I always buy street sense. not sure why they now have churchie kids selling…strange.

I hate this! I moved from Chicago to DC. In Chicago we had homeless selling Street Wise (same thing) on all the trains, at every “EL” stop, and at every streetcorner in the loop. The vendors screams for Streetwise were very annoying and many were very intimidating. Most people will buy one a month just so they could carry it around and answer the Streetwise calls with “already bought one”. It would be great if they actually taught the homeless to write, edit and publish a newspaper instead of institutionalized begging. One of the local news stations did an investigation and reported that although they are a non profit, the owners gave themselves six figure salaries and very little of the profits actually went to the homeless.

It’s a good program in theory, but I don’t see much difference between buying a paper I don’t want and just giving them money.

if you buy a paper & read it you will find out exactly how it works. much of the paper is written by the homeless. the vendors keep 3/4 of the money and they are not allowed to be aggressive, etc, under any influences… plus the paper is always an interesting read.

I agree with Si Kailian. Contrary to what KD wrote (and s/he would know this is s/he actually read Street Sense), much of it is written by the homeless. You’re watching a bit too much of Fox, KD. Try actually reading it and then comment about it. It’s quite good and you might learn a thing or two about homelessness. It might do you some good. None us us never knows where we may end up later in life.

I think the program is good. Most of the “legit” papers in this town aren’t even worth $1. At least Street Sense is pure local news and features. I hardly ever just give $ on the street to individuals, but i do support First Helping (a program of Golden Triangle BID) and Street Sense.

Is PQ serviced by a BID? If its covered by the Downtown BID, there might be a homeless services program that you all can support.